Desi Culture

Join us every Tuesday night at a coffee shop to practice conversation, while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea together. Our topics change each week, but the English practice does not! We are always open for Q & A (question and answer) about Canadian culture, life in the greater Toronto area, or anything else you can think of!

💥 **Fuego Latino Mondays @ Tehranto Restaurant** 💥 Start your week with flavor, rhythm, and good vibes! 🌶💃🕺 Enjoy amazing food, fun lessons, and non-stop Latin dancing all night long! 📍 Tehranto Restaurant – 5625 Yonge St, North York 🚇 Finch Subway \| 🅿 Free Parking 🍽 Full Kitchen + Bar Specials Open Late 🎟 $10 Cover (includes Lesson) 🕘 9PM Lessons: • Salsa – Guest Instructor • Bachata – Guest Instructor 🎶 DJ Geronimo heating up the floor with the best Salsa, Bachata & Latin beats all night! Come for the lessons, stay for the dancing — Mondays just got HOT! 🔥 Best way to get a hold of us is through WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KpFOsXEuXRWB7uOYorJNPU

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $15 and $35 depending on which type of class you want to continue with\* These French, English (For Spanish and French speakers only), and Spanish classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a French, English, or Spanish-speaking country. The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other language classes are as conversational as these ones. We guarantee it! Cheap parking can be found using the "Spot Hero" app.

**A New Perspective on Spiritual Living - Spiritual Discussion Series** (based on ECKANKAR the Art of Spirituality by Harold Klemp) In this discussions series you will gain deeper insight into * **A true Spiritual path,** * **Your spirituality from a new perspective,** * **The purpose of life,** * **HU, an ancient mantra for a modern world** * **Spiritual Masters and their mission,** The simple truth is that we are SOUL, a divine, conscious spark of God made manifest in this life to experience and learn here on earth. “*M*y definition of a true spiritual path is one that does good in the world. It tries to find ways to help people be themselves. It does not try to shape people to be what we think they should be, then break spiritual or man-made laws to accomplish that." —Harold Klemp, *[ECKANKAR the Art of Spirituality](https://www.eckbooks.org/items/ECKANKAR_The_Art_of_Spirituality-2474-0.html)*, page 1 Looking to explore new frontiers of spiritual experience, come join us and share your stories and insight about your perspective on spiritual living. We will also practice a simple spiritual exercise that can help to connect with the ECK (Life Force or Spirit) which is called HU. HU is the Sound behind all sounds, woven into the language of life. It is the wind in the leaves, falling rain, thunder of jets, singing of birds and the awful rumble of a tornado. Its sound is heard in laughter, weeping, the din of city traffic, ocean waves, and the quiet rippling of a mountain stream. HU offers balance, wisdom and wonder—it brings alignment with your true purpose and highest good. All are welcome — family and friends — so come share your experiences or just listen as we explore together. Register here on Meetup by clicking the ATTEND button or just drop in. **This event is free.** Sponsored by Eckankar Canada in Ontario. Illustration Courtesy of Eckankar, The Path of Spiritual Freedom **More information is available at** * **[[eckankarcanada.ca/ontario](http://eckankarcanada.ca/ontario)]([https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario-spiritual-events.html](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario-spiritual-events.html))** * **[[eckankar.org/](http://eckankar.org/)]([https://www.eckankar.org/](https://www.eckankar.org/))**

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $15 and $35 depending on which type of class you want to continue with\* These French, English (For Spanish and French speakers only), and Spanish classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a French, English, or Spanish-speaking country. The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other language classes are as conversational as these ones. We guarantee it! Cheap parking can be found using the "Spot Hero" app.

🎉 **Bingo Night at Birroteca – Limited Spots!** 🎉 Looking for a fun (and slightly competitive 😄) way to spend your Tuesday night? Join us for **Bingo Night** on **Tuesday, April 7** at **Birroteca in Eataly (55 Bloor St West)**! 🕢 **Bingo starts at 7:30 PM** 👋 **Colleen will be there earlier** — just ask for her table when you arrive and come say hi! Get ready for a lively evening of laughs, great food, and maybe even a little beginner’s luck 🍀 if you haven't signed up for trivia with colleen before, pls. e-transfer a $5 deposit to tommills@rogers.com,and notify me right away, on this page, or the personal msg. page. NOTE - everyone MUST spend at least $10, plus tax and tip. 🍝 Check out the menu here: [https://www.eataly.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ETO_Birroteca_Menu_Main_2026.03.26-1.pdf](https://www.eataly.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ETO_Birroteca_Menu_Main_2026.03.26-1.pdf) ⚠️ **Very limited spots available** — please respect your RSVP so everyone who signs up can enjoy the night. Come for the bingo, stay for the food, and leave with bragging rights (and maybe a win or two 😉). See you there!

**Meet new people over great food in a relaxed, social setting.** This is a small-group social dining experience for people who enjoy good food, good conversation, and expanding their circle in a natural way. Everyone attending is there to meet others — no pressure, no awkward networking. **What to expect** * A small group (usually 4–8 people) * A friendly, low-pressure atmosphere * Easy, natural conversation **How it works** We coordinate the group and reserve the table once attendees confirm. The venue and details are shared with the group beforehand. Just show up, order what you like, and enjoy the experience. Each guest covers their own food and drinks. To keep groups balanced and confirmed, seat confirmations happen through #dine: https://www.hashtagdine.com/

**NOTE:** This is a paid event. **Tickets here:** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985163079209?aff=oddtdtcreator Join us at the Rec Room Mississauga for a hilarious evening with some of the best up and coming Desi comedians around! Get ready for a night of big laughs and bold perspectives at **The Desi Comedy Showcase**, a high-energy stand-up comedy show celebrating some of the funniest up-and-coming Desi comedians in the Greater Toronto Area. This special event brings together a diverse lineup of rising comedic voices who are making waves on stages across the GTA. From sharp cultural observations to hilarious personal stories, these comics deliver a fresh and fearless take on life, family, relationships, and everything in between. Whether you’re Desi or just love great comedy, this show is for **everyone**. Expect a lively atmosphere, big personalities, and a night packed with unforgettable laughs. Come out, bring your friends, and experience the next generation of Desi comedy — all in one incredible show. This show will be performed in English for all to enjoy.

**NOTE:** This is a paid event. **Tickets here:** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985163079209?aff=oddtdtcreator Join us at the Rec Room Mississauga for a hilarious evening with some of the best up and coming Desi comedians around! Get ready for a night of big laughs and bold perspectives at **The Desi Comedy Showcase**, a high-energy stand-up comedy show celebrating some of the funniest up-and-coming Desi comedians in the Greater Toronto Area. This special event brings together a diverse lineup of rising comedic voices who are making waves on stages across the GTA. From sharp cultural observations to hilarious personal stories, these comics deliver a fresh and fearless take on life, family, relationships, and everything in between. Whether you’re Desi or just love great comedy, this show is for **everyone**. Expect a lively atmosphere, big personalities, and a night packed with unforgettable laughs. Come out, bring your friends, and experience the next generation of Desi comedy — all in one incredible show. This show will be performed in English for all to enjoy.

Small, relaxed coffee meetup for women to connect and chat 😊 Super casual and low-pressure — great if you are coming solo or with other female friends. Planning to keep it for an hour. If this goes well, I would love to plan more fun meetups for women going forward 😊 Suggestions welcome. Location: Coffee Culture Café & Eatery, 1220 Eglinton Ave West (Mississauga)

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $18 and $36 depending on which type of class you want to continue with\* These French, English (For Spanish and French speakers only), and Spanish classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a French, English, or Spanish-speaking country. The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other language classes are as conversational as these ones. We guarantee it! Cheap parking can be found using the "Spot Hero" app.

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Explorer Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the Ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** The story of historic Little India is a true Toronto success story, a unique look at a neighbourhood and the people who call it home. But the story is not always a happy one. Like all other areas in Toronto, Little India started out as a purely English - Anglican area and was repeatedly changed as other immigrants opted to leave the security of the downtown core for outer areas. With the opening of the Naaz theatre in 1972, the community that became Little India started to take shape, but in Toronto the forces that developed communities were different in that part of the city sandwiched between Leslieville to the south, and Greektown to the north. With a strictly Anglo-Saxon pro-British community entrenched for over 100 years, now changing to include south Asians, the area was seen as a rather depressed area, or an area in transition, and violence was an unfortunate part of life. Racial tensions increased dramatically with the influx of south Asians. But by the 1980s and 1990s the district had found its feet, and Little India was a popular Toronto district and tourist attraction, with visitors pouring in from around the world to partake of the richness. A true cultural enclave in Toronto! A fascinating history and a fascinating community awaits! This tour has been revised a few times to add more historic information to the walk, it has been revised once again for 2026 with new landmarks and stories attached. Should be a fascinating walk! This walk is for all fitness levels. The meeting place for our walking adventure is on the southwest corner of Greenwood Avenue and Gerrard Street East! This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person! \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the Ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

**The Data-Driven Brand: Using Analytics to Shape Perception** Can you use analytics to improve tacos? This being CBUSDAW, we think the answer is probably “yes”, but we’re not sure how to implement or test this theory. For our April meetup we’ve got Sara Kear, CMO of Condado Tacos, to investigate this delicious question. Sara will explore how she blends quantitative data and qualitative customer feedback to shape brand positioning and drive business decisions. We all know that marketing and analytics go way beyond attribution. Sara will show how Condado uses customer insights to inform product and pricing strategy. She’ll also highlight how Condado leverages customer feedback at scale to influence operational priorities, positioning marketing as the voice of the customer across the organization. In the last 12 years Condado has gone from one location in Columbus to 52 locations across 10 states, so we’re guessing there’s more to that growth than really good guac (though the guac probably helps). Ultimately, this talk focuses on the intersection of art and science—using data to inform creativity and build a brand that resonates with customers in a measurable way. **About Our Speaker** Sara Kear is Chief Marketing Officer at Condado Tacos, where she oversees brand, restaurant design, menu and pricing strategy, off-premise including catering, and customer data strategy. Since joining in 2021, she has helped grow the brand from 19 to 52 locations while building a data-driven marketing organization focused on loyalty and customer insights. Condado has since been named to the Inc. 5000, recognized as Breakout Retailer by Chain Store Age, and consistently ranked among FastCasual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

Pay attention! We’re delaying a week for those of you who may be on Spring break and/or celebrating the holiday. Ok, no pancakes, but waffles-a-plenty. Join the local UX and Digital Design community for a casual monthly breakfast. Look for us upstairs!

Dinner and dancing

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!