Hot chocolate covered in whipped cream

Couples’ making gingerbread houses and savouring seasonal drinks is pairs’ having crumpets and tea in Heaven while being dubbed angels. This date allows duos who are too tired or sluggish to venture outdoors, to entertain themselves at home. All it requires is a gingerbread house making kit and egg nog. People who’d like to keep the gingerbread house should be careful, however, not to eat the entire creation. In that case, it may be desirable to purchase multiple gingerbread house making kits, gingerbread cookies and/or other decadent treats.

Such a date is inexpensive. It does not add up to the cost of purchasing movie tickets, popcorn, candy and drinks. It is not near the cost of skiing admission and gas. Moreover, it does not equate to the price of a play, dinner and parking downtown. Ingredients, the only cost of this cozy date, should ring up to about $25.

This activity also takes place in a comfortable setting. One gets to sit by the fire drinking egg nog with one’s sweetheart rather than sitting in a rigid seat in a restaurant, which may be chilly due to doors frequently opening and shutting. In addition, this date involves no waiting outdoors for admission, in the cold. This environment may be suitable for romance, too; there are no servers checking up on the duo constantly, no noise and no distracting media, allowing the two to bond without interruption. On the other hand, if a pair wishes to watch a Christmas movie during their time together, this date allows the twosome to do so.

Furthermore, this date allows participants to please their taste buds. Pairs can add jellybeans, chocolate chips, icing and whatever else they’d desire in the candy department, to their delectable houses. Not everyone has a taste for egg nog, but there are many other scrumptious beverages twosomes can enjoy. These include: coffee topped with froth, milkshakes, mochachinos, hot chocolate, cider, caramel cocktails and chocolate-mint martinis.

The following are recipes for drinks couples may wish to enjoy this holiday season:

• Frothy coffee
• Hot chocolate
• Milkshakes
• Mochachinos
• Apple cider
• Caramel cocktails a.k.a. “Liquid Caramel”
• Chocolate-mint martinis

In the movie An Affair to Remember, Terry McKay says, “Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories.” This is definitely the case. Winter does not have to be drab. Slush, snow and cold are factors that won’t bring down one’s mood if he or she doesn’t let it. Couples’ making gingerbread houses and drinking seasonal beverages is one enjoyable date the weather should not ruin.

Although it is true that one can make any day special for their sweetheart, the approach of Valentine’s Day just holds so much excitement! Here are some tips to make this Valentine’s day -or any day, that is – memorable:

• Surprise your other half. Plan something thoughtful, whether it’s a romantic fantasy they’ve mentioned, or simply something spontaneous. An evening full of romance, out or in, or a getaway weekend for two are just some examples.
• Do something out of the ordinary. If the two of you are used to a routine, break out of it. Try pampering each other. Giving each other massages with oil or feeding each other fruit dipped in chocolate are just some ideas.
• Make your significant other feel appreciated. One can do this by writing a meaningful card or letter for their mate. (To add a surprise effect, place the love note somewhere they are guaranteed to look, and have them find it. It makes the gesture even more sweet.)

Remember that gifts on Valentine’s Day are not necessary to show your love for another. However, if one or the two of you feel like giving gifts, remember that presents don’t have to be expensive to be heartfelt. A simple box of chocolates often suffices; something home-made or something thoughtful are also good options.

My Recommendations:

This eatery provides exquisite dining for an inexpensive cost. Not only is the food tasty, the atmosphere is intimate and cozy – a perfect place for a romantic date.
7225 Woodbine Avenue
Markham, ON L3R
(905) 940-1900
www.FrankieTomatto.com

This adorable little café serves both delectable desserts and scrumptious meals. This is a great place to indulge in mouth-watering foods and make memories with your lover.
255 Bass Pro Mills Drive
Vaughan, ON L4K
(905) 738-9198
www.CafeCache.ca

Some may think that a duo cannot have an enjoyable time at home, but I beg to differ. Each other’s company is what’s most important. If a couple cares to do something entertaining indoors, there are many options available; these include back rubs, baking decadent treats, playing trivia games, ordering in food or making food for each other, painting, and so on. Not to mention, this option is the least costly and most intimate setting.

‘Hope these tips bring some spark to your Valentine’s Day and/or overall lovelife!

 From the official Toronto.ca website:  “The WinterCity Festival wouldn’t be complete without Toronto’s favourite winter gastronomic celebration. Now in its eighth delicious year, Winterlicious again offers two popular programs for you to savour.

Winterlicious Culinary Events
10 mouth-watering culinary events featuring some of Toronto’s diverse cuisine and notable chefs.

General Reservation Date: Thursday, January 14, 2010

Please remember… You MUST cancel your reservation at least 48 hours in advance if you cannot keep it.”

For the few years that Nuit Blanche has been playing, I’ve yet to actually attend one of these. The above video shows just one of the highlights of the show with a blinking Toronto City Hall on display on the wee hours of the night. It’s certainly one of the many different attractions at the event, enough for you to plan that all-nighter. Remember those nights when you snuck out of your parent’s house to hang out with your friends? Do it again at Nuit Blanche 2009!

Address: All across downtown Toronto, see website for details!
Email: scotiabanknuitblanche@toronto.ca
Website: http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/independent.shtml
Parking: street and on-site parking available. Expect to walk during this trip
What’s nearby: Just about everything is since you’re walking all over the place.
Why you should go: An outside walk-around, feel like you’re sneaking away for the weekend, lots of contemporary art. it’s almost like a haloween party without the free candy for adults

Corn Roast by: Laurel Fan

This weekend on the 12th, celebrate the Fall harvest at the Riverdale farm and their Festival Barn Dance and Corn Roast.  Seeing as how I live in the city and don’t have any friends out in the country, I don’t know what to expect other than there’ll be a dance, some corn and a gool ol time, y’all.  I’m thinking about breaking out my cowboy hat that I got while at the Calgary Stampede this year, so I won’t stick out like a sore thumb.  Yeehaw!

PS:  The farm is free to get in, but you might have to buy the corn separately.

Check out the Riverdale farm’s website and official events page for more details.

Casa Loma photo by: Chris Lancaster

On Sunday, September 20th, Casa Loma will be holding a Royal Brunch buffet served in the Conservatory and Library area.   Brunch also includes Castle admission!

Great Date Idea:  Stay the night at a nearby hotel and get on out to Casa Loma.  Excellent anniversary or special occasion.

See the Casa Loma website for more details!

Rivoli. Upstairs at the pool hall

This is one of Toronto’s most popular pool halls, Upstairs at the Rivoli.  If you enjoy pool and want to get into a more sophisticated and laid back mood, check this one out.  I’ve been told from one of our readers that this place is home to a lot of pool sharks too!

Here’s the letter we got:

“Hey Love In Toronto!  Love the website, thought you might want to know that there’s a great pool hall that my girlfriend and I met at called Upstairs at the Rivoli.  It’s a great place, friendly staff (we’ve been going there for a bit now and got to know some of the people) and it’s a great social activity between me and my girl.  Anyway, thought you should know.  Oh, there’s also some great food there too, which we like to stop by once in a while for brunch.

Pool Lovers”

Thanks for the tip, Pool Lovers! We’ll pass that on to our readers!

Check out Upstairs at the Rivoli’s website for more details.

Scene from: Hot Oil Barons in Love

A press release for the upcoming performance of : “Hot Oil Barons In Love” just came my way, thought you might be interested to check it out.  This production is by:  Bad Dog Theatre.

“This improvised soap opera returns to Toronto, and it’s sexier, funnier, and oilier than ever. The same cast that brought you “Hot Doctors In Love” presents a fully improvised show in the vein of “Dallas” and the much less-watched “Wild Roses”. Just like any good soap opera, the stakes are high, the affairs are torrid, and the hair is big.
The talented cast is led by five-time Canadian Comedy Award winner Kerry Griffin in his first show since finishing a successful run on the Second City mainstage. The show also stars Lisa Merchant (Train 48), Aurora Browne (Comedy Inc.), Alastair Forbes (Battleawesome Awesomestar), Tom MacKay (Troubadour), Sean Tabares (Project:project), Lindsay Grant (Troubadour) and Rica Eckersley (Show Stopping Number). Directed by Ralph MacLeod (Twisted Christmas Carol), it will feature appearances by Jan Caruana (Monkey Toast) and other special guests. Each week, this attractive cast of improvisers will bring you the continuing story of the Templeton family, who has a passion for oil and for anyone who looks like they might sleep with them. There will be face-slapping! There will be open-mouth kissing! There will be blood! Okay, maybe not that last part! ”

Fridays in September and October at 8 p.m.
When:  September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
Price:  $10
Reservations:  calling 416.491.3115 or at www.baddogtheatre.com

Music Garden by Mike Miley

The idea of having Bach at sunset is a great idea.  It’s a fabulous idea when it’s going to be at the Music Garden on the Queen’s Key, tomorrow night at 7pm.  Performed by Winona Zelenka, Zelenka’s first debut came at the early age of 13 with the Calgary Philharmonic and began a solo career at 17 at Carnegie Recital Hall.  I’m looking forward to this performance, hope you can make it!

From the Harborfront website:  ” Winona Zelenka continues her journey through Bach’s six suites for solo cello. This summer, she performs the Suite No. 4 in E-flat Major for solo cello; for the last three movements of the piece she is joined by dancer Claudia Moore in the world premiere of a new work by choreographer Carol Anderson. Dance generously commissioned by Ann Southam.”

Please note: This is a 30-minute concert due to early sunset.