Hey guys,
I had to get rid of my old layout (sad day..) because, for some reason, the comments weren't working - i.e.: nobody could leave comments! Unfortunately, I am a total tech newbie, so I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to fixing html codes. Looks like I need a tech tutor.
Anyone care to lend a helping hand?
StheF
Layout :(
Third Tuesday Toronto Meetup
Last Tuesday, I went to an event hosted by a meetup group called Third Tuesday Toronto with Max and my mom, Deborah, at the Berkeley Church on Queen East at Berkeley (@ 315 Queen St East).
Every third Tuesday, a group of social media and PR people meet up to hear a speaker and discuss current social media topics. This event is organized through the website, MeetUp, and hosted by social media guru, Joseph Thornley, CEO of Thornley Fallis Communications, 76design and Chair of the Canadian Council of Public Relations Firms (CCPRF).
Last week's speaker was Nora Young, a host on a CBC Radio 1 show called Spark (former host of Definitely Not the Opera), which discusses technology, trends, fresh ideas & culture and the ethics of how to use social networks/media.
It was so hot, even my camera wouldn't focus! 
At the end of her presentation, there was a Q&A period, where people in the audience of approximately 100 or so asked Nora challenging questions about radio versus television, comment moderation policies, joining a social media community, if people she had interviewed actually joined in on the discussions on the blog, whether or not she has done Twitter or blogging workshops, creating a Twitter following and so on.
Out of the estimated 100 plus people in attendance at this event, there were a few names I recognized on name tags from Twitter, the PR world and blogs: Terry Fallis, Martin Waxman, Eden Spodek, Dave Fleet, to name a few.
I'm not entirely sure whether or not I'll be attending any future Third Tuesday Toronto events, as I'm not sure it really pertains to me (not to mention, I was most definitely the youngest one there! What is with all the geeky, dweeby, dorky, nerdy, older people in social media? You don't have to be a techy with pocket protectors to enjoy social media, do you?). Maybe it was just this speaker, as I'm not really all that interested in podcasting and radio, combined with the insane heat in the Berkeley...For those of you that are interested in attending these events, create an account at MeetUp, join the Third Tuesday Toronto group and you will get up-to-date info about future events.
The next event is on Tuesday, July 7 at 6.00pm at the Berkeley Church, featuring Bob Pearson, Dell's former Vice President of Communications and Conversations, now President of the Social Media Business Council.
Looks interesting, maybe I'll see you there!
StheF
Take Me Out To The Ball Game
Last week, the weather was gorgeous. The sun was shining, people were out walking around, there was not a cloud in the sky! So we decided to go for a little, relaxing drive. Soon enough, we found ourselves around Union Station, watching tourists struggle with their giant maps of the GTA, taxis crawling in and out of traffic, TFC jersey-clad soccer fans and of course, Toronto baseball fans decked out in Blue Jays attire.
Can you tell which Harvey's this is? I'll give you a hint, it's on Jarvis and ladies of the night hang around here...
I got a little camera-happy on our drive downtown. I was taking pictures of everything and trying to be all artsy - epic fail.
As we drove down Jarvis, we were stopped at a red light right beside this car. The dog seemed to be staring me down the entire time. Despite the semi-creepiness of it, the dog was so cute! So I took a picture of my new compadre.As I was saying before, we made our way down to Union station, where we spontaneously decided to buy some tickets to the Toronto Blue Jays vs. Cincinnati Reds game from a scalper. We bought two tickets for a total of $15.00 for the 500 level (aka: nose-bleed section).
Through the Skywalk, we took some pretty touristy pictures... It was hilarious because actual tourists were staring at us like we were absolute lunatics. We had fun, nonetheless.
We finally made it to the Skydome - where the roof was open! We went in through gate 6 so that we could easily make our way up to the 500 level, but decided to stick around on the 100 level for a bit. Then music started playing and all the ushers walked down the stairs to the front of the field, so Hamir and I took this opportunity to sneak down into the 100 level section - into GREAT seats, might I add!
After eating some delicious ball game hot dogs and sipping on some Coors Light, the Jays trumped the Reds 8-2 and we headed home. Great game, great day, great weather, great company!
StheF
You Can Only Live For So Long: A Tribute
On Thursday, June 25, 2009, you and I woke up, just like any other day.
Reluctantly rose out of bed, groggily meandered to the bathroom, brushed our pearly whites, slumped back into bed, grappling for a few more hours' sleep, which, naturally, lasted all of a few minutes... But most importantly, we unknowingly cherished yet another day of life.
Others, however, were not as fortunate as you and me.
As I'm sure most of you have been made aware, maybe not by choice, by the constant stream of media throughout the day, the world has lost two fabulously talented stars: Charlie's Angel and sex icon of the 1970s, Farrah Fawcett and the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. These two people have touched the lives of many and captivated the masses.
Known for her stunning good looks, feathered hair and incomparable zest for life, Farrah Fawcett, after being diagnosed three years ago with cancer, regrettably lost the fight at age 62.
Michael Jackson was a man of unparalled dance moves, a dominant figure in pop culture and an incredibly accomplished entertainer who grievously and unexpectedly suffered from a fatal heart attack at the age of 50, leaving behind an unbelievable legacy.
Though I cannot say that I was either of the superstars' biggest fan, I felt I had to write something. I'm not even sure I know what exactly to write, but hearing about these two deaths today hit something inside of me.
It may be entirely cliché to say that I have been encouraged to appreciate that life is a privilege, not a gift and we must embrace each given day, but it could not be more true. You never know... The following day could be your turn to leave your legacy behind.
Today is yours! What will you make of it?
Year One
The other night, I went to go see the much-anticipated movie, Year One, starring Jack Black and Canadian actor, Michael Cera.
I had been waiting to see this movie for a while and finally went this week at the Scotia Bank Theatre on Richmond. The trailer for this movie was absolutely hilarious, much like the film itself.
Zed (Jack Black) and Oh (Michael Cera) are banished from their primitive Hunter-Gatherer village and together, set off on a hysterical journey through ancient times.
I found myself laughing out loud during several moments in the funny flick. This is certainly not a movie of much substance, but definitely a must-see movie if you are fans of either actor. Paul Rudd and other well-known stars make uncredited cameos, so you will be kept constantly entertained.
I recommend seeing this movie with a few friends who enjoy silly, obvious jokes, but if you don't make it out to this movie in theatres, that's okay. It may make a better rental for home viewing.
The Proposal
Tonight, Jessie and I went to see The Proposal, starring Ryan Reynolds (Van Wilder, The Amityville Horror) as Andrew Paxton, an aspiring book editor/executive assistant to Sandra Bullock (Miss Congeniality, Speed) as Margaret Tate, a total bitch boss from hell.
Margaret is about to be deported to Canada, but decides to blackmail her executive assistant, Andrew, into marrying her so that she can stay in the States and keep her job as head-hauncho at the editing company.
I did not necessarily have high hopes for this movie initially, but had heard some good reviews from friends. I could classify this film as a chick flick, or well-rounded comedy - both genres come together to create this absolutely hysterical, feel good movie of the summer for everyone. The humour is witty, dry and sarcastic - just the way I like it - with a hilarious, entertaining and totally original story line to keep the audience laughing at/with and feeling for every character in the movie.
Even if you are not a fan of chick flick movies, this movie is still for you! I very highly recommend this movie to anyone looking for a good laugh.
Two ecstatic thumbs up for The Proposal!
High School Graduation
...Not mine! My lovely cousin (basically sister - we've lived next door to each other since we were babies!) Jessie experienced an important and huge milestone in her life on Friday, June 19. She graduated grade twelve from Greenwood College School on the honour role, with her Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. She looked absolutely gorgeous in (my) pale yellow Betsey Johnson dress with small white stitched polkadots.
Sitting in Greenwood's gym, I felt a simultaneous surge of excitement, pride, nostalgia, butterflies and some sadness. Excitement for Jessie to finally be done with high school and moving on to bigger and better things; pride for being related to such an amazing girl - woman! - who graduated with amazing grades and a prominent future; nostalgia for my own high school experience; yet some sadness because, though I did graduate from high school and received my diploma, I unfortunately and sadly did not attend my graduation ceremony.
Watching Jessie sitting up on that stage, my emotions were at an all-time high. Thankfully, before the ceremony commenced, a woman walked around with a cardboard box full of kleenex packages - I used a full pack!
The ceremony was incredibly long - we were there from 2.30pm - 5.30pm (holy cow), but every chance I got, the waterworks would turn on like a switch. As Jessie walked to the left of the stage, getting ready to have her name called, on cue, I burst into tears (not quietly, embarrassingly enough!).
And then her name was called. My mom and I let out some woop's and woo-hoo's while the tears poured out of my eyes. I couldn't help it. I didn't even get to hear what her advisor had to say about her because my sobs were more or less drowning him out!
Here's to the next chapter!
StheF
StheF
Pallucci
This past Friday, June 19, my cousin (may as well be my sister), Jessie, graduated high school at Greenwood College School. Before the ceremony, our family, as well as Jessie's friend and her mother, went for lunch at Pallucci, a small restaurant just north of Davisville on the east side of Mount Pleasant @ 523 Mount Pleasant Road.
As with The Keg Mansion, I have passed by Pallucci several times, yet have never even thought to go in for a meal. It's a very narrow, subtle restaurant, mingling with other restaurants and bars along the Mt. Pleasant strip between Davisville and Eglinton. Inside, the decor is very fresh. By fresh, I mean it felt very airy, light and comfortable. There was what looked like a blue, red and steel colour scheme, with many tables lined along a bench, as well as small tables lined against the wall with blue sofa chairs (according to their website, the most popular seating choice).
When we were seated, we were promptly served with plates of sweet potato fries, with a balsamic reduction drizzle on top and a roasted garlic aiolli to dip them in:
As well as plates of the fries without the balsamic reduction drizzle, as it was a bit bitter:
Because there were so many of us (13 people), there was a pre-selected prix fixe menu that we were able to choose from. For the appetizer course, we had the option to choose from grilled calamari with sun dried tomatoes, red onion on a bed of baby arugula tossed with a warm balsamic reduction; mixed organic greens tossed with a light wild berry vinaigrette; or a gazpacho soup. I had the organic greens salad, which was really good.
Saul had the grilled calamari, which created an unmistakable fishy aroma in the air (almost sickening), but I was told it was delicious.
Charlie, being a picky salad eater (i.e.: will only eat caesar salad), ordered a caesar salad, which he (typically) devoured in seconds! But I was quick to get in a photo before he inhaled it.
Then came the main courses. We had the option of choosing from a maple glazed Atlantic salmon served with roasted potato and fresh daily vegetables; linguine a olio with black tiger shrimp, brocolli and chili peppers; veal parmigiano served with roasted potatoes and fresh daily vegetables; or gnocchi with fresh vegetable and tomato sauce. I had the gnocchi, which was totally scrumptious, but totally filling, as gnocchi normally is.
My mom and Charlie had the veal, which looked so delicious! I almost regretted my gnocchi decision - almost.
My Auntie Annie had the salmon, which also looked great and apparently tasted just as great as it looked.
As you can probably tell, I am only reporting on the meals of the people who were sitting around me. At the other end of the table, I'm sure there were different dishes being devoured.
As usual, nobody had room for the desserts: chocolate raspberry tartufo; shortbread lemon tart with blueberry coulis; or biscotti with fresh berries.
Me with Charlie, Jessie and SaulA great restaurant for a large lunch party or one-on-one quiet dinner. Reservations aren't necessary for lunch (although it was a Friday), but a good idea for dinner or large lunch party.
Party Size: 13
Price Range: $25-$35/person
Visit Again?: Yes
Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5 (Fabulous service! Totally hospitable!)
Atmosphere: 5/5
OVERALL: 5/5
StheF
The Keg Steakhouse Mansion
Sorry I've been slow on the blogging front. I've been pretty busy this week.
This past Tuesday, I went for dinner at The Keg Steakhouse Mansion, just north of Wellesley on the east side of Jarvis @ 515 Jarvis Street. After a long day of running errands, we decided to head for a nice, hearty dinner at The Keg.
I have driven by The Keg Mansion too many times to count, but I have never actually been inside. I never really thought of it as a place to drop in for a quick dinner if I was feeling peckish, but more as a tourist trap or somewhere to go for a special occasion. Needless to say, I was wrong. Inside the intimidating doors to the mansion sat an array of people from what seemed like every corner of the city in the main dining room. There were people dressed up sitting at a long table; there was a quiet couple celebrating at a small corner table; there were two thugs clinking beer bottles with one another; there were the obvious tourists, with their white knee socks, khaki shorts and fanny packs (you can't get more stereotypical than that); and then there was us, sitting at a table by the window with a perfect view of the rest of the restaurant (i.e.: perfect for people watching).
We each ordered different appetizers so we could sample a few things (the options all looked so tasty!). One friend ordered the escargots in a creamy garlic sauce. I ordered the fried calamari with an Asian-inspired roast garlic and chili sauce,
and my friend ordered the Atlantic soft-shell crab legs.
Each appetizer was delicious. We haven't had luck lately with escargots. Although they were delicious, they could have used more garlic and the sauce could have been less like a soup. The calamari was well-prepared with an abundance of flavour. The sauce the dish came with had a combination of a sweet and spicy taste. The soft-shell crab, though I only had a small taste, was savory, sweet and tasted absolutely divine with a short dip in the melted-by-way-of-candle butter dish.
For the main course, I had the Filet Mignon, wrapped in smoked applewood bacon, accompanied by roasted garlic mashed potatoes, a grilled tomato with melted cheese and a small pot of buttery garlic dip.
Now, I am normally not a steak eater, or an eater of any red meat for that matter, but I have to say that I was impressed by my filet. It was incredibly tender and The Keg's signature steak spices that the steak marinates in prior to grilling creates a memorable taste. Shobha's steak, on the otherhand, was done a little too well for her liking.
My friend had the New York Striploin, along with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and an assortment of grilled vegetables.
Our server came to clear our plates at the end of our meal and to ask us how we enjoyed our time at The Keg. I informed our server that my steak was a little too well-done than I'm used to, but everything else was great. The next thing we knew, the manager was at our table making sure we were alright, if there was anything we needed, anything she could get for us, "perhaps a dessert?" But as per usual, we were a little full for the dessert menu.
Despite our many "thank you's" and "don't worry's", our server comes to our table with a plate with three dessert samples: carrot cake, chocolate mousse, and cherry cheesecake.
Despite the little steak incident, I have to say that I would return to The Keg Steakhouse Mansion. The appetizers were great, the mains were really good and the desserts, or the small tastes we had of them, were delightful.
Party Size: 3
Price Range: $40-$50/person
Visit Again?: Yes
Food: 4.5/5
Service: 5/5
Atmosphere: 4/5 (the lighting is a little poor, but the story behind the mansion is great! ask the hostess in the front of the restaurant for some chilling stories!)
OVERALL: 5/5
Be sure to knock three times on the bathroom door to hear a ghost flush the toilet!
StheF
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