I Know Who Did It! March 23, 2009

This post is about 18 years past it’s prime but forgive me, I was 7 when the series finale aired.

I started watching Twin Peaks about 2 years ago. I was obsessed with it and watched an episode a day but I didn’t make it very far in the series, at least I didn’t get to find out who killed Laura Palmer.

I recently picked it up again and was sure to only watch it during daylight hours as I was terrified by one of the characters, Bob, the creepy man suspected of killing Laura but no where to be found.

Seriously, this show terrified me. Whether it was the little man shaking in the corner speaking so oddly (they were filmed speaking backwards and then it was reversed in production – see me for the “let’s rock” example), the scenes with Bob climbing towards the camera, I can’t list anymore, searching for the youtube clips is frightening me. For reals.

I stuck it out and finally found out who killed Laura Palmer! I have once again abandoned ship, once the killer was discovered the show took a turn for the worse. New plot lines were developed and I lost interest. The new storylines were comparable to (this is for all of the girls my age and I really can’t believe I’m admitting this) Passions, in the sense that it was getting straight up weird.

Once David Lynch left, the show went downhill. It got even worse once the murder was solved. Lynch was unhappy with having the murder solved, it was his (and Mark Frost’s) intention to never solve the murder… which would have made me crazy. They were pressured by the studio to wrap up the murder, they didn’t like that it was solved as quickly as it was. Watching it, I felt that as they got closer to discovering the murderer, it happened faster than I had expected. It seemed a bit rushed.

Although it did get lame towards the end, I really did enjoy watching it. The quirky characters, the odd little town, the Canadian (Jack Renault) who had to have a terrible French accent even though the show took place in Washington state, far, far away from Quebec but whateves. I even found the Log Lady endearing. I do have to say (or write), that the intro to this show was the best intro I’ve seen from a show to date, the eerie music, imagery and the bird that starts it off (it gives me the chills just thinking of it).

Its Britney, Bitch March 19, 2009

I don’t know what it is, but it seems that no matter what Brit Brit does, the public is still rooting for her to come out on top. At least, I was. Since being under her father’s care (and not being able to make a single decision on her own) Brit’s comeback has been on the right path. She’s even on tour!

Brit Brit’s tour made a stop in Toronto last night and I was fortunate enough to get tickets. I’ve always wanted to go to a Britney performance. I say performance becuase I know she’s not know for her vocals and I refuse to call what I saw last night a concert. She didn’t sing a single song, not even the ballads. Can I say I’m surprised? No. I really wasn’t expecting her to sing much, I was just praying that she’d put on a fantastic show. And she came through.

The Pussycat Dolls opened for her and as much as I want to hate them, I just can’t. There’s a tiny part of me that can’t turn away from a catchy pop tune. Plus, who doesn’t want to be a Pussycat Doll? They were quite entertaining and they all Nicole sang their songs.

There’s normally a huge, boring wait time between the opening act and the main attraction at big shows like this. Brit Brit pleases fans with a little circus act to get us ready for her grand entrance. There was a man that was able to balance (and spin) a gigantic, I mean larger than life, cube on his palm. And a lady who was able to hula hoop 16 hoops at once. SIXTEEN. And I struggle with only one.

Brit Brit emerged from the ceiling after an opening from Perez Hilton, which was a bit too much for me but that’s Perez for ya. She “sang”, she danced – in a tiger cage, in a floating picture frame, on a chaise lounge, while straddling two men who’ve interlocked their legs and are floating about the stage – she greeted the fans (only twice which made me think she’s on Valium or Papa Spears won’t allow her to say anything else fearing possible inappropriate comments) and played most of her hits.

The show was entertaining (even from the nosebleeds) and the stage was gigantic so everyone got a great view. Brit Brit is most def’ on the track to coming back with avengence. I’ve been holding back on adding a ridiculous Britney song title reference but I can’t do it any longer, I must, I must. I left the concert hoping she’d gimme more.

Image courtest of diogocooper on flickr.

Move Over Hot Dog March 17, 2009

It’s finally come. The Toronto Vendor Project is actually coming to fruition and I’m loving it. Last year, I was in NYC, I made a promise to myself that if I had to get lunch on the go, it would be through a steet vendor and it wouldn’t be a hot dog. In a city like Manhattan, there are so many different vendors I’m not even able to keep track of them all but I’ll let this site tell you what you can find.

This got me thinking, why doesn’t Toronto have street vendors other than those lovely hot dog carts? Now, don’t get me wrong, I love street meat especially as a night cap after a night of dancing and such but I want variety!

Enter the Toronto Vendor Project. This has been years in the making and today the city announced which 8 of over 300 alternative vendor applicants have been selected. Ready? Brace yourselves, grab a napkin and try not to drool.

Thai: pad thai with fresh rolls at Mel Lastman Square

Afghani/Central Asian: chapli kebabs at Metro Hall

Central Asian/Persian: biryani at Nathan Phillips Square

Greek: souvlaki at Nathan Phillips Square

Middle Eastern: chicken/beef kebab wraps at Queen’s Park

Eritrean: injera at Roundhouse Park

Korean: bulgogi with seasonal kimchi at Yonge and Eglinton

Caribfusion: jerk chicken at Yonge and St. Clair (yay! New street meat in my ‘hood!)

You’ll begin seeing these new vendors popping up at the locations mentioned in the next few months.

Image courtesy of ithinkx on flickr.

Bringing Home the Heat March 12, 2009

I recently took a Thai curries cooking class at Dish Cooking Studio with the Boy. We felt a bit out of place at first as the students were mostly Rosedale-types and the Boy was the only male in attendance. All of my insecurities went out the window when we were introduced to our teacher/chef for the night, Charmaine Baan, made me feel right at home… almost.

She gave us a quick demo in how to prepare the dishes set for the evening, a variety of 4 curries and Thai roti, then split us up into small groups to prepare the meals for everyone. The Boy and I worked together and cooked a Vegetable Red Curry, which took the longest but was totally worth it.

I have an fear of chefs, they’re always so mean in the kitchen. I’m not all that comfortable cooking, especially with an expert hovering. My fear was pretty obvious as Charmaine noticed my tension and nervousness. One glass of wine later and being the cheap-o drunk I am, I open up to her and let he know about my fear.

The key to my favourite curries is the heat, my heat tolerance is getting better and seeing as our dish included a lot of coconut milk I was worried it was going to be too sweet. Charmaine explained that although we were provided with a lot of chilli peppers, we weren’t obligated to put them all in. Of course the Rosedale-types were conservative with their peppers, but the Boy opted to throw in all of them, I think there was about 20. Our dish was packed with the most heat and it was pretty unanimous that ours was the best, even Charmaine said so. Anyone that knows me well, knows that I am extremely competitive so this meant a lot to me.

I loved the class and I can’t wait to sign up for another one and make the best dish again.

Happy Birthday T.Dot! March 6, 2009

The city is turning 175! To celebrate, The Toronto Star has created a list of 175 Reasons to Love Toronto. I’m still looking in to what I would like to do to celebrate but in the meantime, I thought I’d pull out a few of my favourite reasons to love Toronto from the article.

6. We have independent bookstores in every neighbourhood – and new ones are still opening.

I was introduced to Nicholas Hoare Books and I absolutely love it! The minute I redeem all of my Chapters/Indigo giftcards, I’m going to get myself there to make a purchase.

10. There are so many Chinatowns, we’ve lost count.

I’m so excited about this. I’ve never taken full advantage of our Chinatowns and I finally have a reason to. The Boy and I took a mouthwatering Thai curries cooking class earlier this week and I am finally able to make my own curry paste. Infact, I can make 4 of them.

20. Violent crime is actually going down.

This is totally true. A recent article published in Macleans pegs Saskatoon, SK the most dangerous city in the country. Toronto is placed at 29th. Take that! Oddly enough, Caledon is the safest. This makes me feel good as I tend to get lost in Caledon everytime I go to Brampton.

26. We have a restaurant devoted to poutine.

I’ve heard this is true, I still dream of meeting you one day, Mr. Smoke’s.

32. Touring local history (and stopping for a game of chess) at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

I’ve added this to my list of things to do in the city this summer (post to come). It’s funny, I always told myself that I wouldn’t be able to live so close to a cemetary and now I do. How I chuckle everyday I walk by the sign reading: REST ASSURED, WE HAVE ROOM HERE. Plots available.

34. That guy – you know the one – who insists on wearing shorts in the dead of winter.

Why yes, I do!

35. We proudly display our favourite of Spacing magazine’s iconic buttons of TTC subway stations.

I want one! I did have a Christie one for a while that broke.

42. The SkyDome (okay, Rogers Centre) when the roof is in the process of being opened or closed.

I’ve learned to appreciate baseball just so I could enjoy a scorching afternoon at the Skydome. Never Rogers Centre.

51. Eating your way across the globe at St. Lawrence Market on a Saturday.

I love, love, love this place!

63. Bumping into a towel-clad celeb at Stillwater Spa.

WHAT?! This happens??? I did not see anyone when I was there.

81. Exploring the cottagey, car-free Ward Island neighbourhood and wondering why we don’t all live there.

This is, by far, my most favourite thing to do in the city. Unfortunately, my obsession of exploring gorgeous homes doesn’t just end on the island, there’s Cabbagetown, Palmerston Ave., the Annex, my neighbourhood… So. Many. Homes. With. Character.

This city is just amazing and I’m happy that I’m finally taking the time to explore it. I cannot wait until all of the snow is gone and I can start crossing off the things on my “Toronto To Do” list.

Image courtesy of peo pea on Flickr.

Red Tea Box March 1, 2009

I’ve recently taken a great liking to tea. Although I’ve always enjoyed a cup here and there, I now find that I’m craving it at any point of the day rather than when I’m not feeling well. The Boy celebrates tea time at the office with his department, every day someone brings in a different tea and its served around 3. I think this is so cute and have been trying to paw my way into this secret tea society (I’ve been unsuccessful thus far).

Noticing my desire to celebrate tea time, the Boy took me to the Red Tea Box for lunch this weekend. It’s a cute little place on Queen West that (surprisingly) isn’t filled with ironic hipsters. The front window displays an array of immaculately designed tiered cakes, the kind that are almost too gorgeous to even think of eating.

We got seated in the coach house out back, at the seats in the photo above, which is too adorable for words. The menu looked delicious and I had a tough time resisting the bento box options, only because the white bean miso soup was something I just couldn’t turn down. The Boy and I ordered a pot of Darjeeling tea, had a bowl of soup each and sandwiches (mine being a tasty Indian Spice Chicken with avocado, mayo and lettuce on fantastic raisin sourdough bread). After a pleasant lunch and even better conversation, I left that place anxious to come back. I cannot wait to bring some girlfriends there for tea and chatter. If you live in the city and haven’t been to this place yet, you’re missing out!

Image courtesy of alau2 on flickr.