A secret location; elegance in white; a 29 year old tradition; soiree outdoors – It was an exciting and glamorous evening among good friends and also new acquaintances against the backdrop of Toronto’s beautiful skyline.
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The Aga Khan Museum stands 3 years strong as a prominent landmark in the North York area, comprised of 3 beautifully integrated components: the museum, the park, and Ismaili Centre (a Muslim prayer hall). Aside from their permanent collection in the museum, which features over 1000 artifacts from the 18th to 20th century, Aga Khan opens up temporary exhibits such as the past Syrian Symphony: New Compositions in Light and Sounds, which sheds light on the Syrian culture and brings hope in lieu of recent tragedies.
The Aga Khan Museum at night
The Aga Khan museum’s well-orchestrated exhibits allow us to connect on a deeper level, and also a global scale by bringing together collaborators, musicians, artists, and visitors. Individually, the park at Aga Khan appeals to the five senses: touch (gravel), sight (multi-coloured lights), hearing (water), smell (lavender), and taste (berries).
Diwan’s Summer Patio at the Aga Khan Museum
Speaking of taste, the open-concept restaurant, Diwan, is also quite breath-taking itself, from their inviting patio to the gorgeous interior – complete with intricate wooden panels tracing back from the 18th century. Having their menu curated by the McEwan Group, it is no surprised that this 65-seater space was quite the hotspot for Summerlicious this year.
A new summer-menu was recently launched that highlights Middle Eastern flavours and their respective Silk Route spices. Their dishes range from healthier fare including the Grilled Octopus with Chickpea Salad, to more comforting options like the Advieh Spiced Calamari. Having a preference for any variation of poutine, I would recommend the Masala Spiced Fries, which are generously coated with a heart-warming garlic aioli and tamarind ketchup.
Masala Spiced Fries
Many of the dishes have such a complex and indescribable array of flavours that fulfill one’s appetite with content. Either way, these aromatic spices would perfectly pair with their refreshing pulp-filled strawberry guava mocktails.
Strawberry guava mocktails
With a few weeks of summer vacation life, the Aga Khan Museum provides activities that would accommodate the family. Experience the museum, take an evening stroll around the beautiful park, or catch an upcomingFilms Under the Stars event.
Photos by Janey Tso
77 Wynford Drive
https://www.agakhanmuseum.org/
Instagram: @agakhanmuseum
Twitter: @AgaKhanMuseum
Facebook: /agakhanmuseumtoronto
Strawberry guava mocktail
Cactus, banana, lychee, pear, and mango mocktail
Aga Khan Museum
Borani-E-Bademjan - yogurt and eggplant dip with phyllo crust
Adieh Spiced Calamari with Aleppo aioli mix
Masala spiced fries with chicken jalfrezi - with garlic aioli and tamarind ketchup
Grilled octopus with chickpea salad - Moroccan olives, stewed sweet peppers, and Aleppo aioli
Lamb Kofta Meatballs from New Zealand with corn and coconut curry
Ahmad Moualla’s 12x3 m mural People and Power, borrowed from the Atassi Foundation
Themes & Variation: Malek Jandali’s rendition of Hurrian Hymn in regards to the response of the Syrian Civil War
Allegro: Collaboration between the Silk Road Ensemble’s clarinettist, Kinan Azmeh, and Kevork Mourad’s spontaneous painting technique
Themes & Variation: Malek Jandali’s rendition of Hurrian Hymn in regards to the response of the Syrian Civil War
Syrian Symphony Exhibit
Permanent Exhibit
Aga Khan Museum: the park
Aga Khan Museum: Ismaili Centre
Aga Khan Museum
Get ready for the return of Toronto’s most talked about end-of-summer carnival. Ontop of yearly customs (such as junk foods, amusement park rides, and Canadian International Air Shows), 2017 debuts new events and exhibits; The CNE Gaming Garage, MZ Lazer Illusion Experience, and East Coast Kitchen Party to name a few.
One of these new features is located at the Heritage Court of the Enercare Centre. The Unity Pole is commissioned by Ojibway artist, Kris Nahrgang, who took 6 months to carve and paint the 25 foot cedar tree. It majestically stands with symbolism that each represent his personal artistic and spiritual quest for unity. The root of the tree is a turtle, which alludes to Mother Nature and the indigenous creation story. 9 more animals fulfill the rest of the totem pole, with a soaring eagle at the top, indicating an existing connection between the spiritual and mutable worlds.
“Unity Pole commissioned by Ojibway artist Kris Nahrgang
My favourite show of CNE last year was the ice-skating show, and the revamped version this year, “Oh Canada! Aerial Acrobatics & Ice Skating Show”, commemorates Canada 150 with iconic red and white costumery. The spectacle is headlined by Olympic Champion Elvis Stojko, who is sure to rock the crowd with his impressive moves and speedy spins. Also, the Ricoh Coliseum is a great place to cool off after a whole day out in the heat!
Olympic Champion Elvis Stojko stars in this year’s Ice Skating Show
A highlight of this year’s food festivities will be their new “East Coast Kitchen Party”, where one can watch a world-class oyster shucker or Caesar-building competition, get a taste of the Maritimes, and participate in Newfoundland’s tradition of ‘kiss a cod and get screeched in’. Other recognizable events include French’s Food Truck Frenzy, the Craft Beer Fest, and CNE’s 9th annual Ribfest.
The food is hands-down the talk of the town because the most outrageous culinary combinations come to life. Many of the items from the Food Building are picture-worthy and are sure to satisfy an empty stomach with underlying themes of indulgent fried goods, stacks of sweetness, or daring flavours. These foods range from Strawberry Shortsteak (Philthy Philly’s) to the All-Canadian Red Hot Burger (Bacon Nation) to Sugar Mountain (Cake Shack) – a pile of sweets and dessert.
Sugar Mountain from The Cake Shack
The Deep Fried Chicken Feet (Coco Concessions), Deep Fried Frog Legs (Farm to Fryer) and the Cricket Cone (Bug Bistro) are not for the faint of heart. A few of the charcoal trends made an appearance; Black Velvet Funnel Cake as well as the Charcoal Lemonade (both from Bacon Nation).
When it comes to carnival food, food inventions are sure to bring a wow-factor to the crowds at CNE. However, even the simpler food creations such as the Deep Fried Cheese Curds (The Great Canadian), and the Dragon’s Breath Crepe (Eative), deserve an equal amount of recognition for innovation in terms of deliciousness.
Deep Fried Cheese Curds (The Great Canadian)
Either way, be prepared for a long day filled with events to “see-and-eat” at CNE. It runs from August 18th to September 4th!
For more information:
210 Princes’ Blvd.
http://www.theex.com/
Instagram: @letsgototheex
Twitter: @letsgototheex
Facebook: /TheEx
New CNE Sign
Oh Canada! Aerial Acrobatics & Ice Skating Show
Elvis Stojko
Kris Nahrgang
Deep Fried Cheese Curds
Juicy Oink Buns
Deep Fried Chicken Feet
Timbit Poutine
Ramen Burger
Fidel Gastro's
Eative's Dragon's Breath Crepes
Mac n Cheese
Strawberry Short Steak
Double Stack Attack
Dutch Fries
Takoyaki
Spaghetti Meat Balls
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Ice Cream Churro Sandwich
Fruit-Flavoured Popcorn
Cake Shack's Sugar Mountain
Bacon Nation's Red Hot Burger
Fidel Gastro
CNE 2017
It was an evening filled with inspiration, in celebrating the art of celebrating each other. Celebrity designer Nate Berkus and Michelin-trained Chef Patrick Kriss of Canada’s top-rated restaurant Alo, teamed up with Stella Artois in hosting a most extraordinary garden party and inspirational dining experience.
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Presented by Weizmann Canada’s Women and Science committee, the annual event celebrates and inspires through an accomplished panel of women from various industries.
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