Zona Caffè: Taking A Break In Good Company

More than just a routine, enjoying a break is a way of life in Italy. The idea of sipping coffee and savouring a meal is a cherished tradition that has now found its way to the city. Opening this past spring at Jane and Rutherford’s bustling intersection, Zona Caffè is a unique hot spot, offering more than your average hot table and bar. “We wanted to create a place where friendships are made as you come to unwind,” says owner and founder Lina DeRocchis. “It has a very modern design and European feel – all of our equipment is imported from Italy.” Walking into Zona Caffè, patrons instantly notice the cool, soothing décor, infused with aromas of authentic Italian food. Read more

The Consulate Dining Lounge On Innis Lake: A Savoury Retreat

There’s a reason why illustrious journeys are made to places like California’s Napa Valley. Breathtaking open landscapes with protruding natural waters are ideal for a getaway from the everyday. But if you don’t have time to jump on a plane, there’s a beautiful oasis just around the corner. The Consulate Dining Lounge on Innis Lake is the ideal hot spot for a elegant gourmet meal, only minutes away from the city. “Our food and ambience is pretty hard to beat,” says owner John Giancola. “The French chateau-style dining room overlooks the terrace and the lake. It has a very authentic, rustic feel.” Read more

Il Cavallino Ristorante: Serving up Gourmet Tradition

Stepping through a doorway to visit a piece of Italy is not usually the case, but the experience is more than possible at Il Cavallino Ristorante. A place where visitors truly discover cultured cuisine; the establishment has been nourished for over 19 years with a long line of European experience. “I had a place in Toronto for 12 years, after working in Switzerland, Germany, and France, says owner Franco Poletti. “I always worked in the hospitality and hotel industry.” Growing up in the restaurant business, Poletti has been surrounded by food his entire life, which is the reason why he knows how to please the palate. Read more

Toronto Wholesale Meats: Sinking Your Teeth Into Quality Cuts

Whether you’re throwing an outdoor picnic or hosting a holiday feast, success is all about the product you serve. For true meat-lovers who take pride in what they put on the table, there’s no one better than Toronto Wholesale Meats to supply the goods. “There’s a reason why we’ve been around for over 30 years,” says owner Joey Arcuri about the company his grandfather, Domenico, founded. “Our business has gained a true following and a reputation for quality meats.” Loyal customers and colossal restaurant chains flock to Arcuri’s doors, for everything from Angus rib eyes and lamb spiedini, to homemade porchetta and Italian sausage. Read more

Dolce Bombe: A Blast of Authentic Flavour

If you’ve ever wondered what an explosion of heavenly sweetness tastes like, you might want to sink your teeth into Dolce Bombe’s exclusive dessert. The boutique bakery is well-received across the city for its round cream-filled bombe, resembling exactly what the name means – sweet bombs. “I travelled to Italy and learned first-hand from the person who does them the right way,” says owner Mauro Sarracini, pointing out his pastries are often imitated but not duplicated. Being careful not to give away his special recipe, Sarracini admits to making them, “by hand, using cream from scratch with imported ingredients.” Read more

Meet me at Mercato

As  you open the doors of Mercato Fine Foods, the sounds of friendly chit-chat and the aromas of home-cooked specialties and robust espresso transports you to a charming Italian village.

Taking its inspiration from the culture-rich country of Italy, the bakery-deli’s name translates to market. And that is exactly the feeling that customers get when they come in from a busy day to browse the selection, grab a bite or replenish their weekly groceries. “The vibrant colours in our décor invite you inside,” says Rosanna Loiero, who owns Mercato with her husband, Salvatore Loiero. “I think we’ve created a very welcoming atmosphere,” he says. Read more

Vivian Risi: Royal LePage – Your Community Realty

No matter what city you live in, being at the top of your profession isn’t easy. But for Vivian Risi, broker of record and owner of Royal LePage – Your Community Realty, surpassing standards is what a successful career is all about. With over 650 representatives in ten offices, Risi has built her business from the ground up to become Canada’s largest Royal LePage franchise. Accounting for more sales in York Region than any other brokerage, the company is widely known for its landmark services. A model for success, Risi sets the bar in the real estate industry – and it’s pretty high.

Second to none, Risi’s company is built with a focus on cultivating the very best realtors. The company’s in-house Real Estate Academy – a Canadian exclusive – offers ongoing training for novice and veteran agents. “It’s essential for success, to stay current on market trends, conditions, regulations and Read more

Paula Deliso: Getting the Job Done Right

When it comes to buying or selling a home, an experienced realtor can come in handy. For 20-year veteran Paula Deliso of Venture Real Estate Brokerage, Corp., the workings of real estate were instilled in her at an early age. “I live and breathe it,” says Deliso. “My dad invested wisely in the condo market in the early ‘80s, and I thought it would help him if I got my license.” The little gesture turned into a fruitful career for Deliso, who now serves an abundance of clients. And part of her success comes with going out of the way to create smiles. “There was one first-time buyer who started to cry when she finally got her key to her new home, because she was so happy.”

To get the job done right, Deliso offers her clients some practical suggestions. Location is a key factor. “You might want to consider proximity to schools, public transit, Read more

Shana Ditta: Going the Extra Mile

In today’s competitive market, staying ahead of the game means going the extra mile – something Shana Ditta knows all about. As a realtor, she boasts a variety of skills to help her clients. “I can go into a home and instantly identify what will make it attractive to the most number of buyers, which is critical in this type of market,” Ditta says.

Her love for real estate was born after conducting her own personal real estate transactions. “It was something I truly developed a passion for, and I wanted to share it by helping people buy and sell their homes.” With a background as a financial advisor and an accredited home staging professional, she has come a long way in the industry. Knowing that selling a home can be very emotional, Ditta gives time, care, and respect to her clients. Her exclusive business style is based on the idea that every home is unique. “A standard one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t Read more

Salon Massimo

A great hairstyle can transform your look from drab to fab! Let the professionals at Salon Massimo take your look to new heights – with their extensive knowledge of hair therapy and aesthetics. Walk in for a consultation to discover owner Massimo Puntillo’s thrilling cutting-edge techniques. “I have a great staff. Without them it would be impossible to achieve the level of success I have earned in my 21 years as a hairstylist,” says Puntillo. Constantly updating themselves, the stylists at Salon Massimo go to great lengths to ensure each haircut, colour and style is a work of art by travelling the globe to partake in seminars and workshops taught by world-renowned hair professionals.

“Great hair starts with a great cut and if you don’t know how to use your tools, no amount of styling will fix a bad haircut,” says Puntillo, who suggests using the Schwarzkopf line for the airbrushed touch your tresses crave.  Salon Massimo also maximizes your beauty with its on-site aesthetician, who will pamper you with dazzling manicures, pedicures and soothing facials. www.salonmassimo.com

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