Finally, more TO posts!
I might have become slightly slow in updating my blog, but that’s only because I’m so busy experiencing the fabulous social/nightlife of this city. And that only means more exciting posts for Chicato…
Like its sister city of Chicago, Toronto can be enjoyed to its max potential only in the summer. Initially apprehensive about spending my summer in the more “boring” version of Chicago, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the fun, international nature of this city. Sure, it’s a lot smaller than Chicago, but there’s actually lots to do, see, and eat here!
Dundas Square, a mini-Times Square (and a pretty lame attempt, in my opinion) is a good way to experience the city’s eateries from a tourist’s point of view. Located at the top of the AMC in Dundas Square, Jack Astor’s is a pretty typical Canadian mid-priced chain for hamburgers, pastas, Mexican food, etc. Its Yonge & Dundas location is unique for its prime view of downtown Toronto and the famed CN tower. Outdoor patios are huge in Toronto on summer evenings (when it’s not raining, that is) – everyone just wants to grab a couple of drinks and enjoy the much-anticipated sunshine.
Like other Torontonians, I went to Jack Astor’s for Happy Hour, so didn’t get a chance to sample the restaurant’s entrees. Instead, my brother and I split the Lobster and Crap Dip, an extremely rich and indulgent concoction also filled with cream cheese, mushrooms, peppers and onions. Yum! Now with that many delicious (and fatty!) ingredients, it’s hard for a dip not to taste so so good. The “appetizer” was accompanied with nacho chips and warm pita, which made the entire dish extremely filling and satisying.
As for drinks, we started out with Coronas, but I was soon tempted into trying one of the yummy-sounding cocktails on the menu. Now for the life of me, I cannot remember the name of the cocktail I sampled, and the online menu is outdated. So frustrating, because I highly recommend it! My peach-flavored martini was laced with sprinkles of cinnamon on top which saturated the taste of alcohol…very delicious indeed. I’m kicking myself right now for not remembering its name, but I’ll be sure to keep you posted.
Overall, Jack Astor’s is a chill place for post-work, outdoor lounging. We eventually moved to Milestones (a restaurant opposite of Jack Astor’s) for dinner, which probably indicates that Jack Astor’s entrees are so-so. The view from the patio, however, is sweet 
DEETS: 10 Dundas St. East, 4th floor; www.jackastors.com (see online for more of Jack Astor’s Toronto locations)
Not exactly the classiest of Chicago dance clubs, but it’s an ideal destination for college students. It’s a favorite of DePaul and Northwestern students, so if you’re from that age group, you’re guaranteed to have a good time.
