Toronto: Where It’s At!

Stay…

The Residence Inn Toronto Downtown/Entertainment District – I know I pimped this hotel in my Nuts and Bolts piece, but I think it’s worth talking about again. The biggest advantages this hotel has for just about any traveler is the fact that it’s 1) All suites and 2) Sitting in a prime location! The room itself was a great place to crash after a day of walking around. With a mini kitchen, flat screen TV, and spacious bathroom…we felt like we were coming home instead of returning to a hotel room. The hotel is a few minutes walk (LITERALLY) to the CN Tower and Rogers Centre and entrance to the Queen Elizabeth Expressway just around the block. While surrounded by lots of activity, we felt the neighborhood was safe and it was easy to navigate around because major landmarks were so close by. The full buffet breakfast included in the price of the room had something to satisfy everyone. Just make sure you go early enough or you’ll be waiting for a seat! The staff was friendly and helpful – they all greet you if they get on an elevator with you! My only gripe was with the cost of parking ($30 CAD), but we got around that by parking in a nearby lot. Overall, The Residence Inn makes a great home base while you’re in Toronto providing you with top notch service and amenities that will keep you coming back for more! (255 Wellington Street West. Toll free Reservations 1-888-236-2427)

Eat...

As we discussed in an earlier post, prices in Canada are subject to two additional taxes: GST and Provincial Sales Tax. Because of these taxes, I learned from a few friends and via a Canadian news piece, that the service industry pretty much gets the shaft when it comes to tips. So, please make sure to tip according to the meal itself to be safe. Cut your server some slack! And speaking of those waiters and waitresses – do not be freaked out if they don’t check up on you every waking moment of your meal. Unlike us Americans, meals are not conducted at breakneck speed. They do want you to enjoy it!

There's something for everyone at Gretzky's

Wayne Gretzky’s – Forget Canadians, as far as the world is concerned, Wayne Gretzky is the beginning and end of hockey. And since we’re dealing with a hockey fan girl and boy on this trip, there was reason to believe that a trip to The Great One’s Toronto restaurant was plausible. Think of it as an addendum to the Hockey Hall of Fame. As far as theme restaurants go – Gretzky’s has it down pat. Memorabilia goes all the way back to when he was The Wee One. Milestone pucks, sticks, pictures, and jerseys line the first floor eatery. For a kick, go check out the doors of the bathrooms! On the second floor is the Oasis, an outdoor rooftop bar that does cater a bit upscale, but is frequented by many a Blue Jay fan before and after games. But where it shines in the theme…it only putters out a “meh” with the restaurant. It was sad for me to admit that the food was pretty mediocre. This is not to say that the food was bad, but for $10-$15 CAD average per entrée, I was expecting more bang for my Loonie! Grandma Gretzky’s meatloaf had an oddly “industrial” look to it, rather than the homemade feel it was supposed to evoke. Lenny’s serving of pad Thai seemed so insignificant in the GINORMUS dish it was served in. For the hockey fan, eating at this hockey temple once in your lifetime is a must. But as a casual diner, once may be more than enough. (99 Blue Jays Way, Phone 416-979-7828)

The Pickle Barrel Grand – Trying to be more spontaneous, Lenny pulled off the freeway back from Niagara into one of Canada’s greatest achievements: The Mall. The Sherway Mall to be exact! And anchoring the west entrance was The Pickle Barrel. This local chain seemed to match itself up quality-wise with America’s Cheesecake Factory, minus the endless menu of jumbled cuisine. Contemporary décor with the emphasis on privacy, we were quite happy with our menu selections. Starting with a duo of calamari, Lenny and I thrilled at being served not only traditional rings, but meaty grilled bits as well! The smoky taste of the soft squid was a new experience for us. I ventured into Canadian food with a Montreal Smoked Meat sandwich on a Kaiser roll with some tasty slaw and (OF COURSE!) a pickle. Meanwhile Lenny grooved with a grilled mushroom burger with a side of the most interesting citrus couscous that we both wanted the recipe for. The service here was especially friendly – and after a long day of sightseeing – every traveler needs a little TLC. (10 locations in Ontario, check website for specifics)

Epicure Café on Queen Street – This Queen Street district eatery was another pleasant surprise in our spontaneity. Following in the tradition of the European culture, Epicure is a small café with limited seating on the first floor (sharing the space with a bar) and additional indoor and garden seating on the rooftop. And even though it was the first time we’d ever been there, Lenny and I felt like this could be our neighborhood hangout if we lived there. The bistro style atmosphere and the Italian/French influences on the menu were enough to draw us in. And the prices ($7-$17 CAD per entrée) were nothing to sneeze at. Continuing our calamari journey across Toronto, we had fried Cajun calamari rings with Greek tzatziki sauce. Not being a spice fan, I was pretty wary, but the tzatziki really cooled down the bite of the spice blend and combined nicely with the flavor of the calamari. The restaurant is also home of our new favorite pizza, The Hawaiian Vacation. We saw it in the window only on the dinner menu, but our waitress was kind enough to ask the chef if we could have it during lunch. He was kind enough to oblige! And boy were we happy with the thin foccacia-like crust, mozzarella concoction. What really made the pizza was not the standard Canadian bacon and pineapple chunks – but the addition of chunks of seasoned ham. On a nice summer day with a bottle of Stella Artois, one couldn’t make a more perfect lunch. (502 Queen Street West Phone: 416-504-8942)

Future Bakery – You could easily dismiss the Future Bakery as a snack stop in the vastness of St. Lawrence Market. But if you did – you’d certainly miss out some tasty homemade treats. This family run bakery uses the recipes brought over by their Polish and Ukranian relatives to Canada two generations ago. The result is 40 kinds of bread, baked goods, and stellar lunch specials. The day we went, we cashed in on the Pierogi Lunch Special. For $3.50 CAD (!!!), we received 8 homemade potato and cheese pierogis with a side of sour cream. Having been pierogi depraved for many years, Lenny welcomed the tastiness of Christmases gone by, despite the fact it was the end of July. (St. Lawrence Market, South Market, Upper Level Phone: 416-366-7259)

Mmmm...cheap eats...

Forget About It Supper Club – Our last dinner in Toronto was snagged just a block or so from the hotel. We discovered during the prime dinner rush hour, it is not uncommon for restaurants to stand their hostesses on the sidewalk with menus to solicit customers in order to compete with each other. After running the gamut with the first three on the corner, we were lured into Forget About It because Italian food sounded tasty and it was not yet overflowing with patrons. Forget About It showcases a Authentic Italian menu and a “features” menu which changes seasonally. This is where I chose the Rigatoni a la Bolognese, a pasta dish swimming in veal and porcini mushrooms. Lenny went autentico with Porcini Mushroom Fettuccini. For $17 CAD each, we were given generous portions, albeit served a tad scorching (we waited five minutes before digging in after I seared the roof of my mouth). The dining area decor was decidedly masculine, with its leather chairs and brown tones. One could see a few La Cosa Nostra types frequenting the establishment. Be aware if you’re a dining duo – ask for a booth rather than one of the tables on the main floor. The foot traffic (even at an early dinnertime) can be a little bothersome. (325 King Street West Phone: 416-599-9909)


Niche Coffee & Tea Company – We ended up at this great little coffee shop because we had reached the point in the trip where Lenny recognized I was tired and irritated and needed some caffeine induced watering. When we entered the narrow storefront at their new Queen Street location, the word “corporate” never crossed my mind. The space is chic with its glossy, black tables and silver wire chairs. The black and white shelving made it sophisticated and neighborly at the same time. The ladies behind the counter were nothing but helpful, recommending I try the Jumpy Monkey. This frosty coffee, chocolate, and banana treat was just what I needed to put me in a better mood to continue walking our way through the city. My one regret is that I didn’t go out back and spend time under the trellis in the garden or take in a bit of lunch or a pastry. The menu outside of drinks looked very promising! But I’m sure I’ll remedy that the next time I’m in town. (626 Queen Street West Phone: 416-203-0458)

Tim Horton’s – A lot of people naturally mistake this coffee giant as the “Canadian Starbucks.” But they would be wrong. It’s upscale cousin, Timothy’s more mirrors the ubiquitous counterpart. No, Tim Horton’s is more like the Dunkin’ Donuts of Canada. The first store was founded in 1964 as the namesake a famous Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman. We hit the Tim Horton’s that was between the Rogers Centre and our hotel after a Blue Jays game for iced cappuccinos and a 10-count box of Timbits (think: Munchkins). At the late hour – those really hit the spot! For a quick breakfast or late night snack, stop at Tim Hortons for a taste of what Canadians have been enjoying for over four decades. (Various locations, www.timhortons.com)

Next up: Shopping, shopping, and more shopping. Oh yeah…and Lenny gets to do something he likes too.