Mercatto is your go-to stop for casual Italian

Image c/o restaurantstoronto.com

101 College St. (at Elizabeth St.)

416-595-5625

Mercatto has become something of an institution in Toronto for consistently delicious casual Italian food. Serving up deliciously simple fare with “warm and attentive” service, this popular local venue proves that casual restaurant chains don’t have to be all bad.

The chain has locations on Bay and Toronto street, but thankfully there is also a location on College, just steps away from the Elev’n 21 condos! The College Street restaurant can be found right at the corner of the MaRS centre, boasting large windows and Munge Leung design for a “posh-yet-informal” atmosphere that’s perfect for a midday lunch escape.

Mercatto translates to “marketplace”, and this is certainly fitting given the fresh, in-season food featured on the menu.  Most menu items contain less than four ingredients, so dishes are seasonal and simple. With the motto, “life’s too short to drink bad wine”, Mercatto also delivers when it comes to wine selection, with over 16 different varieties on a list designed to complement the regional cuisine of the menu.

The menu features meat and cheese boards and appetizers like lamb skewers with rosemary and lemon ($11) or the crostini with prosciutto, ricotta, arugula and grana padano ($9). Pasta options include the calamari spaghettini ($16), 1/2 lobster fettuccine ($19) and duck ragu gnocchi ($18). Of course, Mercatto offers a range of traditional thin crusts pizzas in addition to other entrees like the half cornish hen with roasted asparagus and new potatoes ($22).

Right in your neighbourhood, Mercatto is the ideal choice for simple yet delicious Italian food. Stop in today!

 

Sources:

http://www.mercatto.ca/

http://www.torontolife.com/guide/restaurants/midday/mercatto/location/

http://www.torontolife.com/features/mercatto/

Ki is the perfect choice for updated Japanese fare

Image courtesy of theglobeandmail.com

Bay Wellington Tower, BCE Place

181 Bay Street (416) 308-5888

If you’re looking for a fine dining Japanese restaurant, try out Ki modern japanese + bar. Located on Bay Street, it is just a short walk away from L Tower. At Ki, chefs prepare dishes in the open principal kitchen and at the sushi bar. Dishes are meant to be shared, and are brought to the table throughout the meal, making for a real feast.

Ki provides a modern take on the Japanese custom of leisurely eating and drinking with friends. The Japanese word “ki” means “pure; undiluted; raw”, and that is what this restaurant is all about: distilling dishes to their basic components, making for simple but delicious meals.

If you are not feeling particularly hungry, then enjoy the dramatic high-profile bar at Ki, perfect for getting together with friends or work associates for a drink after work. The bar offers wines, martinis and an extensive list of exotic signature cocktails.

During the summer, Ki also opens its Bay Street patio, which features a teak and granite bar, comfortable lounge-style seating and a dynamic crowd. What better place to people-watch? You may also book a private function at Ki for a sit down dinner, lunch or stand-up cocktail event. Delicious food, exquisite cocktails and a modern, dynamic ambiance – what more could you want? Head to Ki modern today for an unforgettable experience!

Source:

http://kijapanese.com/about.html

L Tower + St. Lawrence Market = Your Perfect Summer

One of the many perks of living at L Tower is its location at 1 Front Street East. In particular, having the St. Lawrence Market steps away is very exciting, especially with the upcoming summer season! Established in 1803, the St. Lawrence Market is not only a historic Toronto landmark, but is also rated as one of the best 25 markets in the world. Offering everything from flowers and plants to specialty baked goods to one-of-a-kind gifts to cooking classes, the St. Lawrence Market has long been a central feature in downtown Toronto living.

The market is certainly known for its wide array of deliciously fresh fruits and vegetables. But you can also indulge in a wondrous selection of baked goods like fresh bagels from St. Urbain or British goods including meat pies and quiches. Explore specialty boutique cheeses from small Quebec farms at Chris’ Cheesemongers or savour some of the tantalizing goods offered at Ukranian and German delis. You can purchase gourmet coffees and teas for yourself or as a great gift. Take advantage of bulk and health food booths that provide some of the best products in the city, or indulge in the freshest selection of meat, chicken and fish – you’ll taste the difference. The market also has a large selection of organic items, ranging from herbs to produce to poultry. There are even specialty products available including Canadian mustard, caviar, and wine.

The St. Lawrence market is also currently offering an ‘Executive Chef Series’, which recently featured Queen and Beaver executive chef Andrew Carter, who emphasizes the vibrancy of the area, saying, “I’ve seen some of the plans that are going to go on down here, the development, it’s really exciting. And I think it’s going to be a real destination not only for tourists, but for the citizens to come down here”. Future celebrity chefs who will cook for participants at the Miele Gallery include Peter George of the 360 Restaurant at the CN Tower and Trevor Wilkinson from Trevor Kitchen & Bar.

Other upcoming summer events include the June 18th Strawberry Festival, the Canadian Central Regional Barista Competition and Coffee Fair on July 6th, and a delicious-sounding corn roast on August 6th. L Tower means being at the heart of the action!

Living at L Tower means direct access to all that the market has to offer – virtually any product you need is within your reach, and there is always something going on. Whether you’re an early morning riser and love to get the freshest produce available or you enjoy a leisurely Saturday stroll where you explore each unique booth, living at L Tower means you’ll quickly become a regular at the market.

Information courtesy of:

http://www.stlawrencemarket.com

http://www.insidetoronto.com/what’s%20on/your-city/article/1007550–st-lawrence-market-kicks-of-its-executive-chef-series

Walkscore certifies L Tower location as near perfect!

With a 98 out of 100, L Tower is clearly in an ideal downtown location. Check out some of the nearby landmarks: