Area Magazine Blog

When seasons change, so does fashion. ‘The Runway at Dusk’ was Italian fashion house Pal Zileri’s benefit event showcasing his Fall/Winter 2007-2008 collection. Matt Dusk, our favorite Canadian crooner, swayed the crowd with live jazz from the likes of Sinatra, Tony Bennett and, of course, Bobby Darrin which set the mood for impeccable men’s fashion.

Area Magazine swapped favorite Toronto hot-spots with the crooner while he was ‘Back in Town’ (coincidentally, the title of his recent album released this summer).

AM: What do you adore about Toronto?

MD: “I love the multiculturalism that is Toronto; amalgamated communities such as Little Italy and Little Portugal offer such authenticity.

AM: Then you must love the food as well. Do tell, any favorite hot-spots?

MD: “I love authentic food. It maybe doesn’t look like it, but I do. There’s this Italian restaurant, Il Fornellos, it seems expensive but it’s not! I also walk and talk along the Harbourfront.”

(Please note: Matt Dusk is slender and looking fabulous in a Pal Zileri suit.)

AM: Do you venture to the Toronto Islands?

MD: “Of course. I have a boat – I love the ocean, love lakes – so the first opportunity of the season is the Island and the last is the Island.”

September 30th, 2007
Categories: Magazine . Author: Christina Spencer . Comments: No Comments

Photo by Torontogirl http://www.flickr.com/photos/torontogirl/237109773/

I firmly believe in maximizing patio-time. While the patio is still in season, I urge you to dine at Little Italy’s Café Diplomatico & Restaurant. Located a few blocks west of Bathurst and College St, this restaurant captures the heart of Little Italy by offering traditional meals and a welcoming atmosphere. Considering its commanded the same corner for roughly 40 years, locals feel a sense of ownership. Be prepared to throw an elbow for the best table.

Following the meal, I recommend you wander into the Orbit Room which is also a few blocks west of Bathurst and College St. Depending on the evening you visit, you could hear live reggae, funk, soul and R&B or jazz fusion.

FYI – Winners of a 2007 Juno for Instrumental Album of the Year, Kevin Breit and the Sisters Euclid play every Monday night… you will dig it.

September 20th, 2007
Categories: Entertainment, Gastronomy, Magazine . Author: Christina Spencer . Comments: No Comments

Everyone loves a good pub. However, one that serves ‘better than bar food’ trumps everything. While Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville grows exponentially in coolness, it maintains quaint venues for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere. The Duke of York, located on Prince-Arthur St. one block west of Avenue, is a prime example.

This pub was voted ‘Best of 2005′ by Eye Weekly but since has increased its profile in the area. It offers an array of draughts for the beer connoisseurs that could be complimented nicely by its Rib-eye Steak and Caesar. Check out its website to book reservations, an online menu and, the clincher, you’ll find it serves weekend brunch until 4pm.

Where else, other than the UK, can you order a ‘cone of fries’ wrapped in newspaper? Brilliant.

p.s For University of Toronto students seeking a second home… you will not be disappointed.

September 14th, 2007
Categories: Entertainment, Gastronomy, Magazine . Author: Christina Spencer . Comments: No Comments

From the outside, this restaurant’s sign is misleading. It should read, ‘best soup in town’ or ‘delightful desserts’ but, alas, it stands simple and refined. Le Gourmand, located a minute south of Queen St. and Spadina Ave, feels like a bistro (including the petite round tables).

Even though it’s a daily meeting ground for locals the lines are never long, and the majority of customers order their meals to go. So, If you’re looking for a tasty sandwich, minus the sloppy preparation, I urge you to stop in. They also cater to vegetarians with their bean salads and vegetable-based soups.

For your information, the carrot ginger soup is heaven… liquefied.

This area is loaded with petite restaurants, lucky us; no one has to stray far when shopping along Queen St.

September 12th, 2007
Categories: Gastronomy, Magazine . Author: Christina Spencer . Comments: No Comments

This spot is ideal for lounging while also attracting lively nighthawks. The Drake Hotel, located east of Dufferin St. on Queen St. west, is a venue demanding attention with its celebrity atmosphere. Rich colors, wooden accents and clean, classy lines reflect its clientele. Part of its attraction is its multiple, and unique, spaces; depending on your mood, you can choose from the Lounge, Raw Bar, Dining Room, Sky Bar or the Corner Café.

However, The Drake draws Torontonians of every style… largely due to the fact that The Drake Underground is the Hotel’s intimate basement venue for established and up-coming artists.

Now that I’ve explained its bar-scene, it’s also a 19-room hotel that offers event planning. It can do no wrong.

September 10th, 2007
Categories: Entertainment, Fashion, Gastronomy, Magazine, Music . Author: Christina Spencer . Comments: No Comments

This weekend is Toronto’s second annual Virgin Festival! For September 8-9th, the Toronto Island Park is turning into a massive stage for music veterans and ‘up and comers’. With acts like The Smashing Pumpkins, Interpol, Bjork, Tokyo Police Club, Metric and The Killers the line for the ferry will be back-logged, so pack a lunch! (Or munch on some street-meat, a healthy replacement).

Gates open at 1pm and close at 11pm on both days and I must mention that once you’re on the Island, you’re not allowed leaving. A little possessive, aren’t they? The deal is that you can leave, but there’s no re-entry due to access control and security. For ticket prices and how to purchase them, check out the Virgin Festival website at www.virginfestival.ca

Lastly, but surpassing in the cool factor, one dollar of every ticket bought is donated to a non-profit organization. Basically, you’re enjoying awesome tunes while positively contributing. Kudos.

September 6th, 2007
Categories: Entertainment, Magazine, Music . Author: Christina Spencer . Comments: No Comments

We love this city so much that we decided to make a video.
Here is a drive around Toronto.
Enjoy!

on youtube

September 5th, 2007
Categories: Architecture, Art, Design, Entertainment, Fashion, Gastronomy, Magazine, Music . Author: Rodolfo Novak . Comments: No Comments

Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville, located north of Bloor and east of Avenue, hides behind a wall of shops such as Calvin Klein and William Sonoma but it definitely overshadows in style.

Hemingway’s Restaurant is Yorkville’s silent killer… its rooftop patio, excellent appetizers and reasonably priced drinks will deter you from any productivity you had planned. Did I mention the rooftop patio is heated in the winter and misted in the summer? If you decide to make an appearance, be sure to try the Kung Pao (vegetarian-friendly or chicken).

For the shoppers: another Yorkville favorite is Over the Rainbow. It offers trendy labels for both men and women.

September 3rd, 2007
Categories: Architecture, Art, Design, Entertainment, Fashion, Gastronomy, Magazine, Music . Author: Christina Spencer . Comments: No Comments

If you’re looking to venture out of the bustling downtown core – look no further! (than a bit west that is).
Toronto’s Bloor West Village houses amazing cafés, attractive boutiques, and delicious restaurants that uphold an urban energy.

It’s easy to plan a full-day excursion in this area including a post-dinner walk; the area is also home to High Park, one of the city’s greenest secrets.

Maybe we can help? Be sure to check out Yellow Griffin Pub which has thirty-nine kinds of burgers, and then finish off at Bread and Roses Bakery for the best desserts.  

August 24th, 2007
Categories: Entertainment, Gastronomy, Magazine . Author: Christina Spencer . Comments: No Comments

While shopping for fall boots in Kensington Market, which is becoming a weekly occurrence, I decided to reflect on my week. Was that empanada I had Monday the best empanada on Bloor West? If so, how do I spread the word about this empanada-haven?

Oh, the choices we have as Torontonians. Wouldn’t it be nice to know the city from the inside out? After all, Toronto is that hip cousin you want to imitate; it is the cousin who only buys fair trade coffee yet waits months for an appointment at Vidal Sassoon in Yorkville.

We have every option at our disposal… so, are you ready to DO Toronto?

August 23rd, 2007
Categories: Fashion, Magazine . Author: Christina Spencer . Comments: No Comments