The Waiting Game

Lately, I've discovered a disturbing trend in spontaneity especially as it relates to making spur of the moment plans to hit a new restaurant or bar in this city, there seems to be some new rule that says -NO MORE FLYING BY THE SEAT OF YOUR PANTS!!! we now must pre plan everything, otherwise it can be a very lengthy wait.


I'm of the opinion that no place is worth waiting longer than 15 minutes to get in - there are so many great spots in this city that I have discovered new places just by being told there is a 1 hour wait, that doesn't mean I won't go back to the original destination..I just do it with a plan !


Now that I have said that, 1 place with long lineups and long waits worth planning a trip to is, BarQue on Roncesvalles #299 Roncesvalles to be precise ..they have delicious meats smoked in house and well worth planning a meal there the meat is tasty, smokey delicious and sooo tender, their sides are fantastic and although a bit noisy - a great addition to what is fast becoming a new food mecca street.

For those looking for something quiet to read or wanting to bring a date for a boardgame or listen to music over what might be considered some of the best cup of tea in the city- a newly opened spot called the GTBT (or Good Times Bad Times) Cafe, opened their doors on October 31st.
Located at the corner of Bloor and Sterling Road - in what was a former failed variety store the 2 owners of this little treasure have sourced out teas that will calm your nerves, warm your heart and simply elevate your T-tastebuds to a whole new level.
They have researched the best of the teas and can tell you all about the balance and the nuances involved in making the best cup of tea.

You can top off your tea with market fresh pies and tarts for dessert, curl up into a wingback chair and watch the world (or at least the Bloor and Symington part of the world) pass you by. !

Business parners Juan and Marco have included an interesting mix of books for what is termed the "book exchange" and some good boardgames, including chess to help you pass your time - rumour has it they will be hosting Chess Championships soon :) - also coming soon is WiFi for those that just cannot get unconnected for any time in their day.
They have big plans to help local artists present thier works on what is currently just blank white walls, the lighting in the space is subtle and the vibe is cool and relaxed.

If you get the chance - check it out as this area of Bloor is fast becoming a spot for those looking for great food, relaxed spaces and a real neighbourhood appeal.

London may have their pubs but Toronto is fast becoming a spot for cool coffee and now Tea spots at the corners of a neighbourhood.

YAY !

Tel # 416-832-5775 1421 Bloor Street West. Hours are 7 am to 11pm most days









Head East to College and Dovercourt and there is another delight to be discovered...
The Black Skirt Cafe at 974 College Street,

- this Italian restaurant makes fresh & fantastic Italian food..a definite hotspot for some of the intelligent foodies in this city, not expensive and the food was so perfectly inspirational.
We started with the Meat and Cheese platter for under $25.00 it was perfect for the 3 of us, and the mixtures of flavours got our tastebuds ready for the main deal, pastas all kinds of pasta - we couldn't settle on 1 so we ordered 3 different styles and shared..we would have any 1 of them again (I am not writing down what we had as I think you won't be disappointed in any of the choices).


Desserts were made in house and the Tiramisu was ..I am speechless.. it was that good!


The decor is cool and rustic, with an artist in the house ( Francesco Galle is the owners brother !) he does some brilliant work! So, there is mind food and body food as well as stimulations for the eyes and nose, this has to be a must-go-to spot for anyone that reads this.


Service was excellent !! The Black Skirt is now an add-on to my ever growing list of gastronomic Italian delights in the West End.





416-532-7424

For the Love Of Flash Mobs

Today I decided that I need to jump into a different mindset..and send out some joy to the readers of this blog.
I was thinking of what always makes me smile or laugh no matter how hard the day is..and the answer came to me by way of an email..flashmobs, they happen all over the world and whenever they happen in Toronto, I am nowhere near the event :(
This flashmob took place at the St. Lawrence Market, a place I was a regular at, but apparently not on this day - hope you enjoy this video, just search "Kissing Flashmob Toronto 2011"

And for 1 of the best turnouts for a flashmob event check out youtube for the following


Sound of Music Central Station Antwerp Belgian (on Youtube)


and on any given day or place run a search for flashmob and name a place, you are sure to find an uplifting video.

They make my day whenever I look at 1, enjoy!

Cheers,
Philip Here is the link to the Sound Of Music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQLCZOG202k

Hadley's - They had me with the Cheesy Maccaroni

West Enders in Toronto keep getting better and better places to dine, hang out in and in general get a chance to enjoy the culinary capabilities of young talented chefs in this city.

This is another gem of a dining spot in Toronto, located on College and Dovercourt, across from the great YMCA that offers all kinds of programs and eye candy for whatever your tastes.

Such is the story of Hadley's.. great tasting food, reasonably priced with friendly & attractive staff, providing very efficient service.

The sparsely designed interior lets you focus on the food and that is where you have the opportunity to have your tastebuds riveted on the product(s) delivered to your table.

My choice tonight was a tender and meaty pulled pork and red cabbage sandwich, with flavour to blow your socks off, and a side of 3 cheese maccaroni which was ooey,gooey damn delicious!!

Add to this already superb meal, a free side of bite sized perfectly baked corn bread mini muffins & this dinner was nothing shorth of Magnifique, definitely not for the diet minded but well worth the indulgence and besides I can always do a run before work and a workout at lunch to burn off the extra calories I may have consumed.. but I wouldn't trade this dining experience for 1 ounce of caloric intake, as this was a truly delightful experience!

I'm certainly going to be back there many times, with as many people as I can introduce to this spot over the next few months.

Be sure to get here soon before the word of this new spot spreads and getting in will mean lining up to satiate your inner foodie, while worthwhile, I prefer getting in right away and starting the experience as soon as possible!

Tel # 416-588-3113

Licenced w/Beer & Wine

Caffeine Confessions and New-found Obsessions

If I tell this to you, you may give me that sideway glance that's usually reserved for those odd characters standing on street corners prosthletyzing about how the world will end May 21, or you might make assumptions as to my overall character or the genuiness of my convictions..but I must confess, I have never been a consumer of coffee or any coffee flavoured products.
I couldn't take the assault on my tastebuds (memories of bad coffee from my childhood years) and in general rejected anything to do with coffee!

I was quite smug about the fact that a glass of water gave me the "buzz" that most people seem to receive from their morning cup of Joe.

I never could grasp why people seemed unable to kick their day off without that first cup of caffeine, delivered via their usual regular coffee, or an espresso , americano, macchiatio or whatever other products abound at those institutions dedicated to delivering them their steaming cup of drug.

I'm telling this to you now.. in reflection, WHY, because, this past Sunday (Mother's Day) I found myself walking past just such an institution, near Broadview and Danforth just south of the Danforth, (at 748 Broadview Avenue), suddenly overwhelmed by a sensory overload of smells and sounds so inviting, I just had to stop in !!
Not unlike Alice, who, upon finding herself in a strange & wonderous world gets confronted with a family.. a Mother, Sister & Brother happily serving up the beverages of choice and describing in detail the dessert offerings, (all home-made all looking more delicious than the next).
I just wanted a dessert, but coaxed by the Owner Saverio Cosenza, who insisted I try it with a coffee made my his secretive method - then, as he described how he has the best beans and that he could guarantee to turn me to a coffee convert with his tried and true ability at delivering fantastic beans, ground fresh and offered up with an awesome dark chocolate flavour & slightly nutty essence, for the first time in my adult life I was going to try a cup of his choice (like an optrician selecting a pair of glasses to suit my face, Saverio selected my coffee match), what was delivered was, in my estimation.. amazing!

Initially I was taken in by the smoothness of the liquid, Saverio was right his americano coffee was the beverage to win me over, the flavour was delicious, nutty & chocolatey without either flavor angrily hitting back.
His Mother then had me adding to my order, with an assortment of Italian desserts, all made the old world way with all natural ingredients - DEEELICIOUS (and all non fattening to be sure!)
I took a seat on the stool at the window and watched as so many people arrived with their mothers in tow for the free Mother's day Coffee, I witnessed Saverio's pastries disappear along with cup after cup of various coffee concoctions getting consumed, people hung around & bantered with this trio of proprietors (I only discovered later in conversation, that in fact Saverio is the sole owner !).

This spot is apparently not new but was recently bought and renovated by Saverio, who comes with great credentials, formerly Saecco Canada's Sales Co-ordinator and Showroom Manager, top that off with being known as the city's top Go-To-Guy for training top baristas across the GTA and as if that wasn't enough he is rumored to be a gifted espresso/cappuccino whisperer, he decided to make that entreprenurial leap and become his own boss.

Regulars of what was the old spot and now the newly re-energized space, all commented on how fantastic the reno looks, and how superb his Espressos and Iced Coffees were!
I also overheard them commenting how much better his drinks were than all of those other spots nearby, for food, he also offers up nuttella panini & other grilled sandwiches, grilled to perfection and selling out quickly.

Not knowing what it looked like before I found myself looking at this space and realizing that it had the feeling of an interior that was "designed" to draw on current palates, in fact, it turns out that the designer was also Saverio, great touches like a long padded bench with magazines,crystal shaded chandeliers, soft cream painted brick and really great music selections, along with newspapers and tray ottomans placed so you could be a part of the action and still be out of the way of the throngs of newcomers hitting this spot, it was easy to see the draw to Si Cafe, great views from the window stools looking out onto the bustling street outside, super friendly people working the counter, free WiFi and water, clean bathrooms and a really comfortable atmosphere.
I will likely savour a cup of coffee once or twice a week from Si Espresso, I think I have finally come around to understanding the draw to this ancient beverage..and Saverio definitely delivers cup after cup of magic to the beverage of millions.

Check them out next time you are near the Danforth, or make the trip..I promise it is worth it!!

Tel # 416-463-5550

Cash Only

Real Estate Investment Info and the best platform to assist

Almost weekly I get questions from private investors and Real Estate professionals on how to gauge the Real Estate market in the G.T.A., it's as if these people felt there was a real mystery on how to get a handle on the new housing market.

Thankfully there is a web based platform that anyone can get access to, you don't need to be a seasoned investor to get an understanding of the New Condo/Housing Market.

Even better than just becoming more informed about the market, this website really helps to build a better relationship with a trusted Real Estate Agent/Advisor.

RealNet Canada, a company that has been around for over 16 years, provides all of the tools that you would want to look at when determining where and how to invest, & just like the 1st time buyer would want to watch how their first investment is growing (or not), RealNet Canada has built the coolest analytic platform available online today!

RealNet's web based product is delivered by a company that knows the Toronto new homes market better than anyone!!

www.realcondoinvestor.ca launched on January 20th, 2011, anyone can get access through their trusted RealEstate professional, all it takes is a call to an agent to be set up, agents get 2 invitations free & they are looking for a dedicated client/prospect.

If you don't want to be committed to an agent you can spend $1200.00 to get an annual subscription on your own, however, I think you are best to link up with an agent to get access and build that relationship. RealNet Also has a Twitter Link - join them and see what they let you know ahead of any other player in the market.

www.twitter.com/realnet_canada

For commercial investors RealNet has a more robust platform available by subscription, I would caution anyone looking to buy a Commercial, Industrial, Retail or Apartment to make sure they get linked up with RealNet's RealInfo platform.

Fanny Chadwicks -a delicious spot -that's super hot

Over this past weekend I had the opportunity to try out Brunch at the newest hotspot on Dupont @ Howland.
Fanny Chadwicks offers up THE VERY BEST Eggs Benedict this city has to offer, I mean that!! They make their own english muffins, incredible eggs from a local farmer that feeds his chickens and hens on real grass in an unheard of flock size -approx 500 birds, these birds are treated to the best environments around and it's reflected in the flavour and look of the eggs.
They have fresh cuts of Canadian back bacon and the most delectable hollandaise sauce of any Toronto establishment (so good in fact I ordered some extra just because you can!)
they have a sticky bun that they bake fresh and it is as close to cinnamon heaven without being overpowering.
If I have to complain about anything, it would be that they need more space as this place had only been open 3 weeks and the lineups are already 20 minutes long, but well worth the wait and the staff were very friendly and working their butts off!

They are located at 268 Howland at the Corner of Dupont and Howland
They are open for Brunch on Weekends, lunch and dinner through the week and weekends but they are closed on Mondays!
Call them to confirm hours at 416-944-1606

And do enjoy, I know I did!

The Best Hollandaise Sauce in the city !

Absence ..does it really make the heart grow fonder...

I must apologize for being absent, I can explain some of it with the fact that my computer went on the fritz, then my camera wouldn't upload after the computer was fixed, but mostly life just gets in the way of doing a daily blog.

I got to thinking about absence, and the old saying that it does "make the heart grow fonder".

I think there is truth in this, as I now think fondly of places I have not visited for awhile or people that have been out of sight.
Even if my last time seeing or visiting a person or place didn't stand out as being the last time I would visit for awhile. ;}



I now can branch into other areas that I have been meaning to review, such as:
Clothing Stores-

Jeans Xpress on Yonge and Dundonald they are a cut rate clothing store with some unique pieces and really great prices, brand name jeans for $30.00 very cool print shirts for $19.00 and up, men's wear and some women's wear. This shop often has $10.00 blowouts -keep an eye on them as I think they get some really cool accessories too.

Discounted Shoes

Directly across the street is the Balisi outlet store..great prices on hard to find end of season shoes..but what I like most is the personal service they offer, knowledgeable staff are unobtrusive yet still very helpful.

Hairstylists

Hairstyling, Fuss studio on Queen and Leslie
This salon is run by 2 of the coolest women on Queen Street (East or West), they carry a great line of hair care products produced in Toronto and Italy.
Stacey is the hair artist that gave this writer the best hairstyle he has had, plus others who I have recommended have all commented on how great a cut/colour they got from this salon. These gals are known for their expertise colour application.

Located at 1093 Queen Street East in Toronto - M4M1K7 Tel # 416-469-0006