FEAST Toronto

A couple weeks ago, I attended the inaugural FEAST Toronto event. It was splendid.
As the website states:
FEAST (Funding Emerging Artists with Sustainable Tactics) is a community dinner and funding event. Artists and designers are invited to present proposals for art-or design-based, community-oriented projects during the dinner. Everyone attending the dinner votes on which project they would like to fund, and the project with the most votes is given a grant from the money that is raised from the dinner.
I wasn't really sure what kind of crowd would turn up for this sort of event, and I'm not entirely sure what kind of crowd it was, but the people whom I chatted with at the event seemed really nice. I happened to be sitting at a table that seemed to be comprised of friends of one of the organizers of the event and many of the other tables seemed to be comprised of presenting artists and their supporters. I think our table was the only one that didn't have participating artists at it. It was a pretty small venue.
Anyway, we got to know our tablemates over appetizers and as we got settled into our main course, the presentations began. There were 9 project proposals spanning a wide range of ideas and media. There was visual art, performance art, participatory art, sculptural art, and multimedia. I found it hard to decide which one to vote for. The three that I found most interesting were:
Psychic Cooking - The simple story is that David Frankovich does a tarot card reading and instead of the traditional cards, he uses various canned goods. Each of the food items has a symbolic relationship to the real tarot cards. Then, along with basic ingredients of rice and spices, he makes you a meal out of the food that turns up from your reading.
Field to Feast - They did a pilot project with a rabbit. So they killed a rabbit, and did all that taxidermy business. The rabbit was the guest of honour at a dinner that contained, ummm...it. Other ingredients to the dishes were part of the rabbit's diet and habitat. The dinner also consisted of diagrams to illustrate what part of the rabbit diners were eating, and a really neat detail was that each diner had a napkin with the diagram to illustrate how the rabbit was prepared. Not to be eaten, but to be, errr, stuffed. They were hoping to have a lamb the next time around.
Out of the box planters - You may know of Sean Martindale from his Poster Pocket Plants project. It was amazing. This time, Sean wants to take busted up planters (think, the big square ones on University Ave. on the sidewalk that each have a tree in them) and do something cool with them. He didn't seem to articulate exactly what he was going to do, but with his track record, I was game.
I ended up picking the project that I thought would get the most exposure. I want as many people as possible to experience art. And in the end, Sean won the grant.
A student grant was also awarded from two proposals. Matt Moreland, an OCAD student who created Xeroxr.com won the grant and his plan is to create a Xeroxr magazine.
It was a wonderful night, and I'm hoping to attend the next event. I think Sean and Matt are supposed to give a report about what they ended up doing with the money and I'm looking forward to seeing what other artists decide to participate and what great ideas they come up with.

Good to know

...that good fashion and academia are not discrete entities. Sure, the Venn diagram may not have a huge intersecting section, but it exists all the same. There was a prof wearing some really slick, navy, Etro pants today. This is the prof who I often see wearing all-black. There was another prof who was wearing a pair of stand-out, mustard-coloured socks today. The man is going up for tenure, yet he still has enough sense in him to wear amazing socks. Something to strive for.

Nobis

In my continued hunt for a great winter coat, I discovered Nobis. I'm almost afraid to write about it, because I know that word is getting around that this company is making some great coats and heaven forbid it become out of control like those Canada Goose coats. These companies have definite similarities, but I assert that these coats are nicer. Umm yeah, so apparently, Nobis got someone who used to be at Canada Goose to come over and design their stuff. The goal was to make a more upscale product.
Yeah. I enjoy.
Now, if only someone could decided to make an upscale UGG.

Oh, those tech-savvy people

In the workshop today, the guy beside me pulls out a slick-looking wireless keyboard. Uh, okay. At first I thought that he was going to pull a stunt like those folks who practice the piano on cardboard keyboards. Yes, it's ridiculous, but given the topic of the workshop, it was vaguely plausible - especially since I had no idea where he was going with just having this wireless keyboard. Anyway, he finally pulled out an iphone, propped it up against his Moleskine, pushed his keyboard close to it for a second and then I saw the devices synch, the screen popped up like a regular monitor, and the typing began.
Amazing.

Also, he was wearing a great scarf. I don't think it's a coincidence. He was, however, wearing a Canada Goose parka. I knew it was too good to be true.

This could be useful...

So apparently there's a new textile dye that doesn't fade. "More than 50 per cent of clothing is black." Really, that's it? Oh right, they're talking about in general, not just for me. Ha.

Museum Secrets

There's a 'documentary' series about Museums around the world that is being aired on the History Channel (and then posted online - woohee!). Episode 3 stars Toronto's very own Royal Ontario Museum. Of course, the museum is very excited about this. I am also excited, so I clicked to watch the trailer for the episode. Ummm...they make it look like some E! True Hollywood Story expose or something. Or at least the narrator's voice does.
I'm wondering if the episode will highlight anything that I didn't already know about the museum, as the trailer didn't seem to give me any great insights into the place. Based on the title of the series, I thought that they might talk about the ROM's resident ghost, but nope, it seems like it's more about how we had a barosaurus under our noses this entire time! Incroyable!
Anyway, I'll still watch the episodes. I'm sure I'll get something out of it.

Neil Pasricha: The 3 A's of awesome

I'm still bummed that I wasn't accepted to be an audience member for TEDxToronto, but thanks to TED, I can catch a glimpse of what I missed.
I've seen the book in stores, but of course I was never compelled to open it up and read it. Obvious character flaw.
I just quickly perused the website and it is pretty awesome. It's true, we have our bumps in the road, but all in all, life is awesome. There are so many things that we encounter, see, experience, smell, accomplish, touch, and the list goes on...there are just so many things that are awesome.
Reminding yourself and those around you about the awesome things, well that's awesome too. I'm wondering what will happen once Neil gets to 1000. Clearly, there are more than 1000 awesome things, so I hope that he keeps going.
So awesome people, in this awesome world...have an awesome night!

The Cube

I've been scoping out the winter coat situation for awhile now, and while I probably won't buy a new one anytime soon, this one seems interesting...at least in concept.
Max Mara has a collection called The Cube. These down filled coats pack themselves into bags. Okay - they're not the most stylish bag, and it's not like this is a new idea, but I'm intrigued nonetheless.
For someone who needs a super warm coat, and one that can be packed easily (and discretely), this might be a nice idea. Am I going to act on it? Doubtful.

Crawling back towards world domination!!! I mean, control.

I win!!!
Yesterday, I was stressed out about not being able to find a bracelet.
Today, I looked around in some more places that I could have possibly put the bracelet, but to no avail. And then, thanks to a jaunt down memory lane on flickr, I was reminded of the last day that I remember actually having (and almost wearing) the bracelet. That day had been crazy but since I actually am in full control of my life, I was still able to figure out a couple more places to look.
And I found it! Booyah!

It's all downhill from here...

I think I'm slowly starting to loose it. Literally.
Awhile back, I realized that I misplaced my old passport. I still can't find it. Last night, I couldn't find a special bracelet. Both have extremely high sentimental value (yes, I realize that I think that everything has sentimental value). I didn't have a lot of time to look for the bracelet last night and somehow managed to suppress a frenzy, but looked for it today. I looked in all of the spots that I thought it would be, but to no avail.
I really hope that all of my misplaced items turn up. You see, I'm convinced that I'm immune to loosing things. I like to think that I'm on full control of my life and all of my belongings. We'll see how that goes...
Please don't make jokes about me getting old. I'm happily in denial. Thanks.

Globe Bistro

Although the front room was completely empty (I was later assured that this front room is just the overspill room and that they like to put their patrons in the back - which was nicer - and even on the second level), I got a really good vibe from this place as soon as I took my seat at the table.
Globe Bistro is one of those restaurants that does the local thing and it was lovely. I'm a sucker for good plating and good service, so Globe had more points going for them. Okay, so the service was good, but it wasn't exceptional. But good is still better than mediocre.
The food was nice. I think all of it was good, but it wasn't mind blowing. The elk was actually quite tasty, and the tobacco smoked beef tasted, well, porky. I was told that my porky reference should actually be an association to bacon and those smoked hams from my youth. The appetizers and dessert were also good, but again not anything special.
It was also pointed out to me that the space used to be a bowling alley and they they repurposed the lanes for flooring. In fact, many other patrons were noticing it was they walked by our table, pointing out the arrows by their feet.
Anyway, I thought that the restaurant was quite nice. Decent price point for the food, ambiance and service that you get. Like I said, I had a good feeling about this place right from the get go. I would definitely go back.

Price point: mid-range
Ambiance: 4/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Would return again: yes

Moncler F/W 2010

I saw something that reminded me of this show. I know it's old, and for some reason, I thought that I had already posted it, but I guess not? Anyway, it's a great show. Still on my bucket list - attend a fashion show.

Centro

Centro is a well-known, high-ish end restaurant. I quite liked the ambiance of the place. Comfy chairs, not too dark lighting, high ceilings and some cool features. My first impression of the restaurant led me to believe that I would enjoy this meal. The food was decent, but I wasn't particularly impressed with what I had. Maybe my expectations were too high? I don't think so, though. The service had potential, and I don't know if it was because we had a big table and our waiter knew that it was for a special occasion, but I found it a little excessive. I've experienced European service, and while at times it seemed excessive, it didn't completely annoy me. This service did. In Europe, it was very frequent, but it always seemed to have a purpose. Here, it didn't. Or at least the timing was off. I felt like I was told things that I really didn't care about, or at completely the wrong time. Since my expectations of this place were high, I would think that even with our big table, everyone would be served at the same time. I do remember one instance that all of our plates didn't come out at the same time, which surprised me. I hope I'm not sounding too critical, but something about the service, was off. But not all the time. At times, I though it was okay. I guess I'll go back to my original sentiment in that it had potential.
And it's a shame because, like I said, I had a good first impression of the place.

Price point: mid-high
Ambiance: 5/5
Food: 3/5
Service: 3/5
Would return again: yes

Luma

Back in September, I had said that I would start doing quick reviews of restaurants that I dined at. Oops. Forgot to follow through.
So this review will be brief, as I think many future reviews will be (if I remember to even do them). Maybe these reviews will be more for my own reference for future dining purposes.

Luma is a newish restaurant in the TIFF Bell Lightbox. It's part of the Oliver & Bonacini family of restaurants and I would assume, by looking at the price point, that it's supposed to be on the nicer end of the spectrum. I'm a sucker for good service and well plated food, so it was a mixed experience for me. Service was NOT good. Our table was forgotten about on a couple occasions, and we had to get some of the heads of service involved, when I don't think they were supposed to be. I'm hoping that their involvement would highlight that someone else on their team is slacking off, but I don't know if that message will get through. The service was saved by someone on loan from Canoe. He was great and made sure that we felt like we were being well looked after.
The plating was nice. I thought they paid attention to how the food looked, and on the taste side, I wasn't too disappointed. The scallop sashimi was light, refreshing and flavourful. The tuna tartare was also tasty. I quite liked my tagliatelle, and it was much more filling than I had expected. The dessert was also quite nice - my opera cake was forgettable, but the buttered popcorn ice cream tasted better than it sounds and the chocolate Pop Rocks it was served on top of were super fun.
So yeah - I guess the food was nice...but the service was very disappointing.

Price point: mid-range
Ambiance: 4/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 2/5
Would return again: yes

Happy holidays

At this time of year, a lot of people settle in front of the TV to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas, Home Alone, Love Actually, or The Sound of Music.
I watched Requiem for a Dream. Ha.
I've had a borrowed copy of the DVD in my possession for three years and have had really good intentions to watch the film, but I don't tend to be in the right mood to watch this kind of movie. Not to say that the holidays put me in the mood to watch this kind of film, but I figured that I would probably never be in the right mood, so on a quiet night in, I just decided to go for it.
It's an interesting movie. Probably not my favorite that I've ever seen, but it's interesting. I thought it started sort of slowly, but I think this is a movie that the more you think about it or watch it, you'd be able to get more out of it. And of course, the soundtrack is amazing. Amazing enough that a bazillion ice dance teams skated to its soundtrack during last year's Olympic season.

Also - Happy Holidays, folks!

A little lost

I'm thinking that I shouldn't have left my September-September framework to get a January-January agenda (albeit a classic Moleskine one). There are a bunch of events in the New Year already piling up, and I have nowhere to make note of them. I need to get organized. I need a new agenda. I need to be less picky in buying one. I'm feeling a little flummoxed.

A lovely laptop cover

Anyone need a 15inch laptop cover? Canvasco has this beauty. Hop Kanada!

Some things never change

A blast from my 4-year old past:
"You were about as tall as my knee and you always had a big smile for everyone. I think you found life pretty delightful back then."

Conflict resolution

Overheard in a school office:
"Are you happy with this being a, 'Say you're sorry, end of story' kind of situation?"
"Yes, sir."

Shaken to the core

I'm not the best at dealing with my emotions. I'm not the best at explaining what's going on when I feel something. Like, seriously feel something.
While watching Waiting for Superman, I started crying. I was pretty confused about it because I don't think of myself as a crier. I thought through my emotions, and I think that I understand why I responded that way. Nonetheless, I was shocked how I reacted to my feelings.
It happened again. I just got an e-mail that shook me to my core. I love it, maybe more than your average person, when things connect. When you find out the world is small and you feel like there's too much of a coincidence of what's happens in life. So that part of the e-mail was great, but then I started reading into the subtext of the e-mail and again I was surprised at how strongly I was reacting. When things get really personal. When thing really hit at what you're passionate about. I guess that's when you react in surprising (or maybe extreme?) ways. At least, that's how it seems to be for me.
As I've said, there are some things that I need to pursue.