Toronto Great Date Itinerary
Organizing a great date in Toronto is a little like asking a kid in a candy store to select just one treat to savor. So many choices!
As the world's most multi-cultural city, it's entirely possible to begin an evening with an authentic Ethiopian meal followed by Greek pastry, Italian coffee and then salsa dancing at a Latin joint.
The key to any successful dating itinerary is a sense of adventure and an open mind. Instead of patronizing the same old places, branch out. Ask around for recommendations from friends and co-workers. Deliberately seek out establishments in neighborhoods across town from where you live and work. And by all means, investigate our suggestions.
In summertime, the backyard patio at Allen's on the Danforth is a destination "it" spot with old-growth trees shading diners as they sip Bloody Caesars spiked with horseradish and munch on house staples such as Manhattan capon wings and crab cakes with lemon-pepper mayonnaise. Genial conversation is easy; the murmur of the street stops at the front door long before reaching the quiet backyard. The inside dining room, meanwhile, is reminiscent of Manhattan, with framed theater posters and graceful wood accents.
Also long on genteel atmosphere is one of several citywide locations of Terroni. Though known for an eclectic assortment of salads and perfectly prepared pastas, it's the traditional pizzas commanding the crowds. Why? Super-thin crusts and specialty toppings assembled with such care that substitutions are forbidden. Flavor renegades can tuck into side dishes of hot peppers for added zing.
After dinner, an evening stroll through Nathan Phillips Square or Harbourfront Centre helps to burn off calories while providing the kind of wiggly people-watching that fuels ongoing banter. In winter months, the intrepid can enjoy ice-skating at either spot.
For those feeling adventurous, a trip to The Docks is an ace move. With on-site attractions including (but not limited to) a drive-in movie theatre, mini-putt golf, full driving range, swimming, go-karting and rock-climbing, the massive indoor/outdoor lakeside venue really does have something for everyone. Club nights, meanwhile are themed (Tiki Fridays, Skyline Saturdays, Cabana Sundays etc) and ideal for dancing, flirting and gazing at the stars.
Of course, any date is likely to benefit from comedy, albeit not of the accidental, spaghetti-down-your-dress variety. Best to leave the pratfalls to the pros and head for The Second City comedy club, a fully licensed performance theatre and Canada's leader in improv and sketch comedy -- best known for having produced big name acts like Mike Myers, John Candy, Eugene Levy and Martin Short, to name a few. What better way to begin the date than with laughter?
-- Kim Hughes
