With its eclectic blend of culture, flavour and activity, your local culinary scene is packed with edible adventures. From classic to modern, from bubbly bar scenes to rustic atmospheres, here’s a hand-picked hot list of mouth-watering mealtime destinations for you to sink your teeth into.

1. Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria
When co-owner Justin Lussier toured Italy in 2005, he fell head over heels for the fire-roasted pizzas he tasted in Naples. It was this delicious experience that inspired him and his two partners to bring Italy’s famous Neapolitan pizzas to Canada. Taste the phenomenon yourself at the highly acclaimed Famoso!
www.famoso.ca

2. Mill Street Brewery
Thirsty? Surround yourself with rustic charm, talkative friends and world-class beer at Mill Street Brewery in Toronto’s historic Distillery District. The deliciously unpolished style of Mill Street Brewery will add a kick of interest to your downtown dining experience.
www.millstreetbrewery.com

3. Vinsanto
With a menu stocked with fresh, classic dishes complemented by a charming Florentine design, Vinsanto Restaurant is as much a work of art as it is a place to dine and chat with loved ones. For a meal to remember, dive into Vinsanto’s extensive wine list, savour the buzz of energy in the air and fall in love with its authentic first-generation Italian recipes.
www.vinsanto.ca

4. Marcello’s Pizzeria
Heartwarming comfort foods soaked in Italian authenticity are waiting for you at Marcello’s Pizzeria, where the classic atmosphere is just as famous as the dishes. Slip into a Roman getaway by munching on the much-loved pizza alla compagniola or the delectable fettuccine con bocconcini.
www.marcellospizzeria.com

5. The Glenlivet
While it may not be a locally brewed masterpiece, a bottle of Glenlivet whisky houses a taste that hits home. Crafted in northeast Scotland, where distilling is a passion, Glenlivet’s world-renowned taste and quality will leave you buzzing.
www.theglenlivet.com

CHOCOLATE CAKE
L-Eat Group/Paese Ristorante’s executive chef Christopher Palik shares his recipe for a deep, rich and delicious dessert

Tools required
Large and small mixing bowl
Whisk, rubber spatula
Baking sheet and a loaf pan
Parchment paper
Nonstick spray

Ingredients
280 grams all-purpose flour
454 grams of white sugar
90 grams of cocoa powder
1 tsp of baking powder
1 tsp of baking soda
A pinch of salt
2 eggs
1 cup of coffee
1 cup of canola oil
1 cup of buttermilk
1 tsp of vanilla extract

Method
Preheat oven to 148 C (300 F).
In a large mixing bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking
soda and salt by hand until completely combined. Crack the eggs and have the coffee at room temperature.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk eggs, coffee, oil, buttermilk and vanilla together. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together with a rubber spatula until completely combined. Pour onto a greased and parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Allow to cool.
paeseristorante.com

What are your local “Likes”? Tweet us @CityLifeToronto to let us know your favourite hot spots!