8 things to try in Toronto this summer

I made my list back at the beginning of Spring, of things I wanted to do and try before the summer hit. My list is here, and I got through most of them. It ended up feeling like a hobby after a while - especially when it came to trying to get my hands on the Mill St. Bierschnapps.

Anyway - it's a new season - and a lot more that I'm looking forward to trying. 5 went way too quick - and the summer is a long season, so here are 8 things I'd like to try (and you should too) this summer in Toronto....


1. Amsterdam Brewhouse

The building, right on the water, behind Paws way

I've been looking forward to this the first day I found out where Amsterdam was opening their pub. I first tasted as was introduced to Amsterdam brewery a couple years ago when we did a bunch of beer tours in one day - and I was impressed with their selection - I really think they're an underrated local brewery. Their move to their larger facility in Leaside (just up the street from us), and their opening of what looks like an AMAZING addition to the Toronto waterfront is finally bringing their image up to where it needs to be. I was excited to head to the brewhouse, and then I read the review over at BlogTO - and saw the pictures, and I almost made reservations on the spot. They offer up all of brews, along with TONS of microbrews celebrating their history, and the city. Three patios, exposed beams, local artwork, and steps from the water - make visiting this unique space a no brainer for any Torontonian, or any tourist. Amsterdam Brewhouse 245 Queens Quay, Toronto


2. Frisbee Golf on the Toronto Islands

The map of the course

I do play REAL golf too - but the fact that I don't drive, my clubs are still at my parents, and that golf is so expensive makes wanting to at least try this out an easy decision. I went to Centre Island last week with some of Michelle's family and seeing this course again reminded me how much I want to try it. The course is free to play, all you have to do is bring your own frisbees. So, I'll be heading down with some friends - and some (discreet) beers, and will play the 18-hole disc golf course. Maps are downloadable here. Disc Golf Course Ward's Island, Toronto


3. Polson Pier Cabana Pool Bar

The view from the pool

I'm not the club type, and if you ever watched that show on MTV about the pool bars in Vegas - it just looked terrible to me: sure it's probably packed with good looking people - but it's packed with people in the heat, no room in the pools, drunk in the middle of the day, sounds exhausting (I know...I'm old aren't I?).
That being said though - the fact that someone in Toronto was able to pull something so original to this city off like this, is impressive enough to draw me in. The view of the city alone, and being able to drink in a pool without going to the Caribbean is totally worth it. The people who put this together are experts in their field if there are any - the Ink entertainment group are behind Tattoo Rock Parlour, the Guvernment, Koolhaus, the Sound Academy, Dragonfly (in Niagara Falls), and many more. They modeled the Cabana Pool Bar after a Miami pool bar, and from the pictures and reviews I've seen, they've hit the mark. Cabana Pool Bar 11 Polson St., Toronto

4. Eat at Lisa Marie

To be honest, I've tried to steer clear of the whole 'Fidel Gastro' craze. By the time I really started getting interested int he Toronto food scene, Matt Basile and his food truck were already popular, and there were new players to try. Since then, Lisa Marie (his restaurant) has opened, and been getting good reviews. With ever changing menus, and big crowds, I won't be rushing to get to this one, but I figure I should give it a try - I mean - he is on TV and all... Lisa Marie 638 Queen St West, Toronto


5. Swim at the state of the art Regent Park Aquatic centre

Inside the aquatic centre

Yeah...I don't think I have to tell you how that it's hot outside...see any of my recent tweets. I know that sometimes public pools can be questionable, to say the least, but ever since I took my first streetcar ride past this building when it was under construction - I was impressed. Seeing it in use now, and the photos that I've seen of the inside, just put it over the top. My first swim of the season was up north, and my second will most likely be down at Woodbine beach - but my third (yes, my third) will definitely be here.




6. Eat a meal in the street

Celebrate Yonge

I never did get to head down and check out the 'Celebrate Yonge' festival they had in the downtown Yonge area last year. They closed down one lane on Yonge st. around the Dundas area - and made mini patios and parklets for people to eat and hang out - it was the first step to creating a better pedestrian tourist area. There's been no announcements on if they'll repeat it this year (despite the positive reviews), but there has been an announcement that they'll adopt a similar concept over on Church street. On Church, (roughly) between Wellesley and Carlton, several parking areas will be used for patios and parklets, for nearly three months (July 10-October 20). Many of the local restaurants will be using the space for patios - and I'll definitely be heading out to see what it's like to eat in the street.


7. Eat a gourmet hot dog

Michelle and I used to always make fun of the place that used to be in the space that Craft Dogs now occupies. Not because it wasn't good (we'd never been), just the name - it was 'Pastabilities' before now. Then we passed by one day and something new was coming, and if you know me, you know I like hot dogs. This was exciting, and it reminded me of 'Dougie Dog' on Dragon's Den - who had a weird presentation, but what looked like great hot dogs. This place looks to do hot dogs right - taking the image of being a 'cheap' street food, to legitimate meal. With a pulled pork hot dog, and over 15 more to try - I'm sure (if it's good) I'll go back for more...

8. Eat at the Paintbox Bistro

While I'm swimming at the Regent Park aquatic centre, I'll head across the street to the Paintbox Bistro. The first time I saw this, I knew there was something different about it...don't ask me how I knew, it was something about the location, the font they used, and the way the kitchen has huge transparent windows that you can watch the chefs working through. After some research I found out that this is more than a restaurant and bistro, this is a social insititution, and the positive effects are endless. First, many of the trained chefs are from the neighbouring George Brown college, helping new grads gain experience running a kitchen. Second, many of the staff are from the surrounding Regent Park community housing projects, offering them job experience and training in a kitchen, for their time. Third, the restaurant houses and runs a usable kitchen and space for local food startups, who need a business address and space to get themselves started. Amazing right? I'll still judge them on the food, but I'll be a little nicer about it...

*Carryover: Try a Lobster Caesar at Rock Lobster Co.: This is one I never did get around to in Spring, but I haven't forgot about it.