Toronto, Canada
15 to 22 August 2015
Sassafraz
This was recommended by our hosts, so we booked in advance - we arrived and the staff member didn't ask who we were and basically offered a seat in the brasserie. Not a good start. Basically told her we had booked in advance in the restaurant and this is where we want to sit. Everything was fine thereafter I guess although the service was a little slow, even though it was me and my partner and another table of 4. Food was pretty good - had 3 courses with wine! Not bad at all Only strange thing about tipping is that tipping the waiter/waitress they have to give a percentage to all kitchen staff too. Not sure about this concept but it must work.
Harlem
We were taken to this establishment by our friends who we stayed with during our visit. It was a pretty cool place and we ate upstairs and this is where we watched a pretty cool Asian jazz artist - she sang some great tunes Food and drink very reasonable and it made for an enjoyable evening
Jazz Bistro Toronto
Me and my partner love jazz and he more so as his father was a jazz connoisseur. We went hear on our last night and we had dinner too. We were sat right next to the stage so had a side on view but although you couldn't see a frontal view the music was brilliant. The food was pretty good and well presented and the staff team were real nice as well.
Ed Mirvish Theatre
We went to watch "Newsies" as my partner is a real theatre buff - he's a writer! Good production very Disney et al or glee type for me. But overall good - nice theatre though
Niagara Day Tour
This was a remarkable day out - we were picked up from the scheduled pick up point but could have been collected nearer the centre. However we headed to Niagara-on-the-lake this was a beautiful little town with a quaint hotel that our Queen had stayed at. The shops in the town were what you expected and all reasonable - bought a silver bracelet for my sister at the jewellery shop and had a bite to eat. When we arrived the electricity had gone out but was restored just as we left There's a great store selling clothes but didn't have time unfortunately Next stop was at the Wine estate and wine tasting. Real treat and learnt how to taste wine which was the most important factor. Bought a couple of bottles too! Next stop the smallest chapel - was little point trying to get in as everyone wanted to that. Easier to just take pics. Next stop the floral clock and one of the things I enjoyed here was there were two London red buses here Next stop was the Hydro Electric dam We arrived at the final destination - I have to say it was immense in all its glory. I have never seen anything like the roar of "The Falls" and for 10 mins in our red ponchos it really does take your breath away. It was well worth getting wet and seeing it so close up The walk around the area too was pretty nice and pleased it was a hot day. Super day and well worth the price we paid - it's a must visit
Yorkdale Shopping Centre
Took a while to get there but I guess it was ok. Suggest you make sure you have loads of dosh here as high end stores - ok visit but too expensive Food hall was ok but too conveyor belt restaurants
Casa Loma
We visited this home of the guy that originally owned all electricity in Toronto. Well interesting place with many delights to see but not the best place I have seen but still worth a visit. Saying that took some good pics here.
The AGO, Art Gallery of Ontario
We took in this gallery as part of our city tour and really enjoyed this visit the gallery was holding several interesting exhibitions during our visit - I particularly loved all the abstract art here Well worth a visit.
CN Tower
We went here for a meal and pleased we chose this option as you are shuttled through and don't have to wait in the long queues! Hated the lift as its glass And I suffer with vertigo. We were seated by the window and the pod turns very slowly! We had a 2 course meal with wine. It seemed rather like the food was coming off a conveyor belt. But I guess because you have exceptional views of the city and watching the planes take off and land at the small city airport. You get access to the viewing point which makes this a good deal
360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower
We went here for a meal and pleased we chose this option as you are shuttled through and don't have to wait in the long queues! Hated the lift as its glass And I suffer with vertigo. We were seated by the window and the pod turns very slowly! We had a 2 course meal with wine. It seemed rather like the food was coming off a conveyor belt. But I guess because you have exceptional views of the city and watching the planes take off and land at the small city airport. You get access to the viewing point which makes this a good deal.
St. Lawrence Market
We were milling around the city and came across this by chance although our hosts had mentioned it. It was fantastic and one of the best food markets I've been to. Everything totally fresh and much better than we have in London and very reasonably priced. Can see why people love it.