Extended Stays Toronto Archives - Page 20 of 26

Community Events, Downtown Toronto, Events, Family Vacations in Toronto, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel

Toronto in Ten Photos

November 25, 2014

Capturing Toronto in ten photos is not an easy task because this city is so vast. There are a number of things to do and a number of icons that define the city. We have illustrated the city from a local viewpoint with a mix of those icons that make Toronto just what it is. Luckily, our landmarks are within walking distance of your furnished apartment in Toronto. Hopefully, this provides inspiration for you to photograph your Toronto.

1. Evergreen Brickworks
The Brickworks, as it’s affectionately known, is an old brick factory which provided bricks for the construction of some iconic Toronto landmarks such as Massey Hall and Casa Loma. The Brickworks is now used as a cultural space and for events. Check out the kilns and the interesting graffiti on the walls; the farmer’s markets on the weekends; and Cafe Belong, for a leisurely brunch. Around the site, you can sit by the pond or hike behind the area over to Rosedale through Milkman’s Lane or north to St. Clair via Moore Park.

2. Toronto Streetcars
These trolleys are a signature icon of Toronto. Concurrently, they’re offer one of the best ways to see our massive metropolis from east to west for $3. Just hop on the Queen Streetcar and it will take you all the way from Roncesvalles where King and Queen intersect, past through Parkdale, Queen West, Corktown, Leslieville, and to the Beach all the way to Neville Park. Make sure you check out the old streetcar yard at Queen and Greenwood, which will move to Leslie and Lakeshore. The streetcars have also gotten an upgrade and are currently of use along Spadina Avenue.

3. Kensington Market
One of the most colourful, eclectic, and bohemian neighbourhoods in Toronto, Kensington Market is also designated a National Historic Site. Once populated by Jews and Italians who sold items and gifts. After the recession in the 80s, Latin American immigrants began to move in and this habitation is reflected in the many Latin American stalls and grocery stores in the market. Now you’ll find more modern cafes, restaurants and shops (from vintage to modern) in the neighbourhood. Don’t forget to check out Pedestrian Sundays, when the market closes its streets to pedestrian traffic and celebrates on the last Sunday of every month from May to October.

4. Queen Street West
Queen Street West is considered one of the most exciting neighbourhoods in Toronto and was recently rated by Vogue as the second coolest neighbourhood in the world. This section of Queen, which expands past University to Lansdowne Avenues, is a hodge-podge of trendy boutiques, an eclectic mix of restaurants, vintage shops, bars, art galleries, Trinity Bellwoods Park, and two hotels (the Drake and the Gladstone). It is the perfect street for an afternoon stroll.

5. Trinity Bellwoods Park
Aforementioned, Trinity Bellwoods Park is one of the mainstays of the Queen Street West scene. Whether you’re biking, running, playing tennis or partaking in other activities at its adjacent community centre, this is one of the best people-watching spots in the city. Grab a blanket, some homemade food, or head over to one of the local cafes across the street for the ideal picnic spot.

6. Graffiti Alley
Toronto in Ten Photos Located just south of Queen Street West, this alley filled with local graffiti and artwork is not only an alternate route away from the people traffic, it’s an underrated destination in Toronto. Expanding from Spadina close to Bathurst, this alley is just a glimpse at the growing graffiti scene in Toronto, whose walls have now been marked by icons Banksy and Sheppard Fairey. Want to learn more or meet others while checking out great art? Check out the local tour by the Tour Guys.

7. Great Food
Toronto’s food scene is eclectic, multicultural and always evolving. You can get great deals but you do need to know where to go. Some great areas to dine in the city are Queen Street, King Street, Ossington, Kensington Market, and Dundas West. The Junction, St. Clair West, and Leslieville are underrated for their dining scenes and you should explore and dine in these areas if you have the chance. One of my favourite spots is Fresh, the healthy food chain, which has a great lunch special of their soup, salad, and cornbread combo for $10!

8. CN Tower Views
It’s hard not to try to find the best spot of this view. From our 300 Front Street West furnished apartments in downtown Toronto, you’ll feel so close to the tower, you can almost touch it. Head over to Fort York or the BMO Exhibition field for that landscape view. Downtown, you’ll get a good glimpse from OCAD (and some great architecture to photograph as well right near the AGO). Further east, Polson Pier and Ashbridge’s Bay are your best bets to get that skyline shot.

9. Toronto’s East End and the Best Skyline View
If you have a chance to head east, Riverdale Park East is your best bet for stunning skyline views. A few blocks south of the Danforth on Broadview, it’s a quick streetcar ride or 15 minute walk down to the park. Make sure to go to the best coffeeshop in town, Rooster Coffeehouse to help take in the view. Across the park, head to Riverdale Park West and up the stairs, you’ll find the free Riverdale Farm, Toronto Necropolis, and the historic Cabbagetown district.

10. The St. Lawrence Market
Ranked as the world’s best market by National Geographic, the St. Lawrence Market definitely lives up to its reputation. Whether you’re looking for meat, fish, cheese, bread, or produce, it’s all here. Specialty items like mushroom truffle dip, oils, or gorgeous bouquets are all here too. You won’t be starved for lunch. Check out the famous Carousel Bakery for its peameal bacon sandwiches, St. Viateur for those famous Montreal bagels, or Buster’s Seacove to satisfy that fish craving (lobster, halibut, shrimp, and much more!). There’s nothing like it on a Saturday morning.

Hope you enjoyed our photos! If you could choose ten photos to describe Toronto what would they be?

Photos: Complimentary of Natalie Taylor

Feedback and Reviews, Lifestyle talk

Ten Tips for Travel Writing

November 20, 2014

Travel writing seems like a dream: you can travel to any possible location–your dream destination–and write about it! But it is also hard work and requires strategy, like any other job. If you are looking to take the next step in your travels and write about your journey, here are a few tips.

1. Travel! I know this sounds like simple advice but the best way to get into travel writing is to actually travel. Pick your dream trip and your topics of interest (this is key) and go on a quest in search of those topics. You’ll be surprised what you’ll find and who you will meet. When you travel your own way, your story becomes more interesting because it’s genuine.

2. Read. To be the best writer you can be, you must read. Whether it’s a guidebook about your destination/topic or fiction related to your destination, you’ll become more enriched in your trip by reading everything you can about it. Reading all types of genres also enriches your vocabulary. Read great travel writing if this is your chosen genre. By reading magazines or books like The Best American Travel Writing, you will get a sense of what a good story is and this could help you with your style or give you ideas.

3. Have a quest. When you pick a particular focus, this will help shape your story. Looking for a story in your destination and taking a vacation are two very different trips and unfortunately, often get confused with each other.

4. Try to pitch your story to a publication before your trip. Having a secure outlet or publication will help you with deadlines and also help you if you’re trying to find interview subjects for your story. Pitching your story will also help you focus on what your story is.

5. Observe. Take a step back and observe every detail when you’re on the ground. Whether it’s the cuff links on the waiter’s sleeves, the sound of someone’s voice, or the smells in the air, tapping into your senses will really help bring your story to life.

6. Ask Yourself “What am I learning?” As veteran travel writer, Don George, says this question is another way of asking yourself “what is the story?”

7. The Four Pillars of Engagement. As Don George mentions, these are the points of the story where you check in with your subject, with yourself, with your audience, and with your writing. What is your subject? Who are you writing for? Who do you want to see this piece? Why is this story personal to you? Is your story touching on these points? Is your story precise? Is your story meaningful? Does the story flow?

8. Keep a notebook and write during your trip. When to write will vary for everyone but writing down the details as they are happening or soon after they happen will help you remember the vivid details that will make your story pop. When you are in the moment, jot down those notes. Having a notebook with you or an app like Evernote will help you with this. Use your smartphone to record conversations as well, so you can go back and transcribe them later. Try to make the time during the trip to write down what you have learned and try to write your story right after your trip so it is fresh in your memory.

9. Step away from your story. After you have finished writing, take a day or a few days to let your story breathe. When you go back to it, you may have a different perspective and you may also catch details that you want to remove or add to.

10. Kill your darlings. The editing process is an essential process of making sure your story comes together in the best possible way. The first draft will never be perfect and though there may have been a great anecdote or detail, if it doesn’t fit in with the overall theme or big picture of the story, as difficult as it may be, it must go. Get someone to read over your story and edit it and then go back and edit it again if you have the time. This will make your story stronger and the best possible version of itself.

Travel writing is about research, observation, and telling a great story. Hopefully, these tips for travel writing will help you in getting your stories –travel or non-travel related–published.

Community Events, Customer Service Experience, Lifestyle talk

Take Our Kids to Work Day with DelSuites

November 6, 2014

On Wednesday November 5^th, Tridel and the Group of Companies participated in Take Our Kids to Work. All grade 9 students were welcome to our offices to experience a day in the life of an adult.

Take Our Kids to Work^TM is an annual nationalprogram in which Grade 9 (or equivalent) students are hosted by parents, friends, relatives and volunteers at workplaces across the country every November.

The goal of The Take Our Kids To Work program is to help students:

Develop an appreciation for the importance of staying in school and getting a high school diploma and pursuing post-secondary studies
Gain exposure to the skills required in today’s workplace
Develop an appreciation for their parents or relatives’ roles in supporting their families
Begin career discussions with adults about the work they do
Explore career options in a practical way

Yesterday marked the 20th anniversary of Take Our Kids to Work Program. DelSuites was very proud to take part in this program. We hope Nasim had a great day and learned alot from the reservations, guest services and marketing departments!

Insurance Housing, Lifestyle talk

Insurance Housing Solutions

October 24, 2014

Sometimes, emergencies happen. Your home could have been set on fire or damaged due to a natural disaster (such as a flood, snowstorm, or hurricane). If you are insured, you may be covered for temporary housing depending on your claim. If you are an adjuster (claims investigator), DelSuites can assist with helping your policy-holders with insurance housing solutions.

Delsuites will provide furnished apartments in Toronto during these unexpected delays.

In addition to the benefits listed below, our apartments located across the GTA are in central locations which enable you to get to work or around town easily. Here are a few of the advantages for both the insured and adjuster.

Advantages for the Insured:
Insurance Housing Solutions • Privacy and comfort of separate bedrooms, living room, dining room and fully equipped kitchens.
• A turn-key home, complete with all utilities, furnishings and linens.
• A location right in their/or as close to their own neighbourhood which provides some sense of familiarity.
• Complimentary ‘Kids Care’ Gift for children ages newborn to age 14 to help them get acquainted with into a new environment
• Pet Friendly Locations
• High speed, wireless internet, residential telephone and upgraded cable services to keep in touch with loved ones and to ease their comfort.

Advantages for the Adjuster:
• 24/7 emergency housing with an immediate move-in service.
• The insured is met personally to help them orient and settle into the apartment.
• Monthly set rate, which includes telephone, laundry and parking expenses, normally charged at regular hotels.
• Book for a minimum of 30 nights with the option to extend for longer as needed.
• Pre-Approved Credit for All Major Insurance Companies.
• Hotel tax does not apply.

Losing your home — for whatever reason– can be a stressful time. Del Suites aims to provide peace of mind during these emergencies so you can rest assured that you are secure and able to continue with your daily routines as seamlessly as possible.

Contact DelSuites Anytime – Anywhere at 416-319-8884 or insurance@delsuites.com

Downtown Toronto, Food & Recipes, Lifestyle talk

Cheap Eats under $15 in Toronto

September 16, 2014

Toronto can be quite an expensive city for standard of living, especially when dining out. However, with its multitude of ethnic eats and takeaway spots, if you know where to go, you can get some cheap eats for under $15. As many of these places are popular, try to go in off-hours on weeknights to avoid line ups and bring cash just in case. Here are our top picks:

1. Banh Mi Boys – With two central locations (Queen and Spadina; Yonge and College), this Vietnamese inspired joint is a quick walk away from your short-term rental or your go-to spot during your extended stay in Toronto. Though they’re known for their delicious banh mi, they have Vietnamese style tacos, and their infamous fusion-filled kimchi fries, which is the closest you’ll get to a replica of a Korean-style poutine.

2. Panago Pizza – For the times when you just want to stay in and relax, Panago delivers a variety of options for your tastes. If you want to pick up, there are locations close to our Midtown rentals as well as the downtown furnished rentals (300 Front Street West).

3. Fresh – Since its inception in downtown Toronto in 1999, Fresh has blazed the trail for healthy-inspired fare without the cost. With locations across the city, Fresh is close to the Republic building and the 173 Duplex in Midtown; and downtown furnished condos Toronto with locations at Spadina and Richmond and Bloor and Spadina. Large salads could easily be two meals for under $15 but the best deal here is the soup, salad and cornbread combo for $10. Whether it’s a meal or a smoothie, eat-in or take-out, you can call in advance to pre-order, as this popular spot is frequently busy.

4. Aroma – With locations across the city, including Yonge and Eglinton and King and Spadina (close to the Icon and Element locations), Aroma is your best bet for a grab and go lunch with a coffee or hot chocolate. Best bets: the salmon sandwich and chicken salad are both under $10 each. Bonus: you get little chocolate with your meal or your hot chocolate.

5. Cheesewerks – Stock up on the comfort food of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and homemade sodas for under $10. Sandwiches have been named after different cities that are near and dear to the owners hearts. I’m a huge fan of the Los Angeles. Eat in or take out to your furnished condo at the Icon building located at 270 Wellington Street West.

6. Sense Appeal – Known as one of the best coffee shops in Toronto, Sense Appeal now has a gourmet-inspired lunch menu for those on the go.

7. Sushi Inn Cheap Eats in Toronto – You wouldn’t expect a meal for under $15 in Yorkville, but there’s a reason this joint is always packed. You can get 6 maki and a drink/tea will keep you satisfied. Quick service and turnaround so you can get back to your furnished suite at the James Cooper Mansion at Yonge and Bloor!

8. Feel Good Guru – Another option for the health conscious and located right across the street from Trinity Bellwoods Park, you could eat facing the park or take it to go for an outdoor picnic on a leisurely sunny day. Plant powered wraps and salads average around $12. Noodles and combos average around $15. Looking for a good juice? Those liquid substitutes will fill you up for about $8.

9. Seven Lives Tacos – This Kensington Market hot-spot is the closest you’ll get to So-Cal tacos for $5 each! Fill up on the famous Garbernardor (marlin and shrimp), or the grilled octopus. Cash only.

10. Pai – Chef Nuit Regular hasn’t slowed down since her departure from Thai restaurant, Khao San Road, over two years ago. Most mains average around $14, including her famous pad thai. A short walk from your furnished suite at the Qwest building located at Richmond and Simcoe.

11. Kanga – Stock up on Australia’s national snack of miniature beef pies and its many variations at this new spot in the Entertainment district. The best part? You can buy frozen varieties of the Butter Chicken, Canadian (steak and bacon), and traditional pie to bring home to your furnished apartment in downtown Toronto, if you don’t feel like cooking!

12. Ghandi’s – Gorge on the hefty portion of the Butter Chicken Roti for about $13. A true hole in the wall at Queen and Bathurst. Call ahead to order.

13. Caplansky’s – Zane Caplansky serves up some of the best smoked meat in the city. A traditional sandwich will set you back $8. If not at College and Spadina, check Twitter for the whereabouts for t Cheap Eats in Toronto heir food truck, Thundering Thelma.

14. Swatow – Choose from over 28 varieties of noodle soups at this Chinatown institution. Recommended: shrimp dumpling soup and deep-fried salt-and-spice duck (which they call roast duck), and General Tao chicken. No dish is more than $10 each and if you come in a group, you can share among the different dishes.

Toronto truly is a great city to eat on the cheap and with this list, you now know where to go to satisfy your tastes! Enjoy a night out during short term stay in Toronto. Now tell us, what are your top cheap eats in the city?

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