August 20, 2010

Discovering My Own Backyard

After a busy and hectic week that seemed to fly right by, I was happy to finally spend some time outdoors today journeying on my first photo walk ever! Not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised. A bunch of us including people I met for the first time today met up at Christie station and made our way through the intricate alleyways of Toronto, going from Christie down to Bloor, detoured through Little Italy for a bit, and continued on our way to Dundas to finally end at Queen Street West near the Drake Hotel.

We were tasked with each coming up with a word that would later define our challenge for the day. Between the few of us, we came up with the words: Sparkle, Innocence, Paris, Misunderstood, Confidence and Balance It was up to us to take photos that we felt would best represent those themes which will all be later compiled together by our fearless leader Anfernee. Here are some of my favourite shots ..

Overall I think the best part of the entire experience was the idea of being a tourist in your own city and rediscovering your own backyard. We found places that would normally be overlooked. Rows and rows of houses & garage doors that were all unique in their own way with artistic graffiti that lined the rest of the walls. Discovering cafes or new restaurants along the way … there really is no shortage of culture in Toronto.

July 15, 2010

Where have you been to for Summerlicious?

Even though I’ve lived in Toronto all my life, I’m ashamed to say I’ve only partaked in Summerlicious festivities twice. Once at Fred’s Not Here and most recently, Little Anthony’s Italian Ristorante. What I love most about this event is that it brings people together, gives a reason for people to reconnect with old friends and is an excuse to try out a new restaurant that you’ve never been to before. From what I remember, Fred’s Not Here had good food, but the tables were tight and we were knocking elbows with our fellow neighbours. From the outside, Little Anthony didn’t look like much but once inside, it was a pleasant surprise. The floor to ceiling windows brightened up the entire restaurant and for the 1.5 – 2 hours while you’re inside, you don’t feel as if you’re in Toronto. The food was good; they even have the option of ordering smaller portions of all their entrees (if you’re not ordering from the prix-fixe menu) which is so key for someone trying to develop healthy eating habits!

Little Anthony’s Italian Ristorante – Taken from my smartphone

With over 150 amazing restaurants to choose from, I found it a bit hard to figure out which restaurants I wanted to go to so I decided to turn to the power of social media and ask for recommendations. According to my friends, this is the narrowed down list of must try restaurants:

  • Café Moroc (The Bar at Sultan’s Tent)
  • North 44
  • Canoe
  • Sassafraz
  • Toula
  • Bistro 990
  • Biff’s Bistro
  • Jump
  • Brassaii
  • The Pan on Danforth

Super excited to check out Boiler House next week in Distillery District; have heard many amazing things. The last time I went to Distillery, it was closed for a private wedding reception to a gorgeous couple. Also just got corrected that Sultan’s Tent (Café Moroc) and Pan on Danforth is open for summerlicious. Thanks @jackboeuf & @jbalendran. I’ve booked Cafe Moroc for next week! Woohoo!

Where have you been to Summerlicious? Are there any other recommendations you would add to my list?

March 14, 2010

Sing, the Last Thing on Your Mind

I was really lucky this weekend to have gone to two concerts, without even knowing it. Lights came to University of Waterloo on Friday and it awesome watching her live. Michou opened for her – a up and coming band from Windsor. Got the chance to meet the band after their show and they were super nice, signing autographs and giving away CDs :) Most memorable moment of the entire concert would’ve been when she pulled out her BlackBerry and said how she needed to tweet a photo of the concert where the BlackBerry was invented! Go Waterloo :D

Below: Lights playing Ice

Saturday, I headed back home to catch Kollaboration Toronto with some girlfriends. Was pleasantly surprised to see a lot of familiar faces – guess that’s what happens when you go to an all asian event! I was truly amazed by some of the talent that we have in the city. Love the story behind Kollaboration, an event that was started in L.A. to give an opportunity to Korean Americans to showcase their talent. It’s now become a movement, empowering through entertainment, having expanded to 10 other cities including Toronto, which has hosted the show for 5 years. Would love to check out Kollaboration L.A. one day. Apparently they had over 6,500 in attendance this past year and had a special appearance by BoA in 2009! (Huge Kpop fan here!) The best performance by far has to go to the 9 year old kid during the dance improv competition where he pulled off the robot, and won himself a pair of courtside Raptor tickets!! Good for him :) Also got a chance to see David Choi live. Watch video below: