We met up with Ralf at Cafe En Passant to talk about an awesome date idea for Valentines day. This French cafe offers an amazing Valentines-specific menu and celebrates many other special occasions. They are located in downtown Richmond Hill, close to the Richmond Hill Center of Performing Arts, which means you can catch a play right after your romantic dinner. Ralf and his staff will be sure to recommend different types of wines to compliment your dish and will show you daily specials. They also cater to vegetarians, and the salads are delicious! You and your loved one will be pleased with the service during your visit and there is a patio available for summer dates. Be sure to visit Cafe En Passant with your significant other. Enjoy!

Although it is true that one can make any day special for their sweetheart, the approach of Valentine’s Day just holds so much excitement! Here are some tips to make this Valentine’s day -or any day, that is – memorable:

• Surprise your other half. Plan something thoughtful, whether it’s a romantic fantasy they’ve mentioned, or simply something spontaneous. An evening full of romance, out or in, or a getaway weekend for two are just some examples.
• Do something out of the ordinary. If the two of you are used to a routine, break out of it. Try pampering each other. Giving each other massages with oil or feeding each other fruit dipped in chocolate are just some ideas.
• Make your significant other feel appreciated. One can do this by writing a meaningful card or letter for their mate. (To add a surprise effect, place the love note somewhere they are guaranteed to look, and have them find it. It makes the gesture even more sweet.)

Remember that gifts on Valentine’s Day are not necessary to show your love for another. However, if one or the two of you feel like giving gifts, remember that presents don’t have to be expensive to be heartfelt. A simple box of chocolates often suffices; something home-made or something thoughtful are also good options.

My Recommendations:

This eatery provides exquisite dining for an inexpensive cost. Not only is the food tasty, the atmosphere is intimate and cozy – a perfect place for a romantic date.
7225 Woodbine Avenue
Markham, ON L3R
(905) 940-1900
www.FrankieTomatto.com

This adorable little café serves both delectable desserts and scrumptious meals. This is a great place to indulge in mouth-watering foods and make memories with your lover.
255 Bass Pro Mills Drive
Vaughan, ON L4K
(905) 738-9198
www.CafeCache.ca

Some may think that a duo cannot have an enjoyable time at home, but I beg to differ. Each other’s company is what’s most important. If a couple cares to do something entertaining indoors, there are many options available; these include back rubs, baking decadent treats, playing trivia games, ordering in food or making food for each other, painting, and so on. Not to mention, this option is the least costly and most intimate setting.

‘Hope these tips bring some spark to your Valentine’s Day and/or overall lovelife!

 From the official Toronto.ca website:  “The WinterCity Festival wouldn’t be complete without Toronto’s favourite winter gastronomic celebration. Now in its eighth delicious year, Winterlicious again offers two popular programs for you to savour.

Winterlicious Culinary Events
10 mouth-watering culinary events featuring some of Toronto’s diverse cuisine and notable chefs.

General Reservation Date: Thursday, January 14, 2010

Please remember… You MUST cancel your reservation at least 48 hours in advance if you cannot keep it.”

Check out their website for more details!

Casa Loma photo by: Chris Lancaster

On Sunday, September 20th, Casa Loma will be holding a Royal Brunch buffet served in the Conservatory and Library area.   Brunch also includes Castle admission!

Great Date Idea:  Stay the night at a nearby hotel and get on out to Casa Loma.  Excellent anniversary or special occasion.

See the Casa Loma website for more details!

The Pacific Mall

Have you heard of the Pacific Mall up in Markham Ontario?  It’s a bit north of the city, but if you’re into having the latest cell phone (and ones you can’t buy here), car parts, Hong Kong fashions, Anime and Videogame paraphernalia or authentic Chinese Tea, this is the place to go!  Actually, I’ve also had my playstations modded in here before, and there’s always tons of Toronto Star articles about this place getting busted for importing illegal movies (not that I’m condoning this or supporting this fact, it is what it is).

So this weekend, if you’ve got a car or in need of a new cell phone, head on up to Pacific mall and consider staying to for some food too.  This is a very all-in-one place that’s different than China town and resembles Hong Kong very closely.  A disclaimer though:  this place is VERY BUSY on the weekends, so parking may be a long walk.

Great Date Idea:  There are restaurants all around the mall (outside) that are authentic and incredibly popular.  Go on Saturday or Sunday’s at about 10:30am for Dim Sum and beat the MASSIVE crowds.  Sit down and enjoy the food while being in awe at the big wait that will form quickly at about 11:30am.

Address: 4300 Steeles Ave E. Markham, ON, Canada
Phone:  905.470.8785
Email:  admin@pacificmalltoronto.com
Website:  http://www.pacificmalltoronto.com
Parking: Free above and underground parking available.
What’s nearby: Consider a short drive to Unionville’s main street off of HWY 7. It’s a great boutique and walk in a small town.
Why you should go: Authentic and hugely popular Chinese mall in Canada. On the weekends, it’s as busy as being in China during a holiday.
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Rivoli. Upstairs at the pool hall

This is one of Toronto’s most popular pool halls, Upstairs at the Rivoli.  If you enjoy pool and want to get into a more sophisticated and laid back mood, check this one out.  I’ve been told from one of our readers that this place is home to a lot of pool sharks too!

Here’s the letter we got:

“Hey Love In Toronto!  Love the website, thought you might want to know that there’s a great pool hall that my girlfriend and I met at called Upstairs at the Rivoli.  It’s a great place, friendly staff (we’ve been going there for a bit now and got to know some of the people) and it’s a great social activity between me and my girl.  Anyway, thought you should know.  Oh, there’s also some great food there too, which we like to stop by once in a while for brunch.

Pool Lovers”

Thanks for the tip, Pool Lovers! We’ll pass that on to our readers!

Check out Upstairs at the Rivoli’s website for more details.

Fresh since 1999

Like the slogan says, this is a fresh themed restaurant/juice bar/eat-in/take-away. whew. Consider taking your better half to something other than your regular meats and pasta dinner with a vegetarian meal! I was skeptical for the first time when going meatless, but after ordering the Mushroom Onion Burger with a side of sweet potato fries, I’d go back. The sweet potato fries itself makes a great snack if you’re in the neighborhood, so I’d look out for that if you two are on the run and want a quick snack. You have a few sauces to choose from too: a spicy peanut or a miso gravy (which tastes like miso and dijon mustard). Way different than just adding salt and gravy.

Great Date Idea: Get a quick healthy meal at Fresh (I visited the Queen Street location) and take a walk up to Trinity-Bellwoods park!

Address:  894 Queen Street West, M6J 1G3
Phone:    416-913-2720
Email:    info@freshrestaurants.ca
Website:  http://www.freshrestaurants.ca
Parking:  street parking nearby.
What’s nearby:  I was at the Crawford location which has the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art, Trinity Bellwoods Park and a nice walk on Queen Street West for shopping
Why you should go:  I really enjoyed the sweet potato fries.  It was a great snack before heading to the park
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Have a martini at the Roof Lounge in the Park Hyatt . Picture by: The Giant Vermin

If you like rooftop views like the one at the Panorama on Bloor, you’ll also like the one found at Park Hyatt’s Roof Lounge.  This is one of Toronto’s upper class bars located just above the hotel and features one of the city’s best dry martini’s.  Come dressed in smart casual and you’ll look the part. Prices in this place can be under $50 per couple so long as you’re not going for dinner and drinks. You can still enjoy a really relaxing after work drink or meet here for just under $40.

Great Date Idea:  This is a fabulous place to celebrate some good news.  Order a drink and make a toast!  There’s also an amazing view of Toronto’s skyline, which is always a sight to see during sunset.  Just outside, you’re right outside of Yorkville for shopping and more boutique stores to take a peek in and a light walk. In the fall, there’s a big fireplace to warm up after a nice brisk walk along Toronto’s trendiest neighborhood.

Address:  4 Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada  M5R 2E8
Phone:    416.925.1234
Email:    concierge@hyatt.com
Website:  http://www.parktoronto.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/entertainment/lounges/index.jsp
Parking:  Underground parking available, street parking is limited and will need a walk
What’s nearby:  Lots of restaurants and shops outside.  Consider spending a night at the hotel if you’re too drunk to drive
Why you should go:  To-Die-For roof top view on the 18th floor.  Clear views of the CN Tower and skyline.  Great food menu too.

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