Of course, the harbor front is a must-see and while the CN Tower tends to be crowded and “touristy,” the view is extraordinary. The Writer’s Room in the Hyatt Hotel in Yorkville is a close rival with its view and doesn’t cost a penny. In-fact, this rooftop bar pays homage to literary icons such as Farley Mowat and Margaret Atwood, all featured with original framed drawings as you enter. The Beaches area, further down the harbor is laid back yet colorful with local shops and restaurants to please every palate. Adjacent to Beaches Leslieville , an area where everyone appears to know one another. Lunching at Eastside Social confirmed my suspicion as the owner shared his own experience here. The comfortable and warm ambience was relaxing as I indulged in Halifax Donair, a cuisine which I was completely unfamiliar with, but absolutely loved, as it reminded me of a sweeter version of a gyro.
The center of town, taken over by TIFF, boasted restaurants, speakeasies, and bars galore. I was able to see 15 films during the festival including Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut “Eleanor the Great” starring my hero June Squibb, and “The Man In My Basement” starring Corey Hawkins and Willem Dafoe. It was a great festival!
It’s clear that I need to make a return trip to Tkaronto, the Mohawk word for one of the most vibrant and welcoming cities I had the honor or should I say honour to visit, but there is still so much more to discover. I still want to check off Ossington, Bathurst, stage productions, and comedy clubs from my list, but no matter where you are in Toronto the cultural opportunities are 100% that place to weave that intricately balanced fabric of life and experience the love of connection through food, music, entertainment, and history.
Donair, Eastside Social
The Beaches
North Market