My summer 2025 visit to Toronto: an accessibly fabulous destination with so much to do

As a world-class destination, Toronto is proud of its standing as a welcoming and accessible city—a great place to bring groups when mobility is a consideration. The sports arenas, live theatres, hotels, and shopping hotspots all provide easy access. Many of them have accessible entrances, elevators, and washrooms, permit service animals, and even offer a free ticket for a support person. Recent improvements to the city’s local and regional transit systems make it even easier. Let the Destination Toronto team help you plan a visit with dignity, independence and integration.

 Log on to: https://www.destinationtoronto.com/travel-trade/tools-resources/itineraries/more-ideas/accessible-attractions/

With so many Canadians avoiding the United States these days as a vacation destination due to the trade war and the man occupying the office of President,  Toronto offers pretty much anything you’d have on your list for good holiday: professional sports, Broadway musicals courtesy of Mirvish Entertainment, museums, a large amusement park, a zoo, an aquarium,  shopping, world class restaurants and more.

Toronto’s visitor economy is a vital economic engine for the city, generating nearly $9 billion in visitor spending in 2024.  Originally incorporated in 1926 as the Toronto Convention and Visitors Association, the appropriately named Destination Toronto  (https://www.destinationtoronto.com) operates in partnership with the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Hotel Association. They   market and promote  the city to attract visitors and major meetings and events, and support local businesses to maximize the opportunities of the visitor economy.

Summer in Toronto is pure magic. Sunshine sparkles off Lake Ontario, patios buzz with laughter, and every neighbourhood feels like a festival.  Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering the city you love, these timeless Toronto summer activities are your go-to experiences—the kind of warm-weather moments that never go out of style. Looking for the best Toronto skyline views? Head up the CN Tower for a panoramic cityscape or try the EdgeWalk  for the thrill-seekers. Prefer something low-key? Enjoy skyline snapshots from a ferry ride, or lay down a blanket at Riverdale Park East for a relaxing, photogenic picnic. See the city from a fresh perspective by paddling Lake Ontario. Rentals are available from the Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre or on the Toronto Islands, making it easy to hop in a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and explore the waterfront.  Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned paddler, it's a relaxing way to experience Toronto’s waterfront charm. Consider an Indigenous-led paddleboarding experience at sunset for a truly powerful way to connect with the water.  Toronto's beaches are summer essentials. Whether you're diving into the lake at Woodbine Beach, enjoying a quiet swim at Cherry Beach, or soaking up the sun at Hanlan’s Point, there's a sandy spot for everyone. These beaches are perfect for volleyball, sunbathing, and picnicking with a city-meets-nature vibe

BROADWAY IN TORONTO:

Mirvish Productions is Canada's largest commercial theatre production company. It owns and operates four major downtown Toronto theatres and in my opinion serves as a driving force for the city’s tourism industry. Every year, Mirvish Productions produces and presents dozens of plays and musicals, chosen from the best theatre originating in Canada, New York, London, Australia and beyond. The company programs two subscription seasons: the Main Season, which offers popular, large-scale productions, and the Off-Mirvish Season, which specializes in smaller more challenging productions. It also programs many stand-alone shows of new works and revivals, supplemented with special concert engagements of dance, music and comedy.

Owned by the Mirvish family, the company got its start when Ed Mirvish, an iconic Torontonian who founded the landmark bargain department store Honest Ed’s, made headlines in 1963 when he purchased and saved from demolition Toronto's historic Royal Alexandra Theatre, one of the oldest and most famous legitimate theatres in North America. For the next 23 years, Ed Mirvish operated the Royal Alex — as it had been operated for most of its history — primarily as a "roadhouse", staging short-run touring productions from London and New York and renting the space to local companies, such as the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada. But Ed Mirvish did more than just operate the Royal Alex, he created an exciting neighbourhood in which the theatre could flourish. In 1963, the King Street West area was filled with derelict warehouses and foundries. Ed bought several of these buildings and opened popular restaurants, laying the foundation for what is now the most thriving entertainment neighbourhood in Toronto.

In 1986, David Mirvish assumed the responsibility for the family's theatrical interests. He changed the focus of the company to not only offering touring productions but also producing original plays and musicals, producing local productions of blockbuster international titles starring Canadian talent, as well as co-producing with such regional Canadian theatres as the Stratford Festival, the Shaw Festival, the Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Citadel Theatre and bringing their works to Toronto.

Among the notable early Mirvish productions and co-productions seen at the Royal Alexandra were Brian Macdonald's acclaimed staging of Gilbert and Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore; the world tour of the English Shakespeare Company's Henry IV and Henry V; Sweet Bird of Youth with Joanne Woodward; Spoils of War with Kate Nelligan (in her first Canadian stage appearance); Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing, the first Indigenous Canadian play to receive a major commercial production in Canada; the world premiere of the musical Jane Eyre, which subsequently moved to Broadway; and the wildly popular Toronto production and national tours of Les Misérables.

In 1993, in response to the growth of the Toronto theatre community and local audiences, Ed and David Mirvish built the Princess of Wales Theatre, a luxurious 2,000-seat venue one block to the west of the Royal Alexandra (and the first privately financed free-standing legitimate theatre to be built in North America in more than 30 years). The Princess of Wales opened with the box office record-breaking Mirvish co-production (in partnership with London producer Cameron Mackintosh) of the musical Miss Saigon. The two theatres formed the centre around which Toronto's "Entertainment District" has since grown.

The Mirvish theatre family doubled in size in 2008 when the company purchased two Yonge Street venues: the 2, 300-seat Canon Theatre — now the Ed Mirvish Theatre, which was renamed in honour of one of Toronto’s most beloved city boosters — and the intimate 700-seat Panasonic Theatre, now the CAA Theatre.

Recent Mirvish shows have included Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 (which we saw), Pride and Prejudice (Sort of), Back to the Future and  the Lion King with the likes of MJ The Musical, Mrs. Doubtfire, & Juliet, The Sound of Music and the Neil Diamond Musical still to come as of this writing.

All of the venues are wheelchair-accessible, as well as offering special access and size accommodating seating options, and are equipped with private barrier-free washrooms. Due to the unique character of each theatre, the location of seating, number of stairs and access to elevators will vary.  The theatres are equipped with assisted listening systems for the benefit of guests who are deaf or hard of hearing. These systems require the use of headsets which are available to borrow free of charge and can be reserved in advance.

Mirvish Productions is excited to announce a new addition to its Accessibility Services: the GalaPro system. This innovative technology delivers real-time closed captioning and audio description right to your own personal mobile device, via the GalaPro app, no matter where you sit in the theatre. Currently available at the Royal Alexandra and CAA Ed Mirvish Theatres for select shows, GalaPro is free for all patrons with the GalaPro app. To book special access tickets please contact Mirvish Audience Services at 1.800.461.3333. 

OTHER OPTIONS: You can also check out Young People’s Theatre. Celebrating 60 years of nurturing young hearts and minds, the  2025- 26 season features a  slate of six compelling productions, reflecting the many ways young people see the world: from fantastically adventurous to eye-opening relevant. The list includes Shrek the Musical Nov. 13 to Dec. 30.

Go Tours Canada is celebrating 20 years of delivering captivating Segway and Walking tours.  With that,  they have launched a brand new tasting tour for 2025 – their Beer & Cheese Tour, along with promotions throughout the year! It blends history, beer sampling from 2 local breweries onsite and a tasty cheese and meat charcuterie board with local artisanal meats and cheeses.  

In 2025, The Bata Shoe Museum is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Opening on May 6, 1995, The Bata Shoe Museum has been dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of footwear from around the world.  

THE ULTIMATE POOL EXPERIENCE:

While in Toronto we were looking for an outdoor pool experience. Having previously stayed at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel downtown, we remembered how beautiful their pool scene was. Fortunately, non-hotel guests can sign up for day passes and that is just what we did. The cost is $250 for two people (extra guests are subject to an additional charge). For this you get two lounge chairs with an umbrella and side table, two environmentally friendly bottles of water, a  poolside snack pack and complimentary WiFi.

The snack pack contains two bags of chips, two chocolate bars, a bag of popcorn and some twizzlers. It all comes in a nice-sized reusable bag. We were given identification wristbands and key cards for access to the fitness club and the sauna.

You can order lunch to your seat all via handy QR code. It asks you to identify yourself as pool deck guest and to provide the number on the small table next to your chairs. I ordered a double smash burger, with all the fixings while the other two members of the entourage enjoyed some steak sandwiches. The delivery came within 20 minutes and it was relaxing to enjoy at our chairs.

Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel is Canada’s largest property within the Sheraton Hotels & Resorts portfolio and recently underwent an extensive transformation. That journey brought a new arrival experience, a reimagined lobby with town-square energy, world-class culinary experiences, open and collaborative workspaces and over 130,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. The downtown hotel is connected to Toronto’s PATH system, a 16-mile underground network of shops and services. With 1,372 guest rooms and suites, a 24-hour fitness centre, 360-degree skyline views from its 43rd-floor Sheraton Club, a unique outdoor waterfall and garden area and the city’s largest heated indoor-outdoor pool, this is an iconic meeting spot in the heart of the city for friends and business travellers alike.

The pool was very much part of the upgrades. Framed by lush greenery, the year-round pool and 6,000-square-foot urban and waterfall garden is an urban oasis in the heart of downtown Toronto, offering a premiere location for weddings, social gatherings, and events. It is a popular spot for Montrealers illustrated by the fact my optometrist ended up being seated in the row behind me at the pool. He and his wife were in town for a wedding and this venue was their first choice, no doubt enhanced by the outdoor pool option.

The Sheraton Hotel Toronto is located at 📍123 Queen Street West. You can call 416-361-1000. Log on to: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yyztc-sheraton-centre-toronto-hotel/overview/

DINING OUT

BANGKOK GARDEN: Housed in a historical building on Elm Street in downtown Toronto, Bangkok Garden introduced Authentic Thai food and culture to the city over 40 years ago. Acclaimed as one of North America’s premiere Thai restaurants, Bangkok Garden serves authentic, house-made, Thai food based on the Thai principle of balancing the five tastes. In addition, our cuisine caters to many dietary restrictions. From spiced stir-fries, to fresh rolls and curries, there are several gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options to suit all.

The main dining room is lushly decorated in teak imported from Thailand. A gently flowing river, with a small school of fish and stones collected from the banks of the famous River Kwai in Kanchanabari province is guarded by Naga, a 150-year old solid bronze protective dragon serpent from the home of a prosperous Thai merchant. Several pieces of statuary throughout the restaurant reflect popular Thai mythology. Furnishings and artifacts were chosen or designed specifically for the restaurant and imported, with special permission, from Thailand. This includes the teak temple bells and the hand-painted blue and white porcelain tableware. In October of 2013, a renovation transformed the bar & lounge area into  a vibrant space for guests to enjoy a selection of Thai bites paired with exotic cocktails and martinis. The new interior with its bright colors and contemporary ambiance is a wonderful contrast to the warm teak interior of the main dining room.

I was alerted to this restaurant via a promotion  with the Royal Thai Government and their Thai SELECT Certification Program.  This is an internationally recognized certification awarded by the Ministry of Commerce of the Royal Thai Government to restaurants and food producers that offer authentic Thai cuisine. Certified establishments use traditional ingredients and cooking methods, ensuring consistent quality and a genuine taste of Thailand across global markets. Each certified restaurant is held to high standards that reflect the rich culinary heritage of Thailand. You can learn more about the Thai SELECT program at www.thaiselect.ca. Bangkok Garden is one of those restaurants. Several in Montreal have received the same  distinction, including Siam Centre-Ville and Épicerie Pumpui.

I was joined for lunch by my old friend Anthony, who told me that this place has always been one of his favorites.  We started off with some drinks:  a serenity decaffeinated tea for me and a mango and lime mint fizz for him.  He selected from the main  menu while I took advantage of the unlimited tasting menu buffet, which included a wonderful noodle bar.  The soup was simply fantastic! At the noodle bar the server allowed me to select exactly what I wanted included  and this was a treat. It was piping hot, containing rice noodles, chicken and some garlic bites. Anthony had a similar soup brought to the table by our server.

 For the main course, Anthony went with the Phad See EEW,  containing broad rice noodles, vegetables  and egg, with chicken added. I am a big fan of buffets and after having my soup I went back and filled my plate with some spring rolls, chicken drumsticks, chicken fried rice, shrimps  and some tasty chicken slices. There are dessert options as well.  Our server brought their in-house siracha hot sauce for us to try. It is imported directly from Thailand.

From Monday to Friday, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, the buffet is open. The cost is a very reasonable $24 for adults and $15 for kids (under 12).

Bangkok Garden is located at 18 Elm Street. It is open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, from Monday to Friday, from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and 5 pm to 10 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 4 pm to 10 pm.  If you require handicapped access, please call ahead and arrangements will be made for you to use a special entrance and be seated at the main level. You can call  416-977-6748 and log on to https://bangkokgarden.ca/

TEA AT THE RITZ:  We have enjoyed the glamorous afternoon tea service at the Ritz-Carlton in Montreal in the past. So, it was very nice to do the same at the Toronto location’s lovely EPOCH Bar & Kitchen (epochtoronto.com). This re-imagined contemporary social hub, featuring a tailored cocktail menu and a chef-driven dining experience opened on Sept. 1, 2021, inside The Ritz- Carlton, Toronto. It offers a confluence of casual, yet imaginative dishes, focusing on sustainably sourced ingredients and cocktails in an understatedly elegant setting with a warm, inviting atmosphere. 

 This re-imagined British gastrobar first opened on  Sept. 1, 2021 inside The Ritz. It offers a confluence of casual, yet imaginative, food and cocktails in an understatedly elegant setting with a warm, inviting atmosphere. 

The venue boasts 61 seats in the dining room, as well as 88 additional spots on a lovely terrace. This is  set amidst lush foliage and Simcoe Park, with a stunning centerpiece bar and a feature wood-fired stone oven. Guests can sip cocktails at the bar, choose from lounge seating, dining tables or the cozy Green Room with a fireplace and pool table

We were guided to a comfortable table in the restaurant overlooking the terrace. Our server Lindsay provided a comprehensive overview of the tea selection and what a treat that was!  They are divided into categories of white, green, black and herbal loose-leaf teas. She brought them over in a box, with each flavor in different jars. We were offered to first enjoy the scent before making our selection.

While I chose the sugar plum fairy decaffeinated tea (organic rooibos, natural tangerine flavors and rose petals), the other two members of our party went for the eros (black tea scented with essential flavors of natural mandarin orange amd Madagascar vanilla) and  the pear tree (organic young hyson green tea naturally perfumed  with the essence of freshly plucked ripe pears).

Lindsay brought an hourglass to the table with three different colors of sand to match our selections. We had to wait until each moved from top to bottom before commencing what turned out to be a delightful experience, with the option of adding cubes of sugar and honey.

You can also elevate your experience with a toast and  we took advantage of that option with two glasses of champagne.

The service is classy all the way. In no time at all  a tower of delicate butter scones, finger sandwiches and sweets arrived at the table. It was so stunning to  look at that I immediately took a photo before the bites began to disappear.

So, what did the towers contain?  The scones, traditional and cranberry,  with house-made devonshire cream, strawberry jam and rose petal raspberry jam,  came to us hot out of the oven so began with those first. The next tier featured  was the mini lobster roll (sesame, poppy seed brioche bun),  sablées salés au prosciutto (rosemary sable cookies, whipped goat cheese, apricot jam), mini croissant with smoked salmon (lemon caper cream cheese, pickled onion and argula) and the  chicken sandwich   (milk, bread, gold raisins and  dill crème fraiche). 

For sweets, the Meyers lemon cake (lemon cake, lemon curd and candied lemon), mango coconut pavlova (crispy meringue, mango compote, coconut chantilly and mango jelly), the Ontario strawberry Paris brest choux (choux croquelin, strawberry compote, strawberry whipping ganache and strawberry coulis) and the tonka chocolate caramel tartlet (caramel tonka cremeux, chocolate cremeux, caramelia whipping ganache and cocoa nib crumble). The EPOCH Bar & Kitchen can accommodate dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and vegan preferences, for the afternoon tea experience.

We could not eat them all so we packed up a few to go. But then came a surprise, a plate full of truffles. We sampled a few and added the rest to our take-home box.

The hotel entrance, main floor washrooms and the restaurant are fully accessible, with an accessible elevator located inside in the latter.

The Ritz-Carlton Toronto and EPOCH Bar & Kitchen is located at 181 Wellington Street. There is valet parking for a free. Call  416-572-8094, e-mail info@epochtoronto.com or log on to https://www.epochtoronto.com . Afternoon tea is available Monday to Friday from Noon to 4 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm

BLACK + BLUE TORONTO:   Two years ago Toronto welcomed a prestigious edition to its fine dining circuit. In no time at all Black+Blue Toronto, located on downtown King Street in a vast building that used to house the Toronto Stock Exchange,  became a cornerstone of the city's dining scene.

Black + Blue  offers a luxurious and dynamic atmosphere that highlights the finest and rarest cuts of beef and a top-tier seafood program. As part of Glowbal Group, a Vancouver-based hospitality brand synonymous with bold flavours and unparalleled guest experiences, Black+Blue exemplifies the group's commitment to excellence.

Morgan Bellis is the executive chef.   Black+Blue opened in 2023 amid much fanfare.  The two-storey, 9,000-sq.-ft. restaurant is located in the First Canadian Place and features a posh outdoor patio sporting hanging greenery and two private dining rooms.

This place exudes class.  We felt that the moment we stepped inside. It was a summer Wednesday evening and the place was filled to capacity. That meant over 300 people. Customer service is key here. Manager Michael Bowers and Matre’d Jesse Melbye circulate throughout the dining room. While we had veteran (and beyond extraordinary) Susie as our server, she was assisted by a team of colleagues. Everything went so smoothly. While Chef Bellis was off that evening, sous chef Michael  came to our table at one point to ensure the food was to our liking,

 The  Glowbal Group is owned by Emad Yacoub, a true success story. He  began his culinary career as  a kitchen assistant in Toronto and eventually moved to Vancouver where he became a top restaurateur. He will soon debut another one of his brands here, Rileys.

In Susie, a one-time Griffintown resident, we certainly had a server with encyclopedic knowledge of the offerings. Full of charm and charisma, she walked us through the vast selections and offered us something we have not really experienced that often in our lifetime: a specially curated menu, complete with optional wine pairings selected to complement each course perfectly.

We started off with some drinks, a prosecco for myself and two rose sunsets for the other members of the table. Later there would be some glasses of Chablis. One of Susie’s colleagues, Tyler, was next to visit us with a tray of all of the restaurant’s different cuts of meat. That was true education and helped us a lot in making our final decisions in related to the curated menu.

Black+Blue proudly display its beef in the center of the dining room. The pale pink and orange wall is made of Himalayan salt bricks and the salt purifies the air and naturally removes moisture. This dry-aging process infuses an unforgettable flavor as it tenderizes the meat. All of the steaks are kept in the cooler for 28 to 45 days which ensures a flavor concentration of the highest quality.

Canadian prime-grade beef features abundant marbling (red meat laced with an even fat distribution). The presence of this fat creates a more tender and juicy cut of beef that cooks well in all conditions. Only two percent of graded Canadian beef is rated prime. USDA prime is the most tender, flavorful and highest quality beef that comes from the US. Black + Blue offers the long-bone ribeye steak, charred to perfection.  Japanese Wagyu cattle are known worldwide for producing meat with exceptional marbling, naturally enhanced flavor, tenderness and juiciness. All of the restaurant’s Japanese Wagyu cuts have a quality score of A5 and a marbling score between eight and 10. Black + Blue  also takes great pride in being one of the select few dining rooms in North America that offers certified Kobe beef ribeye and striploin cuts. The secret behind this prestige cut of meat is the umami flavor that’s embedded in the “shimofuri” marbling. The fatty “sashi” content dissolves at low temperatures, which literally means it melts in your mouth.

The meal began with some appetizers: a burrata salad, some extraordinary beef carpaccio with small pieces of toast, bluefin tuna roll and the king salmon roll. We savored every morsel of these culinary masterpieces that Susie had suggested.  The beef carpaccio came topped with horseradish crema, pickled shimeji mushrooms, crispy shallot, fried capers and shaved parmigiano Reggiano,.

For the main course, Susie truly guided us in the right direction. She arrived with our dinner on a mobile carving station. There was a perfectly grilled Waygu striploin, which she cut into five slices.

The Beef Wellington was a real treat and Black+Blue has truly mastered the recipe. This was an impressive beef tenderloin, wrapped in a crêpe puff pastry and including mushroom duxelles, truffle jus, seasonal vegetables and  pommes purée. Susie cut three mouthwatering pieces for us, with some absolutely  delicious sliced carrots. Also on the side were plates of  Wagyu fried rice and lobster mashed potatoes.

For dessert, came the most decadent surprise of them all: the Black+Blue  butter cake. This is a rich vanilla cake with a cream cheese base, topped with white Chantilly cream  drizzled with salted caramel sauce and garnished with fresh berries.

Melbye gave me a tour of the venue, from the elegant second level and private rooms to the patio which features open windows and a convertible roof in the warm season while 

The main floor of the restaurant is fully accessible, including both entrances, the garden patio and access to restrooms. The second-floor mezzanine can be accessed by stairs only.  

We can’t wait to return and have another curated menu prepared for us and we will certainly want to experience their Vancouver location on our next visit there.

Black+Blue Toronto is located at  130 King St West. For more information log on to  www.blackandbluetoronto.com, e-mail info@blackandbluetoronto.com or call 647-368-8283. Hours are 11:30 am to 2 pm, lunch; 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm, happy hour;  3 pm to late, dinner;  11 am to 2 pm, weekend brunch.

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE: When travelling in the United States, Ruth’s Chris Steak House has always been a favorite stop of ours. There are six Canadian locations, including three in Toronto and others in Niagara Falls, Calgary and Edmonton. Not only were we fortunate enough to dine at the downtown Toronto spot, situated within the Hilton Hotel, I got a true history lesson when I interviewed an incredible woman who was friends with founder Ruth Fertel.

In 1965, a time when most women couldn’t even apply for a bank card without their husband’s signature, the restaurant founder Ruth Fertel risked it all and mortgaged her home to buy a small steak house in New Orleans. As a single mom with two boys, Ruth taught herself the restaurant business, endured countless challenges and, in the process, redefined hospitality. When a kitchen fire destroyed Chris Steak House in 1976, Ruth was forced to relocate her business, but the Chris Steak House name wasn’t allowed to come along. Short on time, Ruth improvised, adding her own name to the sign. That made it “Ruth’s Chris Steak House” and voila, the legendary name was born.

Known as the First Lady of Steak, Ruth Fertel was something special. From a 60-seat steak house, she built a business that spans the globe, but she never lost sight of her original recipe for success: perfect steak, warm hospitality and good times that never stop rolling.

The three Toronto locations are owned by Lana Duke, a native of St. Catherine’s, Ontario who grew up in  a foster home. Eventually moving on to Toronto, she left there at age 18 and moved to New Orleans, Louisiana with only $350 to her name. To make ends meet, she took jobs selling pots and pans door-to-door and as a short-order cook. Lana soon graduated to advertising, first at the Clarion-Herald newspaper in New Orleans, where she worked her way up to advertising director. Then, in 1975 with $10,000 in savings, she opened her own ad agency. Duke Unlimited would eventually become the largest woman-owned agency in the Gulf South. In the years to come, Lana  would often be called the “secret weapon” behind some of the great success stories in American business.

In 1968 Lana made a sales call on a single mother who was running a popular steak house on Broad Street in Mid-City New Orleans. Before long, Lana’s agency had the Ruth’s Chris Steak House account and Lana began a 26-year professional relationship and personal friendship with Ruth Fertel. She worked hand-in-hand with Ruth to develop the successful marketing program that helped grow Ruth’s Chris Steak House from two restaurants in Louisiana to the world’s largest fine dining steak house brand.

 We arrived at the Hilton Hotel at Richmond and University street where they serve  USDA prime steaks, to the freshest seafood and poultry, imaginative side dishes, unforgettable desserts and an award winning wine list.

Our server was Kimberly, who has worked at this location for 27 years and had high praise for Lana. “It is not like working for a corporation,” she said. “We feel very close to Lana. It’s the reason why so many of us have worked here for a long time.”

As some warm bread arrived at the table, we started off with some drinks and allowed Kimberly to guide us through the menu. She was extremely thorough, providing some good recommendations. There were three of us in this night and given the large portions we were advised to share

We began with some appetizers, leading off with house favorite, the sizzling crab cakes. The two jumbo lump crab cakes,  with lemon butter, melted in our mouths. We also enjoyed 12 fresh seasonal oysters.

At Ruth's Chris, your steak is carefully selected from the finest USDA Prime beef available. It is aged to perfection and cut by hand at the restaurant. Then, your cut is broiled - to your exact order - at a searing 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit to lock in the corn-fed flavor and natural juices. It's served hot and sizzling. In fact, you can actually hear your steak sizzling from across the room on a buttered plate at 500 degrees.

We chose the porterhouse for two, a 40 ounce  USDA prime cut, combining the rich flavor of a strip and the tenderness of a filet. It was more than enough for three of us to share. In fact, we had two pieces left that we packed up to enjoy the next day.

As for sides, we  went for the crab fried rice and the au gratin potatoes. The former had an absolutely delicious  taste. This dish contained jasmine rice, crabmeat, ginger, vegetables and fish sauce,. The former consisted of  Idaho potatoes and three cheese sauce.

We did save room for dessert and let me tell you that the portions here are very generous. The  warm apple pie was truly something special, coming with ice cream. We also opted for the key lime pie.

This Ruth’s Chris Steak House can seat over 200 diners.   You enter via a dedicated entrance at street level and take an elevator to the entrance. In 2019, the restaurant underwent a major renovation.

As for whether Montreal was ever considered for a Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Lana told me  that there have been discussions in the past but nothing came of it.

Ruth’s Chris Downtown Toronto is located at  145 Richmond Street West at the Hilton Hotel. For more information call  (416) 955-1455 or log on to www.ruthschris.ca. Hours of  operation are Monday to Thursday, from  3 pm to 10 pm;  Friday and Saturday, from  4 pm to 10 pm; and Sunday, from 3 pm to 9 pm. Happy Hour is 3 pm to 6 pm daily.

 

RED LOBSTER: Now that I will be coming to Toronto a few times a year for family reasons, one of my first scouting missions involved finding the closest Red Lobster location from where we were staying. Only a few blocks away on downtown Bay Street was one of the largest Red Lobster locations I have ever seen. In fact it seats over 260 people.

Let me first commend the excellent customer service provided by  Director of Operations Sergio Torres , General Manager   Senthuran Thevabalan and Restaurant Manager Azaria Thompson. Over the previous four years my Red Lobster fix was well taken care of via trips to Ottawa.

Last year Red Lobster  came out of bankruptcy protection and had to close several locations in the United States. The chain is present in four Canadian provinces – Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Quebec last saw a Red Lobster some 30 years ago. New ownership has placed Red Lobster back into a good business position.

Our server Ana Maria started us off with some drinks and brought us the always much anticipated basket  of house-made cheddar biscuits.  Be careful! They are so delicious you can fill yourself up pretty quickly.

For appetizers, we opted for cups of piping hot cups of clam chowder and lobster bisque, accompanied by crackers.

As for the main course, I chose the ultimate feast: Maritime lobster tail, garlic shrimp, snow crab legs and Walt's Favourite Shrimp.  It was served with rice. I put on my lobster bib and slowly enjoyed every morsel.

The other members of our party  went for a one and a quarter pound lobster, with a side of mashed potatoes and  Walt's Favourite Shrimp. The latter came hand-breaded, butterflied and lightly fried, served with cocktail sauce and choice of one side.   We had a surprise when Ana Maria brought a two pound lobster to the table. That meant a nice box of leftovers for the next day.

We saved some space for dessert and shared a delicious piece of keylime pie. The restaurant is completely handicapped accessible, with easy street access and all at one very large level.

Being such a booster of the Red Lobster brand, I arranged for a much coveted virtual meeting with  Red Lobster Regional Vice-President of Operations David Harling and Brand Marketing Manager for Canada Angela Tsiampas. I had so many questions about the chain and here was my chance to ask them.

Harling was a manager of the Toronto location we ate at for a number of years. Now he does not only oversee the 27 restaurants in Canada, but others in Michigan, Chicago, Central Pennsylvania   and Upstate New York.  He told me that since the apppointments of Damola Adamolekun and Larry Konecny as CEO and COO respectively at Red Lobster, the brand has never been stronger globally. Canada, by the way, was completely unaffected by the turmoil and each of the locations do very well. “We are such an iconic brand that everyone who is fan of Red Lobster has been rooting for us,” he said.

Red Lobster is indeed the world’s largest and most-loved seafood restaurant company, headquartered in Orlando, Florida. With a proud heritage, Red Lobster is focused on serving the highest quality, freshly prepared seafood that is traceable, sustainable, and responsibly sourced. You can call  and log on to www.redlobster.ca to access the complete menu.

EGGSPECTATION: I have long been a fan of the Eggspectation (www.eggspectation.com) restaurant chain. A few years ago I met Enzo Renda, who has driven this business globally with a presence in other parts of Canada, the United States, Egypt, Pakistan, Qatar and the  United Arab Emirates. There are actually more than 100 plus items on the Eggspectation menu. This place is a lot more than just breakfast.

The Eggspectation concept was created by Eggspectation Group, with a first restaurant in downtown Montreal in 1993. Since then Eggspectation restaurants have become synonymous with innovation, high-quality food, excellent service, and a unique and exciting dining experience.

From the get go, the Eggspectation team  wanted to take its favorite mealtime ingredients and creatively expand their culinary taste delights across not just breakfast and brunch but also to lunch and dinner—set in a welcoming and energetic bar and café ambiance. This new level of innovation has led  to today’s satisfying and diverse Eggspectation menu ranging from freshly prepared artisanal brioche French toast, thin French crepes, Belgian waffles, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, pastas, burgers, seafood, steak and—of course—eggs benedict! Those Montreal beginnings have grown to fit today’s fresh, clean, and very tasty modern American cuisine.

Each franchise has a different feel to it.  While in Toronto I noticed that there was an Eggspectation downtown, at the corner of  Bay Street and Albert right near a main entrance to Eaton Centre. The manager and franchisee is none other than  Bennett Renda. Yep, he is the son of Enzo and has been running this location for 11  years. My breakfast companion on this morning was an old friend whom I grew up with in Montreal who has lived in Toronto for three decades.  This was his first Eggspectation experience and he was impressed.

We started off by sharing some gooey goose bread, something not available in Quebec. This is freshly baked bread, coated in house-made salted maple caramel sauce and dusted with cinnamon and sugar. It was a real treat.

My friend went for the Huevos Rancheros,  two free-range eggs, prepared any style, piled on tortillas, layered with refried beans, ground chorizo, avocado, jalapeños, house-made pico de gallo, and cilantro-lime aioli. He told me this is always his “go to”  item when he orders breakfast at a restaurant. I chose the All American:  two free-range eggs, prepared any style, with applewood-smoked bacon, ham, and sausage. This was served with  the trademark Eggspectation’s Lyonnaise-style potatoes.

This attractive location has two entrances, one interior via an office building and another off of Albert Street. There are 90 seats inside, including 12 at the bar and 90 more on the seasonal patio

Bennett grew up in RDP and Pierrefonds and got his first taste of Eggspectation when he worke as a busboy at the then Rockland Centre location. While he considered a career as an electrician, he knew that he was destined to become part of the family business. When the opportunity arose to head up a new Toronto restaurant, the 35 year old jumped at it.

The place was packed the morning I was there. “Business is good,” he said. “We get a lot of foot traffic and many customers from Montreal. The location is terrific. Indeed we benefit from the tourist trade and our proximity to Eaton Centre and Nathan Phillips Square.”

This Toronto location recently underwent a significant facelift, closing up shop for four months to spruce the place up.

I will certainly make Eggspectation a regular stop now on my future Toronto visits

There is handicapped access via the office building and the Albert Street entrance,

 Eggspection Toronto is located at 📍483 Bay Street , #130.  For more information call 416-979-3447 or log on to www.eggspectation.ca

THE TORONTO BLUE JAYS:

I went to see a Blue Jays baseball game at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, something I would recommend  to any former Expos fan or who never got to see big league ball. It was a privilege to get a press pass with access to the field before the game and a spot in the pressbox.

The Blue Jays play at Rogers Centre, conveniently located near Union Station as well as within easy walking distance of TTC streetcar stops on King St. (at Peter St. & John St.) and Spadina Ave. (Bremner Blvd.). Drivers coming to Rogers Centre, from either the east or west, can take the Gardiner Expressway to Spadina Ave. and head north to Bremner Blvd.

Rogers Centre  offers five Outfield Neighbourhoods (bluejays.com/outfielddistrict)   Corona Rooftop Patio, TD Park Social,   The Stop, the  Catch Bar,  WestJet Flight Deck  These spaces are available to anyone with a valid Blue Jays ticket.

The 35 year old  stadium was recently renovated to the tune of $400 million  overhauling the  fan and player experiences. In keeping with that you can take advantage of a ballpark tour by logging on to   bluejays.com/tour

Fans are also invited to shop at Jays Shop,   located beside Gate 5, Jays Shop is the largest team store in all of Canada. Fans can enter from street level between 10 am to 5 pm, seven days a week (note: hours subject to change on Toronto Blue Jays home game days). Fans attending Blue Jays games can enter the store at Section 110 upon entering Rogers Centre.  

If you keep kosher, head to section 210 and visit the Bay St. Deli. There was quite a lineup when I arrived, but it was worth the wait as Brad and Josh prepared for me a pastrami sandwich on rye, with curly fries and a giant chocolate chip cookie. I even met some kids from Camp B’nai Brith of Montreal who were there as part of a week’s stay in Toronto. They loved the fact they could get kosher food at a pro ball game. There was never a kosher concession at Olympic Stadium nor the Bell Centre. This place as such fantastic ambiance.

A limited number of accessible parking spaces are available by reservation by calling Rogers Centre parking at 416-341-1234. Callers should have their accessible parking permit number ready when making a reservation. Accessible parking spaces that are not reserved will be for fans with accessible needs on a first-come, first served basis on the day of the event. Fans who are unable to secure an accessible parking space are encouraged to take advantage of  drop-off/pick-up zones located near to our Designated Accessible Support Entrance – Gate 7 and Marriott City Centre Hotel roundabout near to Gate 13. Fans unable to secure parking are also encouraged to utilize Spothero.com to find alternatives near to the ballpark.  Fans who have purchased standard tickets but require accessible seating will need to exchange their tickets prior to arriving at the ballpark. Accessible seating is always subject to availability and therefore exchange options may not be available in all price levels. Further, accessible seating tickets are subject to the same dynamic pricing changes as regular stadium seating.

Although fans with accessible needs may enter Rogers Centre through any open gate, their designated accessible entrance is Gate 7, located on the south side of the building, close to Bremner Boulevard. Fans requiring accessible support are encouraged to enter through Gate 7. Elevators are also available at Rogers Centre Gates 3, 9 and 13. Rogers Centre does not permit the rental of wheelchairs during games/events, however, they are able to provide wheelchair escorts to those who require assistance to their seats. Fans requiring assistance or information regarding accessibility should contact the Fan Services Team by phone at 416-341-1000 or by email at fanfeedback@bluejays.com at least one (1) business day prior to their planned visit.

Guide Dogs, Service Animals, and Support Animals are welcome at all Rogers Centre events and Toronto Blue Jays games. Any fan accompanied by a Guide Dog, Service Animal, or Support Animal is required to present acceptable documentation upon entry and upon request within the ballpark evidencing that the animal is required due to a disability and/or is individually trained to do work for, perform a task for, or otherwise provide support to a person with a disability. Examples of acceptable documentation include a medical note from a regulated health professional or an identification card for people who are blind and use a guide dog.

Fans with Guide Dogs, Service Animals and Support Animals are encouraged to purchase Accessible Seating. Fans wishing to sit in standard seats are kindly asked that their animal fits under the seats, and aisle seats are recommended. Fans who are accompanied by Guide Dogs, Service Animals or Support Animals are required to maintain control of them and must keep them on a leash or harness at all times while in the ballpark, and otherwise comply with current Rogers Centre rules and policies, including the Service/Support Animal Code of Conduct. Fans with Guide Dogs, Service Animals or Support Animals are permitted to enter Rogers Centre via all gates, but are encouraged to use Gate 7, our Designated Accessibility Entrance, located at the South end of the building. Animals who do not provide any of the foregoing services or support functions and who are not accompanied by acceptable documentation will not be granted entry into the Rogers Centre. Pets are not permitted inside Rogers Centre.  

Fans requiring sign language interpreting services for concerts at Rogers Centre should contact  the Fan Services team a minimum of 30 days prior to the event and they will make every effort to accommodate.  Tel 416-341-1000. They do not offer ASL Interpreters for Toronto Blue Jays games.

A Closed Captioning ribbon board is available to the right side of  the Videoboard. This ribbon board is not visible in the outfield sections and all fans who require this service are encouraged to purchase seating that allows them to view the Closed Captioning without obstruction. If you require any assistance purchasing seats that meet these needs,  contact the Ticketing Team at 416-341-1234.

Accessible-friendly lowered drink rails and concessions are available for fans with accessible needs looking to experience the game from one of our Outfield Districts. These areas are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Due to safety concerns for all fans, they are unable to offer accessible-friendly first-come, first-serve drink rails at The Catch Bar (100L right field above the visitors’ bullpen), but fans are still able to access the concession via lowered countertop. All fans with accessible needs are encouraged to take advantage of the four other Neighbourhoods and additional social spaces that are able to accommodate their needs with lowered first-come, first-serve drink rails and concessions.

Mike Cohen’s e-mail address is  mcohen@inspirationsnews.com