So last week I visited some coffee shops, and ate some yummy food in Kensington Market! You probably think that I'll never get through my bucket list if all I do is eat and drink, but I'll have you know, it's HUMID in Toronto right now. As I type this, the weather network says that it "feels like 42*C" right now... therefore, spending time outside of the house and not cooking at home is the best way to beat the heat! However, I can't forget that I also went to an outdoor screening of the National Parks Project, please click on the link if you'd like to learn more! I'll also explain in further detail down below! I also attended the Home County Folk Festival in London Ontario on the weekend, but I'll leave that for a separate post!
Scoop & 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!
The Burger Bar
319 Augusta Ave
Kensington Market
So, I've been meaning to try The Burger Bar in Kensington Market for a while now. My friend and I were wandering around one day looking for food, so I thought "let's stop in!". This place is cute. It feels like The Dakota, if it were above ground, but without the music and cool staff. Mainly, it's the look that reminds me of The Dakota Tavern. They serve organic & gluten free options, free range chicken, etc. Quite nice! And they had homemade rooibus iced tea. This made me really happy since it was extremely hot outside!!!
Now, the food came promptly, but the service was... lacking. Not the best service. I wanted so much to be happy with my experience there, but maybe with the heat, etc, the service just wasn't that swell?
Anywho, I might still recommend it. The food was yummy, and the iced tea was super. I had the veggie burger with some sweet potato fries that I shared with my friend. It was very filling :) I'm willing to give it one more try. But not any time soon seeing as I have so much to see and do first!!
Open Roof Festival
The Amsterdam Brewery
21 Bathurst Street
Alright, so I've never been to The Amsterdam Brewery. I actually didn't realize that Amsterdam beer was made in Toronto until a few months ago! I thought only Steam Whistle and Mill Street was from Toronto! When a friend of mine mentioned there were outdoor film screenings at the brewery I couldn't say no!
The Open Roof Festival's goal is to offer an unique experience where a Canadian bands plays and they screen a independent film. They have beer for sale, and popcorn, etc, etc. It's loads of fun!
For my first visit I saw a screening of The National Parks Project. I had bought the soundtrack for this documentary earlier on in the week, so when I heard it was screening I just had to go! Here's a quote from their site:
"The National Parks Projects brings together 52 of Canada's best musicians and filmmakers to create music and film inspired by our most amazing National Parks."
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Canada's 13 National Parks, hence the special film :) The doc is comprised of 13 shorts, and you can screen them all online at the The National Parks Project website on HD. Not only do they offer the shorts, but you can also watch extended versions of each short. You can explore the parks along with the filmmakers and musicians. It's pretty interesting stuff!! Canada looks so beautiful :) I want to visit each park now! The soundtrack offers music that was inspired by the park's landscape and environment. It's pretty beautiful stuff!! Make sure to take a listen!
Anywho, it was a fun evening. I'd recommend at least checking out one screening! Oh, and I should mention, Catl were the band who played before the film! They were pretty rockin :)
Rapido
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!
That's the end of Week 16!! I'm behind I know!! I have to write about week 17 soon... though not much happened! Please be patient :)
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How many weeks do I have left in Toronto?!?
Apparently 5 more? I might still be around the city after the time I thought I'd be gone... so we'll see.
I do only have 7 more weeks until I fly away to Ireland though!!!
AHH!!!
:)
Keep Smilin!
- Moni
So, I've gotta say.. I saw you mention NPP a few times but didn't realise what it was until now (I assumed it was just a music thing). That sounds really really interesting, because those are some of the places that I would most like to go to. I'm going to be checking that out for sure. Thanks for the tip! Reading your blog pays off even for those of us who don't go to Toronto often :)
ReplyDeleteHi there,
ReplyDeleteI too am leaving Toronto in September and have been chipping away at my own Toronto Bucket List. I did a google search for other great ideas and came across your blog and from what I've read so far, it looks like we have similar likes. I also love exploring and finding the perfect local coffee shops!
One idea I might suggest is visiting a little tiny dive bar called:
Communist's Daughter
1149 Dundas St W
Toronto, ON M6J 1X3
It has been (so far) my favorite experience in Toronto. Go on a Saturday around 3:00 pm to get a seat (it really is a tiny hole in the wall). The bartender is super nice and welcoming. From 4-7 he sings (with a small band) and plays the trumpet WHILE serving up drinks. It's pretty cool, and the pickled eggs are pretty good too!
Thanks for all of your suggestions, your blog is full of great ideas and tips! Good luck with your list!
Amy
Thanks so much Amy!!!! I totally knew I wasn't the only person out there making a Toronto Bucket List! It's fun eh!?
ReplyDeleteI've totally been to The Communist Daughter! Actually, as I type this, I'm at a cafe just down the street from it! Though, I went when it was night time in the winter, so I'll have to try it again on a Saturday afternoon/evening. Sounds so awesome!!!!
Thanks so much for leaving a comment :) Means so much to me!!!