SEE THE TONY AWARD & PULITZER PRIZE CHAMPION
FOR AS LITTLE AS $15!

Limited Run: Nov. 5-15, The Canon Theatre

We hope you enjoyed a happy Thanksgiving in the company of the whole family. And we hope that your family gathering was nothing at all like that of Westons, of Osage County, Oklahoma!

Come and see why – and what you have to be truly thankful for – as Steppenwolf Theatre Company brings the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning August: Osage County to the Canon Theatre from November 5 to 15!

August: Osage Countyis this young century’s most celebrated drama! That’s quite a statement, but it’s true: Only once in a generation does a play like this come along. You can’t afford to miss it! And at the special ticket deal we have, you definitely CAN afford to see it!

You can now get the best seats in the house for only $50 (regularly priced at up to $89) if you attend any of the first three performances – Thurs, Nov 5 @ 7:00PM; Fri, Nov 6 @ 7:00PM; or Sat, Nov 7 @ 1:00PM – OR, you can save 25% on the performances of Weds, Nov 11 @ 1:00PM; Fri, Nov 13 @ 7:00PM; and Sat & Sun, Nov 14 & 15 @ 1:00PM. To take advantage of this special offer, just call TicketKing at either 416.872.1212 or 1.800.461.3333 or go online right here ticketking.com and quote the secret codeword DAVID!

by: Steve Andrews

Forget about infidelity and insensitivity – the leading cause of friction for couples is trying to decide which movie to watch. She wants a love story, he wants an action flick. As a guy, I’ve been forced to sit through a lot of saccharine-sweet chick flicks, as well as a few surprisingly engaging ones. So, in the spirit of compromise, I’d like to suggest some romantic movies that you girls out there are sure to love, and you guys might actually enjoy.

Year: 2003
Stars: Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Billy Bob Thornton, Rowan Atkinson, Bill Nighy, Martine McCutcheon, Colin Firth (and that’s just a partial list)
Story: An ensemble piece with several intertwined stories of love, romance, and heartache in London during the lead-up to Christmas.
What makes it a chick flick: Well, the title, for starters. And everyone is either falling in or out of love.
What makes it guy-approved: Clever, funny, varied, avoids clichés, and Bill Nighy is excellent as an aging rock legend trying to promote his Christmas version of the classic hit “Love Is All Around”, which he himself described as a “festering turd of a record.” Did I mention that Keira Knightley’s in it?

Love Actually

Year: 2003

Stars: Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Billy Bob Thornton, Rowan Atkinson, Bill Nighy, Martine McCutcheon, Colin Firth (and that’s just a partial list)

Story: An ensemble piece with several intertwined stories of love, romance, and heartache in London during the lead-up to Christmas.

What makes it a chick flick: Well, the title, for starters. And everyone is either falling in or out of love.

What makes it guy-approved: Clever, funny, varied, avoids clichés, and Bill Nighy is excellent as an aging rock legend trying to promote his Christmas version of the classic hit “Love Is All Around”, which he himself described as a “festering turd of a record.” Did I mention that Keira Knightley’s in it?

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Year: 2004

Stars: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, Tom Wilkinson, Elijah Wood

Story: After breaking up with his girlfriend, Jim Carrey’s character decides to undergo a new medical procedure that will erase all memory of the girl from his mind. During the procedure, however, he realizes he still loves her, and ends up in a cat-and-mouse game as he tries to hide his memories of her from the technicians performing the erasure.

What makes it a chick flick: The idea that love transcends even memory

What makes it guy-approved: The girlfriend is quirky and engaging, and there are subconscious chase scenes

Meet Joe Black

Year: 1998

Stars: Brad Pitt, Claire Forlani, Anthony Hopkins

Story: Death, in form of Brad Pitt, comes to claim a rich businessman, but first wants to learn more about life, and develops an interest in the businessman’s daughter.

What makes it a chick flick: Brad Pitt, plus the idea that even Death can fall in love

What makes it guy-approved: Claire Forlani, and another quirky performance from Brad Pitt

French Kiss

Year: 1995

Stars: Kevin Kline, Meg Ryan, Timothy Hutton, Jean Reno

Story: A neurotic woman flies to France to confront her fiancé who dumped her for an exotic Frenchwoman. Along the way, she gets mixed up with a small-time local thief who may either be helping her or playing her for a patsy.

What makes it a chick flick: Watching the bickering slowly evolve into romantic interest

What makes it guy-approved: Snappy dialogue, and Kevin Kline is great as the loveable rogue. Plus, Meg Ryan plays a Canadian, with plenty of references to Toronto and Canadian culture.

Four Weddings and a Funeral

Year: 1994

Stars: Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell, Kristin Scott Thomas

Story: An awkward Englishman, whose friends keep getting

married, falls in love with an American who marries someone else. Out

of desperation, and anxious for a family, he considers marrying a woman

he does not love.

What makes it a chick flick: The pursuit of true love. Plus, a romantic twist, and a heartbreaking eulogy.

What makes it guy-approved: Clever dialogue, unique characters, and swearing in sign language

Annie Hall

Year: 1977

Stars: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts

Story: A neurotic comedian tries to make sense of his rocky relationship with a free spirited woman.

What makes it a chick flick: A moving but realistic look at the nature of relationships and love

What makes it guy-approved: Some of the funniest lines Woody A

lle

Movies to avoid like the plague

Beaches

The Notebook

Bridget Jones’ Diary (1 & 2)

P.S. I Love You

Terms of Endearment

Wimbledon

If you have any comment or suggestion to add to the list please have your say in the comments area!

monologue is a classic, as is the “a relationship is like a shark” speech.

Ladies, why is it so easy for us to complain to our men? Is it because we are impossible to please (as they more than often point out), or is it that men really are that unresponsive that we are, in a sense, ‘forced’ to nag? Admittedly, on more than one occasion, I have heard a boyfriend request that my nagging be brought to a minimum. Naturally, I become highly offended and subsequently defensive. Sometimes, I have played the victim card and sulked the whole day through. In neither of these cases, have I made any headway in getting my man to do things my way – and let’s face it, we know we’re always right! So why do we continue to nag? We have asked them on numerous occasions to take the trash out or fix the computer, but after the tenth time with no action, a major toll can be taken on the relationship.

There are a few key things I have learned along the way. One of them is that the more you nag, the more your man will tune you out and will just replay last night’s hockey highlights in his head. He’ll occasionally make eye contact and throw in a nod, however when asked if he’s actually listening, he’ll have difficulty reiterating what you said. Generally, nagging is defined as an annoyance by continued scolding, and I don’t believe that this is what women are doing. I feel we are more trying to either remind or encourage a man into doing something very simple, like taking out the trash, but it hasn’t been done within an appropriate time frame, and it is in our nature to be persistent – therefore, coming across as nagging.

We all have our own signature styles of ‘nagging’, or we have become well-versed with the various styles and know the best time to throw out the punches – much like a verbal boxing match. The following are 4 styles that I have concocted to put it into perspective:

1.    Hook: In boxing, a hook is a short power punch that is aimed at the side of the head. This would be delivered by the nagger whose tactic is to blindside her man and catch him off guard in the hopes of making the best impact. She uses the element of surprise and without warning will throw her hook.
2.    Jab: A jab is delivered swiftly in a direct line. This is thrown by the type of nagger who is direct and not sidestepping the issue. She’s not trying to make him guess what she’s talking about, and she’s laying it out there. Her nagging is quick and intense and is sure to be well-aimed, in the hopes of carrying out her point effectively and efficiently.
3.    Uppercut: An uppercut is thrown at close range, with the jaw being the target. This nagger aims to mute her man, with no chance to verbally defend himself. She is in the ring to get her point out, and only her point out. She gets really close and cozy, and lays it on you, without giving you a chance to give your side of the story.
4.    Below the belt – Technically, this is against the rules in boxing. The nagger, who generally hits below the belt, is not necessarily looking for a compromise. She is being hurtful and what she is saying is uncalled for. Although, not allowed in boxing hitting below the belt can happen occasionally.

Now I know you’re wondering how to get your point across if every attempt is considered ‘nagging’. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words. Eliminate your words, and show him the distance that is naturally created when he repeatedly ignores your requests. Stop paying attention to him, and assert your independence by focusing on your own life. The more self-control you have, the sexier it is.  When his mother (another important female in his life) nags, he knows that no matter what he does or does not do, his mother is still going to be there. He may be assuming the same for you. Thus far, the nagging is only considered persistent because each time he fails to acknowledge your requests, you’re still sticking around. Don’t let him forget the women you are deep down inside – the woman he first met, when there were virtually no arguments.

So, I think for the most part we can all agree that women will nag. Maybe not on a daily basis, but it will just happen. Most women will say that the only reason they ‘nag’ is because they are forced to when their man does not do what he has previously claimed he would. Men will say that their women are nagging because they get some sick satisfaction from it, or that they can never be pleased. Whether your expectations for your man are too high or not, think back to the beginning of your relationship. No doubt, it was free of nagging and he seemed to be the perfect mate – or as close to it as you’re going to get. So what happened? There could be a couple of reasons for this:1. He got too comfortable and there was no need to impress you anymore 2. You were hiding and/or suppressing all the ‘persisting’ you wanted to do, and now you can truly let loose. If it’s reason 1, there’s a good chance that he didn’t get comfortable overnight. Many times, women don’t stand their ground on the first red flag, when men are testing the boundaries with you, and when you start letting too many things slide, they know you are not going anywhere. When this happens, your constant reminding will most often come across as nagging. If it is reason 2, then you have to really evaluate if this is the person you want to be, and make a conscious effort to change. You have to think about why he can’t make you happy and if he is the one for you in the first place. Overall, if you are in a healthy relationship, focus on the things that he does that bring you joy and you will see the relationship blossom – a true Knockout.

by: Kurt Evans

Imagine your typical Friday night in Toronto.  Perhaps you and your partner enjoy eating at your favourite restaurant before going out to the clubs.  Or maybe you enjoy going to the movies to see the latest big budget production, or art-house flick.  But when is the last time you’ve tried something different, like real theater?  You may not be aware of this, but The Canadian Stage Company (better known as CanStage) has tremendous offers, especially to a younger crowd, that make it a viable alternative to one’s standard weekend fare.  On top of that, depending on your circumstances and luck, you can do it for less than the cost of a movie ticket.

My fiancée and I have been subscribers to CanStage for the past six seasons, and we look to continue our tradition far into the future.  CanStage offers a variety of packages to entice theater lovers to purchase ticketing packages, and they don’t have a bad seat in the house.

Your options are plentiful – if you are under the age of 24, you can pay $15 up front for the opportunity to see as many plays as you want for $5 a production.  On Monday nights, CanStage offers a Pay-What-You-Can deal – the suggested price is $15, but if you’ve got less they’ll take it.  And if you want to roll the dice, you can walk up to the box office an hour before the show and buy Rush Seats at a 50% discount.

Additionally, CanStage also offers package deals, allowing you to subscribe to see either 3, 5, or all 8 of their yearly productions.  These deals range from as little as 3 shows at the tiny Berkley Theater –where you’ll be so close that you can practically see the actors sweat under the spotlights — for $59, or about $19.67 a show.  Another option is subscribing to 5 shows at the Bluma — which is much larger and tends to hold the better known productions — for as little as $90, or $18.00 a show.  The final and best option is to subscribe to the entire season for $138, or $17.25 a show.  And that’s not even taking into account the additional discounts you get if you’re under 30, and the free set of passes that they give you to share them with friends or family.

In other words, CanStage really, really wants your patronage, and for good reason.  The vast majority of theater-goers today are older.  Often, my fiancée and I are among the youngest faces in the crowd, which is truly unfortunate as you don’t have to be elderly to enjoy good acting and sharp dialog.

With an aging and, quite frankly, dying audience, CanStage needs to attract a younger crowd, and based on their regular efforts, they deserve success.  While their stages are far less likely to be as flashy and ornate as something you’d see at a Mirvish Production, CanStage employs incredibly talented actors and actresses.   At CanStage, the investment goes into whatever the actors can produce, and very rarely do they deliver a dud.

But maybe it’s not for you.  Maybe your money is better spent at the club, or while watching the latest comic book mega movie, or at the same restaurant you’ve been to 20 times this year.  However, if you want to take a small chance — and it really is small, as CanStage is far less expensive than you might have been led to believe — then do yourself and your partner a favour.  Get tickets to see a production, be it at the Bluma Theater, located at 27 Front Street, or the Berkley Theater, located at 26 Berkley Street.  They are inexpensive, they are accessible, and they are a tremendous amount of fun.

Whether you believe Valentines Day is an “authentic” holiday or just another hallmark holiday; it is nonetheless a day for lovers to express their feelings. The chocolates, flowers, cards etc., are all tokens of our appreciation. This is also a day to use that creative and adventurous side to impress your lover, and in this economic downturn; may be a good idea. Valentines Day seems like a great holiday, but what about those of us who don’t have that “significant other”. Shall we sit wallowing alone and observing, perhaps in jealousy, the large amount of affection being shared between couples; or do we get off our asses and find someone to share it with.

There are few days out of the year where you can’t go wrong asking someone out on a date, and V-day is one of them. It appears as if there are two groups of people that exist on Valentines Day, the believers and the non-believers. With this said, there may also be a grey area, where you can reach both. Either way both groups of people will be entertained by the idea of a date on Valentines Day.

There are the believers, the group that are perhaps hopeless romantics and look forward to V-day every year. These people would absolutely dread being alone and would sympathize with any other person who has to go through the same thing. So how does one approach these ‘people’ for a date? Well simply with a genuine manner. The believer may realize “the tragedy” of spending this day alone, and would take interest in your offer. I recently had a very in-depth conversation with someone who seemed to be a very adamant believer in Valentines Day. As someone who is a more or less a non-believer, I managed to maintain a conversation for what was close to half an hour. We discussed the ‘ups and downs’ of Valentines Day, and how the most magnificent thing was the surprise. I was frank with her, and declared that I was probably going to spend Valentines Day alone. This lead to the simple question, “Would you like to hangout on Valentines Day?” Of course I realized that the phrase ‘hanging out’ might not have been the wisest, but it didn’t seem to matter; she had a boyfriend… This failed attempt does have a positive lesson, that the believers do not all need an extravagant V-day but apparently just a nice surprise! This interaction may seem easy; but what about the non-believers. Does a Valentines Day date fare more of a challenge? Not really.

It is wise to take Valentines Day as lightheartedly as the non-believers would. Don’t approach it as a total joke, but with enough humor that you can both share a laugh. A mere coffee or even lunch would suffice as a date, and again in these dark days of our economy; would be great for both parties.

Upon reading this, one may think “Well now what?” “How do I know who the believers or non-believers are, and where is the middle ground?” I took the task upon myself to find this middle area, and although I am more of a non-believer I would prefer to be with someone on V-day. After numerous interactions I realized that even the believers take Valentines Day lightheartedly. Approaching someone with the complete understanding that being alone on V-day will be disappointing, but by making it sound as least sad and depressing as possible, works for all! The key being that both of you are feeling the same way, and perhaps are envious of the lovers’ enjoyment on this day; which leads to the question “So why shouldn’t we enjoy it?” This question will draw the other on to your side, and help make it easier to ask for that date or the digits.

So to all those non-believers such as me, we should just be content with the fact that we have a day that brings people closer together; or that the newly created Family Day gives you a three day weekend. For those of us that may just have a fear of approaching people, this is your excuse. Everyone will be thinking the same thing, “What will I do on Valentines Day?” You will be there to give them an option.

Rundown: Very romantic and a highly recommended date option. Desserts are to die for, and service is excellent.

Pro: Desserts, Service, Atmosphere, open 24/7

Con: Can feel cramped, the food isn’t top-of-mind.

The Yonge/Bloor area is one of the most traversed areas in Toronto, with the meeting of both the Yonge Subway line as well as the University/Spadina line. The crowd in this neck of the ‘woods’ will be anywhere from your UofT student to your swanky Yorkville shopper and all the way to your corporate Torontonian. Yonge/Bloor is your melting pot of Torontonians spilling onto the streets to avoid the construction projected to go on for an indefinite amount of time. You are definitely spoiled for choice in this part of Toronto for date places, and just need to walk in any direction for 5 minutes to find a plethora of options, one right after the next.

One option must include the 7 West Café located just off Yonge Street at 7 Charles Street West. Although, easy to miss and not an immediate eye-catcher, 7 West Café is one of Toronto’s hidden treasures. Catering to a diverse community of Torontonians, you will find this restaurant busy most of the time, but the following 7 reasons will have you coming back to 7 West Café time and time again:

1. Location: Found a stone ’s throw from Yonge/Bloor, those travelling on subway have easy access to this restaurant, as well as nearby theaters, cinemas, shops and other common tourist attractions, like the ROM.
2. Atmosphere: This ultra romantic restaurant has beautiful dimmed lights and candles, and to top it off, three floors AND a patio. The music may not play on your romantic side, but try another floor if the music isn’t your cup of tea.
3. Menu: You have many options for food, from breakfast choices to pastas, sandwiches and appetizers galore – mainly Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. The desserts are simply to die for, and your wine options are plentiful.
4. Service: Your servers will give you outstanding and friendly service each time you come, and check up on you often, while not overdoing it.
5. Price: You will not be spending an arm and a leg here. Admittedly, it isn’t that cheap, but you are paying for the environment and exceptional service.
6. Hours of Operation: Sit down for this one. 7 West Café is open 24/7! And their kitchen does not close. Whether coming back from the clubs or looking for a midnight snack with your date, you can’t go wrong heading for lucky number 7 West Café.
7. Chocolate Banana Cake: The best I have ever had in the city. Period.

I choose to go to 7 West for coffee and dessert predominantly. I’m not the biggest fan of their pastas, and I find their ‘Pasta What?’ to be a little too saucy for my liking. This place can get crowded pretty quickly, and it’s still surprising to me how the service manages to exceed my expectations each time. For a couple, I would estimate less than $50 if you’re looking for a complete meal with drinks. If you’re looking for a cute place to go for a hot drink and a delectable dessert, you’re looking at less than $20.

Highly recommended for a first date (or any date for that matter), the 7 West Café is one of my top 10 date places, whether you’re looking for something low-key or formal. 7 West Café works with diverse personalities and will be sure to impress!

FYI
If you’re on a tight budget, try the Second Cup just down the street.

View Larger Map

by: Nilusha Sanmuganathan

Rundown: Although inexpensive, a little noisy and not the most romantic of restaurants. Recommended for budget-conscious couple, not on a first date!

Pro: Inexpensive, relatively quick, clean

Con: Very loud, may be difficult to find a table, unromantic

Queen West can be a chaotic scene in Toronto no matter what time of the day. During the morning, you’ll come across the rush of people trying to make it to their jobs on time, clamouring along while trying to avoid spilling their Starbucks coffee. In the evening, especially on weekends you have the 20‐something clubbing crowd, hopping from one establishment to the other. However, lunchtime is that special part of the day where those employees get to take their much needed break from their jobs and remedy themselves with food. It’s even better, when you’re meeting a special someone for that quick bite, and distraction from the mundane routine.

Ginger, located at 212 Queen Street West, is an ideal spot for those looking to pick up a quick bite, with an informal and comfortable ambiance. On hot days, they have the storefront windows open allowing for the smell of the Vietnamese food to waft directly to your heart. During the lunch hour, you will find the line up for the food almost out the door itself. Don’t be alarmed, the line will move quite quickly – roughly 10 minutes. If you are trying to grab a table, you’ll find that task to be a little more challenging, but allowing yourself to get there just a little early will ensure you get a table faster than your lunchtime competition. Be prepared to use your outside voices as it can sound quite raucous in the restaurant, and is certainly not a restaurant for those looking for a romantic and quiet lunch experience.

The food is very inexpensive and of great quality. I ordered the chicken spring roll as my appetizer and the chili lemongrass beef (comes with rice and cabbage) as my main. I thoroughly enjoyed it, as I was given a good portion of rice and marinated meat. The food was quick and delicious. Nutritious? As far as quick Vietnamese restaurants go, it’s as good as it’s going to get. For the vegetarians out there, they offer a limited number of tofu options. As a couple, you will be looking to spend less than $20 for a satisfying meal ‐ with the possibility of leftovers. You will be eating out of Styrofoam containers and with plastic cutlery. However, be prepared to have to retrieve the cutlery yourself! The restaurant is very clean and has a beautiful mural painted on the side which depicts the Vietnamese shoreline, and attempts to give a sense of authenticity.

I wouldn’t recommend this restaurant for a first date, where you will be trying to get to know each other better. Overall, this restaurant is recommended for couples looking for a quick recap of the morning.
Ginger is not the most romantic of restaurants but will suffice for the budget‐conscious couple looking for a clean and unceremonious environment.

FYI
You can find another Ginger Restaurant location at 695 Yonge Street.

View Larger Map

Downtown

Scaramouche
Location:1 Benvenuto Place Map It
Price Range: $130-$200
Type:French fine dinning
Phone: (416) 961-8011
Why we picked it :Hands down one of the most famous fine dinning restaurants in Toronto. Food and service are consistently amazing, coupled with the atmosphere of a perfect serenity make Scaramouche a perfect place for a romantic date. They might switch their location soon due to condominium construction, so this might be your chance to visit this legendary restaurant in its original location. Tip: if you are a big wine buff you can bring your own bottle there for a mere $25.

La Palette
Location:256 Augusta Ave. (at College) Map It
Price Range: $50-$100
Type:French Bistro
Phone: 416-929-4900
Why we picked it: Casual and funky romantic atmosphere. The food is very good and the servers are usually experienced which makes the experience even better. Menu is moderately priced (compared to other French dining). Located in Toronto’s Kensington Market which provides you with some cool options of where to go after the dinner is done.

Splendido
Location:88 Harbord St Map It
Price Range: $130 per person and $80 for wine pairing
Type:Fine Dinning
Phone: 416-929-7788
Why we picked it: Again one of the finest restaurants in Toronto. Even “Toronto Life” magazine gave it 4 stars (which means perfect). Splendido have a special gourmet Valentine’s Day prepackaged menu for Him and for Her. Even though this is a pricey choice – here you really get what you paid for.

George
Location:111C Queen Str E Map It
Price Range: $75 to $130 per person for a tasting menu and $65 for wine pairing
Type: Fine Dining
Phone: 416-863-6006
Why we picked it: Exposed brick interior and open kitchen creates a very romantic atmosphere. They have a special table for couples with its own window and chandelier, but good luck getting this table on Valentine’s Day. Amazing food and menu choices you can choose from either 5,7,10 courses tasting menu, they even have a 5 course Vegetarian menu. Tip: Even though they have a very extensive wine list you can bring your own bottle for $25 per $750 ml.

MoRoCo Chocolat
Location:99 Yorkville Ave Map It
Price Range: $45 -$60 per person Valentine’s Day Menu
Type:French – for chocolate lovers
Phone: (416) 800-5523
Why we picked it: It is Valentine’s Day isn’t it? If you or your date like chocolate MoRoCo is a must see. Their desserts are to die for and the interior couldn’t be more romantic. They have a Valentine’s Day special menu for $60 in the evening and $45 for the tea afternoon.

North Toronto

Trapper’s Restaurant
Location:3479 Yonge St.Map It
Price Range:$65 per person for a prepackaged Valentine’s Day menu
Type:Canadian
Phone: (416) 800-1386
Why we picked it: This restaurant is located North of Lawrence and is suitable for those not willing to go downtown. While not as well known as other restaurants in our list Trapper’s combine very fine Canadian products with traditional recipes. The interior and staff will put you in a romantic mood instantly. They have a special prepackaged menu for $130 per couple – you will have to add an alcohol to it as well.

Auberge Du Pommier
Location:4150 Yonge St. (at Hwy. 401) Map It
Price Range: $130-$250
Type:French – fine dinning in a cottage
Phone: 416-222-2220
Why we picked it: One of the most famous fine dinning restaurants in Toronto. Located north of downtown’s hectic ways. Auberge Du Pommier was recently renovated, but still managed to keep the French cottage country feel. French and Valentine’s Day go together right? The food is very exquisite and service is impeccable. This restaurant is also considered one of the best places to propose in Toronto.

Wildfire Steakhouse and Wine Bar
Location:3438 Yonge St. Map It
Price Range: $95 per person
Type:Steakhouse
Phone: (416) 800-2042
Why we picked it: This is a great place for meat lovers. They have every steak you might imagine and a 700 wine list to complement one. Ladies if by any chance you are planning this Valentine’s date and want to surprise your date this is a right place for it. They have a special menu for Valentine’s Day for $95 excluding alcohol, tax and gratuity.

West

La Castile
Location:2179 Dundas St. E. Mississauga, ON Map It
Price Range: $130 to $250 per couple
Type:Canadian – Steakhouse
Phone: (416) 800-1479
Why we picked it: Located just west of the city this restaurant is perfect for those living out west not willing to go downtown. The interior does exactly what it name says – looks like an ancient luxury castle, with big chandeliers and over-sized chairs. Trust us the atmosphere of this restaurant won’t let your romantic mood down. The service is always impeccable and their 30 day aged steaks will make even a vegetarian to salivate.

JFK’s Restaurant & Lounge
Location:4230 Sherwoodtowne Blvd.Mississauga, ON Map It
Price Range: $60-$120
Type:Canadian – Lounge
Phone: (416) 800-2550
Why we picked it: If you like modern interiors with funky art and live west of the city this is a great choice for you. It is also suitable for budget conscious couple since while providing some of the crowd’s favourite dishes they manage to keep prices at a reasonable prices. JFK’s is very suitable option if this Valentine’s Day is your first date with the person.

York

Il Cavallino
Location:8077 Islington Ave., Unit 105 Woodbridge, ON Map It
Price Range: $70-$150 per couple
Type: Italian
Phone: (416) 800-4333
Why we picked it: One of the finest Italian restaurants not only north of Toronto, but also generally in GTA. This place is very cozy due to a small size and perfect lighting. Staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable. You can’t go wrong with this one, especially if you live up north and drive downtown is just too much of a drag.

Blacksmith’s Bistro
Location:166 Main St.Unionville, ON Map It
Price Range: $175 per couple pre-fix menu
Type:Medetteranian
Phone: (416) 800-1837
Why we picked it: Located in heart of Unionville it is suitable for those North of Toronto and looking for that small town feel. This restaurant consistently receives good reviews for its food and service. The ambiance won’t let you down either. They also have a special Valentine’s Day package for $175 per couple, obviously drinks are not included.

Any suggestions comments? Please leave them right here

by: Alex Sisson

Humour, tragedy, love, and hate are just a few of the many emotions that pour out of the character Shirley Valentine. As a woman seemingly experiencing a mid-life crisis, Shirley touches on many issues apparent in married life and perhaps an unfulfilled life. The basis of the play is of a woman (Shirley Valentine) from Liverpool, who has been offered the chance to take a trip to Greece with her friend. The contemplation and frustration of whether or not she should go sends her on another trip into her past and a reflection of her life. Shirley discusses her unhappiness in marriage and many memories of her childhood to the kitchen wall; as if it were Shirley’s therapist. These conversations and reflections help convince her to take the trip to Greece. On the trip Shirley sees her life in a different light, and explains how she would perhaps do things differently.

The plot of the play is somewhat simple but it is the dynamic emotions and energy that the actress Nicola Cavendish brings to the character Shirley Valentine; which bring the audience into tears of laughter. As a veteran at this role, Nicola is still able to amaze people with her talent. This ever-energetic actress manages to catch and hold on to the audience for the duration of the play.

The sexually charged language and easily relatable subject material is fitted for those who are fans of British humour. Written by Willy Russell, much of the problems that Shirley faces are timeless and still apparent in society to this day. The idea of a person stuck in a relationship with an unappreciative partner; happens all the time as “We all have a friend in this predicament.”

Upon getting to my seat, without knowledge of what this play was about, I realized that there was only one character throughout the entire play. This seemed very unappealing, but thanks to the very talented director Roy Surette the audience feels as if they are in the room with Shirley. We as an audience share in her happiness, her dread, and her need for something more; we become the wall that she confides in.

Shirley Valentine is a witty play that will leave the audience reflecting on their own life and issues that may be bothering them within their relationship. It constantly touches on issues apparent in all relationships, ranging from sexual to communication problems. Throughout the entire play audience members were looking to their partner either laughing at the conversation or agreeing with it. It is a wonderful and humourous play that The Canadian Stage Company has brilliantly put together.

by: Michelle Chermaine Ramos

Inspired by the real-life crimes of sex offender Toby Studebaker, David Harrower’s Blackbird boldly tackles social taboos where the lines between love and abuse are blurred. This dark psychodrama explores the sensitive issues of paedophilia, the law, personal accountability and morality’s many shades of grey.

Years ago Ray and Una had an illicit sexual relationship which in any other case would have been un-notable had Una not been only twelve years old at the time while Ray was forty. Fifteen years later following Ray’s imprisonment and an abandoned Una growing up ostracized by society, she chances upon a photo of Ray in a newspaper and discovers he had changed his name and moved to another area moving on with a new life under a new untarnished identity. Hot on his trail, she drives to his workplace for an unexpected awkward visit. At first he dismisses her, questioning whether or not she really is the girl he left years ago and angrily tries to shuffle her out of the room, nervous that his colleagues might overhear her and uncover his less than respectable past. “I saw your eyes before I even said my name,” she insists. He is agitated, fidgety, cornered. Despite reinventing a new life for himself, it is clear that his life, like Una’s, has been permanently scarred by the experience they shared so long ago.

Sitting in the small theatre where you can get a good view of the actors from any seat in the room, one can’t help but feel like you’ve walked in on a private lovers’ spat. The dialogue is direct, raw, and intense. No words are spared as the characters unleash emotions long repressed as they face the ghosts of their past to try to find closure and assess the future. As the audience is privy to the intimately searing confrontation between the abuser and the abused, now a grown woman with all the vulnerability of the child whose innocence was lost, old unhealed wounds are re-opened and layers are peeled away revealing each character’s complex depths and insecurities.

The dialogue starts off slow in the introduction and later builds up to an emotional roller-coaster ride. The pacing keeps the otherwise tedious, lengthy parts of the monologues emotionally-charged and holds the audience with rapt attention. The set is an empty office lunch room strewn with trash, befittingly grey and cold with fluorescent lighting and most of all, chaotic – almost symbolically mirroring their messy relationship’s emotional baggage as Una re-enters Ray’s life ininvited. The use of lighting though simplistic is also effective in symbolically conveying emotions in certain points of the performance.

While definitely not the happy, feel-good type of show you would typically want to take someone to on a first date due to the heavily disturbing subject matter, you might consider watching this on later dates or with someone you are already in a relationship with. Share this with someone if you know they are the type who is interested in sensitive social issues, serious drama and up for an interesting discussion after the show, as nothing is black and white in this story.

Directed by Joel Greenberg

Starring Jessica Greenberg & Hardee T. Lineham

Produced by Studio 180 in association with The Canadian Stage Company

Duration: Approximately 1 hr, no intermissions

Show times: The show runs on weeknights at 8pm until Saturday April 4th with an afternoon performance at 2pm and later at 8pm.

Location: Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley St., Toronto

Awards

2006 Critics’ Award for Theatre in Scotland for Best New Play

2007 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play