Latest news with #SolmazKhosrowshahian
New York Post
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Toronto's little ethnic enclaves deliver big on food and culture
Almost 47% of Toronto's population is foreign-born — around 3.3 million people. Solmaz Khosrowshahian is one of them. She came from Iran to study here 20 years ago and quickly decided to stick around. Today, she's best known as food blogger the Curious Creature. 'Beyond having a large immigrant population like other major cities, the diversity within our immigrant population is astonishing,' she said. 'Here you'll meet immigrants from a vast range of countries, including some from the most remote parts of the globe.' So next time you're in town, why not see the world? Below we've rounded up Toronto's most intriguing ethnic enclaves. Little Malta Advertisement 4 In Little Malta, Little Dumplings owner Bashir Muyne is showcasing Moorish cuisine. Toronto Star via Getty Images A little speck of land in the middle of the Med, Malta is famed for its alluring mishmash of Arabic, Italian and English. But in the early 20th century, tens of thousands of its citizens escaped to Toronto. They settled around Dundas Street and St. John's Road in the Junction 'hood, creating the tiny town nicknamed Little Malta — as signs now attest. The modernist church there, St. Paul the Apostle, is run by Franciscan fathers from the island, and there's a sports and culture hub, the Melita Soccer Club, named after the same team in St. Julian's back home. Stop by the Malta Bake Shop for a pastizzi — the flaky fist-sized calzone filled with either ricotta or spicy, mushy peas — or ftira, the pizza-like bread topped with sliced potatoes, olives and tomatoes. Advertisement Make an appointment to view a curiosity shop-like collection at the Maltese-Canadian Museum on the same strip. Greektown 4 Over in vibrant Greektown, a monument to Alexander the Great celebrates an ancient culture. Destination Toronto Astoria's got competition. 'The streets here are lined with Greek restaurants, barbers, churches, shops and parks where locals gather daily,' said Solmaz. 'An early morning walk can often feel like a stroll through any Greek city with yayas and papous out for their daily coffee meetups.' This 'hood, also known as the Danforth, is ground zero for Greek goodies: Athens Pastries serves up killer spanakopita and bougatsa, or go to Mezes for the namesake snacks plus a Greek coffee at Phyllo Cafe (come extra hungry between Aug. 11 and 13 for the nabe-wide food fest Taste of the Danforth). Advertisement Catch a show at the Danforth Music Hall, once a Greek-language movie house, and pick up some quirky souvenirs at the La Di Da Boutique. Little Tibet 4 A woman gives thanks an altar before scarfing up some momo dumplings at Loga's Corner. Toronto Star via Getty Images This is one of the newer immigrant nabes to emerge, as thousands of Tibetans fled the oppression in their homeland during the late 1990s. They settled in Parkdale, clustering mostly at the junction of Queen and Jameson. It's now the largest Tibetan community overseas, and you'll likely see saffron-robed monks and women in traditional robes known as chubas. Karma Sonam Dargye Ling Buddhist Temple on Maynard Avenue is a community hub, and you can pick up everything from Tibetan singing bowls to cashmere shawls at Himalayan Creation. Steamed dumplings known as momos are a staple of Tibetan cuisine — try tangy jhol momo from Himalayan Kitchen, or classic steamed and fried momos at Loga's Corner. Advertisement Meanwhile, Tiny Cafe sells nothing but six types of momos, including vegan options. Little Jamaica 4 Heroes from back home are honored with a 1,200-foot-long mural on Reggae Lane in Toronto's Little Jamaica. Destination Toronto Look for the black, green and gold flags and banners on Eglinton Avenue West just past Marlee Avenue, and you'll know you've stumbled upon one of the earliest Black communities in Canada. Jamaicans arrived here in huge numbers in the 1960s and while gentrification has started upending this 'hood, city officially have designated it a cultural district. Snap an Insta-ready shot or two at Reggae Lane, which depicts icons of the genre in a 1,200-foot-long mural or buy classic reggae, ska and Rasta apparel at Treajah Isle Records. 'Ask anyone in the neighborhood which spot serves up the best patties or jerk chicken and you're bound to get into a heated debate,' said Solmaz. Start off at Sheryl's Authentic Caribbean Cuisine, then compare it with Kingston 12. After, pick up a spicy, molasses-spiked bulla cake at Sun-Light Bakery.
Globe and Mail
16-05-2025
- Globe and Mail
What to wear on an airplane according to frequent travellers
Whether you're flying for business or a holiday, you want to be dressed for comfort and convenience but still look put together. Unless you're headed directly to a work meeting from the airport (in that case opt for wrinkle-resistant separates and suits from brands such as Tristan and Kit and Ace), you'll want to reach for a travel uniform that offers softer fabrics with stretch and breathability. Solmaz Khosrowshahian, the Canadian travel blogger behind the Curious Creature, takes four to six flights a month on average and keeps certain must-haves always within reach. 'For long-haul flights, it's all about comfort and layering for me. I always wear leggings, slip-on sneakers, a crossbody bag, a breathable top … and I layer on a zip hoodie or jacket.' She's particular about her leggings, wearing mostly high-rise styles in a dark colour, so accidental spills go unnoticed, and made with a moisture-wicking material. Side pockets are also handy for easy access to her cellphone for snapping photos and videos on the go, says Khosrowshahian. Walter Owsianik, the medical director of Hamilton travel clinic the Travel Doctor, typically opts for loose clothing when he travels. 'You want to wear loose clothing and be able to move around freely to prevent blood clots, which is a small, but real risk,' says Owsianik. The risk rises for those folks who have a pre-existing heart condition or other health problems. He says everyone benefits from selecting an aisle seat for longer flights, so you can get up 'at least every hour and a half just to get moving.' From there, it's just about getting comfortable in your seat. The first thing Owsianik does once in his seat is take his shoes off in favour of a pair of wool socks or slippers. He only suggests compression socks if you normally experience feet or leg swelling on planes. When it comes to accessories, Khosrowshahian recommends a small crossbody bag for your passport and essentials. 'Not only are they safer than shoulder bags and purses because you can keep important documents on you at all times, but you're also less likely to misplace them at an airport or on the plane when stress levels are high and sleep deprivation is real,' she says. She will also avoid wearing hats and claw clips ('unless you're not planning to use the headrest') and metal items such as belts and costume jewellery, which would have to be taken off when you're going through security. Stock up on Canadian brands designed for function and comfort.
