1. SARPA

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. www.harboursixty.com

3. Pizzeria Libretto Faithful to the authentic pizza tradition, Libretto embraces the Neapolitan method of proper pizza baking. Using natural ingredients cooked in a hand-built, wood-burning oven, Libretto’s pies are what pizza is meant to be. www.pizzerialibretto.com

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4. Terroni Casual and cool, Terroni’s mix-and-match décor is a striking collection of classic features with a touch of rustic design. This is certainly an ideal locale for a quick bite or a spontaneous meal, but that doesn’t mean the food is just off-the-cuff. Each plate is delightfully prepared and looks just as good as it tastes. www.terroni.com

5. La Bettola Described as “Terroni’s greatest hits”, La Bettola is that stylish hole in the wall where you can get together with friends for a relaxing evening – unpretentious pleasures in a great atmosphere. labettola.ca

6. Obikà Mozzarella Bar A recent addition to the Toronto dining scene, Obikà Mozzarella Bar revolves around the purity of mozzarella. Using authentic Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP and other fresh, quality products imported from Italy, Obikà works similar to a sushi bar, but with cheese; it’s different and delicious. www.obika.ca

7. Osteria A term referring to a traditional Italian tavern, Osteria is about casual comfort: pop in and sip a glass of wine. A constantly changing menu keeps selection fresh, and the laid back environment keeps the mood easy. osteriacicerietria.com

8. Sapore by Zafferano Elegance through and through, Sapore by Zafferano is the embodiment of refined Italian dining. The soft glow of candlelight sets a serene tone, while you savour each succulent bite. The menu is varied, but each item is divine. Tender Herb-Crusted Australian Lamb, Sautéed Veal Scaloppini or Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi – there are
no misses here. www.saporebyzafferano.ca

9. Terroni Bar Centrale Like a central bar that’s found near any Italian train station, Terroni Bar Centrale is a convenient spot to swing by for a drink, and ironically is just down the road from Summerhill Station. Meet up with friends on a weekend, or drop in with co-workers after a long day to enjoy a locale that is always buzzing. It’s a good thing this trendy bar has a wide selection of wine from across Italy for you to sample. With an excellent blend of simple yet scrumptious finger food and wonderfully prepared appetizers, the menu isn’t so bad, either. terronicentrale.com

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

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 Centre, e11even holds fine wines in the heart of its dining experience, supplementing its spectacular streak, seafood and other house specialties. 416.815.1111  www.e11even.ca

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Teresa Italian Fine Dining
Combining old-world Italian favourites with an elegant modern setting, Teresa’s Italian Fine Dining has 50 years experience in the dining realm. Recently opening its latest location in Vaughan, Teresa’s tried-and-true menu serves hearty and fresh homemade pasta, as well as a variety of Italian cuisine that is sure to leave you satisfied. 289.304.9485 www.dine.to/teresas

Romano’s Classic Italian Cuisine
Bask under the soft glow of candlelight in the warm and inviting surroundings of Romano’s Classic Italian Cuisine. Deep and rich woods line the walls and ceiling, complementing the spectacular traditional menu that’s been a part of Vaughan for 16 years. Savour mouth-watering antipasto, pasta and other delicious Italian delights in the intimate setting of this romantic restaurant. 905.850.9604 www.romanoscuisine.com

Pizza Al Metro
Based off a concept that began in Italy, Pizza Al Metro has guests order pizza – you guessed it – by the metre. Utilizing only the freshest ingredients and preparing the perfect crust, Pizza Al Metro offers a unique and delicious twist to this classic entree, all under the roof of a contemporary dining atmosphere. 905.265.2222
www.pizzaalmetro.ca

The Counter
“The good times are back” at The Counter – a contemporary re-imagining of the classic diner. With daily specials, full-service bar and a late-night menu that consists of a range of timeless menu classics, including burgers, macaroni and cheese and an all-day breakfast, The Counter is sure to bring back fond, youthful memories. 416.601.3533 www.thecounter.ca

CountryWide Homes

Nicholas Residences
Designed by award-winning Core Architects, the 29-storey Nicholas Residences bring the past and present together, providing modern luxuries with classic living in fantastic fashion. Walking distance from iconic locations such as the esteemed Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood, Royal Ontario Museum and Queen’s Park, this phenomenal building offers 10-foot ceilings, spa-like bathrooms and contemporary kitchens with stone countertops and wooden cabinetry. For modern living in a classic setting, look no further than Nicholas Residences. www.nicholasresidences.com 416.233.7772

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Treviso Condominiums
Treviso Condominiums, from renowned and award-winning developer Lanterra, combines Venetian and French influences for a truly different and refreshing look. Inspired by the iconic architecture of the Italian city, this luxurious residence boasts a 24-hour concierge service, swimming pool and hot tub and al fresco dining areas for that true Italian feel. Located at Dufferin Street and Lawrence Avenue, Treviso Condominiums is minutes away from Yorkdale Shopping Centre and close to the Lawrence Station for easy access to Toronto’s vibrant downtown core. www.trevisocondos.com 416.787.8882

One Old Mill
Fashioned as a modern five-star hotel, One Old Mill offers a modern and unique living environment with a touch of old-fashioned luxury. High-class amenities cater to your deepest desires, while spacious and elegant living areas are complemented by classical kitchens featuring stone countertops and stainless steel, energy efficient appliances. Keeping with today’s focus on responsible, eco-friendly living, One Old Mill comes equipped with a green roof and solar thermal panels to help further reduce the environmental impact of modern living. www.tridel.com/oldmill 416.645.7022

Roche Bobois Custom Furniture
With a prestigious history of crafting sensational custom furniture, Roche Bobois allows your imagination to do the talking, creating perfect furnishings that reflect your personal style. www.roche-bobois.com

Dolcini by Joseph

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.

“We have a philosophy to be cutting-edge, so we take the opportunity to learn new techniques and ideas from other chefs from around the world, and incorporate that in our pastry,” says Montinaro.

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Combining extravagant design with phenomenal flavours, Montinaro and his team create an unrivalled culinary experience. An array of colours and tastes blossom through the always fresh, high-quality ingredients Montinaro insists on using. Never satisfied with sticking to a limited range of recipes, Montinaro welcomes new ideas from demanding clientele.

“My clients demand innovative flavours, innovative looks and textures. [They] don’t mind paying a few dollars more for the product, but as long as it’s top-notch,” explains Montinaro. “We focus on a range of products – not just one. Every piece of our work is really done with a lot of passion.”

Stimulated by the exciting world around him, Montinaro’s passion and creativity materializes in marvellous fashion with truly imaginative, tasty desserts. For an unparalleled eating adventure, treat your palate to the enchanting experience of Dolcini by Joseph. www.dolcini.ca 905.893.5499
10462 Islington Ave., Kleinburg, Ont.

Edible Arrangements
Artistically sculpted fruit and chocolate are arranged in beautiful ways with these fabulously prepared delights from Edible Arrangements. The ideal centrepieces for any social function, these juicy and delicious displays redefine the way fruit is served. www.ediblearrangements.ca 905.738.4100

Alfa Cappuccino
Distributing some of Italy’s best espresso and cappuccino products, Alfa Cappuccino has everything you need to brew the perfect cup. With an unbridled passion for coffee, Alfa Cappuccino imports world-renowned blends, including the rich and superb Italian coffee Ionia … il Caffè. www.espresso.com 1.800.764.2532

Molisana Imports
Since 1977, Molisana has been importing the finest foods direct from one of Europe’s culinary capitals. Enjoy real pasta, bread, juice and treats from some of Italy’s best brands. You can find all Molisana’s fabulous imported brands at your local grocery store. For a complete list visit www.molisana.com or call 416.747.8707

Dolce Bombe
For a blast of sweetness in the form of a delicious pastry, look no further than Dolce Bombe. Known for its cream-filled pastries of the same name, Dolce Bombe serves traditional Italian desserts using imported ingredients that will leave your taste buds shell-shocked. 905.265.7841
7611 Pine Valley Dr. Unit 4, Woodbridge, Ont.

1. Dollhouse suitcase Give the ultimate gift with this two-in-one handmade Doll House, constructed from a vintage suitcase. The dream house includes three rooms and a removable furniture piece set. www.etsy.com

2. Cupido Surprise your loved ones with stylish one-of-a-kind rings, adorned with romantic Italian inscriptions for an extra-personal touch. www.cupidodesigns.com

3. Geox These boots were made for walking. Snag some sensible but stylish soles when you’re trudging through the snow this winter with Geox’s breathable waterproof shoes. www.geox.com

4. Chicco Liteway Stroller Get your little darling ready for the road. This comfortable lightweight umbrella foldable stroller can be adjusted for all conditions. www.sears.ca

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5. Rigid 11 Gallon Smart Cart Vac Who could turn down this multi-functional necessity? The powerful 11 Gallon Smart vacuum also functions as a storage drawer in the workshop. www.homedepot.ca

6. Fruits & Passion: Cucina Fragrant Kitchen Spray After a Holiday meal, there’s nothing quite like clearing the air with this zesty blend from the Cucina collection of fragrant kitchen sprays. www.fruits-passion.com

7. White Baby Super Cute Initial Onesie + JOY Spread the gift of joy and keep your little sweetheart cosy this Holiday season with the 100 per cent cotton super-soft onesie, detailed with felt lettering and available in sizes from three to 24 months. www.etsy.com

8. Handy Manny Converting from truck to tool set, the Handy Manny two-in-one Transforming Tool Truck Playset has it all. Ages three and up.

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?

What alarms me the most is that Italians continue to be easy targets because they prefer not to speak out on issues that concern them. And many people take advantage of that.

Yellow journalism was at its best with a recent feature on Vaughan entitled “The Land of the Rich and Infamous,” written by Chris Nuttall-Smith, former food editor and current freelancer for Toronto Life. Residents of Vaughan found this story – which lambastes 905 developers, Mayor Linda Jackson, Vaughan council and the Italian community – plainly distasteful.

I asked Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino how he feels when his culture or the community he lives in is criticized in the media.

Julian Fantino, Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner

“Most of the critics have an agenda of their own, and very often there are issues that are not properly portrayed or reported,” responds Commissioner Fantino. I think it’s disconcerting … very often the facts are not really known. A lot of it is just sensationalism. The screaming headlines … all of that I think is intended to tear down and disenfranchise not only the community, but the people, unfairly. There’s far too much of that I think, going on in Vaughan,” adds Fantino, who has lived in this community since 1981.

With Vaughan’s 2010 municipal election approaching, the Toronto Life feature raked Mayor Linda Jackson and Vaughan council over the coals. Any charges against Mayor Jackson have not yet been proven in a court of law.

Apart from portraying council members as the “enemies” of the mayor, Nuttall-Smith colours his introduction with a harsh physical description. “She’s 50 years old, with dyed blondish hair and skin that’s often the colour of inexpensive bronzer … It’s fair to say that she carries around a few extra pounds.” This passage raises the question as to whether or not a person’s appearance affects his or her ability to govern a city.

In 2000, years before Toronto Mayor David Miller began an exercise regime to shed his extra weight, he was lauded with an A+ and named best councillor by Toronto Life magazine. For Mayor Jackson, presenting her best appearance comes second to executing her duties as mayor, as she displayed during the endless hours she spent helping citizens in the aftermath of the Vaughan tornado. Mayor Jackson recalls: “The skies opened up, and I said, ‘Don’t give me an umbrella! These people’s homes are destroyed, and all I would be worried about would be an umbrella?”

I have resided in this city for a little more than 20 years, during which time my experiences with some of the
non-Vaughan populace have left me speechless. The media have taken every opportunity to splash its headlines about Vaughan with blood. As a result, the excellence of our city has been spoiled by unhealthy, unbalanced reporting, bordering an obsession with politics, lifestyle and Italian developers. Nuttall-Smith’s story begins with: “Everything about Vaughan – its executive estates, its hectares of malls, its politicians’ aspirations – is big and brash … Its expansion has been orchestrated by politically connected developers who know what they want.”

Toronto Life is published by St. Joseph Communications, which was founded in 1956 by Gaetano Gagliano, who is Italian. As Canada’s largest privately owned communications company, St. Joseph’s corporate communications office is located in the core of the Canadian marketplace – Vaughan.

I wanted to ask St. Joseph’s CEO Tony Gagliano how he felt about the way his heritage and the community he works in were criticized by the very brand he runs. After I made several attempts to arrange an interview with him, his executive assistant sent me this message in an e-mail: “As previously mentioned, I am unable to schedule any time for a call due to Tony’s [Gagliano] schedule for the next few weeks. There is no one else that I can recommend to speak on his behalf. We thank you again for this opportunity. Warm regards, Rose Giorgio.”

I tried to reach the five building magnates described in the Toronto Life story under the subheading, “Developer Kings: The builders of Vaughan’s suburbs are also some of the city’s richest residents.” But John DeGasperis (TACC Construction), Vic De Zen (Royal Group Technologies), Carlo Baldassarra (Greenpark Homes) and Rudy Bratty (Remington Group) opted not to comment. Would anyone who was criticized constantly be comfortable speaking to the media?

The only developer who offered his thoughts was Alfredo (Fred) DeGasperis, founder of the nation’s largest construction company, ConDrain.

While I don’t want to discredit the hard work that Nuttall-Smith did on his feature, he said DeGasperis was a resident of Vaughan, but he is not; rather, he lives in the city of Toronto. “I was upset when I heard about [the story]. We’re very proud of what we’ve done for many, many years. We still keep doing it. We build buildings. I know they [the media] make the problem bigger. They always try to throw dirt on a project,” says DeGapseris. He won a lawsuit against The Globe and Mail in 2000, for which the Ontario Court of Appeal ordered the newspaper and a journalist to pay him $780,000, which he then donated to charity.

Under the headshots of most of the developers, their estimated worth is listed. If money talks, why not explain where some of the cash goes? Every year, all these men, including Fred DeGasperis (“worth $1.4 billion”), donate millions to charities and hospitals.

In just one example, Fred DeGasperis and family donated a staggering $7 million to Toronto General Hospital in 2004 to enhance patient care at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre.

“We believe we should take care of the sick people. We believe that when you work so hard and you make decent money you should give back to charity. We’re very proud of what we’ve done for hospitals,” says DeGasperis, who, like the other developers, has extended his generosity to Toronto institutions like the Hospital for Sick Children, Mount Sinai, Sunnybrook and Princess Margaret hospitals.

“Our very generous donor community, which includes wonderful supporters from the city of Vaughan, allows us to raise funds to deliver breakthrough research, exemplary teaching and compassionate care at Princess Margaret Hospital, one of the top five cancer research centres in the world,” says Paul Alofs, president and CEO of The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.

Matthew Teitelbaum

TACC Construction recently helped fund the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services at the Markham Stoufville Hospital with a $1 million gift.

Many Italian developers have also supported the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) with $500,000 contributions towards the Galleria Italia, a sculptural promenade across the front of the AGO. “I’m thrilled because I’ve never been with a group of donors who seemed more excited and pleased with the association and with their ability to make a difference,” says Matthew Teitelbaum, the AGO’s Michael and Sonja Koerner director and CEO.

Cities in Canada and across the world are troubled by scandals, and whether it’s true or not, a dose of equilibrium and a dash of class go a long way in fair reportage.

“We don’t need any more bad publicity about Vaughan,” says Remo Ferri. “I think there’s a great community up here. It’s a great place, and some of us have worked very hard to build what we have. We’re not crooks,” adds the founder of The Remo Ferri Group of Automobiles. Earlier this year, Ferri, who supports a number of charities, opened North America’s largest Ferrari Maserati dealership in Vaughan.

The city of Vaughan is home to multiple ethnicities, living and learning together in one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities.

The issue of Italian culture begins when Nuttall-Smith writes, “The city has more than 250,000 residents today, and the largest concentration of Italian immigrants in Canada. More than 40 per cent of the population claims Italian heritage. Six out of eight of the city’s councillors are Italian; they often campaign in Italian and bow to local Italian-language media.”

Sandra Yeung Racco, Vaughan Councillor.

In instances like this, I’m jaded from having to explain, very slowly, that no, not every Vaughan resident is Italian. “We have a very multicultural and diverse group of residents and businesses,” says Vaughan Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco. I think that makes us very rare. We have a good balance of multiple cultures within our community.”

A surprise to most, the city of Vaughan is just 38 per cent Italian. The rest of the community includes Jewish, Indian, Russian, Vietnamese, French and Romanian cultures, among others. “It is a very interesting and special experience for emigrants that first come to live in Vaughan and are new to the country. For me, Vaughan has everything you need,” says Mimoza Gila, an Albanian who lives in Woodbridge.

I must dispel yet another illusion: that of the housing climate of Vaughan. Guess what! We don’t all live like starlets in Hollywood-style “executive estates” with Roman pillars and multiple garages. “A number of condominium apartments and multiple row houses have been built [in Vaughan] over the past few years,” states the city of Vaughan’s website.

Just take a drive through Vaughan’s major communities – Concord, Kleinburg, Maple, Thornhill, Woodbridge – and you will find families living under the roof of a condominium, duplex or ­– gasp! – renting. Also, Vaughan is not “paved over,” with more than 1,000 hectares of vacant land.

For those who do enjoy the niceties of an upscale life, it all wasn’t handed down to them on a silver platter.

Vaughan isn’t where ”old money” lives and breathes. That kind of currency dwells in Toronto’s lavish Rosedale neighbourhood, where our nation’s wealthiest hold tea parties and clink their crystal in a lifestyle set in the most posh and expensive neighbourhood in Canada.

Maurizio Bevilacqua

Vaughan is a city where immigrants settled many years ago, and instead of being stagnant, grew and expanded. Adding 10,000 new residents each year, Vaughan continues to be one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. By 2031, it is expected to be home to 420,000 people. How could a city described as a “political mess” with “politically connected developers” continue to attract new residents?

“Vaughan is a city that can in fact become world-class,” explains Maurizio Bevilacqua, a member of Parliament who represents Vaughan. “People [in Vaughan] are entrepreneurial and enlightened in the sense that while they excel at creating economic growth, they also understand their social responsibility. We are willing to share with one another … our focus is to improve the quality of life and standard of living for all Vaughan residents.”

The people of Vaughan were not spoon-fed a great life. They have felt the effects of segregation, communism, fascism and Nazism; they have endured poverty and oppression. But they rose out of hardship and misery; they struggled and sweated and strained to get to where they are today so their children could enjoy a lifestyle they didn’t have. “A lot of people came to this country in the ’40s and ’50s with only the shirt on their back, wanting to make a better life for themselves,” says Mayor Jackson. “They sacrificed … leaving wives and children in other countries to come to this country to make a better life, and they worked non-stop.”

As the innocent and hardworking residents of Vaughan continue to face an unfair reputation, the city’s accomplishments have taken a back seat. “The perception being created is an unfortunate one, but it is one that certainly can be improved by presenting the true nature of Vaughan and the community – its reality, not its mythology,” says MP Bevilacqua.

It’s time to take a stand, so that the next time you venture out of Vaughan, you won’t feel ashamed to say where you came from.

Like most things Italian, it’s a tradition of savouring food that has been handed down to the skilled baker.

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“As a kid I remember having homemade sagnetti, which is a type of pasta, and handmade sweets afterward,” Sarracini says. “This is a hobby and passion of mine. I love making crostatas, pies, and frappe, which are little bowties with icing sugar.”  Taking his inspiration from his mother and his wife, Sarracini also offers traditional cookies once made by older generations. On its busiest days, Dolce Bombe hand-creates over 1,500 of its authentic bombe, satisfying loyal customers with the divine dessert, time and time again.

905.265.7841
7611 Pine Valley Dr. Unit #4
Woodbridge, Ont.
(Directly behind TD bank)

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.

The store offers an outstanding selection of delectable breads, which are baked on premise. If it’s something sweet that you seek, Mercato bakes nearly 30 varieties of treats, using innovative presentations. Decadent cakes and pastries are delicious works of art made fresh by world-class pastry chefs, and prepared in traditional Italian and French styles, with no artificial flavours or preservatives. “Our artisan gelato offers unique and intense flavours, made fresh with wholesome ingredients and no preservatives,” says Rosanna. With a focus on upholding the highest of standards, Mercato satisfies every visitor, but leaves them wanting more. “Our hot table is a popular favourite, because we constantly introduce different dishes,” says Salvatore.

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As a remarkable specialty foods store located in the quaint town of Caledon, the family-run business also provides deli meats and gourmet cheeses from around the world, as well as specialty oils, vinegars and preserves, so that you can bring a little bit of Italy home with you.

Mercato helps you make your special event a memorable one, with freshly prepared, authentic food. Special event planner Rosalia Silvestri will help you select all the right touches for your event.

So whether you’re catering a simple dinner, hosting a corporate lunch or just looking for a great cup of coffee, Mercato is ready to serve you.
www.mercatofinefoods.ca
905.857.9040
1 Queensgate Blvd. Bolton, ON