My name is Sara Graham. I am, first and foremost, a travel writer. So you might be asking why I am writing this column. Well, I firmly believe going out for dinner should be a lot like a trip. When done right, it's a cultural experience and can evoke an exotic locale - after all, I've had better jerk chicken around the corner from my home in Cabbagetown than in Jamaica.
Maybe it's a Caribbean cruise, or a cozy Parisian cafe. Maybe it's Southern comfort food or a savoury Indian curry you crave. Food can take you to a place - minus the expense of a plane ticket and extreme hassle of airport security.
Every month I will endeavour to deliver what's new and what's improved on the restaurant scene, as well as information on upcoming foodie festivals and events in Toronto. You'll even see a recipe from time to time.
So I thought I'd christen this ship with a few delicious destinations that I've made return visits to, and a few hot spots that are frequented by some of my well-travelled friends.
France: Harbord Room - (89 Harbord St., 416-962-8989, www.theharbordroom.com) - Candice Best, of Best PR Boutique, knows the charcuterie scene like the back of her hand and she's often dropping by for one of her favourite platters. Chef Cory Vitiello consistently delivers a menu inspired by artisans and local farmers.
Italy: F'Amelia - (12 Amelia St., 416-323-0666, @FAmeliaRisto, www.famelia.com) - When my Tuscan is too tired to make pizza, we head here for wood-fired amazingness.
7 Numbers - (307 Danforth Ave., 416-469-5183, @7_Numbers, www.sevennumbers.com) - with mama Rosa Marinuzzi in the kitchen, this place has stood the test of time.
Mediterranean: Lolita's Lust - (513 Danforth Ave., 416-465-1751, http://lolitaslust.ca) - hands down, the best grilled calamari in the city. London: The Queen and Beaver Public House -(35 Elm St., 647-347-2712, @QBPub_Jamieson, http://queenandbeaverpub.ca) - this cozy pub serves top-rated grub.
Japan: Guu - (398 Church St., 416-977-0999, @GuuToronto, http://guu-izakaya.com) - when first walking into this boisterous Izakaya, you'll feel as if you've been transported from Toronto to Tokyo.
Omi - (243 Carlton St., 416- 920-8991, http://omisushi.weebly.com) - exquisite sushi in a beautiful date-perfect setting.
China: Lai Wah Heen - (108 Chestnut St., inside the Metropolitan Hotel, 416-977-9899, www.laiwahheen.com) - Si Si Penaloza is a frequent flyer who writes for a Toronto daily. She absolutely loves dim sum, and when grounded in Toronto, she craves it in a classy setting at this legendary establishment.
Thailand: Young Thailand - (446 Parliament St., 416-920-8424, www.youngthailand.com) - dine in or takeaway, YT is fresh, fast and friendly.
NYC: 416 Snack Bar - (181 Bathurst St., 416-364-9320, @416snackbar, http://416snackbar.wordpress.com) - Ivy also introduced me to this gem...it's a little bit of Brooklyn in our backyard.
Southern U.S.: Southern Accent - (595 Markham St., 416-536-3211, @CajunToronto, http://southernaccent.com) - best crispy calamari in the city. Did I mention I have a thing for squid?
California: Cruda Cafe - (located in the St. Lawrence Market, 93 Front St. E., 647-346-6502, @CrudaCafe, www.crudacafe.com) - back in my days as the editor of Vervegirl magazine, Matti Gidilevich at Elite Model Management helped me book girls and guys for many a fashion shoot. He manages the gorgeous Coco Rocha these days. As a health-conscious foodie, Matti is a big fan of the raw movement and can frequently be seen lunching on a flourless wrap or tucking into a gluten-free dessert from Cruda.
Spain: Torito Tapas Bar - (276 Augusta Ave., 416-961-7373, www.toritorestaurant.com) - Ivy Ackerman is the dinner party princess and the brains behind a brilliant travel membership program called Butter And Egg Road. She swears she would not go anywhere else (Barcelona included) for chorizo soup and shrimps al ajillo.
Mexico: Utopia Cafe and Grill - (586 College St., 416-534-7751, http://utopiacafe.ca) - from busting burritos to satisfying salads, this hipster haven has a little bit of everything to please meat-lovers and veggies alike.
India: Lahore Tikka House - (1365 Gerrard St. E., http://lahoretikkahouse.com) - Asad Mecci gets flown all over the world to perform his comedy hypnosis show, but when at home he's making regular appearances at this place. The atmosphere is more picnic than palace so you may want to phone ahead and pick up.
Jamaica: Mr. Jerk - (209 Wellesley St. E., 416-961-8913, www.mrjerk.ca) - this is the place to pick up the aforementioned spiced chicken.
Various: Drake Hotel -(1150 Queen St. W., 416-531-5042, www.thedrakehotel.ca) - when your group just can't agree, best to mash it up and make a reservation here. From burgers to sushi, to a satisfying spin on mac n' cheese, Chef Anthony Rose's new menu is loaded with classic comfort foods.
Going out for a dinner is one of the best, and I must say most appealing, ways to fight the winter blahs. I would love to know what your top spots are. Email comments to letters@insidetoronto.com with Food and the City in the subject line.
For Sara Graham, travel and food go hand in hand and she's had the bug from birth - she was born and raised in Bermuda, after all. Sara moved to Toronto to attend Ryerson University, and found herself hooked on the city's cultural mix and the endless options of culinary delights offered in its neighbourhoods. After earning a business degree specializing in the tourism industry, she quickly realized she much preferred staying in hotels and eating in restaurants, to working in them. Sara currently writes for various magazines and websites as well as her own blog - www.thetravelpresse.com. You can follow her on Twitter @thetravelpresse.