For years I passed this mural for “Valentino’s”. It had outlived it’s namesake, but still remained lively and odd, sparking a now usual discussion about the looks on the faces of the characters.
The mural depicts a masked Zorro-like horseman and a woman (helpless prisoner?) at a flagpost. He appears to be […]

Filed under: Toronto, the disappearing city on March 30th, 2007 | No Comments »

The El Mocambo in Toronto is one of those places that appears humble (if not a little run down) to the unknowing passerby, but is wildly rich with history, legend and rock n roll tales to tell.
If the El Mo was a person, it would be a ragged old man, wrinkled from whiskey and years, […]

Filed under: Toronto on March 24th, 2007 | 1 Comment »

Jack’s Barber Shop, in the Summerhill area of Yonge Street, doesn’t call much attention to itself. The window is clear of lettering or neons and the signage is flat and simple (nothing flashy, that’s for sure) but inside is a wondrous little trip into Toronto past.
The vintage Hanson-brand barber chairs are pale blue and […]

Filed under: Toronto on March 5th, 2007 | No Comments »

Sad news starts this week as Toronto’s Revue Cinema suffered a heartbreaking loss in the early hours of Monday morning, when its marquee buckled under the weight of age and, most likely, snow.
Roncesvalles residents awoke to find the massive overhang face down on the ground, blocking the entire western sidewalk.
By the end of […]

Filed under: Toronto, the disappearing city on February 20th, 2007 | No Comments »