Beyond Monet Immersive Experience: Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building. Ongoing. Fans of the artist and his works will enjoy being surrounded by his thoughts, his words, and his works. The immersive grand scale room offers a moving experience as virtual brushstrokes come to life in Claude Monet’s most famous paintings that’s larger than life along with an incredible musical score.

Masai Ujiri Humanity Arts Installation: September 1 to October 31. Union Station. Masai Ujiri unveiled the Humanity Art Installation that is made up of 35 words that reflect what humanity means to him. Representing peace, togetherness, youth and diversity, the artwork uses light to create a ripple effect with its words, symbolizing the need to spread more humanity. Built in a seamless circle formed under the humanity symbol, the 8-foot high sculpture by builder Ramm Design, is a reminder to the world that we’re still far from the day where everyone is treated equally. This art installation aims to engage visitors in conversation about what a kinder world looks like.

Is My Microphone On?: September 2 to September 19. Dream in High Park, Canadian Stage. Young people will no longer be able to avoid the consequences of climate change. They speak to the adults in the audience, holding them to account, questioning the choices that have not been made, the ones that children will be forced to make, and what kind of future they stand to inherit.In this Canadian premiere of Governor General’s Award-winner Jordan Tannahill’s newest play in the form of a protest song, the creative team led by director Erin Brubacher supports a chorus of kids ages 12-17 in turning the theatre into a site of intergenerational reckoning. Urgent, moving, and confrontational, Is My Microphone On? is both a declaration of war and a declaration of love.

An Evening with Jeremy Dutcher: September 6 to 8. Dream in High Park, Canadian Stage. A thrilling outdoor concert with Polaris Prize-winner Jeremy Dutcher. Touted as one of the most exciting artists in the country, Dutcher is a performer, composer, activist and musicologist.  A Wolastoqiyik ember of Tobique First Nation of New Brunswick, Dutcher’s music playfully integrates classical influences into traditional songs of his Wolastoqiyik Nation people.

Toronto International Film Festival: September 9 to 18. One of the world’s most important film festivals returns to our city this month offering film lovers an impressive selection of titles. This year’s festival will be presented both in-person, drive-in as well as digital. Along with the many premieres there are special events and talks worth checking into. We’ve got our eye on “In Conversation With…Kristen Stewart” (Free virtual event) as part of the TIFF’s Share Her Journey showcasing incredible women in film. Stewart plays Lady Diana in the highly anticipated film, Spencer. Check the official site for updates and COVID health and safety protocols. Our team has pulled together titles that have already made it on our radar – see our previous post.

The Word on the Street: September 16 to 26 (virtual). Toronto’s annual book and magazine festival celebrates virtually this year. Tune in for poetry, memoirs, mysteries and more. Join in and listen to authors, panelists and other guests speakers (free). Something for all ages. Full schedule and line up now on their site.

Redpath Waterfront Festival: September 17 to October 3. Spanning from Lower Sherbourne to Lower Spadina, the Redpath Waterfront Trail will include unique augmented reality stops, a mix of permanent, live and public art installations. From walking on water to seeing whales swim in the sky, the AR experiences will showcase the past, present and future of Toronto’s Waterfront. Complete line up and descriptions can be found at TOwaterfronttrail.com

Blindness: at Princess of Wales Theatre returns September 24 to October 24. Ease back into the theatre in this spine-chilling performance. Blindness, based on the book by José Saramago’s 1995 dystopian novel, is about a city where many become infected with a mysterious virus that causes them to lose their sight. Read our review here.

Cinderella Movie Pop-Up: September 3. The Fermenting Cellar. Celebrating the launch of Amazon Prime Video’s highly anticipated Cinderella Movie musical with a stellar cast including Camila Cabillo, Idina Menzel, and Billy Porter the streaming company is hosting a one day pop up for all ages. Inside the magical world of Cinderella is a replica of Ella’s basement space where she dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Guests can experience what it’s like to be Cinderella through a digital painting that gets them Grand Ball ready and be dazzled by thousands of projected and moving butterflies! Free ticketed event.

Breaking the Frame Photography Exhibit at the ROM: ongoing to January 16, 2022. This new exhibition highlights key moments in photographic practice through work spanning almost 200 years. The exhibit includes rarely seen work by iconic figures of photography; lesser known but highly influential artists; Canadian photographers; and innovative works from photo studios in West Africa and India. The exhibition also examines how artists experimented with photography through time and how individual photographers from different locations around the world have made important contributions throughout its development. One of the highlights include the achievements of female photographers and how they are amongst the most important both artistically and technologically.

Andy Warhol Exhibition at the AGO: until October 24. This blockbuster retrospective exhibition reconsiders the personal, social and political backdrop that influenced Warhol’s groundbreaking art. Be sure to also check out the various events,  art workshops, and lectures. Fans of the 20th century contemporary artists won’t want to miss this exhibition. Timed ticketed entry must be reserved in advance.

Whales Exhibition at the ROM: If you think you know all about whales, you may just be surprised at what is at this new exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum. With a focus on the Great Whales from the coasts of Canada, this impressive exhibition explores the evolution, communications, their relations with humans, conservation, and examines the creatures importance life to death.

CALL IT LOVE: A New Musical: September 3 to 12. Stratford Perth Museum. If you are looking to venture slightly out of the city this is definitely worth exploring as we took note of the Eclipse Theatre Company’s stellar creators and cast (Brandon Antonio, Dan Chameroy, Robert Markus, Jennifer Rider-Shaw, and Yemie Sonuga). Written by Broadway star Chilina Kennedy and Eric Holmes this live in concert production is a ground breaking new musical that follows Olivia as she finds herself in the hospital suffering from memory loss. As she goes through the series of tests, she dissects past relationships. Her journey to self-love and forgiveness is shrouded in pain, but ultimately illuminates the joy and love that were never lost.

Pull Up! Exploring Black Youth Club Culture in Toronto: September 9 launching on Myseum site. This digital experience is dedicated to documenting the experiences of Black youth in alternative party spaces. Conceptualized by Fresh Moses, Love Bonez, and curated by Jessica D’Angelo of Serious Betty, Pull Up! will include an archive of photos from various Toronto night life spaces, mixes created by Canadian BIPOC DJs, interactive elements and more.

Mikhail Baryshnikov ‘Looking for the Dance’ Photo Exhibition: 1 Yonge Street. September 18 to October 17. Known for having dominated and revolutionized the panorama of classic ballet for decades, first as a dancer and later as a choreographer, Baryshnikov has expanded his talent through digital photography. A series of engaging photographic portraits of dancers whom he met during extended travels between Argentina and India, the work in LOOKING FOR THE DANCE depicts the intimate essence of dance, its constant transformation and its most abstract and purest concept in this new exhibition.

dance: made in canada Festival: September 22 to 25. This year’s festival themed InTo Focus offers both live and virtual performances. The live performances will take place as part Canadian Stage’s Dream in High Park programming. Free programming has been added to this year’s Festival virtually, including ‘The D Word’ podcast (now available through Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify)  and six limited run film program (beginning September 20).

All AXIS Festival: 722 College Street. September 9 and 10. This two-day hybrid event will feature both in person performances as well as pre-recorded streams (via Happin) Line up features Savannah Ré, The Dirty Nil, DijahSB, Dylan Sinclair and many more will perform at the newly renovated venue. Full line up and ticket info can be found at theaxisclub.com

Gallery Weekend Toronto: September 23 to 26. Toronto joins international cities (Paris, Berlin, Barcelona and others) with the first ever gallery weekend. The Contemporary Art Galleries Association brings together 22 participating galleries (with customized routes to follow) to view over 80 artists and programming. Three unique tours are also offered with starting points.

Yorkville Murals Festival: September 24 to 26, Yorkville. A full arts festival complete with an outdoor art fair, featuring nine female artists from the Toronto area, a YVM Block pARTy with live music and over 20 different murals showcased by international artists.

September Song: Harbourfront Centre Theatre, September 11 to 19. A new visual and sound experience created 20 years after the events of 9/11. The theatrical experience is artist Heather Nicol’s first hand experience and lingering memories of that tragic morning.

Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed: Niagara Parks Power Station, Niagara Falls: launches September 3. The newest landmark attraction opens daily for guided or self-guided tours and at night now guests can experience the power station in an entirely new way. During the day, visitors can explore the interior of the Niagara Power Plant. See artifacts, interactive exhibits and interpretive installations. Guests will learn first-hand how this hydropower pioneer harassed the power of Niagara Falls to generate electricity. Then at night, the new sound and light experience “Currents” create by Thinkwell brings the historic power station back to life with captivating visuals and breathtaking musical score.

Drive Festival: September 10 to 12. Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Bowmanville). The first-ever outdoor interactive exhibition in Canada for auto enthusiasts and based on the most famous car events in the world. The Festival will showcase, rare, exotic, race and manufacturers models with test drive opportunities on three tracks. See and here over 100 manufacturer and classic car roar up The Dream Car Speed Run. This is a family friendly ticketed event.

…AND WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE FOOD SCENE?

Chef Daniel Boulud at Café Boulud (Four Seasons Toronto): September 15. For one night only celebrity chef Daniel Boulud and restauranteur returns to Toronto for this very special celebration dinner. In partnership with world-renowned Champagne house Maison Ruinart, an unforgettable four-course prix-fixe menu curated by Chef Daniel and the Café Boulud team will be presented with champagne, of course. To reserve call 416-964-0411.

AsialiciousTO: September 11 to 26. The annual Asian food fest is back covering all kinds of cuisine including Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Thai and many more. Over 130 venues join in this year’s celebration offering diners set menus priced at either $10, $20, or $30. Restaurants and cafes will offer dine-in, take-out and/or delivery options as well. See their site for updates on participating restaurants.

Apple Picking at Luna Fruit Farms: 661 8th Street East. ‘Tis the season! Located just an hour away in Stoney Creek, city folks can escape to this wholesome and beautiful apple orchard to pick their own in peak season. Over 25 apple varieties are grown here. Family and dog friendly! We love this farm as they also donate a portion of their apple haul to local food banks. Visit their site for hours open to the public.

UPDATED ADDITION…this just in! 

Michelin-star Chef Oliver Glowing at TOCA Restaurant: September 29. TOCA at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto. The acclaimed chef will be flying in from Rome to take over the kitchen at TOCA, bringing authentic tastes from the Eternal City in this one-night only special dining experience. Guests can expect an intimate cocktail reception followed by a five course menu featuring hand-selected charuterie & cheese, burrata, truffle, gnocchi and more. Limited space at this exclusive event. Reservations required by link here or by calling 416-572-8008.

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If you’re not familiar with the James Beard Foundation their mission is to celebrate, nurture and honour chefs and others in the food industry. They have help educate and mentor many generations. James Beard was considered a pioneer in the food culture and amongst his accomplishments and recognitions he was the first to host a food program on television and helped changed the way North America approach food. You can learn more here.

Many of the world’s most well-known chefs and food industry names have associations with this foundation including Alain Ducasse, Thomas Keller, Anthony Bourdain, Todd English, David Chang, and many more.

The Foundation’s awards are known as the Oscars of the food world, and this event is the only Canadian stop on the Celebrity Chef Tour series.  Among the chef joining Chef Boulud include Melissa Rodriguez (Del Posto, NYC) who runs one of the most high-profile Italian restaurants in Manhattan. She is also the first woman at the helm of a restaurant awarded four stars by the New York Times.

This upcoming dining experience will be at Cafe Boulud, Four Seasons Hotel, Toronto. Limited number of tickets for this event are available at cafeboulud.com

We had a chance to chat with Chef Daniel Boulud to find out more about this exciting culinary event:

How did this team of talented chefs assemble for this event?

We worked with the chefs at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto to assemble this group of American and Canadian chefs, some of whom worked with me at Restaurant DANIEL for many years like Melissa and Roger, and others like Jamie, a very talented chef from Boston whose cuisine I enjoy.

Description of James Beard Celebrity Chef Tour dinner series program:

The James Beard Foundation’s Celebrity Chef Tour dinner series brings a taste of what happens at the James Beard House in New York City to more than 20 cities across the country each year. Each dinner begins with a cocktail reception followed by a one-night-only, multi-course dinner with wine pairings featuring a diverse group of JBF Award winners and local chefs – which changes from city to city. The night ends with a decadent dessert course and a Q&A session with the evening’s chefs.

We’ve heard of the highly sought after James Beard House dinner events in New York, what should we expect here in Toronto with this experience?

The goal of the James Beard Foundation is to promote and engage with young chefs and proliferate culinary achievement to inspire future generations to come. Every chef who has the opportunity to cook at the original Beard House in NY sees it as a time to shine on a large stage and often looks at the experience as a highlight of their career. On the road, James Beard House events are very much the same – it is about celebrating a new generation of chefs. I have done events outside of NY with James Beard many times.

What are some of the other exciting things happening with the James Beard Foundation?

The Foundation’s new CEO, Clare Reichenbach is bringing a lot of energy to the table. The James Beard Foundation is changing its rules and regulations in an effort to make its coveted awards more inclusive.
~James Beard Women’s Leadership Programs
~Our No Food Waste program
~Our Chefs Boot Camp for Policy and Change
Here is a link to all of the programs: www.jamesbeard.org/impact

Chefs can make a huge impact in this world we live in – they create food trends and bring awareness to sustainability, carbon footprints, and food waste are ones that come to mind. What would you say are the issues that are important to you and trends to watch out for?

I was born and raised on a farm outside of Lyon where the footprints we left behind mattered the most. We mastered the art of food waste as we know how to recycle every bit of everything we raised and it is something I have always cared about. We even had very lucky family dogs who got to eat the bones and scraps from our cooking! Today in our restaurants it is our responsibility to be attentive and creative to make the most of all the beautiful ingredients we procure for our menus.

We also know the impact of recycling properly and the responsibility of taking action to remove things that clutter the planet. All of our participating chefs in this dinner are equally aware and motivated to find change in this industry and be a part of the solution. Earlier this year the Dinex Group also eliminated plastic straws from its restaurants. Every little bit helps.

As far as trends, robotization and the use of technology to improve the kitchen experience is something to watch, such as a venture I’m involved with in Boston called Spyce. This will particularly be relevant for the fast-casual restaurant industry. It is a blend of traditional hospitality and modern technology.

The dinners are also fundraisers for the Foundation. Is there a specific area that the money raised will go towards?

The dinners support the general fund at the Foundation. Includes everything from scholarships to turning on the lights.

If someone was to cook for you who would that be…and what dish would you order?

I would start with Eric Ripert making me a tuna carpaccio with foie gras; Jean-Georges Vongerichten making me his Thai black bass; Daniel Humm making celery root cooked in a pig bladder and Thomas Keller preparing me the French classic Beef Wellington. I’d finish with Dominique Ansel whipping up his latest creation.

Thank you to Chef Daniel Boulud for taking the time to chat with us.

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The Summerlicious menu at Chef Daniel Boulud’s French Brasserie stays consistent with the restaurant’s traditions of using French cooking techniques in bistro classics as well as serving up a few contemporary dishes using seasonally fresh ingredients. Honestly, we’ve come to expect that here, but what really amazes us is how they are able to offer up generous portions for the mandated Summerlicious price points. There are no shortcuts here and service remains to be one of the best in the city even during this busy time.

We previewed the restaurant’s lunch menu recently to get a first taste. Fans of the Boulud’s famous rotisserie chicken will be thrilled to find it on the Summerlicious menu — with a slight twist adding tarragon to the recipe. The rotisserie itself was brought in from France and is used to slow-roast the chicken à la broche. 

The Cod Meuniere is a real hit with a flavourful buttery sauce served up with crushed potatoes and fresh green beans. Vegetarians are well taken care of with a generous Tarte Fine that is beautifully presented – and dare we say, instagram worthy? It is really.

Cafe Boulud is a popular destination for Summerlicious for lunch and dinner. Best to make a reservation ahead of time. While some offer exclusive Summerlicous menus, here at Cafe Boulud, they continue to offer the house menu in addition to the prix-fixe menu. So, you can opt for one or the other. Also, we’re told that some of the Summerlicious dishes will rotate as daily specials so for those who prefer not to have the three-course menu, this is a great option.

Here’s a first look at what’s on Cafe Boulud’s 2018 Summerlicious lunch menu…

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If you’ve never booked a Winterlicious meal, this is really the year to do so. Although we’ve noticed that the meal prices have gone up from the past years,  the menus overall are more creative and still a good value. Remember you’re getting an appetizer, entree and dessert for the prices offered.

We were invited into Café Boulud at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto for a preview of what to expect this coming Winterlicious. The items on their menu features some of their most popular dishes. This restaurant that is inspired by Michelin Star Chef Daniel Boulud’s French upbringing. For those who are not familiar, Chef Boulud has 7 restaurants in New York City and 6 others in the US and internationally including London, Montreal and Singapore. This French Brasserie is located on the second floor of the hotel. French chef, Sylvain Assie, is the Chef de Cuisine at the hotel’s signature restaurant that showcases Boulud’s vision. He too grew up in France in a small village with his family near Montpellier and his career with Four Seasons began in the South of France.

So, okay, you want to know what to expect? Prix fixe menu for lunch is $33 and $53 for dinner. We were pretty happy with the decent portion sizes too. Too often in the past years, some restaurants just offered small portions during Winterlicious, but we haven’t found that reflected here. The menu won’t leave you feeling hungry when you’re done!

We’ve always thought the Charcuterie offerings at Café Boulud as the best in the city. We were happy to set our eyes on the Coq au Vin Terrine as an appetizer and the Grilled Kale Salad is one of our all time favourite salads in the city. That’s on there too.

The Smoked Salmon on a bed of field greens is also a substantial starter and not too heavy as you prepare yourself for the mains.

You can always rely on ordering the Steak Frites as your lunch main — a grilled flat iron steak that is cooked to perfection and accompanied by restaurant’s most addictive fries. Always a French bistro favourite and you really can’t go wrong here. For vegetarians, we had a chance to taste the delicious Cavatelli pasta made with root vegetables, parsley puree and comte cheese foam that is offered on both lunch and dinner menus.

The Pike Quenelle is the dish that intrigued us the most. Cooked Lyon-style it stems from the traditional French method of cooking that originated in the 16th century by the women of the Lyon, France,  who once cooked for prominent families. They went on to open their own local restaurants serving dishes that featured local produce. The Quenelle is very popular and is often described as a large dumpling. This usually is made with wheat or semolina flour, butter, eggs, milk and fish. Pretty much tradition to be served with Nantua sauce and rice. Chef Boulud was actually raised on a farm outside of Lyon.

We were delighted to see our favourite desserts on the Winterlicious menu as well. Both the Profiteroles (with vanilla ice cream, dark chocolate sauce, candied pecans) and the Grapefruit Sundae (with sesame halva, rose loukoum, grapefruit sorbet) are slight variations from the restaurant’s normal menu. The Ile Flottante (steamed meringue, maple sugar, creme anglaise) is beautiful and our first try and of this delicately sweet cloud.

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