Where to Eat in Downtown Toronto Waterfront

Posted on March 19, 2012 by crew

Toronto’s Culinary Gems

I’m sure that you will agree that one of the most exciting things about any large metropolitan city is the vast array of unique and interesting restaurants around every corner and Toronto is no exception. Over the last eight years we have made it our mission to rarely go to the same restaurant twice because; we owe it to our guests to offer an expert opinion on the best cuisine Toronto has to offer.

When it comes to where to eat in Toronto, there are hundreds to choose from but here are three of our favorite restaurants.  Let’s start with an old favorite, The Academy of the Spherical Arts. Dont’t let the small sign on this old stone building fool you, this was the home of the Brunswick billiard factory. Once inside you will get the rare opportunity to play on Where to eat in Torontoa billiard table built in the 1800’s paired with good service and great food.  Here’s what Fred & Joyce Dowson from Leeds, UK had to say “Our sommelier offered perfect wine pairing with each of our entrees but the piece des resistance was the scotch selection and the exquisite billard tables”. But it’s not only the billard tables and the extensive scotch selection that will impress you, the artwork throughout the restauant, like the one above, makes a walk through the various rooms a must.

Our second recommendation, Against The Grain is nestled in a modern slate building on the edge  of the newly created Sugar Beach. Sitting on the patio with a full moon and a dockside view of the cruise boats in Toronto Harbour makes for a perfect evening.  You can taste the freshness because they  are committed to sustainable agricultural practises, which means you get  fresh local produce and natural foods that contain no antibiotics or growth hormones. Their website describes it best “Against the Grain is a casual Urban Tavern where people gather to enjoy Maple Chipotle Baked Wings with a local brew, Pulled Pork braised in dark beer and molasses, Stone Baked Pizzas or traditional cocktails with a twist’. Sounds delicious? It was!

Our third selection offers a convenient location and great Italian food offered by a Sicilian father and son team. At Porticello Restaurant everything is prepared fresh and the value price makes it a perfect find.  Remember to leave room for the tiramisu but don’t be surprised if this popular item is sold out.  We think you will like this one because we have never had a bad review from our guests. And the best thing is that it’s across the street from the Boatel so you don’t have to go far to get good Italian food.

Be sure to include at least one of these fine restaurants in your itinerary for your next visit to Toronto.

Bonne appétit

The Academy Of Spherical Arts
One Snooker Street, Toronto, ON  Tel: (416) 532-2782

Against the Grain Urban Tavern
25 Dockside Drive, Corus Quay Toronto, ON  Tel: 647-344-1562

Porticello Restaurant
370 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON (416) 598-2572 ‎

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Discovering Toronto Island

Posted on March 1, 2012 by crew

Living in the heart of downtown Toronto we are always finding new and greatToronto Island things about the city that are all within walking, boat or streetcar distance from The Boatel. This blog series will be part of an ongoing discovery of all things great about Toronto.

Our first in the series on our discovery train is  a very short version of long and colorful history of the Toronto Island. Best described the Island is an oasis, an escape from the city accessible only by boat, ferry or water taxi across the Toronto Harbour.

Back as early as 1793 the “Island” (althought it was really a peninsula) was a place for wealthy to escape the heat of the new city of Toronto (formerly York). A lighthouse was built in 1808 to guide ships into the harbour. The lighthouse is still there and is a well known landmark on the island. The Island was originally a marshy peninsula until a storm in 1858 created the Eastern Gap turning the peninsula into an island.

In the 1920′s many of Toronto’s wealthy moved to cottage county near Lake Muskoka north of Toronto.  Working modest homes were built on Centre Island and in the 1940 a community sprouted up on Ward’s Island that is still thriving today. In 1954 Hurricane Hazel caused massive flooding resulting in the newly former Metro Toronto government deciding to turn the entire Island in a park. 750 homes were bulldozed but the government found opposition on Wards and Alqonquin Islands. The Islands fought hard to Save the Island Homes and after a 30 year battle the province passed legistation in 1993 preserving the Island community.

Today life on the island is a combination of boating, picnicing, biking, bathing, all living in harmoney with a comunity of summer and year around residents.

We do have our urban beaches in Toronto along the waterfront with sand and beach chairs, but if you want to swim Toronto Island is the place to go.  Along with the public family beaches, there is also a clothing optional beach on the west side of Toronto at Hanlan’s Point. It is one of the few official nude beaches in North America. Just remember to bring the sunscreen!

I would highly recommend purchasing a copy of The Essentail Toronto Island Guide written by two local residents. This guide provides a very detailed and interesting walking tour of the Island. We also recommend a walk along the boardwalk with a stop at Rectory Cafe for lunch or dinner. Returning to the city after dark you are rewarded with a breathtaking picturesque view of Toronto at night.

Ask us for more information to plan your day trip to the Island.

Photo courtesy of Fred Sinclaire

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Requesting low fat diets or gluten free breakfast

Posted on February 20, 2012 by crew

Monitoring issuBelgium Waffleses with diabetics, hyperglycemia, gluten intolerance and other medical concerns are vitally important in the maintenance of good health. People are usually very good about communicating those concerns when staying at our B & B.  It has happened on occasion that people have told us about the medical condition only after the meal. As a bed & breakfast owner we pride ourselves on being able to adapt recipes or a menu for personal preference or medical conditions but the responsibility lies with the guest to disclose the information.  For those who don’t speak up- I can simply offer that it really is no imposition, but rather a service that we gladly offer.

As well, for many of us keeping watch on weight gain is a monumental ongoing battle. Diets of every flavour have been around for years including low fat, no fat, Atkins, Grapefruit Diet, South Beach, and the list goes on. By making long term lifestyle changes many have been able to lose weight and maintain an ideal weight for years through programs such as Weight Watchers or Fit-For-Life.

Going on vacation or traveling for business often causes a disruption to that balance that has been achieved or a setback in the goals that we are trying to achieve. Much like a medical condition requesting a low fat or low carbohydrate breakfast is the responsibility that need not be ignored while on holidays.

For years the Boatel has delighted visitors with its mouth-watering culinary delights including Old Fashioned Belgium Waffles and Apple Pecan Breakfast Lasagna. Guests enjoy eating something new or different that that don’t eat at home.  We have also recognized the need to offer a menu that addresses a variety of dietary restrictions such as calorie-reduce meal plans for low fat and no-fat or sodium-reduced diets. So, please don’t be shy, all you need to do is ask. Perhaps you’ll even discover a new favorite recipe.

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Eco-friendly travel credentials becoming more important to travellers

Posted on December 1, 2011 by crew

Green travel On November 8, 2011 TRIPADVISOR announced the results of its annual travel trends survey for 2012 of more than 2,700 U.S. travelers. Despite the current economic climate, 31 percent anticipate they will spend more on leisure travel next year, while 49 percent expect to spend the same amount as they did in 2011.

Green Travel – 20 years ago we would not even have considered deciding on a hotel or bed and breakfast based on it’s environmentally-conscious or green initiatives however today 12% of respondents from the Tripadvisor survey stated that “eco’friendly” hotels were an important criteria.

Tripadvisor includes questions about Eco-friendly Travel Actions.
1.Participating in a hotel’s linen or towel re-use program – 71%
2.Switching off the air-conditioning or heat when leaving the hotel room – 51%
3.Select a hotel specifically for its “green” or environmentally-conscious credentials – 12%

Being an Eco-friendly accommodation is more that just saving water on towels. It’s all part of a stratey that encompasses trash removal and recycling; using environmentally-conscious products for cleaning; and of-course conserving energy and water. It’s a whole way of thinking and operating to ensure that all of our actions are friendly to the environment.

At the Boatel, our commitment is to sustainable environmental practices for ourselves, our guests and community. We applaud TRIPADVISOR for including this classification in their annual survey and for people who support Eco-friendly travel options. For more about see our blog post under Green Living.

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