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Downtown Toronto, Events, Food & Recipes, Lifestyle talk, toronto toursim

Toronto Neighbourhood Spotlight: Chinatown

May 18, 2018

Toronto ChinatownToronto is a delightfully diverse city and its many neighbourhoods reveal cultural influences from around the world. Let’s take a close look at one of those exciting neighbourhoods – Chinatown.

Introduction – Chinatown

Everything from food markets to bars to music shops to vintage clothing boutiques and much more are located within this compact neighborhood, running along Spadina Street. It is one of the largest Chinese districts in North America and is home to ethnic Chinese from Vietnam, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and elsewhere.

One of the best times to visit this neighborhood is during Chinese New Year, when there will be a loud, noisy and exciting Dragon Dance parade winding through Dundas Street.

Must Visit Spots in Chinatown

  • For authentic noodles, chow mein, dim sum and other Chinese favourites, check out King’s Noodle Toronto Chinatown(This is just one of the many great restaurants in the neighborhood! Come with a big appetite!)
  • This Old Chinatown Food Tour offered by Toronto Food Tours is led by a culinary professional and will take you on a guided adventure sampling some of the yummiest treats Chinatown has to offer.
  • The infamous Furama Cake and Desserts is well known in Chinatown as a hub of activity and a spot for older Chinatown residents to catch up on gossip over tea. It’s a great place to try some delicious cream buns.
  • If you are the type of person who is obsessed with beautiful stationery, you’ll love The Paper Place. This shop features gorgeous paper, art supplies, notebooks, books and more.

History

Chinatown in Toronto first began in the 1890s, when many American Chinese emigrated from California (due to the racial conflict there) and from the Eastern USA (due to the economic depression). One of the first to establish here was a man named Sam Ching, who opened a laundry business on Adelaide Street. He was the first Chinese person to be listed in the city directory of Toronto and there is now a lane named after him.

Chinatown TorontoChinatown went through two phases in it’s history. There was the original “First Chinatown”, which became a slum area for incoming immigrants from the 1890s to the 1950s and was razed in 1955 to make way for Nathan Phillips Square and Toronto New City Hall. Then there is what is known now as the “Old Chinatown.” Although a small Chinese community was already in this location before the 1950s, the businesses that had to be relocated from the first area moved here.

How to Get There

Chinatown is accessible by the 510 Spadina and the 506 College Streetcar. It can also be reached from the St. Patrick Subway Station, which is about two blocks west along Dundas Street.

What’s your favourite spot? Let us know in the comments below.

 

About me, Entertainment, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel, Toronto History

Toronto Neighbourhood Spotlight: Greektown

May 4, 2018

GreektownToronto is a delightfully diverse city and its many neighbourhoods reveal cultural influences from around the world.  Let’s take a close look at one of those exciting neighbourhoods – Greektown.

Introduction

Greektown, also known as the Danforth, is a neighborhood in Toronto located on Danforth Avenue between Dewhurst Blvd and Chester Avenue. This was one of the main settlements of Greek immigrants in Toronto after World War I. Several scenes in the film My Big Fat Greek Wedding were filmed here.

 

If you love Greek cuisine, you’ll want to head down to this part of town. It has one of the highest concentrations of dining establishments per kilometre of any other neighborhood on the planet, showcasing mostly delicious traditional Mediterranean dishes. If you visit during the Taste of the Danforth festival in mid-August you can enjoy yummy samples of cuisines from all of the restaurants along this street – not just Greek food but also Indian, Chinese, Thai, Japanese and much more.

Must Visit Spots in Greektown

  • Start with a great coffee at Broadview Espresso, where you can lean back on the comfy Muskoka chair on the outdoor patio and enjoy a high quality latte.
  • The Carrot Commons on Jackman Street is a busy avenue filled with cafes, bookstores and a funky organic food market.

Greektown

  • Shopping for cute clothes? Social Butterfly is a chic little shop with a great selection of jewellery, denim, boots, footwear and more.
  • Get your fill of big tasty Greek gyros at Messini Authentic Gyros.
  • If you want to enjoy Greek cuisine in a more sophisticated, sit-down setting you can treat yourself to a meal at Mezes. It’s a busy spot with a welcoming vibe and a heated patio. They serve up the dishes that you would find in any traditional greek home, with fresh, quality ingredients.
  • If you are a music geek, you will fall in love with the huge collection of new and old vinyl at Mike’s Music.
  • In the mood for some live music? The Danforth Music Hall is a fantastic venue that showcases a range of great talent. Check to see which shows are on during your visit!

History

greektownGreek immigrants came to this area after WWI and by the 1970s and 80s, it was the largest GreekTown in North America. There was also a large influx of Greek immigrants during the 1960s, as they were fleeing the political and economic unrest which resulted in the Greek military junta seized power in 1967-74.  This neighborhood became home to one of the highest concentrations of Greek immigrants living outside of Greece.

How to Get There

Greektown is located on the TTC Bloor-Danforth Subway line and can be accessed from Pape, Chester or Donlands stations. If you are visiting in a car, you can reach Danforth avenue by taking the Bayview/Bloor exit off the Don Valley Parkway and following the signs for Danforth Avenue/Bloor Street.

What’s your favourite Greektown spot? Let us know in the comments below.

 

Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Entertainment, toronto toursim

Furnished Housing for Film and Production

February 28, 2018

Film and Production There are a number of factors as to why big budget movie and TV makers are heading to Toronto, including the city’s talented workforce and diverse landscape. Plus, directors, film and production professionals are also lured northward by tax credits that cover labour costs. Now that animation and special effects studios in Ontario have emerged, producers are able to shoot, edit and animate their films all in Toronto.

Toronto may be one of the most popular actors in the movie industry. The city has played many big roles over the years, standing in for Boston, Chicago and New York. It’s not uncommon to spot yellow cabs and movie cameras on the streets.

Here are some examples of Toronto’s starring roles:

  • It became the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana for A Christmas Story in 1983.
  • The Silver Dollar Room on Spadina was the fictional Blue Oyster Bar in the movie Police Academy in 1984.
  • The Harvard Bar in Good Will Hunting (1997) was actually the Upfront Bar and Grill located on Front Street.
  • In the original X-Men film (2000) Roy Thompson Hall was the setting for an important scene where Magneto and Professor Charles Xavier meet.

Film and ProductionToronto has earned the nickname Hollywood North over the years, due to its role as a popular production centre for a wide range of television shows and film projects. In fact, in 1979 Toronto Mayor John Sewell announced that Canada had become the third largest centre for movie production after New York and Los Angeles. In addition to this, Toronto is also home to the Toronto International Film Festival, which is considered to be second only to Cannes.

Convenient Accommodations for Film and Production Toronto

If you are coming to Toronto to work on a film or television project, furnished apartment rentals have got you covered.

If you work in the entertainment industry, you may be on the road more often than you are at home. When you stay in hotels, you don’t have the space that an apartment has to offer. These furnished apartments are usually conveniently located in prime areas of Toronto, so you are never far away from your filming location.

A furnished condominium provides a separate living area and kitchen, as well as free WiFi, laundry, fitness centres, parking and other amenities. You will be able to cook your own healthy meals, spread out and do work in the apartment and relax in a spacious, comfortable and well-designed environment.

When cast and crew need to be on location in Toronto, whether for one month or longer, these apartments are ideal. They are safe and secure, offering controlled access. A high quality temporary housing for production crews, perfoFilm and Production rmers, executives, actors or any other traveling entertainment professional.

To learn more about our furnished housing for film and production professionals, contact us today.

Lifestyle talk, Real Estate Agents, Relocation, Toronto Condos

A Place to Stay While Moving Between Homes

February 1, 2018

Moving Between HomesWhile Moving between homes, you may encounter construction delays, delays in property closing or relocation issues.

There are many reasons why a move might be delayed and real estate clients may require temporary housing for a month or longer. Many people don’t anticipate the downtime between the closing date of their old home and the day they are allowed to move into their new home.  Staying in a hotel may not be the most comfortable and convenience option. They don’t have access to kitchen or laundry facilities, there isn’t a lot of space and they can’t live comfortable for the long term.

Where to Stay While Moving Between Homes

One option for accommodation in-between homes are fully furnished apartment rentals in convenient locations throughout Toronto.

Every home buyer and seller are taken care of while they wait out any delays, with comfortable apartments and great amenities. The suites are already move-in ready eliminating the need to bring in and move your furnishings. Plus, it will work out to be more economical in the long run than a hotel room.  Then, when your new property is ready, you can move in with ease.

Advantages of Furnished Apartments over Hotel Rooms

When you stay with DelSuites, you will feel right at home. Here are some of the features offered:

  • A fully equipped kitchen, so that guests can have the choice to self-cater.Moving Between Homes
  • Separate bedrooms and a living area, ensuring that guests have enough space and privacy.
  • An en-suite washer and dryer with steam iron and a full sized ironing board.
  • Weekly or Biweekly cleanings by our superior housekeeping team.
  • High speed, secured wireless internet.
  • Local & North American Long Distance Calls (some areas excluded)
  • Personally encoded suite intrusion security alarm system, 24 hour building security and a 24 hour On-Call Manager for emergencies.
  • DVD and Stereo System.
  • LCD flat screen television with Premium HD package.
  • Underground, indoor, secured parking.Moving Between Homes

A furnished rental may also have a home office that is equipped with wireless internet, a desk, a chair and office supplies. So, if a you need to take care of some business, you will have a productive environment in which to work.

To find out more about furnished apartment rentals and how we can partner with your real estate brokerage, please contact us today.

Business Travel, Lifestyle talk, Relocation, Toronto Condos, toronto toursim

Immigrating to Canada

January 12, 2018

Immigrating to Canada Welcome to Canada. There are quite a few things that you will need to do when you first arrive to get settled in your new home. Let’s look at the five main steps you’ll take when immigrating to Canada.

1.  Immigrating to Canada – The Paperwork – Health Card, SIN, Passport and more.

You’ll need to make sure all of your paperwork is in order and you have applied for a few important things such as:

When you have lived in Canada for three years, you will be able to apply for citizenship. Once you have become a citizen, you can apply for a Canadian passport.Immigrating to Canada

2.  Speaking the Language

Speaking the language, whether it is French or English, is an important part of your life in Canada. To upgrade your skills you can:

  • Take a look at the language classes funded by the Government of Canada.
  • Looking for language classes at your local community centre.
  • Check your local library for language learning materials.
  • Join a conversation group for language learners.
  • Check out a language learning app such as Duolingo to practice your vocabulary.

3.  Finding Immigrating to Canadaa Job

If you are looking for employment in Canada there are many ways that you can find a job:

4.  Finding a Place to Live

There are many options for places to live in Canada, whether you are looking to rent or buy.  There are many factors to consider, including your budget and the location.  You can find a lot of information about buying and downtown toronto apartments furnished apartments and homes in Canada on the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation website. Also, here’s another very helpful guide to finding accommodation in Canada.

5.  Becoming Part of the Community

Being a new immigrant can be a little lonely at first, especially if you don’t know anyone in the community. One of the most important steps is to get to know the people in your community and Immigrating to Canadamake new friends.

  • This Government of Canada website lists several resources for community connections.
  • There are hundreds of organizations designed to help newcomers settle into life in Canada. This page allows you to search for free newcomer services close to your postal code.
  • Join in with events at your local community centre, school or place of worship.
  • Use a website like Meetup to find groups and events related to your interests.

Immigrating to Canada can be a complicated process. However, once you have settled you will have built a life for yourself in one of the most beautiful and peaceful countries in the world and you can look forward to enjoying your time in your new home.

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