Enjoy distinctive chocolates and truffles created by chocolatier David Castellan at his Soma Chocolate shop in the Distillery District. Using raw cocoa beans, Castellan creates chocolates with surprising combinations. Try the chocolate bars made with chilies, ginger and vanilla, milk chocolate with dried cherries, sultry bergamot truffles or luscious caramel. Enjoy home-made gelato or a a cup of Mayan hot chocolate on the patio.

Head over Kensington Market to The Chocolate Addict. This tiny shop is filled with everything chocolate dipped from cashews, fortune cookies to Pringles. Try one of the hand-made chocolate roses, a speciality of the owner.  Pick up some chocolate loonies, moose droppings (chocolate-covered almonds) or icewine truffles. Buy fair trade chocolate alongside premium offerings for Dolfin and other well known chocolates. In the summer, the shops sells ice cream in the summer and hot chocolate in the winter.

Yorkville’s MoRoCo sells boutique European chocolates ranging from chocolates, Truffles, Macarons, Confections and bars all made in house by using Valrhona Chocolate from France. Next door is the Salon serving lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and afternoon high tea and of course hot chocolate. The menu includes a variety of sandwiches, pastas and salads along with phenomenally decadent desserts. Late night events include a mixologist lounge with a DJ. There’s even chocolate hand print wall of fame.

Xococava at Yonge and St. Clair sells an array of gourmet truffles for the adventurous. Try chocolates infused with traces of cedar, chorizo, fennel pollen, olive oil, or thyme. Its ice cream and sorbet are equally delicious and unusual created with seasonal ingredients.

Delight Chocolates has two locations offering its handmade, fair trade, organic chocolates. The original shop is in the Junction and the newer shop is on West Queen West. Both offer delicious chocolate ranging from the conventional to the extra-dark, pumpkin spice or cardamom-rosewater. Also available: incredibly rich, all-natural organic ice creams and sorbets.

Playing a round at the Charlotte Room

Get your game on in TO at one of the pool halls in the city. Whether you are looking for something retro, upscale or low-key, there’s a place for you to get your eight ball moving.

Andy Poolhall is a cozy club located in Little Italy is decorated in a 1960s theme soaked in psychedelic reds purple, turquoise, black and white with pleather chairs fashioned into trippy and bubbly shapes. The lounge also has row of black and red chairs designed by Pierre Paulin of Paris for the first-class Concorde departure lounge at JFK International Airport in New York City. Sit back in one of them and enjoy a drink and listen to the great soul music while you wait for one of the five well-maintained red-felt pool tables to be free. A great place to hang out.

The Charlotte Room is an elegant game club located in the Entertainment District with seven customized quality pool tables and four custom made poker tables. You can also grab one of the comfortable chairs, order something from the well-stocked bar and pick out something from the games library equipped with all the classics: Boggle, Yahtzee, Risk, Cribbage, Backgammon and more. There’s also a great menu with good food and nice change from the typical pool greasy pool hall offerings. Enjoy a classy, laid back evening at this club.

Home to the defunct Brunswick Balke Collender Company, once the largest manufacturer of billiard tables in Canada, the Academy of Spherical Arts is the ultimate spot for pool lovers. There’s 20,000 square feet of space divided into different rooms, each with a different theme. The Samuel May Room has some of the original 100 year old tables built by the Samuel May and Company while the George Chenier Room, the former loading dock, offers a room for smaller groups. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or diner at the club with a classic steak house menu and a bar well stocked with over 350 wines, 60 grappas, 20 vintage ports, 130 cognacs and over 100 international beers. There’s also a great selection of cigars.

The Rivoli Theatre, an old vaudeville and burlesque theatre from the 1920s, has an upstairs pool room with 13 vintage tables. Put your name on the waiting list and then head downstairs for a bite to eat or catch some of the entertainment in the Back Room. A great place to enjoy the buzz on Queen Street.

Prices to play vary from each location so check before heading out. Weekends are always busier so be sure to make a reservation when possible.

Skating under the arches. Photo by Ken Nickerson

Toronto has over 50 outdoor artificial ice rinks so skating is a popular pastime in this city. The city does a great job of maintenance and you’ll find wonderful rinks in each neighborhood. Don’t worry if you’ve left your skates at home. All of the rinks have skate rentals.

 Skate at City Hall

Toronto’s most famous rink is found at Nathan Phillips Square located alongside the New City Hall. The three solid arches that stretch over the ice rink have been named the Freedom Arches and there is a piece of the Berlin Wall at the base of the center arch on the south side. Skate along to the recorded music ranging from reggae to classical. At nights, the rink is light up against the night sky casting a romantic glow on the ice. 100 Queen Street West. Hours: From first light until 10 pm, seven days a week. Admission: Free. Skate rentals: $10 for adults, $5 for children. For ice conditions, call the skate rental office at 416 304-1400.

 Skate at the factory

Glide under the open air and the rafters of an 1889 historical building at the Evergreen Brick Works. Formerly the Don Valley Brick Works, this industrial quarry and factory site has been transformed into park and natural area. It’s now  a wildlife haven at the heart of Toronto’s ravines. The city recedes behind the wooded valley walls as you wind through the garden mounds listening the birds. 550 Bayview Avenue. Hours: Thurs 5 – 9pm, Sat/Sun 11am – 4pm. Admission: Free. Skate rentals: Pay what you can, $5 recommended. Call ahead for conditions: 416-596-7670.

Skate at the lake

The Natrel Rink is one Toronto’s favorite outdoor rinks. Situated on Toronto’s harbor, this winter gem is part of Harbourfront Centre and is open 7 days a week. There’s an indoor change room with  lockers and washrooms and Lakeside EATS serves hot food and drinks. Every Saturday night is DJ Skate Night where local DJs spin their fresh grooves while you glide and get a new perspective on fusion. 235 Queens Quay West Hours: Sun-Thurs 10am-10pm, Fri/Sat 10 am-11pm. Admission: Free. Skate rentals: $8 adults, $6 children. Rink Info: 416 973-4866

Have fun gliding through Toronto!

Photo by Sam Javanrouh, Flickr

Nearly every bar, nightclub and restaurant will be open to celebrate New Year’s in Toronto. You can come simple or you can go elaborate. Here’s 6 suggestions for partying to help you decide.

Celebrate early with the kids

Gibson House Museum is offering a traditional Scottish Hogmanay with a holiday meal followed by music by the fire and storytelling. Food and drink will be made ready for the First-Footer, a dark-haired gentlemen who brings luck to the home by being the first to cross the threshold. December 29-30, 7 pm, 5172 Yonge Street just north of the North York Centre Subway Stop. 416-395-7432. Free admission.

The biggest party in town is free

Ring in the New Year at Nathan Phillips Square with the crowd that gathers for the Citytv free, annual outdoor New Year’s eve concert. This year Backstreet Boy Howie D, Karl Wolf, JRDN, Neverest, Aleesia, Anjulie and the cast of American Idiot will be there to entertain everyone.  Starting at 10 p.m., the show is simultaneously broadcast on Citytv and New Year’s Eve event, with some of Canada’s top Canadian musical talent and midnight fireworks.

 Affordable dance parties

Toronto dance clubs are offering a night of dancing. Most tickets are under $30 but there are strict dress codes in effect.  DJ MRK and Tigerblood will be spinning that The Mod Club New Year’s Eve party, one of the best selling parties in town. Come and listen to DJs spinning indie, electro, dubstep and rock. NYE 2012 at City Nightclub will have three rooms spinning three different sounds with house, hip-hop, mash-ups and club anthems throughout the night.  Wetbar New Year’s 2012 bash will have DJs Vesh and Flawless spinning party anthems all night, with hors d’ouerves and party favours. VIP and bottle service is available. Dress code is in effect.

Hip dinner and drinks

Love Triangle brings three parties to the Gladstone Hotel on New Year’s Eve. Have smart cocktails in the upstairs Champagne Gallery, listen to live music from iDRUM in the Melody Bar and performances from Jokers of the Scene and Soul Proprietor in The Ballroom. There is also a four course prix-fixe dinner from Executive chef Marc Breton available. It is an additional $50 and available between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Sail into the New Year

Jump on board the Jubilee Queen for its annual New Years Eve Celebration Cruise in the Toronto Harbour. Your tickets include a cocktail party, buffet dinner and champagne at midnight. Ring in the New Year while sailing past the Toronto skyline. $119.95 per person.

Viva Las Vegas

Feeling the need for some glitz and schmoozing for the New Year. Head over the Sheraton Centre Hotel for the Viva Las Vegas party inside the Grand Ballroom. The event is hosted by Fame Media and offers an explosive lightshow, Vegas showgirls, complimentary champagne and a midnight dessert station. The music will be House, Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae and Cover. Dress code in effect. $80 at the door.

Wherever you party, be sure not to drink and drive. Grab a cab after your party and get home safe and sound.  Happy New Year!

Photo by Doug Brown. Courtesy of Tourism Toronto

Toronto is a multicultural city but that doesn’t stop it from celebrating a traditional Christmas. The whole city joins in the fun and gets into the spirit of the season. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate in Toronto, check out these fun events.

Glide to the groove

Slap on your skates and groove to Saturday DJ Skate Nights feature DJs spinning everything from hip hop and reggae to electronic. It all takes place Harbourfronts Natrel® Rink, an outdoor skating rink by the lake. Spin to the music of 1 LOVE T.O., Cozmic Cat and Denise Benson, Dr. Jay de Soca and more. Saturday nights, 8-11 pm. Free admission.

Of mice and magic

Canada’s National Ballet celebrates 60 years and for the holiday season revives James Kudelka’s 1995 version of the Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky’s beloved Christmas ballet has been a Toronto holiday staple since the mid-twentieth century. Kudelka’s interpretation is famed for its beautiful set designs and choreography that underscores the children’s symbolic journey into adolescence. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, December 10 until 30th.

Cavalcade of Lights

It’s been a 45-year tradition to light up City Hall’s Nathan Phillips Square with a dazzlingly display of lights. Every evening at dusk, the Christmas tree and skating rink are lit up. Wander through the display of lights or bring your skates for a tour around the rink. This year, neighbourhoods and tourist attractions are also participate in the Cavalcade of Lights festival and adding their brilliant creations of light. Take a walk around the city and soak up the magic. On Dec 23 inside the Rotunda at 11:30 am, there will be a free Christmas concert with with performances by the Toronto Beaches Children’s Chorus, Nathaniel Dett Chorale, All the King’s Voices and the Tower Brass.

Magic at the Castle

Professor Wick’s Magical Castle & the School of Wizardry transforms Casa Loma into an theatrical spectacular that will wow kids of all ages. Professor Wick’s Magical Castle blends mechanical wizardry, music and comedy delivered by an outlandish cast of “steam punk” characters. Professor Pepper opens the School of Wizardy with magic between juggling and balancing acts. Kids will even have a chance to learn and perform their own magic tricks. Casa Loma, December 3, 2011 until January 8, 2012 . Professor Wick’s Magical Castle Showtimes: 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 am, 2:00 pm & 3:00 pm. The School of Wizardry Showtimes: 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm & 3:30 pm.

Break from tradition

Christmas is a time where we get to revisit crazy family members. Share in the madness of the season with a few laughs courtesy of The Second City’s Dysfunctional Holiday Revue. It’s become an annual tradition in Toronto. With a seasonal blend of hilarious scenes, songs and SC’s trademark improvisation, the show is a lighthearted look at the underside of the holidays. Laugh along at the uneven gift exchanges with the clueless boyfriend, couples therapy with Joseph and Mary and other spoofs sending up all that is ridiculous about this magical season. December 7 until Jan 2, 2012.

Xmas bouquets

If the holiday shopping is getting you down, grab some moments of tranquility at the Christmas flower show at Allan Gardens and Centennial Park Conservatory. The conservatory is warm, lush and quiet. From December 4 to January 8, 2012 you can enjoy Victorian Christmas Carollers, hot cider, cookies and children’s activities. From 5 pm until 7pm Sit with the flowers and watch the candle lighting throughout the Conservatory for some real holiday magic.

Happy Holidays!

The Third Annual City Carol Sing

Come and sing along with some of the city’s great singers and support the Food Banks of Canada. Special guests appearances with International Opera Star Richard Margison, tenor and Lauren Margison, soprano. Featuring The High Park Choirs of Toronto, The Larkin Singers, The Choirs of Yorkminster Park Baptist Church & Christ Church Deer Park, VIVA! ARTS! Brass, William Maddox, Organist and Eric Robertson, Music Director.

Be sure to bring your donation to the Daily Bread Food Bank.

Admission: Free
Date: Saturday, December 17, 2011
Time:  2 pm
Location: Yorkminster Park Baptist Church 1585 Yonge Street (one block north of Yonge and St. Clair)

The Christmas Story at The Church of the Holy Trinity

One of Toronto’s oldest holiday traditions, the pageant as first staged in 1938 at this lovely 164-year old heritage church. The story of the nativity is told through a series of narrated scenes linked by beautiful organ music and carols from an unseen choir. Close to 100 volunteers, including babies who take turns playing the role of baby Jesus, perform in one of two casts.

Admission: Suggested donation: $20 adults, $5 children
Date: December 9-11, 16-18, 22-24.
Time: Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings: 7:30 pm., Saturday & Sunday matinees: 4:30 pm.
Location: Church of the Holy Trinity, 10 Trinity Square,West side of the Toronto Eaton Centre

Jack Layton

My friends, love is better than anger.
Hope is better than fear.
Optimism is better than despair.
So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.
And we’ll change the world.

Jack Layton,
A letter to Canadians, August 20, 2011
1950-2011

On Saturday, Toronto came to a standstill for the funeral of Jack Layton, one of Canada’s most beloved politicians and Leader of the Official Opposition.  Roy Thomson Hall was filled with Canada’s elite but also ordinary Canadians whose numbers spilled out onto the street to say farewell to Jack.

Photo courtesy of Skeezix1000, Creative Commons

A long time member of Toronto City Council, Layton was the leader of the New Democratic Party from 2003 to 2011.  He was a unifying force in the country, particularly between Quebec and the rest of English speaking Canada. Raised in Hudson, Quebec, a small Anglophone town outside of Montreal, Layton was nicknamed Le Bon Jack in La Belle Province.

The historic 2011 election, Layton led the NDP to a long awaited victory with 103 seats.  He inspired all of Canada with his caring, down-to-earth manner and his call to a kinder, more unified Canada. Even those who didn’t support his party, respected Jack.

He had been battling prostrate cancer sine 2010 and it looked like he had won during his 2011 campaign for re-election.  On July 25, Layton announced he was taking leave from his post to continue his fight with a newly diagnosed cancer.

He died at 4:45 am on August 22, 2011. Canada is still in mourning.

After his state funeral on Saturday,  the CN Tower – one of the world’s tallest building – glowed orange from dusk until dawn with the traditional color of Jack’s party.

In his final letter to Canadians he reminded us that “Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children.”

He will be missed.

Fire Guy at the Scotiabank Buskerfest

The 2011 Scotiabank’s BuskerFest is celebrating it’s 12th year this weekend at the St Lawrence Market Neighbourhood. This colourful, wacky and wildly fun festival is the one of the largest of its kind in North America. Watch the very best silent comedy, have a giggle with the clowns, be awed by daredevil acrobats, aerialists, contortionists, and fire breathers.

The festival, in support of Epilepsy Toronto, attracts the best street performers and buskers from around the world who come to entertain and dazzle the audience. Over 100 performers, musicians, artisans and entertainers from around the world come to the festival including Canada, the U.S., Hungary, Argentina, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia.

International headliners include the Austrailian comedian Bendy ‘Em who is also a contortionist. FlameOz is another group from Down Under that will dazzle with their flame-throwing, choreographed fire dance. Pyromancer from the Netherlands wows the crowd with his amazing firebreathing routine. Britain’s Gazzo, famous for his cups and bells routine, returns to the festival with a new magic show. Juggler Lindsay Benner comes up from the USA to do perform her story of Love as told through the art of 3-5 ball juggling, flaming tea cups, knives and torches. Mexican Pancho Libre brings his aerial act to the street.

Photo courtesy of Scotiabank Buskerfest

Since this is street performance, the buskers take their acts right into the audience, so the whole festival feels interactive. BuskerPlay is an area devoted especially for the kids with face painting, balloon animals, puppets, workshops, music and to 2011 LEGO Ninago Tour. And, it wouldn’t be a street fair without all that delicious street food to enjoy!

There are three benefits shows featuring a collection of performers. The Friday Night Fireshow will feature FlameOz, Fireguy and Suspend Animation Circus. Proceeds from this pass the hat show will be donated to Epilepsy Toronto with Scotiabank matching each dollar donated. The Busker Brunch on Saturday is hosted by Novotel Toronto and features a brunch in the Champagne Ballroom with entertainment by the out-of-town buskers. Tickets are $26 and include access to a silent auction. On Sunday, the Grand Finale Show is a spontaneous collaboration by the buskers. It’s also when the METRO People’s Choice Award Winner will be announced. Proceeds from this show will also be donated to Epilepsy Toronto.

Show times are: Friday, August 26 and Saturday, August 27 from 11:00 am until 11:00 pm, Sunday, August 28 from 11:00 until 8:00 pm.

Photo courtesy of Dolce Gelato

Toronto has had one scorcher of a summer and maybe that explains the plethora of ice cream parlors that have opened up. Every neighborhood offers a favorite shop where you can find healthy yogurt, lean gelato or sinful classic (calories be damned). Here’s our scoop on where to get the best scoop.

Thanks to the large Italian community in Toronto, there are plenty of gelaterias in the city. Dolce Gelato on College Street is in the heart of Little Italy and offers gelato in classic flavors but also in bold new configurations such as tiramisu, mango and even bubble gum. Gelato, meant to be consumed immediately, is usually served in either a cup or cone. Dolce also sells an amazing array of coffees and other frozen and Italian desserts—enough to get your heart racing. 697 College Street. Opened Mon-Thu 7:30 am – 12 am, Fri 7:30 am – 1 am, Sat 8 am – 1 am, Sun 9 am – 1 am.

Photo courtesy of Ed's Scoop

Ed’s Real Scoop in the Beaches has been serving up homemade ice cream and gelato for the last 11 years. It’s also been voted the best ice cream in the city for most of that time. Everything is made from scratch and the flavors are unique, pure and subtle. Ed has the classics but there are also seasonal offerings that shouldn’t be passed by such as Crème Brulee, Cinnamon, Ginger or Blueberry Pie. Those who are calorie-conscious will be pleased with their rich, creamy yogurt Ed’s recently opened a second location in Leslieville, just east of Yonge and Lawrence. Beaches Store: 2224 Queen St E at Beech. Leslieville store: 920 Queen St E at Logan. Both stores are open 11:30 am to 10 pm everyday.

Photo courtesy of Menchie's

If you’re counting calories then head over to the popular American chain Menchie’s in The Annex neighborhood on Bloor Street West or north of Bloor at Yonge and Eglinton. A favorite of Hollywood elite, this fat-free and fresh yogurt is also kosher with GMO-free flavors. Choice is the key selling point since you decide what toppings to add—it can be anything from rainbow sprinkles to angel food cake to fresh fruit. A rotation of the daily flavor and topping keeps things fresh. Since you pay by the weight and not by toppings, families with more than one cone to buy can see some savings. The Annex: 511 Bloor Street West Yonge and Lawrence: 3204 Yonge Street. Mon-Fri: 11:30am – 11pm, Sat-Sun: 12pm – Midnight.

The Mad Italian Gelato Bar, a family-owned gelateria offering 48 flavors at either their original location in the northwestern Leaside neighborhood at Bayview or in its newest location in Little Italy.

Photo courtesy of Mad Italian Gelato Bar

Photo courtesy of Il Gelatiere Artigianale

Il Gelatiere Artigianale in the Mount Pleasant and Davisville area is also a long-time favorite of gelato lovers. It’s famous for its pistachio gelato as well as the various combinations of chocolate flavors including chocolate/lemon and chocolate/nutella. There are twenty-plus flavors to choose from as well. The adventurous may want to try their panceta (bacon) and avocado flavour. Equally loved for its wonderful patio and friendly Italian hospitality – a classic place not to be missed. 647 Mt Pleasant Rd.

Photo courtesy of Cool Hand Luc

Cool Hand Luc, located in the trendy neighborhood of King Street West Village, is TO’s newest ice cream shop, opened for only three months. The owner Luc Essiambre (whose nickname was—take a guess) opened his store just a few months ago and offers 25 flavors of ice cream created by the local Kawartha Dairy with 15 percent cream and eight sorbets by Montreal’s Solo Fruit, made from 100 per cent natural fruit, with no added sugars, dairy, gluten, eggs or fat. Kids will love the crazy design of the place with laughing peanut butter cups, sunbathing bananas and ice cream puffs puking up rainbow sprinkles.   Current hits are the chocolate peanut butter, chocolate cherry cheesecake and birthday cake and the raspberry, mango. 545 King St. W. (east of Bathurst St.). Open from 11 a.m. until closing 11 p.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends.

Photo courtesy of The Canadian Stage

With 400 acres of natural park with a rare oak savannah ecology alongside recreational facilities, cultural and sporting facilities, High Park is the jewel of Toronto’s Park. Locals have enjoyed the park since 1876 when former owner John George Howard gave it to the city.

A favorite summer tradition is to pack up a picnic dinner and head to the park to enjoy The Dream in High Park performed by The Canadian Stage. Since the early 1980s, this company has been staging Shakespeare plays  in High Park. To celebrate the 29^th year of the Dream festival, the company is staging the Bard’s romantic comedy The Winter’s Tale in High Park’s Ampitheatre.

Acclaimed outdoor theatre director Estelle Shock has created a high-energy production with a well-known and diverse cast of Canadian actors. Cast members include John Blackwood, Jasmine Chen, Sean Dixon, Charlotte Gowdy, David Jansen, George Masswohl, Kelly McIntosh, Meilie Ng, Thomas Olajide, Nicole Robert, Jovanni Sy, Sanjay Talwar.

Performances are from Tuesday to Sunday starting at 8pm. Doors open at 6 pm and admission is pay-what-you-can, although the suggested minimum is $20. The Dream in High Park closes on September 4th. The Labor Day Weekend shows are very well attended and a great way to close out the summer