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Toronto Local Customs

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Toronto Travel Guide

Toronto Local Customs

Risotto al Parmigiano - Toronto
Risotto al Parmigiano
by lohki
Learn the local customs of Toronto. Tips and photos posted by real travelers and Toronto locals.
Local Time 3:41 pm Saturday, May 17, 2008
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Liquor / Beer / Wine: Ice Wine
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  • One of the more famous brands - Toronto
    One of the more famous brands
    by rsilva
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    In Germany, in 1794, it was discovered that if grapes were picked when the temperature was about -13 degrees (Celsius) and then squeezed, they would produce a very concentrated juice that is very flavoured but contains almost no water. After the fermentation process, you get what is called "ice wine". Apparently, and according to the LCBO expert, only Germany and Canada produce it. It is a sweet dessert wine that seems to please most. If you want a typical Canadian beverage, this is a good option and makes for a nice gift.

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  • Website: http://tinyurl.com/3j7nn

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    Traffic: Pedestrians DO have the right of way
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  • A true Torontonian knows some things about pedestrians and vehicular traffic on the Toronto streets: 1. At intersections the Pedestrian DOES have the right of way. Which means - sit there patiently waiting for the people to cross before you turn the corner. 2. A true, and law-abiding pedestrian DOES wait for the Traffic light and/or the Walk sign to turn green before crossing the street - even if there is no traffic coming. 3. A driver WILL stop behind the street car, or if already beside it, stop, while the streetcar doors are open, whether or not the traffic light is green. 4. A driver will pull safely to the side of the road and stop, or if not possible, will stop, when an emergency vehicle is coming up behind them with lights flashing and siren sounding, or will allow the vehicle right of way at an intersection. Please remember that someone's life could be in jeopardy if you don't let that vehicle through. 5. Honking the horn is not going to achieve much other than scare some poor innocent person, and annoy others. Especially if you are sitting several cars back there is obviously a problem, and horn blowing or yelling is not going to solve the problem. 6. When someone lets you in lane, don't forget to wave thanks. If they do not let you in, giving them an obscene gesture isn't going to get your car any further ahead. Enjoy driving and walking in the city and please remember to watch out for the other guy because you're that person's "other guy" too!

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    Language: Anglais or French? Impotence In 2 Languages!
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  • Toronto is in Ontario. Ontario is South of Quebec. Montreal is in Quebec. They wish they could have us all speaking French. We wish we had their fashion sense. For decades there has been a massive rivalry between the two cities and their respective Provinces. Who's more cosmopolitain,...who's got the best club scene? Who serves the best smoked meat,...who has the hottest citizens? The answers to these tough, thought provoking questions may never truly be answered to anyone's satisfaction, but it's good to know that everything you buy in this country comes labeled in two languages. Impotence and confusion should be National.

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    Wear It With Pride, Eh?
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  • I know you’re not going to believe me, but this little fella is a Canadian icon. No, I’m not talking about the flag per say, but the actual tiny plastic pin of the flag itself. It’s hard to imagine how a little piece of plastic no larger than 1.2 x .06 cm could aquire such lofty status, but I’m here to tell you my friends that it’s true. Everybody in this country owns one and if they don’t they should because they’re given out for free just about everywhere you go. In fact if I’m not mistaken they’re handed out on little cards to schoolchildren in Toronto around Canada Day, and given to every new citizen when being sworn in. You’ll see them everywhere from the baseball hats of sports fans at a Blue Jays game to the lapel of a $3000.00 suit worn by a Bay Street power broker. You’ll see them on the jackets of people from coast to coast, and if you’re lucky you might even see one or two on the backpacks of travelers around the globe. It’s been debated if Canadians actually have “pride” in this country or not, but I say we do. We’re just subtle about it, that’s all.

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    Restaurants / food: Cheap Eats and Treats.
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  • Updated By lohki on September 12, 2006
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  • If you’re downtown and looking for a low cost meal, check out the culinary school at George Brown College. The St. James Campus is located on Adelaide St. east of Jarvis Street. You will know you are in the right place by all the chef uniforms hanging around the entrance. The window is located down the stairs and beside the regular food kiosk. There is a small window displaying the cookies and cakes, but look for the posted, hand written "menu" of the day. Every Monday to Friday starting at noon you can purchase whatever the culinary students are working on that day for a very minimal price. Boxes of cookies $2.00

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  • Phone: 416 415 500 ext 2515
  • Website: www.georgebrown.ca

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    Events / festivals: Toronto Street Festival - July 7, 8, 9, 2006
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  • Yonge & Lawrence Ave - Toronto Street Festival - Toronto
    Yonge & Lawrence Ave -
    Toronto Street Festival
    by freddie18,
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    CELEBRATE TORONTO I hope you enjoyed our street festival at Yonge Street in Toronto, the longest street in the world. It was a 3-day celebration of Toronto tastes and talent. Filled with entertainment such as street theatre, concerts, different music, songs and dances and most importantly fun games for the kids. Four busiest intersections were closed from 6:00 PM last Friday July 7 to 12:00 midnight of Sunday July 9. The four streets were: Yonge & Dundas Street Yonge & St. Claire Avenue Yonge & Eglinton Avenue Yonge & Lawrence Avenue. All festival streets were car free zones. Come and enjoy our Toronto Street Festival in Year 2007. I am sure you will enjoy it. Been there - Done that - A lot of times! Admission is Free. This is what Toronto is all about!

  • Phone: 416 395 0490
  • Website: http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/streetfest/index.htm

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    Etiquette & Dress Code: Keep your distance
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  • Around the world obviously people have different ways of greeting each other and interacting in conversations. In France for example it's common to kiss the person on both cheeks. In Canada we don't normally kiss eachother when we greet (unless we're close friends or family) but a firm handshake will do if you've just met the person. Unlike some nations in the Middle East or Asia where it's common to stand very close to a person while engaging in a conversation, in Toronto most people would feel as if you were invading their personal space or intimidating them if you stand too close to them. I usually get realy uncomfortable when people, men or women, stand right in my face when they're talking to me. A couple feet away is normal for an average conversation.

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    A Loony (or a Toony) For Your Thoughts
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  • Hang on to those loonies and toonies - Canada's $1 and $2 coins. You'll need them for airport carts, public phones and parking meters. The loony is an 11-sided gold coin with a picture of a loon on one side (a protected species of bird, related to the penguin) and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the other. The toony is a silver coin with a gold center. One side has a polar bear on it and on the other - there's no escaping her - it's the queen again.

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    Events / festivals: Taste of the Danforth - A Big Success
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  • Taste of the Danforth, a festival held every year in Toronto, Ontario Canada. This year, it was celebrated for 3 days from August 11 to 13, 2006. It was on the last day of the event that I decided to witness the festival for the first time. There were too many people going to my path when I got off at Broadview subway station. It did not surprise me. They flock to the Taste of the Danforth. It was at the Broadview & Danforth intersection that I was treated to a wide array of the Greek food and one of my favourites is the souvlaki with unbeatable costs at C$2.00 for pork and C$3.00 for chicken. But mind you, it is not only food. You will experience the music, the sights, children street games, and the smells of what else….Greek cuisine! There were many booths offering free samples of the food or product that they are selling. I especially like the free olives one of the booths is offering. They are of different variety and taste. Although the event is concentrated to Greek food and culture, you will also find Thai, Indian, & Cuban choices of their local dishes. Admission Is Free You pay the food as you order! Affordable. Next year I am sure Taste of the Danforth will be bigger and better. It is a success every year. Come, enjoy, and experience Taste of the Danforth. This is what Toronto is all about. Direction Take the subway train and .....Get Off at Broadview or Pape Subway Station

  • Website: www.tasteofthedanforth.com

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    "Showers" Don't Necessarily Involve Water
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  • Shower Luncheon spread - Toronto
    Shower Luncheon spread
    by CdnJane
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    One of the traditions that many Canadians have before a wedding, or the birth of a baby (or after the birth), is a "SHOWER". These are also often called a hen party or a staggette (although tend to be a little wilder, or more risque). Normally a shower is female only, however there are a number of "Jack and Jills" or "Doe & Stags" where both men and women attend. "Shower" comes from the concept of "Showers of Happiness"... and again, water is not involved!!! (Except to drink.) Showers are often surprise parties for the guest of honour... however that is not necessarily a good idea if it is for an expectant mother near the due date! *grin* If it is a wedding shower, there can be a theme - Kitchen, Bath & Bedroom, even Wine, or just Miscellaneous. Yes, there are gifts involved... and the prices vary. Sometimes the hostess will suggest that the guests go together and purchase one gift (place setting(s) of the dishes, for example). The price of the gift shouldn't be the focus, it should be the thought that counts, and thus the guests should be friends and not merely acquaintences of the guest of honour. Now, sometimes there are showers held by friends of the bride's mother and they may not be close to the bride. The immediate family of the bride doesn't normally hold the shower. Sometimes there are games played , but usually it is just a chance to get together and chat. And of course, there is the food! Can't forget that part of it. Depending upon the time of day, it could be a luncheon, afternoon "tea" or an evening dessert & coffee. It used to be that fancy sandwiches, squares and tea or coffee were served, but now anything can be served. The picture was of the luncheon that one of my friends held for me, and there were cold cuts, rolls, and different types of salad, as well as fresh vegetables and dip.

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