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

Share Toronto- My Dining Experience - Terrazza

Tonight is the first in a series of restaurant reviews focusing on intimate dining spots around the city.

First of all, I'd like to talk about Terrazza, a hidden gem of an Italian restaurant on Harbord Street .

I first discovered this spot over the summer and have been back many times since.

I've introduced a number of friends to Terrazza's menu & we've enjoyed so many of their offerings. The gratis appetizer of olives and bread present a bowl of the freshest and most garlic-laden olives I have ever had! Make sure you have a parsley tree in your pocket.

My favorite pick on the menu is the Caesar Salad followed by their Chicken Penne Pasta which are both absolutely delicious!

Frankie, the head chef always makes the food fresh from scratch. You can taste the quality and the care that has gone into the preparation.

Frankie often delivers the food to your table, though they are staffed with a nice-looking, friendly group of servers.

Frankie seems to enjoy meeting the customers.

The chicken in the pasta is moist and tender, delicately balanced in a creamy tomato and goat cheese sauce.

Terrazza's patio is a natural late night summer's date spot.

It's hidden from the traffic, behind ivy laced with white fairy lights and tables that are spaced nicely apart to provide privacy with candle votives that create very intimate spaces for the many couples that have discovered this place.

If you aren't particularly in the mood for pasta, Terrazza has a great burger called the Lips burger, a meaty, moist delicious burger definitely not for the dainty eater!

This is a big burger with big flavour, or you can design your own custom calzone or pizza, lots to choose from and definitely worth the trip.

Free parking after 6pm, a rarity in the downtown west area, makes this a must try spot!

Terrazza Restaurant (more...)

647-343-3283

372 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON, M6G1H9