Susur is hot, says Top Chef Masters judge

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12:24 pm

Despite finishing dead last in the first challenge on American food reality show Top Chef Masters, Toronto culinary legend Susur Lee has at least one very influential fan in his corner: host Kelly Choi.

In her show blog, the New York City food journalist and creator of Eat Out NY gushed about our suave master chef, saying, "I was excited, for sure, not just because he has such a stellar reputation, but also because I had fallen in love with his cookbook, Susur: a Culinary Life, and, well, he’s just friggin’ hot (his wife is just as gorgeous)."

She goes on to describe chef Lee, 51, in very favourable terms, alluding to his passion for food, and his ease in front of the camera. Although he dropped the ball in the first challenge, according to Choi he picked up the pace in the second elimination challenge destroying the competition by serving roast chicken and farce curry, polenta and grits, tomato jam and chili mint chutney. His efforts garnered him a score of 19.5 stars, the highest in the show’s history, earning him a spot in the Champions Round.

Oh, and viewers also found out in the episode that Lee likes to cook in his socks.

"Being a chef is like a ninja. You have to be so fast and so quick. You have to be free. I feel like I’m the kung fu master," says Lee. It is too early in the competition to tell what Choi thinks of this development. Stay tuned.

Video: Susur Lee dishes on Top Chef Masters

(NOW Magazine)

McEwan pegged to host Top Chef Canada

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9:57 am

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The busiest man in the Canuck restaurant game is at it again, with the announcement that Mark McEwan has signed on as head judge for the Canadian rendition of food reality TV show Top Chef, which will air on the Food Network.

McEwan, owner of culinary institutions North 44, One, Bymark and his eponymously named fine food shop in Don Mills, already has his hands full with the impending opening of yet another restaurant, Fabbrica, across from his market. But, what the heck, that’s a tough gig to turn down.

"It’s an absolute honour to be a part of such an exciting project that will showcase the range of culinary talent this country has to offer," said McEwan. "I’ve been in the food and service industry for over 30 years and look forward to sharing that expertise with the chosen competitors on Top Chef Canada."

The search is on for the hottest chefs in the country with a national open casting call. Those who deem themselves worthy should head to www.foodnetwork.ca/topchef to apply.

"We want to hear from those Canadians who think they have the culinary skills and star personalities to compete on Top Chef Canada," said John Brunton, president of Insight Production Company Ltd. "The culinary scene in Canada has never been so hot and I’m certain our casting search will find Canada’s most promising chefs."

That means you: Tawfik Shehata, Ted Corrado, Fabio Bondi, Geoff Hopgood, Rob Gentile et al. Represent!

The Source: Save at GTA sample sales

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10:50 am

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This weekend’s sales will have you trading in your old finds for new lines. Check out our hot list of sales sure to help create a new you this spring.

Gotstyle

In exchange for that old ‘boxy’ suit you’re not wearing, Gotstyle will take $50 off any item in the store. The King Street West men’s spa and boutique is having a ‘Trade It All In’ sale until the end of May. It offers casual and formal wear from lines such as Ted Baker, Drykorn and its own Gotstyle label.

489 King Street West. 416-260-9696.

Agency One

New and hard-to-find street wear is 65 to 80 per cent off at Agency One’s sample sale. Until May 8, find discounts on men’s, women’s and kids lines from the likes of Ringspun, Gestuz, House of the Gods and Suit.

10 Wingold Avenue. 416-703-2916.

Toronto Sample Sales

An old standby, Toronto Sample Sales is introducing designer sunglasses for the first time ever. The sale includes 40 to 80 per cent off Gucci, Prada and Chloe shades, in addition to over 30,000 designer items. The sale is on until May 9, with an extra 15 per cent discount for Mother’s Day.

Sheraton Hotel, 600 HWY 7 East, Richmond Hill. 416-399-9959.

Arbec Group

European brands can be found at Arbec Group’s sample sale this weekend. Names such as Salvage, Kinetix and Maison Bibliotheque are discounted 80 per cent.

90 Wingold Avenue, Unit 6. 416-921-7723.

Top five things to do in the city this weekend

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8:01 am

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There’s way too much going on in Toronto this weekend so we’ve decided to help you out by highlighting the top five events you should consider leaving home for.

Salut Wine + Food Festival

The Salut Wine + Food Festival draws internationally renowned wine makers and chefs to Toronto for a gourmet dining experience. From tastings by sponsor Wines of France to local cooks duelling a la Iron Chef, Toronto’s food and drink connoisseurs can’t resist this event.

May 8-15. Held at various locations. 647-827-1705.

Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival

Explore modern photography and its influence on the world around us as the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival continues this weekend. Over 1000 artists have come together in Toronto for the largest photography festival in the world. Featured exhibitions this weekend include Hermann & Audrey’s opening on May 7 at 7:00 p.m.

358 Dufferin Street. 416-655-9548.

Hot Docs

Toronto’s Hot Docs Festival, the largest documentary festival in North America, wraps up this weekend with a rooftop screening in Yorkville. Check out this weekend’s screenings and purchase tickets here.

Citipark Cumberland Garage, 148 Cumberland Street. 416-637-5150.

Mother’s Day Tea

Treat mom to the Mother’s Day Tea Tasting at the Bata Shoe Museum. Kerri M. Lee of Lee Middleton Gourmet Tea is hosting the event and will be teaching tricks on how to perfect your brew. Reservations required.

May 9, 1:00-3:00 PM. Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. West. 416-979-7799.

Giselle

Don’t miss this adventurous interpretation of Giselle, a classic ballet, at Harbourfront Centre. Led by choreographer Michael Keegan-Dolan, Irish dance company Fabulous Beast brings its contemporary ballet to Toronto.

May 7 and 8 at 8:00 PM. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay West. 416-973-4000.

Best gift ideas for Mother's Day in Toronto

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8:01 am

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Mother's Day is just around the corner, and while macaroni cards may be out of the question, PostCity.com has picked the best stores to help say "I love you, mom" without all the pasta and glue.

The Last-Minute Gift

If you're feeling the pressure this Mother's Day, and you don't have a lot of time, your best bet is to head to a store where you're sure to find something unique that still says "I appreciate you, mom."

Enter Queen Street's Studio Brillantine. You'll find umbrellas that can withstand 60 km/h winds, luxury leather wallets designed in Japan, and a funnel that could pose as a stunt double for Pinocchio.

Our recommendation for this Mother's Day? A classic icon watch designed by Mondaine. That way when you show up this Sunday, with a gift in hand, mom can know you're on time.

Studio Brillantine is located at 1418 Queen Street West – 416-536-6521

The Making-it-up-for-Forgetting-Last-Year Gift

If you really want to impress mom, head over to Birks on Bloor Street where the first-ever mined Ontario diamonds have just made their glitzy way to display cases. The diamonds range in price from $1,400 to $171,000, making it a splurge that won't go unnoticed.

In fact, you can be proud that this James Bay crop has the second highest value per carat in the world.

While diamonds are a girl's best friend, you'll be mom's best friend for reminding her just how much of a gem she is.

Birks is located at 55 Bloor Street West in the Manulife Centre – 416-922-2266

The Mother-in-Law-You-Just-Can't-Stand Gift

If only she could learn to relax, you might actually get along with your mother-in-law. Perhaps an afternoon at the spa is just what your relationship needs.

We recommend Stillwater Spa, the exclusive massage, tea room, sauna and steam room oasis buried below the Park Hyatt Toronto. Gift certificates range from $25 to $1000.

Stillwater Spa is located at 4 Avenue Road – 416-926-2389

She’s in the baby business

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10:30 am

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ON-AIR & OFFSPRING

Jack Hourigan draws on her experiences as a single mom in her role as host of the women’s lifestyle show Three Takes

What do you wish someone had told you about motherhood?

My mom always told us, “If anyone ever hurt my kids I’d run them over with a lawn mower.” I thought she was nuts until I had my son. No one can ever prepare you for the depth of a mother’s love.

Best Mother’s Day memory?

My sisters and I took my mom to Paris.… It was a lifelong dream for her. After 10 kids, it was nice to finally see her drinking champagne and eating a baguette at a sidewalk café.… And yes, she left her lawn mower at home.

THE KIDDIE CROONER

Inspired by the joys of motherhood, Jen Gould, an actor at the Stratford Festival, became a children’s performer

What’s your favourite song to sing to your children?

My husband and I made up a “night night song” that we sing to our kids every night. It’s like superstition now. I can’t not sing it.

Three keys to a great kid’s tune?

Easy rhythmical patterns, engaging lyrics and hand gestures.

The most exciting moment of my life as a mompreneur has been?

Winning a Juno in 2008.

What are your plans for Mother’s Day?

Going for a family bike ride, maybe have some brunch at our favourite local brunch spot (Hershey’s).

WITH-CHILD WISDOM

Alyson Schafer, a psychotherapist and mom of two, advises moms on her TV call-in program, The Parenting Show

Best lesson or advice you’ve received from your kids?

Keep exploring life and trying new things. I have started drawing, yoga, guitar, running, skiing, all since watching my children find their interests.

What about children still remains a mystery to you?

Why is Pooh so sacred and special to them?

The best gift a mother could receive on Mother’s Day?

Hearing something like, “I love how you serve me cocoa in that special Santa mug after skating, and you always add some cold milk, so it’s not too hot, and I can drink it right away.”

YUMMY MUMMIES

Frustrated by a lack of healthy baby food on the market, Eryn Green and Tamar Wagman created Sweetpea Baby Foods

Eryn, what is Tamar’s best quality as a parent?

That she’s a relaxed parent, in a good way. I’m a first time mom, so I’m a bit more anxious.

Tamar, same question:

That she appreciates every single second she has with her baby girl.

What is the most failproof item you feed to your young ones?

They love our cookies, adults love them too! They love that their mommies make them and that our photo is on the box!

PENNING PARENTHOOD

A funny mommy by trade, Kathy Buckworth was inspired by her four kids to write several award-winning works

What is some memorable feedback you’ve received from a reader/mother?

A mom who was in the hospital told me that reading my book made her laugh & helped her to escape. I love hearing that my book made them feel like they weren’t in this crazy parenting world all by themselves.

Describe your ideal Mother’s Day.

My kids love to give me handmade gifts and “pretend” to be nice to me all day. As they get older, I find they understand that the best gift they can give is time.

DUO OF DUE

Sisters Dawn and Jacquelene McCorman turned their love of kids and clothing into Love Child Boutique

Dawn, as a mom of three, what’s your best advice for your sister, who’s expecting?

Don’t be afraid to let your kids learn their own lessons.

What does it take to be a mompreneur?

Dedication to both work and family.

Which of you caused your own mom the bigger headache growing up?

Neither of us caused too much trouble for our parents. Honestly … you can call our mom!

Best patios for the parched in Toronto

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9:37 am

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Spring is here, so slip outside and sip a cold beverage on one of these three standout patio paradises.

The Victory Cafe – 581 Markham St. – 416-516-5787

A summer staple of lazy Sundays – or Saturdays for that matter – the Vic offers guests a relaxed wrap-around brick patio with views of Mirvish Village to the north and the residential neighbourhood of Lennox Street on the south.

Drop in Wednesday night to hear the sounds of The Hot Jazz String Quartet, featuring Drew Jurecka and Jesse Barksdale and enjoy the area’s best selection of regional, microbrew and cask beers.

Czehoski – 678 Queen St. W. – 416-366-6787

Set off of the restaurant’s second floor pub area, this small rooftop patio offers seating for 32, and a welcome contrast to the noise and bustle of Queen Street below.

Chefs Andrew Wilson and Nolan Witkoski offer menu options for any hour of the day, complimented by a thirst-quenching selection of 14 on-tap beers and a seasonal cocktail list.

Panorama – 55 Bloor St. W. – 416-967-0000

Perched atop the Manulife Centre’s 51st floor, Panorama’s patios provide the best views of the city — both uptown and south towards the lake. Award winning cocktails can be enjoyed on their own, or as an accompaniment to executive chef Scott Doust’s dinner menu.

Boasting more than 100 private functions a year, the fanfare would seem to attest to the power of their formula.

Style File: Spring bling on the streets of T.O.

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10:27 am

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It’s springtime in Toronto and that means fewer clothes and more bling. PostCity.com tracked down two T.O. trendsetters and asked them to elaborate on their ensembles.

Gayle Mitchell

Occupation: Real Estate Agent

Wearing: Almost everything I’m wearing was purchased in L.A., where my daughter lives. I got my necklace from Chanel in New York and I picked up my bag there as well.

Style in two words: Classic elegance

Favourite article of clothing: A black vintage dress from the 1940s that I bought at Paper Bag Princess in Los Angeles.

What would you not be caught dead wearing? Sandals with socks.

Suzanne Fox

Occupation: Store Manager (Paper Things)

Describe your style in two words: Progressive eclectic

What are you wearing? Prada shoes (my girlfriend works at Prada), shirt was a gift, and necklace from my sister.

Favourite article of clothing: Maxi dresses — I’m waiting for the right weather to wear them.

What would not be caught dead wearing? Leggings and a short shirt. I like leggings but the shirt has to cover your butt.

Kennedy & friends heading to Brick Works

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4:19 pm

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Attention all locavores and lovers of all things Jamie Kennedy, a new culinary event dubbed A Communal Table with Jamie Kennedy & Friends has just been announced featuring the city’s top chefs: the aforementioned local food kingpin Kennedy, along with Michael Stadtländer of Eigensinn Farm and Hasai, Scaramouche’s Keith Froggett, Anthony Walsh from Canoe and Brad Long of My Place: A Canadian Pub and Veritas.

On June 19, the Local Food Five will man the hot plates at Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave., home to the smashingly successful farmers’ market and Picnic at the Brick Works. Tickets are going for $200, and if past events of this nature are any indication, one might not want to wait too long to purchase.

Local producers featured for the evening include Cumbrae Farms, Monforte Dairy, Soiled Reputation, Kawarth Ecological Growers, 100 Kilometer Foods, Crosstown Kitchens, Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery and Stratus Vineyards.

For more information or to purchase tickets go to www.jamiekennedy.ca or phone 647-288-0680.

Sisterhood of the travelling punchlines

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10:24 am

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THE WISE ONE

JAYNE EASTWOOD

This comedy show is about women and the challenges of careers and family. Is there something there for men as well?

We love men. We’re not bitter. Our humour is really about people — and we don’t talk about personal parts.

You’re known as the grand dame of Canadian comedy. What’s the key to being a dame, and especially a grand one?

I am so not a grand dame. People just think that because I have a deep voice and I’ve been around for a hundred years.

What life advice have you passed on to your co-stars?

Nicotine prevents Alzheimer’s.

THE SHORT ONE

ROBIN DUKE

Your most outrageous Eddie Murphy memory from your SNL days:

This polite, unassuming, genuinely funny 19-year-old telling me he wanted to be as big as Elvis.

You went to high school with Catherine O’Hara. Describe your high-school selves.

Nerdy cheerleaders who used to smoke in my mom’s red 1967 Ford Cougar at lunch.

The most surprising reaction to one of your jokes?

Laughter? Oh, and someone threw a potato at me at Second City.

THE TALL ONE

TERESA PAVLINEK

How much of the show is improv?

Depends on if one of us blanks on a line.

If you ladies got in a scrap, who would win?

Kathy. She’s petite, but she can go. She’s in a gang of moms. Terrifying.

If the Barenaked Ladies came to watch the show, what would happen?

Well, they wouldn’t have to wait in line for the washroom. The men’s toilet is always available at our shows. And they’d probably laugh really hard.

THE MANNISHONE

DIRECTOR JOHN HEMPHILL

You’re a man, correct?

Correct.

Does that lead to difficulties given the subject matter?

No. I don’t know what I’m talkin’ about half the time anyway.

Directing these four ladies is like…

being seventeen and out of debt.

You worked at SCTV. Your favourite John Candy memory?

Two words … Dr. Tongue!

The funniest thing you’ve seen during a WFC show?

Desperate women taking over the men’s washroom and not giving it up.

THE BUSY ONE

KATHRYN GREENWOOD

Has Drew Carey gone all Hollywood since he took over The Price Is Right?

I was breastfeeding three minutes after Whose Line ended, and I haven’t looked up since. Drew is hosting Price Is Right? What else is happening? Who’s our prime minister?

What’s your perfect Mother’s Day?

Seeing how excited my daughters are as they make sure I have a special day … until 9 a.m. when I start the laundry, cooking and lugging crap up the stairs.

Spice capades

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10:06 am

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You don’t have to be Mexican to join in the Cinco de Mayo celebrations on May 5!

Mexican food is known for its intense flavors, colourful presentations and unique spicing.

Enjoy my favourite and healthier burrito and chili from my latest book, “Rose Reisman’s Family Favorites.”

Here are three ideas for a great Mexican fiesta:

Southwest breakfast burrito

Tex-mex chili

Tortilla chip-crusted chicken with guacamole and salsa

New comedy show a return to political satire

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9:58 am

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I WENT TO the opening of the new Second City show Second City for Mayor with great anticipation. Municipal politics?

The election we’re about to have has been rife with scandal, anarchy and general weirdness — just ripe for satire.

When I got to the theatre, there was a picket line of protesters set up. It didn’t take me long to realize it was a set-up for the show, but I took it as a good sign that we were in for some political comedy.

Just before the show, I ran into mayoralty hopeful Rocco Rossi, who said to me, “Uh-oh … I hope they don’t go after me too bad.…”

He needn’t have worried. There wasn’t one sketch that actually referred to Toronto politics.

The first thing I noticed in the Second City showroom was that the traditional set of drywall and doors had been stripped away, leaving a maze of catwalks and fire escapes, which gave the show a more immediate, urban feel.

The lighting and music had been changed, as well, giving the show a tougher, more industrial atmosphere. Good moves on director Melody Johnson’s part.

The first sketch was a nice curtain raiser, with a South Asian passenger in a taxi fascinated by the exoticism of his white cabbie, “You all smell like grilled cheese!” in a neat reversal deserving of its passionate response.

And then … I got bored waiting for something with bite or at least relating to the title. By the end of the first act, I was actually looking to leave.

I’m glad I stayed, though. The second act picked up nicely. It began with a musical improv about places that are worse to live in than Canada, with the audience suggesting various countries.

Reid Janisse gets the evening’s MVP award for his ability to rhyme “Liechtenstein” with … well, shout it out, when you attend the show, and you’ll see.

I also liked a dark sketch that reunites a Guantanamo prison guard with one of his detainees in a coffee shop here in Toronto.

But the majority of the evening was taken up with yuppie social satire about raising children and dating that seemed tired a decade ago, although it must be noted that the audience was howling in recognition.

But the show is called Second City for Mayor, so where are the jokes about Giambrone? David Miller? Rob Ford? Yes, there are some symbolic takes on our local issues, via a superhero’s comeuppance for his personal life and vices, or a sketch revolving around a dead cyclist.

Some may be satisfied with the abstract wit, but I want names to be named and reputations to be tarnished! Long ago, shows like Toronto, Toronto ran for months, even years, with songs and sketches about this city.

I’ve noticed that there hasn’t been so much interest in the political life of this city since the days of the Spadina Expressway debate. All over the news, the question of what kind of city we want to live in has been in the foreground. The plethora of mayoral candidates is one example but so is the constant dialogue about design, architecture, transit and culture in this wonderful city of ours.

Is it too much to ask for our comedians to join in?