PARC Connects Peers in Parkdale

The Parkdale Activity Recreation Center is an integral pillar of this neighbourhood; it’s a place which provides support, community and the tools some people need to build a better life.

PARC has just unveiled a new peer outreach program which pairs Parkdalians confronting issues of mental health, addiction and homelessness with peer outreach workers who have lived through similar experiences.  These peer support workers bring a special compassion and empathy to the job, strengthened by their first-hand experience.  This makes it easier for them to gain the trust and friendship of their clients.  Peers help clients get to appointments, navigate the legal, social and healthcare systems, and lessen social isolation.

Ever felt like it was easier to talk about the tough stuff with someone who has been there too?  That’s because it is.  And that’s why I think this is an excellent new program and I’m excited to share it with you.

Meet two peer support workers, Eva and Terence.

 

Videos by: Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre

To find out more about the Peer Outreach Program, visit http://www.parc.on.ca

The Commodore

Last night we spent a cozy couple of hours at one of Parkdale’s newest restaurants, The Commodore.  This aptly named seafood-centric spot is tastefully nautical in design, with a beautiful curved wood bar and vaulted white ceilings.  You feel a bit like you’re hanging in the hull of a ship and it’s pretty cool.

We had only popped in for a cocktail, but after glancing at the menu (mainly small sharing plates) and taking in our surroundings, we couldn’t resist a plate of oysters.  $3 Quebec and New Brunswick oysters were served with lemon and horseradish, and a shallot and ginger mignonette.  They were delicious.

My husband had a pint of Beau’s.  I had my favourite, a Negroni, also on tap here.  The flavour was there but I didn’t find it quite stiff enough (it’s possible that could be attributed more to my exhausting day, and not the draught drink itself).  Later we shared a Boulevardier, which is like a Negroni, replacing the gin with bourbon or whiskey. It hit the spot.

Overall the atmosphere was inviting, warm and unpretentious.  The music was good and our server was lovely.  We will definitely be back, and next time we’ll bring our appetites. Until then,  I can’t tell you about the seafood tower, or the swordfish crudo.  But I can confidently  recommend The Commodore if you’re looking for a good spot for a date, or somewhere cozy to have a cocktail and a snack with a friend.   Try one of the intimate corner seats by the entrance.   These street facing, bar-style spots are the perfect place to kick back and do one of my favourite things;  Parkdale people watch.  Do that with an oyster in one hand and a cocktail in the other and you can batten down the hatches for a swell time.

Sorry.  I had to.

 

 

 

Gloryhole’s Holiday Doughnuts

Gloryhole Doughnuts is a trendy, artisanal doughnut shop on Queen St. West between Sorauren and Roncesvalles.  Their frosted, glazed and filled delights have put Parkdale on the map, attracting people from all over the city.

I walk past this place almost every day and you can’t fathom the incredible will power it requires to resist walking through those doors every time I do.  If something is sweet, I want it.  If its sweet, and deep fried I HAVE TO HAVE IT.  So you can appreciate my struggle.

In honour of the holidays I decided to gift us both.    For me- a box of Gloryhole ‘s latest holiday flavoured doughnuts. For you- the inside scoop on just how good they are.

First up- Lemon Shortbread.  Big, bold lemon flavour with a  zesty glaze topped with crumbled, buttery shortbread.  It was tasty but lemon never wins me over.  If you’re a lemon lover however, than this one’s for you.

A sweet vanilla glaze worked so well with a tart, gooey cranberry filling.  The candied orange was a nice touch.

A hot chocolate infused pastry cream oozed out of this giant doughnut.  It was rich and decadent, topped with a toasted marshmallow.  I think it weighed five pounds.

Eggnog doughnut for the the win! Thick, vanilla frosting on top… boozy, eggnoggy, spiced whipped cream in the center.  The crumbly goodness on top, you ask?  I can’t remember.  I was transfixed by the center. It was so fluffy and delicious.

For the record, I had some help eating these.  Except for the Eggnog one.  That one I devoured on my own no problem.  You’ve got to try it!

If you’re hosting or going to a holiday party this year, grab a box of Gloryhole doughnuts.  They never fail to impress.  Make sure you show up early, or place your order well in advance.

And do as I did.  Have an Eggnog doughnut all to yourself.

 

 

 

5 Parkdale Instagram Accounts You Need To Follow

I have a love/hate relationship with Instagram. I’ve lost countless hours scrolling through picture after picture.  I don’t post very often, but I do spend a lot of time lurking, and liking, and tagging.  I’m that person who starts looking through a florist’s account which leads me to some wedding planners’ account, which leads me to a random bride, then to a bride’s maid, and then some family photographer.  Before I know it, I’m creeping hard on some stylish mom in Seattle with three cute kids, a weimaraner and a kitchen I would die for.  Time I’ll never get back.   Lucky for you, this problem (as my husband labels it) has allowed me to discover some really great accounts.  Here are 5 of my favourite Instagram accounts coming out of Parkdale you need to follow!

User: Kittenandthebear

Artisan Preserves and Buttermilk Scones 1574 Queen St. West Parkdale

Via Instagram @kittenandthebear

Sweet, minimalist and lovely beyond words.  If this account doesn’t make you feel like you’re walking through a lavender field while nibbling on a buttery scone listening to singing wild birds-there is something wrong with you.

User: Crownflora

Parkdale’s Plant & Flower Destination  1233 Queen St. West Rear

Via Instagram @crownflora

It’s so hard to pick just one to share with you. The talented Parkdalian duo behind Crown Flora create stunning floral arrangements and have over 28 000 Instagram followers. Their pictures make you want to head straight to their shop and blow an entire paycheck on copper planters, fiddle leaf fig trees and extravagant bouquets.

User: Parkdalelife      Parkdale state of mind.

Via Instagram @parkdalelife

This account curator remains anonymous. Who ever you are, Parkdalelife- thank you, you’re hilarious.   Captions and hashtags with pictures portraying Parkdale’s less refined side is goddamn great Instagraming is what it is.

User: Gloryholedoughnuts

Fresh Handmade Doughnuts   1596 Queen St. West Parkdale

Via Instagram @gloryholedoughnuts

Because doughnuts.   All the glorious doughnuts.

User: Skeirgallery

1537A Queen St. West Parkdale

Via Instagram @skeirgallery

Toronto artist Shawn Skeir has a self-titled gallery on Queen Street West near Roncesvalles.  His vibrant, colourful Instagram account showcases his body of work, along with the creations of other talented artists.