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The Best Cheap Eats in Scarborough

January 10, 2020

There are a lot of reasons to love the Toronto suburb of Scarborough, from it’s beautiful green spaces to its excellent shopping to its diverse population and vibrant art and culture scene.

But one of the best things about living in Scarborough?

The food!

In this part of TO, you’ll find a dizzying selection of delicious grub down every street. Plus, many of these options are very affordable, which is handy when your appetite is big but your budget is small.

Here are a few of the best cheap eats in Scarborough. (Warning, reading this may cause drooling.)

Mona’s Roti

Mona’s Roti is owned by the Khan family and Mona herself has been proudly serving up some of the best roti in Toronto for decades. She runs the place with the help of her daughters, Melissa and Reesa. The dishes are wonderfully affordable and deeply satisfying – such as Dhal Puri stuffed with split peas or a veggie roti with spinach, pumpkin, chickpeas and juicy curry mango. Don’t miss the oxtail stew – only available Thursday through Saturday and fall-off-the-bone-good.

Johnny’s Charbroiled Hamburgers

Johnny’s has been serving up classic charbroiled burgers for 50 years – so you know you can’t go wrong. They are simple, juicy and delicious – and they only cost $3.30. You can pair that with a milkshake for another three bucks, or make it a double for only $1.65. You can’t go wrong!

Plus, there’s the fries – which were once praised for their crispness by Scarborough famous native Mike Myers. It’s a Scarborough institution – so it’s certainly worth giving it a try the next time your hamburger cravings strike.

Chris Jerk

At this Scarborough Caribbean bistro you can try a fusion cuisine that you might never have thought of – jerk shawarma. The juicy jerk-marinated meat turns slowly on a spit, Middle Eastern style. It is then served with spicy sauce in wraps, dinners and even on poutine. You can fill yourself up for less than $10 and you’ll get addicted to the flavourful, spicy and vibrantly seasoned jerk sauce. (Try the Jerk Quarter Chicken Dinner for $8.95 with a portion of vegetables and caramelized plantains over basmati rice and beans.You won’t be disappointed.)

Samosa King

There’s nothing quite like a Samosa. The deep fried pastry, the rich, curried filling, the satisfying flavor. These mouth-watering, crispy vegetarian samosas are irresistible – and they are only $1 for 5 of them. Talk about cheap eats! This might be one of the best cheap eats in Scarborough – so be sure to give them a try. The menu also has other wonderful South Indian specials, such as Vegetable Thali, Meat Thali, Egg Masala Dosa and more. It’s a great place to have a quick snack, or to share a bunch of different dishes with a group of friends.

Babu

This takeout spot has been serving up some of the city’s best Sri Lankan food for over 25 years. A wonderfully filling and affordable dish is the Lamprais for $8.45, which includes five different curries, dried eggs and eggplant pickle – all wrapped in a banana leaf. It’s a steaming, aromatic package with enough food inside to feed several people. The Kothu Roti is also divine – make with a vibrant blend of spices along with veggies, curry and egg. (Not to mention the butter naan which is baked in the traditional charcoal tandoor oven.)

Shawarma Empire

Hidden in a humble strip mall in Scarborough, this popular eatery still boasts a steady line throughout the day. That’s because the big juicy shawarma they serve has quite a reputation. All the dishes are made from scratch in-house, without any preservatives – so it’s fresh and juicy. They even make their own falafel in house, grinding and soaking their own chickpeas. The flavorful, perfectly cooked meat (beef or chicken) is served with all the fixin’s – including pickled turnip, lettuce and the unforgettable garlic sauce. It’s cash only, so make sure you have enough in your wallet before you join the line.

Pho Metro

Sometimes, you simply crave the warm, rich, satisfying broth of a steaming bowl of Vietnamese Pho. Pho Metro is a very affordable and delicious place to dine on vermicelli, pho and other hearty and satisfying Vietnamese dishes. The meals here are very affordable and will fill you up. For example, Vermicelli with grilled chicken and a spring roll is $10.45 and comes with a heaping serving of carrot, cucumber, herbs and bean sprouts. Plus, there are plenty of great lunch specials offering excellent value.

These are just a few of the wonderful cheap eats in Scarborough to enjoy. Hungry yet? Check out our short term fully furnished rentals in Scarborough so you can be close to all of this delicious food.

Downtown Toronto, Toronto Entertainment

The Best Shopping in Midtown Toronto

December 27, 2019

If you love shopping, Midtown, Toronto is where it’s at. From enormous shopping malls to cute boutiques and much more, you’ll find everything you could wish for in this area of the city.

There are several great shopping areas within a short distance from each other, so you can cover a lot in a day. You’ll find all of the typical North American flagship brands, as well as luxury retailers and local boutiques with unique one-of-a-kind items. Put on your comfy shoes – there’s a lot of ground to cover!

So, where should you start when shopping in Midtown Toronto? Let’s take a look at the best shopping options in this part of the city.

Yonge Street

Yonge Street is one of the most famous shopping streets in Toronto. It’s a dynamic street lined with exciting things to see and do – whether you feel like shopping, catching a movie or heading to the theater.

Take a stroll down Yonge Street and you’ll find a mix of chain stores from big name brands, as well as several unique storefronts that are home to unique local businesses. For example, there’s the stylish shoes at Studio D, or the beautiful bohemian boutique Canopy Blue.

You can also check out That’s Italy, where you can find elegant designer frocks for your next party. Afterwards, you can check in at Room 2046 to sip a latte and nibble a donut while you admire locally made jewellery and soaps. If you get hungry while shopping, there are several restaurants to check out – from luxurious sit-down dining to fast food outlets.

This is a great part of the city if you love discovering shops that are unique, quirky and one of a kind. Be sure to check it out on your travels in Toronto.

Yonge-Eglinton Centre

If you are looking for the big shopping mall experience in Midtown Toronto, this is the place to head. You’ll find 70 retailers, including a wide range of brands such as Sephora, Indigo Books, Reitmans and more.

It’s located across the street from the Canada Square Complex and it is connected to the Eglinton subway station via a lower level tunnel. It has everything you’ll need – from groceries to gyms to liquor stores and convenience shops.

This bustling shopping centre has recently been renovated and the architecture is quite impressive – with columns of colour-changing LED lights and giant digital billboards. It feels futuristic and thriving and the centre often hosts events such as free rooftop yoga sessions (in the summer, of course!).

Yorkville Village

Another shopping mall in the area, Yorkville Village is located north of Bloor Street along Avenue Road. It was previously opened in 1976 as Hazelton Lanes, and fell into disrepair in the 1990s. It was redeveloped in 2011 and rebranded as Yorkville Village.

Yorkville Village has great options for shopping and food and it has been recently renovated, so it feels bright, spacious and modern. It’s an upscale shopping experience and there are plenty of high end retailers such as TNT, Andrews, Bois et Cuir and Belstaff.

This is where to shop if you really love fashion and decor – and you want to pick up something unique and stylish. Also, the mall has a SoulCycle, so you can get your workout on with an energizing spin class to exciting music.

Plus, when it comes to fueling up after a busy day of shopping, the mall offers ELXR Juice Lab AND Mi’Hito Sushi Laboratory. Whatever those labs are experimenting with – it’s likely to be pretty delicious.

Manulife Centre

Located on the corner of Bay and Bloor, this shopping centre is another great place to get your retail fix. The Manulife Centre is located on what’s known as the “Mink Mile”. It’s an upscale shopping district in Yorkville, along Bloor Street between Avenue Road and Yonge Street. It’s the most expensive place in Canada to lease retail space and is the 7th most expensive shopping street in the world. Essentially, the Mink Mile is the Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive of Canada.

The Manulife Centre is one of the tallest buildings in Toronto. Within this shopping centre, you’ll find the Bloor Street market, as well as many great fashion brands such as Ron White Shoes, Petra Karthaus and De Catarina. There’s also a GoodLife Fitness Centre, A Post Office, a Pharmacy and much more.

The good news? If the weather is terrible you can go straight through the underground tunnel from the Bloor and Yonge subway station and reach the mall without having to brave the cold!

These are just a few of the great places you can shop while staying at our midtown Toronto apartments. Click here to learn more about our short term apartment rentals in Midtown, Toronto. Our locations are accessible to great shopping, dining, nightlife and more.

Downtown Toronto, Toronto Entertainment, Toronto Family Travel, Toronto History, toronto toursim

How to Get to Niagara Falls from Toronto

October 22, 2019

One of the most popular day trips from Toronto is Niagara Falls. It’s one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world and it’s hard to truly fathom the spectacular rushing flow of water unless you have seen it with your own eyes.

Niagara Falls is located just outside Toronto, so it’s perfect for exploring on a day trip or a weekend getaway. There are several choices for accommodation in the area, from luxurious boutique resorts to simple, affordable and basic hotels. So, it’s easy to stay over and explore the area more.

Since going to Niagara Falls from Toronto is so popular, there are multiple options for getting there.

Can I Take the Train from Toronto to Niagara Falls?

Yes, Via Rail offers direct daily service between Toronto and Niagara Falls. There are two trains daily and an adult return ticket will cost around $55-$75 depending on how far you book in advance. Keep in mind that the evening return trip to Toronto is a train that originates in New York City, so it often runs late.

Go Transit also offers a combination train and bus route between Toronto and Niagara Falls. You’ll need to transfer to a bus in Burlington and then continue onto Niagara Falls.

In the summer months, from May to Labour Day in September, Go Transit runs a convenient direct train service from Union Station to the Niagara Falls train station. It operates on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as holidays only. There is one return trip on Friday evenings and three return trips on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.

It’s important to note that the train station is in old Niagara Falls, which is about a five minute drive from the Falls themselves. So, when you arrive at the Niagara Falls Train Station, you’ll need to go a little bit further to get to the Falls. It’s a short taxi ride (which should cost around $10-$15 CAD), or you can use the bus route 104.

Is There a Toronto to Niagara Falls Bus?

You can take the bus from both Megabus and Greyhound to Niagara Falls. They are both direct buses with no transfers and the prices for tickets range from $14-$30 CAD. The journey takes around 1.5-2.5 hours depending on the number of stops.

Both the Megabus and Greyhound leave every day, multiple times per day. To get a cheaper bus ride, book online in advance.

There are also shuttle buses between Toronto and Niagara Falls and coming back the other way from Niagara Falls to Toronto. They cost more than public transit, but you’re paying extra for the comfort and convenience. You might even get picked up at your hotel in Toronto and delivered to the door of your hotel in Niagara Falls. Here’s an example of a shuttle bus service.

Can I Drive to Niagara Falls?

If you rent a car in Toronto, you can drive to Niagara Falls during your visit. This gives you the advantage of being able to travel on your own schedule and make stops along the way. The trip will take about an hour and a half to two hours.

The most direct route is along the Queen Elizabeth Highway, alongside Lake Ontario. Keep in mind that this is a major commuter route, so there will be heavy traffic on this road during rush hour. The peak traffic will be going into the city in the mornings until 9am and out of the city between 3 and 7pm. Keep this in mind and try to travel outside of these times, if possible.

You may want to allow time to stop in Burlington along the way. It’s less than an hour from Toronto and it has a beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens that are worth a visit. You can also visit the town of Jordan along the way, home to the well known local winery Cave Springs.

Niagara Falls Tours from Toronto

Another option is to hop on a group day tour to Niagara Falls. There are several companies that offer these tours, including Gray Line, Niagara Tours, North Star Tours, Royal Tours of Niagara Falls Canada, Toronto Tours, Niagara Bus Tours and more.

These tours usually leave Toronto in the morning, take you to the falls for a few hours and then bring you back in the evening. They might include lunch or other activities as well – such as visits to the local wineries. If you aren’t sure which tour is best for you, take a look at the reviews on Tripadvisor.

Taking a day tour might be a great option if you have a limited time in Toronto and you want to sit back and relax while someone else takes you to the highlights of the region.

No matter how you get there, it’s absolutely worth visiting Niagara Falls on your visit to Toronto

Downtown Toronto, Toronto Entertainment, toronto toursim

Awesome Things to Do in Toronto

September 13, 2019

Toronto is often referred to as the “New York City of Canada” – thanks to its diversity, museums, excellent food scene and great attractions. It’s one of the biggest cities in the country – the Greater Toronto area is home to around one sixth of the entire Canadian population. There is so much to see in this bustling metropolis, that you won’t struggle to fill your days when you visit Toronto.

Whether you’re into art galleries, shopping, history or simply relaxing in the park, there’s something for everything in Toronto. Even if the weather is cold and stormy, there are plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy – making Toronto a great destination for all seasons.

Wondering what to do in Toronto? Here are some of the top things to do in Toronto you should have on your list:

Top Things to Do in Toronto

Discover History at the Royal Ontario Museum

Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum (aka ROM) is known for being one of the best museums in North America. It has a collection of over six million artefacts, with some galleries about natural history and others showcasing art and items from around the world.
The museum also has an impressive collection of minerals and dinosaur bones, as well as a collection of designs from the Art Deco period.

Tour the Impressive Casa Loma

This famous Toronto landmark was designed in the style of a Gothic Revival castle. It is one of the most impressive works of architecture in the city. In fact, it has been a location for several films, including Chicago, The Pacifier and X-Men.
The castle, which has been turned into a museum, offers self-guided audio tours. So, you can explore the grounds and learn about the stories behind the many secret gardens, stables and passages within the castle.

Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame

If you’re a hockey fan visiting Toronto, you’re going to want to head straight to the legendary Hockey Hall of Fame. It’s where you can learn every detail of the history of your favourite sport. Plus, you’ll be able to see the famous Stanley Cup – in its resting place within the Great Hall.
There’s also a 125-seat 3D theatre that shows documentary films about the greatest players and moments in the history of hockey. This is one of the best things to do in Toronto Canada for hockey fans. After all, hockey is a very big deal for Torontonians!

Take the Ferry to Toronto Islands

If you want to take a break from the city and relax at a slower pace for a while, you can jump on a ferry to the Toronto Islands. These peaceful green islands offer a quiet contrast to the busy hustle of the city streets. Once you get to one of the three islands (Ward’s Centre and Algonquin), they are all connected. So, you can wander through the parks, picnic areas, gardens, beaches and play areas all day long. (Plus, the views of the Toronto skyline are incredible!)

Feast at the St. Lawrence Market

The St. Lawrence Market was once named the world’s best food market by National Geographic magazine. It’s the best place in the city to go for produce and unique artisanal food creations.
The market has been in the same location since 1803 and it is home to over 120 vendors, selling everything from gourmet bread to home-grown vegetables. If you are a food lover, this is one of the best things to do in Toronto. There are even cooking classes where you can learn how to prepare the delicious treats you’ve found. You’ll also find unique local crafts, as well as antique dealers selling a range of wonderful trinkets you’ll want to take home with you.

Admire the View from the CN Tower

The CN Tower is the tallest free-standing building on the continent, standing 553 metres above the city. It’s one of the most iconic things to do Toronto has to offer. You can take the glass floor panelled elevator to the SkyPod, where you can see spectacular views. If you really want to get a thrill, you can try the Skywalk. You’ll stand on a hands-free ledge towering over the city (while strapped into a safety harness, of course.)

What to do in Toronto, Canada

These are just a few of the many amazing things to do in Toronto. When it comes to Toronto attractions and Toronto things to do, the main problem is fitting everything into your visit. You’re going to want to extend your stay in order to take advantage of all this city has to offer. (Make sure you bring comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking!)

Have fun exploring one of Canada’s most interesting and diverse cities! If you’re looking for somewhere to stay during your trip, consider our short term apartment rentals in downtown Toronto.

Food & Recipes, Toronto Entertainment, Vacation Travel

5 Top Restaurants to Dine At in Downtown Toronto

August 16, 2019

One of the delights of visiting Toronto is the opportunity to partake in its incredibly diverse and high quality food scene.

With such a multicultural population, there is a varied culinary landscape – you can take a trip around the world every time you go out to eat. Toronto’s pubs and bars have also been elevating their menus, in order to attract drinkers with a discerning palate. In other words, there’s something for every appetite and taste in this great city.

Here are a few great restaurants in downtown Toronto to check out during your stay at the Livmore:

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

10 minute walk from the Livmore

When you are craving a big, steaming, satisfying bowl of noodles – this is the place to go. This restaurant originated in Japan in the 1980s, when founder Hitoshi Hatanaka made a goal to create delicious ramen and dedicated himself to perfecting the recipe via trial and error. Santouka serves up rich, fatty broth with fresh, springy noodles and delicious pork cheek that just melts in your mouth.

Richmond Station

13 minute walk from the Livmore

This unique restaurant only buys whole animals, so the kitchen is always coming out with creative uses for the variety of off-cut meats. They are committed to local ingredients and they also make most things by hand. They do all of their butchery, curing, aging, fermenting and baking in house.

This means that everything they serve is delightfully fresh and expertly made. Stop by for lunch on a Saturday or Sunday and you can enjoy the Slow Roast – a mouth-watering joint that the team has left in the oven overnight.

Eggspectation

8 minute walk from the Livmore

After you’ve enjoyed the Toronto nightlife, you’re going to want to treat yourself to a delicious late brunch the next morning. Head to this stylish chain which serves classic American breakfast fare.

It’s a great way to start your day off right – with hand-squeezed juices and real-fruit smoothies and a mouthwatering selection of breakfast dishes. Their menu includes Breakfast Poutine with smoked bacon, homemade gravy and cheese curds, Maritime Lobster eggs benedict and more. Or, why not try a Montreal bagel with cream cheese and wild salmon?

Kathmandu Restaurant

21 minute walk from the Livmore

Treat yourself to flavourful and spicy Nepalese and Indian cuisine at this local favourite. They have a Tandoor oven that gives the meat that irresistible smoky, oven-baked taste. Try the Goat Curry – cooked with ginger, garlic, tomatoes and hot spices. Or, share an “Everest Feast’ with your friends. This is a huge platter that includes everything from Chicken Tikka to Tandoori Prawn to Naan, Basmati Rice and Dessert. It’s perfect for parties.

The Elm Tree

3 minute walk from the Livmore

This family-run modern Mediterranean restaurant prepares classic pasta and meat dishes with fresh and high quality ingredients. It’s also known for its cocktails and craft brews.

The Elm Tree is one of the most highly ranked restaurants in Toronto on TripAdvisor and it has a Certificate of Excellence. If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a special meal – it’s a good bet.

What are your favourite restaurants in downtown Toronto?

Let us know in the comments below – we always love getting new recommendations!

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