The Burnout Store

Where else can you pick up an ice-cold case of summer?

Captain John's Seafood

You know Captain John's Seafood, that big ship restaurant down by the harbor front? You've probably seen it a million times and wondered what kind of cheesy tourist would dine there. If you google it's name you'll find a bevy of horrible reviews.

For example, "Avoid Captain John's at all costs. This place is awful - literally the worst food I've ever had", and "Captain John's - quite possibly the worst restaurant in Toronto, with staff who appear to be indentured. An aging floating party boat offering ineptly prepared frozen seafood to tourists who don't know any better."

Despite the criticism we decided to skip the food and do Sunday evening cocktails on the decrepit floating Wes Anderson set.

I recommend the gin martini. Although, the waiter handled a wrinkled up $10 bill before fishing out two olives from a fruit fly infested plastic jar and plopping them in my drink, it was really boozy, and a good value. Besides, I had low expectations for the service and high expectations for the weirdness. I was not disappointed.

take a hike

The Victoria Day long weekend is generally reserved for getting out of town, whether to the cottage or across the border. On shorter weekends, when there's no time for a whole day of driving, escape options are closer to Toronto than you think. Though a perfect day can be spent having a picnic in Trinity Bellwoods, birdwatching in High Park or cycling through Taylor Creek and down the Don Valley, consider something new.

One of my favorite spots as a kid was Rattlesnake Point. This conservation area on the edge of the Niagara Escarpment in Milton has it all: hiking, camping, rock climbing and caves! There is also gorgeous scenery, birding, and great picnic spots. Making the drive over takes less time than riding the TTC end to end. Enjoy!
photo by my dad

Love is in the air.

On my way to work yesterday morning I passed Central Technical School at Bathurst and Harbord. The big, sturdy, medievalesque high school has got to be among my favorite downtown landmarks. For one, it was the primary setting for the movie Class of 1984, which incase you haven't seen it, is a perfect 1980's punk gang flick. It features a live performance by Hamilton's Teenage Head and plenty of ridiculous melodramatic violence. Two, the building is rumored to have derelict underground tunnels, cool right? According to alumni one was used as an artillery range in World War 1. Lastly, my third and final fancy for Central Tech is the students that dominate my neighborhood. The constant exposure to teen shenanigans right outside my window during lunch, before and after class. The kids are pretty hilarious and in a small way, it kind of keeps me young. Incidentally, as I walked by the school yesterday and watched as two young lovers no more than 16, gaze into each others eyes, totally engrossed and hopeless, I was overwhelmed by memories of spring flings past. Especially in Canada, after a long winter, spring is a special time of year. Truly, love is in the air Toronto, and some of you may have already caught the bug. 

So for those of you looking to get romantic this season, we recommend Hernando's Hideaway. A quaint little tex-mex basement restaurant just south of Wellesley and Yonge. We had the california salad, the chicken chimichangas and a couple of margaritas. The bill was reasonable, the food amazing and the atmosphere casual with a touch of gimmicky fun. Furthermore (and this is a big one) the lighting is perfect for date dining. Here's a look at what we ordered.

The entrance sign boasts "The Best Margaritas In Town"... I might even agree with them.

Although we didn't have a chance to test them, we're guessing the fajitas for two would be an appropriate order.

Dutch Dreams

Miss Elizabeth's Ghost would like to give a big boisterous shout out to Dutch Dreams. Now that the weather is fine and we're getting loads of exercise on our bikes we can justifying the ice cream indulgence... Yessir, we mean exactly that, indulgence...

Chocolate and peanut butter ice cream covered with fruit and whipped cream in a homemade dutch waffle cone. Frankly, its the only reason we'd ever go north of Bloor. Wear your stretchy pants and bring a sweet tooth.