Chocdoc - Tours and Tastes Toronto

[Kerry Beal]

The hubby and I are heading to Toronto tomorrow for a few days away from home. No conference, no workshop - just a few days in a posh hotel while someone else gets the kid off to school and tucks her into bed at night. We discussed going somewhere warm (after all it is February in Canada) - but with only a few free days - to have a travel day at the beginning and end would make it not much of a break.  

 

We will be downtown - King and Spadina area and would love some suggestions of places to eat within walking distance. Not too interested in playing dress up to eat out - so nothing too posh. I know I'm not too far from the Dumpling House - I've tried to make it there before unsuccessfully so maybe this time it will happen.

 

Touristy things will probably be the ROM and maybe the AGO. No Hockey Hall of Fame for me - sorry Melissa. Perhaps a run through Yorkville, maybe a trip up the The Art Shoppe to ogle the Stickley if they still have it.

 

[TicTac]

A well deserved break, Doc!

 

I know you said nothing too posh, however; you are right around the corner from Alo - though the chances of getting a table are fairly slim, I would absolutely urge you to give it a go....often the chef's table is open, and there is also the Bar (which does not take reservations).  It is the best restaurant in the city at the moment.

 

Besides that, check out Khao San Road for some fantastic Thai food, and Zuppas for great smoked meat sandwiches.  There is also Swataow on Spadina for amazing shrimp dumplings or their BBQ Pork soup.

 

That should keep you busy, let me know if you want more or anything specific

 

[Kerry Beal]

12 minutes ago, TicTac said:

A well deserved break, Doc!

 

I know you said nothing too posh, however; you are right around the corner from Alo - though the chances of getting a table are fairly slim, I would absolutely urge you to give it a go....often the chef's table is open, and there is also the Bar (which does not take reservations).  It is the best restaurant in the city at the moment.

 

Besides that, check out Khao San Road for some fantastic Thai food, and Zuppas for great smoked meat sandwiches.  There is also Swataow on Spadina for amazing shrimp dumplings or their BBQ Pork soup.

 

That should keep you busy, let me know if you want more or anything specific

 

Sounds good - I shall see what I can do about Alo - as long as they  don't care how I'm dressed 

[TicTac]

Heh....Being at Queen and Spadina, you can use your imagination as to how some 'hipsters' dress for Alo.

 

Your money is just as good as everyone else's, so long as you ARE dressed

 

Good luck!  At the very least you can always pop in at the bar for some great cocktails and excellent 'bar food'.

 

 

 

 

[Kerry Beal]

11 minutes ago, TicTac said:

Heh....Being at Queen and Spadina, you can use your imagination as to how some 'hipsters' dress for Alo.

 

Your money is just as good as everyone else's, so long as you ARE dressed

 

Good luck!  At the very least you can always pop in at the bar for some great cocktails and excellent 'bar food'.

 

 

 

 

No joy for a reservation - but as you say the bar is an option.

[TicTac]

Did you call them or just try online?

 

Online booking system does not manage the chef's table (it's really more of a bar overlooking the kitchen). 

Edited February 5, 2017 by TicTac (log)

[Kerry Beal]

True - didn't call.

[gfweb]

I had a nice dinner at Luma the other day, which is right where you will be... but looking at the online menu, I see nothing that was on Friday's menu. So....

[Shelby]

Kerry, I hope you and your husband have the most wonderful and relaxing time.  No schedules.  Lotta good food and drinks  

[Kerry Beal]

11 hours ago, gfweb said:

I had a nice dinner at Luma the other day, which is right where you will be... but looking at the online menu, I see nothing that was on Friday's menu. So....

Heading out shortly to have lunch at Luma since it's open today.

 

 

[Kerry Beal]

Lunch at Luma 

 

 

Tea to start

 

 

merguez and white bean crostini 

 

 

fish and chips for hubby

 

 

veggie ramen for me

 

 

[Kerry Beal]

 

lemon tart for hubby 

 

 

goat cheese with fig for me

[Shelby]

FIGS.  Heavenly.

[Kerry Beal]

Dinner at Montecito - were heading to zupa but was closed already 

 

 

Brothers perryman for me

 

 

wine for the old man

 

 

lovely bread with cultured butter

 

 

chicken for himself - clearly cooked sous vide

 

 

smashed potatoes

 

 

pork shoulder - wanted a chop but they were out 

 

 

[TicTac]

Sorry to hear that Zuppas was closed, I have only ever been for lunch - hope your replacement meal was satisfactory!

 

 

[Kerry Beal]

24 minutes ago, TicTac said:

Sorry to hear that Zuppas was closed, I have only ever been for lunch - hope your replacement meal was satisfactory!

 

 

It was perfectly satisfactory - still wish I'd been able to have a pork chop though!

[Kerry Beal]

Breakfast at the hotel - forgot pics before bite

 

 

 

 

 

Now enjoying tea at the Art Gallery 

 

[Shelby]

2 minutes ago, Kerry Beal said:

Breakfast at the hotel - forgot pics before bite

 

 

 

 

 

Now enjoying tea at the Art Gallery 

 

Glad they had enough milk 

[Kerry Beal]

Lol - it was a chai latte!

[Kerry Beal]

Hoping tomorrow might yield a reservation at Alo - tonight headed to Patria - Spanish.

 

Vermouth for me - wine for hubby

 

 

Pan con tomate

 

 

Patates bravas

 

 

 

 

[Kerry Beal]

Bisteca

 

 

 

[Kerry Beal]

 

Paella 

[Kerry Beal]

Again forgot pic before digging in

 

 

 

 

[Kerry Beal]

Wander through the St Lawrence Market

 

 

 

 

[Kerry Beal]

Now enjoying a cup of tea at Cacao 70 in the Distillary District