Ticking Off the Toronto Bucket List: Week #9

Hey Everyone! 

Well, this week was a busy week!!! Tons of eating and experiencing new things! I'm pretty sure I'm going to spend all my money on food this summer. Who needs money in Ireland right?!? 

Anyway, here's what I did! Enjoy! Maybe it'll motivate you to get out there and try something fun this summer in Toronto! 

Thor Espresso Bar 

35 Bathurst Street 

http://www.thorespressobar.com/

Thor is a fairly new espresso bar that opened up in an area which was in need of a cafe that wasn't Starbucks or Second Cup. Located near a bunch of condos, Thor is a nice change for all those condo dwellers. I assume this must be the case anyway... So, I walked to Thor after work one day and I was in need of a cold beverage! I decided I'd get their iced mocha, and it was pretty yummy! 

Nice and refreshing! Not too bitter or anything. It was nice :) 

If you're into grab and go type places, and aren't planning on sitting here for too long this is your place! If you enjoy more of a sit down place then I wouldn't recommend Thor. It has cool looking tables, and tons of interesting magazines laying around, but it's not a place to really people watch or catch up with friends! 

3/5 Smiles! 

The Grind House 

281 Augusta Ave 

http://www.blogto.com/cafes/grind-house-toronto

The Grind House in Kensington Market! First of all, what an interesting name for a coffee shop eh? Almost creepy? 

Anywho, I read on blogto that the Grind House served clover coffee, so I thought "why not finally try some clover coffee". It's sort of like a french press but different. I recommend just googling it if you want to find out more. Basically, each cup of coffee is freshly made with your choice of coffee bean! FYI, Clover Coffee was bought out by Starbucks...but lets not think about this fact. The barista was super nice at the Grind House. He helped me choose my coffee bean, and after I finished my coffee he recommended what I should try next! He even opened by the bean bags and let me smell the beans! He told me that the darker the bean the oiler it gets, but that I should try the "mexican" blend next time. It's one level lower than the darkest roast but not as oily! I had a medium roast (Guatemalan to be exact!). It was tasty! I drank it black!! I rarely, if ever, do that! It was yummy :) 

I recommend coming here if you want to learn a bit about your coffee and need a place to chill after a morning of shopping in Kensington. Great people, lovely place, go here! 

5/5 Smiles! 

Doors Open Toronto

Elgin/Winter Garden Theatre 

Last year I visited a lot of buildings during the Doors Open event in Toronto. This time around I had picked out a bunch to visit, but because I had invited my lovely parents, I decided not to make the schedule too intense. Our main attraction was the Elgin/Winter Garden theatre located on Yonge Street, across from the Eaton's Centre. What a fantastic theatre! Beautiful! I learned so much after my visit. 

Here are some fun facts!

- Built in 1913

- The Elgin was used for vaudeville type shows which would play throughout the day, whereas the Winter Garden right above it would play the same show but only once a day. It cost 20 cents more to see a show up there. 

- The 1920s began the demise of the Elgin Theatre. Talking pictures came so they started to play movies there and the Winter Garden was closed down for 60 years. The Elgin even became a porno house in the 1970s! Lovely eh?! 

- The Elgin was basically destroyed and lots of things were gutted and ruined throughout the years. But thankfully, in the 1980s, Ontario Heritage bought the theatre and started to restore it! 

- The restoration brought the theatre back to it's glory and gave it wonderful facelift!

- oh, and the ceiling in the Elgin is fake. It's a hanging ceiling since there's another theatre right above it! 7 stories to be more precise! 

- The Winter Garden was eventually reopened and restored as well after 60 years! There was so much grime on the walls that the only way to clean the walls without ruining the original paint was to use bread dough! Who knew?! 

- The Winter Garden is supposed to resemble a garden in the spring time! That way it's always the spring when you visit! 

There is so much more I could keep going on about... but I'll leave it at that for now! 

GUU 

Japanese Restaurant 

398 Church Street 

YUM! 

This place was amazing. It's expensive, but it's the experience you're paying for! Getting to Guu is a little strange. You don't really know how to get into it, but once you're in it's awesome! On the outside it looks like a strange grey rock with little windows in it, but inside it's the coolest place in town! Thankfully, I visited Guu with my Japanese friend and didn't have to put to much effort into picking what to eat! I would have been sitting there for ages trying to figure it all out if I were on my own!
 But first, I should start with what happens upon entering Guu! Upon entering, you are greeted with a very loud Japanese welcoming by the entire staff. Now, I wish I remembered how to say it in Japanese, but all I know is that they yell "Welcome" and you instantly feel like you're part of some crazy cool Japanese community inside the restaurant. When you leave they yell "Arigato!".

The food was delicious. Again, I would explain what I ate, but all I remember is that it was tasty! Lots of chicken, and beek, and noodles and rice! So good!!

 Favourite Japanese Children's soda! You have to push the top with something and than a marble drops and makes everything fizz! It's fun!

YUM!


My First Blue Jays Game

Roger's Centre (a.k.a Skydome!)

I never thought I'd have so much fun at a Blue Jays game! I know nothing about baseball, and used to think it was super boring to watch. However, I felt that as a citizen of Toronto, I needed to attend a game! I have friends who said it was fun, so we went! Low and behold, they were right!! I had so much fun! I even bought myself some expensive baseball peanuts and they were delicious!!!
I totally recommend attending a game. It's different watching baseball with friends and in person!

Loved it!

phew!!! What a week!!!

This coming week will not be as hectic with ticking off the list. But I'm slowly getting there eh!?

12 weeks to go!

Keep Smilin',

Monica

Indie Coffee Shop Hoppin' - Rapido - (The Annex)

Rapido 

Website

1089 Bathurst Street 

How the heck did I NOT visit this place sooner?!?! Literally, it's 4 houses down from where I lived for four months last summer, thus only 10 mins from where I live now. I used to walk by it all the time, but never stopped in. I guess that's what happens when you live close to things. You just never see the need to pop into places that you walk by on a daily basis. Well, my dear friend who still lived four houses way, joined me on our first and possibly last visit to Rapido. Like me, she never stepped into this lovely Italian cafe. 

It was a HOT day. Thank god they offered homemade iced tea! I'm a huge fan of real iced tea, not that sugary stuff! We sat down with our iced teas, and drooled while the chefs in the back prepared pizzas and salads for lunch time. Thus, we couldn't resist splitting a panini when it was lunch time! It was delicious. It's a cute spot, filled with older Italian men sipping on their espressos. 

Awesome place :) I'd love to come back for a proper lunch soon! 

Indie Coffee Shop Hoppin' - Scoop & Bean - (The Annex)

Scoop & Bean

2 Follis Avenue
http://www.blogto.com/cafes/scoop-and-bean

One part ice cream shop, one more coffee shop. It is located very close to where I used to live last summer, and actually, it's still a very short distance away! Why I've never tried it before, I have no idea! But I decided to try it this week. I had no exceptions for this place. When I visited, it was rather empty, barely had any sort of morning treats, BUT when I tried the latte the lovely barista made me, I was pleasantly surprised! It was delicious! The foam was perfect, the temperature was just right. This girl knew was she was doing, and I was extremely grateful. They even played some really great laid back Canadian indie tunes. So I was delighted. Can't wait to try this place for ice cream! Looks like they offer Kawartha Dairy ice cream as well which is pretty awesome stuff for all you non-Canadians out there!

Indie Coffee Shop Hoppin' - Sam James Coffee Bar [Annex]

Sam James Coffee Bar 

297 Harbord Street 

http://samjamescoffeebar.com/

Best latte in Toronto, hands down. If you don't believe me, try it yourself. I'm not sure what Sam James puts in his espresso, or how he goes about making his lattes, but it is delicious. So delicious in fact that no added sweetness or anything is required! It's perfect just the way it's made. Tasty, smooth, perfect. Just perfect. 

I was told about this place by a dear friend of mine who used to live close by, and she swore by Sam James' lattes. I wasn't sure her claim was correct, but once I tried it I became an instant fan! 

It's a take-away only coffee bar. No free wi-fi, or bathroom. Just go in and get out! He also has a location on Bloor Street West called The Coffee Pocket (688A Bloor Street West - Korea Town). The Coffee Pocket is literally a pocket on the north side of Bloor. At the Coffee Bar there are at least a few seats you can occupy if you'd like! 

Anyway, I could go on, but I really think you should experience Sam James for yourself. He is a coffee master, and all his baristas are talented as well! Their pastries are from Circle & Squares, who provides pastries for many other great cafes! So go ahead, buy yourself a latte and a fancy treat! You're worth it!! 

5/5 Smiles :) 

- Monica

Ticking Off the Toronto Bucket List: Week #8

Hey Everyone!

For those who actually follow my blog (btw, make yourself known! I am curious to see who's actually reading these!), you will have already noticed that I didn't post on Sunday or yesterday. The reason being, Victoria Day! I was busy relaxing and doing "Victoria Day" weekend things. For those who aren't Canadian, Victoria Day is a day to celebrate Queen Victoria's birthday. I know, it sounds strange doesn't it? Alas, we Canadians are very loyal to the British crown.... I suppose. The Victoria Day long weekend (a.k.a May 2-4) is really a way to kick start the summer. It's when Canadians come out of their deep winter slumber and start enjoying the sun again! It's when people drink a lot, watch fireworks, dust off the BBQ and smile again.

Thus, I didn't do much last week in Toronto because I went back to Cambridge for the weekend! However, I did sneak in a visit to a coffee shop! That still counts right?!

Mercury Espresso Bar

915 Queen Street East 

http://mercuryespresso.com/

Leslieville is filled with MANY of my Bucket List To-Dos, so I thought why not spend a sunny Toronto  morning in this lovely neighbourhood. Mercury Espresso Bar has always been on my radar because of it's relationship with other coffee joints in the Toronto community. They are/were a part of the "Disloyalty Card" community.  Located on the corner of Queen Street E and Morse Street, Mercury is easy to spot with it's large windows and lovely outdoor patio. I decided to stay inside for my visit, but it looked like the patio was a popular choice! I wanted something simple, so I went for their daily brew. I wish I could remember what it was called, but I remember it having a note of "caramel". I'm terrible with actually "tasting" any sort of notes in coffee, but I'm trying! The coffee was tasty nonetheless and I had a croissant too! It was fresh and fluffy, exactly what a croissant should be!

I even snagged myself a free pin! Any place that offers a free pin is good in my books! They also had a pretty good taste in music! It's also a great place for people watching. I sat on a stool by the window and watched all the suits and mothers with stroller walk by, it was swell :)

I recommend this place for sure :) 

4/5 Smiles!

This coming week I am planning to tick off some more boxes! It's the "Doors Open Toronto" even this weekend, I wonder what buildings I'll discover this time! I'll give my full report next week :) 

13 weeks to go!! 

Keep Smilin, 

Monica 

Ticking Off the Toronto Bucket List: Week #7

This week was my 25th birthday week! Possibly my last birthday week spent in Canada for a while!? That being said, I didn't really do much in Toronto this week! I was so busy with work and then travelling back home for my birthday that I didn't do much!

However, I did stop into Cafe Pamenar and I thought I'd still share a few photos of my experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake where I had some delicious afternoon tea! Perfect birthday!

Cafe Pamenar 

307 Augusta Ave 

http://cafepamenar.ca/

Awesome place! It only opened up a few months ago, but it looks great inside and their product it spot on! I had a yummy iced americano and my friend enjoyed a one shot iced mocha. Both drinks were tasty, and the service was nice. Everything about this place was really positive! We sat on their patio which is still in the process of being renovated. It's looking good though. I'm sure it'll be ready by the summer time! 

I'd recommend this place for anyone looking for something different in Kensington Market than their usual Moonbean coffee or i Deal Coffee stops! Also they have lots of seating! 

Niagara-on-the-Lake 

Afternoon "Birthday" Tea

Prince of Wales Hotel 

Really yummy sandwiches, and my vanilla blueberry tea was so good!!! I enjoyed every second of this experience and I recommend it for everyone! If you want to dress up and go out with the girls, or take your mom, do it! It's an experience to be had for sure! 

That's that guys! 

14 Weeks to Go!!!! 

Keep Smilin, 

Monica

Indie Coffee Shop Hoppin' - Lit Espresso - (Little Italy)

Lit Espresso 

810 College Street

Little Italy 

http://www.litespressobar.com/

I decided that I needed to visit a coffee shop this week. It was the only way I'd feel back in the Toronto groove. I wanted to visit somewhere a bit further away from home but not too far, so Lit Espresso was the best choice! It's located in Little Italy closer to Ossington (for all your Torontonains). 

It's cute, and has lots of seating. It's actually perfect for people who are meeting up in groups of two, or want to chill out on their own. The baristas were adorable and sweet, and the coffee was good too! I decided to try their daily brew and treated myself to a chocolate chip cookie. I can't resist treats with caffeinated beverages! Oh, and they have free wi-fi! Perfect for those studying or wanting to leave the comforts of their own home without having to sacrifice the comfort. It's a great place to chill out :)

I'd definitely come back here! 

5/5 Smiles from me!

Ticking Off the Toronto Bucket List: Week #6

Another week has come and gone!

So this week I did more eating and drinking :) I'm not sure a week will go by in Toronto without me eating something or treating myself to some sort of beverage.

What did I do this week? I hopped into The Communal Mule, ate a crepe at Krepesz in Kensington Market and had a picnic under the cherry blossom trees in High Park. Lovely week :)

The Communal Mule

984 Dundas West 

I popped into The Communal Mule while waiting for my hair appointment at Barberella down the street. It was raining, and I had some time to kill so I thought "why not!". It's decor is nice, and the latte was decent, but I just didn't feel like I belonged. It felt rather pretentious, and more of a expensive "hipster" kind of crowd. The barista was alright I suppose, but after I ordered he took a while to make my latte since he was chatting with a friend. He eventually looked at me and was like "sorry, what did you order, a latte?". Not impressed. Anyway, I'm still a positive person, so I was alright with his forgetfulness. It happens. They played Euro dance type music, and I believe it was coming from a radio. I wasn't all to impressed with this since I believe indie coffee shops should be playing their own little mixes! But, who am I to judge. I'm sure there are people out there who love it! 

Anyway, I wouldn't go back here. Ella's Uncle is right down the street, and I'd rather go there any day of the week! 

Krepesz 

Kensington Market - 253 Augusta Ave 

I've always walked by this place, but I never thought to try it out! I thought I had read a tweet about this place, so I had to try it out :) My friend and I were just going to try their chimney cakes and a coffee, but since the cakes weren't ready, we shared a crepe! It was delicious :) Chicken Stew Crepe with Feta. mmm so yummy! I would highly recommend coming here for some crepes. I want to visit again just to try their dessert crepes! They looked delicious as well! The portions are generous. We shared a crepe, and it was good that we did! 

:) 

Cherry Blossoms in High Park 

So beautiful!! 

My Japanese friend suggested I visit the cherry blossoms in High Park before I left, and since they were basically in full bloom, we decided to go! In Japan cherry blossoms are a big deal. People gather round, eat and drink under cherry blossoms every year. They are a delicate flower, and once they bloom they disappear! Luckily, the blossoms were at about 70% so we were still able to see them! It was very busy at High Park! I swear every Japanese family was at the park, I felt like I was in Japan! We had a little picnic, and enjoyed the lovely spring weather :) Simply beautiful :) 

What a wonderful week!!! It's making it harder and harder to leave this wonderful city!!!! 

I love you Toronto :)

15 weeks to go! 

Keep Smilin' :) 

- Monica

Indie Coffee Shop Hoppin - Mylk Uncookies (Cabbagetown)

Mylk Uncookies

253 Gerrard Street

http://www.blogto.com/cafes/mylk-uncookies-toronto

This lovely cafe is located in Cabbagetown. Now, for those unfamiliar with Cabbagetown, it's a cute place with interesting people. It has the looks of Leaslieville (actually it has a pretty unique look to the homes), but with individuals who resemble those found in Parkdale. It's near a University, but I still wouldn't want to hang out here in the evening. 

That being said, Mylk Uncookies is an adorable place! It's sleek, simple and clean. Lots of white and light blue. It's nice, but for me it's a bit too "sleek". I like seeing a bit rougher edges in a coffee shop, like worn out chairs and cracks in the tables. Apparently this is a vegan coffee shop, so I'm assuming the cookies and sweets are vegan friendly. I believe they also provide almond milk which you don't normonally find other places. 

I had a French press (not a true french press though, kinda sad about that), and a white chocolate cranberry cookie. The cookie was delicious!! The coffee was pretty standard. 

Looks like a cute place to just sit down and do some reading, or have a small meeting. The chairs and tables weren't really designed to make you want to stay very long. I wouldn't study here and stay here for longer than an hour. They did have really cute books and magazines to flip through though! I read some excerpts from the book "How to Be a Canadian", pretty interesting book! Really funny!

I would recommend Mylk Uncookies to friends meeting up, those in the area looking for a treat, or just some alone time in a nice sleek place. Looks like they have internet as well, though I didn't ask about the password

4/5 Smiles from Me!