Let's Eat: Toni Bulloni Restaurant

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Recently Mr. G and I had the opportunity to experience this quaint Italian restaurant located on Cumberland street in Toronto. With a name like Toni Bullion you automatically expect to walk into a colourful, inviting environment and we were not disappointed. It was like walking into nona's house. 

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When you step through the door you are greeted with a bar, on this particular evening the people occupying the bar stools all seemed to know each other and were not strangers to the bartender. Think Cheers with an Italian vibe. A few steps and you are on a raised level at the back which hosts the dining area. 

The evenings specials are written on a chalk board old school style.

 

Mr. G. started with the Caesar salad, and I went for the carrot ginger soup.

We shared the fried calamari and both agreed it was a tad chewy.

Though the soup was suppose to be carrot and ginger, I tasted no ginger. 

But I will say it was delicious carrot soup. Thick and creamy!!

The warm bread was amazing ...

The olive oil seemed weak, lacked flavoured ...

For the mains Mr. G went for a veal dish with mushrooms and grilled vegetables; and I tried the gnocchi with mushrooms. The portions were quite generous, but both dishes were a little over powered in flavour by the mushrooms. Still, it was nicely plated and we did enjoyed our meals.

The staff were extremely friendly and attentive and the evening entertainer Shayne Stolz was beyond wonderful. He kept us entertained with classics from Frank Sinatra; Michael Bublé; and Louis Armstrong just to name a few; while eating and sipping wine. Shayne has the voice of an angel, and his passion for music comes through in his singing. If you have the opportunity to go and hear this young man I know you will be impressed.

The menu stays true to its Italian roots. And as we sat enjoying our meal people trickled in and by the time we left the place was full. Everyone appeared to be enjoying their food, the entertainment and tables of strangers were carrying on conversations. It was a fun, lively place to experience. And we look forward to trying it again.

Take a virtual tour of the restaurant - click here

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Royal Alexandra Theatre - Kinky Boots - a must see!!

This past weekend I had the pleasure of seeing Kinky Boots, here in Toronto at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. It's been a long time since I have attended the theatre and Kinky Boots has me asking "why have I waited so long?"

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While Kinky Boots was beyond amazing - I can't help but share how I fell in love with the Royal Alexandra. From the moment you step in through the front doors and into the main lobby you feel transported back in time to an era of opulence and elegance.

I have since learned: construction on the theatre began in 1905 and finished in 1907. The construction was financed by a group of business leaders determined to put Toronto on the map. Cawthra Mulock and the group choose architect John McIntosh Lyle . Lyle was given a budget of $750,000 and instructed to build the finest theatre on the continent. After struggling financially for many years the trustees of the Mulock estate was forced to put the building up for sale in 1963. It was purchased by Ed Mirvish for $250,000 in 1963. Mirvish began purchasing up old warehouses and industrial buildings around the theatre and transformed them into colorful restaurants to attract people to the area. By 2000 these restaurants had closed but by then many independent bistros, restaurants, wine bars and cafes had sprouted up. in 1975 Toronto city council designated the theatre under the Ontario Heritage Act and in 1987 on the theatre's  80th anniversary it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada.

OK now back to Kinky Boots ...

Kinky Boots Toronto Opening

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The whole cast was superb as they took you on a journey of learning about yourself, accepting yourself and accepting others. Alan Mingo Jr. - was brilliant as Lola -the dance moves and that voice!! Graham Scott Fleming -as Charlie had you cheering him on to discover how to believe in himself. Daniel Williston as Don - kept you laughing and his character really brought to light how the world becomes a better place when you accept people for themselves instead of putting them down or trying to change them. 

The whole show is high energy, brilliant singing, hilarious comedy - I haven't laughed like this in longer than I can recall, the songs are catchy and linger in your head long after you have left the show, the costumes are beyond fabulous and THOSE BOOTS!!!! 

It is definitely a must see!

Make sure you get your tickets before the final curtain comes down in Toronto on March 6, 2016. 

Don't take my word for it check out what the professionals are saying:

"Kinky Boots is the spectacular celebration of song, dance and comedy you've got to enjoy this summer. Cue the dancing in the street. Bravo!" 
- Richard Ouzounian, Toronto Star - Read more here

"Exuberant! Inspired! Terrific! Splendid Fun! Excellent Canadian Cast … A Tour De Force!"
– Martin Morrow, The Globe & Mail - Read more here

Not able to get to Toronto? check here for performances around the world.

And if anyone knows how I can get a chance to try on those boots please let me know!!

Have you seen Kinky Boots?

You are the curator of your life so live it luxuriously ,


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Exploring the City via TTC - a year in review

When I made the decision to start spending more time in the city at the end of 2014, I also promised myself that I would embrace "true" city living. This meant using the car less and actually giving public transit a chance. Well it's been an interesting adventure...

My first TTC adventure took place a little over a year ago,  in  the middle of a snow storm in Toronto, just before Christmas in 2014. I was a little nervous, a little scared with a whole lot of anxiety. But, as luck would have it - everyone I encountered was very pleasant and happy to direct me in the right direction from which train, to which stop. So with tokens in hand I headed to the Bay/Bloor area.

When I ventured out from below ground ... this is what I encountered ....BRRRRR temperatures ... sloshing side walks 

let's just say it didn't take long for me to discover that I could actually maneuver my way underground to various shops and what a discovery of shops below street level... Who knew?

While most of my TTC outings in 2015 were getting comfortable using the Bloor line - it didn't take long for me to start experiencing with the Yonge line, University line, street cars and I even take the 2-3 minute bus ride to get to my local subway station. For the most part the subway often gets me closer to where I'm going than driving and parking would. Once you learn the below street level PATH and where to pop out (I'm still learning its huge) - you can save yourself from the elements on cold, rainy, snowy or hot days. 

Most of my friends still can't believe that I - Ms. High Heeled am taking the TTC, and I'll be honest I sometimes can't believe it myself ... shhhh. When family and friends come to visit from out of city or from the burbs, I always suggest that we leave the cars parked and take the TTC. From the young to the young at heart and everyone in between it's a fun adventure. I highly suggest giving your out of city visitors a TTC experience. 

My outings on the TTC in 2015 have included Harbourfront; City Hall; CN Tower; St. Lawrence Market; The CNE; meeting friends at Shangri La and Windsor Arms for tea, The Ritz for Sunday brunch. These are places I would not have considered TTC - but to my surprise the subway got me closer than parking and I've saved a bundle on valet and parking fees and also been able to enjoy a glass or two of  vino/bubbly - that driving would have prevented. 

Over all my experiences with the TTC have been good. And yes, I have experienced it during rush hour; delays for track clearing or mechanical problems; the occasional rude or inconsiderate passenger and the odd unfriendly and unhelpful TTC attendant. There have been times when I've ran late for an appointment because of delays - but then I remind myself, an accident on the 401, DVP or Gardnier could have delayed me a lot longer and I would be stuck in stop and go traffic. While on the subway I can read, chat with fellow passengers or just use the time to be in the moment.

This year I've taken my commitment to "true" city living up a notch and am investing in monthly passes.
Let the TTC adventures begin!!

Do you take the Metro where you live? Would love to hear about your experiences - share your thoughts in the comments.

You are the curator of your life so live it luxuriously ,

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