How They Met: News anchor Michelle Dubé on waiting eight years for a proposal

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3:19 pm

Michelle Dubé might have one of the most recognizable faces and voices in Toronto, ancoring for CTV News at noon and 6 p.m. daily. But at home, Dubé is better known as “mom” to her three kids! She and husband Mark Ferguson share the details of their New Year’s Eve meeting and the long wait for a proposal and the serendipitous second-day meet-cute.

How they met

We met 10 years ago in Montreal on New Year’s Eve. We each travelled there with friends to celebrate and just happened to meet about an hour before midnight. The very first thing he said to me was, “Well, you’re a tall glass of water!” Yes, that cheesy pickup line broke the ice and we laughed the night away, welcoming the new year together.

The first date

The very next day we were not only on the same bus back home, we were the last two people on the bus. Turns out we grew up 10 minutes from each other! We exchanged numbers not really expecting to call, but the day after that a friend of mine cancelled plans on me. I was all dressed up with nowhere to go, so I called Mark. We didn’t do anything special. I think we watched a documentary. From then on we just kept spending more and more time together.

The courtship

Do you know how couples are sometimes head over heels for each other at first then things fizzle?

We were the opposite. We’ve both since admitted we weren’t that into each other at first. The feelings grew over time. By the summer we decided to go backpacking across Europe for a month. That trip really made us realize what we had was special. I knew from then on that I never wanted to be without him.

The proposal

I had to be very patient for the proposal. We were busy with our careers and didn’t want to throw a wedding into the mix (although by year five or six I found myself hoping for Mark to pop the question). It wasn’t until the eighth year together that he finally proposed. He first planned to do it on vacation in Mexico. He had asked my father’s permission before leaving, but with the ring in his pocket, we stepped off the plane to learn that his father passed away. We later took a trip to Florida, and that’s where, after a lovely night out, we went back to our suite to find roses and champagne. There was a note on the dresser with my name on it and inside it read, “It’s about time!” When I looked at Mark, he was on one knee with the most beautiful ring in his hand. I couldn’t have said yes fast enough and cried like a baby wishing his father were still here to share the great news.

The wedding

We were married Sept. 21, 2013, at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club back in my hometown of Ancaster.

Their lives now

Our lives have been changed forever by being parents. It’s the most life-altering, wonderful experience.

Secret for success

We’re best friends, and we want nothing but the best for each other. Our favourite thing to do is spend time together (even after almost 20 years)!

A new Toronto food and wine festival aims to smash cultural barriers

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Erica Commisso

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3:03 pm

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Trendy wine bars with local and imported sips are a hit all over Toronto, and a brand new food and wine festival is hoping to create a unique opportunity to pair local wines with food you don’t typically find on those menus. Head down to the Stackt Market on May 28 for the Spring into Spice festival, where attendees can sip on local wine and sample food from all over the globe with a wide selection of Caribbean, African, Indian, Thai and Latin American cuisines.

Spring into Spice Festival — Beverly Crandon on Instagram

“One of the common tropes in epicurean circles is that Caribbean cuisine does not pair with wine so much as it does with rum and beer,” says Beverly Crandon, a sommelier, wine lover and founder of The Spice Food & Wine series – a series of events that gives everyone a chance to try wine paired with international cuisine. Crandon and her team, who have African-Caribbean and Latin roots, hope to introduce a new way of pairing wine with the Spring into Spice festival, the second in a series of vibrant GTA events that aim to break tradition and make wine more accessible.

“With Spring into Spice, Torontonians will be able to travel the world without leaving the city, let alone crossing oceans to get there,” said Crandon. “People will be able to buy a glass of wine and feel confident in a pairing with an ethnic dish – a pairing they may have never imagined possible – then return home all in the span of a few hours.”

The event will bring 30 food vendors, wineries and wine importers from a variety of ethnic backgrounds together in an open-air environment. While the DJ plays, attendees will get a chance to walk around and sample tons of different dishes from across the globe. Think jerk chicken with a crisp chardonnay or empanadas with a full-bodied merlot. Vendors include local eateries like Haitian street food restaurant Boukan.

Spring into Spice Boukan — Boukan on Instagram

For those interested in digging deeper into food and wine pairings, people can take advantage of the immersive seminars scheduled throughout the day.

The event will be held in the Spring into Spice Pavilion at Stackt Market on May 28 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.

Here’s where to find the best vintage Levi’s jeans in Toronto

By

Julia Mastroianni

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3:00 pm

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vintage-levis — @houseofvintagetoronto/Instagram

If there’s one clothing material that will never go out of style, it’s denim. The textile can be used to make any garment, including the trendy designs of today which include patches, meticulously-made rips and carefully applied discolouration. But for those looking to come by that worn-in look and feel more authentically, vintage jeans are the way to go.

Founded back in 1853, Levi & Strauss has been a key member of the denim brigade. Still to this day, Levi’s pieces can be seen all over Toronto streets, with their arguably most popular line being the 501s. Looking to score your own pair of vintage denim? Check out these five Toronto vintage shops that carry the best iterations of Levi’s denim and other classic vintage brands.

Exile Vintage

For over 40 years, Exile Vintage has been a commanding force in the search for vintage denim. The shop specifically searches for well-worn and perfectly faded Levi’s jeans. The result has been a mass amount of quality denim pieces continuously flying off their racks. Exile Vintage doesn’t just deal with Levi’s. Right now, they’re advertising a 1960s Lee/Wrangler funk & flash skirt with a pocket wall. The shop is located in Kensington Market and has been a premier shopping destination for celebrities, international stylists and many more.

People’s Champ Vintage

The name doesn’t quite do the store justice. Located on Queen Street West, People’s Champ was affected by pandemic like many other sole ownership establishments. Owners Wyatt & Abe previously opted to move the store online, but now they’re back for in-store shopping at 1696 Queen St. W. They cover Levi’s pieces from the ’70s to the 2010s with a vast assortment of jackets, jeans and button-ups. As well, the shop shows just as much love for denim from brands like Lee and Wrangler.

House of Vintage

Restocking just last week, Toronto’s House of Vintage is a must-see attraction for those searching for the perfect pair of Levi’s. Found in the heart of Parkdale, this store has been known as a holy grail in the eye of vintage shoppers. Their Levi’s come in around the $30-40 range, which is close to two times cheaper than market value. House of Vintage also offers an array of unique, collectible pieces ranging from sportswear and lounge attire to formal and dress-up garments.

Expo Vintage

Expo Vintage offers customers three different ways to shop their vintage collections. Customers have the option of digging for diamonds at their outlet store, enjoying a curated experience at their flagship brick and mortar or shopping from the comfort of their own home through Etsy. Regardless, customers will find an array of Levi’s and other denim pieces with the majority of them from the ’60s to ’80s. Just a week ago, Expo posted a photo of distressed denim from an assortment of brands, so check them out before they’re all gone!

Nevada Rose

Nevada Rose, located on Dundas Street West, drops new items daily at noon. The shop is currently filled with loads of summer staples – some of which appear to have been taken directly from your Pinterest board. Their “Cool Girl Denim” section is full of pieces from desired denim brands such as Levi’s, Calvin Klein and Lee.

A fine dining Toronto restaurant known for six-course meals is for sale for $199K

By

Erica Commisso

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2:21 pm

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It’s a sad moment for Riverside‘s food scene. Since 2019, Est Restaurant offered a six-course meal from award-winning Chef Sean MacDonald, who was once on the global Best Chefs list. But, now, the Est era has ended, and the restaurant is officially closing its doors.

Est suffered a fate that’s been common in the last two years, struggling to adapt to pandemic-related closures and takeout formatting. It made some changes, switching up a typically wine and small plate -centric menu to include brunch and offer patio dining during over the past two years. Est Restaurant even launched a ghost kitchen, Biga Pies, in an attempt to generate additional revenue and combat pandemic woes.

But, the eatery is officially for sale now, listed online for $199,000. There is a glimmer of hope for the restaurant, though, as the listing details a space that’s primed to re-open under new ownership. “Impeccably Built Out Fine Dining Restaurant With Chef’s Custom Dream Kitchen. 1,728 Sqft + Basement With Rough-In Wine Cellar. Over $150K In Kitchen Equipment, Including Large Hood & Walk-In Fridge. Parking Spot,” the listing reads.

The listing price seems to include everything the owners could offer – the listing states that the sale would include ownership of the Est Restaurant Instagram page with over 20,000 followers, handmade clay dishes, glassware and “everything currently inside the restaurant.”

The listing also notes that the restaurant comes with an Ontario liquor licence for an interior space with room for 30 guests, alongside a CaféTO patio. “Great income prior to closing,” it states.

So, while the eatery may be closed for now, the Est Restaurant doors could reopen soon, if the right owner swoops in.

Judy Chicago to create mesmerizing smoke sculpture on Toronto’s waterfront

By

Ron Johnson

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2:06 pm

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Legendary feminist artist, Judy Chicago is bringing pyrotechnics to Lake Ontario as part of the Toronto Biennial of Arts (TBA).

Entitled, A Tribute to Toronto, the display will celebrate the conclusion of the visual arts event now in its second year, and will see Chicago create her first smoke sculpture in Canada.

Taking place at Sugar Beach on June 4, the prolific artist is set to release a series of environmentally safe, non-toxic coloured pigments from a structure on a barge. In the air, the pigments – in shades of white, yellow, green, blue, and purple, mix with the air and sunset to create a myriad of changing colourful effects, resulting in an immersive effect for viewers.

In an effort to feminize the male-dominated California art scene of the late 1960s, Chicago executed a series of increasingly complex firework pieces that involved site-specific performances around L.A. Over the next fifty years, Chicago would go on to create dozens of these pieces, guided by the principle that colour is a metaphor for emotive states.

“Colour is the through-line in my work, whether ephemeral or explored in more tangible forms such as paintings or sculpture,” she said. “Colour is a doorway to many aspects of the human condition.”

According to Judy Chicago’s website, A Tribute to Toronto works against the tradition of male land art artists whose work imposed itself on the earth. Instead, Chicago’s performance offers an alternative and impermanent approach that merges colour with landscape to increase awareness of the beauty of our natural environment.

“Judy has been a long-time fan of our city having first exhibited her iconic The Dinner Party installation at the Art Gallery of Ontario in the 1980s,” said Patrizia Libralato, Executive Director of the TBA. “Her return to Toronto with this work [A Tribute to Toronto], provides an exciting opportunity for our community and the art world to experience art history in the making.”

The free event will take place on June 4 from 8:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

This Toronto festival is dedicated to all things gluten-free and delicious

By

Erica Commisso

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12:33 pm

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After a three year pandemic hiatus, Gluten Free Garage, Toronto’s only festival dedicated to food without gluten, is making a comeback.

On Sunday, May 29, over 60 food and drink vendors will come together in the Artscape Wychwood Barns to offer the best in Ontario’s gluten-free food scene. According to a press release, the fare will include every kind of cuisine and food preference, “from freshly baked goods, frozen treats and savoury made-to-order dishes to cultural delights including arancini, tacos and pupusas to beer and more.”

Gluten Free Garage’s founder, RonniLyn Pustil, created the festival for a deeply personal reason. “I launched the festival in the fall of 2012 as Toronto’s first pop-up gluten-free market. Inspired by my daughter Lily, now 16, who was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2009 at the age of three, I created the event to give people a taste of what was going on in Toronto’s gluten-free scene,” she said in the release. “I aim to promote and provide better access to top-quality gluten-free food, create awareness about celiac disease, and prove that gluten-free food can be super tasty.”

May is Celiac Awareness Month, so the family-friendly festival’s timing is designed to celebrate the best in gluten-free goods from across the province, allowing those who suffer from the disease to enjoy all kinds of cuisine without worrying. “Everything is carefully vetted for people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance, allowing this farmers’-market-like food festival to be a place where they can eat, sample and shop safely and without worry,” the release stated.

Admission is $10 with advance tickets (purchased on the website) and $12 at the door, but children 12 and under are free. Gluten Free Garage also hosts a food drive in partnership with the Canadian Celiac Association. Every gluten-free good donated will go to The Beeton Cupboard, a local food bank that has a demand for gluten-free food for health-related purposes.

The festival will be held at 601 Christie St. on May 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grant van Gameren’s legendary burger joint Harry’s Charbroiled is opening soon in the east end

By

Erica Commisso

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4:26 pm

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Grant van Gameren is turning a long-closed coffee shop into an east end version of his iconic Harry’s Charbroiled burger spot.

The new eatery will be located at the corner of Coxwell Avenue and Gerrard Street East, once the home of an old-school Coffee Time that closed in 2019. Throughout the pandemic, the space sat empty, until Van Gameren set his sights on it.

Van Gameren has been operating some form of Harry’s Charbroiled since its original space in Parkdale in 2016, which he subsequently closed in 2019 before operating as a food truck and then inside the former Woodlot space on Palmerston Avenue in Little Italy.

Van Gameren’s smash burger concept serves up popular dishes such as the different chorizo burger options and the classic Plain Jane made with a four-ounce beef patty, American cheese, pickles, onion and ketchup. Options for extra patties are available, too. It also offers a Vegan Jane option and a recently-expanded menu that boasts chicken, French fries, fish selections, chicken tenders and chorizo chili cheese fries as well as milkshakes.

Harry’s Charbroiled and van Gameren have a busy few months ahead, as the Palmerston location is opening a newly renovated patio and a Prince Edward County location is also set to debut in early June.

The official opening date for the east Toronto spot at 255 Coxwell Ave. has yet to be announced. Van Gameren has added some start-studded branding power for the east end with concrete graphic design handling the new outpost.

3 spectacular cave adventures to explore across Ontario

By

Julia Mastroianni

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2:56 pm

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Ontario Caves in the Blue Mountains — @kseniabaykalova/Instagram

There’s something magical and otherworldly about caves – mysterious even.

Created by ancient limestone deposits eroded by melting ice-age glaciers, these surreal caverns hold many secrets and ancient stories for those who venture into them. And while you might want to leave some caves to professional spelunkers and speleologists, others beg to be explored by folk with curious souls.

In Ontario, we’re lucky enough to have many incredible caves across the province that are absolutely perfect for exploring – especially for beginners.

Ideal for daytrippers of any age looking to feed their wanderlust, here are three Ontario caves that you should keep on your radar for an out-of-the-ordinary adventure.

Tyendinaga Cavern & Caves

For cave exploration newbies, this 45-minute guided tour of Ontario’s largest cavern is guaranteed to pique your curiosity and get you hooked into the strange world of spelunking.

Located about 15 minutes from Belleville in the iconic Bay of Quinte area, this family-run site is tucked away amidst picturesque park lands where you can enjoy a nature stroll or a picnic after your subterranean visit.

Journey through the nooks and crannies of this unique place and learn about the natural wonders of Tyendinaga Caves and its fascinating history. See fossils embedded into the limestone walls, encounter an underground wishing well and, if you’re brave, get plunged into darkness momentarily before finally returning to the light of day.

Will you see bats? Maybe. Is it safe for kids? Absolutely. Is it affordable? Ridiculously so. And, lastly, is it worth it? Totally!

Scenic Caves Nature Adventures

Head over to Collingwood and the Blue Mountains and get your fair share of wonder at Scenic Caves Nature Adventures, which offers multiple activities and fantastic landscapes for any nature enthusiast. Located on a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Petun First Nations land, this amazing cave system also sits along the Niagara escarpment.

Spend the day exploring the many caves and crevasses on a self-guided tour that’s great for kids and adults alike. Climb ladders, meander through mystical moss-covered gorges, and descend 70 feet underground to traverse the cave network that makes this place magical. Discover unearthly rock formations and geological curiosities along the way and wonder at it all.

Once you’ve finished, cross the 420-foot suspension bridge and pause at the stunning panoramic views. Or, hike through the old-growth forest that boasts over 200-year-old trees.

Will you need running shoes? 100 per cent. Do you need to be a pro caver? Not at all. Will you feel like one when you’re done? Sure!

Bonnechere Caves

Take a road trip to the Ottawa Valley, and explore the phenomenal Bonnechere Caves. Another family-run business known for providing visitors with a memorable spelunking experience.

Offering guided tours filled with fun and educational information, learn all about these spectacular hundreds of millions of years old examples of solution caves (ancient limestone eroded by water). Wind your way through the underground tunnels and encounter icicle-like stalactites and other marvellous geological formations. Come upon fossils of unimaginably old sea life encrusted into the walls and take in the natural beauty of it all. As for bats – you likely won’t see any unless you visit in the autumn, but, hey, you might get lucky!

Not only do Bonnechere Caves offer hour-long cave excursions, but they also host several unforgettable (and hugely popular) special events such as cave concerts and subterranean fine-dining. How cool is that?

Do you need to book ahead? For the cave tour, no, but for special events, yes. Will you be filled with wonderment? You bet. Can you bring the family? Of course!

Visit Streets of Toronto for a travel guide to tree house escapes in Ontario.

Toronto Bathroom Renovation Costs in 2022: What to Expect

By

Dorothy Chudzinski

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10:20 am

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Ready to get your bathroom remodeled? Whether you want to update your existing bathroom or are looking to add a new one altogether, several factors will determine the cost of your renovation. Analyzing these factors will help you understand if your renovations fall within your budget.

Reasons to Renovate

One of the main reasons homeowners choose to renovate their existing bathrooms is to bring them up to date or in line with current trends. You can renovate your bathroom to give it a fresh and modern spin if it feels dated or has old fixtures needing replacement.

Other common reasons for bathroom renovations are to:

expand the size of the space
add a new shower or bathtub
instal energy-efficient appliances
make the bathroom safer
increase the valuation of the house

Before making any decisions about the type of renovations you want to pursue, it’s important to assess your needs and goals for the space.

Cost Factors

When estimating the cost of your Toronto bathroom renovation, several factors will impact the final price tag.

Some key considerations when it comes to bathroom renovation costs include the size and layout of your space, as well as the materials used for construction. For example, if you have limited space, you may need to opt for more compact fixtures such as toilets and sinks. Additionally, certain materials like tile and marble can be quite expensive, so carefully weigh them against other options such as laminate flooring.

Another factor that can impact bathroom renovation costs is labour. If you plan on doing the work yourself, you can certainly save some money. However, it’s important to ensure you have the necessary skills and knowledge to complete the project properly. Hiring a professional contractor can add to the cost of your renovation, but this may be worth it if you want the peace of mind that comes from knowing the job will be carried out correctly.

Bathroom renovation costs can vary widely depending on your specific needs and wants. Understanding all of the factors involved ensures that your project stays within budget and meets your expectations. Easy Bathroom offers a wide range of services to help with your bathroom renovation.

To help you gauge the cost of a potential bathroom remodel, we’ve compiled cost estimates based on previous projects we’ve done. Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect to pay for your Toronto bathroom renovation in 2022.

Bathroom Renovation Costs in Toronto

The cost of a bathroom renovation in Toronto will vary depending on the size and scope of your project. For a small bathroom (under 50 square feet), you can expect to pay between $5,000 and $15,000 for a complete renovation. This price range includes everything from new fixtures and appliances to flooring and paint.

For a medium-sized bathroom (between 50 and 150 square feet), you can expect to pay between $15,000 and $25,000 for a complete renovation. This price range covers all of the same materials as a small bathroom renovation, but you may want to consider adding additional features such as a double sink or heated floors.

For a large bathroom (over 150 square feet), you can expect to pay between $25,000 and $50,000 for a complete renovation. This price range allows for more extensive renovations, such as adding a spa-like bathtub or walk-in shower. You may also want to consider high-end materials such as stone countertops and heated towel racks.

Common Fixtures & Cost

Toilets and sinks $200 – $1,800
Vanity $300 – $4,800
Countertops $200 – $2,000
Showers $300 – $3,000

Keep in mind that these are only ballpark estimates based on the size of your bathroom. The final cost of your renovation will also depend on the specific materials, fixtures, and brands you choose and the labor costs associated with your project. At Easy Bathroom, we offer free consultations to help you better understand the potential cost of your bathroom renovation.

What’s Next?

Now that you have an idea of what to expect in terms of cost, it’s time to start planning your bathroom renovation. Whether you’re looking for a simple remodel or an extensive makeover, Easy Bathroom has the tools and expertise to help you achieve your goals. Contact us today at 416-747-5996 to learn more about our services and get started on your Toronto bathroom renovation!

This new food cart could be serving up the city’s best pastrami sammies

By

Erica Commisso

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10:15 am

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Alexander Dalgliesh-Switzer loves pastrami sandwiches. And, though he’s been living on and off in Toronto since 2011, he couldn’t seem to find one that met his standards. “I thought I couldn’t be the only one that felt that way,” he says, “and I guess I wasn’t wrong.”

He decided he had a solution. After all, Dalgliesh-Switzer has nearly two decades of culinary experience, which saw him take on positions at Fable in Vancouver, Le Quercy in Souillac, France, the Old Spaghetti Factory in his native Calgary and 416 Snack Bar and Pinky’s Ca Phe in Toronto. So, he thought, he would just make his own pastrami sandwiches.

Switzer’s, the hot pastrami cart, was born, launching at the corner of Vaughan Road and Winona Avenue on May 8. Dalgliesh-Switzer bought what he thought was a week’s worth of supply and prepared to offer his $12 pastrami sandwiches, served with a pickle spear, to his community. But, instead, he sold out his stock in five hours. “It’s still unreal. I know it sounds cliche but I still don’t believe it,” he says. “I’m expecting to wake up at any moment.”

It’s especially surreal considering Dalgliesh-Switzer’s own connection to pastrami.

“I was raised mixed-faith; Jewish and Catholic. My first Pastrami experience was at Swartz’s in Montreal,” he says. “There’s a saying in Farsi Be del’am chaspid, which was described to me as sticking to your heart. Like it hit the spot, but deeper. Pastrami did that to me, it entwined with my Jewish-Canadian identity. That’s what made me seek it out, and what I found lacking in the city.”

Piggybacking off the first launch’s success, Dalgliesh-Switzer has plans to continue offering his pastrami sandwiches at the same intersection. “I live in the area, the enthusiasm here would make me feel like I was betraying my community not to become at least a semi-regular fixture,” he says. But, that doesn’t mean he’s not eyeing other areas.

“We’re planning on trying out St. Clair and Bathurst for a few weekends if everything goes smoothly. We’re also in talks to head to a street party in Humewood on June 17.”

“Doubt always looms when you leap off any cliff and it’s still clinging to me dearly. Once I can confirm I’m awake in the real world, I’m sure the fact that we sold out a projected week’s worth of product in a total of five hours will kill that insecurity,” says Dalgliesh-Switzer. “I just have to make sure I don’t swing too far the other way and let it get to my head.”

Check out Switzer’s Instagram for updates and locations.

This $2.98 million Toronto home has a heated pool and a dream kitchen

By

Julia Mastroianni

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9:41 am

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This beautiful stone-facade house is so modern and yet so welcoming. Located in Etobicoke, 3 Logwood Crt. sits at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac.

This spacious four-bedroom, four-bathroom house has been recently renovated to perfection. With a sleek white kitchen and sparkling new bathrooms on every floor, plus a finished basement featuring a rec room and guest bedroom, you’ll want to see this place.

Listed at $2.98 million, this house is surrounded by the many parks and nature trails that make the Markland Woods neighbourhood so loved.

This is the living room. Notice how much natural light streams through? It features one of two stylish gas fireplaces and elegant wainscot panelling – not to mention plenty of space.

The dining room is nestled between the open-concept kitchen and sunny living room, making it perfect for hosting dinner guests. The large bright window faces the front of the house and has a pretty street view.

The kitchen with porcelain floors is modern and sleek. It’s also brand new. With a gorgeous quartz-topped island breakfast bar and double fridge, it’s an ideal space for recipe wizards.

The kitchen has all-new top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances. See how they’re so neatly tucked away into the built-in cabinetry for the ultimate smart storage space.

This is the spacious primary bedroom with modern wide plank flooring. It has such a light and airy feeling. So peaceful and perfect for relaxing.

This brand-new, fully renovated bathroom is one of four. This one leads to the kitchen and the pool. Look at the beautiful chevron details and vanity with ample storage.

Look at this peaceful and private fenced-in backyard dream. It boasts a barbecue area and a comfy gazebo hangout. Oh, and the pool? It’s 40 feet long and heated – perfect for chilly evening cannonballs! Imagine the pool parties and cookouts you could enjoy in this generously sized oasis.

Equipped with an attached garage, private driveway and not to mention, big front yard with a picturesque tree – this home has massive curb appeal.

3 Logwood Crt. is listed with Wins Lai of Living Realty Inc Brokerage.

A boozy, Tulum-inspired brunch party is coming to Toronto this summer

By

Erica Commisso

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11:03 am

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A trip to Tulum, Mexico is usually a four-hour flight, but this July, it’s within walking distance for Torontonians. Playa Patron is a three-day pop-up taking place from July 7 to July 10 that brings the sights, sounds, and tastes of one of Mexico’s hottest tourist destinations to one of Toronto’s favourite beaches.

Conveniently located in Ashbridge’s Bay, just southeast of the volleyball courts, Playa Patron offers guests a brunch or dinner experience. Brunch tickets cost $110, while the evening tickets cost $25. Similar to the policies in effect at many luxury Mexico hotels and restaurants, guests of Playa Patron are expected to follow an elegant, tropical dress code.

The brunch ticket includes a three-course Mexican brunch menu curated by Tulum chef Cesar Castañeda, who has worked alongside several Michelin-star chefs. Featuring stand-out flavours representative of the Mexican Caribbean, the first course is a sea bass served with passion fruit aguachile. The second course, sure to be a crowd favourite, is pork belly and xcatic chile tacos served with chilli aioli on handmade tortillas. For dessert, guests will indulge in a marquesita, which spotlights Edam foam, kiwi and chocolate and a sweet Mexican crepe. A vegan brunch menu is also available, in which the sea bass aguachile is swapped for cured watermelon and potatoes are substituted for the pork belly in the tacos. For dessert, vegan brunch-goers can look forward to a delicious smoked mango layered in Hoja Santa sauce, coconut, avocado puree and ginger.

Hand-crafted Patrón tequila cocktails will also be on offer (including a creamy colada), and a set of DJs will be on-site playing deep tropical house. The event starts at 12 p.m. and runs for four hours.

The evening tickets include one Patrón welcome cocktail as well as admission to the beach club experience, including the opening and headline DJ sets. An evening in Tulum wouldn’t be complete without some late-night eats, and beachgoers can purchase Mexican street food and additional tequila cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks, too.

For more information, or to buy tickets, check out playapatron.ca.