Summerlicious
July 9th-25th
150 restaurants within the Toronto area

Dine at some of Toronto’s most talked about restaurants for the 
annual Summerlicious event. For a special fixed price menu for lunch 
($15 – $25) or dinner ($25-$45), you can experience Toronto dining at 
its best. Discover a new favourite hot spot with friends, or dine at 
one of your favourites in the city. Check out toronto.ca/summerlicious 
for a list of participating restaurants, many with vegetarian options.

Honda Indy Toronto
July 16th-18th
Exhibition Place

From the Acura Sports Car Challenge to the excited race car enthusiasts in the stands, the Honda Indy Event is a great summer experience happening this July. This year, Honda Indy Toronto is allowing free admission on Friday July 16th. For more details visit hondaindytoronto.com.

Toronto Caribana Festival
July 13th-August 2nd
Various locations within Toronto

Known as one of Toronto’s most vibrant and exciting festivals, 
Caribana offers visitors the chance to experience the Caribbean 
culture. From authentic food and music, to colourful costumes and 
dance, Caribana is one of the most exciting festivals happening this 
summer. The festival kicks off at Yonge and Dundas Square on July 13th and 
will finish with the anticipated Caribana Parade on Saturday July 31st. Check out caribanatoronto.com for all events.

Tasty Thursdays
July 15th-August 26th
Nathan Phillips Square
Perfect for those on the run, or students trying to save a few 
dollars, Nathan Phillips Square offers fresh and delicious lunches 
every Thursday for $5 or less. From savoury Thai food to authentic jerk 
chicken, local restaurants gather to offer the perfect lunch break in 
downtown Toronto. Check out Tasty Thursdays from 11am to 2pm starting 
July 15th.

Beaches International Jazz Festival
July 16th-25th
Toronto Beaches (Woodbine Park and Queen Street E)

Celebrating the lively sounds of jazz music while strolling the 
Toronto Beaches, the festival attracts people from all over the 
Toronto area each summer. Families and friends fill the area of Woodbine Park, and gather in the Queen Street East area to enjoy the lively environment. Visit beachesjazz.com for details.

Toronto Festival of Beer
August 5th-8th
Bandshell Park, Exhibition Place

Featuring over 60 brewers and more than 120 brands of beer, the 
Toronto Festival of Beer has gained increased popularity every year. Attendees 
get the chance to taste 5-10 samples of beer, with the purchase of a 
one-day ticket. With great food vendors and a lineup of shows 
(including Kardinal Offishall), this is a great weekend for the 19+ 
crowd of Toronto. Check out beerfestival.ca for further information.

Concerts

Toronto Concerts
 
From the popular lakeside Molson Canadian Amphitheatre to smaller 
unique venues around the city you can catch some amazing concerts and 
shows this summer. From catchy pop music to alternative rock, here’s a preview of some big acts passing through Toronto:

Jack Johnson    Molson Canadian Amphitheatre July 19

Bon Jovi and Kid Rock   Rogers Centre July 20

Black Eyed Peas    Air Canada Centre July 27 +28

Rhianna    Molson Canadian Amphitheatre August 5

John Mayer     Molson Canadian Amphitheatre August 11

Green Day    Molson Amphitheatre August 18

Stone Temple Pilots    Air Canada Centre August 29

Taste of the Danforth
August 6th-8th
Along the Danforth (Beginning at Broadview)

The annual Taste of the Danforth attracts visitors from all over 
 Toronto to experience the food, culture, and music of Greece. From the 
 savuory souvlaki to the sweet baklava, visitors can indulge in 
 traditional Greek cuisine, while strolling the closed off streets of 
 Greek Town. A must-see festival this summer, check out the Taste of 
 the Danforth from August 6th-8th.

The CNE (The Ex)
August 20th-September 6th
Exhibition Place

The Ex is one of the most exciting and fun-filled annual events happening this summer.     From delicious candy apples and popular ice cream waffles, to sky-high rides and night time shows, the CNE is great for people of all ages. There are tons of exhibits and exciting shows happening this year including stunt performances and even a small casino.
For details and tickets, check out theex.com.

Midtown was a sea of orange and red as fans filled the streets to get to their favorite watering hole to watch the Netherlands-Spain game for the FIFA World Cup final. On the upstairs level of The Duke of Kent, however, things were feeling a little more Spanish as the majority of the face painting and jerseys indicated the favour Spain’s soccer team.

The quaint English-style pub, which is self described as “Midtown Toronto meets the English corner pub”, and has been a fixture on Yonge and Eglinton for more than 30 years, has seemingly no direct loyalty to either team, despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary.  After arriving and ordering I asked a couple of the busy servers if they had expressed any allegiances and discovered that on of their very own bartenders had lived in Spain for a year and thus the majority of the staff was cheering for Spain by extension.  After finishing a light lunch, of admittedly pretty decent pub fare, I asked my server if she could introduce me to a table of regulars.

I found out that the Duke of Kent has a long history of loyal regulars in combination with the transient restaurant crowd.  I was seated at a table with three thirty-something-year-old men who all wished not to have their names released for professional reasons.  They revealed that they had not been Spain supporters from the beginning (one for Brazil, one of Italy, and one who didn’t seem to like soccer at all but was generally happy for any excuse to socialize) but after their own teams had been knocked out of the final chose the team they felt most likely to win.  After talking to a couple more tables this seemed to be the majority consensus: either their team had already been knocked out or, much like the NHL playoffs, they were caught up in the energy of it and happy to cheer for who they felt “should” win.

The game was intense and even idle spectators and bandwagon-jumpers were sitting on the edge of their seat waiting for 116 long minutes until Spain finally broke the 0:0 tie that had been prevailing.
The entire floor erupted with excitement, most of which was happy.  The small corner of Netherland supporters, though defeated, appeared proud of their team’s spirit and eventually found their own reasons to join the merriment.

It was Spain’s first World Cup win. On the way home it was obvious that everyone at the Duke, on Yonge street, on the TTC and in the City of Diversity was Spanish for the night.

Cynthia Ashperger directed the  year-end play about three sisters living  a seemingly boring existence in a small Russian town in the early 1900s who long for their hometown, Moscow, where they believe life is more meaningful. Themes such as hard work, loyalty  and  yearning for a better  life came forth throughout the performance.

Katie Ryerson’s opening monologue about another year gone by was nearly flawless. Another great scene followed when everyone on stage, Laurie Campbell, Patrick Goodin and a few others start singing in perfect synchrony. Also, a shout out to Anthony Rella, who plays Vershinin (the Lieutenant Colonel, battery commander who acts as some company for the sisters) and his ironic speech about the future generations, “He must see and know more than his grandfather knew.”

Humour awards go to Ellis Rockburn who plays a hillarious old man who has trouble hearing and  Andrew Lawrie who plays Chebutykin, an army doctor, that (desctibe a little funny moment here.)

The crowd loved the performance and the show was sold out as with all three nights. Great choice in casting, moving performances and fantastic humour. These second-year actors are really something to watch out for next year.

First of all, it’s a good bang for your OSAP buck. The full sushi menu is priced at $14.99. But if you are finding this a bit pricey, they have a menu option of a basic all-you-can-eat sushi option for S11.99. I have tried both, and I must say as a finance student, the full is totally worth the extra 3 dollars. What can go wrong when you can order a dragon roll, a dynamite roll or cooked eel sushi! Eel may not sound so appealing, but trust me, go there hungry and you will come out not only full but impressed. And of course, I can’t leave out the cool scoop of vanilla ice cream get for free after your sushi.

Not only is the food tasty, but the service is extremely quick. After ordering about six or seven different items between a friend and I, our order came in less than ten minutes. If you are a newbie the staff are also knowledgeable and can help you choose from the large array of sushi.

Because of the great-tasting, fresh food and the quick and efficient service this restaurant gets a big….

8.5/10

Halal

Somethin’ 2 Talk About: 78 Gerrard St. W. (just west of Bay Street)

This restaurant is definitely “something to talk about.” The family-run business serves Mediterranean cuisine in a homey atmosphere and has been doing so since 1997.  Their motto is “Healthy, Homemade, Halal” and they deliver on that promise. The friendly owners, Salah, from Jordan, his wife Ahdela from South-Africa and the rest of their staff create a variety of meals that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Somethin’ 2 Talk About’s main menu consists of rice plates, sandwiches and wraps. Their rice plates come in two options: Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki or Chicken Tandoori with Corriander Chutney.  Each rice plate comes with a garden salad.  Their most popular chicken sandwich is the chicken shawarma ($4.99) and their most popular beef sandwich is the shaheen steak ($6.50). I’m a regular customer of Somethin’ 2 Talk About and my favourite item on the menu is the Mid-Eastern Steak ($4.99).  It consists of slices of tender beef steak, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, garlic sauce, tahini and the choice of onions and hot sauce, all served in a warm pita.  Couple that with their sweet mango juice, and you’ll have a lunch that will keep you coming back for more.  And you can enjoy your food as you listen to music of the Middle East playing in the background.  During the warmer months, the patio is opened up to offer you a private and peaceful dining experience that separates you from the clamour of downtown.

HOURS: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Kosher

Oasis Café and Health Bar: 130 King St.W. (in the PATH)

Oasis Café is Toronto’s only Kosher restaurant in the downtown core. In fact, its Kosher sandwiches are certified Kosher by the Kashruth Council of Canada. An Israeli family owns the restaurant that opened their doors in 1996. The restaurant’s special Kosher Manager, Adihanucaiev, ensures that their meat sandwiches are prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary laws.  You can grab a sandwich in the chicken, turkey or beef variety. Sandwiches are served with a baked potato.

Oasis Café offers chicken sandwiches ($9.95) in grilled, Cajun, or teriyaki style. At the same price, you can get a chicken shawarma wrap or caesar wrap.  Their turkey sandwiches ($10.95) are served in either the oven roasted or smoked variety.  And their beef sandwiches ($11.95) come in Montreal smoked meat, roast beef, Italian Combo (roast beef, smoked turkey and salami) or Club House (chicken breast and Montreal smoked meat).  If that doesn’t make your mouth water, I should mention that you can top your sandwich with their flavourful spreads: spicy tomato, spicy mayo, guacamole, tahini and hummus.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm.

Vampire Weekend’s new album, Contra, follows the same African popular music style as their self-titled debut album. The band, originally formed in 2006, blew up on the Indie music scene through blogging sites such as www.purevolume.com. They are most well-known from their catchy tracks off their first album like Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa and A-Punk. But let’s get started talking about Contra!

The start of the song makes me feel warm and fuzzy, just like I felt when I tried Horchata.

In the song Giving Up The Gun, an anti-war themed song it sings, “My ears are blown to bits; From all the rifle hits.” Well, all I have to say is, not only did my ears get blown by lead singer Ezra Koenig’s heavenly voice, but so did my mind! There are clever hidden political agendas and promotions of peace throughout the song.

Cousins is another one of my favourites on the album. Basically the song is about getting together and partying hard, with whom else, but everyone’s cousins. Now it takes some creative genius to make a song about cousins upbeat, swingy and awesome. I personally would not take Vampire Weekend’s advice on this one, as my cousins are all much younger than myself… But heck, if it works for you…

Becki Lewis, an ACS student in her second year at Ryerson University, is a fan of the song Diplomats Son, “I really like the dynamics of the song, it’s really different compared to their other stuff on the album. Plus the lyrics are so great, especially on a night when the moon glows yellow in the riptide,” she said, referencing the song’s lyrics.

My most ultimate, favourite track is Horchata. I have several reasons for this. A: it increased my vocabulary by learning that Horchata is a yummy, milky-looking beverage made with rice and flavoured with almonds, and B: there is a xylophone and a violin in the song.  But most definitely, C: the start of the song makes me feel warm and fuzzy, just like I felt when I tried Horchata.

Overall, Vampire Weekend’s album Contra gets a solid 9/10. You can listen to it for hours on end, it doesn’t all sound the same, and the political messages thrown in here and there make you think.

If you really like the album you can check them out live at The Sound Academy on March 30^th, 2010.

Take the opportunity to check out many up-and-coming music acts, all the while not breaking the bank.  Toronto is a mecca for indie music, and you just never know if you might discover the next K’naan, Melanie Fiona or Broken Social Scene.

Some artists worth checking out:

Maiko Watson

If the name might sound familiar, Maiko Watson came to fame in 2001 when she won Popstars and gained two top-ten hits with the girl-group Sugar Jones.

Her pop-music styling has been replaced by her true passion for soulful R&B and funk.

Her recently released album “Sweet Vibration” has been critically well received and is available for download on iTunes.  Her mid-tempo single “Some Kinda Love” is definitely worth checking out.

http://www.myspace.com/maikowatsonmusic

The Jayce

Coming together from all corners of the Golden Horseshoe, The Jayce consists of Nathan Harrop, Cory deVilliers, Paul Chumak and TRSM’s own Anthony Paladino.

In the process of recording their first album, they have established a fan base playing popular venues such as the El Mocambo.

The Jayce is a refreshing voice on Canada’s rock-pop scene and are reminiscent of other rock-pop bands such as Motion City Soundtrack, The Academy Is…, and Taking Back Sunday.  Interestingly, Nathan Harrop’s voice is very similar to that of William Beckett, the lead singer of The Academy Is…

Check out their MySpace for future show dates, demos and videos.

http://www.myspace.com/THEJAYCE

Grand Analog

Brothers Ofield & Odario Williams formed Grand Analog in 2006.  Originally from Winnipeg and now calling Toronto home, this collective of over eight artists mash several eclectic styles (jazz, funk, electro, reggae, hip-hop) bringing a distinctive voice to the Canadian hip-hop scene.

Currently on tour for their latest album, Metropolis Is Burning, Grand Analog has shows outside the GTA during reading week.  Check their MySpace for dates.

http://www.myspace.com/grandanalog

Dan Mangan

Hailing from Vancouver, Verge Awards 2009 winner for “Artist of the Year” and now affiliated with famed indie collective Arts & Crafts, Mangan is definitely an artist to watch out for in 2010.

Canada’s own Damien Rice has been a critical darling for his latest LP “Nice, Nice, Very Nice”.  His soothing folk-pop is just one single away from blowing up not only on the Canadian music scene, but worldwide.

http://www.myspace.com/danmangan

Zeus

A perfect blend of Phoenix and Spoon, another band affiliated with Arts & Crafts, Toronto’s own Zeus is preparing to release their latest album “Say Us,” Feb 23.  Another indie favourite, expect them to blow up in 2010.

Zeus (along with Jason Collett and Bahamas) will hit Toronto for a show at Lee’s Palace on March 1.  Their current single “How Does It Feel” is available on iTunes.

http://www.myspace.com/themusicofzeus

Acapulco

You can’t hear “spring break” without Mexico coming to mind. According to Ethel Davey, the Office Manager at Imagine Holidays, a travel agency in Toronto, Acapulco is the most popular sun destination for students. Its low cost and lively local clubs are among its attractive features. The city is known for its “party” atmosphere and young, vibrant crowds. Price: 3 star hotel and flight for 7 nights starting at $517 plus $272 tax. $777 plus $272 tax starting for a 4 star (www.selloffvacations.com).

Daytona beach

Feeling the need for speed? Car enthusiasts gather from near and far to experience the Daytona 500 and Nascar at this sunny vacation spot. Breakaway Tours, a student-centric travel agency, says Daytona has “a 38km long stretch of the widest beach,” a guarantee to melt school out of your mind. For those who want more adventure, Orlando, Florida is only an hour’s drive away. Price: starting $429 for 5 nights accommodation and motor coach (visit www.breakawaytours.com).

Montreal

Haven’t taken French since Grade 9? Montreal offers exposure to the French-Canadian culture. Rue Sainte-Catherine, the Yonge Street of Montreal, remains lively late into the night with its clubs and bars. You will feel like you have entered the Twilight Zone when you discover liquor at every commercial establishment. Animal lovers should also visit Biodôme de Montréal, where hundreds of animals are living in replica ecosystems. Price: Hostel dorm rates are between $28.15 for shared rooms and $86.00 for private rooms per night (www.hihostels.ca).

Mont Tremblant

If you want to stay active this break, visit Mont Tremblant. Blaze down the snowy hills and absorb the beautiful Laurentian scenery. Apart from skiing and snowboarding, there is also zip-lining, snowmobiling, horseback riding and much more. After a long day of activities, enjoy a relaxing meal at one of many restaurants specializing in local Quebec cuisine. Price: packages start at $307.54 for two nights stay and 2 all-day lift tickets (www.tremblant.ca).

Niagara Falls

A sometimes overlooked destination, Niagara Falls offers dozens of fun activities for couples and groups. Clifton Hill showcases some of the most entertaining attractions like: SkyWheel, Movieland Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Splash away at Fallsview indoor waterpark, or pay off your student debt at Casino Niagara. And Niagara Falls is just as breathtaking in the winter, if not more. Price: each room starts at $55.52 per night for lower-end hotels like Days Inn (www.daysbythefalls.com).

Tips on planning your trip:

1.  Set a budget – know how much you can afford before choosing your trip.

2.  Do your homework – visit websites like tripadvisor.com to learn about other travellers’ experiences.

3. Read between the lines – some hotels will require damage deposits. Make sure you know about all the extra costs so they don’t sneak up on you.

4. Shop around – while many travel agencies offer very similar prices, find out which will give you more value for your dollar.

5.  Go as a group – some travel agencies may provide better pricing on group bookings.

6.  Don’t wait too long – Davey adds that some spring break destinations book up very quickly.

Since its inception eight years ago, Winterlicious has grown steadily. This year, I became one of the hundreds of Canadians who indulge in the event. Luckily for me, all participating restaurants offer special 3-course meals which go from $15-$25 for lunch, and $25 to $45 for dinner.

BEER BISTRO: 18 King St. E. www.beerbistro.com
****
The name says it all; Toronto’s Beerbistro is true homage to all things beer. Chic enough to be considered upscale, yet casual enough to be enjoyable, the restaurant is ideal for a wide variety of occasions. It has the distinct air of a romantic little Parisian bistro; framed art depicting the scenes from the French capital line the walls, fresh flowers and candles adorn every table. Grand floor-to-ceiling windows overlook an impressive mahogany paneled bar, which leads into the adjoining sunken dining area.

Head chef Brian Morin’s goal is to “change the way people think about beer”. He pairs beer with all of his dishes to create amazing, exotic spins on traditional dishes. From hors d’oeuvres to dessert ales and lagers infuse, marinate and flavour virtually every dish. The sheer variety of beer offered by the bistro is staggering; every single item on the menu is paired with its own corresponding type of beer, culminating in a list of over fifty ales. Each choice of beer is further organized under categories such as, “crisp”, “soothing”, “fruity”, “smoky” and “robust”.

According to my waiter, “there’s not much food out there that doesn’t taste great with a bit of beer.” Sure enough, my appetizer of Smoked Salmon Sliders came with white beer cream cheese, which was fantastic. It was nicely presented and garnished and it had a kick from the beer, complimenting the smoky taste of the salmon perfectly. Definitely one of my favourite dishes of the night.

Then came the entrée: Veal Cheek Tikka Masala served with brown rice and yogurt. It had a pleasant mild taste; however, I usually prefer my Indian food to have a spicy kick. For the more cautious diner though, this dish is a perfect exotic entrée.

My dessert of Dark Belgian Mousse was, simply put, awesome. Not only was the mousse rich and melt-in-your-mouth decadent, but my waiter recommended a serving of tangy Strawberry Fruili beer that served as a perfect complement to the sweet chocolate. This was my first time trying a fruit beer; I’ll never know why I waited so long!

BAROOTES 220 King St. W. www.barootes.com
***1/2
In the heart of the entertainment district lies my second Winterlicious destination: Barootes. A near anti-thesis of its King Street counterpart Beerbistro, Barootes offers a whole other dining experience. Where Beerbistro is upbeat and hip, Barootes is homey and comfortable. Beerbistro’s delicate metal chairs and elegant décor are contrasted by Barrotes’ giant cushy booths and a hearty fireplace.

Barootes’ menu offers feel-good dishes that emulate the heartiness of home-cooked meals. Hungry students looking for a satisfying meal here will find comfort in the extra large servings and the sheer variety of dishes, ranging from steaks and barbeque to hearty salads and seafood.

Thanks to Winterlicious’s $25 prix fix policy, I was again able to choose an appetizer, entrée and dessert. I started off with the Louisiana Crab Cakes served with jalapeno mayonnaise. The crab cakes were good quality, made with fresh lemon and pepper seasoned crabmeat. However, they were a tad too oily. I’m all for heavy food, but these crab cakes could have been drained better.

Next came the South Texas Steak with Fries, ordered rare with a side of Cajun fries. The steak was perfectly cooked (to me, at least; my squeamish dining companion balked at the redness), and the fries were freshly cut with a spicy kick from the Cajun seasoning.

I was highly anticipating the last item of the night: chocolate and banana layer cake. I’m a big fan of all things chocolate and banana, and this dish delivered in full. Moist and decadent, the richness of the dark chocolate went perfectly with the light pecan banana filling. The portion was huge; I never got to finish. The thought still pains me to this day.

My Winterlicious experience was everything I hoped it would be; exciting and delicious. I got an opportunity to venture into restaurants that I hadn’t dared to consider before in these recession weary times, and to experience another bit of culture that our city has to offer. It’ll definitely be sad when Winterlicious is over – but there’s always Summerlicious!

AFFORDABLE DISHES OFF THE REGULAR MENU:
If you visit Beerbistro outside of Winterlicious, you’ll find that the most popular dishes are also among their most affordable. Their Cheese and Lager Fondue ($14.95) comes with bread, pickles, potatoes and mushrooms to dip. Another favourite is the Beer Bread Pizza ($15.75), which is made using Beerbistro’s own award-winning ale-infused dough. The Belgian Frites ($6) are light, crisp and done to golden perfection. And of course, they are served with a side of beer-infused ketchup.
At Barootes opt for popular dishes such as the Louisiana Crab Cakes ($9.25), Deep Fried Calamari ($8.95), and the enormous Cobb Salad ($13.95).

Whether you are going on a first date or have been with your partner for years, let the cold weather inspire you with cozy date ideas. Skating at one of the city’s many beautiful outdoor rinks is great for steady couples. Dessert cafés are comfortable for first dates. And, of course, there are plenty of fancier hotspots if you really want to blow your date out of the water. Read on for great places that you should include in your Valentine’s Day plans.

Skating is a popular winter activity that is perfect for a steady couple. And skating outdoors makes for romantic scenery. The city contains about 52 outdoor ice rinks. Nathan Philips Square, located in front of City Hall, is well known for its lit-up rink. At night, when the lights shine out from the buildings surrounding the rink, it creates a very romantic atmosphere. The rink is open from 9am to 10pm and skates are available for rent.

The outdoor skating rink at the Harbourfront Centre, located at 235 Queens Quay West, is another great spot to take your date. This rink has a great view overlooking the lake and is open seven days a week from 10am to 10pm on Sunday to Thursday and from 10am to 11pm on Friday and Saturday. On Friday nights couples can sign up for Date Skates, a half hour private skating lesson for couples. It costs $25 dollars a couple and goes from 6 to 8pm.

Mia Hall, 18, a Brock University student, has been with her boyfriend Andrew for a year and recommends skating as the ultimate dating activity.

“[Skating is] physical activity so you don’t feel like you’re not doing anything and when you hold each other’s hand it is really romantic,” said Hall.

For a first date, however, skating is probably not the greatest choice. It’s best to find a place that people can talk for as long as they want, or as short as they want, depending on how the date is going. Futures Bakery & Cafe on 483 Bloor St. W is the optimum first-date destination. It has a colourful, inviting atmosphere and great desserts (most well known for their cheesecake). And if you and your date have finished dessert but you don’t want the evening to end, you’re in luck – the place is fully licensed.

Planning for a Valentine’s Day date can be especially difficult. For a special occasion, a fancier restaurant is appropriate. The Canoe restaurant bar, on the 54th floor of the Toronto Dominion Bank tower, has an amazing view of the city, delectable dishes and an undeniably luxurious atmosphere. There’s no doubt it would make a memorable Valentine’s Day.

If an upscale restaurant is too expensive, why not try something a little different. A visit to Dahso Chocolat et Café on 15 St. Clair Avenue West, just off of Yonge Street, is the perfect Valentine’s Day treat for that special someone. Just pop in for their authentic Belgian Waffles, Belgian Cakes, hot chocolate and coffee. Be sure to let them know if it’s your first time visiting the café and you’ll likely score a free sample of their hundreds of handmade European chocolates.

And if you want to go all out, University of Toronto student Nicole Tian, 18, has an idea. “My ideal date for Valentine’s day would be if I woke up to a bunch of roses beside my bed with a note saying to follow the arrows on the floor and I follow the arrows and it leads me to a very pretty dress with a note next to it saying ‘put it on, I’m taking you to the CN tower tonight.”