A Change!!!

Hey readers,

I have made the change to Wordpress!!! Same old blog but better looking!!! Check me out and follow me at http://iheartto.wordpress.com/

See you soon.

I ♥ TO

Only In TO: Pirates of Starbucks

Just a regular day in Toronto.  Grabbing a Starbucks and passing a pirate reading the paper.


Only In TO 

Eat Like a King at Sambucas

Just because you have a shopping problem does not mean that your dinning budget has to suffer.  Thank God for Prix Fixe menus!!!

Almost half a year had gone by since I had seen my good friend Maria.  Luckily she was not afraid to call me out on being guilty for friendship neglection. 

So when I asked her where she wanted to go she mentioned Sambucas on Church. So a streetcar ride, a shut down subway, and a frantic sprint to the Village and I was reunited with my dear friend.
You may ask, "Why Sambucas? There is nothing overly unique about this restaurant" Oh, but there is! Well, maybe not so unique as it is filling.

There is this blog worthy prix fixe menu at Sambucas that gives you a fancy three course meal for only $25!!!

Naturally, since I over spent my weeks budget on cloths and vodka, I thought this prix fixe menu was a gift from God.  While we eagerly picked our three course meal we ordered a classy drink to accompany our dinner..... a pitcher of Keith's!

My Three Course Meal

Starter: PEI Mussels
These scrumptious sea crustaceans were served in a light curry cream sauce.  So skip the salad or soup and go right for the mussels.

Main Course:  12-ounce T-bone Steak
Served in a red wine peppercorn sauce and accompanied by mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.  Need I say more.





Dessert: Creme Brulee

Now I know that this picture doesn't do it justice, but this creme brulee is HUGE!!!

As if the first two portions weren't large enough, it seemed as if they were trying to kill us large amounts of food.  This creamy vanilla custard, topped with caramelized brown sugar was served in a soup bowl.

It was a good thing we had a lot of catching up to do because we had to take our time consuming this feast in order to avoid a food coma.

So if your stomach is larger than your wallet size, then I suggest grabbing a seat at the Sambucas on Church and ordering from the prix fixe menu.



I ♥ TO

 

  

Only In TO: Fierce Weave Salon

Yes, what is in front of your eyes is real.  The name of this fierce weave salon is TRIMEKA!!!!  I forced my friends Lauren and Arden to capture these fluorescent weaves on camera, when the front door opened and the owner yelled, "What are you taking a picture of?" When I looked over at the horrified expressions on my two partners-in-crime's faces I knew I was driving this car on my own.  So I made friends with the B$@*$ and she invited us in to see her pieces of weave art.  And yes, those weaves in the window are real!!!!


Only In TO

Who Wants Gourmet Grilled Cheese?

For all you Humber College students out there!  Are you tired of living in the middle of nowhere?  Do you miss the abundant amount of food choices that downtown offers?  Are you tired of always eating over-priced cafeteria food?  Well look no more, Melt has just arrived to save the day!

My friend Arden mentioned one day that she just got a job managing the social media for Melt. The more we talked about Melt, the more I fantasized about gourmet grilled cheese.  I was ready to hand in my stale Pizza Pizza.

Just a hop, skip and a jump down Lakeshore from campus and we were at Melt.

How To Pick Your Melt

Step 1: Choose the Melt that will satisfy your craving.

Step 2: Pick the type of bread you would like.  Choice from white to ancient grain.

Step 3: Add some love to your melt with choice of drink and fries.

Step 4: Pick some toppings for your gorgeous sandwich.  Pick from lettuce, cucumbers, hot peppers and many others.  Or get it all... life is short.

Step 5: Pick your dipping sauce.  I recommend the chipotle mayo.

Once your sandwich is finished you are ready to fill that after-school starvation.


My Choice:  The Tattooed Chicken Melt

I heard that this melt was the most popular... and this sandwich lived up to its expectations.  The best part about the melts are that the tomatoes are actually a bruschetta mix, making this sandwich gourmet!!!

Dessert Melts

And if you are craving something sweet and salty the Sweet Stuff is a wonderful supplement.  This chocolate infused melt with a whipped cream dipping sauce will put you into a sugar coma.

So if you hate the food in the cafeteria or are scared you might get shot in the sketchy local restaurants, come to Melt.  And on Thursdays show your student card and get 15 % OFF!!!

 

 I ♥ TO

Only In TO: Characters at ComicCON

Alright all you boys, girls, and superheroes; today is the day for the 2012 ComicCon event at the Toronto Convention Centre.  I was told by my room-mate that this event was happening today and I didn't want you to miss out, so I got some good shots!

So at 8:30 I forced Kenny out of bed to assist me in capturing the superheroes in their natural environment.

I knew that the comic world had a huge following but I did not know that it was enough to fill the Convention Centre.

Among all of the crazy costumes I was able to capture a shot of Green Girl.  She had her face all painted and everything.  I wonder what the after effects of having green cream on your face all day would be.

Naturally, there also was a huge Anime following.  Here are two cute characters.

Chic Bo Peep


This costume may have been a little crazy for the Toronto fashion scene, but this was the leading style in Harajuku.

Pikachu Punk

I think this girl went out to the wild with a shotgun and killed a poor innocent Pokemon.  Then she decided to gut it and wear it on her head.  But she seemed to make it work by adding a fluorescent blue wig that she probably stole from Nicki Minaj.

The best part was when Kenny approached this little gang of warriors and their leader Jack tried to get us to join their fellowship.

Now I don't know how much help we would be as we forgot our Lightsabers at home,  but we were still given an invitation to attend the battle at Roundhouse Park.

I searched Jack and his gang's YouTube site and found a very bloody battle video for your viewing - The Ontario Cosplay Wars 1st Ever Epic Battle Brawl!




Only In TO

Singing Tunes at The Gladstone

Like to sing rock?  How about jazz? Or what about a love song from The Backstreet Boys.  If you are a fan of karaoke then you have to check out Melody Bar at the Gladstone Hotel. 

I know when you think of karaoke an overly-florescent karaoke room in the midst of Chinatown or a place where all the singers look like convicts enters your mind.  But the Melody Bar is a completely different story, its packed!!!  But I guess that's what happens when you are voted the "best karaoke bar" in Toronto by NOW.

The Gladstone is known as the oldest continuously operating hotel in Toronto.  This Queen West hotel was built in 1889 and was known as a last stop for artists passing through Toronto after performing at Massey Hall.   

But it was the new renovations that the Melody Bar went through this past year that enticed me check it out. Our group was expecting horrible singing, but we were presently surprised that almost everyone sang like professionals. 

Sound-A-Likes of the Evening
1. Amy Winehouse - she rocked my socks
2. Barenaked Ladies - was so spot on it was cray-cray
3. Janis Joplin - performed by my lovely wife!

Now I don't know if the singers were getting better throughout the night or if I was just getting more drunk, but the entertainment was killer. And even better....free!!!  Even the jolly host of the karaoke had some impressive pipes.  My personal favourite was the "Applause" sign that he would hold up for each singer.  

Not Just Karaoke

The Gladstone also has:

1. The Ballroom
2. The Gladstone Art Gallery
3. The Art Bar
4. The Gladstone Cafe

Whether you want to visit the Gladstone to crash from your travels or dine on some great cuisine, you must take a second and hit up the Melody Bar  to bust out a tune.



I ♥ TO

Only In TO: Streetcar Rumble

Someone needs to tell this idiot that if you try to fight with a TTC streetcar you won't win!  Naturally this had to happen to my streetcar when I was already late for work.  Cole + Life = Bridget Jones!!



Only In TO

The Beaconsfield: Drinks on Queen West

Last family day when families were at home watching movies and cuddling up by the fire, my friend Heather and I were cuddling next to a bottle of wine at The Beaconsfield.

The Beaconsfield is located on Queen West, slightly east of Dufferin.  Naturally being on the 'trendy' strip of Queen West this dark bar holds its own in its relaxing venue.

Despite family day The Beaconsfield was still buzzing with patrons sipping on drinks and nibbling on delicious food.  The decor is dark, relaxed and illuminated only by classic chandeliers and gold accents.

Once the historical Molsons Bank, The Beaconsfield is a hot spot that changes shape throughout the evening. It slowly shifts from people eating in a relaxing venue to a late night dance party with a live DJ pumping up the crowd.


For you sophisticated drinkers, this is a bar that will quench your thirst.  With a great selection of draught beer, aged scotches and tasty spirits there is something for any type of drinker.  The Beaconsfield is also extremely well known for its selection of tequila, just for you party animals out there.

Heather and I decided to skip the tequila and purchase a bottle of white wine. I mean it was family day, we can't get too drunk

Heather and Cole's Bottle 


Yes we are on a budget so we got the Vino Da Tavola, which was an affordable $40 and it hit the spot nicely!







This was my first time at The Beaconsfield but Heather had some food recommendations.

Heather's Two Cents 


1. The homemade Mac & Cheese.  A Southern style dish with a top layer crust of chipotle corn flakes.  Sounds like my new favourite pick.

2. Spicy Mint and Coconut Crusted Salmon.  This sounds like an orgasm in the mouth.

3. You can't forget dessert, so get the Orange Ginger Creme Brulee.



So if you find yourself on Queen West one night you have to check out The Beaconsfield for some Mac & Cheese and tequila.



I ♥ TO

Only In TO: Sleepy Time in Chapters

This man is out like a light here at Chapters.  Someone needs to let him know that Starbucks is just around the corner.

Only In TO

7 West: The Restaurant That Never Sleeps

Just like the miraculous city of Toronto, 7 West Cafe is the nocturnal restaurant that represents this city.  This 24 hour hot spot is located on a bashful side street named Charles, just off Yonge.  7 West is located in the heart of the city with the posh Yorkville area just north and the vibrant Village just East.

So, for you big bar hitters out in the city this place is open all night long to satisfy your drunk munchies.  Even better, they have an all day breakfast menu!!!!!

I was catching up with my old friend Armando (aka Little Man) and knew 7 West would be a great spot to grab a coffee, a mouth-watering dessert, and maybe an afternoon cocktail.




There are three floors to 7 West, but the higher the floor the more fun you will have.  So naturally I made Little Man climb the long narrow staircase to the top floor.

7 West is known as a hot dating spot.... and a place to catch up with a friend over a nice cup of coffee.... and eat when you are plastered.  I mean who am I kidding this place is known for a lot, but its cozy and dimly lit environment make it an ideal place to take someone that you are trying to charm.

Best Breakfast Drink


Yes folks forget about the Mimosa or the Caesar, get 7 West's Breakfast Martini.  This concoction is vodka, cassis and grapefruit juice.

There are a great deal of tasty things on 7 West's menu but if it is your first time at this restaurant you have to try one of its amazing pasta dishes.

Little Man's Pick 


The Penne Chicken has grilled chicken, red peppers, mushroom and onions in a white wine cream sauce.  This pasta which comes with two pieces of garlic bread is sure to satisfy any hungry man.

I think life is too short so I skipped my pasta and headed right for the desserts menu.

My Pick 


The Carrot Cake here is to die for, and I don't even like Carrot Cake so that is saying a lot. Its moist, sweet, and who doesn't like cream cheese icing!!!

So if you are looking for a spot for a date, a piece of cake or just a place to stuff your drunk face, come on over to 7 West the hot spot that never sleeps.


I ♥ TO

Only In TO: Girl Attacked by Squirrel

The other day my friend Jenn brought this huge fashion mistake to my attention.  I really hope that girl is getting attacked by a squirrel, because that is the ugliest F#*$ing hat I have ever seen.


Only In TO