Le Bon Long Weekend Pour Moi

The summer is winding down my friends, well what we've seen of a summer that is. I swear my legs are just as pasty white as they were 6 months ago and this fact upsets me. It seems to be raining about 180 million percent of the time, the whole city was smothered in a thick layer of garbage until recently and the recession has had me thinking it would be a good idea to take a hammer to my porcelain piggy bank.

Now that it's already August, it pains me to say, we have to start soaking up what little slivers of sun and warmth we can. Fact: Christmas is 4 months away. Double Fact: Winter makes me le sad.

That is why I planned out the most fantastic, jam packed, super fun, no holds bar, kick you heels up long weekend of the summer and just for fun, I made mine go all the way to Tuesday.

Friday: Jezebel Burlesque Night Club

My Company: The Girl Cousins and Grimza

My Drink of Choice: Red Wine, Broken Down Golf Carts and Corona out of a champagne glass

The Best Part Was: Formally known as Baby Doll's Strip Club and located down a dark alley at Ossington and Dundas W, I decided this was the perfect place to hold Girl's Cousin's Fest. Considering my cousins are just as crazy as I am, I'm flashing back to my eldest cousin doing the worm on stage, I knew no matter where I took them they would have a great time. The DJ was pumping out wicked tunes from the '80s which was fine by us since Madonna played a big part in all of our childhoods. The service was fantastic and the decor was velvity chic not to mention us ladies got front seats for probably the tamest burlesque show in the city.

The Grimza-Meter: 7 Grimzas out of 10

Saturday: Cabana Night Club

My Company: My Favorite Pisan For Real

My Drink of Choice: Vodka mixed with anything plus a jagger shot here and there

The Best Part Was: The music! I mean we're talking about Caribana weekend my friends. Pisan and I were in love with the winding and grinding to which I said "If we work off enough calories we can get Burrito Boyz later." Highlight of my night? Sitting on the curb, eating an orgasmic Burrito waving to cops on foot, bike, horse, plane, train and automobile. Who said Caribana weekend was dangerous! I only witnessed two police chases and one was on foot. It was practically child’s play.

The Grimza-Meter: 7 Grimzas out of 10

Sunday: Levack Block

My Company: Everyone I Have Ever Met!

My Drink of Choice: Everything I could grab plus a tequila shot to finish the night...but not by choice

The Best Part Was: Taking over the entire club! If I haven't said it before I will gladly shout it off the rooftops. I have the most amazing and fun friends a girl could ask for. Arriving at 10:30 to a completely empty Levack could not have put a bigger smile on my face. We ripped up the dance floor and thankfully, this time, didn't lose any toes, didn't almost get into a fight, we didn't have any socks thrown off balconies and didn't almost knock over the DJ booth. As per usual, we came, we dance, we drank, we were the last ones to leave.

The Grimza-Meter: 9 Grimzas out of 10

Monday: The Abbey Pub and Steakhouse

My Company: Grimza and Gaylsious

My Drink of Choice: Beer...cheap...out of the bottle

The Best Part Was: The random yelling match between a sketched out tenant and his equally annoying landlord. As Grimza, Gaylsious and I relived the previous night, aka girl talk, and I attempted to choke down some cold and unappetizing French fries, a crazy man began shouting obscenities at his apparent landlords. Between the macho yelling battle and the swarm of killer bees attacking Grimz'a plum sauce, I have determined the sunny walk home was by far the best part of the outing.

The Grimza-Meter: 1 Grimza out of 10 - only because it was hot out

Tuesday: The Yeah Yeah Yeahs

My Company: Grimza

My Drink of Choice: Beer...even cheaper...out of a can

The Best Part Was: I'm literally in le swoooon over this concert. As Grimza put it when the band first hit the stage, she looked dead in my eyes and said "I'm going to loose my shit." She wasn't lying. I think we both lost our shit along with about 5 lbs worth of water weight from jumping in unison with Karen O's raspy voice. We swayed to an acoustic Maps and threw our hands in the sky during Zero. Thank you so much Grimza for letting me into your super Yeah Yeah Yeahs fan club. Thumbs up to fantastic music as well as thumbs down to the jerk that Grimza literally had to kick to back away and the 7 foot tall guy that stood right in front of us the entire night. Besides those two jerks the night capped off the perfect extra long weekend.

The Grimza-Meter: A solid 10 Grimzas out of 10

Je Suis Shook Up Parce Que Elvis-Fest

So, it’s obvious by now that I’m all about the city. I love everything about it including the traffic, the random yelling outside my window at 3 a.m. and the quickened step I get when walking home through my neighborhood during the wee hours of the morning. (Great if my mother wasn't worried enough about her little girl alone in Toronto I bet she will be now.)

What you may not know about myself is that I also enjoy getting out of the downtown core for a weekend here and there for maybe a little cottage getaway, a semi-vacation down to visit my lovely friends in L.A. or a road trip out to Stoney Creek to visit family.

One of my favorite, if not my favorite get away is up to see my very best friend Melissa aka Mails up in Collingwood. It’s two hours from the city, I can park on the grass without getting a ticket and apparently public intoxication is encouraged, especially during a little gathering called Elvis Fest!

Last Friday, Grimza and I gathered up our half full bottles of Finlandia and headed North to spread some diecis (translation: a drink with 10 shots in it) with the good people of Collingwood including Mails. Two trays of jello shooters and a few too many cupcakes later we were done annoying the neighbors and we gathered the group to head to town. Note: town was two blocks away, or the way I counted, one beer traveler.

At last, Elvis Fest! This being my third year attending I was not shocked to see the thousands upon thousands of people decked out in their best Elvis get ups complete with fake side burns, flashing glasses, leather jackets and that wicked Elvis hair-do he was so famous for.

Besides the huge line up for beer tokens (and the mouthy kid that cut in line and almost started a riot among our group..."Bradsy, hold my purse!") and the fact that it was a portable toilet kinda situation, which for a girl dieci beers in was a nightmare, the main Elvis Fest area was full of random fun.

As the night wore off so did Grimza's booze buzz and since the beer tent only offered Black Fly as a beer alternate it was time for shots at the local bar JD's.

Shot after shot Grimza got a little more Grimy and I began to grow slightly more obnoxious having a conversation with Mails' boyfriend Bradsy on subjects to which I can not recall. Back to the house, down goes the pizza and wings and off to my usual basement pull out couch.

Morning time and wicked head ache plagues my four hours of sleep body. We head out for an early breakfast (a special Elvis Fest fixed menu by the way) at our favorite spot The Georgian Bay Family Restaurant, and recount the night hoping that between the three of us we can piece together the whole night over eggs and sausage.

The verdict? I love Collingwood, I love Elvis Fest, I love good friends, but man does it feel good to get back to the city where they drive the speed limit or above and men in leather one piece suits are kept to a minimum.

Thanks for another great weekend, ladies! Bop Bop Burning Love!

Le Yum-Yum avec le Summerlicious

Fact: I love to try new and amazing foods. Fact: I can't afford to hit up every restaurant with amazing foods that I want to try. That's why the greatest festival that ever happened to this broke yet culinarily (yes I made up that word) adventurous girl was Summerlicious (and Winterlicious but we're not there yet...even though it was 14 degrees outside today and it's mid July...Le GRRRR)

I have the great fortune of having a wicked group of friends that, like me, are game for pretty much any random restaurant choice I throw their way. From Greek to Italian over to Spanish and down to Creole, I was given free reign to taste, taste, taste to my little heart's content. Thanks to everyone who came along with me on this installment of Summerlicious and the countdown to Winterlicious begins. Below I have listed the places that I ventured to and how I rated them on my Janine Yum-O-Meter. Bon Appetit!!

Five Doors North

Where You At: Yonge Street between Eglinton and Davisville

My Company: My fabulous L.A. friends who were visiting along with my fellow Oz traveler Fini.
What I Tasted: Alaskan King Crab Cakes, Eggplant Parmagiana and Summer Berry Crumble
Now, Esplain: I'm very glad that I got to show my big sis' and her hubby the Yonge and Egg area since I love it and they seemed to enjoy their selections, hurray! I loved the crab cakes and the eggplant parmagiana was saucy yet crispy...just the way I like it. I feel I should mention that Oz Fini, who is vegan, was given a pasta option that she to enjoyed. Thanks to the chefs for being so hospitable.
Yum-O-Meter: 9 Yums out of 10

Sassafraz
Where You At: On Cumberland by Bay and Bloor
My Company: My lovely and beautiful mother and her lovely and beautiful best pal
What I Tasted: Smoked Bacon Scallops, New York Striploin with Chipotle Foam (Foam was a reoccurring guest on most my dishes) and Tiramisu with Kahlua
Now, Esplain: I just like saying the name of this restaurant...Sassafraz...Sassafraz...Sa-zzzaaa-fraz. Ms. C didn't enjoy her undercooked dessert and her main was a little meh, my mother on the other hand has mysteriously lost her sense of taste so to her it all tasted delish! I was in heaven with scallops, steak and tiramisu plus a glass of sangria. Not to mention Sazzzzaaaafraz popped my foam cherry! I never knew it was possible to eat flavored air but it is and I enjoyed it.
Yum-O-Meter: 9 Yums out of 10

Kultura
Where You At: King and Jarvis
My Company: The Ladies i.e. Gaylsious, Grimza, Ambular and Sea-Shells
What I Tasted: Mediterranean Chicken Samosas, Butcher's Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Foam (told ya!) and Vanilla Sugar Doughnut Holes
Now, Esplain: As Grimza took pictures of every dish that came out delicately designed and perfectly plated (before I destroyed it with my ungraceful chop stick usage. I'm still in training but have been taught by the best Sensi Ambular), I spent ample time taking in the wicked decor of this trendy restaurant. Note: The outside has no name on it. The Samosas were to die for and who doesn't like anything called "sugar doughnut holes." Enough said.
Yum-O-Meter: 9 Yums out of 10

Bar Italia
Where You At: Lil' Italy College and Bathurst-ish
My Company: Another fav partner in crime Da Braz
What I Tasted: Insalata De Portabello Arrosti (translation: salad...and peppers), Seafood Risotto and Tiramisu (Another reoccurring guest but only because I can't help myself)
Now, Esplain: I had to hold myself back from literally licking the plate after finishing the seafood risotto. Huge chunks of shrimp and bits of scallops just had me and Da Braz in awe. Not only do I also love the area but heading down the street we stopped for a drink at Li'ly where we were treated to a wicked band called Project Sound that gave Stevie Wonder a run for his money with a flawless Superstitious performance.
Yum-O-Meter: 10 Yums out of 10

Southern Accent
Where You At: Markham Street right by Honest Eds (Bathurst and Bloor)
My Company: Garbage Face and the gang (i.e. Cheff, Ripper, Toste, Yogi-Toste aka Long Shanks, The Dougler, Smiles for Miles and Lady Dana) oh and Gaylsious
What I Tasted: Gumbo, Canal Street Creole Jambalaya and Strawberry Rubarb Custard Pie
Now, Esplain: So for someone who literally eats up the whole New Orleans citchy vibe, I was in heaven. The atmosphere at this place knocked my socks off, cue fortune teller, beads, masks and the best damn Bourbon Sour I've ever tasted. The gumbo was great but the avocado bruschetta got rave reviews and I nod in aggreance "yeah I should have gotten that." My only complaint comes from the jambalaya that did not impress neither me nor Gaylsious.
Yum-O-Meter: 8 Yums out of 10

Embrujo Flamenco Tapas Restaurant
Where You At: Danforth and Broadview
My Company: Grimza...how romantic!

What I Tasted: Where do I start? Ok, here we go. Ensalata Madrilena (translation: salad...Madrid style apparently), Paella with Pork Ribs, Spanish Tortilla, Calamares, Pollo al Ajillo (translation...chicken), Spinach and Mushroom Flat Bread, and Flan.

Now, Esplain: Holy crap...this place should pay me for all the fantastic things I'm about to rant on. I am in total le swoon over this tapas restaurant. If the food wasn't flawless enough to make this my fav Summerlicious tasting this season but half way through our meal the lights went down, some guy started up with the Spanish guitar and a beautiful lady started Flamenco dancing. I kid you not...it was life altering. She had the little clapper things and everything. As Grimza said "I'm going to get a boy to bring me back here on a date." I agree. A fantastic date night it would be.

Yum-O-Meter: 10 Yums out of 10

Pan on the Danforth
Where You At: Danforth (obviously) and Carlaw
My Company: My Favorite Pisan For Real
What I Tasted: Steamed PEI Mussels, Vegetarian Moussaka and Ice Cream Sundae (reliving my youth...after all it was a Sunday...get it???...a Sundae on a Sunday...ohhhh mercy)
Now, Esplain: Besides the moussaka...where's the Greek? My Pisan loved her chicken breast and hummus appetizer but I felt the meal could have been a little more...how do you say...Greeky? I wanted flaming cheese and broken plates and people screaming "Opa!!" at every corner. Is that to much to ask?
Yum-O-Meter: 7 Yums out of 10

Je m'appelle City Gal Extraordinaire

How very exciting...a blog where I can post all the mischief I get up to living in T.O. I guess my first post should really be an introduction and how my yellow-brick road led me to this very spot.

From a young age my parents knew there was something different about this little curly haired, button nosed child. Dubbed "the kissing baby" (some things never change) I would have zero qualms about taking off running from my parents, complete opposite from my older brother, who we'll call Garbage Face for the time being. My childhood curiosity traveled with me into my adult life where I am proud to call myself an independent and knowledgeable young lady.

Traveling is my forte but saving money has never been a strong suit. If only I could trade the countless amount of empty booze bottles that are stacked on my balcony and turn them into plane tickets I would have no cause for complaint. Marry a pilot you say? I'm working on it.

Ultimately I'm a single working gal living in Toronto with big dreams of taking my writing career to new and successful heights. Until then I will be having a fantastic time wondering the currently littered streets with great friends and fantastic laughs.

I came up with the idea for this blog while walking home from one of my favorite watering holes Levack Block (Ossington and Dudas West area) at about 4 in the morning with one of my favorite partners in crime, we’ll call her Grimza for now. The night literally consisted of flaming chouriço, sangria, Eiffel Tower picture pointing, sweaty dancing and ended with me falling into a number of bags of garbage. Not to worry, they were filled with paper. Did I mention I have fantastic luck?

A few good hours of sleep, an $100 chiropractor bill and a number of stolen pieces of merchandise later i.e. some guy's hat (sorry random guy from Levack...I have your green cargo hat) I figured "this shit is to good to not post for the world to see."

And here we are. What will you find here? Posts of great bars/clubs/pubs/restaurants that me and my fabulous friends venture out to and the going-ons there that make my life jam packed with great memories.

Follow me in my quest to take on the best of what Toronto has to offer and let me know what you think of the places I frequent and what your favorites may be. I know I’m excited. Welcome to my life…BOP BOP BIG CITY !!! :)