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Community Events, Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Events, Food & Recipes, Holiday Events, Lifestyle talk

Toronto Neighbourhood Guide: Distillery District

November 11, 2015

Photo Credit: Alonso Inostrosa Psijas

The Distillery District, a national historic site in Toronto, is a neighbourhood and village of its own, a distinctly unique area in the city, just east of Old Town (King East) and south of Corktown. It’s a great mini-escape from the hustle of downtown Toronto and outside of our downtown properties while still being in the downtown area. Though it’s much quieter during the weekdays instead of the weekends, it’s a lovely way to explore more of the city, get connected to its roots, and escape the hustle of downtown. Here are our favourite places and events to explore the Distillery District.

Photo Credit: Tasting Toronto

1. El Catrin
As one of our top patio picks in Toronto, El Catrin’s bright outdoor display is one you can’t miss in The Distillery. Sun yourself alongside a margarita amongst the bright yellow lamps on the heated patio or stay awhile under the large scale murals and comfy benches inside over Mexican inspired fare. It’s our pick for a date in the area.

2. SOMA Chocolate
SOMA has been known as the best chocolate maker in the city and it’s a treat to visit its original location in the distillery (just past El Catrin). Taste test a truffle (or ten), savour the gelato, or sip on SOMA’s famous drinking chocolate on the back wooden stairs. At this location, you can also watch the chocolate-making process through the glass windows. Of course, this is one of the best places to get a “Made in Toronto” gift. Closer to our downtown locations is SOMA’s second King Street location.

3. Events Year round, The Distillery District provides ambiance with its open area in the main square for performances among its cobblestones and unmarked green doors. Stroll for fresh produce and other made in Ontario products at the Sunday Summer Market; Lounge in the main square during the numerous festivals like the TD Jazz Fest; Art Fest is a more unique festival in September; and the most famous event–rounding out the end of the year– is the Toronto Christmas Market, ideal to find unique gifts and warm up under the fire with some mulled wine.

4. Pikto When is the last time you printed a photo? Professional services still exist and Pikto is the place where photography enthusiasts and the pros get their prints and photobooks done. Peruse the photobooks, sign up or inquire about a photography workshop, or even print your instagram photos.

5. Soulpepper Theatre Though the Distillery is known for its art galleries, tucked in the back of the district on the east side, you’ll find this treasure trove of a theatre. Watch a new play or check out their concert series when in season. The theatre is a strong supporter of youth and has many free programs and initiatives in this area (great for your child who has a creative or dramatic streak).

There are so many other reasons to visit the Distillery District. Not too far from your furnished suite in Toronto, we hope that you check out the Distillery when you are in Toronto. What is your favourite thing in or about the Distillery District?

Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Food & Recipes, Holiday Events, Lifestyle talk

Best Restaurants for Groups in Toronto

October 22, 2015

Though we think that the best place to have a group dinner is at your furnished apartment rental in Toronto, sometimes, it’s nice to take your friends out to a meal. The trouble can be finding a restaurant that caters to large groups or groups, in general. Here are our top five restaurants for groups in Toronto. Also ideal for small work holiday dinner parties and team outings.

1. Momofuku Daisho. It can be difficult to find fine dining for a large group and Daisho excels in that. One of the three restaurants at Momofuku in the Shangri-la Hotel (close to your short or long term rental apartment or suite), Daisho specializes in large format menus with a niche in one item. (You can also order off the a la carte menu for more variety). If you want to celebrate a special occasion with 10 people, this is the place. Reservations are required. Restaurants for Groups in Toronto

2. Wvrst. Located in the heart of the King Street West district and a short walk from our downtown short and long term rental properties, the modern beer hall is a casual stop, whether it’s after a baseball game or if you want to socialize late into the night over long, picnic-style benches. Various types of sausage are on offer as is a curated selection of craft beers. Don’t forget those duck fat fries!

3. The Sultan’s Tent. Transport yourself to the souks of Marrakech at this Moroccan restaurant. One of many ideal restaurants for groups in Toronto, every table is inside a tent, and on weekends, you have a choice of a 3 course prix-fixe menu. The highlight of the meal will be to test out your dance moves with the belly dancers who dance for and with you in the evening! This is a popular choice for bachelorette parties on the weekend.

What is your favourite place or recommendation for a restaurant for a group in Toronto?

Community Events, Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Lifestyle talk

October Events in Toronto

October 7, 2015

October is a very exciting month to be in Toronto, as there are a number of exciting events taking place. Here are some of the hottest October events in Toronto:

Big City Improv Fest – October 16th-24th
Laugh until you can’t breathe at the wonderfully goofy Improv Fest, a celebration of improvisation comedians who are witty and quick on their feet. This festival brings many of the best improv stars to the city, including Deb McGrath, Colin Mochrie and Scott Adist.

Cask Days – October 23rd – 25th
This celebration of ale is the best beer event of the year in Toronto and it is returning for its 11th year. There will be 150 breweries participating in the event and over 300 beers for you to sample. As well as delicious beer there will also be food from some of the best restaurants in Toronto including 416 Snackbar, Brando’s Fried Chicken and Porchetta & Co.

Art Toronto – October 23rd – 25th
If you are an art lover you will have a blast this weekend when Art Toronto takes over the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to present a collection of contemporary and modern art from all over the world. For this year’s festival it will be focusing on Latin America, with a collection of projects from all over South and Central America. There will also be a fascinating series of lectures and discussions from prominent figures in the Canadian art world.

Toronto Fashion Week – October 19th – 24th October Events in Toronto
If you are a fashion designer or simply a fashion enthusiast, the Toronto Fashion Week will be one of the most thrilling events of the year. Some of the biggest names in Canadian and international fashion will come from around the world to show their amazing creations during the exciting week long event. Book early to see the fashion shows – they sell out quickly!

These are just a few of the most exciting events that Toronto has in store for October, so there is plenty to look forward to in this great city!

Community Events, Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Events, Family Vacations in Toronto, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel

Labour Day Toronto Guide

September 3, 2015

Whether you’re staying at home in your furnished apartment in one of our many locations, Labour Day Toronto beckons a few special events. Here are our top five picks to explore the city before the school year kicks off.

The Canadian International Air Show
If you can’t beat the noise of the planes, join ‘em at the Ex, the annual labour day tradition that signals the end of the summer season. Not too far from our downtown properties, this is a great excuse for a picnic and to make the most of the summer sun. Don’t miss the Spitfire planes which will pay tribute to the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Labour Day Toronto
Andy Warhol Revisited
This tribute to the iconic artist of over 120 prints is on display at the pop-up Revolver Gallery at Bay and Bloor. The exhibition ends on December 31 but the long weekend is ideal to wander the gallery and stroll through Yorkville afterwards.

Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray
This exhibit at the lesser-known Textile Museum (near the AGO) showcases the 50 photographic portraits of the famous Mexican artist. The photographs were taken by her friend, photographer Nickolas Muray, and showcases her eclectic and colourful wardrobe. If you’re a fan of the artist or fashion, this will be a fun way to spend the afternoon and in exploring the Dundas and Queen West neighbourhood.

Art Fest
Discover the different exhibitors showcasing art, jewellery and more; another way to explore the Historic Distillery District. Fun for the whole family, there’s a free art workshop for the kids and musical performances as well.

What are your plans for Labour Day Toronto this year? Whether you’re at a park or running errands like finding new decor for your place, have a lovely long weekend!

Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Food & Recipes, Lifestyle talk

Top Coffee Shops in Toronto

August 25, 2015

Photo Credit: Sam James Coffee Bar

Sometimes, you need the professionals to take care of your morning pick-me-up, aka that really strong coffee or espresso to get you ready for the day. Even though you have a coffee maker in your furnished rental in Toronto, going out for a coffee is a great way to explore a new neighbourhood or connect with the local community. We’ve rounded up our favourite coffee shops in Toronto – for both quality of coffee and ambiance.

Photo Credit: Ryan Fung

1. Odin and Thor Espresso The Scandinavian inspired coffee house, Thor, located at Bathurst and Wellington near many of our downtown properties, serves up strong espresso and treats to go. It recently got a new sibling, Odin, in the developing neighbourhood of Corktown. Odin’s minimalist designed space is a treat for fans of architecture and of course, coffee. The difference at Odin, however, is that there are more food options as well as a chance to have a drink later in the evening. Watch their space for different events throughout the year, check out the new patio, or purchase locally-inspired swag.

2. Boxcar Social Over a year into the game, these coffee experts located in Rosedale have already opened up a second location in Riverside. What’s fun about this place is that their selections change all the time. Don’t know what you want? Try one of their coffee flights. Want to go next level? Try a whiskey and coffee flight. At night, their spaces transform into a wine bar. It’s a great place to work and socialize.

Photo Credit: Ryan Fung

3. Tandem Michie Yamamoto, who used to work at Rooster Coffeehouse, has opened up this cute cafe with her husband in Corktown, just east of Parliament. For strong espresso shots, you can currently select from suppliers Pig Iron, Cut Coffee, or Detour. It’s a great pitstop to the Distillery District.

4. Fareinheit. Located on the edge of the Financial District, these award-winning baristas know their coffee and if you need to grab and go, they’ll get your expertly pulled americano or cortados with a smile. Try any one of their choices from Pilot like the silky Diablo beans or Ethiopian selection. Stay for the energy-inducing dance music.

Photo Credit: Sam James Coffee Bar

5. The Common Now with three locations (it’s most central in the Annex), come for the $2 americano. Stay for the rustic atmosphere. Come back for the Rufino and Mountain View beans.

6. Sam James Coffee Bar Back when he was a barista at Hank’s and Dark Horse, Sam James has moved up the ranks as one of Toronto’s best baristas and making a name for himself with his eponymous cafe now with 5 locations. Serving the Cut Coffee brand, SJCB serves up espresso based drinks from macchiatos to mocha lattes. Every shop minus the Coffee Pocket serves rotating single origins as brewed drip coffee. If you’re on the go, this is your daily pick-me-up.

7. Te Aro One of Pilot Cofee Roaster’s cafes, the industrialized garage space serves up some perfectly executed coffee and is now known for Toronto’s best cold coffee. Te Aro is also the only cafe in Toronto that pulls coffee from a tap. Worth the trip to Leslieville to stock up on beans for your furnished rental or to sit with a cup in hand and watch people walking by on their expansive streetside patio.

8. Manic One of the pioneers in Toronto’s coffee scene, Manic still continues to pump out some of the best espresso in the city. They were also one of the first shops to perfect latte art. There’s no wifi here so it’s an ideal place to read a book or catch up with friends. They also serve gelato if you’re looking for something frozen and sweet.

Photo Credit :Rooster Coffee

9. Jimmy’s This tiny spot at Portland and King has become so popular, it now has three locations. It’s the place to get a strong cup of joe quick.

10. Rooster Coffee Not only does Rooster have one of the most scenic spots in the city to get your espresso at their Broadview location, they also have some of the best coffee. If you’re working or living closer to their King Street location, it’s a great place for business meetings or to savour over their custom Pilot blends or single origin beans. Stay tuned for a third location soon!

What are your favourite coffee shops in Toronto?

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