YEARLY RECAP 2024
JAN-DEC
TRAVEL
30 - days travelled St Louis - Las Vegas - Salt Lake City - Toledo. Lots of meals out
Gateway Arch St. Louis
Nevada Knights hockey game
Selfie Museum
Healing Garden
Area 15
Veterans' Memorial
Golf Las Vegas
Ole Red
Temple District Salt Lake City
Pappajohn Sculpture Park Des Moines
1 - in a lifetime! Total eclipse of the sun Toledo
3- days golfing Pike Lake
6 - Go Train including John’s first trip
2 - Montreal
1 - Stratford ON
TRAVEL PLANS MADE AND PARTIALLY PAID
Winter 2025 Palm Springs Las Vegas San Diego
Portugal 2025 package 50% and airfare paid
Ottawa 2025 downpayment
NEW SIGHTS TORONTO
The Well
CIBC Square
Fleurs de Ville - spring and winter exhibits
Waterworks
F1 Exhibit
Cookstown
Niagara Falls Power Station
MUSEUMS TORONTO
4 - AGO
1 - Textile Museum
3 - Reference Library
1 - 401 Richmond
2 - Market Gallery
1 - Hockey Hall of Fame
1 - Bata Shoe Museum
5 - THEATRE
1 - BLUE JAYS
MEALS OUT TORONTO - doesn’t include all as some weren’t worth noting
Wildfire
Tong Mein JB
Market St. Catch JM
Village Grange Karine's GF
Queen's Cross Curryiocity JB Lil Rebel JM
Aroma Indian
Bangkok Garden Thai
Film Cafe
Hazukido
Waterworks
Cluny
3 - Cabano’s Burgers BEST
Watering Can loved it
Cactus Club Cafe meh
Gatsby Windsor Hotel
Ole Tapas Mtl
Blue Bovine
Joey King
Lulu’s The Well
COFFEE
De Mello Coffee at The Well decent cappuccinos
Bevy at The Combine (CBC) very good flat whites
Dual Citizen Sheraton pumpkin latte and cappuccino - meh
Mizzica Queen St W on my own
Mr. Puff's Stockyards mocha yuck too sweet
Balzac's Reference Library flat whites delicious
Balzac's UP peanut butter mocha and flat white
Hotblack Coffee Queen St. W Egyptian coffee beans latte and cappuccino
Au Pain Dore Adelaide East macchiatos
Vesta Las Vegas NV
Cheyenne TX
Daily Dose Grand Island NE
Coco Yorkville Mocha too sweet but have gluten free pastries
Starbucks (many) Front St. and John St. strawberry creme Frappuccino
DRINKS
Mezcal
Basil Hayden bourbon
I made my first crème brûlée
John tried Greek dips
Arepas - twice nope
Pavlova
Paris Brest
Cod loin
Newfie Fries
Dosa - JB
BIG PURCHASES
Car
TV
Air purifier
Robot vacuum
JANUARY 2024
Sweet and Cosy
Saturday at least it isn't raining! We did some chores, bed changed, laundry and I even got rid of three food containers (went into turkey soup), and also froze some of the turkey stock.
Sunday NYE and we had crab legs for dinner.
New Year's Day and 2023's crossword finals.
John went for his regular eye appointment.
As of Sept. 2023, people aged 65 and older will be covered for one eye exam every 18 months, instead of one a year, unless they have a condition affecting their eyes such as macular degeneration, glaucoma or diabetes.
Adults between age 20 and 64 with lazy eye will no longer be covered for eye exams. People in that age range with strabismus — who are currently covered for eye exams — will now only be able to receive them through OHIP if the condition has a sudden onset.
Our bus driver told John he had a new spice mixture for me.
We checked out The Well, taking the Spadina streetcar there. It was a cold but finally sunny day!
According to UrbanToronto - The Well is the most ambitious mixed-use endeavor in Canada, located in the heart of Toronto’s west end. Bordering Front, Spadina, and Wellington, the design includes 1.1 million sq ft of office, 500,000 sq ft of retail and food services, and 1,700 residential units spread throughout six buildings connected to a 3-level retail base.
It is interesting to go through the slideshow at the website, it was a very sunny day when we were there but none was streaming through the building for us.
This photo is from UrbanToronto site.
All other photos are ours.
Running through the city block is the Spine, a new brick-paved street lined with three levels of retail and restaurants beneath a glass canopy that protects against the elements but allows fresh air and even some snow inside.
The market is not yet open, it will merit another visit, in warmer weather!
Considering how sunny it was out, we thought it was rather dark. It was also freezing, especially when we were on the second and third levels!! I would not like living here and having to put on a coat to grab a coffee!
The new Indigo book store was very nice!
We had coffee at De Mello's in the lobby.
The Toronto Telegram newspaper, once known as "The Old Lady of Melinda Street,” moved from its old, Victorian pile to a shiny, new, modernist building at 440 Front St. W. in 1963. Designed by Peter Dickinson’s successor firm, Webb Zerafa Menkes Housden, the long, sprawling, white-brick building must’ve looked as if a spaceship had landed in the old warehouse district.
After producing a million (or so) stories, the Telegram folded in 1971. For a few years, the building and equipment were leased to the Toronto Star before The Globe and Mail took ownership in 1974. From within those white-brick walls, Globe journalists would write a million more stories until 2016, when it would lock its big art deco doors (which had been relocated from the 1937 William H. Wright Building on King Street West) for the last time.
The doors were originally part of the Globe & Mail's east Toronto location (see below image), which were then relocated to this site during the construction of their new building in 1971, before being salvaged and rehabilitated yet again through the redevelopment of The Well.
We then went across the street to an LCBO that John had never been in before, he was very impressed with the selection!
A bottle of mezcal somehow made its way home with us, neither of us have ever tried it before.
When I went to Longo's on Friday I found that it was Buy One Get One free, so we will be making another trip or two!!
The bus driver brought this new spice for me.
COOKING
Saturday homemade turkey soup for lunch. Curry chicken for dinner. We found another two packages of chicken thighs in the freezer!
Sunday NYE I made the GF pound cake for the trifle. GF cheese biscuits
The Rock Harbour king crab legs were delicious! We had two bags of Toppit's snow crab legs, the first bag was sooooo salty, but the second was good. However, we agreed, the king crab were better.
Monday roast pork (No Frills $15 - too fatty) roast potatoes, mushy peas, mashed turnips, carrots and parsnips
Tuesday sweet and sour pork with rice
Wednesday short beef ribs stew with leftover vegetables
Thursday frozen gluten free haddock (Farm Boy) au gratin cauliflower
Friday steak, baked potato and broccolini
Propeller Coffee
January 2024 - Toronto ON
The Well Front St. Toronto
In a statement, the City of Toronto said there were two misspelled signs that were installed as part of more than 500 cycling signs in December 2023.
I finished up some leftover wool from last year's blanket, and made a small lap blanket that can go into the charity bag.
Dire weather warnings for Tuesday, that never happened. However, it is now forecasted for Friday night...
It was rainy and windy as I went downtown to meet an old friend (I hadn't seen in ages) for a long coffee break! It was fun catching up.
We decided to explore Toronto's independent coffee shops, trying a different one each week. So far, we are 2 for 2.
Our destination this week was Bevy at The Combine in the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the same as BBC or ABC) building. We cut through CBC as it was bloody cold out.
Miniature model of the building.
Schitt's Creek's motel sign! It was produced by CBC.
The Combine is a collaborative space dedicated to nurturing local creatives.
Although commonly confused for the short form of "beverage," the name "Bevy" according to its founder, Phil Song, is taken from the word meaning "a group of like-minded individuals."
Thursday was a foggy day, I had planned on going out but by lunchtime I felt like baking, so I tried a recipe I had pinned but never made, spice cake with a spicy mocha frosting. It is a little too sweet, would reduce sugar, increase spices and add more coffee to the icing.
Then I made a potato salad for dinner, after a 2 hour chat with my BFF!
Friday we did a quick jaunt to Longo's for weekend supplies.
COOKING
Saturday slow cooker pork loin, mashed potatoes and parsnips with broccolini. Leftover pork was lunch sandwiches.
Sunday Alfredo with spaghetti and bacon
Monday lamb chops, mashed potatoes and carrots
Beef keema (spice mix gifted by bus driver) and gluten free 2 ingredient naan. First time making this naan, I think I should have flattened it more as it was a bit thick and gummy. I will use this recipe next time - 3 ingredient naan.
Salt and vinegar potato chips haddock with fries and sliced tomatoes.
Thursday chicken tenders with dip. tomatoes and potato salad
Steak fajitas - these are the best gluten free tortillas!
Bevy
January 2024 - Toronto ON
Wellington St. Toronto
Well the rest of the city and surrounding areas woke to snow on Saturday but we had nothing, nada!
We did a good cleanup of the hall closet and got rid of scarves, reusable shopping bags and other stuff - 40 items into the charity bag and some garbage. I also "found" my new winter boots I bought last year and forgot about!
There is a large flashlight, broken humidifier and my old laptop (reconfigured to factory settings) to go to the loading dock for disposal.
It is a cold week!
Tuesday we went to Longo's because they had more BOGO (Buy One Get One free) items, broccoli, bags of onions.
Wednesday I wanted a McChicken so I bundled up and went to Union Station, from there I was curious about another exit and ended up in the new CIBC Square. This did not involve any outside junkets, it was all done inside.
I found this in an aisle in Union Station.
Cutting through the new bus terminal.
The 2024 National Hockey League All-Star Game is an upcoming National Hockey League All-Star Game, scheduled to be held on February 3 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, the home of the Toronto Maple Leafs. This will be the first year that the four-team, three-on-three format used since 2016 is combined with the "fantasy draft" format used from 2011 to 2015.
The NHL awarded Toronto as the host city of the game on February 3, 2024. This will be the first time since 2012 in Ottawa that a Canadian city was selected to host the game. This will be Toronto's ninth time hosting the NHL All-Star Game, including the first game in 1947.
Table Fare and Social in CIBC Square is on the 4th floor. It looks more like a swanky restaurant, with all the wood detail, soft lighting, sleek European furnishings and cosy booths. And in another departure from the time-honoured food-court tradition, it trades the usual basement digs for four storeys above ground, with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural light. There’s even a patio area so customers can take their trays for an alfresco lunch, a moot point in today's weather!
Click here to read more about Table.
This photo looks like a painting!
At the moment there is Thai street food at Chaiyo, smashing smash burgers at Friday Burger Co, belly-warming bowls of ramen at Misoya and cocktails at In Good Spirits, the hall’s full-service bar. Open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., Table is the place to have lunch with colleagues, grab a snack and hunker down over your laptop (there’s free Wi-Fi) or meet for after-work dinner and drinks.
We will be trying Chaiyo, as their noodles are gluten-free and John is wanting some noodle soup.
Getting lost in the bus station, I found these new murals, created by the acclaimed artistic duo Blue Republic. The artists created a series of shapes that speak to the universal experience of travel, a theme that best represents the inside of the building which is part of the larger Union Station transit hub. According to Blue Republic, the installation will engage viewers on multiple levels with lots to see and discover each and every time they catch their bus.
I took this shot of CIBC Square (red letters spell CIBC) from RBC Waterpark Place.
For this week's coffee date I chose the Sheraton Hotel so that we did not have to go outside in the chilly air, and there was a pop-up.
Reese Witherspoon opened the first Canadian location of her pop-up library in the lobby of a Toronto hotel.
Over the past several years, the Oscar-winning actress has expanded her scope of work with Reese's Book Club, her monthly book newsletter.
Now, the book club venture is growing even more, with the launch of Reese's Book Club Lobby Library, a series of pop-up library spaces in hotel lobbies carrying exclusively Reese's Book Club picks.
The lobby library venture kicked off in Los Angeles in October 2023, and is now headed north of the border, with the first Canadian location set to take up residence in the lobby of the Sheraton Centre.
The library won't just house books, though. It will also play host to a number of events during its one-month stint, like "Popcorn & Pages," and "Chapters & Charcuterie," as well as book discussions and author appearances.
At Dual Citizen, John had a pumpkin spiced latte while I had a cappuccino, meh, it was the best I've had. But there is great people watching sitting in a hotel lobby.
On the way back we found a Nadege bakery in the Richmond-Adelaide Centre and we were surprised that these pastries were gluten free.
Thank goodness for the PATH, it's perfect if it is too cold, too hot or too wet. You don't have to be afraid of your life due to impatient drivers!
Path (stylized as PATH) is a network of underground pedestrian tunnels, elevated walkways, and at-grade walkways connecting the office towers of Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It connects more than 70 buildings via 30 kilometres (19 mi) of tunnels, walkways, and shopping areas.
Click here for a large map of the entire network.
I've highlighted our destinations this week.
The green highlight is where we can enter the PATH, steps away from our bus stop.
The pink is CIBC Square that I checked out this week.
The yellow is the Sheraton Centre where we had coffee and saw the library pop-up.
COOKING
Saturday slow cooker pot roast lots of vegetables potatoes and Irish soda bread
Sunday chicken wings for lunch, the last package in the freezer and not enough for a dinner.
Leftover pot roast, mashed cauliflower parsnip potatoes, buttered carrots.
Monday pork belly bites roast potatoes and carrots
Tuesday hamburgers. John used the cast iron pan instead of the air fryer and they were good!
Wednesday chicken divan and Irish soda bread, cheesy and jalapenos. Broccolini was BOGO.
Thursday lamb chops potatoes and carrots. I used Nigella Lawson's Greek Lamb Chops and potatoes recipes but I also added garlic and oregano to the pan. She said cook for 60 minutes, I doubted this so went for 45 minutes. We felt that the chops were overcooked, so if I did it this way again, I would put the potatoes in for 45 minutes and then add the chops at the 30 minute mark.
Friday steak, baked potato and broccoli.
Dual Citizen
January 2024 - Toronto ON
We defrosted the old freezer and John looked at new models online.
I had my usual chatty chats with BFF and T on the weekend. It was too cold for anything else. Saturday was -15C (5F) wind chill of -23C (-9F).
Monday I went for a haircut and then to Longo's. I remembered to get a photo of the newly opened TD Terrace building.
This picture is for Jinjer The Intrepid Angeleno who lamented the lack of a PATH in LA in last week's post where I mentioned how far we can travel downtown without going outside.
John went out to lunch with a friend at the Judge and Jury (gluten free Monday) and he had a Reuben sandwich.
Tuesday John woke with a sore throat so I did a quick trip downtown to stock up on cold items.
Wednesday John slept until noon! So I spent the morning on my laptop, reading this and that, did Wordle and the puzzle so as to not make any noise.
He isn't coughing as much, it is more a head cold. I made tomato soup for lunch. John spent the rest of the day dosing on and off for the rest of the day. I did a quick run to pick up some vegetables.
Thursday and I might be fighting off his cold, fingers crossed so we had a very low key day. John had a nice nap in the afternoon.
Friday John felt a little better (still coughing) and I'm not bad, a little lethargic and scratchy throat and runny nose but that's about it. Another lazy day.
COOKING
I baked a carrot cake and I iced it with this maple cream cheese frosting. I had to bake it for an additional 25 minutes. Delicious frosting but note to self - use the whipping attachment! Note 2 to self - add chia seeds!
Saturday roast beef roast potatoes and Brussel sprouts
Sunday leftover roast beef sesame beef Thai dinner with rice noodles. This recipe's suggestion that you cut the leftover roast beef into very thin slices and marinade them made for an incredibly delicious meal, only slightly too salty from the soy sauce.
First time using these wider noodles and they needed more than the 4-8 minutes cooking time recommended on the package. These are great as a gluten free solution that don't cost an arm and a leg.
Monday OMG John suggested fish so we had salt and vinegar potato chip haddock with a ranch buffalo salad kit.
Tuesday I did fish tacos with the extra fish and salad. Yeah, us, we finished the package of tortillas!
Wednesday bacon, mashed potatoes and sauteed cabbage.
Thursday was the same as Wednesday, not much interest in coming up with something else.
Steak and sweet potato fries.
FEBRUARY 2024
Uncoffee
February 2024
Union Station Toronto ON
Saturday was another foggy day much like John and I. His cold is worse than mine, he still has a slight cough and having little naps.
Monday John was able to get a same-day appointment with the dentist for his sinuses, turns out it has nothing to do with the implants, the doctor compared current x-rays to two years ago and there is no change. He does have a February appointment with a NET specialist (cancelled from January 17 - a runaround). He did get a prescription.
I did some shopping but didn't buy anything. I see the All Star players are likely staying at the Royal York, they can walk to the Scotiabank Arena LOL.
I think this was the first sunset of 2024!
Tuesday John did a Costco run, it has been a while. We are not buying any meat in bulk, as the other freezer has been emptied.
We then went to The Stockyards, Winners, Homesense and Marshall's and didn't spend a penny.
I only took photos in Nations, a multicultural grocery store.
A large selection of Indian spices, I have some of these courtesy of our bus driver.
The aisle of spices!
Moonfish. Baby parrot fish
Splendid ponyfish. That dreaded smelly fruit, frozen durian.
Always wondered where I could get banana leaves, they also had frozen lemon grass! Duck eggs.
We had to double up on coffee dates this week so we stopped at Mr. Puff's Dessert Bar. Not impressive, would prefer a real cup. Mocha, too sweet and we declined any sugar!
UPDATE We never did another coffee date this week.
Don't know how it happened, John put his neck massager in the microwave and then I smelled something funny so I checked and it said it still had 6 minutes to go??? I turned it off, John then came and said what's burning? We threw it in the sink and watered it down.
I went to College Park and yet again, didn't buy anything! I took this photo on Front St, RBC.
I also took the #Uncoffee photo above.
Wednesday I had my opthamologist appointment, my doctor of 30+ years has retired so I met a new doctor, she was pleasant and efficient but certainly no chit chat!
On my way to the subway. Samsung AI.
All Star Hockey fever!
Yonge and Davisville
After a very gloomy Thursday, Friday was gorgeous, February 2, and it felt like spring. More hockey fever, there were events taking place for a few days.
We went to lunch. Winterlicious is hosted by the City of Toronto to encourage people to brave the weather and the after Christmas blues to try local restaurants offering three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at more than 200 local restaurants.
We chose Wild Fire in the Cosmopolitan Hotel.
The hostess was delightful.
Our appetisers were good, other than a terrible server. Calamari for me and John had the grilled Caesar salad.
We didn't take photos of our mains. John enjoyed his pork ribs but I hated my cheesesteak, the meat was tough and the smoky BBQ had been smeared on my bread, yuck. I did tell the hostess about it. Dessert was included so we said we'd take it to go, she gave us an extra cheesecake.
In retrospect, we should have chosen the steak, it would have been better value for the fixed price. We didn't choose it because it was 10 oz, which is too much meat for either of us, but we could have had it boxed.
Cutting through Brookfield Place.
COOKING
Saturday roast pork tenderloin mashed sweet and white potatoes and turnips
Sunday leftover roast pork sweet potato oven fries (to improve on Friday's)
Monday lazy cabbage rolls
Tuesday rotisserie chicken nachos
Wednesday leftover lazy cabbage rolls
Thursday ham, mashed potatoes and broccolini
Friday dessert from lunch
Daily Dose Coffee
February 2024
John St. Toronto
We had our usual lazy weekend.
The fire alarm went off on Monday morning so we quickly put some clothes on, you never know, but it was a false alarm on the 21st floor. After that we never did go out.
John used the golf simulator on Tuesday and Thursday.
Tuesday we went to find a new mural, it was posted on Monday.
On the wall of the reference library.
Balzac's is a local coffee chain with 16 Ontario locations. Named after the famous French novelist and famed coffee drinker Honoré de Balzac, the cafes serve conventional and fair trade blends, as well as espressos, hot chocolate and a variety of cold beverages. Each Balzac's Coffee location has commissioned a café poster unique to the community it serves.
We had coffee in the reference library location.
This was the best flat white we've had.
I would love to know the story behind the other sign at the bottom left.
The Gallery had a display celebrating Osborne 75.
You can also click here to watch this video.
There are 11 children's stories in this made for Toronto image, can you find them?
The building is the Lillian H. Smith Library on College St. which houses the large Osborne collection of children's books, click here.
Wednesday we went to see The Book of Mormon at the Princess of Wales Theatre on King St. West. It was wickedly funny!
On the bus heading home.
Thursday John did a grocery run to Metro. I went shopping and bought nothing, again!
Need to find your way around Union Station, check out TD's Wayfinder.
Royal York Hotel
Citigroup building Front St.
Friday's weather was incredible, as per this headline!
Toronto broke an 86-year-old weather record on Friday as temperatures climbed above 13 C during an unseasonably warm February.
So I went for a walk while John checked out golf putters at Golftown.
Roy Thomson Hall
Simcoe St. at King looking north .
Queen St. West
I stopped for coffee.
John St. and Adelaide. How warm was it? I saw a couple of guys having a beer on a patio!
These gluten free cookies are so good but the British store I order them from charges $8, I got these from Amazon for $6.
Funny sky on Friday afternoon.
COOKING
Saturday ham, au gratin potatoes and broccolini
Sunday Steak frites and dipping sauce
Monday ham, mashed turnips and carrots and leftover au gratin potatoes
Tuesday ham ( I know, I know) fried potatoes and egg
Wednesday chicken curry
Thursday haddock and chips
Friday steak and mushrooms
Coffee Exchange
February 2024
Village by the Grange McCaul St. Toronto
Another quiet weekend. We had a video chat with John's son and grandson in Montreal. John's granddaughter has tickets for Taylor Swift's November Toronto concert and hotel prices are insane but I was able to book a hotel suite for her here in our building.
Superbowl Sunday
Click here to see the murals we saw last week at the Reference Library.
Monday did not turn out as planned. When John got up he had an alert from our bank that he was overdrawn as a $26,000 debit had been processed. He immediately contacted the company that had processed it, and they said they had no idea and would need to investigate. He immediately called our branch (voice mail, of course). Then called the fraud department who "red flagged" it and suggested visiting the branch. Plans changed and we headed down there. We were shown to the manager who promptly reversed the charge and promised he would monitor it for any NSF or overdraft fees which he would immediately reverse.
Tuesday we received an email from the processing company that basically said "to ALL OUR ESTEEMED CUSTOMERS due to a system glitch blah blah. We will cover any charges you incurred as well as a monetary compensation". PHEW! The monetary compensation was a whopping $25, that doesn't even start to cover the cost of all the manpower involved in investigating and fixing the problem.
While we were waiting I snapped this mail truck. Canada Post launched a new commemorative stamp to honour the legendary Salome Bey. Fans of the acclaimed singer know her as Canada’s First Lady of the Blues.
Tuesday John used the golf simulator. I went to Longo's and snapped some Valentine photos.
It's February, girl, in Canada. She obviously lives in one of the condos along the PATH.
These flowers were going fast when I came in here on Valentine's Day.
Union Station has a new display.
I came out of Union onto Front St. this was the view to the right.
And to my left, it looked like snow clouds. It never did happen.
Not sure what this is with its right hand drive.
Wednesday Valentine's Day the office tower where we wait for the bus was giving out candies.These were so good I had to google them. Mary's Brigadieros are on Danforth and Woodbine.
John brought two boxes of chocolates home.
We replaced our coffee pot as the old one had started to overflow, that is, not stopping when the mug was full.
Thursday we were promised a snowstorm...I went to Longo's to stock up just in case.
It was very wet snow and didn't amount to much.
Friday morning.
We had loose plans to go to the museum, but got lazy and just went out for coffee in the afternoon instead.
We did another Balzac's, this time in the UP Union to Pearson train station. John had the peanut butter mocha and I had a flat white.
Interesting e-sim cards.
Blue Bovine is a new steak and sushi restaurant to open next week in Union Station. UPDATE I booked it for my birthday lunch!
COOKING
Saturday stuffed roast chicken, roast potatoes and mashed turnips and carrots. This was a $9 chicken from Metro, we also had leftovers for breakfast and lunches. The bones were then used for soup.
Sunday SUPERBOWL chilli with baguette.
Monday quiche
Tuesday hamburger patties, gravy, mashed potatoes and beans
Wednesday Spaghetti Alfredo with prosciutto, Caesar salad (John made) and my first ever creme brulee ✅ it's been on my to do list
(I forgot to take a picture) it was very good.
Thursday chicken tenders with honey mustard dipping sauce and Caesar salad.
Friday steak and loaded baked potato (cheese, broccoli, sour cream)
Balzac's
February 2024
Distillery District
Saturday I had a reminder email from NEXUS to renew my card. NEXUS is designed to speed up border crossings into Canada and the United States (U.S.) for low-risk, pre-approved travellers. It is jointly run by the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. UPDATE I received my new card at the end of June.
Of course, they changed their online website and forms. As I am navigating through it John is questioning where his card is. We searched the house, and he went down to the car, nada. So he starts the lost card process...
I then, smugly say mine is in my wallet, eh, no, it isn't....
After some searching, I think, hmmm, did we take them with us when we were going to the Yukon in August as we had thought we might go into Alaska??? I checked the purse I used (last time I used it) and sure enough it was in there.
That made John check his drawer again, he found it in his old wallet.
Then I was going to make my Guinness lamb shanks, oh, we don't have any dark beer!!! AHA I found one lonely Guinness.
We ended up decluttering the travel box, why did we have a gazillion American grocery loyalty cards? And why did we keep a bazillion foreign SIM cards? Decluttered!
Sunday we rotated our mattress (exciting days!), well, John did as it is heavy. Why can't we flip mattresses anymore? If a mattress cannot be flipped then the manufacturer can save money by putting less expensive cushions, covering and quilting on the bottom side.
I wanted to put a new mattress cover on so it was a good time to rotate.
I had a very productive day for a holiday Monday. I repotted some plants which led to dirt everywhere that had to be cleaned up, refilled by spice jars, which also makes a mess and made a pumpkin cheesecake. I had just finished lecturing on the proper way to bake, reading the recipe etc. and I put an extra egg in the cheesecake! I had three in my head because I was thinking of making creme brulee. It turned out fine.
I opened this can first, expiry date 2025, I threw it out as I didn't like that black spot.
I usually order John's gluten free bread from Promise but they no longer offer free shipping over $100. I checked prices on Amazon and can do better with no shipping fees and it arrives the next day. Also the Schar's baguettes are a much better price.
I used my last gluten free graham crust in the pumpkin pie. I looked at Amazon and found I could get a dozen at a unit price of $4.40. My best price at a grocery store is $6.49.
It must be spring! The pigeons are back looking for nesting sites. This causes a lot of bad language here.
Tuesday we headed to an early dinner at Libretto's pizza. We still had a $50 gift card.
We went to the 7:30 performance but I took this photo last week. We waited in this little lounge off the lobby.
Excellent production, no intermission, just 80 minutes of pure energy.
SIX is a new original musical with book, music and lyrics by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. It is a modern retelling of the six wives of Henry VIII presented as a pop concert, as the Queens take turns singing and telling their stories to see who suffered the most due to Henry and should, therefore, become the group’s lead singer. But not everything goes according to plan and along the way they discover something even more valuable, reclaiming their own narrative and remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an exuberant celebration of 21st century girl power!
Click here if the video doesn't work SIX.
We Uber'd home.
Wednesday I did some wandering before getting my hair trimmed.
When an opportunity presented itself for Liberty to open a fine dining spot in Toronto’s business district, the two metaphorically grabbed the bull by the horns. They are now at the helm of the Blue Bovine Steak and Sushi House, situated in the newly revitalized Union Station.
The massive bull at the entrance of the restaurant, Nadia Di Donato said the bull weighs around 1,500 lbs., was meticulously hand-sculpted under her supervision, and is set to serve as “Toronto’s own rendition” of Wall Street’s famed Charging Bull.
The steps of the former Commercial/ Merchant/ Bank of Montreal and now RBC Dominion Securities building inside Brookfield Place.
Built around the crystal cathedral of Brookfield Place and around all the modern new buildings is the façade of the little bank. The building was built in 1845 by William Thomas who also designed St. Mike’s Cathedral, St. Lawrence Hall and the Don Jail. The building first housed the Commercial bank which was based out of Kingston, Ontario. The bank did not survive and the building became the home of the Merchant Bank of Canada in 1868. However that bank also did not survive and then the building housed the Bank Of Montreal. It is unknown when the bank left the building, but one report suggests around World War Two, when Clarkson, Gordon and Dilworth moved into the building until 1969. Afterwards the history of this building seems to be lost.
Eventually the building was restored to its former glory. Now the building is not where it was before. In fact it sat on 13-15 Wellington Street. The façade was taken apart and relocated to where it is today inside Brookfield Place.
Walking up Yonge St.
And this is what I was looking for! 36 Toronto St. Excelsior Life Building / Millichamps Building. Millichamp address was 39 Adelaide and the Excelsior Life Building is 36 Toronto St.
In 1986-1987, the 1914 Lennox Building and the 1874 Millichamp Building were added to with a new structure which included an atrium between the two of them. This property’s contribution lies in its historic role in the establishment of Toronto Street as a corporate and financial hub in the late 19th and early 20th century, and its historic association with prominent early 20th century Toronto architect E.J. Lennox. The structures contribute to the physical character of the District through their Italianate architectural detailing and the transition they provide between the contemporary Financial District and the St. Lawrence neighbourhood.
The source for these two photos is the Toronto Heritage Registrar.
With the atrium the building now has the address of 36 Toronto St. although it is really on Adelaide.
This 11-storey building, designed by prominent Toronto architect E. J. Lennox, was the tallest building on the block at the time of construction. It was named after the Excelsior Life Insurance Company, whose offices were located within. It replaced the Union Block, a Second Empire-style office building that stood here from 1873 to 1914. Its exterior is constructed of terracotta stone with a granite base and is designed in the Classical Italianate style, with decorative columns near the top. A reconstruction project by Strong Associates in 1987 connected it to the Millichamp Building via a glass atrium.
Suspended Stairway 1986 by Joshua Kalfa.Spanning across the expansive atrium of 36 Toronto Street, the work of art depicts giant bronze women climbing the staircase (also bronze) suspended in air.
Corporate career ladder? Glass ceiling for women? Or take the stairs??
Kalfa, a Toronto-based artist, works with steel to create his works, often depicting animals or mundane human scenes (a man on a bench, clothes drying on a line) through his unique artistic eye.
And directly across the street is this building.
This building was the headquarters of the Consumers’ Gas Company for 125 years. It was built in stages between 1852 and 1899 on what was one of Toronto’s principal financial streets. Architect Joseph Sheard designed the first building at 17 Toronto Street and 24 years later, architect David Brash Dick designed an addition at 19 Toronto Street. In 1899, Dick unified the appearance of the buildings with a Renaissance Revival-style façade that included Corinthian pilasters, ornate windows, and columns made of granite from the Bay of Fundy. The ground-floor hall, decorated with an intricate mosaic floor and brass teller’s cages, was a customer service area. Offices were located on the upper floors. The Consumers’ Gas Company initially provided Toronto with street lighting; in 1879, it expanded to serve homes and businesses as well. After the Consumers’ Gas Company moved in 1977, the structure deteriorated. In 1983, it was renovated by the architecture firm Stone & Kohn.
The building currently houses Don Alfonso 1890 Italian Restaurant; and Rosewater Room the award-winning event venue by Liberty Entertainment Group, the same group as mentioned above with the bull!
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Thursday we had a maintenance appointment for the air coil system (controls heat and air conditioning) with a window of 9-1 and they came at 12:30. Yeah, he also fixed the temperature to Celsius.
Then we both ran some errands.
Friday we decided to go to the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) as it was 8C and sunny. We have had an incredible February. However, when we got there it was too busy so we went for coffee instead.
Walking down St. Patrick, we don't usually. We both remembered driving here during the pandemic when we were looking at weird houses, that the half house was on this street. Click here to see that weird house.
This week's coffee spot, Hotblack Coffee on Queen St. W.
The barista suggested the Ethiopian ethically sourced beans, in a latte and a cappuccino. They were good, very smooth.
Hollywood Hi cannabis shop.
Saving the facade of an old bank building. This photo of the CIBC on the northwest corner of Simcoe and Queen Street West was taken on August 23, 1931.
The impressive building was completed in 1930, a year after the great Wall Street crash. However, the designs for it were created prior to the economic crisis, its restrained but rich architecture a testament to the prosperous decade of the 1920s. It was constructed on the site of the Harris Hotel, an unpretentious hostelry that was demolished to provide a site for the bank.
We cut through the lobby of the very swanky Shangri-La Hotel.
WTF? It was beautiful out today but coming home the winds picked up and we now have a
this from the management office. It is expected to feel like -20C with the wind chill.
So -12C then Tuesday's forecast is 12C, a 24 degree difference!
COOKING
Saturday slow cooker lamb shanks in Guinness with mashed potatoes and carrots/turnips
Shrimp and egg-free Caesar salad dressing. These shrimp were cleaned and cooked from Longo's and were delicious. I even made a shrimp salad sandwich (like a lobster roll) for lunch. Then I remembered I should have made it like a UK prawn sandwich.
I did make a soda bread that was inedible, I didn't have enough milk and read that I could substitute heavy (whipping) cream and water in equal parts, I don't think this worked. But I also had used a new gluten free flour I had ordered so....
Monday chicken divan to use up the broccoli
Tuesday dinner out pizza Libretto image above
Wednesday shake and bake pork chops ($2.50 10 ounce chop Metro) mashed potatoes and broccoli
Thursday Asian pork lettuce wraps
Friday stuffed flank steak (delicious) with roasted potatoes and broccolini
MARCH 2024
Jacked Up Coffee
March 2024 - Toronto ON
Yorkville Toronto ON
The weekend passed in a blur. Several loads of laundry got done, some housework. Tidied up some dresser drawers. John did some plumbing maintenance.
I made two loaves of pumpkin cranberry bread, guacamole, chimichurri.
The bread took forever to bake, I finally cut it in half to get done.
I worked on some upcoming blogs, did more photo editing etc.
We finally had a nice sunset.
Monday's mural was taken earlier this month.
On Monday I went shopping in the Eaton Centre. This mural was in a new store.
It was a nice day for posing!
I bought this baby (boy) gift for one of our concierges.
Tuesday we had thunder and lightning storms and even hail in some spots. John did a trip to the charity shop with two bags.
In the Chef's Hall.
I bought a box of gluten free brigadeiros that I had sampled last week. They are very good but on the pricey side.
Bus driver brought me another curry to try.
Wednesday John had a couple of appointments so I met him for lunch in the new Scotia Plaza Market Eatery. John tried Tong Mein, a gluten free Asian place, he had the jerk beef salad noodle bowl, he wasn't very impressed with it. I tried the crab cakes from Market Street Catch.
Wednesday's temperature went from a warm day to a drop of 10C degrees in 15 minutes! Then the winds came.
Thursday morning was extremely cold and we had planned on going for breakfast and then to the AGO, but it was too cold so we had breakfast and took a walk to CIBC Square where I had been a couple of weeks ago.
We stepped outside for a different view of the city. CIBC is building another tower.
Alas TD, you have lost U!
Chilly outing for these beauties on York St.
Friday John went to Service Ontario to renew his health card, he couldn't renew online for some strange reason. Then he took his golf clubs to be regripped and picked up some groceries.
We headed downtown for our weekly coffee date.
I had a destination in mind and wanted to show John the sculpture and building I found last week.
Click on photo to get the full impact of the staircase and reflection.
We found another coffee shop that was not on my list, Au Pain Doré on Adelaide.
We stepped out of our usual comfort zone and ordered macchiatos. It would have been nice if they had served it in a proper espresso cup.
It would be a great place to have a croissant or sandwich on a baguette.
Caffè macchiato, sometimes called espresso macchiato, is an espresso coffee drink with a small amount of milk, usually foamed. In Italian, macchiato means "stained" or "spotted", so the literal translation of caffè macchiato is "stained coffee" or "marked coffee".
John's new emoji! Note the neon cafe sign reflection. Sadly, he lost this cap.
I cannot believe John's replacement Nexus card arrived today, a week after submitting a request.
COOKING
Saturday leftover flank steak, gravy, and foiled baked potatoes, onions and peppers.
Sunday John suggested steak frites
Monday pork chops mashed potato/turnip.carrots and broccolini
Tuesday curry chicken using the Chief curry mix, we didn't find it very spicy, I added additional spices.
Wednesday bacon, eggs and rosti. No bacon, we forgot it in the oven!! Rosti - note to self let the shredded potatoes soak in cold water until ready to pat dry and cook.
Thursday coconut shrimp curry using the new mix with rice and broccolini. This was a good recipe and the fish masala was good too.
Friday steak and loaded baked potatoes.
Goldstruck
March 2024 - Toronto ON
We started collecting items for our road trip. I cleaned up some house plants.
My new crossbody bag arrived and I am pleased with it.
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Slim Double Zip Crossbody Bag Messenger Bag. Roomy compartment has RFID blocking card and passport slots, open top pocket, zippered wall pocket and tethered key clip with led light patent.
Monday's Mural at John and King.
What a gorgeous day, it is time to stop wearing the big winter coat! Toronto broke a 50 year old record with a temperature of 16C or 61F!!!
Tuesday is expected to be 17C with thunderstorms predicted.
I did some shopping and John had a dental appointment.
John started planning our road trip route and I booked some hotels. We finalized our hotels for the way there.
We will leave on Monday March 11 and take 6 days to get there, spending 2 nights in St. Louis.
Our reservation in Las Vegas is from March 17-31. We don't have a firm plan for the trip home as yet.
Tuesday started out sunny, I even saw some people out catching some rays!
John did a Costco run for a few items to take away, coffee, water, energy bars, always good to have in the car on a road trip. I ordered a couple of flashlights as well.
I thought this was a good deal yesterday at Rexall 5 toothbrushes on sale 25% off at $42 before taxes. I then found 20 TWENTY for $16 (including tax) on Amazon!
I also got flashlights, ours had all died.
John's new putter also arrived.
Wednesday I went for a mani-pedi then did some groceries for the rest of the week. John used the golf simulator.
On my way to mani-pedi. Spring is here!
On the bus going downtown.
Thursday we caught the 9AM bus and went for breakfast at the Village Grange food court.
I had an egg McMuffin and John went to Karine's, a gluten free spot.
Then the AGO.
We saw most of the exhibits.
Indigenous people lived on the land we now call Canada long before paper money was even invented, but an Indigenous person has never before been honoured on a banknote.
The Native Women’s Association of Canada launched “Change the Bill”, a campaign aiming to get an Indigenous woman on the $20 bill.
I will only put the highlights of each exhibit here, as I did a photo loaded post.
Click here to see the AGO website for Life Between Islands.
Making its way across the Atlantic to the AGO from Tate Britain, Life Between Islands: Caribbean-British Art, 1950s–Now examines the relationship between the Caribbean and Britain and reconsiders British art history in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries from a Caribbean perspective.
1948 The British Nationality Act allows everyone born in Britain or its Empire to become a ‘Citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies’. The act encourages Caribbean people to move to the UK to address labour shortages and help facilitate postwar reconstruction and the building of the welfare state. HMT Empire Windrush docks in London carrying 800 Caribbean passengers. Many find work in the NHS and for the train and bus services. Those who emigrated from the Caribbean to Britain between 1948 and 1971 became known as the Windrush generation.
The elevator is part of the Keith Haring exhibit.
Keith Haring’s style of art is one of the most recognizable in the world. The American-born contemporary artist was known for his bold drawings and paintings and continue to be popular even after his passing. Exhibitions of Haring’s work attract audiences of all ages around the world.
The exhibition celebrates Keith Haring’s creativity and activism. It also offers insight into the artist as a person. Haring’s archival materials play a key part in understanding what inspired him and acts as a thread not just through his art but his activism. Haring participated in anti-nuclear, anti-Apartheid demonstrations, and AIDS activism.
This exhibit is the only Canadian stop on this tour.
Click here for the AGO detailed post.
UPDATE - we would see more of his work in Des Moines Iowa in April.
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From there we went a totally different route.
From the Bader Collection at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, the AGO welcomes a remarkable selection of seventeenth century Dutch paintings. Shown in dialogue with paintings from the AGO’s European Collection of Art, at the centre of this focused installation are seven artworks attributed to Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669), shown together for the first time.
This was the exhibit I really wanted to see!
The last exhibit I had already seen last year, but John hadn't.
John took this from the AGO.
We went for coffee at The Library.
Friday we each ran some errands and I got my hair cut.
We got some techie things resolved. Both our cameras on our phones were making a clicking sound when taking photos, solved that. Then John's camera was taking motion photos, I solved that. I finally got the VPN setting on my laptop to automatically connect!
We're also gathering items for our trip, John's clubs are packed up.
COOKING
Saturday roast pork, potatoes and carrots
Sunday slow cooker ribs and fries
Monday sweet and sour pork leftover
Tuesday shrimp salad with hard-boiled eggs and homemade soda bread.
Wednesday lamb chops, mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts.
Thursday hamburger patty, mashed potatoes, gravy and beans.
Steak and fried mushrooms.
Casey Coffee Co.
March 2024 - Toronto ON - Amarillo TX
Casey Indiana
Saturday and Sunday were busy getting the car packed up with golf clubs, suitcases, workout and overnight bags. Computer bag with all the chargers, external hard drive, and I decided to take my SLR camera.
The overnight and computer bags will be taken into the hotels on the drive. We will take the cooler.
Fridge had to be cleared out. Bread and milk put in the freezer.
We will also take a lunch for Monday.
Well, that was interesting! We don't tend to lock our unit door during the day. I was in the bedroom and heard it open, I thought it might have been John, until I heard a voice say sorry. We both rushed to the door and John saw Bob, a neighbour who said, sorry, was daydreaming. Really?? He lives diagonally (catty-corner is often heard in the UK. Kitty-corner is common in the US and Canada) opposite to us. Therefore when he gets off the elevator he turns left and we turn right, plus we are right next to the elevators. We'll be locking it from now on.
Losing that hour was still a shock to me when I got up. I hate losing it!!
BUT we end up gaining two hours this week, one in Illinois and another in Amarillo Texas!!
We finally sat down on Sunday around 4 (damn lost hour)!
Monday Mural Toronto taken in February.
Monday we had breakfast, tidied up and were on the road by 8:45. Click here for the day's recap from Toronto to Fort Wayne IN.
After crossing the border we drove through Michigan and then into Indiana.
We checked into the Wyndham Fort Wayne IN around 4:15. Dinner in the tiny bar with BIG portions and good prices.
This was our replacement room after we didn't like #234 at Wyndham.
Here is the detailed account of our drive on Tuesday from Fort Wayne to St. Louis MO.
Considering the drive we still managed to get in 9,400 steps.
There will be some photo repeats. Coffee in the hotel in Fort Wayne, the breakfast was awful.
Cracker Barrels are the best places on a road trip. Clean bathrooms, good food and prices and shopping. Exit 203 on I-69 Indiana.
And we HAD to buy some Goo Goo Clusters! Click here to visit the Goo Goo store in Nashville.
Back on the road we made a stop in Casey Indiana. I knew we had been to Casey before because of the World's largest wind chime. However I was thinking of the Casey Jones attraction in Jackson TN.
What a pleasure, we took off our coats!
Wind Chimes
Visiting Casey, Illinois, is like stepping into an episode of the old television series Land of the Giants or into the movie Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. The town of about 3,000 boasts some of the world’s largest attractions, larger-than-life items created by local Jim Bolin to help attract visitors to his community.
Located almost halfway between Saint Louis and Indianapolis along Interstate 70, Casey (pronounced KAY-zee) was once primarily a gas stop and a spot for travelers to stretch their legs. Today, it hosts thousands of visitors eager to see the world’s largest wind chime, rocking chair, and mailbox, among other unique attractions. What started with the 48-foot-tall wind chime in 2011 has grown to become an entire collection of Guinness World Records sights.
Barber pole, Mailbox, Rocker.
Giant taco built in 2021 by JalCraft in Mexico. Taco is 16 ft long and weighs about 3,500 pounds.
This little piggy weighs in at 450 pounds.
From there we drove to St. Louis as John had plans to meet his daughter and family for a hockey game at 4:30.
We checked in at 3 PM, thanks to gaining an hour. John decided not to go to hockey as his grandson wasn't playing but might on Wednesday so he changed it.
We simply changed our plans and headed out in the gorgeous weather to sightsee.
The Gateway Arch National Park, formerly named Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, is a downtown St. Louis oasis. Amid the beautifully forested surroundings found within one of the few urban national parks west of the Mississippi River.
In 1948, a nationwide design competition determined what shape the Memorial would take, and in 1963, construction began on architect Eero Saarinen’s design for a stainless steel arch. Completed in 1965, the Gateway Arch stands as a symbol of national identity and an iconic example of mid-century modern design.
Can you see me???
John, proving it is shorts weather!
Then we decided to find the Ballpark Village.
Ballpark Village is the premiere dining and entertainment district in the region. Located in the heart of St. Louis' central business district adjacent to Busch Stadium, Ballpark Village is the first-ever, sports-anchored, multi-phased/mixed-use development.
There were more of these statues.
This was thirsty work!
"Olly olly oxen free" is a catchphrase or truce term used in children's games such as hide and seek, capture the flag, and kick the can to indicate that players who are hiding can come out into the open without losing the game or that the position of the sides in a game has changed (as in which side is on the field or which side is at bat or "up" in baseball or kickball); alternatively, that the game is entirely over.
The origin of the phrase is unknown. The Dictionary of American Regional English says the phrase may be derived from all ye, all ye outs in free, all the outs in free, or possibly ”calling all the outs in free”; in other words, all who are out may come in without penalty. Others speculate the phrase may be a corruption of a hypothetical and ungrammatical German phrase alle, alle, auch sind frei (all, all, also are free).
The Hilton Pennywell, gorgeous hotel, however valet parking is $48 a day!! Yikes! But I did book one night on points, we got upgraded and got 2 $30 vouchers to spend in the hotel. As well, at dinner, the server was new and couldn't get the cork out of the bottle so she gave us a more expensive wine with a screw top!!!
It used to be a bank.
Wednesday we headed out around 9 AM and grabbed breakfast next door at Pickle's. Sausage biscuit.
St. Louis Union Station captures the essence of history, fun and entertainment that St. Louis offers, with the added bonus of being able to stay in the hotel right on site! Ascend 200’ in the St. Louis Wheel where guests enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the historic train shed – once the busiest train station in the world - and the iconic St. Louis skyline in the comfort of climate-controlled gondolas.
We walked back to the Ballpark Village for lunch. We were going to Katie's for gluten free pizza and pasta but we didn't like the menu or the restaurant atmosphere.
We settled on Condado, Mexican, and it was perfect.
Check back on Monday for more of the murals.
2 tacos each with chips and two dips.
We wandered around the stadium and then headed back to the hotel as John was being picked up at 4:30 for a hockey game.
Click here for more St. Louis photos.
Thursday we headed out in pouring rain to Tulsa OK. The weather flip flopped all day. Sunshine, thunderstorms, tornado warnings. And then when we got into Tulsa it was 27C/81F.
Our new plan is to get on the road and then stop for breakfast between 10 and 11, then we don't have to stop for lunch when everywhere is busy and we miss the breakfast crowd.
Sullivan MO.
Loaded hashbrown casserole is delicious. Here is a copycat recipe.
Redmon's
Big selection of popcorn toppings.
After all those storm warnings we got into Tulsa and it was 27C/81F and steamy. We found a Whole Foods and picked up dinner.
Friday Tulsa OK to Amarillo TX that post has links to many places we've been before.
We left the hotel in cold conditions at 8:15. The temperature fluttered in low digits the rest of the day.
We took a wrong exit after Oklahoma City but found a Cracker Barrel for breakfast. We then crossed into Texas. We did some interesting stops which are in the link just above.
The cross at Groom.
The hotel address didn't identify east or west for the Hilton Garden Inn in Amarillo so the GPS took us to the wrong address which we soon figured out and got on the right track.
Dinner was in the hotel. An interesting side note regarding restaurants, all Cracker Barrels and hotels we've eaten give you your cutlery in paper packets. I'm guessing this started with the pandemic.
This week's drive Mar 11- Mar 15 Toronto to Amarillo TX
On another note, I received a Facebook DM asking:
Good Morning and I hope I'm not bothering you! I'm a school teacher in Texas and I happened to see your pictures from Terezin. Would you be willing to allow us to use your picture of the wall of children's names? We're doing a play about the Children of Terezin and I would like to project this picture on the wall behind the set.
Sure, go ahead! Send me a photo if you can!
COOKING
Saturday I made corned beef, mashed potatoes and cabbage
Sunday ordered Swiss Chalet chicken
Monday Fort Wayne Wyndham jalapeno poppers/popcorn shrimp/pulled pork
Tuesday St. Louis Hilton roast chicken/burger
Wednesday St. Louis Hilton charcuterie board / PJ Chang's
Thursday Tulsa crackers and cheese
Friday Amarillo Hilton burgers (delicious)
Jackalope Coffee Haus
March 2024 - Amarillo TX to Las Vegas NV
Tucumcari New Mexico
Saturday Amarillo TX to Gallup NM I'm sorry if there are duplicate photos in the detailed posts and this weekly overview!
Breakfast at the Hilton $22, omelets. I only chose cheese omelet and bacon. John had mushrooms and cheese, sausages and bacon.
Tucumcari NM
Santa Rosa NM
Route 66 Casino Albuquerque NM
Settled into the Hilton in Gallup NM, a large Navajo wedding was taking place.
John enjoyed his steak, however mine was awful and I sent it back and got a steak as well. This was supposed to be a steak sandwich instead it was prepackaged (the server even said that when I returned it) frozen well done steak slices.
Up early on a chilly -3C and had the car loaded by 7:30 after John scraped off the ice. It was a minute drive to Cracker Barrel for breakfast.
Holbrook AZ
This is fresh snow in Flagstaff AZ. It sits at about 7,000 feet (2,100 m).
Seligman AZ
Don't let those blue skies deceive you, it was chilly so we got cappuccinos to go.
Long story...it is in the detailed post, link above.
NEVADA
Checked in!
We were given a $20 voucher for resort use, which I redeemed in the small market for ham, chips and eggs.
We also have a $100 voucher for attending "the update" which we need to use.
We did a quick trip to Whole Foods (pricey) but quick as well shopped here often before.
Some gluten free items, so far the bread and tortillas are delicious.
Then we settled in for the evening!
Monday steps 8,814
Monday we attended "the update" with a very unpleasant salesman who looked like Vince Vaughan. There must be a special place in hell for timeshare sales people.
We caught the shuttle around 12:15. While we waited we chatted with a Canadian woman from Vancouver who was here with her two elderly aunts and her autistic daughter. The aunts loved to gamble and the daughter enjoyed places like the Coca-Cola and M&Ms museums.
We walked over to the Linq and had lunch at Chayo. John had AL PASTOR achiote marinated pork, red pickled onions, chile de arbol salsa, roasted pineapple.
I had MEXICAN PHILLY CHEESESTEAK asada steak, bell peppers, onions, jalapeños, melted Mexican cheese, chipotle mayo.
Both were very good.
Selfie Museum - we plan on going. UPDATE We went on Friday!
A trip to the candy store is one thing. A trip to the 14,000 square-foot I Love Sugar is so next level. Save room for dessert for the next decade because you’ll fulfill your sweet tooth and then some here. There’s even a whole section dedicated to chocolate on this Las Vegas attraction’s second floor. You can also get candy sushi, giant candy boxes and gummy candy pizza.
We did go to the Martini bar but everything contained sugar, something we don't enjoy.
John got a Vegas t-shirt.
We strolled over to Harrah's and happened upon Big Elvis.
Pete Vallee started singing as a teenager at his local church, where he was told he sounded like a young Elvis Presley. He quickly learned to play the guitar and put together an act that he previewed at a school talent contest. He will never forget the incredible response he received from a packed audience of students and parents when he sang “Jailhouse Rock.” From then on, Pete knew he wanted to be an entertainer and modeled his career after his mentor, the King of Rock.
Pete is a clean-cut, good-natured man with a voice that sounds like Elvis. He honors the King in every way and is a collector of Elvis memorabilia. Pete admires the man he pays tribute to each day and tries to stay true to the King’s persona as a performer who loved and was loved by his fans and maintained a sense of loyalty to them.
Pete’s Big Elvis Show is the longest-running Elvis Presley tribute show in Las Vegas, and he has received multiple Best of Las Vegas honors. He has an international following of fans who pack the house for each of his nine shows per week. When Pete sings, his fans come alive, and the party begins. His repertoire consists of over 900 songs, including an abundance of Elvis music, well-known hits, obscure movie tunes, music from other era performers, Gospel, Country (old and new), and Rock ‘n Roll favorites.
Elvis' licensing company is no longer allowing Las Vegas businesses to use The King's likeness, which we think is very Grinch-like. Your next Vegas wedding will have to be officiated by Melvis Mresley, the Emperor of Rock and Troll!
Wedding Bells Will Ring is a post I wrote about the wedding chapels.
Outside Harrah's. I did not want King Kong near me!
We headed over to the Horseshoe (Bally's) and wandered around before catching the shuttle back.
We took advantage of the free Margaritas in the lobby.
Tuesday steps 8,596 shopping
Not many photos taken!
We mainly got our bearings, went to the south factory outlets, Total Wine ,Town Square Maxx, and groceries at Albertson's.
Factory outlets, we also had lunch in the food court, Chinese orange chicken for John and I had a LA hot dog.
Albertson's groceries strawberries 2 for $6 compared to Whole Foods 1 for $5.
John did well shopping.
4 shorts, 4 tees, jeans and a golf wind jacket.
Wednesday
Up at 7 AM
Not much today either. We did laundry. I did pool time.
I took advantage of Wine Down Wednesday! WhileJohn golfed at Eagle Crest with three guys from Alberta.
Thursday
Up at 7 AM
steps 13,539
We walked from the condo to the Strip.
We did some shopping, Walgreen's, Target (nothing), Burlington's (John bathing suit/top for me), Ross's 2 bathing suits for me.
New York New York, we've stayed here a few times.
NY NY
What are YOU looking at?
John couldn't understand why I would want to go to Shake Shack when I had all these choices. But it was MY day so we had burgers, first time in a Shake Shack. They are opening the first one in Canada in Toronto this year. We can't say we were impressed.
Cosmopolitan, NY NY,Wyndham Grand View
We headed into the Bellagio.
Click here for lots of photos Bellagio Spring Flower Show
Back on The Strip.
Front and back! Expensive!
We're heading to Cabo Wabo on the left.
Friday
Up at 7:45 John 8:30
Steps 13,081
This week breakfast has been strawberries and yogurt/cereal.
Click here for the detailed post of our day - WARNING PHOTO HEAVY
Time for lunch! It wasn't the best cut of meat but it was a decent meal, the fries were delicious as was the peppercorn sauce.
Back on the Strip.
These are not the World's largest arches.
Emeril's Table Ten Venetian 2015
Where does one buy a Buddist monk outfit?
We were on the Strip and noticed some monks. They come up to people at lightning speed, and somehow put a mala bead bracelet on their wrist and give them a Kuan Yin. These brown robed, floppy hatted ninjas were everywhere!...whatever happened to the porn slappers!
John got this picture of a "monk" having a smoke break at Horseshoe.
amulet card. Totally fake!
It's not all about me, at all!
COOKING
Saturday Gallup Hilton steak sandwich awful
Sunday Las Vegas condo cheeses and crackers
Monday LV lunch out Mexican/ships
Tuesday LV condo rotisserie chicken fajitas
Wednesday LV condo leftover chicken and homemade potato salad
Thursday LV condo salad with hard boiled eggs/ham
Friday LV Favorite steak frites for lunch. Dinner salad with hard boiled eggs/ham
Route 66 Coffee
Seligman AZ
Saturday
Steps 7,688
We decided on a lazy day as we had tickets for the hockey game.
We had a big breakfast. John made an omelet with jalapenos, tomatoes, ham and onions. No, no ham, he forgot to put it in, but that was a bonus.
We had planned on an early dinner near the arena but I couldn't get any reservations. So we used the ham for sandwiches.
We did sit outside for a while, the sun was great but the winds were 35 km an hour.
Bundled up for the chilly weather and the arena, we joined the hordes of fans walking to the game.
Click here for photos of the T-Mobile Arena and a video.
The roller coaster at New York New York.
To capture the excitement of Las Vegas Boulevard sitting just a block away, the arena opens with an expansive glass façade and sweeping 9,000-square-foot LED screen. An outdoor performance stage and sweeping balconies also radiate energy outward into The Park, a winding landscaped space that weaves the arena together with its neighbors.
Meanwhile, the south and west facades of the arena reflect desert and mountain influences and feature a solid skin that protects against the intense desert sun. This “of the desert” skin wraps the arena with rolling bands of metal that evoke the color and sedimentary layering of the desert mountains.
Once your tickets are scanned they give you a paper copy.
Not something you'd see in most arenas!
Listen to this clip of the national anthem, when the performer sings these lines, the fans all shout out KNIGHTS to replace night.
And the rocket's red glare
The bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the KNIGHTS
That our flag was still there
We walked back and it was chilly!
Sunday
Up at 8AM
Steps 13,178
Click here for a photo laden post of our day. Some of the nicer murals are being saved for Monday Mural.
Started cold and overcast so we dressed in jeans, shoes and jackets.
Parking lot. We went to Atomic Liquors in 2015 around here.
We took the car to 7th and Carson, that is the name of the restaurant! We had 9:30 breakfast reservations. The oddest tasting Bloody Mary we've ever had, we've no idea what was giving it an almost bitter taste.
V E G E T A R I A N O M E L E T Peppers, mushroom, spinach, tomato and onion, potatoes and toast $18
T H E F U L L I R I S H 2 eggs your way, black and white sausage, bacon, grilled tomato, mushrooms and baked beans fried potatoes $20
After breakfast as we mural hunted around the restaurant, it got so sunny and hot we were lamenting our choice of clothing.
The Shoe is looking a little faded. Click here to see it in 2013.
Container Park
By the time we got to the factory outlets, without jackets, John had to go back to the car (a long way) to get our jackets as it also started spitting. You pay for parking here and it gets very crowded. We bought Sketchers and John got 3 pairs of casual pants.
We then headed to Main St. known as the Art District.
We wanted to sit down and warm ourselves up! We had macadamia almond lattes.
Heading back along the Strip.
Monday
Monday Mural taken last week in The Park MGM.
We spent some time in the morning at the pool in the sunshine.
John had an oil change booked for 1PM. We did the same Week 4 in 2015 but the service was much better then.
We got there early, but it wasn't done until 3:30 and we were starving. We had planned on going to In N Out burgers but it had gotten cold and cloudy and we wanted to visit our old stomping ground from 2012-2013 when we spent the winter here.
This was a drive down Memory Lane as we had rented a condo on this side of the Strip in 2012 for a couple of months.
We had lupper in The Palms, we spent a lot of time here in previous years, going to the $5 movies, which by the way, are still at $5.
Michael now has a place!
We often ate at TGIF's in the Gold Coast, we parked and went in, but the stench of cigarettes made us leave. Most casinos have great ventilation systems, clearly this didn't.
The biggest surprise was seeing that where we had rented the condo had been gutted along with the Siegal Suites, and a residential/commercial complex was built, a vast improvement!
Down the street from Grand Desert is Ellis Island. It is being renovated. We hope to get to it. UPDATE we did!
Tuesday
Up at 7:30
Since John was golfing this afternoon and had to leave by 12:15, it was a good morning to get some chores done. I mapped it out and we left at 9AM.
We wanted to hit Whole Foods (GF almond tortillas and bread), Total Wines (stocking up for drive home) and Smith's rotisserie chicken (nope, not ready until 11) so we got 4 huge chicken thighs for $5.50, strawberries, hot sauce, sour cream, coffee.
We also stopped into the factory outlets again.
The view as we leave.
We're on the street behind the Strip, passing by Luxor and Mandalay Bay.
We always love the Irish breakfast in Mandalay Bay.
Even at 9AM they are lining up for photos at the Welcome sign. See the line up?
Where Whole Foods and Total Wines are.
The mountains still have snow.
Damn, last week the t-shirts were $10 each, this week 2 for $25!
Yum, for me.
John played at Stallion Mountain, where he had played in January 2017.
Lots of bunnies!
Wednesday
Up at 7
It was touch and go if we could see our friends, Bill and Carol for breakfast, but we did.
We met at Blueberry Hill at Flamingo and Sandhill. Well, Carol came, Bill was under the weather. We met at 9:30 and chatted until 11:30!!! We missed you, Bill!
We had a free entry ticket for Area 15, but it was closing at 4 for a private event and we couldn't find parking so we left and I ordered a ticket for Friday.
Instead we headed to Las Vegas Healing Garden.
The Las Vegas community came together to build a new community healing garden in response to the Oct. 1 tragedy, when a lone gunman killed 58 people and injured 500 more who were attending the Route 91 Harvest festival. The garden features a wall of remembrance, a grove of trees, shrubs, flowers, walkways of pavers and benches – all to create something beautiful out of something horrific.
Along Main St.
We needed a bio break so went to the Main Street Casino as Carol had mentioned that there were pieces of the Berlin Wall in the men's bathroom.
We attempted to find Perception but couldn't find the parking, and was glad we didn't once I read the reviews.
We were thinking of going to the Arte Museum but decided we could walk there so it would be crazy to take the car.
We decided it was time to do some sunshine by the pool!
Thursday
Up 8AM
I made John scrambled eggs and toast as he left for golf around 10. It was sunny and warm, however there was a wind alert.
I headed to the pool before and after lunch. The winds were strong but warm.
John arrived back around 3:45 with a golf shirt, and had a sandwich. He said the winds were strong on the course.
We had dinner Pampas reservations Planet Hollywood 6:30 coupon and gift card but we both looked at the coupon and menu and decided we didn't want to do that, I cancelled.
Instead we walked to Planet Hollywood around 5:30 and winged it for dinner.
Gordon Ramsay's BurGR is still in Planet Hollywood.
John in 2013. John in 2015.
We sat at The Blue Moon bar and had a drink, beer $12, wine $12. No freebies here or anywhere else in Vegas these days.
John spent $5 playing, in total our "gambling costs" are $5 + $2 (Albuquerque Route 66 Casino) = $7 this trip!!
We went to Ocean One as recommended by one of the staff at the condo. Why have we never heard of this place??? All lunch meals are $5.99.
The reviews are excellent! There might be a line up but it moves quickly or opt for the bar as we did. UPDATE CLOSED!
Ahi tuna for me. Funny foodie story, the first time we had ahi tuna was in Honolulu 1995 and we sent it back because it was "raw", and the server snootily replied "that's how it is supposed to be"!
I am now a huge ahi tuna fan and had to send this one back because it was too well done!
$19.99
The server comped John's beer.John's steak was delicious.Grilled Ribeye
Choice 12 Oz. Ribeye Served With Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus And Cabernet Sauce $24.99
These are amazing prices in Vegas these days!!
The sphere peeking out as we cross to the condo.
Friday
Up at 5:45
Steps 12,018
Click here for lots more photos of our day!
I booked another free entry tickets to Area 15 (Carol wrote about it here)
Billed as a “wanderland of art, music, and amusement,” AREA15 is an immersive collection of attractions minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Brimming with larger-than-life art installations, mind-altering virtual reality experiences, and full-sensory dining options, the whole affair may evoke thoughts of Burning Man – and that’s no coincidence. In fact, some of the installations you see here came directly from the playa in northern Nevada. Admission to this experiential retail and entertainment complex promises “just about anything you can imagine is real” mentalities, with only one thing required: a want to wonder.
Tickets $10 and up +13 and up only
LIFTOFF is one of the newer AREA15 attractions (opened Feb 2022), offering panoramic skyline views of Vegas.
It’s hard to miss the giant balloon and spiral structure located just outside the main entrance, and it’s the first of its kind built in the US.
When you board, you are all facing inwards with a seatbelt securing you into your seat. It looks like an inverted version of Big Shot at the Strat, except it’s more of a leisure ride for the views than a thrill ride.
The balloon then ascends to the 130-foot summit and spins around so you can enjoy the 360-degree view of the strip and surrounding area.
They had gotten married this morning, he had the t-shirt with the tuxedo on the front. He has a bag in his hand from the Little White Wedding Chapel.
I'd be afraid they wouldn't let me back out!
Some silliness before we leave.
Driving the Strip to the Veterans Memorial, the only other item on today's agenda.
They continue to line up at the TV show's Pawn Stars location.
As we turned down Washington I pointed out the Mormon Museum that we had visited in
2015.
We also visited the Neon Museum in 2013.
The Nevada State Veterans Memorial, Las Vegas (NSVM, LV)—A National Tribute—is a monument recognizing the service and sacrifice of Americans, especially Nevada veterans and their families. The two-acre memorial and park features 18 larger-than-life statues, depicting soldiers, from the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror and civilians.
We decided it would be a good day to have lunch at Fremont St.
Lunch at Park on Fremont.
John liked my princess chair.
There's Chucky!
We had planned to go to dinner but after over 12,000 steps we decided to stay in and order pizza.
Instead we got some packing done. Stuff we don't need on the road went into John's suitcase.
We also took a couple of bags down to the car this morning.
The weather doesn't look good for tomorrow so we'll play it by ear.
COOKING
Saturday ham and cheese sandwiches with chips
Sunday spaghetti and meat sauce with Texas toast GF.
Monday Lupper 4PM Panda Express Chinese The Palms
Tuesday condo chicken thighs and potato salad
Wednesday condo chicken fajitas
Thursday Ocean One Planet Hollywood
Friday condo ordered pizza
APRIL 2024
-
Brioche
April 2024 - Las Vegas NV - Des Moines IA
Paris Casino Las Vegas NV
Saturday March 30 Las Vegas
Steps 10,385
Cold, cloudy, rainy day. We played on our computers in the morning and had leftover pizza for lunch.
We did some more packing up. We changed our strategy. We decided to use my suitcase on wheels as our overnighter bag instead of our usual overnighter. We packed up John's suitcase and the overnighter with stuff we wouldn't need on the drive home. Those two bags and John's workout bag are already in the car.
It is pouring rain at 3PM as we catch the shuttle to The Horseshoe (Bally's). We've been in Vegas in the winter so we know cold weather, overcast, sprinkley rain and snow, dust storms but never constant rain like this and it never let up.
Over to Caesar's Palace. Hell's Kitchen now has its own building.
Looking back on my posts, when we went to Ramsay's Steak (pictured above in Paris) in January 2013 they had the Hell's Kitchen menu but not a Hell's Kitchen location as such.
It is cold out and raining! Why is she dressed like this?
We tried to get a drink in two Caesar's bars, one was Ramsay's Bar and Grill, we got seats but to get served was another thing! And their glasses of wine started at $18!
Since we planned to have dinner at Ellis Island off The Strip and very close to the condo, we said, screw it and went there for a drink before dinner.
Wine was $8 a glass and a beer was $4 a pint compared to The Strip at $12+!
Prime rib $35! They also do a steak special that is not on the menu, just ask for it.
TOTAL GAMBLING EXPENDITURE = $2 + $5 + $4 = $11
Sunday March 31
It is John's birthday!! And Easter.
And I am up at 6:40!!!
We are leaving today to drive to Salt Lake City. We made an omelet for breakfast using up the last three eggs, ham, cheese and fried potatoes.
We finished up the last of the packing, triple checked we didn't miss anything. We were in the car at 9:45.
We didn't stop for anything other than gas/bathroom breaks. Click here for the drive.
We got comfy at the Hilton in Salt Lake City and ordered room service for dinner. We had salads and a side of salmon (me) and beef tips for John.
Monday and it happens to be a holiday here so not much was open.
Steps 9,568
Monday Mural from Las Vegas Art District.
We hung around in the morning, John got Starbucks (Marriott) and then headed out around noon.
It was spitting rain on and off and pretty chilly!
Temple Square was a little disappointing as most of the buildings are under renovation 2019 - 2026!
Bathroom at Temple Square.
Not open.
Lunch
Pork belly.
We got back around 3:30 as it was really raining and then it cleared.
Tuesday
Steps 16,056
Click here for the day's details.
We slept in! I got us Starbucks and then we headed out for brunch at Eggsburough in the Hilton Peery Hotel.
John's Denver omelet and hash browns. I had a fried egg, bacon and toast and ate most of John's fruit.
We had a much nicer day for sightseeing!
Time for a beer!
For dinner we walked over to Squatter's Pub and picked up salad and an 11 oz steak with fries to share. Thanks to their delivery/pickup app not accepting our Canadian credit card's postal code to verify our card, made us walk over.!
Wednesday we checked out and were on the road by 7:45, lattes in hand. We were heading to Cheyenne Wyoming, click here for the details.
Little America, a new to us, pit stop. spotless. Popcorn rainbow.
Cheyenne WY we stayed at a new Hilton concept, Home2Stay. This was a great location and the check in desk clerk was perfect.
We had cheeses, meat and crackers for dinner. John has a head cold, I had it last week.
Thursday
Cheyenne WY to Grand Island NE
We had the good free breakfast buffet at the Home2stay.
Loading up.
We made a stop in downtown Cheyenne before hitting the road at 10.
The Atlas was built in 1887 originally as an office and retail building. From 1887 to 1908, the upper floors of the 1887 structure were used for office space by professional men while the bottom floor was a tea and confectionery shop.
The 1908 addition included the conversion of the first-floor spaces into a penny arcade, a soda parlor and confectionary shop. The original Atlas Theatre operated from 1908 to 1929. It reopened as the Strand, also a theatre, but the upper floor offices in the 1887 structure were modified into sleeping rooms for the Strand Hotel. Later years saw various uses for the building until becoming mostly vacant in 1963.
In the 1970’s the Cheyenne Little Theatre Players used the Atlas for their Old-Fashioned Melodrama. They purchased the building in 1971 with two objectives: provide performances in the theatre and preserve the historic building. The 2020 production was their 64th year of Melodrama performances.
Efforts are now underway to save the building.
An interesting pit stop. You can find gambling machines anywhere.
No sale of alcohol until noon on Sundays.
We stayed at the Ramada in Grand Island NE.
Ramada dinner - we both sent our dinners back as cold. John got a replacement steak. They shoved my burger in the microwave, you could tell it was the same burger where I had picked pieces of so now it was well done. Sent back again, waited so long I ordered a BLT to go. Servers were very pleasant.
Friday
Click here for details of our drive.
Up at 8. I thought the breakfast (free) buffet was adequate. John thought it was all too cold.
A quick poke around Grand Island.
Sometimes You're The Bug, sometimes you're the windshield. John is cleaning the windshield for the millionth time.
Elk Horn is known as an enclave of Danish ethnicity and is home to the Museum of Danish America. The population was 601 at the time of the 2020 census.
We bought a raspberry kringle and had a snack in the car.
West Des Moines Hilton Garden Inn - great check in.
I checked in while John loaded the luggage buggy and said he was going to get my bag in the front seat. I waited and waited, wondering where he was. He finally came and said he needed my car key as he had dropped his key in the car and couldn't find it. We both went out to look, it had to be in the car as he could start the car. Finally found, it was under his seat at the back. We have another car key saga from Flint TX 2003!
Dinner: great server/bartender. We used our Hilton $20 credit towards dinner. The pork chop came with two sides and you could get an additional chop for $5 so the server suggested we share. $25 for two pork chops and John had fries while I had mashed. I am not a fan of pork chops, but this was delicious!
This week's travels Sunday - Friday
States - Nevada - Utah - Wyoming - Nebraska - Illinois
Mustang Ridge Coffee Co.
April 2024 - Des Moines IA to HOME
Somewhere in Illinois
Saturday
I've reached the point that I no longer know where I am! John couldn't remember what our hotel room number was!!!
Click here for our drive from Des Moines IA to Naperville IL
The park is named for John Pappajohn, a local venture capitalist and his wife Mary Louise Pappajohn (1933-2022), who gifted the initial 24 sculptures, with a valuation of about $40 million USD, to the city of Des Moines.
It's too bloody cold!
Got in the car and had a snack, bought yesterday in Elk Horn.
We stopped in Dixon IL for lunch known for being Ronald Reagan's home from 1920 to 1924, the site of his earliest childhood memories, and a place he recalled with great fondness.
I can't say we have any fondness for the service at Pekin's. Just a terrible server, she forgot about us, after we waited for over 20 minutes (it was bacon and eggs only) I asked someone to find her. Someone else brought our food, gave sausages and not the ham he requested, etc etc.
Hilton Garden Inn Naperville IL great check in.
Used our $20 credit towards dinner. Great bartender, a great believer in doom and gloom.
We shared a Caesar salad, steak (great) and fries.
Sunday Naperville IL to Toledo OH
We left at 9:30 planning on getting an early brunch on the road. It was rainy and heavy traffic until we got through Chicago.
We had a late (lost an hour) brunch at Cracker Barrel in Elkhart IN.
Hilton Downtown Toledo OH.
We were given our eclipse glasses at check in and she also said there would be viewing parties.
Monday April 8 Toledo OH
Monday Mural taken in Las Vegas March 2024.
Click here for our day in Toledo!
John slept until 10:30!! We ended up having grilled cheeses in the hotel.
We grabbed a beer and paid $5 to enter Hensville Park with music.
The lights around us came on.
Heading out to dinner.
Dinner. Wondering why the menu was so different....
Gluten free spaghetti and meatballs. Awful, so much bad sauce, too much filler in meatballs. And the penny dropped when we got home. This was WAREHOUSE not FACTORY!
The Warehouse even had an old trolley car inside just like the FACTORIES!
We have an Old Spaghetti Factory in Toronto (NOT the same franchise - we had thought about going to the one in Salt Lake City) but it has been years since we were there. The Factories in North America all have the same menu!
I ate at the Factory in Minneapolis, which had the same menu as Toronto and was delicious.
Tuesday time to head home. Breakfast was terrible in the hotel. $4 for cold coffee. Nothing on the continental menu available. We ended up with scrambled eggs (okay), bacon (greasy) home fries.
We were in the car at 9:30 and crossed the border at Detroit at 10:30. Home at 2:30.
The Koegel Meat Company is a meat processing, packaging, and distribution company based in Flint, Michigan. Koegel's produces 35 products. Koegel's hot dogs are considered by the authors of "Coney Detroit" as the best hot dog for a Flint-Style Coney Dog along with Abbott's Meat's coney sauce. Koegel is also a supplier of A&W, about 200 Coney restaurants, Walmart, Dairy Queen and Kroger.
Detroit.
The Ambassador Bridge is a tolled international suspension bridge across the Detroit River that connects Detroit, Michigan, United States, with Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Opened in 1929, it is the busiest international border crossing in North America in terms of trade volume, carrying more than 25% of all merchandise trade between the United States and Canada by value. A 2004 Border Transportation Partnership study showed that 150,000 jobs in the Detroit–Windsor region and US$13 billion in annual production depend on the Detroit–Windsor international border crossing.
The bridge is one of the few privately owned US–Canada crossings; it was owned by Grosse Pointe billionaire Manuel Moroun, until his death in July 2020, through the Detroit International Bridge Company in the United States and the Canadian Transit Company in Canada. In 1979, when the previous owners put it on the New York Stock Exchange and shares were traded, Moroun was able to buy shares, eventually acquiring the bridge. The bridge carries 60 to 70 percent of commercial truck traffic in the region.
The border crossing was very quick, only one car in front of us at the Nexus lane. Pleasant agent, a couple of questions and we were on our way!
Temperatures fluctuated as it was around 20 leaving Toledo up to 24 crossing the border until Hamilton ON when it dropped to 12!
We only made one gas/coffee/pit stop at an Onroute (service plaza) for Canadian Tire gas and Tim Horton's coffee.
Wednesday was a sunny brisk day and we only went for the groceries we needed. I made a pot of vegetable soup from my freezer stock and added a can of chickpeas.
Thursday rainy and miserable as John set out for the car dealership. I picked up some essentials and then spent 3 THREE TRES hours on the phone with Telus, our cell phone providers.
Okay, it was two hours on a chat with the most stubborn or least empowered service agent I ever encountered. My issue - when we entered the States they sent me a text and email offering my $80 PPU Easy Roam for 30 days which I accepted as otherwise the charge is $15 per phone a day!!
Our bill was $700!!! I explained that I believed the offer applied to both phones as it is one account. John had been charged daily roaming fees.
She countered that it was a "special" offer only to "selected" phone numbers and proceeded to use a lot of corporate gobbledygook like "as a consumer myself" and how much the poor corporation had to paying to the roaming networks blah blah. I told her I didn't care. My issue was a badly worded "offer". She offered me $30, "the best she could do and would be dinged for it, but I was a valuable customer".....
When I said I wasn't satisfied she finally offered to get a Loyalty agent. She set up the call, Maximo spent ten minutes with me to ensure he understood my issue, he did. Then said he would call me back when he reviewed the documentation. He called back about an hour later, said he fully agreed with me and would issue a $360 credit and charge me the $80 for John's roaming.
So I made $100 an hour while doing other things during the chat and waiting for phone calls.
We unpacked and one load of laundry was done.
Friday rainy and foggy. John used the golf simulator. I had planned to get a haircut but will wait until Monday. I ran out for some weekend items, lemons, limes, turnip, half and half, red onion and Brussel sprouts as a substitution.
It is the Masters this week so John was glued to that.
COOKING
Saturday Naperville Caesar salad with steak and fries - best steak on this trip
Sunday Toledo cheeses and crackers
Monday Toledo Spaghetti Warehouse
Tuesday HOME! curry chicken.
Wednesday potato chip crusted halibut and broccolini
Thursday lamb chops, mashed potatoes and broccolini
Friday steak with onions, green peppers and mushrooms, chimichurri
Cupla Coffee
April 2024 - Toronto ON
Salt Lake City UT
Our usual lazy weekend, The Masters occupied most of John's time. While I binged on Great British Bake Off Season 14.
John got the balcony set up for spring/summer as the spider guys are coming this week.
Monday's mural was from Las Vegas.
I went to get a haircut and then popped into Winners, Shoe Company (nope, they didn't have our Sketchers) and gasp! I saw Cleo's boarded up, but they had moved a few doors into the old Reitman's, a smaller footprint. UPDATE JAN 2025 OUT OF BUSINESS
My Sketchers.
John went golfing.
Spiderman in lobby.
It was an interesting morning, all kinds of sirens on Gardiner as I was on the bus, then the bomb squad and ambulance outside Union as I walked by.
Union Station banners for the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) Centennial.
Walking through Brookfield Place.
As I walked into Longo's (local grocery chain) around noon the fire alarm was going off but everyone was going about their business. I got the ground beef I wanted for dinner and then spotted hams, so I grabbed one of those. Then the building security is announcing that the fire department is on its way and the store is saying everyone must leave. As we left we were directed to the exit by the Arena as he said "there is an active fire above us".
As we leave the fire fighters are entering. Outside we can see and smell the smoke as the sirens blare.
BTW this building houses underground parking, Longo's on lower level, main level is a sports store, TD Bank, two restaurants and LCBO. There is also an escalator to take you to the PATH which will take you into the ScotiaBank Arena, Union Station and connect to many other high rises.
Le Germain Hotel has 167 rooms, then there are offices and condos. The building has 44 floors.
The entire street was closed off as glass had fallen onto the sidewalk.
Click here for the news story.
I decided to head home and found a new plaque outside Union Station, RCAF Colours.
In military terms, the word “Colours” usually refers to consecrated ceremonial flags carried by certain Canadian Armed Forces combatant formations and units. These unique flags are a unit’s most prized possession. On September 1, 2017, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) received new Colours, retiring their former Colours, which were presented in 1982 and reflected the Air Force’s previous identity as Air Command. Honouring the relationship between the RCAF and the Toronto Maple Leafs, on February 10, 2018, in a ceremony held before a hockey match between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators, the RCAF entrusted their retired Colours to the guardianship of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
I NEED these shoes in 💚colour!
Getting home took 45 minutes since York was closed due to the fire and everyone had to take Bremner to get on the Gardiner at Spadina.
Oh and they have closed a lane east and west bound on the Gardiner for three 3 tres years!!!
I collected our tax documents for the accountant which resulted in a ton of papers for shredding, after I had John look through them, in case he wanted to keep any of them (1 golf club, putter invoice).
So Tuesday I went back for my groceries, due to the lane closures the bus was running ten minutes behind.
John took the car to get the snow tires removed.
Wednesday was wet and dull. John scanned the tax documents to the accountant.
I worked on some blogs and organized our vacation photos.
I created a post showing some t-shirts at the M&M store in Las Vegas.
Thursday I just did a Longo run and ended up with an invite to Ladies Tea by a woman in the building that I chatted with on the bus.
Friday was another wet rainy morning so John did a grocery run. I decided not to go out and we agreed on a movie afternoon. The sun then came out...
Popcorn and movies.
COOKING
Saturday roast pork and potatoes, honey buttered carrots
Sunday sweet and sour pork with fridge leftovers
Monday bacon and mushroom (lingering in fridge) Alfredo. John's original request and then I had to abandon my groceries due to fire.
Tuesday ham, mashed potatoes and Brussel sprouts. $16 ham made 3X2 dinners and made 6X2 lunches, making my favourite ham salad. I also will make a quiche on the weekend.
Wednesday hamburger patties mashed potatoes and beans
Thursday ham, mashed potatoes and Brussel sprouts
Friday steak frites
Eggsburgh
April 2024 - Toronto ON
Salt Lake City UT
We had our usual stay at home weekend. Taxes completed by accountant LA SIGH.
I had a virtual scare of my life when Blogger displayed this ominous white screen at noon!
It remained like that so I spent the rest of the afternoon copying and pasting and reformatting my posts from our 2024 road trip into a document. I also recapped my weekly posts for 2024 into Google Docs. I always do this but haven't gotten around to it.
BTW I did try rebooting throughout the afternoon but the problem persisted.
However when I tried again around 8PM it was back to normal. AND I had completed my two documents!
Monday John went golfing and I went shopping, I bought a sweater I was eyeing last week. It was cold out!
Monday Mural was from Las Vegas.
Poor pansies are freezing!
Tuesday was supposed to be a rainy day so I made plans to bake. I made 2 loaves of banana cranberry.
I also spent time on some more Las Vegas posts and cleaned up my posts about our 2016 trip to the Ryder Cup that took us into Kalamazoo, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Madison. It came about because we were watching Top Chef in Madison WI and I mentioned we had been to Madison, that John didn't remember.
I did a post about driving the old Strip in LV.
Wednesday I went for a mani-pedi in the morning. It was cold out! In the afternoon John went "new" car shopping and ended up buying one to replace our 2017.
I went to a tea party in the building. There were six of us and the hostess put on a lovely spread.
Thursday John had to go to Service Ontario for a copy of his car ownership as he was missing a piece on the one he had in the car UPDATE it turned up later! Anticipating a long line, but he was fifth or sixth in line.
I went to College Park but only found some meat "bargains" in Metro, a roast pork and a leg of lamb. Lamb is hard to find around here.
Windows were washed.
Shake Shack is coming to Canada. Based on trying them last month in Vegas, I won't be waiting with bated breath.
Union Station.
I reposted an Anzac Australian post as it was April 25.
Friday John went to finalize the car details and emptied out the car. I went to Longo's because I needed rosemary for the lamb, which, of course, I didn't think of yesterday.
Hockey fever is rampant in the city, however, I fear it will be short-lived.
I had a good long phone chat with my BFF.
It is also cherry blossom time in Toronto. Here are some photos from other years as the weather continues to be cold and rainy.
I just read that a dear blogger friend has just lost his partner of 44 years, I am so sad for him.
It's been a week of bad news. T’s SIL died by suicide at the age of 50.
COOKING
Saturday slow cooker pot roast. $19 Metro 2X2 dinners. 2X1 lunch. Made soup with remainder, so another lunch.
Sunday pot roast leftovers
Monday ham and broccolini quiche with salad
Tuesday leftover quiche and salad
Wednesday hamburgers
Thursday bacon, turnips and mashed potatoes, a comfort meal that my Mom used to make.
Friday steak frites AND a big thank you to John, who cooks Friday nights' dinners.
MAY 2024
Eva’s Bakery
May 2024 - Toronto ON
Salt Lake City UT
The condo weekly newsletter had a fun poster about the pigeons that decided a couple of years ago to move in!
Monday Mural was from Casey IL.
John used the golf simulator.
We ordered more steaks from The Butcher Shop.
In April, on our way home, we drove through Illinois which has an automatic toll system, which means you must have a transponder or pay online. The entire length of the Illinois system is cashless since 2020.
We registered our license plate and waited.
Today there was a charge of $8.70. There should be a few more charges.
Made soup for lunch.
Tuesday John did a Costco run. And yes, we got a rotisserie chicken!
A Costco shop means finding a home for everything and dividing up the meat. Bananas are crazy at Costco $2 for nine bananas! But a blogger mentioned that coffee had gone up and yes, it was $44 for 80 pods.
John found their gluten free Carbonaut bread but wasn't impressed, he said it sticks to his teeth and breaks up.UPDATE usually I freeze bread for stuffing or croutons, but this didn’t work for that.
He also went to the bank to get a certified cheque and got the new parking tags for his car. Car insurance is taken care of.
I cleared out the fridge and used up some items to make salted caramel cheesecake bites with homemade salted caramel sauce. No photo, the finished product looked terrible after I tried "decorating" it. But it tasted good!
I updated my potato chip collection!
Wednesday John picked up his car!
This old baby took us on many a road trip!
2017 her maiden voyage was to Florida for a couple of weeks then west to LA where she waited patiently while we flew to Mexico for 6 weeks. On our return to LA she took us along the California coast and then back home.
Later in 2017 she went across the US and back home across Canada.
Late 2017 we went to Florida for our wedding anniversary with stops in Boca Raton and Daytona Beach FL, Savannah GA.
2022 she went from Toronto and through the Maritimes and all around Newfoundland and Labrador.
This year 2024 she took us from Toronto to Las Vegas with stops in St. Louis MO, Salt Lake City and Toledo OH.
This was being picked up on our driveway, it belongs to Osprey Bluffs Honey Company.
Yonge-Dundas
The Eaton Centre is under major renovations.
The new food court, Queen's Cross, is now open.
Oliver and Bonacini. And I just learned that O&B are now running the food court at One York!
Eric Chong (born December 27, 1991) is a Canadian chef, former engineer, and restaurateur who became the winner of the first season of MasterChef Canada.
Our favourite pizza place but no gluten free here...
Thursday John went to bottle his wine. Then we took the shuttle downtown and walked to St. Lawrence Market. Once again, we said, why don't we do this more often? It was packed with tourists.
We got 2 pounds of mussels for $11. Yes, we are a metric country but we use a mix of metric and imperial measurements!
Damn! We did it again! We put them in the fridge still wrapped up until I looked it up and they should be unwrapped, so we lost a few of them. We will remember the next time.
I reminded John of the time, in 2014, that we bought mussels and froze them, forgetting that they are alive! Out of interest, two pounds of mussels in 2014 was $5.69.
Sourdough bread was fresh from the bakery at $5.We got some cheeses and cheese curds, pate, tzatziki.
Cilantro, cherry tomatoes, an avocado, 3 garlic cloves, 2 spring onions, jalapenos, Brussel sprouts for $20.
I looked at the price of limes, out of curiosity.
Longo's - $1 each.
St. Lawrence Market - 3 for $2 = 0.67 cents
Costco $9 for a 3 pound bag. I counted and we had 15. 0.60 cents
Crab legs are a favourite of ours, but at this price????
New place, this was a fish stall before.
Phew! My fave, lobster roll is only $22.
So many cheeses. Raspberry, apricot, blueberry, lemon, papaya, mango, cranberry, sticky toffee cheeses.
Friday John had car things to take care of and I went to pick up some weekend groceries. Then it turned into a rainy day so we watched a couple of movies.
Cross your fingers for our Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey as they play Boston tomorrow night, the series is 3-3 and it is the final game.
This is the t-shirt we saw around town. The Leafs haven't won a Stanley's Cup since 1967!
It is tulip time, this time last year, I/we did two tulip trips.
Tulip picking at Bay-Adelaide last year. It is scheduled for next week. Damn and I forgot to go.
Fenwick ON
COOKING
Saturday Roast leg of lamb, roast potatoes, Brussel sprouts and turnip and carrots
Sunday homemade pizza - that turned out to be a bust. I blame my inconsistent oven.
Monday lamb curry with enough for one lunch and then made a pot of soup for one.
Tuesday rotisserie chicken nachos. $8 2X2 dinners 2X2 lunches then a pot of soup.
Wednesday chicken salad beets hard boiled eggs and homemade gluten free biscuits.
Thursday mussels in a spicy garlic tomato sauce with crusty bread. The sauce was okay, I added onions and hot sauce, but it lacked oomph. We will try this Thai red curry sauce next time!
Friday steak and poutine
Paramount
May 2024 - Toronto ON
Cheyenne WY
Saturday I had my first ride in the new car as we ran some errands.
Unfortunately our Maple Leafs lost last night in game 7.
Sunday and we're not going anywhere as the Toronto Marathon is on and we are on the route so roads are closed around us. Plus is was a very foggy wet start to the day.
However I found Masterchef Australia season 16 2024 to watch online!!!
Cinco de Mayo so I cooked Mexican.
Monday John had his annual Wooden Sticks day of golf which included dinner.
I thought I was heading to Yorkville (Yonge subway stop) but on impulse got off the subway at Wellesley as I wanted to see the newly renovated clock tower/new condo incorporation.
This turned out to be an 11,000 step walk.
This clock tower was originally part of the Yonge Street Fire Hall. It later stood over the St. Charles Tavern, which was a symbol for Toronto’s gay community.
The Yonge Street Fire Hall was active for 56 years. It closed in 1928 and the building became a car wash, then a tire dealership. In 1948, racehorse owner Charles Hemstead purchased the building and redesigned the ground floor to open the St. Charles restaurant and cocktail bar in 1950. Hemstead sold the business in 1958 but it continued to operate, serving drinks and Chinese Canadian food. The St. Charles could legally stay open when other bars had to close for dinner. Patrons at the nearby Red Lion Room, nicknamed the “Pink Pussy” by the gay community, often moved to the St. Charles to eat. The St. Charles grew popular with gay men and it held many drag shows, but it was not always a safe space. Police were hostile to the community and surveilled inside. In the 1970s, the tradition of Halloween drag shows began to attract malicious crowds, forcing drag queens to enter in secret or be pelted with eggs. Several discos used the upper floors in the 1970s and 1980s, including Maygay, Charly’s, and Y-Not. The St. Charles closed in 1987, but the building still housed nightclubs such as the Empire Dancebar. In 2022, the St. Charles clock tower was restored and incorporated into a housing development.
Just sidewalking.
Facing Yonge Street is the well loved, red brick, 1888-built Masonic Hall/Gloucester Mews building, which is being fully rehabilitated as part of The Ivy. it was occupied by the House of Lords hair salon for as long as I can remember.
Facing Gloucester Street, the Charles Levey Houses, have been disassembled and transported in panels to a warehouse to be cleaned and restored before returning to the site and reintegrated into the base of The Ivy, but attached to a modern frame.
The property at 8 Gloucester Street is associated with Timothy Eaton (1834-1907), who relocated to Toronto in 1869 to open a dry goods business that evolved into one of the city's first department stores and the longest privately operated one in Canada. Eaton and his family resided in the easterly portion of the semi-detached houses) following their arrival in Toronto, a period when the entrepreneur formulated novel retail concepts for Toronto consumers, including fixed prices and cash sales.
BUT we knew it as Olympic 76 Pizza, our long time favourite pizza place since the early 1990s. A boss I had when I worked at Bay and Bloor used to take us there for lunch when it was a tiny hole in the wall across from this location.
The first Olympic pizza (it became a Jamaican spot) was in a row of small businesses now occupied by this condo, The Clover.
I snagged this photo from Google street view of the strip where the original Olympic was.
This is how the block looked before The Clover was built.
Here are our photos of Olympic Pizza taken in 2016.
I can't believe this is still around! Many a BMO event took place here.
Look at this antique! When did it go to a dollar for a call?
In 2007 it went from 25¢ to 50¢
In 2013 a federal regulator (CRTC) blocked a Bell Canada plan to raise the cost of a local pay phone call to $1.
So what is this sticker?
I stopped into the Reference Library to see their latest display. Click here for lots more photos.
Tuesday I did a quick shuttle bus run to Longo's for a couple of things for dinner. Blueberries were $3 if you had a loyalty card otherwise they were $6!
I baked lemon raspberry crumble bars for the first time and they were good!
Wednesday we ran a personal errand and then looked for geraniums, but they didn't look great so I bought three other plants instead.
We also checked up on the status of the Blue Goose. The Goose is back! UPDATE I read that the goose has been taken down until the building is finished.
2023 photo
2020 photo. When John played fastball for BMO this was their watering hole.
John went golfing and I headed (again) to Yorkville, I should have planned my week better. It was 21C but didn't feel like it with the winds, when I stepped out of the subway it had rained! But the sun did come back out.
I went to see the Fleurs de Villes floral displays.
Our steak order was delivered and I marked them properly so we can decide what is our favourite.
Thursday we had free tickets to a Jameson Distillery event at Stackt, but it was a gloomy morning so we decided not to go. But I was doing my Fleurs de Villes post and felt guilty that I had missed some so John and I headed (again) to Yonge and Bloor and did the rest, click here for another Fleurs de Villes post.
My favourite.
I was walking right by this until John pointed it out. Another Homeless Jesus!!!
Click here to see other Homeless Jesus sculptures.
Homeless Jesus are designed by Timothy Schmalz, a Canadian sculptor and devout Catholic. Schmalz was inspired to create the statue after seeing a homeless person sleeping on a park bench in Toronto in 2012.
We both had mocha, too sweet for us. Gluten free baked products!
In my Toronto Reference Library post I mentioned/linked above, Eat In Dine Out I mentioned The Pilot Tavern, so I got a photo today!
After a dull day we had a magnificent sunset!
Friday John had an appointment so he went to Longo's to pick up what we needed.
I stayed home and did some chores and repotted the new plants which led to other plants being repotted.
The hostas in black and white basket are new.
Red boots had been empty for a while; it used to have a snake plant in it. The Boston fern, middle red container is also new. It held my geraniums for a few years but they died out this year. Next up is the balcony.
COOKING
Sat roast pork (in freezer) roast potatoes carrots and turnips
Sun May 5 CINCO DE MAYO shrimp tacos guacamole
Mon John out lamb shanks Jackie Saturday's leftovers
Tues pork doner kabobs with pita and tzatziki and Greek salad
Wed halibut oven potato wedges. The halibut just wouldn't bake!
Thu ?????
Fri steak and balsamic garlic roasted mushrooms with baguette.
Livery Barn Cafe
May 2024 - Toronto ON
Ogallala NE
Another quiet weekend with the usual chores.
Administrivia - renewed photo card online/backed up Important Documents file to external hard drive/booked latest vaccines/renewed library card/fixed my Aeroplan password/updated my MC online.
I cleaned up some blog posts Missouri 08/Boca Raton 17 and started Winter 13/14) and also went through my draft posts and deleted many.
Monday and Tuesday, John used the golf simulator in the morning.
I did a quick trip to Longo's for some groceries. They keep moving everything around!
I spent time on the weekend and today cleaning up blog road trip posts over the years and linking them together.
Tuesday I went shopping and got two pairs of pants and a sweater after trying on three other pants and a jacket.
There was a protest in front of Union Station by the Freedumbers a$$holes.
Our skies are hazy due to the wildfires out west in Alberta.
Wednesday John headed out for his weekly golf game.
I took the bus downtown, at around 12:55 all the phones on the bus squawked with an Ontario Emergency Alert test but it seems not everyone received it. The power was out at the traffic lights at Lake Shore and Lower Simcoe due to a massive outage, however I didn't see any other signs of it.
I walked up to the Textile Museum.
A new bank??
A new restaurant.
The work on the new Metrolinx line is causing traffic chaos just as the other line, Eglinton Crosstown did for years and it still doesn't have an opening date!
Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster gave an update on the progress of the much-delayed Eglinton Crosstown LRT. Updated March 26, 2024 at 7:50 p.m. The $12.8-billion Eglinton Crosstown LRT was originally scheduled to open in 2020. There's still no date for when it will start operating.
A new 15.6-km subway line in Toronto that will run from Exhibition Place, through downtown, all the way to the Ontario Science Centre. UPDATE - they will have to rename that station, since DOFO (dumb Ford) suddenly had a whim to shut down the Science Centre.
As I cut through Nathan Phillips Square!
The Second Harvest Truck Pull Challenge is a one-of-a-kind race that puts your strength and teamwork to the test. Teams of 10 compete to pull a 20,000-pound delivery truck across Nathan Phillips Square in the fastest time, raising funds for Second Harvest’s food rescue and redistribution efforts.
For the last, at least three years 2018-2023, as I walk to the Textile Museum this corner was a construction sight. I was totally blown away to see this functioning building and I was disoriented at first, until I realized it was the new courthouse (NTC) across from the Armory exit of the Superior Court of Justice (Criminal).
The new courthouse brings together under one roof most of Toronto's Ontario Court of Justice criminal court operations from across the city, including the lovely old building, Old City Hall, you see behind the trucks in the above photos.
To prepare the site for construction of the courthouse, IO undertook a complex archaeological excavation that uncovered thousands of artifacts from when the site was part of St. John's Ward, one of Toronto's earliest immigrant settlements. The work ensures that the historical value of the site is documented and preserved.
Textile Museum - The Secret Codes: African Nova Scotian Quilts brings together historic and contemporary quilts from makers connected to Nova Scotia, embodying the stories and voices of the community. Curated by David Woods, this exhibition includes more than 35 quilts and a selection of 8 paintings that highlight the various functions of quilts over time: as decorated blankets in the home, as possible codes of communication for enslaved people seeking freedom, as records of family history, as a celebration of Black women and culture, and as inspiration for other art forms.
BTW to see previous exhibits from The Textile Museum, click on the words "Textile Museum" in the labels/tags at the bottom of this post.
They were gorgeous!
Love Stories Under the Quilt
There was another exhibit that didn't really interest me, other than this piece.
This piece was in the lobby.
Coming out of the museum on the other side of the courthouse, it was nice to have the sidewalk open after all these years.
Back in Nathan Phillips Square and the brains are back, now being sponsored by Mattamy Homes! Click here to see previous posts. Click here to see previous posts.
Coming home took 45 minutes, it should a max 20 minutes due to the construction on the Gardiner that is supposed to take three years! That will put a damper on companies making employees come back into the office!
From mid-April until mid-2027, the Gardiner will be reduced to two lanes in each direction between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue with intermittent additional lane closures as required. The eastbound on-ramp from Lake Shore Boulevard, east of Jameson Avenue, will also be closed.
Thursday John mentioned that Google Docs was using up his space on his phone, so I removed his access to the files. Here is an excellent document explaining how Docs duplicates files across multiple devices. Here is an excellent document explaining how Docs duplicates files across multiple devices.
That led me to cleaning up and editing some of our large recaps of our various travels on Docs.
Figured out how to get my Rakuten account working again for online shopping discounts. I turned off my ad blocker (didn't help) but then turned off Bitdefender anti-tracker and it worked!!
WOW I managed to fix my Blogger issue of not being able to make comments on my own blog and others, unless I went incognito!!! It was Bitdefender that was messing with Blogger! BTW John didn't have this extension installed.
We went to St. Lawrence Market as it is supposed to rain tomorrow as we head into a long weekend.
We got mussels (I'll try not to kill them before we cook them), good mince made from steak, sourdough bread and some vegetables. We always go to the same vegetable place, because they have good stuff, are very nice and always knock a buck or two off our cost.
We also found a new butcher who actually knows what he is talking about. DiLiso's Fine Meats.
John had just mentioned that there was a shortage, I'll have to stock up at the $ store.UPDATE there is plenty at the $ store.
Amazing steak selection!
Our first strawberry creme of the season!
Friday we both went for mani-pedis. It was $45 last month and now $50. It was a gloomy and chilly day so I stayed in while John ran an errand as it is a long weekend here.
I did more work on our travel recaps in Docs (China 09) as there was some duplication.
COOKING
Sat ham, roast potatoes, mashed turnip and carrots and Brussel sprouts
Sun ham and veg leftovers and mashed potatoes NEW spicy honey mustard sauce
Mon NEW Vietnamese pork and shrimp rice paper wrappers with Thai cucumber salad. I used my dumpling dip for the spring rolls. John didn't care for the shrimp with the pork.
Tue ham, scalloped potatoes and cauliflower and spicy honey mustard sauce.
Wed liver, onions, garlic mashed potatoes and cauliflower
Thu mussels (Jamie Oliver cookbook Bloody Mary mussels) and fresh bread. This was so disappointing, there just wasn't any real flavour, despite the horseradish, garlic and chilis. I think the mixture needed cooking to blend the flavours, and more liquid. Jamie mixed all the ingredients (cold) and then simply poured it over the mussels while cooking.
Fri steak and loaded baked potato
Brew It
May 2024 - Toronto ON
Cheyenne WY
Saturday - the usual chores, laundry, blah, blah.
John had put some jars of essential oils in a kitchen cupboard. I took out a cardboard box of marrowfat (mushy) peas to soak for dinner, they reeked of eucalyptus oil! I soaked and cooked them but they were inedible. So we cleared that cupboard out, it had some unopened (gluten) crackers that were out of date, and an opened box of stale crackers, as well as another box of peas that got thrown out. I also sorted a Tupperware drawer and some baking supplies.
Sunday - I made apple fritters for breakfast on a very foggy morning, due to the warm air and the cold Lake Ontario. I had my weekly 90 minute phone call with my friend in a retirement home.
I rearranged a couple of plants at John's suggestion (good one).
Monday - holiday Victoria Day. The Sovereign's birthday has been celebrated in Canada since the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). May 24, Queen Victoria's birthday, was declared a holiday by the Legislature of the Province of Canada in 1845.
The big problem: There is no set definition of Victoria Day. Yes, it’s about Queen Victoria. But it’s also about military parades, drinking, picnicking, spring, and the British Empire. Ask three different people what the point of Victoria Day is, and you’ll get four different answers. In Montreal, where I grew up, it meant the official start of spring, and that you could finally plant flowers in your garden without having to worry about them dying of frost. Everyone in my neighbourhood spent May 24th at the local plant nursery. But in Ontario, where I now live, many people call the holiday “May 2-4,” and spend the weekend going camping with friends, opening up the cottage, and drinking beer (i.e. a “two-four”) around the campfire. In Victoria, where it’s called Victoria Day, there is a massive parade through the downtown core with marching bands, floats, and military marches. In Richmond, the holiday is called May Long Weekend, and it’s a nice perk that many people use to spend time with family.
John made omelets for breakfast. He used the golf simulator for a couple of hours.
I got up to date on filing and shredding, I cleaned out the old car papers for shredding once John checks he doesn't need any of it. We both cleaned up the balcony, there were a gazillion shad/midge dead flies out there.
He took a walk along the lake.
Tuesday we went for our covid shots and then to lunch at One York Food Hall by O and B.
Curryocity wasn't open so John opted for a taco bowl at Lala's $13 and I went to Beauty's Fried Chicken $10 one piece plus fries, good taste and prices.
John went through the old car papers and he found the proof of ownership that he couldn't and had to get a replacement last month! Everything can be was shredded.
Laundry
Wednesday John golfed and I went for a haircut. We had a severe thunderstorm warning and there were raindrops and strong winds so I decided to catch an early bus home.
Thursday we headed out after lunch and walked to Chinatown, with a stop at the 401 Richmond Museum. We walked over 10,000 steps with a stop at Starbucks for strawberry frappuccinos. Bonus it was $4 drinks today.
Thomson Reuter's new Toronto headquarters - Toronto House is 58 floors.
At its base, the building includes the preserved south and west facades of the 1908-built Southam Press Building,.
This mural has seen its better days.
401 Richmond Art
We happened upon this pop-up.
Sample creations from Chef Susur Lee at the Tasting Window
Inspired by the wine windows of Florence, Tostitos® is welcoming Toronto to enjoy a taste of local, multicultural flavour – free of charge. As per Tostitos web page.
These guys were soliciting for people to sample. He suggested the only gluten free one - Thai Coconut and Pineapple Dip - lemongrass, pineapple, coconut cream, onion, turmeric and chili.
He calls in the order, you ring the bell at the tasting window and it opens with your tostito.
Chinatown on Spadina is quickly disappearing to new condos.
Two buildings that have sat kitty-corner at one of downtown Toronto's busiest intersections for decades are now being gutted and razed, respectively, for a new station on the forthcoming Ontario Line subway.
The CIBC that was located in the historic banking building on the northeast corner, which was originally built a staggering 120 years ago, now, nearly without a trace of what it used to be.
Designed by George Wallace Gouinlock for the Bank of Hamilton (which later merged with CIBC), the structure was completed in 1903 and received heritage designation in the early 1970s.
It is known as one of the oldest buildings in Canada, and is now almost completely gutted as work on the new transit stop really gets going, though exterior facades remain.
We picked up a few fruits and vegetables in Chinatown and then compared to prices to Longo's.
Handwritten prices are Longo's, what a difference! Yes, there are less expensive grocers than Longo's but it is very convenient for me.
Queen St. W - finally, the hoarding is gone. QRC West Phase 2 (Queen Richmond Centre West).
This extension of the QRC (2015) will link new office and retail to the grand Atrium of phase one at lobby level and by bridge and be well-integrated with the surrounding brick industrial fabric, while also offering a new state-of-the-art, highly sustainable commercial office complex.
Sitting on the patio at Starbucks I noticed the street sign and wondered who Harriet Boulton Smith was...Seems I have seen her portrait at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)!
Grange Park is a two-hectare green space in downtown Toronto. The park was originally part of The Grange estate built in 1817 by the Boulton family, who played an influential role in developing the young city of Toronto. The area now known as Grange Park served as the Boulton family’s front lawn. The elliptical path for carriages leading to the front door of The Grange remains as a heritage feature in the park today.
The Grange at the AGO. The brick house below the blue.
Friday John golfed and I did some shopping. I also discovered that the One York Food Hall is only open from 11:30 - 2:30 Monday to Thursday!!
The most Canadian headline ever!
Ambulance collides with moose while responding to another moose collision: OPP
COOKING
Saturday ham mushy peas cauliflower and leftover au gratin potatoes
Sunday chicken wings carrots and celery
Monday burgers and potato salad. Burger meat was delicious. Bought at the market and labelled as steak 3lbs for $20 = $1.67 per burger.
Tuesday fish we were full from lunch so we had salad
Wednesday lemon parmesan chicken Alfredo garlic bread
Thursday Asian chicken lettuce wraps I picked this one to try the sauce which was good, I added hot sauce and ginger.
Friday steak, garlic bread and sauteed onions, mushrooms and broccolini
RIP Teresa’s SIL
JUNE 2024
Maddie and Bella Coffee Roasters
May 2024 - Toronto ON
Toledo OH
Another gloomy Saturday but it doesn't matter we're not going anywhere.
A lot of chores got done. Paper shredder got emptied! Soup was started, cleaned out the fridge.
But then we went down rabbit holes the rest of the afternoon as I opened one of our travel videos and then John started watching the ones I had on YouTube. And I discovered not all were up on YouTube. We also found some that wouldn't load so I am looking for a solution.
Solution found - Clipchamp. I've fixed them all!!
John had a "senior" moment and shaved half his goatee off, so the rest had to come off!!
Sunday I baked a blueberry banana loaf. Did laundry.
Monday John headed out to golf at 8 nope, it was raining.
So another stay at home day. No worries, there's always something to keep us busy. More laundry.
We spent the afternoon watching MasterChef Australia season 16 - four episodes.
Tuesday cloudy but no rain forecasted until late afternoon. We took the subway to the Eaton Centre to try out their new food hall. I had shown you around in this post.
John had the Curryocity butter chicken (gluten free) and said it was okay but not very saucy. I tried Eric Chong's Lil' Rebel pop up. Eric was the first winner of MasterChef Canada and has several restaurants around town. I was anxious to try his potsticker dumplings, they were all right.
When we stepped out to walk back, it had poured! We walked back in sunshine and wind. We got on the bus and the skies just emptied all the way home. We only caught a few raindrops, good timing.
I received my Amazon order of a new bathroom wall scrubber, ours was worn. I also ordered a rotary cheese grater as neither of ours did a great job (charity bag).
Wednesday we slept in, not like us!!! John went golfing. I went to Winners, $ store and picked up some things, including sriracha since it seems there is a shortage!!
We got our gluten free Amazon order so we are good for baguettes, bread and cookies.
I asked John which sleep mask he would like...
Kelley's Landing on Front St.
They are painting the cement slabs outside Union with the word "WELCOME" in different languages.
I did some administrivia, shredding more paper etc. watering plants. I cleared a whole box of photos, no idea why I kept them, most had been scanned ages ago and there were a lot of duplicates.
Thursday we walked to Kensington Market and bought scallops (1 lb $20), and also picked up some wieners, breakfast sausages, pepperoni, made in house at Sanagan's.
Friday I looked out and saw the streetcars all waiting at the Loop.
John golfed. I went to College Park and got a black jean jacket and picked up some chocolate and some groceries at Metro.
This was a strange sight outside Union Station.
To celebrate the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), the RCAF Foundation is collaborating with Union Station and the RCAF on a special F-18 cockpit installation.
Pedestrians can sit in, take photos, and learn more about the RCAF from serving members. Nestled in front of the RCAF Centennial banners commissioned by the RCAF Foundation, this free installation is expected to attract thousands of Torontonians and visitors who will learn more about the past, present, and future of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Someone threw out a large Christmas cactus plant (in recycling bin) so I snipped some leaves and will see if they will root in water.
Since John didn't get home until really late we moved our steak dinner to Saturday and had eggs and sausage instead.
Awesome video by a favourite of mine, Simu Liu, for Blue Jays new shirt!
COOKING
Saturday roast pork roast potatoes mashed cauliflower and carrots with sour cream
Sunday cottage pie (ground beef/corn)
Monday chicken fingers and potato salad
Tuesday store bought salads
Wednesday spaghetti and homemade meat sauce/jalapeno soda bread
Thursday lemon garlic scallops and sweet potato fries
Friday steak, baked potato broccolini Horrors! sausages, tomatoes and eggs
Raven’s Brew
June 2024 - Toronto ON
Skagway Alaska
It was our usual leisurely weekend, cloudy Saturday and rainy Sunday. I had two boxes of frozen spinach (why??) in the freezer and had the brainstorm to make soup, also using some sad bits of vegetables that were languishing in the fridge.
Monday John did a grocery run and I went shopping, because I "needed" black capris, mission accomplished in Cleo's.
Cutting through the Royal York Hotel.
Tuesday we went to The Well, we had first visited this new building back in January, The Well, we had first visited this new building back in January, on the coldest day, but the food court hadn't opened as yet. WOW we were impressed
with the selection.
John picked up his lunch from here.
I ordered from Blue Claw, home of the Canadian catch, fresh lobster from the east coast.
I was just thinking of knishes last week and how I miss them!!!
PRIDE flag on side of new TD building.
BTW, on our way there, we ran into an old friend and made plans for lunch.
Wednesday I took the 9:30 bus to Union Station and took the GO train to meet my BFF for lunch in Burlington. The bus was delayed by this, just passed the bus exit ramp, causing traffic to be backed up.
Pictures from the train.
Waving at John as I go by Palace Pier.
We had a good catch up at the Piper’s Arm, and I missed the 2:19 train by a minute. We hadn't bothered to check the schedule. I caught the 2:49.
I have been lusting after this cookbook for eons but I knew I could find most of them on his blog/FB/YouTube, but I broke down this week. John has already tagged his likes.
Thursday we were planning on meeting the above-mentioned friend for lunch but she begged off due to work and a vacation day on Friday.
I thought I would do a quick run downtown for some groceries. I saw the 1:20 bus go by and waited and waited for the 1:30, with some other people and finally gave up and came back upstairs. I caught the 2:20 which was on time. The streets were teeming with Blue Jays fans and school buses. Then I realized the game was a "school game", which ENDED at 3:30, sheer chaos as the stadium emptied. My 3:45 bus showed up at 4:22 (never saw the 4:15 bus) so we had a full bus. I walked into our condo at 5:19!!
Friday dawned grey and gloomy as we pondered going out. I knew that the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) had not gone on strike at 2 AM as threatened, reaching a last minute agreement.
I found three tablets that John had set back to factory settings and gave two of them to our cleaning lady T for her girls. I also gave her some plant cuttings that needed a home (not mine)!
T sent me a picture of the baby and the tablet.
We decided to catch the 11:20 and got sprinkled on. The rain stopped as we walked to lunch.
It was very quiet downtown, everyone "works from home" on Fridays, and those that don't, used the TTC strike as a reason not to come into the city.
I took this photo from the bus, wet streets and blue sky would not last long!
Looking north, in the distance, dark clouds are looming.
Aroma is our destination. When I worked at the Hyatt, on the right, we had consultants (IT guys) from India and we would lunch here. It is an AYCE, all you can eat Indian buffet. Today's cost is $22 a head, but that includes a salad bar, dessert, soup and lots of choices. Pakoras, samosa, naan bread, chicken tikka masala, goat masala (my favourite) chickpea curry, tofu curry, beef rogan josh, tandoori, rice, aloo gobi, paneer, fish masala, I think I got them all!
There was a huge downpour as we were eating, creating big puddles.
.
The rain let up when we left the restaurant so we decided to carry on with my our plans.
Luminato Festival Toronto is a multi-arts festival that celebrates the energy of the city and connects people through memorable art experiences. Every June, our festival transforms Toronto into a playground of art, creativity and conversation.
As part of this year's festival, Evanescent, a massive, immersive piece of 'art-chitecture' by Australian design firm Atelier Sisu, will be set up in two different locations in the city for the entire month.
The installation consists of gigantic iridescent bubbles that you can walk through and around, scoring some of the best Instagrams of the entire summer.
Gillie and Marc's public sculpture debut in Toronto features their newest creation, "He Was on a Ride to a Safer Place with Rabbitwoman and Dogman," on display at the renowned David Pecaut Square.
I knew I recognized their work! They have a piece in Yorkville.
This extraordinary piece invites viewers to join Rabbitwoman and Dogman on a cycling adventure led by a majestic northern white rhino at the front of the bicycle. Inspired by their travels and commitment to environmental consciousness, the artists have beautifully embodied their ethos in this interactive sculpture. Designed with a rear seat, the piece invites the public to become part of the whimsical journey, spreading a message of love, unity, and positivity.
This wild tandem ride calls attention to the plight of the endangered northern white rhino, threatened by poaching and habitat loss. Rabbitwoman and Dogman’s autobiographical tale of two opposites coming together as best friends and soulmates serves as a conduit to reconnect us with nature and wildlife. With 70% of the planet's wildlife lost in the last 50 years, the call to action is urgent.
The rain is holding off!
A new sculpture gifted by the Anthony and Gay Longo family and created by sculptor Timothy Paul Schmalz, well known for his Homeless Jesus sculptures around the world.
Love Hands at Commerce Court.
We got on the bus just as the skies opened up! This was the sunset after the rainy afternoon.
COOKING
Saturday steak, baked potato and broccolini
Sunday lamb shanks (carrots/corn/onion) mashed sweet/white potatoes
Monday hamburgers and chips (crisps)
Tuesday chicken dumplings (steamed/fried)
Wednesday wieners and beans
Thursday Spanish tuna tomato stew with baguette. New recipe, John says it is a keeper, although he is not keen on stewed tomatoes. He is a very fussy fish eater. We added hot sauce to it. $15 worth of tuna but we did get a good lunch out of the leftovers.
Friday steak with broccolini and balsamic roasted mushrooms
This also happened in June!
Kream
June 2024 - Toronto ON
Yonge St. Toronto
Saturday-Sunday
I made a cheesecake with this recipe but used limes instead of lemons. I also made a blueberry compote to top it. We also had some pie as "lunch" after bacon and eggs for breakfast on Sunday.
I also made a soup using the leftover lamb shank bones and sauce along with another lamb bone we had frozen. The soup was great for a Monday lunch with Sunday's leftover rice.
We tend to do chores on the weekend so we can be out and about during the week.
After a dreary weekend, Monday was more of the same! So I made the management decision to spend the day in, bingeing on MasterChef Australia! It got really chilly in here, I ran into a woman in the elevator who said she had to put socks and a sweater on!
Tuesday, and it continues to be dreary! Dressed accordingly (13C), we headed out on the 11:20 shuttle for lunch at The Bangkok Garden Thai buffet ($22 pp). The buffet was disappointing, the vegetarian spring rolls, veggie balls and chicken wings were very good, the red chicken curry tasted like plain boiled chicken. John said that the noodle soup was hot and spicy. The fish was good as were the vegetable dishes but not hot enough.
Pics along the way.
Dundas Square
First Canadian Shake Shack - opening Thursday. Having eaten there in Vegas in March, I won't be rushing there.
I mentioned the demolition of this building on Monday Mural this week. The outer wall had a history of murals.
Welcome to 8 Elm, in collaboration with Simu Liu, a spectacular new 69-storey condominium by Reserve Properties and Capital Developments, offering an exhilarating lifestyle in the heart of Toronto.
Elm will preserve the James Fleming heritage building at its base. As part of the project scope, the existing properties at both 8 Elm Street and 348-350 Yonge Street will be conserved and incorporated into the redevelopment.
NEW! Funduk, a Turkish candy/pastry shop. Lots of nougats, I sampled a couple, and they were delicious.
Lots of Turkish Delight, a favourite of mine since forever!
Baklava!
Inspired by real Canadian stories, The Last Timbit follows a group of strangers who wait out the snowstorm of the decade in a Tim Hortons.
We caught the 2:45 shuttle and didn't get home until 4:30. We had seen and heard all the police cars, fire trucks and ambulances racing down York. When the bus reached the corner at York the traffic person stated there was an accident so the driver should find another route. It didn't matter they had closed the expressway due to a fatal accident so traffic wasn't moving anywhere.
Wednesdays John golfs.
I ordered tickets for Titanique, coming in December.
I went to St. Lawrence Market to get Greek dips for dinner.
Interesting contrast, the grey glass building middle right, has the GOOGLE logo on it.
Funny bag in a thrift shop - everything is under control.
Market St. is closed to vehicles for the summer. Click here for some history about these buildings.
I seem to attract fire trucks, a few weeks' ago it was Longo's.
The fire alarm was going in the block of buildings. The LCBO had already evacuated their store, but none of the restaurants had. The firefighters emptied the coffee shop as they walked by.
St. Lawrence Market PRIDE 2024.
Visit the Market Gallery from May 18 to August 4 to explore artist Kevin Matthew Wong’s Benevolence Hall. This free immersive community space invites visitors to reflect on their journeys and relationships to Canada, through the lens of Hakka (客家 / guest family) people.
Moon Gate
Buying olives for John, I don't like them, so the choice was overwhelming.
Outside of Meridian Hall was teeming with graduates as I went by but on my return they were all inside.
The George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology is a public, fully accredited college of applied arts and technology with three campuses in downtown Toronto.
This construction traffic is the bane of my existence, so I can only imagine how the drivers feel. I got the 3:45 bus (ten minutes late) and got home at 4:45.
Thursday John took two garbage bags to the thrift store and ran a couple of errands.
To go out or not? The weather took care of that, humid, tornado warnings and strong winds. In the end we didn't get anything, although areas around us did.
What a surprise to see a mention of my blog in another Toronto blog, As I Walk Toronto!
It was in reference to this post I did about a quilt exhibit at the Textile Museum.
Friday John golfed at 11. I went to Kensington Market in search of Indian spices.
It was a gorgeous day to wander, I should have started earlier because as it got near noon, there were hordes of school kids on day trips. I guess the schools are using up their funds, use it or lose it.
For more than a century Kensington Market has served as a multicultural gathering place and shopping district, where successive waves of immigration have left behind traces of their presence—even as new newcomers arrive to make their own mark.
Super Serve Ice Cream - will be a stop on the next trip!
I couldn't find an artist's signature. Click here to see more murals from this outing.
Immigrants from the British Isles started transforming the area west of Spadina Avenue from agricultural land into a neighbourhood in the 19th century.
You’ll notice many storefronts conceal the type of Victorian brick house they constructed all over Toronto.
Lovely to see the neighbourhood still manages to keep its identity.
Golden! Zoom in on the floral mirror by the stairs.
There are some lovely private homes as well.
I stopped here on my way back to get some things and it was very busy! Strange, cash or debit (CDN) only. It is pricier than walking over to Spadina and shopping in one of the Asian stores.
Now it starts to get busy.
When I came back with John, on Monday, this is where we bought pate that we liked and the mozzarella cheese.
I had a hot dog at this new place.
I have reached my destination! Pay cash and there is no tax! I am like a kid in a candy shop (oh, I did that above in the Turkish store!)!
The kids are everywhere now!
I picked up two gluten free bagels to see if John would like them. He did, especially because they weren’t frozen.
He is not happy with his latest order from Nate’s now called Gold Standard.
More private homes, steps away from Spadina and Dundas.
I took the 520 streetcar back to Union. I'll have to try these.
My haul.
These would have been cheaper if I had walked to the Chinatown stores, but it was fine.
COOKING
Saturday honey balsamic pork tenderloin, mashed turnips and carrots and broccolini. The pork recipe was okay, nothing special.
Sunday Curry Guy chicken curry page 184 and papadums. This was absolutely delicious, the best curry I've ever made. It could be spicier, I will tweak that in future, but the sauce is so smooth! I could have licked the bowl.
Here is the recipe (more or less),
Monday pork chops, mushy peas and mashed potatoes (sweet and white). I made enough so I don't have to cook on Thursday.
Tuesday John requested egg and onion sandwiches while we were at lunch.
Wednesday Greek dips, pita, salad. We'll have lunch for a few days!
Thursday bacon and leftover potatoes and mushy peas, mashed turnip.
Friday steak frites. I haven't really mentioned it, but John typically cooks Friday steak. If we have fries he also takes care of that. I make any sauces/dips and do the vegetables.
Brew Bar
June 2024 - Toronto ON
YORK ST. TORONTO
Our usual weekend. Chores etc.
John went out early on Sunday to get gas and gluten free beer for his golfing excursion this week.
Monday Mural from Kensington Market last week.
I found these new murals in Kensington Market last week. Kensington’s charm lies snuggly in its pokey alleys, flamboyant graffiti and a jumble of shops that range from old-school ethnic to cutting-edge hipster. Both were in this lane.
This artwork is by Sadie Rock and is entitled "SNOOPY AT THE LAKE". This piece was painted in 2023 as a part of the StART Support Program and is located at @pearlharborgiftshop.
"Where Math Meets Art" signed Sasha Q can be seen on the corner of the building in the last photo.
Funny, a few of us were waiting for the bus at 10:30 when it went sailing by before 10:30. We all said huh? With that it does a U-turn and comes back, guess she forgot the schedule!!
I wanted John to come to Kensington Market with me today to show him the spice shop (and to pick up some more things) and to have lunch.
It was 11:20 when we stopped at a place I thought would be good, but they didn't open until noon.
A better view of the golden mirror. And it is summer!
This is where we thought we would eat.
So we went to the spice shop instead.
Then we decided to lunch somewhere else instead (not noon yet, and the other place didn't really have decent seating). What a find, this was amazing. Film Cafe
I had the ceviche, the best I've had outside of Mexico. John had the chilaquiles with short ribs, and that was very good too. We would definitely go back!
Flying proudly.
Kensington Market is always colourful!
Needed to check on the garden car. To see more of it click on "garden car" in the labels/tags at the bottom of this post.
I would definitely try this place!
The Cottage Cheese - urban Indian, interesting menu! Also added to our list, the curries are gluten free and they can run down the street for their spices!
Wanda's Pie in the Sky.
Store name is Come As You Are.
Blue Banana Market.
Hot sauces.
All kinds of celebrity candles!
A stop in Bunners, for a gluten free cinnamon bun and scone.
Home with my loot. Pappadums - a different brand, coriander chutney, fenugreek leaves ( I didn't see these when I bought the seeds), tamarind paste, hot madras curry, and ground star anise (I have whole ones) . Pate and mozzarella fior di latte from Cheese Magic. Pastry from Bunners.
It always feels good to support local shops.
I'm fangirling watching E34 of MasterChef Australia because Nagi, from Recipe Tin Eats, a blogger that I have followed forever! is a guest. I have made so many of her recipes over the years. I just borrowed her cookbook from the library.
John is away golfing from Tuesday to Thursday.
Tuesday Treasures takes a look at Market St. that I stopped by last week when I went to St. Lawrence Market.
Some signs I've seen recently.
We planned on being up by 7 on Tuesday but a massive thunderstorm was our alarm at 6AM! John was packed and on his way at 7:45 to pick up his buddy for the drive north.
I cleaned the inside of the living room windows. I also started on the kitchen floor grout. I changed the table runner, and set two plants to soak in the sink.
I then went to meet a friend for lunch at Union Station.
I had a smash burger from Mikey's, it was okay, M had a taco bowl (minus the corn tortilla, we both hate the smell of corn).
I then went and bought these sandals.
She was catching the train home but the notice board said "cancelled - proceed to bus terminal.
"Metrolinx issued a news release Tuesday afternoon that certain transit routes are experiencing disruptions as a result of today's high of 33 C, which feels closer to 40 C with the humidex, resulting in a heat warning and special air quality statement.
"During prolonged periods of high heat, rail tracks have the potential to soften and expand that require us to run trains at slower speeds. To ensure the safety of our customers and crew, slow orders are issued along the network which also reduce the risk of track damage," the agency wrote."
I finished the kitchen floor when I got back.
Yes, there is hockey fever here as the Edmonton Oilers are fighting tooth and nail.
Wednesday
I cleaned the outside balcony windows, table and railing glass and the fridge. Then I caught the 10:30 and went browsing around Yonge and Dundas.
Protests against another of our premier's dumb ideas.
Ontario's controversial plans for Ontario Place include a new massive spa and indoor water park, to be built by Austria-based Therme Canada, as well as a new Ontario Science Centre and more than 20 hectares of green space and beaches.
Union Station's "freebie" stand, today I got a peach cooler. I meant to go back, but I forgot. Usually there is a long line...
Now open, and there was a line-up of people waiting on Yonge St.
A new location in the Atrium.
Ham, lettuce and tomato on a croissant from a new Hazukido location in the Atrium. Delicious!
HAZUKIDO insists on the Shokunin spirit of Japan, using only the finest ingredients to make the highest quality croissant.
The exclusive folding technique creates a classic honeycomb texture that has a perfectly golden crunch. Each croissant spreads the natural buttery aroma and preserves the classic French traditions with generosity.
I poked through the Eaton Centre and found body wash at a massive sale in Bathworks.
I found great t-shirts for John in Winners.
Thursday - we had more thunderstorms overnight.
I went to the Hazukido location in Union to pick up a smoked salmon croissant for lunch and a coffee mascarpone croissant for Friday breakfast. They were so good!!!
Our steak order arrived while I was out.
The annual fire inspection was done around 4PM.
John arrived home around 5:45. Group photo Pike Lake 2024.
We lost the wrong Donald today.
Friday was a lazy day with more expected thunderstorms.
I made a reservation for Summerlicious, a chance to try new restaurants with a set menu for lunch or dinner.
COOKING
Saturday lamb curry spicy Thai mango salad. Curry Guy Bible recipe railway lamb curry was delicious. The online recipe says cook the meat for 40 minutes, the book says 90 minutes. I did 90. Both recipes do not mention marinading the meat which I did in yogurt and spices. The online version of the recipe is better written than the book.
Here is a video version, again slightly different but all from the Curry Guy.
BTW railway lamb curry is a thing, I found various other recipes for it.
Sunday burgers and chips (crisps)
Monday pizza
Tuesday John away - leftover lamb curry
Wednesday John away - pork chop, mashed potatoes and turnip
Thursday John back around 6 - fridge leftovers, dips, pita, pate and toast.
Friday steak frites, chimichurri.
Beans and Brews
June 2024 - Toronto ON
Beans and Brews - Salt Lake City UT
This was a quiet, uneventful week for a change.
Saturday/Sunday was forecasted to be more rainy hot days and lived up to that expectation. John was inspired by my grout cleaning to do the hall and bathrooms.
Here's a funny article about what first time visitors to Toronto need to know.
I updated our map on my blog. I also updated my backup version of my blog.
Monday John used the golf simulator. I went to Longo's and picked up some bargains.
They started putting up the privacy fence.
John did a Costco run on Tuesday.
This happened out our window.
First item on the list.
The street was still closed when John left, which got me wondering how he would get home. AND how would the bus get here??? Solved! Police allowed residents of our building to go along the one way, the wrong way!
I went down for the 10:30 bus but it was late and cold out so I came back up.
John had a big haul from Costco this week! Lamb was so much cheaper and better than Metro $30/4.2 lb VS $45/4 lbs. I cut the leg up and divided it into four to freeze. It was also a much better cut with no wastage.
With the lamb, ham, lamb chops, pork belly and chicken thighs we won't need meat for quite a while!
I went to Longo's later to get more of their bacon at $4 and a few other items.
John was watching something and they were drinking Basil Hayden bourbon so I picked one up for him.
Wednesday I planned on getting a haircut so I planned on getting the 10:30 bus and it was later than ever, it turned into the 11:20 bus instead. The traffic has been awful in the mornings, well all day these days with construction.
The Love hands from a distance.
PRIDE at the Royal York Hotel.
I had a burger at Hero's and then looked in Winners and Shoe Company before grabbing the 1:45 bus, you can count on it being on schedule as it is that driver's first run. John headed to golf but they only got a few holes in as we had thunderstorms the rest of the afternoon.
Thursday we thought about going out to lunch, but really, we had too many leftovers, so I had a chicken sandwich and John finished the chicken Alfredo. I froze the chicken soup I had made from the rotisserie chicken carcass and John said he'd finish the potato au gratin with dinner.
More bus woes on Friday. Here I was thinking, oh, traffic is light and I can see the bus at the other building leaving at 10:25 to head to us. BUT it sails right by three of us! I sent a note to the office asking ????
I waited for the 11:20 and she asked if we were waiting a long time, I said I was, and she apologized and said it was her fault, also said it as I got off the bus...
I was thinking that we need a change to the bus schedule due to the construction and then the weekly news update came out with this!
A photo I took downtown.
The privacy fence is finished. It is nice and does finish off the area outside the pool.
It is a long weekend celebrating Canada Day and the PRIDE parade also takes place.
COOKING
Saturday - chicken masala curry (p87)
Sunday - hamburger went into chili instead of patties, gravy, mashed potatoes, carrots and turnips.
Monday - liver, mashed potatoes, carrots and turnips
Tuesday - pasta lemon parmesan chicken (rotisserie)
Wednesday - ham, broccolini/potato au gratin
Thursday - lamb chops asparagus roast potatoes with garlic herb crumb
Friday - steak loaded baked potato
JULY 2024
Stay Cool
July 2024 - Toronto ON
Bloor St. West Toronto
Saturday was a rainy foggy morning so I got going on my base curry sauce (it needs a few hours of simmering) and prepping dinner (all before noon!).
Sunday John slept in until 9:45!!
We had tickets to see the Blue Jays.
So we left around noon. The Spadina streetcar was replaced with buses (due to track work) so it was a longer trip than usual. We thought we would get the 501 Queen streetcar, but instead a 504B King St. via Queen and Shaw. This was perfect as it took us closer to the stadium and we just walked instead of getting the bus.
Along Queen St.
It was cold and windy out.
Loved our seats 320 R10 S3/4.
I don't know if it was Asian politeness or ageism, but we were waved through the security gates without having my purse inspected.
Two beers = $32!
It was junior (kids) day.
The roof was open but they closed it around the 4th inning.
We left at the bottom of the 7th inning - final score NY 8 TO 1.
Monday Canada Day we treated it like a Sunday. Although I did get all my new spices sorted out with homes.
Other administrivia was performed and some plans made.
Tuesday John golfed at Crosswinds (north Burlington). I made soup for his lunch with the carcass of rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken curry, and some bits and bobs hanging around.
We received the revised shuttle schedule. It's okay, but doesn't address the morning problem as the schedule stayed the same. I wonder who is on the bus committee? I would have reduced the mall schedule as it takes a morning bus out of commission from 10 to noon every day.
The afternoon schedule has a reduced 11 runs instead of 15, but makes sense. The old schedule had buses leaving 15 minutes apart in the afternoon. I didn’t notice until a “friend” pointed out (as she got caught) that the trip to the mall was shortened.
I went up to College Park. Union Station has opened its streetside food market for the summer.
Am I the only person who just can't develop a taste for bao? I just find it too soft. No, Andrew commented he doesn’t like them either.
I bought this cheese and we loved it.
Wednesday John had his weekly golf. is nursing his hip with ice and heat and taking a week's rest from golf.
I headed out on the train to Appleby/Burlington to meet my BFF for lunch.
We went to The Piper's Arm and I had a really good steak quesadilla.
With the new bus schedule in effect, I aimed for the 4PM bus that showed up at 3:45 and was home by 3:30 then we were ahead of her schedule as she didn't have to head back downtown until 4:50! You can't win!
I received my Nexus card renewal, now all my cards are updated.
Thursday we had tickets for F1 Exhibition at the Lighthouse Artspace, in partnership with immersive experiences production company Round Room Live. It's billed as a groundbreaking show that gives fans an inside look at the sport's greatest stories.
The Art of Banksy is also in town, but we decided not to go as we've been to other Banksy exhibits.
We caught the 11:20 and strolled tried to dodge the baseball fans headed to a 1:30 game, down to 1 Yonge St.
Pinnacle One Yonge, for 1 through 7 Yonge Street, is designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for Pinnacle International. This database entry covers the half of the block north of the Harbour Street extension, covering three primarily residential towers approved at 65, 92, and 105 storeys.
Click here to see the completed project images.
Scotiabank Arena was a buzz of activity as they host WWE on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Friday Night Smackdown, Saturday Money in the Bank and Sunday NXT Heatwave.
I had planned to have a late lunch at Harbourfront but John had mentioned ordering chicken and we wanted to avoid running into the mass exodus from the ballgame so we thought we would get Starbucks (strawberry Frappuccino for me and caramel ribbon Frappuccino for John) and catch the 2:30 bus. As it happened we saw people still waiting for the 1:45 so decided to wait for that which ended up arriving around 2:10.
Friday we headed out to lunch, John had no idea where I was taking him!
Walking along King St.
We remembered going to a sales/presentation in 2018 to see the plans for this.
Where I'm taking John for lunch - it only opened this week.
History meets modernity at Waterworks. This unique, mid-rise building integrates portions of a former industrial complex constructed in 1932. Comprised of 288 units, a new YMCA, and a European-style food hall, Waterworks celebrates the synthesis of past and present through the preservation of original Art Deco details woven with innovative, modern design.
The site, once owned by the City of Toronto, operated as a public market from 1837 to around 1900. The Water Works Buildings were designed in the Art Deco style by City Architect, J. J. Woolnough and completed in 1933. The construction project was part of a plan supported by federal, provincial, and municipal governments to provide work during the Great Depression. The complex of buildings faced three streets, Brant, Richmond, and Maud, and was organized around a central courtyard, with the St. Andrew’s Playground to the south. The site was designated in 2013.
The adaptive reuse of the Waterworks includes the full retention and reuse of the machine shop building as a food hall.
You can also bring your food and drink and sit out here. It was busier when we left.
Spheres hang from the ceiling, each varying in size and design. They were hand crafted and-created by Canadian artists including Priscilla Yu, Jimmy Chiale, Jacquie Comrie, Kelcy Timmons Chan, Courtney Wotherspoon, Thomarya (Tee) Fergus and Andre Kan to name a few.
Harry's Burgers - has gluten free buns. Musoshin Ramen - has gluten free noodles.
Otto's Berlin Doner - next time I will get the currywurst! We had tried it in Berlin in 2015.
Pizza and tacos.
We decided on empanadas (gluten free) from The Arepa Republic, We shared two chicken and two ground beef. I didn't care for the chicken. The beef was good but a bit bland. I would have really liked a more spicy dip for them. We had never tried empanadas before so it's a ✅.
We took our lunch to the Waterworks Bar which serves local beer, cider and wines.
This place immediately reminded me of the Caterina Market in Barcelona! There is plenty of seating, you can pick up your food and sit anywhere. They also have servers that will bring your order to you!
There is a large park outside, you can sit out here too. Too hot and muggy today!
Interesting perspective, John is not actually that far away from me!
We checked out (on my planned agenda) the new Revery Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton with a Hollywood theme. Behind the entrance's velvet curtains, you'll find the "Box Office" under the marquis lights and monochromatic checkerboard concrete tiles, with big screen backdrops playing classic black-and-white movies and historic images of Toronto's landmarks.
In their Cinema Room on the second floor.
The hotel's cinematic theme also applies to its restaurant, Deauville Club, which offers dishes like lobster linguine, steak tartare, charcuterie, and oysters.
Almost done! I worked in the building on the far left (rounded windows) when those townhouses were worn down and dilapidated. They are now incorporated into the Theatre District Residence and Rio Hotel.
Theatre District Residence is a pair of towers designed by Quadrangle for Plaza at Adelaide and Widmer streets in Toronto's busy Entertainment District. The 49-storey south tower will be all condos. The 48-storey north tower will include a 350-suite Riu Plaza hotel occupying the bottom 28 storeys of the building, while the upper portion of the tower will house 655 condos.
Champs is still hanging onto this precious piece of property, although he is now sharing with a vaping shop.
Since 1990, Champs Food Supplies is a wholesale meat distributor famous for our hot dogs and sausages (street meat) which are used by hot dog vendors all around Toronto.
Also on my agenda was a stop here.
Opened in July 2021, Grasett Park celebrates the response of the City of Toronto, particularly its physicians, nurses and other caregivers, to the influx of Irish migrants during the summer of 1847. Many of these migrants arrived gravely afflicted with typhus, known then as ship fever.
At the time, Toronto’s population was roughly 20,000. The arrival of 38,560 Irish migrants fleeing the Great Famine, including thousands who became sick during the perilous journey, quickly overwhelmed the Hospital’s capacity and resources. Temporary fever sheds were erected in the field behind the hospital, where Grasett Park now stands.
If you click on the label/tag "Irish emigrants" below this post, you will get more of the history in this area.
On Front St. we spotted this which was so serendipitous because I had just read about these sketches popping up on FB's Weird Toronto page that morning. They've been spotted at St. James park, Front and Berkeley, Union Station,
My hibiscus appears in shock and is dropping leaves since I moved her into full sun, but she graced us with this, the first in over a year!
COOKING
Saturday - shrimp curry p124 since it was so miserable out, I decided to make a base curry (p164) to go with the prawn masala (p233) and spiced samosa patties (with chutney) with cauliflower and potato. We used the rest of the samosa patties for Monday's lunch.
I froze the rest of the base curry (2 more meals) as well as the leftover tomatoes and coconut milk.
Sunday - ham, asparagus roast potatoes
Monday - sweet and sour pork belly bites and spicy jalapeno cilantro cauliflower rice with oven broccolini, onion, tomato with oil and soy sauce.
Tuesday - ploughman's bread ham egg cheese English beets pickles tomatoes cucumbers
Wednesday - chips and eggs, tomatoes, ham (John)
Thursday - ordered in Swiss Chalet
Friday - steak baked potato and broccolini. We are working our way through the bag from Costco.
RIP
Shy Coffee Co
July 2024 - Toronto ON
King St. West Toronto ON
We had our usual lazy, hang around kind of weekend that we like.
Monday - John had an appointment downtown so we met up at Wellesley and Yonge. These are some photos he took on his walk up Yonge.
We walked along Wellesley and discovered this park, relatively new, that had been on my To Do list.
Named for one of Toronto’s most prominent and accomplished First Nations women in recent memory, Dr. Lillian McGregor Park sits right downtown in a forest of condo towers, several of which helped fund its creation.
The park itself is quite beautiful, with huge sculptures of birds and feathers scattered around the space, and entrances to the underground parking lots fairly well-hidden by the landscaping. The park’s main paved area includes the iconic circle symbol associated with many aspects of aboriginal culture. A quick glance west and you can catch a glimpse of the U of T campus, where Dr. Lillian McGregor served as Elder-in-Residence of First Nations House.
We were killing time until our lunch reservation.
Of all the weird statues in Toronto, this 12-foot-tall donkey with casts at Clover Hill Park might be as cute as it is strange.
But Primrose, which is the name of this piece by acclaimed Canadian artist Myfanwy MacLeod, why the heck is there a donkey on U of T property, and what happened to its front legs?
The work is based on an actual baby donkey named Primrose who was born prematurely in 2012 at the Bind Equine Veterinary Practice in Shropshire, England.
Primrose's underdeveloped bones would have led to permanently bowed legs, so local vets put some custom pink casts on her to straighten them out.
It took about three weeks for the foal to start walking on her own, but not before the adorable ass had captured hearts worldwide as the "wonky donkey" from England.
We had reservations for the lunch Summerlicious menu at Gatsby in the Windsor Arms, another ✅on my list.
The Windsor Arms is a boutique hotel in the southern part of the Yorkville neighbourhood. The hotel includes a restaurant, tea rooms and a spa.
The neo-gothic style building was designed by architect Kirk Hyslop of Toronto and built in 1927. It was listed as a historic property by the City of Toronto in 1983, and designated under the Ontario Heritage Act in 1992. Run down by the 1980s, the original hotel closed in 1991. After purchasing the property in 1995, developer George Friedmann commissioned architect Sol Wassermuhl of Page and Steele to rebuild the hotel as a skyscraper that included condominium suites while maintaining the St. Thomas Street façade.
The Toronto International Film Festival was founded at the Windsor Arms in 1976, and the hotel's involvement in the festival continues to this day.
The hotel has been known to be frequented by celebrities such as Katharine Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Woody Allen and, more recently, Richard Gere, Britney Spears and Tina Turner. The location was featured in the 1973 film The Paper Chase. It has been used twice by Atom Egoyan in films – Speaking Parts in 1989 and Chloe in 2010.
The venue is quaint and charming.
Set menu $48 person.
John had the tomato salad.
I ordered the crisp calamari, I tried one and it was so chewy and my husband tried it and agreed, so I sent it back. Both servers came back and said they had tried it too and it was very overcooked.
I was asked if I would like it grilled instead. I was astonished by this offering and very pleased. It came out grilled and delicious in a light broth. That they could pivot like this impressed me.
It slightly amused me, when the other server, Jamaican, addressed me as "aunty" when saying she agreed about the calamari!
The servers were pleasant and very efficient. I had the steak, a very generous portion (the server kindly wrapped the remainder for me) and John had the mussels which he enjoyed immensely.
The pavlova ✅was to die for! My mother had made meringue when I was a kid but I hadn't thought much of it until I started watching Australian cooking shows!
Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert. Originating in either Australia or New Zealand in the early 20th century, it was named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. Taking the form of a cake-like circular block of baked meringue, pavlova has a crisp crust and soft, light inside. The confection is usually topped with fruit and whipped cream.
John had the fruit and sorbet.
Ladies' room.
You can select your hat for afternoon tea.
I didn't realise John took this while we were waiting for the bus! I had lost one of bottom heels of my shoe, so I sounded like a horse that needed reshoeing. When we got home I had lost the other one, what are the odds? I'll take them to the shoemaker next week.
Tuesday was a hot, muggy day.
I went for a mani-pedi ($50), a house on my way.
I picked up some groceries in Rabba and ice cream (sassy sea turtle and almond raspberry $24! Yikes they used to be $5 each before the pandemic) from Lola's, a local shop.
This drove by me on the way home.
I baked a lemon blueberry loaf and some other chores and then read.
Wednesday golf hair trim was a washout with heavy rain as a result of Hurricane Beryl. Up to 60mm of rainfall expected by Wednesday evening: Environment Canada.
Thursday it was warm, the air conditioning wasn't working. We remembered this happening before, I was thinking a battery. But John removed the cover, no battery (hardwired), hmmm, put the cover back on and it is working so far. Stopped again. I put in a work order to the office and of course, it started working again.
I went to the Eaton Centre as I wanted a pair of black Sketchers to replace my old ones.
We waited for the 4PM shuttle which arrived around 4:17, still in plenty of time to catch the King St. streetcar to the Distillery District for our 5:30 dinner reservation ahead of our 7:30 Soulpepper theatre production of A Streetcar Named Desire.
Wandering around before dinner.
The Lavazza IncluCity Film Festival (ICFF) is taking over the Distillery with its iconic, cosy couches and red carpet for 25 days of films, concerts and events.
The festival will be paying tribute to a number of icons, such as Federico Fellini, with a tribute showcase of his most famous films, and Norman Jewison, with screenings of his greatest accomplishments like In the Heat of the Night and Moonstruck.
Cluny's for dinner. We always enjoy this French bistro.
I didn't realize they also had a Summerlicious menu! Dinner for $55 was a good deal. I chose from it.
Salmon tartare (me) delicious!
Mussels, again, for John, he loved the tarragon sauce! Delicious fries!
My poached turbot in a mushroom broth.
We shared my Paris brest ✅!
Washroom doors!
The set for Streetcar.
This is a 3.5 hour production, intermission took place at 8:49, and we had had enough of Blanche's everlasting moaning. The cast and sets were superb, but this just wasn't for us.
We did leave, sorry, not sorry!
The streetcar journey home ended with us catching an Uber at Roncesvalles, after waiting too long for our transfer to Humber Loop.
Friday we went to College Park to DUCK for duck noodle soup. Blogger won't let me upload the photo, I'll try later.
Then John bought a golf wind jacket at Uniqlo and we picked some croissants, custard and honey citrus.
Maintenance came to look at the air conditioning, which of course has been running fine. A couple of “rebootings” and it is fine…
Seems we're not the only ones interested in Summerlicious. Our mayor dropped by to sample our building restaurant, Velouté, Summerlicious menu. Again, stupid Blogger!
COOKING
Saturday CURRY NIGHT lamb vindaloo and aloo gobi
Sunday chicken wings and potato salad
Monday out to lunch - popcorn
Tuesday coconut shrimp and Caesar salad
Wednesday GOLF liver, bacon, onions, mashed turnip
Thursday out to dinner/theatre
Friday STEAK NIGHT with sauteed green peppers, onions and mushrooms
Cafe
July 2024 - Toronto ON
Ste. Anne de Bellevue QC
Drove to Montreal Saturday morning, it was a quiet drive with moments of construction.
Maiden voyage for the new car.
Major accident closed down the westbound 401.
Bienvenue à Quebec.
Once we checked into the Hilton Garden Inn, we went to John's son's house for dinner and had lots of laughs with the grandkids.
After our complimentary breakfast, I had the yogurt bowl and John had the three egg omelette.
We lounged around until John went to hit golf balls with his son and grandson. Then it was dinner with his daughter's family in Ste. Anne de Bellevue. It was a lovely Spanish tapas restaurant with plenty of gluten free options (three people), the chef even came out to explain how he cooked the food.
Patatas bravas, salted cod croquettes, shrimps, octopus and so many other plates!
Monday we drove back, it was still very hot and we started out in sunshine but then hit rain outside Toronto. BTW it is about a 5 hour drive plus an hour for lunch, gas and bio breaks.
A sight for sore eyes - ONTARIO!
Tuesday was a lazy day with no plans which turned out to be a good thing!
We had just finished lunch when the power went out so we both read for a couple of hours when it came back on. We were lucky lots of people had to wait a lot longer.
This was our exit, the traffic lights were out and there was some flooding where the road dips under the expressway.
RAIN!! POWER OUTAGE!!FLOODING!!
Scenes of chaos at Union Station
Enormous power outage affects 165K people
Some images I found online.
Wednesday John bottled his wine, we went for burgers at The Burger's Priest.
Then we picked up some fruits and vegetables at Lanzarotta. We used to enjoy their produce and prices but nothing was impressive today. Nothing looked very fresh and prices were eye-watering.
Thursday John walked to an appointment. We waited for the balcony inspection. This was new to us, but it seems they do it every ten years or so, looking for any problems.
Please consider this communication adequate Notice of Entry for the Corporation’s contractors to inspect the exclusive use common element balcony of your suite, stated below, on Thursday July 18th, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: A member of our staff will be present while the Corporation’s contractors are in your suite.
Our Amazon Prime day purchases arrived.
We hardly ever use an iron, so we got a steamer.
An air purifier. A woman I know in the building (Marge) said she bought one and it really reduced the amount of dust.
And some hooks to get the mops and brooms out of the way in the pantry.
I worked on my house plants this week, I cut back the hibiscus and put it outside. I planted the Christmas cactus I was rooting. Some were also reassigned locations to see if it made them happier.
Friday was another lazy day, we haven't done much this week! But this was exciting news!
John has been watching the British Open Thursday and Friday so he is a happy camper as it continues into the weekend!
I mentioned last week that our mayor, Olivia Chow had dropped by to check out Summerlicious in our restaurant. It seems she expeditated a concern the building had.
COOKING
Saturday dinner with family MTL
Sunday dinner out with family MTL
Monday bacon and eggs (Jackie) homemade pizza (John)
Tuesday chicken curry - had the last base sauce mix in the freezer with coconut milk. Makes enough for a lunch.
Wednesday ham, salad, hard boiled eggs, beets
Thursday chicken alfredo
Friday steak salad with garlic buttered sourdough
Circles and Squares
July 2024 - Toronto ON
Yonge St. Toronto
Another uneventful weekend, just as we like it. Ice cream in the afternoon, a treat for us. We made Aperol spritzers as a cocktail on Saturday.
Sunday morning I made apple cinnamon French toast, I hadn't made French toast in a very, very long time! It used up some apples and bread that was lying around.
I finished our six month recap, January to June, the first time I've done that. It will make it easier to do the annual recap!
John watched all of the British Open and did not do well in his pool.
They have now done the planting behind the new privacy fence.
Monday we took a quick trip to get my shoes heeled, I had debated whether I would or not, but I do like them. It cost $30!!
Then we picked up some items for dinner.
We had seen the Luminato display during the festival.Luminato display during the festival. I knew they were then moving some of the bubbles to First Canadian Place so we checked it out. The sunshine made such a difference!
Evanescent, giant plastic bubbles that glimmer like gasoline on a rain puddle. Created by Atelier Sisu, the installation was up at David Pecaut Square and after Luminato was over, it'll travel to various destinations downtown until July 30.
I remembered reading an article about a new "feature" at 121 King St. John didn't think much of it.
John did a Whisky Drop order.
When we got home I made an apple/cherry/strawberry crumble for breakfast and cherry mousse for dessert. This used up all the leftover fruit we had.
I planned out our Stratford theatre plans for Friday and Saturday. All our reservations are done and I did our digital hotel check-in.
Wednesday we had planned on going to Harbourfront and lunch, but it began raining and it continued all afternoon.We didn't get much but some areas were hit hard again with flooding.
Thursday I went for a haircut, cutting through Brookfield Place and I found more of the Luminato balloons and a photo shoot.
Photos as I walked to St. Lawrence Market.
The new St. Lawrence Market building, on the north side, is coming along. The green roof is already in place.
I picked up halibut for dinner. I also bought the ground steak at $20 for 3 pounds, but he only charged me $16?!? I thought he misunderstood me, but I weighed it when I got home and it was three lbs. I divided it into 6-8oz packets.
UPDATE it is Seniors’ Day on Thursdays - 20% off!
The market was packed with tourists lining up for food (Buster's Sea Cove) . The line was very long. The fish stands now offer oyster samplings that the tourists love.
The Blue Jays were playing at 3PM so there were a lot of fans making a stop at the market as part of their outing.
The Hockey Hall of Fame is under renovation, after all the building was built in 1885 as a branch of the Bank of Montreal (BMO).
A good spot for selfies with the CN Tower.
The devastating fires in Jasper National Park break my heart. It was such a gorgeous part of Canada. Photo from our trip in 2017.
Friday we packed and headed to Stratford. We enjoy going to Stratford for a couple of plays and staying overnight, it is such a pretty town.
We stopped in Shakespeare for lunch at Annie's Seafood which offers amazing gluten free options.
John had the light battered haddock and chips and I had battered scallops. It was all good, as always.
We booked at the Stratford Hotel on Erie St. We have yet to stay at the same place as we are still trying to find the perfect place! Everything about booking this hotel has been no contact online. We reserved our parking spot, received the door codes via text, we were notified about our breakfast (Go and Roam) location (outside our door at 8AM).
Walking to our first play.
Tir Na Nog gate
This unique, but slightly hidden gate is located on Downie Street across from the end of Albert Street beside the CIBC. You could easily walk right by, unless you were looking for it. It is a whimsical black gate with an archway that allows pedestrians to cross though to Erie Street. The gate itself is lovely to look at and has quite a bit of fairly-like detail, the area behind has a lot of unused potential. There is a wide winding path, with some benches and flower beds, but no flowers when I visited in June. It would be lovely to see this area transformed to try to match the Celtic world the gateway leads one to in the stories.
This is a very pretty town well worth the visit. There are three theatres offering plays from April to October. Tourists flock here from around the world.
It lies along the Avon River in the heart of dairy-farming country. The settlement was founded during the winter of 1831–32 by William Seargeant (or Sargint), who erected the Shakespeare Hotel near the Avon; both the river and the settlement were originally called Little Thames, but both had received their present names by 1835, probably at the insistence of William Dunlop of the Canada (development) Company, to honour the birthplace of William Shakespeare, at Stratford-upon-Avon in England.
The city is best known as the site of the Stratford Festival, held each summer since 1953; the festival’s theatrical performances, particularly of plays by Shakespeare, were originally directed by Sir Tyrone Guthrie and are held in the Festival Theatre (built 1957), the Avon Theatre (acquired 1964), and Third Stage (established 1971). Lake Victoria, the centre of Stratford’s park system, was created in the early 20th century by damming the Avon for one of the city’s numerous mills (for lumber, grain, and woolens). Railway repair shops, engineering industries, and light manufacturing combine with the arts and tourism to form the city’s economic base.
July 2022 visit includes the town of St. Marys.
July 2019 visit, that post includes lots of links of things to see in the area. John, we ate at the Old Man's Diner.
Sep 2018 visit includes Millbank and more 2018 photos.more 2018 photos.
We went twice in 2018.We went twice in 2018.
Avon Theatre for the 2PM performance of La Cage Au Folles.
In the theatre store before the show, we're sure what these t-shirts meant. All would be revealed when we went to the 8PM show.
"WE FACE LIFE WITH A LITTLE GUTS AND LOTS OF GLITTER…"
Georges, the manager of a drag club in St. Tropez, decides to "play it straight" when his son arrives with his fiancé and her ultra-conservative parents. Albin, the club's star performer and romantic partner to Georges, is dubious about the plan. The ensuing clash unravels truth and consequences with heartwarming grace. Gorgeous and funny, La Cage aux Folles has been delighting audiences since its Broadway première in 1983, when it won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Fans of the Oscar-nominated film The Bird Cage (inspired by the French play the musical takes its name and inspiration from) will rejoice in seeing familiar characters on the stage!
The show finished at 5PM and we hustled to put our bags in our room before heading to dinner at Fellini's. We had white sangria as it was so hot out. I had a chef's salad (no olives!) with salmon that was good. John ordered the arrabiata with gluten free spaghetti. He was disappointed that it was a little oily and not very spicy.
We decided to take the car and were happy we did, as it got quite cool after the show.
Shakespeare was awaiting us.
Something's Rotten was outstanding!
The Bottom brothers, two struggling playwrights in Renaissance London, need a hit. That’s easier said than done when your chief competition is local rock star William Shakespeare. The Bottom brothers’ plan: write the world’s first musical! This rollicking song-and-dance extravaganza, nominated for ten Tony Awards during its smash Broadway run, sends up the Bard and Broadway and everything in between. Best of all, it can be enjoyed without CliffsNotes!
Click here for the official trailer.
It was wonderful to see Celine Dion perform at the Paris Olympics opening ceremonyCeline Dion perform at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony!
COOKING
Saturday ribs with baked potato
Sunday ham, mashed potatoes, mashed turnips and carrots. We can have ham salad for lunch this week. It also cleaned out those languishing vegetables.
Monday corn on the cob with fresh bread
Tuesday Sunday's leftovers
Wednesday pork chops with mustard sauce, mashed potatoes and beans
Thursday potato chip halibut (yikes $48/lb) and broccolini
Friday Stratford Fellini's
AUGUST 2024
Alley Cat Cafe
August 2024 - Toronto ON
Stratford ON
We were given a Go and Roam boxed breakfast containing a banana, croissant and muffin at the hotel. We lazed around until 10:30 and then packed up the car. Our first stop was Anna Mae's in Millbank as they opened at 11 and was a 25 minute drive from Stratford.
There is a large Mennonite population around this area. Anna Mae's Bakery is a Mennonite business.
Image from their website
Our gluten free haul.
From there we went looking for and failed to find the Punkeydoodles Corner sign.
The most frequently cited legend claims that the local German-speaking inn-keeper was given the name Punkey Doodle after he mispronounced the words of the song Yankee Doodle, which sounded more like "Punkey Doodle" to the tavern guests.
We headed back to Shakespeare/Stratford and stopped into the British Touch for some treats.
We were going to Annie's to pick up some of their gluten free products so decided to have lunch there again. It is so good and better than the usual fast food spots available.
John had the haddock with mushy peas and Newfie fries. What are Newfie fries, deliciousness!!
Crispy fries are covered in a dressing or stuffing flavoured with savoury spice, and topped off with a rich beef gravy.
I had cod loin. Why? Because I've never had it before!!
Cod loins are the fillet mignon prime cut of a cod fish. They are cut from the middle section (or fattest part) of the fillet, so they are known for being very moist, flaky, and sweet in flavor. With sweet potato fries.
UPDATE - the raspberry "danish" by L'Artisan was awful!! My recipe is much better!
From there to Woodstock to Picard's, to stock up on peanuts. Otherwise we make a special trip to Vaughan, so it was more convenient to do it on our way.
Surprisingly, our new TV arrived on Sunday. John had it set up in no time. The old one moved into the bedroom.
Monday John had an appointment with ENT and she confirmed from the CAT scan that it IS the implant that is causing his sinus infections.
I went to pick up my shoes from the shoe repair.
I am so impressed with the gluten free eclair from Annie's!! It was delicious and it had been frozen!!
Tuesday I had booked my own birthday lunch (a day early) at Blue Bovine. WOW from start to finish this was a fabulous meal! Not cheap, but it was my birthday present to us!
Union Station.
Blue Bovine Steak and Sushi House in Union Station.
Cheesy, oniony, bundles of joy! They brought John some gluten free chips.
My sushi!
Yes, the peppercorn sauce is gluten free.
Crème brûlée - so good, we should have shared!
Wednesday and another trip around the sun for me!
It was a very low key birthday as I awaited the arrival of the vent cleaning guys and John went golfing.
Noisy job as they vacuumed!
John hung the mops in the pantry.
John offered to order dinner or take me out, but after yesterday's stupendous lunch I was happy to cook.
Thursday we didn't do much of anything, it was gloomy out. The windows did get cleaned.
Friday John got caught up in the Olympics Golf before he went golfing later in the afternoon.
I picked up what we needed for the weekend as it is a long weekend here.
The Civic Holiday is a holiday observed in most provinces and territories on the first Monday of August. The holiday has various names from Civic Holiday in Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and in parts of Ontario and Nova Scotia, to Simcoe Day in Toronto, John Galt Day in Guelph and many more.
There are a couple of new spots in Union Station.
I was going shopping as well, but it was crazy busy downtown.
There was a concert for the "oldies" so the streets and restaurants around Rogers Centre were packed.
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Please note Cheap Trick hits the stage promptly at 6:00 p.m.
Caribana is on this weekend as well.
Random street shots.
COOKING
Saturday spring rolls and dumplings (from Annie's/Riz)
Sunday steak frites (John cooks)
Monday lazy cabbage rolls
Tuesday lunch out - potato chips
Wednesday chicken fingers, mustard dip and salad
Thursday lamb chops, roast potatoes and buttered cabbage
Friday bread, cheeses
We watched a production of Something's Rotten after seeing the play at Stratford.
Bake My Day
August 2024 - Toronto ON
Stratford ON
This was really an unremarkable week with few outings and no photos! Monday was a holiday. John golfed on Wednesday and I went shopping.
He was supposed to golf on Friday but we had rain as a result of the now tropical storm Debby.
Instead he used the golf simulator.
It finally cleared up in the afternoon and we did a quick run to St. Lawrence Market. But it was really hot and humid out.
Front St.
COOKING
Saturday steak, sauteed mushrooms, onions and peppers with garlic baguette
Sunday lamb curry with onion bhajis (Curry Guy's). We also got three lunches out of the leftovers.
Monday chicken mushroom brie pasta
Tuesday meatloaf with cheesy potato topping and carrots
Wednesday fish chowder
Thursday pork chops, mashed potatoes and cauliflower, sauteed cabbage
Friday steak (market) baked potato and broccolini
We had the rhubarb pie from Anna Mae's. Delicious!
Coffee Culture
August 2024 - Toronto ON
Stratford ON
We had our usual stay at home, relaxing weekend.
Monday we were up early as John headed out at 8:15 to golf. On his way back he picked up our Butcher Shoppe order.
I did chores and then caught the 10:30 and then the subway to College Park, but decided to get off at Dundas to check out that Winners and then walked up Yonge St. to stop at the bank for some cash.
Interesting colours.
One of Toronto Metropolitan University's (formerly Ryerson) buildings.
After standing as empty shells for years, the preserved facades of the Gerrard Building at 385-391 Yonge, the Richard S. Williams Block at 363-365 Yonge, 367 Yonge, and the former Yonge Street Mission building are now being prepped for integration into the new construction behind.
Construction of the 85-storey Concord Sky development now rises above street level at the southeast corner of Yonge and Gerrard.
I wandered around College Park and then went to Farm Boy for gluten free hamburger buns.
I picked up a couple of items at the $ Store, there was a long line for one cashier, and half the self scan kiosks were out of order! I finally got a self scan, and one item wouldn't scan, so an attendant came over and it wouldn't scan for her, so I said forget and left my items there! So annoying!
Tuesday we decided to go to Harbourfront, first time this year!! We hadn't been inside the Queen Quay Terminal building in a long time and it has been updated, so it is much brighter.
Labatt's have their head office upstairs. Labatt Brewing Company Limited (French: La Brasserie Labatt Limitée) is a Anheuser-Busch InBev-owned brewery headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1847, Labatt is the largest brewer in Canada.
Click on the photos to get larger views of the posters.
I see our legs reflected!
I wanted to eat at Pearl but they didn't have any gluten free options other than rice. I personally think they did, but the staff were not aware.
The new sculpture, A Place to Put Your Things, is a departure from previous works in this series and is the artist’s first public artwork. As Sandra Brewster describes it, the piece invites participants to “a place to rest and be at peace, to unburden oneself, and simply sway at one’s own pace and rhythm. Play being a central element of the work, the sculpture connects to an inner child and can be engaged by children and adults alike.” Facing Lake Ontario, the swing gives new purpose to the location in which it is installed, and its movements can be felt from both near and far.
We decided on the Amsterdam for lunch as they have an outdoor bar in the shade.
Fria cerveza is brewed with flaked corn.
Mike was a great bartender! I had the KFC, Korean fried calamari. Good meaty portions. John had the gluten free cheeseburger.
We picked up some corn at Farm Boy, 6 for $4.
Walking by Love Park, more photos here.
Wednesday I headed out to go to Burlington to meet my BFF for lunch. Waiting for the train. Me, not him.
The "Revenue Protection" (yes, they are really called that) inspectors, otherwise known as fare inspectors boarded the train. The guy behind got caught, he did have a good story, but they weren't buying it. He was charged the $35.
Under the graduated fine structure:
First time offenders will be issued a $35 fine, reduced from $100 to add a middle ground between warnings and large fines
Second offences, the fine will be $50
Third offences, a $100 fine will be issued
Passengers with four or more offences would be automatically served a Provincial Offence Notice, with a set fine of $200.
We tried a new place, Squire's Gastropub. My steak and mushroom pie, the pastry was great but the sauce was too salty. BFF had butternut squash and she said sauce was odd. We could get passed the okay food, but the server was so annoying, constantly asking if we were ready for the bill, it wasn't as if the place was busy, it wasn't. So back to our favourite place in future.
There was a lineup outside Kelly's for early dinners as the Pink concert was at the Rogers Centre.
The street was a pink parade of flouncy skirts and tutus, fluffy pink feathered cowboy hats and lots of sequins and tassels.
Thursday and we had plans for a day trip, but we got lazy and decided to put it off to next week, we a better agenda. It is better to do it early in the week, rather than leading into a weekend.
However, we got a bunch of things done. John went to Costco, while he was out, I cleaned out the fridge (to make room), put on a pot of soup (frozen veg and fridge cleanout). He picked up a rotisserie chicken for lunch/dinner and then I put the carcass into the soup pot as well.
We put all the Costco stuff away. I divided up the parmesan cheese to freeze two portions.
I also froze half of the bread.
I also took the cherries that were getting wrinkly and cut them up to freeze for future baking.
Friday and we were up early as John was golfing at Turtle Creek. He made a chicken sandwich for his lunch (he has an insulated bag for it) and headed out at 9:30.
I cleaned up and watered plants before heading out at noon.
New opening in Union.
My plan was to go to Dundas and see a new opening at the Eaton Centre. I paid my fare and went down to the platform, where there were transit employees directing people to other options as the trains were turning back at King (the next stop) due to "a trespasser on the tracks". What to do?
I could walk, wait for a shuttle bus (hell would freeze over before one of those arrived!).
Instead I just went to Longo's to pick up some stuff.
Click here for TTC fines, it is a funny list of infractions.
Unauthorized crossing or entering upon subway tracks set fine - $345 total payable - $425
So nice to see our "premier" Doug Ford make the American talk shows.
I found a Canadian version of Wordle to play, Canuckle, when you complete the board it gives you interesting Canadian trivia.
COOKING
Saturday sticky pork belly bites with salad. Note: would be good with pineapple
Sunday lamb curry and naan bread
Monday burgers
Tuesday corn and bread
Wednesday wieners and beans
Thursday rotisserie chicken Alfredo (finished the piece of baguette with garlic butter)
Friday steak with foil potatoes (onions and green peppers)
August 2024 - Toronto ON
Distillery District Toronto ON
The weather guessers couldn't make up their minds this weekend, rain, no rain, tornado, no tornado, severe thunderstorm warning, all due to Ernesto.
There were floods all around us, but we just got rain. Sunday was more of the same.
I spent a lot of Sunday in the kitchen, making curry and ham salad for sandwiches. John did a grocery run to Metro for yogurt (Costco didn't have the brands we like), Dijon mustard, cabbage, chips (on special 2 for $4), peanut butter (shudder! for John), English bangers (we haven't found any lately).
John headed to Turtle Creek to golf on Monday.
I attempted to go out twice, the first time I was too cold so I came back to change. The second time was still cold and I decided I didn't really need to go anywhere. I did laundry instead and that turned into a stressful afternoon. The washing machine leaked!
I contacted a repairman (lots of good reviews on the neighbourhood's FB page)for my 2 year washer that is leaking, front load. He said he would come Tuesday afternoon and then called me to say he had a customer cancel so he could at least come and see what the problem was. He quoted $180 and hour and parts.
Well, he went above and beyond to prove that it was not the washer, it was a pipe at the back. He only charged me $90.
So we are now waiting on building maintenance to show up and see what next steps are.
This meant we cancelled our Tuesday plans to wait for maintenance. I have a video proving the pipe is the culprit and want to be here to show it to them. AND as expected, we were told that it is our responsibility to get a plumber to fix it. So I will contact our trusty plumber.
Wednesday John golfed. As I cut through Union Station to the subway, I got some perfume samples.
I went to the $ store for some new trays for the car (John left ours in the old car). We use these when we are eating lunch in the car.
Then I wanted to check out the new "biggest" candy store in the city. The B.C.-based candy shop, Ricardo's Kandy Korner, has made its way to Toronto with its first location in Ontario.
I wasn't super impressed, by its size or its selection.
Thursday John golfed at Turtle Creek again. I went to get the 12:10 bus, it was a no show, at 12:30 another waiting resident came and mentioned it had broken down and another was on its way. 1:10 came and went without a bus, at 1:30 we were told it was in a slight accident so they were sending a replacement, however, we could take taxis and we would get reimbursed. I said I was getting an Uber and asked two other women if they wanted to join me. They gladly did, gave me their unit numbers and headed downtown.
Our gardens were looking pretty as I waited.
Traffic was heavy due to the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition, like a state fair) and the commuter trains were not running, not on strike but CN and CPKC (Canadian Pacific Kansas City???) were on strike and a couple of GO train lines run on their tracks, so they couldn't be used.
My plan was to try a burger at Union Station outdoor market closes this weekend.
At first glance this looked like ice cream but it was giving makeup samples.
Instead of my 12:30 planned lunch, it was now 2:30.
A really good cheeseburger, but really? no onions or tomatoes.
Looking at the crowds, I realized the Fan Expo Canada was on at the convention centre for four days.
FAN EXPO Canada is the largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Canada and the third-largest Pop Culture event in North America. The show has grown from a small comic book convention attracting 1,500 fans into a multi-faceted and multiple day citywide event that attracts hundreds of thousands of people from around the world.
I took the subway to Queen's Park and then walked down University, a section known as Hospital Row. Nowadays, the city of Toronto has signs calling it the Discovery District recognizing that the neighbourhood is also Canada’s largest research hub and one of the ten largest biomedical clusters in the world. There are also five major hospitals.
Hospital for Sick Children aka SickKids
Toronto General Hospital, part of the University Health Network
Toronto Western Hospital
Princess Margaret Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital
Women's College Hospital is north of College Street, a block north of the MaRS so it's close enough to Hospital Row proper to sorta kinda be included here.
I had never noticed this building before, it is the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) building.
Ajmera Transplant Centre (left) Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (tight).
This is the entrance to the Toronto General Hospital. On the left is the old building and on the right is the newer expansion. The enclosed corridor between them houses the pharmacy and other services and makes access to them comfortable in the winter months.
Another Toronto General building.
I did have plans to go to either/or both Chinatown and Kensington Market but decided I had already lost two hours.
I never noticed this tucked away here.
At the turn of the 20th century, as Toronto challenged Montréal as the banking capital of Canada, George Cox was among those in the vanguard. After a successful business career in Peterborough, he moved to Toronto where he was president of the Canadian Bank of Commerce from 1890 to 1906, significantly expanding the bank’s network from its base in Ontario into Western Canada. He was also president and general manager of Canada Life, dominating the insurance industry from the mid-1890s until his death. Powerful in both the banking and insurance sectors in these exciting decades, Cox was one of Canada’s most prominent capitalists.
The plaque is beside Canada Life.
I walked back to the bus stop, giving myself plenty of time to snap photos on Front St.
Who knows, some of these people may not be going to Fan Expo?
Friday was a stay at home day. I did take my Uber claim to the office. I also scheduled the blinds guy and plumber for next week.
One of my favourite mugs got broken!
Someone turned 50 this week!
COOKING
Saturday ham au gratin potatoes and broccolini (Costco)
Sunday lamb curry, naan
Monday chicken parmesan, broccolini and spaghetti
Tuesday leftover au gratin potatoes and ham
Wednesday corn on the cob
Thursday quiche (need to use up the broccolini and ham)
Friday steak loaded baked potato (more broccolini)
August 2024 - Toronto ON
Chicago IL
I am using the above photo because John and I watched the movie Heist 88 last week and they were in this diner, reminding me I had this photo! Click here for its Route 66 history.
It was our usual low key weekend. John used the golf simulator.
It dawned on me that I could use my dryer (washer/plumbing problem, awaiting call back) so I did a hand wash of some essentials.
Look who moved onto campus for her first year!!
And he turned 30! We'll be having dinner soon.
Monday Mural was from last week's trip along University.
John headed out early to golf.
Spiderman on the side of our building.
I went to Yorkville to see what was left of this year's Mural Festival. It's quiet on a Monday morning.
New, but I couldn't find any information.
This is new.
This is at least 5-6 years old.
They were busy dismantling the decorations.
Dahae Song, “BEING ONE”, uses three hues of blues to represent the spirit of the Earth, captured in the air, light, and water of the lands, at the Four Seasons Hotel, Yorkville Ave & Yonge.
I have never noticed this plaque at Yonge-Bloor subway station.
No idea what we did on Tuesday!
Wednesday John golfed and I picked up some groceries.
Thursday John also golfed. I went for a haircut and then did some shopping.
I've no idea why they were removing/changing the 40KM sign.
Some art on display in Scotia Plaza.
Royal York Hotel.
Finally I found some things to buy!
On Friday I returned the two t-shirts for a smaller size.
I wrestled the new chair cover. We like this one so much better as it has two pieces so it "sits" better.
John suggested we try these, gluten-free. Very refreshing.
Solved! The mystery of the loud thud the other day!
COOKING
Saturday ham, colcannon. Leftover colcannon was great for Sunday breakfast with a fried egg.
We've been enjoying these!
Sunday wings and fries with coleslaw
Monday burgers and chips
Tuesday BBQ chicken legs (from Loblaw's - awful), roast potatoes and carrots
Wednesday spicy shrimp tacos with garlic cilantro lime slaw really good
Thursday pork schnitzel (without the mushroom sauce) with potato salad
Friday steak frites with chimichurri
RIP
Paul Feeeny, husband of Joyce Brennan (father Alex Brennan).
SEPTEMBER 2024
September 2024
Yonge St. Toronto
It's a long weekend, Labour Day, before things wind up for the summer, the CNE will finish on Monday, the air show is on, then back to school on Tuesday.
Monday's Mural was from last week's Yorkville visit.
It was supposed to be a rainy day but it turned into a steamy hot one.
It was noisy as the air show flew over us. We've seen it many times. I did go down to see the crowds and enjoyed the sun for a while.
People watching from the building across the street.
John used the golf simulator.
A cool start to the first day of school, it was 12C at 7:30.
Wednesday I headed out to Burlington to have lunch with my BFF, we had a good natter as we lunched at the Piper Arms. I caught the later train home at 2:50.
The underground map.
John went to play golf.
Thursday was opening day for TIFF, Toronto International Film Festival.
Wouldn't you know that as soon as we got on the bus the plumber messaged that he could come now!
I planned on lunch at a new crepe place that is gluten free. But they only opened at 4:30 (they didn't have a website for me to check).
Walking along King St. it was closed from University to Peter and Wellington to a little north of King.
It was fairly quiet as they were setting up.
Food trucks this year.
So we chose The Town Cryer on John St.
Currywurst, not as good as in Berlin!
Down John St.
We got some free chocolate samples and planned on returning for more, but they weren't handing them out.
We would have stayed for the performance, but I had said to the plumber we would be home by 3:45 to which he responded "okay". Did that mean okay he would come at 3:45 or not? Obviously not, as he didn't. My fault, I should have clarified with him.
He is fitting us in, around his job, for a cash payment, so it is what it is.
Choir Choir Choir meeting spot, at the Amazon Music Bus.
Kicking off the excitement on opening day is the World Premiere of The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal from producer-director Mike Downie — brother of Gord Downie, who alongside Rob Baker, Johnny Fay, Paul Langlois, and Gord Sinclair went on to make music that defined Canada to the world, and more importantly, Canada to Canadians. Following the screening of the four-part docu-series, Choir! Choir! Choir! will lead a giant outdoor sing-a-long from the Royal Alexandra Theatre onto Festival Street to celebrate 40 years of The Tragically Hip, presented by Prime Video. Fans are invited to join this unforgettable moment at the Amazon Music Bus on John St. (between King St. and Wellington St.) on Thursday, September 5, 4:30pm–5:45pm. Approximate start time is 5:00pm, exact timing is subject to change.
Click here for the Tragically Hip appearance.
The Tragically Hip No Dress Rehearsal was debuting here.
Lots of potatoes needed for the poutine truck.
Friday rain put a damper on John's golf plans so he slept in until 9:30! That rain never materialized, he could have played.
COOKING
Saturday turkey, mashed potatoes and carrots, mushy peas, roast potatoes, stuffing and gravy
Sunday leftovers! Then the leftover-leftovers became soup!
Monday burgers
Tuesday roast chicken, roast potatoes and cabbage
Wednesday chicken pasta
Thursday chips eggs tomatoes
Friday steak mushrooms baguette
Good Earth
September 2024
Yonge St. Toronto ON
It was a quiet week around here. John golfed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
The rest was mostly routine, nothing wrong with that, chores got done.
John saw the dentist, yet again, about his sinus/implant problem with ENT MRI in hand. He will now refer him to another specialist at Mount Sinai.
He also did a grocery run to Metro this week.
On Tuesday I wanted to check out a burger place I had heard about.
Walking up Yonge St. I always find something new.
Atlas of Toronto on the sidewalk at the corners of Yonge St. and Wellesley St.
Ethiopian restaurant.
Burger destination on Saint Nicholas St. Cabano's. This was a good burger, only missing tomato!
Imagine, British chocolate and I didn't buy anything!
Taken from the bus.
The iconic Munchies return! The Canadian brand marks the occasion with the return of its three instantly recognizable Munchies - Red, Yellow and Orange. The beloved trio are back to give Canadians a taste of the past with a whole new twist including new flavours and formats for all to enjoy. To mark the launch of their return, the Munchies have made their debut appearance at Toronto's landmark Red Canoe (art piece by Douglas Coupland - Tom Thomson (Group of Seven) red canoe). They will remain here until September 20th.
Did they need the artist's permission??
From the press release:
Many Canadians will recall Hostess chips, from the 80s and 90s, featuring the Munchies on the bag. The launch of the Munchies chips in 2024 will connect generations, bringing back fond memories of the good old days and feelings of wonder and joy.
The nostalgic snacks are back in a new and old way, and the lineup includes:
Tangy Ketchup
Old School BBQ
Chili Cheese Stampede
Supreme Sour Cream
Cheeky Cheddar Popcorn
Deliciously All Dressed Popcorn
I loved Hostess chips!
Click here to read more about their new flavours.
I shopped a couple of times this week, I found nothing on Wednesday. But Friday I planned on buying new jeans (I looked but didn't buy). John I could find a black golf shirt, I sent him a few choices and he picked my favourite.
I also picked up a couple of sweaters.
TIFF is winding down this weekend. Selfie spot in the Royal York Hotel.
I didn't have room to carry any groceries and tried to convince myself we didn't need anything! But once I got home I realized I was supposed to get bread, so went back down. Anyway, cauliflower was $3 as were raspberries so it was worth my while. Cheeses were also $5 instead of their usual $8/9!
Cutting through Union Station.
This cop was pi$$ed when this driver (looks like a car for TIFF) didn't obey his traffic directions and was pulled over and ticketed!! Yeah!
John sent a couple of photos from the golf course on Friday.
We were fogged in again.
We were invited to my cousin's daughter's wedding in Montreal but we didn't go. The bride's brother officiated.
COOKING
Saturday sticky pork belly bites with rice and tomatoes
Sunday lamb curry. Monday's lunch.
Monday Szechuan pork with green beans
Tuesday chili
Wednesday gluten free breaded cod (Farm Boy - tasty) roasted potatoes, onions, mushrooms. Use the remaining two pieces for fish tacos.
Thursday Asian dumplings
Friday NOT steak! cheeses, pate, crackers/baguette
Hero Tea
September 2024
Yonge St. Toronto
Saturday's fog didn't break up until 4 PM.
I made apple fritters for Sunday breakfast - epic fail as I used that new flour Arva, I threw it away and will donate the other packs to the food bank. I cleaned up some plants, but they are not happy right now. Sorted out my spice drawer and made a list of needed items.
The usual geniuses were out on the roads on the weekend.
We waited for the plumber on Monday and then he messaged that he had truck problems so the saga continues.
Tuesday I took John to my burger place I tried last week, Cabano's and he was impressed. He had the Cabano, which was two meat patties with deep fried jalapenos and the regular other toppings.
We also had an order of fries that were delicious.
We also found some murals for Monday and click here to see the cute cottages near Cottage Lane for Tuesday Treasures.
We stopped by our old pizza place and found the hoardings had been removed. I wrote about this new condo that was preserving the other building earlier this summer. I also included some photos of what it used to look like.
Then we dropped into a couple of Winner's and he got some golf shorts shirts (thanks, Andrew!). We also checked out the new Winner's in the Eaton Centre.
Wednesday John had his usual golf. I went to College Park intending to get some items at the $ store, but they didn't have any of the things I needed. I will try another one this week.
Thursday we did a quick run to the Market. Along the way we found another Monday mural and didn't find another one I had on my list.
We picked up some steaks and ground steak at our usual place where as seniors, on Thursday, we get a 20% discount!!!
We picked up fruit and vegetables at our usual as well.
Friday John headed out to golf but texted me at 10 that he was coming home as there was a tournament (would have made for a long round) and there weren't any carts and it was a hot humid day. He booked the golf simulator instead.
I headed to Dundas to try the $ store there for the items I wanted. FOILED, again, there had been a fire in the $ store!!
Since I had time to kill I took a walk around TMU (Toronto Metropolitan University formerly known as Ryerson). Click here for some more TMU information.
Mural by Lula Lumaj
Click here for further information on both these churches that I wrote about a couple of years ago. There's also more about Ryerson in that post.
First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Toronto
St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church (formerly Holy Blossom Synagogue)
I dropped into the Atrium for some vegetables and then got off the subway at King (found some new murals), picked up chocolate and poked in the bookstore before coming home.
COOKING
Saturday stuffed flank steak(Metro $14 New Zealand), roast potatoes and mashed cauliflower and carrots.
Sunday last night's leftovers with onion gravy (awful)
Monday honey garlic pork tenderloin (Metro $5) mashed
Tuesday fried (leftover) potatoes and eggs
Wednesday stir fried pineapple pork (leftover) with rice
Thursday burgers and potato chips
Friday steak (market rib eye - delicious) frites and tomatoes. Leftover steak so good for lunch!
Beans And Grinds
September 2024
FRONT ST. TORONTO
Starting Friday September 20th, at 11 p.m., the Gardiner will be closed until 10 a.m. on Sunday September 22nd. The city has stated that the closure is to accommodate work for maintenance, cleaning, and inspections, and that Sections of the Gardiner Expressway will reopen in phases as work is completed.
It was so quiet on Saturday with it closed, but traffic sure did get heavy.
Sunday and the Gardiner opened 30 minutes earlier than scheduled.
Monday Mural was from last week when we went for burgers at Cabano's.
Monday John was going to golf but it had rained heavily overnight so he opted to use the simulator instead. I was going out but the plumber said he maybe could come Monday or Tuesday. Since he is doing this job "on the side" we are at his work schedule mercy. I did do some hand washing on Sunday.
Yeah! Raffi came Monday afternoon and fixed the musty smelling dishwasher. Problem is how the contractor's plumber installed the piping. Raffi will have another guy come to fix the washer problem. So far Raffi $200.
With the hose lifted off the floor, water does not sit stagnating and the dishwasher now drains properly.
I decided the kitchen drawers needed some decluttering (Andrew - thinking of you).
Stuff I got rid of:
Much tidier. I moved the taco press to where that tin was and found room in the spice drawer for the mortar and pestle.
Raffi pulled this out of the corner cupboard, I had forgotten about it. Gone.
I also got rid of a couple of plant pots from the balcony.
I posted some random signs for Signs.
My favourite:
Tuesday I went to the York St. $ store and stocked up on some items I needed. I took a couple of photos.
John took the car in for its winter checkup.
Wednesday I headed out to Burlington for lunch with my BFF, we went to the Piper Arms and I had fish and chips.
I caught a later train, which meant I could get a better bus at 10:30 instead of 8:30.
I went into Longo's on my way home and saw lots of girls in pink. It seems that Vance Joy, an Australian (sorry, never heard of him) pop singer was here doing a couple of shows. Thank you, Andrew, for enlightening me!
She is really saying "OMG I LOVE your outfits!!!".
There was also a ballgame so it was very good for people watching.
John went to golf and then they had their banquet, John came home richer with $140.
Wednesday's sunset.
Thursday we caught the 10:30 to find the mural I couldn't find last week, found!
TMU - Toronto Metropolitan University.
Yonge St.
I also wanted to check out the Vessi pop up store in the Eaton Centre. Meh, they were okay. Canadian made, waterproof.
The sign says "this is actual water, and not a good place to put your phone down".
We did find and bought delicious Swiss chocolate after sampling their wares. L'aderach.
We went into Sketchers and I scored a navy pair on sale, $75, but alas, John found a few he liked but couldn't get them for a wide foot.
Friday John headed out to golf and I waited for the plumber(s). They took an hour to snake it twice ($400). Once they left I cleaned the cupboard under the sink and reorganized it.
How I'll be spending my time.
I went downtown to get some cash, buy some weekend groceries and picked up a couple of t-shirts on sale in Cleo's.
John's normal commute home ended up being over a 2 hour meandering drive as the DVP (Don Valley Parkway/Parking Lot) was closed down for a police investigation. It finally re-opened at 8 PM.
In a social media post, Toronto police said someone fell from the pedestrian bridge north of Gerrard Street East just before 3:30 p.m.
There’s no word on the extent of injuries suffered by the individual. The highway was reopened more than four and a half hours later.
COOKING
Gluten free English bangers from Metro are not bad but not a keeper - skin a little thick and too salty.
Saturday chicken kebabs/kebobs/skewers (meh - not a keeper recipe) and potato salad
Sunday creamy mushroom pork chops and cauliflower mash - good pork chop recipe
Monday pasta with homemade meat sauce and garlic bread (baguette in fridge)
Tuesday spanakopita
Wednesday golf banquet roast beef/leftover spanakopita
Thursday chicken meatballs, tzatziki and salad. Meatballs were good but a little dry.
Friday steak (market) foiled potatoes and onions
OCTOBER 2024
Farmer’s Daughter Cafe
Grand Island, Nebraska
Lots and lots of laundry was the order of the weekend.
John bottled his wine. Then we settled in for an afternoon of popcorn and a movie.
A Montreal cousin interrupted our afternoon with a call asking advice about a trip to Ireland.
Sunday I made French toast for breakfast. We wrestled the new duvet cover over the duvet and found that our pillows were too small for the pillow shams so I ordered the right size pillows which came later in the week.
Yes, these are the pillows, they are taking a while to fluff up!!
Sad news.
Monday was a federal holiday, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
The governments of British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, and the Yukon added September 30th to their relevant legislations as a holiday to some extent.
John golfed as it was a gorgeous day and "caught" a big one on the golf course.
I went for a haircut and then dropped a couple of things off at Stitch It, an alterations place. Normally I go to Bay-Bloor location but discovered there is one in TD, avoiding a subway ride.
I took John's golf jacket to get the sleeves shortened and his jeans (favourite) for a patch $48. Reasonable.
Always something going on in Brookfield Place.
The fall arrangements are nice.
Royal York.
I came home and did a bunch of little things - tried printing a photo but the ink wasn't right, so I'll have to try again. Rearranged some wall photos (has John noticed?), decluttered two fry pans (bought new ones), another plant pot, shortened sleeves on my black jacket, fixed seam on hoodie, scrubbed kitchen mats, tidied up my sweater shelves. I also moved some seldomly used serving dishes from the kitchen cupboards to storage and moved some coffee supplies to their spot, freeing up some space in the corner cupboard.
I was going to use the end of the prime rib to make a stirfry but it was too fatty so we ordered chicken (last time we ordered was April).
I rearranged the dishtowels (again!) under the sink, nothing seems to work. I put the new ($ store) sink racks in the sink and the black ones into the charity bag.
Tuesday John did a Costco run.
I made chicken stock out of the bones.
Wednesday John golfed, I went to Longo's and the Scotiabank arena was a hub of activity as Billie Eilish two-night shows were setting up. There were two of the blue trucks and I counted 11 of the silver trailers.
On the way home I got off the bus at our other building Palace Place to check these out before walking home. Not my photo.
In that undated photo above the green area has been replaced by the new plaza mentioned below.
Just unveiled - Campfire
The City of Toronto’s Public Art Collection is pleased to announce ‘Campfire,’ a permanent public artwork by Michael Belmore and Herman Mejia. The artwork was installed near the new plaza along the Humber Bay recreational trail. An Indigenous-led project, the finished public artwork will be a waterfront landmark and gathering place.
Image: A sculpture resembling the outline of a flame sits in a grassy area with a cityscape in the background.
These driftwood animal sculptures have started appearing near the sculpture.
That plastic dish has money donations. Someone on Facebook mentioned the artist is Damian.
My favourite.
John's new battery operated golf cart arrived to his great excitement. Another toy...
Thursday we headed to Cookstown, about an hour north-east of Toronto. I had read about a Pumpkin Patch. We've done a lavender farm and tulips in the past. This was by far the best farm visit, pumpkins, corn, all sorts of autumn flowers, apples.
More kinds of pumpkins than we've ever seen.
We did enter the maze but it said it took thirty minutes to complete so we took the easy way out.
Corn as high as an elephant's eye!
Lots of photo ops! The yummy mummies were so annoying with their Cadillac strollers and selfies!
A stereotypical yummy mummy was described by Nirpal Dhaliwal in The Times as having an existence "bankrolled by a husband working himself to death in the City, [dressing] in designer outfits... carries the latest must-have bag [and] whose hair and nails are perfectly groomed".
Outstanding in his field.
A face only a mother could love!
"She thinks my tractor's sexy" song lyrics.
I had spotted a plane when we went by the airport, on the way back I realized that it was THE Russian plane that I had read about!
A massive Russian-registered cargo plane was ordered parked at Toronto Pearson International Airport after the invasion of Ukraine, but there still isn’t a timeframe for it to be removed.
Since its arrival on Feb. 27, 2022, it has been parked near Terminal 1 at the northeastern edge of the airport. The airplane can be seen from Highway 427 and has been parked there for so long that it can also be seen on Google Maps satellite imagery.
Not my photo.
Thursday - The ultimate decluttering ! I came across this in the Toronto Library newsletter.
This is Toronto’s Coin Show, and you are sure to find one–of–a–kind treasures.
The Toronto Coin Expo is the best venue in Toronto and Canada to Buy, Trade, Sell your old unwanted Gold & Silver Coins, Bank Notes, Gold Jewelry, Diamond Rings at the highest prices. With multiple vendors in attendance, you are sure to get the best price. Appraisals are also done on site and are included with your admission.
So we packed up our jewellery that we wanted to get rid of along with the very heavy coin collection, made up mostly of coin leftover from our travels and some Canadian coin collected over the years and headed there.
It turned out to mainly be coins, we only saw one gold desk and they were selling, not buying. We approached a guy who was very nice and he took the Canadian silver coins (6) and gave us $70. He then took the paper international bills for $10 and suggested we take the other coins to Scott (good guy, across from him). Scott suggested Mike near the door, for the rest of the foreign coin, or holiday money as he called it (true), who bought it as bulk mixed metal, $15. Good for us, it's now out of our life.
We picked up lunch at Union, John tried Venezolano, gluten free arepas, second try, he still doesn't like them, it didn't help that they heated them up in a microwave. Same problems as last time, no spices, greasy and terrible dipping sauce.
I picked up a croissant sandwich from Hakikudo, good as always.
Then we did a quick run to Longo's for weekend supplies and home. We then ran out for mani-pedis. John used the golf simulator for a couple of hours. Busy day!
COOKING
Saturday prime rib, roast potatoes, broccolini, balsamic tomatoes and mushrooms.
Sunday beef stew from leftover prime rib. Remainder went into soup bag.
Monday ordered Swiss Chalet chicken
Tuesday rotisserie chicken Alfredo
Wednesday seafood chowder
Thursday hot chicken sandwiches with peas
Friday steak, broccolini and baked potato
Ciao Ciao Cafe
October 2024
Las Vegas NV
Saturday we were busy little bees! John headed to Metro, LCBO and Holy Cannolis.
I did two loads of laundry - washed and put away. Dropped off a gluten free food donation for the Thanksgiving food bank.
I placed our Thanksgiving grocery order for online delivery on Friday. I had a coupon for 5% off and free delivery (Voila) plus Rakuten kicked in another 3% discount.
Watered the plants.
All before noon!
I prepped the potatoes and cooked/mashed the turnips and carrots/mushrooms for tomorrow.
Sunday we did our tidying up (putting things where they belong) for company for dinner. My nephew and his girlfriend came to dinner and we had a great catch up. I can't believe we didn't take any photos!!!
Monday Mural was from last week when I was downtown.
I booked the hotel for our Montreal visit at the end of the month. Price was $211X2 a night but I used some points (46K) so only paid for one night.
John golfed in Markham.
The Indian Residential School Survivors (IRSS) Restoration of Identity Project on the south-west quadrant of Nathan Phillips Square is an Indigenous cultural space which honours residential school survivors and all the children who were lost to their families and communities, and Indigenous cultural traditions, called The Spirit Garden.
At the heart of the Spirit Garden stands a six-foot-tall limestone turtle sculpture, composed of 10 individual pieces and weighing approximately 10 tonnes. Positioned within a reflecting pool and aligned with Magnetic North, the turtle represents Turtle Island – Mother Earth – embodying First Nations creation stories. The names of 18 residential schools that once operated in Ontario are displayed in stainless steel lettering on the pool’s north wall.
The Teaching Lodge is a pre-formed laminated Ash wood structural frame enclosed with a white cedar tongue and groove exterior enclosure and sheathing. Operable skylights provide ventilation, and the space is secured with doors located at the east and west entrances to the lodge. The interior features built-in seating for approximately 60 people. The lodge reinforces the importance of family, represents life’s journey and serves as a spiritual home for all First Nations peoples.
The Three Sisters artwork is etched onto Muntz metal panels depicting the symbiotic relationship between corn, beans and squash and shared values associated with stewardship of the land and planning for the seventh generation. The story serves as a model for, “how to be a woman in the world.” Women are teachers, life givers and support one another as they work with the ground (Earth).
The Spirit Canoe is a 36-foot-long stainless-steel sculpture with laser-cut artwork and painted infill panels. The canoe is a tribute to the Métis Voyageur tradition, representing resilience, collaboration and the connection of the Métis people to land and waterways.
Although it was a bright sunny day, the canoe was totally in the shade. I'd like to get photos when the sun is reflecting off it.
The Inuksuk is a traditional stone landmark, standing five-feet-tall and stacked in the Spirit Garden on a raised plinth. It serves as a cultural marker and symbol of guidance for Inuit peoples, representing safety and reassurance on the land.
Tuesday John went to get his hearing aids checked. That never happened as he got stuck behind an accident on the Queensway so he cancelled it.
I made ham sandwiches for lunch before heading downtown, seniors' day at Rexall, some banking, new jeans (Nope, didn't like Cleo's selection) and picked up John's items from the tailor.
Wednesday he golfed at Crosswinds with a friend. I headed out to Burlington for shopping and lunch with my BFF. I was glad I grabbed my jacket at the last minute, it was cold with the wind.
We grabbed a poutine at NY Fries in the food court. Then we shopped and we both found some things we will go back for, when we feel like trying on stuff.
Thursday I made beef and barley soup from the leftover roast beef and veg as well as last week's prime rib bones. It was good!
They were filming Law and Order- Toronto right by us on the Humber Bay when I went by. We had been notified by the condo that this would be taking place.
Not my photo,,,
This week, TKE (elevator company) completed the reintegration of the newly released Low-rise and High-rise number one (1) elevators, and both were operating well. My photo didn't capture the monitor that is above the floor panel. Now work will begin on the other four elevators.
Friday John headed out to golf, we were up before the sun!
Fall displays.
I went to the Eaton Centre because I had found jeans I liked on Wednesday in Reitman's, then buy one get 30% off another. But then on Thursday everything went to 40% off, woo hoo! Got the dark navy jeans and black pants plus two chemises.
Crossing to Eaton Centre. Gorgeous day, started out at 8C but went to 23C.
The $ store is in fine form for Halloween. So much plastic waste.
I cleaned out the fridge for my food order which was delivered around 5 PM.
John is busy buying "accessories" for his new golf cart, so far, a scorecard holder, cup holder?
I reminded our plumber that he needs to replace our bedroom heat valve and asked him if he had an electrician recommendation. He didn't recommend anyone, I'll ask him when he comes next week.
I found this great Bohemian Rhapsody version.
It is a long weekend for Canadian Thanksgiving.
COOKING
Saturday wings and fries
Sunday family/company - roast beef, roast and mashed potatoes, broccolini, turnips and carrots. Cannolis for dessert.
Monday leftovers
Tuesday quick Chinese chicken curry
Wednesday frozen GF cod (Farm Boy), fries and Greek salad
Thursday ham (then frozen) mashed potatoes and turnips
Friday steak mushrooms green peppers and onions and baguette
Pigeon Cafe
October 2024
King St. W Toronto ON
Saturday - we prepared our Thanksgiving dinner early in the day. Although we are going to my cousin's for Thanksgiving tomorrow, we like to do our own meal and have leftovers. John prepped the onions (stuffing), the potatoes, cauliflower, carrots and turnip. I made two pumpkin gluten free cheesecakes (one for my cousin) and then made two pumpkin cranberry loaves. For the first time, I made my own stove top stuffing and it was delicious (recipe below).
Sunday the turkey carcass went into a pot to make soup. We had turkey sandwiches for breakfast.
Then we headed to my cousin's to celebrate Thanksgiving together.
My pals, Joey and Freddie.
Yum, we started with pumpkin soup.
Monday, Thanksgiving holiday, I backed up the last three months of my blog. I did a load of laundry. Then we just frittered this holiday away.
Tuesday John did a Metro shop, hoping for some bargains. He found a NZ leg of lamb for $5 a pound.
Wednesday was a bitterly cold day. I did give John the option of staying home...He did ask if he needed a toque, and I said no, which meant I felt really badly as we walked up to the AGO, Art Gallery of Ontario. I did suggest we stop into Marshall's and get him one, but he said no.
Of course, as we were going in, the plumber messaged and asked if he could come and look at the heat valve in the bedroom after 5 today. We weren't in a hurry for it as we don't need the heat turned on as yet. So we decided to cut our visit short.
We started with Moments in Modernism highlights the diversity and high quality of the AGO’s modern art collection, which has been built over time by generations of museum curators and patrons.
This installation will show collection strengths from artistic movements such as Pop Art, Abstraction, Realism, and Minimalism. An international approach in artistic styles will be presented, including a body of work from the AGO holdings by Brazilian artists, recognizing the global nature of modernism. A selection of contemporary works that respond to modernist movements will also be shown.
Many of the artists, including Andy Warhol, Helen Frankenthaler, Jules Olitski, Gerhard Richter, and Mark Rothko are well known while others are still yet to be broadly recognized such as Tomie Ohtake, Rubem Valentim, Gene Davis and Kazuo Nakamura. A particular focus will be Canadian artists including Alex Colville, Rita Letendre, Jack Bush, Agnes Martin, Guido Molinari and Norval Morrisseau.
To be honest, we didn't care for most pieces.
The caption of the source image, a clipping from Revue magazine from 16th March 1966, reads:
Ermordete Lebedame: Helga Matura (Murdered good-time girl: Helga Matura)
She was murdered by a person unknown on 26th January 1966.
We moved onto the Canadian exhibits.
We started looking at this exhibit but it was large and we both loved the pieces but didn't have enough time to take it all on. We will go back next week (John wants to eat at Karine's again).
I'll wait until we complete the exhibit to do a separate post as it is picture heavy!
I wonder how long this view will last? The Village Genius Pub has been renamed back to the Village Idiot Pub, a much better name. Click here to find out why they renamed it back to Idiot.
This post shows it as the Genius and also shows the this block without this work in progress.
We rushed home and then the plumber got delayed on another job. He is doing this under the table for me, so no worries.
Thursday I went to the $ store, I needed some large containers for freezing soup, as we have been making a lot. I also got a shelf for a kitchen cupboard to make it more useful. I also went and found two sweaters in Winner's and picked up a couple of things in Longo's.
Trees are turning, taken from the bus.
BTW the weather was much nicer! John used the golf simulator.
Friday we were up bright and early so I made John potato cakes, fried ham and an egg as he headed out early to play golf. The temperature was going to 18C and it was an absolutely gorgeous day. However, he did have a frost delay, only teeing off at noon, 1.5 hours later than planned.
I picked this up at Longo's, Living Lettuce.
Unlike other lettuce, Inspired Greens are harvested with the root-ball still attached. This means they keep on living in your crisper and can stay fresh for weeks!
Simply add 2 tbsp water down the side of your Inspired Greens sleeve and put the whole thing in your crisper. Water again once a week to keep your greens fresh and delicious.
We'll see. UPDATE it lasted about a month.
COOKING
I tried this turkey salad sandwich recipe for the first time, we really enjoyed it.
Saturday turkey, mashed potatoes and cauliflower, turnips and carrots, stuffing, gravy
Sunday out
Monday leftovers
Tuesday Alfredo turkey and mushrooms
Wednesday ham, mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts
Thursday ham and au gratin potatoes/cauliflower
Friday steak frites duck fat with cilantro
Pumpkin Spice Latte
October 2024
Yes, it's a purse! Toronto ON
Saturday was a beautiful fall day. Chores were on the agenda, along with lots of cooking. I started a pot of pea soup using the leftover bits of ham. I prepped dinner and made an apple crisp with some apples that needed using up.
Oh, the kitchen smelled delightful, pea soup simmering and apple crisp baking!
Sunday while I was having my weekly chat with my friend in a retirement home, John cooked bacon for delicious BLTs, using the Living Lettuce. I finished making the pea soup, cut the meat off the lamb leg and then put the lamb bone in a soup pot with onions, celery, some lamb meat that was a little too pink to make stock for lamb curry this week.
Monday I cleaned up the lamb soup pot. I also cut up the remaining meat and froze it for curry.
I decided to return the pasta attachment that came yesterday. As John was reading the instructions yesterday I realized it only made sheet pasta, so I ordered a 3 in 1 which includes spaghetti and fettuccine, twice the price.
It did pi$$ me off, that I was charged $10 to return it. I dropped it off in Royal Bank Plaza.
Then on impulse I checked if I could do a walk in flu shot and got one. From there I went to Longo's where I remembered that their chickens were on sale at $3 a pound.
While I was out John booked our remaining accommodations for February. UPDATE he added more accommodations in San Diego in November.
Tuesday John headed out to golf with his new golf bag.
Yesterday and today the temperatures broke records at 25C.
I went for a haircut and some errands. Once home I cleaned the chicken and put the carcass in a soup pot.
Wednesday John and I headed out for breakfast and the AGO to finish seeing the exhibit from last week. Click here for the photo heavy post of Pacita Abad exhibit.
They always decorate the staircase for an exhibit.
John noticed that this gallery is named for Honey and Barry Sherman. To read about the murder of this Toronto couple click here for a CNN article.
We also stopped by a couple of other pieces.
This had been on display in the main gallery in 2019 for a sneakers exhibit.
Less interesting sidewalk art.
We stopped by so John could see the new Spirit Garden at City Hall.
Thursday and this was our view from our driveway as we headed out to Niagara Falls!
I had three destinations in mind for us. First stop was lunch in Vineland at the Watering Can .What a fabulous place! And the plants!!!
Very decent prices.
The cafe, for lunch. It was packed and had a line up when we left.
John had and loved it, other than the too much lettuce.
Smoked Duck Salad (Gluten-friendly) - Heritage Mix, Poached Pear, Pickled Beets, Cherry Gastrique, Blue Cheese Crumble, Pistachio Dust
I had Breakfast Croissant - Over Easy Fried Egg, Bacon, Smoked Cheddar Cheese, Avocado, Lettuce, Tomato
Next stop - Niagara Falls Power Station
For 100 years, the “Canadian Niagara Power Company generating station” harnessed the powerful energy of the Horseshoe Falls and turned it into a great source of electricity. Now, years after its turbines came to a halt, the wonder of this hydropower pioneer is coming back to life in an entertaining and educational experience that highlights both the remarkable history and unique architectural features of this 115-year-old engineering marvel.
I had bought our tickets and parking online. I had bought them before we saw the power station on the first episode of Amazing Race Canada.
John and I are generating electricity!
No, thanks, I get enough static shocks.
A Tesla coil is a radio frequency oscillator that drives an air-core double-tuned resonant transformer to produce high voltages at low currents. Tesla's original circuits and most modern coils use a simple spark gap to excite oscillations in the tuned transformer.
We headed to the elevator when no one was around!
Once you are in the tunnel, it is a good 20 minute walk to the viewing platform. Water drips are everywhere.
There is light at the end of the tunnel!!
WOW, what a way to see the Falls!!!
Look at the people on the American side overlooking the Canadian falls.
Bridge to the States and the American falls.
While we took the elevator back up he showed us the ladders that the workers used. It was either freezing cold at the bottom or roasting hot at the top!
Here's a great video to watch.
Next stop! This is what prompted this visit, a WagJag discount coupon for a wine tasting at the Monastery! We had driven past this monastery a few years ago and I learned it had a winery!
Mount Carmel, the first residence for the Carmelites in Niagara Falls was originally a simple rectory for those priests serving the parish community, Our Lady of Peace. The monastery was then constructed in 1894 as a training center for young Carmelites, as well as a hospice to welcome pilgrims to the majestic beauty of falls to encounter God’s creative presence.
In 1925, the chapel and another section of building were added to accommodate an increasing number of Carmelite students. The chapel, in its elegant simplicity, contains many symbols of the Carmelite tradition.
Surprisingly for me, I didn't really go into the chapel for more photos.
The winery is in the gift shop, strangely.
Monastery Cellars focuses on small lot vintages of premium VQA wines with the first vintage of wines from the on-site vineyard planted in 2012. Planting predominantly includes Vidal grapes, perfectly suited for the production of world renowned Icewines. The first recorded Icewine harvest dates back to 1794 in Franconia, Germany, when local monks were faced with winter much earlier than expected. The monks, facing the adversity of mother nature, are credited as being the inventors of Icewine by pressing juice from the frozen grapes. At the time, these new wines were touted to be nothing short of “nectar from the gods,” or so the legend goes.
We sampled the pinot, cabernet and syrah, bringing home two of the syrah.
Friday and this was our view. The shadow on the right is our building. It was chilly as John headed out to golf.
John's new Nexus card arrived.
Interesting, as I waited for the bus.
I ran into one of our concierges who is on maternity leave, and we had a good chat.
Pics from the golf course.
COOKING
Saturday roast leg of lamb, roast potatoes, mashed turnips and carrots, cauliflower. Apple crisp with raisins.
Sunday lamb leftovers, gravy, mashed potatoes, carrots and turnip
Monday leftovers liver roast chicken, roast potatoes and orange cauliflower
Tuesday lamb curry
Wednesday chicken (leftover) Alfredo
Thursday chips eggs beans
Friday steak, Greek roast potatoes and fried onions
RIP Marsha’s Mom
NOVEMBER 2024
“Free Coffee”
Saturday I did some baking to use up the rest of the oranges/juice from last week's chicken a la orange, an orange cranberry loaf.
I binged on MKR!
Sunday and the clocks go back, I like this better than spring because I gain an hour!!!
I pre-cooked the lamb for a few hours and made a base curry sauce according to The Curry Guy. Chopping everything is time consuming but I used the food processor for chopping the vegetables. We've decided we prefer my old way of making curry, which is faster and tastier, so I'll put the book aside for now.
Monday Mural Lake Shore Blvd W taken a week ago.
John went for his flu shot and got his covid booster at the same time. I decided to go with him, it was warm but a little drizzly.
Then we went along Queen St. W and down to King St. for a burger at Burger Priest, sadly this was the worst burger we have had at this chain, both the regular and gluten-free. Too well done and both buns did not feel fresh.
A main route through downtown Toronto has been given a temporary makeover to honour megastar Taylor Swift ahead of her six concert run in the city next week — and to raise money to help people facing food insecurity.
Signs bearing the name Taylor Swift Way will designate the route from Rogers Centre — where Swift will perform — to Nathan Phillips Square, where city hall is located, for the month of November. The city also announced Monday that the signs are being auctioned off online to raise funds for the Daily Bread Food Bank. Rogers will match funds raised up to $113,000 — a nod to Swift's lucky number 13.
AHA we found one!
We also received an email for the condo office saying:
Taylor Swift will be performing at the Rogers Centre November 14th –16th & 21st –23rd, 7:00 –10:00 p.m.
It is estimated that 500,000 tourists will visit the city for the concerts and traffic flow is expected to be impacted. We anticipate that there will be delays in the Shuttle Bus service as well.
Tuesday John golfed it was 21C but so windy! I dropped into Winners and found my Xmas dress, not!
Wednesday we went to Eataly to have a look around but didn't buy anything. However, we thought their meat and fish selection/prices were very good.
Lots of gluten-free panettone.
PEI (Prince Edward Island, Canada) boneless ribeye $95.99/kg or $44/lb!
Had to google this! That hunk of beef would be Beef Chuck Underblade Center Cut Boneless. It is cut from the serratus ventralis which is a very highly marbled muscle, and is of adequate tenderness. If that muscle were to be cut into separate steaks, they would be called "Denver Steak".
We eat a lot of broccolini (baby broccoli) but this is the first time seeing baby cauliflower.
I've heard of this but never seen it. Patty pan squash.
Then we grabbed Starbucks as we waited for the bus.
Thursday John also went golfing. It was another gorgeous day but he got stuck behind an accident on the DVP making for a 90 minute commute home.
John had the idea that for Friday Steak Night we should experiment with different steak cuts/sauces so I headed to St. Lawrence Market.
My favourite activity!
The new North Market building is almost finished.
The St. Lawrence Market Complex consists of three buildings: St. Lawrence Hall, the South Market and the North Market. St. Lawrence Hall and the South Market are heritage jewels to be retained, while the North Market property requires redevelopment.
The City’s redevelopment strategy is to replace the existing one storey North Market building with a new multi-storey, multi-purpose building (of approximately 11,237 square metres above grade) that houses the established Saturday Farmers’ Market and Sunday Antique Market, Toronto Court Services’ court rooms (for offences under the Provincial Offences Act) and administrative offices on the upper floors, and a 250-space underground parking garage.
Of course I had to check out the Market Gallery first.
Steps above the bustling St. Lawrence Market lies the Market Gallery – an intimate, historic exhibition space. What was once Toronto’s first purpose-built City Council Chambers now houses rotating exhibits that dive deep into the history of our city.
This multimedia exhibition by Nyle Miigizi Johnston and W’ dae b’ wae showcases Anishinaabe stories and teachings through paintings, music, and animations. This exhibition connects our past with our present and offers a vision for the future.
It was quiet as it wasn't noon yet. It was mostly tourists wandering and grabbing early lunch. This stall had a tour guide doing a walking tour of the area, including the market and they were getting samples of the smoked salmon.
Great for soups and chowders.
I got 2 ribeye, 2 striploin, and 2 lemon tarts. We share a steak so this is 8 Friday meals for us. OOPS we didn’t share the ribeyes!
Friday was the kind of day that couldn't decide if it was sunny or not. I went for my covid booster.
I was disturbed by this graffiti on the side door of St. Andrew's Church, I wonder if they know it is there?
My new emoji.
Lots of displays for Remembrance Day on Monday, mainly a holiday for financial and banking companies.
Funny staircase.
COOKING
I am on a mission to reduce our freezer inventories! Almost nothing (I did get the steaks although we still had some frozen) was bought to eat this week. I also used up two containers of frozen chicken stock for lunches. We had smoked meat and hot dogs for lunches. I also found a hidden package of Riz gluten-free shrimp dumplings that I had.
Saturday maple roasted Brussels sprouts and pork belly MEH, wouldn't make it again
Sunday lamb curry and onion bhajis
Monday chicken fingers and broccolini
Tuesday hamburger patties with gravy, beans and mashed potatoes.
Wednesday potato chip crusted cod with fries (frozen)
Thursday lemon garlic scallops, tomatoes and potato salad
Friday striploin (market), baguette and green peppers, mushrooms and onions
Sam James Coffee Bar
November 2024 - Toronto ON
Adelaide St. Toronto
We had our usual at home (hygge) weekend at home.
I caught up to date on My Kitchen Rules Australia and now have to wait and watch in almost real time!
I baked on Sunday, easy gluten free apple cake (I didn't have enough cream cheese to make my usual, apples needed to be used) and gluten free lemon curd cookies (I didn't have to make the curd, I had a jar in the fridge).
Apple cake is not a keeper, a little too dry. Cookies were good, quite shortbready but not going into my recipe box.
Monday Mural taken last week on Queen St. W.
Monday was Remembrance Day as we headed downtown.
A large crowd was entering the Legion on Lake Shore.
We had planned to go to the Hockey Hall of Fame but when we entered Brookfield Place they were setting up for the annual HHOF induction ceremonies, and I remembered that the Hall only closed on Christmas Day, New Year's Day and INDUCTION Day!!!
But I could hear bagpipes, looked at the time and it had just gone 11 AM on Remembrance Day so we caught the ceremony in Brookfield Place. There was a large crowd in attendance.
We went for lunch in the Commerce Court food hall. I had a lobster roll from Buster's, a great deal for $21. She gave me extra fries since I only wanted 1 side. I realized afterwards that they now have a caprese salad, so I would add that the next time. John went to Zteca, Mexican and it was as good a value. He had three tacos (chicken, shrimp and chorizo) for the same price. He also didn't like the chicken at all. John managed to knock the water bottle over my lap!
Tuesday John did a Costco run.
I went down to the Rogers Centre, as it was very windy, I went inside.
Taylor Swift is everywhere!
Outside the aquarium.
Work in progress.
Taylor Swift music is playing from the stadium as people lined up to buy concert merchandise.
Part of the indoor PATH I took. I took another path back along Bremner as I was going to Longo's.
Not sure where he was going with his camera crew.
Wednesday we attempted Hockey Hall of Fame 2.0 and were successful.
The Original Six were the only teams in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1942 to 1967. In 1967, six new franchises were added to the NHL.
Vintage Hockey Hub houses the largest jewel in the HHOF collection — the first Zamboni Ice Resurfacer used in the NHL in 1954, as well as other artifacts from the famous original six arenas.
With 90 iconic goalie masks on display, The Mask presented by Mustang Pucks is an unparalleled tribute to puck stoppers past and present and offers a historical retrospect into the evolution of facial protection from safety to self‐expression.
The highlight of any visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame is the Esso Great Hall, the cathedral to the icons of hockey. Inside, double glass walls hold portraits and biographical sketches of each Honoured Member. On the north wall, plaques listing the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award and Foster Hewitt Memorial Award winners, selected by the Professional Hockey Writers' and NHL Broadcasters' Association respectively, are displayed.Originally built in 1885, this historic building also serves as home to the greatest collection of silverware in the world of sports, featuring all major NHL trophies, including the most famous and coveted of them all, the Stanley Cup.
The Stanley Cup! John with the Cup many years ago!
John tried butter chicken dosa from Charcoal Biryani which he enjoyed.
Dosa are basically crispy or soft crepes made with ground and fermented lentil and rice batter, therefore gluten free.
I had dumplings from China Wok, they were lukewarm.
Rogers Centre from the bus.
Thursday I went for a hair cut and Swiftie-watched waiting for the bus.
When I got home I found out that she had driven by!
Taylor Swift flew into Toronto this afternoon for night 1 of 6 concerts. A police escort was provided and Highway 427 and the Gardner Expressway were closed to traffic for her mini-motorcade and there were hundreds of motorcycle cops surrounding Roger’s Centre stadium capacity 68,237.
Taylor Swift looks to have had a more impressive motorcade protecting her concert venue than any world leader who visited Toronto in recent memory. Image captured from Book of Faces.
The first concert was Thursday night. I loved this photo I snagged from social media.
Friday John golfed and I prepped food for lunch/dinner tomorrow. Then I went downtown to get a few things for our guests to enjoy. I also made dessert later.
I came home and then decided to go back downtown and scout out the Rogers Centre.
Handing out samples.
Taylor Swift's highly anticipated six-show run at Toronto's Rogers Centre, starting tonight, requires an impressive logistical effort. Her production team reveals that two fully independent stages and stage crews are employed, each supported by 90 semi-tractor trailers. This setup allows for simultaneous operations in different locations, ensuring a seamless experience for fans. In total, 180 semi-tractor trailers are dedicated to this production.
In case you are worried about the carbon footprint, the production buys carbon offsets to mitigate the large carbon footprint a show of this size creates.
COOKING
I am continuing to reduce our freezer/fridge inventories. John did make a Costco run as we were having company on the weekend.
Saturday Chinese curry chicken
Sunday hamburger stew
Monday leftover stew and broccolini
Tuesday rotisserie chicken and mushroom Alfredo
Wednesday hot chicken sandwiches and frozen French (finished) fries in duck fat
Thursday lamb chops, roast potatoes and Brussel sprouts
Friday steak ( 16 oz rib eye market) frites. I also made a chili jam to use up the frozen peppers.
WEEKLY THROWBACK
Day 13 - Williams to Parachilna Australia
Tim Horton’s HHOF
November 2024 - Toronto ON
Hockey Hall of Fame Toronto
Saturday was fun. I prepared lunch for John's granddaughter and friend, who were arriving by train from Montreal for Taylor Swift. Then we picked them up at Union Station and gave them a tour of the area around the stadium and where the pick up spots would be after the show.
Spotted while waiting for their train, which turned out to be filled with Swifties!
Back here, we checked them into a suite and then fed them. They then went and got ready.
We did some photos in the lobby before dropping them off at their zone for the show.
Sunday the girls were ready for breakfast at 10 and regaled us with stories and details about the concert.
We dropped the girls downtown to wander and then brought them their bags around 2:45 for their 3:15 train back to Montreal.
Monday John golfed, booking himself, by error, on the hilly course which played havoc with his back. Most likely the last game of the year.
I went to the Eaton Centre to see a photo show of Taylor Swift by a Canadian photographer, click here to read about her.
I grabbed lunch at Beauty's Chicken in the Eaton Centre Queen's Cross food hall.
The tree is up in the Eaton Centre.
Gotta remember this place, the prices are very good.
Tuesday and click here for lots of Taylor Swift signs round town!
Other than both of us going for pedicures and I had a manicure we hung around home. I baked oatmeal raisin cookies as John finished off the lemon curd cookies.
As we can never remember how much cash we need (therefore no taxes!) I took a photo!
Wednesday John went to Metro.
I took the 10:30 bus to meet my cousin (19yo) at the Bata Shoe Museum.
“What is art?” This question has sparked debate for centuries, and today, the boundaries of what defines art are being pushed further than ever. One significant shift is the growing trend of artists engaging in commercial collaborations, particularly with sneaker brands. These collaborations blur the lines between art, fashion, and commerce, offering consumers the opportunity to buy and wear creations by some of the most revered figures in the art world. Many of these sneakers are also finding their place within traditional art spaces, such as museums and auction houses, where their rarity has elevated them to a status similar to limited edition artist prints. The cultural significance of these artist-sneaker collaborations is contributing to the ongoing discussion of what defines art today.
This was our main objective as she is studying Criminology at TMU (Toronto Metropolitan University).
This exhibition examines both the development of footwear forensics as a means of solving crime and the social constructions of criminality from the nineteenth century to today. It also considers how clothing and footwear play roles in cultural ideas of criminality informed by assumptions and bias. This exhibition will take visitors on a journey to sleuth out the central but complex role of footwear in crime, policing, the judiciary system and our cultural ideas of criminality.
English, 1930s “The butler did it!” is a longstanding trope in detective fiction. Butlers were prized for their ability to inconspicuously serve their employers, often wearing shoes with flat, smooth soles that let them move noiselessly through the house.
Before DNA evidence and fingerprinting, footprints were a key way to identify and convict suspects. The distinctive nails and nail patterns of each shoemaker and region made hobnail boots worn by working-class men in the 19th and early 20th century especially useful evidence.
Invented by John Gardner, an Oregon prison warden in 1866, these heavy leather boots with metal shackles were designed to prevent escape and could weigh up to 28 pounds. They were also effective in permanently disabling wearers, who often limped for the rest of their lives.
Enlarge the photo to read about a Canadian train robbery as I cannot find any information online.
Flannelfoot (on loan from the Crime Museum of New Scotland Yard, London, UK)
The first ever loan of this burglar’s kit made by Scotland Yard, Flannelfoot has been dubbed London’s most famous house burglar. The elusive ‘Flannel Foot,’ known for wrapping his feet in flannel cloths or socks to muffle and mask his footsteps, Henry Edward Vickers, was finally caught in 1937 by Scotland Yard police after a notorious 25-year career of petty crime. His kit included tools to cut glass windows, gloves to avoid fingerprints, a flannel sock, and rubber galoshes with distinctive soles to keep his shoes clean of suspicious mud.
American, 1965–1967 This US Army boot was designed during the Vietnam War to leave the sandaled footprints of a Vietnamese National Liberation Front soldier.
Historically, female criminality was often linked to a love of finery and seductive behaviour, with dress playing a central role in how women were perceived. Heels that were too high and clothing in lurid colours that exposed too much skin were often used as proof of immorality. It was believed that women might be driven to crime from shoplifting to murder because of an uncontrolled desire for fashion.
Item 1 - Two-toned Spectator
Worn by Bela Lugosi who played the original 1931 on-screen Dracula, these shoes were originally associated with leisure and play, but by the 1930s, were seen as flashy, the footwear of playboys and gangsters. In England, this connotation was captured by their alternate name, ‘co-respondents,’ a term used in divorce cases to identify the person who committed infidelity.
The reason we have to take our footwear off at the airport - The Shoe Bomber.
From there, we did a quick look at Dressed to Impress which I had seen last December.
Then we had lunch at the Kimpton Saint George Hotel. I had the chicken lettuce wraps (I prefer ground chicken in my wraps) and a kale chicken salad for my cousin.
Thursday, after lunch, we went to College Park Farm Boy.
The Swifties are back in town! But it was a rainy cold day for them.
We picked these up at Farm Boy, gluten-free.
Ah, such fun, the alarm went off. We got dressed in case we had to leave. Better safe than sorry!!
At 9:48 p.m., November 21st, 2024, we experienced a Fire Alarm activation:
• B2 – Level Sprinkler Activation in the #2 Squash/ Basketball Court.
Staff and the Toronto Fire Services (TFS) responded to the Fire Alarm incident, and it was found to not be a real Fire incident. The sprinkler system in the #2 Squash/Basketball court was activated when a sprinkler head was damaged by a basketball.
After investigating the concern, the attending TFS Captain gave the All Clear and all systems were returned to normal today after Dunwell Fire Services replaced the damaged sprinkler head.
Please be reminded that the staff will NOT silence or reset the Fire Alarm Panel, until instructed by the TFS Fire Captain to do so.
Friday and the plan was to go to the Reference Library and see an exhibit and then go to Eataly for a few items. It was a damp, dreary day (pity the Swifties) and the 1:10 bus hadn't arrived by 1:20 so we decided to come back in, of course, I looked out the window and he was turning the corner once we were upstairs! Oh well, John made popcorn and we watched Cross.
COOKING
Saturday lunch and dinner ham, colcannon, mashed turnip and carrots
Sunday leftovers
Monday bay scallops and fries
Tuesday ham and au gratin potatoes
Wednesday we ordered Swiss Chalet chicken
Thursday cheeseburgers and chips
Friday (all cooked by John) ribeye (Market) steak in duck fat, baguette, sauteed peppers, onions and shitake mushrooms. We normally buy cremini but we are experimenting.
Yellowstone
November 2024 - Toronto ON
Saturday we went to lunch at Mc Cain's Frydays Cafe pop-up.
McCain Foods Limited is a Canadian multinational frozen food company established in 1957 in Florenceville, New Brunswick, Canada. Click here for our visit to Florenceville NB.
It is the world's largest manufacturer of frozen potato products, with 1 in 4 French fries in the world being a McCain fry.
We had this!
It was very good and it was a good size for the price $8.
It is a little iconic that this was in the news this week.
Two Canadian companies have been named in separate frozen-potato price-fixing lawsuits south of the border.
McCain Foods Ltd. and Cavendish Farms are among those accused of being part of a “potato cartel,” conspiring with other large processors by sharing pricing data in an effort to raise the price of frozen potatoes in the U.S.
The other companies named in the class-action lawsuits are U.S. companies Lamb Weston Inc. and J.R. Simplot Co., as well as an industry association called the National Potato Promotion Board.
On the drive home, the Princes' Gates.
A local Mexican restaurant posted this on social media.
We are heartbroken to share that our restaurant was vandalized last night with the word "ICE" painted on our window. As a business rooted in Mexican culture living in our wonderful and diverse community, this act of hate is especially painful. We know migrant communities often face racism, especially south of the border, but we never imagined this would happen in the wonderful city we call home.
Let’s encourage each other to lead with love, tolerance, and understanding. Let’s protect the spirit of our community.
Monday's Mural was taken back in August.
John headed out to the car dealership assuming he would have to buy new rims and snow tires for the new to us car. WOO HOO our other ones fit!!
I cleaned out the fridge, getting rid of past best dates or coming up to best before dates. That was a lot of jars!
I went to Longo's. There are some good deals on!
Canada Post is on strike, I thought this was a good cartoon.
Goodbye, iconic landmark! The 1956 Chevy truck embedded in the wall at 299 Queen Street West in Toronto is being removed. For over 34 years, it's been a part of the building's design and a popular spot for photos.
The building, once home to Citytv, MuchMusic, and CP24, is being renovated after Bell Media relocated to a suburb (yawn, boring). I wonder how many staff quit, not wanting to leave the downtown area for suburbia???
My photo 2014
Tuesday I did Rexall's (senior's day) and the $ store. While cutting through Longo's the fire alarm was ringing.
And I received flowers for our anniversary tomorrow!!
We were early as we headed to our anniversary lunch reservation.
RBC tree.
Eataly pop-up
Cheese Boutique pop-up where we had samples of Spanish cheese (I need to go back and pick some up) and wine.
Lunch.
Salmon for me, the Dijon sauce was delicious! Steak frites for John. An enjoyable meal with meh service. Would I go back, not likely, there are too many other places to try.
Cutting through the Royal York on the way home.
Thursday I went to the Toronto Reference Library's current display.
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Lucy Maud Montgomery! Lucy Maud Montgomery is an iconic Canadian author whose works are popular world-wide. In celebration of the anniversary of her birth we are exploring one of her most notable pieces of literature — Anne of Green Gables.
This exhibition features original costume designs, from both stage and screen, by designers Martha Mann and Marie Day from TPL's Special Collections in the Arts. These designs were used in Sullivan Entertainment’s Emmy award-winning Anne of Green Gables series, Theatre Calgary’s 1994 production and Charlottetown Festival’s long-running Anne of Green Gables musical.
Click here for a post I wrote about Anne of Green Gables when we went to PEI.
From there I went to Fabricland (John is very happy he is not with me, Green Gables and a fabric store!! Insert eye roll 🙄🙄🙄) I forgot how lovely it is to roam a fabric place! I want something, was thinking gold pattern, for additional sham/pillows for our bedroom. Instead I ended up with royal blue velvet!!
Then to Eataly, however, they had rearranged their panettones, I asked two people, one in Guest Relations, where the gluten-free now were, both sent me in opposite directions to no avail. They also didn't have ground lamb, my main goal.
I went to Mr. Grocer (AKA Loblaw's - hate with a passion). It was Mr. Grocer's when we worked in that building in the early 90's so it will always be. In fact, the cashier I had worked there way back when.
Holt Renfrew.
I baked sour cream banana bread with frozen bananas and added the frozen blueberries I had. I like this recipe as it makes two loaves.
Friday we took a trip to Longo's for eggs ($3.99) and weekend stuff.
COOKING
Saturday ham and spinach quiche
Sunday sausages (Farm Boy, a disappointment, too salty/garlicy) French toast and blueberry compote
ham, mashed potatoes carrots and turnip. There was more ham than I thought, I should have frozen some.
Monday Asian chicken wraps
Tuesday leftover quiche and salad
Wednesday lunch out. Bacon and tomato sandwiches
Thursday pan fried trout with roast potatoes and broccolini. First time cooking trout, the skin could have been crisper.
Friday steak and loaded baked potato with jalapeno jam (first time) and chimichurri
DECEMBER 2024
Michel’s Bakery Cafe
December 2024 - Toronto ON
Saturday/Sunday I continued winter cleaning the kitchen. I sorted through, discarding some more things that were almost empty and we wouldn't be using. I threw out some old spices.
I updated 2024 Recap.
I worked on the house plants, repotting and discarding a couple that were dead/dying. Now I need more soil to finish.
Sunday was the first wintery day, temperature -1C but felt like -11C.
Monday Mural was found at the CN Tower a couple of weeks ago.
We had our first dusting of snow. Areas around London ON and Muskoka were badly hit with 140 cm or 4.5 FEET!!
We went to the $ store as I needed more soil for my repotted plants. In Longo's I was surprised to find already mixed packages of beef/veal/pork, perfect for making my Christmas tourtieres.
I may did pick up more (on Wednesday) as it would also be great for Greek meat pies, spaghetti sauce and meatballs.
It’s official: Taylor Swift Way has raised $216,842.96 for the Daily Bread Food Bank! Thank you to everyone who bid on the signs, to Rogers for rounding up matching donations to $113,000, and thank you Daily Bread for working hard to combat food insecurity in Toronto.
Tuesday we caught the 10:30 to get the 11:17 GO train (first time for John) to meet friends (K and B) for lunch at the Piper's Arms. I had the liver (too thin, cooked to death), John had the gf pasta and meatballs. A good time was had by all.
Wednesday I finished off the plants, tidied some more cupboards and made Mexican chocolate cookies. John went to Metro for some groceries.
At Longo's.
I ordered some new sheets, we like a pattern (but not floral!).
Thursday we were entertained by the stupid drivers on the Gardiner who were stuck in traffic due to a truck fire.
The blue line indicates an ON ramp that these guys are either backing down, or in some cases, the white van at the very bottom turned around! The circled car is also going to turn around and drive down the ON ramp. I can only imagine the chaos on Lake Shore where this ON ramp begins.
We bundled up after lunch and headed to Yorkville for Les Fleurs de Ville Noel. As it was very windy making it feel worse than it was, we saw what we saw.
Some other sights in Yorkville.
This tree is decorated with blue lights but you can't see them unless you expand the photo.
New sculptures outside a gallery.
"Tom Lamb" was a bush pilot.
Dr. Leo Mol is a highly regarded artist with an interesting life story. His name, when he was born in 1915, was Leonid Molodoshanin. He was born in Polonne, Ukraine and grew up in Russia. Dr. Mol studied art in Leningrad, Berlin, and at The Hague. In 1948, he moved to Canada and settled in Winnipeg, where he led a productive life creating sculptures using the “lost wax” method.
Like fingernails on a chalkboard, is this song, All I Want for Christmas!
A rather hippy, dapper Santa!
COOKING
Saturday chili, garlic bread and cherry mousse (cherries were frozen from summer)
Sunday roast pork, potatoes, turnips and carrots.
Monday chicken divan with baguette (using up stash)
Tuesday leftover chili
Wednesday sticky pork belly with pineapple (pineapple frozen, great recipe), cauliflower rice and sauteed cabbage
Thursday chicken wings and fries
Friday steak, broccoli and baked potato
Warm Up
December 2024 - Toronto ON
St. Augustine FL
Saturday I took my black old winter coat and a pair of boots down to the clothing collection the building was hosting. I asked if they were taking sweaters, yes, so I brought seven down.
I puttered, made soup from frozen tomatoes and vegetables. Cleaned out some more kitchen cabinets. Made lemon cookies which finished off the almond flour and a lemon.
I also used up some apples and stale bread making apple cinnamon French toast for lunch.
Monday I set out on a mission to get a new winter coat. This was in Union Station.
Odd, a Fleurs de Villes display in TD Tower.
New coat and a super bargain, on sale at the Bay. I had looked in Cleo's and Winners as well.
Tuesday morning. I went to Rexall for seniors' day.
The new Shake Shack with a bar, opened in Union and the line was around the corner.
Wednesday on Yonge St.
Lunch at Cabano's, good as always.
We saw Titanique, a musical parody of the movie, Titanic, a Celine Dion jukebox musical. Fun, campy (very gay!). We had the understudy Kaylee Harwood playing Celine. I wish we had seen
Véronique Claveau as she is Quebecois and is known for her Théâtre du Rideau Vert’s end- of-year satirical stage revue, Revue et Corrigée, which showcased her excellent comedic skills and superb singing. It was here she first won acclaim for her brilliant imitation of national icon Céline Dion.
When the music of Céline Dion makes sweet Canadian love with the eleven-time Oscar®-winning blockbuster film Titanic, you get TITANÍQUE, off-Broadway’s most award-winning splash hit, which turns one of the greatest love stories of all time into a hysterical musical fantasia.
Want to find out what really happened to Jack and Rose on that fateful night? Just leave it to Céline Dion to enchant the audience with her totally wild take, recharting the course of Titanic’s beloved moments and characters with her iconic song catalog.
Sailing on fierce powerhouse voices in show-stopping performances of such hits as “My Heart Will Go On,” “All By Myself”, and “To Love You More” – backed by the unparalleled energy of a full live band – TITANÍQUE is a one-of-a-kind theatrical voyage bursting with nostalgia, heart, and campy chaos.
Click here to see the YouTube preview.
They allowed photos at the end.
We decided to walk back to the bus stop and ended up with 9,000 steps.
And we walked past the I Hate Rubber Boots guy!! Photo taken 2023.
Dundas Square was blocked off for a "free" (sponsored by Skip and Shake Shack) Bare Naked Ladies concert at 6 PM.
OCTO is one of the biggest claw machine themed gift shops right in downtown Toronto!
.
On the bus home.
Thursday was extremely windy. The plants on the balcony had rattled against the windows during the night, keeping us awake.
I was going downtown when John was going to the dentist. In fact I was bundled up and waiting in the bus lounge when I decided it was too windy to go out and came back up.
I did some chores (got rid of the spent batteries, cleaned out more of the fridge/pantry, tidied my bedside table/washed down bottom of freezer).
I also cancelled our Christmas Eve lunch at Canoe, it was a fixed three course menu at $115 per person.
When I had asked earlier about the menu she had said it wasn't set yet but would be 4-5 courses at $105. There wasn't much offered in gluten-free either.
I booked us at Joey King, newly opened.
John received his Manmade order.
We decided to rewatch Titanic after seeing the parody yesterday. Since it was three hours we opted to order Swiss Chalet chicken for dinner.
Friday John bottled his wine while I went to Longo's for weekend supplies. I also picked up sushi for lunch.
John was very pleased that Jason Bateman “liked” his comment on his movie Carry On.
COOKING
Saturday BBQ chicken quarters, roast potatoes,
Sunday homemade meat sauce and spaghetti
Monday pot roast
Tuesday pot roast leftovers fresh carrots, mashed potatoes and gravy
Wednesday more pot roast leftovers fresh mashed potatoes
Thursday fish chicken curry pizza. We ordered Swiss Chalet chicken.
Friday steak, stir fry bean sprouts, baby bok choy and onions
The Grinder
December 2024 - Toronto ON
Union Station LCBO Toronto
Saturday was the day I could pick Friday the 20th for my Xmas Longo's grocery order. Done!
Then I decided I should find some gluten-free cream of chicken, it seems Aylmer's make one and Walmart carries it at 0.97¢. This led to another grocery order that would come today. I wanted the soup because John has not been enjoying chicken divan with the gluten free options.
I finished off the old apples by making French toast for lunch. YAY me, no more apples!
John took the condo Holiday Fund contribution down to Steve. The memo had the date wrong, it had Friday Dec 15!! This Fund is your way of saying Thank You and Happy Holidays to our Staff, after another year of special care and service.
Monday Mural from our spring trip. Ogallala Nebraska.
John waited for a parcel pick-up. He had ordered a car thingie (tire pressure) but it was too large and also needed a battery charger/something to be bought separately. You can see I am very car-fluent!
I went to the bank to get cash for our various gifts for our condo staff (a few who deserve a little extra), cleaner and hairdresser.
I made low carb chocolate almond biscotti (gluten-free) that were very good. Bonus it used up two chocolate bars that have been hanging around. Here are 21 other biscotti flavours.
Tuesday, up early, as John had a couple of appointments. I did some chores (laundry, plants, got rid of the ice in freezer) and we had kinda planned to go out but instead lounged the day away.
First eggnog of the season! We are laughing at the French name! Milk of chicken.
Wednesday I went for a mani-pedi and then to Longo's (wanted fish for dinner) and John went to lunch with a friend to discuss golfing options for next summer. That lunch resulted in us booking a 4 day May trip to Ottawa for tulip festival as friend had booked it so we are tagging along. It has been on my bucket list forever.
Thursday I went for a haircut and walked through Brookfield Place on my way. I also went to get more Christmas gift cash and had a lobster roll for lunch.
John used the golf simulator.
Revolving front door in our building. We received our first cold weather alert from the office.
Friday we had good intentions of going to the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) but it had snowed a little overnight and the temperature was -4 C feeling like -10 so we decided to hibernate instead!
I made a great pot of clean the fridge (CTF) soup. I also made salted caramel but the first batch didn't work so I made another. The next time I would make the coffee stronger, make coffee ice cubes.
Why did I need caramel? We made copycat Starbuck's caramel ribbon crunch frappuccino. We even had a ceramic coffee mug that I bought a few years ago when John had dental surgery.
Our Christmas order arrived around 4:30 and got put away.
I also started on our "Xmas" dinner which we are having tomorrow because we are going to my cousin's on Christmas Day. I got the stuffing started and did the carrots/turnips.
Click here for some festive cheer from Straight No Chaser!
I did a Solstice post for Saturday.
COOKING
Saturday General Tso chicken(keeper) and stir fry bean sprouts baby bok choy and onions. I also made the hoisin sauce since I had cleaned out all those jars a few weeks ago. AND for the first time we actually finished a bag of bean sprouts and the bok choy!
Sunday homemade pizza
Monday chicken curry and chips pork hocks and colcannon
Tuesday Mongolian beef (need a better sauce) cauliflower rice and cabbage (in fridge)
Wednesday cod fillets and carrot fries. I loved the fries, John didn't.
Thursday fish grilled lemon Chinese curry chicken
Friday steak frites
Cheers
December 2024 - Toronto ON
Union Station Toronto
Saturday passed in a blur.
Sunday I got the turkey soup going, as I will use some of it for gluten-free gravy to take to my cousin's for Christmas Day.
I also cooked the tourtiere fillings (one for us and one for my cousin). It needs to be cold before it is put into the pastry.
Monday I ran out for a couple of items including disposable pie plates for the tourtieres. John had plenty of football recorded.
I have never frozen cooked turkey before. I took the suggestions online and cut some meat up, poured a little turkey stock over it and froze. We will see!
Tuesday CHRISTMAS EVE
Walking through Union Station, looks like another new restaurant.
BINGZ /biNGz/ noun.
Burger style Chinese street-food. Crispy outside with various freshly made ingredients inside. Inspired by the “world’s oldest burger” invented 2,000 years ago in the Qin dynasty.
adjective. A taste causing great surprise or sudden wonder; crispy; marvellous
Menu at the newly opened Shake Shack Bar in Union.
Scotia Plaza
We walked underground from Union, this was the only time we were outside as we headed to Joey King. What a delight! We were blown away by the service from the time we walked in the door and were greeted with complimentary sparkling wine. Our server, Chelsea, was such a professional and very knowledgeable about the menu.
Local Ontario wine. Half price on Tuesdays! We’ve been to their winery.
I had a hard time deciding! Steak & Sushi - tataki-style steak, ponzu sauce, seared salmon sushi or tuna & avocado crunch roll. I chose the salmon. DELICIOUS!
JOEY Classic Steak - 6 oz CAB® sirloin featuring our famous fully loaded crispy mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables. He added a side of lemon garlic prawns, but they were cold so our server comped them.
You can't see it but the fully loaded potato is inside a spring roll wrap.
We both loved everything and have other items on the menu that we would like to try!
We walked outside back to the bus. We picked up Starbucks Caramel Brûlé Lattes but they were too sweet for our liking.
CHRISTMAS DAY I prepared the potatoes and vegetables to take to my cousin's. I put them in the crockpot to keep them warm and free up kitchen space. I made a tourtiere and also made the gravy (stock from my turkey) and put in an insulated coffee pot for serving.
We headed out around 4:30.
We had the traditional turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, carrots and turnips, Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple syrup.
Thursday BOXING DAY three of us were up at 8:30 and John arose at 10! After breakfast we sat around chatting until we left around 2. Someone commented asking what the black stuff was - black pudding!
Once home, we got comfy, John made popcorn and watched a movie.
Friday I was deciding whether I wanted to treat today as our Boxing Day or run out for those last minute items. John decided he would do the grocery trip instead.
I have been lamenting all month that I could not find crab legs for new year's eve. Oh, Costco did have a 10 lb bag for $800!!!
Yes, there is a shortage of king crab legs due to a number of factors, including:
Russian seafood import ban
The US has banned the import of Russian seafood due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Norwegian king crab quota reduction
The Norwegian king crab quota is expected to decrease by 60% in 2024.
Smaller quota for Bristol Bay red king crab
The quota for Alaska's Bristol Bay commercial red king crab season is smaller than usual.
Crab population decline
In 2022, Alaskan officials canceled the king crab fishing season due to a 90% drop in the crab population.
Climate change
Warming ocean temperatures have likely contributed to the decline in the crab population.
Red King Crab legs size 4/7 : r/Seafood
The shortage is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
John decided to have a quick look at Metro and found the last three bags (454 g) for $15 each!!!!!
COOKING
Saturday turkey, mashed potatoes, carrots and turnips, stuffing and gravy
Sunday turkey leftovers
Monday hot turkey sandwiches and Brussels sprouts
Tuesday Xmas Eve lunch out. Cheeses and pate
Wednesday Christmas Day
Thursday Boxing Day big late breakfast, afternoon popcorn and maybe a few chocolates, cheeses and pate.
Friday steak and sauteed peppers, onions and mushrooms
Saturday and the rain and warm temperatures (high of 10C) had washed away the dusting of snow that we had. By mid afternoon it looked like an early spring day.
Exactly how I felt this morning.
We are planning on leaving next week to escape our Canadian winter. We will drive to Palm Springs CA for 22 days, Las Vegas NV for 21 and then San Diego CA for 8 days.
I completed our Vacant Home Tax 2024 Declaration Form. The Vacant Home Tax (VHT) program requires homeowners in Toronto to let the City know if their property is occupied or vacant every year by making a declaration. The goal of the program is to increase the supply of housing by encouraging owners of vacant residential properties to sell them or rent them out. Owners who choose to keep their properties vacant are subject to a tax, with the revenue being allocated to affordable housing initiatives.
I cleaned the vacuum that was the unfortunate victim of a wine bottle blowing its cork in the pantry. Luckily, it was confirmed to the pantry.
Watered the plants, washed the kitchen floor and made the pastry for dinner.
I filled out the AWAY instructions for the office/Steve, provided T with her details.
I cleared the fridge of Xmas leftovers, gravy, turkey and extra tourtiere filling were frozen.
I prepared some blog posts, headers and updates in preparation for the new year. I continued updating our 2024 Recap.
We finished a carton of egg nog, I think the first time ever!
Sunday we were fogged in as the temperature was 4 C at 7 AM, going to 7 C, with rain in the forecast. We had a rather lazy day.
Monday I went out for some odds and sods. John used the simulator.
When I opened the blueberries for breakfast I am used to seeing English and French (it's the law) on packaging, I was surprised to also see German!! For you, Iris.
Telus just installed a huge monitor with an ad featuring winter animals, it is so cute. I took John to see it another day.
I spoke with Telus customer service for coverage in the US. I spoke to an agent, Miguel, who realized I was not happy with his offer of $90 per phone per month for US phone use. He escalated to a "loyalty" manager as I waited patiently on hold for about 20 minutes. I then spoke to Edlyn (in the Philippines as I later learned) and she gave me an amazing offer by adding the US/MEX plan to our accounts for no additional cost!
I booked John's pedicure for Thursday.
I deposited my $20 cheque that I received from Rakuten for the last couple of months. It is the only "shopping" cash back I find worth using.
Tuesday New Year's Eve we booked a trip to Portugal in April! I booked our flights separately so I could use some points and a travel credit. Madeira has always been on my bucket list.
We have been to Portugal before, in 2001, however, we spent our time in the Algarve.
We went to The Well for lunch.
Walking along Front St. As you can see the streets are bone dry and snow free.
The Well. Click here for a video tour of this impressive building.
We spent some time in Indigo, a bookstore chain. This Indigo is huge and it was packed!!!
WTF??? Valentine's Day cards!!!!!!!!!!
We went in circles finding Lulu Bar, we had not seen The Well from Wellington Street which is lined with restaurants.
I snapped this once that table cleared. It was quiet when we arrived at 12:30, however they got busier as the afternoon wore on. Our server mentioned that they were doing a seafood platter from 2 PM for New Year's.
Lulu Bar brings a fresh taste of the Pacific Ocean and the many regions that touch it right to The Well in Toronto. Drawing influence from Asia, Hawaii, California, and British Columbia, the Frank Architecture & Interiors-designed restaurant transports you right to a beach house.
Originally founded in Calgary in 2019, Lulu Bar's second location in Toronto offers many of the same Pacific-inspired dishes as its Western counterpart.
The restaurant's menu also draws inspiration from Chef Joseph Sokoloff's time in Indonesia and Vietnam during his childhood.
I decided on two small dishes.
FRIED COCONUT SQUID pineapple, pickled jalapeño, crispy garlic, coriander. This was delicious!! Even John tried the octopus.
SALT & PEPPER PORK BELLY chili lime, toasted rice dipping sauce. This was very good, but I wouldn't order it again, as we have pork belly often.
John had GRILLED HALIBUT turmeric, coconut hot & sour, stir fried greens, charred brioche.
They substituted the brioche (gluten) with rice. Also proclaimed delicious.
We will definitely go back! We will do "lupper" lunch/supper for their Honolulu Happy Hour from 2-5 and share some plates.
Unzipped is coming along, click on the link for photos from 2018 and 2024.
Once home we hunkered down for New Year's Eve. By 8 PM we were not hungry so we changed the menu to cheeses and crackers!
We watched the ball fall in Times Square for a few minutes.
New Year's Eve in Times Square in the rain??? No thank you. ✅that off our bucket list in 2002, right after 9/11.
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