OMG for Gelato @ G For Gelato Toronto

I'm not sure Ben & Jerry's ice cream started out with the philosophy that G For Gelato's restaurant owner Shant Behesnilian has but it's his and he's sticking to it. And what philosophy is that you ask? Well Shant follows the three 1's. He must be first in freshness / quality, service, and price and feels if he does that he can't lose. Whassup G!?

" It's a very competitive market for gelato in Toronto", Behesnilian says.

He won't buy a cheaper chocolate for example, and it must be imported from Belgium.

"Being number one in those categories give me the edge on competitors."

And in a 4 short years, Shant's philosophy seems to be paying off at his 75 Jarvis St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada location getting such a reputation for the best gelato around that he's sought out to supply top end restaurants and through packaging is now delivering the fresh product too. Demand has been such he's had to lease more space to make more gelato to keep up. He knows they can't rest on their laurels, but the proof ,as they say, is in the pudding... and, in this case, a cold, creamy one.

Great spot across street to enjoy a walk or sit and enjoy gelato! 

And judging by the ongoing foot traffic at the downtown Jarvis at Adelaide Street location, even during non peak hours, he's right on the money. Or perhaps in the money, albeit with smaller margins because of his quality standards and as winters are slower, he's incorporated espresso coffees and some Italian style bistro food like pizza - as I understand also a city's top fave pick - again made in-house fresh to keep sales up and more staff employed year round one imagines. I'll have to try the pizza next time!

Now supplies fresh gelato with refrigerated truck 416-792-1761

Check G For Gelato out for yourself. you won't be disappointed...OMMMM G For Gelato a definite Tom's Top 10 for deserts in Toronto! www.gforgelato.com

Beatle Main-ia for Newmarket?

2012 sign

Well I guess you could say summer is here although its been very rainy but locally we've already successfully launched the farmers markets, ecology festival, and look forward to July 1st celebrations and the upcoming Jazz Festivals as well. That's right plural as for some strange reason Newmarket will also launch one this year to go along with nearby Aurora for whatever reason. Wish we'd of had an opportunity to host it, however as far as I can tell there was no bidding, and the town simply awarded it to the former Aurora based organizer who was ousted from their own town's event.

Love & Peace Graffiti contest?

At any rate Newmarket will now host its own, but personally I'd like to see something new and different like perhaps Beatle MAINia for the Main St and Riverwalk Commons area of town. Imagine turning Main St into Penny Lane for the event with Mcartney and Lennon lookalikes in the local restaurants, bars, and cafes, also karaokes featuring Beatles only songs and movies, and feature headlining performers like Abbey Road or Beatlmania performing on the main stage.Vendors and Main St merchants could also sell Beatles and hippy era paraphernalia, wigs, leather bands, t-shirts etc as well a photographer could take instant pics of people sticking their heads through Beatles cut outs and maybe set the street up for that famous crosswalk photo. The World-wide multiculturally loved Beatles have such an appeal that even the new generation considers them great, which would pretty much ensure a good attendance, and, if done right attract thousands including out-of-towners.

I noticed the car clubs are in full swing come summertime so we could have either The Newmarket Car Club or Highway 11 Cruisers feature 60's and 70's era cars at the event as well as Beatles lookalike contests and perhaps a songwriters workshop and contest as well.

I'd do a little more researching to come up with more unique ideas or perhaps you have some you'd like to share!!!? If this unique and original idea sounds like something you might be interested in, let me know and maybe we can discuss it over some tea....or something! Ha

Main St Newmarket

Until then Imagine the-e-re's a festival....I wonder if you c-a-an!

Open Stage Friday's

The original new logo in 2008!

Recently while holding an event, one of the performers I'd used a few times and who's displayed some talent, communicated a desire to host an open stage or acoustical jam or something to that effect and as it happened I'd be asked to testify at a licensing hearing for a local place known to feature live entertainment. That was part of the reason however that they are in a hearing fighting for their license, because the powers that be claim - after 5 years of not mentioning it apparently - that they believe the location is not allowed any amplified music whatsoever according to their liquor license.

TPE was the original promoter and entertainment booker

I was at the original licensing hearing some years ago and my recollection is that those conditions were specific to the outside of the building only. I mean, think about it, what place is told no amplification whatsoever? That means no tv, no radio, jukebox, no stereo, no nothing because all use "amplified sound".

Meantime owner Noel was almost in tears after her hearing which ended with a remand and no decision leaving her soundless still. Told she'd had only two customers that day in her absence while at the hearing Friday, she looked at me and said,  "What am I supposed to do? I'm ruined." 

Amps at PACC fundraiser @GoodTimes in 2008 now a nono

I though about "cheering her up" with some pun-like ideas - like Mime Night!..Or A Capella Night but I didn't want to confuse her...besides I had some ideas about how to turn her situation into a positive.It was early in the evening too I thought, still time for her to make something happen that night...and beyond!

This is why I thought of Good Times when Matthew's dilemma came up. The ambiance is perfect for it. He plays acoustics and sings and theoretically it could work without amps is my feeling..so why not make it so!

Voila - Friday Night Open Stage Night @ Good Times Cafe Bar & Grill.

One of the first ever TPE performers at Good Times 2007 from Nashville

After settling in a bit, the tallish Matt aka Sunbranch, played an array of originals and old covers with unique twists and turns laden into the mix - keeping that "same old, same old" definitely out which was great! At times playing with a partner, a songbird of a girl who harmonized like an angel in bluejeans and who did some cool solo covers as well, the two kept the interest and energy levels rising as the night progressed and had a cool vibe growing as it were. I look forward to more duets and trios and shaker instruments and everything else Sunbranch and friends will bring to the mix!

Sunbranch and the Songbird

Sunbranch and friends Host the 1st official Open Stage Friday's at Good Times Friday Mar 29 starting at 9 PM with NO COVER. bring an instrument or bring yourself -  just bring!