Smart Mouth Coffee

 Linking up with Marg at The Intrepid Reader

Weekend Coffee Share
Sunday Salon

Sherry's Pickings

Monday Morning Blog Club at Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs

T Stands for Tuesday

Small Pleasures

25 September 2026 - Toronto ON

                                                                       Vancouver BC

Last Week's Post

SATURDAY

The day started off slowing as most Saturdays do. I popped frozen scones in the oven and then caught up on blog reading which leads to rabbit holes and book additions to my TBR list. There were a lot of new authors/books this morning! This took me to 10  10:30 AM, then I got in gear, showered, dressed and finally emptied the dryer. Tidied up, ran the mop.

I spent a few hours watching A Place To Call Home.
A Place to Call Home is an Australian drama set in the 1950s and 1960s, a period of intense social conservatism. The show highlights several historical prejudices and systemic injustices that just make me so angry! I'm not sure I can continue!

The intense anti semitism, a closeted gay man living in an era when homosexuality was illegal, socially ruinous, and classified as a mental illness. It highlights the devastating impact of government policies that led to the Stolen Generations, including the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families. It also portrays the daily segregation, casual racism, and lack of legal protection experienced by Aboriginal characters.

And then, women navigate a society where women have almost no legal autonomy over their bodies or relationships.
The wealthy elite fight ruthlessly to maintain the status quo against an emerging, more progressive post-war world.

SUNDAY

One Word Sunday 

The whole week was very quiet as we finalized trip details and whatnot. Just quiet on the photo front. Lots of stuff getting done just not very post worthy.

I created some scheduled posts from abandoned drafts.

Popcorn for lunch.

As a certified (certifiable??) nerd and passionate lover of spreadsheets, I found this article to be hysterical. The Museum of Regrettable Spreadsheets.

MONDAY

Monday Mural

Foto Tunes

I cleaned out the fridge! I went to Longo's for some groceries, Winners and $ store.

Saw these for the first time in Toronto.

TUESDAY

Tuesday Treasures

T Stands for Tuesday

John golfed, it was  a real autumn day, bright and sunny but the winds were strong. I went to College Park in search of some new utility boxes that had been painted as a BIA initiative. But the wind was cold and it was so busy with TMU students I gave up and took the subway back.

I now have 4 of 11 found, the first one was last week.

I took the subway back (it was packed at TMU (formerly Dundas) station). SMH as to the purpose of these. I understand safety...

The point of the new steel barriers installed by the TTC is to prevent people and objects from falling onto the subway tracks while creating a more defined and secure waiting area for riders.

Right, but it doesn't run the length of the tracks...

The waist-high steel fences are placed along the platform edge between the spots where subway doors open, discouraging accidental falls or intentional track access.

In some spots.

You are not supposed to stand behind them, means less platform space. And, only at TMU for now.

Instead of Blue Jays uniforms this was the fashion along Front St. today, cowboy boots and hats, denim and lacy tops. Zach Bryan performed at the Rogers Centre on the 22nd and 23rd as part of his With Heaven On Tour, bringing out plenty of fans in classic country concert attire.

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday Signs

John had his last men's league golf game of the season, their banquet is next week. 

I went back to Yonge to look for the other utility boxes but gave up, went to T&T for broccoli and bananas and came home.

Say it isn't so! Where am I going to tell people to meet me now???

According to official City project documentation, the structure—historically known as the Travellers' Aid Society of Toronto booth—has been dismantled to be completely refurbished and relocated. 

The Travellers' Aid has already been moved to two booths on the right.

This clock and counter are not original, they were installed in 1994 and have no particular historical value.

Sankofa (Dundas) Square

I stopped into the Image Centre at TMU to see this, but wasn't impressed, it was too gloomy.

 John had done a review of our travel document and found some dates misaligned so I fixed that.

THURSDAY

Random Reposting

Memories my parents' wedding anniversary

John met a friend for coffee, they hadn't got together for a long time.

Cutting through Brookfield Place.

.

I got a haircut and then wandered up Yonge St. and happened upon two more of the new mural utility boxes.

Now I have 6 of 11 new boxes.

Painted by Elicser.

Vegetarian - in a food court.

FRIDAY

We headed to Montreal on the 11:40 train. It was fully booked as were the hotels in Montreal.

We grabbed a cab at Central Station as I had to book a hotel further east than usual, due to the race and the crazy hotel prices. We are in a Tru Hilton. 

Once we checked in John discovered he didn't have his phone. Sheer panic!!!!!!!! He realized it was probably in the cab. Did we know the cab company, no, we paid cash. So many we should haves etc. How to lock or cancel it. Everything we tried, wanted to send a verification code to his phone, which we don't have. We share a cellular account, but didn't want it screwing up mine as we were chatting to a chatbot or 
"virtual assistant", not usually the brightest. 

So we went to dinner and ended in a pizza/pasta place.

 When we left the hotel we told reception that we had lost a phone just in case someone found it. I don't normally turn my volume up but did in this case and I got a call from the hotel saying the driver had brought it back!!

We ended up chatting to the three people beside us, Americans from New York and New Hampshire. They had been on a cycling tour and were staying to see some of the races. They were NOT Trumpsters by any means and spoke about how ruined their country's reputation is around the world. One mentioned that he had been in Austria and Italy (cycling) recently and the amount of disdain he had encountered. 

I found a mural walking back to the hotel!

John was extremely happy to be reunited with his phone!

COOKING

Bremner St. Toronto ON

Saturday - curry chicken

Sunday - roast pork, potatoes and carrots

Monday - leftover roast pork, gravy, mashed potatoes and beans

Tuesday - ground lamb, Greek salad 

Wednesday - salmon, mashed potatoes and broccoli

Thursday - chicken quarters, roast potatoes and broccoli

Friday - Montreal pizza

I finally finished The Expats, interesting twists.

I also finished Kiss of Death, another Paul Finch. I do enjoy this series, I am reading out of order, it was a little slow at first but it certainly picked up!!!

Signs

 Joining Tom at Signs2

August 2026 - Toronto ON

I am intrigued by this place.

 This door belongs to a private coffee omakase room linked to The Brick Room on Temperance Street. It features a Japanese-inspired "coffee omakase" experience named Ichigo Ichie (one time, one meeting). It operates on a reservation-only, single-course-at-a-time storytelling format with a strict zero-electronics policy.

Main Header (Chinese/Japanese Characters)一期一会 

(Ichigo Ichie – Meaning: Once in a lifetime encounter)

SOME DOORS AREN'T MEANT TO BE OPENED BY CHANCE
THIS ONE LISTENS BEFORE IT WELCOMES
INSIDE
THE AIR IS QUIET, THE LIGHT MOVES GENTLY.
AND WHAT'S PLACED IN FRONT OF YOU WAS CHOSEN—NOT SERVED
EVERY GLASS, EVERY TEMPERATURE, EVERY FLAVOUR,
MEANT JUST FOR THIS MOMENT, JUST THIS SEASON, JUST YOU.
ONCE MET, NEVER REPEATED.
WE DON'T TAKE WALK-INS.
NOT BECAUSE WE'RE EXCLUSIVE—BUT BECAUSE WE'RE PRESENT.
YOU WON'T FIND A MENU HERE.

JUST A STORY,
TOLD ONE COURSE AT A TIME.
WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT, YOU'LL BE INVITED IN.

Tuesday Treasures

 Tom hosts Tuesday's Treasures.

August 2026 - Toronto ON

After the great fire of 1904 destroyed much of the city’s downtown core, renowned Canadian architect J.P. Hynes was commissioned by hotelier Fredrick Mossop to create one of the city’s first fireproof buildings.

In 1909, the 48-room, eight-storey gem—appropriately named the Hotel Mossop—opened to the public. ​​A respected architectural journal of the time called the Hotel Mossop “one of the most thoroughly constructed fireproof buildings in the Dominion.”

“The façade is of red pressed brick with cut stone piers and belt courses up to the third floor, and finished at the top story with arched opening which agreeably relieves the otherwise somewhat rigid and austere treatment of the windows.” — Construction, November 1909

The hotel was prosperous for many years, and even served as an emergency hospital during the flu pandemic in 1918, when hospitals were overflowing with sick patients. After facing difficult times during the Prohibition movement of the 1920s, the Hotel Mossop was forced to close in 1927.

This architectural gem was quickly snapped up by the Elliot Brothers, who refurbished and renovated the entire building—and renamed it the Hotel Victoria in tribute to the Queen.

1930s – 1970s: Wartime Hub & Transition

The hotel's liquor licenses were fully restored in 1935, making it a prominent hotspot for local business professionals and veterans.

During World War II, the hotel established the "Churchill Club" to raise money for the war effort, cementing it as one of the city's best-known landmarks for returning soldiers.

The hotel shifted into the "Phelan Era" when ownership changed hands again in 1971.

1980s – 2010s: Architectural Overhaul

Under the ownership of the Goldsmith family, the hotel's interior was dramatically altered. The original spiral staircase, old crank elevators, and dumbwaiters were removed for fire safety. The lobby was transformed into an airy atrium of steel and glass.

The property was purchased by the Silver Hotel Group in 1997. They executed an extensive historic restoration of the facade and guest rooms in 2011, intentionally preserving the original 1909 marble pillars and crown molding.

2020 – 2023: Shelter Operation & The Grand Reopening

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel paused commercial operations. The City of Toronto leased the building, and the multi-service agency Dixon Hall operated it as an emergency housing shelter for two and a half years.

The municipal shelter program at the site officially closed in February 2023. The building then underwent a massive top-to-bottom renovation to restore its boutique status.

The Hotel Victoria officially reopened to travelers in the summer of 2023 with completely modernized amenities, bold new interiors, and the addition of its current restaurant, Mossop's Social House (original hotel name).

If you look closely at the building's facade at 56 Yonge Street, the heritage designation protects its Edwardian Classical styling. This includes:The original 1909 structural setback and scale.Symmetric exterior brickwork drawn from antiquity.The original interior plasterwork and marble pillars preserved in the main lobby.

The Library Coffee

 Linking up with Marg at The Intrepid Reader

Weekend Coffee Share
Sunday Salon

Sherry's Pickings

T Stands for Tuesday

JULY 2026 RECAP for Weekend Coffee Share Monthly Wrap-Up

31 July 2026 - Toronto ON

DUNDAS ST. WEST TORONTO ON

LAST WEEK'S POST

SATURDAY

It was disappointing to see overcast skies this morning as I had plans to sit outside for a while.

I did some blog linkups which always lead to rabbit holes! I got a few posts prepared.

John tried to book another lunch this week, at a place that has been on my bucket list! Pai, a Michelin Guide restaurant, impossible to get a reservation in the near future! We'll try again.

John made French toast for lunch.

Evening cocktail - sample given last week. Coffee flavoured with a hint of cayenne.

Getting around town this weekend will be a nightmare with road closures along with GO trains and subway shut downs while there are major street festivals and a triathlon!! 

SUNDAY

One Word Sunday Water

Gardiner closed eastbound as the 13th annual Supertri Toronto returns to the city. 

Formerly known as the Toronto Triathlon Festival, the event will see thousands of athletes take part in a 1.5-kilometre swim, 40-kilometre bike ride and 10-kilometre run centered around Exhibition Place and portions of Lake Shore Boulevard West.

We took the subway to Bay St. and walked over to the Toronto Reference Library and were surprised that people were already lining up for Candlelight Tribute to Leonard Cohen, The audience was a mosaic of young and old Canadians.

I have posted many, many photos of the Reference Library, just click on Reference Library in the tags/links below this post.

I decided to do a post dedicated to the Reference Library, as it is a favourite of mine.

Program - Listeso String Quartet

Sisters of Mercy

So Long, Marianne

Suzanne

Tower of Love

I’m Your Man

Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye

Anthem

Take This Waltz

Everybody Knows

Master Song

Treaty

Hallelujah

Encore - Dance Me to the End of Love

We watched a 60 Minutes segment on Black female American artist Amy Sherarld and now we want to see an exhibit! There are no scheduled Canadian events.

MONDAY

Monday Mural

Foto Tunes

It is my birthday week so I can treat myself!!

After my haircut I walked up to the Eaton Centre. Some new dining options for us.

Another Japanese chain in the Eaton Centre.

Would you believed those large and medium "stuffed toys" are $400 each???

I decided to change up my lunch time eating and try something different. 

Meh, crepe was undercooked and gluey, I forgot to ask where the strawberries were from, judging by the lack of flavour, they certainly weren't local, in season berries.

I went to Simon's, Canadian department store, and treated myself to a good black zip up hoodie, more expensive than I would usually pay, yes, I'm cheap. I usually just get whatever from Winners (T J Maxx).

Walking back down Yonge St. There is a row of old bank buildings.

This was a Bank of Montreal BMO, I mentioned it a while ago.

Looking south towards a couple of banks, one is now the entrance to a condo, Massey Tower.

The neighboring historic branch at 205 Yonge Street was also built in 1905, functioning as a direct rival to the Canadian Bank of Commerce branch at 197 Yonge Street. Commissioned by the Bank of Toronto (which later merged to become TD Bank), this four-story neoclassical landmark stands directly across from the Toronto Eaton Centre.

It was designed by E.J. Lennox, the legendary Toronto architect behind iconic city landmarks like Old City Hall and Casa Loma.

I no sooner stepped into the elevator when the fire alarm sounded.

Another sample and hand towels I picked up at Simon's, not exactly the colour I wanted but they were on sale!

John had golf at 1 PM.

TUESDAY

T for Tuesday

Tuesday Treasures Analogue - Jinjer, check it out!

I got the fridge cleaned out properly. I froze some tomato paste, coconut milk and ganache.

I ordered some more reusable medium sized freezer bags.

In this morning's Toronto BlogTO, Lobster rolls are having a moment... Blue Claw are the worst! We go to Buster's in the financial district with plenty of seating unlike the crowded market location. And also a fellow blogger mentioned lobster rolls this morning!!!

I caught the 11:20 shuttle and met my BFF for lunch. I was hoping she would say lobster rolls! And she did!

So  we headed to Buster's for lunch, it is our favourite go-to lunch spot. OMG this was sooooo good, huge chunks of lobster!

I did pick up tomatoes (for tonight's dinner), strawberries (Ontario) and wraps. We also encountered the most unpleasant self-serve employee at Longo's!

WEDNESDAY

Signs - Chinatown

I took the streetcar after lunch, on a mission for several murals, to be featured at a later time!

I walked through Parkdale. Click here for a 2020 "sidewalk" of Parkdale that includes a link to a 2018 pre-pandemic stroll.

That mural is shown in the 2018 post.

I also took this photo in the 2020 post!

Parkdale Public Library globe is a prominent public art installation known as the World Peace Monument, featuring a large metal sphere designed to symbolize the multicultural diversity of the Parkdale neighborhood.  Erected in the mid-2005 era in collaboration with the Parkdale BIA and artist Peter Dykhuis.

It is placed right at the front entrance area of the library, which occupies the historic site of Parkdale's old town square.

I stepped inside. It is recognized for being Canada's very first branch to launch a musical instrument lending library, alongside its rich community history and specialized advocacy programming.

As well, the branch was long led by Dr. Rita Cox, a legendary Caribbean-Canadian storyteller, literacy pioneer, and community activist. She founded the Parkdale Project Read program here to support adult literacy.

I love the heritage buildings along this trendy stretch of Queen St. W.

Brunch here sounds intriguing.

I treated myself to a couple of new plants.

I finished Little Disasters, I kind of knew where it was going, but didn't see the complete conclusion coming!!!!

We're all caught up on Silo. 

We Tried watching Severance and couldn't make it through the first episode, so boring!

The series follows employees at Lumon Industries, a sinister biotechnology corporation, that have undergone "severance"—a procedure that splits a person's memories between work and their personal life. This creates two separate identities for employees: the "innie", who has no knowledge of the outside world, and the "outie", who lives their life outside without any knowledge of their job. Sounds good, doesn't it, and has great review ratings.

Now, Hijack (stylised as H/JACK) is a thriller television series with Idris Elba starring in the lead role, had us from the first minute!!! Sam, a talented business negotiator, must use his skills to broker a peaceful end to a hijacking of a seven-hour flight from Dubai to London.

THURSDAY

Our plans (mattress, McGrath, beavers) sifted completely! John chose burgers and I thought we should check out the Osgoode Hall free tour, since it is only offered in July and August.

Waiting for our bus on our patio.

Once we placed our order, John waited and I found us a shaded spot in the square.

Oklahoma Fried onion burgers was on my list to try so ✅.

I posted about this Gillie and Marc sculpture last February when it was unveiled. 

How was the burger? It was okay, smash burger, sweet fried onions, cheese and their "special" sauce. As John says, if I don't finish it, it doesn't make the mark. It was fine, nothing to write home about. It wouldn't be a go-to burger, not compared to Cabano's or Burger Priest.

We strolled up to Queen St. W. to Osgoode Hall. The tour was great, the police at the security check were great! I have too many photos for a weekly recap, the visit deserves its own post.

The prominent sculpture outside the Shangri-La Toronto at 188 University Avenue is titled Rising, created by renowned Shanghai-based contemporary artist Zhang Huan. Unveiled in May 2012, this monumental public art piece is valued at $5 million.  A massive, twisted stainless-steel tree branch-like structure emerging from a shallow reflecting pool, sweeping upward and swarming with a flock of polished steel doves.

The writhing, branch-like form resembles a mythical water dragon, while the surrounding doves represent world peace and the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature.

FRIDAY

My birthday!!! This is what we did last year.

I got flowers!!

We had reservations at Black and Blue, which we had tried during Winterlicious and really enjoyed it. We had decided that we won't order steak out as we really enjoy our steaks at home as well as prefer our own portion sizes, much smaller than restaurants!!

It is in the heart of the financial district, in fact, within the historic Design Exchange building (the city's historic Old Stock Exchange).

We shared the calamari, having learned that it is huge!

John - King Salmon roasted leeks, spinach, coconut cream sauce, herb oil - he had a choice of it being soft in the middle or more cooked, he took more cooked.

Me - Nigiri (with rice) Omakase (Omakase (お任せ) is a Japanese dining style meaning "I'll leave it up to you")

(8 pieces) king salmon, bluefin tuna, hamachi, scallop, BBQ eel, sea bream, shrimp

John had mentioned it was my birthday! Black + Blue Buttercake salted caramel sauce, white chocolate cream, fresh berries.

A great meal!

We are seriously thinking of coming for their Friday special burger (and fries) and beer $25!!!

We asked our server about the wagyu fried rice as John had read a glowing review but it wasn't on the menu. She said it is only served in the evening, but if you can in during Happy Hour you can always ask if they have it already made!

John had suggested having a cocktail and I had the perfect spot so we got on the subway to Avenue Rd and Bloor. I know, seriously, Avenue Road?? to the Park Hyatt. I had only been in the lobby for the spring Fleurs de Ville 2026.

Continuing with the book theme, The Writers' Room ✅

Writers Room is a reimagined interpretation of the revered rooftop bar's 50 years storied past, paying homage to the history of literary legends who shared moments in the space.

 I posted the drinks' menu separately.

John's cocktail

Damn, Fee Brothers are an American company. We do have Canadian equivalents. I will address that with the hotel.

The tobacco flavour came from a Fee Brothers' Turkish Tobacco, the bartender gave us a sample, and it tasted more like coffee to me. But then, I've never tried tobacco.

Cocktail Emporium (Toronto Locations) has a tobacco bitter.

Queen West: 972 Queen St W (Open daily 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM).

Kensington Market: 20 Kensington Ave (Open daily 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM).

Union Station: 65 Front St W (Open daily 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM).

Views from their balcony, looking directly south down University Ave. with the roof of the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) at bottom right - white pointy roof. University of Toronto on the right and Queen's Park in the middle.

We decided to walk back to the shuttle. Considering we weren't out for very long we got in 10,000 steps.

Queen's Park - more books! Word on the Street 2014 took place at Queen's Park.

Queen's Park is a historic 40-acre urban park and political center in downtown Toronto. Opened in 1860 by the Prince of Wales and named for Queen Victoria, it houses the Ontario Legislative Building and serves as a metonym for the Government of Ontario.

Interesting plaque, referring to the government's treatment of Indigenous children in residential schools.

The children's shoes at Queen's Park in Toronto were placed by the public at the base of the Sir John A. Macdonald Statue. Mourners left the tiny shoes to honor the children who died in Canada's residential school system, which Macdonald helped establish. The statue was kept inside a wooden box for five years after being vandalized in 2020, during which time the shoes accumulated as a silent memorial.

Click here more residential 2020 Toronto history.

University Ave AKA Hospital Row.

Outside the American Embassy.

COOKING

I used the roast pork bones to make a small stock.

Saturday - roast pork, roast potatoes, carrots and Brussel sprouts

Sunday - leftover hot pork, gravy, fries and peas

Monday - chicken curry with fries

Tuesday - Thai basil pork lettuce wraps

Wednesday - shepherd's pie leftover peas and corn

Thursday - Caesar salad and garlic toast (giant croutons)

Friday - out for lunch

READING

I borrowed Kitchens of the Great Midwest based on The Intrepid Reader's post.

I started a second Ruth Dugdall book, I am again intrigued by the strong female characters. The Sacrificial Man is the second in the Cate Austin, parole officer, series. This was a very interesting, disturbing story with a very intriguing ending!

One thing that bothers me in her books - proofreading! She refers to her daughter's new sibling as stepsister, she is her half-sister as they share a father!!

Constant referrals to her parent's house when it is her mother and father's house = parents' house!

Ten Things we don't know about Ruth Dugdall.