Why I Love Toronto

My award-winning love story about Toronto. Exploring our heritage, architecture, restaurants, bars, galleries, parks and more. Find me on Tumblr, Instagram + Twitter (@whyilovetoronto)

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Why I Love 121 Walmer Road: Annex Horror Story

Boo!

Halloween is upon us and stories about ghosts and hauntings in Toronto are at an all-time high. Over the past five years I have posted about a number of hauntings at some of Toronto’s famous public buildings. Today we look at a haunting in a private residence on Walmer Road in the Annex. 

The story of this haunting was not only featured in John Robert Colombo’s Haunted Toronto, but also on the CBC series titled Canadian Ghost Stories, which features a shot of the incorrect house - #FactCheckerFail. You can check it out at the end of the post.

A terrifying awakening

121 Walmer Rd. is a private residence haunted by an old man and his cocker spaniel. The first sighting of the pair was made by Ronald Secker who lived in a second floor apartment of the house in the ‘60s. The owner woke up one night at 3:00 a.m., which is said to be the optimal time for communication with spirits. He awoke to his kitchen light on and the sight of a dog running towards his bed. He approached the kitchen and noticed a man scavenging through his fridge. He told the man to take his dog and leave, but as they were leaving Secker allegedly saw them vanish through a wall.  

There was no sighting of the duo for two weeks, until once again at 3:00 a.m. the man woke the owner up, but this time the ghost was holding a knife above his head. With the dog running around the man stabbed himself.

It was later revealed to Secker that the home was the site of a suicide where a man, who had a cocker spaniel, stabbed himself in the bedroom. The man and the dog were found days later with the dog apparently dying of sorrow.

Whether you believe in ghost stories or not two things are certain:

Always ask your realtor if the house could be the site of a potential haunting.

If you see a man vanish into thin air you better pack your bags and GTFO.

Canadian Ghost Stories

To end this terrifying post please enjoy this ‘80s reenactment courtesy of CBC, which features this shirtless man. Not sure what’s scary though - the television quality at the time or the story.

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Why St. Michael’s Hospital has the sweetest ghost

St. Michael’s Hospital is an icon in the downtown core. Located close to the heart of the city, this hospital has gone through multiple expansions over the past few years, but its oldest portion at 30 Bond Street has stood for decades and naturally has a haunting. This haunting is different than most as it does not feature a disgruntled spirit, but rather a kind ghost. 

Sister Vincenza passed away in 1958. She worked at the hospital when it was run by the Sisters of St. Joseph. She was a regular figure at the hospital, comforting patients on the seventh floor. According to the St. Michael’s Hospital website, Sister Vincenza, who was referred to as Vinnie, graduated from the nursing program at the hospital in 1922. She worked at the hospital from 1928 to 1956 as a supervisor on the obstetrics floor - today the floor houses the Heart and Vascular program.

The spirit bestows acts to patients. She turns lights on and off for people and sometimes gives them a blanket. Those who have seen the nun reportedly see her in full habit, but can never see her face as it is in a permeant shadow.

Many wonder why the nun stays around and some say it is because she loved her job so much and wants to continue watching over patients.

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Top 7 DIY costumes inspired by #FNLROM

The countdown is on! Halloween is just around the corner and one of my favourite parties is #FNLROM. This year’s event is happening October 27, 2017 and is titled “#FNLROM: Wicked.” Ps. While early bird tickets are gone there will be door tickets so make sure to line up!

Come in your Halloween best and dance the night away with ghosts, ghouls, doctors, dinosaurs and more! Just remember no masks or props as they pose a threat to the collections. 

In honour of FNL I have complied a list of easy DIY costumes inspired by the galleries at the ROM. From mummies to animals to ancient populations, here are 7 DIY costumes inspired by the #FNLROM.

1) Mummy (Galleries of Africa: Egypt)

Located on Level 3, the ancient history exhibit is a popular draw for families and #FNLROM goer’s alike. With over 25,000 artifacts – and only 2,000 on display - the biggest draw is the mummy and the woman applying make-up. So why not mimic the two this Halloween. 

Here are some tips for a DIY mummy costume. Just make sure you don’t have any loose bandages that may cause you to trip and fall.

Photo from @_mc_beauty2

Also, here are tips for a DIY Egyptian Queen costume.

 Photo from @aquameanie

2) Model (Patricia Harris Gallery of Textiles & Costumes + Christian Dior)

This is probably the easiest costume. Located on Level 4, this gallery explores fashion from prehistory fashion through to the present day as well as how textile production has been a fundamental part of human existence. This exhibit has approximately 200 objects, rotating from 50,000 artifacts. So by all means go to the ROM in your runway best or as a fashion icon.

Otherwise do a DIY project replicating the fashion of the famed Christian Dior who will have an exhibit at the ROM starting November 25. The exhibit is in honour of the House of Dior’s 70th anniversary and explores the designer’s dramatic creations.

Photo from SJBcruz

3) Ancient Roman (Eaton Gallery of Rome)

The toga is no stranger to #FNLROM – remember Toga Toga in celebration of Pompeii? Located on Level 3 this gallery looks at the legacy of Rome. With over 500 artifacts highlighting Roman life, this is the largest collection of Roman pieces in Canada.

Of course, the easiest costume to showcase roman life is the toga! You can learn how to make a DIY toga costume here, but make sure there are no loose ends to fall on and that you’re wearing something underneath – you know how cold a Canadian Halloween can get.

4) Animal (Life in Crisis: Schad Gallery of Biodiversity)

Animal costumes are truly the easiest to make and the “Life in Crisis” gallery on Level 2 has a ton of inspiration. The gallery is interactive with thousands of spectacular specimens and explores our world's biodiversity.

I went as Peruvian icon Paddington Bear two years ago! While I don’t have a DIY video it was super simple to make. I picked up a raincoat from Value Village and put toggles on it, sewed a hat, made a little suitcase and duck taped rain boots with red tape.

If you don’t want to go as this bear from Darkest Peru, then here are some other great ideas!

Photo from @uoftelp

5) Viking (Vikings: The Exhibition)

The Vikings are coming November 4, 2017 to the ROM and the best way to show your excitement for the exhibit is to dress up as a bloodthirsty plunderer, pillaging warrior and seafaring trader. 

When the exhibition opens, you’ll be able to explore the myths and stereotypes of this ancient culture. Learn about the lifestyle, religion, and daily lives of these legendary explorers, artisans, and craftspeople. #VikingsTO

Learn how to make this costume here.

Photo from @emhjacobsen

6) Dinosaur (James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs)

You’ll be looking DINOmite with this costume. Located on Level 2 the gallery represents the Jurassic (200 to 145 million years old) and Cretaceous (145 to 65 millions years old) periods with a T Rex, Barosaurus, Parasaurolophus and more.

You could be lazy and buy one of those inflatable dinosaur’s suits, but they are so overdone! I suggest either wearing a tail or doing a full out dinosaur costume. Here is an easy way to make the costume with a hoodie.

Photo from @GoKellyKo 

7) Bat (The Bat Cave)

One of my favourite memories as a kid at the ROM is this Level 2 exhibit that portrays the St. Clair Cave in Jamaica. The Bat Cave features more than 20 specimens and over 800 models. With bat sounds and fake lightning storms this is still one of my favourite spots.

I encourage all bat types for this costume from a traditional bat to a vampire to Batman. Just remember for Batman to use face paint as masks are a no no.    

Photo from @GoodyGirl7

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Why I’m scared of the Hockey Hall of Fame

It’s an exciting time in our city. Hockey has begun and the Toronto Maple Leafs are actually doing alright. It’s early days, but it’s nice to have hope. Regardless if they win or lose, Canadians love hockey. That’s why sitting in the downtown core, steps away from the ACC (soon to be Scotiabank Arena) is a building dedicated to the sport. However, for over 100 years it was Bank of Montreal and the site of a suicide, which has led to multiple reports of hauntings.

The story of Dorothea Mae Elliott

For year’s nobody knew the true identity of the woman who killed herself and stories have been floating around for years on why she killed herself. People who have told the ghost story referred to the ghost as Dorothy. However, after some investigative digging by The Toronto Star the woman’s identity was finally revealed. Her name was Dorothea Mae Elliott.

According to source Dorothea was having an affair with either a married teller or branch manager. After confronting her lover and being rejected she shot herself in the upstairs bathroom. However, there have been a number of other rumours as to why she killed herself. They include:

She was lonesome after he boyfriend left to take a job on the boats

She was caught stealing money

She was discovered as helping the Irish Republican Army who were planning to rob a bank

She had uncovered a scheme involving the bank manager, chief of police and leading judge to embezzle farmer’s money

A bit over the top don’t you think?

The suicide happened on March 11, 1953. Dorothea had come in much earlier than the other tellers and went straight to the upstairs bathroom where she stayed for a period of time. She eventually came down and went back up to the bathroom where she shot herself with the banks .38 calibre revolver. The 19-year-old was carried down in a Windsor-style chair and rushed to St. Michael’s Hospital. She died 22 hours after shooting herself in the head, which doctors considered a miracle.

Dorothy was orphaned at age nine and at the time of her death lived in the Township of Islington (present day Etobicoke), with her sister on Burnhamthrope Road - which is creepy because I grew up close by. She still has living relatives.

The haunting

Now Dorothea is said to haunt the building. There have been reports of lights going on and off, doors and windows opening and closing, people feeling phantom hands touch them, sounds of footsteps as well as moans and screams. The cleaning staff began to fear the building at night and female tellers were so terrified another bathroom had to be built. Today the Hockey Hall of Fame, says if something is misplaced it was the doing of Dorothea.

So next time you are at the Hockey Hall of Fame just remember, Dorothea may be watching.

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Why I Love FNL ROM: Top Ford Photos

Sometimes sponsorships are awful. They are so in your face with product, promotional language and pushy spokespeople that it is just a turn off.  

The Ford sponsorship at FNL though is one of my favourites. While they make you sit in a car and listen to their spiel, the highlight it playing dress up and getting an awesome take-away photo for the night. It’s an awesome reward!  

The photo booth presented by Ford is one of my favourite parts and in honour of the latest season of FNL, here are my top nine Ford photos. 

Nine 

Jackie and I dancing up a storm through the sunroof.

Eight 

Alyse and I freezing cold in our knit and flannel jackets. 

Seven

Kristen, Shanel and I embracing our crouching tiger hidden dragons. 

Six

Nicole and I trying to love nature - trying. 

Five 

Lindsay and I have a fiesta in a Fiesta. 

Four

Melina and I getting tattooed. 

Three

Lindsay and I getting Pride ready. 

Two

Lindsay driving away from an erupting volcano, while I scream in terror.

One

Shanel and I as gladiators. 

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Why I Love Doors Open Toronto: The architectural beauty of our city

Doors Open Toronto is by far my favourite event in the city. This year marks the festivals 18th anniversary, which offers free access to 150 buildings across the city. This year Doors Open Toronto is part of the city’s TO Canada with Love program in celebration of Canada 150. There are a few new buildings featured this year as well as new experiences to be enjoyed at usual Doors Open Toronto locations. 

Below are the five building on the top of my list this year as well as my top five all-time favourite Doors Open Toronto buildings.

My 2017 Top Five Venues

Arts & Letters Club

Date(s) + Time(s): Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: 14 Elm St. (Close to Yonge and Dundas)

Originally opened by the St. George’s Society in 1891, the building is a national historic site designed by Edwards & Webster with alterations by Sproatt and Rolph. Since 1920 it has bee home to the Arts and Letters Club of Toronto.

(Courtesy of BlogTO)

Massey Hall

Date(s) + Time(s): Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: 178 Victoria St. (Across from CF Toronto Eaton Centre)

The concert venue is probably the most famous in the city and it is about to be shut down for a few years to undergo a massive revitalization and expansion. The highlight for me is not only the history, but the fact explorers will be able to have their 15 seconds of fame as they take centre stage at this historic venue.

(Courtesy of The Canadian Encyclopedia) 

R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant

Date(s) + Time(s): Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location:  2701 Queen St. E. (Close to the end of 501 streetcar)

Known as The Palace of Purification, the Doors Open Toronto tour will allow you to see the Pump House and Filter Building as well as enjoy a concert on Saturday. 

(Courtesy of TaylorHazell.com)

Toronto School of Art at Kent Sr. Public School

Date(s) + Time(s): Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: (Right across from Dufferin Station)

This century old school was closed by the TDSB in 2012, but has had a number of educational organizations call it home since. Though I doubt its century old interior is still intact, passing by it every day has peaked my curiosity. Not to mention it is going to be redeveloped in the coming years.

(Courtesy of Block.ca) 

The Daniel’s Building (One Spadina Crescent)

Date(s) + Time(s): Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: 1 Spadina Crest. (Right in the middle of Spadina, you can’t miss it)

One Spadina Crest. has an interesting history involving a young Amelia Earhart, an unsolved murder and a lot of eye balls. The building is in the final stages of its restoration and expansion, with the first public preview at Doors Open Toronto. 

My Five All-Time Favourite Venues

Canada Life

Date(s) + Time(s): Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: 330 University Ave. (Close to University and Queen)

Once the tallest building on University Ave., Canada Life was completed in 1931 with its famed weather beacon added in 1951. The experience allows a tour of the magnificent lobby as well as a rare look at the city from the 17th floor observation room closed to the general public.  

(Courtesy of Tribe Magazine) 

Commerce Court

Date(s) + Time(s): Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: 25 King St. W. (Close to Yonge and King)

Built in 1931 the stunning building illustrates the confidence and power of Canadian banks. It was also the tallest building in the British Empire until 1962 at 34 storeys. Its stunning gold-coffered ceiling and Art Deco style make it a treasured historic site. This year, aside from the regular oohs and aahs, CIBC will lower one of the chandeliers for an up-close look.

Historic Don Jail (Bridgepoint Active Healthcare)

Date(s) + Time(s): Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: 1 Bridgepoint Dr. (Close to Broadview and Gerrard)

The William Thomas designed prison was the site of the final hangings in Canada and a grave site in the back, which was found during the building of Bridgepoint Active Healthcare. Today it has been beautifully restored as offices for the health facility next door. The tour will allow patrons to see the jail cells and the eerie rotunda.

Humber Historic Tunnel Tours

Date(s) + Time(s): Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: 19 Colonel Samuel Smith Park

As a former Humber student, we didn’t have access to the tunnels. The tunnels were built for the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital and feature super eerie murals by patients as well as rust spots where supposedly patients were chained. I personally had a paranormal experience during my Doors Open Toronto tour four years ago. You’ll not only explore the tunnels, but the cottages where the patients stayed. Make sure to check out Cottage G, which has finally been restored.

Masonic Temple

Date(s) + Time(s): Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: 888 Yonge St. (A block north of the Toronto Reference Library)

The six-storey building was once home to the Freemasons. Its real claim to fame was when it became a concert hall hosting David Bowie, Led Zeppelin and more. Bell Media called it home for a time and now it is a corporate office with a truly stunning fitness room and two-storey slide. It does keep its old-style charm with the Masonic meeting room and concert stage, which will come alive again later this year. 

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Why I Love Anson Jones House: The changing face of Sherbourne Street

The affluent and sketchy history of Sherbourne St.

Sherbourne Street is undergoing a metamorphosis and one only needs to look at the rising tower behind the historic Gooderham Mansion and the James Cooper Mansion. The street was once home to an upscale neighbourhood, but fell into despair with many mansions being abandoned and a rise in prostitution and drug dealings, which attracted the homeless. For more on the history of Sherbourne Street, read my post on the Gooderham Mansion.

While the street has a number of major developments occurring, there are still pockets yet to be developed. One development that has been in limbo for years is the Anson Jones House, which sits on the corner of Sherbourne and Howard. In December 2016, The Globe and Mail reported the rebirth on Howard Street, which has been subject to pending gentrification since 2010. The rebirth is happening east of Sherbourne Street, but there are promises it will extend west to the Anson Jones House.

Until then, all we can do is use our imagination to envision the beauty it once had.

A home time has yet to fully destroy

The heritage home was built for Anson Jones, a ledger keeper for the Quebec Bank (Royal Bank of Canada), whose family lived in the dwelling until 1930. It was built by famed architect Edmund Burke (Hudson’s Bay/ Robert Simpson Store, Casa Loma) in 1895 during a time when he was working alone. The home was designed in a Queen Anne Revival style, which many historians say Burke introduced to the city. What is even more brilliant is the original drawing below by Burke of the house found in the Toronto Archives.

The illustration shows the true beauty of this heritage home, which now is in despair and covered with graffiti, posters and broken windows. Like all of Burke’s work, the house was an architectural wonder on a smaller scale than he is used to building. Notable elements of the home include:

The red brick and stone cladding, with brick, stone and wood trim

The cross-gable roof with chimneys and hipped dormers

The placement and detailing of the main entrance on the south façade on Howard Street

The decorative brickwork and stonework on the west elevation facing Sherbourne Street

Sunporches with decorative shingles

Terra Cotta trim

According to an ERA Architect report the home has “minimal damage to the existing heritage fabric of the house” with “many historic decorative elements and finishes remaining.” Apparently, recent interior photos illustrate cabinetwork in the Great Room, a grand honey-coloured staircase and a tiled fireplace in a condition rare with many of these abandoned homes.  

While the home is still boarded up, locked and monitored, one can only hope the Howard Street restoration/ development project extends west. The home is bound to be restored, with the ongoing development in the area, but the question is when?

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Why I Love Contra Café: The hidden coffee treasure of Christie Pits

The sinking house

I was intrigued after reading a CBC article about a sinking/ crooked house on Shaw St. that sat above the buried Garrison Creek. The house made news simply because it was a crooked home that sold for $689,000 – pretty reasonably for the hot Toronto market. I decided to check out the house and after consulting my Toronto Cycling Map found the best way to get there using bike lanes was by going across Dupont St. and south on Shaw St.  

(Courtesy of @radioactiveghost22)

During my ride down Shaw St. I noticed a small café nestled on the corner of Shaw and Yarmouth. I snapped a quick photo as a reminder and continued down to see the crooked house. Sadly, my SD Card holding my photos corrupted and I forgot about the café without the photo. However, during a walk with my ex, I noticed the coffee the shop and urged we stop in for sip of java.

Welcome to the community

The coffee shop is minimalistic with exposed brick painted white, concrete floor, marble counter and hanging lights. The highlight is the beautiful patio. When I sat on the patio I loved seeing the community members walk by. I saw a number of different community members including: Families pushing their child in a stroller or chasing after their child speeding down the sidewalk on their tricycle, baseball players probably coming from Christie Pits, couples walking their dogs and seniors strolling the street on a warm end-of-summer day. The most amazing part was how close everyone was. There were constant moments of people bumping into each other or patrons on the patio flagging down a friend on the street to come over. 

(Courtesy of @kimeleykan)

The corner of Yarmouth has been a community hub for years starting as a neighbourhood corner store called The Town Shop and afterwards becoming the Hub – another coffee shop. In 2014 Contra opened its doors and began serving coffee, tea, sandwiches and a variety of baked goods.

While it is a bit of the beaten path, it is the perfect stop for anyone looking to experience the strength of a community and have a nice relaxing cup of joe.

(Courtesy of @vanebau89)

Lead image from @joyceintoronto

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Why I Love 32 Gothic Ave.: The lost view of beauty and summer fun

The Mayor meets The Minnies meets the Toronto condo boom

A while back a condominium, in a former mansion, went on the market at 32 Gothic Ave. and instantly caught my attention not only for its architecture, but it history too. The home was built in 1889 for the mayor of the Town of West Toronto Junction, George Johnston St. Leger. The property was built by H.G. Paul and was dubbed Clandeboye after an Irish estate.

(Courtesy of The Globe)

It was later modified by Ellis and Connery in 1907 for Dr. William J. McCormick who turned the mansion into the High Park Sanatorium. According to the Globe, the hospital treated diabetes, anaemia, obesity, neurasthenia, paralysis and more. One of the popular treatments prescribed at this facility was hydrotherapy, or the water cure, which preaches the use of water for pain relief.  This was a popular option as evident with the sanatoriums installation of a Mineral Bath, which was the size of an Olympic Pool and predated the Sunnyside Bathing Pavillion.

(Courtesy of Toronto Archives)

The bath was famous as it was a natural swimming hole with “pure, cold, spring water,” that eventually flowed into Grenadier Pond.  The pool became a summer hot spot for men and women with the McCormick family brining swimming instructors to teach the public. Locals dubbed it The Minnies.

(Courtesy of Toronto Public Library)

Eventually McCormick closed the hospital and rented the property out to Strathcona Hospital – a maternity hospital. The pool remained after the High Park Sanatorium closed and McCormick continued to invest in the pool, which was the site of the 1924 Olympic swimming and diving trials.

(Courtesy of Toronto Public Library)

In the 60s the pool closed as part of the areas reconstruction for Line 2 of the TTC. The maternity hospital also vacated the property and it became a youth halfway house.

Its current incarnation occurred in 2004 when it was approved to become a condo complex hosting 7 units. The smallest suite is 1,415 square feet with the largest is 1,845 square feet.

A lost view

Walking past the former mansion/hospital you wouldn’t guess it had such a vibrant history, nor a stunning view. Today 32 Gothic Ave. is a beautiful old home awkwardly sandwiched between a condo complex, which likely blocks the sun from its beautiful New Orleans styled wrap around veranda. Not only does it likely block natural daylight, but according to historical accounts the home once had an unobstructed and epic view of High Park, not to mention the city’s hottest summer destination.

(Courtesy of Toronto Life)

What did Joni Mitchell say?

“They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.”

Well in the case of 32 Gothic Ave they didn’t put up a “pink hotel, a boutique and swinging hot spot.” Instead they took away that swinging summer hot spot, replacing it with a now underfunded transit system and condominium – which I guess is sort of boutique? Change happens for better or worse. Luckily, we have our imaginations to help take us to a time when beautiful landscapes dominated.

(Courtesy of James Ellis, Architect)

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Why I Love Garden of Future Follies: An artistic heritage mash-up

 Doors Open Toronto

Two years ago, as I explored Osgoode Hall for Doors Open Toronto, I noticed a group of people taking a cast of the Great Library’s fireplace. Curious, I asked a representative what was going on and was told it was part of an exciting installation by Berlin-based artists Hadley+Maxwell called Garden of Future Follies, now on display in Toronto’s Canary District.

(Image from OCAD)

The garden took two years to complete and today is a beautiful artistic display allowing Torontonians to get up close and personal with the detailing of our most breathtaking pieces of architecture and sculptures.

Artist intent

The installation is based on the fanciful gardens and landscape ornaments of 18th and 19th century France and England. The sculpture installation is composed of parts from monuments, sculptures and architecture from across Toronto. The fragments were rearranged to create a piece of art, merging elements of our stunning heritage usually physically out of reach or in places the public can’t access. This work is important as it pays homage to those sculptors, masonries and architects who helped build this city and whose work sometimes goes unnoticed.

(Image from Art Cast) 

The process and final product

The process of creating this fantastical garden is also interesting. At Osgoode Hall the individuals took a mold of the fireplace by using a cinefoil process where thick aluminum foil material was pressed against the object to create an impression used to create a mold. The final product saw 235 cast bronze pieces welded into seven sculptures. Other monuments included in these seven sculptures include:

Adam Beck Memorial

Equestrian Statue of Edward VII

Gargoyles of 299 Queen Street West (Bell Media)

A bell from St. James Cathedral

Canon from For York.

(Image from Spacing)

I highly encourage heading to the Canary District and exploring the Garden of Future Follies. Get up close and look at the intricate detailing of the selected fragmented pieces and appreciate the artistry and dedication of the men and women who contributed to our city’s beauty.

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Why I Love Oretta: Pretty in millennial pink

The time Sara Waxman predicted Italian food

I interviewed the iconic Sara Waxman for The Drake Hotel’s blog. During our conversation, she told me a story about the evolution of Toronto’s food scene and spoke about the emergence of Italian restaurants, courtesy of Franco Prevedello, and the debut of pasta.

Today, Italian cuisine and restaurants thrive in the city. Most recently, a new establishment entered the scene becoming an influencer, Instagram and Toronto hot spot in less than a month.

About an hour…

If you translate Oretta it means “about an hour,” but the only thing you’ll be waiting about an hour for is a table if you don’t have reservations. Otherwise the food comes promptly and service is top notch.

Located in the 629 King Residences complex, Oretta is owned by Capocaccia’s Salvatore Mele. The restaurant is truly a visual and aesthetically pleasing surprise. Personally, I find glass structures to be void of beauty and therefore my expectations for Oretta’s interior were not high. However, the restaurant proves you can create a beautiful space with character in a seemingly uniform glass structure. With swopping arches, the restaurant beckons to elements found in our disappearing heritage buildings.

(Courtesy of @aimeesyl)

Not to mention Oretta’s art deco décor is something Daisy Buchanan would have fallen in love with in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. In fact, looking at millennial pink and gold trim wall installation as well as the gold + black panelling gracing staircase and upper level levels, I instantly thought of opening sequence to Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby.

(Courtesy of Movies Man Guide)

I must also note the eye-catching chandelier above the bar. It reminded me of an abstract solar system model, but with cymbals and lightbulbs.

Mamma Mia! That’s some dinner gossip.

Lady Like Leopard and I were ready to try the menu upon arrival. We also had a lot to catch up on from work, friends, writing and our love life. We chatted over a drink, which was highly recommended by our super nice and clumsy bartender. It was an Amaretto based drink using egg whites and topped by an orgasmic tasting cherry. I wrote down the name, but as per usual my cursive proved to be indecipherable the next day and there is no drink menu online. 

For dinner I ordered the Parmigiana (cherry tomato, fior die latte, eggplant, sausage, Parmigiano, basil) from the Pizze Bianche section, while Lady Like Leopard ordered the Risotto al Satto (crispy pan fried squash risotto, mushrooms and castelmango fonduta) from the Paste section. The food was well portioned and absolutely delicious. The pizza is by far one of my favourites in the city and dare I say better than that of Pizza Libretto?

Sadly, we were too full to try dessert in the end, but all the more reason to return.  Not to mention we have to go back to try Oretta’s lovely café.

| Oretta Instagram |

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Why I Love Blue: The dead whale inspiring change

Stephan the ocean diver

I once jumped off a chartered boat into the ocean when I was in Mexico. As my body hit the frigid water I remember spreading my arms and kicking my feet to surface. As I let out a massive sigh, the captain of the boat told us to look west. I swam to my parents asking for my glasses. I looked west to see something else emerging from the water in the very far distance. All of a sudden water was expelled into the air like the Jet d’Eau in Geneva. I had seen my first whale.

Ensuring wonder and discovery

The vision of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), as outlined by its governors, is to ensure wonder and discovery for generations to come. The ROM has succeeded in this through its permanent collection, programming and special exhibits. Its current exhibit hits close home, giving generations of Canadians the opportunity to see the wonder and beauty of wildlife as well as discovering the how fragile our marine ecosystem has become.

(Dead blue whale by Jacqueline Miller)

Out of the Depths: The Blue Whale Story, on now until September 4, 2017, stems from a tragedy that occurred in eastern Canada in 2014 when nine endangered blue whales got trapped in thick ice and died. Two of the magnificent creatures washed ashore and began rotting. One at Trout River and the other at Rocky Harbour.

There was question on what to do with the giant whales, which many locals thought would explode. In the end, the ROM was granted permission by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to recover the skeleton and DNA, which researchers and scientist could use to better understand these endangered creatures.

This original exhibition touts to having one of the largest, most complete blue whale skeletons in the world. The 80-foot female whale, which weighed 200,000 lbs, now sits in the basement of the ROM. The process of preparing the whale for display was an interesting and smelly one, documented in the exhibit. It took almost a full week and 10 people to strip the blubber from a decaying whale, which smelled horrendous. If you can’t imagine the smell, the ROM has a watch on display which still wreaks from the 2014 flensing.

(Carving up a whale by Jacqueline Miller)

Learning about Blue

The exhibit is truly interesting presenting a number facts showcasing how mammoth these creatures are. Comparing it to the size of dinosaurs as well as its anatomy to humans and animals we interact with daily, it was astonishing to learn how big whales are.

It was also heartbreaking.

These water beasts are the world’s largest creatures, yet the nine blue whales found dead in 2014, represented 3 per cent of the Northwest Atlantic population. One must wonder what happened to the other 97 per cent. It illustrates how defenceless these creatures are, our neglect towards the environment and our barbarism to kill them for fashion and heat. Though not the intended point of the exhibit, I left thinking how much we suck – and that’s putting it kindly. The exhibit was an eye opener about the treatment of our environment and wildlife.

As we made our way through the exhibit we learned about the evolution of the whale from prehistoric times, where they once had legs and were land creatures. There was a section exploring the human hunt for whales looking at harpoon guns, lamps which used blubber and corsets made with whale bone.

(Dressing up as a krill)

The exhibit was also interactive. You could dress up as a krill and stand in a whale mouth or play a video game where you had to eat as many krill as you could in three dives. I personally loved the game, but sadly did not beat my video game nemesis Shane. I lost points because as I was emerging from the water, I was blocked from the surface by a ship. In fact, being struck by large ships is one of the biggest threats to blue whales.

(Hayden trying to eat krill)

The exhibit is an astonishing learning experience and if there is one exhibit to see this year for Canada 150, I highly suggest this one. As Canadians, we speak about being kind to each other and to those immigrating to our land. However, we forget wildlife call Canada home as well. This is as much as their home and native land as it is ours. In fact, wildlife has been on this planet longer than any human being – that we know of.

Go check out this exhibit before it’s over, but before you do here are some interesting facts about blue whales that I learned:

While you may think Blue is big, blue whales can actually grow to be 105 feet and weigh 330,000 lbs.

Its heart is the largest of any animal weighing 400 lbs. That’s almost bigger than a smartcar.

(Blue whale heart by Jacqueline Miller)

You will not find blue whales in the Arctic Ocean.

It is estimated blue whales can live to be between 70-90 years old.

Blue whales can eat 4 million individual krill (8,800 lbs) a day - I thought I ate a lot.

The blue whale is the loudest animal in the world. You can listen to whale sounds at the exhibit. I suggest listening to the beluga whale which sounds like its emitting EDM beats.

Lead image from the ROM

[whyilovetoronto]

Why I Love The Lockhart:­­ Wingardium Leviosa

Downward Fluffy

The Drake Hotel recently started hosting Harry Potter yoga, from which I can tell is yoga with wands and Harry Potter decor – I’m going next week so I’ll report in detail. All the major Toronto publications reported on the unusual style of yoga, which reminded me of another Harry Potter-esque thing in our city that made headlines - the proclaimed Harry Potter bar, The Lockhart.

(Courtesy of @TheDrakeHotel)

A story told across the lands

The Lockhart is/was one of the most talked about bars in Toronto, with 60 articles by publications worldwide. It started with an article titled “Toronto gets a Harry Potter themed bar” by Now Magazine food writer Natalia Manzocco. After the piece was published, The Lockhart’s social media blew up with followers and other publications tried to file their stories before it became old news. The bar then became one of the hardest places to get into. Every time I tried to visit the 36 seat establishment I was met with a line. Even the days I was walking home from work with no intention of attending, there was a line. It took me over a year to check out what all the fuss was about.

Potions & Elixirs

As soon as I walked in, I understood the hype. As a Harry Potter fan you can’t help, but get excited by the neon heart capturing the final words of the series, the “Potions & Elixirs” wall, the framed Dobby posters of the character sporting different outfits, themed drinks such as ButterBeer (pictured below) and The Dementor’s Kiss as well as the “Have You Seen This Wizard” wanted poster in the front window perfect for that next profile picture.

(Courtesy of @redvelvetswan)

(Courtesy of @mariejoseelebel)

While the focus is on Harry Potter, the bar also offers drinks from other classic shows and movies including Star Trek: Then Next Generation, Watchmen and Doctor Who. Yet with all its wizardly décor and the press naming it the Harry Potter bar, it’s understandable why those sci-fi nods are ignored. In fact, I remember going on a date with a person who knew the owners and told me the whole Harry Potter aspect was intended to be somewhat subtle and not the essence. Even BlogTO said the Harry Potter aspect was blown out of proportion.

All was well

Regardless, if you are a Harry Potter fan, you will love this bar. On occasion you’ll see people in attendance dressed as characters from the film franchise, whether in full attire with glasses, robe and lightning bolt drawn on their forehead or just a simple Gryffindor scarf. I would have worn my retro Harry Potter-esque glasses had I known I was finally going to end up at the bar on that mild December night. 

(Courtesy of @thelockhart)

[whyilovetoronto]

Happy Birthday to me

Today is my birthday everyone!

I’ve complied a list of some places I have celebrated my birthday at in the past. 

Enjoy. 

Track & Field

Urban House Cafe

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre

Backyard Axe Throwing 

Boots & Bourbon

Irish Embassy 

Insomnia

Andy Poolhall

[whyilovetoronto]

Why I Love Tilt: #ThrowbackThursday on Tuesday

A date is like an interview. So stand out!

I am a big fan of the retro date. When you connect with the past you guarantee a memorable date, because it is different and can produce endless topics of conversation (see my Get Well post). Going to a coffee shop, bar or movie are typical, tiresome and expected date ideas. Throw in something interactive or retro and you will stand out among the other potential Tinder, Bumble, Grindr and/or Christian Mingle male or female suitors you might be competing against.

It was the line that never ended, and it went on and on my friend

A few weeks back I waited in line for an hour to get into Toronto newest arcade bar called Tilt, on Brunswick Ave. in what was home to the very short-lived Poutineville. I advise going very early to this establishment. I arrived at 9pm for a birthday party that started at 8pm, #FashionablyLate, and was met with a line almost to Bloor Street.

The bar boasts to the largest collection of vintage pinball and arcade games in Toronto. What is interesting is how the bar avoided the very-dated Toronto bylaw regarding mechanical gaming machines, which was the demise of the Pinball Café.

Zoning By-law No. 438-86 states establishments can only have two pinball machines or other electronic games. It was established in the 80s when places with these types of games were said to be contributing to high youth crime rates. Apparently a way around the law is to charge a door fee. While there is cover it is decent at $5.

#NostalgiaHeaven

The bar is divided into gaming sections. At the front you have the arcade games built into the tables and some console games. To the right, you have a wall of pinball machines (AC/DC, Taxi, Whirlwind, Booby Orr’s Power Play + more) and to the left you have arcade games (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Punch Out, Tron, Donkey Kong Reunion + more). At the back you have N64 and analog games (Skee Ball, Super Chexx Bubble Hockey)

The vibe is chill with tables in the centre for you to sit, socialize and eat food such as corn dogs, popcorn and poutine. They even have a DJ booth accompanied by the smallest dance floor I’ve ever seen and a video screen projecting movies from the 80s.

Also I’m not sure if I missed some sort of Facebook memo, but there were people fully dressed in 80s attire. One guy wore almost an exact replica of the Marty McFly’s famed Back to the Future outfit and another guy looked like he stepped out of the Karate Kid.

In the end, I learned being fashionably late results in long wait times. Oh and that I need to up my Mario Kart skills considering I was more sober than my friend who whooped my ass. Also Pogo’s are truly the most fantastical food to eat on stick, so suck it other trendy foods you can eat on a stick.

[whyilovetoronto]

Why I Love 32 Beaty Avenue: The reason I need to marry rich

Parkdale is ________

Parkdale. It scares a lot of people and has a lot of misconceptions about it from drugs to prostitution to skinny jean wearing hipsters. However, if you travel deeper into Parkdale beyond its major routes and get lost in its system of one-way streets you’ll see the area has beauty and history. From the cottages on Trenton Terrace to the beautiful mansion at 32 Beaty Ave., which is the focus today, Parkdale is beautiful and historical.

This is what dreams are made of

32 Beaty Ave. is my partners dream home – something I’ll never be able to deliver. However, if my partner found someone who could afford the home, I’d understand.

The house is named Melrose, after the original owner’s hometown in Scotland. It dates back to 1879, a time when its front entrance overlooked Lake Ontario on the properties sprawling 300-foot private shoreline, which became Sunnyside Beach. The mansion was the home of banker James Lockie, who built Melrose with a number of stunning elements we now consider heritage and what I consider an art.

Notable features for the home include:

14-inch baseboards

Ornate hardware on the doors

Five wood burning fire places

Ceiling medallions

Three decorative chimneys

Grand central staircase

Victorian-era handrail

Stained and leaded glass windows

Large bay windows

Mansard roof

Decorative iron work

The home even had a conservatory, which was demolished at some point. During the restoration a foundation was discovered and a new greenhouse was built where Mr. Lockie’s had once stood.

Another element to this home is the 1890 tower. As mentioned, the entrance faced Lake Ontario, a view eventually populated with railroad tracks and the eventual backyards of the homes on Wilson Park Rd. When the house was built Beaty Ave. did not exist. With all the oomph of the house facing backyards, a tower was built to give it presence on Beaty Ave.

The man who brought this gem back to life

In its 100 years, the house has evolved with Toronto going through the good and bad times. With the Great Depression many of the homes around 32 Beaty and in Parkdale were abandoned. By WWII the mansion was left vacant for several years, eventually becoming home to psychiatric patients before Mr. Scythes the man responsible for restoring and modernizing the property took over.

Mr. Scythes is a well-known Torontonian. He is owner of the Glad Day Bookshop, the oldest gay and lesbian book store in the world, and an LGBT activist. One of his passions was this home as illustrated by his financial commitment to restore the dwelling and having it designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.

The home is truly an architectural and design masterpiece – something very rare in this day and age of homes with walls, ceilings, windows and floors possessing no character and are uniform with every other home. They don’t build them like they used to.

Mr. Scythes put the home on the market, but ensured it was ready for the next heritage lover to buy. The house went on the market last year for $4.4 million. Looking on the Sotheby’s website, it seems the price has been reduced to $3.4 million.

So if you’re in the market for mansion that once overlooked Lake Ontario. Look no further.

[whyilovetoronto]

Why I Love Black Dice Café: This is a Japanese Rockabilly Bar

Hole-in-wall

Situated on Dundas St. W. in Little Portugal, Black Dice Café is a Japanese Rockabilly Bar, inspired by the American 50s, British rockers and Japanese culture. It might sound as though the bar has an identity crisis, but on the contrary. These three cultures blend perfectly together to create a fun, inviting and intimate atmosphere. The idea came to owner Hideki Saito when he came to Canada and felt our country lacked 50s themed bars. In 2009, Saito and his wife decided to open one. 

(Courtesy of Black Dice Café)

The bar is decked out with items from the three cultures with a number of standout pieces that draw your eyes. Items include: a Surf Champ pinball machine, alien shaped lamps that emit an eerie green glow, a jukebox which works on occasion, a neon pink “Lola” sign and a TV. The bar also serves snacks like wasabi peas.

The moment I professed my attraction to the bartender and…

Jess and I visited for Ariel’s birthday. We had a nice relaxing night sipping drinks, trying to get the jukebox to work and just catching up. I had an embarrassing moment when I thought the bartender had left. I gushed about how highly attractive the bartender was, but little did I know the bartender had come back and heard the whole thing.   

(Lead image from BlogTO)