TORONTO: Frida and Diego

I love my home city of Toronto.  In the last few hours of my trip here before heading back to NYC, my Dad arranged for a trip to my old stomping grounds of the Art Gallery of Ontario.  There was a fantastic exhibition of Frida & Diego: Passion, Politics and Painting in Toronto.  The tagline was "He painted for the people. She painted to survive."  It was a multi-media exploration of their dramatic relationship and how their personal lives or politics affected their art.  

I was impressed at how thorough the exhibition was.  In addition to their artwork, there were films and photographs of others to document the lives of this couple, including their affairs.  You could listen to music that they listened to in their home.  I enjoyed how the gallery engaged young children by offering stations to create artistic portraits inspired by Frida and Diego, as well as make tissue flowers to offer up to them on their Dia de los Muertos altar.  The gallery brought in related exhibits of Catrinas from Mexico that honored them.

I had a fantastic lunch at gallery's restaurant, Frank.  They offered a prix-fixe themed menu of contemporary Mexican dishes in honor of the exhibit.  My review on Yelp here.  
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Picton: Winter Wonderland

I spent Christmas day with my family at my sister's in-laws.  They have a beautiful home on a lake in the picturesque town of Picton, Ontario.  Unfortunately, we arrived in the evening, so I couldn't get a photo of their house for you, but I did snap a lovely photo of my Dad next to a far with a curving fence in the snow...

Picton is a small town, known in its early development for strategic military history.  Now a popular resort area and agricultural industry.  We stayed at the lovely Inn at Huff Estates that was also a winery and art gallery (in warmer weather).

I loved Huff Estates little suites... They had a 2-sided faux-fireplace that was easily operated.  A huge DVD selection to borrow from for guests (and a basket of microwave popcorn for purchase).  They have an extensive breakfast buffet in the mornings.  The huge jacuzzi tub and flat screen tv was something I headed to  as soon as Christmas dinner was over... So healthy right?

Here is a photo of my sister's Mother-in-law's pretty Christmas centerpiece. She also had traditional English crackers at each setting, which I love and wish more people would bring back for all dining events...