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Why Toronto? I've lived here on and
off for 20 years, but I returned to shoot Due South in the mid-1990s
and have stayed ever since. As cities go, it's terrific; the most
multicultural place in Canada, which means that we boast a fantastic
culinary scene. I guess it's closer in spirit to New York than
LA, but I prefer the pace of life here: it never gets too frantic.
What do you miss most
when you're away? The cultural life. There is
just so much going on, whatever you're into. The arts scene
is also strong - I love the Royal
Ontario Museumand the Art
Gallery of Gallery is exceptional. It's the sort of city
where there is always something to do, whatever the weather.
What's the first thing you do when you return? I usually take
my dog, Chester - a horribly inbred Golden Retriever who's not
very smart - for a walk. There are some lovely places to walk
in the city, notably High Park, the waterfront and the university
area.
Where's the best place to stay? My favourite hotel
is the Windsor
Arms (001 416 971 9666), a lovely little place in Yorkville.
It's very comfortable and low key, the staff are helpful and
it's slap-bang in the middle of the city. If you prefer somewhere
bigger, the Royal
York (368 2511 ) is a fantastic old hotel.
Where would you meet friends for a drink? I'm not a big "go
out for a drink'' kind of guy anymore, but I like the Brassai
(461 King West, at Spadina; 598 4730), a stylish, modern bar
and a very comfortable place to have a drink or a bite to eat.
Where are your favourite places for lunch? The
Crush Wine Bar (455 King Street West; 977 1234), which,
despite its name, is really a restaurant. Its fish and chips
- Pacific halibut and Yukon chips - really hit the spot. Another
place that I like is Rodney's
Oyster House (469 King Street West; 363 8105), which is
wonderful for seafood.
And for dinner? Try Canoe (66 Wellington Street;
364 0054), one of the best restaurants in the city, if not Canada.
It's got a fabulous location at the top of the Toronto Dominion
Tower and boasts marvellous night-time views of the city. Or
try Prego (150 Bloor
Street West; 920 9900; ). I don't think you'll get a better
pizza or pasta in Toronto - and the prices are pretty reasonable.
The pasta tasting dishes are fun.
Where would you send
a first-time visitor? A nice place to walk is
Queen Street West. That whole area - and the streets immediately
to the north and south - are choc-a-bloc with restaurants and
clubs, art galleries and bookstores. The city also has some
great theatre. You have the big shows in the entertainment
District, but I think the best theatre is being put on by
the Soul Pepper
company down in the
Distillery District, where there is always something happening.
What would you tell them to avoid? I'm not a big shopping-mall
kind of person. They all look the same to me. But I guess if
you're visiting the city for the first time, it's different.
I'm also not sure if I'd bother going up the CN Tower on a cloudy
day.
Public transport or taxi? The subway is great for getting from
north to south, but it's not the kind of subway the city deserves.
The streetcars are also pretty good. But I'll often jump in
a taxi; they're not that expensive.
Handbag or moneybelt? Handbag, definitely. It's very safe.
Thieves are pretty thin on the ground.
And for dinner?
That's a hard one. You could always buy a "Mountie'' teddy
bear, not that you're likely to see many of them on the city's
streets. Or you could pick up some good, basic Canadian clothing
at Roots
, which has a few downtown stores.
And if I've only time
for one shop? The
St Lawrence Market , a fascinating place to walk around
and savour the sights and the smells. Not only that, but it's
a reminder of just how multicultural a place Toronto is, with
food from all over the world.
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