Toronto's - Away From The Tourist Traps

When in Toronto, you could head for the places where everyone else is going to be. Or you could act more like a local. For the latter option, read on!

Quick Tips:

Toronto is known for its cultural diversity so take advantage of all of those represented. The east end of town's Danforth strip is chock full of Greek restaurants with something in everybody's range. The intersection at Gerrard and Coxwell is the beginning of Little India. Authentic Chinese food is the order of the day in Chinatown, off Spadina. Italian restaurants litter College strip. This area is the newest hot spot in town, and really hops on the weekend. Traffic inches along the narrow street while pedestrains overflow off of the sidewalks.

Best Way To Get Around:

Driving and parking can be hairy in some spots, and Toronto has a good public transporation system. Use it!

Exposed red brick hung with black and white photos of jazz greats, and unobtrusive jazz and blues in the background sets the scene for this unpretentious family-run restaurant. Run by chef Philip Nyman, Phil’s is quickly becoming an institution for meat lovers across the city.

Food & Drink:
Slow-smoke barbequed ribs, brisket, chicken and pulled pork in generous portions are featured at prices ranging from $6.50 to $13.65. The combination plate, the most expensive menu item, offers a sampling of meats, with a side of baked beans, and coleslaw. Crispy fries, and hot and sweet dipping sauces accompany sandwiches heaped with hot meat. Forget the wine at Dipamo’s; the selection is limited. Besides, this kind of feast calls for a cold brew. Upper Canada is kept on tap at $4 a pint.

To get here:
Use the public streetcar. Finding parking on the College St. strip is not easy.

Tucked into a storefront, Mitzi's Cafe is a five-minute walk from the Sourauren streetcar stop on Queen, and a great way to get a taste of the west-end local neighborhood of Parkdale. Artwork for sale by local artists, and mix-and-match tables lend ambiance to this small space. Local residents descend on the 26-seater eatery for its fantastic breakfast/brunch menu on the weekends, so come early, or be prepared for a wait. Sunny days expand the available seating with 6 tables tucked on a sidewalk patio.

Food & Drink:
The menu may be limited but there is sure to something to please every budding taste. A vodka-salmon omelet for $11 comes with a tossed green salad, and Mitzi’s delicious signature home fries. Less adventurous eaters might want to try the oatmeal pancake, served with whipped cream for $8.95 or the french toast, piled high with fresh fruit, real maple syrup and whipped cream for $8.95.

To get there:
Take the King Streetcar from Downtown heading West. Get off at the Sourauren Street Stop and walk five minutes north.

What the Black Bull lacks in the food department it more than makes up for in atmosphere. This is one of the hottest spots to spend a sizzling weekend afternoon taking in a cold drink. Patio furniture crammed closely together makes a visit with neighboring tables a likelihood. Those brave enough to try the food might want to try the nachos or the chicken club, both passable for pub food.

Any hot, humid day will find Toronto's waterfront packed with people doing everything from rollerblading to sitting and enjoying an ice-cream cone while watching the world move by.

The Martin Goodman Trail extends from one end of the city to the other. Travelling its length is a great way to see the locals and get a feel for what this city's all about. People, and alot of them, out having a great time.

Stop at any one of the many vendors parked alongside the trail for an ice-cream or a drink. Or check out the waterfront restaurant behind the Pavilion at the Sunnyside Gus Ryder Pool.

Circling around Nathan Phillips Square is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Toronto. Skates can be rented at the concession for $5, and there are lockers available to store your bags. Twinkling Christmas lights add a romantic twist once the sun goes down. Head further west down Queen Street to warm up with a hot chocolate at one of the many cafes.