Obama to Visit Toronto?
Barack Obama will visit Canada, making us his first foreign destination as President of the United States. No details of when, where or how have been released, and while it seems likely that he'll visit Ottawa, the possibility of ObaMania hitting Toronto, and maybe a sighting of Air Force One at Pearson, is enough to get me excited.
Despite the frustrating motorcades, increased security and media frenzy that follows Obama wherever he goes, the chance for Toronto to show off to the world, even if just for a few hours, is enough to get me thinking about the top spots the so-called "leader of the free world" should check out during his yet-unannounced swing through town.
I'm sure any time Obama would spend in Toronto would be tightly scheduled and not really include any sight-seeing, but I brainstormed some ways the President could spend his time outside the board- or ballrooms in town.
Given that he likes to sleep in and shoot hoops, I'll start my recommendations with lunch in Kensington Market, since the flavours and style of Augusta Ave are not to be missed by any visitor looking for a slice Toronto culture.
Although he's a hoops guy, it's hard to think of a better way for the President to understand the Canadian psyche than with a visit the the Hockey Hall of Fame. Although I'd like to say he should do a walking tour of the area after that, it's safe to say the Secret Service won't be that accommodating.
I'm a bit torn on dinner. I know the Obamas enjoy a good meal at good restaurants, but which Toronto eatery shows off Canadian/Toronto cuisine the best? For a more casual explore-a-neighbourhood feeling while still getting a top quality meal in a cozy space, I would gladly send the Prez to Silver Spoon. The continually-evolving menu truly highlights and underscores the beauty and deliciousness of eating seasonally. At the same time, on a clear night it's hard to steer a visitor away from the city's - indeed, perhaps the country's - top restaurant, Canoe. With service fit for a king (or, ahem, Obama) and superb Canadian cuisine, well, it would be a special dinner indeed.
At this point I'm sure Obama would have to take off, jetting out of town with a full belly and fond memories of T.O., although it would be a shame if he missed out on a show or film while in town.
Disagree with my picks? Have a better idea? Give your two cents in the comments on what and where Obama should go, should he stop by T.O. in '09.
Photo by renée I.A. mercuri.
Comments (21)
I think he needs to have a roti at Gandhi. But his secret service people should call ahead so they don't need to wait 30 minutes for it during the lunch time rush.
Maybe he could attend the first sod turning of the start of construction on the first Transit City line. The official sod turning can be done before the real shovel break ground. It would reflect Obama's desire for the US to go green, so why not use this. May put pressure on Harper to also go green as well.
i think obama should visit the cn tower, have lunch at canoe, check out the bata shoe museum(something for his wife to do), while she's there, he could check out some canadian talent at spearmint rhino, maybe have a laugh at the leafs, have some dinner at c5(kill 2 birds with one stone and check out the museum), and for dessert, head over to tim hortons for a coffee, a maple dip, and a bunch of timbits!
maybe he could take a quick hop over to the REAL niagara falls, and laugh at buffalo/niagara with the rest of us canadians
All this Obama frenzy is idiotic. He won an election we did not vote in. I'm ashamed to be a Canadian. We have no identity, we need to hero worship others' leaders.
Really? You're ashamed to be Canadian for that? Obama drew, what, a million people at a rally in Germany last year - do they lack an identity too? He's become, rightly or wrongly*, a sort of transcendental global leader, he's developed a celebrity that draws this sort of reaction everywhere. For you to feel ashamed of your nationality for that reason is a greater negative comment on you than it is on anything else, including Canada's sense of identity.
*I think wrongly. He's a good guy, I agree with a lot of what he says, but he's just one guy. Economically, geo-politically etc the odds are stacked heavily against him. Everyone's setting themselves up for massive disappointment that we'll start seeing by...June.
Anyway, he should obviously visit south indian dosa mahal.
You're spot on! I agree that he has the tides against him, but it adds interest to see how he will pass through the hurdles (or not).
If only Canadian politics were more interesting!! I'm still waiting on that coalition government to make it so.
escubio on January 11, 2009 1:01 AM
All this Obama frenzy is idiotic. He won an election we did not vote in. I'm ashamed to be a Canadian. We have no identity, we need to hero worship others' leaders.
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So sorry if the rest of the world is excited that the US finally pulled back from the edge of stupid after 8 dreadful years of Bush. People are thankful and hopeful that Obama is the next POTUS - if you're not, then just go back to your Mom's basement and ignore the immense global changes about to take place. That you mistake this hope and excitement for worship shows how much you know about what's going on in the world.
the city is going to use this as an excuse to raise out tax.. cops have to work overtime to provide security, blah blah blah.. any events always ended up making us pay more tax
who the fuck cares? didn't everyone get enough US politics over the past year...let's more on, get the dude into office, get shit done and leave the publicity stunts to the Hiltons
I would wear a TObama shirt!
He's made so many people happy and given them hope when they had none. You'd be crazy to be againt him visiting our city.
If only people like you were interested in Canadian politics!
Seriously, this American-Canadian politics comparison is just garbage. Too many people here use it as an excuse to remain ambivalent towards our politics.
"TO-Bama"'s visit to Canada's bustling city will reap better political relations between USA and Canada.
cheers!
i disagree it's an excuse. obsession with american politics has always been present in canada and rightly so given its importance to us. confederation happened in part to resist american domination, and the upper & lower canada rebellions were heavily influenced by american politics and ideals. today, with most canadian's having ready access to american media, it's no surprise we've become more aware of & obsessed with it than ever. that being said, barack obama is a rare breed who represents something much greater than politics.
on another note, in a way we should be thankful that our politics aren't that exciting. boring politics means things are generally OK.
Obama's brother-in-law, Craig Robinson, was born and raised in Chicago. Who are you talking about?
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