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!

DADS…

they are many things to many people and perhaps one of the hardest people in your life to shop for? So if you’re gonna grab a gift for Dad this Father’s Day, why not go local? Here’s our Top 5 places to buy a gift for Father’s Day…

SHINOLA

Photo by Scott Norsworthy

Detroit-based SHINOLA is a “luxury design brand with an unwavering commitment to crafting products that are built to last—from timepieces to leather goods, jewelry to audio.” Their 1000 Queen St. West store is ideally located on the popular Ossington strip and as the description says, carries a tonne of well-crafted products that should please your papa to no end. Guys and leather is generally a good match. Sorry to all those vegan Dads out there.

18 WAITS

Photo by Hector Vasquez

We first heard of 18 Waits specifically in regard to their absolutely adorable Father/Son selection of clothing. Many pieces in the store are replicated in both adult and children sizes, making for a super-sweet match-y, match-y look for your hubby and little one. Gorgeous fabrics and well-crafted clothing with a specificity to button-up shifts make this shop a no-brainer for Father’s Day.

WANT APOTHECARY

Who says that Dad’s can’t do with a little pampering? You may be surprised to find out your pops actually considers moisturizing a necessity or wouldn’t mind a new bracing aftershave balm post-shave. Want apothecary in Rosedale/Lawrence Park not only carries all of these personal grooming products but a full selection of classy and stylish mens wear.

THE CHEF UPSTAIRS

If you’re anything like Jeremy, you love to get dinner going or cook up some new recipe on the weekend. Why not skip the product offering and go for an experience instead? After-all, experiences are the new products. The Chef Upstairs offers a variety of classes on a variety of cuisines and techniques. Whether Dad wants to bone up on his knife skills or learn the essential ingredients to make the perfect Mexican dinner, midtown’s The Chef Upstairs has him covered.

MONTRAIT MUAY THAI

If you follow our social media accounts, you know we’re HUGE fans of the work Peter Montrait is doing at his new gym on Dundas West. Peter is the real deal in terms of experience and insight, nutrition and knowledge. Most Dad’s don’t get the time they need to get to the gym or when they do, may not be the best at filling that session with the most beneficial exercises. Why not leave it to a pro? Peter does private training sessions and holds Muay Thai kickboxing and Kettle Bell classes that are literally fun for the whole family (if that’s what you need). Do your Dad a favour and give them a call.

Wherever and whatever you go to or do with Dad this Sunday, remember that the best presents tend to be presence. Got a favourite spot you like to shop for Dad in Toronto? Please let us know!

Happy Father’s Day Dads!

CONGRATULATIONS!

You (or your child) has graduated high school! Where to throw an amazing shindig? Here’s 5 venues that will transport you from those hallowed halls in style…

THE APERTURE ROOM

Aperture Room is a stylish event space located on the third floor of The Thornton-Smith Building in downtown Toronto. The name is derived from one of the building’s most prominent tenants, Toronto Camera, which occupied all four floors in 1966. The space features original exposed brick walls, three magnificent skylights, hardwood floors, plaster ceilings, LED lighting throughout and a refined heritage flare. Aperture Room also offers built-in AV equipment including state-of-the-art screens, projectors and architectural lighting, lending itself to all types of social and corporate events. The space can accommodate 120 guests for a seated event and 180 guests for a standing reception.

DISTRICT 28

District 28 is a boutique events company located in Toronto's iconic studio district. You can choose from three unique studios, an in-house screening room, restaurant, and reception area. The white, blank canvas of the event venue allows for your own creative input into hosting your own corporate event, high-end fundraiser, and more. 

GEARY LANE

Toronto’s hub for culture and creativity. Nestled away on a seemingly industrial stretch of Geary Avenue at Dufferin & Dupont, the Geary Lane studio is centrally located in an area of the city that is ripe with creative drive and youthful energy.

Housed in a 3000 square foot professional film studio and former recording studio, Geary Lane is a multi-purpose space that can magically transform to suit the needs of your creative projects. Whether you are looking for a state of the art location to shoot film or photography projects, a comfortable and accommodating space for intimate music or theatre rehearsals, or to educate the community through workshops, exhibits, or screenings, Geary Lane is the ideal space to let your creative ideas run wild.

THE COSTUME HOUSE

The Costume House is another venue situated in the Geary Avenue arts district. Originally built in the early 1900's by the Eaton family as a horse stable, this newly restored, turn of the century hard loft features a 13ft ceiling, original post and beam construction, textured brick, east-facing windows, and original oak flooring. This epic blank canvas provides the ultimate space for bringing your bespoke event creations to life. 

LONGBOAT HALL

Located in the uber hip West Queen West area, LongBoat Hall is part of The Great Hall. This lower level space offers over 5000 sq. ft of event space with 20 foot ceilings and cast iron beams. Grand, modern and classic all at once, this is a great venue for those who need to accommodate a larger crowd.