Canada Trip: Ontario College of Art & Design

One of the highlights of our trip was getting to see Sonny's baby sister's school. Stephanie just finished her first year and man... she's going to be one amazingly talented designer when she's all done with this place. The Ontario College of Art and Design is right in the heart of downtown. Its wedged between The Art Gallery of Ontario and other beautiful museum. How can she NOT be inspired everyday!

Embarrassed. ;)


Student gallery.


The main staircase features all the students' crazy artwork.

Amazing.

Canada Trip: Smoke's Poutinerie

So I HAVE to just dedicate this post to our adventures of eating POUTINE. Us poor Americans can't experience the deliciousness of Poutine like the Canadians do. It is definitely a staple in their diets. I do believe, aside from bleeding Canadian Pride, Sonny bleeds Poutine. Seriously... it's kinda crazy.

So what is Poutine exactly?! Well its basically just french fries, cheese curds and gravy. That's it... gravy cheese fries! But is it just that... NO its much, much more! In the past years there has been some kind of craze for more elaborate Poutine that's sweepin' the Canadian nation. With the creation of Smoke's Poutinerie and Poutini's House of Poutine, this simple dish has been taken to another level. Heart attack status almost.... but dang... its so so goooood!

Pulled pork, bacon, chicken, mushrooms... you can get it all!


What pride!


One very HAPPY Canadian boy!


Can't even see the French Fries!


Represent!

Canada Trip: The Distillery District

And after Kensington we were off... exploring more of the TDot. We barely... no wait... we didn't take our rental car anywhere. Chris insisted we go by foot, street car or subway everywhere. It was quite the adventure for us Angelenos who aren't accustomed to public transport. We are so spoiled having cars to zip quickly everywhere. To tell you the truth though, it was rather fun getting everywhere more economically and environmentally friendly.

Canadians are so NICE. Be safe AND considerate.

We made our way to The Distillery District, which is another historical gem in the city. Once a full on Whiskey and Vodak Distillery, it is now Canada's premier arts, culture and entertainment destination. A place brimming with creativity and creative people. If we HAD to move to Toronto... this is where I'd like to live.

One of many jumpin' pics for Sonny.


No idea what this was but you can have a picnic inside of it.







Inside one of the many galleries.

Metal Monster.

Canada Trip: Kensington Market

I don't even really know how to present our trip. We saw so many amazing things and experienced Toronto in such a special way. We've been downtown numerous times in the past. We usually just hit up all the hip commercial places and of course all the huge Canadian Malls. This time around we had our awesome guide, Chris, who is Sonny's bestest friend. Since Chris now lives downtown, he was able to show us around like a true Torontoian.

First stop was Kensington Market. Kensington Market is a distinctive multicultural neighborhood in downtown Toronto. The Market is an aged neigborhood that is pretty well known in the city. Lots of outdoor markets and produce. It was slowly getting busy as we made our way through the streets. My favorite part of our visit through Kensington was the apparent artist community that lived here. Lots of beautiful murals stained the sides of buildings. In recent years, the neighborhood has seen a small explosion of upscale cafés, restaurants and clubs. It is definitely a gem.

Breakfast before our Keningston adventure at Aunties and Uncles.


Voted BEST BRUNCH in the TDot! It was pretty bomb!


Sonny just chillin' in Kensington Market.




Besties.

Canada Trip: Anna + Lann's Wedding

Sonny and I just recently returned from a quick vacation to visit our family in Toronto. Sonny's sister, Anna is getting married in the Dominican Republic this summer but before she leaves a Civil Ceremony was a must...

Anna and Lann exchanging rings.


Making it all official.


Family.

Sonny with his lovely sisters.

The ceremony was pretty short, sweet and simple. The great part of it all was that we were all there together. I know Sonny misses his family like crazy, so just being able to see one of his baby sisters get married was pure happiness. Congrats, Anna + Lann! May your life together be full of love and joy.