Quality Assurance – Page 5 – SQM Pick

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Putting the Fun in “Fundido”

March 15, 2017David Lipton Comment

As mentioned in my last blog, Cozumel, Mexico is one of the ports that I have had the pleasure of visiting during several cruises. Aside from scuba diving, one of my favourite things to do in Cozumel is eat at Los Otates, a local restaurant. Los Otates is an authentic Mexican restaurant, just off the beaten path, in an area that tourists rarely visit. If you didn’t know it was there…you would never find it!

I first learned about Los Otates five or six years ago while I was in Mexico with friends. Unfortunately, I was unable to visit the restaurant on that trip, but my wife was lucky enough to eat at this hidden gem. She raved about it and since that time, I too have eaten more than once. I always look forward to returning.

If I was to take you to Los Otates, you would probably think I am crazy based on its curbside appeal… because it has none. The restaurant is a small hole in the wall that has a green tin roof and a chicken wire fence on the side to close shop. The sidewalk leading up to the restaurant is in disrepair but it is in a safe part of town and the food speaks for itself.

Los Otates is the kind of place locals go to after spending a night on the town. All the taxi drivers know it and everyone ends up there, since they are open until four or five in the morning. Really – you want great food? Ask a taxi driver. These guys know their stuff.

They serve some of the best Mexican food I have ever eaten. They make the guacamole right in front of you, and melt the cheese for their signature dip, Queso Fundido, as you watch. There food is always fresh, served hot, and delicious.

Aside from the quality, you can’t beat the price! Whether it’s beers for a $1.40 US, or tacos for $2.50 US, you will leave extremely full without putting a big dent in your wallet. To put it in perspective, four of us stuffed ourselves silly, ordered beers and apple sodas and our bill only came out to $38.00 US. You just can’t beat that!

If you really want to experience authentic Mexican cuisine while in Cozumel, I really recommend that you abandon the tourist joints and head to Los Otates. They put the fun in “Fundido”!

Los Otatates
gerencia_mexico@losotates.com
www.losotates.com

The Galveston Express Will Impress

March 1, 2017David Lipton Comment

Over the next couple of weeks I am going to begin a series of blogs about some great services and businesses I encountered during my recent vacation. As with all of my blogs, I will be highlighting both large companies and small businesses.

For many years I have gone on a number of cruises. Most of the time when I go on a cruise, I sail out of Florida ports, such as Miami or Fort Lauderdale, however, recently my family and I decided to try something different when we found a well-priced cruise sailing out of Galveston, Texas.

Unlike the Florida ports, where it only takes a short cab ride to get to the ship, the Port of Galveston is more challenging to get to since it is located about 45 minutes away from Houston Hobby Airport. After doing some research, it became clear, it was going to cost anywhere from $30.00 to $50.00 each way, per person, to get to and from the port.

With this in mind, my wife and friend found a company that was on the lower side of the price scale – The Galveston Express. Not knowing what to expect, we booked our tickets and hoped for the best. We arrived at the airport pick-up location 30 minutes before our scheduled departure time and were delighted when our shuttle arrived 15 minutes early.

The driver was very polite, professional, and organized. He helped load all of the passenger luggage into the vehicle and had a list of all the people who had a booking on this particular trip. The shuttle itself was a newer vehicle, very comfortable and well air conditioned. We had a great drive down to the port.

After our trip, once again, the driver arrived at the port 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. I really like this business practice. It puts customers minds at ease, knowing they did not miss their shuttle.

The Galveston Express provides excellent customer service, current model vehicles, and the most reasonably priced transportation within the Houston area.

While I’m not sure I would sail out of Galveston again, because of the added expense ($180.00 for a family of three) and unpredictable weather, I would not hesitate to use the Galveston Express if I was in need of a transportation provider.

Galveston Express
409-762–4397
www.galvestonexpress.com

Sky High Customer Service

February 22, 2017David Lipton Comment

Recently Southwest Airlines was named as one of the Top Ten Most Admired Companies in the World, by Fortune Magazine. With that being said, I believe Southwest Airlines is a great company and I would like to share my recent travel experience with you. For transparency purposes, SQM does do business with Southwest Airlines and I know people who work for the company.

Years ago I started flying with Southwest Airlines because they had a reputation of being a low-cost carrier. Even though they aren’t always considered low cost, these days, I believe that the company still has a great reputation! Today they are known for providing travelers with very good customer service, empathetic employees who genuinely care about their customers and front-line workers who enjoy serving the public.

A few weeks ago I experienced Southwest Airlines recipe for success when my daughter and I became stranded at the Orlando International Airport due to bad weather. While we were waiting in line to speak with a Southwest employee, I noticed the staff made it a point to ensure that every customer was taken care of before the employees left the gate area. Considering we were all tired and upset, the employees did a great job ensuring each customer received the time and attention he / she deserved.

When I reached the front of the line, the employees made me feel like they cared about my situation and wanted to help. Together, the employees came up with a solution to get myself and my daughter to where the rest of my family was located (Buffalo). In addition to rebooking my flight as early as possible, they went above and beyond the call, to help me find a hotel for the night when they learned I was having difficulty finding one and noticed that my daughter was exhausted and upset. Within a few minutes they provided me with some contact information and I spoke to someone who gave us a very nice room and a special “stranded traveler’s” rate.

While there are many times in business where a customer is left feeling like they are just another number, I really felt like the Southwest employees added the personal touch to this difficult situation, making me feel valued and appreciated.

For those of you living in Canada, close to the border, I truly believe it is worth a short drive to the US to fly with Southwest Airlines. Southwest is a great company to fly with and I am confident that you will enjoy your travels.

Southwest Airlines
1-800-I-FLY-SWA
www.southwest.com

How Starbucks Became my “Third Place”

February 15, 2017David Lipton Comment

When it comes to my caffeine fix, I will admit that I love Tim Hortons and always go there for my morning coffee. The coffee tastes great and I find it less expensive than many coffee shops.

That said, in more recent times, my visits to Starbucks have become more regular, since my wife and daughter enjoy a number of their drinks, including their “Secret Frappuccino Menu”. In addition, over the last few months, my daughter has asked me to take her to the local Starbucks so she can sip on a beverage and relax in the “big cozy chairs” after a day of skating or other fun activities.

Since I began sharing these experiences with my daughter, I have started to appreciate the Starbucks experience even more. Currently, I frequent my local Starbucks to catch up with friends, have informal business meetings, or get work done without the distractions encountered at my home or office. In fact, between the big cozy chairs, the free Wi-Fi, and some nice music playing, I’m wondering if I really need an office anymore!

During a recent visit, I was surprised to observe how many of the customers at the Bathurst and Joicey location were regulars. What was even more surprising, is how the employees knew many of these people by name, regardless of whether they were a manager, full-time or part-time employee. In addition to the personal touch, I also like how this location usually has seats available. Whether it’s the big cozy chairs, a table for two, or space at the communal desk, they have room for everyone!

I remember Howard Schultz, the founder of Starbucks saying that his goal was to have Starbucks be the “Third Place” in our lives…home being the first, work second and Starbucks third. Given my recent experiences, I see what he means, and I think that he might have succeeded.

So if you have some time to kill, want to catch up with friends, relax with a book, do some work, or just sip on a tasty drink, check out your local Starbucks.

Starbucks
1-800-782-7282
www.starbucks.ca

Walmart’s Improving Customer Service

February 8, 2017David Lipton Comment

While many people shop at Walmart for deals based on low prices (but even that is debatable), I have never heard of anyone recognizing them for providing excellent customer service. Today, I am going to do just that!

Over the holidays, we were cleaning out my daughter’s dresser drawers and came across a Walmart bag with a new pair of snow pants (with the tags still on) that were purchased last year. Seeing how my daughter grows really quickly, these brand new snow pants no longer fit, so I decided to take a shot in the dark and brought the snow pants with me on my next trip to Walmart at Bathurst and Centre, to see if I could return them.

Surprisingly, despite it being a busy time of year, the line moved quite quickly. When I got to the front of the line, I told the woman working that I did not have the receipt, so she tried looking up the snow pants in the system but couldn’t find them. She then called over a manager who took the pants into the back room and returned saying the item would now scan into the system. The woman immediately processed the return and gave me a store credit for the value of the pants.

Completely unrelated, a couple days later, my dad gave me a call and told me the bundle buggie I bought him three months earlier was broken since a wheel had fallen off. I picked up the buggie and took it back to Walmart where I ironically spoke with the same woman who helped me with the snow pants. She told me to go into the store, grab a new buggie and come back to her desk to process the exchange even though I did not have the receipt….again!

When I returned to her desk, she called over the manager to authorize the exchange, who did so immediately, and within a few minutes I was once again on my way…..and very pleased with how things were handled.

I must say how impressed I am with the employees and managers working at Walmart. In less than a week, I had two great customer service experiences that demonstrate Walmart stands behind their products. If Walmart continues to get their customer service right, they are going to be an even more successful company than they already are.

Walmart Canada
1-800-328-0402
www.walmart.ca

Stellar Cellular is Truly Stellar!

February 1, 2017David Lipton 1 Comment

Stellar Cellular is a small tech repair shop, located down on College Street near Bathurst. The shop specializes in fixing mobile phones, tablets and computers, and is owned by Richard Martin, who always goes above and beyond to ensure his customers leave happy. In 2014, I wrote about Richard when he fixed my Blackberry and gave me back the money I paid him because he felt badly that I had to drive to the store a few times before the service was complete.

Over the recent holiday season, Richard went above and beyond the call to help me, so I felt that I should once again let everyone know what a great business he runs.

Around 5 pm, on the Friday before New Years Eve my wife began having problems with her IPhone where she couldn’t hear anything unless it was on the speaker phone setting. I told my wife not to worry and I immediately called Richard down at the store.

Since I had a positive experience in the past, I knew Stellar Cellular was where I was going to take my wife’s phone, but I had no idea what time he closes. When I spoke with Richard that Friday night he told me he was closing up the shop in a few minutes, but asked me how far away I was from the store. I told him I was about 15 minutes away and he said he would wait for me so he could look at the phone.

Upon arrival, Richard quickly diagnosed and fixed my wife’s phone. He then realized there was a second problem and he was able to fix it within 30 minutes after we arrived. When Richard handed the phone back to my wife, she breathed a big sigh of relief.

Let’s be clear though…..not to paint everyone with the same brush, but very few businesses would stay open, on a Friday night….let alone on a holiday weekend….to help their customers out. Richard has always had the attitude of doing whatever it takes to take care of his customers, and this situation was not a rare event, but a common occurrence based on the way that he conducts business…..well done!

I’m really glad I discovered Stellar Cellular and highly recommend them if you ever need to get your phone repaired. Their prices are quite reasonable, their staff are very knowledgeable, of course, Richard will do whatever he can to make sure you leave happy.

Stellar Cellular
647-350-7755
www.stellarcellular.ca

Even I Like Shopping for Housewares…..Here’s Why

January 25, 2017David Lipton Comment

Many years ago, when all of my friends started to get married, the bulk of them registered at Cayne’s The Super Houseware Store. Cayne’s is located on Doncaster Avenue in Thornhill, and is known for selling high quality kitchen appliances and many other houseware items at the best possible prices.

Aside from providing the lowest price (at Cayne’s you never have to price match since the prices are already rock bottom), Cayne’s is also known for variety of other reasons, including: having extremely helpful and knowledgeable sales associates working on the sales floor, supplying a large product selection, offering extended warranties to customers and stocking replacement parts of the items they sell. All of this creates a recipe to ensure happy and loyal customers.

At Cayne’s it is always easy to find a sales associate to help you while browsing through the store’s aisles. Don, is one of the managers in the store, and is an excellent source of knowledge. He has been working there for as long as I can remember and aside from knowing all of the products Cayne’s sells, he is very familiar with competing products available on the market. After speaking with Don I can guarantee that you will be able to make an informed decision on the best product for your household.

Recently Don helped me pick out a gift for my wife. He helped me get the best market price and on top of that he told me how to apply for the factory rebate, which saved me even more….just don’t tell my wife 🙂

Another wonderful thing about Cayne’s is they stand behind the products they sell. Cayne’s has taken it upon themselves, to include longer warranties (no additional costs), on many products which they sell, beyond the time frame given by the manufacturer. In fact, on occasion, and depending on the circumstances, they have even accepted defective products after both warranties have passed. Cayne’s believes in all the products they sell and wants to make things right for all of their customers.

Whether you are looking for a gift or something for your home, Cayne’s is a great place to check out.

Cayne’s The Super Houseware Store
905-764-1188
www.cayneshousewares.com

No Muss, No Fuss… When It Comes to Returns, Costco Gets It!

January 18, 2017David Lipton Comment

As much as I enjoy shopping at Costco, some of their customer service issues really drive me crazy! Whether it’s the frustration of not being able to find assistance while in the warehouse, or how customers have to wait in long lines just to purchase one or two items, I still feel that they have lots of ways to improve their experience. But today I’m going to tell you about the one thing that Costco gets right, and masters, time and time again.

As an expert in the customer service industry, I’m extremely impressed with Costco’s ability and willingness to deal with returns. Costco provides members with a no muss no fuss warranty policy, as I learned, last year, after purchasing a car battery at their Downsview location. Much to my surprise, the battery died after only six months, and despite not being able to find the receipt, I decided to take the battery back to Costco to see what they could do. The associate immediately looked up my receipt via my membership card and exchanged the battery for a new one….no questions asked. Six months later I had the same issue and I took the replacement battery back to the store, expecting an argument, if not at least some suspicious stares, but once again, the employee made the exchange quickly, efficiently, and without asking any questions.

In more recent times, I decided to put Costco to the test after I bought a package of three rib eye steaks for about $40.00 (boy, meat and steak prices have really increased over the last few years!). When we ate the steaks, my wife and daughter complained they were tough and really fatty, and I completely agreed. That evening I called Costco and told them about our negative experience. The lady on the phone was very apologetic and disappointed to hear what had happened, and with no hesitation, whatsoever, she told me to return to Costco with the receipt and they would give me a full refund on the steaks.

I was so surprised by her gesture, I clarified that I couldn’t give the steaks back as they were already consumed and the lady said, “Don’t worry about it! We want you to be happy and satisfied with the product”.

While I begrudgingly accept some of the customer service issues associated with a warehouse operation, clearly Costco is a company that stands behind their products, and to me that’s almost as important as great customer service. I know that Costco isn’t for everyone but you may want to consider them for certain shopping needs.

Costco
1-800-463-3783
www.costco.ca

Games Night—Stay Latte!

January 11, 2017David Lipton Comment

Several weeks ago, as the weather turned colder, my family introduced me to great place for food and fun, located in downtown Toronto.

Snakes and Lattes (S&L) is Toronto’s original board game café where you can dine and play games for as little or as much time as you would like. With over 1,000 games to choose from, there truly is something for everyone! S&L now has two downtown locations. The original location first opened on Bloor Street in 2010, and after much success, they opened their second location on College Street in 2015.

Both locations offer guests a dining experience, however, Bloor Street is more of a cafe, while the College Street location has more food and beverage options. Of course, the food is almost secondary, to the main reason for going to Snakes and Lattes…..to play games. In fact, if you enjoy any of the games that you play, they also have an area of the store where you can purchase games (I believe they are the only place in the city to buy the popular game, Cards Against Humanity).

The staff are well educated and can suggest age appropriate games for your group and give you details on how to play each game. This is pretty impressive given the number of games S&L offers. The games are divided into zones like card games, strategy, fantasy and more. Some of the games are ones you have probably never heard of but they do indeed exist!

Snakes and Lattes does not take reservations so it is good to get there early, but if there is a wait, they will take down your number and text you when a table is available. Even if you have to wait, it is definitely worth it! S&L provides a fun evening out where you and your friends or family can partake in something a bit different than just going out for dinner or drinks. It’s an especially enjoyable place to go during the cold winter months.

Don’t be surprised if you get hit by the bug and end up buying a game you played that night….it’s happened to us more than once. Alternatively, you can also purchase games from their website.

Now back to Monopoly……

Snakes and Latte’s
647-342-9229
www.snakesandlattes.com

Brrrr—Thank you Len!

January 4, 2017David Lipton Comment

Last week, around 9 pm I noticed that it was a little chilly inside my house and realized that my furnace had turned off. Being the handy fellow that I am, I poked and prodded at the furnace to try and get it working, but had no such luck, and had to find a quick solution, as it was getting colder by the minute.

Since it was already late, I immediately went on Facebook and asked my neighborhood’s Facebook group if anyone knows a reliable person who deals with heating and furnaces. Within five minutes, three different people sent me messages with the contact information for Len Minuk, owner of Temp▪A▪Sure.

Temp▪A▪Sure operates 24/7 and helps customers fix issues related to heating, cooling, hot water, gas lines, fireplaces and standby power generator equipment within the GTA. Regrettably, I was unable to reach Len that evening since he was already asleep (it was after 11 pm), but I heard from him early the next morning and he indicated he would take care of my issue as soon as possible. Even though Len was extremely busy, he said he would stop by in the morning to at least take a look at the furnace, and if it was a small repair he would do it immediately, or he would return in the afternoon if it required more work.

Fortunately the problem was minor and Len was able to fix it as soon as he arrived at our house. In fact, Len diagnosed the problem within a couple of minutes of arriving, and had our furnace working soon after. As the house began to warm up, Len stayed with us for an additional 15 minutes to ensure the job was complete and the problem was completely solved. Len also noticed we were using the wrong size filter and offered to get me one that was the correct size, as it apparently makes a huge difference.

While a lot of people in the home comfort industry “talk” about service, it is clear Len provides it. Len cares about his customers and his profession, and takes pride in his workmanship. He even called me to follow up, later in the day, and normally would call the following day as well, but since this was minor, I told him not to worry about it.

I am so glad Len took time out of his busy schedule to fix our furnace on one of the coldest days of the year, when we needed it the most. We are very fortunate to have found him and are very glad we did. We will definitely use him again if we ever need any of his services.

Thankfully I can now put away the extra blankets and give back all the space heaters I borrowed.

Temp▪A▪Sure
416-806-6111
www.tempasure.com

Losing the Pillow Fight!

December 28, 2016David Lipton Comment

This week’s blog is a little different than the normal ones I write about, as I’m going to vent about a new pillow trend that is getting on my nerves… and resulted in me losing my last pillow fight!

Over the last year and a half, I have spent a fair bit of time traveling across Canada and the United States. To my surprise, the motels and inns I have been staying at have updated (or should I say, downgraded) their traditional rectangular pillows with the small square accent pillows you would typically find on a couch (as the decor).

I personally find this somewhat frustrating, if not ridiculous, as these “new” pillows are very uncomfortable and make it impossible to get a good night’s sleep. And if that’s not enough, these pillows create an added dilemma, as one square pillow on its own is too flat and two layered on top of each other are way too high.

How am I supposed to sleep?

I know, I know….perhaps I can travel with my own pillow like Linus who went everywhere with his blanket… but my wife always encourages me to pack light…. so what is a man to do??

While I am not going anywhere over the holiday season, I warn those of you who are to beware of these fluffy, little troublemakers.

Have you experienced this at any hotels over the last year? Is this a new trend? Am I going crazy and just imagining this? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

On that note, to all of SQM’s readers and followers, have a safe enjoyable holiday season and a happy and healthy new year.

Sleep well!

Flexing my Blogging and Retail Muscles…..Cheryl is Taking Over the Blog to Tell you About Arc’teryx

December 21, 2016Cheryl Krangle Comment

When I joined SQM and heard about David’s blog, I asked if I could write about some of the amazing experiences I have had. As a Yelp Elite Blogger, I thought this was a no-brainer, so the verdict is in and I am taking over the blog for the week.

As a deal hunting, fashionista, I love to shop and flex my retail muscles during a great session of retail therapy. I’m always on the lookout for the next best thing, including those hidden treasures that all of your friends ask you about.

Recently I struck gold at the Grand Opening of Arc’teryx at Yorkdale Mall. Arc’teryx is a premium clothing and sporting goods company that provides customers with gear to perform in extreme weather conditions.

Traditionally, when you line up for a grand opening, the store makes you stand in line like cattle, until the very last minute, when they officially open their doors, but Arc’teryx’s event was done in a much better way. My friends and I arrived at 4:30 am for this well promoted event, yes you read that correctly….4:30 am! Upon arrival, we added our names to the list being held by the Arc’teryx organizer.

Around 6:00 am we were brought into the mall where we were given water bottles, cupcakes, cookies, custom Nespresso beverages, and gluten / dairy free granola bars. The fun didn’t stop here, though, with the promoters throwing Arc’teryx t-shirts into the line to excite us while we waited. About an hour later Breakfast Television began filming their segment on the new stores within Yorkdale Mall and they gave us all $50.00 gift cards for being the first people in the new section of the mall.

Finally, Arc’teryx had gifts for everyone who attended their grand opening. Everyone went home with an orange goretex lunch box and the first 50 people in line received even more. The first ten people in line received an $800 shell jacket, while the next ten guests received a $300 insulated jacket (I was in this group) and the remaining thirty guests received backpacks filled with gifts like hats, trail mix, flasks and note books.

Arc’teryx knows the keys to retail success! I highly recommend Arc’teryx and can vouch for their high quality product, and amazing customer service.

Arc’teryx
1-866-458-2473
www.arcteryx.com

Leaside Volleyball Serves Up the Best League in the City

December 14, 2016David Lipton Comment

Last year my daughter started playing volleyball at the Leaside Volleyball Club. The league was recommended to me by the Ontario Volleyball Association, so I figured it had to be a good place to start learning about the game. I was so impressed by the league that I wrote a blog about my experience and wanted to share an update with all of you today.

As my daughter continues to progress in the sport, I realize what a great team of coaches she has access to! John Child, who played in three Olympic games and won an Olympic bronze medal in 2006, founded Leaside in 2010. Since then, John has put together a great team of coaches composed of professional volleyball players such as Olympic, Pan Am, and varsity athletes. In fact, one such Olympian who frequents the club is Heather Bansley, who competed in the 2016 Olympics in the women’s beach volleyball category.

Over the last year my daughter has improved significantly! Today she is much better at serving, passing the ball, communicating with her team, and bumping the ball over the net to score a point for the team. I believe my daughter and her teammates’ successes are due to the extraordinary coaches working at Leaside. Without the extraordinary coaches, my daughter’s skills level would not be where it is today.

At Leaside, the winter season is less busy since some members pick up winter activities like skiing. This makes it the perfect time of year for beginners to join in on the fun so they can get a little more instruction time and improve their skills before the spring season. The winter session begins January 8^th and I believe the league has already opened online registration. In addition, they also have a New Years Skill Development clinic from January 2-5, 2017.

For anyone who’s son or daughter has expressed an interest in learning how to play volleyball, or for those that want to take their game to the next level, I highly recommend looking into Leaside Volleyball.

Leaside Volleyball Club
leasidevbc@gmail.com
www.Leasidevolleyball.com

Samsung Just Pulled Me Into the 21st Century

December 7, 2016David Lipton Comment

Some people might have read in my previous blog posts that I am a big fan of Blackberry. Up to last spring, I was using a very old Blackberry device, and for the most part, while I was with Blackberry, they took really good care of me both with tech support and overall customer service. Unfortunately, Blackberry has changed over the last few years, and it more recent times it became evident that it was time to consider other devices.

During the last few years, I have also put up with a growing list of friends and family who were constantly making fun of my older Blackberry. In fact, my sister-in-law would even make fun of me for using my device because I still called it a phone and didn’t understand the power of what I could do with modern day technology.

A few months ago, after hemming, hawing and researching the subject to death, I finally took the plunge and moved to an android device. In particular, I ended up buying a Samsung Galaxy S7. I know Samsung has been having issues with their Galaxy Note 7 but my research showed me the Galaxy S7 would be a good investment. Within minutes of setting up my device (with the help of my sister-in-law), I realized she was absolutely right! Boy, was I missing out big time… there was a whole new world out there! Whether it’s getting news and sports updates, being able to quickly check the weather, making free long distance phone calls (using Skype and WhatsApp), navigating our congested roads, price matching or finding deals, there is an app for everything!

If my calculations are correct, the amount of money I have saved through price matching and free long distance calls has already more than aid for the phone. In addition to these benefits, the phone is constructed extremely well. It has an amazing camera that creates beautiful photos (who needs a $1000 camera anymore?), is great on speaker phone, looks nice and has an amazing charger that charges my phone quickly so I don’t have to sit there for hours to get my phone up to a 100% charge.

Despite the recent issues surrounding the Galaxy Note 7, I recommend a Samsung product if you are looking to update your phone. For full disclosure, I have done business with Samsung in the past but this had no impact on my decision to purchase the device, or share my experience.

Samsung
1-855-254-4747
www.samsung.com

Where Should you go to Learn about the World Today?

November 23, 2016David Lipton Comment

In the 80’s and 90’s people subscribed to National Geographic Magazine to learn about the world and all the places they wouldn’t necessarily travel on a regular basis. The magazine was smaller than traditional magazines and looks more like a book with glossy pictures. It featured a yellow border around the cover page and is primarily purchased by families with children.

National Geographic Magazine was usually a child’s first look at foreign places across the globe. It was also super exciting for children to browse through when it arrived in the mail each month.

Since I always found the magazine to be interesting and informative, earlier this year, one of my employees said I might be interested in a speakers series at Roy Thomson Hall called National Geographic Live. Every few months, National Geographic Live has an event involving a speaker discussing a specific topic, somehow related to the world we live in. During the presentation, the speaker captivates the audience with stunning photos and video about the places they are speaking of, not to mention their personal experiences.

Roy Thomson Hall is an intimate theatre in the heart of Toronto that seats almost 3,000 guests. The theatre provides great acoustics, comfortable seating, and excellent service in all of their departments from the ushers, to the box office and the ticket takers.

Roy Thomson Hall is one of the few larger venues in Toronto that runs their own box office and they are always a pleasure to deal with.

For the National Geographic Live events, tickets aren’t necessarily expensive. The lower priced tickets start at $19.50 and if you buy in-person there is no service charge. These presentations are great for a nice afternoon or evening out.

The series is available Sunday afternoon or Monday and Tuesday evenings in January, March, and May 2017. This is a great way to hear some amazing stories, see sensational photography and learn about the world we live in.

National Geographic Live Speaker Series
416-872-4255
www.roythomson.com/natgeolive/

Roy Thompson Hall
416-593-4822
www.roythomson.com

Top 5 Rooftop Patios in Toronto

June 1, 2016David Lipton 2 Comments

Here is another one of our “Top Lists”! Summer is almost here, and the desire to catch up with friends has never been greater. When you are in the company of an amazing friend, a must-have is a restaurant that is just as amazing. Toronto is famous for its many restaurants – from board game cafés such as Snakes and Lattes to pitch-black dining rooms at the O.Noir. However, it is Toronto’s rooftop patios that are on our radar this week. They do not only offer amazing food, but also allow you to fully enjoy the summer sun. Here is our pick of Toronto’s top 5 rooftop patios:

1. Pauper‘s Pub: Located at 539 Bloor Street West, this rooftop patio is in the heart of the Toronto Annex. It is the perfect place to try out the pub’s delicious beverages menu on a Friday night or the weekend. From non-alcoholic drinks to draughts, to tallboys, Pauper‘s Pub has a beverage for everyone.

2. Madison Avenue Pub: This pub is located at 14 Madison Avenue, and it is home to not only a lovely rooftop patio, but the home of fantastic food and live music. This pub also has a distinct British flair. The decorated walls, brass fittings, and comfortable booths make for a memorable experience.

3. The Flight Deck: Part of The Pilot and located at 22 Cumberland Street, the Flight Deck is the restaurant’s recipe for success. You would not only get to bask in the sunlight, enjoy the cool breeze, have some cold drinks, and make new friends, but also enjoy how it is away from the hustle and bustle of the city’s streets.

4. Sky Yard: Located at 1150 Queen Street West is the Drake Hotel’s roof top patio. The Sky Yard is truly a hidden gem in Toronto, as it is decorated with a very modern aesthetic, and has speedy and friendly customer service.

5. Jazz Bistro: If you and your friends love jazz music, then this rooftop patio located at 251 Victoria Street is the place to be on a hot summer’s day. Its unique atmosphere, coupled with a seasonal cocktail menu, give it a well-deserved place in our top 5 picks. The knowledgeable staff members are a fantastic bonus.

Other worthy mentions include Jack Astor’s and Milestones, both of which have locations in downtown Toronto and are always ready to provide stellar customer service.

Top 5 Things to Do Between Now and the End of May

May 25, 2016David Lipton Comment

This week, we are sharing another one of our “Top Lists”. There have been countless events so far in the month of May. These include, but are not limited to, Canadian Music Week, Victoria Day fireworks, and concerts for Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, and Selena Gomez. As for the rest of May, here are our top 5 picks:

1. Doors Open Toronto Festival
From May 28^th to 29^th, buildings across Toronto will open their doors to the public! This will be the perfect time to visit museums, art galleries, and some of Toronto’s great historical sites.

2. Contact Photography Festival
Until May 29^th, Toronto celebrates the 20^th anniversary of the Contact Photography Festival. Both local and international artists are getting their work featured in museums and art galleries. Visit one of the participating venues to get inspired by Toronto’s top talents!

3. Inside Out Film Festival
Starting May 26^th, the TIFF Bell Lightbox will host films about and made by members of the LGBT+ community. In addition to the films, the festival will feature panel discussions, artist talks, and art installations.

4. Toronto’s Chocolate Tour
Satisfy your sweet tooth on May 29^th by sampling sweets made by Toronto’s chocolatiers and bakers. Guided-tours through the beautiful Fashion District will be available to introduce you to the best sweets that the city has to offer.

5. Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt
A curator has been murdered, and it will be up to you connect the dots and solve the mystery on May 29^th. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum to participate in a gripping tale of greed, lust, pride, and revenge.

Toronto Zoo is the Habitat for Everyone

May 11, 2016David Lipton Comment

For many years, I’ve been a big fan of what is considered a crown jewel of the GTA…The Toronto Zoo.

The Zoo is a place that I never get tired of visiting, over and over again. Every time I go there, whether for the arrival of a new baby animal, the beautiful scenery, or to just walk, jog, or hike around, there’s always something new and interesting going on.

Aside from just visiting with the family, the zoo also has a number of education and camp programs, which include: school visits, zoo camps, youth badge programs, adult programs, and overnight stays. Whether it’s the Critter Cruisers for toddlers aged 2 to 4, the EnviroRangers program for ages 4 to 14, or the adult Zoo Membership program, there truly is something for everyone and every age group.

An exciting and upcoming event this weekend is International Migratory Bird Day, when The Toronto Zoo, in collaboration with Parks Canada, will be helping visitors learn to identify local birds as well as provide short guided bird walks. As for the rest of this month, you can look forward to World Turtle Weekend, the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History Day, and the Raise Your Glass For Rhinos event.

While the zoo is an amazing place to visit at any time of year, one tip that I have for you is to consider going during either the early spring or the fall. At these times of year the weather is neither too hot nor too cold and the animals are generally more active.

Toronto Zoo
2000 Meadowvale Road
Toronto, ON M1B 5K7
(416) 392-5929
torontozoo.com