Saturday, June 30, 2012

saving_grace.


This is the first year I'm in Toronto for Canada Day (well, as an adult that is...), so I am definitely looking forward to soaking in the festivities this city has to offer.

There's nothing short of fun things happening here this weekend; Pride Week, the Contemporary Italian Film Festival (apparently Woody Allen's next film, To Rome With Love is premiering tonight) and of course, fireworks to celebrate our nation's birthday.

I was very lucky to have this weekend off, and thus the time to indulge in one of my favourite city traditions - brunch.

My friend Kendra and I stopped by Saving Grace (905 Dundas, at Dundas and Grace Street) for a late morning bite today.

Having heard a ton of hoopla about how good the food was, I was half suspicious and half excited for this.

I was pleasantly surprised by both the menu and the aesthetic of the restaurant - the food was interesting and nuvo without being too pricey. Interesting without being too "out there" for a brunch palate.

Let's admit, most of us were up much too late the night before, maybe or maybe not dancing on a rooftop patio...and just want a cup of coffee and something we can't necessarily make at home.

I had waffles with strawberries and a rosewater custard. However, it was tough choice between that and pancakes made with dark chocolate, olive oil and served with sour cherries. I'm very inspired to play around a bit more with my food (even in the AM!)

Needless to say, I'll definitely be making a second visit to Saving Grace. The only piece of advice I would give? If you're going on a weekend, be prepared to wait for a bit for a table. I'm planning to go on a weekday next to see if it makes a difference.

As Carrie Bradshaw infamously said, "Life is what happens when you're waiting for a table."

I unfortunately didn't take any photos because I was enamoured with the food, but thank goodness BlogTO has some! (Photo above)

Happy Canada Day. Have a fun and safe weekend!

Thursday, June 28, 2012

top5.

After two days of training, I'm feeling like could use a few extra hours of sleep, but also completely invigorated with the world around me.

Good things happen. Hard work pays off. Sometimes if you're lucky, you might get a chance to get to work and experience one of your dreams become a reality - even more a split moment.

On another note, I picked up one of my favourite weeklies - Toronto's The Grid, which always has interesting stories, polls and the link about the best of the city.

Walking home from work today, maybe it was because I was feeling pumped on life, or maybe it was the sunshine, but I decided it might be fun to make this month's Top Five all about Toronto.

Shakespeare at High Park

The Canadian Stage Company is performing one of my favourite plays, Much Ado About Nothing at this summer in High Park.
Even better? It's pay-what-you-can.
Where: High Park Amphitheatre (1873 Bloor Street West)

Dark Horse Espresso Bar

You're paying the same price as Starbucks, but the coffee is much, much better.
Plus, there's chandeliers at the Spadina location.

EuroCup 2012 at the Reference Library

I'm not enamoured with the EuroCup, but you gotta admit, streaming it on a big screen at the library is pretty cool.


The Gladstone Hotel.

This is by far one of my favourite venues to see music in Toronto. I've been lucky to see the drummer of Caribou there jump in with another band, attend many a Elvis Monday, and am always interested in the new artists they have coming through.

If you listen to one thing all day, make sure it's this:


I probably blogged about this before, but I can't get enough.
Before the fireworks and BBQ's on Canada Day I will definitely be catching a free screening of their featured films.
Next Tuesday, I'll be doing my best to catch one of my favourite classics, Jaws - now in a "director-approved digital restoration".
(PS I am dying for this shirt)

Have a great rest of the week and a Happy Canada Day weekend!

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

paulo.


"If you’re brave enough to say goodbye,

life will reward you with a new hello."

- Paulo Coehlo


Never before in my life has this statement run so true.

This is my first real summer away from home, my normal routine, et cetera.

I debated whether to go home, to go travel, to get ready for school again.

However, I had this pull to stay where I am. It was a tough few weeks of figuring things out, but now I feel at the brink of some major opportunities and a fantastic part of my life.

Now I just have to decide what the perfect outfit will be for training tomorrow AM...

Monday, June 25, 2012

joplin.


I have been on a hardcore rock steady kick lately.

If I had it my way, I would have loved have been my age maybe a few decades earlier when rock music was very radical (and also, just so good).

There are some fantastic artists today, but I have a real soft spot for the days of crazy hair, wild voice pitches and heavy, heavy metal/guitar.

Having worked as a music writer in Toronto for the past few years, I have been lucky enough to go to some very cool venues and also see various bands live.

Many of these bands are still in the early stages of their career, while others I've seen are well on their way.

However, there are few to hit a chord with me the same way Guns 'n Roses, Janis Joplin and Bon Jovi did while growing up. There are moments when I really start to wonder, "where did all the good music go?"

Then I look back at my current music collection. Whatever your opinions may be, I have a feeling that I'll be looking back at Lana del Rey, Mumford and Sons and more from this generation as the classics. Who knows where we will be in 10 years music-wise.

I keep going to shows, taking notes and am confident (and know) the new classics will come alive in the future.

Until then, the classic rock gods are unparalleled.

Just a thought.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

verão.

It feels like just the other day I moved into my new apartment, and alas, the hunt for my home in September is already on.

However, summer is definitely in full swing here in Toronto, and I'm definitely enjoying the season here - it's a big change from what I've usually done during the hot season in Canada, but no complaints (minus the humidity, but thank goodness for air conditioning).

Here are some summer treats.



























Next week I'll be starting the first leg of my insane two months of work with the Olympics, at Canada AM and lifeguarding.

Feeling very blessed and pleased with how everything has worked out so far - things happen for a reason, and this summer in Toronto is continually proving this to me.

Have a great rest of the weekend!

Thursday, June 21, 2012

grad2012.

Two weeks ago, I graduated from Ryerson University's Bachelor of Journalism program.

There are so many opinions and judgements about graduation days, but I have to say that the entire process and aura of mine was magical.

The ceremony was personal, short and sweet and my hair looked awesome when I walked across the stage (clad in sparkly gold shoes of course!)

A few of my close friends who are now living far away came back for the ceremony, and there are definitely few things more special than a real reunion. I've been lucky to make some very dear friends while living in Toronto that I know I will have for the rest of my life.

Thank you to so many who have been my village supporting and helping me get through this phase.

I have some incredible opportunities coming up, and I wouldn't have made it this far without you.

Below are a few shots from the day by myself and some friends. Enjoy!






Wednesday, June 20, 2012

gotham.

After months and months digital and electronic mentoring (thank goodness for email and cell phones), I finally have gotten video footage of my dancers performing my choreography in British Columbia.

I'm slowly but surely getting all my pieces uploaded. First up is my duet featuring dancers Brittney and Keanu.

This piece was inspired by Batman and Catwoman fighting/dancing. I have always been fascinated with the relationship between the two fictional characters, and these two dancers let me run with the concept.

This was definitely taking a step away from what we would normally see in the contemporary competition dance category, but it was well received! These two did so well every time they performed, and the duet placed first overall, platinum and in the top 10 several times at competition.

We took a chance and went against the grain. It was more than worth it.

Thank you to my beautiful dancers who made my vision come alive. Who knows? There might be part two - there are many more characters lurking in Gotham...


"Gotham"
Dancers: Brittney Rost and Keanu Herzog
Choreography by Portia Favro

More footage of the solos I choreographed are coming up soon!

PS thank you to so many for all your support in my emerging choreography career. Your help means the world to me. There is so much more to come, stay tuned.

B&W30.















Oh hi there summer, nice to see you.