Will Annual Toronto Oyster Festival Make Men More Fertile for This Year’s Valentines Day…?
February 12, 2010 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Food and love have been bedfellows for centuries. But can what you eat affect your ability to conceive? Many believe oyster’s can improve your chances. This year Diana’s Seafood’s Annual Oyster Festival in celebration of the 2010 Chinese New Year falls on the day before Valentines Day. Whether you are looking to celebrate the Chinese New Year, or whether you are looking for a more romantic Valentines Day, or whether you just simply love to eat fabulously fresh oysters, you will not want to miss this palatable event.
Diana’s Seafood is shucking oyster in honour of the 2010 Chinese New Year. They have a large Chinese clientele who are huge seafood lovers (especially oysters).
As well as being the Chinese New Year (Year of the Tiger), it just so happens to be Valentines weekend, the celebration of lovers. Oysters being viewed as a stimulant to fertility, this festival could not have come at a better time.
When Chris Pipergias (General Manager of Diana’s Seafood) was ask about the fertility of oysters he said:
“Oysters stimulate the libido. The reason is not due to any magical powers, but rather to its abundant amount of zinc. Adequate zinc is critical for maintaining a healthy libido in men. But we don’t shuck oysters for that reason; we do it because its fun and they taste soooo good!”
Diana’s Seafood’s Oyster Festival is SAT FEB 13TH 2010 from 11am to 6pm at Diana’s Seafood Store located at 2101 Lawrence Ave East in Scarborough, ON. You can’t miss the building because it’s shaped like a big boat! It will be a family event, they will be shucking FANNY BOY Oysters (8 for $10) while supplies last. There will be many prizes to be won; even a trip to Hong Kong is being raffled off.
Whether you are looking to increase your fertility or bring in the Chinese New Year or something fun to do for Valentines Day, Dianas Seafood’s Oyster Festival will be one tasty event you will not want to miss!
About Diana’s Seafood
Diana’s Seafood is a Toronto family business. The family has been in the seafood business for over 40 years. Its wholesale distribution centre caters daily to the varied needs of many of Toronto’s best hotels and restaurants. Open seven days a week, Diana’s is already among Toronto’s best seafood emporia, bringing in fish from all over the world. Fish are cleaned while you wait, lobsters and octopus steamed to order, and there always seem to be a couple of special bargains to make the jaw drop. Lets not forget the massive selection of oysters from around the world which is over whelming.
You can find Diana’s Seafood at:
2101 Lawrence Ave East
Toronto, ON
M1P 2R2
(416) 288-9286
Bata Shoe Museum
July 3, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
The Bata Shoe Museum is a really great place to check out ( I should know I had my wedding reception there). That’s how much me and beloved wife love shoes. 
Here are a few cool Bata Shoe Museum Events you may want to take in this summer.
Bata After Hours
July 15, 2009 – Till 10 at the basebment (7pm – 10pm)
Experience the hip and funky side of the Bata Shoe Museum “after hours”. We are staying open late for an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a special surprise performance. Check out the galleries, relax on our patio and take in some culture! Pay what you can.
Paint-A-Clog Sundays
Get creative with paint! Weekend activities are perfect for families with children ages 3 – 9. Included in general museum admission. Additional $1 per clog.
Guided tours take place on the first Friday of every month.
For more information or to register for events visit www.batashoemuseum.ca
LOCATION: 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto
Toronto’s Corso Italia Festival
July 3, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
If you are in Toronto this weekend you may want to check this free festival: The 12th Annual Corso Italia Festival.
The Corso Italia BIA is proud to present this years event with over 30 bands including Brazen Angelz, Josephine Biundo, Daniel Panetta, Dr. Draw, David Rotundo Band featuring Enrico Crivellaro and Ache – performing live on street corners, patios and balconies. The fiesta offers such a diverse line-up from classical to international rhythms.
Dates: July 4, 2009 to July 5, 2009
Location: St. Clair Avenue West from Westmount to Lansdowne
2009 Toronto Jazz Festival
July 3, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Toronto’s Jazz Festival is wicked time to get out and get your jive on to the sounds of jazz in the open air. This is the 23rd edition of the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival, running from June 26 – July 5, 2009. Be a part of the action as more than 1,500 musicians, performing in over 350 concerts, descend upon Toronto for the city’s largest music festival. Get jazzed this summer!
There are so many great and talented artists this year like Tony Bennett, Sonny Rollins, Jamie Cullum, Melody Gardot, Kool & The Gang and Room Eleven!
For more information and a complete Festival schedule, please visit www.torontojazz.com.
Toronto Must See Destinations
June 19, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Toronto is lucky to have a multicultural explosion right at their fingertips! Visit cultural areas such as Greek-town, where the party is always in full swing, to Little Italia, Corso Italia, 3 Chinatowns, Korea Town, Little India, Portugal village and more. Explore Jewish, Russian, Ukrainian, and Somalian culture, food, art and fashion in the ethnic communities they settle in. Experience the true meaning of Canada’s multiculturalism right in the heart of Toronto.
On top of the cultural diversity that Toronto has, there are plenty of fun, creative and special spots of interest to visit:
- The Financial District: A great spot for seeing amazing skyscrapers but also for the underground world it houses. Take a walk in the 6 mile underground mall and shop, eat or get a manicure- everything is available in the underground concourse!
- The Downtown Entertainment District: The home of all the trendy, chic clubs, bars and nightlife.
- Queen Street West: Check this shopping street out if you have hip, eclectic taste, you won’t be disappointed.
- The Gay and Lesbian Village: Where Toronto’s gay and lesbian community meet, offering stores, patios, cafes, and restaurants for all.
- The Fashion District: A shopping mecca for designer clothes at outlet prices with a backdrop of 19th century factories converted into chic lofts.
- Harbourfront: A wide range of activities to capture your attention ranging from boat cruises to music or theater performances, shopping and eating.
- Rosedale and Forrest Hill: Two ritzy communities that have incredible homes and properties set against a park background. Beautiful to drive through or walk through.
- Cabbagetown: This pocket of Toronto was a middle class area that now has some of the most impressive classic Victorian homes in the area.
- The Distillery District: Classic Victorian architecture in an industrial setting this distillery area has been around since 1832. Visit the stores, galleries, studios, bars, cafes, and much more in this lively, upbeat pocket of Toronto.
- The Beaches: A favourite of many Torontonians, the Beaches offers sports, parks, trails and shops. Often called the Toronto version of California beach life!
Main Attractions
Being a pretty young city, Toronto has a good mix of architecture and design including:
- The Skydome is a unique sports and music stadium with a retractable roof for off weather days.
- The CN Tower is a free standing structure that rises 553m straight up! An amazing piece of architecture and world famous building.
- Historic Fort York is a neat experience taking you back to the War of 1812. It is considered the birthplace of Toronto.
- For Romanesque type architecture take a look at Old City Hall.
- Visit the University of Toronto’s campus, the largest university in Canada.
- Casa Loma is a beautiful medieval castle from the 1920s designed by a Canadian named Sir Henry Pellat.
- Queen’s Park is a Romanesque style government building.
Theater, Music, Museums
Toronto has a very talented and creative theater community. Enjoy broadway musicals, local productions, international visiting shows and classical musical events. A few of the best theatre venues are the Royal Alexandra theater, Princess of Whales, the Elgin, Hummingbird Center, and Royal Thompson Hall (and so many more). A full list and details can be found at www.showmetoronto.com/toronto_theatres.htm).
- ROM (Royal Ontario Museum)
- AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario
- Bata Shoe Museum
- The Hockey Hall of Fame
- The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art
- The Bay of Spirits Gallery
- Black Creek Pioneer Village
- Holocaust Centre of Toronto
- The Ontario Science Centre
Markets and Shopping
- St Lawrence Market: A fun shopping experience in a farmer’s market where freshness and high quality products are demanded.
- Kensington Market: A busy and fun market with surprises at every stop. Check out all the stores for specialty items.
- Eaton’s Centre: The best known shopping mall in Toronto, jam packed with 285 retail stores.
- Yorkville: A popular stop for an fashionsita, this area is full of upscale shops and spas and restaurants.
69 Reasons to Buy Vintage
February 16, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Hand picked vintage gold by owner Kealan Sullivan, could be one way of describing what one may expect to find upon entering Queen West’s 69 Vintage. This store hosts a large selection of very reasonably priced clothing for both genders, everything from some fierce women’s shoes to amazing men’s leather jackets and all stops in between. Also some spectacular re-tooled items that give the best of both the modern and retro perspective of style with accessories to boot. Who says that all your vintage fun, needs to be exclusive to Kensington Market?
69 Vintage | 1100 Queen St. W. | (416) 516-0669
Hours: Mon–Sat 12-7, Sun 12–5
A New Must “Shop” Boutique on Queen West
January 20, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Are You A Hunter or Gatherer?
When my dear friend (and sometime domino adversary) Daniela Bosco told me that she was finally committed to opening her own store, I felt an air of distinction waft over our city’s retail landscape.
Daniela is a 10-year industry veteran and self-proclaimed “style junkie.” She has maneuvered throughout the vast spectrum of our city’s fashion environment as a wardrobe stylist, line agent, retail manager and all round fierce individual. It was no mystery why she felt compelled to explore the adventurous next step of becoming an entrepreneur and visionary.
Ladies and gentlemen, allow let me introduce to one and all, Toronto’s own “Private Hunting Ground”– Chasse Gardée.
Finally a boutique for those who have a very clear idea of their own personal sense of style. Chasse Gardée is found in the Queen St. West & Dovercourt area, one of Toronto’s up-and-coming trendy neighbourhoods.
This boutique’s aesthetic could be described as a textural backdrop with a rustic sensibility. The inviting and unpretentious setting blends both modern and minimal sensibilities with classic poise. Daniela explained to me that it was important for her that the store’s interior complimented the spirit of its Queen St. West location.
I would have to agree that its atmosphere certainly reflects the creative verve of the area, while perfectly showcasing Daniela’s superb eye for merchandise. You will be amazed at the selection of shoes, handbags and accessories.
Chasse Gardée hosts such hard-to-come-by labels as Slow and Steady Wins the Race, Finsk and Grey Ant, to just name a few. As well, be on the lookout for the arrival of Swedish Hasbeens, Belstaff, Tiger of Sweden, Tashkent by Cheyanne among others.
This is definitely the boutique for those who seek out unique designer brands typically exclusive to a Yorkville-esque locale but now conveniently available on trendy Queen St. West. Currently Chasse Gardée only carries lines for women, but Daneila has assured me that her “spring/summer” collection will also have lines for Toronto’s cutting-edge men. It can’t be ALL about the ladies, right?
A “must shop” spot when it comes to Toronto shopping!
Chasse Gardée | 1084 Queen St. W. | 416-901-9613
Hours: Mon–Fri 11–7, Sat 11–6, Sun (Closed) – Winter hours
Mon–Wed 11–7, Fri–Sat 11–8, Sun 12–6 – Summer Hours (After March)
Decibel
January 17, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Considered one of Toronto’s best-kept little secrets, this boutique offers some of the most fashion-forward men’s lines in the city. Its modest store front is almost completely unnoticeable–those not in the “know” could very easily miss it.
Don’t let its size fool you. This Queen West nook houses some great local and international designers. You will love the innovative men’s accessories. This is a definite stop for the man who wants that “mature aesthetic with an urban edge.”
Decibel | 200 Queen St. W. | (416) 506-9648
Hours: Mon–Thurs 11–7, Fri 11–8, Sat 11–7, Sun 12 – 6
Does “Got Style” Truly Have Style…?
January 17, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Gentlemen this store serves as example that when it comes to shopping, women do not have all the fun. As implied in the name, this is the boutique for the man that has truly got a strong sense of their own personal fashion. What can I say? With lines such as Tiger of Sweden, House of Howe, Bustle (just to name a few). Plus, custom tailored suits and shirts. And, a pampering lounge for that man who needs a bit of extra attention. I would say? It is pretty hard to go unnoticed once you’ve done yourself a favor and pay Got Style a visit. Can’t we all use a little more style in our lives?
Got Style | 489 King St. W. | (416) 260-9696
Hours: Mon–Wed 11–7, Thurs–Fri 11–9, Sat 11– 7, Sun 12 – 5
Want Boutique
January 17, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
This is a store for the woman that desires a bit of flare in her everyday wardrobe. Want Boutique carries such exciting lines as Ben Sherman, Bailey, David Khan Nikki and many others. As its high reputation would suggest it will not disappoint. With price points for all income brackets and multiple locations, you’ll definitely be able to find that “special little something” for any occasion.
Want Boutique | 1454 Yonge St. | (416) 256-9268
Hours: Mon–Fri 10–7, Sat 10–6, Sun 12–5
The StyleXchange
January 17, 2009 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
Originating in our sometime-rival Canadian city of Montreal, The StyleXchange is a welcomed addition to Toronto’s retail playing field. This urban retailer carries a bevy of recognizable high end street wear brands. And they house the best denim on the Yonge Street strip. Lines such as Diesel, Energie, Miss. Sixty, G-Star (just for starters) dominate its sales floor. This popular chain has certainly provided proof that Montreal and Toronto can get along.
The StyleXchange | 181 Yonge St. | 416-214-0111
Hours: Mon–Fri 10-9, Sat 10-8, Sun 11 – 6
Toronto’s Top 10 Shoe Stores
December 22, 2008 by Logan Steele · Leave a Comment
10. Sydney’s – I know, I know, this store barely carries any shoes. But, men take notice. This little boutique may not have a huge shoe selection, but what they do carry is unbelievable. From Rokin, F-Troupe to Opening Ceremony, Sydney’s has taken the time to make sure every shoe that hits its floor is worthy of its clientele. When it’s time to complete that outfit, fellows, consider yourself informed.
- 795 Queen St. W. (at Manning Ave.)
- 416-603-3369
- Hours: Mon. – Wed. 12 – 7, Thurs. – Fri. 12 – 8, Sat. 12 – 7, Sun. 12 – 6
9. Get Outside – This spot is seen by many in the city’s core as the go-to, all-purpose shoe store. This veteran retailer literally has something for every taste. Clark’s, Vans, Tretorn, Hunter, Ked’s… It’s all here and at some of the best prices in town. The staff are very well informed and will help you suit up for any occasion. The store’s doors seem to never close; it feels like it’s always there when you need it. Pay them a visit.
- 437 Queen St. W.
- 416-593-559
8. Balisi – This is great example of a store that has achieved both success and recognition, yet has not stopped providing its customers with what gained it popularity in the first place: just some really cool ass merchandise, and great shoes for both men and women. The price points are decent, nothing too outrageous. It is about what you’d expect to pay. I recommend a drop in.
- 668 College St.
- 416-532-1074
- Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 10 – 9, Fri. – Sat. 10 – 10, Sun. 11 – 7
- 711 Queen St. W.
- 416-203-2388
- Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 11 – 9, Fri. – Sat. 10 – 9, Sun. 11 – 7
7. Heelboy- I fell in love with this little store about four years ago. Besides their having an amazing buying eye and great women’s shoes and accessories, what impressed me most about Heelboy was that, even though their men’s section is considerably smaller than the women’s, I still found the selection varied and concise. At the time, I didn’t think there was a single pair of shoes in stock that I would not have worn. Great store with a lot of great product.
- 682 Queen St. W. (at Euclid Ave.)
- 416-362-4335
- Hours: Mon. – Wed. 10 – 8, Thurs. – Fri. 10 – 9, Sat. 10 – 7, Sun. 12 – 6
6. Speechio – A tiny store with some big names. This thousand foot space harbours some of the most exciting and edge driven labels for a woman’s wardrobe. An amazing and daring buying eye has propelled this boutique into the spotlight; it definitely deserves a visit. Always very cool to see what they have in store. By the way: check out a label there by the name of Steven. I think you might like it.
- 1240 Bay St. ( at Cumberland)
- 416-961-7989
- Hours: Mon. – Wed. 10:30 – 6:30, Thurs. – Fri. 10:30 – 8, Sat. 10 – 6, Sun. 12 – 6
5. Brown’s / B2 – Now, depending on which of the many city-wide locations you go to, you can see everything from Puma and Lacoste to Prada and Dolce & Gabbana. And this is the exact reason they make my Top 10 List. Brown’s seems to always be re-inventing itself, choosing each store’s stock based on the store’s location. For example: the Queen West store may not carry all the high-end labels seen at its Hazelton Lanes counterpart; its product line is a lot edgier and better suited to its urban environment. However, just because a particular shoe is not at your location of choice does not mean they won’t have it shipped over. An amazing franchise that never disappoints.
www.brownsshoes.com – For a location near you.
4. David’s – This is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, shoe stores in the city. For over 55 years David’s has provided Torontonians with undeniable foot fashion. And its present-day line-up is no exception–David’s is still at the top of its game. You can find all the top designers on its sale floor: Christian Louis Batton, Paul Smith and Chie Mihara, among others. The sales staff aren’t always the most accommadating, but their product demands attention nevertheless. This is the store for those who have a little more to spend.
- 66 Bloor St W
- 920-1000
- Hours: Mon. – Wed. 9:30 – 7, Thurs. – Fri. 9:30 – 8, Sat. 9:30 – 7, Sun. 12 -6
3. Holt Renfrew – What can I say, it’s Holt Renfrew! Every possible designer label you can think of–plus some you may not have known existed. Its all here. Now, I know you’re thinking “this is not exactly within everyone’s price bracket,” and you’re completely correct. However, no one can deny how amazingly well-stocked they always seem to be. This is where you go to buy footwear for a real special occasion. The kind of occasion where you want to leave a lasting impression. And, for those of you lucky enough (financially speaking) to be able to shop there at will, more power to you. But everyone should find themselves inside at least once or twice in their lifetime. Live a little!
- Bloor St.
- 50 Bloor St. W.
- 416-922-2333
- Hours: Mon. – Wed. 10 – 6, Thurs. – Fri. 10 – 8, Sat. 10 – 7, Sun. 12 – 6
2. Goodfoot – This is without a doubt a store for the collectors. Those of you out there who are not merely satisfied with the run-of-the-mill selection available to the average “Joe Shmoe” buyer. The die hard sneaker-head that houses their shoes in their original box and returns them to said place after each and every wear. The ones whose heart-rates quicken at the words “dead stock” and won’t rest until their shoes of choice are laced tightly to their feet. This is the spot for you. Get on the Goodfoot.
- 431 Richmond St. W. (Location 1)
- 416-364-0734
- Hours: Mon. -Sat. 11-7, Sun. 12 – 6
- 1200 Bay St (Location 2)
- (647) 430-58
- Hours: Mon. -Sat. 11 -7, Sun./Hol. 12 -6
1. C Squared – Whether your tastes are boots, pumps, sneakers or all things in between, this is the place with it all. Very cool and fashion-forward selection, their shoe inventory seems almost endless, for both men and women. It is usually rare to find a spot that both sexes can find themselves lost in and this is the reason C Squared appears at the top of my list.
- 365 Queen St. W. (at Peter St.)
- 416-595-5606
- Hours: Mon. – Wed. 10 – 8, Thurs. – Fri. 10 – 9, Sat. 10 – 8, Sun. 10 – 7
Honourable Mentions
This city has such a vast variety of diverse retailers that I didn’t feel it was fair to merely name ten of them. So here are ten other great stores that carry some amazing shoes that I think you should also check out:
Stolen Riches
- 734 Queen St. W. ( at Niagra St.)
- 647-428-7497
- Hours: Mon. – Sat. 11 – 7, Sun. 12 – 6
Next Door
- 433 Queen St. W. (at Spadina)
- 416-593-6267
- Hours: Mon. – Wed. 11 – 7, Thurs. – Fri. 11 – 8, Sat. 11 – 7, Sun. 12 – 6
Lavish & Squalor
- 253 Queen St. W.
- 416-599-4779
- Hours: Mon. – Fri. 11:30 – 8:30, Sat. 11 – 8:30, Sun. 11 – 8
Livestock
- G1 – 116 Spadina Ave.
- 416-360-5483
- Hours: Mon. – Sat. 11 – 8, Sun. 12 – 6
Got Style
- 489 King St. W. (at Brant St.)
- 416-260-9696
- Hours: Mon. -Wed. 11 – 7, Thurs. – Fri. 11 – 9, Sat. 11 – 7, Sun. 12 – 5
Plum Shoes
- 29 Bellair St., Suite 107
- 416-964-6404
Capsule
- 69 Yorkville Ave. #104
- 416.926.1845
TNT
- 87 Avenue Rd., Hazelton Lanes
- 416-975-1810
- Hours: Mon. -Wed. 10-6, Thurs. 10 – 7, Fri. – Sat. 10 – 6, Sun. 12 – 5
TNT Blu
- 87 Avenue Rd., Hazelton Lanes
- 416-972-1593
- Hours: Mon. – Wed. 10 – 6, Thurs. 10 – 7, Fri. -Sa t. 10 – 6, Sun. 12 – 5
Zola Shoes
- 1726 Avenue Rd.
- 416-783-8688
- Hours: Mon. – Wed. 10 – 6, Thurs. 10 – 8, Fri. – Sat. 10 – 6, Sun. 12 – 5
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