Lynn Manwar

Archive for the ‘Food’ Category

Lynn’s Comments:  On Saturday, March 16th, 2013, I attended the official launch and fundraiser of The Youth Code.    It is a new non-profit organization that aims to help children of abuse live a life beyond surviving.   Kalista Zackhariyas, the brainchild behind the organization is using her personal life experience to transform the lives of many, give hope and creating amazing futures for children.

The launch was held at the Grand Banking Hall of One King West.   It was co-hosted by Supermodel/Actor Sam Sarpong from L.A. and Veronica Chail from Bollywood Boulevard.    The evening entertainment included:  The Winner from So You Think Can Dance, Hip Hop Artist and Former Child Soldier Emmanuel Jal gave a great speech and performance, along with singer Keisha Chante.   I enjoyed every moment of the entertainment and was moved by all who graced the stage.

With an abundance of food and desserts, there was also a silent auction of great items!

We all have life experience for a reason, and it was so touching to see an amazing woman who made her dream to make a difference in the lives of others a reality!!

Please donate generously to this organization:   The Youth Code.

My Prayer is that all children in the world have love, food and a comfortable place to sleep.  AMEN

With Actor/Supermodel Sam Sarpong from L.A., Co-Host of the Launch!

Lynn’s Comments: The Hot Stove Club established in 1963, has a history associated with the Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Club.  The original location situated at Maple Leaf Gardens allowed members to dine and socialize before and after the games. My father was a member of the Hot Stove Club.

I was first introduced to the Hot Stove Club by my father when I was seventeen years old.  My father was always a busy businessman as he had a budding architectural practice of Bregman & Hamann (now B & H Architects) and clients to serve.  However, he would periodically make time to see me and spend some time.  One afternoon my mother insisted that he take me out alone and he decided our afternoon outing would be at the Hot Stove Club at Maple Leaf Gardens.

I enjoyed the atmosphere at the Hot Stove and learned much when I spent time out dining with my father.   He always made sure to get the name of the waiter and called him by his name.  My father was once a bus boy himself.  He never forget his humble beginnings and that’s how he made funds to get him through university.   The respect that my father gave to those in the service industry was paramount.  He would have a server feeling like a “million bucks” and the most important person in the restaurant establishment.

My father used to get tickets and I would go to hockey games as a child, but I only vaguely remember that.  I just recall seeing Wayne Gretzkey long long time ago and getting a souvenir puck afterwards that I took home.

The Hot Stove Club is now relocated to the Air Canada Centre.  I went to the new location only once with my father.  I’d love to go there again — if anyone is a member and can take me there, you’d make me SO SO HAPPY!!!

Lynn’s Comments:  One of the most cherished moments spent with my father was in restaurants and hotels, dining for either lunch or dinner.  He enjoyed the finer things in life, so we often went to high end restaurants like the Katsura Japanese Restaurant at the Prince Hotel in Toronto for my birthdays and getting together.   At Katsura we would often have teppanyki where they cook fresh food in front of you, which is extremely exciting and entertaining at the same time.  I recall  a year that I took my father there for his birthday and he was really happy.  It puts a smile on my face when I think of the moments I spent with my father in the restaurants at Prince Hotel.  So classy, great food, and wonderful service.

Whenever I dined out with my father he made sure to get to know the name of the waiter and greet him by his personal name.  During university, my father worked in restaurants as a bus boy and remembered his humble beginnings.   I’ve been dining out with myself these days or with friends during my recent Chemo treatment.  Last week, I went for Ethiopian food with  a couple, a baby and a former coworker who is now relocating to England.

Every time I go to a restaurant, I ensure that I leave a tip for the server, even though my income is dramatically reduced at this point in time.  Waiters and servers need to receive our respect and appreciation for serving us when we dine out— after all, they make the experience more enjoyable.

I very much look forward to dining out in the city with both old and new friends.  If you have a fine dining restaurant that you suggest I visit in Toronto, or another city, please do leave your comments.

Lynn’s Comments: I have lived in the Danforth area otherwise known as Greek Town in Toronto, Ontario, Canada since 1975 and moved away two times for 1 year and for 4 years.  I have always enjoyed attending the Taste of the Danforth.  This year I went to the food festival with the Toronto Wine and Social Meetup group organized by Julian.  I met new people and enjoyed trying free hummous, greek pasteries, and fresh lemonade.  It is a big celebration with music, food, drink,  performance and people coming together.  I ran into a couple of friends and even a cousin of mine.  By far, the Taste of the Danforth is one of my favourite festivals of the city.  I look forward to next year and encourage you to check out the restaurant gems located on the Danforth in Greek Town.

Lynn with Cousin Donna