insiderstips best of summer2016

www.insiders.tips

of Summer in Toronto’s East End

July/August 2016

• Bike Cleaning• Tube replacement (if needed)• Tire change (if needed)• Additional prices may apply

Benjamin Sports389 Donlands Ave, East York, ON M4J 3S3(416) 429-0493www.benjaminsports.com

Benjamin SportsBest Value Bike Shop in Toronto’s East End

Service & Sales, Repairs, Tuneups, Parts & Accessories

Summer Bicycle Tune Up $40

Special

I’ve been several times for obscure parts that I need to repair my old road bike. Everyone was very helpful and friendly. They have a range of mountain bikes and road bikes, some apparel and accessories. Prices are good too.

Google review

Over 17 years service! Benjamin

KIDS,TEEN & ADULTS

BalletBallet on Pointe

BallroomBollywoodBurlesqueCha Cha

ContemporaryGinga

Hip HopJazzLatin

LyricalModern

NiaSalsaTango

TapZumbaand so

much more...

95 Danforth Ave @ BroadviewToronto, ON M5A 4K3

416-406-3262www.joyofdance.ca

We believe everyone can dance. No matter

what your age or ability.

Dance is our soul expressing feelings and emotions as a pathway

to true joy.

Join our family. All are welcome!

Insiders.tips will focus on the Best of Toronto’s East End. There are incredible products and services being created by local artists and artisans that we support. Buy Local!!

Studies have shown that for every dollar spent supporting a local independent, 48 cents stay in the community versus 13 cents of every dollar spent at chains. Shopping local builds community.

Next Issue September / October 2016Serving the East End of Toronto.

Patron Supporter: Medfit Rehab

Writers and Photographers: Sophia Borshevsky, Greg Barsoski, Susan Hirst, Tracey Coveart, Michael Bock

Graphic Designer: Pam Hickey

Publisher: Greg Barsoski

Website Design: TheUpsideDesign.com

Insiders.tips is the evolution of Neighbourhood Living Magazine into full digital expression after seven years celebrating the people of the East End through print.

All rights reserved info. No article or ad may be duplicated without the consent of the publisher. Neighbourhood Living makes no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to the qualification or accreditation of those whose opinions are expressed herein, or with the respect to the accuracy of completeness of information (medical or otherwise) provided to, or published in, this magazine. The views and opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of the publisher.

6 Best Music Festival: Beaches Jazz Fest

8 Ed’s Real Scoop MThompson Chocolate

9 Kew Beach Park North Pole Bakery

10 Best Romantic Place to Walk on a Moonlit Nite: Beaches Board Walk

12 Best Place to People Watch: Greektown on the Danforth

14 Best Rooftop Garden Patio: Big Carrot Lee Pet Sitting

15 Fox Theatre

16 Motorama

18 Best Party Patios

20 Jawny Baker

22 Dr. Fung

23 Healing From The Root

24 Best Biking Trail: The Waterfront trail from the Bluffs to Etobicoke

26 Best Waterfront Park for a picnic: Woodbine Beach Park

28 Best Cultural Festival: The Taste of the Danforth

30 Best Ethiopian Restaurant: Rendezvous

32 Mary Macleod

34 Susan Hirst Yoga

35 Best Sunrise: Leslieville Spit

36 Best Wilderness Park in Toronto: Leslie Street Spit

38 Mike Maclaverty

39 Best Auto care: Don Valley Auto

40 Supply & Demand insiders.tips

www.insiders.tipsJULY / AUGUST

T h e B e s t o f To r o n t o’s E a s t E n d

Taste of the DanforthAugust 5-7 on Danforth Avenue between Broadview to Donlands.

Woodbine Beach Park

www.neighbourhoodliving.com

www.insiders.tips

of Summer

in Toronto’s East End

Cover shot is from Taste of the Danforth by Sophia Borshevsky.

Music Festival: Beaches Jazz Street Fest

Takes place July 21, 22, 23 along Queen street east of Woodbine.

Ice Cream/Gelato:

Ed’s Real Scoop2 East End Locations:

2224 Queen E in the Beaches

920 Queen E in Leslieville.

Kids Party: Chocolate Making Parties by MThompson Chocolate

Enchant up to 10 party guests with a trip to M Thompson Chocolates for a hands-on chocolate-making expedition in the studio on 388 Carlaw Avenue. Staff will provide the supplies and the know-how–and partygoers get to take home their own delicious chocolate creations. It’s the perfect party experience for people of all ages, especially kids 6-12.

388 Carlaw Avenue • Call 647-922-699 • mthompsonchocolates.com

Kids Playground: Kids Castle in Kew Beach ParkInside Kew Beach Park between Queen street and the boardwalk in the Beaches, east of Woodbine.

Birthday Cake:

North Pole BakeryLight, fruit filled, with ricotta cheese. Let Lucea and the gang at North Pole Bakery create a great tasting cake for your special occasion.

Call 416-466-64351210 Danforth Ave., East of Greenwood.

Place for a moonlight walk:

The Beaches BoardwalkAnywhere along the boardwalk from Woodbine to Victoria Park is great at night, daytime, summer or winter.

One of the best things about Toronto. When ever I have out of town guests, this is where I take them and they are impressed.

Stroll on the Danforth around Logan, sit at one of the many patio restaurants having supper, feel the warm summer evening breeze and soak up the atmosphere of a great vibe. How many languages do you here : Greektown on the Danforth.

People Watching:Greektown on the Danforth Saturday Night

Service area: Main Street to Guildwoodwww.threestarpetservices.ca [email protected]

416 509 8326 Pet sitting and dog walking

I am insured and bonded

Three Star Pet Sitting Services

Roof Top Garden Patio for Lunch: Roof of the Big Carrot

A great place to relax, get some rays, have a quiet chat with friends, eat great vegetarian food from the Big Carrot kitchen or takeout from plenty of nearby restos.

The Big Carrot is located on the Danforth, just west of Chester.

Service area: Main Street to Guildwoodwww.threestarpetservices.ca [email protected]

416 509 8326 Pet sitting and dog walking

I am insured and bonded

Three Star Pet Sitting Services

Why the restaurant business? I always loved working in restaurants. Even when I had other jobs, I would help out friends and family till I got my own.

Describe the workload of the Taste?The amount of work for those three days is too much. It is tiring and yet it is so much pleasure, so much fun for my kids and grandkids. When we finished last year on August 9, by the 11, we are talking about what we did right and what we could do better this year.

What support does the BIA give?The fees vary, three years ago it was $900. The BIA said because it was so successful, they reduced the fees to $300. Hopefully next year it will be nothing.BIA sets the food prices between $1-5 per item.

What did you do right last year?I had souvlaki for the first time, I sold thousands. The weather was great. When it rains, I lose money. In 2008 it rained from the am to the night. Even the first couple years you learn how much you need. Last year I had to get extra food as I ran out by Saturday. On Sunday, Mr. Greek made me a couple thousand souvlakis. But most times food orders are consistent, so you know roughly how many thousands you need, so you can budget your food.

How much help do you need?On the average I need 18 people; servers, food rep, bbq, delivery, and volunteers as well from my customers. Kay Leslie comes here for the last six years, she was in the back peeling the corn. People volunteer because it is a lot of fun to do and be part of it. It helps to have relatives, grandkids and everyone helping out.

insiders.tips visits the Taste of The Danforth

Motorama, 862 Danforth Avenue at Jones, 416-461-6968

Any secret to success?Not really, got to be a good worker, a hard worker and have a good concept of the business. You got to love what you do and love people.

Greatest satisfaction?Making people happy from what I do, especially the family and the kids. I have parents tell me they wanted to go elsewhere but the kids want to come here. It took seven years to build the business to where it works.In 20 years there have been slow months for the restaurant. The Taste has helped a lot of us survive; pay the bills. In the first year it had 5,000 people; now it is one of the biggest events in Canada.

insiders.tips had a chat with Maria, the owner of Motorama on the Danforth about working the Taste Festival. Maria has 20 years experience running her own restaurants.

Veloute2343 Queen St. E416-696-7392The Beach’s favourite patio with great food!

Lahore Tikka House1365 Gerrard Street E • 416-406-1668Great food, people watching, tandoori ovens, crazy atmosphere.

Simone’s Caribbean Restaurant596 Danforth Ave 416-792-5252Great Caribbean dishes to enjoy and a fun relaxed atmosphere to have a good time!

Party Patios:In The East End

Jawny Bakers804 O’Connor Drive and St. Clair • 416-285-1165East York’s Favourite meeting place! Great patio beside the ravine!

Welcome to Jawny Bakers – East York’s favourite place to meet

We trust that you will enjoy whatever occasion has brought you here, whether it’s spending valued time with family or meeting friends, we want to extend some warm hospitality to you and your guests.

Our menu is eclectic and offers global fare prepared with pride and passion. The selection is diverse and aims to satisfy all tastes.

Our food is classic and prepared with a signature twist. Wherever possible, we strive to source fresh, local ingredients to prepare our addictive and tasty dishes, and partner with the most reputable suppliers.

Whether you choose a fresh market salad, a perfectly grilled prime steak or a handmade burger, there’s a lot of homemade goodness in everything we prepare. We know you will like what you see and love what you taste!

804 O’CONNOR DRIVE TORONTO ON M4B 2S9

416.285.1165 JAWNYBAKERS.COM

— S I N C E 1 9 9 2 —

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Healing from the Root (since 1998)

Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Private Practice

Julian Jones, r.Ac., r.TcMp 348 Danforth Avenue, Suite 215, carrot commoncall to arrange a consultation: 416-995-2526

The waterfront trail takes you along the waterfront, into the Leslie Street Spit, along Cherry Beach, over to Harbourfront and to Etobicoke and further.

Best Biking Trail: The Waterfront Trail from Scarboro Bluffs to Etobicoke

Waterfront Park for a picnic: Woodbine Beach Park

At the foot of Woodbine avenue and Lakeshore, lots parking, volleyball nets, great beach, restaurants, shade trees, benches: everything you need for a full day at the Beach. And the irony is that if you took Woodbine due north, you would drive into Lake Simcoe. Another great place to play in the waves.

Cultural Festival:Taste of the Danforth

The weekend of August 5-7 on Danforth Avenue between Broadview to Donlands.

| Insider’s Guide to the East Side96

Banchi Kinde, owner of Rendezvous, performing the traditional coffee ceremony with fresh roasted Ethiopean coffee.

Insider’s Guide to the East Side | 97

Saturday night at the Rendezvous Restaurant

Travel to Ethiopia and back

The first sign of a good family place is the friendly at-mosphere where guests are greet-ed like old friends

and made to feel right at home. When Banchi is in the house, everyone is family.

Banchi is from Ethiopia and wanted to run a place where her guests could eat authentic Ethiopian food. Since 2001, she has built her restaurant on the reputation of great fresh cooked food served in a friendly atmosphere.

It is intimate eating food with your hands; sharing the injera bread and sharing the great tastes of ethiopian food culture. It slows the pace of eat-ing allowing space for conversation and connection.

There is both meat and vegetarian dishes at Rendezvous.

The injera bread is gluten free and rich in minerals. The spices used are paprika, garlic, ginger, cumin, and turmeric.

There is no deep frying, no trans-fat, no preservatives, vegan dishes and coffee in the traditional way. Try the coffee ceremony seen on the opposite page.

Rendez-Vous offers courteous ser-vice that will invite you to travel to Ethiopia over and over again.

RENDEZ-VOUS1408 Danforth Avenue & Monarch Park416-469-2513www.ethiopianrendezvous.com

Insider’s Guide to the East Side | 97

Saturday night at the Rendezvous Restaurant

Travel to Ethiopia and back

The first sign of a good family place is the friendly at-mosphere where guests are greet-ed like old friends

and made to feel right at home. When Banchi is in the house, everyone is family.

Banchi is from Ethiopia and wanted to run a place where her guests could eat authentic Ethiopian food. Since 2001, she has built her restaurant on the reputation of great fresh cooked food served in a friendly atmosphere.

It is intimate eating food with your hands; sharing the injera bread and sharing the great tastes of ethiopian food culture. It slows the pace of eat-ing allowing space for conversation and connection.

There is both meat and vegetarian dishes at Rendezvous.

The injera bread is gluten free and rich in minerals. The spices used are paprika, garlic, ginger, cumin, and turmeric.

There is no deep frying, no trans-fat, no preservatives, vegan dishes and coffee in the traditional way. Try the coffee ceremony seen on the opposite page.

Rendez-Vous offers courteous ser-vice that will invite you to travel to Ethiopia over and over again.

RENDEZ-VOUS1408 Danforth Avenue & Monarch Park416-469-2513www.ethiopianrendezvous.com

Ethiopian Restaurant:

Rendezvous at Danforth & Monarch Park

At 82 years old, Mary Macleod, a petite Scottish expat with a white pixie cut and snazzy round glasses has passed the rolling pin to her daughter-in-law, Sharon, who traded corporate banking for the shortbread game. But Mary still consults at the store, and her original recipes are at the heart of operations. Here she talks about crafting the ultimate holiday cookie.

What’s your favourite holiday cookie?Plain shortbread with a petticoat tail; at New Year’s in Scotland, every house had a plate of those stacked high. Or the chocolate crunch—it’s kind of magical. It’s made with premium Belgian milk chocolate, it’s not overly sweet, and it has a really nice, buttery finish. There’s a definite crunch when you bite into it.

What makes the big holiday bake easier?Being happy! Shortbread is a difficult dough, but, when you’re happy, everything goes better and you can push it to its limits.

How do you get shortbread dough to cooperate?Don’t put it in the fridge—it doesn’t like the cold. And work it well, so it’s soft enough. Read all the labels on any extras you’re adding, to make sure they’re pure—butter is a key ingredient in shortbread, so everything needs to meet that quality. And use fine sugar. If yours is coarse, break it down in a freezer bag with a rolling pin.

What additions work well in shortbread?Candied ginger, orange or almond essence, nuts—just not peanuts. Pecans, hazelnuts or almonds are delicious.

How do you get the colour right?Bake them low and slow, at around 250ºF—the cookies should just be a little golden.

Any final tips?When you’re packing the shortbread cookies, make sure they can’t move around and keep them protected from light and oxygen. Don’t use plastic; it has absorptive properties. Glass jars or tins are best. Line the bottom of a tin with a doily, and then put a little doily on top of the cookies, so when the tin is opened, you see this lovely little thing. It’s nice to put as much into the presentation as into the dough.

insiders.tips visits with

Mary Macleod

“The cookie tins make great cottage gifts.”

Mary MacLeods Shortbread639 Queen St East Toronto • 416-461-4576 • www.marymacleod.com

photos this page by Dylan Macleod

Find your inner strength and make friends with your body

YOGA WITH SUSAN

We always encourage people to go gently when beginning a yoga practice, or for that matter, any type of physical movement practice. Give your body time to adjust to the new activity you are embarking on and with consistent practice and patience it will respond favourably. Often when people start a new physical practice they can be a little harsh with themselves if they can’t quite do some things!

As you keep working patiently, people often find that thing we call ‘self esteem’ is being gently strengthened, confidence improves, we start to have more energy, walk and stand taller and with more ‘presence’ and ‘poise’. This is just the very tip of the iceberg in the many benefits of a good yoga practice. It can be all the more powerful when combined with a few hours of weight training and fitness per week.

Join Susan at her Woodbine Yoga classes and Summer classes at Phin Park.She is also available for small group sessions or 1 on 1 sessions.Contact her at 647-927-9074 or [email protected]

Place to View the Sunrise:

Leslie Street SpitAnywhere along the boardwalk from Woodbine to Victoria Park is great at night, daytime, summer or winter.

One of the best things about Toronto.

When ever I have out of town guests, that is where I take them and they are impressed.

Wilderness Park in Toronto: Leslie Street Spit: Tommy Thompson Park

Designed in 1950 to provide breakwater for Toronto’s Outer Harbour, the Leslie Street Spit and Tommy Thompson Park is a perfect spot to forget about the noisy city and immerse yourself in nature.

More than 300 different species of birds have been identified here as well as 400 plant and 50 butterfly species.

When the park is open, no motorized vehicles or dogs are allowed and cyclists must keep their speed to a minimum so as not to disturb the wildlife.

Walking to the end of the five km spit to visit the lighthouse – and gazing out at the city rising up in the distance – is a day trip every Torontonian should experience.

(Tommy Thompson Park is open weekends and holidays: April to October, 9am-6pm; November to March, 9am-4:30pm.)

I call myself The Accidental Photographer because I never know what I have until I get it home and in the computer. My wife and I are fortunate to be able to travel quite a bit, so I’m rarely without my camera. I’ll shoot anything whether it moves or not, I don’t specialize in landscapes or people or architecture, I’m an equal opportunity photographer.

I’ve lived in the Beach for nearly 40 years and have been photographing it for over 10. I love shooting along the beach, the boardwalk, summer or winter, it’s never the same. Some days the lake can be dead calm and looks as blue as the Caribbean, others it can be as rough, cold and grey as the mid Atlantic. But never the same. My favourite shot is of the Leuty Lifeguard Station called “Morning Has Broken” taken early one day on my morning walk with my wife and friends, we walk for one hour every day. The shot was taken March 12th 2008 at 8.48 a.m.

People often think it’s a panting as they do with a lot of my work. I would often correct people, now I just say “Thank you.” Perhaps I should have been a painter. When I work on a picture on the computer I’m not sure that I consciously try to make it look like a painting but rather I just try to make it look the way I thought I saw it at the time I shot it.

I’m currently working on developing a line of coffee mugs with images of the Beach much like my line of greeting cards that are sold at a number of locations in the Beach. Pippins Tea Shop is test marketing them at the moment. As not every one has room for a large picture, this spring I will be experimenting with some smaller versions of some of my more popular photographs.

As of the 1st of May, The Outrigger and Starbucks at Hammersmith have poster copies of two series of abstract images I’ve been working on for some time.

Another thing I have been very active with for the past five years has been the F8 Group of Photographers. We all come from the Beach area and have two shows a year at the Dignam Gallery on Prince Arthur Ave. For our tenth show we are doing a retrospective and are moving to a much larger space at the Columbus Centre at the corner of Dufferin and Lawrence. We will each have a much larger space to hang big and small images without feeling crowded, plus we will be on display for the whole month of September. I know it’s not exactly in the Beach, but it’s very hard to find large gallery space in this area.

The Accidental Photographer

Michael MaclavertyTheAccidentalPhotographer.camike@theaccidentalphotographer.ca416-529-6405Home gallery visits by appointment.

George knows cars. He knows his customers. And he knows his business. He offers information, advice, coffee. He is your friendly neighbourhood mechanic: smart, sensible, generous and completely at home with oil and brake dust, making sure your car is operating at peak performance when you drive it away from his Leslieville garage. For almost 35 years George and his family have been providing their Don Valley Auto customers with a priceless commodity: value. They make sure you know what needs to be done to your car and what is done. It takes years of experience to develop the insight and

understanding necessary to identify and solve the problems that plague the complex machines we drive today, but figuring out what went wrong, how to make it right and how to keep it from happening again is what team at Don Valley Auto does best–and why some customers call George ‘the car whisperer.’

Auto Care: Don Valley Auto

Don Valley Auto • 388 Carlaw Ave • 416-465-4191

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