As part of this month’s UnionNOW Digital Residency, we’re featuring some of the prominent people associated with the ambitious Toronto Union project.
What do you do at Union?
I’m one of the owner/operators at Amano Pasta and Union Chicken.
What’s the best way to spend one weekend in Toronto?
It depends on the time of year. In the summer it would have to include a Blue Jays matinee game, a trip to Toronto Island and one of the great festivals we host every year. As an east-ender, I have a soft spot for the Beaches Jazz Festival, but there are so many good options.
One of my favourite things about Toronto is the number of outdoor rinks we have, so my perfect winter weekend would include a game of shinny at one of them. I would also plan for dinner and drinks in one of the many incredible dining pockets in the city (my personal favourite is the Distillery District). Last but not least, I would cap it off with some live music at the Horseshoe, Danforth Music Hall or one of our other amazing concert venues.
What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had on a train?
For a couple of years I had to travel to Cornwall for work on a regular basis, and I took Via Rail whenever I could. On the way there, I spent my time getting lots of work done, but on the way home I always found time for a glass of wine and a book. It was such a great way to travel, with none of the stress that comes along with driving long distances.
What’s one interesting fact that might surprise people who visit Union?
The thing that always amazes me is the sheer volume of people that pass through Union Station daily. The last figure I heard was upwards of 250,000 people per day! There are many countries in the world with fewer people.
Name someone in Toronto who should get more attention for his/her work in making the city a great place to live.
Anyone who knows me will see this one coming from a mile away. I have been a lifelong fan of Toronto singer/songwriter Ron Hawkins, who is best known as the frontman for the Lowest of the Low. In addition to enjoying his music, I’ve always been captivated by the countless Toronto references in his lyrics. Whether he’s singing about the Carlaw Bridge, Sneaky Dee’s, Kensington Market or The Only on Danforth, he has a love for our city that is undeniable. I’ve always felt his music is criminally under-appreciated.
Visit the UnionNOW Digital Residency to learn more!
