Although inflation has caused the cost of dining out to soar, there are many standout restaurants in the city with quality food at reasonable prices. And when it comes to restaurant recommendations, who better to trust than a chef — and a Michelin chef to boot!
Chef Lawrence La Pianta recently awarded a Bib Gourmand for Cherry Street Bar-B-Que — a drool-worthy barbecue joint serving up delicious smoked meats like Texas-style brisket and St. Louis-style ribs, recently shared his favourite affordable restaurant in Toronto where two can dine with wine for under $100. Read on to find out which spot he selected.
Chef La Pianta wants to eat at: Ascari Enoteca
Photo: imyourguyde/Instagram
“Italian food is my comfort food, and Enoteca is just super good,” he recently told us. “The menu changes seasonally, but two of my absolute favourites right now are the carbonara and the Barese sausage — delicious every time.”
Ascari Enoteca
The Carbonara at Esacari Enoteca
There are three things the folks at Ascari Enoteca love: food, wine and racing. Named after the famous Formula One race car driver, Alberto Ascari, the menu at this classic Italian eatery is rooted in simplicity and executed extremely well. Guests will love the intimate atmosphere at the restaurant’s Leslieville location, which accommodates 38, where the relaxed vibe invites guests to linger late into the evening. When it comes to the food, handmade pasta is the star of the show. The angnolotti di barbabietola is elegant and colourful. Another favourite is the mezzo paccheri di sepia nero, a squid ink pasta with calamari and clams. A superb wine list, featuring international stars, includes top sellers from New Zealand, Italy, Spain and France. One piece of advice: come hungry. 1111 Queen St. E.
Years ago, when Frankie Solarik lived on an historic stretch of Queen St. W., he’d occasionally walk by one building in particular and envision it as the perfect cocktail bar.
“When I created the concept for Prequel & Co. Apothecary, by chance the space was available and I knew I had to have it,” Solarik says. “The beautiful, large front windows allowed us to capture the concept and tone with the apothecary perfectly with window displays from the exterior all the way to details of the interior.”
Housed in a three-storey, red brick building that dates back more than 100 years, Solarik, who also owns the premium cocktail spot BarChef, says that Prequel & Co. draws inspiration from apothecaries of the Art Nouveau era of Paris, from 1890 to 1910.
Champagne & Absinthe
“We wanted to celebrate a term we created for the approach of building cocktails using the “Méthode Classique” approach,” Solarik says. This technique sees the extraction of fragrant aromas, achieved with muddling cast iron mortars, various botanicals, spices and herbs to order, in turn, creating amazingly complex, structurally sound compositions. The entrance of Prequel & Co. was designed to create a transportive and evocative reference of perspective as guests enter the space. “Tim Luke, the set designer of Netflix’s Drink Masters and myself discussed various inspiration drawings and images from authentic 1800’s Paris apothecaries, and he was able to capture the essence perfectly,” Solarik says. “The interior is all custom wood work with authentic vintage apothecary bottles that were used to create visual complexity and sustenance. Literally the perfect expression of what I had envisioned in my head.”
The cocktails are a nod to the ways in which ingredients and elixirs were prepared in the late 1800s, using fresh herbs, florals and liquors hand mixed in the moment. “Expect very defined flavours with amazing structural integrity,” Solarik says of the cocktails on offer. “The approach with muddling à la minute creates an amazing definition of each individual ingredient both aromatically and flavour wise.” The signature cocktail at Prequel & Co. is the Champagne & Absinthe which Solarik says “is incredibly refreshing yet beautifully complex. Definitely a best seller.”
The food menu, designed by Frankie Solarik Holdings Ltd. Culinary Director, Lionel Duke, along with Chef de Cuisine Teresa Pimental, features fun, delicious small French inspired shareable plates. Perfect for a late night snack or full meal, some of the dishes include steak tartare and escargot de bourgogne, chips and caviar, and even shrimp served with absinthe-infused cocktail sauce, which is an ideal pairing, with slight floral notes similar to the pairing of tarragon or fennel with tomato.
Since opening, Solarik says that the team has been incredibly busy, serving hundreds of cocktails each evening. Walk-in seatings are accommodated on a first come, first served basis, and reservations can be booked in advance online.
Prequel & Co. Apothecary is located at 1036 Queen St. W. and is open daily from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Toronto resident Miss Sandra M. Lex will be among the judges at the 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York this spring.
The iconic dog show takes place the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis centre in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, New York City. It is the second longest running sporting event in the United States next to the Kentucky Derby.
Lex is slated to judge Affenpinschers, Biewer Terriers, Brussels Griffons, Japanese Chin, Maltese, Silky Terriers, Toy Manchester Terriers and Yorkshire Terriers during her first judging assignment at Westminster. The Best of Breed winners she selects will advance to the Toy Group evening competition on Monday, May 8.
Last year’s winner Trumpet
It was with the rare Affenpinschers breed that Lex got her start in dog shows back in 1975. Her first Affenpinscher was the #2 ranked toy dog in Canada. And since then has established herself as a force in dog shows for the past few decades.
Thousands of dogs representing more than 100 breeds will compete.
As an active Westminster club member, Lex has held several positions in all-breed and judge clubs, including President, Secretary, Show Secretary, and this year’s Show Chair for the Affenpinscher National in Syracuse, NY. She is approved to judge Sporting Toy and Non-Sporting Groups, several Terrier breeds, Junior Showmanship, and Best in Show.
The Christopher Guest mockumentary film Best in Show starring Toronto’s Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara spoofed the event.
FOX will broadcast the entire three-day competition including the final day on May 9 when one lucky doggo will be crowned Best in Show.
For the schedule of events click here. For television coverage click here. Live streaming of daytime events and dog show results can be found at westminsterkennelclub.org.
If you thought last year’s March Madness featured a ton of Canadians, feast your eyes on this.
The NCAA is hosting its biggest basketball tournament, March Madness, beginning Thursday. 64 collegiate basketball programs play in a single-elimination tournament, pitting some of basketball’s brightest talents against each other. This year, a record-breaking 53 athletes are from Canada, with 12 men and 13 women competing out of the GTA.
Zach Edey is a 7’4, 305-pound centre from Toronto who is highly touted by NBA scouts. Playing out of Purdue, Edey has demonstrated a keen low-post scoring ability, averaging 22.3 points per game, a figure rivaled by five other athletes. His 12.8 rebounds per game make him the third-highest-ranked rebounder in all of Division I basketball. Watch Zach suit up for the number one ranked Purdue Boilermakers on March 17.
He might be smaller than Edey in stature, but Marcus Carr is set to cause havoc at March Madness, all while repping the 6. Boosted by an extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic, Carr is currently Canada’s all-time leader in points and assists after surpassing the previous record this week. His 15.9 points and 4.1 assists make him a handful for any backcourt in the tournament. Carr and the Texas Longhorns will kick off their tournament against two other Canadians, Malcolm Bailey and Sam Thomson when they play Colgate at 7:15 p.m. on March 17.
The women’s tournament kicks off on the same day, boasting prospects across multiple teams ranked in the top four of their respective conferences. Shayeann Day-Wilson and Emma Koabel are trading their Team Canada red for Duke Blue Devils blue on March 17, where they kick off the tournament as a number three seed. Day-Wilson is on pace to meet former Crestwood Preparatory College teammate Aaliyah Edwards in the final four. Edwards is hooping for a number two-ranked UConn team.
Here’s the full list of Canadian athletes at this year’s March Madness.
With the Ides of March upon us, we had chef Anthony Rose (a.k.a. Mark Antony Rose) stab his fork into the city’s most delicious Caesar salads.
Winner: Quanto Basta
“This looks gorgeous, I love the thick-cut pork belly and the polenta croutons are great! This is solid: it’s got a nice dressing, you can really taste the anchovies and the cheese. It tastes fresh and homemade, I could eat this whole thing.” 1112 Yonge St., $17
Runner-Up: Pantry
“I like how soft the kale is, it’s not dense. It has a good amount of cheese and a nice amount of dressing. It tastes fresh and delicious and it’s spot on. The chickpeas are a little spicy, which gives it a kick. I would eat this entire salad.” 1094, Yonge St., $11.59
Aloette Go
“It’s cool, but there are a lot of extras, and I would say this is the least like a Caesar salad that I’ve tried so far. The egg and chicken are both cooked perfectly, and this would be a great, hearty lunch.“ 171 East Liberty., $14
The Octagon
“I really like the dressing on this salad. I like the amount of garlic it has, but it could really use some acid. The croutons are nice and crispy
and I like that they are baked, but they are lacking in seasoning.” 7529 Yonge St.,Thornhill, $24
Planta Cocina
“I love the play on the Mexican theme with the tortilla chips and the cheekiness of it. The beans are a nice addition, but the mushroom bacon is extremely hard. I want the dressing to hit me with anchovy, but it tastes more like a lame mayonnaise.” Multiple locations including 10 Temperance St.,$15.25
Parcheggio
“The baby kale is okay but I think it would have been nice for them to also in- clude some romaine. I like the greenness of it. The dressing is a little too thick for a salad like this. I like the addition of the parmesan breadcrumbs and it has a good amount of garlic.” 2901 Bayview Ave. North York $17.95
Chadwick’s
“The bacon is really big but it’s not too fatty, which is nice. It’s very, very garlicky, and there’s quite a bit of heat to this. It’s a little overpowering. I like the addition of the crispy fried shallots and the anchovy dressing.” 268 Howland Ave., $13
Forest Hill Farmhouse
“I appreciate this salad. It needs some more dressing and seasoning, but I appreciate all of the extras in here — the chicken, the quinoa — I think the Caesar has room for all of this. It just needs about two more ounces of dressing.” 2 Lola Rd., $15.99
Sustainability efforts as we know it might include reusable shopping bags, biking more, shopping second-hand and maybe cutting down on meat consumption. But a new sustainability trend has emerged onto the scene in Toronto called homesteading — and it’s all about returning to your roots.
The term refers to a lifestyle of self-sufficiency and sustainability, which includes practices like growing your own food, producing your own clothes and crafting your own home products. If you search the term on TikTok, you’ll find that the hashtag version has over a billion views. The top videos on TikTok depict families and individuals living away from cities, often on farm properties. They post about things like gardening, creating their own textiles, raising farm animals and baking bread.
That the most viral videos take place on large properties with acres of natural land doesn’t seem to discourage Torontonians. In fact, urban homesteading is a trend in its own right, with city dwellers growing their own food in their backyards, their front terrace, city sidewalk boulevards or even on balconies and windowsills. Other urban homesteaders have taught themselves skills such as sewing or craftwork or even carpentry.
You don’t have to move out of your townhouse or even your apartment to start urban homesteading. You don’t even have to get your hands dirty.
Alex Filtsos is the creator behind Snake Eyes Shop, an Instagram and pop-up retail brand selling vintage, altered and handmade pieces using one-off vintage fabrics — but it started with Filtsos learning to make her own clothes.
Filtsos is particularly drawn to ’60 and ’70s novelty prints; she started sewing because she came across a mushroom print nurse shirt at a thrift store. The garment didn’t suit her personal style so she bought a cheap sewing machine on Kijiji and consulted YouTube videos to learn how to turn the shirt into a brand new mini skirt.
After that Filtsos began collecting novelty print fabrics and vintage sewing patterns and turned her hobby into a business.
“Being self-taught definitely has its downsides, and I find myself frequently learning from my own mistakes. It takes time and practice, but I really do believe it’s worth it to be able to give old fabric or clothing a new life,” she says.
Filtsos’s advice for Torontonians thinking of learning how to sew is to just do it. She advises that upcycling clothes is a good place to start for beginners. “Instead of buying new or tossing old clothing, try making something new out of something old. Something made from you, for you. It’s really a great feeling!” she says.
That feeling is what’s driving the homesteading trend. Tired of feeling disconnected from everything from the food they eat to the clothes they buy, homesteaders are looking for ways to reconnect. Making her own clothes reminds Filtsos of not only the work that goes into the clothes she wears, but gives her an opportunity to slow down — even the simplest item could take six hours to sew from start to finish.
The same is true for homesteaders looking to grow their own food. Homestead T.O. is an organization founded by Derek and Vinyse Barber that facilitates educational programs to teach Torontonians how to homestead, and the pair are hoping to remind participants of the time and resources that go into the food they eat.
Derek Barber says the problem in Toronto is that we’ve become disconnected from our food sources. “We can all name 20 restaurants, even 20 grocery stores, but most of us can’t name a single farm. We don’t know how our food is grown or what’s been put into it.”
The Barbers founded Homestead T.O. five growing seasons ago, and they offer a Grow Veggies program — offered both in person and online. The in-person program consists of weekly educational sessions spanning seven months in which the participants learn to grow their own vegetables in the Barbers’ teaching garden plot, located in Downsview Park. At the end of each class, the participants get to bring home their share of the garden’s harvest yield.
“A lot of our students have reached out looking for employment opportunities in the field,” says Barber. More people are opening up their backyards to the possibility of someone else growing food in it, and farmers markets are starting to open up tables to individual backyard growers, where they can sell what they grow.
Urban homesteading offers an alternative to the narrative of TikTok’s most viral videos, showing often white couples moving out of the city to purchase acres of farmland and start anew. Escaping urban centres is a privilege only afforded to some, as is the option to buy up land. A study from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation from 2021 found that home ownership rates were lowest among Black, Arab, Aboriginal and Latin American Canadians, and the gap has been growing since 2006.
With urban homesteading in Toronto, it’s community, rather than land ownership, that drives the trend.
The Barbers say their programs, which connect aspiring homesteaders with others, are representative of Toronto. “The other farmers and the students that I interact with are mostly people of colour,” Barber says.
In a city of condos, Torontonians have learned how to make urban homesteading their own and are determined to show you how you can, too.
Mary is the urban gardener behind the Instagram account @_thisgardenofmine_ which has just over 30 thousand followers. On her page, you’ll find plenty of tips for gardening in small spaces, growing and preserving your own food and recipes to keep you inspired.
Mary started gardening in her front yard at the beginning of the pandemic in 2019. “When I started there were very few front yard vegetable gardens but over the years I have seen a movement to grow ‘upfront,’” she says. Doing so has allowed her to meet a lot of the gardeners in her neighborhood, whom she sometimes trades plants and seeds with.
“The main thing that I’ve learned about urban gardening is that you don’t have to do it alone,” she says.
Emma Biggs is an urban gardener who is working to inspire others to grow at home. At 17, Biggs is the co-author of a self-published kids’ gardening book, which she wrote with her father, as well as the co-host of the podcast they produce together, The Food Garden Life Show.
“I’m really excited to see the number of new gardeners and homesteaders there are, and I really hope people stick with it,” Biggs says.
Of the many benefits of homesteading, Biggs is most grateful that growing her own food has allowed her to spend time outside and connect with the greater community. “When you grow a tomato plant, you get to eat those tomatoes, but you also get to share them with neighbours.”
The age old question: to lend your car, or not to lend your car? While this is likely something that many have done at one point or another, the reality is that there are important considerations that you need to think about before handing over your keys. As Canada’s Largest Personal Injury Law Firm, Diamond and Diamond Lawyers are no strangers to the many potential issues that can arise with car ownership. Lawyers from their team outlined some important information that you should consider before lending out your own vehicle or borrowing someone else’s.
Insurance Considerations
As a general rule of thumb, the insurance policy typically sticks with the vehicle. For example, if you borrow a vehicle from a friend and an accident occurs while you’re driving their car, you will typically be covered under their insurance policy, as you are operating their vehicle. However, there are some notable exceptions to this statement:
The borrower of the car must be a licensed driver
The borrower of the car must have consent to borrow the vehicle
If you plan on lending out the vehicle with any regularity, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to make sure that you have unlisted driver protection for your vehicle
Answers To Some Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Should you lend your vehicle if you know there’s something wrong with it? Answer: No – if you know about issues with your vehicle but choose to loan it out anyways, this could open you up to litigation if an accident occurs as a result of your car’s problem(s).
Question: Should you notify your insurance if someone will be using your vehicle regularly? Answer: Absolutely – if an individual is planning to use your vehicle on a regular basis, then you must inform your insurance provider so they can adjust your coverage accordingly.
Question: Can you file a lawsuit against a friend who crashed your car when they were borrowing it? Answer: Generally speaking, no. If you lend your vehicle to someone, you’re assuming the risk of them getting in an accident.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, it’s important to speak with a lawyer to understand your rights. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Diamond and Diamond at 1-800-567-HURT to schedule a free consultation.
About Jeremy Diamond
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about Jeremy Diamond.
An insider’s guide to going out for drinks with friends in Toronto featuring the coolest cocktail, honky-tonks and wine bars.
Best new sips
Moon Water from Bar Banane
Bar Banane
Situated in a prime location on the Ossington strip, you’ll find Bar Banane serving up expertly crafted cocktails and sophisticated small plates in an intimate low-key setting.The bar which is tended by Sasha Siegel and J.W. Martin features a unique array of artful drinks and a wide selection of wine and beer. 227 Ossignton Ave.
Food: Nova Scotia lobster croustade; lime and black pepper soufflé Top tipple: Moon Water made with tequila, lime leaf, sake, aloe, fino sherry, aromatized wine and clarified citrus
Offworld
Offworld Bar/Instagram
Get ready to go starry-eyed for Offworld, a new Queen West cocktail bar with an outer space theme. Run by the same people behind self-appointed “nerd bar” Storm Crow Manor, Offworld leverages the team’s flair for creating theatrical dining and drinking experiences. Offworld blends a lounge-like vibe with glowing lighting, an illuminated stone bar and hologram-like light fixtures to create an ambiance that feels part-nightclub and part-geek den. 739 Queen St. W.
Food: The menu boasts light bites like nanoburgers, burrata and a selection of desserts Fun fact: Owner Jason Kapalka, who’s also the founder of video game company PopCap Games, tapped his network of animators to develop the bar’s ‘digital window’ screens
Black Pearl
Striking a fine balance between elevated-yet-casual, the bar is perfect for all your ‘night-out needs’ including post-work happy hours with colleagues to late-night dancing with friends — and everything in between. Black Pearl’s interior oozes street-cool-meets-designer-comfort via its living room feel and an all-over rock ‘n’ roll vibe. 184 Pearl St.
Food: Comfort food classics, like late-night Twinkies, burgers, an array of salads and New York-style pizza slices.
Fun fact: Accompanying the live spinning, be on the lookout for tons of surprise entertainers like a prima ballerina dancing through the various rooms
Best Local Libations: Select #NoBlo hangouts
The Abbot
With its dark wood, dim lighting and 11 brews on tap, this is just the ticket for post-work sips. In keeping with the upscale pub atmosphere, the menu boasts a selection of classic English eats that are surprisingly decent. . 3367 Yonge St.
Day to visit: At the week’s end it’s the liveliest Food: Proper British fare like shepherd’s pie and chicken tikka Top tipple: Muskoka Cream Ale is a big one
Amsterdam Brewery
Toronto’s original brewpub got its start back on John Street in ’86. Fast-forward a few years, and Amsterdam is all grown up with two different locations, though uptown is our pick for a pint. Brewmaster Iain McOustra has been with the company since 1999, turning out both staples and seasonal beers for fans of the suds. 45 Esandar Dr.
Crowd: Relaxed locals Top tipple: Space Invader, an IPA that’s out of this world When to go: Hit up the brewery Saturdays at 1 p.m. for a free tour and tasting
Bar Centrale
Stop by Centrale for an apertivo which you can enjoy on its quaint street-level patio, or stop by on jazz night and indulge in the eatery’s stellar wine selection. 1095 Yonge St.
Crowd: Relaxed and inviting Food: Rustic southern Italian bar snacks Top tipple: A Negroni is a must
Boxcar Social
The Summerhill joint sees imbibers through morning coffee to wine and a rotating selection of whiskies come sundown. 1208 Yonge St.
Drink: New Toronto whisky flights Food: Try Billy’s Boxcar Billy sammie
Local Public Eatery
With sports on the big screens, classic singalong anthems and exposed HVAC, this casual spot is popular with Leasiders looking to go out without denting the wallet. Upstairs has a lounge vibe and a view of the open kitchen. Downstairs is more lively, but still relaxed. Expect a Cheers-style greeting upon entry. 180 Laird Dr.
Known for: Selection of 20 beers on tap and 20 wines
Food: Pub fare with Mexican flourishes Fun fact: Late night happy hour, 7 days a week
The Miller Tavern
This veritable house of history used to be the York Mills Hotel, providing travellers a spot to rest before resuming their journeys. Fast-forward some years, and the Miller is a classy joint with a strong wine list filled with Old and New World picks. Don’t forget to slurp back some freshly shucked oysters in the lounge. 3885 Yonge St.
Food: Stellar seafood Fun fact: The Miller has seen its fair share of ups and downs, including gambling raids When to go: Join them for Sunday roast starting at 3 p.m.
David Duncan House
Located in a beautiful 150-year-old mansion, this steak house delivers a taste of golden age Hollywood glamour with brass rails, ornate mahogany wood and stained glass light fixtures. The menu is old school (chateau-briand bouquetière is prepared tableside!), and the cocktails are of the same mind, but most diners sip on Cabernets from the lengthy list. 125 Moatfield Dr.
Food: Classic steak house Fun fact: The resto sits on a cool 4.25 acres of land and can accom 300 guests
Touro Churrascaria
This sprawling Richmond Hill restaurant is an ode to all things meat-related. In true Brazilian style, gauchos pass by your table for the rodizio service, heaping meat on your plate as long as the table card provided flashes “green.” All that protein demands a stellar wine list, and Touro delivers, with picks from Argentina and beyond. Use the iPad to peruse the vinos. 125 York Blvd., Richmond Hill.
Food: Meat and more meat Insider tip: On March 25, catch the Tropicana Queens live
Best big night out
Auberge du Pommier
This swishy restaurant has been seducing uptowners with its haute French focus since it flung open its doors in ’89. The eatery is equipped with a diverse wine list, with much of the focus placed on the regional wines of France to enhance executive chef Doug Penfold’s authentic French cuisine. 4150 Yonge St.
Crowd: Uptown’s moneyed folk Food: Think tartare, escargot and more Fun fact: Who knew that Auberge was built around the remains of two woodcutters’ cottages hailing from 1860?
Best 905 big night out
Grazie
This family-run business got its start at Yonge and Eg back in 1990 and now has a solid number of years under its belt and two locations to boot.
Crowd: Longtime locals Fun fact: When the musical Ragtime came to Toronto, Grazie was the hangout spot for the cast and crew
Best Richmond Hill sips
Sarpa
Established in 2010, this local spot conjures up the boot with its tasty Italian fare. Their wine list looks to the motherland for picks to pair well with the cuisine (think Puglia, Veneto and Tuscany). Meanwhile, experienced mixologists can be found behind the bar, whipping up drinks — like their ever-popular negroni — for all those 905ers looking to embrace the weekend. 13311 Yonge St., Richmond Hill
Food: Classics like veal saltimbocca and zuppa di pesce permeate the menu Top tipple: Ask for the Grand Oaks with tequila, Grand Marnier, bar lime and a splash of cranberry juice
Best for games: Put your game foot forward at these bars where boredom isn’t an option
Track & Field
Test out your shuffleboard and bocce ball skills so, come summer, you’re ready to play in the park with the old-timers. If a lane isn’t immediately available, hit up the photo booth.The drinks go down easy (can you resist not trying a ‘Spromance) and the crowd’s vivacious. 582 College St.
Top tipple: Negronis, manhattans and more on tap When to go: Show up on the weekend, and you may find yourself in the midst of a dance party
Spin
The subterranean social club spans two rooms, with picnic tables sharing space with ping-pong tables, and dynamic modern artwork dotting the walls. Denizens include basement-dwelling ping-pong players in addition to others who are just there for kicks. The food and tipples are surprisingly tasty (punch bowls for sharing!), plus you may just run into Susan Sarandon (she has ties to the N.Y.C. location). 461 King St. W.
Crowd: Serious pongers play alongside amateurs Food: The mac + cheese with hot ‘n flaming Cheetos
Spirit-first Bars: One particular liquor tickle your fancy? These locales are here to school you.
El Caballito
El Catrin’s year-round patio is heated, which means you can comfortably celebrate Taco Tuesday outside at any time of year. Inside, colourful cushions make for comfortable seating to enjoy the authentic Mexican menu, though you’ll want to make a reservation, as this tequila bar favourite is known to fill up fast. 18 Tank House Lane.
El Catrin Distileria
The upbeat Caribbean soundtrack, open kitchen and city’s best rum selection bring a diverse crowd to this DuWest spot. Owner Jen Agg oversees the cocktail program and 100-bottle-long rum list with an assist from co-owner husband and Haitian-born artist Roland Jean. The Dark ‘n’ Stormy boasts house-spiced rum. 926 Dundas St. W.
Snack Bars: Where to go for the best bites to pair with your booze
Bar Raval
Plucking its moniker from a Barcelona ’hood, Grant van Gameren’s gorgeous restaurant is to Toronto pintxos bars as Dalí is to Surrealism. Libations include the low proof (so you can stay classy all night) to custom blends. Foodwise, bite into an egg, serrano & piquilloin the morn or items like the jamon croquetas all day long. Heartier tapas, such as Iberico pork will satiate the famished. 505 College St.
Crowd: The who’s who of T.O. eatterati and design snobs aplenty Food: Spiffy bites like razor clams and hand-cut sobrassada Top tipple: Barbiana Manzanilla sherry
Paris Paris
Since sashaying onto the food scene in hipsterville, Paris Paris has been welcomed with open arms. The room — light filled and unpretentious — acts as a fitting backdrop for a culinary team that is pulling weight in all corners. Plus, it’s a wine bar with many bottles by the glass. 146 Ossignton Ave.
Crowd: Anyone and everyone Food: Tasty bites for the worldly palate Top Tipple: Make sure to try the recently introduced wines from Nicholas Carmarans
Hotel Bars: Out-of-towners can’t have all the fun, time to play ritzy tourist
Café Boulud
Forget dbar and head upstairs to this swishy space at the Four Seasons to sip the night away on cocktails Try the Blood and Bones made with Casamigos, Luxardo Maraschino, blood orange, and angostura bitters. Four Seasons Hotel, 60 Yorkville Ave.
Crowd: The city’s carriage trade gathers here to see and be seen
Food: Top-tier eats from superchef Daniel Boulud range from cod croquettes to rotisserie bird, done on the famed Rotisol
Jazz Joint: The Reservoir Lounge
Located across from the historic Flatiron, this jazz club is all about the music. Allow yourself to be swept away by acts that play jazz, blues, funk, soul … all the good stuff. 52 Wellington St. E.
Top tipple: A host of martini’s including the Asian pear made with sake and apricot brandy When to go: Thursdays, for 2 for 1 oysters Fun fact: A pre-fame Michael Bublé played here, as has Tom Jones
Best mixology
Barchef
The Sailor’s Mojito at BarChef
Frankie Solarik is a primal force behind mixology in Toronto — and beyond. Known for his creations that jettison any preconceived cocktail notions, Solarik has been gushed over by the likes of Alinea’s Grant Achatz, a known leader in molecular gastronomy. Almost 15 years after opening BarChef, Solarik continues to innovate and inspire worldwide, with the current menu focusing on transformative cocktails and ices. 472 Queen St. W.
Top tipple: The coconut & absinthe sour is described as a dangerous duo, where the Piña colada meets the green fairy
Food: Big emphasis on charcuterie and cheese Fun fact: Solarik has been a guest judge on Top Chef Canada
Pocket Bar
The Hole in the Wall
Head over to the Junction to get a piece of this gorgeously named liquor house. Fittingly, the entrance is blink-and-you’ll-miss-it, but inside it’s local brew perfection. 2867A Dundas St. W.
Crowd: Wise, wise folk When to go: Buckish-a-shuck Tuesdays
Spending like Kanye: Looking to rid yourself of all those dollar bills? Done and done.
Jacobs & Co.
This place for the moneyed keeps plenty of pricey wines on hand for the splurge-ready. Have a spare $25,555? Plunk it down for a 2009 bouteille of the Domaine de la Romanée- Conti. Don’t spill a drop. 12 Brant St.
Best craft beer and beyond
Burdock
Part bar, part resto, part music hall and part microbrewery, this Bloordale spot aims to please all — and so far, it’s managing to do just that. In the brew space, the team is turning out IPAs, brown ales, blonde session ales and more. Nurse a pint at the bar and then grab bottles for home sipping. The kitchen turns out fare like beef tartare, and in the adjoining space, music fans take in intimate shows under a canopy of Edison bulbs. 1184 Bloor St. W.
Crowd: Street-smart west enders Food: Seasonal fare with international influences Top tipple: Their “ridiculously drinkable ” Moon Grapes Key Lime Seltzer, packed full of bright tropical citrus notes
Honky-tonk Times: These country joints provide a Southern snapshot
The Dakota Tavern
After entering this basement bar, your grasp on time quickly slips away. It’s known for its bone-shakin’ live tunes and artist residencies — and those rather low ceilings. The Dakota is a west end mainstay for very good reason. 249 Ossington Ave.
Crowd: Anyone who likes to shake a tail to a tune Fun Fact: Past performers include members of Barenaked Ladies, Broken Social Scene and Blue Rodeo,
Rock ‘N’ Horse Saloon
At this countrified downtown sports bar and restaurant, expect Southern hospitality, line dancing lessons, mechanical bull riding and wild parties. In 2019, the saloon won “Canada’s Country Bar of the Year” from the Canadian Country Music Association Awards, so expect an authentically country soundtrack. 250 Adelaide St. W.
When to visit: Saddle up Saturdays for bull riding and dancing all night long Food: Pub grub gone south
House Parties: Where to go to feel like you’re at home, only better
Apt. 200
This second-storey Queen West bar is based on its sister space in Montreal, mimicking the type of slightly rumpled artist’s loft one would find in those parts. Think mismatched couches, a tiny TV, a pool table and arcade games. Cocktails are variations on the classics — signatures include the Queen West Sunrise and Grand Parade Punch — but you’re just as likely to see beers in hand. 1034 Queen St. W.
Crowd: Young condo dwellers seeking the rec room basements of their youth Fun fact: A nook flaunts a pillow-topped bed and a dresser to complete the authentic loft look
Where the Wine Snobs Go: Those who eschew cocktails should look to these spots
Sip Wine Bar
With warm lighting, exposed brick and soft black leather seats, this rustic uptown spot is an ideal catch-up space. With 26 wines by the glass, the focus is top Italian regions (Tuscany and Piedmont), but even oenophiles will find something interesting (Verdicchio). Authentic Italian bites include comforting faves (penne alla vodka) and old country classics (pizza Margherita). 2 Broadway Ave.
Known for: Wood-fired pizzas and an opening kitchen crew straight from Naples Fun fact: Downstairs there are two stunning East African tables
The Daughter
The Daughter is a new natural wine and bottle shop with a menu of delicious snacks and artful small plates in an elegant and romantic setting. At this hip wine bar you’ll find a dynamic collection of coveted natural wines from all over the world. 1560a Bayview Ave
Crowd: Classy types who know their vintages Top Tipple: The Susucaru from “the godfather” of the natural wine movement Frank Cornelissen Fun fact: A natural wine club will be launching soon
Wednesday March 15 marks the opening of Public Sweat — a fusion of art, sauna culture and sweat bathing at Harbourfront Centre.
The event, created by Toronto’s Art Spin, sees a number of artists create structures for the event that will be beautiful art pieces in their own ways, but also functional saunas.
“Some structures have other curated art pieces involved with their spaces. including video and photos, and the site itself will also feature sauna related art pieces,” says Katie Saunoris, spokesperson for Public Sweat. “The entire space will be curated for relaxation – there will be a lounge, a cafe, a firepit, a cold rinse, and sound bath musicians. They already tour with Mobile Sweat (one of the saunas) and it has been really successful.”
According to the Public Sweat team, artists were invited based on their relationship to sweat bathing and related themes in their past works, in addition to their experience in sculpture, architecture and social practice. Confirmed artists of Public Sweat to date include Simone Jones, SHEEEP Studio, Christie Pearson, and Chris Foster.
Public Sweat sauna with photo by Priam Thomas
“There are many beautiful elements common to sweat bathing cultures all around the world, in particular, we wanted to bring a sense of social connection to Toronto through this project,” says Rui Pimenta, co-director and co-curator of Art Spin. “We’re always interested in putting art in unique spaces, and the fact that Public Sweat is created by artists and surrounded by art creates an exciting entry point into sweat bathing” added Layne Hinton, Co-Director and Co-Curator of Art Spin. “We invite visitors to bring their bathing suits and towels, and a sense of curiosity.”
For example, Abandoned Splendour is a sauna designed by Simone Jones that is said to bring together her passion for film history, video, sculpture and electronic to create a cinematic sauna experience in a form inspired by Victorian-era industrial wood burners.
“My sauna, Abandoned Splendor, positions these former industrial giants as spaces of contemplation, loss and wonder,” says Jones, whose design will be enhanced through an intimate soundscape by collaborating artist Mitchell Akiyama.
Garmabeh by SHEEEP is an artistic take on ancient Iranian bath houses, while Geospheric Sweatbath by Christie Pearson connects bathing, utopian communities.
Tickets for the event are $28 for adults, and each booking is for a scheduled 2-hour session where participants are free to move at their own pace between all five sweat bathing stations.
Creator Ethan Kowalchuk (middle) and parents Kelly Kerr (right) and Ray Kowalchuk (left)
Last week, a new animal rights lab launched in Toronto, offering up a creative “incubator” for pro-vegan content and projects. Thanks to the lab, a Toronto gamer has been working on an unexpected new animal rights-centred project — vegan Dungeons and Dragons campaigns.
“All of my family have played Dungeons and Dragons pretty much their entire lives, and it just made sense to apply veganism to it because both my parents are big vegan activists,” Ethan Kowalchuk says. His parents, Kelly Kerr and Ray Kowalchuk, are part of the group behind Wishbone Animal Rights Lab.
Ethan Kowalchuk
Kowalchuk is finishing up his final year at Ontario Tech University studying game development, and is part of a group of developers called Play Nice that aims to create virtual games that “bring out the best in people.” The vegan Dungeons and Dragons campaigns will be the group’s first project.
So what exactly makes the game vegan? “We are planning on having different different quests that tie in vegan activism, such as an open rescue where you rescue mythical beasts,” he says. “In regular Dungeons and Dragons, you might have a quest where you have to clear out a cage full of goblins by killing them. For a vegan version, maybe you can negotiate with them to move elsewhere; maybe the villagers have been pushing the goblins out of their natural homes and the situation is more complex than you thought. We want to give more complexity than, ‘There’s a monster. Go kill it.'”
This project is exactly the type that co-founder Sue Spahr is hoping to attract at Wishbone. “People are more receptive if you provide entertainment or something relatable,” she says. “We have a bold plan to saturate the airwaves, print and streets with a wide variety of clever, relatable pro-vegan content.”
Organizers and supporters of Wishbone Lab. Courtesy Pinky Stroker
The lab offers a professionally-equipped recording production and broadcasting studio, an equipment lending library, a resource centre, public workshops and training sessions for vegan artists and businesses. “We’re not just wanting to place vegans artists on a level playing field. We want to give them the edge over their non-vegan counterparts,” Spahr says. The lab is currently volunteer and donation-driven, but the team has ambitions of scaling up the project to be rolled out elsewhere locally and globally.
For Kowalchuk, bringing a vegan mindset to Dungeons and Dragons is about more than just animal rights. “We want to incorporate many different movements that we believe veganism is closely tied to; we want to create a community that feels safe and inclusive and we want to use sociocratic philosophies in both how we manage and play our campaigns,” he says.
Kowalchuk notes that violent games aren’t “necessarily” an issue, but says that they can be limiting. “Violence isn’t for everyone; we want to give people options. If you have to get past a guard, instead of knocking them out or killing them, maybe you can use a spell that turns them into your friend instead,” he says. “I want to be able to I want to be able to use my imagination to get past everything rather than just rolling a die and attacking.”
He points to the role-playing video game Undertale as an example of a game with non-violent options that was successful. “You can go through the entire game and not kill or attack a single creature, and it gives you an entirely different ending. It was the first example of a game becoming wildly popular where the main appeal of it is the pacifist route, because it’s so different,” he says.
Through Play Nice, Kowalchuk hopes their campaigns will promote a more inclusive space that challenges a Dungeons and Dragons community that is often dominated by white men. “It’s not a very inclusive space, but that’s changing nowadays. No matter your race or gender identity, we want anyone to be able to play and enjoy our game.”
Have you ever considered sleeping in a tree house surrounded by lovable rescue animals? How about spending a night floating atop a peaceful lake in your own little abode? Is photographing animals in the wild or (safely) watching wolves at play in the moonlight on your bucket list? If so, you don’t have to travel far to explore these extraordinary immersive experiences that let you get in touch with Ontario’s flora and fauna first-hand — and in style.
Spot moose on a Canadian safari
Spend three days with a professional nature guide and photographer on Voyageur Quest’s Algonquin Moose Safari. Meet new friends and learn expert photography tips and tricks before venturing by canoe through the backwaters of Algonquin park. Snag magnificent photos of moose in their natural habitat and spot wildlife along the way. Spend one night in a log cabin and the second camping in the great Canadian wilderness. Paddle through glassy lakes, hike lush forests and stargaze at night. Relax by the campfire and feast on hearty meals prepared with love. This adventure is sure to satisfy any wanderlust spirit. voyageurquest.com
Unwind in nature among the Ontario wildlife
Pamper yourself with time at the spa, soak in the steamy Nordic baths, and indulge in gourmet dining experiences at Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa. Pack a camera and a sense of wonder and explore 100 acres of spectacular parkland by wagon. Delight in close encounters with moose, elk and bison along the way and appreciate the tranquility of the forest. Choose from several comfortable suites to feel at home in, or rent an entire chalet. Outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking the rejuvenating effects of nature will absolutely love this northern Ontario travel destination.
Sleep with wolves an hour outside Ottawa
OK, so you’re not actually sleeping with wolves, but you’re pretty close. An hour outside Ottawa in Quebec’s Parc Omega, guests get an immersive opportunity amid 2,000 acres of Canadian parkland with more than 20 wildlife species. Sleep in a whimsical stilt house in the forest or cosy up in a comfy pod. During your stay, observe several varieties of wolves and bears from an observation walkway, or explore the grounds and come upon caribou, moose and arctic foxes. For an up-close encounter with wolves, reserve one of several luxury cabins offering intimate panoramic window views of the park’s lively wolf enclosure.
Glamp alongside adorable rescue animals
Courtesy Taiga Animal Sanctuary
A refuge for animals such as chickens, pigs, dogs and Hyland cows, travel to Ontario’s Taiga Animal Sanctuary for an unforgettable overnight experiences amid an idyllic farm setting. Sleep in an enchanting tree house surrounded by birdsong, or opt for a peaceful bell tent in the woods (or something a little more close to home if you’re new to glamping — a two-bedroom apartment with space for six people). Forest bathe amid 10 acres of hiking trails and come upon curious woodland creatures. Relax in the barrel sauna, soak in a hot tub surrounded by trees, and dine in the beauty of nature. Enjoy plenty of games, campfires and quality time getting to know the adorable animals that call this sanctuary home. According to the owners, the rescue animals love to say hi, so you don’t need to enjoy the cuteness from afar — guests are encouraged to interact with and feed the animals, and apparently the baby pigs love belly rubs. It’s hard to imagine anything cuter.
Be like the water and overnight on Lake Temagami
Surrounded by beautiful Lake Temagami, Chic Shore’s Water Villas offer an experience that’s nothing short of magical. You can get lulled to sleep by a chorus of bullfrogs and rise to the song of the loon. With each villa built atop a spacious and secluded floating dock, this unique glamping experience connects guests with nature in luxury and style. Stargaze the night away in a chic bubble dome that sleeps five, or opt for an A-frame villa for an intimate couple’s getaway. Enjoy private outdoor space with lounge chairs, a BBQ and water access for those who love to swim.
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about 
