Chef Ushmeet Bhutani learned to cook from watching his mother as a child in the kitchen of their home in Bangalore, India.

Bhutani has since cooked for large hotel chains before founding Koshaa, at 2314 Lake Shore Blvd. W., near Burlington Street, which specializes in tasty North Indian cuisine.

“We wanted to open our restaurant in West Toronto,” Bhutani explains. “We have our own recipes and our food is traditional North Indian flavour.”

He previously worked at the Bangalore Hilton Hotel before arriving in Canada in 2016. Bhutani then worked at the Four Seasons before founding Koshaa.

“We use the freshest vegetables and spices,” he insists. “Everything is produced locally and made from scratch.”

The restaurant is licensed for alcohol, is clean and comfortable. A lot of effort and finances went into restoring the interior. It has a nice outdoor patio that faces Lake Shore Blvd.  W.

“I always liked cooking for people,” he says. “I get satisfaction from looking at peoples’ faces after they have had a nice home-cooked meal.”

He likes the area and has been getting support from Mimico residents.

“People like our food because it is healthy and a home-cooked style that is modern,” Bhutani says. “We use less oil and butter and extract more flavour from our ingredients.”

A graduate of the George Brown College Culinary program, the chef hopes to make his regulars return for more healthy home-inspired meals, just as his mom made in Bangalore.

Popular dishes include: Amritsar fish fry, North-Indian-style fried fish fritters marinated in tangy masala: Chicken 65, a Southern Indian style crispy chicken tempered with curry leaves and mustard seeds.

People also enjoy the sizzling chicken tikka; chicken morsels marinated overnight in Balkan yogurt with authentic Indian spices; Tandoori Shrimps, flavoured with ginger, garlic and grilled to perfection.

Or Seekh Kebab, made from a smooth minced lamb mixture and seasoned with onions, tomatoes, and a combination of spices and Classic Paneer Tikka, made from Indian cottage cheese cubes, pepper and onions marinated with tandoori masala and baked.

Koshaa can be reached by telephone at 647-349-8424 or visit www.koshaa.ca

 

 

Toronto Police say its Gender Diversity and Trans Inclusion (GDTI) project continues to make progress on several initiatives to ensure all areas of the force are updated with a gender diverse and trans inclusion lens.

The revised policies, procedures, orders, forms and training materials were presented at a virtual community consultation hosted by Chief James Ramer on January 19, police said.
This work has included a new Standard of Conduct requiring Toronto police members to show respect to trans and gender diverse people, new guidance on searches and housing trans and gender diverse people, guidance for news releases and expanding the definition of immediate family.

Officers will have to undergo a mandatory training on the changes.

The Service is  asking the community to provide feedback on how they would like police to be evaluated on the impact of this work. A survey is underway until April 20.
An essential part of the project involves gathering feedback from members of the community who are impacted the most, to ensure policy changes effectively meet their expectations, police say.

Members of the community are invited to participate in a second community consultation scheduled for March 23, with with more details to follow.

The catalyst for the Service’s Gender Diversity and Trans Inclusion Project is a settlement with Boyd Kodak and the Ontario Human Rights Commission, reached after allegations of discrimination based on gender and gender identity were made against the Service.

For more information about the Gender Diversity and Trans Inclusion Project, please visit www.tps.on.ca/trans-inclusion-project.

One of the oldest WWII veterans in Canada has passed away.

Private Ardwell “Art” Eyres, passed away on February 16. He would have been 98 in April.

Eyres loved Alderwood and lived most of his adult life there, where he raised his family. He lived independently in his home until a few months ago.

During the Second World War, Eyres served on a troopship that was responsible for bringing thousands of soldiers across the Atlantic to fight in Europe on D-Day.

Born in Cameron, Ontario, Eyres enlisted for the army on April 29, 1943—the same day he turned 19. When asked why he decided to join, his answer is simple. “That’s what you did.”

He was stationed in Halifax to serve on the troopship Ile de France as part of the Embarkation Transit Unit. “Troops would exit one train, do a roll call before loading onto the ship. Then another train would pull up and load more soldiers. This process continued until the boat was full.”

Eyres made 17 round trips across the Atlantic to transport thousands of troops, and at one point they were joined by performer Bing Crosby. Every trip was made without a convoy escort.

“We could go fast enough to outrun German subs,” Eyres recalled. “We had to change course every three minutes or so to help confuse the enemy.”

He was dubbed “Laddie” by his Regimental Sergeant Major while serving on a hospital ship called The Lady Nelson.

Eyres served for a year after the war ended. The Ile de France was responsible for bringing back 10,000 troops, which included wounded.

“People think that when the war was over, we just all left and went back to our previous lives, but there was a lot more to do,” he says.

On discharge from the army, Eyres settled in Alderwood, married and started a family.

He went to night school and eventually became an accountant. Eyres joined the Upper Canada Railway Society and would serve as club president.

He became interested in recording his family history and worked on his family tree, recording more than 1,000 names and going as far back as 1770.

Eyres returned to Halifax June to mark the 75th anniversary of D Day and the Battle of Normandy. “Canadians need to remember how important that day was” he said then. “For all the servicemen who landed on the beaches and flew over them. We had to honour the job they did.”

For his service, Eyres received the 1939 1945 Star, the Atlantic Star, the Victory Medal, and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Bar.

 

The installation of a lovely memorial to mark and remember hundreds of South Etobicoke residents who passed away from COVID-19 in our community is being looked at.

The memorial, which is in the early stage of development, will be placed in New Toronto at the south east corner of Lake Shore Blvd.  W., and Fifth Street, where a fountain previously stood.

Chris Korwin Kuczynski, Chair of the Board of the Lakeshore Village Business Improvement Area, said it will be simple memorial to remember those who died in our community.

“It is being looked at,” Korwin Kuczynski said. “We are trying to honour our dead.”

He expects the monument to be installed sometime next year if approved.

Members of St. Margaret’s Anglican Church New Toronto held a well-attended memorial service for those who passed from the pandemic last summer.

There are more than 500 members of our community who some officials say passed away due to COVID-19 related illness. The pandemic has killed more than 10,000 people in Ontario.

Some guidelines to fight the pandemic are finally being lifted as restaurant limits and vaccine passport.

 

 

 

Good-natured barber Jonathan Compton has trimmed so many area residents and their families that he is dubbed the unofficial “Mayor of Mimico.”

Compton owns and has been a main stylist at the popular Elevate Barber Shop, at 2383 Lake Shore Blvd. W., near Superior Avenue, for seven years and is well-known for his good deeds in the community.

Many residents stop by his salon for a trim or to say hello on their rounds.

The native of St. Lucia, worked for a number of years as a trucker when he arrived in Canada in 1994. He returned to his love of hair cutting and styling, a trade he learned at home. In time he opened his Mimico salon and hasn’t looked back.

“I was spending too much time on the road as a trucker,” Compton says. “I always wanted to own my own business and there was an opportunity.”

He, like many others, are seeing an uptick in business as some COVID-19 guidelines are lifted.

“I have been receiving a lot of support from the community,” Compton explains. “Mimico has been great to me and I am glad that I opened in this neighbourhood.”

“The business and styles have changed over the years,” he notes. “Most people know they will get a  great cut here and they always come back.”

He has customers from across the City who have been returning to his chair for years.

Opening a business these days can be a daunting and overwhelming task and he warns enterprising barbers to stay focused.

“Keep your eyes on your dream and don’t let anyone hold you back,” Compton offers.

His salon is comfortable, friendly and provides some good conversations. On this day the music of Jamaica reggae icon Bob Marley is jamming as the Compton’s celebrates the musician’s February 6 birthday.

He can be reached at 647-347-6008. Appointments are not required.

 

 

The tense situation in Ukraine has been a big topic of conversation at Mimico’s Barrel House Korchma family-owned restaurant.

Barrel House Korchma, at 2385 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Superior Avenue, has been opened for about a year and prides itself in serving traditional and authentic Ukrainian dishes with high-quality ingredients.

“People love the food,” says Tetyana Barylko, whose parents own the business. “Visitors will experience the culture of our ancestors and what makes Ukraine special.”

The rustic restaurant, which features many pieces of cultural artwork, was founded by Mykhaylo Barylko and wife, Nadiya, after they arrived here in 2002  from the village of Verkhnia Lypytsia, Ukraine, to start a better life for their family.

“We are proud of our heritage and want to continue serving our history to our customers,” Barylko says. “Most of the recipes from our menu have been passed down in our family for many generations.”

A ‘Korchma’ is a Ukrainian tavern or pub where food, beer or ale can be consumed by travellers, many who were Cossacks, or soldiers who fought for Ukraine’s freedom.

She said the bright and comfortable eatery has ‘played a pivotal role in solidifying their Ukrainian roots in Canada.’

“We believe this is the first dine-in Ukrainian restaurant in Toronto,” Barylko says. “A large section of people in this area of Ukrainian, Polish or European descent.”

She says customers are concerned about the Russian military buildup on the borders of Ukraine since many have family members back at home.

“It is something that people are very concerned about and they talk about it,” Barylko agrees.

Their menu includes homemade pierogis, pelmeni, palushky, varenyky, cabbage rolls, dumpling filled with either chicken, pork or beef and topped with sour cream; along with potato pancakes and chicken and pork schnitzels.

“It warms my heart seeing people enjoy the food that I grew up with,” she explains. “I grew up with almost all the food on our menu, so to me, that’s what authentic Ukrainian food is.”

The Barrel House Korchma features a nice private patio and can be reached by phone at 647-797-5625 or visit them on Facebook @barrelhousekorchma.

 

Cast of Famous People Players with community awards presented by MPP Christine Hogarth. Photo by Val Kalimbet.

 

Members of Etobicoke’s Famous People Players who are known worldwide have now been recognized for their outstanding service as they reopen their stage for performances to the public with COVID-19 guidelines being lifted.

The cast of ‘Canada’s original blacklight theatre’ are among 300 workers of non-profit agencies presented with plaques of appreciation on February 18 by MPP Christine Hogarth for their work in the community.

The 343 Evans Avenue agency recently received a $300,000 grant from the Ontario government to carry out their work.

“We are showing our appreciation for the work that they and other non-profits do,” said Hogarth, the MPP for Etobicoke Lakeshore. “We are saying thank you to all the non-profit agencies for all their work in the community.”

Hogarth said she was ‘honoured’ to be on the famed stage to make the presentations.

The theatre, which has been staging shows for 47 years in Toronto, has framed photos of some of the biggest stars, who have graced their stage over the decades.

A Famous People Players’ Memory Lane contains dozens of photographs of some of Hollywood and Broadway’s most iconic stars who have performed there including Liberace, a long-time friend of the theatre; musician Phil Collins; whom the stage was named after he donated funds for a sound system and actor Paul Newman; after which a Newman’s Own kitchen was named, and many more.

Famous People was founded in 1994 by Diane Dupuy who said they are ‘dedicated to helping those who are developmentally challenged.”

The company, which moved to Etobicoke in 2009 after its Toronto building was demolished, employs

people with physical and intellectual disabilities, who share duties in dining room management, arts administration, and theatrical and visual arts performances.

“Our performances include exceptional achievements from those who have dared to believe in themselves,” said Dupuy, a member of the Order of Canada and recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and Library of Congress Award.

She said this is the second time that Famous People has reopened its stage after being shut for years due to the pandemic.

“We were closed twice due to the virus,” Dupuy explained. “We offer inspirational education through a Broadway-class theatre extravaganza. We are glad to return.”

She said the theatre experience ‘teaches students of all ages to push beyond any limitations and to rise to the best of their true selves.’

Famous People Players board chair Chris Korwin-Kuczynski said the theatre has been a successful fixture in the community for 13 years and ‘people love the shows.’

School teacher Brittany Knight said ‘it was challenging to find an event that works for all of my class.’

“This one was awesome in every capacity,” Knight said of the theatre experience. “You made us laugh, think and taught us how to respond even better to the kids.”

Now playing is Shufflin’ on Broadway, which runs from January 15 to May 31.

The theatre offers a dinner performance in their dining room with Celebrity Chef Christopher Woods.
The Newman’s Own kitchen is a centre of their Culinary Dream Program.

Famous Players Theatre is located at 343 Evans Avenue and can be reached by phone at 416-532-1137 or visit www.FamousPeoplePlayers.com

 

A hit and run driver stopped his car to look at an injured senior he had just hit before fleeing the scene on The Queensway, police say.

The 75-year-old woman was hit as she was crossing to north side of The Queensway at Taymall Avenue around 6:08 a.m. on February 10, according to Traffic officers.

“She was struck by a west-bound vehicle and thrown into the westbound lanes,” police said in a release. “The driver of the vehicle stopped and exited the vehicle, but then returned to the vehicle and fled the scene of the collision.”

The woman was located and assisted by a citizen.

Police said she was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in locating the involved vehicle and driver.
The vehicle is described as a silver SUV.

Traffic Services Investigators are asking local residents, businesses, and drivers, who may have security or dash-camera footage of the area or incident, to contact police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1900, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

 

Area residents and merchants are breathing a sigh of relief as a number of anti-pandemic policies are being lifted this week.

Starting on Thursday February 17 anti-COVID-19 capacity limits are being lifted in area bars, restaurants, gyms, cinemas, casinos, bingo halls, meeting spaces or convention centres and some other venues, according to the Ontario government.

“This is great news and a sign of just how far we’ve come together in our fight against the virus,” Premier Doug Ford said in a news conference at Queen’s Park. “While we aren’t out of the woods just yet we are moving in the right direction.”

The move is being applauded by many South Etobicoke struggling business owners who have been losing revenue and calling for an end of the limits.

The owner of a New Toronto clock store said she can now make plans and work to regain her customers who have been staying at home shopping online for goods, including fast food.

Ford said on February 14 at Queen’s Park that all social gathering limits will be increased to 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors. There will be a 50 people allowed at organized public events, with no limit outdoors.

He is also increasing indoor capacity limits to 25 per cent in high-risk settings where proof of vaccination is required, including nightclubs, restaurants where there is dancing, bathhouses and sex clubs.

Also being lifted is capacity limits for indoor weddings, funerals or religious services, rites or ceremonies to the number of people who can maintain two metres physical distance. The limits are removed if the business use proof of vaccination or if the event is outdoors.

“Starting on March 1 Ontario intends to take additional steps to ease public health measures if public health and health system indicators continue to improve,” the Premier said. “This includes lifting capacity limits in all remaining indoor public settings.”

He said Ontario will also lift proof of vaccination requirements for all settings at this time. Businesses and other settings may choose to continue to require proof of vaccination.

Ford said masking requirements will remain in place until early March, when a decision will be made on if their use will continue.

“To manage COVID-19 over the long-term, public health units can deploy local and regional responses based on local context and conditions,” he said.

The province said limits in other indoor public settings, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, retail and shopping malls, will be maintained at, or increased to, the number of people who can maintain two metres physical distance.

Due to a steady decline in COVID-19 related hospitalizations and ICU admissions, on February 10 the government began a gradual and cautious resumption of non-urgent and non-emergent surgeries and procedures across the province.

Ontario is also expanding access to free rapid tests, with 5.5 million rapid tests to be distributed each week for eight weeks through pharmacies, grocery stores, and community partners in vulnerable communities.

 

Feels like a summer of fun in the sun!

All of Toronto’s many popular street parties and large outdoor events are returning this summer after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

Here at home, organizers are planning the Fifth Annual Grill Cheese Challenge for June 11, which will include two stages and featuring live bands.

Chris Korwin Kuczynski, of the Lake Shore Village Business Improvement Association (BIA),  said there will be many booths set up from Second Street to Islington Avenue, which will be packed with delicious food. There will also be a beer tent.

He said organizers will take their anti COVID-19 guidance from public health officials.

“The event has been on hiatus for two years due to COVID-19,” Korwin-Kuczynski said. “It will be a great event as always and it will be a lot of fun for the family.”

The Challenge attracted as many as 30,000 area residents before it was cancelled by the pandemic two years ago.

Organizers of the Toronto St. Patrick Day Parade is also going full steam ahead for their annual downtown parade that will take place  on March 20.

The organizers said many people have been vaccinated and most events have been given the green light by the Ontario government and City of Toronto.

This year, the parade will begin at Bloor Street West and St. George Street, heading east to Yonge Street, south to the Queen Street and then past a review stand at Nathan Phillips Square.

Also returning is The Toronto Caribbean Carnival, also formerly known as Caribana, which will celebrate its 55th anniversary with a series of events leading up to the final weekend of July 28 to August 1 and the annual Grand Parade.

This year marks the festival’s Emerald Anniversary and revellers are celebrating freedom, diversity and inclusion that makes up the carnival arts, according to organizers.

Pride Toronto is planning a month-long series of events for June, with the highlight being Pride Weekend from June 24 to 26, which will include the Trans March, the Dyke March and the Pride parade.

The TD Toronto Jazz Festival will celebrate its 35th anniversary from June 24 to July 3 with new stages at the Victoria College Quad at the University of Toronto and an installation at Yorkville’s Cumberland Park.

Luminato, the arts festival featuring local and international talent, is expected to announce its events anywhere from June 9 to 19.

Doors Open Toronto, which offers walking tours of more than 150 properties of architectural, historic and cultural significance, will run the weekend of May 28 and 29.

Car buffs can head to the roaring Honda Indy at Exhibition Place on the weekend of July 15 to 17.

The Beaches International Jazz Festival, which held its first event in 1989, will offer performances from July 2 to 24.

Krino’s Taste of Danforth, which is always packed and popular, expects to return for the weekend of August 6 and 7.

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), one of Toronto’s oldest and most celebrated summer events, will run from August 19 to September 5.