Perfect espresso, cool vintage and the restaurant that always wows: The 海角社区官网Symphony Orchestra CEO shares his weekend black book
鈥淲hile some cities only dazzle upon first interaction and then peter out, I鈥檝e found that the better I come to know Toronto, the more there is to discover.鈥澛
Cincinnati native Mark Williams has only lived in 海角社区官网for just over two years, but the 海角社区官网Symphony Orchestra Beck Family Chief Executive Officer already gets it. 鈥淲hile some cities only dazzle upon first interaction and then peter out, I鈥檝e found that the better I come to know Toronto, the more there is to discover,鈥 he says.
Now firmly planted in his adopted city, Williams has been tasked with making the TSO鈥檚 creative output even more accessible to new audiences. 鈥淢y goal is to honour the legacy of this remarkable institution while steering it toward a future that reflects the dynamism and vibrancy of Toronto,鈥 he says. 鈥淲e have to be an orchestra for everyone in this community.鈥 With the company鈥檚 new season opening on Sept. 24, the opportunity is ripe.
Here, Williams walks us through his weekend hot spots, including his favourite hidden slice of green space in the city, the quintessentially 海角社区官网restaurant he frequents most and where to get a (very) good cup of coffee.
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The morning coffee stop
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,聽multiple locations
鈥淚鈥檓 a purist and I drink my espresso black, so a coffee shop cannot hide the quality of their pull. I am never disappointed by Sam James Coffee Bar.鈥
The breakfast spot
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,听843 College St.
鈥淭his is tough because my husband Joseph makes an amazing breakfast. If we are going out, it鈥檚 Janelle鈥檚 Kitchen on College, which is tiny at perhaps only four tables, but the vibe and the fluffy eggs are always worth it.鈥
The weekend walk
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,听550 Bayview Ave.
鈥淲e have friends in Moore Park and whenever I need a jolt of nature, I like to walk from their home through the ravine to Evergreen Brick Works. That walk makes you feel as if you鈥檝e left the city in no time.鈥
The local boutique
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,听63-E Ossington Ave
鈥淭he designer consignment shop I Miss You Man on Ossington is so much fun 鈥 it鈥檚 full of beautiful things and a great place to dream about what you might wear. I鈥檝e picked up very special pieces there, each of which add some flair to my wardrobe.鈥
The repeat-reso restaurant
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,听503 College St.
鈥淚 have dined at DaiLo on College more times than I can count. Each time I enjoy something new and intriguing on the menu and the dishes I have experienced before are always executed at such a high level that they never lose their ability to wow. Their team is so professional and friendly 鈥 who doesn鈥檛 want to be greeted by name and with a hug at their favourite restaurant?鈥
The new dining find
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,听96 Harbord St.
鈥淚 took my husband to Dreyfus for his birthday last month and was so excited to have finally gotten to this 海角社区官网bistro. The tables are tight and that makes the atmosphere even more convivial. The menu is tiny and changes constantly, and frankly, the real difficulty is not just ordering everything. The almond financier with blueberries and maple syrup vinaigrette that we ordered for dessert is still in my dreams.鈥
The evening cocktail
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,听95 Cumberland St.
鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing like taking a break from the bustle of Yorkville to pop into Bar Aperitivo, tucked away on Cumberland behind Harry Rosen. Under the large Murano glass chandelier, you鈥檒l find straightforward, well-crafted cocktails and easy, delicious Italian bites.鈥
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