Catch her before she gets big and before she leaves the Cameron House!

Alejandra Ribera has been playing at the Cameron House on Tuesday evenings for over a year now. I was meeting my date in the Queen and Spadina area on a Tuesday night and I had also heard Alejandra on CBC one morning, so we met at this Queen West relic (booze, art, music and theatre all in one space!) for a drink in anticipation of some decent live music.

 (pic courtesy of her website!)

Around 9:30 pm, the place started to get packed but luckily we got  there early had scored some decent seats. From 10 pm onwards we were somewhat mesmerized by this young woman who performs with a vocal range that runs so deep and is filled with such maturity that you'd expect her to be in her fifties at least, not her late twenties!  She performed with a talented group of jazz musicians whose repertoire included jazzy ballads, smoky Spanish love songs and even a French number or two.

It's not only a cheap (pay-what-you-can) date night, but also a great show to bring relatives or your parents over Christmas. It attracted a diverse age range. Sadly I didn't take a any pics, nor could I find any pics on the internet of the inside of the Cameron House, but we watched Ribera and co play against a backdrop of red velvet curtains, frescos on the ceiling and walls adorned with both ants and x-mas lights. Curious yet? Yes it was both kitchy, surreal and romantic; a bar worth checking out if just to have the owner sell you beer in his shorts. And...might it be rumour? I was getting my haircut at Grateful Head and the guy beside me was chatting about it closing down to be replaced by a Crate and Barrel???? Even more reason to see it. 

Her final show at the Cameron House is on Tuesday the 29th! Get there early!  

Otherwise...her 2010 schedule is as follows:
Hugh's Room- January 17th
Moonshine Cafe- Oakville, February 27
Czehoski Restaurant, March 11th

S.

A Jolly Good Fellow

Hello friends!

e has left the T-dot. I am currently miles away, in an entirely different time zone, illiterate in a foreign language. Here's a hint

What am I doing here? I don't really know. But when i figure it out, I'll be sure to tell you.

In the meantime, on behalf of both S and myself, I would like to bid butgooddifferent a Happy Anniversary! Our first post was 1 year ago, on November 29, 2008.

Thank you, all y'all, for your support, and for your comments, for letting us take your pictures, and jumping in with your thoughts too. A blog with no readers is just a diary, so thanks for listening to what we've had to say over the year, and I hope we can continue to inform and mildly amuse you for many more years to come!

XOXO
S & e

Remember summer e?

 Margaritas, mojitos, nachos and guacamole? Patios, sandals and Cuban food?

That's not all Julie's has to offer. This cute Cuban  restaurant on darling Dovercourt, north of Dundas is also seafood lover's delight! All their camarones, calamaris & cerviche tapas dishes are to die for; affordable, fresh, salsa-spicy, garlic-y and delicious. 

We ate on their patio way back when in September for e's birthday, and took all these photos. I decided to post them now, because 1)  I miss summer and 2) I miss e! The traffic on this blog has way-slowed down because e left the Tdot to go gallivanting in the land of down under! (This does leave openings in the butgooddifferent blogsphere; anyone have some pics and stories to share?)

Check out Julie's Cuban Snack bar if you are looking for a unique dinner experience; a cozy neighbourhood vibe, great cocktails and Cuban tapas..... 

......Hey Senorita e, any good Cuban food in the land down under? Send us some news!

blogging solo, 

S.

Best Shawarma in TO

Meat lovers, you're in for a treat! I found the most delicious chicken and beef shawarma restaurant in Toronto's west end; The Empire (not to be confused with Shawarma Empire) at 1018 Bloor Street West.  If you're like me in that you usually choose falafel sandwiches over shawarma because the meat is looking sub-par (ie: dry...fatty...overcooked as though it's been roasting on the skewer for days...) then you'll be happy to hear that the chicken and beef shawarma at Empire is succulent, juicy, fresh and melt-in-your month tender. Not sure what makes this place so different, but they're one of the only Sudanese restaurants in Toronto. I was so excited, I got a mixed beef and shawarma plate, for only $7! Added bonus: there's always free tables to eat at, unlike other falafel joints and you get a true taste for the middle east by watching Al Jazeera on the TV. Finally, if you are into falafels, theirs is pretty delicious and offers more toppings, spreads and spices than your average falafel place...but the quality runs neck and neck with the falafel at Ghazale and Sara's in the Annex. 

S.

Where do you go for wifi?

So, I moved neighbourhoods, and I'm a little bit in love. I have no internet at the moment, so as someone who has three part-time jobs, and works a lot from home, I'm dependent upon venues with free wifi. The best workspace I've come across in Toronto yet -if you haven't already checked it out- is the recently renovated Bloor-Gladstone public library (formerly known as the Dovercourt branch). The outside of the building still retains the old 1920's architecture, but the inside has been renovated to include huge glass windows, a learning centre, and a glass balcony from which you can peer down onto the central foyer on the first floor. It is the most laptop friendly building I've ever been too, with plugs galore at large desks, comfy arm-chairs and bars at the windows. You can even book study rooms, and watch the news (without sound). It's super open concept, with really high ceilings, white-washed walls, and lots and lots of light. Like all libraries, there is a community feel to it. (pics courtesy of ERA architects- consultants on the redesign). Click here for more pics, and click here for some social commentary...seems like the online community has lots to say about this haven of a space.

See you there for our next study date,
S.

but good different arts collective?

e

 

whe

The Breakfast Hot Dog at Discraceland

What could be more good different than this – a new spin on a classic breakfast ... the Breakfast Hot Dog from Discraceland (also available in veggie)! It's one part 2 eggs and toast, one part benedict, and two parts legen-dairy (sic). Not so good different, the price, which is a little more than your average breakfast. But if you’re in the mood for something other than the usual, want to play some board games while you eat, or want to eat a breakfast that’s fit for The King, head over to Bloor and Dovercourt. Also good different at Discraceland: the Everyone’s a DJ night every 2^nd Saturday of the month.

- R

More than just Supersonic Shocks

Hey Hipster Music Snobs! Get over your-

selves!

I like spending my Gs at Sonic Boom. It's that huge new/used CD/vinyl store on Bloor, just east of Bathurst. It always has elaborate window displays recreating new album covers with amazing prop work, apparently maintained by an artistic employee. All you hear when you walk in, besides your headphones, is the click click click of people shuffling through rows of used CDs. Organized by the day they were brought in, you can really score some great and cheap music, and downstairs they have lots of used records too!

I'm often torn. While I love new music and want to support independent artists, I also love saving money, so I wait until albums appear in the used section so I can spend a fraction of the price. But then the artist doesn't benefit financially from my support. But I suppose I can then tell people about them and increase their fan base. So in the end they should be sending me free music for all the work I do for them.

Anyways, I got some good stuff there last Thursday, all from the used bins:

The Bicycles - The Good the Bad and the Cuddly - $6.95

The Toronto band's 2006 album is happy, adorable, and up beat. Rumour has it they live in the Annex too. Most songs are under 2.5 minutes, and make you want to squish someone's cheeks while running through a sprinkler eating superkid ice cream.

Akron/Family - Meek Warrior - $4.95

I wasn't sure what to expect with this album. I really like their more recently released song River, which is tribal, lyrical, and catchy all at once. This album is older and it starts off a little intense and thumpy, the first track being 9 1/2 min of noise. But then the rest of the album calms down and you can actually listen to the unique instrumentation.

Broken Social Scene - You Forgot It In People - $4.95

The quintessential darling Toronto Indie band; if you like BSS, you have to have this album. It's rich, well written, well played, and sometimes makes you sad. But in a way that feels like it's good for you.

Led Zeppelin - Houses of the Holy - $4.95

Who am I to review Led Zeppelin? The lyrics for D'yer Mak'er are printed in the album book in case you wanted to know how many times Plant says "oh" each line. It's 6. He says oh 6 times. It may sound like 5, but when you think he's stretching it out on the 5th time, he's actually saying it twice more.

The Beatles - Abbey Road - $4.95

They are selling them new at Soundscapes for $16.99. I paid $4.95!! Now I can gaze at the iconic cover whenever I want. And listen to the music, I guess. They're a good band, those Beatles. You should check them out. Tell your friends.

e

Wine Tasting in Prince Edward County

Wine Tasting in Prince Edward County





Last Sunday, this cute couple that I know picked me up and drove me two hours to Prince Edward County to do some serious wine tasting. I had never been to this part of Ontario (near the Sandbanks). It is apparently up and coming in terms of viticulture, so we decided to go there instead of the Niagara region.
It was so much fun. Driving on the Loyalist Parkway along Lake Ontario was so pretty. We had lunch in Picton, Ontario at a very wholesome restaurant and tasted wine from four different vineyards including The Grange, Norman Hardie, The Sandbanks Estate, and the Rosenthal winery. The guy who was working at the Norman Hardie winery was super nice- he let us pick tomatoes, fresh basil and hot peppers from the farm! Normany Hardie's vines are from France and their soil boasts limestone. The Sandbanks' Estate impressed us with its customer-service friendly nature. Their wine tasting bar was outdoors and they were really knowledgeable about their wines. They also invite people out to events on the weekends where community members can pick grapes, eat a big lunch and listen to live music. Perfect day trips for autumn.

I learned how to aerate the wine, which enhances the flavours (wine gets really strong when you do this) and was able to discern woody flavours from citrus on my newly enhanced palate. I also finally learned the difference between oaked and unoaked wines, and I have decided that oaked wines taste much better.
We didn't get drunk which we expected, but it's because we spaced out our trips, and used the spit bowl too. So, next time you need to get out of the city to do something fun, drive eastwards my friends and pay the $1-2 for sipping delicious pinot noirs and cabernets sauvignons.


S.

TIFF, Chloe & the A-list

I've lived here for three years and haven't been to a TIFF film until this year. The reason why I've strayed from Toronto's most famous festival is because I find it difficult to navigate (tickets, screenings, pricing etc.). This year I got lucky when a friend of mine, who was offered two special tickets the world premiere of Atom Egoyan's Chloe and the after-party, asked me to be her date!

(Picture right courtesy of http://amanda-seyfried.us/photos/thumbnails.php?album=144)

I spent 24 hours in distress as to what to wear, paraded 4 different dresses for some very patient friends, and ended up literally last minute -on the day of- buying an entire new outfit. Not on purpose; I went looking for a nice dress shirt and came out with nice black linen pants too. My outfit worked; understated, chic and unique (I really do hate looking like everyone else- I could have bought those 80's inspired umpire waist sleeveless dresses...but I decided against it). Cocktail dresses- so not my thing.

(Atom Egoyan, Julianne Moore, Amanda Seyfried, Erin Cressida Wilson, Ivan Rietman, David Miller introducing the film)

The movie screened at Roy Thompson Hall, which was all aglow in its grandeur. The entrance to the movie quite a distance from the screaming fans and flashing lights of the "red carpet" so I'm afraid I missed it. But I flashed my ticket, by-passed the line, and headed up to the Mezzanine level which ended up being right next to where the director, producer and actors were sitting! How bizarre to come out of gazing intently at a haunting and often nude Amanda Seyfried to seeing her sitting a few seats away from you in the flesh, smiling in a pretty black sequined dress (see below!). The movie itself is moving, sexy, haunting and kept me at the edge of my seat. Julianne Moore and Seyfried's onscreen chemistry was very believable, and the heart ache experienced by Moore's character was palpable. I had a new-found respect for the young Seyfried as I'd only seen her lighter, comedic roles like Mean Girls and Mamma Mia. Atom Egoyan showcases Toronto landmarks from Cafe Diplomatico in Little Italy to one of Toronto's oldest parks, Allan Gardens. The scenes were unique in texture, colour and lighting. Toronto looked amazing; it's so exciting to see Toronto high-lighted in a movie and this appreciation was shared by both Mayor David Miller and producer Ivan Reitman , who happens to be a Toronto native.

The after-party took place on the roof of a four-story parking lot in Yorkville (see above). The entrance was pretty hard to find. An Entertainment Tonight staff member took us up to the roof in a golf cart, where we were greeted by a red carpet, Entertainment Tonight interviews with the cast and director, white tents and delicious drinks. The view of Toronto and Yorkville was fabulous and it all felt pretty glamorous. I kind of love it when this casual city gets dressed. I took some basic pictures, but couldn't bring myself to take pictures when we passed the rope to the VIP section and stood feet away from the cast after meeting the director. Might I say Julianne Moore is even more beautiful in real life. Amanda Seyfried embodied much the demeanor of a young star at her age- looking distracted, text messaging, and tended to by an entourage that ran 10 people deep. And she even left early! It was Sunday evening after all, and the party didn't last all night long, plus I'm sure she had more important places to be.

People were awesome- it was great to be able to discuss the film firsthand with strangers. Everyone was incredibly friendly and sociable, and very little pomp and circumstance presented itself. Yay TIFF! And might I add, the number of volunteers at TIFF is outstanding. It felt like the entire festival logistics when we were at Roy Thompson Hall were coordinated by volunteers....a great way to see the films and see the stars up close and personal...

Overall supah good movie, supah fun party.

S.

Carnies and rides and games, oh my

The CNE

We made it to the CNE on its closing weekend. I hadn't been since I was like 15. Between delicious German sausages and fries, and awesome, stomach-churning, tear-inducing rides, my party even won some prizes! A monkey in a stuffed banana? How can you resist spending the 3-5 bucks on darts, ball tosses or water-pistol games?

The CNE has serious charm. It's a great first date place, and it's one of those places which brings Torontonians from all walks of life together. Toronto bonds, and I love it when Toronto bonds. Here are some more pics, mostly courtesy of guest blogger and photo afficianado L (Thanks L!)




-S

He's-a cookin-a somethin up

Sorriso Restaurant
588 College St.

We went searching high and low for the perfect restaurant to celebrate S's birthday last week. When you live in a city with thousands of delicious restaurants serving every manner of eclectic food from around the globe, deciding on just one is not an easy feat. First you have to think of cuisine, then neighbourhood, ambiance, price, menu, availability. It's enough to make you want to run to Milestones. But Don't. They might have good artichoke dip, but there's no reason to set foot in a chain when you have so so many other options to choose from (unless of course it's Hooters).

So for this very special occasion, the location of choice was Little Italy. Then we went for the mid-range prices ($15-25 a plate), a little fancier ambiance (scratch out the pubs and pizzerias), then we eliminated all of the ones closed on Mondays (lots of places irritatingly take Monday off), and then we started scouring the internet for websites with menus. We looked at over 20 when we saw this one. The old photos, the adorable music, the history! We couldn't resist - Sorriso's website won us over. Well played, Sorriso.

So, decision made, we got gussied up and headed on over with our party hats on. First things I noticed were the giant racy Italian movie posters on the walls, and stern-faced Sophia Lorens looking disapprovingly at us. "How will you look-a like-a me if you eat so much-a pasta?" she said.

Our waitor pointed out the Prix-fixe menu and told us the specials, and then brought us some crusty bread. He was a bit of an odd duck. He started out strong, but then this strange attitude poked its head out every so often. For example: "Would you like some pepper?" "Sure. Could you also please take a picture for us?" "Ok, I'm a WAITOR first". Uncomfortable silence.

And then we saw him ignore a little boy who was trying to tell him a story. But then later, he brought out S's birthday tiramisu and helped us distract her while the candles were lit. Bizarre!

So anyway, we all decided to order the Prix Fixe. Between the 5 of us, we ate:

Crostini with Grilled Shrimp
Potato Leek Soup
Mixed Green Salad
Capellini with Shrimp and Arugula
Pan Seared Turbot with Roasted Potatoes and Sauteed Vegetables
Tiramisu
Fig Port Ice Cream

When we ordered the Shrimp Crostini to share between the five of us, he neglected to inform us that it came with 1 crostini. The half a bite I had was very tasty though, with delicious garlicky sauce. The soup, though not much to look at, was very flavourful. The salad was standard.

The Capellini pasta was tossed in olive oil and parmesan cheese, and had lots of tomatoes and shrimp. It started out nice and light, but the bottom of the bowl was difficult to eat because of the pool of oil that had gathered.

The turbot fish was a little bland, and the beans and kale weren't sauteed with much flavour either. The whole dish sat in a pool of olive oil, and every bite was drenched in the stuff. Despite the oil, however, the fish was flaky and tender and the potatoes were nice and crunchy.

The Tiramisu was also not very pretty, but it was really tasty and, I was told, quite boozy. The fig port ice cream, on the other hand, was not very boozy. It tasted a little like fig newtons, with a grown-up sweetness that I wasn't sure I was old enough for. It was different, though, which I guess is good.

In general, I'd say the food at Sorriso was pretty good. Solid effort. If they just lay off the oil a bit, it would have been much better. I'd be willing to come back to try some of their saucier pastas (the kids behind us had some tomato sauce that looked really good).

Sorriso gets 3-ish Sophia Lorens swimming in a pool of olive oil out of 5.

e

Caribbean Veg food in the heart of the Annex

One-Love Vegetarian restaurant, 854 Bathurst Street

This summer on Bathurst Street, we've seen a number of new spots open up, walls have been repainted and store-fronts redone. Here is a handy review of One Love Vegetarian (I don't care if BLOG TO already got there first, it's my street)

I'm sure you've seen it, because of the gorgeous mural that envelopes the wall around this restaurant on the corner of Bathurst and London, across from Bathurst Subway Station.

Seriously delicious Jamaican food. Their rotis are super fresh, everything is cooked in front of you. Their caillou is hearty and out of this world. Their portions are generous, fresh and appropriately priced. It's a family-run restaurant, and it's a beautiful family. We were served by the two daughters.

They used to have a stall at Harbourfront. The produce they use is organic, and they buy stuff from local farmers. With the vegetarian-friendly, organic produce, you see a lot of 'hip', 20-something, typical Annexers, but because it's right beside a strip of West-Indian hair salons and barber shops, you see a lot of West Indian families and their children. Makes for a unique mix of clientele.
Only drawback to this delicious joint was that they ran out of food, and because they cook everything right their in front of you and have a small family (when I arrived, the two daughters were running the kitchen and handling cash, with about 20 customers in front of them), be prepared to wait a long time for it.

Totally worth trying out though!
Yum Yum and Triple Yum.

S.