I ♥ TO

A Change!!!

2012-03-27T17:53:00.000-04:00

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

2012-03-24T10:17:00.000-04:00

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

2012-03-21T10:44:00.000-04:00

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

2012-03-18T10:40:00.001-04:00

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?

2012-03-13T21:39:00.000-04:00

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

2012-03-10T12:33:00.002-05:00

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

2012-03-07T11:05:00.000-05:00

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

2012-03-03T09:59:00.000-05:00

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

2012-02-29T10:55:00.001-05:00

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

2012-02-25T10:18:00.000-05:00

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

2012-02-21T12:24:00.000-05:00

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

2012-02-16T13:34:00.000-05:00

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

Only In TO: Born for Speed

2012-02-08T11:55:00.000-05:00

Why was this little race car never around when I was a child. This little guy is clearly the coolest kid on the block.

Only In TO

O That's A Lot of Sushi

2012-02-01T13:18:00.000-05:00

Who goes North of Bloor St. unless you are going to the Mandarin?

Well folks, I got a new reason to visit up-town, and that reason is Sushi O. This very charming restaurant has great sushi and has an element to it menu that everyone loves... all-you-can-eat!!! When it comes to sushi people want their choice of everything and personally the only way to get my sushi fix is to visit an all-you-can-eat spot. But good all-you-can-eat sushi quality is hard to find.

It was my hot tamale of a friend, Mayra, that convinced me to come with her to this sushi experience when Sushi O personally tweeted her. All-you-can-eat sushi? Why not!!!

This wonderful spot, located around the corner of Younge and Eglinton has a very amazing layout. We were seated in the smaller dinning room for lunch but when I ventured through this location I found a area where there was a kitchen station in the centre of a table where you could have the chef prepare sushi right in front of you.

The all-you-can-eat lunch is $13.99 and the dinner is $19.99, of course the dinner menu offers much more selection. Mayra really wanted Shrimp Tempura, so she forced me to upgrade to the dinner menu, which luckily was loaded with a greater selection.

Once you fill place your order there is buffet area where you help yourself to miso soup and salad. Another cool thing is the ice cream section where you can have your pick of green tea and mango ice cream.

Mayra and Cole's Recommended Items

Mayra's Choice - need I mention? The Shrimp tempura was so great we upgraded to the dinner menu for it.

Cole's Choice - The Rainbow Dragon Roll (naturally) a roll topped with tuna, salmon, red snapper and avocado.

Mutual Agreement - Salmon Avocado Roll

Sushi O really puts all-you-can-eat sushi on the TO map and is a place I would recommend for any sushi lover. But make sure you are starving because the mounds of food you are given will overwhelm you.

I ♥ TO

Only In TO: Is Mom Dead?

2012-01-28T11:13:00.000-05:00

So last night after my Wife won The Toronto Monologue Slam (she was by far the best) we went to an after party at a friends house. As soon as we got in the door I looked for a place to hang my coat and almost had, as everyone knows, what I like to call a polite puke. There was this poor old woman belly-up on the coach. I don't know if she is dead or sleeping, but someone should have left mom at home!!!
(Photo Credits by Kenny Baughan)

Only In TO

The Power of AMY's Voice

2012-01-24T23:08:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday afternoon my roommate Brittany told me of this event that she would be singing at. Now I have seen Brittany perform many times in many different venues, but I just don't have the time to come to every show stopping performance of hers. But when she told me the performance was for a great cause I completely forgot about my ethics paper I needed to write.

She said the event was called "Creators In-Sync", an arts mentorship program for young women, called the AMY Grad Program. I knew this sounded interesting so I dropped my PR Ethics book and headed to their hosting venue ..... Harlem.

Around the corner of Church and Richmond there stood the quaint, yet trendy Harlem. As I walked up the stairs I did not only hear the talent from above but could also feel the energy as I progressed to the top floor.

On the upper floor the event took place, with a small stage set up at one end of the room with many attended young artists. Though the stage was small, the talent in the room was larger then life. The audience was graced with poetry, songs, and musical talent all composed and created by these young artists.

The AMY Grad Program was started by two AMY grads Kate Welsh and Copper Brown. This special program was first awoken in 2011 to continue developing the skills, networks, and leadership opportunities for young women who completed the annual AMY program.

AMY Program Elements

AMY Buddy Program - a peer mentorship training of AMY grads followed by partnering them with new participants to pay-it-forward.

Grad Workshop Series - professionally designed development sessions to help the growth of young artistic talent.

AMY Outings - Trips to cultural events and shows bringing the many grad generations from the program together to meet and build networks.

All the money raised for the event was used to keep the spirit of, not just the AMY Grad Program strong, but those of the young women and the talent they love to share.

To know more about the AMY Project check out their blog and their Facebook. To help donate to their cause check out their indiegogo campaign on-line, which closes Friday so hurry!!!!

I ♥ TO

Only In TO: Barbie's Trashy Cousin

2012-01-19T20:23:00.000-05:00

In a small corner store on Queen West you will be able to find the residence of Barbie's trashy cousin that was never purchased off the shelves, Scuba Booty.

Only In TO

Get Your Coffee Fix

2012-01-16T23:10:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone. My name is Cole and I am a caffeine-aholic.

Anyone that knows me is aware that I have a slight addiction to coffee. Actually lets be honest, I am almost at the point of shooting coffee up my veins. So I was extremely excited when my friend Yuki agreed to come to Jet Fuel with me. I have only heard of how great the coffee was here, but it was also the atmosphere that makes Jet Fuel a worthy place to visit in TO.

This hip coffee spot is located in Cabbagetown close to the corner of Parliament and Carlton street and is a clear hot spot of the area. The second you walk in there is a bar equipped with a real espresso machine and jars of baked goods. Right beside the cash register there is also a stand with your choice of sweeteners and milk to add. My favourite was the molasses sugar they had.

If you walked further through the venue there are tables and booths filled with people on their laptops, reading or just catching up with a long lost friend. The walls are red giving the place this vibrant feel, with a great amount of current art work splattered throughout the coffee shop. But what really wins you over is all the sports swag supporting Jet Fuel's cycling team, which is one of Canada's longest running cycling teams.

However it was not until I looked over the counter to see our two entertaining servers when I realized I was in a unique place. When I noticed their saucer like eyes and the slight perspiration on their brows I knew that they shared my same addiction. I was only able to get them to stand still for this slight second to snap a photo and then they were off again talking a million miles a minutes and pumping out amazing cups of caffeinated heaven. They may not have a menu, only serving the regular espresso based drinks, but what they lacked in variety they made up for in quality.

Yuki's Drink: The wonderful Jet Fuel latte where you could watch the art of the steamed milk swirling with the espresso.

Cole's Drink: The classic cappuccino with a head of foam so stiff and thick you had to eat it with a spoon.

If you want a vibrant coffee shop to visit, go to Jet Fuel. If you want to be entertained by your barista behind the counter, go to Jet Fuel. If you need to itch that caffeine addiction, go to Jet Fuel. But remember to bring cash because those baristas don't take plastic, they want their cash up-front for the drug they sell.

I ♥ TO

Only In TO: Tiger Body Suit?

2012-01-10T15:14:00.000-05:00

Lions, tigers.... wait, oh my!!!!! Someone needs to let this boy know that tiger body suits are and never will be in style. For God's sake Lady Gaga hasn't even attempted it. I feel bad for his girlfriend.

Only In TO

Only In TO: Cole Street

2012-01-04T11:30:00.000-05:00

Toronto is the only place that is bound to have a street named after you!!!!

Only In TO

Tis The Season To Get Violent

2011-12-21T14:36:00.000-05:00

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

2011-12-19T12:57:00.000-05:00

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?

2011-12-14T11:37:00.000-05:00

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?

2011-12-11T11:23:00.000-05:00

$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

2011-12-06T15:32:00.000-05:00

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

Only In TO