Toronto: The Wrap Up

Survival of the fittest: Dottie's Donuts delights of two Birthday Cakes, Raspberry Swirl, Apple Fritter, an almost consumed Vanilla Glaze, and Boston Cream.

I conclude wonderful nearly one-week trip to Toronto filled with sweet, memorable highlights.
Upon entering U.S. Customs with that flat cardboard box, having left behind Philadelphia thirteen hours, I was called behind the next agent.
"What are you bringing with you besides pizza?" He asked. "Which is a smart move by the way."
"Oh, it's not pizza, it's donuts," I told him.
"Well, that's even better." He smiled. "Is that the thing? Putting donuts in a pizza box?"
"It's a Dottie's thing."
"I'll have to check them out."
He probably won't come all the way down to Philadelphia for donuts, but a little, gushing part hope that he does.
And like the previous donut half dozen, Brooklyn's Dun-well Doughnuts were the last gifted vegan batch, Dottie's had successfully made the journey with some minor frosting removed from the apple fritter.
Donuts aside, the shocking warm weather provided an enjoyable experience exploring the comfortable, favorite Toronto spots and the new, opened places.

A walk on Bloor is a promise of feel good shops. This rose gold plated asymmetrical mirror was a beautiful piece of art that would start up conversation in anyone's bathroom or hallway. I could imagine giving myself the best self talks.

Gorgeous patterned kitchen utensils like light weight handled spoons and forks with bamboo tops, rolling pins, and bowls. This is the sophisticated ware to bring out for intimate gatherings so that your friends admire the sets.

There are plenty of bike shops and bike repair centers that make the yearning to learn how to ride a bike grow more. I especially like watching people in long brown coats and smart fitted hats riding their bikes along the streets. It's such a charming transport. This sky blue bike in the window of Curbside Cycle and the three wheeler in the back with basket attachment ignited those old, bike rider dreams.

Pacha Arts is an indigenous run gift store of handmade gifts such as original paintings, jewelry, clothing, toys, and handwoven textiles.

More handwoven textiles.

Homemade hot chocolate with Camino-- very good. I was impressed. Camino also happens to be on the Food Empowerment Chocolate List. So a big "double yay!" on that note.

Rice bread toast with Field Roast Chao Cheese, black beans with avocado, and apple slices made a sound, scrumptious breakfast on a Friday morning. Yes, I recommend gaining a friend who will not only make fulfilling breakfasts, but also allow you opportunity to do the same. 

Meeting a plump black cat with elegant brown trim fur and a bell ringing red collar.

This Aaliyah comic is only a spectacular work of art, but it would make for a great issue. 

The poster advertising The Blackest Anime Night at the Black Canary Espresso Bar and Comic Shop. I wish I could come back to this charming comic book haven of many books, action figures, posters, and other geeky things.

Black History Month display of Black Panther graphic novel titles.

Read store fronts carefully, especially if a pulp mystery novel rests in the window.

After a trip to my favorite local library, I stopped by South Indian Dosa Mahal Restaurant for a bag of spinach and potato rotis. 

A nifty portrait of Homer and his donuts.

An actual self-help shop.

A pretty undergarment boutique with an eye catching, lower cased title. 

Carrot Commons has this upscale market called The Big Carrot that is a quirkier version of Whole Foods Market and reminiscent of the short lived Earthbound Market store from Dayton, Ohio and another shop from Rockland, Maine. 

I feel that that is the store to experiment with every last intriguing nut cheese available here. I wouldn't mind trying these endless varieties explored through cashews and other nuts.

Other cheeses....

Frozen macarons.

The first time I've seen organic cacao butter sold in stores and placed properly next to cacao powder.

A trip to Toronto isn't complete without Through Being Cool Vegan, the bakery and grocery shop that has stolen my heart and soul. Unfortunately, I had ordered my croissants and received two blueberry scones instead. At least, I received the correct plain Daiya Pinwheels.

Just as delicious as remembered: an ooey gooey, melty, cheesy splendor.

Glorious view of crossing the bridge that separates Ontario and the U.S. border.

The end. For now.....

Doomie's & Buddha's Vegetarian: Vegan Comfort Food

A Doomie's kind of night.

Toronto is home to plenty of home style joints. These places serve splendid, delicious, well-seasoned food that sates hunger, leaving no room to have dessert or an after-dinner hot drink. I experienced two restaurants that were new to me-- one that I've wanted to go since hearing inception of all-vegan McDonald's inspired fare and the other my friend called a classic hit during her college days.

My friend's fried chik'in parm smothered in tomato sauce and creamy, smooth "cheese."

I ordered the off-the-menu- Mac Daddy and fries, an amazing teenagerhood reminder veganized with tasty soy burgers between secret sauce, "cheese," and pickles.

Posing with food that had to be consumed with a knife and fork.

Just the day before, I was introduced to Buddha's Vegetarian, a tiny, often packed Asian restaurant specializing in generous portions of spring rolls, soups, fried rice and noodle dishes, and veggie mock meats. 

My friend ordered the tofu and corn soup.

I had the large fill of fried rice with veggie shrimp and chik'in. 

Good stuff! I loved the little peas and diced carrots and next time will add broccoli. 

We shared deep fried yam rolls-- crispy wonton shell on the outside and the inside was sweet, yummy yam filling. 

And the sweet and sour sauce with pineapple as an ingredient made it all worth while. 

Cock-A-Doodle-Doo, The Gluten-Free Bakeshop

Cock-A-Doodle-Doo Bakeshop is gluten-free and amazing. The interior is quaint and lovely with their baked treats evenly spaced, their scrumptious, colorful foods enticing to gaze upon. 

There are plenty of vegan options: pretty breads and fancy pies. 

The mini pizzas were just beautiful.

Baking is a joy. I agree.

More treats!

Vegan pumpkin pie and berry galettes!

I settled for the last slice of chocolate pie topped with singular gooseberry. The chocolate is fair trade goodness from Peru.

Towered by moist, decadent, very rich chocolate, the creamy center is a fruity, velvety nougat that is downright irresistible. I long for more, but I suppose that I am grateful for ordering that last mouthwatering slice of the day...

Back to Toronto Part II: 'Brown Girls Begin' Premiere

Red carpet style.

Athena Film Festival and planned Toronto trip fell on the same weekend.
I usually volunteer at the awesome made by/for/about women at Barnard College. However, I couldn’t pass up another trip to Canada, having not visited my dear friends in almost two years. As for the Athena Film Festival, Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman was the highlight. I don't see myself in that character for endless reasons. Shiri Appleby (from Roswell onto UnReal), the NYC debut of Rungano Nyoni's I Am Not a Witch (recently won a rising star BAFTA among awarded honors from Stockholm, Adelaide, and Mumbai Film Festivals), and Tracy Heather Strain's PBS documentary on playwright/activist Lorraine Hansberry Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart were the bigger misses.
Thus, on an euphoric Saturday night, I was more than thrilled that my friend and I attended the spectacular opening of Sharon Lewis's feature film release of Brown Girl Begins, an adaptation of Nalo Hopkinson's celebrated dystopian novel, Brown Girl in the Ring. Remaining an exceptional treat, maybe this could be played at Athens Film Festival 19. I believe everyone would enjoy it as much as I do.
Isn't it grand that a woman uses another woman's work as a means of creating a piece guaranteed to inspire all women? Hopkinson had revealed Lewis's persistence in obtaining the book rights, of wanting that story to be brought onto the screen no matter how many years it would take. I loved the narrative of a futuristic world that not only included black people, but also starred a courageous black woman leading the fight against evil.
Art Gallery of Ontario provided a nice, relaxing environment, a great opportunity to mingle: saying hello to the stars, receiving a hug from Emmanuel, asking Nalo Hopkinson writing advice, congratulating Sharon on the street, experiencing the film through my dear friend's eyes. She knew the film locations and some of Toronto's hottest talent like Nigel Shawn Williams who plays Papa Legba.

Us on the red carpet.

Across the red carpet were original concept sketches for the important characters in Brown Girl Begins futurist Toronto. Whip and all, gotta love that Grace Jones was a focus behind Rachel Crawford's vicious villain, Crack.

Tony (Emmanuel Kabongo)'s rustic jacket and boots plus the multi-patterned sweater with asymmetrical white lines outlined in black and vivid orange that he often shares with Ti-Jeanne (Moara Traore).

The sketch and the inspiration-- futurist.

One of the biggest characters in the later part of the film is Ti-Jeanne's vest. It was awesome to see this in person, the details, the cut. Also, I enjoyed it on a smooth, black mannequin.

Art and style inspiration. 

Frills and thrills collide in this fetching long sleeved, silver gray gown with floral adornments and giant faux fur fringes that Measha Brueggergosman's character wears.

The Future is Her....

As fashionably worn by Mouna Traore, serving epic hairstyles and headwrap flawlessness.

With the gracious"brown girl in the ring" herself.

And leading handsome actor Emmanuel Kabongo.

If you missed out on the gorgeous AGO premiere, do not fret. All of Toronto and surrounding Canada still has the chance to see Brown Girl Begins starting tomorrow at the Cineplex Duplex on Yonge-Dondas. For a limited time, please go out to see what audiences are raving about. Plus, last year, I wrote a review on my film blog, FemFilmRogues.
Also, the DVD is on sale now. Yay!!!!!!