Tis The Season To Get Violent

Don't let this beautiful view of the Swarovski Crystal Christmas tree give you any false assumptions of the environment at the Eaton Centre over the holidays.  What ever happened to "tis the season to be jolly" or "peace on earth and goodwill to all men"?  Well that was run over by, "Move out of the F*$#en way, I have to get that new iPhone 4S!!"

It is clear that shopping at the Eaton Centre is a battlefield of fit soccer moms, desperate husbands, and super grannies.  However, it is not just the Eaton Centre that experiences this yearly time.  The whole city of Toronto is blown into this frenzy of finding the perfect gift for the holiday season. 

There is no need to get upset Lindsay, I will give you some tips about your holiday shopping to kill as many birds as you can with one stone.

• Don't leave your Christmas shopping last minute, it will prevent you from opening up your wrists when others are opening up their presents.
• Avoid the masses by shopping during the early or late time periods of the extended holiday hours.
• Remember you are buying for someone else, not yourself.  So put down those fierce looking boots and get your head in the game.
• Make a game plan of what you want and where to get it.  Don't window shop, that is how people will lose limbs over the holiday season.
• Protect your treasure and hold on to your bags tight.  Don't assume that once you have purchased that gift it is yours, for if you lose your focus for one second another shopper will snag that gift for themselves.

It is a very stressful time of year, so save some time with Cole's Christmas shopping tips.  These tips will get you out of the mall and give you more time to spend with your fam-jam or loved ones.  After all Christmas is not about the Louis Vuitton bag you got or the new sports watch you opened up.  It's about the loved ones that you spend your life with and a time for you to show how much they mean to you:)

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!



I ♥ TO





 

Only In TO: 35 Foot Reindeer

It looks like Christmas threw-up at the Toronto Eaton Centre, but I have to admit the giant reindeer decorations are really cool.



Only In TO

Anyone Remember What Happened at The Madison?

Two weekends ago was my good friend Tammy's Birthday and she decided that we were going to go to the Madison.  Then when I discovered that it was located in the Annex village, I knew that this was going to be an interesting night. 

 The pub did not look large when we were standing in line, but once you were inside, I felt like I was Alice in Wonderland.  The different rooms within this bar, consisting of three Victorian homes, were never ending.

Founded in 1983 this bar consists of:

• Six British style pubs
• A total of 12 bars!!!
• Three kitchens
• Five patios
• Four fireplaces
• Two pool tables
• Three dart areas
• Over 50 TVs

But the best thing about the Madison was that there were live singers and musicians in almost every major section of the pub.  We ended up in an area with this amazing singer who could play and sing anything the crowed threw at him.  It was clear that he was a favourite at the Madison.

What made it even more exciting was when the singer knew one of our friends and asked her up to sing.  The amazing Stacey Bulmer is quite the power house singer herself and had the bar at her fingertips.  I have to say it was nice after she was done singing that we got a lot more attention for the night. 

When the pub got busy at 11:30 pm I knew that it might be a crazy night.  Plus before we started we only had sushi.  What was that going to soak up?

Luckily we were able to get a good group shot before the night got messy.  This actually might be the last thing some people remember, right Carolina?  I never knew this beautiful little girl could be such a party animal.  Clearly a girl after my own heart.  I also recommend they make the table booths closer to the floor for those who accidentally tumble, but I won't mention names... for the birthday girl's sake;)

If you have any stories from the Madison let me know if they were as crazy as mine.


I ♥ TO

Only In TO: $20 Mac & Cheese?

$20 Mac & Cheese?  Really Drew?  Out of all the other gourmet selections on the menu? 



Only In TO

Only In TO: Walking is Soooo Last Week

While Jenn and I walked down the street we realized that no one walks in TO anymore.

Only In TO

Dumplings In Chinatown

Some friends from out of town and some from way-out of town (Japan) were in TO and as usual I was given the fun task of finding a place to eat.  When trying to think of a place to go that would be interesting my friend Jenn mentioned Mother's Dumplings located in the heart of Chinatown.

Now you do not go to Chinatown for great service. No, you go for cheap food and a unique experience.  This Tapas style restaurant was not given the award of "Best $5 Lunch" by Now Magazine for nothing.  Between the six of us we were able to stuff ourselves for no more then $10 each. Even I was surprised!!!

Some recommended dishes of the evening:


Seaweed Salad
You can't go wrong with seaweed salad, especially since it is no more then $2!!!!

Chicken and Mushroom Dumplings
Who does not like dumplings?  Honestly, one of the best creations for human consumption, and even better when stuffed with mushroom and chicken.

Chicken Fried Rice
Anyone who loves Chinese food knows of chicken fried rice, and Mother's Dumplings makes a mean chicken fried rice.

Noodles and Beans

This may not sound appetizing, but the amazing mix of pan fried beans and cucumber with noodles is to die for.

• While we were looking through the extensive menu I noticed something hilarious under the "Sides" section.  At Mother's Dumplings you can order a side of "Peanuts."  So if you are a really  hard core peanut fan, this is the place for you.

Survival Guide for Mother's Dumplings

1. Watch out for flying plates, they literally throw your food at the table.
2. Don't ask for cutlery or any eating utensil. You WILL get a dirty look.
3. Sometimes they run out of boiling water (how that happens? I have no idea) so ration your tea.

Despite the service, I would definitely go back to Mother's Dumplings because it has amazing food for unbelievable prices.  This clearly is a place that adds to this unique city and the busy atmosphere that night proved that customers feel the same.


I ♥ TO 

Toronto Lights Up For Christmas

This past Saturday, Toronto  was lit up for its 45-year old tradition, The Cavalcade of Lights.  This spectacular event was presented by Scotiabank and brought Toronto together in Nathan Phillips Square to illuminate our Christmas spirit. 

The event started Saturday at 7 pm where it featured a fantastic firework show and the official lighting of Toronto's Christmas tree.  There were also featured performances by Kellylee Evans, Jarvis Church and rising stars Justin Hines and Victoria Duffield.  

But it was not just the concert and fireworks that added to the event.  The square was filled with people bearing lights of all different kinds.  The live DJ gave an extra bounce to the  skating rink where people got to meet Jamie Sale.  But most of all it was the energy of the Christmas spirit that brightened up the evening, another reason why I love this city. 

I ♥ TO 

Only In TO: Dirty Pet Beds

I had no idea that a cute little cat bed could be so dirty.  Take a look.....

Only In TO

Gourmet Poutine Anyone?

Its Friday night in TO and once two a.m. hits Queen Street West is flooded with people that are half in the bag and HUNGRY!!!!

There is no need to worry, in the heart of this bohemian village there is a little piece of munchy heaven, Poutini's House of Poutine.  This gourmet poutine shop is located on 1112 Queen Street West, and good news, is open till 3:30 a.m. to rescue those who suffer from "midnight snack" hunger.  No need to look so worried Kenny lets grab some good ol' fresh cut fries with cheese curds and gravy.

Some Kenny and Cole recommended choices:

Poutini's Traditional Poutine

Poutini's fresh cut fries, with cheese curds and homemade gravy, for as little as $4.99.

The Works Poutine

Poutini's traditional poutine with added bacon, sour cream, and chives.  Get a large for only around $9.

Poutini's is the Armani of the poutine industry.  Not only do they freshly make their gravy and fries in-house, but they also receive fresh cheese curds daily from Maple Dale Farms. 

Are you on a diet? Don't fret! Poutini's also makes vegetarian and vegan/gluten-free gravy so that no one feels left out with this tasty experience.  Also the staff are funny and extremely social adding to this great experience.  So next time you are done at the bar, pay Poutini's a visit, you will never have to go to Pizza Pizza again.



I ♥ TO

CN Tower Edgewalk + Cole = Bridget Jones

I know it took me forever to post this, but here is that front lean trick that you will do on the CN Tower's Edgewalk.  My roommate Brittany is cool and collective, I am a hot mess.

I ♥ TO

Only In TO: "Yugoslavia Forever and Ever, F#@* You!!"

This week on "Only In TO" a crazy woman having an episode on the subway.  And yes I am inches away from her.  How I was able to videotape her without attacking me, I have no idea.  But it is clear that if you ever do get bored in TO jump on the subway.



Only In TO

Raw Foodies Unite

There is no need for an oven in this restaurant, every thing is RAW!!!!!

Three weeks ago my mother was down in the city and I was given the challenge of finding a place to take her for dinner.  Normally in Toronto this is not an issue for this is a very restaurant-based city. However there is one catch..... she is a raw vegan.  Thank god I live with two vegetarians, it gave me an advantage. 

I told my roommate Brittany about my predicament and she said the best place for raw food is Rawlicious.  A subway ride away and a few steps from the Yonge subway station and we were at Rawlicious in Yorkville. 

My sister Rebecca and her very cute boyfriend accompanied mom and I, but we were still waiting for one more important part of the family..... my wife.  So while we waited for her we treated ourselves to the tasty smoothies that Rawlicious makes.  My personal favourite is the creamsicle smoothie with nutmilk, orange, avocado, vanilla and agave. 

There's my wife... now we can get started.  Sorry, I got so focused on the smoothies I forgot to give you the background of Rawlicious. 

Rawlicious is a restaurant that serves 100 per cent raw food.  This very charming spot holds no more then twenty customers and its art decorated walls create a very comfortable atmosphere.   Rawlicious is a living foods cafe that does not cook anything over 118F so you get all finest enzymes the food contains.... and it tastes pretty damn good too.

There are some great dishes I recommend on this menu:

Taco Wrap

A lettuce wrap containing salsa, nut cheese, tomato, nut-loaf and my favourite, guacamole!!

Nacho Platter

Rawlicious nacho chips with sliced green olives, green onions, hot banana peppers, and the classic salsa, raw sour cream and guacamole.

And for Dessert:

Blonde Macaroons

Coconut, cashew, vanilla and maple syrup... sounds good to me.

Cheesecake of the Day

Selection changes daily, but it was the lemon cheesecake that was the special that day.  I almost pass out from the pleasure it brings just thinking about it.

So, raw foodies I suggest you try Rawlicious and bring along a friend that prefers cooked food, I am sure that they will be pleasantly surprised.  I know I was and I am a "Meatatarian" that burns his food when he cooks.  Rawlicious is another aspect that adds to this amazing city. 

I ♥ TO