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

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