I Spy

The recent Toronto book fair honoring the written word was a smashing success.

This is something book geek worthy, and yes if the shoe is custom fit- then it is my duty to attend such geekiness, if only to show support to the other five attendees. Much to my chagrin, as I exited the Museum metro platform and ascended the stairs to Queens park I was met by a mob scene. All of this for the written word festival? Why yes indeed. Magazines, socialist wingnut writers, journalism non profits all had booths set up. I have learned that any Canadian festival is always showcasing Canadian. Glad I left my red and white pom poms at home.

Typically book festivals offer lots of free stuff-books out of print, proofed copies.Weirdly enough the only free books available were the ones being hawked by the religious groups in attendance. It seemed to me that even god or Allah is not recession proof. The funny -people- watching -moment of the event: a few Muslim guys arguing about which direction in which to kneel while praying. A couple of opinions and pointing fingers in various directions made the prayer blanket look more like a three stooges skit.

The true high light of the afternoon: Hanging with the cartoon creators of The Possum, and Spy Guy. My own short guys loved watching the creation of a customized piece of artwork, that was an extra goodie for purchasing a grab bag of comics.

Spendy Syrup

As a California transplant here in Canada, few things wield intimidation like maple syrup. Laugh away but, If you are an oenophile (I like to identify as a wine nerd) so comparing maple syrup to french vino: nothing is as expensive (drop for drop than Bordeaux.) Pitch perfect analogy.

Why is this? I am also a foodie, a foodie who found the recent movie about Julia Child as emotionally satisfying as sitting down to an entire tub of ben & jerry cherry Garcia but I digress. The foodie mecca here in T.O. is the St. Lawerence Market.

The weekend farmer market at our noteworthy market the pilgrimage we all seek. Guss it could be worse since this is completely legal with no nasty hangover. The earlier you shop, the more educated and serious the food shopper. An inverse relationship exists in this regard. Later than 8:30, you are automatically tagged a tourist.
Back to my theme this weeek. Maple syrup- Pure maple syrup is graded according to Federal USDA regulations, and is based on both color and flavor. The grades are: US Grade A Light Amber, US Grade A Medium Amber, US Grade A Dark Amber, and US Grade B. Some states use a slightly different terminology, as does Canada, but the legal requirements for each grade are the same, regardless of what they are called. For example: Grade A Light Amber syrup is sometimes called Fancy Grade, and here in Canada it is called No. 1 Extra Light.

Well thank goodness it's not just for breakfast anymore. Baked pairs, braised beef, caramelized root veggies- sorry to geek out but these are all dee-licious with a dash of Canada's maple syrup.

So we'll choose to drink the Chilean reds so we can pop for the dark amber syrup.

All maple syrup grades are better than the artificial stuff. Otherwise it's strictly a matter of personal choice. Ask yourself : Which is better, white wine or red wine? Which is better, light beer or dark beer? Beer can probably be compared most easily to the different maple syrup grades/flavors. A light pilsner beer has a light color and delicate flavor, while a Stout or Porter has a very dark color and strong flavor. It's strictly a matter of personal choice, and there isn't one grade of maple syrup that is "better" than another. Thx for hangin'for the foodie geek out session. Now go sing the praises of the syrup-

Apples, Peaches. Pumkin Pie

Happy October first. In celebration of seeing my breath this morning I decided to book my travel plans for warmer weather. Funny how things like frosty sidewalks will get ones' attention. Too bad the warm travel plan is months away. Suppose it makes it all the more delicious.
The bright note is we have trees ready to explode in a celebration of color, or colour if you're a local aye?

So where does on go to explore the beauty of mother nature and maybe enjoy a little apple cider? I took my own private straw poll today and was surprised to find that the answers were as diverse as the pocket books of those professing ideas. The deep pocket crowd suggested Montreal or Quebec.. That's nice and we certainly adore the food scene, but a weekend in Montreal is a great way to drop a grand. How about the finger lake area of Ny was another idea. Not so nice in my estimation, since drinking those sticky sweet Niagara wines figures in. The best answer: local farms just out of the city district. King City sounds like a destination but the website for the pick-your-own apples looks a little snoozey.

In this case snoozey is good, so off we will go in search of amazing cider. It's funny how asking such a simple question of where to go casts such a huge net. I'll report back, but don't be shy sharing personal favorites or places off the beaten trail. Have Subaru will travel.

My lunchdate

I ventured home today to have a bite to eat for lunch, and make a few free calls on my VOIP line.. Man it's expensive calling stateside on a cell or regular land-line. Just as I sat down a bird of prey flew to my 16th floor window to dine upon a little free-range sparrow that she had just caught. My camera was in my bag so i snapped a few pics. I'm always in awe of any bird of prey. I like the forceful gaze and that amazing hooked beak- all the better to rip you apart (glad I'm not a small bird or rodent.) Amazing too on another level that as a city dweller I was able to experience something so spectacular, awe inspiring. Plus it was nice to have the lunch company.

After a quick google search lots of data came up about my lunch buddy. She was a kestrel. She lives (most likely) on the Island within my line of vision. She is a fearless yet patient hunter. My google net cast a whole genre of airy-fairy-symbolic & Indian mythology. I'm not one to knock this sorta stuff, especially coming from living next to the airiest-fairest zipcode stateside: Santa Cruz.

So the following is a snippet of mythological brain candy for you to savor or laugh at- after all, it's your snack.. The mystical totem that the kestrel represents: Agility & quickness. A bird that can stimulate a quick, graceful and agile mind. A visit from this bird will teach you how to use your mental facilities more effectively and more patiently(this I could use) to capture what you most need and desire. It not only has excellent vision, but its hearing is amazing (I could polish this skill set)-- so it reminds us to truly Listen and See what is around us, within our lives, and our place/responsibility within situations. I like that.

Next time I think I'll opt for the salad. Watching another carnivore devour her lunch left me wanting to become a bit more herbivore.

Politics & Rock n Roll

Civilized and unrehearsed. These are two words typically not found in the same sentence when a political fundraiser is discussed. My entree into Canadian politics was such a refreshing change from what I know and loath of American spectator sport styled political fundraisers.

Aside from a few big and goofy sounding words (Attawapiskat) the evening fundraiser for the MP Charlie Angus was cordial and congenial for all attending. Aside from Bill Clinton, I don't know too many politicos who can pick up a musical instrument and play well. Evening music was a Canadian potpourri with JASON COLLETT, KATHLEEN EDWARDS, BOB WISEMAN, ANDY MAIZE, and ANDREW CASH (who announced that he is seeking the NDP nomination in Davenport, a Liberal-held enclave.)

The evening line up for the event was a glimpse into the crystal ball of up and comer rock stars and local glitterati.. Peach Berserk designer Kingi Carpenter designed a silk screened dress with Charlie's face. Charlie described the silk screened print photograph of his sweet mug as a mid sentence rant in the House of Commons heckling Bev Oda, then heritage minister. (She is now the Minister of International Co-operation.) Political wonkiness has never been so sexy!

Yet another political first... geez I am a lucky gurl....experiencing this eclectic mix-fashionistas of Toronto's Queen Street West and a mod squad mix of local luminary made for a delicious eve. All in the name of political support. I like this place more everyday.

The other high light of the evening involved an accordion. Yes, an accordion. Oh, did I mention the sock puppets?? Now if I could just find the snippet of last eves' soiree on youtube I could post it here. Magical moments are meant to be shared. Anyone...please forward the url..

An invention That Could Only Be Canadian

Few things here in Canada evoke emotions and stir feelings of patriotic fervour like the king of all things Canadian: hockey.

Find yourself alone in a que, strike up a conversation about hockey and find that everyone around you has something to contribute. It's not a sport or even a mere past time. Think religion.

One short stop to the local Canadian Tire (Genre akin to target stores on testosterone vs mom&pop automotive.) Stroll thru household goods, end of season garden goods, and the hunting-fishing gear area you'll find yourself within a pond sized area of pucks.

Sticks of all sizes and cost, of course skates. No wimpy double runners here. Hockey skates come in tiny baby sized booties. These mini-skates look like something found upon the foot of most sweet smelling infants...then add a sharp blade. Now we can differentiate the true Canadians from the wanna bees.. and once those tiny toddler feet have met the ice most parents must figure why teach them to walk when you can teach them to skate first. After all, they have no teeth to knock out (that comes later on, like third grade team hockey.)

It was said that the fabled Pele was given a soccer ball before he could crawl. Bobby Orr perhaps teethed upon a rubbery puck.. This hockey religious experience; It's like nothing I have ever experienced. Is this a myopically singular fervor in most circles within the latitude of Ontario?
Ive been told it's a country wide phenomena that stretches for nine months out of the year.

Rant and Roll

Okay it's time for a rant. Simple things always seem to be the things that turn into colossal sized pain-in-the-ass issues. Purchasing milk. As mundane as that seems I wanna know what's up with the milk in the bag routine which by the way Canada- no one else does, anywhere. There is no economy of scale buying the gallon or Liter of Leache here in Canada. Trying to pour it into my morning coffee is also a disaster in the making, Pouring it into a pitcher, forget it... This thing called a jug, it works really well.

This needs to change. Can't Canadians embrace the gallon jug or carton?? I just can't wrap my head around this one. Also can't imagine I am the only one ranting about this.

Why no wi-fi? The elusive signal is leaving me longing for stateside bandwidth. Oh little town of MountainView how do I miss you (never thought I would ever find myself saying that.) Google has given the gift of bandwidth to the minions of Mt.View..lucky bastards. Toronto Mayor David Miller- are you listening? Mostly no...But then again that's why Mayor Miller has a current popularity vote of just 29% tolerating him. Tolerating in Canadian terms is about as close as you're gonna get to hate.

My last rant involves the Toronto Film Festival, which begins today. Why the kid gloves surrounding the potential treatment, care and feeding of the stars as they flock to our fair city for the next ten daze of films, fun, and fashionable celeb spotting. The media has had such a ohh-woes-me, I hope the weather stays lovely for the stars. My guess is that anyone from the west coast is just happy to breath air they don't have to see, or worry about the Prius catching fire as the 49% containment of the fires burning could change as soon as the Santa Ana winds kick in again and potential torch L.A.

Honey moon over I suppose. It was sweet while it lasted. Now I can go back to being my mouthy, opinionated self. Sigh of relief....