Toronto (Oct 2022)

CN Tower

When I was at Workday, I had an office in Toronto and thoroughly enjoyed visiting this world class city.  It was great to explore Toronto with Tammy.  

The best way to arrive in Toronto is flying Porter Airlines.  They fly from Newark (and other cities) to Billy Bishop Airport, located on an island connected by a pedestrian tunnel to downtown.  We walked from the airport to our hotel!   

Toronto is a city of neighborhoods, so our focus was on exploring those neighborhoods and the ethnic cuisines that Toronto is known for.

Sites

St Lawrence Market is a great experience, like Pike Place in Seattle, or Reading Terminal Market in Philly.  Provides a glimpse into the local culture and cuisine.  I heard that the peameal sandwich at Carousel Bakery is a local favorite, it lacked flavor but it’s a ‘must try’ in Toronto.

The dog fountain in Berczy Park is worth a visit.  

The Distillery District is a great place to shop, dine and drink.  We stopped at Mill Street Brewing to watch the Phillies playoff game.  Good coffee at Balzac.  

Distillery District

Distillery District

We explored areas near Rogers Centre.  Fort York is the site of the Battle of York, when American forces invaded Canada (not for the first time!) during the War of 1812.  The Roundhouse is an interesting place to explore (and have a drink at Steam Whistle Tap Room).  The Fashion District/King West is a great place to walk, eat, drink.  If I moved to Toronto that’s where I would live.  

University Avenue from City Hall to Univ of Toronto to Bloor Street.  The Bata Shoe Museum is more interesting than it sounds!  Drinks at Hemingway’s.  Great brunch at Insomnia, popular with students.  Explored the Annex neighborhood, filled with late 19th century homes, shops and restaurants.  

Exploring the east side, we walked Queen East towards Leslieville.  Brunch at Marmalade was excellent.  Brie, Avocado, Bacon Benedict - as good as it sounds.   

Cabbagetown is a great neighborhood.  It earned its name a century ago for the cheap housing - not the case anymore!  House on Parliament is an ideal place to stop for a drink.  

Restaurants & Bars

Near Rogers Centre is Evviva, excellent brunch (and a huge Vegan menu if that;s your thing)

We met a former Workday colleague at Melrose on Adelaide, creative cocktails (try the spice margarita) and a great atmosphere, in one of my favorite Toronto neighborhoods.  

Dinner at Byblos Downtown is amazing: lamb pida, wagyu beef hummus, beet labneh.  Great atmosphere too!

Father west in the West Queen West neighborhood, Bar Poet is a unique cocktail lounge.  Drom Taberna is an eclectic Eastern European restaurant, funky atmosphere with live music (Big Band the night we were there).  Try the goulash.  

Pukka is outstanding, and worth the long trip to St. Clair West.  The chaat salad was incredible, as was the Punjab chicken.  

Nice atmosphere and French cuisine at Le Select Bistro on Wellington West.