"To patio" is practically a verb in Toronto during our all-too-brief summer, and despite the recent heat wave sidewalks, terraces, rooftops, and courtyards remain resolutely packed with Torontonians exercising their unalienable right to eat, drink, and be merry en plein air.
I asked a few discerning friends to join me on a tour of Yorkville hotel patios, starting with the historic Windsor Arms: Toronto's first boutique hotel whose discreet charms have been celebrated in a couple of Atom Egoyen's films (most recently Chloe). Two distinct patios wrap around the hotel along St. Thomas and Sultan Streets: one is an extension of their restaurant, twenty-two, and the other features comfortable rattan chairs and a front-row view of the hotel's arrivals and departures. I challenged our server/bartender to bring me a non-alcoholic "mocktail" and received a muddled-fruit concoction which was as refreshing as it was pretty. Along with drinks we ordered an Asian-inspired lobster salad, one of the many appetizers offered at half-price until 6:30 p.m. daily.
At the InterContinental Yorkville's SkyLounge we were a bit disappointed not to find seating on the designer sofas - some of which were marked as "reserved" for wedding parties arriving later. This is a funky and casual outdoor room situated in the hotel's sheltered inner courtyard. A deejay spun Latin club-style music, and our server was friendly and knowledgeable about the wine list - even offering small tasting portions to assist with the decision-making process. (Though we couldn't help noticing that the same glass of wine here was $3 more than at the Windsor Arms). We ordered from the extensive tapas menu: grilled asparagus and bruschetta. Yummy!
Our next stop was the venerable Roof Lounge on the 18th floor of the Park Hyatt - but alas, all the outdoor tables were taken - and inside, too, was pretty much filled to capacity. At The Hazelton Hotel we were turned away from the insanely-popular One which was fully reserved for tables of diners - no chance for a casual drink or appetizer here.
Would love to hear your experiences or recommendations. On my hit-list for later this summer are the patios at The Old Mill Inn and Spa and the always hip Drake Hotel. In the meantime, though, I’m off to Regina to experience what that city has to offer convention groups. Watch for that report soon.
Until next time!
Julie
Julie Epplett, CMP
Global Account Manager
ConferenceDirect®
I asked a few discerning friends to join me on a tour of Yorkville hotel patios, starting with the historic Windsor Arms: Toronto's first boutique hotel whose discreet charms have been celebrated in a couple of Atom Egoyen's films (most recently Chloe). Two distinct patios wrap around the hotel along St. Thomas and Sultan Streets: one is an extension of their restaurant, twenty-two, and the other features comfortable rattan chairs and a front-row view of the hotel's arrivals and departures. I challenged our server/bartender to bring me a non-alcoholic "mocktail" and received a muddled-fruit concoction which was as refreshing as it was pretty. Along with drinks we ordered an Asian-inspired lobster salad, one of the many appetizers offered at half-price until 6:30 p.m. daily.
At the InterContinental Yorkville's SkyLounge we were a bit disappointed not to find seating on the designer sofas - some of which were marked as "reserved" for wedding parties arriving later. This is a funky and casual outdoor room situated in the hotel's sheltered inner courtyard. A deejay spun Latin club-style music, and our server was friendly and knowledgeable about the wine list - even offering small tasting portions to assist with the decision-making process. (Though we couldn't help noticing that the same glass of wine here was $3 more than at the Windsor Arms). We ordered from the extensive tapas menu: grilled asparagus and bruschetta. Yummy!
Our next stop was the venerable Roof Lounge on the 18th floor of the Park Hyatt - but alas, all the outdoor tables were taken - and inside, too, was pretty much filled to capacity. At The Hazelton Hotel we were turned away from the insanely-popular One which was fully reserved for tables of diners - no chance for a casual drink or appetizer here.
Would love to hear your experiences or recommendations. On my hit-list for later this summer are the patios at The Old Mill Inn and Spa and the always hip Drake Hotel. In the meantime, though, I’m off to Regina to experience what that city has to offer convention groups. Watch for that report soon.
Until next time!
Julie
Julie Epplett, CMP
Global Account Manager
ConferenceDirect®
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