A Lot About Nothing

Yesterday was Toronto’s popular Caribana parade, the highlight of the two-week celebration that brings a huge amount of tourism and Caribbean flavour to the city.

It was a gorgeous day on Saturday (after the morning rain let up at least), so I decided to make a last minute trip and head down to see the parade. I think I spent more time on transit than I actually did at the parade itself! Getting from any of the subways stations down to the Exhibition grounds was crazy. My friend and I were lucky enough to get a seat on the way down there and on the way back (makes a huge different walking to the previous stop). The bus was packed and there was a lot of traffic on the road heading down to to the parade.

Once along the Lakeshore, we were greated by wonderful sounds of steel pans, soca music and the smell of delicious Caribbean food. There were so many people, many of which were adorned in in a flag from their retrospective Caribbean nation, in costume (I guess they got all tired out from playing mas), or wearing as little as possible/dressed to impress. What sucked though that all the ‘real’ Caribbean food was on the lake-side of the parade, and there were fences sectioning off the parade from the other side that we were on: I couldn’t find a way to get the roti I was craving! Plus my friend had to head to work, so we walked around for a bit, took some photos, grabbed the most DELIOUS, sweet-tasting corn-on-the-cob ever (which was the most ‘Caribbean’ option available over hamburgers, fries, hot dogs and cotton candy) and headed home.

All in all, it was a fun day (especially the people-watching… if only we were fashion police). I was planning to go to Olympic Island today for the Island Festival, but I think I’m too late to buy tickets. Next year I’ll make better plans though, and make sure I get there early!

The 2007 Toronto International Film Festival is underway. This used to be one of my favourite times of the year, because for seven years straight I was a volunteer with TIFF and got to see some free films, meet interesting people, and be thisclose to talented actors and actresses.

Alas, ever since I got a “real” job, I couldn’t find enough time to devote to the festival, especially since they now require all volunteers to work a minimum of four shifts. But I enjoyed it while it lasted.

Being a self-professes shop-a-holic, I obviously ran out of funds to purchase advance ticket packages. I didn’t realize that tickets were almost $20 a pop! Regardless, I am going to have to fork over some cash to buy tickets to the Midnight Madness screening of Wilson Yip’s Flash Point starring Donnie Yen (Hero, Iron Monkey).

There’s also several must-see films such as Across The Universe, Michael Clayton, Elizabeth: The Golden Age and Ang Lee’s Lust, Caution, but for me these screenings can wait several weeks until they’re publicly released in theatres for 60% of the TIFF ticket price.

Visit the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival website for a list of all films, schedules and box office info. If you don’t have the funds to watch any screenings, you could always head down to Yorkville or the Galas to catch a glimpse of your favourite celebrity.

I think Krinos Taste of the Danforth is going to be one of my ‘must-attend’ events every summer. Last night was my first time there, and I didn’t realize there would be so many people craving everything Greek at 9 o’clock in the evening!

The Danforth was PACKED. I should’ve worn my runners because I got my toes stepped on a couple times, and nearly slipped on a watermelon peel with my sandals. The food was absolutely delicious. I had a chicken gyro, some pork shiskabob, stuffed vine-leaves and some super-sweet loukoumades (honey balls) for dessert. I’m tempted to reach down there again today, but I have a family BBQ to attend.

I’m sorry that I didn’t take any photos to post, but my hands were kind of full with food.

Do you like it hot? Spicy? If yes, then you’re in for a treat this weekend at Harbourfront Centre. This week the Centre will host the Hot & Spicy Food Festival as part of it’s World Routes series of free events.

You can watch Mexican Chef Sergio Remolina Sanchez cook up a spicy meal, purchase some bottled hot pepper sauce and spices at the “Red Hot Market” or watch a demo on Indian cooking. What I’m really looking forwad to though is the 4th Annual Hot and Spicy Iron Chef Competition finals! I love spicy food, so this is an event that I can’t miss. Be sure to check out the schedule of events.

I’m seriously going to have to bring some tupperware with me this weekend.

Boy, am I ever looking forward to this weekend! Food, food and more food! Starting tomorrow until Sunday, August 12th part of Danforth Ave. will be closed to traffic and open to pedestrians who will be able to access a wide array of food, music, culture, activities and entertainment for the 14th annual Krinos Taste of the Danforth festival. Alex Alexakis, the Vice Predient of Canadian Operations stated:

The seed for this festival was planted 14 years ago when local businesses were looking for a way to attract attention to the community - there were only a few tables of food and some local musicians. Now it’s the largest Greek festival outside of Greece, attracting over one million visitors from around the world.

That’s a lot of people. Everything Greek is sure to be here, and there’s plenty to do for the entire family. I have to make sure to hit the Danforth opening day of the festival and grab some lokoumades (sooooo yummy!) I may even attempt to climb the Mount Olympus Climbing Wall. If you haven’t been to Taste, make sure you reach this weekend. Don’t forget your toga (yes, they’re even having a Dress As An Ancient Greek Relay)!