A Lot About Nothing

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’m never in so much anticipation for a mini donut than I am come mid-August. That’s right, The Ex is in town once again, and yours truly had the joy of heading down for the opening festivities today.

Now in it’s 129th year, the Canadian National Exhibition once again brings loads of fun, food and entertainment to the entire family. Ferris wheels, midway games and roller coasters have kicked off at the Exhibition grounds in Toronto and will be there until September 3rd (Labour Day).

With over a million visitors each year, The Ex is sure to provide a wide selection of events for everyone. My visit today consisted of a trip to the Food Building (first and foremost of course). This large establishment is definitely not for the calorie-conscious… so make sure you eat a large, healthy breakfast before you leave your house, so you won’t be tempted to gorge out on fair food the entire day. I had myself a nice mixed veggie roti from one of the Caribbean booths in the multicultural Food Building and a mango bubble tea to wash it down. My cousin, who’s up visiting from Jamaica, got some tasty Chinese food. The Food Building is certainly one of a kind with over 90 vendors.

Of course I had to stop at the infamous Tiny Tom Donuts on the way out of the building. $4 for a dozen of the most delectable morsels of dough… you can’t go wrong! Then it was off to the Warehouse Outlet in the Direct Energy Centre to tackle some shopping. Boy was I glad that I went… I picked up the Scene It DVD game that I was looking for–70% less than the regular price! I also scored some nice deals on summer clothes from BlueNotes and Sirens (Bikini bottoms, 3 for $5!).

Nearby was The Farm which houses every farm animal imaginable, including some adorable piglets and chicks. Watching street performers the Aquarêves walk down Princes’ Boulevard was cool (I wish I knew how to skip and bounce with giant pogo sticks attached to my feet). The Canadian Forces Display was very interesting. I got a chance to put my head through an army tank and sit in the cockpit of a fighter plane! We passed through the midway, being very good not to spend our hard-earned dollars trying to win a 5″ tall stuffed animal. I was tempted to purchase a deep-fried chocolate bar, but then I remembered how many calories and saturated fat I’d be consuming so I passed (and the fact that it cost $6). Also walked by the corndog stand, as much as I wanted one.

I wish I had more time (and energy) to visit the rest of the grounds, but there’s so much to see and do. Perhaps, next time I visit I’ll tackle climbing the rock wall they have up, or try my luck at the Casino. I’d also like to see the International Air Show. I’ll be back for sure before Summer comes to an end. After all I have to meet the stars from The Young and the Restless.

Make sure you visit on one of the 17 remaining days left this year. You won’t be disappointed. Tickets can be purchased online at the official site of The Ex, or on site for $14 (adult) $10 (children/senior). The gates are open from 10am to 10pm daily, with the exception of labour day (10am-7pm).

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)!