TORONTO- TAKE TWO

This same time last year, I was in the wonderful Canadian city of Toronto! When many people think of Canada destinations, they often think of Montreal, Niagara Falls, Quebec, or Vancouver. But, I have to tell all you jet setters, while Toronto is low on the radar, it's pretty awesome and it's waiting to be discovered! I loved it so much that I am itching to go there again for my Toronto- Take Two trip.

Toronto has so many cool neighborhoods, shops, restaurants, museums, galleries, etc. Out of most big cities I have been to, it most closely reminds me of Chicago. Situated right on Lake Ontario, it has the water and Harbourfront (that's how they spell it), a downtown with big buildings, and all that a big city has to offer.

Toronto is also a good walking city. In addition, it's extremely ethnically and culturally diverse. You can check out Chinatown, Korea Town, Greek Town, Little Indian and Little Portugal all in one day! Toronto is definitely a great weekend getaway. I would say that you only need about 3-4 days to get a good feel for the city. Plus, for all you East Coasters, it's such a short flight...so why not go?

Click the link below to read more about some of the restaurants I checked out last year:
Tasty Toronto
Click the link below to read more about some of the great shops I checked out last year:
Toronto Home Stores

VENTURING TO THE IRONBOUND

For a long time now, I have been wanting to check out the Ironbound Section of Newark, New Jersey. The area is often referred to as "Little Portugal" or "New Jersey's Portugal" due to its large Portuguese community. Some New Yorkers may be a little skeptical about leaving the city to venture into Jersey, but it's only a twenty minute train ride from Penn Station on New Jersey Transit, and it will only set you back a measly $10 for a round trip ticket. (Cheaper than most cab rides in and around New York City)! So, what are you waiting for?!?

The main "heart" of the town can be found on Ferry Street, which is also called Portugal Avenue by many of the locals. Here you can find a lot of Portuguese-owned businesses— restaurants, cafes, bakeries, jewelers, sports clubs, grocery stores, and more. The other main street to walk around is Broad Street which has more restaurants and shops. Additionally, the Ironbound has a pretty big night life, with an increasing number of bars and lounges. Speaking of restuarants, these are a few I would love to try that get great Zagat and Yelp ratings.
1- Adega Grill:
*130-132 Ferry Street, Newark, NJ 07103
* Telephone: (973) 589-8830
* Type of Establishment: Spanish / Portuguese
* Price Range: Moderate
* Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; until 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Dinner noon-10 p.m. Sunday.
* Payments Accepted: Visa, Master Card, Discover, Amex
Adega means wine cellar in Portuguese, and at Adega you can chose from a wine list with over 180 different selections. The food is Portuguese/Spanish, and the portions are huge- so go hungry or willing to share. Adega also has a lounge which is supposed to have a great night scene. The lounge is open Wednesday-Sunday from 9pm-3am.



2- Fernandes Steak House:
*158 Fleming Avenue, Newark, NJ 07105
* Telephone: (973) 589-4344
* Type of Establishment: Portuguese
* Price Range: Moderate
* Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; until 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Dinner noon-10 p.m. Sunday.
* Payments Accepted: Visa, Master Card, Discover, Amex Fernandes is a bit off the Ironbound trak, but from what I've read, it's worth venturing to it to check out. This is the place to go for steak and for Rodizio (Brazilian meat-on-skewers).



3- Tony Da Caneca:
* 72 Elm Road, Newark, NJ 07105
* Telephone: (973) 589-6882
* Type of Establishment: European/Portuguese
* Price Range: Moderate
* Hours: 11:00 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday; Sunday Noon-10 p.m.
*Payments Accepted: Visa, Master Card, Discover, Amex
There is a lot to chose from at Tony Da Caneca's, which is considered to be one of the area's best restuarants. The place has been around since 1965, and is considered a staple in Newark's Ironbound section!