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Natalie "@nearafar" T.'s Profile
30 Day Challenge
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1. Acadia Restaurant
Toronto, ON M6G 2Y3
(416) 792-6002
Category:
Canadian (New)
Neighbourhoods: Palmerston, Bickford Park
We went to this restaurant on October 27, 2011
VIBE
For some reason, I thought this restaurant would be way down on Clinton for that "unassuming" vibe. That said, it's just a wee bit north on Clinton across from Café Diplimatico's patio. Acadia's…More »
2. 416 Snack Bar
Toronto, ON M5T
(416) 364-9320
Categories:
Tapas/Small Plates,
Bars
Neighbourhoods: Alexandra Park, Queen Street West, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods
Still as crowded as ever; still hard to get the attention of the busy bartenders but still just as much fun. It's part of its vibe. But the best part now? They have a secret menu. Genius idea! Not sure if I'm allowed to give it away but gat damn,…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/2/2011
VIBE
We came here on Halloween night and it was surprisingly busy for a Monday night. 416 Snack Bar… Read more »
3. The Film Buff East
Toronto, ON M4L 1C9
(416) 465-4324
Categories:
DVD & Video Game Rental,
Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Neighbourhood: Leslieville
VIBE
It's a video store. So film buffs. However, they sell ice cream inside. So I want to talk about the ice cream and how much I love that they put vintage movie posters over some of the bins in the ice cream cooler.
I ATE
Espresso ice cream. Though…More »
4. The Burger's Priest
So after a few months of not being able to get east-end, I went back on New Year's Eve (best time to visit a busy burger joint ...ever and kudos for being open until 9:30 p.m.). After visiting Holy Chuck, I felt The Priest crew were not as friendly…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/4/2011
VIBE:
Think about your hallway. It's kind of like that. But with people waiting for hamburgers… Read more »
5. Guu SakaBar
VIBE
Everyone has raved about Guu, so on one Saturday when I had a craving, I decided to meet a friend for a late night bite. It's this kind of unassuming modern grey bricked building, but when you walk in, it's this loud chaos of screaming. Then I…More »
6. Porchetta & Co
Toronto, ON M6J
(647) 352-6611
Category:
Sandwiches
Neighbourhood: Trinity Bellwoods
VIBE
This tiny Italian sandwich spot is one of the best things to happen to the gentrification of Dundas West and for good reason: their sandwiches are delicious! Though many a hipster may pop in, I see a lot of foodies and local restaurant owners…More »
7. Keg Steakhouse & Bar
Toronto, ON M5H 3R8
(416) 703-1773
Category:
Steakhouses
Neighbourhoods: Financial District, Downtown Core
The majority of the general public come here for their steak (filet mignon for the win) or for their keg sized libations on a Thursday night at the York Street location, but I want to talk to you about the Keg Prime Rib Burger.
VIBE
Like your average…More »
8. Bakerbots Baking
Toronto, ON M6H 2T4
(416) 901-3500
Categories:
Desserts,
Bakeries,
Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Neighbourhood: Dovercourt
VIBE
Bakerbots is like that cute, little Parisian-esque bakery that you never knew about walking by. And the best part (or worst part depending on how big your thighs are) is that they are right beside Ossington subway station. The bakery now sells…More »
9. Campagnolo
Toronto, ON M6J 1V3
(416) 364-4785
Categories:
Tapas/Small Plates,
Italian
Neighbourhood: Little Italy
VIBE
A note that I was last here in the summer, so it's been a while. But I've been here on a few occasions and I can say that they fully deserve their #7 spot on En Route's Top Restaurants in Canada list. I've gotten to know some of the guys that…More »
10. La Merceria
VIBE
You know how you read design magazines or go onto Design Sponge and think "Yeah, I wish my place looked like that?" And then you think "Well, I'm too lazy to make my couch out of church pews and I can't afford Brian Gluckstein's taste?" You can…More »
11. Gandhi Cuisine
Toronto, ON M5V 2B5
(416) 504-8155
Category:
Indian
Neighbourhoods: Alexandra Park, Queen Street West
VIBE
I avoided the ramshackle yellow sign reminiscent of the 70s for years. Big mistake. Inside there are these chairs covered in some grey corduroy fabric (also from the 70s I assume) and the lighting is off. But who cares about the vibe? Let's talk…More »
12. Origin
Toronto, ON M5C 1G6
(416) 603-8009
Categories:
Tapas/Small Plates,
Asian Fusion
Neighbourhoods: St. Lawrence, Downtown Core
VIBE
I came back here a year later for a UYE I hosted. It was originally to be somewhere else and due to a misunderstanding, didn't happen. Origin was Plan B and welcomed me with open arms at the last minute (well, they had some space available).…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/13/2011
VIBE
A lot of couples or business groups come here. But it's also great to go with girlfriends.… Read more »
13. Delux
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z4
(416) 537-0134
Category:
Cuban
Neighbourhoods: Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village
VIBE
Relaxed. Casual. We were here for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. Perfect for a lazy weekend. Lots of dusty blue booths and if you go right when it opens, it's quiet. By noon the tables were pretty much gone. It's the type of place where the…More »
14. Chipotle Mexican Grill
Toronto, ON M4P 2C9
VIBE
Fast paced but slow moving. It seems like the line lasts forever but the food attendants are quick. The Eglinton location is way more spacious and better designed than the smaller Eaton Centre franchise. Big points for both high and low seating…More »
15. The Combine Eatery
Toronto, ON M4K 1N2
(416) 792-8088
Category:
Bakeries
Neighbourhood: The Danforth
VIBE
It's very wooden at the Combine eatery. From the mahogany floors to the pictures on wooden panels against the brick backdrop, The Combine has a simple vibe. I went on a weekday afternoon at 2:30 so the only people there were two girlfriends and…More »
16. Pho Pasteur
Toronto, ON M5T 1H4
(416) 351-7188
Category:
Vietnamese
Neighbourhoods: Alexandra Park, Chinatown, Kensington Market
VIBE
So I confess. This is the first time I've had a sit down pho meal. I never grew up on pho, so I guess I didn't know what I was missing. That said, gat damn those bowls are huge. I can't eat it all in one sitting. We came here at about 2 p.m. in…More »
17. Square-Boy Drive-In
Toronto, ON M4J 1L8
(416) 461-2571
VIBE
The look from 1985 has been updated slightly to 1988. The prices are also still stuck in the 80s. This place is compact. For instance, one customer can enter the door at a time. You're greeted by a pacman machine while in line. It's all kinds of…More »
18. Holy Chuck
Toronto, ON M4T 1Y7
Category:
Burgers
Neighbourhoods: Yonge and St. Clair, Deer Park
So this is the second time to Holy Chuck and it does NOT disappoint. My tip: ask what's not on the menu.
Johnny was nice enough to tip me off about the Big Chuck which is their version of a Big Mac. Basically, my cholesterol is going to Hades with no…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/17/2011
VIBE
It's pretty simple. It's a burger place after all. That said, I went at around 1 pm and there… Read more »
19. Blo Blow Dry Bar
VIBE - KING AND BATHURST LOCATION
Blo salon is a great concept: you can come in for a quick blow out and don't have to pay exorbitant prices or wait like at a regular salon (okay, you wait a little bit. Keep this in mind if you are in a rush and…More »
20. Teatree Cafe and Eatery
Toronto, ON M4J 1L8
(416) 901-9089
Categories:
Gluten-Free,
Vegan,
Vegetarian
Neighbourhoods: The Danforth, Greektown
VIBE
This tea shop at Jones and Danforth is very unassuming, hence why there was one other girl in the joint that day. The staff are friendly yet not very informative. They have a bar near the window and lots of tables and chairs. That said, it's a…More »
21. Aroma Espresso Bar
VIBE
Located in the heart of the Annex, Aroma is packed mainly with students; that said I've seen many a freelancer or old folk on their lap top here. Good luck getting an outlet or some decent lighting, however. I will have to give the award for…More »
22. Voulez Vous Cafe
VIBE
With a French name, it has a French vibe. Swirly accoutrements on the doors or the chalkboard; a big rectangular wooden table adorned with a globe(one of the former co-owners was a flight attendant) and newspapers strewn about really feel like…More »
23. Ronnie's Local 069
VIBE
Dirty Hipster. You have reached the metaphoric holy grail if you are able to snag a seat on the patio. Oh, and service? There is none. You'll have to go to the bar to get that. Menus? What? You think this bar is actually an ESTABLISHMENT? Your…More »
24. Estiatorio VOLOS
Toronto, ON M5H 2L3
(416) 861-1211
Categories:
Seafood,
Greek,
Mediterranean
Neighbourhoods: Financial District, Downtown Core
VIBE
Volos is in the heart of downtown at York and Richmond right across from the Sheraton and beside the Hilton so this is definitely a great place for business travelers. But after my visit, I think it will be a hit with locals. As a Danforth…More »
25. El Trompo Taco Bar
Toronto, ON M5T 2M1
(416) 260-0097
Category:
Mexican
Neighbourhood: Kensington Market
VIBE
This place doesn't look like much on the outside- or the inside. It reminds me of old school Kensington Market, with its ramshackle sign and its checkered table cloths and chinzy Corona signage. I'm not sure if the place is family run but the…More »
26. Mezes
Toronto, ON M4K 1P4
(416) 778-5150
Categories:
Greek,
Mediterranean
Neighbourhoods: Greektown, Riverdale
VIBE
This is one of the most popular Greek restaurants on The Danforth and whether you like it or not, there's always a line up to get a table, especially on a weekend. Expect to wait about 20 minutes on a Saturday night. That said, the hostess does…More »
27. Serano Bakery
A block and a half away from the Mortimer campus of Centennial College and a 5 minute walk north of Pape station is one of my favourite bakeries. I'm in the hood, and these guys have been whipping up pastries and desserts (not just of the greek…More »
28. Pink Eye Optical
Toronto, ON M6J 1H6
(416) 534-2235
Categories:
Eyewear & Opticians,
Optometrists
Neighbourhoods: West Queen West, Beaconsfield Village
Another FTR! Do I get a prize? *Wink. Appropriate segway....
Pink Optical (I think their original name was Pink Eye Optical --probably a good idea on the name change) is a boutique provider of customized eye wear. I was lucky to attend the opening…More »
Recently updated lists from Natalie T.
Patio Lanterns (12)Patio side in the city. |
Libations (42)Where to get a good stiff...drink. |
King West and environs (13)King and Spadina area to Bathurst and Wellington area. Includes Spadina, Adelaide et al. |
Hipster Havens (27)pretty self explanatory. Look for lots of Plaid and disheveled hair but good eats and drinks. |
Junction (1)Use your conjunctions in what is the weirdest-to-get-to neighbourhood I've found in the city. But it's a gem! |
Annex (5)St. George to Bathurst on Bloor and north to Davenport/Dupont. |
Last Chance for Romance (22)From First Date to Save the Date, where to take your sweetie. |
Mexicana (12)Mexican food. I'm a fan. |
All Time Favourites (14)The Near.Afar. approved all time faves in terms of service and quality. Places that get my service time and again. |
Dive Bars (8)Let's jump off that board, shall we? |
See all 57 lists »
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Review votes:
333 Useful, 205 Funny, and 250 Cool
East York, ON
Yelping SinceSeptember 2011
Things I Love Find Me Inmy blog Near.Afar. (@nearafar)or Sympatico's Luxury for Less Travel Column
My HometownToronto, ON
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping...I am a freelance writer & get paid for this kind of stuff. Huzzah!
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI've done this gig professionally
My Second Favourite Website The Last Great Book I ReadCatcher In The Rye
My Favourite MovieI'm kind of a fan of Clueless. As IF you aren't too!
My Last Meal On EarthMother's lasagne and probably a mix of favourite dishes globally.
Most Recent DiscoveryBellwoods Brewery
Current CrushLocal Kitchen & Winebar . Those chandeliers! Swoon.