neilmorton's Faves | OurFaves.com

Air Canada Centre
40 Bay St., Toronto

Even if she's not a huge b-ball fan, this is not just another sports game -- it's a pure entertainment spectacle, with the music, the food (and booze), the Raptor mascot and dance pak, the people-watching (include celebs, quasi-celebs), the crowd noise, the half-time show, the relay races fans participate in (I once made a fool of myself on the court doing one of those races, but it was worth it -- I won a trip to Florida!), and more!

faved on 8/22/2008 5:36:37 PM

Most Addictive Sandwich in Hogtown

Mercatto
15 Toronto, Toronto

Get the Chicken and Brie panini. It's grilled with marinated grilled chicken, brie cheese and basil mayo. It's unfrickinbelievable. Go there right now together and try it. They recently reno-ed the place, and it's elegant, classy and relaxed. If you're in a hurry, they have a takeout section. The service is fantastic.

faved on 8/14/2008 8:51:15 AM

Absolute Must-Have Hogtown Burger

Patrician Grill
219 King E, Toronto

I have not tasted a better burger in Hogtown than the ones they serve at this landmark greasy spoon, which has been around for 40 years. Plus the ambiance is perfect in making this an authentic family diner setting: The staff is friendly yet terse (don't mess around with your food orders, just like you wouldn't with mom!), the tables are booths, there's stools along the counter where you can eat, the art is old school, you pay by cash. Great comfort food -- particularly in the cooler months.

faved on 8/14/2008 8:44:28 AM

Best Place (Other Than Bedroom) To Get To Know Each Other

Sherwood Park
1200 Mount Pleasant Rd, Toronto

This is no regular walk in the park. Located in North Toronto, Sherwood Park is a beautiful forest/oasis in the city. Take your lover for a romantic stroll (and picnic) here: There are great trails, great places to throw the frisbee or ball around, great places to sit and chat (or make out!). And if you have a pooch, doggone it bring Spot here as it's doggie heaven. If you have kiddies, there's also terrific play equipment as well as a splash pad.

faved on 8/14/2008 8:37:28 AM

Best Place To Get Cheesy Together

Rebel House
1068 Yonge St., Toronto

Great high-end pub food. But you must, *must* order the cheese pennies as an appetizer. You'll be hooked. Also beautiful patio in the back.

faved on 8/14/2008 8:36:12 AM

Best Greasy Spoon to Bring Her on Saturday Morning

Paddington Pump
95 Front Street East, Toronto

Go here for brekkie on a Saturday morning (or weekday if you can) with your lover. Their cheese omelettes and peameal kaisers are killer, and the service is friendly and enthusiastic. You'll feel like the energizer bunny after all the (free) refills of coffee they give you. Eat there with your partner, then go buy fresh pasta and seafood and bread in the market for your romantic dinner.

faved on 8/14/2008 8:23:22 AM

Hot Date Idea: Wings, Beer, Karaoke!

Fox and Fiddle
Multiple Locations

Go for the chicken wings (get them hot and dry, with blue cheese on the side). Go for the customer service -- the manager, Param, and his staff are friendly and accomodating and patient, no matter how many beers you've had. Go with the guys after your sports game. Go with your family. And by all means, go with your lover Saturday nights for the karoake, which like any good karoake, is horribly bad. Get up there together and make a fool of yourselves singing "Blister in the Sun"!

faved on 8/14/2008 8:21:11 AM

Book This Place As One of Your Shopping Stops

Nicholas Hoare
45 Front E, Toronto

Great service. Great selection of books. Elegant setting. From food and wine to biographies to current affairs to travel and fiction, they have everything. And if they don't have it, they'll order it for you.

faved on 8/14/2008 8:12:16 AM

Best Romantic Lunch Spot