My Toronto Includes Kari Gignac
Kari Gignac, Online Photographic Sales
Enjoying a pint with her friends at Sneaky Dee’s at the corner of College and Bathurst
What is your most favourite place in the city? One of my favourite spots in the city is a window seat in Sneaky Dee’s.
What is it that you like about this location? From the vantage point of the window seat, you can see all the beautiful people walking by, watch the sun set directly down College Street, and enjoy the fabulous Mexican food (the Guacamole Exquisito is a particular favourite of mine)! Honestly, I’ve never been to a restaurant where there are so many eclectic styles represented by the patrons. From Goth to Mod, and everything in between. I fit right in the middle, I think. There’s also something about the atmosphere in Sneak’s- it could be the grunginess, or the questionable service, or the loud music- that makes it feel cozy to me. You can laugh as loud as you want, yell out obscenities if necessary and sing at the top of your lungs- no one there would bat an eyelash. When I go there, I feel at home, less shy and introverted than usual. That may be because I’ve been so many times… it’s the choice meeting place for my friends and I, and where my friends like to be, I like to be!!
Where is the best place to eat in the city? Sneaky Dee’s. Guacamole Exquisito. Or the King’s Crown Nachos. With a pitcher of Red Barron.
What do you like about living in Toronto? I love the fast pace. I love that there’s ALWAYS something to do. I love the diversity. I love that people who don’t live in Toronto find it overwhelming and scary, and the fact that I can hack it makes me feel accomplished and proud. Of course, this is one of the reasons why non-Torontonians think we’re snobs… they just don’t get it. They won’t until they actually live here! I also love the fact that I can get anywhere on my bike faster than driving or taking the TTC. I love how easy it is to live an environmentally friendly, sustainable life.
What do you hate about living in Toronto? Hmmm… I hate the smog. I hate the “I’m in a rush don’t bother me” attitude that people (myself included) sometimes have. I hate that my family is so far away (Windsor). I don’t hate, but am disappointed by, all of the homeless people (especially the kids) on the street. I hate that the rent is so high!
Where would I find you on a lazy Sunday afternoon in the city? In my living room, watching a movie (winter). On a patio, sharing some brunch with good friends (summer).
Who is your favourite Local Celebrity? Hmmm… that’s a good one. Since a lot of my time has been spent blogging lately, I’d have to Sam Javanrouh. I’ve never met him, but his photo blog is an inspiration to me. He has a way of taking the most mundane subject and turning it into a spectacular photo. Plus he gets, on average, 30 comments on each post! I can only dream…
Car, Bike or Transit? BIKE!!!
Favorite personal story or commentary on the city I moved in with my friend from school up in North York almost four years ago. I still had my Honda CRV back then, and one day I got a speeding ticket on Avenue Road AND the car got towed from Queen Street East. I’d been handing out resumes all day and my feet were killing me, and I was annoyed beyond belief that I had to walk to the impound and pay to get my car back. I was about ready to give up and just drive back home to Windsor, but the next day, I gave a resume to Bangkok Garden on Elm Street (a Thai restaurant) and they hired me on the spot. It was the shittiest job ever, but I couldn’t believe how quickly I got work here in Toronto. I worked hard for a couple months there, bussing tables and serving noodles, lychee ice cream and mango salad, and then got a job at Indigo in the Eaton Centre. At that same time, I got my job at Henry’s, where I’m still happily selling cameras to photo bloggers around the world via eBay. So, this just goes to show how quickly things can flip flop in this city. And how, if you’re persistent and work hard, Toronto can be an amazing place of opportunity! I can’t believe I’ve been here for four years already. I’ve grown so much; experienced so much. Toronto is definitely a part of who I am now, and no matter where I end up, I know this time in Toronto will help me be more diligent, aware and appreciative.
My Toronto includes my friends, my camera and my bike. Without those three things, I’d be a completely different person. And I’d have absolutely nothing to do!
