LeXXy

Toronto’s first ‘eat-in-the-dark’ restaurant opensOk I will be upfront…I haven’t been there yet but when I heard about this I knew I wanted to write a little something!

 I guess this concept isn’t new, but Toronto has now been added to the list of major cities around the world that have their very own “Dine in the Dark” restaurants where blind waiters serve up gourmet meals in absolute darkness.

 At first, guests are ushered into O.NOIR’s dimly lit lounge area where bartenders offer up drinks and staff jot down meal orders.

For starters, the choices include grilled octopus, calamari, or arugula salad with fresh mushrooms. For mains, spicy filet mignon, chicken breast with eggplant and tomatoes, or marinated shrimp with herbs are among the options.

Of course, for those who really want to put their taste buds to the test, the “Surprise” menu is always available.

After the orders are in, it’s time to go inside. But first all cellphones and any devices that light up must be turned off.

Tracy, one of several visually impaired waitresses, greets diners at the door, telling them to form a line with each person holding the left shoulder of the person in front of them.

“We call it transfer of trust,” O.NOIR founder Moe Alameddine said, explaining that diners must rely completely on the wait staff.

He said his blind servers have a well-developed ability to navigate through the darkness and avoid obstacles.

The rectangular room is also set up with tables for two along one wall and group tables along the other, with an open path between the two sections. The design allows staff to move easily since tables are either on the right or left side of the path.

As she guides a group to their table, Tracy calls out “careful” as a warning to any of the other wait staff.

“It felt like my eyes were closed even though my eyes were completely open,” Michael Alongi, who dined at the restaurant with his wife, told CTV.ca.

After he sat down, Alongi said he felt claustrophobic even though he normally is not.

“It was just the fact that I didn’t have complete control of myself as I normally do,” he said.

“…What helped it go away were the jokes that you throw at each other.”

There’s also the blind piano player, who last Thursday night was playing Michael Jackson tributes, to help customers adjust and feel comfortable.

For dinner, Alongi opted for the complete “surprise” experience. He thinks he ate a salad with salmon, beef stew, and a chocolate mousse-like cake.

“A lot of times you’re just hitting the plate because you cannot see the food,” he recounted.

Although the food was good, Alongi said losing his eyesight didn’t really enhance his sense of taste.

Still, he said for him it was more about the experience and that he’d definitely go back but only with someone who had never been before.

That’s just what Alameddine is banking on.

“Let’s say you enjoyed it and your aunt came from the States, you’re going to bring her to try something new,” he says. “I have a lot of repetitive customers.”

Alameddine, a Lebanese-Canadian, said he first saw the concept during a trip to Zurich.

Apparently, there is already one in Montreal owned by Alameddine - and that has been going strong for 3 years now…So it will be interesting to see if the T.O location is a success.

Well…I’m kind of in the dark on this one LOL…

I think its an interesting idea for sure…and I’d go once just to experience something new…but that’s about it. To be realistic, I think most people really enjoy looking at a nice plate of food and enjoying their surroundings.

So here’s my score:

 1.) THE big IDEA…2 thumbs up! I really like to try new things!

2.) How long it will last…50/50 chance…

 For those who would like to visit this intriguing eatery – O.Noir is located on Church Street, Toronto.

 Source: CTV.ca

Happy Canada Day!

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy and SAFE day and night!!! Let’s show the rest of the country what the Capital has to offer!!!

 Here’s what’s going down in Ottawa for Canada Day…and the day before Canada Day!!!

Well…Every single club, bar and hole in the wall restaurant are having some sort of party…But I’m gonna be where the party is SET TO BE CRAZYYY!!!! Every single year York Street Ent. puts on a HUGE BLOCK PARTY!!! So you get 4 vibes in one!!! Entering one means you got access to all four clubs: Parliament Ultra Club, Liquor Store, Industry Room and Live Lounge. I’m telling you – no matter what type of music that you’re into, they have GOT IT!!! Each room has a different DJ, style, crowd and vibe.

 Get there early though!! There’s seriously nothing worse than waiting in line for hours…in the rain LOL I would suggest arriving at 10:30 ( I know its super early but trust me – you wont get in after 11:00 pm)

 The PARTY STARTS on TUESDAY June 30^th…. Continues on Wednesday June 31^st.

 Here are the best two entrances:

Industry Room – 130 York St.

Parliament Ultra Club – 151 George Street

I went to this café not knowing what to expect…The restaurant is in a relatively prime location but it’s still a hidden gem…I never even knew this place existed!

When I walked in, I automatically liked this spot. Soft lighting, a large patio-style window that is completely open onto a streetscape, nice comfortable seating, modern decor and…..Life Jazz Music!!! But because this restaurant is divided into two dining halves you can choose to sit either directly in front of  the tiny stage and enjoy the great live entertainment or in the other dining room on the left side (with the open window). 

I really liked this option because there is nothing I hate more than being forced to listen to loud music when you’re trying to enjoy your food and company. We sat on the left side other restaurant and loved hearing the Jazz singer belt out her songs, while still being able to hear one another.

The food is delectable! The style of their menu can be described as casual fine dining or bistro style. I recommend the Antipasto dish if you like a little taste of everything like me:

ANTIPASTO Prosciutto, fresh figs, goat cheese crouton, garlic-infused olive oil poached shrimp, roasted tomatoes, grilled vegetables

And the lamp was sooooo tender – you should try it:

ROASTED LEG OF LAMB Marinated in lemon, rosemary, garlic and olive oil served with a hash of sweet potato, flageolets, grape tomato, Broccolinni and natural jus

Not only do they have many mouth-watering meat dishes they also successfully accommodate even a hardcore vegetarian!

The café also offers a full bar with every kind of liquor and wine you can think of, from delicious coffees to creative martinis to ports and cognacs – you choose they will make it for you in a snap.

I really recommend this place – it’s a tiny paradise!

Café Paradiso

199 Bank Street
Ottawa, ON

Tel: 613 565 0657

www.cafeparadiso.ca

It’s that time again! Summer is about to PoP OFF and we’re all about to have a great one! Whether you’re in Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver or New York BIG THINGS POPPIN…LITTLE THINGS STOPPIN! So let’s get it!

VANCOUVER:

Thursday May 21

DJ AM

Pop Opera Nightclub

686 West Hastings St @ Granville

This is by far one of the sickest DJ’s in Canada. I’ve seen him play and he’s amazing! You will not regret!

City Life Fridays (Every Friday)
Bar None, 1222 Hamilton St, Vancouver

With my Boy DJ Marvel & Zac Santiago; DJ Marvel (and DJ Seko) came to Ottawa once for a special event and I still havent forgot his skills after a year! If your from Van City or just visiting, I suggest going to check these guys out..You will have an unforgettable night! Big shouts to both of you and I hope you come back soon!

OTTAWA:

June 25, 2009

Serani – Live in Concert
Venue – Sunrise Banquet Hall, 1800 Bank St, Ottawa

Tickets are $35 and this is an all-age family event!

Look out for this one! I’m a big Serani fan
so Ill keep you posted in terms of the venue!
If you don’t know who this up and coming artist is check this out:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiuCqZuhu4o

Saturday June 20th
CARIVIBE

4 Vibes – 4 Rooms – One Night Only

Rideau Carleton Raceway, 4837 Albion Road

This event is a yearly hit! You cannot be dissapointed! *Make sure and wear light clothing because you will be dancing ALL NIGHT!

Keep checking the site to be updated on upcoming events in your area!!

Till then – Live your Life – Love your Life!

Never Drink and Drive!

Im Out! XoXoX

So I KNOW Im not the only one loving on the Greatest City in the World – New York – I know many of you must visit once in a while – if not on the regular like me!I So lets get to it: I wanted to let you guys in on a few spots that Ive really enjoyed myself at!

Fridays:

For the Reggae and Dancehall lovers:
Go to Caribbean Flavors @ Element
225 East Huston Street @ Essex
- Sometimes they have cute little gift bags that they give away to the ladies!

For the Hip Hop Heads:

Chocolate Fridays @ Guesthouse is a poppin’ spot to go to!
542 West 27th Street between 10th and 11th
The music is always dope and the crowd is good too! You can email them to get onto the guest list: chocolatefridayrsvp@gmail.com

BLVD is cool too!
199 Bowrey
Please note they have a strict dress code and will turn you away! Make sure to meet the promoter for this club so that you get onto guest list for next time!

Uptown Fridays @ Body
701 West 135 Street
This is a more chill place – with really good DJ’s (DJ Capri etc)

Saturdays:

Best Damn Saturday Night Period @ Promenade
215 W 28 ST (BTW 7TH & 8TH)
This place is HYPE EVERY WEEK! **Ladies free before midnight!

Blue Chilli has weekly special events that are pretty legit!
251 West 51st Street
Between Broadway & 8th Ave

BB Kings
42nd St between 7th & 8th
This place get super packed and its celebrity studded with live performances as well!
I would definitely check it out – just don’t order the food!

I wanted to shed some light on this girl Kim Davis. My girls’ boy Omar (who was actually on Canadian Idol last season) writes many of her lyrics and performs with her as well. She is phenomenal (and so is he – but let’s get to the point!).

She’s Canadian…AND I’m pretty sure she’s about to BLOW UP YA”LL! Lol No – for real – check her out!

Kim Davis Ft. Sizzla – Hush

I LOOOVE her song with Sizzla entitled “Hush”
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT GIRL! Keep it up!

Here’s another one called “Sometimes”

She is not only a pretty face and a talented singer, but she is deep and has gone through some serious struggles that I can really feel and sympathize with. Here is a snippit from her HipHop Canada article:

“… it wasn’t until the devastating loss of her high school sweetheart and husband, and also father to her two children that she decided to rise up above her situation….”

To find out more about this artist go to her official HHC page here:

I Love Soca presents

TEX
MEH!

TEXT MEH instructions:

Bring your CELL PHONE to the party

Submit your CELL PHONE number to Host at door

If we TEXT you during the night you will receive our 2009 I Love Soca CD & a Free Drink

If we CALL you during the party you will win one of our CRAZY PRIZES!!!!

PRIZES INCLUDE: $CASH$, iPhones, iPods filled with 2009 soca, BlackBerrys, Complimentary Bottle Service and much more…

All you need to win one of our CRAZY PRIZES is a CELL PHONE!

Sweet Soca with a splash of Reggae, R&B and Old School
MACE, SAUCY SWITCH
& GUESTS

21+, I.D. required, Strict Fashion Forward Dress Code
DIESEL – 380 Elgin St.

Here are some Upcoming Events you don’t wanna miss out on – brought to you by one of Ottawa’s HOTTEST SOUNDCREWS: EBONY and IVORY (www.ebonyandivoryent.com)
You can email me directly at check.me_@hotmail.com to get on the guest list for any of these events. Just leave your name, contact info (in case I need to reach you) and let me know how many guests you want to bring!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27TH 2009

Ebony & Ivory Entertainment presents

I MISS
HIP HOP!

A night of OLD SCHOOL & ‘90s HIP HOP
mixed with FUTURE HIP HOP CLASSICS….for TRUE HIP HOP HEADZ

Music by
MACE Rewind, E&I, Jet City, I Miss Hip Hop
KARYEN Jet City, I Miss Hip Hop

Hosted by
MIC CHECK Nine Planets Hip Hop, 819 Crew
BOOGALOO TRYBE Ottawa Hip Hop Legends
KG Young Scotia

21+, I.D. required, Strict Fashion Forward Dress Code

DIESEL – 380 Elgin St.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28TH 2009

R&B ROYALTY
The Future of R&B Edition

Music by
MACE & CASUAL

Mixing classics by the Kings & Queens of R&B past, present & future…

At this edition of R&B ROYALTY we’ll feature music by future R&B stars
JAZMINE SULLIVAN & RYAN LESLIE

If you don’t already know their material…..GET TO KNOW THEM You won’t be disappointed!

Jazmine’s website www.jazminesullivanmusic.com
Ryan’s website www.ryanleslie.com

25+, I.D. required, Upscale Dress Code

CENTURY LOUNGE – 380 Elgin St.

Girls have been conditioned from a REALLY early age – that if a boy is mean to you – that means he likes you! MAKES SENSE TO YOU?!?!?? LOL that’s what really got me in this movie – a lot of smart little quirks about life as a woman were depicted in a true and comical way. I really enjoyed this movie. Very light-hearted and cute; I think guys could even enjoy this movie – as we sat in the theatre and I looked around, there were a few boyfriends in the room – amusingly in agreement with some of the subject matter of the movie – with subtle head nods.
I haven’t read the book – but I’m going to pick it up because I hear that its even better than the movie!
Anyway – I give this “chick-flick” a thumbs up and a unisex stamp!

I know I haven’t done movie reviews before – but maybe I’ll start!
So..I wanted to post a ‘lil something on the NOTORIOUS movie I saw last week.
It’s the life and death story of Notorious B.I.G. (a.k.a. Christopher Wallace), who came straight out of Brooklyn to take the world of rap music by storm
I’m still a huge fan of Big and since I am really familiar with the whole story – I have a few thoughts:

-    The actors they chose for some of the roles (especially for Tupac and Puffy) weren’t great in my opinion and could have been played better. With that said – I enjoyed everyone else!
-    The story was fast-forwarded a lot…I’v heard a lot of flack from peeps about this – HE-LL-O? If you know the story of Big (and true fans should!!!) then you would know that all the details they didn’t show are because a.) You should already know them b.) It would have been a four hour movie…which I would have totally watched! But watevs! Fill in the blanks yourselves people!
-    LOVED the fact that Big’s son played him as a child. What he said about playing his father: “My mom told me some of the stuff he used to do. Like how he rubbed his nose sometimes. And then I got some of my character’s scenes six or seven months before we actually shot the film, so I went over that stuff a lot.”
-    LOVED the fact that this movie is the first of its kind…Now I’m just waiting for the Tupac movie!!!
-    I hope the actor who played Big (Jamal Woolard) makes it cuz he did a great job – especially because it was his first time acting

Notorious BIG was an incredible rapper who’s music is STILL relevant today – 12 years later. His writing style is said to be similar to Ernest Hemingway, who’s known for short, taut sentences, but when you pull back and look at the structure of the story he’s telling it’s incredibly complex. Big’s story telling amazingly vivid…and even if your not into hip hop I would really urge anyone to listen.  His story sucks you in at the first beat!

“Warning”

Who the —- is this? / pagin me at 5:46 in the morning / crack a dawnin /
now I’m yawnin, wipe the cold out my eye / see who’s this pagin me and why..