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Step Into My Balloon!
Theme it what you want - "thinking outside of the balloon", "life's a bubble of fun", "face your ballooning fears" - but the novelty of watching a man climb inside a six-foot balloon, then coaxing others inside, is pretty cool, even for the most jaded of audiences. BC-based entertainer and motivational speaker James Johnson is actively “ballooning” his high-energy act, the Bigger Balloon Show, into southern Ontario events.

Johnson has managed the record-breaking feat of cramming seven adults into his entertaining latex space: 10 kids on another occasion. However, it's not all about the balloon. The charismatic Johnson thrills and inspires while pairing his knack for circus stunts, visual comedy, magic and juggling with customized, motivational messaging on health and life-balance.

Bigger Balloon Show, 1-877-924-4427, www.biggerballoon.com

Stellar Cellar For Private Dining
Bistro & Bakery Thuet has added
Le Caveau, a new lower-level private dining area that can be configured for up to 40 guests seated. With fresco-textured walls, antiques, artwork and a working grappa still in the corner, the inviting space is an intimate showcase of the acclaimed French-country restaurant upstairs.

Guests heading downstairs to Le Caveau from the main restaurant enjoy an experiential walk-through of the bustling bakery-kitchen where they can sample fresh artisanal breads and take in the action. Make the culinary journey larger than life by inviting Chef Marc Thuet and wife Biana Zorich to lead guests through the food and wine pairings of a one-of-a-kind VIP tasting menu. Opening soon: Atelier, Thuet's new catering kitchen in Liberty Village.

Bistro & Bakery Thuet, 609 King St. W., 416-603-2777, www.thuet.ca

A Toast To Lounge And R&B
The name “Six Steps,” as its promo material suggests, could refer to the new resto-lounge's promised six touchstones of delivering excellent food and service. But it could also be alluding to the exact number of stairs leading from street-level where the bar-dining scene along Colborne Lane has been really happening of late. Six Steps is a cool addition to the action.

Unique white shell-flower ball chandeliers and oversized mirrors play off the dining area's exposed brick and black furnishings, where groups of 90 can enjoy the offerings of the bar and open kitchen. A floor-to-ceiling glassed in wine cellar presides over the back area. Private receptions for 100 can also use the downstairs lounge with its glass-block wall, private bar and staging area. On weekends, the lounge comes alive with live rhythm and blues.

Six Steps, 53-55 Colborne St., 416-504-4800, www.sixstepsrestaurant.com