CANOE: with its epic view of the city with an equally epic contemporary menu. This restaurant creates beautiful dishes inspired by our country’s diverse landscape. Chef Ron McKinlay is always creating something unforgettable.

DOVA: this pretty neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Cabbagetown serves up some impressive seafood dishes. Chef Roberto Marotta’s (also ARDO) attention to detail and flavours show. He also lets them naturally shine.

Don Alfonso 1890: Perched up high at the Westin Harbour Castle, this the only North American location of world renowned  Chefs Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino’s signature restaurant (Italy).  Tasting menu is a great option.

Kiin Café: Treat mom to a Royal Thai dining experience. Toronto’s favourite Chef Nuit Regular has recently launched a new brunch menu offering traditional Thai breakfast and lunch menu items. Reservations encouraged.

Cafe Boulud: at Four Seasons Hotel. We have our favourites at Chef Daniel Boulud’s Toronto restaurant and so does mom. This brasserie features classic and contemporary dishes inspired by the Chef’s family means in Lyon, France. Be sure to order their fresh baked lemon Madeleines.

Auberge du Pommier: Just north of the city (but south of the 401) is this quaint cottage-style structure that sits at the steps away from office buildings. But this hidden gem is a charming spot and a favourite for fine dining.

REIGN at The Fairmont Royal York: For Mother’s Day this popular restaurant is offering a full hot and cold buffet. The selection offers all the classic brunch favourites as well as a few additional dishes. There’s also a dessert room! $119 per person.

Marked: Take a delicious trip with their weekend all-inclusive bubbles brunch. Unlimited small plates and bottomless Prosecco feels like you’re on vacation. No worries about lost luggage either.

Oretta Midtown: Casual Italian hot spot offers an extensive brunch menu on the weekends. Lots of choices from salads, pizzas, pastas and other delicious dishes. Bottomless mimosas too!

AGO Bistro: Make it a day out with mom at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Explore the permanent collections as well as the contemporary galleries. Then, round off your visit with brunch at the onsite restaurant. Mother’s Day Prix Fixe menu available for $57 per person.

Miznon: If you’re taking in the Bloor Yorkville “Fleurs de Ville” fresh floral installations (May 10-14) and looking for something quick and casual, this will hit the spot. Miznon offers Mediterranean street food that we keep returning to. Their warm fluffy stuffed pitas are what dreams are made of. Cauliflower is iconic.

AFTERNOON TEA

Casa Loma: a favourite for many is the magical High Tea fit for every queen. Scones, pastries, and tea sandwiches will be serve along with tea, of course! Guests are also invited to tour the castle with their reservation. $75 per person.

Queen Bee Afternoon Tea at d|bar (Four Seasons Hotel): This special afternoon tea created by the culinary team to honour our Queen Bee while raising awareness of the importance of honey bees and the important roles they play in our everyday lives. $105 per person. Also available is Afternoon Tea at Home for $88 per person (pre-order by May 10 for pick up).

DAY TRIPPERS

The Royal Hotel Picton: The Dining Room here at this spectacular hotel is worthy of a day trip (or overnighter). Chef Albert Ponzo (formerly Le Select Bistro) brings true farm to table   menu that includes sourcing ingredients from the hotel’s own farm up the road. Seasonal menu items are offered as well as classic favourites.

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1. CASA LOMA

Nothing says romance like a visit to a castle. Toronto’s most famous Casa Loma continues to make full use of the enchanting hallways and spaces with amazing events. Back is the beautiful Twilight Symphony at the Castle Concert series performed by the Casa Loma Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maestro Paulo Busato. Follow the tunnels through to the iconic stables of the castle to enjoy an unforgettable night filled with music. Make it extra special and book dinner at BlueBlood Steakhouse right on the castle grounds. Casa Loma’s famous High Tea is returning also for family day weekend and that’s always such a treat!

2. THE DISTILLERY DISTRICT

Bundle up and stay cozy at this year’s Après Ski themed weekends at The Distillery District. It will also be open on Valentine’s Day (February 14) from 3pm to 9 pm. Gather around toasty warm fire pits in the wintery picturesque setting. Wander the cobblestone lanes and poke into the many shops, galleries, restaurants and cafe to support artisans and small businesses. Enjoy food and drinks offered by local vendors in this historical part of town. Some favourite places  to explore here: SOMA Chocolatiers, Palgong Tea, Ontario Sake, Galerie Beauchamp, H2O Float Studio, Blackbird Vintage Finds, and Lemon Water.

3. THE POWER PLANT CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY & THE BENTWAY

The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery (Harbourfront) has reopened its doors once again to the public with three new exciting exhibitions: Cree artist Brenda Draney’s largest exhibition to date titled Drink from the river, UK artist Amartey Golding’s In the comfort of embers, and an exhibition comprised of all local artists, in parallel. Bringing together six artists, including Toronto-based artist and writer Simon Fuh, emerging Trinidadian artist Anique Jordan, and Mi’kmaq (Metepenagiag Nation) settler artist and educator Julia Rose Sutherland, the group exhibition presents a variety of different mediums, like film, sculpture and photography. Admission free. Explore the latest works and then head next door to wander through the studios or visit a local restaurant or cafe to round off the visit. Or head over to The Bentway for outdoor skating check their schedules for DJs and other happenings. Skate rentals are available on site.

4. OTHERSHIP

Take your relationship (or friendship) to the Othership. This transformative bathhouse experience brings together breathwork, meditation, and awareness with the benefits of hot sauna and icy cold plunge baths. Group led sessions have different themes that are worth exploring. Leave feeling peaceful and rejuvenated. All good vibes here.

5. STRETCHLAB DOWNTOWN TORONTO

Get your flex on at the new StretchLab Studio downtown! This first Canadian location (there are over 400 in the US) is owned and operated by a Torontonian. It offers professionally trained flexologists who use the company’s proprietary (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching) techniques to help improve sports performance, increase range of motion and flexibility, reduce muscle and joint pain, improve posture, and reduce stress. All done safely and pain-free. You’ll leave feeling amazing! Sessions are customized for each person. Special promo now for Valentine’s!

6. UNDERGROUND PATH & ART WALK

Too cold to be outdoors? Take a walk through Toronto’s Underground PATH and explore the shops and restaurants and Art Walk. You can find the map here. Grab a fancy bubble tea at Cha Time Atelier and go check out the new public art installations at Commerce Court (King & Bay) and Southcore Financial Centre (York & Bremner). QuadReal Property Group have commissioned four Canadian female artists to create bright and uplifting pieces available for public viewing. Toronto artists Samara Shuter and Jessica Gorlicky and New Brunswick artist Alexandrya Eaton have six large-scale murals in Commerce Court. Find your way to Southcore Financial Centre to see Toronto artist Hello Kristen‘s work on the second floor PATH connecting 18 York and 12o Bremner. If you do decide to surface go see “The Pasture”sculptures by artist Joe Fafard at TD Centre (located in between the tall buildings in the green space). There’s also “Tembo, Mother of Elephants” by artist Derrick S. Hudson located at Commerce Court outdoors.

7. COOKING CLASSES AT LE DOLCI

They say “food is the language of love” or at least we think that’s what they say. Get into a studio kitchen and learn from the professionals and learn some new cooking or baking skills together. Create the perfect dessert or meal. From heart-shaped pasta making classes to delicious doughnut creation classes to a Master Chocolate Tasting event, these events are perfect for couples, friends or family to attend and learn a sweet new skill together. Le Dolci’s Valentine’s Day classes online.

There are many restaurants in our city that are getting ready to help make your Valentine’s a special one. Many have special menus and if you had to ask us about where to go that is always consistent with delicious food and wonderful hospitality, here you go!

8. DOVA and ARDO

We love DOVA as it hits all the marks. DOVA’s dining room is soothing and tranquil with it’s soft colour palate. The coastal Sicilian Italian menu is fresh and exciting. Chef and owner Roberto Marotta had his own restaurant in Sicily before he met the love of his life and moved here to Toronto. Everything about this restaurant, is all about passion. From the ingredients used – fresh produce and meats are sourced locally to the artwork on the walls from Marotta’s personal collection. He, and his wife Jaqueline have also imported their favourite Sicilian ingredients available for purchase. DOVA has a special Valentine’s Tasting Menu that is definitely worth booking in for. Also, check out his other restaurant ARDO — it’s another favourite of ours!

9. J’S STEAK FRITES

J’s Steak Frites reminds us of the restaurants in France where they only serve, steak and frites! And they do it well! The prix-fixe menu offers a locally sourced 10 oz striploin steak grilled to order, endless fries (seriously), side salad, and fresh baked bread.  Let owner Jad and his staff take care of you but save room for the incredible desserts! Pastry Chef Tara will make you swoon over her made-in-house creations and for Valentine’s special (February 12) diners will have a chance to decorate their own cake table side. This neighbourhood gem is perfect for a casual date night or with friends.

10. EATALY TORONTO

Dine and explore at Eataly Toronto’s Valentine Taste-Around (February 10). Taste your way around 10 different stations featuring delicious chef-curated creations with a focus on the Italian love of sweets with dishes such as Roman-style pizza alla pale topped with gorgonzola and hot honey, Sicilian style housemade canopies and more!  If you prefer a sit down meal, Trattoria Milano is a great escape within the busy Eataly food market. Tucked away in a corner behind curtains is a quieter spot serving traditional Milanese dishes including Osso Bucco, risotto, and Coteoletta alla Milanese traditional “elephant ear” a thinly pounded veal chop breaded and fried. This restaurant is offering a special six-course menu for Valentine’s.

OH…we know we said 10 but we’ll push it to 11 with this hotspot! Our team LOVES Marked Restaurant with their Weekend Resort themed brunch. Dishes are South American inspired as are the cocktails. Brunch offers unlimited small dishes and includes a bottle of bubbly! They have a great vibe that will make you feel like you’re away in paradise! Read our review here. 

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The MARKED Weekend Resort All-inclusive Bubbles Brunch has arrived and we’re jumping on board. What’s included? Unlimited small plates and bottomless Prosecco. Yes, you read that correctly!

This South American and Spanish inspired menu offers indulgent dishes that take your tastebuds on a journey even if it’s for a brief Toronto moment in time. There are 19 shareable dishes on the menu and each one is worth exploring. By the way, we highly recommend just leaving the ordering to your server – which is what we did.  Our wonderful and hospitable server Luke brought us nearly everything on the menu much to our delight and we finished everything. We were very impressed with his expert gauge on the number of dishes for our table of four. He brought out a wonderful variety and enough to satisfy our bellies and then double checked to ensure that any favourites could make additional appearances if we desired.

There are quite a number of dishes we would happily devour several times over. Many of them, have us dreaming back to travels of Pinxtos Bars in Spain where we would happily spend time with our loves over great food and drinks.  The Manchego (cheese made of pasteurized sheep’s milk commonly produced in the La Mancha region of Spain) and Dates wrapped in smokey bacon are pop-in-your-mouth delights bursting with flavours. Salmon Tostada (a crunchy, toasted tortilla) with whipped creme fraiche, avocado, cilantro cream and guindillas (a thin, green chili pepper commonly grown in the Basque region of Spain) topped with everything bagel seasoning is fresh and wonderfully satisfying. The housemade sausage, a favourite of Chef Mike’s is a moist and juicy savoury treat. The crunchy delicious (and very addictive) Roasted Chicken Coxinha (deep fried croquettes popular in Brazil).

Familiar brunch offering like French Toast and Pancakes have unexpected delicious twists. French Toast is a thick sliced sweet offering with it’s goji berry, chancaca syrup (a Peruvian/Chilean warm sweet sauce made from sugarcanes) topped with crushed pistachios. The fluffy stack of Pancakes is not just eye-candy but a meal in itself with fresh kiwi, toasted shaved coconut and maple syrup. Another stand out is the buttery Manchego Biscuit Benedict with an option of salmon, house back-bacon, or mushroom with a perfectly poached egg and hollandaise.

If you love your homefries, be sure to order up MARKED’s Patatas Bravas with huancaina (a Peruvian spicy cheese sauce) and aioli topped with a fried egg. And bacon lovers they got you too! The Wood-fired Pork Belly Bacon is thick cut and served with a house bbq sauce.

While the Weekend Resort brunch menu is filled with savoury dishes a refreshing dish to have is their Watermelon Salad – an exciting take on their wildly popular evening cocktail (sans alcohol). This colourful dish includes fresh cubes of watermelon, jalapeño peppers, mint with a light topping of cojita (aged Mexican cheese made from cow’s milk).

To finish off a blissful brunch be sure to save room for the crunchy warm house made churros available with two scrumptious fillings  — chocolate or apple pie. (GET BOTH)

There is also a cocktail program offered in addition to the all-inclusive brunch where mixologists offer up sunny vacation favourites including Pina Coladas, Mojitos, and Caipirinhas with a modern twist. An example is their refreshing mojito — they incorporate liquid nitrogen that helps to temporarily freeze the mint to preserve colour and flavour. When the mint is muddled it contains the fine pieces making the flavour more vibrant. They also use lime cordial instead of sugar before a splash of Plantation Three Star rum is added.

Brunchers also have the option to add on juices to their glasses of Prosecco for that magical island mimosa kiss.

Not only did the food give us vacation vibes! The front of the restaurant, where we’ve dined several times, offers natural light beaming in from the outdoors in a travel inspired space filled with high top tables and comfortable seating. But a few steps in opens to another larger dining room with banquettes ideal also for larger parties. The Corsair bar is a luxe curtained area ready for revellers and there’s also a private dining room to accommodate celebration parties. During our brunch visit local DJ Marlon Jordan had firmly placed us on island vacation mode.

This is the perfect escape from our grey, cold days that will make you forget about winter…and bonus! You won’t have to worry of luggage being lost.

MARKED Restaurant (132 John Street) Weekend Resort All-inclusive Bubbles Brunch is $95 per person (or $75 without alcohol). Available Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations definitely encouraged! For more information visit markedrestaurant.com 

*All photos by Joel Levy Photography

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Ahhh, South American fare is a perfect choice since we’ve been missing all our  travels  and their Weekend Resort Brunch will whisk you away even if only for a couple of hours. Grab your sunnies and your besties and follow your heart.

We drew our attention to visit MARKED is their “All Inclusive” Weekend Resort Brunch. The name was ever so intriguing. The all-inclusiveness not only means that everyone is welcomed here but also means we don’t have to overthink what to order. Just bring it all!

The Weekend Resort All Inclusive Brunch is a tasty option. For $65 pp treat yourself to unlimited small plates and a bottle of Prosecco (or $55 pp without the bubbly). Alternatively there are cocktails like Caipirinhas, Micheladas, Mojitos and Caesars (additional $) and juices ($) available if that is more your vibe. Then select an option from both the ‘shareable’ and ‘sweet’ menus.

So, wait, unlimited small plates? Yes, you order order all, any, and as much as you like. The server will keep bringing them. The small bites are outstanding. The Chicken Coxinha (croquettes) that is a popular street food snack in Brazil is a crunchy coated teardrop shaped ball with a creamy moist chicken filling that are super satisfying. The Bacon, Manchego Cheese   Dates are too easy to eat. I’ve stuffed dates at home with Manchego for when we have guests and they are always a hit. These are next level with bacon — that’s what bacon does, right? Portobello Arepas, Salmon Tostadas and Mushroom Coxinhas round up a flavourful “small plates”. They remind me of the Pintxo or Spanish Tapas bars we’ve encountered over the years travelling.

Searching for Ceviche? There are two choices including a refreshing Tropical Fruit option as well as their signature MARKED Ceviche dish made with the freshest fresh available. If you still crave the brunch dishes that are more familiar, the kitchen magically creates Egg Benny with South American flavours. The Manchego Biscuit Benny offers an option of smoked salmon or house smoked bacon on their freshly baked biscuit. We highly recommend the Picanha, a top sirloin that’s marinated  with the restaurant’s special rub that’s perfectly grilled  and comes with with piri piri, chimichurri and bbq sauce. All found under the “shareable” menu.

If you think you have space for a final sweet dish all of the offerings on the brunch menu are great choices. The pancake is a soufflé like fluffy pillow that’s topped with toasted coconut, fresh fruit and coconut ice cream. Reminded us of  Fuwa Fuwa Japanese pancake cafe in the city. What’s it doing on a South American menu? Well, there are tons people of Japanese descent living in the region so it’s no surprise there are some cross over in influence in the culinary world. The Rabanadas (French Toast) is a colourful option as well. It comes with goji berries, sweet mascarpone, pistachio and chancasa syrup. Of course they have churros! Both Apple Pie and Chocolate and Sea Salt options are perfect finishers.

This relatively new restaurant (opened early Fall of 2020) tantalizes and delights all your senses whether you opt for the patio or indoor dining. But where did the name MARKED come from? We learned that Morales was a former athlete – a Javelin thrower so there’s a possibility but the hope is that the restaurant experience will leave a lasting mark.

By the way, Morales has a sense of humour so don’t be surprised if something unexpected happens — I can still hear the server’s giggle as she brought out a dish Chef sent to our table!

You can read more about the restaurant here.

MARKED is located at 132 John Street, Toronto. Reservations recommended.

*Patio photo credit to Sarjoun Faour. Other photos credited to Sonya Davidson

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The large restaurant is located next to Michael’s art store on John Street between Richmond and Adelaide. The space has been vacant for some time as the new eatery finished their grand decor, finishing it with 1960s floral patterns and trinkets paying homage to Pan Am airlines and the Pan Am games.

Red, white and blue air postal strips, model planes, trophies and photographs are seen as you enter the first room, the Pan Am. A more casual space where guests are invited to have a drink while they await their tables.

Moving through the space to the next room, one enters the main dining hall, the Comedor. Several booths and individual table fill this room as well as the Tuscano private dining room with a sliding wall for privacy from the large open spaces that line each side of it.

The following room is where you can head after dinner or if you are just visiting for a drink. A hallway leads to the Corsair bar and lounge. A beautifully lit counter awaits you with a friendly face. Here you can try some of their custom cocktails or have your favourites with a spin. We tried their delicious take on a margarita.

Marked Restaurant describes their cuisine as “..a culmination of ideas, techniques, flavours and stories inspired by the adventures of Maria Morales.” A wood burning oven, fresh local ingredients and a passion for South American cuisine bring some creative and fine flavours to your table.

For some shared starters, try the dates with house bacon, pickled pepper and machego cheese. A delightful mouthful of competing and complementing flavours. Other starters include the Churrasco Oyster Mushroom with aged balsamic, parmesan and pangrattato.

For the ceviche options we tried the Marked Ceviche. Market fish, avocado, sweet potato, peruvian corn and leche de tigre. There are 4 ceviche options in total. Another is the Hamachi Tiradito. Jalenpeno, calamansi mayo, grilled clementine and malagueta hot sauce.

The remaining dishes were from their salads and their mains.

For the salad we tried the Avocado and Guava. A generous mix of house greens, guava vinaigrette, pickled pearl onion and plantain. This is a great salad to share between two as a starter or alongside your mains.

For the mains we tried the Shrimp a la parilla, the lambchetta, and the Argentinian Empanada. If you like grilled shrimp on an open flame then you may love this. It is prepared with amarillo anticucho sauce, pineapple and huancaina sauce. I always find shrimp done this way a bit dry for my liking. The moisture just drips out of them, as opposed to cooking it in ways to preserve the moisture. If you like lean meats, the lamchetta is not for you. The fatty dish is made with churrasco grilled Ontario lamb, rosemary garlic, green olive and aged balsamic. I prefer a lean lamb chop, but my friend loved this dish. It may come down to how much you love lamb, a meat I often find a lot of people have disdain for. The Empanada was my favourite of the mains we tried. Braised oxtail, castelvetrano olives and a house chimichurri make this crispy shelled dish a satisfying mid-meal bite.

There are also several rice dishes to accompany your meal. A choice between the Brazilian Coconut Rice, The Biro Biro Rice and the Feijoda, a combination of black beans, chorizo, smoked pork hock, scallion picada and garlic chips.

Visitors who are keen to check out the kitchen, a glass window displays the chefs hard at work. Looking for a patio? Marked restaurant has you covered there as well.

If you are looking for some new flavours and experiences in the downtown core, be sure to check out Marked Restaurant.

Visit them online HERE.

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