Toronto Ho!

A really good friend of mine from way back in elementary school moved to Canada when I was a freshman in high school. We've only seen each other once or twice in the last 24 years or so, the last time being around 8 years ago. Anyway, we recently just got back in contact again, and he invited me to stay at his place while in Toronto. So that's where I'm headed.

I get in a little early so I head downtown first before going to his place, which is outside the city. I drive around a little to get a feel for the city, then decide it's happy hour! Surprise surprise! Hmmmmm. I decide to let the traffic subside and stay downtown first before heading to Ken's place.

Two beers (or so) and a 45 minute drive later, I get to his place -- which is practically a mansion! I won't bore you with details of his gorgeous kitchen (exactly the design I had in mind for mine), swimming pool, THX-certified movie room, etc.. but I will mention the 3,000-bottle wine cellar! (which I promised to take a photo of, but which of course I forgot to.... take a guess why?)

Needless to say, we promptly began partaking of the grape while catching up. Ken grilled up a nice fish fillet for dinner and we kept chatting and chatting until the wee hours of the morning. If anyone wants to know, if I remember right, we had 4 bottles of wine among the three of us (Ken's bro Mike also joined us).

I guess it goes without saying that I slept in late the next day. Poor Ken had to wake up early to go to work and/or take the kids to school. We had a nice italian lunch while struggling and still recovering from the night before. The lady asked us if we wanted wine with our lunch and we all said a resounding "NO!". Marilou (another good childhood friend from years and years ago and whom I also hadn't seen in 8 years since my sister's wedding) joined us for lunch. After lunch, I just decided to chill and read a book by the pool. The rest of the day/night was uneventful, even though we did have a couple of bottles again that night.

The next day was my sightseeing day. I went into the city, parked my car @ City Hall (the twin semi-circle shaped buildings) and just walked around the different neighborhoods.

Then I decide to be touristy and ascend Le Tour Canada, the world's highest observatory @ 147 storeys tall. After sightseeing and taking pictures, I sit down for a beer at their bar/cafe. From the table behind me, I hear these two older ladies speaking Cebuano (the dialect of Cebu, where I'm from). It's not that often that I hear Cebuano, but I ignore them and continue enjoying my beer and the view. When they finally start talking about Nora Aunor, however, I decide to jump in and introduce myself as a fellow Cebuano!

They were so excited to learn I was from Cebu too! They ask me all these questions, and say the same thing: that it's not that often that they meet someone from Cebu. They give me their contact details and all. One of them was a retired nurse who had been in Toronto over 30 years, and the other one was an old friend visiting her from Cebu. She asked me how long I was staying in Toronto, because she said her Scottish husband had a yacht docked in the Marina below, and she would take me out on it if I stayed until the weekend!! She said it was a big one and that they take it out to the Bahamas, etc. Damn. I was leaving the next day so I had to decline her offer, but I got another beer and kept on chatting with them. It was actually fun but my tongue sure got a work out, not having spoken the language in a while.

I walk around a bit more after the Tower and see some more sights. Then head to this awesome restaurant, Perigee, to meet Ken and some other old friends for dinner. Their menu is based on the Japanese dining concept Omakase (meaning trust me). They prepare their tasting menus by combining French techniques with Mediterranean flavours while incorporating a wide range of ethnic influences. They converse with each guest first to determine what type of dining experience they desire and then cook for them accordingly. The overall experience, with the food and wine pairings, was excellent. And of course the catching up and laughing with old friends was a lot of fun. (Peter I hadn't seen in 24 years!)

After dinner, I had to experience at least one night on Toronto, so I stayed behind with Edwin for a few drinks before heading back to Ken's place later in the evening (or was it early in the morning?). Cereal and peanut butter does hit the spot!

I was leaving for Montreal the next day, but not after a nicd dimsum lunch with Ken, Sarah, Sam and Kevin. I had an amazing time in Toronto. Thanks again Ken for your hospitality, and Sam for letting me borrow your room!