Restaurant Review by Michael PersaudLe Montmartre, 911 Sheppard Ave. West, Downsview, ON, M3H 2T7, phone: 416-630-3804Website: www.lemontmartrestaurant.comLe Montmartre, named after one of the most appealing districts in France, is a very fine-dining restaurant on Sheppard Ave. West. The building itself is a very resplendent colour of yellow. If you are taking public transit just exit the bus at Wilson Heights. It’s juxtaposed to the Petro Canada gas station. If your mode of transportation is via car, there is ample parking in the rear of the restaurant.Don’t be surprised when you hear the sweet, dulcet Parisian accents of the wait staff. It will transport your mind and consciousness across the pond to France or the 18th arrondissement. Bring your appetite because Le Montmartre’s menu will make you salivate. It’s mouth-wateringly good!For an appetizer I would highly I suggest the Caesar salad or lobster bisque. If you’ve not been to a French restaurant, you may recognize “lobster bisque” from one of Seinfeld’s iconic episodes made famous by Elaine. If you’re more adventurous you may wish to opt for the escargot, or in more everyday parlance, snails.Le Montmartre has a great selection of wines. To compliment your entrees you may wish to opt for a nice merlot, some red, or a special favourite of mine is the choice of chardonnay. The vino may even add a bit of spice to your dinner conversation. Libations at a meal are a must!The patrons at Le Montmartre are very eclectic. You may see Asians, Indians, and various other ethnicities within your vicinity while enjoying your meal. There are some seniors who also like to have a quiet meal while engaging in tete-a-tete. The French music over the P.A. system gives the restaurant great ambience. It really adds some character to the very European décor.One of my favourite dishes is the rack of lamb. It’s always cooked to perfection. It’s never stuck to the bone but slides off easily with your knife. Savour it. My dining companion has indulged in Sole Almondine which is basically filet of sole with wine sauce and roasted almonds. Truly heavenly!To accent your meal a good choice would be any of their sorbets, or for the dessert aficionado, there are always profiteroles. My dining companion, since she has a sweet tooth usually opts for the profiteroles. I usually derive great pleasure from watching her consume it.While dining you are never rushed, but have time to savour your meal. And when its French cuisine it must be savoured like the food gods meant it to be.If you arrive early for dinner there is no need to make a reservation, but if you plan to arrive during the prime dining hours, reservations are highly suggested.I have patronized Le Montmartre about ten times over a seven year period. Each time is well worth the visit. It is the best French restaurant in Downsview!Don’t forget to bring your appetite. Bon appetit!
Ready, Set, MAP
The past two Saturdays included early mornings waiting in line at the Toronto Public Library in hopes of obtaining a Toronto Library Museum + Arts pass. My beautiful mother requested a trip to the Ontario Science Centre for her upcoming birthday and I made it my personal mission to make this happen-within budget.As it happens the Toronto Public Library and Sun Life Financial provides MAP passes which offer free entrance to vast array of attractions and museums within Toronto. If you’re like me and budget conscious you can plan your summer activities with the assistance of this great program.Now, you and the family can visit the new Panda cubs at the Toronto Zoo or check out the newly discovered dinosaur at the ROM. Passes are valid for 2 adults and 2-4 children depending on the venue and good for one visit. Each week libraries are provided with a new set of passes. This means you can check out a pass to a new attraction every seven days.There is one caveat. Passes are available in limited quantities. Some branches offer the passes on a first come, first serve basis. At these locations you may find those who are willing and able; waiting outside the library doors first thing in the morning.On my first attempt I was ninth in line which seemed pretty reasonable. Unfortunately for me the Ontario Science Centre is one of the most popular passes alongside the Toronto Zoo, The Gardiner Museum and Black Creek Pioneer Village. Normally three passes each, are available for the Zoo and the Ontario Science Centre which meant ninth in line was not early enough.I did not want to take any chances so I tried the Yorkwoods library again the following Saturday arriving at 7:30 a.m. This time I was third in line. Perfect! When the doors opened at 9:00 a.m., I was able to check out an Ontario Science Centre pass.There is another option if waiting in line early Saturday morning is not for you. Some branches have the option of a draw. Everyone who arrives at one of the branches between 9 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. are placed in a selection pool. Names are drawn at random, and MAP passes are distributed in order of the numbers drawn.If early Saturday morning draws or first come first serve options are still not viable for you; a select few locations offer passes during the week. Barbara Frum -hursdays at 9:00 a.m.: City Hall -Mondays at 10:00 a.m.: and Forest Hill -Thursdays at 6:00 p.m.For more information on this great program, check out your local Toronto Public Library or ask your local librarian for more information.
Opening of the Mao Art Gallery in Downsview!
Mao Correa, a local Downsview artist, has really proven that art has no limits. After transforming his 700 foot flat into an art gallery. Every wall and surface from every room on both the interior as well as the exterior of the house is covered with pieces of art. The gallery is open to the public and showcases his spectacular pieces along with other works from other up and coming artists.Mao, is a recognized plastic artist, photographer, and graphic designer who was born in Bogota, Columbia. After receiving much recognition for his work in Columbia and Central America, Mao brought his unique style to Canada. Toronto is now where Mao calls home.Mao uses art to illustrate his internal journey as a new immigrant in Canada. He does this by, creating pictorial pieces made entirely from recycled materials. Mao states “Mirroring my own experience, and re-signifying my esthetics through the view of diversity, I’m now not only breaking down pre-existing materials, reinterpreting and offering them a new form with a new purpose, but also reintegrating my soul to a new country”Visiting Mao’s Art Gallery truly is like watching the story of his life narrated by the pieces on every wall and surface of his home, with every piece offering new insight to his experiences in Canada. The gallery is the only newcomer artist-led gallery in Downsview area, and attracts a wide diversity of artists in the community.Mao has been an active leader in the art community. In 2015 Mao was the recipient for the RBC Arts Access Fund and the 2015 Finalist, for the Neilson Park Creative Centres 23 annual Juried Exhibition in Toronto. Mao is an advocate for for other immigrant artists struggling to showcase their art work here in Canada. The Gallery hosts art work from other artists in order to promote their work. The gallery also provides art classes for those who are interested. Mao has truly gone above and beyond for his community and is Downsview Advocate’s ‘Community Spotlight Leader’ of the month.Mao’s art and listings for upcoming shows can be viewed on his website at www.maocorrea.com
Take it Outside
Being outdoors can be a magical event.Research has shown that too little time spent outside, or, “nature deficit disorder”, can lead to depression and anxiety. Getting outdoors can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve immune function. Want more reasons on the benefits of green spaces? Incorporating elements of nature into your day can give your brain a boost, resulting in increased productivity and focus. Also, natural environments have been shown to be one of the most restorative for creative thinking.What better way to unplug and step outside, whether it is a half hour at lunch or for an entire afternoon, than a picnic in the park. Fresh air makes everything taste better – both spur-of-the moment sandwiches on the grass and well planned moveable feasts.It seems only fitting to think portability and casual charm when considering food ideas. These tips and strategies will make for the perfect picnic.Grab-and-go finger foods such as sugar snap peas, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, crackers, firm cheese, apples, grapes are easy to pack and transport.Stock a tote bag or backpack with the essentials: bread, a knife, cutting board and fillings of your choice for a build-your-own sandwich or wrap. Fill inexpensive, reusable glass jars with salsa, pickled vegetables or chutney that can be served over salad greens or grilled chicken.The refreshing goodness of watermelon is so versatile that you can use it as a starter, a side or have it for dessert.More food in jars! Layer salad ingredients and you are ready to go. Place the dressing on the bottom, follow with hearty ingredients like beans, broccoli, cucumber, avocado and pasta and top with lighter ingredients like lettuce.Skip the soda, and opt for water, iced tea, or ginger lemonade instead.Foods such as rice, eggs, cheese, poultry and red meat can spoil and harbour bacteria when not stored at the proper temperature. Keep everything cold with refreezable ice packs or fill a couple of bags with ice cubes and place into a cooler. If you pack raw poultry or red meat to cook at the picnic, keep it packaged separately to avoid cross contamination.If you intend to cook at the picnic site, barbeque grills are available for public use in some designated areas. Any gathering over 25 people, or a gathering that requires a designated picnic site, requires a permit. Gatherings are only able to use a portable barbeque where authorized by permit or where posted to allow their use. Also, only charcoal or briquettes are permitted to be used in permanently fixed barbeques. You can contact 416 392 8188 for further information.Plan for clean-up at the beginning. Pack extra resealable plastic bags, aluminum foil and plastic wrap for leftovers. Moist towelettes are handy to wash up after eating. Bring plastic bags to dispose of any garbage.Once you have decided on the food, just add sunshine and a shady tree at one of the many parks in Downsview!
Should the Federal Government be allowed to do whatever it wants?
If you built a deck without a building permit the city inspectors would stomp all over your back with hob nailed boots. But the Federal government can build anything it wants, however it wants without one. It’s a legal principle called ‘paramountcy’. It’s based on the idea that one order of government can’t tell the one above it what to do and it makes some kind of sense. You wouldn’t want the province of Prince Edward Island declaring war on North Korea, or the city of Vaughan deciding what OHIP should pay a doctor.You can imagine my surprise then, when I notice a 33,000 sq. ft., $45M building being constructed in my ward and it had no building permit or any city approvals. In 1996 the Department of National Defence decided to consolidate their ten buildings in Toronto into a single structure which they built on Downsview base land on the north side of Sheppard Ave., just west of the Allen Road. As far as new buildings were concerned the Federal Government had until now, always respected the municipal planning and building process and had applied for building permits even though they didn’t have to. The city was the expert here. Toronto’s official plan laid out standards that protected public interest. The re-zoning process allowed for public input and the city design standards were some of the highest in Canada. This was the first time the military had evoked paramountcy in Toronto. It resulted in a very ugly building.Art Eggleton was the minister of defence. As a former mayor of Toronto he should have known better. Art and I shared the riding and had always worked co-operatively. My annoyance prompted me to give the building an award. It was a prize that I invented for the occasion; the “Toronto’s Ugliest New Building Award”. I invited Art to receive the honour in a ceremony at the County Style Doughnut shop at Wilson Heights and Sheppard. Alas, Art did not show up so the girl behind the counter accepted it on his behalf as we mugged for the Camera. Fortunately, I was able to present the award formally the next night at the annual “Toronto’s Best Building Award Gala” at the design exchange on Bay Street. Art wasn’t there either.I next took the issue to council and convinced them to establish a committee that would review any matter, no matter how trivial or routine, related to the Downsview Lands. Council appointed me to chair the committee.A few months later I received a call from someone who identified himself as a Colonel.“We need to have a municipal address. I thought that this was a routine matter”, he said. “Now I am told that I have to appear before the Downsview Lands Operational Protocol Committee. The delay in receiving a municipal number is causing a major headache for the armed forces. The building is the centre for all land forces in Ontario and unless we have a municipal address Canada Post will not deliver our mail.”“We don’t seem to have a record of your building in our files.” I said.”Can you put us on the agenda?” "I’d be happy to do that,” I replied"“When will the Committee be meeting?” “I’m not sure. It hasn’t had its first meeting yet. Perhaps it will meet in three or maybe six months. It would be helpful in the interim if you paid us the half million in building permit fees that you owe.” “As to postal delivery,” I said. “Tell them to send the mail to Art Eggleton’s constituency office. His staff will be happy to bring it over.”It took them a year but they finally solved their problem by having Canada Post give them their own postal code. Since that time they have further ‘uglified’ the building. Instead of flowers they’ve landscaped it with tanks and other military equipment. These, of course, are appropriate decorations for a military structure. You wouldn’t expect the military to display flowers. Only peaceniks do that.The military hardware is adorned by beautiful brass plaques that trumpet their historical significance. But there is just one problem. During the 3 day G-20 and G-7summit in Toronto when the Harper government blew $1.1 billion on security somebody threw barbed wire fences around the armories. This was obviously to protect the military from attacks by the protesters that never came north of Bloor Street. Now, because of the barbed wire fences, nobody is able to get close enough to read the plaques. Barbed wire, by the way, is illegal in Toronto but then again the Federal government doesn’t have to abide by our bylaws. They have paramountcy.
I said Yes!
“I said yes!” The three little words that seem to be flooding social media networks as of late.Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for love and happiness and starting a life with someone, but is it just me ordoes it feel like the newest craze? It seems that with each new announcement of a couple hopping onthe engagement band wagon comes the virtual competition for more “likes” than the previous.Unfortunately for the “chosen ones” that are called forth to be a part of the wedding party, it is puttingimmense financial pressures on those of us who are trying to establish ourselves while struggling to stayafloat in a sinking economy.For the first time in my adult, wedding-going life, I have been selectively chosen to be my best friends’(of twelve plus years) bridesmaid. Although I am overjoyed with honour, what the bride and groom failto realize is the panic and anxiety that ensues with the responsibility of being in a wedding party. Notonly does it affect us financially (factoring in cost of dress, shoes, bridal shower gift, wedding gift, etc.) itcan literally ruin lifelong friendships; even the simplest of weddings have some level of stress involved.My outlook on the subject is one that perhaps many others share and that is weddings are supposed tobe a celebration, not a burden. Running yourself into debt financially to fit your great, great aunt Bettywhom you haven’t spoken with in years is not my idea of fun. I understand people who share largefamilies and want to incorporate everyone and their plus ones, but when it comes down to the day ofthe actual wedding, I imagine most of us just want to spend time around people we are closest to.Personally, the concept of the large traditional wedding of over two hundred guests is so unappealing.My girlfriend (who shall remain nameless for the sake of this article) has been engaged for less than afull month and has already gotten into screaming matches with her side of the family, ending in tearsand storm outs. We are lucky that we live in a time where uniqueness and individuality is important andI want that to shine through when I eventually get hitched. When the time comes I know that what willbe important to me is having my close circle of friends and family sharing in celebrating the love of twopeople who have chosen to spend the rest of their lives together. Everyone is different and I understandsome people are bound to familial obligations, but when a wedding turns into a business where thebride and groom are struggling to fill empty seats to make ends meet, well I feel that, that truly takesthe romance out of it.
Sunscreen Benefits: Reasons you should always wear it
Who should use sunscreen and why?Everyone and anyone over the age of 6 months should use sunscreen daily to prevent any internal damages caused by ultraviolet radiation! Babies under 6 months are highly recommended to be away from the sun as they are more sensitive. We need to protect our skin from 2 types of radiation, which the sun produces, UVA and UVB. Both of these types of radiations harm the skin, DNA, eyes and premature skin, and most importantly increase the risks of cancers.What is the difference between UVA and UVB? UVB is the cause of sunburn and skin damage when you are exposed to the sun for a long period of time, while UVA penetrates deeply into the skin, which causes tanning. Both UV rays can cause cancer due to lack of protection, which cause the damage of skin cells.What is SPF and why is it highly recommended?SPF stands for ‘Sun Protection Factor’. When you walk down the aisle at your local supermarket you may notice sunscreens that are SPF 15 or SPF 30 and others that have higher SPFs. The highest recommendations by dermatologists are SPF 15 and 30. Higher SPFs do not give much protection which misleads people into thinking they have more protection. Sunscreen varies in their ability to guard us against UVA and UVB. The key ingredient to look for in the sunscreen you purchase are zinc oxide and titanium oxide, which protects from both UVB and UVA.How much and how often should you apply sunscreen?To ensure the sunscreen has soaked in your skin before being exposed to the sun, you should apply it 30 minutes before heading out. Reapply every 2 hours to ensure you are well protected- it is just as important as putting it on in the first place. Sunscreen should not only be worn when you are outside and directly exposed to the sun, but one can be exposed to UV radiation just by being near a window! The guideline for the right amount of sunscreen that is necessary for each application is “enough to fill a shot glass” generously applied on all areas that will be exposed to the sun. It is best to buy sunscreen specifically for the face, body and lips (lip balm containing SPF 30). Overview about sunscreen: What you need to know in order to select the best sunscreen for you and your family!
- Be in the shade as much as possible for protection (wear a hat, cover as much as possible)
- Sunscreen you purchase contains zinc oxide and titanium oxide as key ingredients, as both of these ingredients protect you from UVA and UVB rays
- SPF 15 or higher for park activities/walk
- SPF 30 or higher for swimming or outdoor physical activities
- Make sure you apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure
- Swimming- reapply every 30 minutes
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours
- Don’t forget your lips! Wear lip balm which contains SPF 30
- Sun protection is essential to skin cancer prevention
Top 4 places to visit around Downsview this summer!
Summer is here so when we think about places to go in the city it usually involves going far away but sometimes it is better to enjoy a place in the neighbourhood. Toronto is very rich in green space, theaters, shopping centers, restaurants and much more. These are my Top 4 choices to visit around Downsview this summer.Enjoy! Black Creek Pioneer Village 100 Murray Ross PkwyThis attraction is a place to go with children, family and friends. It is a welcoming place with good story tellers who wear old costumes to give us the illusion that we are in old times. This is a place that showcases how Canadians took the first steps to make the modern Toronto that we live in today.DirectionsOption 1: Take 106 bus/ Downsview St - Trip cost: 3 $ one way.Option 2: take 105 bus to Gerry FitzGerald transfer to 60 bus to Murray Rose – trip cost: 3 $ one wayFor more information visit: http://www.blackcreek.ca/
Mystery Room 1140 Sheppard Ave. W. unit 13
Mystery room challenges you by trapping you in a room. To exit this entrapment you have to use your intelligence, logic and team work. Solving the clues provided in the room gets you closer to escaping the mystery room. This is a good place to go with your friends. There are many difficulty levels for those who want to challenge themselves more.(5 min walk west of Downsview subway station)For more information visit: http://mysteryroomonline.com/ Nino D'Aversa Bakery 1 Toro RoadOne of the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted is at Nino D’Aversa Bakery. The offer a variety of flavours in their traditional Italian style ice cream (gelato). This bakery has an exceptionally diverse menu –but I have to say the pizza is outstanding. This is a great place to go with family or friends to enjoy some very yummy food and treats.Option 1 ) take 108 bus / St Regis Cres at Keele St – trip cost 3$ one way.Option 2 ) take 107 bus/ LePage Crt at Keele St – trip cost 3$ one way. Plaza Latina 9 Milvan DrPlaza Latina is another favourite; serving typical dishes from Central and Latin America. Food is prepared on a daily basis with fresh ingredients. The aroma takes over your nose the moment you walk into the restaurant. This is a great establishment to enjoy good food with family and friends.
A message from Jessica Baker, candidate for the July 25 TDSB Trustee By-Election
Jessica Baker is a Ward 5 resident and lives in the area with her husband, Adam, and their children. She is an active member of organizations like the Bathurst Manor Action Group and is running to be the Ward 5 TDSB Trustee is focus her attention on taking action with the TDSB.Jessica is a very approachable individual and this will continue as Trustee. Just try to get in touch with her or her campaign now and you see. You can email votejessicabaker@gmail.com, call 416-554-7962, or contact us through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/votejessicabaker/Jessica’s main issues all focus on the school, classroom, and students. Having this as the focus shows a desire to make real change through concrete actions. These main issues are:
- School buildings
- I will have questions about the prioritizing of some tasks over others and will make sure that the mandatory repairs to Ward 5 schools get done before the less important repairs in other wards.
- I will work with the school communities to make sure that our schools get the attention they need to be safe and welcoming places for our students.
- Mental Health in Schools
- I will work to further include mental health organizations like Adventure Place Agency, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Griffin Centre, and other agencies into each school in Ward 5.
- I will be establishing a volunteer position for a student to facilitate and schedule age-appropriate workshops for schools in the ward. There will then be follow-up and connections made between staff in the school and the various Mental Health agencies.
- Special Education Programming
- I will use board resources and board level staff input to make significant improvements to the support your student gets.
- Bullying and School Violence
- I will increase the number and quality of Anti-bullying programs and follow-up programs and ensured consistent focus on maintaining healthy relationships.
- I will meet with all school administrators to be briefed on the Safe and Caring Schools portion of their School Improvement Plan and remain informed about their progress.
- I will also ensure that the school administrators know that I will work to find all money and resources that they require to reach their goals for the year. These issues are too serious to not properly fund, if we want to see improvements.
On July 25, VOTE JESSICA BAKER. *Provided by the Jessica Baker Campaign.
“Public service should never be a chore” Erica Shiner joins the political arena
Part of what makes up the Canadian identity, is that everyone comes from families who came to this country to rebuild, buck traditions and start fresh. We all come from people, or are people, who have given their all to build up their communities to make a better life for their families.One such Canadian is Erica Shiner, a nominee in the upcoming School Board Trustee by-election. Shiner is the granddaughter of former North York Alderman and deputy mayor, Esther Shiner. Esther Shiner was often known for her passionate work on the GTA transportation system and now has a boulevard and a stadium named in her memory.When Erica Shiner’s great grandparents first came to Canada around the turn of the 20th century, they settled with many other Ashkenazi Jews, around Kensington Market. It was not until around the 1950s that her grandparents, Esther and Sol Shiner, moved up to North York and began establishing their family in our community. Shiner describes her grandparents as being active and concerned neighbors who worked hard to become “pillars of the community”.When speaking of her grandmother, Shiner states, “I'm so proud of everything my grandmother accomplished, especially as there were so few women in politics when she first threw her hat in the ring in the 1970s… I'm really inspired by her. She was so warm and so tough at the same time, and I'm often told that I've inherited her chutzpah”Esther Shiner’s example and passion seems to have been passed down through the generations, with her son (and Erica’s uncle) becoming a city councillor for ward 24 as well. While Shiner has inherited a civic passion and a compassionate personality type from her relatives, she has different plans for how to bring that into the community, by focusing in on the school board to start her political career. When asked about her future plans for the community, Shiner explains her desire to encourage the development of community hubs.Shiner explains, “Connecting children, as well as families, to their neighbourhoods by developing community hubs is a wonderful way to increase community engagement. Creating spaces where we get to know our neighbours and connect educational and recreational resources is a great way to develop our communities to serve the needs of children, seniors, families, and everyone in between.”The Shiner family is an excellent example of what it means to be Canadian, by working to create a better future for our children. Shiner is working hard to carry on that tradition by trying to contribute to our education system here in Downsview.And who knows, the passion and excitement passed down through her Grandmother may yet make it to another generation of Shiners with Erica’s son. When asked about his future Shiner says, “He’s just shy of 5, so it’s a little early to predict his life path” but “My son is the friendliest person I know, so.. It would be no surprise if he carries on the tradition”For more information on Erica Shiner’s campaign, please visit www.ericashiner.com