My Toronto Includes Jerrold Litwinenko

Jerrold Litwinenko, Microscope Imaging Consultant / Photographer
Enjoying some traditional Japanese cuisine at the Sushi bar in Nami Restaurant on Adelaide East.

what is your most favourite place in the city? That’s a great question – and a difficult one to answer. My favourite place in the city seems to be in constant flux. It sometimes depends on the time of day, the season, my mood… one place that is special to me now is one that offers a bit on an escape from the usual comforts of home. In the midst of the action at the sushi bar or in a more intimate tatami room of one of Toronto’s oldest Japanese restaurants, I find comfort, feel nostalgic, and treat myself to the bright colours and flavours of traditional cuisine at Nami.

What is it that you like about this location? I spent two amazing years living in Japan, traveling, and photographing Asia, and the authentic food, sounds, and atmosphere of Nami in Toronto are truly transporting. It’s a pleasure and a privilege to be able to take a trip back without the 12hour airplane journey. While I sip on some sake between bites of sushi, I can forget about the hustle and bustle of my life, and reflect on my time living and traveling abroad.

Where is the best place to eat in the city? You’re here, and the unagi (barbecued eel) comes quite highly recommended!

What do you like about living in Toronto? Clichéd or not, it’s the diversity of our city and its people that makes me a happy Torontonian. What I like especially are the parts of the city where communities overlap. Toronto is also at its finest during the warmer months when the seemingly endless summer events keep us intrigued, highly entertained, and involved.

What do you hate about living in Toronto? Admittedly, it’s difficult to like the weather during the two extremes we experience every year. What’s worse is when people complain about the weather. which is why I’ll stop now! I’m also not a fan of the ugly condo building blitz that’s rapidly changing the downtown core.

Where would I find you on a lazy Sunday afternoon in the city? Depending on how my Saturday night went, I may or may not still be brewing that first cup of coffee on Sunday afternoon. Weekends are all about leisure, and are also perfect for getting out with good people (camera bag on shoulder, of course). Patios with a view of passing people are also a bit of a comfort trap.

Who is your favourite Local Celebrity? Although I went to high school with International supermodel Estella Warren, and am friends with Canadian TV icon Daryn Jones (The Buzz, Rick Mercer Report, now MTV), I’d have to say that my “favourite celebrity” is one that’s in the music scene, hasn’t yet gained high fame, but is truly destined for success. Gary Peter, member of the burgeoning band “These Electric Lives”is a writer, poet, musician, traveling roadie for Metric, and all around rock star.

Car, Bike or Transit? I’ve done all three, but I’ve been car-free since 2003. When living in the city, I find that the transit system is pretty top-knotch (not to mention photogenic). I don’t mind waiting for a streetcar only to have to squeeze into it. It is often the better way.

Favorite personal story or commentary on the city Coming home, and talking to others that have done the same. I’ve talked to quite a few people who have lived abroad for long periods of time, and many return with a similar, and very poignant story. Coming back to Toronto, makes you love it more than ever before. The finer details become a little more important. That pink and orange glow that falls on the skyline at dusk, the sound that the subway makes as it starts off down the tunnel, the smell of pizza blown from an exhaust fan as you pass on the street. it all rings so much more “home” when you’ve been away for a long time.

My Toronto includes every person that adds to the positive spirit to our great community.