EAST COAST INVASION - TORONTO - THE FINAL CHAPTER

Toronto definitely is one of the most high-energy cities in Canada. I hadn't been there for years, and I was very excited to go back and get an "adult perspective" on the concrete jungle. Once my time drew to an end in Ottawa, I hopped on a plane to Toronto, thanks to a $45 seat sale from Westjet. There was no way of preparing myself for the number of good restaurants, bars and parties in this city... Oh yeah, and I went during Pride.



Toronto is defined by its many neighborhoods - much like its 'sister from another mister' city, NYC. On my first night, I was introduced to what is now my favorite neighborhood/street - Queen Street West.

My friends and I hit up an Italian spot called Terroni, which also happens to have one other Toronto location on Adelaide, and one in L.A. While I usually take photos of my food at restaurants, the food was so good I'd wolfed it down before I had time to pick up a camera.



This restaurant has a constantly evolving menu. With that said, I have my fingers crossed for whoever reads this, because I really hope you'll have the opportunity to get the same dish I did.

Spaghetti al Limone = GAME CHANGER.
Imagine spaghetti-gone-lemony: zippy and acidic from lemon and capers, savoury from spinach and olive oil, and kicked to a whole new level with Parmigiano Reggiano. This dish was so fresh and delicious... and so simple! This is proof that simplicity done well can have gourmet results.


This place also has killer desserts... I managed to catch the ice cream "hot dog" we ordered before it was devoured:



WINNING QUALITIES:


- A light, sweet brioche bun
- Creamy vanilla gelato
- Dark chocolate shavings







OTHER RESTAURANTS NEAR QUEEN STREET WEST

If you're looking for something different..
- Kalendar - This restaurant has a middle-eastern feel - the menu features 7 "scrolls"; a crepe/roti packed primarily with curried fillings. This is the place to go on a hot day in Toronto (there are many of those days!) as this place has an awesome patio.




If you're looking for Mexican...
- Milagro -
This place has the BEST Mexican I've had in a while. The menu is extensive, the atmosphere feels like a party, and the drinks pack a punch.

This drink is a "tequila mojito", spiked with jalapeno peppers. I dare anyone to try this. If you drink it too fast, you WILL choke on it. It is BURNING HOT, but it is HEAVEN if you sip it. Mix the jalapeno heat with gold tequila, agave syrup, and some mystery ingredients, and BAM - you've got yourself one hell of a bevvy. I'm going to say this is similar to a Michelada - one drink is delicious, 7 will burn a hole in your stomach.













If you're looking to party, dive-bar style...

Ted's Collision - The only thing this place is lit by is drippy, white candles, sticking outside of empty 26's of booze. When I went, there was a live band covering classic rock songs one minute, then doing a rock rendition of electro-pop jams the next. There's a covered patio in the back, with about 4 picnic benches and a big tapestry of Barbarella on the brick exterior of the building. This is a place where many hours (and many beers) can go very quickly.


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Now, I will attempt to "zip it" about food, and talk about the real pressing issue here: PRIDE.

This party knocks the socks off any other party in Canada, and I am CERTAIN of that. Over 1 million people come to Toronto to celebrate, and there are so many parties happening, it'd be literally impossible to go to all of them.

YOUR GUIDE TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL PRIDE WEEK:

- USE TRANSIT.. It's FUN: Driving sucks in Toronto as it is, and drinking/driving is even worse. Also, cabs are generally going to cost a small fortune. Use the transit: streetcars, buses and the metro will get you wherever you need to go. Hopstop or the TTC website will give you all the directions you need.

- LISTEN TO THE LOCALS: This always speaks true, no matter where you go. I managed to hit up "Business Woman's Special" (Thanks, Romy and Michelle!) at the Augusta House in Kensington, and Big Primpin at Wrongbar on Queen St West. A big party I didn't manage to get to was called "Yes Yes Y'all", at the Annex. For my sake, please go to it next year!!!

- GO TO THE PARADE, EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIKE PARADES: I usually am not a fan, in the slightest. HOWEVER, this destroyed my view of parades as boring and repetitive. You will be dancing while you watch, and making new friends every five minutes. Just DO IT.

- CHURCH STREET IS MADNESS. - There are people partying in the street, and the bars are jam-packed and sweaty. This district of Toronto is world-renowned. My personal opinion may not be shared with others: I think you should just party outside of the bars, in the streets. There are so many people running around, and music blaring. The party goes on for what seems like forever.

- GO TO HANLAN'S POINT BEACH: This is on Toronto Island... Call me dumb, but I honestly didn't know this existed prior to coming! This particular beach is party central during pride, with tons of people having picnics and dancing in the sand. It's a clothing-optional beach, BTW.

While I could go on about the WILD TIMES that were had, I think a photo and six words can say it all:


HOT

SWEATY

MESS....

THANK YOU, TORONTO!