When Christina isn’t eating or drinking her way around Toronto, she’s chasing the next big story. She’s written for award-winning magazines like Toronto Life and Elle Canada, and has a master’s in international multimedia journalism from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in England. Follow her daily ramblings on Twitter: @xtinagonzales
There’s nothing that beats hunkering down with a hot cup of joe at one of Toronto’s many quirky cafés. But when the weather’s warm, switch that steaming mug for a latte on ice, and find a seat at one of the city’s café patios, for a perfect, caffeinated day in the sun. [Image credit: iStock.com/Jacob Ammentorp Lund]
Whether you’re hosting an intimate birthday bash with close friends, a celebratory dinner party with family, or a large-scale business meeting, TO is well equipped with envy-inspiring private rooms catering to those with a penchant for top grub. These local spots will hook you and your crew up with stress-free atmospheres and prix-fixe or family-style dining options. [Photo by @hypebelly; courtesy of Hopgood's Foodliner]
The winter in Canada is harsh, and it’s even rougher in Toronto, as city dwellers frolic across the city in ankle-high snow. Hats, mitts and scarves are a must, but the best investment you can make is a winter parka. Given the range of retailers out there, the coat options are endless – dressy, day-to-night or everyday casual. Here are the best bets for finding a winter parka in Toronto.
So you have a few book lovers on your list this Christmas? Lucky for you, Toronto has a number of independent bookstores that’ll make gift-giving easy this year. From the best bookstores to find children’s titles to the ones where art or cooking reign supreme – we’ve got you covered. Here are the top spots to find the best presents for the bookworm you love.
It's time to get real: Mother's Day is just around the corner. Does she go gaga over luxe skincare, is she a foodie, or a decor lover? Whichever she may be, Toronto’s many thoughtfully curated shops have you covered. Here are seven spots to find a one-of-a kind Mother's Day gift for the lady of the hour. [Feature image: Love the Design]
Mediterranean cuisine hails some of the tastiest dishes on the planet. A breakfast shakshouka, warm pita dipped in labneh, iskander, Turkish tea…the list goes on and on. Thank the heavens that Hogtown has jumped on the bandwagon, giving birth to a number of establishments to satisfy our cravings. And for those who have traveled and tasted the goods firsthand, I’m sure you’ll agree that Toronto does Mediterranean food justice.
Nothing beats biting into the perfect macaron. The delicate, palm-sized Parisian treat has a delicate crunch on the outside, and by the time you get to the ganache, you’ve been transported to a café on the Champs-Élysées. Sea salt and caramel, blackcurrant, or roasted pistachio – the varieties are endless. And in Toronto, here’s where they do it best.
Nothing evokes Canadian pride more than a Caesar – the Canucks’ answer to the American Bloody Mary. In Hogtown, we see some of the country’s most elaborate Caesars, some of which are served amongst a whole Peking duck or topped with fried chicken and waffles. Here, we pay tribute to Toronto’s most legendary Caesars.