The lovely waters of North Carolina, and good grub at Pearson Airport

Nice to see, albeit in the Globe, a story this morning on how Pearson Airport is boosting its food options.

Chris Nuttall-Smith writes that, starting this summer, some of the biggest names in Canada/Toronto cooking will be involved at Pearson on a dozen new bars and restaurants. Included are: Claudio Aprile (Origin, Colborne Lane), Mark McEwan (Bymark, One, North 44), Hemant Bhagwani (Amaya) and Rocco Agostino (Pizzeria Libretto, Enoteca Sociale).

This is all supposed to happen by summer of 2013, and it'll be a huge improvement on Tim's and such. Pearson is desperately trying to overcome the increasing advantage of cheaper options such as Buffalo-Niagara, and they want to be sure to get folks connecting on overseas flights instead of watching them go through Chicago or JFK in New York.

It's great to see the new food options, and it should help a food concept that's already been boosted significantly in recent years and months, with several new spots. But what I really think Pearson needs - not so much to draw passengers as to make Torontonians happier - is more options for people WAITING for friends/family to arrive. Have you ever been stuck at Pearson waiting two hours for a delayed flight? Is there ANYTHING to do? Anything at all?

There's usually one tiny shop with about sixteen magazines to choose from and a bar. That's about it. But you can't drink if you're driving someone from the airport, so what on earth are you to do? Wouldn't it be nice if there was a Roots store or an electronics shop or something? I mean, there's a captive audience so why not take advantage?

Anyway, at least they've got the food thing going in the right direction...

NORTH CAROLINA GUEST BLOG

Thanks to Star entertainment/travel guy Richard Ouzounian for this guest appearance from coastal North Carolina. Sounds like a great place!

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. – Rufus Sewell went hungry on Saturday night.

            The broodingly handsome British actor (best known for A Knight’s Tale and The Illusionist) walked into the South Beach Grill, was told there was an hour’s wait for a table and promptly left.

            If I hadn’t stopped my wife from jumping up and asking him to join us, I might now be filing an interview to the Entertainment section, but, heck, I was on holiday and my reflexes are still good.

            Why was Sewell in this totally delightful beach resort on the Carolina coast? He’s shooting a movie called The Occult here and his co-stars are Jennifer Carpenter and Anne Heche.

            Lots of movies and TV series shoot down here and have, ever since Frank Capra Jr. and Dino de Laurentis got a studio built in 1983 in neighbouring Wilmington for their film, Firestarter.

            Dawson’s Creek shot six seasons here, One Tree Hill went for nine and looking at the glorious light, friendly people and temperate climate, it’s easy to see why.

            Ironic cinematic footnote: even though the Cape Fear river runs through the town and the cape itself is only a few miles away, neither version of that frightening flick were made here. The first was in Savannah. The second, Ft. Lauderdale. Go figure.

            This is a coastal resort town where Carolinians (and a few enlightened tourists) come to relax, unwind and enjoy the pristine coastline with a beach that goes on uninterrupted beauty for miles.

            It’s not a party town and the prices are nice and low.  The comfortable Holiday Inn Resort is right on the beach, has two pools, gorgeous views and rates as low as $168 C.  Dinner for three at the snazzy Bluewater Grille, with wine, was $100. And breakfast at the Sweet & Savoury includes goodies like a Fried Chicken Biscuit for $2.99!

            You also should take advantage of the Wrightsville Sunset Cruise, run by “Captain” Joe Abbate, a trained naturalist and ecological pioneer. Besides giving you some of the most breathtaking views around, he can fill you in on everything from the hurricane history of the region, to the unique bird life, to the fact that the location scout from Iron Man 3 (which is just about to start filming there, starring Robert Downey Jr.) just picked a multi-million dollar mansion as a major setting for the film after seeing it on the cruise. $25 for 90 minutes.

            The weather on Easter weekend was in the low 20s and while the Atlantic was a bit chilly for swimming, our family made a vow to come back here again soon.

            More details from further up the Carolina coast tomorrow

 

 

 

 

Comments

[talliaea sulyn]

Oh, Jim...shame on you ! You should have asked Rufus to join you and your wife. I have been a fan of his for years, such a talent he is. And yes, rather good looking too. He is in "Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter", which will be released here in the US in June. Make sure you take your wife to see it to make up for your very poor judgement. I am sure Mr. Sewell would have loved to join you. Was he alone or with some of the other cast members of "The Occult"? I had read that his girlfriend (or wife as some have speculated), a petite Asian woman, was spotted with him. She may be part of the movie... she is a hair stylist. No matter if he was alone or with whomever, too bad you did not get to meet and dine with him. Better timing and luck next time !! Talliae