If you’ve been longing to get out and socialize over a pitch-perfect meal (and maybe a glass of wine), you’re not alone. Food lovers across the city have spent months fantasizing about sitting across the table from someone they care about while enjoying some flavourful cuisine.

Fortunately, the CafeTO program is allowing for expanded outdoor dining. The creation of cordoned off patios, which extend into curb lanes or sidewalks, are providing new opportunities to eat, drink, and be merry!

Here are five patios created through the CafeTO program that you are well worth visiting…

1) Campo

On Jane Street, not far from Bloor West Village, you’ll find a charming, Italian-inspired eatery known as Campo. From the handmade gnocchi to the braised rabbit leg, the cuisine here is truly divine. This west-end gem has been offering incredible meals for takeaway throughout the pandemic, and now its new patio is open for business. So call up your best foodie friend and enjoy a long, luxurious dinner out in the open air—don’t forget to end things off with the tiramisu!

2) Gio Rana’s

Is there such a thing as too much high-quality Italian food? Nope, so let’s head across the city from Campo for some more pitch-perfect pasta. Leslieville is home to Gio Rana’s Really, Really Nice Restaurant an eatery that’s been around since 1989. Tasty red sauce, checkered table cloths, and a whole lot of heart have helped keep the customers rolling in. Now east enders can once again get their fix on the restaurant’s enticing patio, complete with twinkle lights.

3) Little Sister

Little Sister is one of those restaurants that’s so unique, you simply have to try it. This local favourite, which has two locations, serves up exquisite Dutch Indo food, including flavourful snacks and traditional main courses. The udang kari (white shrimp poached in curry sauce) is a must-try, and all the cocktails are seriously impressive. If you’re looking for something different, head to the Portland Street outpost, where the patio is waiting (fyi, there’s a rigorous COVID policy in place, which you can read about on the restaurant’s website).

4) Gerrard East Market

Some patios are worth checking out for the theme alone. Gerrard East Market is one of them—though it does serve up some pretty tasty food and drinks, too. Complete with sand, beach chairs, and umbrellas, this east-end hotspot is the perfect place to enjoy a beer or two and a casual bite (think rice and roasted pork from GB Hand-Pulled Noodles or guava BBQ beef short rib from La Cubana). You’ll find Gerrard East Market in the parking lot of 241 Pizza and Pho Com Tam 168.

5) Stock TC

Beloved Italian restaurant chain Terroni and popular butcher Cumbraes have joined forces, and the results defy expectations. Known as Stock TC, their space near Yonge and Eglinton is a grocer, cafe, butcher, bakery, gelateria, and restaurant. If you’re looking to dine out, you’ll be happy to learn about their eatery patio, Stock Bar. From the classic pizza Terroni lovers adore to the perfect steaks that Cumbraes is known for, there really is something here for everyone. Put simply, this is the perfect place to enjoy a fan favourite while soaking up the sun!

Looking for the perfect neighbourhood for your next home? Check out our neighbourhood guides to learn more about some of our favourite communities!

Here is an interesting and eye-opening interview with my REALM Colleague Kandace Douglas who represents SilverSands in Grenada. We discuss the project, options for “Citizenship by Investment”, taxation and the incredible options that are being offered by the developer of SilverSands.

Please let me know if you are interested in speaking directly to Kandace or if you’d like more information. I can easily provide it.

You can check out the SilverSands villas here for yourself.

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Coconut Caramel Squares: From “Mama Now Cooks Like This” by Susan Mendelson of the Lazy Gourmet, in Vancouver, British Columbia…

Preheat over to 350. Grease square baking pan.

Melt ½ Cup of Butter

Add 1 Cup of Brown Sugar and 1 Egg and Whisk

Add ½ Cup of Flour and 1 Tsp Baking Powder

Add 1 cup Coconut

Add 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Put it in the baking pan. Sprinkle CHIPITS Skor Bits, Chocolate Chips for Baking on the top. (this last step is my addition to Susan Mendelson’s recipe. It started because I had a lot of leftover Skor Bar CHIPITS that I wanted to use, and it has made the squares even better)

Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and then cool.

Cut into small squares because these are very good but very rich and delicious.

Related Posts:

Confessions of a COVID Baker – Sour Cream Coffee Cake

The COVID Baker: Leandro’s Mandarin Pound Cake

There’s just something about watching a video. Whether it’s an Old Hollywood motion picture, a brand new thriller on Netflix, or even a short film on youtube. Can you see where we’re going with this?

Our latest youtube video, “The Magic of Listing,” is partly about movies—and their immersive power. It also contains some super helpful information for home sellers. If you’re thinking of listing in the not-too-distant future, we hope you’ll give it a whirl. You may not have time to heat up a bag of popcorn, but we think you’re going to enjoy it.

Once you’re finished watching, check out the top five seller insights from our short film…

1) Listing is a seemingly effortless process…

When a movie is crafted with care, it feels seamless. It’s as though everything has just come together. Listing a home should be the same way. From your initial consultation with us to pricing your home to marketing it to buyers, the whole process should feel effortless for you. Of course, your needs, goals, and input will be crucial (for example, we’ll advise you on pricing, but the decision is ultimately yours). But beyond that, every step should feel entirely smooth.

2) But there’s actually a lot of effort involved

Of course, on our end, there’s a lot of hard work going on. We’re strategizing to determine the best way to position your home in the market. When we advise you on price, we’ve done extensive local research to provide the best possible guidance. When we prepare your property, we carefully assess each room, envisioning its full potential. Our marketing efforts are carefully thought out and strategic. It’s a lot like the production of a film—where a large cast and crew spends countless hours bringing their movie to life.

3) Collaboration is key

Just as producing a movie can only happen if a talented group of professionals come together, listing a home requires collaboration. From our staging designer to our decluttering professionals to our home inspector, we work closely with local experts who are the best in their fields. With our closest team members, we consider your home’s most likely buyers. We think carefully about how best to reach them—and work out the logistics to make it happen. It requires commitment, skill, and imagination.

4) Every detail matters

A truly immersive film has been edited to perfection. We feel the same way about every home we list. When we’re preparing a property, there’s no detail too small to consider. From faded paint in the bathroom to a door that sometimes squeaks, we’ll look at every potential improvement—and decide which ones need to be tackled. During their assessment, our home inspector will also give us a heads up about any potential issues we may need to take care of before listing.

5) Seller’s play a role, too

Of course, you also have a part in the process. Simply put, we want you to enjoy it. The transformation can be truly impressive, and many sellers get a lot of pleasure out of watching it unfold. While you can always weigh in, provide opinions, and ask questions, you’re also welcome to spend all your time looking forward to a smooth sale and impressive return. It’s a lot like watching a movie—with a much bigger reward at the end!

Getting ready to list your home? Finding a dedicated local agent you can trust is the first step—get in touch to learn how we can help.

Are you feeling it? That sudden pull to get outside and enjoy the sun? When the weather warms up, the call of the great outdoors is strong. You may choose to answer it by doing some gardening, taking a leisurely stroll, or simply basking in the sun. But for countless Torontonians, it’s all about hopping on a bike and exploring the world on two wheels. Fortunately, there’s an abundance of fantastic trails around the city—and now is the perfect time to check them out.

Here are five biking trails every cycling enthusiast should check out in Toronto…

1) Martin Goodman Trail

It’s one of Toronto’s true gems. Martin Goodman Trail spans an incredible 22 kilometres along Toronto’s waterfront. There are many access points, from Sir Casimir Gzowski Park (in Etobicoke) on one end to the Eastern Beaches (as in Kew and Balmy) on the other. Local cyclists are big fans of the stunning views this trail provides. Sparkling lakefront, urban skylines, and plenty of greenery will keep you coming back to this Toronto staple—luckily, there are many parks and lookout points to explore.

2) High Park Trails

High Park may be a west-end green space, but it’s beloved by outdoor enthusiasts across Toronto. That includes cyclists. The park’s trails include paved and dirt sections, and there aren’t many steep sections (making them good for all skill levels). While you’re there, you may want to hop off your bike to see the sights—or do some people watching. If the famed cherry blossoms are in bloom, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to check them out!

3) Toronto Central Trail

The Toronto Central Trail is situated along Queen’s Quay, ending at the Harbour Front. There’s plenty to do along the way, like making a pit stop at Sunny Side Beach. Walk along this sandy stretch, and you’ll find sights like the Palais Royale and the bathing pavilion (both of which have strong historical value). While there’s plenty to look at, the thing many riders like most is the inclusion of a dedicated asphalt trail for cyclists only (so there’s no need to worry about pedestrians).

4) Don Valley Trail

Looking for a true outdoor oasis in the city? The Don River Valley meanders through vast stretches of greenery for an impressive 32 kilometres. Its accompanying paved trail gives cyclists a serene feel, thanks to the conservation areas and parkland it passes through. You can also choose your own adventure by selecting one of the forks along the way (you’ll likely find yourself in a park, or on a nearby city street). Urban meets natural beauty on the Don Valley Trail, and local cyclists can’t get enough of it!

5) Moore Park Ravine

Speaking of natural beauty, the Moore Park Ravine has it in spades. It’s also home to one of the most stunning paths in Toronto. Wide and heavily treed, it’s perfect for those who like some majestic scenery with their regular exercise. You can even rent a “fat bike” (featuring wider tires) to keep the fun going when winter eventually hits. If you’re so inclined, you can find them at nearby Evergreen Brick Works!

Ready to learn more about what’s happening in the city? Check out our neighbourhood guides—and get in touch to ask any questions you have about buying.

For some home buyers, living close to the action is a must. The good news is, many neighbourhoods in Central Toronto are great places to live—and not just for young professionals. There’s no shortage of family-friendly communities here, and high-quality schools are one of their biggest draws.

Here are five fantastic elementary options to consider near the centre of the city…

1) Orde Street Public School

The South Annex (also known as Harbord Village) is one of the most colourful little enclaves in Toronto’s core. It’s also a great place to grow up—and get an education. Orde Street Public School, which boasts an impressive score of 8.4 from the Fraser Institute, is a local favourite. These halls of learning have been serving the community since 1914, and they still reflect the area’s diverse population. Importantly, students also score well on EQAO tests in reading, writing, and math.

2) Rosedale Junior Public School

Life in Rosedale is perfect for families. From its majestic homes to the peace, quiet, and privacy it provides, this neighbourhood has it all. If you have little ones, you’ll be pleased to learn that it’s home to one of the best learning environments in the city. Rosedale Junior Public School receives an incredible 9.9 out of 10 from the Fraser Institute. Founded in 1891, it’s well-known for its focus on academic excellence and enriching the creativity of its students.

3) Cottingham Junior Public School

Summerhill is beloved for its heritage housing stock, pretty green spaces, and vibrant local amenities. In this central neighbourhood lies Cottingham Junior Public School, a learning institution that earns a 9.2 ranking from the Fraser Institute. Students enjoy an education that extends beyond academics to include the arts, technology, and sports. Parents who want to be closely involved in their children’s schooling are in luck, as Cottingham is all about fostering collaboration between family members and staff.

4) Downtown Alternative School

Could your little one benefit from a more tailored approach to learning? Alternative schools fit the bill. This unique model is interested in innovative approaches, community involvement, and (as a rule) smaller populations for more one-on-one attention. Downtown Alternative School is no exception. Not far from St. Lawrence Market, this urban gem is all about keeping kids curious and engaged—and it receives an 8.4 from the Fraser Institute for its efforts.

5) John Ross Robertson Junior Public School

Another longstanding neighbourhood institution, John Ross Robertson Junior Public School has been around since 1921. Located in beautiful Lytton Park, it’s known for its 9.2 Fraser Institute score, its great french immersion program, and its dedicated school council (which encourages parental involvement). John Ross Robertson also seeks to provide students with a well-rounded education that includes character building. From “empathy” to “co-operation” to “honesty,” the school focuses on a different trait each month.

Looking for the perfect family-friendly neighbourhood in Central Toronto? Get in touch to benefit from our in-depth community expertise—and take your first step today!