I love X-boyfriends!

The Auld Spot
347 Danforth Ave, Toronto

Across from Carrot Common and steps from 'Chester' subway station is The Auld Spot. I had driven, walked, and biked past this place for years, never venturing inside. The invitation presented itself to join some friends for an after work cocktail and casual dinner, I (obviously) accepted.
Although at first glance, The Auld Spot appears like any high-end pub. Comfy booths, busy atmosphere, lengthy beer list, but it is the food that sets it apart from the rest. The menu consists of everything from Gorgonzola Spring Rolls, to the more common Chicken Pot Pie, to fresh daily specials. But be aware, Friday after work was busy. With a choice, I would much rather wait five minutes at the bar for a table to open up here than to deal with the attitude of the staff at Allen’s, another similar option, just down the street.

To my surprise, the server, when asked about a signature cocktail, knew right away that the signature drink was: 'The X-Boyfriend'. No hesitation at all! This was going to be good! It came to the table looking exactly like The ‘tini Tally logo! So much more fabulous than my x-boyfriend! It tasted amazing!

The server would not reveal the ‘secret’ recipe. So I thought…in the face of crisis, when you don’t know the answer, where do you go? (Sorry Mom, not you this time.) Yes, I went to the Auld Spot website and looked it up! This ‘tini-tastic concoction was none other than a mix of: Raspberry Vodka, Soho lychee liquer, Triple Sec, Peach Schnapps with splashes of pineapple and cranberry juice. But oh so dangerously delicious! It would make ANYONE forget about an x-boyfriend!  And I'm sure the fact that the pub is named after a pig, and the signature drink is named 'X-boyfriend' are completely coincidental!

Rating: 5 ‘Can’t wait for the next x-boyfriend’ ‘Tinis out of 5!

Cottage in the City

The Ceili Cottage
1301 Queen Street East, Toronto

I know that this is going to be a hard for all of you King West-ers to believe, but there is life on the other side of the DVP! And no, I definitely don’t mean Jilly’s! This adorable little spot is amazing in the summer with its large white picket fence patio, but the inside is just as cute. Picture yourself drinking in a charming, old, mini barn. Inside in the front room there are exposed brick walls, large wooden beams, and recycled church pews as seats. A long narrow bar at the back is full of  locals in their late 30’s standing and drinking one of the 12 beer on tap (no bottles here to help decrease their footprint says their website).  We were lucky enough to find a seat, which is rare depending on the time you arrive.

The night was cool, but you could immediately feel the warmth as soon as you walked in. Coupled with the charming room was a smell that reminded me of fall. Our more than helpful server revealed that Irish Peat Moss is flown in and burned inside for that pleasant aroma.  I've never been to Ireland, but assume it smells just like this!

Now I do know that I was supposed to be ordering the signature cocktail, (many designed by Thirsty Traveller, Kevin Brauch).  It is my job afterall.  But on this night, I couldn’t resist sharing a bottle of Tin Roof Cellars wine. It is an amazingly tasty California Merlot and was perfectly paired with a variety of cheeses. You cannot find this wine at the LCBO, so I knew you’d understand! I guess this means I’ll just have to go back!

Rating: 4.5 ‘Tinis and some freshly shucked oysters out of 5

A Very Questionable Signature Drink

The Old Nick
123 Danforth Ave, Toronto

Conveniently located steps away from Broadview subway station is The Old Nick. It’s a little pub with about 13 beers on tap and a great pub menu. I do realize that a beer would most likely be the signature cocktail at an establishment like this but I thought I would ask our server - just in case there was something I was missing. Here it goes...
Uhhhhh. Just reliving this is making my stomach turn. So, apparently the signature drink is a Prairie Fire. If you haven’t been blessed with this experience, basically it is a shot of tequila topped with numerous dashes of hot Tabasco sauce. Lucky for us the shooter was also accompanied with a glass of Clamato juice for a ‘chaser’. I did try one, and only one, and only to keep my journalistic integrity. You’re welcome.  The taste of the tequila is quickly 'rounded' out by the overwhelming heat from the Tabasco.  A quick chug of Clamato only slightly erases the taste and heat.  Ewww.  Cheque please!

Our servers were fabulous and super friendly. The live music at the Tuesday night ‘Open Stage’ was (surprisingly) really enjoyable. The fantastic nachos should come with a warning label they are so huge. BUT…the signature drink needs some work.

Rating: 1 sad ‘Tini out of 5

Sutra - Your Volcanic getaway in Toronto

Sutra
612 College Street, Toronto

Okay, so it was a warm night for October, but that doesn’t mean you don’t still crave that warm summer feeling. We stumbled upon a College Street bar called Sutra Tiki Bar. As we walked in, a dj was set up in the front spinning nostalgic 1980’s hip hop tracks. Most of the tables and booths were full in this ‘just wider than a hallway’ bar so we sauntered to the back patio. The patio was fully decorated, as you would have guessed, in the Tiki theme, complete with a beach sand floor and extra hot heating lamps. You won’t believe you’re still in Toronto!

In holding true to The 'tini Tally way, everyone at our table sampled the signature cocktail – The Volcano. This amazing drink comes in a glass shaped as a volcano (deposit of $10 per glass, apparently everyone tries to steal them). This 5+oz Tiki-tastic drink is not for the tolerance weak! Rum, Brandy, and Triple Sec are combined with lemonade, orange juice, and grenadine then finished with a healthy topping of over proof rum before the magma center (could have sworn it there was Sambuca too) is lit on fire!

This $15 drink leaves you wanting another, but alas, it’s time to head to the next bar.

Rating: 4 ‘Tinis and a paper umbrella out of 5