Help keep genetically engineered seafood off the menu!
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is poised to approve genetically engineered salmon, the first-ever genetically engineered animal for human consumption, despite the potential risks this frankenfish poses to wild salmon, our health and the environment. That’s why Friends of the Earth has l...
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Ontario egg farmer says her hens stay up all night
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Seaforth, ON - Carol Leeming is a professional egg farmer. And in addition to caring for her flock of 42,000 hens, she’s a mom, wife, career woman, motorcycle enthusiast and self-proclaimed ag-vocate (an advocate for agriculture). This busy woman has been involved in agriculture and poultry all her ...
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How Wine Criticism Is Changing
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In December, Parker announced that he'd sold a "substantial interest" in the Wine Advocate, the influential magazine he founded in 1978, to a trio of Singapore-based investors -- and that he'd relinquished editorial control. In February, one of Parker's top critics, Antonio Galloni, said t...
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Envisioning Wine's Future
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On Super Bowl Sunday, some 1.25 billion chicken wings were consumed alongside 11 million pounds of potato chips, 4 million pounds of pretzels, and 2.5 million pounds of nuts. Massive quantities of beer helped wash all that down -- nearly 50 million cases worth were sold on Sunday alone. It's no wond...
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Everything Sparkles on New Year's
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Champagne sales pop every December as party hosts stock up for New Year'sThis isn't surprising, of course. There's nothing like popping the cork on a bottle of bubbly when the clock strikes midnight. As the big night approaches, it's worth learning the differences between sparkling wines to figure o...
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The Saint Tavern
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The Saint Tavern227 Ossington Ave647 350 2100My friend and I are on a mission to try all the new ‘hot spots’ in fine dining. We have so much fun. I love the way she engages the servers and checks out the food the other diners are enjoying. It is always an adventure.The Saint Tavern had been highly r...
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Aunties and Uncles
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Aunties and Uncles74 Lipincott St416 324 1375It was fitting that three generations went for brunch to this authentic old house. My grandson was briefly in Toronto from his New York music studies.Owner David is a descendant of the original owner and 14 years ago he turned it into the most charming b...
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Valens
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Valens19 Baldwin St416 340 0303I love having recommendations for new restaurants. It is equally as exciting when I discover a gourmet spot on my own. My friend and I had been to the AGO. We decided to walk in the Baldwin Village to find a restaurant to inspire us. Frankly all of the restaurants on t...
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00 Doppio Zero
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OO Doppio Zero530 Eglinton Ave W416 488 0088I am so excited about this perfect little gem. I had been trying to find the restaurant after someone highly recommended it to me. I couldn’t locate it through the web because the 00 is only part of the name. Doppio Zero are the Italian words for the numer...
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Weezie's
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Weezie’s354 King St East416 777 9339My friend S and I have had some amazing dining experiences. It has become a challenge to find the best food in town with great atmosphere. This time it was her challenge to find the spot. She had previously dined at Weezie’s and wanted me to become acquainted with...
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Utsav
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Utsav69 Yorkville Ave416 961 8349We had just seen a film about the history of India. We were starving and ready to discuss the complicated film over a fine dinner. Utsav was the answer. I have enjoyed this elegant little dining spot on several occasions. The service is always friendly and most effi...
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Hotel Gelato
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Hotel Gelato532 Eglinton Ave. West416 932 2663This was a very special lunch for several reasons. I was meeting with some relatives from Calgary that I have not seen in years. There is a very emotional attachment and I was looking forward to the event. Hotel Gelato was highly recommended and it was i...
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Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria
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Famoso Neopolitan Pizzeria386 Bloor St West647 748 2333Our family is on a conquest to find the best pizza in town. We have checked out all the ‘hot spots’ of Neopolitan Pizza. This is the new kid on the block. I have noticed the long lineups and the crowded restaurant. I figure all the crowds must ...
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Banjara Revisited
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Banjara Indian Cuisine796 Bloor St West416 963 936I would say that three times within a month is a good record. It means I love this savory food. Before you even enter the premises the tantalizing aromas draw you in. There is a very large staff of delightful friendly servers. The food arrives sizzli...
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Peter Pan
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Peter Pan Bistro373 Queen St West416 593 0917You know the wonderful feeling when you return home after being away from so many familiar people and things. I have been visiting Peter Pan Restaurant for over 30 years. It has always been a favorite. It has been far too long since I have returned. I rem...
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Boulevard Cafe
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The Boulevard Cafe161 Harbord St416 961 7676I am a happy camper this week. The Film Festival is well under way and I have been enjoying many international films. It is a chance to travel the world and learn so much while seated in a seat at the theatre. The movies have been extraordinary.Following ...
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Bistro Tournesol
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406 Dupont St.416 921 7766Perfection from every perspective! My son and daughter-in-law were visiting from Chicago. It was their anniversary and the meal had to be splendid. I gave so much thought to the location and type of food that would be pleasing to connoisseurs of fine dining. I know they lo...
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Jacques Bistro du Parc
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126A Cumberland St416 961 1893Oh La La! Authentic French food and atmosphere at its best! Jacques has been the master chef here for 34 years. It is consistently superb. It was such fun to discover that Olivier is Jacque’s son and has been working here for a while. He is so charming and efficient. J...
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Seven Grams Espresso Bar
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131 Avenue Rd647 351 1317Imagine getting excited about a coffee shop. I was taking my (98 yrs young) aunt out for a little stroll. We walked by this coffee shop and I suggested we stop in for a café. It is a relatively new shop on the Avenue Davenport strip. I couldn’t imagine this place being a hu...
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Lakvino Italian Ristorante
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525 Bloor St West647 345 2134Lakvino came highly recommended from a friend who had recently dined there. Lakvino is a welcome addition to the Annex. Concert goers at Tafelmusik concerts and film buffs at the Bloor Documentary Cinema have a new home for delicious food before a performance. Rumor has...
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La Playa Cabana
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11 Dupont St416 929 3911La mejor comida Mexicano. What a blast! Fiesta time! This place has been open less than a year. It is hard to get a reservation. By 6:30 the place was in full blast. The music is authentic. The chefs and servers speak Spanish. The food is amazing. Every table was packed and t...
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Omni
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2793 Bathurst St.416 783 2091When any of my family visits from Israel I look to entertain at a kosher restaurant. I have dined at Omni on many occasions. The food was always delicious but I missed the availability of having a glass of wine with dinner. My son-in-law was in town. My Toronto family an...
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Le Paradis Brasserie / Bistro
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166 Bedford Rd416 921 0995In an era where the world is changing much too quickly it is so comforting to have some stability in life. Le Paradis has been an institution on Bedford Rd for years. I remember dining there when it first opened and have continued to enjoy the exquisite French food. It does...
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Cardinal Rule
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5 Roncesvalles Ave647 352 0202I don’t know this area at all. I was on my way to visit a friend at St Joseph’s Hospital. At dinner the previous evening one of my guests remarked that his daughter owned a restaurant at Queen and Roncesvalles. I didn’t know the name or number but decided to play detect...
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Big Chubby Burger
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269 Augusta Ave.416 340 9398My friend and I had just seen a very disturbing film at the Hot Docs Film Festival. We decided to walk up Spadina Ave into Kensington Market to look for a place to eat. It was a beautiful evening and we needed to work off the angst from the film. Kensington Market changes...
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Vivoli
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665 College St416 536 7575It is hard to find a good restaurant open on a Sunday evening. I finally Googled to find anything in the downtown area that was opened. Fortunately Vivoli was almost across the road from the Royal Cinema where I was going to see a late afternoon film. I struck gold.My frien...
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Crème Brasserie
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162 Cumberland St416 962 7300What could be better than one Ricardo? The answer is two. Ricardo Roque is the master chef at this gourmet restaurant. Ricardo Sousa is the general manager. He charms the guests and makes sure that everything is done to perfection to make for a perfect dining experience....
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Rossini
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1988 Avenue Rd416 481 1188It is invigorating to try a new restaurant in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Many years ago I lived near Wilson and Avenue Rd and Rossini has been a successful Italian restaurant for 40 years. I thought it would be fun to try it again after many years. My family lives in th...
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Cravings
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3393 Yonge St416 322 2200I literally crave this Asian food and so does my family. We think the restaurant is correctly named. It was a belated family birthday and my son chose this as his preferred location. We like the fact that the restaurant is warm and elegant. There is a feeling of dining in a...
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Milestones
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5095 Yonge St416 225 2552Who doesn’t like a nice surprise? Milestones is a large chain with many other locations in Toronto. I wasn’t expecting anything spectacular. I was wrong. Every bite was a delightful surprise.A good friend was kind enough to invite me to a Tafelmusik concert at the George We...
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Say Cheese
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337A Bloor St West This place is so new that they have not officially opened. I don’t even have a phone listing. I have been enjoying my time researching cheese sandwiches in this city. Is this the new ‘It food’? Establishments are opening up all over the city. What could be a better location than...
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Fannie Chadwick
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268 Howland Ave. (at Dupont St.)416 944 1606This Annex restaurant opened one year ago. I went to the restaurant shortly after it opened. I had reservations about the restaurant. I loved the idea of a small neighborhood in the Annex that honored a former author and resident of the Annex, Fannie Chad...
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F’Amelia
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12 Amelia St416 323 0666This is the new hot spot in Cabbagetown. It took me a few tries to get a reservation. The place was packed all evening.This was the home of the former Provencal. I loved that great French food and the ambiance of that charming restaurant. Change is often good but somehow this...
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Aroma Espresso Bar
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383 Spadina Rd416 901 5874I first experienced this restaurant at their home base in Israel. The first café in Toronto is situated on Bloor St near Bathurst. This location in Forest Hill is more elegant and well designed. It obviously is the hot spot in the area. This is a high class coffee house wit...
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Megas
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402 Danforth Ave416 466 7771 For many years I worked together with 2 friends. We like to get together to lunch and catch up on what is going on. My friends have a favorite restaurant, Megas. They are known by the server and the chef and they always know in advance what they want to eat. There are co...
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Cantine Bistro and Bar
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138 Avenue Rd416 923 4822 Nine women were celebrating a birthday. It is difficult to find a place that has sufficient room and provides a festive atmosphere. Fortunately we all agreed that Cantine would look after all our needs. We even asked for the large table at the back by the wall. Everyth...
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Crème Brasserie
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162 Cumberland St.416 962 7363 Crème has become the most ‘in spot’ in the Yorkville area. It is in an inner courtyard between Cumberland and Yorkville There is a European flavor sitting in a courtyard nestled between the finest of Yorkville architecture.General Manager Ricardo Sousa and Chef Ri...
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Black Skirt
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974 College St416 532 7424Southern Italian cuisineI don’t need an excuse to dine with my grandson. We do it often. However, I am always looking for an excuse to dine at my favorite Black Skirt.I can’t stay away. I love to go this warm charming restaurant. This was my first visit at lunch time. In th...
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La Veranda Osteria
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945 Royal York Rd416 231 3800 It was a very emotional meting. I had lost track of a dear friend of long standing. This reunion meant a great deal to me. Even though La Veranda is in Etobicoke I knew I could take the subway across the road from my apartment and get off at the Royal York stop. La...
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The Grilled Cheese
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The Grilled Cheese66 1⁄2 Nassau StKensington MarketI want to call this fun spot the Grilled Cheese Shack. I say it with great affection because this place is not to be missed. It looks like a shack outside. Inside there are a few picnic like tables and a counter with stools. It is small and delightf...
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Cafe Belong
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Café Belongat the Evergreen Brick Works550 Bayview Ave416 901 8234My dear friend is going back to South Africa and I wanted to show her one more part of town. Neither of us had been to the Brick Works so this was going to be an adventure. The Brick Works is on a forlorn bit of property on the Bayvie...
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Mideastro Yorkville
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MIDEASTRO Yorkville27 Yorkville Ave(416) 477-2427It may sound like the Leon and Benny show but it is the finest new happening in town. Leon Goldstein hails from Israel but has traveled and lived in many countries before becoming the owner /manager of this chic new establishment.Benny Cohen is the cr...
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The Burger Cellar
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The Burger Cellar3391 Yonge St647 345 0084I love to explore and discover new restaurants. At the same time when something is superb I want to rediscover the pleasure again and again.I remember well the first time I popped into this restaurant completely unaware. How could such a well designed elega...
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Yitz's
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Yitz’s346 Eglinton Ave West(416) 487 4506This is the best deli in town. It has been a family institution since my children were young. We still like to meet there for our comfort treat. Just say ‘Matzah Ball Soup’ and we head off for a fix.The meat is lean and the portions are ample. Service is with...
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El Pleybeyo
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El Pleybeyo1453 Bathurst St416 532 5627I just took a one evening trip to Peru. I have always wanted to go there. My good friends live in my former condo. I am so fortunate to keep in touch with this stimulating interesting couple. It was their choice to go Peruvian and I was only too happy to try th...
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Cantine
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Cantine138 Avenue Rd(416) 923 4822The cousins like to have periodic reunions. There is a lot of laughter and stories to retell. We have a lot of fun. We have our cousin C to thank for this latest reunion. He organized it all and we were thrilled and most appreciative.Cantine was the perfect venue....
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DT Bistro Patisserie
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DT Bistro Patisserie154 Harbord St416 916 8155You begin salivating the minute you enter DT Bistro. The DT stands for Dessert Trends. Donald Duang is an Olympic champion in the World Culinary Olympics. Just look at the cooler and see the myriad of exotic pastries. The restaurant began as a coffee pas...
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Gamberoni
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Gamberoni3238 Yonge St(416) 482-3063Many years ago the servers were opera students and would sing opera arias while serving the clients. The food has always been great. The music was an added touch. I haven’t been at Gamberoni for a few years now.My daughter-in-law had a knee replacement and walkin...
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Om
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OmCorner of Jameson and Queen St West(416) 532-3901After the final Om has been chanted from your yoga class head out to this ethereal low key wondrous restaurant. The Indian and Tibetan food is freshly prepared and superb in flavor.The dark brown walls and brown tablecloths add to the serene atmosph...
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Bar Mercurio
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Bar Mercurio270 Bloor St West416 960 3877It is such a thrill to be able to take a 5 minute walk to this wonderful establishment and enjoy a great meal. I love the fact it is family owned and operated. Nona is always there to greet the guests and to make you welcome. She is a sweet lady who always h...
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Sage Cafe
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166 McCaul Street416 340 7345 I had just returned from the grand wedding in Chicago. The Film Festival is now on my must do list. This means 2 films a day. I have had no chance to shop and the fridge is bare. I was walking downtown for my first film of the day and spotted Sage Café. It has been a su...
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Utsav Indian Cuisine
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69 Yorkville Ave.416 961 8349I adore Indian food. The aroma is captivating. The taste is magnificent. I love the blending of herbs and spices to produce flavors that are exotic and so satisfying.I hadn’t seen my good friend E for many moons. We had so much to discuss. I love dining with her. We shar...
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Bar Italia
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582 College St416 535 3621 I love the Little Italy neighborhood. This College St. strip houses numerous excellent restaurants. It is such fun on a summer evening to walk the strip and observe all the happy clients dining on patios and in the interior. I have tried many of these establishments a...
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Burger Cellar
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3391 Yonge St647 345 0084 You can’t go enough times to a great place. It was my sister’s birthday. Her favorite food is hamburgers. What could be more delightful than a few ladies out for a gourmet lunch to celebrate a fine occasion?There is no burger place like this. There are hamburger restau...
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Pizzeria Libretto
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221 Ossington Ave.416 532 8000 The very best pizza! Usually I am making the suggestions when my grandson and I go out to eat. He is always cooperative to my choices. On this occasion he boldly stated that he would love a pizza at Pizzeria Libretto. In fact he likes it so much he had lunch and d...
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Il Posto
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148 Yorkville Ave.York Square416 968 0469 Every bite was mouth watering spectacular. Superb!Il Posto has a magnificent patio in the interior courtyard of Hazelton Lanes. The enormous umbrellas keep you shaded even on the hottest day. The large tree in the centre adds a splendor to the atmospher...
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DT Bistro
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154 Harbord St416 916 8155 I have enjoyed lunch and dinner here on many occasions. I do confess I have been remiss and not visited for a few years. Jennifer has been a server here for a long time. I recognized that beautiful smile and was agog when she called me by name. That kind of welcome is...
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Corner House
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501 Davenport Rd416 923 2604 Each summer four long standing friends meet for a reunion and a gourmet dining experience. We have had many hits and a few misses. We all agreed that this was the best dining experience. The Corner House is a delightful old house. The gardens in front are so welcomi...
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The Boulevard Café
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161 Harbord St416 961 7676The Boulevard Café has been an institution of fine dining for many years. I remember when it first opened and I have been a regular patron all these years. The food always provides a gourmet dining experience. The Peruvian flavors are exotic on the palate.It was my daughter...
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Via Norte
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938 College St.647 348 1116 My dear friend and I go back a long way to high school days. I cherish her friendship and wanted to celebrate her birthday with her and her husband. On several occasions we had visited the former premises, Cataplana I wanted her to see this new establishment delightf...
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Universal Grill
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1071 Shaw St. (on Dupont)416 588 5928 It was a very special occasion. My nephew had just given the most superb speech for the university convocation. He was actually cheered by the students. I was so honored to be invited as one of his guests. A family dinner was certainly in order to celebrate...
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Bistro Grande
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1000 Eglinton Ave.416 782 3302My son-in-law was visiting from Israel. My daughter-in-law from Toronto joined us for a memorable evening of fine dining. Whenever my family comes from Israel we choose this spot for excellent cuisine and the best kosher food in town. This is an upscale restaurant with ...
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Enoteca Sociale
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1288 Dundas St. West416 534 1200 My son Bob was coming from Chicago en route to a photography course in Newfoundland. I promised him a fine dinner. Enoteca Sociale is on every list for ‘must dining’ in Toronto. The outdoor patio is lovely. The décor is welcoming. You come to this great dining s...
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Luna
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181 Dovercourt Rd.416 588 3374 I have a dear friend who loves to eat at small diners and cafes. She challenged me to find a new spot for us to enjoy some good food and lots of chatter.Would you believe I googled ‘small cafes on quiet streets’? Luna appeared on my screen and we set out to have ...
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Mildred’s Temple Kitchen
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85 Hanna Ave. (Suite 104) 416 588 5695 Half the fun is finding the restaurant. Atlantic Avenue south of King St (Liberty Village) will take you to Hanna Ave. Cross the road at the beginning of Hanna Ave. There is a small sign that leads you behind a large apt. building. The entrance is literal...
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By The Way
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400 Bloor St. W.416 967 4295 It is like coming home when I enter this familiar restaurant. I know the menu and am guaranteed to have tasty home cooking that pleases. By The Way has been a neighborhood restaurant for many years. The place is always crowded from breakfast until late evening.E...
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Burger Cellar (revisited)
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3391 Yonge St647 345 0084 Is there anyone who doesn’t appreciate fine design? The high tech elegant lighting is superb. The wall of wine bottles is right out of a magazine. So much thought and design has gone into this great atmosphere.Obviously one goes out to dine with great food in mind. Wh...
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Negroni
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492 College St.416 413 0005 Negroni offers the best panini in town. I like this restaurant because it knows what it is about and does it well. It is comfortable and not pretentious. In the summer the patios in front and back offer an outdoor dining experience. The ciabbata bread is made on the ...
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Sorrel
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84 Yorkville Ave.416 926 1010 Superbly delicious! Artistically plated! Charming ambiance!I remember the first evening I dined here. A friend and I just stumbled into this new little restaurant because it was there and we were hungry. I was thrilled with the gourmet food, excellent service and c...
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Kamasutra
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1522 Bayview Ave.416 489 4899 I was so excited when my grandson Brad announced he was coming in from Chicago with his beautiful Hillary. I love those two and wanted to hear all the latest details about their wedding plans. It also was Hillary’s birthday and I wanted to take them for lunch. We a...
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Provence Delices
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12 Amelia St.416 924 9901 Authentic French! Outstanding food! I just enjoyed the best omelet ever. That may sound like nothing. There are so few ingredients in an omelet. However it is tricky to keep the omelet moist and fluffy. This was perfection.I invited my cousin out for lunch. She enjo...
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Piccolo Restorante
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8 Birch Ave416 975 9150 This is one of the most charming spots in the city .Piccolo is situated in a tiny little old house on a quiet street. At night the twinkling lights in the old tree in the front add so much to the ambiance. The inside has always been my favorite. Only seven tables give so...
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Crème Brasserie
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162 Cumberland St. 416 962 7363 Several times a friend suggested this fantastic place. I should have listened sooner. Crème is the ‘cream of the crop’ in fine dining. The location is charming as it is tucked away in a courtyard running between Cumberland and Yorkville. The outdoor patio is gre...
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Fanny Chadwick’s
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268 Howland Ave.416 944 1606I wish I had known Fanny Chadwick. Apparently she was an author, loved parties and was a personality living in the Annex. Proprietors Lianne and Sarah pay homage to this colorful neighborhood figure. They deserve much credit for this enterprising endeavor. The premises we...
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Hanoi 3 Seasons
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88 Gerrard St416 463 9940 Five ladies went for dinner after the opera. I am not familiar with the Broadview area restaurants so was delighted to be introduced to the best Vietnamese dining spot. It is a family owned restaurant. Our young server could be a movie star as she is so beautiful. She also ...
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Woodlot
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Woodlot293 Palmerston Ave ( at College St)647 342 6307I tried three times to get a reservation at this hot spectacular spot. On my third effort I was told that there is a communal table that is available on a first come first serve basis.I can’t remember when I had so much fun. By the way the food ...
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Peter Pan Bistro
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Peter Pan Bistro373 Queen St West416 593 0917I have been a patron at Peter Pan for over 30 years. I remember it as one of the first converted old diners in Toronto. The old bar and the banquettes were kept but now there have been changes to give it an up to date feel. Artists and actors were often...
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Fiermosca
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Fiermosca Trattoria36A Prince Arthur Ave416 323 0636I had planned to spend a quiet evening at home. Lately there has been too much spending and too much eating out. When my neighbor called to say she needed a break from the book she is writing I quickly changed my mind. We both agreed that a short ...
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China House
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China House925 Eglinton Ave416 781 9121 This was a nostalgic evening. I remember taking my three children to China House for Sunday evening treats. We lived only a few blocks away. My eldest son even had a special birthday party in the party room. So many memories! It was my son’s birthday and...
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Cravings
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Cravings3393 Yonge St416 322 2200This is without doubt the best value in town. The restaurant is beautifully appointed. The white pristine tablecloths make you feel as if you are dining in style. The menu is superb. I have eaten here for both lunch and dinner and have always been so pleased. The pl...
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Jacques Bistro du Parc
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Jacques Bistro du Parc126A Cumberland St416 961 1893 I remember when this spot was Jakes and then later Jacques Omelettes. When the artistic giant rock was placed in the park in Yorkville the restaurant became Jacques du Parc. The name may have changed over the years. What has remained constant...
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Grapefruit Moon
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Grapefruit Moon961 Bathurst St416 539 9056 What a whimsical name! What a fun place! I don’t have words enough o describe the experience. The place is alive and busy with neighbors from this interesting area of town. I so enjoyed watching the lovely mother with her three children. Each boy was r...
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Corner House
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Corner House501 Davenport Rd416 923 2604 Corner House is a very special dining spot at the foot of Castle Loma. It is on the corner of Madison Ave and Davenport in a very quiet spot of town. This was a residential home before being turned into an exquisite fine dining spot. Because it is a hous...
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Aunties and Uncles
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Aunties And Uncles74 Lippincott St416 324 1375 I have wanted to go to this restaurant for a long time. Now I am angry with myself that I waited so long. This is the festive season and I started my day right by enjoying this delicious delightful fun spot.The restaurant has been here for 11 years...
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Bodega
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Bodega30 Baldwin St416 977 1287 Every year at Christmas time my friend Ann B takes her 25 best friends for an outstanding meal. Guaranteed there will be much conversation and loud laughter. We all look forward to this festive outing. I always tell Ann that she has the most eclectic group of fri...
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Side Car
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Side Car577 College St 416 536 7000Side Car is one of the finest restaurants on College St. I always look forward to returning to this favorite spot. From Sunday through Wednesday there is a $25.00 Prix Fixe for 3 absolutely delicious courses. What a way to celebrate my birthday. I am so blessed wit...
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Via Norte
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Via Norte938 College St647 348 1116I feel as if I just had the best double date possible. Gabriel is the host and manager of this incredible Portuguese Restaurant. He is gallant and charming making sure that each guest is totally satisfied. Jose is in the kitchen creating his gourmet delectable food...
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Sushi Inn
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Sushi Inn120 Cumberland St416 923 9992I was going to a movie with my new neighbor. She suggested we have lunch before the film at her favorite restaurant in Yorkville. No wonder this is a favorite of the whole neighborhood. She warned me that it would be busy with a positive spirit. How true. The l...
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Jules Bistro
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Jules Bistro147 Spadina Ave416 348 8886Where have I been hiding? I have just discovered a little gem. Jules Bistro is located in the heart of the garment industry. The entertainment district is within blocks Restaurants, clubs and theatres are in abundance. Jules Bistro is a few blocks from all th...
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Cantine
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Cantine bistro & bar138 Avenue Rd416 923 4388Brunch, lunch or dinner you are going to feel like a star. This is a neighborhood restaurant that makes everyone feel welcome. The large comfy chairs at the entrance are great for a drink or a light meal. They set the tone of feeling comfy in a famili...
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Cravings Asian Cuisine
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Cravings Asian Cuisine3393 Yonge St416 322 2200If you are craving the best Asian food this is the place. It was a perfect locale to meet my friend who lives in the northern part of Greater Toronto. I live centrally. The subway took me there in no time at all. I like the physical surroundings of thi...
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Corner House
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Corner House501 Davenport Rd416 923 2604 Corner House is a very special dining spot at the foot of Castle Loma. It is on the corner of Madison Ave and Davenport in a very quiet spot of town. This was a residential home before being turned into an exquisite fine dining spot. Because it is a house the...
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Segar
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Segar1568 Bayview Ave.416 485 1568I set out to meet a friend on Mt Pleasant Ave. It was a cold morning. All the restaurants are closed on Monday. Of all days for me to decide to be early. I was frozen. My friend arrived promptly on the hour as planned but nothing on the street was open We drove to B...
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Prop, revisited
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Prop770 St Clair Ave. West(416) 792-3313I am always seeking out new restaurants and love the excitement of discovering something different. When I return to the same restaurant twice within a week you know it is something special. The décor is so inviting and grabs your attention as soon as you ente...
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Boulevard Cafe, revisited
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The Boulevard Café161 Harbord St(416) 961-7676This establishment has been going strong for over 30 years. I remember when it first opened. I have been a continuous patron of the fine cuisine. The Peruvian flavor is so tasty and tantalizing. Boulevard Café is a small restaurant so there is a homey ...
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Flip Toss Thai Kitchen
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Flip Toss Thai Kitchen141 Harbord St.416 966 6955 Cheap and cheerful comes to mind. This small restaurant does a big take out business. There are about 5 tables and a counter for inside dining. You order at the desk and your food arrives hot and delicious. The menu is listed on a giant blackboard...
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By the Way
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By The Way Café400 Bloor St West416 967 4295 If your restaurant is busy for breakfast, lunch and dinner and you have been in business for over 30 years you are doing something right. By The Way is doing it all right. This community restaurant is a welcoming second home to the Annex neighborhood....
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The Rushton
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The Rushton740 St Clair West(416) 658 7874I have been by this restaurant on several occasions and noted the full house. The patio outside is always crowded in the summer. The Xmas tree with all blue lights is presently beckoning guests for the winter season.I’m so pleased that my friend recommended ...
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Asian Legend
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Asian Legend418 Dundas St West (416) 977 3909I haven’t had Chinese food for a long while. I was so pleased when my two dining companions recommended this restaurant. It is in the middle of Chinatown but so different from the other restaurants. It is new and very well designed. It is also very popula...
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Sorrel
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Sorrel84 Yorkville Ave.(416) 926-1010Elaine and I had just viewed a gripping film. We had so much to discuss. We wanted to have dinner but didn’t know where to go. We decided to stroll around the wider neighborhood and let intuition make the decision. We walked for over 45 minutes. Either the restau...
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Patisserie La Cigogne
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Patisserie La Cigogne1626 Bayview Ave.(416) 487-1234You don’t always have to dress up or spend a lot of money to enjoy fine dining. I have just discovered a perfect little breakfast or lunch spot. The food is outstanding and the service very friendly. The best part is staring at the fancy fresh past...
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Lisbon by Night
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Lisbon By Night802A Dundas St West(416) 603-6522It’s fiesta time. It is gourmet dining time. It is like being in Portugal. It is so much fun. My only problem is my increased waist line and I still think it is worth it.The minute you climb the stairs to the second floor of this authentic Portuguese ...
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Portucale
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Portucale794 St Clair Ave West(416) 652-3982Recently I met owner Francisco by chance. He told me that he had just opened Portucale. I knew him from another restaurant in Toronto and was anxious to see what his new restaurant was all about. St Clair Ave West has become a busy spot with a variety of f...
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Negroni Panini
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Negroni Panini492 College St.(416) 413-0005One of my favorite dinner companions was taking time from his busy music schedule. Alex has been writing a lot of new compositions and getting ready for a new CD. I was delighted that we were able to meet for dinner.I have been a loyal fan of Side Car Grill...
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Kos
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Kos 61 Bellevue Ave.(416) 597-6912I adore going out with my friend Estelle. We always have such fun. We spent two weeks in Tuscany together and it was a great adventure. Last evening we decided to go to Kensington Market and find a little spot for dinner. I know the market as a great place to buy fr...
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Lisbon by Night, September
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Lisbon By Night802 Dundas St West(416) 603-6522This restaurant is a Portuguese event. Every night is a fish festival offering a variety of grilled fish perfectly seasoned. I am not surprised that Lisbon By Night won an award from Summerlicious 2010. You walk up a steep set of stairs. On the second f...
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John's Italian Cafe
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John’s Italian Café27 Baldwin St(416) 596-8848On occasion I like to dress up and dine in a very stylish restaurant. Most of the time I am happier to find a good local restaurant with superior food and low key ambiance. John’s Italian Café is situated on the trendy but informal Baldwin Street. It is ...
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Starving Artist Waffles Espresso Bar
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Starving Artist Waffles Espresso Bar584 Lansdowne Ave (647) 342-5058Funky! Artistic! Unusual! You really have to go to believe this bizarre restaurant. My family went to hear Alex play jazz. He was joined by an excellent bass player, another guitar and my favorite drummer, Max Roach. It was one of ...
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Paramour
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Paramour94 Ossington Ave.(416) 953-2356It was love at first sight when I entered Paramour. This newest kid on the block is a total winner in every way. It has only been opened since October. No wonder it is such a success. Laura Malin, the amazing young talented chef, trained with Jamie Kennedy. She...
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Bistro Tournesol
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406 Dupont St(416) 921-7766One week ago I ate a perfect meal here. I have been savoring this unbelievable meal in my mind and had to go back to see if another try would be as magnificent. Hard to believe! It was even better. Perfect. Outstanding. Marvelous!I am quickly working my way through the Sum...
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Prop
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770 St Clair Ave. West(416) 792-3313I had such a great time. Elaine is my dear friend of long standing. We love to go out for dinner. We enjoy great food and we love to talk about it. Elaine suggested this outstanding restaurant and I am so grateful to her for this winning suggestion. Chef Gian Carl...
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Grace
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503 College St ( at Palmerston)(416) 944-8884How fortunate I am to have Fransi as a friend. She is the scout to find the best in fine dining. The gourmet food gets better with each choice but on this occasion she hit the jackpot. Fantastic! Outstanding! Amazing!As soon as I entered the restaurant I ...
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Frank's Kitchen
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Frank's Kitchen588 College St.416 516 5861Not only is Frank a handsome sexy looking man, he is a master chef. Every bite was picture perfect and a delight for the palate. Elaine and I have eaten at this establishment during the last few owners. It was always good food but nothing could compare to th...
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Oliver and Bonacini Cafe Grill
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At the bustling intersection of Yonge and Front, the newly
opened O&B Café Grill is a sure-fire winner. Replacing the old Shopsy’s on
this bit of prized real estate, the renowned restaurateurs, Peter Oliver and
Michael Bonacini, have added a smart bar-bistro to their collection of high-end
e...
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Side Car
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Side Car577 College St416 536 7000Annette and Estelle are very special friends of long standing. Annette and I go back to our high school days. Both were celebrating birthdays and in my opinion nothing was too good for either of them. Annette had mentioned that she was unfamiliar with my favorite st...
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Cantine
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Cantine138 Avenue Rd416 923 4822It is so wonderful to have this great restaurant in my neighborhood. The food is always delicious. I really like the menu because it offers so many tasty choices. The restaurant is always busy and guaranteed you will see someone you know. I find the food consistently ...
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Capitol Trattoria Pizzeria
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597 College St ( at Clinton) 416 534 2942I love the Little Italy section of Toronto. There is an upbeat mood. The restaurants are numerous and many are very good. I first dined here in the summer. The outdoor patio was so inviting. I loved the food and the friendly service. I resolved to return her...
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George Brown Chefs' House opens to the public this fall
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The George Brown College Chef School, among Canada's most recognized leaders in culinary arts and hospitality training, today announced it will open "The Chefs' House" at 215 King St. East, a new restaurant on the southeast corner of King and Frederick streets in Toronto. The School has a long track...
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Local Front St. resto hosts gourmet Tuscan benefit extravaganza
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Celebrity chef Roberto Russo, author of two Italian cookbooks, and a leading Italian proponent of organic food and the slow food movement, presented a special gourmet menu of Tuscan cuisine at Toronto's Romagna-Mia Restaurant, hosted by Executive Chef Gabriele Paganelli. The dinner took place o...
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No nightmare on Elm: perfect patio, pizza at bistro
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On one of the last sweltering nights in the city my friend Monica and I went searching for that perfect patio for dinner. Minutes later we were sitting outside Thirty Five Elm.Amid all the Downtown core restaurant mayhem, Thirty Five Elm serves up casual Italian-slash-bistro countryside-style cuisin...
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Resto: Beautiful spot lives up to its name
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I first heard about Banu from the woman who inspired the restaurant’s name.I met mama Mohyeddin at a nail bar, where she told me about the tapas and vodka bar her two daughters Samira and Salome had opened on Queen West. The name, she told me, means “beautiful”—and her girls had called it that as a ...
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Where's the beef? In the same old place, still just as tasty
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Kenny Hotz and I arrive at Barberian’s Steak House on the first hot night in the city—and while everyone else is on a patio, the Hotz is inside with me at the famous Elm St. landmark.As Kenny (of “Kenny vs. Spenny” fame) orders his “jammy” glass of cab and I order my dry martini from easy-on-the-eye...
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Resto review: Colborne Lane
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I was on my way to Palm Beach the next morning and wasn’t even packed, but the invitation to eat at this fabulous new restaurant Colborne Lane could not be passed up.All I’d been hearing about was this hot, sexy new place to eat and drink very good wine. So I put the pedal to the metal and drove eas...
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Resto review: Brunch leftovers a dishwasher’s dream
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It’s spring—time to get outside, thaw out, and catch up with the long-lost over brunch.Accompanied by a very special guy I’ve known for a long time—sorry, can’t kiss and tell—I head out to one of my favourite brunch places, the Niagara St. Café.It’s a bit off the beaten path and I always seem to for...
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Resto review: Corson’s culinary venture no penalty for diners
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Was that Shane Corson taking our coats?That was the question posed by one of my dinner guests (Tamara, Rebecca, and Leanne, out for a girls’ night) at Tappo.It is indeed. Hockey hunk Corson, along with business partner Armando Russo, opened the big, wooden doors of this new eatery at the foot of Mil...
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Globe bistro eats locally
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What do Ed Ho, a former portfolio manager with a passion for food, wine and service, and Mark Cutrara, a chef who has remained low on most people's radar, think they have to offer to Toronto's dining scene?"Globe Bistro's concept is 'Think Global. Eat Local.'" says Ho, the owner/operator. ...
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Marine menu makes McMurray’s meal memorable
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The holiday season is here and it has been hard to sit down for a real dinner when you are going from party to party.My brokerage friend, Mike, calls me on a Wednesday to go for dinner and tells me to pick the place. I have been wanting to go to Starfish for quite a while and as it’s a chilly night ...
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JK Church: A reputation built on the best ingredients
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As the film festival ends my birthday approaches and as usual I have been invited out by friends to celebrate.As I wrapped things up at work, my cell phone rings: my friend Clayton Ruby tempts me with symphony tickets and dinner afterwards. Of course I say yes—even though he’s a lawyer Ruby is a gre...
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The Commissary: A taste of New York in Downtown Toronto
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The Commissary Café is fast becoming one of the St. Lawrence market area’s hotspots – and for good reason. Here you will find a truly one of a kind, upscale eatery featuring the classic characteristics of the New York style hole-in-the wall eateries.The Commissary occupies the lower level of the tur...
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By George, sweetbreads are gorgeous
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It is a beautiful hot sunny day and I am looking forward to a girls’ lunch on the patio at George, the artsy crowd’s favourite spot on Queen St. E.The front entrance is hard to find, however, when you do find the women’s club Verity, George is right next door. The restaurant is not only adjacent to...
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French gem anything but cheesy
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The hard-to-handle handle of west end eatery Amuse-Bouche put me off until I read the menu, wherein it all became clear.“Amuse-Bouche” is pronounced “ah-myuz-boosh” and can be taken several ways: first, “to amuse the mouth,” second, “to tease the palate,” and third, as “a welcoming gift from the che...
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Shucks, no sushi at this raw spot
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Walking into Oyster Boy and spotting the stainless steel sinks full of oysters on ice, we felt like we had been transported to a New England oyster bar—freshness obviously came first. But better than that, this intimate spot proved itself to be very kid-friendly.I brought my seven-year-old friend Sa...
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Diners smitten by Queen East shank and style
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“Come eat…play and get smitten” are the words on the wonderfully sexy business cards of Tomi-Kro restaurant in Leslieville.When you walk into the Soho/NYC-inspired space, you get a real sense of being part of the Queen East community. The renovated room is warm, small, and intimate, with a friendly ...
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Fresh makes veggies seem almost exiting
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“Vegetables are interesting but lack a sense of purpose when unaccompanied by a good cut of meat,” said the American writer and humorist Fran Lebowitz back in the hippie heyday of brown rice and bean bowl dinners. Frustrated by what many meat lovers consider to be vegetarianism’s lacklustre level of...
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Prague Deli’s breakfasts a family tradition
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Once, long before Queen Street West became inundated with halogen light shops, yoga pants emporiums, and monochromatic bistros, a little bakery called the Prague Deli opened up shop, offering the delicacies of Czech breads, pastries and deli foods.Today, with its window overflowing with hearty old-w...
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Banzai Sushi: Eel suggests after-dinner intimacy
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Sushi with a twist. That was my night with a TO designer girlfriend of mine at the new restaurant Banzai Sushi at Richmond & Peter streets. This is not just a sushi restaurant—you walk in and what a fabulous sight, the decor is so chic and modern. A mix of Japanese dining with art, music and tec...
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