Local Expert
Vanessa Grant
Vanessa has been to New York, London and Paris – and still considers Toronto her world-class city of choice (at least until French Vogue comes calling, of course). A trained journalist, currently…
Vanessa has been to New York, London and Paris – and still considers Toronto her world-class city of choice (at least until French Vogue comes calling, of course). A trained journalist, currently working at HGTV.ca as a web editor and producer, she's also been a researcher, beauty editor and fashion industry insider.
Although she's now covering home decor and lifestyle, the range of topics she write about is quite varied. Want to know how to get a man to buy you a drink at a bar, how beer is brewed or how Omega fatty acids can improve your health? Vanessa has written about it. And now with, Planet Eye, she’ll keep you up-to-date on the best events, restaurants and cultural activities the Toronto has to offer.
Instead of just hitting the gym, Vanessa takes classes at the National Ballet School and is proud of her impeccable posture. She loves Queen Street West and Kensington market for unique fashion finds. And sushi cravings keep her on the lookout for the freshest fish in the city. She’s dabbled in hand modeling and her delicate digits have graced billboards and magazine pages alike.
But Vanessa is most comfortable behind the camera – and can often be found in front of a computer reading about style and art or out on the street, discovering new restaurants, stores and hidden gems in her own city.
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Today, in an effort to quell the post-holiday vacation blues, some coworkers and I checked out a great cafeteria-style Asian restaurant on Yonge just south of Bloor called Hue's Kitchen. I had a giant plate of lemongrass chicken with brown rice and a salad roll for under $10, which is virtually unheard of in the Yonge and Bloor neighbourhood.
Meals are chosen from a menu above the cash, then you get a number and wait all of five minutes before your food arrives. It's hot, tasty and the service is surprisingly attentive, considering you don't have a dedicated waiter.
I will definitely be back... maybe tomorrow.
Stay safe this New Year's Eve and leave the car at home. I know it's going to be cold and cabs can be hard to come by but if you plan on celebrating with champagne, it's best to find a dedicated designated driver or take the ttc. Toronto's subways, buses and streetcars will all be free from midnight to 4:00 am.
Or book a cab in advance. Because it'll be a busy night, you may need to try more than one company but here are a few:
Diamond Taxi (416) 366-6868
Coop Cabs (416) 504-2667
Royal Taxi (416) 777-9222
Beck Taxi (416) 751-5555
If you're still looking for the perfect party, check out 49st's Guide where you can also buy your event tickets. Highlights include Crystal 09 at the Royal Ontario Museum and Minutes to Midnight at Berkeley Church, a very cool event space (no longer a church). Crystal 09 tickets are $125 and include hors d'oeuvres and a champagne toast. Of course the evening also takes place at the breathtaking new Crystal building at the ROM. Set In Style tickets are also $125 but the invite says that the event is all-inclusive and to call for details.
Whatever you decide to do, whether it's an expensive event or house party, have fun and of course, stay safe. Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas PlanetEye readers! Whether you're currently in Toronto or just planning a trip, thanks for reading my blogs. I hope they've proven helpful and have enticed you to take a trip!
If you're in from out of town and don't have any Christmas Dinner invites but still want to eat some turkey (but don't want to cook it yourself), there are plenty of alternatives in Toronto.
I've compiled a list of really useful resources for finding the perfect Christmas dinner in the city:
The Toronto's Star's Christmas Meal Alternatives article includes a quick list with prices and contact info of the city's best.
Chowhound's Christmas dinner discussion board has advice from locals.
About.com provides a guide to take-out turkey dinners.
In the great Jewish tradition, the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre is hosting Chinese and a Movie this Christmas Eve. The event starts at 7:30 and takes place at the MNJCC. Tickets are $40 in advance or $45 at the door for regular admission or $25 advance and $28 at the door for students. You can even book a table of eight for $280. Your evening includes a Kosher catered Chinese meal and a screening of Woody Allen's Vicky Christina Barcelona (this isn't an event for kids!).
Call (416) 924-6211 x 0 to order or visit Tixhub online. Or even better, buy tickets in person at the MNJCC and pay no service charge.