Top 10 Non Greek Restaurants on the Danforth

As my friend Adrienne and I spent Friday evening hopping from place to place on the Danforth trying out different menu and cocktail options it inspired me to write a piece of my top 10 favourite non greek Resturants on the Danforth

1. Globe Bistro

Globe Bistro is my favourite non Greek Restaurant on the Danforth by far. It is also the place Adrienne and I started our escapades on Friday night and it is a place I frequent with many of my friends. This ultra swanky restaurant serves up savory menu items and their cocktail concoctions are to die for. They also boast an extensive wine list to accommodate any wine conosur and their rooftop patio has been best described as a wood trim oasis fuelled by good vibes and good service.

2. Allen's

A staple on the Danforth for years now, Allen's serves up a mouthwatering Irish/American menu. Try the Bison burger and Guiness chocolate cake I guarantee you will love it! For the full Irish experience be sure to sample some of their 355 different whiskey's. They also serve over 140 bottled beers and over 100 VQA wines. Their award winning backyard patio is adorned by one of Toronto's oldest trees that not only provides shade but it also creates a serene ambiance for all its patrons.

3. Lolita's Lust

Is known as a hotspot for many celebrities visiting this city. Its a great place to dine with a group of friends or if your looking for romance there are spots nicely tucked away for a more intimate setting. This trendy restaurant offers up an eclectic menu with something to satisfy everyone. On the upper level you will find their Chinchilla Lounge, perfect for a reception or party! It can accommodate up to 100 people.

4. Il Fornello

Although this is a chain restaurant you can find in many parts of the city, I still have to add it to my list of favourites on the Danforth. Il Fornello is a vibrant restaurant with a stellar reputation for the wide variety of flavourful pastas and its gourmet pizzas right from the wood burning stove. This is the place where I went for dinner when I got engaged so it has a special place in my heart.

5. Casa Sushi

Is a newer sushi establishment on the Danforth and now my favourite. As a sushi lover this place offers a great assortment of rolls all at an affordable price. It offers lots of seating so you don't have to worry about having to wait for a seat which was always my problem at Sushi Delight. They happen to be right next door and I would have to say they are my second favourite with Katsu Sushi following right behind them for third spot on best sushi places on the Danforth. Katsu is a great bang for your buck if you go for the "All You Can Eat" option.

6. The Auld Spot

The Auld Spot is graced with tiny white lights all across the ceiling and planters which creates a sophisticated feel you don't get from other pubs across the city. The Ault Spot is not just your average pub they offer a menu that will tantalize your taste buds with fresh oysters for all you seafood lovers. If you are not a seafood lover try the pulled pork sandwich it is scrumptious.

7. Mambo Lounge

Adds a little Cuban flair to the Danforth with Cuban food, music and mojito's! The tapas selection includes crab cakes, coconut shrimp and warm goat cheese. From mains comes a selection of seafood as well as cuban-style roast chicken, all at a great price. The ambiance, food and music make for a fun filled evening.

8. Red Violin Brazilian Steakhouse

Is for meat lovers! My old boss would always rant and rave about this place so I had to see this place for myself. For about $50 set price you can enjoy the all you can eat steak, roasted pork, chicken and sasauge. A large salad and seafood buffet is also available with the prix fixe price. Also enjoy live entertainment on Friday's and Saturday's.

9.The Family Thai

Located steps away from my house I can't get enough of this Thai restaurant. I often order take out but have sat inside a few times too. After being in Thailand myself I can say this place offers Thai food very comparable to what you will find in Thailand. The Pad Thai is my staple at a price of only $7 you can't go wrong.

10. The Brass Taps

If your looking for good ol' pub food this is the place to go. The pizza's are made fresh and in front of you. The fish and chips taste just like the way you would have them in England and the chicken wings I hear are cooked to perfection. It's a casual place I have been going to since high school and I seem to keep running into familiar faces every time I go, which just goes to show its popularity. Adrienne and I went their for a bite to eat on Friday and we got the Nacho Fries. Fries drizzled in mozzarella cheese, tomato's, lettus and bacon they were amazing!

Rock Of Ages

Last night my friends and I went to see the hair metal musical Rock of Ages. Rock of Ages is a musical combining the rock hits of the 80's, with a romantic story line and some great comical relief.

The story is about Drew a wanna-be rocker who meets Sherrie a wanna-be actress from Kansas, at the Bourbon Room a rock bar on the Sunset Strip. Unfortunately, the club they both work in is now being threatened to be torn down by a big German business developer Hertz and his son Franz. The plot is nothing special as we have seen it all before. Boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back, all while saving the Bourbon Room from being demolished. I am sorry if I ruined it for those of you who haven't seen it but I am sure you would have figured it out! The narrator Lonnie steals the show with his comical entrances and witty lines. He even pokes fun at the story line to make light of its cheesiness.

I thought Rock of Ages was spectacular. The music renditions of 80's hits from bands like Poison, Twisted Sister, Whitesnake, Extreme, Bon Jovi and Journey were belted out to perfection. I am still have the song "We're Not Going to Take it" stuck in my head today! I also felt the constant comic relief throughout the show kept me very entertained. I highly recommend this musical to everyone but especially to those like my husband who are still in love with the hair metal bands from the 80's.

Buying a Home- 10 Things You Need To Know

By Tony WongBusiness Reporter

Buying a home is the largest purchase you’ll likely make. No wonder you’re stressed. Where should you look? Can you afford it? What will happen if interest rates rise? It may all seem daunting, but you can make it more manageable with a little planning. Here are a few things to figure out before you make the leap.

1. Get your financial house in order
Figure out your net worth, which is your assets less your liabilities. Assets are things like cash, investments, savings, cars, boats and so on, while liabilities are things you owe – car loans, amounts on lines of credit, overdrafts, credit cards. Subtracting one from the other tells you what you’re worth. Hint: If you get a negative number, you should probably re-think the whole thing. The bigger the down payment the less interest you will pay in the long run. Well before you start looking for a house or condo, build a budget that will allow you to put some money away each month for that down payment.

2. Talk to a broker or your bank
Choosing a mortgage is like going to an ice cream parlour – there are dozens of choices and different flavors. It may be time for a mortgage broker or adviser at your bank. A mortgage broker will shop around, much like an insurance broker, to find you the best deal. Your banker will sell you a mortgage offered by the bank. That doesn’t mean you can’t negotiate with your bank. The posted rates are a starting point and you can usually get a better deal. If they won’t negotiate go somewhere else. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you go to a broker, ask how long they’ve been in business, what kind of products they offer and if they have references. Often the best way to find a broker is word of mouth. Ask your friends.

3. Terms and rates
The next decisions revolve around how long you want to lock the mortgage in and than will determine the rate of interest you pay. This is called the mortgage term and can be as little as six months or as long as seven years. It locks you in to a set of payments for the length of the term. Shorter terms have lower rates of interest. Along with this is the amortization period, or the amount of time it will take to pay off your loan. It might run anywhere from say, 15 to 35 years. The longer your amortization, the more interest you will pay. It may be worth considering a weekly mortgage. The monthly payment is divided by four, but the advantage is that you make four extra payments a year which are applied to principal. It’s a painless way to pay down your mortgage faster. Once you’ve settled on a rate, term and amortization period, you get a mortgage pre-approved by your lender.

4. Get a real estate lawyer
While your dentist can likely do a fine root canal, an endodonist will likely do a better job. In some cases there won’t be a substantial difference in cost, but it could save you some pain down the road. Similarly, having an experienced real estate lawyer looking over your purchase agreement, checking for outstanding taxes and liens or claims against the property can be a lifesaver down the road. Line the lawyer up in advance and explain your plan. That way, there’s no surprise when you put in your offer and come back to him with the deal.

5. Have realistic expectations
First time buyers often start with a wish list that may not be realistic given their resources. Starting big is fine, as long as you recognize that along the way you’ll make trade offs between location, size of house and features. First, assess your lifestyle . If you are single, enjoy walking to Starbucks for a latte and hate cutting grass, then a detached home in the suburbs is likely not for you. Make a list of the things you want. Do you need a two car garage? Space for a home office? Are you going to have children? Is it a good location? Don’t look at the house in isolation. Make sure the neighborhood, schools and surrounding amenities and services fits your needs. Now start looking around. Use the internet, newspapers, and real estate magazines to get up to speed. Go to open houses to get a sense of what’s available at what price. Knowledge is power. A good place to start is with your local Multiple Listing Service site.

6. Stick to your plan
Understand what your spending limit is and don’t go over it. A pool might be nice, but it is not a necessity. Buying a home is ultimately a compromise of needs versus wants. Try not to get emotional. In a hot market, bidding wars can be tough on buyers. But you could end up with a whole pile of buyer’s remorse if you think you overpaid. Or what may look like a lemon. Homes that are in disrepair or need fixing up can usually be purchased for less. Don’t be hung up on the wallpaper, or the fact that the kitchen isn’t pristine. Use a little imagination. Yes, it’s going to take work, but the savings could be worth it. Because when life gives you lemons, a slap of paint and a trip to the hardware store will Increase housing value like you wouldn’t believe.

7. Buyer agency agreement
Make sure that your agent represents you. A buyer agency agreement helps to reduce conflict of interest since the brokerage represents you exclusively. The seller’s agent represents the vendor. A buyer’s agent for example, will tell you why you shouldn’t be buying a particular home. Make sure that the guy or gal on your team is batting only for you.

8. Get a home inspection
You wouldn’t buy a used car without checking under the hood, so why buy a house without a home inspection? A home inspector will check for structural and electrical defects, roofing and foundation problems. This can come back to haunt you later. It also gives you some negotiation room when you put in your offer. In hot markets, sellers may press to have the inspection waived. Don’t give in and get swept away in the heat of the moment. Walk away. At the end of the day, it boils down to your risk profile. I have a friend who sometimes drives without a seatbelt. My cousin meanwhile, loves the fact they have somehow managed to invent car airbags for her knees. My theory is it’s better to have somewhere soft to land.

9. Don’t be afraid of being a landlord
One way to pay your mortgage off faster is to have someone help you. Buying a duplex or triplex is not a bad way to go, particularly in urban areas where prices have been bid up. Renting out the basement in a single detached home or a spare room is also a smart idea if you’re not using the space. And the extra money in your pocket may mean that you can afford a nicer home in a better neighborhood.

10. Maybe you should rent
Just because all your friends have put money down on a new condo doesn’t mean that you have to follow suit. Depending on your circumstances, it might make more sense to rent than buying a home. A rent versus buy calculator can help you figure it out http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/oca-bc.nsf/eng/ca01821.html
Taxes, maintenance and utilities can add up. A low interest rate environment can tip the rent verses buy equation into the buy side, while higher interest rates, which make buying less affordable, can make it more favorable to rent. In many cases, it is much cheaper to rent than it is to buy. Most studies show however, that in the very long term, it is better to buy. However, if you tend to move a lot, don’t like to deal with maintenance issues, and want to free up some money for other things, then renting might be the best lifestyle choice.

Bailey's Birthday Treats

As always Bailey was showered with gifts for his Birthday! My best friend Adrienne bought him a cute little gift from Timmie Doggie Outfitters which included the adorable Canada jersey and doggie sports themed treats. Bailey like his Dad is a big sports fan so this was a wonderful gift! He can now add that jersey to the many others he owns of the various Toronto sports teams!

Bailey

One of my ultimate loves of my life is my dog Bailey and today he is celebrating his 2ND birthday! So I thought I would blog about him given that he's such a big part of my life. Bailey is a jug(jack Russel/pug mix). He is wild, rambunctious and full of energy. He would give Marley a run for his money and I think I could write my own book given the amount of stories I have from him. He's a handful, but he also has brought so much joy into our lives. I don't know what we would do without him.

Bailey is an interesting character to say the least. He hates squirrels, chipmunks and raccoons and if he sees one on our property he freaks out. The noises that come out of him when he gets a glimpse of one of these furry creatures is so high pitched and squeaky you would think there was a dying animal in our house. Bailey acquires a lot of attention we need to take him on at least 2 walks a day otherwise he will start running laps around the house which can be very entertaining and humorous at times. He is very intelligent and amazes my husband and I all the time. For instance if he is thirsty and he is at any of my friends or family member's homes he will sit in front of their sink and bark until you give him water to drink. If he runs out of food he will carry his bowl to us and drop it on our laps making us feel like neglectful parents. Another story that amazed me but scared the living daylights out of my sister at the time was when she took him for a walk to the park a good few blocks away from my parents house. He decided to run away from my sister at full speed and took the exact path they took to the park back to the door steps of my parents place. It is terrifying to think of the number of things that could have happen to him but I am still impressed with how he got home on his own. I guess he just wasn't in the mood for play date at the park?

Well to commemorate his birthday were having a special dinner and I hope to bake some canine treats so i will post that tomorrow. Happy Birthday Bailey!

Beer, Food and Dancing

As a fellow Danforth resident every year I look forward to the much anticipated Taste of the Danforth. It is the largest Greek festival in the world outside of Greece and it is the most popular festival in Toronto drawing 1.2 million visitors a year. As the Danforth shuts down from Broadview to Donlands you can walk along the street and enjoy a variety of delicious treats. There is Greek cuisine such as souvlaki and spanakopita (spinach pie), to Japanese, Thai, Indian and so much more. There is something to satisfy every taste bud and I can guarantee you won't go home hungary. The most difficult part about Taste of the Danforth is deciding what to eat as there is too much to choose from!

Taste of the Danforth is not just about food. There are plenty of activities and events to keep your busy. There are 3 main stages of entertainment you should definitely check out. They are the Celebrity Stage, the Broadview Stage and the Greek Stage all with great line-ups. If your bringing your kids there is a Kids Fun Zone and a Sports Zone for them to enjoy. If your not bringing the kids there is the beer and wine gardens which is one place I always end up!

Another great event happening in the neighbourhood all this week has been Dusk Dances at Withrow Park. I had the pleasure of watching them on Tuesday night while I was walking my dog. They put on a spectacular performance so if you contemporary or traditional dance I highly recommend it. It starts every night at 7pm and ends this Sunday so make sure you go!

If you are looking for other things to do this weekend there is also the ever popular Beer Festival. Featuring more the 120 brands of beer there is something for everyone. Although I have yet to go to the Beer Festival my husband has gone and he has nothing but great things to say about it. The Beer Festival is not just about beer there is a grilling tent and lots of live entertainment! Tonight KARDINAL OFFISHALL will be performing so look out for that big performance.

A Stagette and Wedding all in one weekend

This past weekend we celebrated my best friend's wedding and I couldn't have been more delighted to have been a part of something so special. It was a wonderful weekend full of laughter and love.

On Friday night I along with the other bridesmaids threw the bride to be a stagette. It is one night I am sure she will never forget. I won't go into too much detail except to say it was a fun filled evening with lots of drinks, dancing and some dirty bingo.

On the Saturday we decided we needed to re-cooperate from a night well spent, so we booked ourselves in for the therapeutic waters at Body Blitz. For those of you who haven't visited this spa I highly recommend it. Body Blitz is an all women's spa that put's a modern twist on ancient restorative water practice.

The circuit begins with a warm soak in the dead sea salt water, followed by steam, infra-red sauna and a hot green tea pool. In between these though there is the cold plunge which is always a difficult challenge but I do recommend it as it is believed to boost immunity.

If your looking to get relaxed whether it be for a wedding or just from everyday life this is great place to go! You can come on your own or bring a friend. I like to go with at least one other person as I find it's great place to catch up and bond with my friends. For more information on Body Blitz check out their website: http://www.bodyblitzspa.com/

After our bonding session at the waters we decided to finishe the day with a manicure and pedicure from my favourite place Urban Nails. Urban Nails is located on Danforth Ave close to Broadview station in the heart of Riverdale. A manicure and pedicure is only $35 and you can't beat that price. The ambiance is chic and the service is impeccable. When I got married a few years ago they let me book the entire space for just my bridal party, which was such a treat. We were allowed to bring in our own food and drinks and made a whole night out of it. It is something I will never forget it! For more information check out their website: http://www.urbannails.ca/