Restaurants, Delectable Cuisine and Dining Hot Spots

1. SARPA Becoming a local favourite for York Region foodies, Sarpa’s relaxed atmosphere and phenomenal entrees are the perfect blend for a great evening. Its décor is a modern interpretation of more traditional, rustic features, while the cuisine is stacked with succulence. Savour the Pan-Seared Veal Tenderloin, sink your teeth into the Grilled Lamb Chops ‘Scottadito’, or relish the seafood mix of the classic Zuppa di Pesce. www.sarparestaurant.com

2. Harbour Sixty There are few Toronto dining establishments that offer the pure, unadulterated level of class that Harbour Sixty so elegantly exudes. The food is premier. The décor: stunning. If you’re looking to celebrate a milestone anniversary, impress a client or simply dine like royalty, Harbour Sixty will not disappoint. Read more

Vinsanto Ristorante

Fresh off its recent renovation, Vinsanto Ristorante unveils an extended seating area just in time to celebrate its fifth anniversary. Now, even more patrons may enjoy decadent first-generation Italian entrees, dinners and desserts, all artistically arranged in a unique and surprising fashion that’s rarely seen on Vaughan’s dining scene. www.vinsanto.ca

Left – A recent addition allows for extra seating so even more guests can enjoy Vinsanto’s mouth-watering Italian delights.

Top New Restaurants in the GTA

Neapolitan cuisine, metres of pizza and North American classics are just a few of the many surprises you’ll find around the GTA.

Sorrento Ristorante North
Born and raised in the world-famous Italian destination Sorrento in Naples, Nino Cioffi brings his superb cooking prowess to Vaughan, opening Sorrento Ristorante North. This classically styled dining establishment exudes an authentic Italian feel and serves traditional Neapolitan cuisine that will give you a little slice of the renowned town. 647.351.0761  www.sorrentoristorante.ca

E11even Restaurant
Sparing no expense for food or service, e11even’s menu takes North American classics and ignites them with modern passion. Housed in the Maple Leaf Square just beside the Air Canada Read more

City Life Realty

CountryWide Homes
Surrounded by the splendour of nature, the communities fostered by CountryWide Homes feature striking, classically styled homes in warm and welcoming neighbourhoods. Using the highest quality materials for kitchen counters and cabinets; the finest flooring, including stunning imported European tiles; cathedral skylights; and gorgeous master bathrooms incorporating separate shower stalls and oak or maple cabinetry, CountryWide provides gorgeous modern housing. Escape the rush of the hectic city in these quaint yet elegant neighbourhoods.
www.countrywidehomes.ca 905.907.1500

Nicholas Residences
Designed by award-winning Core Architects, the 29-storey Nicholas Residences bring the past and present together, Read more

Sweets in the City

Dolcini by Joseph
In the quaint town of Kleinburg there is a shop of magical delights and fantastic imagination. Filling an historic village with wondrous smells of moist cakes, gooey glazes and mouth-watering treats, Dolcini by Joseph creates decadent desserts with a world-class taste.

As his second bakery, Dolcini by Joseph is the manifestation of Joseph Montinaro’s desire to produce artistically beautiful and progressive pastry. After taking over his father’s business, West Finch Bakery, he soon became bored with traditional recipes. He journeyed to Europe to explore other baking possibilities. Treated to a whole other world of pastry delights, Montinaro experienced an “explosion of ideas.” This new-found inspiration was a key factor in opening Dolcini by Joseph. Read more

Give Cheer

‘Tis the season to forget all about the stresses of gift giving. This Holiday, dip into Santa’s goodie bag to discover what’s on everyone’s list. Read more

A Communal Quest for Vindication

A Toronto Life magazine feature disheartens the Vaughan community, whose major accomplishments are clouded with claims of corruption and scandal.

Every time I’m asked where I’m from I hesitate. I pause because I want to avoid the know-it-all smirk. I equivocate because I don’t want to hear the toxic and discriminative comments that fall from ignorant lips. That’s not fair to me or any other resident of Vaughan who lives life according to the law.

I’m not naive, but Vaughan is primarily a city full of heart, ­not villains. So why do cantankerous mediums continue to pollute our clean air with what appears to be anti-Italianism and acrimonious sound bites? 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