What I've Been Up To Lately - June 2024

Life is getting ultra social as we start to hit peak-perfect Toronto weather. From spending as much outside as possible (ie, hitting up every patio in the city and BBQing everything in sight), checking out new places like piano bar Jean Darlene, celebrating my friend's dog’s 15th birthday, drinking every last bottle of Party Favour by Paradise Grapevine, and enjoying one of my favourite local spots Dotty’s for dinner and of course taking selfie’s at the latest Brott&Co listings.

What I ate

We love Dotty's, a neighborhood local spot. It's simple food done absolutely right. The non-negotiables to get every time are the fries with the malt mayo, the steak, and a rum runner or two. This time, we also got the spicy avocado salmon dish, the oeufs mayonnaise, and the strawberry soft serve.

Ice cream season is in full swing so I stopped at Ed's Ice Cream to get mint chip because it's such a refreshing flavour especially in the summer heat. I also stopped by Good Behaviour and tried out their passionfruit ice cream too.

A friend dropped of rhubarb that's been growing at her property and I happily made Alison Roman's ruhbarb cake.

Between showings, I'm always on the hunt for a quick and tasty spot to grab a bit and get some work done. One of my go-to's is Souk Tabule in Canary District. I used to live in Corktown and used to come here ~a lot~ so anytime I'm in the east end, I try to stop in. I usually get one of their rice bowls. I've tried them all, and they are no misses.

Another hidden gem that I love visiting when I'm downtown-downtown is Baldwin Village. It's a small street just west of University. It has some great coffee shops and restaurants. Plus, it's so peaceful that it doesn't even feel like you're right downtown. The other day, I visited Koh Lipe, an authentic southern Thai restaurant with a great patio facing Baldwin St. I tried the Guey Tiew Khaek (Isalamic Noodle) and it was deeeelicious.

It's BBQ Season so we are BBQ'ing as much as I can. We are making BBQ Shrimp with Old Bay and for Father's Day we BBQ'd up Miami short ribs and sticky sushi rice.

Right before the July long weekend Bear Seak Sandwiches + Masa Deli did a colaboration and made a steak and breakfast sandwhich that was incredible! There wer hashbrowns and pickles and hot sauce and just wow.

What I did

I have been trying to attend more Sage events. Since joining back in January I haven't had the chance to do any of their monthly events, so I decided to finally get out to their Spring Fling event at Park Hyatt Yorkville. I mean, stunning views, aperol spritis, snacks and new friends - what's not to love?

My clients closed on their new home in the east end and they coudln't be more happy. I was able to visit with them and their kiddies right before they moved in and everyone was super happy about their new home.

My friend had her 30th birthday party and threw such a great bash! First we had private tarot card readings for everyone and then we headed to Jean Darlene. It's a piano bar that's like a karokie bar with live music. But the band is SUPER good. Multiple times thorughout the night I kept forgetting that we weren't listening to a recording - they were THAT good.

Then another friend threw a party of her 15 year old dog Fender on a yacht. She thought of truly everything. From Fender themed cocktails, colour sheets, custom Fender cookies, face painting for the kids and lots of snacks! It was such a beautiful day and we enjoyed the views of the city, saw the Porter planes landing, some of the wildlife around the island and the big and little boats. It was a full day of fun!

What I read

BBC Science Focus Magazine 6 Ways to Rediscover Your Happiness

The pursuit of happiness is always on my mind so when I came across this I knew I had to dive into it.

Toronto Star's Who Makes Toronto's Best Breakfast Sandwich? I've been on a pretty big breakfast kick lately and probably for good reason. I live between 3 of the top 8 (Primerose, Masa Deli, and Good Behaviour) in this list. Let's just say I have 5 new spots to try.

Storey's 'Signs Of Life' In Canadian Housing Market After Rate Cut

While last month's rate cut didn't blow the doors off the real estate industry, Canada's housing numbers did perk up a bit on a month-over-month basis in June. But with many Canadians sitting by the sidelines this summer, we will see what the fall market will do. Will a September rate cut have any impact?

That's it for this month - see you in Augut 👋