As the chill of winter sets in, we’re prompted to take some time to enjoy that favourite of fares, steak. Many argue over what are the best cuts and the best spots but perhaps most exemplified in a great steakhouse is a combination of atmosphere and aged meat… a little scotch doesn’t hurt either.

Here are 5 of our favourite spots to sink into a great steak…

THE KEG MANSION

A Toronto mainstay in steaks for over 40 years, The KEG mansion serves up the classic KEG food menu of steaks and seafood in one of the best locations in Toronto. Apparently haunted, the atmosphere here can’t be beat!

HARBOUR 60 STEAKHOUSE

Another iconic Toronto building, Harbour 60 offers a glamorous setting to enjoy some more high-end options including truffle steak and eggs, A5 Japanese Kobe and bone-in NY strip loin.

STK TORONTO

Situated in the heart of Yorkville, this luxury steakhouse chain serves up some mighty fine steaks in an uber sophisticated atmosphere that will please even the most choosey restauranteur.

MICHAEL’S ON SIMCOE

This locale is easily the priciest of the bunch but they do it all so well. Look out for 2 types of Wagyu and A5 Japanese that could cost over $1,300! Good thing they’ve got their own dry aging chamber to ensure quality.

BLUEBLOOD STEAKHOUSE

Again with the ambiance! Blueblood keeps it regal by holding court in Casa Loma, which makes the whole experience rather opulent. But they don’t skimp on the steak and certainly not the rest of the menu; jumbo scallops, a seafood tower and amazing short rib ravioli to name a few. Definitely a place worth celebrating.

Wherever your bloodthirsty appetites take you, be sure to let us know! Enjoy!

Imagine stepping off the King St. car on your way to catch the Yonge line north to your meeting/job/appointment. You’ve got a few extra minutes to grab a coffee and snack before you get on the Yonge line. This is the situation that led me to wonderful Dineen Coffee Co. in Commerce Court at Bay St. and King.

The otherwise austere facade of the financial district might lead one to feel this cafe’s location would be stuffy or cramped but quite the opposite is true. It’s set just so beyond the King entrance in a beautiful lobby with lots of comfortable seating around and at the bar and is run by some really great cashiers and baristas!

For this experience, I tried one of my favourite coffees for the morning; a brevé cappuccino (all cream/no milk). It’s kind of like my test coffee to see how good the baristas are; if done wrong, it’s usually very foamy or overly hot and makes for a kind of weak coffee with too much hot cream. But when done correctly (as it was here), it’s a beautifully rich and less sweet alternative to a regular cappuccino. I paired mine with a nicely buttery jalapeño and cheddar scone; delicious!

Next time you’re close to King and Yonge, do yourself a favour and check out this great coffee spot. You won’t be disappointed!

There are currently 3 locations for Dineen. See the map below for the one closest to you!

Here's where Dineen Coffee Co. is in Toronto

This week’s Toronto Hot Spot continues to focus on the Ossington strip, in the Queen West area

I love all locations of i deal coffee and must be honest that I'm particularly biased as I worked there for sometime. BUT, they in fact do have some of the best coffee in the city, lovingly made by baristas who are expertly trained.

One of the reasons the coffee is so good is that it’s roasted locally at The Merchants of Green Coffee in Toronto’s East End so any coffee served or packaged to go is perfectly fresh.

BONUS the Ossington i deal coffee location now also serves wine along with delicious food! The Ossington strip has so much to offer these days but for coffee, this is my go to.

PRO SNACK TIP! The chocolate dipped coconut macaroons are TO DIE FOR

Have you been to i deal before? What was your favourite drink choice?

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