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THAT’S AMORE

December 12th, 2007



I have always thought that the way people eat, and what they eat, really says a lot about them. 

Not to underestimate the fine delicacy of French foods, but frog’s legs just aren’t my thing. Blame it on my delicious Greek heritage, but my idea of something that should be on a plate is not a something with very little meat that used to hop. Or quack.

I enjoy a nice Mediterranean meal. Nutritionists have agreed that these dishes, often made with healthy olive oils and tomatoes, contain anti-aging qualities that keep a person looking not only healthier but younger.  Don’t you want your date to hold on to every strand of hair he can, while he can?  Don’t you want to keep that fine line from becoming an un-fine, infinite road that gives your face expressions you didn’t even know you were feeling?  Stick with me on this one, kids, and you’ll be glad you did.  To avoid any further author-bias-induced reader irritation, I’m going to suggest you introduce your date to the wonderful world of not only Greek, but also Italian food.  Well, the other day I had Portuguese, and that was delicious too… But for this piece, Italian it is!

I love pizza. It came about from years of putting foods on top of the ever-famous pita in Greece, and it is true that the Italians cornered the market of both the term and the food afterward- but hey, as long as I get my pizza, no one gets hurt.  I also love, love, LOVE pasta.  Just love it.  So this weekend, I had both!  There’s nothing like that fresh-out-of-the-box ring of warm bread oozing with cheese to get my taste buds watering. However, when you’re out on a date at a nice restaurant, pull out the knife and fork and share a flat-bread: gourmet pizza for two!  There’s something intimate about the bond of sharing food, and with an entire pizza at your disposal, you won’t be slapping his hand away.  The best part is that you can even experiment with flavours if each of you chooses a different topping for ‘your side’ and then share. You can even regard your date’s pizza preference as a man-metaphor. Is his side messy and complicated? Or is it simple, with just a few toppings he never goes without?  Or better yet, is he relaxed and trusting enough to let you choose the toppings?  Let’s hope he opts for choice number three!

This weekend, I was at Li’ly’s on College Street for some yummy Italiano (the food, not the date.)  I ordered a delicious plate of chicken pasta with a name that I still can’t properly pronounce, in a cream tomato sauce that I have yet to successfully duplicate at home (but won’t rest until I do!).  I ate it all up and then started eyeing the stuffed chicken breast on the plate across from me.  Something about chicken, and pasta, and warm bread… or maybe I was just hungry. 

The lighting was dim enough with just a hint of red hue, yet it was still light enough to feel comfortable.  The bar gradually filled with a 20-something crowd, and their chatter kept the mood casual and fun.  Definitely no violinists in here!  The DJ booth occupies the centre of the main restaurant floor and serves as an appetizer to the music on the dance floor a level below.  Personally, I’d suggest skipping that and just sticking to the upstairs level if you’re on a date: have one of their famous drinks, or two (may I suggest the Bowl of Beauty for all those jello and vodka lovers), then venture off elsewhere for a walk, another party, or a night cap.  The lower level of dancing was more of a crammed party, more suitable for a group of friends than a couple of lovebirds ready to canoodle.  Did I just say noodle?  I must be hungry. 

Li’ly’s is but one of the many College Street night spots that make for a great night out on the town, minus the bizarre menu of insects, rattlesnake, and other rare foods that are simply too daring for this Mediterranean momma.  But if that’s your thing, all it means is… more pizza for me!

What: Italian food and drinks
Where: 656 College Street
Price: Price subject to meal and drink preference.
Parking: Nearby lots and street parking available
When: Evening into the night
Why: To share a plate of pasghetti, ‘Lady and the Tramp’ style
Website: http://worldsbestbars.com/public/venue_listing.jsp?categoryId=48&currentVenueId=1605

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Say ‘GIDDY-UP’ to Horseplay!

November 14th, 2007

BY: EFFIE STAR

The latent sexual innuendo is unavoidable in this frisky and fun date idea: go riding! 

Ladies, throw on some skinny jeans and flat booties, and enjoy the au naturel aromas and sounds of your next romantic date: horseback riding ‘pour deux’! Make arrangements at one of the many horseback riding trails just an hour outside Toronto, remembering to book according to your level of expertise. He’ll be relieved that you can enjoy nature, and you’ll be intrigued by his ease with it.  Unlike a racing bet, a horseback riding date will ring in a sure win-win. The bonding you and your date will experience will stretch beyond the day of fresh air, a nice long drive, and riding because you have shared an experience more unique and secluded than the much adored, yet sometimes repetitive, dinner for two.

Need more convincing?

Like many animals, horses are acutely receptive to positive energy forces and are unresponsive, or react in opposition to, anything but.  So, this is a great way to check out the underlying emotional current of your mate (and I know you wanna). Man’s best friend may be a dog, but why not catch on to whether or not your man may also be one, while he’s not looking?  Let your strapping young lad walk your horse along. Observe how gently or firmly he handles the bridle, and take notice of how the horse responds to your ‘stallion’ while you enjoy the ride.  You’ll fall in love with his nurturing side, and he’ll love taking the lead (just this once). Now that I’ve exhausted the most applicable equestrian wordplay, there’s nothing left to do but saddle up and ride!

Here are some ‘Horse Play’ places in Toronto and its surrounding area:

Riding Academy at the Horse Palace:  http://www.horsepalace.ca
This is a year-round horse riding school located in the heart of downtown Toronto at the Exhibition Place.  They offer private lessons, groups and clinics to students looking to explore the world of horseback riding.

Wild Wood Ranch:  http://www.wildwoodranch.com/
This horse ranch is located just between Orangeville and Brampton, one hour outside of Toronto. There are some unique packages here, including ‘Birthdays’, ‘Picnics’, ‘School Trips’, and ‘Weekend Getaways’! Oh, and don’t forget to ask them about their romantic dinner and riding session! Oh, don’t forget to ask them about their romantic dinner and riding session!

 

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Dateless In Toronto

October 23rd, 2007



You might be wondering where I’ve gone on dates. You might be thinking my recent disappearance from the column has meant that I was swooped up, up and away, to the most exotic location, or in a hot air balloon for two, or a helicopter ride, or even on a weekend getaway to somewhere with sand, and sun, and mojitos.

I wish.

To my fans, thank you for the emails, but no, I have not eloped. I am not secretly pregnant and overcome with sudden event planning stresses for my secret wedding to my billionaire husband, who is the prince of some remote island off the coast of somewhere too elite to discuss. And I have not finally been convinced by the man of my dreams that he and I should go somewhere… anywhere… and explore the obvious chemistry between us.


Not at all.

I’ve been waiting, oh so patiently, for that special someone to read my column and take me to but one of the places I’ve written about; or for someone to literally show me a whole new world so that I could write to you about it and share the love, so to speak. Without my advice, where have you gone on dates recently? I want to know. What are your favourites, your flops, your fetishes… well ok, maybe I don’t want to know too much about that detail (I said not too much, I didn’t say not at all ), but you catch my drift. This week, it’s all about you (hasn’t it always been?). You tell me… what’s the next best date place in Toronto??

In the meantime, I’m going to suggest an all-time favourite and all around necessity for any single, dating, or married chick… the girls’ night out! Doll yourselves up to the max (who said we do it for men? Hell, we do it for us!), and take yourselves out for a night on the town Effie Star style, never forgetting that a smile is the best accessory to any outfit.

Allow me to suggest something as fab enough for your intimate social outing as The Drake Hotel. Here you can sip martinis and sample menu items till the wee hours of the morn. There’s nothing better than a night out gabbing and giggling with the girls, so why not do it in one of the trendiest nightspots in T-dot? Somewhere that’s worthy of your hair and makeup efforts, and will provide a perfectly retro ambiance for you to bitch or squeal about your current man, or lack of. With a music venue on the lower level, and a patio to take advantage of now that it’s still not too hot, not too cold out, you’ll be able to let out that pent up annoyance on a dancefloor after a delectable meal, and then catch up with some fresh patio air, and perhaps another drink or two.

And after all is said and done, chin up ladies, the best is yet to come…

What: A much deserved girls’ night out!
Where: The very savvy Drake Hotel. 1150 Queen Street West.
Price: Higher end fine dining. Price subject to meal and drink preference.
Parking: It’s a carpool night! Downtown lots available.
When: Night time is the right time. Reservations are suggested.
Why: To re-connect with the ladies, to gab, to drink, to get dolled up for no one but yourselves…
Website: http://www.thedrakehotel.ca/eat_drink.asp

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WE ARE ALL STARS… at the DAVID DUNCAN HOUSE

September 20th, 2007

VIP only! Take a number! This section is full! Who are you with? Sorry, you can’t get in here…

Can you believe that just last weekend our amazing city was swarming with top celebrities like Ben Affleck, Hilary Duff, Jennifer Garner and Brad Pitt? (I know I know, but whether you’re team Angie or team Jen, he’s still BRAD PITT ok?!) I’m thinking good ol’ Brad must have scrolled back to some of my older articles, because he was at MARO, a supper club I wrote about a few weeks ago, with George Clooney and Matt Damon this past Sunday. So if it’s good enough for Brad ‘n friends, then it’s good enough for your sweet cheeks too! Now will you start taking my date-place advice?! Good. Great. Read on.

It is such a cool and, let’s face it, boast-worthy privilege to have the film festival take place right here in our own backyard—in the beautiful and busy city of Toronto, where the streets were bustling with famous names… and all the best places were next to impossible to get into. Now, we love you starlets, but, we miss our date places! A girl and guy have got to eat!! After walking the sidewalk and not the red carpet, and opting for drive-through instead of the big steak date meal no one can refuse, it’s time for you and your date to treat each other like the stars you are and dine in celebrity style! You spent the weekend eyeing Brad Pitt from afar, and your man spent it wondering where Cameron Diaz was staying… I think it’s high time you both took honour to the man / woman next to you; spritz on the good stuff: you’re going to the David Duncan House. A regular restaurant won’t do for two stars such as yourselves! You lovers need to check out this 1800s mansion renovated with art nouveau décor for a little something that will make you feel like the posh superstars that you are at heart. This lavish Victorian house of David Duncan, a wealthy landowner of the 1800s, was literally relocated in the 1980s while being kept completely in tact by being lifted and placed at the location you can visit it today. How’s that for service for the stars?

So, with the film festival behind us and our heads still up in the clouds… maybe it’s not time to fall back down to planet earth just yet! Get dressed up red carpet style and shine on the arm of your ultra-sexy date for a night of fine dining and luxurious ambiance. Remember, we are all stars…

What: The David Duncan House (state some historical facts here)
Where: 125 Moatfield Drive. Don Mills, Ontario. (State location)
Price: Higher end fine dining. Price subject to meal preference. Expect to pay over $75 for two people
Parking: Parking on lot.
When: Evening. And if you really want to impress… book a reservation ahead of time. See http://www.davidduncanhouse.com/reservations.html to find out how to be shown to your table, Hollywood style…
Why: The film festival stars took over all our restaurant hot spots, so now we can finally dine in style like the stars we all are!
Website: http://www.davidduncanhouse.com

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THE EX FACTOR

September 1st, 2007

“Is it really over??”  She asks him with doubt in her eyes. 
“It seems like just yesterday that we felt the warmth…”  
He interrupts her desperate plea.  “But suddenly there’s a chill in the air that’s really cramping our style…”
“And making us want to soak up whatever’s left of the heat!”  She adds, wittily. 
He looks into her sorry eyes.  “But that won’t last forever either—it’s time to face reality.  There’s nothing either one of us can do about it; it’s over.  It really is.”
Her doubt becomes acceptance as she speaks with a rage of self pity.  “This happens every time!  Just when I get into the groove of things, just when I’m really starting to feel involved in it, it ends.”

“You’re right sweetie”, he says, “summer can only last for so long.  But it’s over.  It really is.”
“Almost.”  She says with a raised brow, and appearing thoughtful.
He’s hesitant to ask what’s on his mind.  “What are you thinking about?”
“THE EX!!!!”  She exclaims, with an enormous smile on her suddenly lit face.
Appalled and insulted, he can almost not contain himself.  “Your ex??”  He asks, through clenched teeth.  “I thought you were never, ever going to mention him again.  It’s bad enough that I ran into him the other day…”

She rolls her eyes and laughs at the same time.  “Not my ex… THE EX!  Let’s go to the ex!!”

***

You know summer is just about to reach its annual finality when The Exhibition Place is in full operation, and the eighteen day window of visitation opportunity is already closing.  This is a perfect place to spend an entire day walking the grounds, playing games, going on a few rides, and sharing cotton candy with your sweetie.  Let him win you stuffed animals for you to keep as romantic keepsakes; or, have a victory chuckle together when you beat him at a game or two!  You’ll even have fun watching your guy check out chicks!  Share in each other’s nurturing side by observing each other’s interaction with animals at the Farm exhibit where you’ll see live cows, horses, pigs, an ostrich, turkeys and, as promised, baby chicks.  (Oh please, what did you think I meant?)  Note to reader:  Going to the ex with your date: good idea.  Mentioning your ex while at the ex: extremely bad idea!  Did you know that you can even take a walk on the bridge to Ontario Place, where entrance is free after you’ve entered the CNE?  With the Chinese Lantern Festival set up as Ontario Place’s current main attraction, you get the best of both worlds!  If lanterns, a younger crowd and funnel cake aren’t quite your thing, check out the Ex’s Casino which is conveniently open until six in the morning and has war betting tables for as low as five bucks a hand.  Word of caution:  Only bet what you’re willing to lose.  That said, whether you’re a newbie or long-term couple, I bet you that you will have a fun time there on this week’s date, and that you’ll leave feeling like a couple of kids again.  After all, what’ve you got to lose?

What:  The Exhibition Place—an annual and landmark event in Toronto’s summertime parks!
Where:  The Lakeshore, across from Ontario Place (you can’t miss it.)
Price:  Adults: $14.  Free Casino entrance.  Or take advantage of the $5 after 5PM entrance deal Tuesdays to Thursdays.
Parking:  Nearby Exhibition parking varies between $10-$25, depending on the lot.
When:  Soon!  The Park closes after Monday, September 3rd.  Gates close at 10PM, grounds close at midnight, and the Casino closes at 6AM.
Why:  It’s fun to enjoy the outdoor weather and lounge at the same time.  Plus there are sweets, rides, shows, and sun!
Website: http://www.theex.com/

 

 

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Taste the Omonia of the Danforth

August 19th, 2007

The Taste of the Danforth is Toronto’s largest street festival and its attendants are second only to Caribana… and you haven’t been?? Watchoo waitin for?! Take a chance you… um… cooped up girl! (Gwen has guts to call us something else).

Although the festival is centred in the heart of ‘Greek town’, the Danforth is visited by a variety of ethnicities and cultures, and all are welcomed to the home of food, music and, well, food! Opa!

Problem: This annual event just passed you by, and you don’t know what you’re missing. Solution: Go anyway!

The most recently renovated and re-designed restaurant on the Danforth is one that has been active for decades and is known for its delicious meals, superb service, and newly added patio. The modern brick walls and sexy décor will have you feeling the right kind of mood with your friendly, or romantic, date du jour. This date is perfect for day or night, and can be topped off by a visit to the indoor bar, which features large leather booths and lighting fit for two lovers sipping something fruity, or strong, or a mix of both. Want to add some sizzle to your meal? Impress your date by ordering saganaki: a sizzling serving of melted cheese presented with a shot of alchol that sets the food ablaze—literally—flames arise from the platter that will have your mouth drooling right before it’s put out by lemon juice, and placed on your table for two. If you’re planning on doing some flamework of your own later on, may I suggest passing on the tzatziki this time around? It’s a garlic-based dip that may leave your date more cheesed than your appetizer if you go in for the kill with its scent on your breath. Instead, opt for a custardy desert of galaktobouriko that will melt your senses and leave you with more satisfaction than when you came in!

So you missed the Taste of the Danforth. There’s always next year. But as for your taste of Omonia, think about heading over sometime in the coming week. You’ll be glad you said Opa!

What: Greek food! Opa! Eat, drink, eat… drink, eat! On the Danfoth- aka Greek town!
Where: 426 Danforth Ave. Tor., Ont.
Phone: 416.465.2129
Price: Less than ten dollars for a frappe (you need to taste this), and under thirty per dee-lish meal.
Parking: Lots nearby, and street parking available.
When: Anytime, day or night… we Greeks are all-nighters! But summer afternoons work too, if you don’t.
Why: You missed the Taste of the Danforth festival last weekend… better late than never!
Website: http://www.omoniarestaurant.com

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STRIP & STROLL at Sunnyside Beach

July 26th, 2007

By Effie Star



She’s complaining that she misses the beach.  He’s complaining that he misses the outdoors.  I have the perfect compromise.

The sun blazes daily over Toronto waters at Lakeshore’s Sunnyside.  This Etobicoke hot spot for sun and water lovers is the next best thing that our city has to offer roller-bladers, bike riders, and swimmers alike.  What are you waiting for?  Strap on your sneakers, but keep your swimwear underneath—this weekend, you’re going outside. 

Whether you pack a picnic and spend the late afternoon sprawled out on your stomachs feeding each other grapes, or pick up a quick bite from a food stand, or relax at the beachside bar for drinks and snacks, food will be the midpoint to a day of refreshing outdoor activity with your date.  The trail will be filled with joggers, bikers, and roller-bladers, and is sure to be missed come winter time.  There’s nothing like taking a breath of fresh air in the summer when you are both craving a taste of the world outside four walls.  If running the bike trail sounds like more of a chore than leisure, then you may enjoy a peaceful stroll on the pathway by the lake.  Take your time promenading with your partner.  Take in the sights of beach volley on the sand, the sounds of the water brushing against the rocks, and the feeling of the light, warm air moving past your skin; pause for a rest or to enjoy the view of the waters together on one of the large, smooth rocks that overlook Ontario’s lake.  Feeling sexy?  Strip out of your sports gear and lather up—you’re going swimming.  Dip into the pool for a playful or restful date—although I suggest you mix up the two for a more fulfilling experience.  Afterwards, when you’ve both showered and changed, let him treat you to an ice cream dessert… after all, you deserve it.

What:  Sunnyside Beach (strip to swim, stroll the walkways, eat, play and take in the sun!)
Where:  Off Lakeshore Blvd, South of Parkside Dr.
Price:  At least a few hundred calories (price subject to degree of physical exhertion)
Parking:  Nearby
When:  Anytime, day or night
Why:  It’s only going to be summertime for so long!  It’s hot, you’re hot… work it!
 

 

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The Docks Drive In Movie!

June 28th, 2007

By Effie Star



With 2.48 million people living in Toronto, and 5 million in the GTA – Greater Toronto Area alone, how are you going to impress the one you have your eye on?  You know how important it is to try not to fall into that comfortable hammock of routine after falling into the comfortable bed of love (or lust)… but you’re running out of ideas!  Feeling the pressure of what to do on a date can often lead daters into the two most predictable solutions; which will it be tonight?  Do you go with option one: Stay in and watch a movie?  Or do you venture into option two:  Go out and watch a movie? 

Ok, this is sounding a lot like a ‘choose your own adventure’ novel, but in a sense, that’s exactly what this is!  This is the adventure of your life, and don’t forget that you aren’t… well… riding alone— you have your significant other, or significant other to-be’s journey to consider as well.  Bear in mind that you just happen to live in one of North America’s most interesting, lively and vivacious cities: the city of Toronto.  Why, oh why would you even consider staying in?  This is the place the movie stars have been rushing to, the place whose downtown is bustling with people who just left a party and are ready for some good late eats at 4AM.  This is Toronto. And if you haven’t explored it alone, or even if you have, now is the time to impress your date with some city-knowledge, and share in the experience of seeing and doing, rather than watching movies made about others who do just that.  

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a sucker for a good film, and a stay-in or in-theater movie is sometimes the perfect date.  In fact, I’m an actress myself!  (My agent would have me fired).  But- hold your tomatoes!- what I’m trying to promote here is a break from the movie-goers’ cycle, a zig to your zag, if you will… a movie date that can double up as a more memorable, intimate experience than the air-conditioned theatres sometimes provide.  Yes, I’m suggesting you endeavor the timeless, the classic, the never do it on a first date… drive-in movie.

Fellows, if you really want to impress your lady friend, be a gentleman and let the woman choose the flick.  You just might be surprised at her willingness to compromise with a man who does the same.  Trust me on this.  But if you think the movie ticket dubs as a free ride ticket, think again; the drive-in movie experience should be a mutually consented event through and through.  What it does provide is a more interesting ambience, more privacy if desired, and the luxury of the warm summer breeze all around you while you snuggle up with your crush or loved one for an alternative to your otherwise typical weekend date.  

But wait—there’s more.

Bundled within close walking distance at The Docks is a Go-Karts track, a drive-in movie theatre, and a beachfront to the lake.  Men love speed, women thrive on competition, and both of these will encourage up a flirty build-up for your visit to the drive-in movie, which, if all goes well, can be capped off with a little toes-in-the-sand and hand in hand stroll by the water.  Like any good outfit, this perfect mix-and match date that can be revealed on one, or several consecutive dates!  If at any time the date isn’t running so smoothly, it can be cut short (after the Go-Karts), and if all goes well, then your night cap can be a luxurious walk on the beach on a summer night.  Don’t be afraid to kick off your shoes and rest on one of the rock clutters, overlook the water, take in the sounds, the breeze, and the woman or man on your arm after this date that will have you both anticipating the next one and wondering how you ever got so lucky.

Worried that you can’t match this perfect date?  Leave that to me.  Log into LoveinToronto.com next week for the perfect place to take your first or fiftieth date; and remember, there’s no love in Toronto without love for Toronto.

What:  Drive In Movie at the Docks (it’s not just a night club, but a movie theatre too!)
Where:  176 Cherry Street, Toronto (416) 461-3625 ext. 4
Price:  Regular Admission is $13.00 (price subject to change)
Parking:  Nearby, across the street
When:  See website for details
Why:  You don’t have to worry about someone kicking your chair, you’re in your own car, it’s private, cheesy romantic
Website:  http://www.thedocks.com/

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