of Fall
in Toronto’s East End September / October 2016
by insiders tips digital mag
Free download at www.insiders.tips
The Future of Digital Magazine Voluptuous imagery, sexy touch feel, engaging videos, immediate access to advertisers and more!
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Best for Taste in the East End Meet Three Pioneers in the Back to Flavour Movement 6
Fresh from the Farm
8
Royal Beef
10
Emma and Karuna
12
Best Ribs - Jawny Baker
13
Best Mole - El Sol
21
Best Vegetarian - Rendezvous
22
Best Jerk Chicken - The Real Jerk
24
The Best of Mary Macleod
26 Yuri’s Village Season Changing Broth Recipe
Redstone Rapids by Mike Maclaverty • www.theaccidentalphotographer.ca
Next Issue is November /December 2016 Serving the East End of Toronto. Patron Supporter: Medfit Rehab
27 - 40
Writers and Photographers: Sophia Borshevsky, Greg Barsoski, Susan Hirst, Tracey Coveart, Lee Ellis, Michael Maclaverty
Best for Home & Colour in the East End
Graphic Designer: Pam Hickey
Best for Fashion & Beauty in the East End
41
Mike Maclaverty
42
Emters Furnishings
43 Holy Cow 44 Yellow House Gallery Neighbourhood Living 46 Nellies 47 Luc Sculpture 48 Rosetta McClain Park Best for Birdwatching 49 Michael Warren-Darly - Living in Riverdale-Collected Worldwide 50 Susan Tsagkaris Some Dreams Need Special Dreamers
Publisher: Greg Barsoski Website Design: TheUpsideDesign.com Insiders tips digital mag is the evolution of Neighbourhood Living Magazine that showcased the people, places and events of Toronto’s East End since 2009. Neighbourhood Living will continue as its own section in insiders tips as the community building section. All rights reserved info. No article or ad may be duplicated without the consent of the publisher. Neighbourhood Living makes no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to the qualification or accreditation of those whose opinions are expressed herein, or with the respect to the accuracy of completeness of information (medical or otherwise) provided to, or published in, this magazine. The views and opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of the publisher.
www.neighbourhoodliving.com www.insiders.tips insiders.tips digital mag
Insiders.tips digital mag will focus on the Best of Toronto’s East End. There are incredible products and services being created by local artists and artisans that we support. Buy Local!! Studies have shown that for every dollar spent supporting a local independent, 48 cents stay in the community versus 13 cents of every dollar spent at chains. Shopping local builds community.
Cover Shot From the Annual Pocket Picnic in September by Sophia Borshevsky
for Taste by insiders tips
“Real Food” Movement Pioneers
Fresh from the Farm is part of the “Food Justice Movement”, a growing response to the globalization of massive food production and its harm to the earth. Fresh from the Farm believes in Fair Trade practices which promote social equity, economic security and sound environmental practices. We welcome you bringing re-usable bags to carry your food. We also sell canvas bags.
Since 1996,
Jacqui and Tim Schmucker have partnered with Ontario’s Amish and Mennonite Farmers to provide their customers with organic, hormone free and drug-free food. Fresh from the Farm provides the best tasting food you can find while providing an ecological and economically sustainable alternative to industrial processes of mass food production and consumption. When you shop here you are supporting small family farms who take pride in growing food that is healthy and tastes great. The next best thing to growing it yourself. At Fresh from the Farm, they take pride in providing their customers with a traditional personal service.
FrEsh From thE Farm
Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Debit / Visa / Master Card / Cash
350 Donlands Ave. 416-422-FARM (3276) info@freshfromthefarm.ca
Great Meals Start with Great Ingredients Royal Beef opened over 25 years ago with the vision of bringing quality meats at reasonable prices to our neighbourhood families. Our beef is pasture raised and then aged for 28 days in-house. Our Beef and pork are locally sourced from Millgrove, Innisville and Stoney Creek to mention a few. These farms allow their animals to mature naturally without the aid of hormones or anti-biotics. We take pride in bringing whole hogs from Perth pork and whole lambs from Beverly creek. They are cut on sight, into your perfect loin chops or racks of lamb. A must try is our new milk fed pork chops from Perth County. Our Farm Families truly care about what you eat! In house made Burgers and Sausages are a big hit year round. Fresh herbs and spices and gluten free. From our deli, “our very own� inhouse nitrate and gluten free, Oven roasted Turkey, Rare roast beef and Porchetta roast (raised without hormones and antibiotics) An eclectic mix of award winning olive oils from Spain to Austrailia, Reggiano from Italy and the best Olives from Greece. Just a sampling of what you will find in our gourmet grocery section.
If it’s not good enough for our table, it’s not good enough for yours. Royal Beef 1968 Danforth Ave 416-421-1029 www.royalbeef.ca
Emma and Karuna Connect East End Residents to Local Farmers
Emma and her mom Karuna live on the Scarborough Bluffs. Karuna, runs a healing arts practice and Emma operates as an Outdoor Educator and farmer in and out of the Toronto area. Together they coordinate a Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) project called the Compassion CSA. It is not a business, but a community project where local residents are able to visit and help local farmers grow their crops and in return access vegetables each week during the growing season. Insiders tips had an opportunity to chat with them recently. Q. How long has this project been active? We have been working it four years now. The intention was to create a more secure food network for our community housed within the spirit of generosity, kindness and beauty. Q. What challenges have you had to overcome and how? Creating effective communication strategies within our dynamic as mother & daughter. We spent four months living together in various conscious eco-communities practicing active listening and learning strategies for overcoming the personalizing of pain and suffering. Q. What inspires you to keep going? Learning how to live more closely with the land and to practices that have sustained our ancestors for generations. We are deeply inspired to foster compassion through nourishing our community. Q. One thing you admire about the neighbourhood and one thing you would like to change? We absolutely adore the proximity to the wildness and precious and vulnerable ecosystem of the Scarborough Bluffs. We’d like to have more places and spaces that are intentional communal meeting points that represent artistry, wilderness, First Nations history and healthy food and lifestyle choices. Q. What is the best reason to participate in your program? The accessibility to vital nourishment and kindness.
People can contact Karuna at 416 698 8913 and they can connect with Emma via email at ebrandy22@gmail.com Insiders tips would like to thank Emma and Karuna for their time and wish them continued success with their project.
Ontario Baby Pork Back Ribs in the East End
They are the most popular item on the Jawny Baker menu!
These locally sourced pork back ribs are slow roasted and basted with your choice of Jack Daniels BBQ or Honey BBQ sauce. They are served with great—really great—sweet potato fries and a spicy mayo dip with roasted seasonal vegetables. Available in half rack or full.
Jawny Bakers Restaurant 804 O’Connor Drive, Toronto, Ontario M4B 2S9 416-285-1165
Mole in the East End! El Sol Mexican Food Danforth Village
Yolande is a purist honouring the best of her Yaqui food traditions and loves to share them with her lucky customers. She prepares her brown mole poblano with vegetarian, beef or chicken stock. She imports a special family made mole paste from her village in the Yaqui area of Mexico. Her moles are a cacaoian delight and my favourite meal when I visit. At her restaurant you can enjoy a wide range of Mexican dishes in the traditional Yacquis way. Some of her recipes date back to days before Columbus.
1448 Danforth Avenue, 416-405-8074 www.elsol.ca • Since 1991
Canada’s Best Shortbread ear Y 0 3 g ratin
Celeb
s!
Leslieville’s Best Kept Secret Delicious Sweet and Savoury Shortbread flavours — baked right on the premises. Visit the Coach House Shortbread Company today!
Sweet
Savoury
235 Carlaw Ave., Lower Lobby, Toronto 416-907-8356 • info@shortbread.ca www.shortbread.ca
PAN Mediterranean Cuisine
Sun –Thur: 12-11:00pm • Fri-Sat: 12-12:00 pm
Thurs: Enjoy $20 bottle of Wine Promo. We have live music. Fri-Sat: Live Band & Belly Dancing
516 Danforth Ave. • 647 977 6371 • www.panonthedanforth.com • FREE DELIVERY
744 Gerrard St. E • 416-462-9965 www.batifole.ca
Three Star Pet Sitting Services Service area: Main Street to Guildwood
www.threestarpetservices.ca info@threestarpetservices.ca 416 509 8326 Pet sitting and dog walking
I am insured and bonded
Welcome to your second home!
Our Sunday Open Jam starts at 4:30 – every Sunday!! COme On Over!
Hi , I’m Mark Ma and I own the Black Bear Pub. After 6 years in this location, lots of our customers see the Black Bear as their second home. I serve All Day Breakfasts $4.95 and Homemade Soup $3.95. We have kids meals, French Toast, pancakes and Saturday-Sunday; Eggs Bennie. Drop by and enjoy our great food. Ask for Mark!
Black Bear PuB • 1125 O’Connor • 416-752-5182
Vegetarian Platter: Rendezvous
In the Rendezvous kitchen we take cooking seriously. Ethiopian culture has a history of vegetarian cooking predating Columbus. Our vegetarian style is vegan, no deep frying, no preservatives, no trans fats, everything is prepared fresh and cooked from the heart. Our vegetarian combination consists of lentils, sweet peas, chick peas, potatoes, collard greens, spinach, beets and cabbage. We use these spices; burberry sauce — a hot sauce made with mixed herbs, olive oil, ginger and garlic. We also offer lamb, chicken and beef specialties.
Rendezvous 1408 Danforth Avenue 416-469-2513 Saturday night at the Rendezvous Restaurant
Welcome to Jawny Bakers – East York’s favourite place to meet We trust that you will enjoy whatever occasion has brought you here, whether it’s spending valued time with family or meeting friends, we want to extend some warm hospitality to you and your guests. Our menu is eclectic and offers global fare prepared with pride and passion. The selection is diverse and aims to satisfy all tastes. Our food is classic and prepared with a signature twist. Wherever possible, we strive to source fresh, local ingredients to prepare our addictive and tasty dishes, and partner with the most reputable suppliers. Whether you choose a fresh market salad, a perfectly grilled prime steak or a handmade burger, there’s a lot of homemade goodness in everything we prepare. We know you will like what you see and love what you taste!
— SI NCE 1992 —
804 O’CONNOR DRIVE TORONTO ON M4B 2S9
416.285.1165 JAWNYBAKERS.COM
Jerk Chicken
Since 1984, The Real Jerk has made their special recipe available to clients. Created by Owner and Chef Lily Pottinger drawing from her Jamaican childhood and family traditions. Over the years Lily has shaped the recipe with warmth and love to what it is today- The Best Jerk Chicken in the East End!
TRJ Gerrard 842 Gerrard St East 416-463-6055
TRJ Beaches 1004 Kingston Rd 416-690-8752
www.therealjerk.com G R o u p S a R E w E lco m E
You are welcome to visit Brigantino’s on the Danforth
In these days of fast living and fast food, we welcome you to relax in our friendly casual corner of the world, while we prepare one of our homestyle Italian meals for you. We use only the freshest ingredients and make each dish from scratch for your personal enjoyment. We look forward to seeing you in our restaurant. Brigantino Family
Brigantino’s on the Danforth 401 Danforth Ave • 416-465-3740
of Mary Macleod’s Shortbread According to Sharon, who now manages Mary Macleod’s, these are the best of what they create.
Best Tasting:
Chocolate Crunch
Best In Class
Espresso Chocolate
Must Visit Reason: to have a cookie of your choice. Cranberry Almond
Dutch Chocolate
Mary MacLeods Shortbread 639 Queen St East 416-461-4576 www.marymacleod.com
Vitalize with Change of Season Soup Dr. Yuri Murakami, ND
The hot, humid summer is almost turning into cooler season. As we are always in a close relationship to the natural environment, with a change of season, our body also goes into a transition. As a result, during this time, we tend to develop colds easily or any part of the “weak spot” of the body reappears. “Change of Season Soup” is one of easy ways to support the immune system to have a smooth transition at this time of the year. This soup is made of 4 Traditional Chinese herbs, design to enhance the immune system, to prevent a cold and flu, and to resist the body from everyday stress. It can be drink as a tea or soup for about 2 weeks during the change of season (especially from summer to fall).
Good quality of self-care is highly recommended this time of the season. Visit us and find how you can support your health naturally!
ingreDients
Astragalus membranaceus: Helps build immune system and helps the function of the Lung. Codonopsis pilosula: Used as a tonic for weakness, fatigue and enhance immune system. Dioscorea sinensis (Chinese yam): Helps the function of lung by hydrating and improves protective mechanism of the Lung. Lyciium barbarum (Goji berries): Rich in antioxidants, and improves circulations and boost immunity. Direction
For basic stock: In a large pot, add 1-2 L of water and about 2 to 3oz each of the herbs above. Cover the top and bring to boil, simmer for 4-6 hours. Top the water as necessary. This basic stock has a slight sweetness from the herbs. You can use this as a soup base to make your own chicken soup!
Yuri’s Village naturopathic clinic
Danforth avenue & greenwood www.yurisvillage.com 416-466-5773 • appointment@yurisvillage.com Clinic Opens Monday to Saturday (Office Hours: Wed to Sat, 10-5pm)
Fall Fashion & Beauty
Irish Design House
756 Queen St. E. www.theirishdesignhouse.com
Ziliotto
752 Danforth Ave. www.ziliotto.com
Boutique La Villa 766 Danforth Ave.
FALL 2016 Is about easy layering and versatile lifestyle. Dress up, dress down effortlessly with comfort and style minimalist jewellery adds a wonderful contemporary touch to a busy lifestyle where time is of the essence.
The entire Studio Fresh clothing line is designed by Connie Meyer and made here in Toronto. Also made locally in Toronto is the BurfurtArt jewellery line, Tenacious Bags, Yasmine Lewis T-‐shirts and so much more. Come in and spent some time just trying things on to get a feel for the fit and style of our unique wearables.We know that you will be back. We are always closed on Mondays but come any other day for a wonderful experience. Studio Fresh is located at 810 Danforth Ave, Toronto, on M4j 1L6, 416 850 8356 Studio Fresh www.studiofresh.ca info@studiofresh.ca HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY 810 Danforth Avenue, Toronto 416 850 8356 • info@studiofresh.ca www.studiofresh.ca
YOGA WITH SUSAN
Find your inner strength and make friends with your body
Certain Chinese Doctors believe (with plenty of back-up) that we have a 2nd brain in our abdomen or solar plex centre (that place people call the 6 pack). Correct physical practice helps not only the brain in our head to work better but also the brain in our abdomen. When we tap into the strength of this 2nd brain we connect with a greater deeper inner wisdom and personal power. The 3rd and smaller brain Is in our heart. When the wisdom of our power centre at the abdomen is strengthened in connection with the wisdom brain in our heart we can use our personal power wisely for the greater benefit of all humanity and not just for personal gain. And we stay in touch with an ability to be compassionate when this is appropriate and needed. This connection with our inner strength and wisdom is so necessary for Baby Boomers as we live in a world where we are bombarded with so much overload of information. If that inner strength is not strong, we can end up letting the outside world dictate for us what we need. Not usually a good thing as NO ONE ELSE REALLY KNOWS WHAT WE NEED BUT OURSELVES! To be continued.......
Join Susan at her Woodbine Yoga classes on Monday nights. She is also available for small group sessions or 1 on 1 sessions.
Contact her at 647-927-9074 or suescape@hotmail.com
“One of our lovely clients in a new arrival from Jennifer Glasgow, a Canadian designer based out of Montreal. Stand out in this black jumpsuit from C/MEO Collective, suitable for most occasions this fall.�
Parade
261 Danforth Avenue
www.paradeboutique.com
Jexy and Jax 375 Danforth Ave. www.jexyandjax.com
Karim knows the scent of a woman Christian Dior once said, “A woman’s perfume tells more about her than her handwriting.” Karim, the owner of Pennywise Fragrance uses a woman’s handwriting to figure out what perfume she should be wearing. Not exactly. But he can help you find the perfect fragrance by doing a little background research: finding out what you like and what you wear. It was Karim’s mother who started the family business 26 years ago. Karim now runs the business-the first discount fragrance store in Canada-which carries more than 100 perfumes at unbeatable prices. And not the mass marketed products you find in big box stores. It’s the perfect line of work for Karim.
“I like to interact with people one to one. Fragrance is a very personal business. It’s not the kind of service you can provide online or over the phone.”
1366 Danforth Ave. Toronto • (416) 469-9604 • www.pennywisefragrances.com
DeLish Boutique 2116 Queen St. E. www.delishboutique.ca
Neo Fashion 933 Kingston Road 416-698-7366
FIGHT INFLAMMATION
WITH AcupuNcTure reduce inflammation in your body and boost your natural healing potential to combat illness from within.
Healing from the Root (since 1998) Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Private Practice
Julian Jones, r.Ac., r.TcMp 348 Danforth Avenue, Suite 215, carrot common call to arrange a consultation: 416-995-2526
2016 Queen Street E. www.posh.ca
BOA 2116B Queen St. E. 416-694-6867 www.theboaroom.com Facebook.com/boaapparel
Studio We
1184 Queen Street E. www.studiowe.ca
Thrill of the Find
1172 Queen St. E. www.thrillofthefind.com
Set Me Free
2130 Queen St. E. www.setmefreebeaches.com
We believe everyone can dance. No matter what your age or ability. Dance is our soul expressing feelings and emotions as a pathway to true joy. 95 Danforth Ave @ Broadview Toronto, ON M5A 4K3 416-406-3262 www.joyofdance.ca
Join our family. All are welcome!
KIDS, TEEN & ADULTS Ballet Ballet on Pointe Ballroom Bollywood Burlesque Cha Cha Contemporary Ginga Hip Hop Jazz Latin Lyrical Modern Nia Salsa Tango Tap Zumba and so much more...
If you have been diagnosed with scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
wE CaN hElp you. Introducing ScoliBrace®
Super Corrective • Non-Surgical • Effective ScoliBrace® is a unique scoliosis bracing method used in conjuction with 3D imaging software to create a customized brace. By positioning the body and the spine in their overcorrected or mirror image position, curve reductions are achieved as well as improvements to rib humping, shoulder level and the overall appearance of the body. You will experience a tremendous alleviation of lower back pain.
Relieves lower back pain and improves appearance Etobicoke Reader’s Choice Award Winning Clinic 2011 to 2015
Call now for your ScoliBrace® Consultation highly Effective for: • adult Degenerative Scoliosis, • Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis and • adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
2896 Bloor Street West, Toronto 416-769-1163 info@completebalancehealth.com www.completebalancehealth.com Part of the medical team for the 2015 Toronto Pan Am Games
Mike Maclaverty Fine Art Photography www.theaccidentalphotographer.ca • mmaclaverty@me.com • 416 529 6405
Emters Furnishings
Emter’s is a Furnishing Store! All one of a kind pieces! Inspired on the idea of reinventing , recreating, and recycling old furniture or objects to be new and funky. We like to use the used, make them new and give it you at a decent price.
1100 Queen St E, Toronto 647-719-2627 www.emtersfurnishings.com
HOLY COW
CLEARANCE SALE! These collectibles and antiques sourced 8 years ago from villages and marketplaces in the Far East.
They Must Go!! This part of the store will be soon filled with new exciting product!
This stock must be cleared to make room for Christmas shipments. Our turkish towels are the best; all natural, super absorbent and dry immediately! Bedcovers and sheets are natural fibre; all hand woven, no chemicals, will last forever!!
Holy Cow • 1100 Queen Street E., Toronto
OCAD U Alumni:
TRIBUTE EXHIBITION Featuring the work of John N. Inglis and other distinguished alumni from The Ontario College of Art, OCAD and OCAD University “August Moon Rising” John N. Inglis. watercolours. 17” x 23”, 2016
The exhibition is presented by The Ontario College of Art and Design Alumni Association. This exhibition runs until Thursday, Nov. 3rd.
OpENINg RECEpTION: THURsDAy, OCTOBER 13TH 6:30pm - 9:00pm Please join is! Light refreshments will be served. Artists will be in attendance.
921 Kingston Road Toronto, Ontario M4E 1S6 416-792-8460 www.yellowhousegallery.ca
Run the Scotiabank Marathon and Fundraise for Nellies! How many years have you participated in the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon? I was partaking for the first time in 2015. I used to watch it on television and thought of getting myself involved, which I finally did. What is your favourite memory of the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon? My favourite memory was when everyone gathered at the starting point. Participants represented a mosaic of multiculturalism in Toronto, and included people of all ages, colors, professional backgrounds and those who are differently able. It was an inspirational moment for me. The atmosphere of everyone coming together for the same mission was memorable for me. Where does the money raised for Team Nellie’s go? The money raised by our team directly goes to needy women and children living at Nellie’s Shelter. Nellie’s operates a shelter for women and their children who face several barriers in their lives. It provides a safe place and nutritious foods to its residents. In addition, it also provides life skill supports and assists them to get on their feet by coordinating with various like-minded agencies. I have witnessed smiling faces of the women and children who have benefited from the funds raised. You did a phenomenal job fundraising last year for Team Nellie’s; do you have any fundraising tips for participants in this year’s Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon? I believe that everyone can do it. One should approach his/ her network of friends and families and it will be helpful to let them know about Nellie’s Mission and services. Nellie’s is happy to provide donors with receipts & Thank You letters, and we always list our amazing participants in our Annual Report!
The 2016 Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon (5K Run, Half-marathon and Marathon)
on Sunday, October 16th
is the perfect opportunity for you to get active, and raise awareness for women and children in Toronto who are experiencing violence, homelessness, and poverty.
LucSculpture School & Studios Find Your Perfect Art Class for your Creative Adventure! LucSculpture offers a variety of inspiring art classes for you whether you are absolute beginners, wanting to learn specific skills, or wanting to explore your new side.
Here is a guide to help you find the great match for your creative journey from September!
LucSculpture Art Classes Just Starting? 1) Terrified Beginners: Learn drawing and painting in pressure free class. 2) Being Creatively Fit: Playfully gaining creativity with a variety of art exploration. 3) Drawing Exploration: Experiment with different drawing mediums– even a tea bag! 4) Encaustic Workshop: Have fun with melted wax with this one day workshop! 5) Clay Sculpture A-Z: This course will guide you on your clay projects! 6) Pottery: It is easy then you believe when you learn step by step. Get Advanced! 1) Landscape & Cityscape: Master the most loved subjects of the artists. 2) Independent Painting: Great course to level up on your painting. 3) Figure Sculpture (Realistic or Gestures): Sculpt from the life model. 4) Figure Drawing (No instruction): Join the weekly drawing of the life model. Wants New Skills? 1) Sumi-E: Learn simple beauty of Japanese Ink painting. 2) Realistic Painting: Paint like the old masters. 3) Portrait Curriculum: Become confident in drawing & painting your loved one! 4) Unlock Your Painting Style: Find your style, and explore more! 5) Watercolour: Express a unique way using this versatile medium. 6) Udu Clay Drum: Make your own drum with clay. Weekday Option? 1) Watercolour: Go with the flow of water on Wed afternoon. 2) Abstract Painting: Explore the richness of colour and textures on Wed. morning. 3) Sketching Architecture: Create a new relationship with places around you. 4) Clay for Senior: Enjoy the drop in class by donation on Wed. morning
LucscuLpture 663 Greenwood Ave 416-461-7936 • info@lucsculpture.com www.lucsculpture.com
Park to Bird Watch
Rosetta McClain Gardens The manicured 23-acre park is filled with rose gardens and a rock fountain surrounded by a pergola. It has a large view of Lake Ontario from the top of Scarborough Bluffs. The park is also an ideal location for bird watchers, floraphiles and anyone looking to escape the city life for a quiet setting.
The garden is located at 5 Glen Everest Rd. For more information, call 416-392-8188.
Living in Riverdale Collected Worldwide
m.warren-darley@rogers.com
Some Dreams Need Special Dreamers Meet Susan Tsagkaris Susan Tsagkaris is that special dreamer, a woman who has dedicated her life to fulfilling her dream. Susan is in love with the music of Wagner, R. Strauss, Verdi, and Puccini, but Wagner moves her soul. Her special dream is singing Wagner - the ultimate challenge in opera, on stage globally. Through passion and persistence, having just sung her USA debut as Puccini’s Turandot and most recently having coached complete Wagner and Strauss operas with the best Wagner/Strauss experts in the world, Susan is well along the path to achieving this dream.
Best told in Susan’s words … ”There is an emotional depth Wagner achieves in his music that stirs up the audience. When I am on stage, I feel those larger than life emotions and channel them to the audience, hopefully providing catharsis. Live performances can create drama, an experience of unpredictability you wouldn’t get on the internet. You can’t replicate the totality of the live experience. Early in my career as a young singer with a large voice, I was not ready t o sing this repertoire for which I was destined, although I was aware of the vocal direction I would someday go. I didn’t have the emotional depth nor the muscular development vocally. It took me until I was 40 to develop true vocal maturity. My voice category, or Fach, is now hoch dramatische- a rare category. It requires a huge range in voice, hi to lo, considerable sound-and much stamina. The operas I sing have huge orchestrations which my voice must soar over. There is no substitute for life experience. I raised four children as an artist with my husband, Ted. I had miscarriages, serious car accidents, dealt with serious illness with my husband but always got back on the stage. Luckily I was able to see that there is humour in tragedy. The women I portray are very strong characters with a passion for life. As an artist, being vulnerable is essential, it helps not only convey honest feelings and emotions but serves to relax the muscles in the body to achieve emotional depth. Stage represents freedom and communicationthe exhilaration of expression. When I am on stage I feel at home. Family and friends have been the source of much support.. My husband Ted, a passionate Greek from the island of Kalymnos, is very supportive. His philosophy is, ‘what you do is not who you are…we are all created equal’. Having lived here for over 25 years, I’m addicted to this Greektown neighbourhood. I love that it is an international community, home to different people from all over the world. I can walk everywhere, everything one needs is here; great food and shops, a safe and vibrant neighbourhood. This neighbourhood has embraced my family and helped foster my creativity. It has encouraged me to keep dreaming in my never ending quest to live life to the fullest!“ On behalf of insiders.tips, I thank Susan Tsagkaris for talking with us and wish Susan and her family all the best.