FRANKIE’S FAVOURITE EATERIES

Over the last few months I've had many people ask me to review their restaurants.  I am happy to do so and I will get to it, for sure. The best way to get me there is make a reso and have a bite with me, because I do have a regular job selling office technology ;) 🖨️💻 and doing my best to raise a family, watch their games, play the odd game of golf ;) or tennis, and I love to cook. So, Make the reso and I'll be there I may bring a friend or two as well. The more the merrier has always been my motto. 

Last week I spent the weekend with a great friend in Whistler with his family. It has become sort of a family day tradition, we love it. 

Whistler has plenty of good food options but I'd say one that I always end up at is Araxi. For some reason this one stands out as the best in Whistler for me and every time I eat there I'm reminded of why. The food is great! 

We started our night with some oysters. We like smaller ones and they always say the east coast oysters are smaller. Now, this always seems counterintuitive to me to order east coast oysters when you're in the west because isn't the idea that you want them the freshest, you know as if we are getting them straight out of the water? But I have had to get over that, I mean, I've been to restaurants by the ocean and I later learn the fish was frozen so I just go with the flow. Let's just say the oysters were great. BUT, oysters for me are like caviar, I love the accoutrements that go along with them, the minionette, the horseradish, the hot sauce, and some lemon. Like caviar, it's all about the little pancake with the creme fresh and hint of onion. 

Let's get to dish two which was a perfect appetizer of hamachi. It comes out sashiimi style sliced with a light yellowy/orangey tangy sauce, a spring leaf on top, and a hint of cilantro - it's again the perfect bite. I paired that with a Chablis. The Chablis was good but a little too buttery for me with not enough taste so I stole my wife’s Sauvignon Blanc. Yum! 

I went with old faithful for my main, a tartare of beef, I asked them to hold the truffle shavings on top, I don't need truffle, it's not a taste I crave, maybe on a pizza or a risotto but for me, it's not something I need. It was great. 

We skipped dessert and got the bill, not as bad as Miami and for the type of meal you get at Araxi, it's surprisingly well priced. 

I love this place 👍👍. 

Check it out!

TECH SPOTLIGHT

Apple’s budget-friendly iPhone SE just got a refresh, but this time, it’s shedding its old name and stepping into the big leagues as the iPhone 16e. It’s packing Apple’s latest AI, because who doesn’t need their phone to write poetry or summarize emails on the go?

With the A18 chip under the hood, it can handle Apple Intelligence locally — no WiFi, no problem. And in a throwback to the iPhone X, the home button is gone (RIP Touch ID), and USB-C is here to save us all from Lightning cable scavenger hunts.

Camera fans, there’s a 48MP lens with a fun little “two-in-one” mode that lets you snap 24MP pics. Oh, and Apple swears this 6.1-inch screen is the most battery-efficient one yet — because watching TikToks uninterrupted is a priority.

Pre-orders are open February 21, so you’ve got time to decide: AI in your pocket, or stick with your current phone that’s just fine but doesn’t chat back quite as smartly.

Check it Out!

REAL ESTATE SPOTLIGHT

I love Bloor west village and at this price, I think this one will go fast fast fast.  Let's see.

Check it out!

WORD OF THE WEEK

obtuse

What It Means

Obtuse is a formal word that describes someone who is not able to think clearly or to understand what is obvious or simple. It can also suggest a refusal to see something apparent to others, or a willful ignorance of or insensitivity to the real facts of a situation. Obtuse can also describe something that is difficult to understand because it is unclear or imprecise.

CLIP OF THE WEEK

Did you watch the 50th year anniversary of Saturday Night live? Wow! Here is a link. It's a must see :) 

FRANKIE’S SONG OF THE WEEK

A great friend of mine, Denham Evans, recommended a song from a friend of his who has a new band that plays Yatch Rock style hits. I really liked it. Here it is. 

Listen to it Here!

OTHER POSH THINGS

Vogue's "Inventing the Runway"

For those visiting London and are also fashion lovers - Put on your best heels and step Inside the world of Fashion at Lightroom's Vogue: "Inventing the Runway" Exhibition.

If you’ve ever dreamed of sitting front row at a fashion show or wondered about the origins of the iconic catwalk, Vogue: Inventing the Runway is your invitation to immerse yourself in the glamorous evolution of fashion’s most celebrated stage.

Narrated by the fabulous Cate Blanchett, this larger-than-life exhibition takes visitors on a journey through time, from the intimate couture salons of the early 20th century to today's dazzling, culture-defining spectacles. With Vogue’s extraordinary archive and network of creative collaborators, the exhibition offers an insider’s view of the industry’s most influential voices—past, present, and future.

I was totally captivated by the large-scale displays showcasing the visionary designers and unforgettable moments that have shaped the runway’s legacy. 

It’s the closest one will get to the magic of a live fashion show, seated next to Anna Wintour—without that coveted invite!

Running from 13 November 2024 to 26 April 2025 at Lightroom, this immersive experience is being hailed as “unmissable” by critics. Whether you’re a devoted fashion enthusiast or simply curious about the artistry behind the runway, Inventing the Runway is a feast for the senses—and the ultimate homage to the world of style.

Mark your calendars and prepare to lift the curtain on fashion’s most iconic moments.

By: Nirit Sumeruk Abbou

Check out her Insta here and her website below!

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.

“I’ve always been happy being a 7/10 at anything I tried. Trying to be perfect is a losing battle, it’s basically impossible.

I encourage you to become friends with people who make mistakes, those are the FUN people. Be friends with the wacky ones, the creative ones, the jocks and the poets. Give people a chance to be imperfect.

Warren buffet once said that the key to a successful marriage that will last is not brains, humour, beauty or character. The key to a good marriage is low expectations 🤦‍♀️.

Be gentle with someone today and have a little fun, it is Sunday funday after all.”

TRIVIA

Category: Disney Sidekicks

UPCOMING SPORTS EVENTS

Cautious optimism for upcoming TFC season

It’s been an unfortunately long offseason for Toronto FC, but the new season is upon us.

Many of our fellow TFC supporters are in a state of doldrums due to not making the playoffs since 2020 and a lack of significant movement in the transfer market.

I prefer to look at a new season with a touch of cautious optimism. Toronto FC finished one win away from a wild card spot last season and the team is not any worse. With some of the unconvincing performers from 2024 being moved out and some young, exciting talent coming in, this team could be better.

So, while others can do what Toronto sports fans love to do and lament the maladies, I will break free from that line of thinking and focus on the positive possibilities.

New head coach Robin Fraser, who was an assistant with Toronto during their run to multiple MLS Cup finals and the treble season, is promising an aggressive, exciting style of play.

The best player on the team from the last two years, Italian sensation Federico Bernadeschi, is still with TFC and dedicated to being a part of the return to glory. He’s also among the top 10 or 15 players in the league. He’ll be allowed to focus more on offense this year, which should result in more goals for the Reds.

Hamilton-born Theo Corbeanu, 22, has joined from Spanish second-division club Granada, and just ahead of the season they added 25-year-old Norwegian striker Ola Brynhildsen from FC Midtjylland.

Canadian national team standout Richie Laryea is still here, as is homegrown captain Jonathan Osorio, along with veteran goalkeeper Sean Johnson, and a few other key pieces who could contribute to a solid side on matchdays.

Sure, there needs to be some improvement on all aspects of the game, but that may be happening right now as the preseason ends and the regular season begins.

A few more bounces here and there, the best player continuing to be the best player, and the team uniting to fight day-in and day-out, and this season has the potential to be better than last year.

Toronto FC starts their season with three straight away games – on Feb. 22 at D.C. United, on March 1 at Orlando, and on March 8 at Cincinnati.

Their home opener is at 2:30 p.m. on March 15 at BMO Field. It’s one of several afternoon games and should be a fantastic day!

Look, I may be way off being so optimistic, but all we have at the beginning of any season in any sport is hope. That’s why I say we may as well start putting out those positive vibes!

By Chris Occhiuzzi

WEATHER THIS WEEK

TORONTO

MIAMI

PARIS

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Free your mind to dance if you want to be a champion.” - Eric Rey 

Eric is a ski coach/mountaineer who has a son, Stan Rey, who has won tons of freestyle ski competitions and has probably been one of the best west coast skiers on the planet for the last 20 years. We are so lucky to have to call Eric a friend, he is just a beautiful man. Follow Petitrey on Insta here!

AUTHOR’S NOTE

Super Frankie is lazy. He loves technology because it makes life more simple. 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