Kidney Stones and my Wild Wild Adventure

So, Back in May of this year (2016) I was found to have a blockage of my Uretur as a result of 4 large Kidney stones, with the lead stone measuring approximately 1 CM. Though I was so blocked I was not experiencing any pain my doctors were baffled why my Creatinine levels were rising steadily, as a fix I was asked to stop taking any and all medications, I was taking Atacand, Lorazepam , Lipotril, aspirin daily.
I stopped all medications as requested by my Doctor, only to find that it was not changing the rising Creatinine levels. then I attended a Blue Jays Game on the Hottest recorded day in Toronto, I sat in the stands enjoying my 4 hour game - upon leaving and heading for a drink and food afterwards I developed a pounding headache, the headache caused me to head home and sleep on an ice pillow, over the next few days the headaches returned with a burning head sensation, I used ice and still took no medications but by the Sunday I could not speak in any sensible language !

.I headed to the Emergency ward of a Downtown Hospital,  was admitted for observation-had multiple tests run, MRI, CT Scan, X-Ray, Blood Cultures,etc, On day 2,  still in hospital, I had a seizure (the very first in my life) that was so serious they called a code blue and revived me, but I was in a brain fog state ! They Inserted a Tube to my kidney for a Nephrostomy line, thankfully I was completely out of it !  When I came to I definitely felt the pain of that insertion.
I was in and out of consciousness over the next 4 weeks as they tried to determine what I had and, why my body was fevering every few hours to 96.4C. My fevers were so bad that,  needles would not stay in my arms.
 I kept sweating and soaking my clothes and bedding, the sweating caused the lines that were inserted to pop right out of my arms - finding a working vein was becoming increasingly more challenging for all of the nurses!  When they did finally find a vein,  it was too close to a nerve ending - everyone heard that yell !!
All the while,  I was not eating Hospital food (it was truly awful, so,  I opted for family to look after getting me food)  I ate Pizza, Burgers, Salads, Indian, Mexican, Sweets, and whatever I craved my family looked after.
 I still was 36 lbs off my weight from when I came in and I was determined to try and get myself over the 125 lb mark..

I was to be released after the 5th week, but was too weak and unable to walk due to muscle atrophy,.
 By now they had a full diagnosis and now could treat my condition with the correct drugs and targeting the issue(s)...Viral Meningitis, it had developed and expanded as a result of the Kidney Stone blockage, then I exacerbated the issue by my 4 hour play in the sun for the Blue Jays Game, the heat from the sun caused the infection to plume and enter my bloodstream then my brain !
Week 6 saw me gain back some ability to walk with the assistance of a walker and in-house physio, but,  there was trouble with my recent blood results, they showed I had picked up the MRSI virus in the hospital and now, I would need treatment for that for a week before I could be released !

I finally got released on week 7, 36 LBS lighter, no clothes to wear that fit, I had to pick up some clothes before I got home.
 I had about 5 weeks to get well enough to return to work on Nov 1,
  I ended up back in hospital for almost a week as a result of the infection returning (no antibiotics meant the organisms had free reign).!
 This time the hospital staff doctor inserted a PICC line so I could have  IV Meds to be delivered as required without running the risk of not finding a vein that would work.   So,  for 4 weeks I was on ceftazadime, then they stopped the antibiotic against my protestations and no doctor would carry the prescription forward without a bunch of new tests that wouldn't be done before the surgery was to happen.
 I,  was now booked for surgery Dec 2, and of course over that 2.5 week wait the infection returned sending me back to hospital for a short 4 day stay.  This time the Hospital did 2 surgical procedures, 1 was for a new Nephrostomy line, and the 2nd was to move the PICC line to the opposite arm, both done this time with local freezing and me wide awake...not a fun procedure and not recommended by me! both the old PICC Line and the Nephrostomy line were sent to test if they harboured the organisms that caused the infection.
I am now on Ceftazedime until January 29th - with a surgical procedure scheduled for January 24th 2017 so after 9 months there is light at the end of the tunnel, hope does spring eternal and 2017 is going to be an awesome year...at least on this side of the border. !
I am determined to keep up this Blog, even after a long stretch of ignoring it, it was a gift and I need to make it be what it was intended to be - a view into the great city and all it has to offer. !

Cheers,
Philip

The Thaw is coming the Thaw is COMING !

This is my hope, 1 great big worldwide thaw of the Christian fundamentalist , enough with all the hate, and negativity that we face almost daily. Can it be true, the New pope has told the Catholics of the world to put an end to the hate that they have focused on for so long, forget about the Abortion debate, and the Anti Gay marriage rhetoric, focus on the messages of love and acceptance, maybe there can be an opportunity for healing. I think the Thaw is coming..and I think it will be the children who are aged 8-16 that will push for this -supported by us, the lesser mortals and the soon to be more marginalized right wingers in society. Now if only we could somehow get the American Gun Toting public to see the misdirection they support by falling on the 2nd amendment, we may yet stand a chance for overall peace and tranquility. With the Recent win of a TRUMP administration at the Whitehouse and the foreboding rise of The Donald to the top of the heap, I anticipate a lot of Russian style corruption coming out of the government hierarchy. May we all have the opportunity to be spared the coming Right Wing Onslaught. Women are the owners of their bodies - no one should be able to direct what a woman can, or cannot do with her body, this would be like telling a man his genitals are not his to use, they are state sanctioned tools provided you are using them accordingly,(who decides what proper use is?) otherwise the government reserves the right to remove them ! Again far fetched but similar mindset. Set free those that have been working for change - listen to the message, when Trump tells us the Election is rigged, he knows of what he speaks, rigged elections are not new, they are just resurfacing here in North America, all of us should be afraid...January is the start of the New World Order, let's hope that the order is not as crazy as predicted and that sanity comes to the decision makers !

Date Night... or How I Lost my Nerve

So it has been years since I have had an actual true to life Date...you know where you really think you have to ask that certain attraction out to coffee or a dinner or a movie or whatever...in person..not online ! Well if you have not had to do this in a long time the awkwardness just becomes more palpable, your palms are guaranteed to become slippery masses of flesh as they sweat, you dare not lift up your arms as you are certainly wet from stem to stern with perspiration and you are thinking you must have adopted 1 of 2 looks either the puppy locked in a car waiting for their owner to return or that look of desperation as if you had been lost in a shopping centre when you were 5, neither is an attractive look - so what to do?? Rule 1. Look and Think Calming Thoughts.

Step 2 take a drink of water and count to 5 Step 3...repeat after me.. I was hoping that you might be free this Day to go to This Placewith me - I think we have some common interests and was hoping to get to know a bit more about you without all the rushing around. The worst that can happen is they say Yesbecause that means you actually now have to set the plan in motion, some people would say the worst that could have happened is they say no...in fact that is not true, No removes all expectations and you can then move on and thank them and mumble something to the effect of "you are probably right to say that as it would just complicate what is clearly a good friendship". There are a lot of great first date spots to go to in this fantastic city of Toronto and the best part is they don't need to be expensive..especially as you try to determine if this date will translate into a real connection or not ! A cool spot to take a first date is somewhere you can hear each other speaking without everyone else listening in, so a few suggestions Fusilli Restaurant on Queen and River -

A quaint little Italian resto hidden on the south side of Queen Street and you can have a salad or just a drink in this quiet spot - or head north to yonge and eginton to a griled chees spot, just south of Eglinton on the west side - not licenced but allows your date to show they have a fun side to them, you can then head upstairs to a movie at the Yonge Eglinton centre- rarely busy and easy to catch a movie that won't be sold out. For a really inexpensive night meet at 6pm at the AGO on a Wednesday and tour the galleries for free, afterwards you can head up to Baldwin Street for 1 of the many spots to grab a bite my personal favorite is Mangiacake on McCaul always fresh food at a reasonable price and RAJ the owner is supremely friendly and very welcoming. Toronto is a series of great neighbourhoods with so many hidden gems that you can explore with a date, get a sense of what they are like away from their own turf, introduce them, and maybe even yourself to some new and interesting parts of the City, on a Thusday night date, stroll Queen West for their Gallery nights, free wine, cheese and some great emerging artists works can be viewed or even purchased, end your night with a walk up Ossington, check out a real neighbourhood chock full of evidence of gentrification, like almost no other area of the city this small strip from Dundas south to Queen is a constantly changing strip - new spots seem to open monthly! There are some great spots that have set up shop here. Best of all - just enjoy yourself - don't think of it as a date - think of yourself as an ambassador - showing off the places in Toronto that you find interesting or exciting, the mood should carry you to a great end of a first date event and..hopefully lead to more follow up dates.

Fake People, User Groups that get No Use and What's in a Name?

At some point I came to the realization that it's hard to find "REAL" people these days! What do I mean, you ask?, Real people surround us every day, or do they??

What may be true in the real world , definitely does not apply to the online world or so it would seem.

You would be hard pressed to find a virtual person who is "Real" in person.

An example of this is the online dating world, or social online interraction sites, so few people have placed an objective "slap you in the face" real description of themselves it's no wonder that the whole online dating world gets off-putting, leaving in it's wake angry and more isolated people than ever before.

I get that we all see ourselves though rose coloured glasses ,

but sometimes we need to definitely get those glasses cleaned!

I'm not usually a person who takes to griping about this sort of thing but I realize, people take huge liberties when adding anything to an online post, they are suddenly more outgoing, more serious, more fun to be around than they are in person - what you find are socially awkward extremely introverted people presenting themselves as they wish they were and not how they in fact are. I mean even so far as - WOW - what a great photo they have of themselves.. taken half a decade ago - or blurred beyond recognition - or so distant that a magnifier leaves you unsure if it is a person or a prehistoric piece of turd.

I would just like to say it only takes a single stone to start a ripple..step up, be that stone, cause a ripple,

What I mean by that is have an honest picture taken, people can judge a photo - do you look as if you are relaxed, enjoying your worls or have you been carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Possibly declare that you don't enjoy freezing your backside off on a romantic walk along the boardwalk in January or maybe you do! Truthfully explain if you are allergic to dogs, cats, inlaws or have indeed been to prison and have lived to talk about it!

The fewer obstacles you put in the way the easier it is for someone to take that leap of faith, if you are looking just to have a friendship offer clarity and be definitive about that if you are looking to make a more permanent connection - outline your expectations you will save yourself and any potential suitor a lot of time weeding through an ocean of catfish (which are the bottom feeders of the ocean). There are Meetup groups out there and more than a million people belong to these groups, unfortunately some of these members are destined to remain single people forever - and for good reason... something that has nothing to do with looks, wealth or employment status, it has everything to do with having no social skills or a mirror - check your eyebrows, nose hairs, and facial hair if you can braid them - then trim them!

Here are some examples of images that work and ones that don't.

The Waiting Game

Lately, I've discovered a disturbing trend in spontaneity especially as it relates to making spur of the moment plans to hit a new restaurant or bar in this city, there seems to be some new rule that says -NO MORE FLYING BY THE SEAT OF YOUR PANTS!!! we now must pre plan everything, otherwise it can be a very lengthy wait.


I'm of the opinion that no place is worth waiting longer than 15 minutes to get in - there are so many great spots in this city that I have discovered new places just by being told there is a 1 hour wait, that doesn't mean I won't go back to the original destination..I just do it with a plan !


Now that I have said that, 1 place with long lineups and long waits worth planning a trip to is, BarQue on Roncesvalles #299 Roncesvalles to be precise ..they have delicious meats smoked in house and well worth planning a meal there the meat is tasty, smokey delicious and sooo tender, their sides are fantastic and although a bit noisy - a great addition to what is fast becoming a new food mecca street.

For those looking for something quiet to read or wanting to bring a date for a boardgame or listen to music over what might be considered some of the best cup of tea in the city- a newly opened spot called the GTBT (or Good Times Bad Times) Cafe, opened their doors on October 31st.
Located at the corner of Bloor and Sterling Road - in what was a former failed variety store the 2 owners of this little treasure have sourced out teas that will calm your nerves, warm your heart and simply elevate your T-tastebuds to a whole new level.
They have researched the best of the teas and can tell you all about the balance and the nuances involved in making the best cup of tea.

You can top off your tea with market fresh pies and tarts for dessert, curl up into a wingback chair and watch the world (or at least the Bloor and Symington part of the world) pass you by. !

Business parners Juan and Marco have included an interesting mix of books for what is termed the "book exchange" and some good boardgames, including chess to help you pass your time - rumour has it they will be hosting Chess Championships soon :) - also coming soon is WiFi for those that just cannot get unconnected for any time in their day.
They have big plans to help local artists present thier works on what is currently just blank white walls, the lighting in the space is subtle and the vibe is cool and relaxed.

If you get the chance - check it out as this area of Bloor is fast becoming a spot for those looking for great food, relaxed spaces and a real neighbourhood appeal.

London may have their pubs but Toronto is fast becoming a spot for cool coffee and now Tea spots at the corners of a neighbourhood.

YAY !

Tel # 416-832-5775 1421 Bloor Street West. Hours are 7 am to 11pm most days









Head East to College and Dovercourt and there is another delight to be discovered...
The Black Skirt Cafe at 974 College Street,

- this Italian restaurant makes fresh & fantastic Italian food..a definite hotspot for some of the intelligent foodies in this city, not expensive and the food was so perfectly inspirational.
We started with the Meat and Cheese platter for under $25.00 it was perfect for the 3 of us, and the mixtures of flavours got our tastebuds ready for the main deal, pastas all kinds of pasta - we couldn't settle on 1 so we ordered 3 different styles and shared..we would have any 1 of them again (I am not writing down what we had as I think you won't be disappointed in any of the choices).


Desserts were made in house and the Tiramisu was ..I am speechless.. it was that good!


The decor is cool and rustic, with an artist in the house ( Francesco Galle is the owners brother !) he does some brilliant work! So, there is mind food and body food as well as stimulations for the eyes and nose, this has to be a must-go-to spot for anyone that reads this.


Service was excellent !! The Black Skirt is now an add-on to my ever growing list of gastronomic Italian delights in the West End.





416-532-7424

For the Love Of Flash Mobs

Today I decided that I need to jump into a different mindset..and send out some joy to the readers of this blog.
I was thinking of what always makes me smile or laugh no matter how hard the day is..and the answer came to me by way of an email..flashmobs, they happen all over the world and whenever they happen in Toronto, I am nowhere near the event :(
This flashmob took place at the St. Lawrence Market, a place I was a regular at, but apparently not on this day - hope you enjoy this video, just search "Kissing Flashmob Toronto 2011"

And for 1 of the best turnouts for a flashmob event check out youtube for the following


Sound of Music Central Station Antwerp Belgian (on Youtube)


and on any given day or place run a search for flashmob and name a place, you are sure to find an uplifting video.

They make my day whenever I look at 1, enjoy!

Cheers,
Philip Here is the link to the Sound Of Music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQLCZOG202k

Hadley's - They had me with the Cheesy Maccaroni

West Enders in Toronto keep getting better and better places to dine, hang out in and in general get a chance to enjoy the culinary capabilities of young talented chefs in this city.

This is another gem of a dining spot in Toronto, located on College and Dovercourt, across from the great YMCA that offers all kinds of programs and eye candy for whatever your tastes.

Such is the story of Hadley's.. great tasting food, reasonably priced with friendly & attractive staff, providing very efficient service.

The sparsely designed interior lets you focus on the food and that is where you have the opportunity to have your tastebuds riveted on the product(s) delivered to your table.

My choice tonight was a tender and meaty pulled pork and red cabbage sandwich, with flavour to blow your socks off, and a side of 3 cheese maccaroni which was ooey,gooey damn delicious!!

Add to this already superb meal, a free side of bite sized perfectly baked corn bread mini muffins & this dinner was nothing shorth of Magnifique, definitely not for the diet minded but well worth the indulgence and besides I can always do a run before work and a workout at lunch to burn off the extra calories I may have consumed.. but I wouldn't trade this dining experience for 1 ounce of caloric intake, as this was a truly delightful experience!

I'm certainly going to be back there many times, with as many people as I can introduce to this spot over the next few months.

Be sure to get here soon before the word of this new spot spreads and getting in will mean lining up to satiate your inner foodie, while worthwhile, I prefer getting in right away and starting the experience as soon as possible!

Tel # 416-588-3113

Licenced w/Beer & Wine

Caffeine Confessions and New-found Obsessions

If I tell this to you, you may give me that sideway glance that's usually reserved for those odd characters standing on street corners prosthletyzing about how the world will end May 21, or you might make assumptions as to my overall character or the genuiness of my convictions..but I must confess, I have never been a consumer of coffee or any coffee flavoured products.
I couldn't take the assault on my tastebuds (memories of bad coffee from my childhood years) and in general rejected anything to do with coffee!

I was quite smug about the fact that a glass of water gave me the "buzz" that most people seem to receive from their morning cup of Joe.

I never could grasp why people seemed unable to kick their day off without that first cup of caffeine, delivered via their usual regular coffee, or an espresso , americano, macchiatio or whatever other products abound at those institutions dedicated to delivering them their steaming cup of drug.

I'm telling this to you now.. in reflection, WHY, because, this past Sunday (Mother's Day) I found myself walking past just such an institution, near Broadview and Danforth just south of the Danforth, (at 748 Broadview Avenue), suddenly overwhelmed by a sensory overload of smells and sounds so inviting, I just had to stop in !!
Not unlike Alice, who, upon finding herself in a strange & wonderous world gets confronted with a family.. a Mother, Sister & Brother happily serving up the beverages of choice and describing in detail the dessert offerings, (all home-made all looking more delicious than the next).
I just wanted a dessert, but coaxed by the Owner Saverio Cosenza, who insisted I try it with a coffee made my his secretive method - then, as he described how he has the best beans and that he could guarantee to turn me to a coffee convert with his tried and true ability at delivering fantastic beans, ground fresh and offered up with an awesome dark chocolate flavour & slightly nutty essence, for the first time in my adult life I was going to try a cup of his choice (like an optrician selecting a pair of glasses to suit my face, Saverio selected my coffee match), what was delivered was, in my estimation.. amazing!

Initially I was taken in by the smoothness of the liquid, Saverio was right his americano coffee was the beverage to win me over, the flavour was delicious, nutty & chocolatey without either flavor angrily hitting back.
His Mother then had me adding to my order, with an assortment of Italian desserts, all made the old world way with all natural ingredients - DEEELICIOUS (and all non fattening to be sure!)
I took a seat on the stool at the window and watched as so many people arrived with their mothers in tow for the free Mother's day Coffee, I witnessed Saverio's pastries disappear along with cup after cup of various coffee concoctions getting consumed, people hung around & bantered with this trio of proprietors (I only discovered later in conversation, that in fact Saverio is the sole owner !).

This spot is apparently not new but was recently bought and renovated by Saverio, who comes with great credentials, formerly Saecco Canada's Sales Co-ordinator and Showroom Manager, top that off with being known as the city's top Go-To-Guy for training top baristas across the GTA and as if that wasn't enough he is rumored to be a gifted espresso/cappuccino whisperer, he decided to make that entreprenurial leap and become his own boss.

Regulars of what was the old spot and now the newly re-energized space, all commented on how fantastic the reno looks, and how superb his Espressos and Iced Coffees were!
I also overheard them commenting how much better his drinks were than all of those other spots nearby, for food, he also offers up nuttella panini & other grilled sandwiches, grilled to perfection and selling out quickly.

Not knowing what it looked like before I found myself looking at this space and realizing that it had the feeling of an interior that was "designed" to draw on current palates, in fact, it turns out that the designer was also Saverio, great touches like a long padded bench with magazines,crystal shaded chandeliers, soft cream painted brick and really great music selections, along with newspapers and tray ottomans placed so you could be a part of the action and still be out of the way of the throngs of newcomers hitting this spot, it was easy to see the draw to Si Cafe, great views from the window stools looking out onto the bustling street outside, super friendly people working the counter, free WiFi and water, clean bathrooms and a really comfortable atmosphere.
I will likely savour a cup of coffee once or twice a week from Si Espresso, I think I have finally come around to understanding the draw to this ancient beverage..and Saverio definitely delivers cup after cup of magic to the beverage of millions.

Check them out next time you are near the Danforth, or make the trip..I promise it is worth it!!

Tel # 416-463-5550

Cash Only

Real Estate Investment Info and the best platform to assist

Almost weekly I get questions from private investors and Real Estate professionals on how to gauge the Real Estate market in the G.T.A., it's as if these people felt there was a real mystery on how to get a handle on the new housing market.

Thankfully there is a web based platform that anyone can get access to, you don't need to be a seasoned investor to get an understanding of the New Condo/Housing Market.

Even better than just becoming more informed about the market, this website really helps to build a better relationship with a trusted Real Estate Agent/Advisor.

RealNet Canada, a company that has been around for over 16 years, provides all of the tools that you would want to look at when determining where and how to invest, & just like the 1st time buyer would want to watch how their first investment is growing (or not), RealNet Canada has built the coolest analytic platform available online today!

RealNet's web based product is delivered by a company that knows the Toronto new homes market better than anyone!!

www.realcondoinvestor.ca launched on January 20th, 2011, anyone can get access through their trusted RealEstate professional, all it takes is a call to an agent to be set up, agents get 2 invitations free & they are looking for a dedicated client/prospect.

If you don't want to be committed to an agent you can spend $1200.00 to get an annual subscription on your own, however, I think you are best to link up with an agent to get access and build that relationship. RealNet Also has a Twitter Link - join them and see what they let you know ahead of any other player in the market.

www.twitter.com/realnet_canada

For commercial investors RealNet has a more robust platform available by subscription, I would caution anyone looking to buy a Commercial, Industrial, Retail or Apartment to make sure they get linked up with RealNet's RealInfo platform.

Fanny Chadwicks -a delicious spot -that's super hot

Over this past weekend I had the opportunity to try out Brunch at the newest hotspot on Dupont @ Howland.
Fanny Chadwicks offers up THE VERY BEST Eggs Benedict this city has to offer, I mean that!! They make their own english muffins, incredible eggs from a local farmer that feeds his chickens and hens on real grass in an unheard of flock size -approx 500 birds, these birds are treated to the best environments around and it's reflected in the flavour and look of the eggs.
They have fresh cuts of Canadian back bacon and the most delectable hollandaise sauce of any Toronto establishment (so good in fact I ordered some extra just because you can!)
they have a sticky bun that they bake fresh and it is as close to cinnamon heaven without being overpowering.
If I have to complain about anything, it would be that they need more space as this place had only been open 3 weeks and the lineups are already 20 minutes long, but well worth the wait and the staff were very friendly and working their butts off!

They are located at 268 Howland at the Corner of Dupont and Howland
They are open for Brunch on Weekends, lunch and dinner through the week and weekends but they are closed on Mondays!
Call them to confirm hours at 416-944-1606

And do enjoy, I know I did!

The Best Hollandaise Sauce in the city !

Absence ..does it really make the heart grow fonder...

I must apologize for being absent, I can explain some of it with the fact that my computer went on the fritz, then my camera wouldn't upload after the computer was fixed, but mostly life just gets in the way of doing a daily blog.

I got to thinking about absence, and the old saying that it does "make the heart grow fonder".

I think there is truth in this, as I now think fondly of places I have not visited for awhile or people that have been out of sight.
Even if my last time seeing or visiting a person or place didn't stand out as being the last time I would visit for awhile. ;}



I now can branch into other areas that I have been meaning to review, such as:
Clothing Stores-

Jeans Xpress on Yonge and Dundonald they are a cut rate clothing store with some unique pieces and really great prices, brand name jeans for $30.00 very cool print shirts for $19.00 and up, men's wear and some women's wear. This shop often has $10.00 blowouts -keep an eye on them as I think they get some really cool accessories too.

Discounted Shoes

Directly across the street is the Balisi outlet store..great prices on hard to find end of season shoes..but what I like most is the personal service they offer, knowledgeable staff are unobtrusive yet still very helpful.

Hairstylists

Hairstyling, Fuss studio on Queen and Leslie
This salon is run by 2 of the coolest women on Queen Street (East or West), they carry a great line of hair care products produced in Toronto and Italy.
Stacey is the hair artist that gave this writer the best hairstyle he has had, plus others who I have recommended have all commented on how great a cut/colour they got from this salon. These gals are known for their expertise colour application.

Located at 1093 Queen Street East in Toronto - M4M1K7 Tel # 416-469-0006

In Search of the best Tradespeople

I, like many people I know work from a rolodex , a compilation of who's who in the world of services, but in my rolodex are the names of tradespeople tried and true!

I also have a discounted connection for Paint (house that is) Para and Benjamin Moore.

If you are needing a fence built or some drywall done, a painter or a lead glass window maker an upholsterer a refinisher a cabinet maker, a shoe repair or shoe shine for that matter, Leather repair.

How about a baker, a pasta maker a window company, iron railings firm, a landscape architect, Interior designers, Real estate agent, superb stagers, a singer that has lots of airplay time on the radio even!

You get the idea, I have people that I would recommend because they do excellent work don't break the bank and have reliability built in.

this is the short list there is also a tiler and carpenter, caterer, massage therapist, portait painter, hair stylist and colourist..you name the field I think I've used or have seen their work and tracked them down.

If you ever need a recommendation feel free to ask.



Thanks

Share Toronto- My Dining Experience - Terrazza

Tonight is the first in a series of restaurant reviews focusing on intimate dining spots around the city.

First of all, I'd like to talk about Terrazza, a hidden gem of an Italian restaurant on Harbord Street .

I first discovered this spot over the summer and have been back many times since.

I've introduced a number of friends to Terrazza's menu & we've enjoyed so many of their offerings. The gratis appetizer of olives and bread present a bowl of the freshest and most garlic-laden olives I have ever had! Make sure you have a parsley tree in your pocket.

My favorite pick on the menu is the Caesar Salad followed by their Chicken Penne Pasta which are both absolutely delicious!

Frankie, the head chef always makes the food fresh from scratch. You can taste the quality and the care that has gone into the preparation.

Frankie often delivers the food to your table, though they are staffed with a nice-looking, friendly group of servers.

Frankie seems to enjoy meeting the customers.

The chicken in the pasta is moist and tender, delicately balanced in a creamy tomato and goat cheese sauce.

Terrazza's patio is a natural late night summer's date spot.

It's hidden from the traffic, behind ivy laced with white fairy lights and tables that are spaced nicely apart to provide privacy with candle votives that create very intimate spaces for the many couples that have discovered this place.

If you aren't particularly in the mood for pasta, Terrazza has a great burger called the Lips burger, a meaty, moist delicious burger definitely not for the dainty eater!

This is a big burger with big flavour, or you can design your own custom calzone or pizza, lots to choose from and definitely worth the trip.

Free parking after 6pm, a rarity in the downtown west area, makes this a must try spot!

Terrazza Restaurant (more...)

647-343-3283

372 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON, M6G1H9

Toronto Auction Action

In keeping with loving the area around the Flatiron building, I did a bit of exploration around the eastern area of King Street tonight and was struck by some fond memories.

For the better part of 25 years I found myself drawn to auction houses around King, Sherbourne and Richmond Streets, at first lost in the sea of stuff that seemed to overflow from estates, stores and dealers who just needed to move dead stock! Then, eventually I would happen upon some great deals, and a few duds, though mostly I was getting a great education in the arts, in furniture construction and learning how to identify quality over crap.

For the past 10 years, Toronto (and for the most part the rest of the industrialized world) has seen a decline in auction attendance as well as the quantity of the product found at auction houses.

The current trend towards "Edit Your Life" design has kids snubbing their noses at that solid wood dining table that their parents wanted them to take as a hand me down or the old teak sideboard that was in the basement since they were kids.

It just seemed like the old stuff was baggage. Instead, we as consumers head out and buy that sleek looking fiberboard console from some trendy Queen or King Street furniture shop or some chain store, when we could have taken that sideboard & lamp-table and called the best independant refinishing shop in Toronto Johnny's finishing on Advance off Islington Avenue. That sideboard could look good as new for less than $300.00 and the table would have been around $250.00 to be redone in the oh so current Wenge stain!.

Suddenly these pieces arrive back to you looking more like they were purchased in a boutique shop than any mass-made product found in every store.

I haven't attended any general estate auctions for at least the last 5 years, so was surprised to find a "new" Auction House on King Street East (197 King Street East -The Auction House) operating for about 6 months; housed in a building that was built in the 1880's currently in a state of ongoing renovations.

Owner Francis Satto has big plans for this spectacular space but is still working on drawing in crowds for his regular Wednesday auctions first.

Auctions start at 7 pm every Wednesday and usually are finished by 9pm.

By the time I arrived there were about 10 people in attendance, however sparse crowds often mean great opportunity for good deals on any item you might have your eye on.

There were approximately 150 lots ranging from dishes to dining sets, art and collectables.

By the time of my arrival they were at lot # 135 a large rectangular coffee table, passed over because it was too big for those 600 square foot apartments but perfect if you have a cottage and wanted a $20.00 deal!

I missed most of the items that I would have considered bidding on though did catch the frenetic paced bidding on a carved wood rocking horse 3' tall which eventually sold for $55.00.
I watched as a vintage light fixture from the 30's with classic style (one that's knocked off by lighting suppliers and sold in retail stores for about $350.00) sold for $25.00.

In the end I didn't buy anything but was tempted by a couple of pieces that went well below what they would be in any retail store.

I'm thinking that Toronto needs to find a resurgence in these types of general estate auctions, the original ultimate in "Green" retail. If you're a person with a good eye you could have had a great marble side table, a super chandelier and an original piece of artwork, all for less than $150.00. Now that makes for smart shopping and a guarantee that you will have a signature space when you are done decorating your new home.

King Street continues to reveal some great spots, but next week the posting will move to the west end as I feature a great date spot - see you then.

Cheers,

Philip

Meet Phil

After over forty years of living in what I consider to be the best city in the world, it's fair to say I've come to know it like the back of my hand.

I've come to be known amongst my friends and acquaintances as the 'go-to' person for where to find whatever it is you're looking for - services, restaurants, unique boutiques and product sources.

This blog is my way of sharing the best the city has to offer. My focus will be on independently owned businesses with fantastic customer service.

I'd love to hear your feedback if you've had personal experiences with any of the venues discussed, and hear from you if you have a business that you feel deserves a mention!

This photo shows one of my favourite spots in the city - backing onto the iconic Flatiron building, the fountain has been used in many commercials and as a bathing site for many of the homeless in the downtown core :)

Occasionally, somebody with a sense of humour throws dish detergent into the fountain sending clouds of foamy bubbles down Front Street.

This neighbourhood is about to see a considerable amount of change, what with the new L Tower Condo project by Castlepoint Developments and the just started launch for Berczy Park Condos by Concert Properties- this will be an area to live, work and play.

Home to some very unique shops such as the best Christmas store in the city - The Christmas Market owned by Ted Genova, this business has been going strong for more than 30 years! His store imports some truly unique christmas and seasonal gifts, definitely worth the trip downtown just to see what he has in stock.

Some other notables in the neighbourhood - Nicholas Hoare bookstore, The Sultan's Tent and Le Papillon (restaurants), and of course Saturdays at the St Lawrence Market, on Sunday the Antique Market in St Lawrence North Market full to the brim with Treasures, Trash and collectables.

If the area is unfamiliar take a stroll down here on any Saturday or Sunday in the summer the outdoor patios, and busy street life make this a very unique spot in Toronto.