Thursday, November 28, 2013

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Discovering T.O. #11: TSO, Roncy & Free Times Cafe

Is it still "Discovering T.O." now that I've been back here for a year?!  I argue that it is, because my mom has lived in Toronto for 30+ years now and is still discovering the city.  That's the fun thing about living in a big city: there's always something new to see, a new neighbourhood to explore, a new restaurant to try out, etc.  I've had a lot of those experiences since my last "Discovering T.O." post, but I'd like to share a few I had this weekend to begin with...

It's been a busy weekend!  One of those weekends where you don't have too much downtime, but that can be a good thing now and again.  Friday night I went and saw the Toronto Symphony Orchestra perform at Roy Thomson Hall.  I went with my girlfriend K. and two friends from high school.  Kate's an opera singer, Rachel's a cellist, and Justine and I are former musicians (clarinet and cello, respectively), so all of us have an appreciation for classical music and symphonies.  The main event at the TSO that night was Carmina Burana.  You might ask yourself, "What's Carmina Burana?"  You might be surprised to know that you know it!  Or at least, I think you do...  Check it out:



In a word, it was fantastic!!!  The TSO and accompanying Toronto Mendelssohn Choir were stunning, the music was engaging, and the company was wonderful.  I cherish the opportunities I have to experience arts and culture in the city.  Nights like Friday always make me want to get out more!

Saturday (yesterday) was a bit of a crazy day.  It was rainy, K. and I were in funky moods, and the energy of the day was just generally not great.  Then we went to a Body Combat class at the gym and the endorphins rushing through us gave us a second wind.  We had a delicious lunch at Fresh (there's now one in our neighbourhood!!!  And right next to the gym!) and felt happier, so we went shopping for Halloween costumes (we were going to a party that night).  Then we weren't having a lot of success at that, so our moods went sour again.  Ugh!  We got home, relaxed, I had a nap, and then we were feeling pretty good again, so we tried at successful Halloween costumes once again and... SUCCESS!!!  I was a lumberjack (easy enough!) and Kate was our cat Spoon!!!  Haha!

So off we went to the beautiful Roncesvalles neighbourhood in Toronto, where our friend Larissa now lives (and a lot of other friends, for that matter).  Larissa & Co. ran quite the party!!!  Orange-y lighting, cobwebs everywhere, jars filled with brains (cauliflowers), a candy bar, and more!!!  It was a blast; great music, lots of friends, and great costumes!  My favourite was a guy who dressed as Zack Galifianakis with two ferns on his shoulders, as in "Between Two Ferns with Zack Galifianakis".  BRILLIANT.  It was a great night!

And then today - Sunday - we woke up, relaxed a wee bit, and then headed to College & Spadina area for a brunch with friends, including our friend Josh who hosted us in St. John's, Newfoundland, where he lives, but he was home for a visit.  Josh made us a reservation somewhere I'd never been, called Free Times Cafe.  He said he was tempted by the Jewish brunch buffet, and I thought, that sounds amazing!  It was!  The place was busy, yet comfortable, and had excellent service.  We got a table in the backroom where the stage was, and the band today played Klezmer music, which was excellent and put everyone in such a great mood.  And then there was the food..... YUM!  Lox, potato latkes, challah french toast, salmon patties, gelfilte fish, salads galore... mmmm.  The company was excellent, the food was delicious, the vibe was great... another great Toronto experience.

And now I'm home doing laundry, enjoying some downtime and the sounds of K. practicing in the background... no complaints!

Who's visiting?