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!

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.