Happy Valentine’s Day Toronto!

Below are the links to my 14 Most Romantic Places in Toronto segment I did last year, plus I threw in an extra romantic post in there as well! Also what did you think of my Dating on a Budget Guide? Message me or tweet me @whyilovetoronto.

  1. The Steps of the former Merchant Bank in Brookfield Place
  2. Snakes and Lattes
  3. Casa Loma
  4. Kingsway Theatre
  5. Canoe at Canoe Landing Park
  6. Old Mill Station
  7. Panorama
  8. Crooked Cue
  9. The Scrambler at Centreville
  10. Movies at Riverdale Park
  11. Skating at Devonian Square
  12. York University Observatory
  13. Dock’s Drive In Theatre
  14. The Rock in Yorkville
  15. Love Lock Bridge

Why I Love Christmas in Toronto

Holt Renfrew Holiday Window

You now its Christmas time in the city when Holt Renfrew reveals their holiday window. In the weeks leading up to the unveiling of the window the luxury store papers up its massive Bloor Street store front to prepare their winter wonderland display. 

The Holt Renfrew window in my opinion is the official start of the Christmas season for the Yorkville neighbourhood. This year the theme is Let It Snow and features a snowman, a polar bear, women fishing in couture, mannequins in a snowball fight, mannequins with thermoses that emit steam, a group of trendy men catching snowflakes in their nets and the highlight for me was this elegant mannequin in a long red maxi dress on top of a horse. I could go on and on about how the wardrobe was layered and even how the make up was executed, but I’ll let the pictures above speak for themselves.

So what will next years theme be? Well the creative team is already thinking about that because they need to have the window finalized by spring so they can order and have fixtures, decorations and everything else made and shipped to them in time for next year.

Under related posts I encourage you to visit last years post to see the 2011 and 2010 windows.

That is Why I Love Christmas In Toronto

Related Posts

Holt Renfrew

Source

  • Holt Renfrew

Images

  • Taken by me

Why I Loved/ Still Love Toronto

Louis Vuitton in Yorkville

Way back in the early days of Why I Love Toronto I expressed my love for the Louis Vuitton that was located in the heart (near Bay and Bloor) of the upscale neighbourhood that is Yorkville. In that post I criticized the company’s decision to move that location to what I referred to as the start of Yorkville on Avenue Rd. and Bloor St. West. My concern was that the new Louis Vuitton would be a boring modernized boutique. Well after visiting the store a few weeks ago I found that I was both right and wrong.  

The building is very modern and upscale and has a similar façade to that of the Gucci and Burberry next door. The façade really has no character to it. However, when you walk inside the boutique (or maison as some may call it) the amount of space this location has allows for these wonderful floor to ceiling displays and a more open concept that the past location could not accommodate. In that sense I do like that aspect of the new location.  

However, the former location, which now sits abandoned, makes me hate the new boutique.  The former Louis Vuitoon was located in an old looking house, which was probably a Victorian home that was once used as living quarters when Yorkville was a residential area. Even though the interior was modified the silhouette of the house was left.  Whether I am right and this was a former residence is unknown for there is no history on the building nor is it a heritage property. However, if you know the history of Yorkville then you know there is a very  good possibility that this was a home. I personally think the fact that it had the silhouette of a house is what made the store stand out and why people always took pictures of the store or just simply stared at it. Unlike the plain, modern and shiny boutiques that line the street the former Louis Vuitton had character.

Now that the store has moved, what will be the fate of this building? Currently it sits as an empty property in Yorkville, and the window is covered with a simple sign encouraging costumers to visit the new boutique to the west. I honestly hope and new designer will move into the building (Ann Taylor, Kate Spade New York maybe?) and I hope that it doesn’t become the latest condo project.

That is Why I Love Toronto. 

Related Posts

Images

  • 1-3 by Me
  • 4 from Google Maps

Why I Love Toronto

TIFF

So TIFF officially starts tomorrow Toronto! That means the paparazzi will come up to Hollywood North and us Torontonians will become paparazzi as well. It is the time when Toronto is filled with some of biggest names in Hollywood as well as around the world. It is a time when red carpets are rolled out all over the city treating us ordinary folk like celebrities. However, this post will not be a regurgitation of my TIFF post last year (click here for that post), but instead I have decided to compile a list for all you star hunters out there of the places celebrities tend to hit up during TIFF.

One place to see celebrities is Yorkville. However, this may not be the year for Yorkville since many big TIFF events and celebrities have been moving to King Street, plus the Four Seasons on Avenue Road has closed down. However there is no denying the shopping in the area and the many famous hotels still attract the big names – so even though it may not be the hottest hottest spot it was years ago there are still many places to see celebrities in Yorkville.

Sassafraz is basically the hottest spot for celebrities to eat in Toronto and has seen the likes of Matt Damon and the Cyrus family. If it is warm outside the windows may be open and you may be able to get a peek of a celebrity.

Holt Renfrew is a big shopping place for many celebrities carrying a ton of designer brands that may not have their own Boutique in Yorkville. When you think of Holt you automatically think of designer brands, and the rich therefore it is the perfect place to see celebrities and it always has a lineup of limos and escalades in the store front ready to whisk away a celebrity. One note here though is that they may use their bags to block your cameras.

The Hazelton Hotel last year was a mad house! There were a ton of people spilling out onto the street waiting to see Bono/ U2 and Madonna. It is a cute hotel that gives a very homey feeling and I feel as though if you walk down Hazelton you’ll have to walk on the street.

Starbucks on Bloor and on Hazelton are always populated by celebrities, because what celebrity knows the Tim Horton’s brand (other than our homegrown talent). You never know that guy who may look like Johnny Depp in line may in fact be Johnny Depp trying to be a normal person.

Thompson Hotel is another popular hotel for celebrities to stay at, but it is more known for the hottest parities that it hosts during TIFF. I mean the Rooftop Bar has the most amazing view of the city and the 1812 lounge is so dark and sexy – so if you can somehow get into a Thompson Hotel party, I think a sexy venue deserves some sexy stars.

King Edward Hotel has seen Hollywood Royalty come through its doors bringing in massive crowds. The King Edward is usually famous for bringing stars who are very controversial (Liz Taylor and John Lennon). So if you are trying to think what star could stay here I’d say think controversial and let’s be honest the most controversial celebrity coming this year will be Kirsten Stewart – could she be staying here?

Fairmont Royal York is far from Yorkville, but close to the major TIFF action. Plus it is a hotel that boasts to hosting the Royal Family and if it is fit enough for the Queen then it is fit for the celebrities coming to TIFF.

TIFF Bell Lightbox is the TIFF headquarters so every celebrity who will be showcasing a film will most likely be here for press conferences. So if anything do what I did last year stand outside the doors and wait for a celebrity to come out.

Ryerson has a theatre where many big premieres happen. Last year I saw Mr. Ryan Gosling and Mr. Bryan Cranston for the premiere of Drive.

Roy Thompson Hall is where all the big premiers happen. I went years ago to see Claire Danes film Stage Beauty. Last year I saw Brad, Angelina, Jonah and Anna Farris here, but so many celebrities pass by the Roy Thompson red carpet.

Sweaty Betty’s on the Ossington Strip is a big celebrity hot spot. I thought my friend Ariel was Cray Cray, but she wasn’t! Though it is more a place Canadian stars go to, Drew Barrymore left her movie premiere to bar tend here – huh.

The InterContinental Yorkville is technically in the Annex regardless is still a place to a great place to see people.

Ritz Carlton another hotel you can stand outside of.

Pearson International Airport is a great place to see celebrities when they first get here. I mean they have to get here somehow and plane is the fastest!

If you get a picture with or of a celebrity during TIFF I am looking to compile a bunch of fan pictures for an end of TIFF post so message me the picture here or tweet them to me at @whyilovetoronto

That’s What’s Up Tdot!

Why I Love Toronto Reason #354

Church of the Redeemer

(Sing in the tune of Going to the chapel of love by The Dixie Cups) I went to chapel to see Nick and Georgette get married. (stop singing here).

Yesterday my dear friend Georgette got married <3, and I thought it would be fitting to feature a church for this post. Now my friends did not get married at this church, but I thought since a wedding happens at church and this being my last church post that it would be the perfect time to do it. Sitting on the corner of Bloor and Avenue Road this church is pretty much a staple for me direction wise. I mean for me it marks the start of Yorkville to the east and the start of the eastern portion of U of T if you go south. The church was built by Smith and Gemmel and was opened in 1879. The architecture is said to be in a gothic style with a rough stone exterior and a polychrome yellow brick interior.  Other things to note about the church is the alter which has a beautiful domed ceiling with a number of designs on them, as well as the stained glassed windows that surround the alter. I also love the wooden beams that lead you to the alter for I feel as though they are what draw your attention and draw you to come closer – well that’s what it did for me during Doors Open.

I was looking at an old picture from the Toronto Library archive and in one of them there is this stunning chandelier that sat in the middle of the room – I wonder what ever happened it? Also I will post a picture from the Toronto Library of the church back in the day. When looking at the black and white photo, you have to acknowledge the fact that there was no Bloor Street! There wasn’t even that massive Four Season Complex behind it! Look at the trees, the land and the fences – it is not what Bloor Street looks like today. If that church could talk it would be giving us a crazy history lesson!  I mean just read the brief history lesson I gave during my Yorkville post and you will see the transformation that area has seen.

The church is one of few churches in the city of Toronto that welcomes a wide array of worshippers, including those of the LGBT community. One report says that around 40% of the churches 350+ worshipers are part of the LGBT community. Ps. it was also on the show Nikita, Devon Sawa was standing in front of the church during one episode.

I think out of all of the Churches I have done this is the one that has been through, survived and witnessed the greatest transformation of an area and of the city. It is a beautiful church that just sits on the corner of one of the city’s busiest intersections.

That is Why I Love Toronto.

http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/search.jsp;jsessionid=0JqyTzPCt8jYFGpydF6yZZ2G17nBDc8lkFnvsQ9ZGJmMVt5XnB68!116601096?Ntt=Church+of+the+Redeemer+(Toronto%2C+Ont.)&Ntk=Subject_Search_Interface&view=grid&Erp=20

http://www.nowtoronto.com/news/story.cfm?content=124401

Why I Love Toronto Reason #330

Roncesvalles

Okay Toronto, so we’ve already done Cabbagetown, Forest Hill, Bridle Path, Liberty Village, Distillery District, Little Italy and Yorkville as some of my favorite neighbourhoods in the city. Today we are going to ad Roncesvalles to that list. Now like all of the neighbourhoods I have explored thus far Roncesvalles has a very interesting history to it and the origin of its name is pretty cool as well.

The Village which many note as being Little Poland was first settled by an Irish man named Colonel Walter O’Hara, a solider of the British Army, who came to the village in 1850. Now the name Roncesvalles comes from when O’Hara fought in the Battle of Pyrenees and was captured in an area known as Roncesvalles Gorge in Spain. Therefore, he named the area Roncesvalles.  Upon his arrival in the Roncesvalles area O’Hara began naming the streets after his family members and that is why you have streets such as O’Hara, Geoffrey, Constance, Marion (his wife) or my favorite Sorauren.  Also the street Fermanagh is named after the Irish province O’Hara was from.

Originally the area was a huge British settlement, but today has become Polish dominated due to a large wave of Easter Europeans coming to Canada after World War Two. The Polish however made this area their own by setting up churches, banks and businesses for their people. Like many areas in the city once a year the Roncesvalles Village Polish Festival is held, celebrating the history of the area and the Polish lifestyle.

Therefore, with a lot Polish businesses in the area the average Torontonian can experience some Polish and Eastern European foods. One website notes that when in Roncesvalles you should enjoy: perogie, borscht, sausage, sauerkraut, and paczki.

The area is a great neighbourhood for all ages since it is so close to High Park. Therefore, the elderly and new parents can enjoy walking through the area and bikers have the opportunity to get connected to a number of bike paths in the city whether it is the Lakeshore Path or West Toronto Railpath. For movie goers they can head to the Revue Cinema a staple for the area, which members of the community lobbied to save from closure. It is also home to the Roncesvalles Streetcar Yard right next St. Joseph’s Hospital. It also – and I might add oddly according to the Toronto Star – is where the Contemporary Canadian Sphinx, the hairless cat, originated from in the 1960’s after a hairless kitten was born and then began some gross inbreeding ritual which I don’t wish to discuss.

Anyways I have to also some history to the Roncesvalles Area. My grandparents who were eastern European settled in the Roncesvalles area when they came to Canada. My grandmother still has a picture of the family in front of their old house in the area. Another thing I love when I bike in this area is that the homes are so close together that I feel is just a way to make the community feel that much more tightknit.

Alas, from the battle in Spain, Polish food, my family history, and th fact it gave us one of the scariest cats in the world are all reasons

Why I Love Toronto.

http://www.torontoneighbourhoods.net/neighbourhoods/west-end/roncesvalles-village/homes

http://www.roncesvallesvillage.ca/index.php?l=neighbourhood 

Why I Love Toronto Reason #326

Yorkville Firehall

Right on Yorkville Ave just off Yonge is Firehall 312 that was built in 1876 by S.H. Townsend. The Firehall is an important structure to the area because it says a lot about the history of Yorkville and its former life before it became the Fifth Ave of Toronto. Yorkville in the 1800’s was known for the Yorkville Brickyard in what is now Ramseden Park. The Brickyard was famous for creating these soft yellow coloured bricks which you can see embodied in the Firehalls façade. 

The building also has some amazing architectural parts to it. The clock tower is a beautiful stand out to the building and for me is the focal point of the street. Also the red doors remind me of the old fire hall toys I used to have as a child and to me truly represents the image of a firehall. The arch detailing over the windows and the doors give the building such character and the coat of arms located over the door is just amazing. The coat of arms used to be the Coat of Arms of Yorkville and was once located on the former Yorkville Town Hall before being installed into the Firehall. The coat of arms was a representation of the village council and who they were. In fact you can see the five men embodied by their work into the coat of arms. You have a barrel which represents John Severn (a brewer), a brick for Thomas Atkinson (Brickmaker), and anvil for the Blacksmith named James Wells, a cow for the butcher Peter Hutty and at there is a Jack Plane to represent the carpenter Reeve James Dobson. Also underneath each image is a letter which is the start of their last name. Plus on the very top there is a beaver which we know is a great Canadian Animal.

The Firehall is a beautiful architectural reminder of Yorkville’s past and it is still operational today. So for representing a part of Toronto past and yes having redish coloured doors, the Yorkville Firehall is

Why I love Toronto.

Why I Love Toronto Reason #286

Nadege

When we were in Paris Dasha, Ariel and Jessica could only talk about one thing –Macaroons. Myself I was excited for the crepes. Anyways, 4 days before our one year anniversary of going on our Euro Trip and after meeting Mr. Wrinkles our new pug friend at Trinity Bellwoods, Ariel took Dasha and I to Nadege next to Trinity Bellwoods Park.  The little bakery sells a number of things from Macaroons, Croissant (Classic, Au Beurre and Amande) Pain Au Chocholat (my favorite breakfast food while in France), a coconut/Banana Croissant, Soup, Quiche and Tartine (which are seasonal) and of course Espresso, Americano and Cappuccino etc. It is like a little bit of France on Queen West. The Croissants have even been awarded with the Meilleur Ouvrier de France which is the highest award for a craftsman in France

The name of the little bakery is after the chef herself Nadege Nourian. Who was born in Lyon, France (the first stop on our Euro Trip last year) and is a 4th Generation pastry chef.  She has worked with some of the top chefs in the world and even ran Michelin (an award winning restaurant).  The other person in this picture is Morgan McHugh who brings the Toronto flare to Nadege. His father owned Yorkville’s Penny Farthing Café. The two met in London and McHugh played a key role into helping make Nadege (the bakery) become what we know and love it as today.

The store itself is very simple. White walls, chairs tables, beautiful wood floors and a glass display case which holds the yummy and tasty treats – a very modern feel. Also when you walk in and look straight you can actually see the bakers hard at work making some magnificent creation.

I just love the feel Nadege has in terms of time periods. The interior is very modern, the pastries are classic and old and the take-out box is very retro. You step in with a 2012 feeling, you pay with a very old French feel and leave like you are in the 80’s and after eating your pastry you go home full.

That is why I Love Toronto.