By Mike Cohen
Toronto does indeed offer pretty much anything you’d have on your list for a good holiday: professional sports, Broadway musicals courtesy of Mirvish Entertainment, museums, a large amusement park, a zoo, an aquarium, shopping, world-class restaurants and more.
Toronto’s visitor economy is a vital economic engine for the city, generating nearly $9 billion in visitor spending in 2024. Originally incorporated in 1926 as the Toronto Convention and Visitors Association, the appropriately named Destination Toronto (https://www.destinationtoronto.com) operates in partnership with the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Hotel Association. They market and promote the city to attract visitors and major meetings and events, and support local businesses to maximize the opportunities of the visitor economy.`
Summer in Toronto is pure magic. Sunshine sparkles off Lake Ontario, patios buzz with laughter, and every neighbourhood feels like a festival. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering the city you love, these timeless Toronto summer activities are your go-to experiences—the kind of warm-weather moments that never go out of style. Looking for the best Toronto skyline views? Head up the CN Tower for a panoramic cityscape or try the EdgeWalk for the thrill-seekers. Prefer something low-key? Enjoy skyline snapshots from a ferry ride, or lie down on a blanket at Riverdale Park East for a relaxing, photogenic picnic. See the city from a fresh perspective by paddling Lake Ontario. Rentals are available from the Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre or on the Toronto Islands, making it easy to hop in a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and explore the waterfront. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned paddler, it’s a relaxing way to experience Toronto’s waterfront charm. Consider an Indigenous-led paddleboarding experience at sunset for a truly powerful way to connect with the water. Toronto’s beaches are summer essentials. Whether you’re diving into the lake at Woodbine Beach, enjoying a quiet swim at Cherry Beach, or soaking up the sun at Hanlan’s Point, there’s a sandy spot for everyone. These beaches are perfect for volleyball, sunbathing, and picnicking with a city-meets-nature vibe
BROADWAY IN TORONTO: Mirvish Productions is Canada’s largest commercial theatre production company. It owns and operates four major downtown Toronto theatres and, in my opinion, serves as a driving force for the city’s tourism industry. Every year, Mirvish Productions produces and presents dozens of plays and musicals, chosen from the best theatre originating in Canada, New York, London, Australia and beyond. The company programs two subscription seasons: the Main Season, which offers popular, large-scale productions, and the Off-Mirvish Season, which specializes in smaller, more challenging productions. It also programs many stand-alone shows featuring new works and revivals, supplemented by special concert engagements of dance, music, and comedy.
Owned by the Mirvish family, the company got its start when Ed Mirvish, an iconic Torontonian who founded the landmark bargain department store Honest Ed’s, made headlines in 1963 when he purchased and saved from demolition Toronto’s historic Royal Alexandra Theatre, one of the oldest and most famous legitimate theatres in North America. For the next 23 years, Ed Mirvish operated the Royal Alex — as it had been operated for most of its history — primarily as a “roadhouse”, staging short-run touring productions from London and New York and renting the space to local companies, such as the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada. But Ed Mirvish did more than just operate the Royal Alex; he created an exciting neighbourhood in which the theatre could flourish. In 1963, the King Street West area was filled with derelict warehouses and foundries. Ed bought several of these buildings and opened popular restaurants, laying the foundation for what is now the most thriving entertainment neighbourhood in Toronto.
In 1986, David Mirvish assumed responsibility for the family’s theatrical interests. He changed the focus of the company to not only offering touring productions but also producing original plays and musicals, producing local productions of blockbuster international titles starring Canadian talent, as well as co-producing with such regional Canadian theatres as the Stratford Festival, the Shaw Festival, the Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Citadel Theatre and bringing their works to Toronto.
Among the notable early Mirvish productions and co-productions seen at the Royal Alexandra were Brian Macdonald’s acclaimed staging of Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore; the world tour of the English Shakespeare Company’s Henry IV and Henry V; Sweet Bird of Youth with Joanne Woodward; Spoils of War with Kate Nelligan (in her first Canadian stage appearance); Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing, the first Indigenous Canadian play to receive a major commercial production in Canada; the world premiere of the musical Jane Eyre, which subsequently moved to Broadway; and the wildly popular Toronto production and national tours of Les Misérables.
In 1993, in response to the growth of the Toronto theatre community and local audiences, Ed and David Mirvish built the Princess of Wales Theatre, a luxurious 2,000-seat venue one block to the west of the Royal Alexandra (and the first privately financed free-standing legitimate theatre to be built in North America in more than 30 years). The Princess of Wales opened with the box office record-breaking Mirvish co-production (in partnership with London producer Cameron Mackintosh) of the musical Miss Saigon. The two theatres formed the centre around which Toronto’s “Entertainment District” has since grown.
The Mirvish theatre family doubled in size in 2008 when the company purchased two Yonge Street venues: the 2,300-seat Canon Theatre — now the Ed Mirvish Theatre, which was renamed in honour of one of Toronto’s most beloved city boosters — and the intimate 700-seat Panasonic Theatre, now the CAA Theatre.
Log on to www.mirvish.com
THE OPTIONS: You can also check out Young People’s Theatre. Celebrating 60 years of nurturing young hearts and minds, the 2025-26 season features a slate of six compelling productions, reflecting the many ways young people see the world: from fantastically adventurous to eye-opening and relevant. The list includes Shrek the Musical, Nov. 13 to Dec. 30.
Go Tours Canada is celebrating 20 years of delivering captivating Segway and Walking tours. With that, they have launched a brand new tasting tour for 2025 – their Beer & Cheese Tour, along with promotions throughout the year! It blends history, beer sampling from 2 local breweries onsite and a tasty cheese and meat charcuterie board with local artisanal meats and cheeses.
In 2025, the Bata Shoe Museum is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Opening on May 6, 1995, the Bata Shoe Museum has been dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of footwear from around the world.
THE ULTIMATE POOL EXPERIENCE: While in Toronto, we were looking for an outdoor pool experience. Having previously stayed at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel downtown, we remembered how beautiful their pool scene was. Fortunately, non-hotel guests can sign up for day passes and that is just what we did. The cost is $250 for two people (extra guests are subject to an additional charge). For this, you get two lounge chairs with an umbrella and side table, two environmentally friendly bottles of water, a poolside snack pack and complimentary WiFi.
The snack pack contains two bags of chips, two chocolate bars, a bag of popcorn and some Twizzlers. It all comes in a nice-sized reusable bag. We were given identification wristbands and key cards for access to the fitness club and the sauna.
You can order lunch to your seat all via a handy QR code. It asks you to identify yourself as a pool deck guest and to provide the number on the small table next to your chairs. I ordered a double smash burger, with all the fixings, while the other two members of the entourage enjoyed some steak sandwiches. The delivery came within 20 minutes and it was relaxing to enjoy in our chairs.
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel is Canada’s largest property within the Sheraton Hotels & Resorts portfolio and recently underwent an extensive transformation. That journey brought a new arrival experience, a reimagined lobby with town-square energy, world-class culinary experiences, open and collaborative workspaces and over 130,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. The downtown hotel is connected to Toronto’s PATH system, a 16-mile underground network of shops and services. With 1,372 guest rooms and suites, a 24-hour fitness centre, 360-degree skyline views from its 43rd-floor Sheraton Club, a unique outdoor waterfall and garden area and the city’s largest heated indoor-outdoor pool, this is an iconic meeting spot in the heart of the city for friends and business travellers alike.
The pool was very much part of the upgrades. Framed by lush greenery, the year-round pool and 6,000-square-foot urban and waterfall garden is an urban oasis in the heart of downtown Toronto, offering a premiere location for weddings, social gatherings, and events. It is a popular spot for Montrealers, illustrated by the fact that my optometrist ended up being seated in the row behind me at the pool. He and his wife were in town for a wedding and this venue was their first choice, no doubt enhanced by the outdoor pool option.
The Sheraton Hotel Toronto is located at 123 Queen Street West. You can call 416-361-1000. Log on to: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yyztc-sheraton-centre-toronto-hotel/overview/
DINING OUT
BANGKOK GARDEN: Housed in a historical building on Elm Street in downtown Toronto, Bangkok Garden introduced Authentic Thai food and culture to the city over 40 years ago. Acclaimed as one of North America’s premiere Thai restaurants, Bangkok Garden serves authentic, house-made Thai food based on the Thai principle of balancing the five tastes. In addition, our cuisine caters to many dietary restrictions. From spiced stir-fries to fresh rolls and curries, there are several gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options to suit all.
The main dining room is lushly decorated in teak imported from Thailand. A gently flowing river, with a small school of fish and stones collected from the banks of the famous River Kwai in Kanchanaburi province, is guarded by Naga, a 150-year-old solid bronze protective dragon serpent from the home of a prosperous Thai merchant. Several pieces of statuary throughout the restaurant reflect popular Thai mythology. Furnishings and artifacts were chosen or designed specifically for the restaurant and imported, with special permission, from Thailand. This includes the teak temple bells and the hand-painted blue and white porcelain tableware. In October of 2013, a renovation transformed the bar & lounge area into a vibrant space for guests to enjoy a selection of Thai bites paired with exotic cocktails and martinis. The new interior with its bright colors and contemporary ambiance is a wonderful contrast to the warm teak interior of the main dining room.
I was alerted to this restaurant via a promotion with the Royal Thai Government and their Thai SELECT Certification Program. This is an internationally recognized certification awarded by the Ministry of Commerce of the Royal Thai Government to restaurants and food producers that offer authentic Thai cuisine. Certified establishments use traditional ingredients and cooking methods, ensuring consistent quality and a genuine taste of Thailand across global markets. Each certified restaurant is held to high standards that reflect the rich culinary heritage of Thailand. You can learn more about the Thai SELECT program at www.thaiselect.ca
Bangkok Garden is one of those restaurants. Several in Montreal have received the same distinction, including Siam Centre-Ville and Épicerie Pumpui.
I was joined for lunch by my old friend Anthony, who told me that this place has always been one of his favorites. We started off with some drinks: a serenity decaffeinated tea for me and a mango and lime mint fizz for him. He selected from the main menu while I took advantage of the unlimited tasting menu buffet, which included a wonderful noodle bar. The soup was simply fantastic! At the noodle bar,the server allowed me to select exactly what I wanted included and this was a treat. It was piping hot, containing rice noodles, chicken and some garlic bites. Anthony had a similar soup brought to the table by our server.
For the main course, Anthony went with the Phad See EEW, containing broad rice noodles, vegetables and egg, with chicken added. I am a big fan of buffets and after having my soup, I went back and filled my plate with some spring rolls, chicken drumsticks, chicken fried rice, shrimp and some tasty chicken slices. There are dessert options as well. Our server brought their in-house sriracha hot sauce for us to try. It is imported directly from Thailand.
From Monday to Friday, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, the buffet is open. The cost is a very reasonable $24 for adults and $15 for kids (under 12).
See my chat with Brian So, a manager https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ld414iLn5R4
Bangkok Garden is located at 18 Elm Street. It is open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, from Monday to Friday, from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and 5 pm to 10 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 4 pm to 10 pm. You can call 416-977-6748 and log on to https://bangkokgarden.ca/
TEA AT THE RITZ: We have enjoyed the glamorous afternoon tea service at the Ritz-Carlton in Montreal in the past. So, it was very nice to do the same at the Toronto location’s lovely EPOCH Bar & Kitchen (epochtoronto.com). This re-imagined contemporary social hub, featuring a tailored cocktail menu and a chef-driven dining experience, opened on Sept. 1, 2021, inside The Ritz- Carlton, Toronto. It offers a confluence of casual, yet imaginative dishes, focusing on sustainably sourced ingredients and cocktails in an understatedly elegant setting with a warm, inviting atmosphere.
This re-imagined British gastrobar first opened on Sept. 1, 2021, inside The Ritz. It offers a confluence of casual, yet imaginative, food and cocktails in an understatedly elegant setting with a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The venue boasts 61 seats in the dining room, as well as 88 additional spots on a lovely terrace. This is set amidst lush foliage and Simcoe Park, with a stunning centerpiece bar and a feature wood-fired stone oven. Guests can sip cocktails at the bar, choose from lounge seating, dining tables, or the cozy Green Room with a fireplace and pool table
We were guided to a comfortable table in the restaurant overlooking the terrace. Our server, Lindsay, provided a comprehensive overview of the tea selection and what a treat that was! They are divided into categories of white, green, black and herbal loose-leaf teas. She brought them over in a box, with each flavor in a different jar. We were offered to first enjoy the scent before making our selection.
While I chose the sugar plum fairy decaffeinated tea (organic rooibos, natural tangerine flavors and rose petals), the other two members of our party went for the eros (black tea scented with essential flavors of natural mandarin orange amd Madagascar vanilla) and the pear tree (organic young hyson green tea naturally perfumed with the essence of freshly plucked ripe pears).
Lindsay brought an hourglass to the table with three different colors of sand to match our selections. We had to wait until each moved from top to bottom before commencing what turned out to be a delightful experience, with the option of adding cubes of sugar and honey.
You can also elevate your experience with a toast and we took advantage of that option with two glasses of champagne.
The service is classy all the way. In no time at all, a tower of delicate butter scones, finger sandwiches and sweets arrived at the table. It was so stunning to look at that I immediately took a photo before the bites began to disappear.
So, what did the towers contain? The scones, traditional and cranberry, with house-made Devonshire cream, strawberry jam and rose petal raspberry jam, came to us hot out of the oven, so we began with those first. The next tier featured was the mini lobster roll (sesame, poppy seed brioche bun), sablées salés au prosciutto (rosemary sable cookies, whipped goat cheese, apricot jam), mini croissant with smoked salmon (lemon caper cream cheese, pickled onion and arugula) and the chicken sandwich (milk, bread, gold raisins and dill crème fraiche).
For sweets, the Meyer’s lemon cake (lemon cake, lemon curd and candied lemon), mango coconut pavlova (crispy meringue, mango compote, coconut chantilly and mango jelly), the Ontario strawberry Paris brest choux (choux croquelin, strawberry compote, strawberry whipping ganache and strawberry coulis) and the tonka chocolate caramel tartlet (caramel tonka cremeux, chocolate cremeux, caramelia whipping ganache and cocoa nib crumble). The EPOCH Bar & Kitchen can accommodate dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and vegan preferences, for the afternoon tea experience.
We could not eat them all, so we packed up a few to go. But then came a surprise, a plate full of truffles. We sampled a few and added the rest to our take-home box.
The Ritz-Carlton Toronto and EPOCH Bar & Kitchen are located at 181 Wellington Street. There is valet parking for free. Call 416-572-8094, e-mail info@epochtoronto.com, or log on to https://www.epochtoronto.com. Afternoon tea is available Monday to Friday from Noon to 4 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm
BLACK + BLUE TORONTO: Two years ago, Toronto welcomed a prestigious addition to its fine dining circuit. In no time at all, Black+Blue Toronto, located on downtown King Street in a vast building that used to house the Toronto Stock Exchange, became a cornerstone of the city’s dining scene.
Black + Blue offers a luxurious and dynamic atmosphere that highlights the finest and rarest cuts of beef and a top-tier seafood program. As part of Glowbal Group, a Vancouver-based hospitality brand synonymous with bold flavours and unparalleled guest experiences, Black+Blue exemplifies the group’s commitment to excellence.
Morgan Bellis is the executive chef. Black+Blue opened in 2023 amid much fanfare. The two-storey, 9,000-sq.-ft. The restaurant is located in the First Canadian Place and features a posh outdoor patio sporting hanging greenery and two private dining rooms.
This place exudes class. We felt that the moment we stepped inside. It was a summer Wednesday evening and the place was filled to capacity. That meant over 300 people. Customer service is key here. Manager Michael Bowers and Matre’d Jesse Melbye circulate throughout the dining room. While we had veteran (and beyond extraordinary) Susie as our server, she was assisted by a team of colleagues. Everything went so smoothly. While Chef Bellis was off that evening, sous chef Michael came to our table at one point to ensure the food was to our liking,
The Glowbal Group is owned by Emad Yacoub, a true success story. He began his culinary career as a kitchen assistant in Toronto and eventually moved to Vancouver, where he became a top restaurateur. He will soon debut another one of his brands here, Rileys.
In Susie, a one-time Griffintown resident, we certainly had a server with encyclopedic knowledge of the offerings. Full of charm and charisma, she walked us through the vast selections and offered us something we had not really experienced that often in our lifetime: a specially curated menu, complete with optional wine pairings selected to complement each course perfectly.
We started with some drinks, a prosecco for me and two rosé sunsets for the other members of the table. Later, there would be some glasses of Chablis. One of Susie’s colleagues, Tyler, was next to visit us with a tray of all of the restaurant’s different cuts of meat. That was true education and helped us a lot in making our final decisions in related to the curated menu.
Black+Blue proudly displays its beef in the center of the dining room. The pale pink and orange wall is made of Himalayan salt bricks and the salt purifies the air and naturally removes moisture. This dry-aging process infuses an unforgettable flavor as it tenderizes the meat. All of the steaks are kept in the cooler for 28 to 45 days, which ensures a flavor concentration of the highest quality.
Canadian prime-grade beef features abundant marbling (red meat laced with an even fat distribution). The presence of this fat creates a more tender and juicy cut of beef that cooks well in all conditions. Only two percent of graded Canadian beef is rated prime. USDA prime is the most tender, flavorful and highest quality beef that comes from the US. Black + Blue offers the long-bone ribeye steak, charred to perfection. Japanese Wagyu cattle are known worldwide for producing meat with exceptional marbling, naturally enhanced flavor, tenderness and juiciness. All of the restaurant’s Japanese Wagyu cuts have a quality score of A5 and a marbling score between eight and 10. Black + Blue also takes great pride in being one of the select few dining rooms in North America that offers certified Kobe beef ribeye and striploin cuts. The secret behind this prestige cut of meat is the umami flavor that’s embedded in the “shimofuri” marbling. The fatty “sashi” content dissolves at low temperatures, which literally means it melts in your mouth.
The meal began with some appetizers: a burrata salad, some extraordinary beef carpaccio with small pieces of toast, bluefin tuna roll and the king salmon roll. We savored every morsel of these culinary masterpieces that Susie had suggested. The beef carpaccio came topped with horseradish crema, pickled shimeji mushrooms, crispy shallot, fried capers and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.
For the main course, Susie truly guided us in the right direction. She arrived with our dinner on a mobile carving station. There was a perfectly grilled Wagyu striploin, which she cut into five slices.
The Beef Wellington was a real treat and Black+Blue has truly mastered the recipe. This was an impressive beef tenderloin, wrapped in a crêpe puff pastry and including mushroom duxelles, truffle jus, seasonal vegetables and pommes purée. Susie cut three mouthwatering pieces for us, with some absolutely delicious sliced carrots. Also on the side were plates of Wagyu fried rice and lobster mashed potatoes.
For dessert, came the most decadent surprise of them all: the Black+Blue butter cake. This is a rich vanilla cake with a cream cheese base, topped with white Chantilly cream, drizzled with salted caramel sauce and garnished with fresh berries.
Melbye gave me a tour of the venue, from the elegant second level and private rooms to the patio, which features open windows and a convertible roof in the warm season, while
See my video chat with Matre’d Jesse Melbye.
We can’t wait to return and have another curated menu prepared for us and we will certainly want to experience their Vancouver location on our next visit there.
Black+Blue Toronto is located at 130 King St West. For more information, log on to www.blackandbluetoronto.com, e-mail info@blackandbluetoronto.com, or call 647-368-8283. Hours are 11:30 am to 2 pm, lunch; 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm, happy hour; 3 pm to late, dinner; 11 am to 2 pm, weekend brunch.
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE: When travelling in the United States, Ruth’s Chris Steak House has always been a favorite stop of ours. There are six Canadian locations, including three in Toronto and others in Niagara Falls, Calgary and Edmonton. Not only were we fortunate enough to dine at the downtown Toronto spot, situated within the Hilton Hotel, but I also got a true history lesson when I interviewed an incredible woman who was friends with founder Ruth Fertel.
In 1965, a time when most women couldn’t even apply for a bank card without their husband’s signature, the restaurant founder Ruth Fertel risked it all and mortgaged her home to buy a small steak house in New Orleans. As a single mom with two boys, Ruth taught herself the restaurant business, endured countless challenges and, in the process, redefined hospitality. When a kitchen fire destroyed Chris Steak House in 1976, Ruth was forced to relocate her business, but the Chris Steak House name wasn’t allowed to come along. Short on time, Ruth improvised, adding her own name to the sign. That made it “Ruth’s Chris Steak House,” and voila, the legendary name was born.
Known as the First Lady of Steak, Ruth Fertel was something special. From a 60-seat steak house, she built a business that spans the globe, but she never lost sight of her original recipe for success: perfect steak, warm hospitality and good times that never stop rolling.
The three Toronto locations are owned by Lana Duke, a native of St. Catharines, Ontario, who grew up in a foster home. Eventually moving on to Toronto, she left there at age 18 and moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, with only $350 to her name. To make ends meet, she took jobs selling pots and pans door-to-door and as a short-order cook. Lana soon graduated to advertising, first at the Clarion-Herald newspaper in New Orleans, where she worked her way up to advertising director. Then, in 1975, with $10,000 in savings, she opened her own ad agency. Duke Unlimited would eventually become the largest woman-owned agency in the Gulf South. In the years to come, Lana would often be called the “secret weapon” behind some of the great success stories in American business.
In 1968, Lana made a sales call on a single mother who was running a popular steak house on Broad Street in Mid-City New Orleans. Before long, Lana’s agency had the Ruth’s Chris Steak House account and Lana began a 26-year professional relationship and personal friendship with Ruth Fertel. She worked hand-in-hand with Ruth to develop the successful marketing program that helped grow Ruth’s Chris Steak House from two restaurants in Louisiana to the world’s largest fine dining steak house brand.
“We were best friends,” Lana told me in an interview.
For Ruth’s Chris, Lana always kept her focus on selling the steak and the sizzle. “We took one central idea – the sizzling steak is the star – and stayed with it over the years, never wavering but refining the concept, expanding it and building a No. 1 brand,” Lana says. She became a trusted counselor within the Ruth’s Chris organization, becoming involved with much more than the marketing. Lana helped with troubled restaurants and guided them to successful turnarounds; she spent many long days with Ruth and other Ruth’s Chris executives, brainstorming ways to improve the business and to make it even more successful.
Such a believer in the product was Lana that in 1993, she became a Ruth’s Chris franchise owner, opening her first restaurant in San Antonio. The restaurant was profitable from the beginning, and Lana was able to repay her investors early. In June 2000, a second Ruth’s Chris debuted in San Antonio and has since had a very successful relocation to the Grand Hyatt hotel on the River Walk in 2013. In 2015, San Antonio welcomed a third location on La Cantera Terrace next to the Eilan Hotel.
With a love for her Canadian roots, Lana opened her first Canadian location in downtown Toronto in 1995 inside the Hilton Hotel. This spot continues to be profitable after 30 years of service. Another Canadian location opened in Mississauga, Ontario, in 2003 and made a successful transfer to a stand-alone building near the airport on Dixon Road in 2017. With the expansion of the downtown Markham area, Ruth’s Chris opened a third location in the new Marriott Hotel on Enterprise Boulevard in 2018.
“When Ruth told me of her plans to open in Toronto, I asked if she’d consider me,” Lana recalled. “How proud I was as a Canadian!
Lana is involved in all her locations, but is also focused on giving more time and attention to giving back by helping to teach others how to be more successful. She is frequently asked to speak to a variety of business organizations, as well as to college and university audiences. Lana shares the advantages of having a vision, thinking big, delivering customer satisfaction, going with your gut and understanding the “Five P’s” of marketing – Product, Price, People, Place and Promotion. These are just a few of her suggested “Ten Tips for Success in this Crazy Business,” a speech she frequently gives to business and professional groups.
Lana has also recently started a Power of 100 Dinner series in Toronto. The series is comprised of like-minded women dedicated to philanthropy, fellowship and a mission of helping those in need to better the community and have FUN while doing it. Events are held quarterly for fundraising with a twist: food, beverage, fellowship and fun. The attendees nominate their favorite non-profit at registration. Three individuals are randomly chosen, and the nominee has the opportunity to tell us why their non-profit should be considered for selection. During the event, an open vote is taken for the winning featured non-profit. Each attendee then writes their check for $100 to be paid directly to the selected non-profit. With community as a focus, Power of 100 has donated to local Toronto-based charities such as Debra Canada, KIP and Covenant House.
Lana says the greatest lesson she has learned over the years is that something good can come from even the worst experiences and that adversity makes you a stronger person. While Lana didn’t always have the support of a family to guide her, she worked harder to achieve greater opportunities and to open doors for her future, which otherwise might have remained closed. Lana’s mantra became: “Even if you don’t feel confident, fake it ‘til you make it! Be assertive and learn to speak with confidence.” She also believes that out of everything bad comes something good, a lesson learned throughout the challenging experiences in her life.
From their expertly broiled USDA Prime cuts and fresh seafood to handcrafted cocktails and warm, attentive service, every meal at Ruth’s Chris is crafted with care and tradition.
We arrived at the Hilton Hotel at Richmond and University Street, where they serve USDA prime steaks, the freshest seafood and poultry, imaginative side dishes, unforgettable desserts and an award-winning wine list.
Our server was Kimberly, who has worked at this location for 27 years and had high praise for Lana. “It is not like working for a corporation,” she said. “We feel very close to Lana. It’s the reason why so many of us have worked here for a long time.”
As some warm bread arrived at the table, we started off with some drinks and allowed Kimberly to guide us through the menu. She was extremely thorough, providing some good recommendations. There were three of us on this night and given the large portions, we were advised to share
We began with some appetizers, leading off with the house favorite, the sizzling crab cakes. The two jumbo lump crab cakes, with lemon butter, melted in our mouths. We also enjoyed 12 fresh seasonal oysters.
At Ruth’s Chris, your steak is carefully selected from the finest USDA Prime beef available. It is aged to perfection and cut by hand at the restaurant. Then, your cut is broiled to your exact order – at a searing 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit to lock in the corn-fed flavor and natural juices. It’s served hot and sizzling. In fact, you can actually hear your steak sizzling from across the room on a buttered plate at 500 degrees.
We chose the porterhouse for two, a 40-ounce USDA prime cut, combining the rich flavor of a strip and the tenderness of a filet. It was more than enough for three of us to share. In fact, we had two pieces left that we packed up to enjoy the next day.
As for sides, we went for the crab fried rice and the au gratin potatoes. The former had an absolutely delicious taste. This dish contained jasmine rice, crabmeat, ginger, vegetables and fish sauce. The former consisted of Idaho potatoes and three cheese sauce.
We did save room for dessert and let me tell you that the portions here are very generous. The warm apple pie was truly something special, coming with ice cream. We also opted for the key lime pie.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House can seat over 200 diners. You enter via a dedicated entrance at street level and take an elevator to the entrance. In 2019, the restaurant underwent a major renovation.
As for whether Montreal was ever considered for a Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Lana told me that there have been discussions in the past, but nothing came of it.
Ruth’s Chris Downtown Toronto is located at 145 Richmond Street West at the Hilton Hotel. For more information, call (416) 955-1455 or log on to www.ruthschris.ca. Hours of operation are Monday to Thursday, from 3 pm to 10 pm; Friday and Saturday, from 4 pm to 10 pm; and Sunday, from 3 pm to 9 pm. Happy Hour is 3 pm to 6 pm daily.
RED LOBSTER: Now that I will be coming to Toronto a few times a year for family reasons, one of my first scouting missions involved finding the closest Red Lobster location from where we were staying. Only a few blocks away on downtown Bay Street was one of the largest Red Lobster locations I have ever seen. In fact , it seats over 260 people.
Let me first commend the excellent customer service provided by Director of Operations Sergio Torres, General Manager Senthuran Thevabalan and Restaurant Manager Azaria Thompson. Over the previous four years, my Red Lobster fix was well taken care of via trips to Ottawa.
Last year, Red Lobster came out of bankruptcy protection and had to close several locations in the United States. The chain is present in four Canadian provinces – Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Quebec last saw a Red Lobster some 30 years ago. New ownership has placed Red Lobster back into a good business position.
Our server Ana Maria started us off with some drinks and brought us the always much-anticipated basket of house-made cheddar biscuits. Be careful! They are so delicious that you can fill yourself up pretty quickly.
For appetizers, we opted for piping hot cups of clam chowder and lobster bisque, accompanied by crackers.
As for the main course, I chose the ultimate feast: Maritime lobster tail, garlic shrimp, snow crab legs and Walt’s Favourite Shrimp. It was served with rice. I put on my lobster bib and slowly enjoyed every morsel.
The other members of our party went for a one and a quarter pound lobster, with a side of mashed potatoes and Walt’s Favourite Shrimp. The latter came hand-breaded, butterflied and lightly fried, served with cocktail sauce and a choice of one side. We had a surprise when Ana Maria brought a two-pound lobster to the table. That meant a nice box of leftovers for the next day.
We saved some space for dessert and shared a delicious piece of key lime pie.
The restaurant is completely handicap accessible, with easy street access and all on one very large level.
Being such a booster of the Red Lobster brand, I arranged for a much-coveted virtual meeting with Red Lobster Regional Vice-President of Operations David Harling and Brand Marketing Manager for Canada Angela Tsiampas. I had so many questions about the chain and here was my chance to ask them.
Harling was a manager of the Toronto location we ate at for a number of years. Now he not only oversees the 27 restaurants in Canada, but also others in Michigan, Chicago, Central Pennsylvania and Upstate New York. He told me that since the appointments of Damola Adamolekun and Larry Konecny as CEO and COO, respectively, at Red Lobster, the brand has never been stronger globally. Canada, by the way, was completely unaffected by the turmoil and each of the locations did very well. “We are such an iconic brand that everyone who is a fan of Red Lobster has been rooting for us,” he said.
Red Lobster is indeed the world’s largest and most-loved seafood restaurant company, headquartered in Orlando, Florida. With a proud heritage, Red Lobster is focused on serving the highest quality, freshly prepared seafood that is traceable, sustainable, and responsibly sourced.
You can call and log on to www.redlobster.ca to access the complete menu.
EGGSPECTATION: I have long been a fan of the Eggspectation (www.eggspectation.com) restaurant chain. A few years ago, I met Enzo Renda, who has driven this business globally with a presence in other parts of Canada, the United States, Egypt, Pakistan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
There are actually more than 100 items on the Eggspectation menu. This place is a lot more than just breakfast.
The Eggspectation concept was created by Eggspectation Group, with its first restaurant in downtown Montreal in 1993. Since then, Eggspectation restaurants have become synonymous with innovation, high-quality food, excellent service, and a unique and exciting dining experience.
From the get-go, the Eggspectation team wanted to take its favorite mealtime ingredients and creatively expand their culinary taste delights across not just breakfast and brunch but also to lunch and dinner, set in a welcoming and energetic bar and café ambiance. This new level of innovation has led to today’s satisfying and diverse Eggspectation menu, ranging from freshly prepared artisanal brioche French toast, thin French crêpes, Belgian waffles, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, pastas, burgers, seafood, steak, and—of course—eggs Benedict! Those Montreal beginnings have grown to fit today’s fresh, clean, and very tasty modern American cuisine.
Each franchise has a different feel to it. While in Toronto, I noticed that there was an Eggspectation downtown, at the corner of Bay Street and Albert, right near a main entrance to Eaton Centre. The manager and franchisee is none other than Bennett Renda. Yep, he is the son of Enzo and has been running this location for 11 years. My breakfast companion this morning was an old friend whom I grew up with in Montreal, who has lived in Toronto for three decades. This was his first Eggspectation experience and he was impressed.`
We started off by sharing some gooey goose bread, something not available in Quebec. This is freshly baked bread, coated in house-made salted maple caramel sauce and dusted with cinnamon and sugar. It was a real treat.
My friend went for the Huevos Rancheros, two free-range eggs, prepared any style, piled on tortillas, layered with refried beans, ground chorizo, avocado, jalapeños, house-made pico de gallo, and cilantro-lime aioli. He told me this is always his “go-to” item when he orders breakfast at a restaurant. I chose the All American: two free-range eggs, prepared any style, with applewood-smoked bacon, ham, and sausage. This was served with the trademark Eggspectation’s Lyonnaise-style potatoes.
I sat down with Bennett after my meal. Watch my interview with him on Instagram.
This attractive location has two entrances, one interior via an office building and another off of Albert Street. There are 90 seats inside, including 12 at the bar and 90 more on the seasonal patio
Bennett grew up in RDP and Pierrefonds and got his first taste of Eggspectation when he worked as a busboy at the then Rockland Centre location. While he considered a career as an electrician, he knew that he was destined to become part of the family business. When the opportunity arose to head up a new Toronto restaurant, the 35-year-old jumped at it.
The place was packed the morning I was there. “Business is good,” he said. “We get a lot of foot traffic and many customers from Montreal. The location is terrific. Indeed, we benefit from the tourist trade and our proximity to Eaton Centre and Nathan Phillips Square.”
This Toronto location recently underwent a significant facelift, closing up shop for four months to spruce the place up.
I will certainly make Eggspectation a regular stop now on my future Toronto visits
Eggspection Toronto is located at 483 Bay Street, #130. For more information, call 416-979-3447 or log on to www.eggspectation.ca
THE TORONTO BLUE JAYS: I went to see a Blue Jays baseball game at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. It was a privilege to get a press pass with access to the field before the game and a spot in the press box.
The Blue Jays play at Rogers Centre, conveniently located near Union Station as well as within easy walking distance of TTC streetcar stops on King St. (at Peter St. & John St.) and Spadina Ave. (Bremner Blvd.). Drivers coming to Rogers Centre, from either the east or west, can take the Gardiner Expressway to Spadina Ave. and head north to Bremner Blvd.
Rogers Centre offers five Outfield Neighbourhoods (bluejays.com/outfielddistrict): Corona Rooftop Patio, TD Park Social, The Stop, the Catch Bar, and WestJet Flight Deck. These spaces are available to anyone with a valid Blue Jays ticket.
The 35-year-old stadium was recently renovated to the tune of $400 million, overhauling the fan and player experiences. In keeping with that, you can take advantage of a ballpark tour by logging on to bluejays.com/tour
Fans are also invited to shop at Jay’s Shop, located beside Gate 5. Jays Shop is the largest team store in all of Canada. Fans can enter from street level between 10 am to 5 pm, seven days a week (note: hours subject to change on Toronto Blue Jays home game days). Fans attending Blue Jays games can enter the store at Section 110 upon entering Rogers Centre.
Log on to www.destinationtoronto.com