Squirly's

 

Squirly's

 

The mermaid

A "Squirly’s" Treat!

I have found another new "treat" called, Squirly’s! This bar/restaurant is a place in Queen West that you can find a mix of people eating from a diverse menu, listening to a great mix of music and enjoying a microbrew from local areas. When you first walk into Squirly’s you may notice the red and black leopard chairs, paintings on the wall, graffiti downstairs and gigantic mermaid over the bar (picture above). It’s an eclectic spot that is a staple of great food at good prices throughout the week as well. One of my favorite deals is a $4 margarita drink special every Tuesday. I may have mentioned this before but I’ve been on the lookout for a fantastic margarita in Toronto since I left the US (Alero in Washington, DC has the best so far).

The other part of Squirly’s that I enjoy features a heated and covered back garden which is now open to the patio for the summer. The tables in the back garden incorporate the red and black leopard couches and artwork found inside as well. Squirly’s is honestly one of my favorite places to go for an easy night out in Queen West and I highly suggest it! 

Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/anomalyzer/page9/ , http://216.129.193.100/lifestyle/story.cfm?content=174004&archive=29,28,2010

The Ossington with 95 Live!

“The Ossington” New Treat!

Happy Friday Everyone- TGIF! If you are stuck with nothing to do tonight, The Ossington is the place to be! Located in the Queen West neighborhood in Toronto, this bar/café is located on the renowned, Ossington Avenue. This area is known for all the hipster joints with unique shops and eateries galore. If you are looking for a really chill vibe with unique sound then The Ossington is where it’s at!

I recently went there for the first time and heard an amazing female DJ (didn’t catch her name) who played an awesome set (think Suburbs of Goa if you listen to Somafm). Tonight will be a great night for hip-hop jams from the 90s with “95 Live” from 10pm-2am. It’s going to be a fantastic night for music (with a lot of “Oh Yeah- I remember that song!!) You bet I’ll be there! 

Image Source: http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/ossingtonsign.jpg

Patios in the T.Dot!

"Outside Patio" New Treat!

Outside patios are marketed here at every restaurant and bar around the city. I have come to learn that when you spend your winter cooped up in doors (as I have yet to go through a winter myself) you will want to spend as much time outdoors while you can. So Toronto has a nickname of the “Patio City”.

A very casual and cozy patio place in Queen West is a little bar called, The Done Right Inn. It’s one of the first places that I went to (when I first got to Toronto) and it is a must see! The patio outside is arranged around a big tree that spreads its roots underneath all of the tables. It’s a great atmosphere to sit with friends and chill (underneath the leaves of the enormous tree). It makes you feel as though you aren't in the middle of the city while you are there! You can even grab a game of Jenga to play!

The next patio I found myself at was, Jack Astors. We were watching game 7 of the playoffs and this place was jammed packed with people! It had two large patio spaces where everyone could enjoy the game with their numerous TVs or on an outside projected screen. Long tables filled the patio area, so it’s an easy place to please a large crowd of people. I was able to see they have a great bar menu with piled high cheesy nachos and a delicious chocolate cookie banana dessert. Yum! I’m going to be on the lookout for more fabulous patios in Toronto this summer! 

Image Source: http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2010/05/toronto_patio_guide_west_queen_west/

Mochas & Lattes

"Coffee" New Treat!

Maybe you overdid it yesterday watching the playoffs and need a good cup of coffee today? Finding the right coffee spot in Toronto can be a fun adventure but if you want a coffee chain (that tastes good) skip the Starbucks and go to Second Cup or Tim Hortons! I am an avid coffee drinker but I am used to the trips to Dunkin or WaWa- so these two spots are a wonderful substitution for my coffee cravings. To support our local coffee scene in Queen West, I also highly suggest Le Gourmand!

I have to say that when I was putting in my thoughts about where to live in Toronto, one of the reasons I liked where I am now was because there’s a Tim Hortons a block away! I’m not kidding. They have an expansive menu now but I love some Timbits to share (bite sized donut holes) with my coffee. Yum! I see people everywhere holding a Tims in the morning!

The next coffee shop to try is Second Cup. I can honestly say that they have the best Hazelnut Latte I have ever tasted! They also serve Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee, which helps, "improve the lives, lands, and livelihoods of coffee-growing communities". So while your drinking your cup of coffee you can feel good you are helping to support this cause. They also have great specials each week!

Le Gourmand is a coffee shop located in Queen West. Not only can you choose from many different coffees and lattes but also they have the biggest cookies you have ever seen! Literally, they are as big as your head. So whatever  “Cup of Joe” you prefer- you can find some great spots in Toronto! 

Image Source: http://www.theallareequal.com/2009/11/art-in-latte.html

Vita & Vino!

I love my new neighborhood! I’m in Queen West and it’s just the vibe I like! Think hip underground indie scene, amazing boutique shops, and delish local restaurants that can fulfill any culinary desire. So get on your skinny jeans, Ray-Ban's and TOMS get ready to hit the town! If you don't know what I am talking about yet-  you better check these shoes out! For every purchase, TOMS will give a new pair of shoes to a child in need! One for One. So you can feel good when you put on these classic kicks.

Ok, so back to this amazing neighborhood! Immediately, I already found: A "Delizioso" New Treat!!

Are you in Queen West neighborhood and feeling like some authentic mouth watering Italian? Well, I was and was introduced to an amazing restaurant called, Terroni. The wine is imported from Italy and the homemade sauces are magnificent! A delicious treat is their Tagliatelle alla Bolognese (with Parmigiano Reggiano) and Ravioli Di Zucca (homemade ravioli stuffed with a roasted butternut squash). Yum right?! Not feeling pasta? They have pizza, panini’s and some very unique apristomaco dishes. Another thing that I like about Terroni is what they call their- “Strano Ma Vero”! They have a menu that is filled with Italian dishes that have been prepared for generations and they state, “out of respect for Italian gastronomy- and our grandparents- we maintain a no modifications, no substitutions policy”. Staying true to their dishes- I like that! I have a feeling that I will be back here again. It’s a great spot to take my family when they come to visit!

Image Source Page: http://www.myarea.ca/Queen_West