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!

Rating :   ½ a Pride Flag

Well, diners, I can honestly say that my experiences thus far have been at least satisfactory… until now. Heading to the Lakeview Lunch, a gay-friendly and partially gay-staffed restaurant, I was anticipating a large, well-rounded breakfast like one I had enjoyed there before. Instead, on a busy Sunday morning, a large group of my friends and I were left at half-mast on all counts- food, service, and ambience- and the ordeal continued rolling downhill from there: drama, drama, drama.

Our party of six walked through the door, under a front sign that had seen better days, and into the first spacious room. A cute little dyke  ushered us to stools at the long bar, where we took a look at the menu. When a large booth became available, we figured we had lucked out and slid into torn leather seats along pastel walls, reminding ourselves that in Toronto, little edible gems are sometimes completely obscured by the hole-in-the-wall in which they are found.  With that positive attitude, we all picked a breakfast item and discussed the Hollywood movie posters and the large number of spacious booths lining the restaurant on either wall.  Not only did this seem like a Queer- and family-friendly atmosphere, but it was packed, which is usually a good sign on a Sunday morning.

We had such hopes, but after waiting no less than forty-eight minutes for our food, only two of us were served; then, ten minutes later, two more of us got our meals. When the rest came five minutes later, we were still minus two orders of toast (which one should be able to expect would come at the same time as one’s egg order), and it was clear there were major timing problems in the kitchen. To her credit, our waitress seemed to be running everywhere she went and seemed like the only staff member actually working. Another woman in a long purple skirt floated around the restaurant, seemingly blissfully unaware of the utter pandemonium of the place until the last half-hour of our meal when she actually began to carry food.

As for the offerings themselves, they range from soups, salads, and sandwiches with choice of bread (including Challah), to eggs, pancakes, and desserts. The choices seemed promising, but were in reality anything but. The Pancake Banana Split at $7.45 sounded creative but was stone cold, and the flavour did not really seem to work. Classic breakfast combos start at $4.95 and increase per egg, which is a useful idea. The eggs were standard, and the deep-fried slices of potato were a delicious novelty, but waiting for the toast and having to ask for it multiple times nullified the enjoyment. Also, the accompanying “side of beans” was quite sad: it was half liquid and came in a small plastic container the size you would get for soy sauce in a sushi take-away box. The pemeal and bacon was tasty but couldn’t make up for the larger disappointment of the experience.

The Toronto Omelet for $7.95 with mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers, spinach and cheese was reported to be nothing special. I decided to go for the Chicken Club with Avocado for $9.95. After the amazing Brie and Avocado sandwich at The Green Room on Bloor, I was hoping for some lovely half-moon wedges of buttery heaven; instead, I was presented with a huge plate of bread, standard bacon and tomato, slices of chicken, and an avocado spread scraped across the underside of the toast that dripped onto my plate. The sandwiches were covered in bland, tasteless fries, and for the money paid, I left the table feeling pretty unsatisfied.

To top off this irritating experience, my friend who had ordered the pancakes had the bottle of syrup stolen by the purple skirt, and it was not brought back until ten minutes after her meal was on the table. Soon after, purple-skirt snatched it away a second time, mumbling an explanation as we watched her run away with it in the other direction. Apparently, there was a syrup shortage at the Lakeview Lunch. The whole table looked at each other in amazement and broke up loudly at the utter ridiculousness of it all. On her travels back toward us, I looked at the frazzled lady questioningly, and she glared back, threw a fistful of cutlery into a metal container, and gave us all the dirtiest of looks as the high-pitched clanging of the knives, forks and spoons echoed loudly over the restaurant din.

The three of us who had caught that look shook our heads and decided to get out as fast as we could. While we were making our hasty exit, one of the group insisted I see the bathroom with my own eyes. The inside of the smaller room was dominated by a wall covered in haphazardly-affixed mirrors and cold tiles. The larger room housed the toilet that sat away from the wall, crooked and covered in rust. It looked like it was ready to split into pieces just standing there, so I am glad I didn’t need to use it. This bracing Sunday morning experience left us all rushing off to whatever we were late for, and left me thinking that my next adventure can only get better from here.

What: The Lakeview Lunch
Where: 1132 Dundas St. W.
Phone: 416.530.0871
Directions: Take Dundas streetcar to Ossington or take Ossington bus down.
Parking: Street parking available
Hours of Operation: Mon to Fri 11am –11pm and Sat to Sun 11am –12pm
Price: Approx $25 for two
Why: If you have not much cash and nowhere to go on a very quiet weekday afternoon.

Well folks you got to love old standbys and places that seem to have been there forever. The Village Rainbow has been that for me. It is a great place to stop by for beer and wings and a wonderful place grab a very large plate of poutine. They also have a great Eggs Benedict and an all day breakfast. However I thought I’d take myself down to the Rainbow for an official experience.

After a nice browse at This Ain’t The Rosedale Library my friend and I hopped down the street for lunch and were greeted by the very large colourful menu where it struck me that this place was trying to do a lot of things. There are so many restaurants in Toronto and I like it best when restaurants pick an assortment of dishes and perfect them, not try and do everything under the sun. We decided to strike out a new path, me with the Bruschetta for $6.95 and Homemade Quiche for $7.25 and he went with a grilled cheese for $3.95.

The waiter delivered our first course promptly but was a little bit spacey and forgot the Bruschetta. The Quiche was ham and cheese was quite dense, not fluffy and a bit greasy. The piecrust even tasted a little undercooked to me. My friend’s grilled cheese looked promising but upon trying it I found it was comprised to Kraft singles slices. I figure it is the cheapest item the menu for those needing something easy on the pocket book, but personally if I want Kraft I would make it at home.

My Bruschetta was enjoyable however. On a toasted baguette the tomatoes and garlic was an enjoyable mixture, and made even more delicious and juicy with some time in the oven. A mix of shredded cheese was melted right over top and the five or six pieces made this dish a very reasonable amount of food for the price.

The colourful, eclectic design was very village, but my favorite place there is still the patio, wheel accessible I believe, and fantastic for people watching. Of course I will return but I think that in this case it is best to stick with what you know. For breakfast and pub food, especially after a night at Crews and Tango or Zippers, The Village Rainbow has a good thing going, shine on!

Where: The Rainbow Village
Where: 477 Church St.
Phone: 416.961.0616
Price: Approx $30 for two
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri: 10:30 a.m.-2 a.m., Sat-Sun: 9:30 a.m.-2 a.m.
TTC: Go to College St and walk or take streetcar to Church and walk north.
Parking: P parking across from Wellesley St.
Why: Good breakfast and pub food.

Rating: 3/4

Looking for a quick breakfast to fit into a busy day, my partner Kara and I headed down to Church and Carlton to Daybreak. With a proud rooster as their logo it seems supremely appropriate for Daybreak to be known as the great breakfast nook located across from Zippers. Once inside the homey, sunrise-coloured restaurant, we were ushered to a large pine table that gave the feeling we were tucking in for a meal in a big kitchen. Since I’ve already enjoyed their satisfying all-day-breakfasts, I set my sights on something different.

There were many choices on the ample menu, but when I saw the frittatas I knew what I wanted! Daybreak offers a selection of them, ranging from $8.50 to $10.25, the latter applying to the new Montrèal smoked meat and Swiss cheese frittata, which sounded decadent. Despite this temptation, I ended up deciding on the Junkyard, boasting a heavy trunk load of items including mushrooms, peppers, onions, hash browns, smoked turkey and cheese, for $8.95. I also ordered a side of farmers sausage, but the helpful waitress cautioned me on the size of the meal, which came with two large pancakes and your choice of toast. I recounted gratefully and later was very glad I did.

As for the rest of the menu, Daybreak offers a number of other items such as pancakes, waffles, crepes, sandwiches and enormous salads. Kara decided on the pancakes, the extra large order for $10 or $11, with strawberries. You can choose to order your pancakes with bananas, blueberries, or seasonal fruit for only a dollar extra. For an extra two, you can top them with chocolate chips or pecans. There were also two types of maple syrup for Kara to choose from, one regular and one cinnamon. She finished her meal with an order of farmers sausage.

I expected a traditional frittata in a casserole dish, similar to a quiche. Instead, I was presented with a very large, open-faced omelet smothered in a thick layer of Swiss and cheddar cheese, in addition to the small pancakes and toast. The cheese made the egg dish very decadent, the vegetables were perfectly cooked and the turkey was a subtle addition. However, what really did it for me was the soft, yet crispy hash browns. It made it a very hearty, stick-to-your-ribs type of meal with a lovely texture.

The pancakes were not so wonderful though. They were light, but had an oily aftertaste, which made us wonder if they were made from a box, but only the chef would know. Kara and I both enjoyed the cinnamon syrup. The strawberries with whip cream were good, but freezer thawed. The sausage was excellent with a wonderful combination of garlic and peppercorn. Eggs are definitely their specialty, so an order of any type of eggs with sausage is sure to kill the most wicked greasy spoon craving.

Overall we were very satisfied after the meal, which only came to $29.52. Kara and I definitely plan on returning, and she is looking forward to having her own Junkyard when we do. When we spoke with the waitress, she informed us that they normally have a pride flag flying, which is currently not up due to technical difficulties. She was sure, however, that there would soon be one on the door. Not that its needed one, there is a wonderful array of gay and lesbian couples that frequent their restaurant. Daybreak is also washroom accessible and located just east of Church on Carlton right in gay town. At three flags strong, go soon and with a big appetite!

What: Daybreak
Where: 399 Church
Phone: 416.598.0004
Parking: P parking lot north of Carlton on Church, street parking
TTC: Go to College station and walk or take streetcar one stop east
Price: Approx $30.00 for two
Why: Eggsellent egg dishes, homey atmosphere and affordable prices!

No idea what to make?

Contact me with what’s sitting around in your kitchen, and let me create you a menu. Gimme a little insight on what the date will be like, and how kitchen savvy you are.

Photo: ‘Stuffed Shells Insalata’, from my cookbook “Mission in the Kitchen” (take a peek!)

A Belgium Spiegel Tent

By Kelly Wilk

Rating: 4/4 Flags

To put this review into perspective I am a theatre student, a theatre lover, a musical lover and I have seen my fair share of shows in Toronto that have blown my mind. But as I entered The SpiegelTent’nTavern at The Harbourfront Centre, I felt like I had entered a time machine. The wooden cabaret tent (built in Belgium in the 1920s) with a velvet canopy ceiling and muted light through the stained glass windows must have had something to do with it! However it was not just the physical appearance of the theatre that made it a nostalgic experience.

Such an array of talent and performers I have never seen before; everything from cabaret, comedy to old-fashioned strip tease, aerialists and acrobats. I have adored musicals like “Gypsy” showcasing vaudeville performers and burlesque dancers, but not until now have I felt like I was actually spending an evening with Patricia the Stripper in 1924! So far I have been to the show twice and with a new combination of acts every night I am tempted to go back for more especially at a price like $25 a pop. The Spiegel Show is a four flag event without question and the queer content makes it an extra yummy treat! And worth every penny! However you don’t have to take my word for it! Due to its immense popularity The Spiegel Show has been held over twice and will now play until August 12th.

The show began with the most well dressed, debonair, triple threat of an M.C. I have ever seen. The audience was charmed to meet Mr. Brad Hampton the talented, witty, undeniably, unabashedly self proclaimed homosexual. I knew I had a good feeling about this. The Spiegelettes then entered in colourful bustiers offering the audience a delectable smorgasbord of beauty and talent, including the sassy Randy Cummings (Rob Merrifield) decked out in leather and fishnet and keeping up with the girls. Later he and Brad did a little number together called “If I Were a Man” that was so gorgeous it practically brought tears to my eyes. Victor and Victoria would have been proud, they were fantastic together and Brad had a voice straight off Broadway.

There were so many cheeky, sexy and downright hilarious numbers it will be hard to name them all, so I will briefly mention my favorites. One of these was the musical stripping of Stephanie Bickford a.k.a Miss Honey B. Hind another member the Skin Tight Outta Sight Rebel Burlesque Team I was introduced to last June a Labido. Another favorite was Terra Hazelton who we were told was a standard in the Toronto Jazz scene, and I believe it. She may not have removed a stitch of clothing (not that I would have minded) but she didn’t need to. She had the audience wildly applauding for one phenomenal voice. Got to www.terrahazelton.com and pick up her C.D. you will not be disappointed!

Bryce Kulak also had one powerful set of pipes. The first time I saw him he was charming and had a beautiful voice and since then has grown much sassier. Obviously the SpiegelTent’nTavern must do something to you as he progressed from performing behind a piano to strutting his stuff on stage and dropping his pants for a brief glimpse of butt…bad boy. Another favorite was Mina LaFleur who must have stepped right off a pin up. Her carefully choreographed, dramatic style paired with her vintage costumes made for one highly evocative not to mention beautiful strip. I also quite enjoyed the erotic fan dance a la Spiegelettes from the sexy pouts right down to the pink bush!

The SpiegelTent’nTavern was also overflowing with amazing physical performances made to look easy and utterly graceful. Once such performer was Jen Georgopoulos wrapping herself like a spider in silk above the heads of the sighing audience. Aygul Memet and Gulnar Wayit of the Toronto Zero Gravity Circus offered nail-biting number with candelabras and a God gifted sense of balance. Never before has my jaw actually dropped open before I could stop it. You will have to see this one to believe it kids!

As for the comedy my abs got an incredible workout. It was a treat to see some wonderful comedy stylings. Decked out in one very tight pair of lederhosen Peter Oldring’s “entirely factual” history lesson left me clutching my stomach. Joe Cobden, 15-year veteran vaudevillian, immensely entertained us with a box throwing display (no girls we’re not THAT lucky). Then there was the truly unique version of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” thanks to Dmitry Chepovetsky.

To top it off were some sexy candy butchers, an on premise bar, a “heckle back” option provided by proud sponsor Fido and an outdoor patio. A tip; go early say 6pm to get your wristband and entrance number to go into the tent. First come first served and you will want a seat in the front, unless you do not want to be draped on by sultry flesh, then go for the second row or perhaps a table on the upper level. There is no washroom in the tent so visit the Harbourfront Centre before! Also the burgers on the patio leave something to be desired but try the sandwiches and perhaps they are better. All in all a fabulous night that will get your motor going. As Brad would say, see you there lovers!

What: The Spiegel Show
Where: The Harbourfront Centre 235 Queens Quay West http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/noflash/info/map.php
Parking: Public located at the Harbourfront Centre
When: Evening 8pm Thursday through Saturday
Why: Sexy dancers, talented singers, hysterical comedians and amazing performances!
Price: $25 (not including dinner)
Purchase Tickets: http://www.spiegeltent.ca/ (Check it out for more reviews and some great pics)

You roll over and smile at “Jenn”. A great girl, friend of a friend; hung out with you and your crew the night before.

Not seemingly a one-nighter; Jenn is pretty great. This could go somewhere… Or it couldn’t, you think. But you know you didn’t want to mess up the ‘morning after’.

“Forgot to mention?” You repeat.

“I’ve a daughter.” She hesitates as you digest the information. “And she spends the week with her father… And she is due any minute for our weekend together.”

There’s no animosity (after all, you met her the night before), but instead, sheer panic.

“No problem,” you recover. “I love kids! We can make a great brunch together.”

Jenn smiles, thinks your a gem, and the doorbell rings.

—————–

Okay, a little atypical. But knowing kid-friendly recipes to whip up to impress the kiddies and/or the lover is definitely a way to put smiles of faces all around. And using common pantry items make the job a little easier.

Have a “Pancake Party “, with many options for the pickiest kids.

First, assemble the variations. Ask everyone what their favourite pancakes are: put out bowls of different fruits (sliced berries, banana pieces, fruit chunks), nuts and seeds, coconut, chocolate chips, raisins and other dried fruits – anything!

Next, prepare the sauces . Sure you have pure maple syrup (or pancake syrup, if you insist), maybe some chocolate sauce, honey, peanut butter, other nut butters… Whatever you might have on hand. But try these two delicious toppings, too.

Any-Berry Sauce
In a saucepan, mix together 1/4 c. sugar or Sucanat, and about 1 1/2 tbsp. cornstarch. Slowly whisk in 1/3 c. water. Add 2 c. berries, bring to a boil, and continue to stir. Boil for about 1 minute, then reduce to a simmer for another minute or two, until thickened. Serve warm.

Ridiculously Fast & Easy Maple Applesauce
In a saucepan, mix together 3 sliced apples*, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, about 1/3 c. water, 2 tbsp. of maple syrup and a dash of maple extract. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to low, simmering ’til the apples are softened. Mash ‘em or blend it if you like them smooth.

*To slice apples, cut each one in half, remove seeds and core, then slice each half in about 10 wedges.

And then, the main event. After all, you need something delicious for all the toppings and add-ins. (You can also use this recipe in a waffle iron).

The Easiest Pancakes – thick, delicious, and egg-free (great for a baring pantry, vegans, and the allergic!)

1 c. flour (preferably one of whole-grain)
1 tbsp. sugar or sucanat
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
dash of salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 c. milk or non-dairy alternative
1/2 c. water

Mix together dry ingredients. Separately mix in wet. Stir into dry, until just mixed.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a bit of vegetable oil. Pour batter onto surface, and spread out with a spatula. Sprinkle with your desired variation (the nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, fruit, et cetera). When there are bubbles on the surface, flip it and let cook through the other side, about 2 more minutes.

Repeat with any variations if desired! Then top with the variety of sauces.

Having a new pancake every time is a delicious way to entertain kids. Get them to help putting in their topping of choice.

And finally…

Refreshing Lemonade (with ideas!)
Mix together 1 1/2 c. fresh squeezed lemon juice, 7 c. cold water, and 3/4-1 c. sugar (depending on desired sweetness) until sugar is dissolved.

Or try:
1. Use club soda or sparkling water instead of water for a fizzy treat.
2. Add berries for a tasty, floating bite!
3. Puree in some fresh watermelon, for something new and different.
4. Use limes instead – or half and half with lemons.
5. For an ‘adult’ treat, add some sparkling wine.

But really, my favourite compliment to a pancake breakfast is my Orange “Joo-Lius”, posted a few weeks back.

—————–

So after fun preparations and even the more fun gluttony of a fabulous pancake breakfast, the kiddies will think you’re fab, and well… Jenn will thank you accordingly.

The ambiance of the place is similar to that of a coffee pub except this place has a small patio.  There’s also large windows to let in the daylight and plenty of spaces.  If you’re going on a Sunday like we did, try to get there slightly before 11am because it gets very busy during lunch time with line ups to the door.  Yes, the food is just that great here!  Lots of in-out traffic too, but the seating is situated so that the cold air won’t get in from the outside.

This is a great spot for couples looking for a lazy Sunday morning brunch or an after movie chat.  For those who’re driving, you won’t have trouble parking and there’s a subway nearby for those who’re taking transit.

This was a great experience overall and we’d definitely come again!­

1020 Islington Avenue #14. Toronto,  Ontario M8Z 6A4

Monday 6:30AM – 8:00PM
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 6:30AM -10:00PM
Friday, Saturday 6:30AM – 11:00PM

Phone: (416) 207-9940
Fax: (416) 207-9681
Email: info@artisanobakery.com
Website: www.artisanobakery.com
Reservations: No. Generally walk-in
Parking: Yes
Atmosphere: Coffee-house setting
Private Seating for two: No, but there are booths
Dress Code: Casual
Patio: Yes.
Live Entertainment: No.
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