FRANKIE’S FAVOURITE EATERIES 

Summer is in full swing, and what does that mean for the Waszkuns?

Back to Paris, of course.

We always spend at least a week here every summer. We haven’t recreated that family photo we took when the kids were little in quite a while… maybe this is the year, we do it from the right bank seated across the river from the Eiffel Tower. 

There’s something special about Paris in August. The city empties out as Parisians head off on holiday. It’s kind of like Florida in the summer/ less crowded, easier to get around, restaurant reservations are actually possible (assuming the restaurant hasn’t shut down for the month), and it’s the perfect time to zip around on an e-scooter, much to Brianna's dismay. 

Oscar was adamant that we do Japanese and had his sights set on Kinugawa Rive Gauche. Think Nobu with a Parisian twist. Kinugawa has locations around the world, but this one, which opened a few years ago, is something special. The main dining room is on the seventh floor, but during the summer they move the restaurant up to the rooftop terrace. It’s absolutely gorgeous. From the Left Bank, you get a panoramic view of Paris where so many of the city’s iconic landmarks seem to line up in front of you.

Now, the important part… the food.

We started with everyone’s favourite; the yellowtail with ponzu, jalapeño, and a touch of cilantro. At this point, every upscale Japanese restaurant seems to have borrowed this dish from Nobu, but when it’s done well, who cares... its always a winner. Agreed? 

Oscar ordered an off-menu salmon and avocado sushi that disappeared in about 30 seconds. The shishito peppers may have been the best I’ve ever had.

Of course, I ordered the black cod. I always do. And I hate to admit it, but I think black cod has become one of the most overrated dishes on high-end Japanese menus. It’s good.  actually… but for the price, I keep waiting to be blown away, and I never am. Is it just me?

The garlicky fried rice, on the other hand, absolutely stole the show. Every other dish was excellent too.

I love, love, love this place. If you’re looking to venture beyond the usual Paris hotspots like Gigi or Girafe, Kinugawa Rive Gauche deserves a spot on your list. It’s become one of my favourite additions to the Paris dining scene. Then again, I’m a Left Bank kind of guy, so maybe I’m a little biased.

We also made our annual pilgrimage to a few favourites. Siena never disappoints. Café Caillou is still serving one of the best beef bourguignons in the city, and Café Central on Rue Cler continues to nail the duck confit.

One thing I didn’t expect? Paris has officially caught the matcha bug. Matcha shops seem to be popping up everywhere.

And if you do make it to Siena, promise me one thing-/- order the Pavlova. In our family’s opinion, it’s the best on the planet.

Beep beep… I hope my editor lets this one sneak through.

Friday lunch was an absolute beauty.

The food? Fantastic.

The wait times? Let’s just say we’re in Paris, not a Formula 1 pit lane. We’ll leave it at that.

We headed to Chez Janou, a Paris institution. I hadn’t been in years, but my son insisted we go back because, according to him, they have the best chocolate mousse in Paris.

Judging by the lineup, half the city; and every tourist with an Instagram account showed up. Thankfully we had a 2pm reso. 

Here’s the thing, though. Everyone talks about the mousse, but the food deserves just as much attention.

I’d also forgotten how much I love the 3rd arrondissement. Wander a few minutes from the restaurant and you’ll find beautiful art galleries, a gorgeous little park, and some of the best boutique shopping in Paris. It’s one of those neighbourhoods where you accidentally walk 15,000 steps without realizing it.

Now, here’s your game plan.

Start with the escargots or the gambas to share.

For your main, order the farci provençal or the foie de veau.

The farci is like a French version of a stuffed pepper: yummy comfort food with a southern coast twist.

As for the foie de veau… I actually ordered it by mistake. I thought I was getting regular veal. Out came veal liver.

Best mistake of the day.

I love liver. My mom makes an incredible liver and onions, so I’m a tough judge. This was outstanding. Rich, buttery, perfectly cooked and perfectly salted. It was so good I immediately texted my mom and told her she’s coming here the next time she’s in Paris.

Drum roll, please…

The chocolate mousse.

Was it worth all the hype?

Yep.

There are no fancy swirls or little artistic desserts here. A server simply walks over carrying what looks like a white industrial-sized bowl of chocolate mousse and casually drops a mountain of it onto your plate. Everyone grabs a spoon and starts digging in.

It’s wonderfully French.

Simple.

Unpretentious.

Ridiculously good.

So yes, Chez Janou lives up to the hype. But don’t just come for the mousse. Come for the lunch, stay for the neighbourhood, and spend the afternoon getting happily lost in one of the best corners of Paris.

That’s a Friday well spent.

See ya next week

TECH SPOTLIGHT

Move over Paris and Milan — fashion’s next big destination is… San Francisco?

Vogue has announced that Vogue World will head to San Francisco in 2027, bringing its massive celebration of fashion, art, and music to the unofficial capital of the tech world. Previous editions have taken place in fashion heavyweights like New York, London, Paris, and Milan, making San Francisco a pretty unexpected addition to the list.

But maybe it shouldn't be that surprising. The worlds of fashion and technology have been getting increasingly cozy. This year's Met Gala had such a strong tech presence that some jokingly dubbed it the "tech gala." Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez were lead sponsors, while tech leaders like Mark Zuckerberg and Sergey Brin attended. OpenAI, Meta, and Snap reportedly even purchased tables.

It's quite the evolution for an industry whose unofficial uniform has historically been hoodies, Patagonia vests, sneakers, and the occasional pair of Crocs. Even Zuckerberg — once famous for seemingly owning an endless supply of identical grey T-shirts — has been spotted front row at Prada, while Meta's latest smart-glasses campaigns look increasingly like luxury fashion ads.

Tech companies themselves are also getting in on the action, releasing increasingly stylish branded merchandise and collaborations. Apparently, corporate swag has entered its designer era.

Vogue's decision to bring its global event to San Francisco suggests that tech isn't just influencing how we work, communicate, and live anymore — it's starting to influence what we wear, too.

So, could Silicon Valley become the next fashion capital? We'll have to wait until 2027 to find out. But don't be surprised if the runway includes AI-inspired gowns, designer quarter-zips, and one extremely expensive hoodie. 👗💻✨

Check it out!

On The Scene “Party of The Week”

Here is your backstage access to the Campfire Circle - Bonfire Bash - shots 📸 by George Pimentel. 

REAL ESTATE SPOTLIGHT

I know, I know, Miami is the greatest place in the world… Look, I've loved it since I was 20 but the world has caught on. Having said that, I still love California, LA more than San Fran but some people have been saying that SF has been cleaning up and the rush to AI focused companies and has inspired many people to move back to the West Coast from the East.  San Francisco has never been my fave but not for the topography, it's absolutely gorgeous, I've just always thought it seemed a bit dull. But I've always loved Pacifica - it's just gorgeous and not too far from Silicon Valley - you can get something close to the water that looks like this. Come on! 

Check it out!

European elegance & quality collide at one of the most prestigious addresses in Toronto, Behind the gated circular drive, 246 Riverside Dr. delivers over 9,000 sq.ft. of function & sophistication, ideal for large families, blended families, or multi generational living, there is an abundance of space for everyone to live, work, entertain, relax, as well as health & wellness, all set in the most majestic setting, the 100′ x 327 lot with south west views majestically perched above the Humber River, ultra rare 250 sq.ft.

Boat House & dock, a nature lovers paradise, for anyone who enjoys, rowing, kayak or paddling, hard to imagine you have all of this, with the downtown core just 15 min away, as well as all the wonderful shops & restaurants of Bloor West Village, & the Subway is just a 10 min walk away, possibly the best lifestyle & location in the entire city. The expansive main floor offers an abundance of living space, whether it be for day to day living, or entertaining on a grand scale, there is enough space for even the most ambitious of needs. Formal living & dining rooms beautifully adorned with tall skirt rails & crown mouldings, magnificent great room overlooking the rear gardens & ravine, a full laundry room & ample storage complete this incredible space.

The lower level is a world of its own, with multiple walkouts to the rear gardens, it doesn’t feel like a basement. Grand recreation area, world class wine cellar, & your own wellness centre with home Gym, Sauna & Steam Room, all overlooking the rear gardens. A full laundry room & ample storage complete this incredible space. 246 Riverside Dr. is the most comprehensive property currently on the market, delivering on all the key factors, prestigious address, frontage, privacy, scale & luxury.

Check it out!

Rare offering! Lifestyle and location come together to present this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! This spacious 4-level backsplit in prestigious Edenbridge-Humber Valley offers 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and an incredibly functional layout. Far larger than it appears, this home offers exceptional lifestyle opportunities for growing families, downsizers, and anyone seeking a neighborhood cherished by families for generations. Situated on a fabulous private lot backing directly onto a beautiful park, this property offers incredible privacy, stunning greenery, and even CN Tower views on a clear day.

The backyard is truly an oasis-complete with inground heated pool, large entertaining deck, mature landscaping, and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the seasons with family and friends. Inside, the home is bright, spacious, practical, and inviting, with large, picturesque windows that let natural light stream in all day. The main floor features an open-concept living and dining room, hardwood floors under broadloom, and a family-size eat-in kitchen. The large recreational/family room includes a cozy wood-burning fireplace and a walk-out to the backyard, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living. The light-filled basement features above-grade windows, abundant storage, and flexible living space.

Meticulously cared for by its owners, this home offers warmth, functionality and outstanding long-term potential in one of Etobicoke's most sought-after communities. It's perfect for families looking for move-in-ready comfort and functionality - enjoy the home as it is for years to come and, if desired, gradually customize the space to reflect your own style/evolving needs. One of the home's most special features is its connection to nature and community. Step through the backyard gate to enjoy acres of open green space featuring tennis courts, a playground, and an outdoor skating rink that comes alive each winter.

Check it out!

WORD OF THE WEEK

Invidious

What It Means

Invidious is a formal word used to describe things that are unpleasant and likely to cause bad feelings in other people. Such bad feelings may include resentment, discontent, animosity, or envy.

FRANKIE’S SONG OF THE WEEK

Is this song cheesy or cool? I can't put my foot on it? Lmk your thoughts..

I8MPS.COM

100 WEEKS OF POSITIVE MESSAGES

Frankie did 100 days of positive messages 3 years ago. He wanted to center them around mental health and positivity. We will post them each week for 100 weeks.

"Those who show compassion are simply the best.

We all make mistakes and forget to say sorry the odd time, forget to ask how someone is doing and forget to hold the door open.

But the people who have this nature about them that want to help out, that want your day to go well and that want to resolve your issues are definitely the tops.

Showing compassion can go unnoticed, but it shouldn't.

To feel and take away someones pain is a very noble act and in some ways the most pure form of love.

I can bet that if we all taught our kids to be more polite and compassionate, we would live in a much happier world.

Learn to make people smile, it is the greatest thing you can do for yourself.”

OTHER POSH THINGS

All about Versace, at Musee Maillol, Paris

I recently popped into Paris for 24 hours and booked to see just 1 exhibition - the Gianni Versace Retrospective at the Musee Maillol . I found myself completely absorbed in the world of the designer who made fashion louder, bolder and infinitely more glamorous.

The exhibition is the largest retrospective of Gianni Versace ever presented in France, bringing together around 450 pieces. There are dazzling runway looks, original sketches, campaign photography, accessories, videos and rarely seen archival material that paint a picture of the man behind the Medusa.

What struck me most wasn't just the sparkle (although there's plenty of that). It was seeing where Versace's ideas came from. As you move through the galleries, you begin to notice the threads connecting ancient Greek mythology, Roman sculpture, Italian Renaissance art and the ornate Baroque style that became one of his signatures. Suddenly, those famous gold prints and dramatic silhouettes feel like part of a much bigger story.

And then there are the clothes.

Supermodel-era Versace is very much on display, with unforgettable looks worn by Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer and Christy Turlington, alongside pieces created for music legends like Elton John and Madonna. Walking through the exhibition feels like flipping through the greatest hits of late '80s and '90s fashion—but in three dimensions.
Paris also plays a starring role in the story. Vesace debuted his first Haute Couture collection here in 1989, opened his flagship boutique on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, and presented his final couture collection in Paris just days before his death in 1997. That connection gives the exhibition an added layer of meaning, making it feel especially at home in the French capital.

The exhibition design deserves a mention too. Rather than feeling like a traditional museum show, it's theatrical, immersive and unapologetically glamorous—exactly as you'd hope from a celebration of Gianni Versace. Rich colours, dramatic lighting and carefully curated displays make every room feel like its own runway moment.

Whether you're a die-hard fashion fan or simply looking for a memorable cultural outing in Paris, this is one exhibition that's worth adding to your list. You leave with a renewed appreciation for Versace's extraordinary eye—not just for fashion, but for art, history and the power of making people stop and stare.

Exhibition opened 5 June 2026. Musee Maillol 59–61, rue de Grenelle, Paris

TRIVIA

Category: Random Facts!

🧠A Weekly Dose of Psychology You Didn’t Know You Needed 🧠

Hi everyone! I’m Maya, I hold an Honours Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science and Psychology (basically, I can analyze both a crime scene and your overly complicated coffee order). I’m also a Master of Arts candidate in Counselling Psychology, which means I spend a lot of time thinking about how the human brain works, and why it sometimes does the exact opposite of what we want it to do.

Psych Fact #52: A favour can actually make someone like you more.

You might assume that when someone does you a favour, you become more likely to like them. Strangely enough, psychology suggests the person doing the favour can also end up liking you more.

This is sometimes called the Ben Franklin effect, named after Benjamin Franklin, who famously described winning over a rival by asking to borrow a rare book from him.

The psychology behind it comes down to how our brains like our actions and beliefs to make sense together. If I willingly go out of my way to help you, my brain may essentially reason, “Well, I probably wouldn’t have done that if I didn’t like this person.” Instead of questioning the favour, it adjusts the attitude.

It’s a funny reversal of what we usually expect. Sometimes asking someone for a small favour can build connection just as much as doing something nice for them.

So apparently, “Can you do me a quick favour?” might be doing a little more psychological work than we realized.

Just maybe don’t test the theory by asking your coworker to help you move this weekend.

“UNTUCKED” GOLF TOURNAMENT 2026

We have few foursomes left at the "untucked" golf tournament this year. If you would like more details or a spot check out the website @ www.untuckedgolf.com 

CHRIS’ CORNER

Blue Jays’ Season Isn’t Over… Yet

Okay, so I know they traded away some solid pitching and a serviceable outfielder at the trade deadline but hang with me on this one.

The Toronto Blue Jays may be looking ahead to 2027, but they’re doing so while having an outside chance at catching the final wild card berth in the American League. At the time of this writing, they were only three games back of the wild card and on a 6-4 run in their last ten.

That’s not insignificant. Neither is the fact they would need to leapfrog six teams to get to the postseason and give fans October baseball for the second straight year.

Still, they have a legitimate ace in Dylan Cease, who won pitcher of the month honours in July, they still have bats and pitchers that have been in high pressure situations (within an out of winning the World Series in 2025), and a belief that anything can happen.

So, despite trading away some of their main contributors from last year, there is still plenty of good for the faithful to cling to down the stretch for the Blue Jays. Plus, if they can get on a roll, the SkyDome (forever in our hearts it will be the SkyDome) will be rocking – and home field advantage can have a huge impact on results.

Historically, way stranger things have happened in Major League Baseball over the years.

Anyone remember Rocktober in 2007? That year the Colorado Rockies went absolutely nuts down the stretch in the regular season, posting a 14-1 record in their final 15 games of the regular season, which included a 9-8 win over the San Diego Padres in a one-game playoff for the wild card berth. Including the playoffs, they ended up winning 21 of 22 games enroute to the World Series.

Sure, the Rockies eventually got swept by the Boston Red Sox in the Series, but the run in was one of the greatest in MLB history.

Then there are the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals, who had to make up 10.5 games in the final stretch of the season to steal the wild card spot, they did just that by going 18-8 in September – oh, and they won the World Series too.

The 2021 Cardinals were also well out of it come September, 15 games back of the Chicago Cubs in the division and well out of the wild card race. Then they won 17 straight games in September to make the playoffs.

There are several other late runs that one could point to for optimism about the Jays’ chances, but we’ll leave it with the legendary Yogi Berra quote: “It ain’t over till it’s over.”

By Chris Occhiuzzi

For more articles, and podcasts, visit: www.patreon.com/therealchrisoshow

UPCOMING SPORTS EVENTS

WEATHER THIS WEEK

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“The goal is to die with Memories, not dreams...” 

Love this one 

-SFD

NEED A TENT?

If you're looking for a wedding tent or corporate party tent this summer or fall. Make sure to follow up with my little brother and www.thetentrenters.com ask for David. 

CONTRIBUTIONS

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Thank you

- Frankie

AUTHOR’S NOTE

Super Frankie is lazy. He loves technology because it makes life simpler. Technology is spawned from ideas that make life easier. He is the founder of Busys.ca which is a company that sells/leases and services printers, laptops, document management software, copiers, IT services, and phone systems throughout North America and Europe.

LET’S CONNECT

*These articles, jokes, and stories are written by individuals handpicked by SFD for their unique way of thinking and writing. While SFD appreciates their styles, he does not necessarily endorse their opinions. This newsletter is designed to bring a smile to your face. If you prefer not to receive this weekly newsletter, please feel free to unsubscribe. You will be missed.