Essential Toronto Magazine 2016 | Page 49

Districts of Distinction Toronto is comprised of dozens of neighbourhoods, including cultural-based areas, residential enclaves, pockets preferred by young professionals, and ultra fashionable strips. These seven destinations are a mere starting point for exploring this vast city. B y K a r e n S t e v e n S rOyaL BanK PLaza Financial District FIrSt CanaDIan PLaCe each day it’s estimated that more than 100,000 people journey to the Financial District to work in its skyscrapers and office buildings. German-american architect Ludwig Mies van der rohe designed the Toronto-Dominion Centre, a formidable steel-and-glass structure that is 56 storeys tall. equally as impressive is the Royal Bank Plaza—the façade is comprised of glass panes inlaid with gold leaf. Look up at the corner of King and Bay streets to take in the impressive 72 storeys of First Canadian Place, the country’s tallest skyscraper. first canadian place and royal bank plaza photos by ainsley boyd; canoe photo by cindy la. GO Bymark 66 Wellington St. W., 416-777-1144 Canoe 66 Wellington St. W., 54th Floor 416-364-0054 There are many options for enjoying dinner and drinks while negotiating the next big deal. In addition to its modern Canadian cuisine, Canoe boasts a spectacular view of the city below and the island airport from its 54th floor perch inside the toronto-Dominion Centre. Jump and Bymark are two mainstays of the district: the former has a menu of modern north american dishes with Italian influences, while the latter is a Mark Mcewan-owned property that serves classic and contemporary Canadian fare. The Chase and The Chase Fish and Oyster are relatively new additions to the area, with a seafood-centric menu on the main floor and swankier dining upstairs. For a more trendy take, book a table at Drake One Fifty, which is accented with eclectic decor and art. Ki Modern Japanese + Bar is popular with Bay Streeters for post-work drinks and always fresh sashimi, nigiri, and maki. The Chase The Chase Fish and Oyster 10 temperance St., 647-348-7000 Drake One Fifty 150 york St., 416-363-6150 First Canadian Place 100 King St. W., 416-862-8138 Jump Commerce Court east, 18 Wellington St. W., 416-363-3400 Ki Modern Japanese + Bar Brookfield Place, 181 Bay St., 416-308-5888 Royal Bank Plaza 200 Bay St., 416-865-8300 Toronto-Dominion Centre 66 Wellington St. W., 416-864-6448 t h e D I n I n G rO O M at C a n O e essential toronto 2016-2017 // where.ca 49