Let's Keep Saving In Toronto

/

This entry is a continuum of my trip to the beautiful Toronto. As many of you know already, I am mostly a loner traveler. I am always open to make new friends on my trips. I hope you all make a trip alone to a new place someday. Comfort is always the enemy, and keeping things too alike may hold you back from bigger and better opportunities. Hope you enjoy these next few stops I made, and be on the look out for one more Toronto entry next Sunday.

First place I went into was called "Starving Artist". Considering I am an artist in the writing world, I felt it right to enjoy a meal with such a dope name. This place is every waffle lovers dream. 99% of the food items on the menu, get waffles incorporated into them. I myself started off with a fruit smoothie of mangos, strawberries, and bananas. In the smoothie they use a type of yogurt, ice and juice. It was super warm inside, so I wanted something sweet and refreshing.  Also I enjoyed a fruit bowl, great variety of fruits as well. As for my meal, my taste buds went on a fishy and smooth ride. I enjoyed the egg benedict with salmon, side of baked beans, and some  greens did me well too. As you can see I left my business card on their bulletin board. Someone will grab it. The prices were great, and the food was awesome. The service from everyone was rewarding, very attentive and helpful as well.

I went to the equivalent of New York's Times Square in Toronto. This is known as Yonge Dundas Square. Fun fact, Yonge St. is the longest street in the world, stretching 1,178 miles long. It is a great place for pictures, to walk around at, and even do some retail therapy as well. I was pretty excited to know Canada had Popeyes too, everybody loves fried chicken and biscuits. I walked into a random bar called "Imperial Pub". Such a welcoming staff, and good vibes as soon as you go in. The bar is a family owned business that has been around for 72 years. In the old times, to have a liquor licence you had to have rooms upstairs for hotel stays. Enjoyed a couple cups of Moosehead Larger, Canadian beer, all for about $8-$9. Live jazz band every Friday as well. This is a cool trip for younger adults, the drinking age in Canada is 19, so take an Uber, and get your drink on.

El Furniture is a super laid back and inexpensive stop as well. This is like a college bar, with tasty food, and great music. Live DJ's spinning while you dance, drink and eat. As you can tell from the girls dancing on the bar, the music selection was too legit. My friend Femi put me on to this place and it was perfect. I chose some lemon pepper wings, and he soft chicken tacos. The best part of this place, is ALL food is only $4.95 all the time. For sure recommend this place for a pregame or even just to chill for the night. 

Thank you all for the continued support with everything that I do. As I said up top, I will have another blog entry from Toronto next week as well. Feel free to contact me with any questions, or just to say hi. I may not reply right away, but I love all my supporters. Just know you WILL get a reply from me within 24 hours. Remember to always Love and allow to be loved. Xo

Starving Artist
584 Lansdowne Ave. (other locations avil.)
647-342-5058
Monday-Sunday 9am-6pm
Imperial Pub
54 Dundas St. 
416-997-4667
Monday-Sunday 11am-3am
El Furniture
410 Bloor St.
647-350-7326
Monday-Sunday 11am-2am
 
 

First Timer in The Six

/

This an overview of my first couple of days in the beautiful Toronto. I just love the city, the people, the food. Everything from the polite and helpful locals, to the "eh's" were lovely.

First stop I made was to Miss Natalie's. Great Caribbean food, amazing service. You all know I am a down south gal, I need my spices every now and again when I pop up in a new place. I had a beef patty which did not make it to the picture, maybe next time. Just know they were great, and he has mild and spicy ones. Also had the oxtails with rice and beans. The rice and beans were nice and fluffy not hard, not mushy, but just right. Rice was soaked in all the right amount of juices from the meat. The oxtails were tender and just the right amount of spicy. I was legit just sucking it right off the bone. You can taste every flavor pouring on out. Enjoyed every bite, and even had some for lunch the next day. They serve specials ALL DAY EVERYDAY. Picture below shows some of the specials that are around all day. I had the pleasure of sitting down for a few minutes with the owner of Miss Natalies, Robert. He is currently looking to extend his business with other foods like Asian, bar food (burgers, wings) not just your typical island food. I admire Robert for his work ethic and passion. The man owned his own business at the age of 23, engineer and chef are just a couple of his titles. I want to give a huge thank you to Robert for the awesome hospitality and wisdom. May your heart stay pure so blessings will always find their way.

Next location was Toronto Island, short ferry ride away. Now at this time of the year, it is mostly just walking around and a kick ass view of the skyline. So I went to stretch my legs and to catch some awesome pictures. It is $7.25CA to get a across, and they have different restaurants, shops and even have concerts on warmer days. There are multiple islands that are connected, but I went to one only, Ward's Island. They had the cutest houses, best view of the whole city and a nice peaceful trails. When traveling you have to know that sometimes, a nice calm, place to be at is needed. Because I am traveling alone, I needed to put my self timer to take pictures of myself. LOL If you are going to Toronto in warmer weather, you have to stop by here to enjoy the island people and what they have to offer.

Aviv

This was a dope Mediterranean restaurant with great service, prices and food. I went with my friend Nick whom I met in Toronto, he had been coming to eat there for a few years. Owner Robert Chee welcomed us with open arms, our waitress Marissa was so attentive and sweet. You all know I am huge on customer service, I loved it. Nick enjoyed their curry vegetable soup. He said it has a nice mild kick to it, not too crazy and perfect for a chilly day. I ordered their Warm Hero Pressed Sandwich. It was prosciutto, salami, roasted red bell peppers, mozzarella, lettuce and tomatoes, all in between a lightly toasted house made baguette. Of course paired with one of my favorites, sweet potato fries. Color may be a little different, but it is only because these are REAL sweet potatoes. Nice smooth inside, rich sweet taste. I wanted a whole other batch. Great pizza menu also, all different kinds. They have brunch specials all weekend 11am-3pm. Everything on the menu is very inexpensive, and the food and service are awesome. They do also have an outside section to enjoy and a full bar if you want to throw back a couple.

This was my first time in Canada, and also my first time out of the country alone. I have met some amazing, successful and good spirited people. I recommend whether it be alone, or with others a trip to Toronto. They host great music festivals. lots of parties in the warmer days, and great food year around. My birthday is today, and I took this trip not only for material for you all, but also to reflect on life. If someone was to tell me I would be where I am at a year from today, I would not of believed them. I want to thank you all for the amazing support, for sticking with me every Sunday anticipating my next entry. I will work harder and smarter for my 24th year of life. Be on on the lookout for another Canada entry next week on a few other places I visited. Love you all to the moon and back. Remember to always "Love and allow to be loved". xo

Miss Natalie's
5118 Dundas St. W, Toronto, ON M9A 1C2
416-260-9444
Monday-Friday & Saturday 11am-8pm Sunday CLOSED.
Toronto Island
Bay St, on Queens Quay (for ferry)
416-392-8193
http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=3690dada600f0410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD for schedule.
Aviv
328 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M5R 1V9
416-922-2433
Mon 5pm-10pm Tues-Fri 1130am-10pm Sat11am-10pm Sun 11am-3pm