Home Exchange- Toronto- 5 Weeks; Autumn 2011
Oct 2nd, 2011, 06:04 PM
#81
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Stand outside a high school one morning - you'll likely see droopy pants.
Subway - yes, you can eat on it...unfortunately but most eaters take their garbage with them - the floors are more often littered with those free newspapers and spilled coffee.
Glad you liked the monkey bread. I did drop in there on the way to Lettuce Knit but none of the salads appealed to me and I successfully avoided having pie for supper!
Subway - yes, you can eat on it...unfortunately but most eaters take their garbage with them - the floors are more often littered with those free newspapers and spilled coffee.
Glad you liked the monkey bread. I did drop in there on the way to Lettuce Knit but none of the salads appealed to me and I successfully avoided having pie for supper!
Oct 2nd, 2011, 06:16 PM
#82
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amendment to Wanda's description: I left out the word "shabby" chic to describe the restaurant's ambience.
mg47: when it comes to desserts, it's always a hard decision, but I love monkeybread.
mg47: when it comes to desserts, it's always a hard decision, but I love monkeybread.
Oct 3rd, 2011, 04:38 AM
#86
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I would describe it as a pull apart cinnamon style roll without the cinnamon. It was an enormous piece, easily shared.
I've seen Caplansky's outside a tram window or at least I think I did. A good deli? On second thought, the one I saw had a different name . . .
I've seen Caplansky's outside a tram window or at least I think I did. A good deli? On second thought, the one I saw had a different name . . .
Oct 3rd, 2011, 08:52 AM
#87
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Caplansky's is on College Street so you could have seen it from the 506 College streetcar going or coming from Little Italy; it's near Augusta Avenue which is where Wanda's is located ... I've never eaten there but it gets a lot of press for some reason unknown to me. http://blog.caplanskys.com/
Oct 3rd, 2011, 03:23 PM
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Today, we spent an inordinate amount of time trying to plan the day. Would it rain or not? (it never did) Should we be indoors or out? The weather was gloomy and overcast; the forcast predicted 70% chance of rain.
We decided to see the small rotating exhibit at the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library www.librart.utoronto.ca/fisher and walk a bit around the University of Toronto Campus.
The exhibit opened to the general public is free, butit is very small and if you are interested, I would check ahead of time to see if the exhibition is something that interests you. According to our Fodor's the exhibit changes three times annually and might "include Shakespeare,Galileo, Italian Opera or contemporary typesetting." Today's exhibit, though well-done dealt with an unknown (to me) Jamacian writer. The illustrations were colorful, but the exhibit was small and unless you're really interested, it is not worth a visit. However, it did give us time to walk around the campus. The architecture is a bit electic, typical of universities over 100 yrs old. It reminded me of mine. Old and new bldgs side by side.
We then walked down Bloor Street, saw the Bata Shoe Museum www.batashoemuseum.ca and resolved to return after lunch.
We ended up at freshrestaurants.ca at 326 Bloor Street. I had a great salad called the All Star ($12) which I enjoyed very much, living up to its name with lots of fresh produce, sweet potatoes, tofu, quinoa, azuki beans, salad greens, etc. N ordered the same, but was notparticularly happy, in fact it barely registed as enjoyable for him. However, the place was packed (around 1:30 or 2), the noise was a bit deafening, but
I thought it fine. It's hard when you and your husband have totally different tastebuds.
We walked back to the Bata Shoe museum, a couple blocks away. The bldg is a unique structure, inspired so their brochure states "by the idea of a shoebox." I did not quite get that feeling, but it is full of glass, very modern and comfortable to get around in even with stilettos.
It was not first on our list for a visit, but typical Monday museum closures and good reviews put it on the top of our list for a museum visit. And passing right by it, cemented the deal.
I'm not sure of the price, about $40 for the two of us. The museum's exhibitions are beautifully displayed, exhibits from 4500 yrs ago to the present. A replica of a caveman's shoe is displayed as well as shoes through the ages with lots of historical information thrown in. Who knew that one English king banned very long shoes from non aristocratic people or that men wore heels in the early 18th century, then abandonning the fashion statement to women. The exhibits also link shoes with various religions. Sometimes light hearted, but entertaining, a nice way to spend an afternoon.
We decided to see the small rotating exhibit at the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library www.librart.utoronto.ca/fisher and walk a bit around the University of Toronto Campus.
The exhibit opened to the general public is free, butit is very small and if you are interested, I would check ahead of time to see if the exhibition is something that interests you. According to our Fodor's the exhibit changes three times annually and might "include Shakespeare,Galileo, Italian Opera or contemporary typesetting." Today's exhibit, though well-done dealt with an unknown (to me) Jamacian writer. The illustrations were colorful, but the exhibit was small and unless you're really interested, it is not worth a visit. However, it did give us time to walk around the campus. The architecture is a bit electic, typical of universities over 100 yrs old. It reminded me of mine. Old and new bldgs side by side.
We then walked down Bloor Street, saw the Bata Shoe Museum www.batashoemuseum.ca and resolved to return after lunch.
We ended up at freshrestaurants.ca at 326 Bloor Street. I had a great salad called the All Star ($12) which I enjoyed very much, living up to its name with lots of fresh produce, sweet potatoes, tofu, quinoa, azuki beans, salad greens, etc. N ordered the same, but was notparticularly happy, in fact it barely registed as enjoyable for him. However, the place was packed (around 1:30 or 2), the noise was a bit deafening, but
I thought it fine. It's hard when you and your husband have totally different tastebuds.
We walked back to the Bata Shoe museum, a couple blocks away. The bldg is a unique structure, inspired so their brochure states "by the idea of a shoebox." I did not quite get that feeling, but it is full of glass, very modern and comfortable to get around in even with stilettos.
It was not first on our list for a visit, but typical Monday museum closures and good reviews put it on the top of our list for a museum visit. And passing right by it, cemented the deal.
I'm not sure of the price, about $40 for the two of us. The museum's exhibitions are beautifully displayed, exhibits from 4500 yrs ago to the present. A replica of a caveman's shoe is displayed as well as shoes through the ages with lots of historical information thrown in. Who knew that one English king banned very long shoes from non aristocratic people or that men wore heels in the early 18th century, then abandonning the fashion statement to women. The exhibits also link shoes with various religions. Sometimes light hearted, but entertaining, a nice way to spend an afternoon.
Oct 3rd, 2011, 05:03 PM
#91
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Im so enjoying your daily reports annetti.
We are heading to the Chinese consulate for our visas on Wednesday morning and think it only fitting that we head to Kings Noodle Shop for lunch. If you would like to meet there for lunch that would be great.
The weather forecast is showing a big improvement for the rest of the week and weekend.
We are heading to the Chinese consulate for our visas on Wednesday morning and think it only fitting that we head to Kings Noodle Shop for lunch. If you would like to meet there for lunch that would be great.
The weather forecast is showing a big improvement for the rest of the week and weekend.
Oct 4th, 2011, 05:17 AM
#94
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Here's an event coming up http://www.readings.org/?q=ifoa
Oct 4th, 2011, 06:14 AM
#96
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Well, now I have a hairdresser's appointment on Thursday but Tuesday and Wednesday are still good for me for lunch (Monday's Thanksgiving so no good).
Are you bored with Wanda's? I've never been so that would be OK. Are there places to sit or is it just take out?
OR
Phipps on Eglinton is close to me (and annetti) but I'm not sure what they serve.
OR
If you want old fashioned Jewish food (non-meat), there's United Bakers at Lawrence Plaza. The location is boring but the place is an old Toronto institution, although it's moved from its original Spadina location.
OR
The Future Bakery or the By The Way Cafe, both on Bloor in the Annex neighbourhood (near Honest Eds, annetti).
OR
For traditional Breton-style crepes, there's Le Papillon down in the St. Lawrence Market area.
OR
any of the places Morningglory suggested above.
I'd love to firm up a plan before we go away early Thursday because I won't be checking Fodors or email till Monday.
Are you bored with Wanda's? I've never been so that would be OK. Are there places to sit or is it just take out?
OR
Phipps on Eglinton is close to me (and annetti) but I'm not sure what they serve.
OR
If you want old fashioned Jewish food (non-meat), there's United Bakers at Lawrence Plaza. The location is boring but the place is an old Toronto institution, although it's moved from its original Spadina location.
OR
The Future Bakery or the By The Way Cafe, both on Bloor in the Annex neighbourhood (near Honest Eds, annetti).
OR
For traditional Breton-style crepes, there's Le Papillon down in the St. Lawrence Market area.
OR
any of the places Morningglory suggested above.
I'd love to firm up a plan before we go away early Thursday because I won't be checking Fodors or email till Monday.
Oct 4th, 2011, 11:50 AM
#97
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That is too bad Annetti but we do live in NOTL so if there is anything you need while you are here let me know.
It is a great time to come here with the weather being nice and the flowers on the main street are outstanding!
It is a great time to come here with the weather being nice and the flowers on the main street are outstanding!
Oct 4th, 2011, 04:26 PM
#98
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N and I looked over the suggested restaurants/cafes for a small Toronto get-together. All the places except Wanda's are new to us. Wanda's is small, a bit noisy, and there is no guarantee we would all be able to sit together. (Though, I have no idea how many we will be -- 4 or 5 including N and I? We enjoy Wanda's, but think one of your other suggestions might be better.
We're leaning towards Phipps, so close to us, and we can probably walk to it, but if someone has a strong preference we are happy to go somewhere else.
Tuesday or Wed -- Oct 11th or 12th would be fine. Let us know which day you choose and what time and we'll be happy to make your acquaintance. And of course, let us know the final restaurant and its address so we don't end up at a similar sounding place.
We're leaning towards Phipps, so close to us, and we can probably walk to it, but if someone has a strong preference we are happy to go somewhere else.
Tuesday or Wed -- Oct 11th or 12th would be fine. Let us know which day you choose and what time and we'll be happy to make your acquaintance. And of course, let us know the final restaurant and its address so we don't end up at a similar sounding place.
Oct 4th, 2011, 04:30 PM
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Thank you, Irecommend. The Toronto flower planters here are overflowing, with coleus, and lots of other plants whose names I don't know. Reminds me of Victoria. Looking forward to seeing more of the same in NOTL.
Oct 4th, 2011, 04:57 PM
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Rain has passed over Toronto for a few days. We were a bit sceptical as it was gloomy and overcast when we left the house, so we still carried our heavy raincoats.
Our Fodor's guide suggested we save a pretty day to tour Cabbage Town. Apparently the name came from one of its own, Cabbagetown writer, Hugh Garner, who wrote a novel with the title, Cabbagetown. At one time, it had been a slum with tiny lawns that often grew, what else, cabbages, hence the name, and not always applied kindly. In the 1970s gentrification began. There are plenty of Victorian homes to see, majority brick with some gables, carved stonework, and some stained glass windows. Some are detached, others terraced (or row houses), semi detached and a few interesting apartment houses. Fodor's says the area dates back to the 1880s and 1890s. We wandered up and down the streets, looked at the "notable" buildings suggested on our walking tour and noticed several other people out with cameras, too.
When we fatigued, we decided to make our way back to N's current favorite restaurant, Buddha's Vegetarian on Dundas. We took the streetcar, too far to walk, and much to N's disappointment found it closed. We wandered around Kensington Market, remembered vaguely Morningglory's link to Baldwin Village restaurants, when someone in a small health food store suggested Vegetarian Haven.
Vegetarian Haven is NO haven. The place is attractive, clean, and the server was genial and attentive, but the food (we both agreed on this) was disappointing. I had a Morrocan food wrap - the tastes did not blend, in fact they fought each other. Not very good. N had some kind of avocado with wierd seasoning. However, everyone was so nice; we never said a word. When you get food that tastes so disjointed, you wonder if the food preparers ever tasted it themselves!
Our Fodor's guide suggested we save a pretty day to tour Cabbage Town. Apparently the name came from one of its own, Cabbagetown writer, Hugh Garner, who wrote a novel with the title, Cabbagetown. At one time, it had been a slum with tiny lawns that often grew, what else, cabbages, hence the name, and not always applied kindly. In the 1970s gentrification began. There are plenty of Victorian homes to see, majority brick with some gables, carved stonework, and some stained glass windows. Some are detached, others terraced (or row houses), semi detached and a few interesting apartment houses. Fodor's says the area dates back to the 1880s and 1890s. We wandered up and down the streets, looked at the "notable" buildings suggested on our walking tour and noticed several other people out with cameras, too.
When we fatigued, we decided to make our way back to N's current favorite restaurant, Buddha's Vegetarian on Dundas. We took the streetcar, too far to walk, and much to N's disappointment found it closed. We wandered around Kensington Market, remembered vaguely Morningglory's link to Baldwin Village restaurants, when someone in a small health food store suggested Vegetarian Haven.
Vegetarian Haven is NO haven. The place is attractive, clean, and the server was genial and attentive, but the food (we both agreed on this) was disappointing. I had a Morrocan food wrap - the tastes did not blend, in fact they fought each other. Not very good. N had some kind of avocado with wierd seasoning. However, everyone was so nice; we never said a word. When you get food that tastes so disjointed, you wonder if the food preparers ever tasted it themselves!
