Toronto Uncovered » Church Street

Toronto Pride Week

Aliana — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:15:10 +0000

Feeling proud? Well, maybe that’s because it’s Pride Week here in Toronto! That’s right folks, from June 25^th to July 4^th Toronto pays homage to the rainbow flag. Lots of fun stuff is lined up for this weekend including a street fair with vendors and artisans along Church Street on Saturday and Sunday and of course, don’t forget the 30^th Annual Pride Parade starting at Bloor and Church on Sunday at 2pm. Check out the Toronto Pride website for more details and a handy map of the stages set up as well as the parade’s route.

These festivities can get a little wild so if that’s not your thing organizers have set up a drug and alcohol Free Zone at Paul Kane Parkette (off of Wellesley Street East between Yonge Street and Church Street) for those of you looking to express your pride inconspicuously. The Free Zone will feature a DJ and a stage with live performances, holistic services, green lawn and confidential recovery meetings. A family zone has also been set up as part of Family Pride on the grounds of the Church Street Junior Public School (southeast corner of Church Street and Alexander Street) offering inclusive, family-friendly activities and events.

Have a fun and safe weekend everybody!

Hair of the Dog

hmorrison — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:53:25 +0000

I’ve lived between the boundaries of Yonge St. and Sherbourne St. for most of my adult life. In previous posts, I have pointed out that the East side, while offering many benefits (especially if you are a home owner), lacks the same epicurean vibe that its Western counterpart flaunts so brightly. East-enders have to look a little harder to find a really solid restaurant that satisfies all of our basic dining needs: ambiance, service and food.

I have been dining at Hair of the Dog (Church and Carleton) since my University days. It is small and intimate and built into the side of an old house. In the summer, it provides a great balcony setting to enjoy caesars over brunch. In the winter, it embodies the feeling of a cozy cottage, dimly lit with comfortable chairs and benches. It’s furnished with dark wood and draped with rich velvet. Soft house music plays dimly in the background, providing just enough melody to muffle the chitter chatter of other diners. It is instantly relaxing.

Hair of the Dog is a popular spot and does not take weekend reservations, however, I have never had to wait for more than 15 minutes, during which the bar tenders and hostess provide excellent service, including prompt martinis and regular table updates and check-ins. You’re never left waiting and wondering (unlike some other trendy hot spots, ah hem, Guu). Once seated, the service is fast and friendly. No complaints.

OK, now onto the really important part: the food. The menu at HoTG is not huge, but it has something for everyone. My personal favourites include the jambalaya, the 1lb burger and the chicken stir fry. The pulled pork sandwich and grilled seafood dishes are also amazing. I will warn you, if you order the jambalaya add the scotch bonnet sauce with care, it is not for fair-tongued eaters. Unless you like to feel the burn the next day, take it easy on the hot sauce. Most dishes range from $10.00-$20.00. Expect to pay about $60.00 per person including liquor, tax and tip.

If you’re in the area definitely check it out. Let me know what you think!

Halloween: Get-Ups and Get-Outs

hmorrison — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:51:42 +0000

I adore Halloween! I love getting dressed up in the costume of my choosing and parading around in public. I usually start planning months in advance, and feel lucky to live in North America, where Halloween is taken most seriously.

The Get-Up

Its a great feeling when the light bulb above your head flicks on and the perfect get-up pops into your head. Now to find all the necessary pieces! This year, I am going as Street Fighter’s Chun-Li, first female player in a fighting game and performer of the deadly ‘Lightening Kick‘. I prefer to make my own costumes. I’m not really a fan of the pre-packaged, store bought outfits (sorry, but if you cant be creative on Halloween, when CAN you be creative?). If you’re still searching for your costume try the following spots:

1. Value Village: Not only do they have the best selection of vintage wear, they have full section devoted to Halloween get-ups. I found the main part of my costume within two minutes of walking through the doors.

2. Goodwill: Also a good selection of vintage clothes with strong costume potential.

3. Kensington Market: In a previous post ‘Kensington Avenue‘ I mentioned a number of shops that have everything from tutus to wigs to army gear. You name it, they’ve probably got it. Most of these shops are also very ‘Halloweened up’ right now.

4. Yonge Street: I usually go to Yonge street for accessories (like Chun-Li’s wrist guards). There are lots of cheap dollar stores along Yonge and also some shops with some pretty crazy clothes – depending how adventurous you are!

5. Malabar: OK, so if you have decided to go with a pre-packaged, pre-made costume, Malabar is a pretty good choice. Its got a huge selection and lots of variety, but it’ll cost you a pretty penny and you do run the risk of running into someone with the exact same costume (embarrassing!).

The Get-Out

If you’re still searching for some good places to hit in Toronto Church Street is pedestrian only and ALWAYS a good time. Not surprisingly, the LGBT population doesn’t hold back. Almost all of the bars along Church Street throw big parties, including contests for best and worst dressed.

For the last couple of years I have attended an annual Halloween Streetcar Barhop. Friends of mine have been running this amazing booze-filled debauchery for years. We paint the town red on our very own chartered streetcar, hitting about 5 or 6 bars throughout the night. This year sold out pretty quickly – I will post info and photos post party.

BlogTO also has a massive list of parties around Toronto. There is absolutely no shortage of things to do, and no excuse for not getting out there and letting loose!

What is your get up this year? Where did you get it? Where are you getting out to?