Cassandra Hope ~ Personal Trainer

Contact: www.cassandrahope.me           647-284-0919

Contact: info@fuel-nutrition.ca 647-348-2758

Where?  1058 Gerrard St E., Toronto ON M4M 1Z8 416-901-9859

McGugan’s food is comforting and classic Scottish fare prepared to exacting standards. They aim to give every guest a heightened culinary experience within a traditional pub scene.  Being good Scots, they also aim to provide great value!

Don’t miss their Grand Opening – January 25th, 2012 – Robbie Burns Day

Where? 276 Carlaw Ave, Toronto 416-465-4777

If you are someone who is looking for a gym that is; no nonsense, well equipped, grunt it out workout centre, then this is the gym for you! No glitzy washrooms here. For the most part everyone training here means business. Very little talking or socializing going on but everyone has a friendly attitude and are courteous to each other. I am currently a member here and working with a personal trainer Jocie who has completely changed my attitude towards getting in to the gym. Between my training sessions and some changed eating habits I have lost 16 pounds in the last 2 months (I strongly recommend Jocie).

And if you’re looking for another place to buff your body in Leslieville check out Crossfit.

Where? 32 Logan Avenue, Toronto 647-351-6336

Located at the bottom end of Logan this incredible space that looks straight out of a Mad Max movie will help motivate you to do this old school traditional military style of workout (no major free weights here).  Chin up bars, rings, kettle bells and rowing machines as well as expert instruction in all the traditional Olympic style lifting techniques and some running are the essence of this awesome gym.  There are Crossfit gyms popping up in all of the North American big cities.  So if you are looking for something a little different it will definitely appeal to you.  All workouts are done in class format.  There are typically between 6-12 people in a class led by an expert instructor.  The classes go every hour on the hour starting at 5am breaking at mid-day and starting up again in the evening.  Check out this gym if you want to feel like you’re doing Rocky’s workout routine from the movie Rocky 1.

And checkout Fortis if you want another place to buff your body.

Where? 1173 Dundas St. E. (on the southwest corner of Carlaw and Dundas)

Located on the ground floor of the I-Zone loft building which happens to be conveniently located at the bottom of my stairs. Owners Grant and Kramer are almost always behind the bar that opens at 5pm everyday but Sunday. This tiny stylish bar is one of my mainstay spots after finishing up deals in the evenings. They have 2 beers on tap both from Mill St and amazing selection of spirits. This venue also features on of the largest patios on the East side that definitely heats up during the summer months. Check out the beautiful aquarium featuring a large selection of African Cichlids for all you aquarium nerds out there. Kramer also does a beautiful job with his gardening on the patio.

Where? 894 Queen St E, Toronto 416-465-3331

As I live on Carlaw, the close proximately of the Roy seems to have me walking in there on a weekly basis.  I love that this place is worked by the owners who always make you feel special when you walk through the door.  The staff are also some of my favourite in the city.  An amazing selection of beers on tap – a quiet, intimate atmosphere by day and quite a lively bar scene by night.  I almost never order anything on the menu except for the curried chicken and curried shrimp (to die for).  The other thing that I like about the Roy is that all of their shots are 11/2 ounces and pack a punch!

Where? 696 Queen Street East, Toronto 416-406-2669

They opened approximately 5 years ago by an old friend/colleague of mine, Michael Summerfield.  This large beautiful gastro pub has an amazing oval shaped bar located directly in the centre of the space.  It features tons of carefully chosen beers from around the world as well as an amazing selection of fine spirits.  Beyond this, the food is outstanding.  My personal favourite would be the nachos covered in pulled pork!!!  The grilled cheese is also to die for.  During a mid week day off you can enjoy a pint at the bar being served by none other then Michael’s mother.  The weekend evenings are busy and quite often feature DJ Barbie who is also an old friend.  I enjoy all the staff and strongly recommend this spot!

P.S. They also have a ‘happy hour’ that is between 3-5pm as well as 10-12pm.  where they serve premium spirits (like Patron! For $5).