Sunday Somewhere: September 2020

Struggling to find inspiration for your long weekend plans? I’ve got you covered with Sunday Somewhere. So read on, and go spend your weekend in the Middle of Somewhere.

Please remember to check websites for opening hours – some are closed on certain days of the week or have altered operating hours due to COVID-19.

Enjoy A Limited Time Culinary Experience

Toronto has an incredible culinary scene, with so many restaurants to choose from. I am always on the lookout for unique, memorable food experiences – outside of the city’s regular restaurant offerings – but they are often difficult to find. I’ve rounded up a few below that just might pique your interest to try this weekend. Keep in mind they’re around for a limited time – in some cases, one day/night only – so be sure to check them out before it’s too late.

Black Lab Brewing Toronto, est Toronto, by Chef Nuit Toronto

Black Lab Brewing

Sip back on some beers this weekend at Black Lab Brewing. You can also enjoy oysters in their beer garden every Friday between 3-9PM, until October 30th. Alternatively, swing by during their pizza pop-up this Saturday, September 5th between 1-6PM or on Sunday, September 6th for their Sri Lankan pop-up. You can also bring your four-legged friend, so there’s no excuse not to swing by (no reservations)!

ēst

Book ahead for ēst’s 1st birthday celebration. The festivities are taking place on Sunday, September 6th and they’ll be cooking up Chinese food and offering bubbles on the house. The other week, I enjoyed a dinner that was put on in collaboration between ēst, Buca and Il Covo and the food was outstanding. In fact, the entire experience was outstanding, and I have no doubt this will be the same (check my Instagram post here for some photos from the evening).

If that isn’t enough to convince you, know that in 2018, ēst’s Chef Sean MacDonald made the World’s Ranking of “The Top 300 Chef Awards”. He’s the only Canadian Chef to be recognized on this list, and he also has a number of other impressive accolades. So, run, don’t walk. If you miss this Sunday’s dinner, follow them on Instagram as they often post about upcoming events that will undoubtedly be worth checking out. Book this weekend’s experience here.

by Chef Nuit

If you haven’t heard of Chef Nuit Regular, I’m glad to be the one to introduce you, but boy have you been missing out. She is the Executive Chef and Co-Owner of many of Toronto’s Thai institutions – Pai, Sabai Sabai, Kiin, Sukhothai. Her most recent venture is the by Chef Nuit pop-up, serving her favourite Thai food with comfort classic spins. She’s even turned one of my favourite dishes – Pad Gra Prow – into a burger! Pop by for takeout, and if you’re lucky you can snag a seat on their curbside patio. Otherwise, head to nearby Grange Park or Clarence Square to eat (psst – there’s an off-leash dog area at the latter!).

Not quite ready to venture out? You can pre-order Chef Nuit’s cookbook here. It will most certainly have plenty of delicious recipes worth cooking up this fall!

Escape the City

This long weekend is looking like a hot one, which is a perfect excuse to escape the city. The three itineraries below provide an overview to do just that, including options for eats, drink and other activities along the way.

Perfect Day Trip From Toronto

 

Dundas Peak

Dundas Peak is a great place to go for a leisurely hike outside of Toronto. Begin at the beautiful Tews Falls and follow the trail to the peak (there is a map at the mouth of the trail, so you shouldn’t get lost). You’ll be rewarded with stunning views at the end! If you have additional time and want a longer walk, head over towards Webster’s Falls (pictured above).

Eats: Hamilton has a budding culinary scene. A recent favourite is Bread Bar James St. – they’re focused on earth to table dining, using fresh local ingredients. Oh, and their pizzas are fantastic!

Drinks: Check out one of Hamilton’s many breweries – Fairweather and Collective Arts are amongst the best. Both have patios and Collective Arts serves up food in collaboration with Nom Nom Nom Catering & Fine Food Trucks.

Do: Want to do more after hiking Dundas Peak? Pop over to Dundurn Castle to visit one of Canada’s only ‘castles’ (Dundurn is more of a mansion, but hey – it’s all in the name, right?).

Elora

Situated along the Grand River, Elora is considered one of Ontario’s prettiest towns. You’ll find quaint shops, galleries, and cafés sprinkled over downtown, and plenty of outdoor trails to explore nearby.

Eats: Enjoy a meal at The Evelyn – their menu changes daily based on local ingredients – or pop into The Lost & Found Café in the pedestrian-only corner of downtown, called Elora Mews. Alternatively, if you are open to a splurge, Elora Mill Hotel & Spa will offer stunning lunch or dinner views.

Drinks: Head to Elora Brewing Company for some patio beers (note that the patio gets busy quickly) or nearby Elora Café for a coffee.

Do: Meander through downtown, shop local, and sit down for lunch or drinks. Afterwards, head up to the Elora Gorge Lookout and then wander through the Elora Gorge trails (you can even go river tubing if you’re up for it!). Looking for more time outdoors? Drive over to the Elora Quarry Conservation Area for another stroll.

Van Gogh Exhibit

Don’t have a car to take you out of the city? Spend some time in the immersive Vincent Van Gogh Exhibit and feel like you’ve escaped the city.

Eats: There are plenty of places to eat nearby – two favourites are Cantina Mercatto and Sukhothai on Wellington St W.

Drinks: Chotto Matte has a gorgeous, lush patio, perfect for a cocktail or two (they also have an extensive food menu serving up Peruvian-Japanese dishes). *note that Chotto Matte is closed on Sundays. Alternatively, meander west down the Harbourfront and stop by one of the waterfront restaurants for drinks with a view (you’ll find most options along the waterfront between York St. and Rees St.).

Do: While in the area, walk west down the Harbourfront, take a ferry over to the islands (access the ferry docks at Queens Quay and Bay St.) or head north-east to the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood or Distillery District.

Explore More

Perfect Valentine’s Gifts from Toronto

Perfect Valentine’s Gifts from Toronto

There can be so much pressure with finding the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. My recommendation is to find something sentimental or with a story, that way, your gift ends up being more than just an object.

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