Yoga In The Park

I have attended a few free Yoga In The Park on Thursday at Dufferin Grove given by an instructor from Kula Yoga. These sessions are popular with typically 30 or more people setting up their mats underneath a shaded area in the park. They are also interesting for me, as the practitioners are different from my usual classes.

First I was quite amused by all the shirtless men, a phenomenon not seen in our practice but remarked upon, with great humour, by my instructor who also teaches at other studios. It's true, "Western" yogis seem compelled to doff their tops when they hit the mat! Also of note, the large number of young yoginis in fashionable Yoga wear. In contrast, we have a variety of practitioners, spanning all age ranges and approximately even in gender. And you will find both Lululemon and cast-off t-shirts.

As for the session itself, it was enjoyable to practice outside. It was sometimes dizzying, in a fun way, to be in inversions and see not white ceiling or walls, but a wide expanse of green canopy or blue sky. Too bad the other practitioners had such poor poses, even from the advanced people. It makes me thankful for my two teachers, who have always been meticulous and attentive about correct alignment.

Last Of The Mo(nday)hicans

I have been feeling under the weather lately but I couldn't miss out on the final Case Of The Mondays. This 2-month weekly series hosted by country singer Emma-Lee had local musicians do short sets. Afterwards, her band would do a themed set of covers, often with the participation of the guests. Previous outing included "Guilty Pleasures", "One Hit Wonders", and "The 27 Club". Tonight was the last and we were promised "Best Of the Mondays".

Over two sets, Emma-Lee and her friends (many artists returned for a song or two) delivered great music. There was RnB (Ginuwine's Pony), one-hit wonders such as Tainted Love and More Than Words, psychedelic rock with Paranoid Android and White Rabbit, and country (Man,I Feel Like A Woman) and pop. It was like being at the best karaoke ever with everyone having a fabulous voice and can play a mean instrument. One great discovery for me was Jessica Mitchell, a local country singer. I missed her the first time round but she had a charming, goofy stage presence combined with a big voice. I'll have to check out her own material.A fun night like this had to end with Journey's Don't Stop Believing because, well, "Don't Stop".

We're Up All Night To Get Lei'd

Since I was going to a Tiki party on Saturday night, I needed to get myself a Hawaiian shirt. It was surprisingly hard to find tropical theme apparel in Toronto. I finally got an oversized cotton/bamboo shirt with large pastel flowers at Value Village. Combined with thin white pants and I was feeling quite beachy.

All the guests were game and came appropriately dressed. Although there is a popular image regarding the tackiness of men in flower prints but looking around the backyard with men and women in tropical colours, it was a stylish and upbeat scene compared to the dour wardrobes of everyday city life. With Tiki torches flickering, Hawaiian music playing, and a variety of food including tropical fruit salad and pulled pork sandwiches to munch on, it felt like we were much farther south than the 49th parallel. Add in some cool night breezes and an assortment of alcoholic libations including several tropical drinks, and it was a fun end to August.

Triple Play

On the corner of College and Spadina sat Tandoori, a long-time small Indian take-out place that caters to the student population. Recently, The Clubhouse Sandwich Shop has taken over the spot. Obviously the decor was done on a budget but the bright wood was a welcome change to the grey accumulation of years of indifference.

As per the name, this joint only offers sandwiches plus a few sides. For a Saturday lunch, I opted for the fried halibut ($11) and the fries ($4.50). The halibut was good and not too heavy with oil. It imparted a nice crunch, complemented by the house tartar and some spicy mayo. I was especially eager for the fries though. Its claim to fame: triple fried. Once, the day before in salted water. And then twice more in peanut oil. This was excellent fries. Thick-cut fries, though often invoking a home-made feel, tend to be too starchy and soft. These fries retained the chewy middle but packed a delicious crispy outer shell. It was a bit strange that such an offering came with Heinz ketchup packets. But with fries this tasty, it was better to go without condiments.