Spiegelworld's Empire - Review

Spiegelworld has erected its world-renowned show, Empire, in Toronto much to the thrill and delight of theatregoers. Empire is not your average theatrical presentation; it's far more entertaining and unique. Much like the shows of Cirque du Soleil, Empire, directed by Terence O’Connell, features performers who contort themselves into pretzels, adds humour throughout the show and presents live music on stage. But, whereas Cirque du Soleil's grand spectacles are larger than life, Empire is intimate and the performances are intense. 

From the moment I set foot inside the small Spiegeltent, the mood was festive. Performers interacted with my guest and me by taking selfies, miming and flouncing about the audience to get to know us better. There's a throwback to a speak-easy style bar and the sultry lighting only heightens the intimacy. 

MCs Oscar and Fanny link the show by introducing us to the cast of wildly outrageous characters. Agile gymnasts showcase superb flexibility and strength by balancing on top of each other while a pair of roller skaters spin exhilaratingly fast. One wrong move and the act could be disastrous, but the performers are consummate professionals and certainly entertained breathless audience members. 

Let's not forget the dynamic duo themselves! Raunchy MCs Oscar and Fanny are a dysfunctional couple, who gives sexually charged performances and thrill an unsuspecting audience member in an unforgettably humorous way. Their comedic timing is on point, as is their ability to improvise. Tessa Alves, a native of Brampton is the sultry chanteuse that propels the show along with her powerhouse vocals and strong stage presence. Even though Empire lacks a cohesive narrative, the show is entertaining and had me guessing what shock and awe inspiring act I could anticipate next. 

Part circus, cabaret, variety, slapstick and burlesque show, Empire encompasses a new kind of theatrical experience for audience members who seem to have seen it all. 

Empire is playing under the Spiegeltent at 318 Queen's Quay West until November 8, 2015. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: spiegelworld.ca.

Photos courtesy of Empire. 

Toronto Food & Wine Festival + Ticket Giveaway!

The upcoming Toronto Food & Wine Festival will be sure to impress every gourmand's palate. Held at Evergreen Brick Works from September 18 - 20, foodies can indulge their cravings for gourmet food and drink at the Grand Tasting Pavilion, which will feature samplings from 130 purveyors of premium products from around the world, including Ontario. 

Celebrity chefs Curtis Stone, Tyler Florence, Gail Simmons, Chuck Hughes, Mark McEwan and many more will participate in live cooking demos, talks and workshops. Sharpen your knife skills, visit the farmers' market onsite, learn to make Japanese soba noodles and take a master class with chefs who are the best in the business. 

The Toronto Food & Wine Festival is the culinary event of the year you don't want to miss. Tickets are available for $36 per adult and $18 per child ages 6-15. To learn more and to purchase tickets online, visit: torontofoodandwine.com. 

Ticket Giveaway!

I am giving away a pair of tickets (valued at $72) to one lucky reader. There are many ways to enter (see below). Good luck and happy wining and dining! 

Open to Canadian residents only, 19+. 
Contest ends Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at 12 p.m. Winner will be contacted directly and announced on social media. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Taste of Toronto

True foodies will tell you that of all the many food festivals that Toronto has to offer, Taste of Toronto is by far the best. What's in store at the festival? The crème de la crème of Toronto's chefs will be serving their world class cuisine al fresco, master classes will be offered and muscicians will entertainer festival-goers. 

Celebrity chefs Alvin Leung of Master Chef Canada, Lynn Crawford of Ruby Watchco, Carl Heinrich of Richmond Station and many more chefs will be at the festival this year to impress you with their culinary delights. Feast on a choice of 50 menu items including Splendido's braised pork belly, Byblos' charcoal-grilled lamb and Montecito's vanilla panna cotta. With an array of scrumptious dishes to choose from, Taste of Toronto will be sure to tantalize your taste buds! 

Taste of Toronto comes to town on Thursday, July 2 and runs until Sunday, July 5 at Fort York. Tickets are $19 - $25 in advance and $30 at the door. 

For further information and to purchase tickets, visit tasteoftoronto.com. 

Woman to Woman Lunch in the Garden

The Toronto Botanical Garden celebrated its 5th annual Woman to Woman Lunch in the Gardenparty and the event was quite a fancy affair. The TBG provided a lush and gorgeous setting for the fundraising soiree. The elegant and dynamic Tre Armstrong hosted the event and encouraged female bonding and sisterhood. 

Women looked lovely in their fanciest frocks, fashionable fascinators and larger than life hats. 

Some ladies even made their own creations and competed in the Hat and Fascinator Competition. Partygoers bid on luxurious items, like overnight getaways and fashion accessories at the silent auction. 

I mingled with other women and enjoyed refreshing summer cocktails. 

I feasted on delectable hors d'oeuvres and delicate desserts at the Heathbridge Dessert Lounge. My favourite bites included the floating dessert spoons and pineapple cake.

Sunny weather made for an enjoyable afternoon at the TBG. I plan on exploring more of the TBG, which spans nearly four acres and offers garden tours, nature day camps and has an extensive horticultural library. This summer, visit the TBG and be inspired by the beauty of nature and its peaceful surroundings.

To learn more about the Toronto Botanical Garden, please visit torontobotanicalgarden.ca.

Taste of Little Italy

What I love most about summertime in Toronto is the variety of festivals that our vibrant city hosts. Whether you are a music, food or book lover, there are a number of interesting festivals that will cater to your interests. 

Summer is just around the corner and the Barilla Taste of Little Italy begins on June 19. This year, the festival will be combined with the CHIN Picnic. In addition to snacking on delicious Italian dishes, visitors can enjoy live bands featuring Italian, Portuguese, Brazilian and Spanish music. Artisans will delight visitors by showcasing their crafts and products.

Enjoy samples of Barilla pasta, celebrate Italian culture and live 'la dolce vita' at the Taste of Little Italy! 

The Barilla Taste of Little Italy runs from June 19 - 21 outdoors on College Street between Bathurst Street and Shaw Street. 

For further information, visit tasteoflittleitaly.com.