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Top 5 Favourite Bars for Craft Beer in Toronto

July 7, 2024

Craft beer is big business in Toronto. According to the Ontario Craft Brewers Association, “there are currently over 100 craft breweries in Ontario employing over 1,000 people in direct brewery jobs across the province. This represents over 30 per cent of the direct brewery jobs in Ontario.”

Now that grocery stores will now have the opportunity to sell beer and wine, this will not replace your visit to your local bar to taste test brews. If you don’t want to stay in your furnished suite or apartment to drink, here are our favourite places in Toronto for this niche experience.

1. Bellwoods Brewery. The popular indie brewery on Ossington Ave–with its white picket fence and prime people-watching patio– is listed as one of the 100 best breweries in the world by Rate Beer. Sip and savour on IPAs, stouts, single hop series, Belgian saisons, and a variety of ales. There’s a good selection of charcuterie to nibble alongside your pints. The brewery is dealing with its line-ups with a next door bottle shop (you’ll also want to save those beautiful labels for your home collection) and are opening a new location at Dupont and Dovercourt. Currently, you can quench your thirst by participating in a spring guided tasting.

2. Bar Volo. Bar Volo is the craft beer bar that was ahead of the trend and now 25 years old. It’s a great centralCraft Beer in Toronto location if you are living in our downtown toronto apartments or North Toronto. The dim-lit, intimate, wooden space gets crowded early. It’s a casual process: look at the list on the walls for over 30 rotating regional beers on tap, casks, more than 75 international types of bottles, and a hectolitre nano brewery. You then find your own table, and order/pay at the bar. Though known for beer, there are two VQA wines served on tap, and over 60 bottles of bourbon and rye for non-hopheads. In the summer, there are DJ nights and during those times, cans of Howe Sound Lager is available for $5 (as previously stated on their site, last year).

3. Bar Hop. Located a short walk away from our 300 Front, Icon, and Element locations, Bar Hop is the ideal unpretentious after-work spot on King West. The bar has over 36 rotating taps plus tap takeovers, gluten-free beers and ciders, aCraft Beer in Torontond two casks. Special deals like Sunday Sessions ($5 for select craft beers); Mussel Mondays (2 pounds of mussels and fries for $9.95); and Buck-a-Shuck Tuesdays ($1 Oysters) make this a bustling place. Fret-not, a second location is in the works around Richmond and Peter.

4. Indie Ale House. If there is one reason to head over to the Junction, it’s for its noteworthy brewery. There’s a variety of beers here, including their speciality of bold ales. Peruse their menu for collaborations and their original brews with fun flavours and names like the Broken Hipster, Zombie Apocalypse, and the Breakfast Porter. Add a flavourful, varied menu of healthy options and bar staples with a twist; tours, and tastings, and you’ll never want to leave (unless you go here first and then dance the night away at 3030 down the street).

5. Amsterdam Brewery. Though it now feels like a tourist attraction due to its Harbourfront location, Amsterdam Brewery has bCraft Beer in Torontoeen in Toronto since 1986 and come a long way from its first location on John St. Now the brewery is a short walk away from our downtown toronto apartments. Amsterdam Brewery is known for its Boneshaker unfiltered IPA and has other original brews like the Sweetwater Squeeze Radler, the 416, and the all natural Blonde. Sip lakeside on a muskoka chair with an unparalleled view of Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands. A bonus if you can’t grab a seat on the patio is that you can grab your favourite beer from their bottle shop, which is open 7 days a week until 11pm.

Honorable mentions go to some of Toronto’s newer breweries like the soon-to-open Left Field Brewery (which is hosting tastings and pop-ups to buy select bottles from time to time); East York’s new Muddy York brewery; and the established Granite Brewery at Eglinton and Mount Pleasant.

What is your favourite bar for craft beer in Toronto?

Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Fitness and Health, Food & Recipes, Lifestyle talk

The Top Vegan Restaurants Toronto

April 20, 2024

Sometimes vegans can find it difficult to discover a great place to eat, as their options are usually quite limited. However, in the city of Toronto, animal-free living is becoming more popular and more and more excellent vegan restaurants in Toronto are springing up. Many great establishments serve food so delicious that you won’t even notice anything missing. Here are a few of the best vegan restaurants that Toronto has to offer:

The Hogtown Vegan

If you miss those classic meaty comfort food staples, this is the best spot to enjoy satisfying dishes such as vegan chicken and waffles and mac and cheese. They taste just as good as the original but no animals were harmed in the making of these nostalgic and filling dishes.

Khao San Road

One of the best Thai food restaurants in Toronto, this spot has a dedicated vegan menu that is complete with curries, garlic tofu, squash fritters and vegan pad Thai. The food is fresh, fragrant, spicy, flavourful and exciting, bringing you the authentic flavours of Thai cuisine.

Planta Queen

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Planta Queen is not just a restaurant; it’s a revolution in the vegan culinary world. This upscale eatery is famous for its innovative approach to vegan cooking, making it a favourite among both vegans and non-vegans. The ambiance is chic and welcoming, with a décor that balances modern aesthetics with cozy touches.

What sets Planta Queen apart is its menu, which features a stunning variety of Asian-inspired vegan dishes. The chef uses ethically sourced ingredients to create masterpieces such as Udon noodles with truffle almond cream and the crowd-favourite, General Lee’s cauliflower. The sushi options, like the Ahi Watermelon Nigiri, are also a unique twist on traditional sushi, providing a refreshing and flavorful experience.

Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar

With several locations across Toronto, Fresh on Front is renowned for its robust menu that caters to a variety of tastes and dietary needs. This restaurant is perfect for casual lunches or relaxed dinners, where the vibe is laid-back yet energetic. The interior is bright and airy, with natural wood and green plants adding to its earthy feel.

The menu at Fresh on Front is a delight, featuring everything from nourishing bowls and salads to heartier entrees like the Squash Tacos and the infamous Buffalo Cauliflower. Their smoothies and desserts are equally impressive, ensuring that your meal is satisfying from start to finish. For those who enjoy a good brunch, their weekend offerings are a blend of classic comfort and innovative plant-based cooking.

The Vegan Duchess

The Vegan Duchess is a charming small restaurant located in the quieter, uptown area of Toronto. It offers a more intimate dining experience, ideal for those looking to escape the bustling city life. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, with a focus on sustainable and organic dining practices.

At The Vegan Duchess, the menu is crafted with a focus on whole foods, which means you’re not only getting meals that are good for you but also kind to the planet. Popular dishes include the Quinoa and Sweet Potato Burger and the Raw Pad Thai, made with zucchini noodles and a tangy tamarind sauce. The desserts here, particularly the raw cheesecakes, are a must-try, offering a guilt-free way to indulge.

Live Organic Food Bar

Live is an all-raw vegan restaurant that serves up food that is animal-product-free and totally fresh and uncooked. For example, one of the most popular dishes is the Live It Up Lasagne which is made with raw zucchini noodles, basil pesto, cashew ricotta cheese, garden veggies, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes and marinara sauce. Check it out for meals that are as healthy as they are delicious.

Enjoy Different Cuisines All Over Toronto

These are just a few examples of the best vegan restaurants in Toronto, so you can enjoy a delicious meat-free meal. With the vegan lifestyle becoming even more popular there is no doubt that Toronto will have even more great vegan and vegetarian food options available in the future.

Stay With DelSuites and Enjoy A Culinary Adventure

Book a 30+ night stay with us in Toronto and have some of the best vegan meals the city has to offer. Enjoy different food spots, restaurants, bars and nightlife as you explore one of the most diverse cities in the world. Stay in Downtown Toronto with us at one of our fully furnished suites.

Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Lifestyle talk

The Best Cafes to Get Work Done in Toronto

April 10, 2024

Perhaps you are visiting Toronto on business and want to get work done during your stay – or maybe you are looking for a cozy place where you can write on your blog or work on your novel. No matter what you are working on – a comfortable and welcoming café can be a great place to use as an office on the go. You’ll have an endless supply of coffee, a pleasant environment to work in and a strong and steady Wi-Fi connection.

The great thing is that it offers a great selection of coffee shops and cafes to get work done in Toronto. Here are a few of the best options:

Dark Horse Espresso Bar

The interior of the Dark Horse Espresso Bar is sleek and modern and the long tables are ideal for group projects. The Wifi is strong, Cafes to get work done in Torontothe coffee is great and you can find a spot to settle all day long with your computer and a latte so that you can get plenty of work done.

Red Rocket

Working at Red Rocket feels like you are hanging out in the living room of your cool best friend. Awesome music is playing, the seats are comfy and the snacks are delicious. Try the Nutella sandwich cookie – which will keep you going through all of the work you need to do while you are staying in Toronto.

Dineen Coffee

If you want to get some work done early in the morning, head to this welcoming café that serves up delicious brews in aesthetic and convenient locations all over the city. Dineen Coffee is the perfect morning person’s retreat, with fast Wi-Fi and spacious and chic surroundings.

Cafes to get work done in Toronto

Balzac’s Coffee

This fantastic café has many locations throughout the city and is fantastic for getting work done. It is a popular place for students to do their project meetings and emergency cramming for exams.

5 Elements Espresso BarCafes to get work done in Toronto

This coffee shop has an excellent location in the heart of Yorkville, with several lovely comfortable couches and cushions. The cozy space is perfect for curling up by the fireplace with a latte and a good book or setting up your laptop and getting some work done.

These are just a few of the best cafes to get work done in Toronto so that you can type away on your laptop in peace and comfort and keep your brain energized with delicious coffee.

In addition, why not check out some of our other favourite top Coffee Shops in Toronto?

Experience A Digital Nomad Lifestyle

Looking to work remotely, try living in Toronto or staying for the coffee culture in the Greater Toronto Area? DelSuites offers 30-day minimum suites that are fully furnished with all if not more amenities than at home. We have suites everywhere from Markham to Etobicoke and everywhere in between. Explore our available suites today in Toronto.

Energy Conservation

Condo Energy Saving Tips

April 1, 2024

Even if you live in a condo with a relatively small footprint, you may still be using a significant amount of energy – which can add up over time. Fortunately, there are many little things that you can do which will help you to cut down on your energy consumption. These small condo energy-saving tweaks can add up over time and make a big difference in your energy bill.

Here are some helpful tips. They might not all be relevant to your condo, but there will be many that you can start implementing right away to cut back on energy use.

 Condo Energy Saving Tips

-Ensure that the furniture in your apartment is not blocking any of the vents.

-Try to avoid running your dishwasher or other appliances during peak hours, to save time and energy. Check the Ontario Energy Board to find out when the peak and off-peak hours are, as they change according to the season.

-Also, when you run the washing machine make sure that you do a full load, as this will be more efficient.

-Washing your laundry on the “cold” setting will save even more power.

-Watch out for energy “vampires” which are devices that use power when they are plugged in – even if you aren’t using them. A good strategy is to plug everything into a power bar so that you can switch it all off at once.

-LED lighting really makes a difference! Although they are more expensive upfront, an LED light bulb will last 8-15 times longer and will use 1/3 to 1/5 of the electricity that an old-fashioned incandescent bulb would use.

-When you go out on a hot day, keep your curtains closed to block the sun from heating your apartment – so you won’t have to use so much AC.

-Make sure that you clean your vents regularly, including the exhaust fan in the bathroom, as this will help to keep them running more efficiently.

-Filling your fridge with full water jugs will help to keep it colder and make it run more efficiently.

-Heating water also uses energy, so avoid taking excessively long showers and turn the tap off when you are shaving or brushing your teeth.

With a few clever tweaks, you can make sure that your energy use in your condo is as efficient as possible. You’ll be amazed at how the little changes add up!

Looking for more sustainable ways to conserve energy while travelling?

Stay with us in a DelSuite short-term rental in Toronto and choose green and eco-friendly options, high-efficiency units and decisions to reduce waste, water and energy.

Fitness and Health, Lifestyle talk, Medical Stays

How to Make Medical Stay Travel Comfortable

March 20, 2024

Many people travel for medical care and they do so for many reasons – whether it’s due to costs, a long wait list, to see a specialist doctor or a need for a treatment that isn’t available in their area. No matter what the reason, here are some tips that will make medical travel more comfortable.

Speak to Other Patients and Medical Staff – Medical Stay Travel

One of the most helpful ways to prepare for medical stay travel is to speak with past patients and medical staff. What was their experience like? What do they recommend to make the trip go more smoothly?  Talking to someone who has first-hand knowledge is incredibly valuable. Your doctor or hospital contact may have a list of past patients who have granted authorization to be contacted by prospective patients.

Keep Your Documents Organized

You’ll need to bring medical records with you, such as X-rays, prescriptions, immunization records and other information. Make sure that you make copies and leave one set of copies in a safe Medical Stay Travelplace at home. Also, ensure that you have the correct travel visa for your trip.

Find an Accommodation Near Your Treatment Centre

When you are travelling for medical stays, the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time commuting across the city back and forth to the hospital. Look for a furnished condo rental in Toronto that is close to your treatment centre so that you can get to your appointments quickly and easily.

Serviced apartments offer spacious bedrooms and living spaces that will allow enough room to recover in comfort. Also, you’ll have plenty of room to bring friends or family members along to assist you.

Ask If They Offer Medical Rates

Your accommodation provider may offer a discounted rate if you let them know that you are going to be staying there for medical stay travel. This can help to keep the expenses of your trip down, so it’s certainly worth asking about!

Look for Self Catered Accommodation

Medical Stay TravelThere’s something very comforting and convenient about having your own fully equipped kitchen in your accommodation. If you have to stick to a particular diet for medical reasons, it will be easier when you can choose your ingredients and cook your meals. Also, sometimes after spending a day on appointments with doctors, you might not feel like going out for dinner and may prefer to eat in.

Home Health Care and Medical Services

There are services which will support you with home health care and medical supplies while you are travelling for medical treatment. DelSuites partners with AgTa and Essentially You to provide a number of health services in their furnished apartments, including wheelchairs, canes, crutches, personal care, meal preparation, rehabilitation and much more. They also provide babysitting services if you need someone to watch your children if you need.

If you require healthcare services or supplies during your stay, contact them to find out more about the options.

Providing Flexible Living Options

Are you looking for a short-term furnished rental for over 30 days in downtown Toronto? Be sure to start your search today for a suite for your medical stay located closest to where you need to receive care today.