At the busy intersection of Leslie Street and West Pierce, there stands a huge black commercial building—short, wide, and unmistakably bold. That’s Jumbo Lobster Restaurant, a restaurant that breaks the mold of traditional Chinese dining. With its black-themed décor, dim ambient lighting, and sleek modern design, Jumbo Lobster offers a dining experience that feels both classy and contemporary.
Step inside and you’re instantly transported into a space that whispers prestige and urban sophistication. This bold, minimalist style is a sharp contrast to the usual red-and-gold décor of many Chinese restaurants. Unsurprisingly, it has become a hotspot for the younger generation, who enjoy the modern look and social-media-worthy ambiance.
For us seniors, who may prefer the warmth and familiarity of traditional Chinese settings, Jumbo Lobster might look a bit unconventional at first—but here’s the clincher: a 15% discount on dim sum (Monday to Thursday) for guests aged 60 and up. That’s a very welcome bonus, especially considering the rising cost of dining out these days.
And the food? Truly delightful. The dim sum variety is broad and satisfying, from classic har gow and siu mai to crispy spring rolls, silky rice rolls, and golden taro dumplings. For those with a taste for the finer things, Jumbo Lobster also stocks a fine selection of wines and premium aged beef, offering something special beyond the dim sum cart.
Despite economic challenges, Jumbo Lobster continues to do brisk business, attracting both long-time food lovers and curious newcomers. With its modern flair, quality food, and thoughtful senior discount, it’s no wonder this place has earned a loyal following across generations.
So next time you drive past that bold black building at Leslie and West Pierce—you know where to stop!
Along the journey of retirement, I often come across things that spark my curiosity—interesting, useful, or simply good to know. I put them to my blogs .. Grandpa's Journey | AI123. I enjoy learning new things, and it brings me joy to share what I discover. Whether it's something practical or just thought-provoking, I hope these little findings resonate with friends and readers in their own way. It’s all part of staying engaged, open, and connected in this new chapter of life.
Exciting times are ahead for residents near Weldrick and Spadina in Richmond Hill! The Bayview Hill Community Centre and Parkis undergoing a major transformation that will turn this already well-loved community space into a multi-use recreational destination for families, sports lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
🎾 Sports Upgrades for All Ages and Skill Levels
➤ 6 Brand-New Tennis Courts (With Night Lighting)
Tennis players can look forward to six new modern courts — designed for day and evening play. Whether you're taking lessons or enjoying a casual game, there’s now plenty of space.
➤ 4 Lit Pickleball Courts
Pickleball is booming, especially among active seniors and families. These new courts will be lit for evening games, helping Richmond Hill catch up with this fast-growing sport.
➤ Lit Soccer Field
No more rushing before sunset! The upgraded soccer field will be equipped with lighting, making it perfect for evening practices and community leagues.
💦 Family Fun Features That Everyone Will Love
➤ Water Splash Pad for Kids
The new splash pad will keep children cool and giggling all summer long. Interactive sprays, fountains, and jets will provide a safe, fun water play area that parents will also appreciate.
➤ Modern Washroom Building
A long-needed improvement — a brand-new, clean and accessible washroom facility is being added. No more long walks or makeshift rest stops!
⛸️ Winter Features for Year-Round Use
➤ Outdoor Skating Area
Come winter, the park will shine with a dedicated skating space — ideal for beginners, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a Canadian classic just steps from home.
🌳 Park Enhancements for Comfort and Connection
The upgrades don’t stop at courts and splash pads — the city is also focusing on creating a welcoming, beautiful outdoor space. Enhancements include:
Paved, accessible pathways
Shaded seating and gathering spots
Expanded landscaping with new greenery
Clear signage and easier navigation
These thoughtful changes make the park more comfortable and inclusive — whether you're walking the dog, reading on a bench, or socializing with neighbours.
📅 Construction Timeline & What to Expect
Construction has already begun and will continue in phases through 2025. While there will be temporary closures and detours, the city is committed to keeping disruptions to a minimum and updating residents regularly.
💬 Final Thoughts: A Community Investment
The Bayview Hill redevelopment isn’t just about new features — it’s about building a healthier, more connected community. Whether you’re playing sports, chasing kids through the water jets, or enjoying a quiet morning walk, this new park will bring people together and support active, joyful living.
📢 Stay Tuned!
We’ll post updates here as construction progresses. Get ready to enjoy a renewed Bayview Hill Community Centre and Park — where community meets comfort, activity, and fun.
➡️ Have questions or want to share your excitement? Leave a comment below!
Welcome to Da Shu (大暑) — literally “Major Heat.” If Xiaoshu (Minor Heat) gave us a warm-up, Da Shu is the main act. The sun is blazing, the days are long, the air is thick with humidity, and even the birds seem to take cover under the eaves.
In ancient China — and even in modern times — Da Shu isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s a seasonal reality check: how do we survive the most intense part of summer, while still finding ways to enjoy life?
Let’s step into this fiery moment, and rediscover the old traditions and timeless wisdom that help us cool down and carry on.
☀️ What Is Da Shu?
Da Shu usually falls between July 22 and 24. It marks the period when temperatures peak, especially in the Yangtze River Basin and southern China, with highs often reaching over 38°C (100°F). It’s also the start of 三伏天 (Sanfu Tian) — the “Dog Days of Summer,” the most sweltering, muggy, and exhausting time of the year.
The Yang energy is at its strongest now, and if you’re not careful, it can throw your balance off — which is why rest, hydration, and cooling foods become part of daily life.
🥵 How People Feel in Da Shu
Let’s be honest: it’s hot. Really hot.
Sweat forms before you’ve even left the house.
The pavement feels like it might melt your sandals.
Appetite drops, tempers shorten, and the only thing anyone seems to agree on is the need for shade, cold drinks, and naps.
But in the old days, people didn’t complain — they adapted, listened to nature, and followed seasonal rhythms.
🧊 Old Wisdom for Staying Cool
1. Cold Food, But Not Too Cold
People craved freshness — but didn’t overdo it with ice. Instead, they turned to seasonal cooling foods that nourish without harming digestion.
Winter melon soup (冬瓜汤) — light and cooling, often cooked with barley or lean pork
Mung bean and lily bulb sweet soup (绿豆百合汤) — clears summer heat and soothes irritability
Water chestnut and sugarcane drinks — natural thirst quenchers
Pickled plums (乌梅汤) — slightly sour and sweet, great for restoring electrolytes
In traditional Chinese medicine, it’s all about clearing heat (清热) and promoting fluid (生津) — not just cold for cold’s sake.
2. Keeping It Breezy at Home
Before air conditioners, people got creative:
Bamboo blinds shaded windows and let air through
Soaking feet in cool herbal water became a simple joy
Sleeping on bamboo mats and using mosquito nets under open windows was the norm
Afternoon naps were non-negotiable — because rest was part of staying well
Even today, many elders stick to these habits — and they still work!
3. Sanfu Herbal Patches and Tonic Soups
Strangely enough, some families used Da Shu to boost their immune system with warming therapies. Why? Because “Winter disease treated in summer” (冬病夏治) is a classic idea in Chinese medicine.
This includes:
贴三伏贴 — herbal plasters applied to acupuncture points to treat chronic ailments
Tonic soups with ginseng or Chinese dates — taken in moderation, to build energy
It’s all about tuning the body for resilience, not just temporary comfort.
🐟 A Day for Food and Community
In places like Fuzhou and parts of Guangdong, there’s a charming custom:
“大暑吃仙草，凉快又祛暑。”
“Eat grass jelly on Da Shu — it cools you down and drives out the heat.”
Families gathered for cold noodles, herbal jelly, steamed fish, and pickled vegetables — light but nourishing. The food brought people together, even if only to complain about the heat and laugh over cold tea.
💧 A Time to Slow Down
Da Shu reminds us that there’s no rushing against the heat. You move slower, breathe deeper, and let your body — and your mind — find stillness in the middle of the sun-soaked day.
In fact, some of the best childhood memories come from this time:
Lying on a bamboo mat with a book and a fan
Picking popsicles from a rusty freezer at the corner shop
Listening to the sound of cicadas in the trees and distant thunder in the sky
💬 Final Thought: Sharing the Heat, Sharing the Season
Even if we’re scattered across cities, suburbs, or even continents, we’re connected through this rhythm of nature. When I think of Da Shu, I don’t just feel the heat — I remember the people who shared those hot days with me: family, neighbors, street vendors, and sleepy dogs on shady porches.
So let’s raise a glass of mung bean soup (or iced coffee — I won’t judge) and embrace the heat together. After all, Da Shu doesn’t last forever — but the memories will.
Would you like a Chinese version of this post for bilingual readers?
Get ready Richmond Hill! Retro Ribfest returns to Richmond Green Park this weekend starting Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20. Join us for a sizzling good time as we bring you the tastiest event of the year! Gather your friends, family and neighbours and come on down for a weekend of unforgettable fun and flavour.
Nestled just north of Toronto, Richmond Hill is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse communities in Ontario. Though officially designated a city in 2019, many still fondly call it a town—reflecting its friendly, suburban charm and rich community spirit.
🏞️ Green Spaces and Parks
Richmond Hill is known for its beautiful parks and recreational areas. In fact, over 166 parks dot the city! A local favorite is Mill Pond Park, perfect for peaceful walks, family picnics, or bird watching. The newer Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park offers everything from baseball diamonds to a skate park, making it a hub for both youth and seniors.
🔭 A City that Reaches for the Stars
The David Dunlap Observatory (DDO), opened in 1935, was once home to the largest telescope in Canada. It’s a historical gem and a reminder of Richmond Hill’s contribution to astronomy. Today, the observatory still welcomes curious minds of all ages for educational programs and stargazing nights.
🏘️ From Farmland to Family Town
Originally a farming community in the 1800s, Richmond Hill began growing rapidly in the 1950s and 60s, especially with families seeking a peaceful life near Toronto. Today, it's a vibrant multicultural city of over 200,000 residents, where more than half the population was born outside Canada. This diversity is reflected in its food, culture, and community events.
🎭 Culture and Community Spirit
Richmond Hill is home to the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, where locals enjoy concerts, plays, and cultural festivals. Each year, the city celebrates events like Canada Day in Richmond Green and Taste of the Hill, showcasing global cuisines and performances—great fun for the whole family.
🚶♂️ A Place for All Generations
For older adults and retirees, Richmond Hill offers many programs through its community centres, such as the Oak Ridges and Bayview Hill Community Centres. There's tai chi, painting, pickleball, and even walking clubs. Many long-time residents have raised families here and now enjoy watching their grandchildren grow up in the same safe neighborhoods.
🧓 A Grandpa’s Perspective
I’ve lived in Richmond Hill for many years now, and it holds a special place in my heart. I remember when Bayview and 16th was mostly open land, and you could still hear frogs croaking in the ditches at night. Today, it’s full of life—bustling plazas, tennis courts, and kids playing in splash pads. But what hasn’t changed is the community spirit. Neighbours still smile, share garden tips, and wave hello during a walk. For me, Richmond Hill isn’t just where I live—it’s where memories were made, grandkids were raised, and life continues to unfold, one peaceful day at a time.
🏗️ Growing with the Times
Richmond Hill is changing fast! New GO Transit stations, condos, and road upgrades show the city is preparing for future generations. Yet, it still preserves pockets of its history, like the Heritage Estates and the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre, a beautiful Victorian building with exhibits and community activities.
Whether you’ve lived here for decades or are just passing through on your journey, Richmond Hill offers a unique blend of old and new—quiet neighborhoods, rich traditions, and an eye toward the future.
🧓 From grandpa’s memories of quiet streets and apple orchards to today’s lively parks and cultural hubs, Richmond Hill has something for every generation.
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