Comments Off on Ben Stiller Dazzles at ‘Nutcrackers’ Premiere
Ben Stiller lit up the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024 for the premiere of his latest film, “Nutcrackers.” Looking sharp and exuding charm, Stiller interacted with fans and posed for photos, making the event truly memorable at the Roy Thomson Hall
In attendance at the red carpet along with Stiller were actress Jena Sims and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. Ben Stiller, Homer Janson, Ulysses Janson, Atlas Janson, Arlo Janson. The film is directed by David Gordon Green.
Comments Off on Cactus Club Cafe Opens Tomorrow in North York
After five years of construction, Toronto’s Cactus Club Cafe is finally set to open at the Yonge Sheppard Centre in North York on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 5:00 pm!
To celebrate, guests—both reserved and walk-ins—will receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco Zero.
With space for over 350 diners, the 14,000 square foot restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere and a globally-inspired menu, perfect for lunch, happy hour, dinner, or late-night socials.
Cactus Club dining area
Guests can choose from three dining areas: the lively Lounge with DJ-curated music, a warm and inviting Dining Room, and an Enclosed All-Season Patio that provides comfort year-round. The restaurant’s sleek design is enhanced by standout art pieces, including works by Toronto artist Daniel Mazzone, Andy Warhol, and Miami’s Rubem Robierb.
The culinary experience, crafted by the Cactus Test Kitchen under the leadership of Executive Chef Gregory McCallum, features new dishes like Thai Red Curry, Green Goddess Salad, and London Fog Crème Brûlée, exclusive to the North York location.
Thai Red Curry, exclusive to the North York Cactus Club Cafe location
Starting with the appetizers, the wagyu beef carpaccio melts in your mouth and pairs nicely with the vibrant flavours of the béarnaise aioli and arugula. The Chili Citrus Calamari is perfectly crispy and tender at the same time, and had a hint of zesty Szechuan peppercorns that tingles the palate. One of Cactus Club’s most popular items are their sushi rolls, and we loved how fresh and creamy the salmon aburi was.
They also have an amazing selection of cocktails and zero-proof options. We opted for the “penicillin” cocktail, a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy creation that’s as comforting as it is complex. It starts with a base of Johnnie Walker Black, a robust Scotch whisky with deep, rich notes of peat and oats. The drink is finished with a float of smoky Lagavulin whisky that adds an extra layer of depth and bold intensity.
We also loved the Bellini, a peachy cocktail that embodies the essence of sunsets. It starts with Bacardi Superior, a smooth and crisp rum that provides the perfect base. The fresh peach purée and peach schnapps infuses the drink with juicy fruitiness, while a splash of sangria adds a hint of rich, fruity depth.
Bellini
Chef Rob Feenie’s signature Butternut Squash Ravioli with Prawns dish is a perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and creamy. Delicate ravioli is filled with a luscious blend of butternut squash and mascarpone, offering a smooth, velvety texture and a hint of natural sweetness. Juicy prawns add a touch of the ocean, providing a succulent and slightly briny counterpoint to the rich, creamy filling. This dish is a true masterpiece, marrying comfort with sophistication.
Butternut Squash Ravioli with Prawns
An indulgent dish is the surf-and-turf experience that combines the best of land and sea:”Steak and Lobster”. The dish has a perfectly cooked Atlantic lobster tail, succulent and buttery, paired with a tender, juicy steak, with a side of seasonal vegetables and buttered mashed potatoes.
Surf and Turf
There is a dessert for everyone’s sweetness level. If you’re looking for something sweeter, the Six Layer Chocolate Slice and New York Cheesecake is decadent. We personally loved the Key Lime Pie, made with approximately 30 limes. The showstopper was the London Fog Crème Brulée: A delicate and creamy dessert with a hint of elegance.
Key Lime Pie is made with over 30 limes!
Located at 4841 Yonge Street, Unit 309, Cactus Club Cafe offers easy access from the Sheppard Yonge TTC station and features secure underground parking. The restaurant is open seven days a week with daily Happy Hour specials and half-priced bottles of wine every Tuesday.
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is set to return for its 145th year from August 16th to September 2nd at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario. This year’s CNE promises to deliver an exciting blend of extreme sports, electrifying performances, unique exhibits, and mouthwatering food, making it an unmissable event for all ages.
One of the main highlights of this year’s CNE is The EX Games, featuring an exhilarating lineup of extreme sports. A massive 12-foot half-pipe will be the stage for top skateboarders, BMX bikers, and in-line skaters. Notably, 51-year-old skateboarder Andy Macdonald from Great Britain will make his CNE debut, performing alongside other elite athletes in daily high-flying shows at the iconic Princes’ Gates.
In addition to extreme sports, visitors can witness breathtaking performances in the Aerial & Acrobatic Ice-Skating Show starring three-time world champion figure skater Elvis Stojko. The show promises an action-packed spectacle that combines aerial stunts with graceful ice skating.
CNE Aquarama waterski show also returns, taking place on the West Channel of Lake Ontario. Expect incredible flips, spins, flyboarding, and even human pyramids on the water from this popular show.
The CNE will also mark the 75th anniversary of the Canadian International Air Show. This year’s show features thrilling aerial displays by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, and the United States Air Force F-22 Raptor.
Wrestling fans are in for a treat with Classic Championship Wrestling. WWE Hall of Famers like Jimmy “The Mouth of the South” Hart, Tito Santana, and Jerry “The King” Lawler, along with other wrestling legends, will be on hand to entertain and meet fans.
Visitors can explore the MZTV Museum of Television Exhibit, featuring retro televisions and the history of TV. The Carnival Exhibit showcases quirky artifacts from the historic Conklin company, once a prominent traveling carnival.
In collaboration with the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), the Withrow Common Gallery will host “Bridging Eras & Galleries,” an exhibition highlighting important artworks once owned by the CNE. Through various art displays, walking tours, and ghost walks, visitors can delve into the rich history of the CNE.
The Bell CNE Bandshell will host a variety of exciting musical acts, including Manchester Orchestra, Big Boi, Brittany Howard, and Sloan, featuring The Hip’s Paul Langlois. The Bandshell will also showcase performances from Down With Webster, MacKenzie Porter, Bahamas, Born Ruffians, Ruby Waters, The Reklaws, April Wine, and more. The return of Drag EXtravaganza, Soca Night, and a Tribute to Bob Marley by Classic Albums Live adds to the diverse entertainment options.
The CNE SuperWheel, North America’s tallest traveling Ferris wheel, is back, offering stunning panoramic views of the Toronto skyline. The iconic CNE Sky Ride also returns, providing another thrilling way to see the fair from above.
For gamers, the CNE Gaming Garage returns, featuring the first-ever national CNE Master Clash ft TEKKEN 8 Tournament. Top qualifiers from across Canada will compete for a $12,000 prize pool in Toronto. The event also includes a Byte Sized Gaming Zone for families and young gamers, retro arcade games, and the FIRST Robotics Competition.
The Biinaagami AR Exhibition offers an immersive Augmented Reality experience exploring the Great Lakes, emphasizing the importance of water preservation with Indigenous narratives.
Ribfest is back at the CNE, featuring internationally inspired ribs, and the Food Truck Frenzy, where over 20 food trucks will serve up global flavors. Unique food creations this year include wasabi ice cream, a fried chicken sandwich with Kool-Aid reduction, and a two-pound doughnut. The culinary offerings at the CNE are as diverse and imaginative as ever. Check out the gallery for some of the EXtraordinary wacky foods this year.
Get ready for an EXciting and unforgettable August, blending tradition with new and exciting attractions for all to enjoy.
Comments Off on Ontario’s Unique Journey with the Betting Industry: What Has it Looked Like So Far?
Canada has an unusual system for regulating gambling activities that diverges from the model utilised by most other nations. Rather than centralising the oversight on the national level, it has left significant power to control gambling to individual provinces. Because of this, legalisation of sports betting has moved at different speeds in different parts of Canada, with Ontario being one of the most cautious jurisdictions. However, as of 2024 even Ontario has let down its guard and allowed online providers to offer betting services to its residents. Let’s see how that has affected the fortunes of this populous and prosperous Canadian province.
A Historical View of Legal Gambling in Ontario
The first form of sports betting to be legalised in Ontario and the rest of Canada was horse racing. Starting from 1910, betting on the outcomes of races became legal across the country and it has remained so ever since. Ontario first established its own regulatory body to control this activity in the 1950s, with the formation of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC). The next in line was the lottery, which has been introduced to the province in 1975 and administered by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. A couple of decades later, casino gambling was allowed with the first casino establishment in Ontario opening its doors in 1994.
However, when it came to Ontario sports betting the citizens had to endure a long wait, as the province was the last in Canada to fully liberalise it. Only in 2022 it became legal for sportsbooks to operate in its territory or provide services remotely to Ontario residents. Since online gambling was introduced at the same time, this lead to a sudden proliferation of diverse iGaming services that continues at a rapid pace to this day.
The Most Immediate Consequences of Full Legalisation
Obviously, relaxing the strict bans on most forms of gambling gave the population of Ontario a new way to have fun without breaking the law. The interest for sports betting in the province spiked, and many new providers, both local and international, rushed to meet the demand. A budding industry has formed within just a few years, creating significant revenues for the government and strengthening the local economy. At the same time, the number of people who visited offshore betting sites decreased quite dramatically since there is now a legal pathway to place wagers on all kinds of sports events.
Legal gambling also made Ontario a more attractive tourist destination and in particular helped Toronto to improve its standing as one of the great North American cities to visit. The appeal of sports teams located in Toronto was likewise strengthened, since casual fans now can spice up their game day experience with small wagers and enjoy watching live events on TV or the internet even more.
Remaining Issues with the Betting Industry in Ontario
Despite all the positive buzz surrounding the iGaming industry in Ontario, there are still some wrinkles that need to be ironed out. Most notably, there is the issue of compulsive gambling that affects a small but significant portion of all bettors, potentially leading them to financial ruin and other personal and family problems. With total number of people engaging in betting on the rise, there is pressure on the providers to take a more proactive role in this regard. At present, betting sites offer guidance and direct players towards self-exclusion programs, but more should be done to limit the dangers of gambling addiction, especially on young people.
Another potentially explosive issue is the corrupting influence of gambling on the integrity of sports competition. This issue is magnified in Ontario due to the incident where a Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter was caught attempting to influence the outcome of prop bets in order to settle his own gambling debts. Porter was just a role player and not a star, but unless something is done to eliminate this possibility it’s perfectly possible to a see a much bigger scandal of the same kind.
Is Online Betting Benefiting Ontario and Its Citizens?
It’s only been two years since Ontario opened the floodgates and invited big online bookmakers to enter the market, so it’s difficult to speak about long-term impact on the economy or the society at large. The proponents of legalisation are quick to point out that reduction of illegal betting is a positive outcome in itself. Tax revenues have obviously been beefed up by the large volume of betting activity, but it remains to be seen how this money can be used to the benefit of all Ontario residents.
So far, it appears that online betting didn’t significantly contribute to criminal behaviour of any kind. The risk of problematic gambling remains, although it was present before legalisation and it can probably be handled better within the legal framework. Thus, opening up the market seems to have been the right decision that brought Ontario closer to the rest of Canada, but diligent supervision is needed in order to keep this industry in check and prevent negative impact on local citizens.
Comments Off on Exploring Eataly at Shops at Don Mills: A New Italian Gem in Toronto
Toronto’s culinary landscape continues to flourish with the opening of Eataly’s third location at Shops at Don Mills. A more intimate location than its counterparts in Yorkville and Sherway Gardens, this new 10,000-square-foot space offers a curated slice of Italy, right in the heart of Don Mills.
Upon entering, you’re greeted with soaring ceilings and a vibrant marketplace. The layout is streamlined, offering only the essentials—yet still brimming with the high-quality Italian products Eataly is known for. Attached to the main room is the beautiful and spacious Eataly Ristorante, with two dining spaces which boasts a dedicated pizza oven and an inviting outdoor patio, perfect for al fresco dining.
The restaurant’s menu extends to classic Neapolitan pizzas, innovative seasonal dishes, and an impressive selection of over 85 Italian libations, including wines, beautiful cocktails and mocktails. Spritz Rosa is a refreshing blend of Malfy Gin Rosa, Campari, grapefruit, Prosecco, and soda, perfect for sipping. For a non-alcoholic delight, try the refreshing L’Esotico with Seedlip Grove, caramel syrup, lemon, and soda. We also love the Anni Sentanta, with a cherry syrup finish.
For appetizers, the creamy local burrata served with vibrant Sicilian caponata, fresh basil, and a touch of Olitalia Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a highlight. Another refreshing starter is the Caprese salad, with its generous slices of mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, and fresh basil, its colors mirroring the Italian flag, while its taste delivers the essence of Italy.
Caprese Salad
One of their fan favourites is the housemade pasta tossed in a rich pork and beef ragù alla Bolognese, topped with 18-Month Parmigiano Reggiano® DOP. The tagliatelle had the perfect al dente texture.
Tagliatelle Bolognese
Some meaty mains, include the pan-seared Atlantic halibut paired with grilled zucchini, heirloom tomato, fennel, and a refreshing hint of mint. Their pollo al mattone is also a great option: chicken roasted under a brick, served with roasted peppers, red onion, and a zesty finish of Olitalia Extra Virgin Olive Oil and lemon. Grilled to perfection, this PEI Beef Porterhouse is paired with crispy potatoes and drizzled with Franci Toscano DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Porterhouse Steak
The tiramisù di Eataly is a must-have! Eataly’s signature tiramisù, featuring layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, topped with a dusting of cocoa powder. Indulge in housemade chocolate and hazelnut gelato, crowned with candied hazelnuts and almond cantucci.
Tiramisu
This location is more than just a place to shop or dine; it’s an experience. Eataly Don Mills invites you to explore, taste, and learn. With live demonstrations, complimentary tastings, and a chance to recreate Eataly’s famous recipes at home, it’s a culinary journey worth taking.
In a city now home to three Eataly locations, Don Mills stands out with its neighborhood charm and curated offerings. It’s a thin-crust slice of Italy, offering an authentic taste of the Mediterranean, all within a beautifully compact space. Whether you’re a seasoned Eataly fan or a first-time visitor, this new location promises to deliver the same high-quality, authentic Italian experience that has made Eataly a beloved destination worldwide.
Visit Eataly Don Mills at 9 Karl Fraser Road, and let your taste buds embark on an Italian adventure right here in Toronto.
