Saturday, May 30, 2009

"TILL WE MEET AGAIN JAY....OH SAY, IN 3 MONTHS?"

17 years have come and gone and with them a roster of celebrities, politicians (including President Barack Obama), exotic animals (not to be mistaken with politicians) and just regular folk (with unusual talents) from coast to coast have graced the Tonight Show stage entertaining us night after night.An emotional Jay Leno gracefully passed the torch to Conan O'Brien last night who begins his hosting duties on June 1st.

The evening (as expected) was filled with a walk down memory lane. One that could not be complete without mentioning his previous successor Johnny Carson whom he paid homage to. Hey, the man spent 30-years behind that desk!

Leno (like all late-night talk show hosts) always enjoyed using current events (and the people behind them) as a basis for his nightly monologues which is what made him such an enormous success. Whether you loved him or hated him, he'd use material that most people thought about but didn't have the courage to say (let alone on national television) and he got a laugh out of it. Thank God for the Michael Jackson's, George W's, and the O.J. Simpson's eh!

It wouldn't be a final farewell without thanking everyone who worked on the show and of course the viewers for their continued support throughout the years. Guess that makes Jay the 'King of Late-Night TV' doesn't it? Sorry David Letterman. Your 'Top 10-List' doesn't cut it here. We're not worthy! We're not worthy!

But if you think you've seen the last of the silver-haired devil Leno think again. He'll be back in the fall hosting a weekly pre-late-night-show-show (yeah, I dare you to say that 10 times fast!) at 10 p.m. this time. Even good ol' Kevin Eubanks and the Tonight Show Band will be back.

So if you change the channel in September and think you've had a deja vu. You really haven't. Yes, folks the 'Jay Walking' lives on....just a little earlier.
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009

"DWTS: MIRROR, MIRROR, WHO'S THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL?"

After 11 long and grueling weeks plagued with injuries this side of Toronto General Hospital the wait is finally over. 'Shawn Johnson' has sashayed her way to take this season's infamous Mirror Ball trophy away from 'Gilles Marini' and 'Melissa Rycroft'. Ahhhhh the thrill of victory (for Shawn) and the agony of defeat (for the rest) you must be thinking. Well, not so considering the teen wonder (and youngest winner ever) did a number on the viewers and the judges that landed her in the prestigious top-spot. Oh Mark Ballas must be doing backflips with win number two (he found success with yet another tiny Olympic champion with Kristi Yamaguchi in Season 6).

It is reported by those at the TMZ (who apparently got their hands on her contract) that Johnson took home a nice pay cheque. An estimated $365,000 would have anyone foxtrotting all the way to the bank. Cha-cha-cha-ching!

Sadly, I too (like I'm sure many) was quite surprised at the outcome. I could have sworn that Marini would take top spot with Melissa coming in second followed by Johnson in third. Who knew? Johnson was good I'll give her that. She executed each dance gracefully and always gave it her all. But do I think she was the greatest thing since toast bread? No I don't.

Marini, on the other hand, gave the audience exactly what they wanted. Aside from his 'eye candy' appeal he did do something that Rycroft and Johnson didn't. Not only did he have depth and character behind each of his performances (which is what the ladies lacked by comparisson) but his versatility sold me the very moment he started his journey on Dancing as well. All that and more made him one of the most memorable stars ever to grace the ballroom floor. Can you say Argentine Tango? Wow!

So now the lights have dimmed, the judges have put their paddles away and the spray tan machine is on hiatus when Dancing returns this fall. Until then folks...Paso Doble away! Ole!
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Sunday, May 10, 2009

"MOTHER'S DAY: A ROSE OF ALL TRADES"

WANTED: Female, must be loving, compassionate and nurturing. Lots of patience, understanding and a quick wit is also required. Must know how to kiss boo-boos, mustn't be afraid of runny noses, skinned knees and can make a mean batch of chocolate chip cookies at a moments notice.Those with a good sense of humour (you're definitely going to need it!) will be considered. Only serious applicants need apply.

If I were to take out an ad for the job of mother this is what I'd like it to read. It has all the qualities I'd look for and want in a mom. Fortunately for me, I've been blessed with an incredible mom who not only possesses all those wonderful qualities (and more) but has the biggest heart this side of the T. Dot and beyond.

Our relationship runs deeper than that of mother and daughter. She's my best friend and confidante. You know I may be so bold as to say that I've known her all my life.

We chat a lot about everything. Well, most of the time I talk and she listens (okay, sometimes it's more of a rant and she still patiently listens) until I run out of things to say. In fact, that's something she's openly admitted to me that she does. The method to her madness involves not fueling the fire so that I eventually run out of steam. Now why didn't I think of that? The answer. Oh yeah she's a MOM!

Her cute quirky traits are unique only unto her that if I'd try to change them I'd be putting an end to what comes naturally to her (like watching a thriller on TV and she'll close her eyes and then ask me what just happened). The scary music (or the screams!) building to the climax gets her all the time. Don't open that door I say. Don't open that door...Eeek!

She's my shopping partner in crime (her 'Thelma' to my 'Louise' minus the convertible). You should see us tag team in grocery stores. This puts a whole new meaning to the words 'Price Chopper'. Weekly in-store specials we're coming to get cha!...Muhahahahaha!

Did I mention she's a great cook? Her tasty traditional italian dishes will bring tears of joy to your eyes. Homemade pasta and tomato sauce, sausage, veal, chicken, pizza...Oh God!...Even her 'tiramisu' is simply heavenly. It's a pure work of art. Yes folks, she's the Michelangelo of the kitchen!

My Florence Nightingale when I'm feeling under the weather. Polysporin, Benelyin cough syrup, Advil. She's got all the bases covered along with my favourite homemade chicken soup made with all the TLC a mother can give and more. It's the 'awwwww that's so sweet, I love you mom' factor that gets me every time. It always has a way of bringing me back to when I was a little girl. I could really use a hug about now (and she knows just when to give me one of those too).

Lastly, she has this strong connection with me that's telepathic. I'm convinced that it's beyond the womb. If I'm thinking of something (or about to say it) she'll say it out loud (or think it) and vice-versa. This has always had us dumbfounded as to how deep the bond between mother and child really is. I can't explain it. It's a feeling like no other but it's one that I wouldn't trade for the world.

Honouring our mother's is something we should do all the days of the year. Besides, being a mom is a lifetime commitment even long after we've left the nest. So those are some pretty big shoes to fill (even if they are a size 7 1/2 white leather loafer).

Btw you're perfect for the job...You're hired! (and can I please have an espresso with that tiramisu Mom? Thanks!)


Love you, M

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

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Tuesday, May 5, 2009

"EDEN'S SO SIN-SATIONALLY TEMPTING"

Attention all Adam and Eve's! This beautiful garden offers more than just 'forbidden fruit'. With a variety of tasty dishes to please even the most discerning of palettes you'll be tempted to try them all. Very, very tempted that is!

'Eden Trattoria' is a cozy place nestled in the Humber Bay Shores neighbourhood which I had the pleasure of experiencing first hand and boy am I ever sold on this place. It was bustling with activity (two floors of it) when I arrived which was a sure sign this place was going to be good. Its casual elegance means you can leave the 'fig leaf' at home.

I had a table (upstairs) that overlooked the lake and TO skyline that looked breathtaking. It had such a lovely romantic feel to it especially with the incredible panoramic view of the city lights. You can't help but fall in love with the city all over again. Ahhhhhhh!

There's a variety of great food to choose from. Anything from pizzas and pastas to steak and seafood. The possibilities are endless but whatever you choose you just can't go wrong. I ordered the 'Antipasto Friutti di Mare' in a nice balsamic vinaigrette dressing and the 'Antipasto di Casa' which was an assortment of bocconcini, sun dried olives, roasted red peppers, proschuttini and italian soppresatta and it was great. Oh I can taste the fresh bread now!

My taste buds continued on to experience a baked panzerotti (it was larger than my plate!) with a side order of piping hot tomato dipping sauce. Oh so heavenly! I was waiting for the serpent to come slithering down the pillar to ask me how the meal was. In that I would have replied, 'yes I have sinned and I'm lovin' every minute of it!'

I continued on with my impure thoughts when dessert arrived. The Reese's Pieces cheesecake was as soft and creamy as ever (topped with M&M's) as it just melt in my mouth, while accompanied by an espresso that quenched my Mediterranean palette.

During the summer months the patio provides a relaxing atmosphere along with its exquisite backdrop. So while you're feeling the cool lake breeze in your hair. Why not kick back and enjoy a nice glass of wine and and share a delicious appetizer. Yes, the portions are HUGE!

Their prices are reasonable with dinner for two around $60. Also there are two convenient locations to choose from that offer the same great menu and they cater. Reservations are not necessary but are required for large parties. They're open seven days a week for breakfast including Brunch on Sundays and they have daily specials. Oh and did I mention it's also a celebrity hot spot. Great for stargazing too! And yes folks, parking is absolutely free.

Tempted? If so, slither on down to Eden you won't be disappointed. It'll be a sin if you don't. Just tell them the serpent sent you!

EDEN TRATTORIA
58 Marine Parade Drive
Etobicoke, Ontario
M6V-4G1
416-255-5588

OR

1331 St. Clair Ave. West (at Clarens Ave. 1 block East of Lansdown)
Toronto, Ontario
M6E-1C2
416-656-5511

http://www.edentrattoria.com/
http://www.dine.to/edentrattoria
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