Backyard Havens

With spring coming up soon people are starting to think about patios, porches, sunscreen, and breezy cocktails, not to mention hammocks. I spied the perfect little backyard haven with colourful lanterns behind an artists' coop. It even has a sun roof constructed out of bundled branches or something of that nature. A little slice of heaven within urban Queen West.

Queen St. Today: construction & destroyed bikes

Taking a walk today to do some shopping for my mom's birthday coming up, I found a few fun shots along west queen west.

Galerie Voltaire

People have been talking about this abandoned space for years (since at least 2008 from what I can gather), and it's always with the same comments: "This place has been abandoned/boarded up for years" and "But I've seen lights on." My theory is that it's not really an abandoned building. How else could its decrepit charm be maintained consistently since 2008? Then again, some artists showed there back in 1997. A quick search reveals that this is an oft-photographed building. Maybe the gallery has turned into art itself.

What do Red and Yellow Make?

Red and yellow make orange! Welcome to orange level of the Dufferin Mall Parking Garage.

Lolblast from the Past - Inspector Clouseau re-enactment

The original with Peter Sellers:

Inspector Clouseau interrogates Fassbender staff. by yep147
The remake:

Inspector Clouseau Interrogates the Staff from Gigi Presentey on Vimeo.
Re-enactment of a scene from the Pink Panther Strikes Again by my sister and I when we were kids.

Indie Coffee Update

As a follow up to my earlier post about indie coffee shops in Toronto, I have decided to comment on a few of the places. Since I wrote the earlier post I have visited for the first time: Lit, Sam James, Capital, and Lost and Found.

Lit had a wonderfully earthy espresso which I described as tasting like a tree. Unique flavour right there. Definitely recommend.

At Sam James Espresso Bar I have been happy with the drinks I've gotten. Lovely americanos & cappuccinos. I love sitting in the window there and watching Harbord go by.

Americano and Latte

Geoff enjoying a latte

First time I was at Capital Espresso I had one of the the best shots of espresso I've ever had. I'm not saying this just because I met Damien the other day. He came in to R2 looking for decaf beans 'cause they were running low over at Capital. The espresso shot I had was rich, rich, rich in flavour and well-balanced for my tongue.

Lost and Found espresso was delicious with a bit of an alcohol-y finish in a good way. Love the space and the idea of combining clothing and coffee - two great loves of my life. Jonathan was super friendly and Evan and I procured some Metropolis beans which I've tried in the french press with great success.