REVIEW | Té

Toronto Real Estate is no joke and many other like us find it a struggle to keep up with a social life style and be able to afford the rent at the first of every month. Restaurants are no different and they face the same struggles if not more trying to keep up with the expenses. 

It should come as no surprise then that many restaurants come and go and sometimes it can be hard to keep up with what's new. We're especially excited that Te has opened up in the Ossington area and is a place we can go to for food and late night eats. 

REVIEW | Ufficio

'Never drink on an empty stomach' is a lesson I learned during my time in university and an important one at that. Before a dance-filled night out with girlfriends, what better way to start the night than with good food and cocktails? A few weeks ago, we headed over to Ufficio on Ossington Ave. and Dundas St. W., a new spot that's been getting great reviews by many.

 

REVIEW | Cafeteria

[Guest Writer: Jonathan L.]

For my first food blogging experience, I head over to a pre-opening at Cafeteria by Playa Cabana with Monica from the Food Sisterhood. The newest addition to the Mas Playas group is located on College and Dovercourt, an area with many up-and-coming restaurants.  We are seated at a table with fellow bloggers, Laney & Nick from Best of Toronto, Jess from Where Jess Ate, and Jess' fiance, Mike. While he refuses to contribute to her blog, he has at least put a sufficiently sizeable ring on her finger to warrant a few perks (ha ha).

 

REVIEW | Kingyo Izakaya

I don't often find myself at Cabbagetown even though I've heard of Kingyo Izakaya many times from other food bloggers that I've met. The brand originated in Vancouver and opened its Toronto doors in 2012, so my visit is way overdue.  To my delight, Yuki (PekoPekoLife) organized a menu tasting that I wouldn't dare miss out on!

 

 Yuzu Orange Mojito / Doraemon Punch / Pineapple Punch

LAUNCH | Toronto's popular Japanese izakaya rebranded as Kinka Izakaya

Guu Izakaya has been in Toronto quite a while now and Torontonians are probably used to being greeted by the servers' "irashaimase" every time they enter the restaurant. All three locations have been rebranded as Kinka Izakaya as of late but fear not, as they're still serving their signature dishes, and being attentive as ever. I haven't been for a few months and for this visit, I got to taste all my usual favourites and then some.

LAUNCH | \MoRoCo Chocolat

One of Toronto's ritzy neighbourhoods, Yorkville wouldn't be the same without its popular luxury chocolat boutique, MoRoCo Chocolat.  Tucked away on Yorkville Ave., this whimsical spot not only offers amazing chocolate, but also has brunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and did I mention cocktails? 

I've been to MoRoCo on several occasions this year, whether to pick up some macarons or meet up with a friend for brunch, since my last post on MoRoCo. This post in particular features their new cocktail and dinner menu items for the season that I was invited to preview two weeks ago.

GIVEAWAY | Brunchin' and Boozin' on the patio at Aroma Espresso Bars

Are you a brunch lover like myself? Then, I suppose you've already hit your favourite brunch spots this summer or maybe found a new gem in your neighbourhood. I love brunch because it's the perfect excuse to go back to the diner that you've been going for years or to discover a new place and catch up with friends over delicious food and coffee. Summer brunches are the cream of the crop, the cherry on top for me since I can eat on the patio and enjoy the warm sunshine that is becoming such a rarity in Toronto (haha). Last weekend, a few girls and I got together at Aroma Espresso Bar's Liberty Village location for some brunchin' and boozin - yes, you read that right.

EVENT | Nota Bene Happy Hour

For all you fellow foodies that work downtown, you may or may not see me enjoying a glass of Cava and munching on some delicious bar snacks after work hours at Nota Bene Restaurant for the next month or so.  Why? Because they have 10 new menu items offer at $4 each, between 4PM and 7PM everyday.  I mean, if you go with a friend and order everything, it's $20 per person - how awesome is that? Cheers!

 

REVIEW | The One Eighty

If you're a Torontonian, there is no doubt that you know about Panorama - the lounge that was at the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre in Yorkville.  I've been there a few times and yes, although it has the fantastic views of Toronto and it's a romantic spot, the food offering was lacking and after just a couple of visits, I never went back.  To my excitement the venue has been reinvented as The One Eighty. What makes it different than its former venue? There's a bigger focus on the culinary experience, an elevated cocktail menu the space itself has been revamped to be both fun and luxe.

REVIEW | &Company Resto Bar

When it comes to night life, nothing has Toronto beat. Having said that, for those of us living in the west end, finding ways to get down there, have dinner and a few drinks and finding a way home can prove to be quite troublesome. Luckily for us, &Company Resto Bar gives us that Toronto feel with a much shorter cab ride home.

REVIEW | BarFish at BlowFish Restaurant

Just a few weeks ago, we blogged about the newly launched sake bar addition, Barfish at the BlowFish Restaurant situated in the hip King West neighbourhood. We raved (read about the launch here) about the delicious sake cocktails but this time around, it's all about the food, 'bout the food, 'bout the food - ha ha, see what I just did there? Keep reading to get your tastebuds tickled on some unique and creative Japanese fare!  

 

REVIEW | CC Lounge & Supper Club

The first step inside the new CC Lounge & Supper Club on Yonge & Front will immediately draw your attention to their life-size gold-rimed birdcage, supple leather couches, wooden barrel tables and exposed brick wall - all meticulously designed to create the prohibition-era inspired atmosphere.  This Whisky specialty lounge provides guests a delicious menu full of comfort food as well as Whisky Tastings in their unique 'Whisky Tunnel.'

REVIEW | Han Ba Tang - tapas menu with traditional Korean ingredients & a modern twist in North York

Han Ba Tang (HBT) is a newly opened Korean fusion tapas restaurant and bar in the bustling Yonge and Sheppard neighbourhood.  With a read parking lot and steps to the Sheppard TTC station, it's in a very accessible location.  If you're in the area often, you probably already drove past or walked by the new addition  And, if you haven't already noticed, Han Ba Tang doesn't have a typical storefront sign and it's actually for a very good reason.

LAUNCH | Bounce Off - game night with Mattel Game On at Snakes & Lager

When Clara and I get together with our friends, we love playing games: board games, charades, you name it! There's something so fun and appealing about board games especially that can keep everyone entertained and having a good time. Last week, we were invited for a game night at the Snakes & Lagers location on College and Bathurst to celebrate a launch of Mattel Game On's newest addition, Bounce Off! There's no better place to do this than Toronto's most popular board game cafe & bar.

EVENT | What's better than a juicy watermelon in the summer time?

Summer is here and one of our favourite summer fruits is watermelon!! Why? We love it because there are so many different things you can do with a watermelon whether it's eating it on its own, in a salad, making juice or cocktails or even making your own watermelon Popsicle to cool down in the heat!

OPENING | D.W. Alexander - Toronto's new premium cocktail bar at the Distillery District

With its blended entrance, dark interior and mysterious atmosphere, D.W Alexander is reminiscent of an upscale British gentleman’s club. Located at the corner of Church and Front, it is a mere 10 minute walk from Union station and plentiful parking in the Downtown Distillery District.  

REVIEW | Yakitori Kintori - izakaya that specializes in yakikushi by KINKA family (creators of Guu, Kinton, Jabistro)

A new izakaya that specializes in Yakitori (skewered & grilled chicken) just opened in Koreatown at Kinton Ramen 2's second floor location.  This is KINKA family's newest restaurant addition in Toronto.  They're best known for the ever-popular Guu izakaya, JaBistro, and Kinton Ramen.  As a huge fan of skewered food, I couldn't wait to try it out.  I made my way there for late dinner during their soft opening.

LAUNCH | King West's new El Caballito features a unique Tequila Tasting room

Just a couple of weeks after my first visit to El Caballito Tequila Bar during it's soft opening (read review here), we were invited back for their official media launch event.  Of course, without hesitation we accepted as I couldn't wait to indulge myself in their Fituras Mixtas again and to try the Antojitos that I missed out on last time!

REVIEW | Cibo Wine Bar for Winterlicious 2014 - a trendy ambiance with tasty dinner & cocktails on King West

Cibo Wine Bar is a sister restaurant to Yorkville's Ciao Wine Bar by Liberty Group. Both Cibo and Ciao offer the same menu by Chef Saverio Macri, an authentic rustic Italian and exudes a very trendy and chic vibe that many nightlife venues by the Liberty Group signifies. I have always been a fan of the food and ambiance of Ciao Wine Bar, so I took the advantage duing Winterlicious to try the spot on King West.

REVIEW | El Caballito Tequila Bar - after work drinks & late night snack bar #MidnightTaco on King West

I love, love, love tequila & tacos, so when I discovered that there's a new spot in town, I made my way there without hesitation.  The new El Caballito Tequila Bar is located at King and Simcoe, a great location to head to after work!