Toronto’s Best Patios and Event Venues with a Patio
September 5, 2013 by deblewis
Filed under CitySocial, Event Venues, Ontario, Toronto, Uncategorized
As the mercury climbs every summer the need to find a watering hole becomes increasingly more essential. There aren’t many activities that beat grabbing a few cold ones on a patio with some friends, the perfect blend of summer heat and true refreshment. Presumably, you, the reader also enjoy a summer patio session as you are still reading. So, with that confirmed this post will lay out some of Toronto’s most enjoyable patios and will provide you with a Toronto Summer Patio Bucket list. Many of the patios below are also great venues for events and offer a fresh change from a hotel banquet room.
Cadillac Lounge Patio
1296 Queen St W, Toronto
The first patio we would suggest visiting is the Cadillac Lounge Patio at 1296 Queen Street West. The Cadillac Lounge has a unique back patio that is rather spacious and is filled with the aroma of their hickory smoker, minus all the smoke of course. It also offers a large variety of bottled beers or on tap. Its retro atmosphere will charm you and travel until the Southern United States.
Pilot Patio
22 Cumberland St, Toronto
When you think patio in Toronto you immediately think Pilot’s Patio: The Flight Deck! Opened in 1993 as the largest “patio with altitude” in Yorkville, its name came from a tribute to the heroic flyers of World War II. It has been known as an artist bar, then the hub of Toronto’s hippie community, to finally become the place to go for elite’s after work drinks and trendy after midnight party nowadays.
Hair of the dog
425 Church, Toronto
Hair of the dog is an upscale neighborhood pub and restaurant on Church St, on the southern fringes of the Gay Village. Hair of the dog reflects the diversity of the neighborhood thanks to a mixed clientele. Winning venue, with one of the top 10 patio in downtown Toronto. It has this particularity of having 2 patios! On the ground floor you can find a large space featuring 3 fountains. Facing south, the patio is filled by sun all day. A good time to enjoy a family brunch drinks with friends. Hair of the dog is also a dining experience where you can enjoy fine food in cozy and more intimate spaces. Fun fact: Hair of Dog has been voted best place to have a first date. And awarded great place to dump someone by the staff!
Against the Grain Urban Tavern
25 Dockside Dr. Toronto
Situated at 25 Dockside Drive on Corus Quay, right next to Sugar Beach, the patio has a spectacular view of Lake Ontario, the Harbour and Toronto Island. It comfortably seats 180 guests around traditional two tops, beach like lounge areas and umbrellas for this hot summer. Every weekend, from 10.30 a.m. to 3 p.m., the restaurant offers $5 Bloody Caesar specials and during the week you will be able to enjoy unique local and European brews, interesting new and old world wines and some amazing cocktails.
New Amsterdam patio
245 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Amsterdam Brewhouse has recently opened a newly renovated, 14, 000 square foot craft brewery, restaurant and retail venue in the heart of Toronto’s waterfront. Situated at 245 Queens Quay West, the venue can accommodate up to 500 in its rustic urban interior, and offers an additional 300+ on the spacious lakeside patio, for a total capacity of over 800 guests. AMSTERDAM BREWHOUSE features a bar/lounge, a dining room, several patios, a state of the art AV system, authentic wood burning oven, a working craft brewery and full retail store, all to be open 7 days a week.
Terroni Bar Centrale
1095 Yonge St, Toronto
In the Rosedale community one of the best patios to relax on would be at the Terroni Bar Centrale. This patio is a great way to enjoy the homey designed feel of Italy. With a vast selection from the “tapas style” menu plates are intended to be shared, which is the perfect scenery for a hang out spot with friends and family. Also, this wine bar has a signature selection of Terroni-exclusive wines and a unique variety from Italy. Experience a day or night on the patio laughing, sharing and appreciating the summer days. Enclosed with fresh greenery this patio gives off a natural blissful vibe. The Terroni Bar Centrale’s patio is a great way to retreat for some time of relaxation.
Museum Tavern Toronto
208 Bloor W, Toronto
After a long, hot summer day finding a patio that is just right could be difficult to find, but look no further because Museum Tavern Toronto has that just right patio. With a slight summer breeze and nice view this patio is to die for. Facing the ROM you can enjoy the menu from executive chef Steven Gouzopoulos which features all-American classics with a twist. Not to mention the Moses McIntee’s drinks list that is a temptation you cannot resist. Enjoy the last moments of summer on the restaurant’s second floor terrace, an experience you will not regret.
The new Mill Street Beer Hall
21 Tank House Lane, Toronto
The Beer Hall is the new space of the Mill Street Brew Pub situated in the Distillery District. Opened in April this year, this place offers a modern and lively atmosphere where it is pleasant to enjoy a good beer with friends or simply an excellent meal.
With its open concept kitchen offering local and international cuisine, a heated, a cover patio and communal seating, The Beer Hall is the perfect place to welcome group events from 15 to 500 persons. Also, don’t forget to try the bierschnaps, a traditional German Beer-based spirit, which is only served at Beer Hall.
Rooftop Rendezvous: Temptation Accomplished
August 27, 2013 by deblewis
Filed under CitySocial, Event Venues, Ontario, Past Events, Toronto, Uncategorized
On Thursday 15th, The Rooftop rendezvous was THE rendezvous not to miss! Indeed, The CUBE nightclub hosted more than 400 guests from CityEvents and Shanny in the City for the Rooftop rendezvous!
The night was an opportunity to taste a new cider: Tempt Cider, with strawberry and lime flavors, but also to enjoy the presence of artists and an incredible view on the city and the CN Tower.
The CUBE nightclub brings you into a parallel world. From the entrance you leave the city and its buildings to enter in a small corridor looking like the path to a secret garden, to be finally guided to a rooftop patio, a true bubble inside the city. CUBE Nightclub is a new Toronto event venue used by a variety of groups.
This night was subject to all temptations, from the sweet & fruity cider offer by two masked ladies, to the electrifying music and the lights of the city. Hard not to be entranced by the atmosphere! But, more than temptation, it was also an excellent moment of schmoozing and networking in a pleasant place, and the occasion to get a painting portrait from the artists presents all night.
From this incredible night, we only have retained one thing: temptation accomplished! #gettempted.
Photos can be found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cityeventstoronto/sets/72157635239451265/
Best outdoor pools in Toronto
July 23, 2013 by CityEvents
Filed under Event Venues, Ontario, Toronto, Uncategorized
With this hot weather happening in Toronto, no wonder that you are looking for a place to refresh in the summer. Here is a selection of outdoor pools you will find in Toronto. We added in some of our favourites that are not so public and not quite as busy.
Sheraton Centre:
Sheraton Centre Toronto offers you the opportunity to swim and relax in the largest indoor/outdoor heated pool in Downtown, Toronto. A day pass for non guests is $35 and the family day passes are available for $80. The pool is open7 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the week, and until 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Thompson Hotel:
The Rooftop Lounge boasts 360 Degree and with its infinity pool offers a spectacular view of the city. Unfortunately, it’s only reserved for members, hotel guests and condo residents.
Cabana:
New this summer and has become a quick hit. The Cabana Pool Bar offers one of the best outstanding outdoor pools in Toronto with enough space to accommodate 2,500 sun-worshippers and seating for 850. Besides, 12 elevated and private cabanas, 42 oversized deluxe chaise lounges and an alluring 50,000 sq. foot enclosed patio area will definitively make your day. The pool is open from Tuesday to Friday from noon till 8 pm and during the weekend fromnoon till 11 pm. The entrance and the pool access are at $20 each on the weekend.
Hyatt Regency:
The Hyatt on King offers another pool with a spectacular view of Downtown, Toronto, but unfortunately reserved for guest only. Opened seasonally from 9:00am to 10:00pm, you’ll be able to enjoy snacks, meals and drinks near the pool.
Radisson on Queens Quay:
The Radisson on Queens Quay opens its outdoor pool seasonally, along with its patio and lounge area and has a fabulous view of the Toronto Harbour. The pool costs $30 per person Monday-Thursday and $40 per person Friday-Sunday.
If you are looking for public outdoor swimming pools, here is our selection to make the best of your day:
Sunnyside Gus Ryder:
Located at the foot of Lakeshore Blvd. & Parkside Drive, this swimming pool is one of the most popular in Toronto. You will be able to enjoy morning swimming lessons or just the view of the lake, sand, beach and park nearby.
Alex Duff Outdoor Pool:
Located at the edge of Christie Pitts Park, it’s the perfect place to bring your children. The pool features a 25m lap pool, shallow splash pool for children, warm conversation pool, a deep pool for diving with a 1m spring board, and a two storey water slide.
Riverdale Park East pool:
Riverdale pool on Broadview features an outdoor pool open seven days a week during the summer months. The pool offers both leisure swim and adult/lane swim, but also close to tennis court and soccer field if you would like to switch activities.
Private or Best Condo Pools:
Some of Toronto’s condos have some of the best pools for their view, seating styles, and pool size. If you are lucky enough to live in a condo with a sweet pool or know a resident, be resourceful and see who may be away from the crowds. Some of our favourites are right under your nose downtown. Firstly the TIFF Lightbox Condo Pool, is lovely, quiet has cabanas. Check it out next time you are at Malaparte for an event, go up the magical stairs and you will see the pool above. Some of the condos have indoor outdoor pools with make them great all year round. Other condos include most on the waterfront but have enjoyed Harbour Square, Waterclub at One York Quay and also hear the condos around the ACC have some great pools. These buildings have a younger demographic and have heard you need to get they’re early for a seat and ramps up a little Vegas style. Other condo pools to consider are Merchandise Loft Rooftop, The Bentley, Vevre, the Pure Spirits Condos in the Distillery and more coming in midtown.
Private Clubs
Some of the more comfortable pools we have experienced is when a guest at pools like the RCYC on the island where there are nice loungers and beautiful setting. If you are a sailor or tennis player you may know someone to invite you to these family recreational clubs. In midtown, The Toronto Lawn and Tennis Club has a large outdoor pool. It is a great size and offers a lot of versatility but can be quite busy.
Valdez: A taste of Latin America on King Street.
July 11, 2013 by CityEvents
Filed under Event Venues, Ontario, Toronto, Uncategorized
Valdez is the new trendy restaurant that just opened on King Street by former chef de cuisine at Origin and Top Chef Canada contestant Steve Gonzalez.
Valdez is a celebration of Latin America food and fills a void in the Toronto evolving restaurant scene.
The menu is divided into four sections: Ceviches, Stuff (snack food, like chulpes and chips), More (entrees), and Dulce Y Algo (traditional desserts).
The aesthetic was a key component to translate the vision of the restaurant. Loud music, open kitchen, tables and colourful chairs will transport you to the streets of Colombia, Peru, Venezuela Mexico and other Latino countries.
Valdez will be open from 5:00pm – 10:30pm, Monday – Wednesday, and will offer a late-night menu Thursday – Saturday, with food service until midnight. The comfortable bar/lounge and spacious rooftop patio will be open from 5:30pm – 2:00am each day.
For more information, go to http://valdezrestaurant.com/ and follow them on @thevaldezTO .
Summer Luvin Day, Shellfish and Radler at Bier Markt In Toronto
May 22, 2012 by deblewis
Filed under Ontario, Past Events, Toronto
On Summer Luving Day, Bier Markt tempted guests with Radler samplers and fresh oysters, free alongside their new shellfish menu. May 20th was an unusually hot day and patios were filled with sun and seafood worshipers.
Summer Luvin Day promotions mark the arrival of Bier Markt’s annual Shellfish Feastivül from May 16th until July 1st, at all three restaurant locations in Toronto.
By chance some representatives from Toronto City Events attended two of the three Bier Markt locations on that festive afternoon.
10:30 am Sunday morning and the first person outside on King St W location is the hostess putting out the sandwich board signs to tell passers-by about the restaurant. The King St location is tucked away pretty good, but it has a sun-baked western exposure patio along Portland St, and a large cool downstairs eatery inside.
We were parched after our morning bike ride, and smiled with enthusiasm when James, the manager at the King St Bier Markt offered us a free sample of Radler. This is a signature summer drink at Bier Markt and quite popular with urban professionals that prefer low calorie and lower alcohol by volume beverages. James related to us the origins of the drink, and the ingredients, and how it got its name. He started by complimenting us on riding bikes instead of driving, and segued into how after WWI bicycle riding was popular in Europe, particularly so in Germany. The word Radler is another name for cyclist in German. The creation of the drink is attributed to Franz Xaver Kugler, an early 1900s innkeeper with a tavern in Deisenhofen up in the mountains near Munich. After the Great War, when bike riding was gaining popularity, Kugler arranged for the construction of a bike trail through the forest from Munich straight to his establishment. It was a big success. Too big, for on a big race day he did find himself overrun by 13,000 cyclists demanding beer. Kugler didnt have enough brew on hand, and so he had to dilute the ale he had with lemon soda, which he had in plenty, to make the stocks last. A talented spin doctor, Franz Xaver Kugler presented the beverage on that day in June 1922 to his thirsty customers as a special creation he had invented in their honour, with lower ABV to help ensure they made it safely back down the trail. And so was born the Radler.
Shellebration Boil is the Centerpiece of the Shellfish Feastivul Menu
The Shellebration Boil at $59 is the biggest ticket item on the menu during Shellfish Feastivul. It satiates two hungry people and transports them to the seaside for half an hour. The menu also mentions that the meaty flavours in this marine dish are perhaps best paired with Leffe Blonde Ale.
The Shellebration Boil is composed of Canadian Lobster, Blue Moules, Littleneck Clams, Black Tiger Shrimp, braised fennel, fingering potatoes, Ontario corn, tomato and palm ale broth and is served with grilled bistro bread. The dish is spectacular to behold and smell and taste.
In accordance with the challenge of consuming shellfish, a plate full of strange looking utensils precedes the arrival of the hot dish at the table. The unusual metal cutlery includes tongs, pry bars, scoops and crackers. Its an adventure just using these tools and digging into the bowl to find something new to try alongside the taste of your beer, and your friends’ beer. We found the flavorful meat was excellent and cooked perfectly, but dipping the crusty bread into the tasty broth was the best part of the whole meal.
Amid much laughter and suntanning we tested the theory that shellfish are best enjoyed with cold beer and we were all pleasantly surprised by the taste experience.
And yes of course we sampled the appetizing free oysters that were served to us before and after the entree. They were delicious both times!
The Shellfish Feastivul menu was created by Bier Markt Executive Chef, Michael Cipollo who designed each dish to offer restaurant patrons a fresh assortment of shellfish perfect for the patio, sharing and pairing with one of Bier Markt’s more than 100 biers.
The Schlurpin and Schmakken Shellfish Feastivul is occurring simultaneously at all three Bier Markt locations in the GTA including: • 58 The Esplanade • 600 King St. West • 7 O’Neill Road (Shops at Don Mills) until July 1st 2012.
Here is the patio at Bier Markt on Esplanade at around 1pm.
Inside the front door to the patio there was a young lad playing acoustic guitar and singing soulful Led Zeppelin covers.
Summer is here and the seafood is in season at Bier Markt!
