Popular Italian spot Oretta is opening a giant new location at Yonge & Eglinton
After a successful four-year run on King St. West, Oretta is all set to open a second location in the bustling neighbourhood of Yonge and Eglinton.
Opening mid-November or early December of autumn 2021, Oretta Midtown will be located in the lower level of the Art Shoppe Lofts and Condos. The new spot will feature a patio on the south side, complete with heaters for comfortable outdoor dining when autumn evenings turn chilly.
“Opening Oretta at the Art Shoppe was a leap of faith that I truly believed in,” says owner Salvatore Mele (who also owns Capocaccia Trattoria in Summerhill). “The last 19 months have been challenging for everyone in the hospitality space, but Oretta has managed to forge ahead. I am excited about our brand and our new location.”
The increase in condo development has brought an influx of young people and families to the area, which Brand Manager for Oretta, Ana Altamira, says is one of the reasons the team decided on this new spot.
“Yonge and Eglinton has turned into more of a family area, and a lot of young people have moved here, and we thought it was the perfect spot for a second location,” she says.
Once again, the team at Oretta has enlisted the help of Commute Design (who designed the first location), the same team behind restaurants like Byblos, Patria, Tabüle and Little Sister. Guests can expect to find soaring archways and an abundance of vivid colours throughout the restaurant, starting with the tiled floors which will showcase warm salmon pinks and vibrant mustard yellows, all the way to the private wine cellar, which will house a large selection of bottles imported from Italy.
Heading up Oretta Midtown’s kitchen are executive chef Gabriele di Marco and chef de cuisine Darren Couto. While the new menu won’t be an exact replica of Oretta King West, much of the signature pizzas and pastas will remain. “We are working on a few surprises at the moment, and testing dishes at our King Street location,” Altamira says. “Guests can look forward to grigliata mista, which is a mixed grilled board to share.”
A selection of signature cocktails will also be available, as will be a selection of beer on tap and by the bottle.
Oretta Midtown will feature an open-concept kitchen, so that guests are front and centre for a memorable dining experience, and watch Oretta’s pizza chefs toss pizza dough by hand. Servizio al Tavolo will also be available, where pasta for two is served tableside and a server brings the parmesan wheel right to the table and mixes the dish.
Another addition to the midtown location that Oretta King currently doesn’t have?
A projector for showing all of the major sports games throughout the year.
“We’re Italian, and during the Euro Cup, we had a lot of people calling the King St. location and asking if we had a giant t.v. to watch the game,” Altamira said. “Now, we have one, and while it won’t be on every day, it will be there for when all of the sports fans need a place to go.”
How to play beach tennis in Toronto
This weekend, Toronto will be hosting its first national open beach tennis tournament on the sands of Woodbine Beach, Sept. 24-26. The hope is that the hometown Toronto Beach Tennis Club will generate even more interest in this exciting new (to Toronto) sport.
One of the club founders, Noah Goldstein, first started playing regularly in Toronto a few years back after one of his friends from another paddle sport, ping pong, witnessed beach tennis while on vacation in Aruba.
“We started a local not-for-profit sports club in mid-2019 and began growing the sport through our connections and a meetup group,” Goldstein says. “Beach tennis was a great refuge for team sports athletes last summer during COVID times since it’s a naturally distanced non-contact sport.”
Over the past year, the club has more than doubled its membership.
“The biggest thing is the beach atmosphere and how it’s the only racquet sport where you can dive without pain,” Goldstein says. “Diving to retrieve an almost out-of-reach shot brings that joy of a great play that just doesn’t come as often in most sports.”
Beach tennis has similarities with several other sports including volleyball, tennis, and ping pong. It’s played with a paddle racquet and an oversized tennis ball. Like volleyball, the ball cannot touch the ground. The idea is to return the shot over a net and into the opposing player(s) court in one shot. The net is 5,7” in height. The scoring system is the same as tennis.
“The biggest difference with other racquet sports is that you need to place the ball with touch more often than hitting with power,” Goldstein explains. “Instead of swinging, it is ideal to get the ball early and punch it to a spot away from your opponents. This is more easily understood if you come out and try it! One of the great attractions to beach tennis is that you can learn enough basics in a couple of minutes to have a very fun game.”
Those with racquet experience, whether tennis, squash, or even ping pong, but other sports might offer some useful and transferable skills as well.
“Being comfortable swinging a racquet helps get to high levels, but the technique is somewhat unique and some of our best players in Toronto have a background in ultimate frisbee rather than racquet sports,” Goldstein explains. “Their experience in efficient movement and ability to problem solve at a high sports level is very helpful. Having said that, tennis, badminton, and squash backgrounds have shown to be very transferable skills at a high level.”
According to Goldstein, beach tennis is huge on the beaches of Italy where it was invented and has very large communities in Brazil, Spain, Aruba, and many other beaches around the world. In North America, the sport is the biggest in California and Florida as you may expect, but also has clubs in Montreal, Vancouver, Buffalo, and Baltimore.
In addition to the weekend tournament, the club hosts regular opportunities to play at Woodbine Beach, where there is plenty of room amidst the hundred or so beach volleyball courts, which are also suitable for beach tennis, as well as indoors during the winter. Those interested are free to come out and try beach tennis with the club’s equipment before signing on to become members and investing in gear.
This weekend is a first for the club and is a step towards larger goals in the future including national beach tennis rankings and a cross-country tour.
“Our first National Open tournament is focussing on building a fun atmosphere, building the community, and creating awareness of the sport so others can find it and fall in love with it as we have,” Goldstein adds.
To get involved head to the Toronto Beach Tennis Club Facebook page, or come down to Woodbine Beach on the weekend to check it out.
Chefs Matty Matheson, Julio Guajardo, & Kate Chomyshyn reveal new Mexican restaurant
Former Quetzal chefs Julio Guajardo and Kate Chomyshyn have partnered with celebrity chef Matty Matheson to open Fonda Balam.
This week, the team at Fonda Balam have been busy menu testing, training their team, and sharing recipes and ingredients while discussing history and traditions, according to a recent Instagram post.
Fonda Balam replaces pop-up Birria Balam on Spadina Ave. The Mexican eatery is inspired by the cooking techniques and style of Mexico. The tacos here are birria-style, which is a dish originating from the Mexican state of Jalisco. They can be ordered crispy or soft and are served with red and green salsas.
Fonda Balam is located at 802 Dundas St. W.
These are the 8 best things to do in Toronto this weekend
Fall may be upon us and the days may be getting (sadly) ever shorter, but that’s no reason to start hibernating just yet. Instead, make some time to say hello to a new season and take advantage of the many events happening in the city. From art and culture to craft beer, here are some of the best weekend events in Toronto.
Eat some treats at Stackt Market
Come by Stackt Market on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. for Stacktalicious. This one-day food-themed event aims to highlight the offerings available at Stackt. Participants will be given a physical postcard with a prix fixe menu and there will be three tiers of food to choose from, including a beverage, a sweet treat and a savoury snack.
Sample some suds
Beer fans may want to make their way to CNE Bandshell Park this weekend for Fall Beerfest TO. The outdoor celebration of all things beer features hundreds of brews from a huge selection of Ontario craft brewers. There will also be live music to enjoy and plenty of local food to choose from in between beer samples.
See some art in Kensington Market
On Sunday between noon and 6 p.m., head down to one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods for the Kensington Market Art Fair (KMAF). The curated outdoor art fair, which is also free to attend, will feature original two and three-dimensional art by both professional and student artists.
Get active with ActiveArtsTO
If you feel like getting active on Sunday, ActiveArtsTO takes place along Lakeshore Boulevard from Windermere Ave. to Strachan Ave. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free program supports recreation, cultural animation and community engagement and visitors will be treated to pop-up art installations, sports, music and dance demos, DJs, a roller skating party and more.
Take your pooch to the park
Whether you have a furry friend of your own or just want to support a good cause, head over to Trinity Bellwoods Park this Saturday for the Party 4 Paws Pet Fair taking place from noon to 6 p.m. (a rain date is set for Sunday). Meet animal rescue heroes and pets looking for their forever homes and enjoy other activities and attractions including a photo booth and treats for pets.
Get spooked at Canada’s Wonderland
Beginning this Friday, Sept. 24 and running through October 31 is everyone’s favourite scary event, Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland. The largest Halloween event in the GTA sees the theme park transformed into a Halloween playground (albeit a scare-inducing one) with hundreds of monsters, terrifying attractions and live shows all meant to offer big scares – for those who dare.
Catch a drive-in performance by the TSO
The TSO returns for its first performances with audiences in nearly a year with TSO at the Drive-In: Mozart & Martines, happening Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. (advance tickets required). Each performance is one hour in length and will feature two of Mozart’s best known works as well as an overture by Marianna Martines, a Viennese classical period composer from Mozart’s time.
Check out some murals in Yorkville
In another art-focused event, Yorkville will be hosting the Yorkville Murals Art Festival starting this Friday and running though Sunday. The three-day cultural event celebrates contemporary muralism and public art and will feature artist installations, speaker panels and movie screenings, as well as four distinct zones to explore.
The owners of Piano Piano are opening a new spot across the street
Piccolo Piano Pizzeria is coming soon to Harbord Village from the owners of beloved Italian spot, Piano Piano.
Piccolo Piano Pizzeria has moved into the pastel-coloured doors of Café Cancan, located at 89 Harbord Street. Swapping French flair for Italian-inspired, the dinner-only menu includes wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, cocktails on tap and an ever-changing wine list, designed to pair with their always revolving small plates and snack options.
The menu is perfect for those looking for a fast, fun and lively dining experience with the same quality and flavour you know and love from sister restaurant, Piano Piano, conveniently located right across the street.
Over the years Chef Victor Barry, along with business partners Brendan Piunno and Nikki Leigh McKean, have taken unpretentious fine dining across Toronto and the GTA, expanding Piano Piano from one location to three. Piccolo Piano Pizzeria is just the next evolution of this growth.
While many businesses struggled during the beginning of the pandemic, Piano Piano experienced increased demand for their food. Overwhelmed with the support, they decided to close Café Cancan in favour of a Piano Piano pop-up to help get their food out to the hungry, stuck-at-home masses.
“Expanding Piano Piano has given us the opportunity to continue to focus on what we do best, which is creating tasty and f***ing delicious food,” says Chef Victor Barry.
Piccolo Piano Pizzeria can seat up to 60 guests and includes indoor and outdoor options. The space has been designed by Future Studio to create a fun, feel-good atmosphere.
“Our design sensibilities have evolved over time as we’ve opened up each space, from Piano Piano on Harbord, to Mount Pleasant, to Oakville, and now Piccolo Piano,” says Buffy Steringa, Director of Communications, Piano Piano. “No two spaces are going to be exactly the same, but there’s absolutely a common thread that runs through each of our restaurants. They’re all highly designed spaces that are fun and lively and feel great to be in.”
Piccolo Piano Pizzeria officially opens September 30 and will be available for dine-in Wednesdays through Sundays from 5:30pm until late.
How the man behind one of Canada’s top entertainment companies found love
Chances are you’d recognize Page Magen if you’ve been to any kind of big event over the past 20 years. From weddings to bar mitzvahs to formals, Magen Boys — the entertainment brand Magen started with his twin brother Jian — does it all. As Canada’s number one event production company, Magen has worked with Torontonians at some of the city’s biggest events. We asked the entertainment mogul about how he met his wife, Sasha Magen.
How they met
We knew of each other, as we both grew up in Thornhill. She started working for my company, Magen Boys, and we became really really good friends. I was in the “friend zone” for about five years!
The first date
We went to a party together as a “couple” at the old York Theatre. We were always going out as friends, but this time it was official, and we had a lot of fun. We went out with another couple, and they both got really drunk! We had to take care of them at the end of the night; it was quite hilarious!
The proposal
It was THE BEST! She’s obsessed with shoes and has a great sense of fashion, so I told her that my friend’s shoe store, David’s, was having an 80 per cent off friends and family sale. It was the only way I could get her away from her job! She ran over, and I had it set up so that, when she was asking to try on a pair that she liked, the ring was going to be in there. When the staff came toward her, the lights in the store dimmed, and our wedding song, “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” by the Supremes and the Temptations, came on over the speakers. I got down on one knee while the store was full of people! After the proposal, an older woman walked up to us and said, “So does she still get to keep the shoes?”
The wedding
We got married on New Year’s Eve, 2007. We chose Beth Tikvah synagogue, as it was where I grew up going to during the High Holidays. We created a winter wonderland that was all white. We loved knowing that we could party with our friends and celebrate the new year at the same time. Now that it has been 13 years, we realized that doing it on this night will always be fun because everyone around is in a great mood!
The honeymoon
We went to Europe and planned it around seeing Bruce Springsteen in Paris because we both love him! It was epic. We also went to St. Tropez, Capri and Mykonos, the best of all countries!
The kids
We have four kids, Taylor, who is 11; Preston, who is nine; Caleb, who is six; and Elle, who is three. We love them so, so much!
Balancing career and marriage
Pre-pandemic, it was pretty hectic as I was working on the weekends and she has a successful real estate career at Harvey Kalles. But since the stoppage of all events, we have spent some meaningful time together. We try to have time just for us, but we also love being with our kids. It is an adventure every day!
The secret to success
Staying grounded, working hard, supporting each other and giving each other confidence to be the best we can be.
These gourmet foot-long hotdogs are taking Toronto by storm
Slowly but surely, a Canadian hotdog brand is creating a sizzling empire right here in Toronto, and they’re all set to launch an aggressive growth plan.
Durty Dawgs opened in July 2021 and although there is no actual storefront location, the brand is seeing a steady profit, thanks to a combination of social media finesse (think Instagram-worthy creations) and by producing a simple but tasty product that’s not been saturated in the market.
“During the pandemic, and when the lockdowns didn’t allow for ball games or other events, there wasn’t really anywhere that you could go in the city to enjoy a hotdog,” says owner and founder Peter Higley, who is also the president of the Pickle Barrel restaurant group, which currently sells the Durty Dawg product.
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While juicy, battered fried chicken sandwiches and smash burgers seemed to be having their turn in the spotlight, hotdogs were nowhere to be found, Higley says, acknowledging that hotdogs are typically regarded as a meal to be enjoyed on occasion, like at a baseball game.
The majority of Toronto’s hotdog vendors were also closed down due to pandemic-related restrictions, making it hard to find a decent footlong in the city.
“So far, the response has been incredible, Higley says. “I was actually reading the April issue of Post City Magazines, and saw the feature where Chef Mark McEwan tried a bunch of hotdogs, which is actually where I got the idea,” Higley added. “None of them looked very overwhelming, and I saw the opportunity to do something different.”
About Durty Dawgs
Durty Dawgs only uses Nathan’s Famous premium, all-beef hot dogs. All of the hotdogs are 12″ and come served on a freshly baked pretzel bun that’s supplied by a local bakery.
Pickles are served with a side of ketchup and mayonnaise. Each Durty Dawg also comes with a choice of side, with options like thick hand-cut fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or frings (a combination of both fries and onion rings), or creamy coleslaw. The sides and sauces are then packaged into a neat, tidy, compostable box.
There are currently eleven hot dogs on the menu, but Higley says recipe development for more dogs is definitely in development.
“The response so far has been overwhelming; people love the hot dogs,” Higley says. “As we move forward with our growth strategy, we’re definitely looking into the late-night culture, and we’re definitely looking for strategic locations in high traffic urban environments.”
A selection of beer boxes, hard seltzers, wines, and liquor can also be added to the order at checkout.
Durty Dawgs is currently available to order on DoorDash, Skip the Dishes, and UberEats.
Brian Gluckstein on how to design a fun and functional nursery for your newborn
Catch interior designer Brian Gluckstein on Cityline, where he is a regular guest expert, and follow him @briangluckstein on Instagram. Find his new GlucksteinElements collection of fixtures and finishes at The Home Depot Canada, and his GlucksteinHome collection of furniture and décor at Hudson’s Bay. www.glucksteinhome.com ww
It’s always exciting welcoming a newborn into the home, and the nursery is a space where new parents are eager to get involved in the design process. As an area where they’ll be spending so much of their time, it’s important to create a nursery that’s both functional and beautiful. Not only will it make their day-to-day time easier and more enjoyable, it’ll allow them to focus more of their time and energy on the all-important task of raising their child.
I think it’s best when the nursery acts as a calm oasis in the home and evokes a sense of tranquility. It should have colour, of course, but few people are going to be happy spending all their time in a room that feels like a funhouse. A quieter, more peaceful room will keep new parents and a newborn feeling a bit more rested and refreshed.
Here are my top tips for nursery design:
Choose a cohesive palette
For a quietly colourful nursery, I think it’s a great idea to choose a more neutral base for the walls, such as a soft white or cream, then mix in cohesive accent colours. I love pastel colours for a nursery because they can pair together beautifully without competing for attention. To keep the look united, choose two or three key accent colours and then find items in similar shades to add cheery doses of soft colour throughout the space.
Opt for transitional furniture
When it comes to any larger furniture purchase, I think it’s important to choose something that can work in a space over time. I love the look of more monochromatic and modern baby furniture pieces that are designed to transition as your child grows. Nowadays, you can find cribs that convert to daybeds or toddler beds and change tables that work alone as dressers as your child’s needs change. It makes sense to invest in pieces that can be used for multiple purposes and have more longevity.
Incorporate natural materials
Natural materials can have such a calming effect on our moods since they connect us back to nature and its peaceful environments. Bring in some natural materials and textures to your baby’s room with items like soft cotton sheets and woven seagrass baskets for stylish storage. In a more calming space, natural materials create a sense of earthiness paired with all those soft, soothing hues.
Don’t forget about texture
Texture is always essential, if not most important, in a tactile newborn’s nursery where they’ll likely want to touch and feel every little thing around them. Make sure to keep lots of cosy, comforting materials around, such as chunky knit teddy bears and bunnies, ruffled blankets and faux fur cushions peppered throughout the space to spike their interest.
Make it whimsical, always
Even in a more quietly colourful nursery, there is so much opportunity to add some whimsical elements to make the space feel magical. There are tons of cute decals available online that you can use and easily remove without damaging walls, or consider painting some faux panelling on the walls for a fun, classic look. Cushions in the shapes of clouds and stars can help to make their space feel adorably otherworldly.
This internationally-recognized Canadian Opera Company singer is joining the ranks of her renowned musical parents
Lauren Margison was just eight when she appeared in a Canadian Opera Company production of La Boheme, resulting in an invitation to make an appearance on The Tonight Show starring Jay Leno. But the soprano says it took her a while to realize that opera could be her true calling.
Even before Margison began performing extensively to audiences across Canada and internationally, she had opera running through her blood. Born to tenor Richard Margison and violinist and opera director Valerie Kuinka, it’s no surprise that she followed in their footsteps and similarly found love for the art.
“It felt more like joining a family business than anything else,” Margison says, although she points out her parents never pushed her toward a career in music.
Although Margison was always passionate about music, she didn’t begin her professional musical journey in opera. While attending Yonge and St. Clair’s Linden High School, she was focused mainly on pop music and jazz and was even part of a Toronto jazz group called the Real Divas.
“I had this itch toward classical music that I had yet to allow myself to scratch because there’s also that feeling that I didn’t want to be constantly trying to make a career in the shadow of my father.”
Margison wanted to know she was good enough to stand on her own feet and felt that to do so she had to find a genre separate from her father. “But I finally bit the bullet and realized that opera is just so much fun.”
Although she realized that opera was her calling as a teenager, Margison didn’t pursue it professionally until her mid-20s. “The thing about opera is you need to let your voice mature.”
Since then, Margison was one of four singers chosen to perform the music of Gordon Lightfoot for Gordon Lightfoot at the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Heart and Vision Awards ceremony and concert and was a featured soloist on the Citytv Christmas Carol Sing, among other major accomplishments.
For Margison, it’s the stories of opera that drew her in so much.
“I like that connection that you feel with the singer when there’s no microphone and you hear their voice, and it fills the hall, and you think, ‘How on Earth can they do that?’ It’s just incredible. And I just always wanted to be able to do that and experience that.”
Margison has completed young artists’ programs with both the Montreal Opera and Canadian Opera Company. The soprano says her career highlight is performing the lead role in the Canadian Opera Company’s 2019 production of La bohème.
“The story is so romantic and the music itself is unbelievably beautiful. The cast all got along well, and we became like a little family, and I have nothing but happy memories of that time.”
This New York-style brownstone home in the heart of Yorkville is on the market for $6.6 million
Get a taste for living in a New York-styled brownstone right in the heart of Yorkville at 23 Lowther Ave.
This single-family home comes with an urban red brick exterior and completely renovated interior. Its four levels were luxuriously designed by Jill Woolley with an open concept layout, contemporary colours and luxe amenities.
Almost the entire second level is dedicated to the primary suite, while the lower level has tons of space for fun and games. With three bedrooms and four bathrooms, it’s currently listed for $6.6 million.
The entryway consists of glossy floors and an artsy wall divider.
Nearly 10-foot-tall ceilings open up the main floor, including the formal living area. Check out the tall windows and modern fireplace.
Four people can comfortably sit along the huge waterfall marble island in the kitchen. The space is designed with a matching backsplash, white cabinetry and pops of gold.
Illuminated shelving spans from floor to ceiling in the dining area.
Full height windows bring natural light into the family room. It features another fireplace and plenty of cozy living space.
The future owners can enjoy dining and lounging outside in the green-filled backyard. The large patio leads down to a peaceful garden area.
The primary bedroom has an indoor-outdoor feel thanks to the huge wall of windows. It also comes with large floating bookcases.
A sliding door opens to the seven-piece ensuite bathroom. It features double sinks, a gridded glass shower and a soaker bathtub.
There’s a ton of space in the walk-in closet, which also comes with a chic built-in vanity.
Here’s a look at the den and office area.
There are two additional bedrooms and a three-piece bathroom on the third level.
Not one, but two state-of-the-art wine walls are on display downstairs. The future owners can use these flashy glass units to store up to 160 bottles.
Soaring eight-foot and six-inch ceilings open up the lower level. There’s a custom bar area in the recreation room and plenty of space for a media centre.
23 Lowther Ave. is listed with Andre Kutyan of Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage.
Jeanne Beker on the hottest denim trends to step into fall
One of C
anada’s most trusted authorities on style and fashion, Jeanne Beker has covered the industry for more than 30 years. Now watch her in her current style editor role on TSC’s Style Matters with Jeanne Beker or tune into her new podcast Beyond Style Matters, available wherever you get your podcasts.
You can never have too many jeans! With fall approaching, we asked Jeanne Beker to select the best trendy-but-timeless denim to spice up your collection of everyone’s favourite outfit staple this season.
A) Levi’s forever
“These Levi’s are a beautiful-looking jean. I love the washed look of these ones. I think it’s a look that would really elongate the legs, a really classic styling that will go great with everything.” Gravitypope.com, $118
B) Double the sunshine
“There’s something so whimsical about this look, and you could dress it up or down.” MegByMeghanKinney.ca, $89
C) Never go out of style
“If you don’t have a pair of skinny black jeans in your closet, you have to run out and get yourself a pair.” Dutildenim.com, $219
D) Pinstripe classics
“These are Italian made and really high quality. You’ll be able to wear these forever.” Nordstrom.ca, $1,050
E) Add some flair
“This is a great, classic look with a nice, generous leg that has some stretch.” Yogajeans.ca, $148
F) Ahoy, sailor
“The ultra-high waist, the colour, the width, they’re forward and classic at the same time.” Betinalou.com, $267
