Toronto: Nestled in Toronto’s trendy west end, the Drake Hotel’s Sky Yard is the go-to hangout for modish downtown professionals, as well as artists and musicians from the neighborhood. The patio is furnished with daybeds, the mojitos are famous and they specialize in private functions. thedrakehotel.ca

Montreal: The Terrace 701, located on the rooftop of the hotel Le Place D’Armes in Old Montreal, is the closest thing to a European-style terrace you’ll find in this country. The mood here is always relaxed, the martini options abound and a special evening menu features award-winning Quebec cheeses and antipasti. suite701.com

Vancouver: The Granville Street Rooftop Patio is one of the most unique terraces on the West Coast. The place prides itself on being totally green, with a 2,000 square-foot grass floor covering the entire patio, a 200 square-foot living green wall, and an unbeatable view of Vancouver’s downtown skyline.

The post Canada Day Hang Outs appeared first on Sharp - Canada's Magazine for Men.

Levesque, a former model, is more than happy with her place in the sci-fi world, and is a genuine fan of the genre. “Life is hard enough as it is,” she says. “It’s kind of fun to turn on the television and go somewhere you’ve never gone before and kind of get lost in it for an hour or two.”

Unlike, say, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Stargate SG has become somewhat notorious for its sex scenes. Apparently, there’s a small but vocal faction of sci-fi fans who object to sex on the show on the grounds that is against the principles of true sci-fi. Levesque disagrees, and defends the show’s sexuality vehemently, “Sex is a part of the show, and that’s important; it’s a part of who we are as humans. Some [fans] are ok with death, fighting and war, but not sex. I love it and I’m proud that that’s a part of our show.”

Not only is Elyse Levesque a well-spoken, intelligent young woman and a promising actress, she’s onto something here. Never mind Avatar, if anything could bring science fiction to the masses, it’s a spaceship with her onboard and the lax content restrictions of late-night cable.

The post Sharp Woman: Elyse Levesque appeared first on Sharp - Canada's Magazine for Men.

Samsung SP-A900B

Video guru Joe Kane has been working in the business of the most advanced video technologies since 1982, and this is the fifth projector he’s built for Samsung. He’s only gotten better. This delivers great performance for a DLP front projector, superior black levels, and color fidelity unmatched by any projector. $12,999

JVC DLA-HD750

For ten years, JVC worked to create a new kind of projection technology. What they came up with makes the compact and great-looking HD-750 one of the best projectors around. It comes with a THX cinema mode, which is up to the standards you’ll find in movie theatres. $7999

Marantz VP-11S2

Another DLP front projector, with colour points that are the most accurate you can get out of the box. The custom Konica lens provides extremely sharp images for a slightly higher retail price. It features excellent performance with shadow details, as well. $13,999

The post Top Home Theatre Projectors appeared first on Sharp - Canada's Magazine for Men.

The new 2011 Volvo C70 is still good, but it isn’t so boxy anymore. The new 2011 Volvo C70 convertible will have a redesigned facelift and front, looking like it and the S60 Concept Car spent too many lonely nights together drinking sangria. The face will have a larger iron mark, larger air intake, with sweeping headlights, all set to look like a big “V.” And in the back, there’s the addition of LED headlights, a reshaped bumper, and a bigger “Volvo” badge on the deck of the trunk.

While we know that there will be these new front and rear changes, along with a slightly redesigned interior with a new instrument panel, we don’t know the pricing or the exact launch date, although it will drop in Canada during the first half of 2010. Under the hood, it’ll have a 227 hp engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The new car will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15th. There, we’ll see how the Swedes really handle their hardtops.

The post 2011 Volvo C70 appeared first on Sharp - Canada's Magazine for Men.

My foot’s still buried in the throttle and it’s a remarkably short trip to 295, 298, 306, 310 and finally 312 km/h. We don’t stay there longer than a few moments as there are slower moving cars in the right lanes. They pass as if they were stationary, no doubt somewhat startled by the speeding Porsche’s bow wake and subsequent shriek as we blast past. At 312 km/h the steering is firm, the chassis planted. It’s like riding a razor’s edge. A tire blowout would be catastrophic and likely fatal. Any unexpected traffic movements would have similarly dire consequences and even road imperfections can lead to calamity. Good thing we’re in Germany and no one (except Polish truck drivers) changes lanes without signaling first. They simply can’t. It’s a rule and if you’re a German and you break a rule your head explodes. I’ve seen it. The road surface is also perfect.

There is an undeniable adrenaline rush to traveling far faster than the human body was ever designed to. Sure planes are even faster but I’ve never piloted one. On the autobahn, in the GT3, it was just yours truly and Porsche’s undisputed reputation for peerless engineering responsible for our fate. I say ‘our’ because my co-driver, though egging me on, became very, very silent as 300 km/h approached.

To wake him from his trance, or prayer as the case may have been, I drop the anchor. The massive (larger than any other production sports car in fact) ceramic composite brakes, that alone cost more than most compact cars, bite hard, forcing the massive and grippy Michelins against the motion of the road and we are thrown into our seat belts. One hundred kph is shed in what seems like an instant and we are once again cruising at a calm and relatively serene 200 km/h.

In the GT3 300 km/h is somewhat of a non-event, but it still manages to get your blood up. Though the official top speed is 316 km/h we have it on good authority that the GT3 can actually stretch its legs all the way to 330 km/h. Next time.

The post 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Autobahn blast: A Wing and a Prayer appeared first on Sharp - Canada's Magazine for Men.

Cast: Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer and Stellan Skarsgard

Director: Ron Howard

After months of negative cyber-chatter and grim internet prophecies that had even the most pious Da Vinci Code devotee prepared to nail Ron Howard and Tom Hanks to the proverbial cross, it’s time to put away the spikes and crowns of thorns. This sequel-of-sorts is not only an answered prayer for followers of author Dan Brown’s religion-soaked whodunits, but also a miraculously fun and intense film for fans of conspiracy theories, intricate plot devices and good, old fashioned edge-of-your-seat action thrillers. This time around, Robert Langdon (Hanks) heads to Vatican City to unmask members of the Illuminati, a centuries-old brotherhood of card-carrying Catholic-cardinal killers out to destroy the Church. Teaming up with Vittoria Vetra (Ayelet Zurer) a gorgeous, Italian scientist (whose father may have been murdered by the fanatical frat brothers), this fearless duo set out on a dangerous, death-defying sightseeing tour of Underground Rome — catacombs, crypts and crumbling cathedrals — attempting to stop those responsible for slaughtering several Popes-to-be. Packed with the trademark acts of deciphering symbols, unearthing relics and unraveling of age-old mysteries — the sort that made The Da Vinci Code a worldwide box office hit — the lengthy Angels and Demons is a taut, well-constructed nail-biter. Amen!

Management

Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Steve Zahn, Woody Harrelson and Fred Ward

Director: Stephen Belber

Since Jennifer Aniston’s infrequent trips to indie-land (The Good Girl, Office Space) have always seemed to artistically pay off — more often than many of her vapid, well-paying studio gigs (Rumor Has It) — it made sound career sense that she follow-up last year’s tearjerker Marley & Me with the sweet, clever, low-key indie comedy, Management. An oddball little film about a pair of aimless strangers hoping to find a collective purpose in life by embarking on a cross-country road trek together, only to discover there are no quick fixes when it comes to plugging the gaping holes in our hearts and souls. Oozing romantic charm, superb comic timing and remarkably good on-screen chemistry, Jennifer Aniston and Steve Zahn are a surprisingly fruitful cinematic pairing. In the tight, intimate setting of a film like Management, it’s hard to ignore Aniston’s immense acting talents (that are so often lost in her cookie-cutter romantic comedies). Often reduced to playing the best friend or the sidekick, Zahn’s leading man role in Management demonstrates he possess the skills and charisma to step into any role — the bigger the better.

The post Sharp at the Movies appeared first on Sharp - Canada's Magazine for Men.

Mr. Playboy: Hugh Hefner and the American Dream, by Steven Watts

In 1953, Hugh Hefner was a young man in Chicago with grandiose dreams but very little to back them up with. His idea for a men’s lifestyle magazine (which he wanted to call “Stag Party”) with naughty spreads and tips for becoming an urbane man seemed destined for nothingness.

Then, everything changed. Sixty-plus years later,

Hefner sits atop a media empire that has shaped American culture. With unprecedented access to personal scrapbooks and archives, Watts chronicles Hef’s accomplishments as both a media magnate and a cultural revolutionary.

Wiley, $33.

The Turnaround by George Pelecanos

It’s the summer of 1972 and a group of bored teenagers from DC are cruising around, getting high and looking for trouble. They find it, and in the nightmarish events that follow, the lives of those boys and several others are changed forever.

Acclaimed for his work producing and writing for HBO’s The Wire, Pelecanos has been called “the poet laureate of the DC crime world.” His latest work upholds that title with aplomb.

Little, Brown and Co., $28.

More Information Than You Require by John Hodgman

Before his recurring gig on The Daily Show, before becoming an international celebrity on those Mac vs. PC ads (he’s PC), John Hodgman weaseled his way into our hearts via our funny bone with The Areas of My Expertise, an hilarious almanac of made-up facts. His latest book picks up where that one left off, quite literally (it begins at page 237) and whisks along for another couple of hundred pages with treatises on such diverse topics as presidential elections, owl recipes, and “GAMBLING: THE SPORT OF THE ASTHMATIC MAN.”

Warning: do not read this book on planes, in doctors’ waiting rooms, or anywhere else where loud guffaws might be considered inappropriate.

Riverhead, $28.

Downtown Owl by Chuck Klosterman

It’s always a ballsy move for a critic to make the switch from roaster to roastee. This is especially true when the critic in question is Chuck Klosterman, a man who is both reviled and revered for his take on the minutiae of pop culture. Thing is, he pulls off the switch with ease, and has written a very readable novel.

Set in 1983 in the fictional town of Owl, North Dakota, Downtown Owl follows the lives of three seemingly unrelated characters: Julia Rabia, a 23-year-old high school teacher; Mitch Hrlicka, a disgruntled teenager; and Horace Jones, a widower and part-time gossip. All three characters lead ostensibly normal lives, but each harbours intense loneliness and a longing for meaningful connections. Perhaps that description will lead you to believe that Owl is more depressing than Beaches, but in fact it isn’t. This is Klosterman, so there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, 80s zeitgeist and bizarre North Dakota lore to keep things from getting too serious.

Chuck Klosterman might get accused of being a nancy blowhard, but the truth is he’s a talented writer who knows how to draw in readers with his hilarious and often sentimental prose.

Scribner, $25.

The post What We’re Reading Now appeared first on Sharp - Canada's Magazine for Men.

Shows what a year and a different setting can do, because the A5 is now officially one of our favourite cars. We were recently blown away by just how smooth this coupe drives and how stunning its appearance is both on the street and in the metal. If anything the A5, with its less fussy exterior, is even more attractive than the more aggressive-looking S5. Smooth and taut but creased here and there and perched on optional 19-inch wheels, it might just be the best-looking car you can buy right now.

The 3.6-litre V6 under the hood puts a purposeful 286-hp to all four wheels and it will play the role of quiet servant or vociferous aggressor. Paired only to a 6-speed manual, with its short somewhat notchy throws, the A5 is the better car because there’s significantly less weight over the front axle, which means the A5 both rides and handles better than an S5. And thought there’s plenty of performance on tap, we much prefer to lock the A5 into sixth gear and waft down the highways enjoying the quiet interior and supple ride.

When things do start to twist and turn the A5 hunkers down and digs into turns. The steering is direct and well-weighted and the suspension glides over road imperfections even mid turn making the A5 feel planted and secure on even the worst roads.

Sharp:

-Stunning good looks

-Smooth, smooth, smooth

-Great value

Dull:

-No automatic…yet

The Verdict:

While every douchebag on the block clogs the entrance to the nearest BMW dealership lining up to buy the all-too-common 335i we’d head over to one of those nifty Audi Quonset huts and get one of these sexy beasts.

The post 2008 Audi A5: Two-Door Fling appeared first on Sharp - Canada's Magazine for Men.

Once you’ve purchased your product of choice, slathering it on at the beach is a no-brainer, but protecting your skin from the damaging and ageing effects of UV radiation during the week is just as important. Consider how much time you spend in the sun on your walk to and from the office or during those marathon business lunches on the patio. Think it’s unlikely that you’ll remember to apply sunscreen every morning? Go easy on yourself by incorporating these two-in-one skincare products into your daily regime.

Find all these products at www.menessentials.com.

Jack Black Face Moisturizer SPF 20

Ultra-light Jack Black Double Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20 is a daily sunscreen and advanced moisturizer in one.

Baxter of California Super Shape SPF 15

Baxter of California Super Shape SPF 15 is an enriched moisturizer with sunblock that is specifically formulated for men. It moisturizes and defends skin from the harmful effects of the sun and environment.

Sharps Daily Prep Oil Free  Lotion SPF 15

This versatile, fragrance-free lotion mattifies oily areas, hydrates dry patches, and soothes sensitive skin while protecting against sun damage.

Brave Soldier Lip Defender SPF 15

This crystal clear formulation hydrates and protects tender lips. Advanced skin care and SPF 15 prevent chapping, sunburn and wind burn.

The post SPF S.O.S. appeared first on Sharp - Canada's Magazine for Men.

Taking its place among the fashionable eateries of the Bloor-Yorkville scene, SkyLounge is a hot destination for locals and savvy tourists alike.  Located at 220 Bloor Street West at the end of a discreet walkway off Bloor, and tucked in behind the luxurious InterContinental Toronto Yorkville, this well-appointed outdoor venue is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

New this season is Grill Thursdays featuring the full outdoor grilling experience every Thursday from 6-10PM.  With offerings like a Wild boar burger, Rosemary skewered lamb chops and Peppercorn crusted grilled pineapple spears, this is the ultimate backyard barbecue. 

In the kitchen “Top 30 Under 30” Restaurant Chef Joe Rabba turns the heat up a notch.  Showcasing a tapas-style menu inspired by the rich flavours of the Mediterranean, SkyLounge, a Film Fest hotspot, ensures that the glitterati will never go hungry again.  Using fresh market ingredients, dishes are separated into various categories like hot and coldTEASE, bigTEASE and sweetTEASE, and feature such delectable selections as Cambozola & Olive Caper Brushetta, Lemongrass Salmon Ceviche and Blackened Octopus with Smoked Sea Salt

“The SkyLounge menu is designed to ‘tease the senses’ by offering smaller portions conducive to sharing,” says Joe Rabba.  “It’s all about casual comfort food in sophisticated surroundings.”

Designed by award-winning interior designers, Cecconi Simone, for a crowd of up to 150, this is one space that lives up to its trendy surroundings.  Featuring exotic touches such as Brazilian wood furnishings, custom-made designer sofas, Philippe Stark chairs and colourful pillows and warm throws, SkyLounge patrons dine and drink in ultimate comfort.  Lush foliage and greenery, combined with candlelight and world music, serves to transport guests to a tropical oasis in the heart of the city.  Even the staff uniforms get the designer treatment thanks to celebrated Canadian fashion visionary, Franco Mirabelli. 

No summer’s eve is complete without signature refreshments and SkyLounge offers up a unique selection of enticing beverages.  The cocktail menu features something for everyone: classic and creative skyMojitos, skyPirhinas, including the real Caipirinha made with Cachaça, skyMartinis such as the honey and basil infused Basilique, Chili Thai Lemonade and skyBellinis.  The menu also features a diverse selection of wines, champagne and bottle service.

Together with PROOF Bar (the sister bar to SkyLounge), the InterContinental Toronto Yorkville is certain to become one of the hottest destinations this summer for those in the know.  

The post Patio Season is Upon Us appeared first on Sharp - Canada's Magazine for Men.