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!

In the landscape of BBQ there are many factions, styles, origins and flavours. Thankfully Toronto has all of them for the tasting, using a variety of meats and techniques borrowed mostly from our Southern neighbours tried and true recipes, accompanied by amazing sides.

Here are 4 spots that the Toronto BBQ enthusiast should make sure they check out before summer’s over…

ADAMSON BARBECUE

Modelled after the famous Franklin Barbecue house in Texas, this Leaside lunch-only spot serves up proper Texas BBQ from the brisket to the sliced white bread.

BIG CROW

This Yorkville/Annex BBQ joint is courtesy of the Rose and Sons boys. As their site indicates, the restaurant is “Inspired by Algonquin Park, Canoe Trips & Campfire Cooking” taking a slightly unorthodox approach to BBQ with items like Rainbow Trout, brisket nachos and pea meal bacon subs.

SMOQUE N BONES

Keeping the trendy transients along Queen St. West satisfied isn’t the easiest task given all of the amazing food choices but Smoque and Bones does the strip proud, delivering all the classics; beef/pork ribs, pulled pork, sausage, etc. with a variety of regional sauces that allow the customer to navigate their way through BBQ history.

HOGTOWN SMOKE

Hogtown smoke has quickly become a BBQ institution for many. This East-end BBQ joint has a patio and backyard to house it’s 3 large smokers to indulge in BBQ classics or specialties like Waygu brisket and shrimp boils.

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!