The story of teatime begins nearly 3 decades ago, around the late 1600s, when Catharine of Braganza (from Portugal) married Charles the II of England. It is said that she brought a casket of tea with her on her journey to England where she was set to marry Charles II. She thus became England’s first tea-drinking queen. During those early days, tea was mainly consumed by women and consumption took place mostly in small private rooms or in one’s bedchamber (as was the case for Queen Catherine). The delicate pieces used for tea were sometimes stored in small private closets or boudoirs as opposed to the kitchen or dining room areas.

It wasn’t until the 1700s that the relatively new tradition of ‘afternoon tea’ first appeared. This tradition was soon followed in the 1800s by outdoor tea gardens, where tea drinking was no longer a private activity, but rather a public and social event. Food also began to be presented along with the tea. As written on ahmadtea.com, “tea was sipped and food nibbled from the finest bone china. The food itself was delicate in the extreme, with wafer-thin bread and butter or sandwiches and elegant cakes and scones…with [sic] thinly-sliced sandwiches on the bottom tier, scones, to be covered with preserves and cream, on the middle, and dainty cakes on the top.”

It was Anne, the Duchess of Bedford, who in the mid-1800s, really introduced the concept of afternoon tea, making it all the more fashionable to drink the beverage in an atmosphere where both ladies and gentlemen could mingle, surrounded by entertainers. Over the years, various other tea times were also instituted. These include Cream Tea, Low Tea/Afternoon Tea, Elevensies, Royale Tea, to High Tea. Today, tea drinking is an everyday occurrence that can be enjoyed on the go, in the comfort of your own home, or while out.

But, if you’re planning on attending High Tea at the Windsor Arms Hotel, be prepared to put the right foot forward. According to an afternoontoremember.com, there’s certain etiquette when attending teatime. Upon arriving, you must greet your teatime companions, often with a handshake. Once you sit down, you must set your purse (depending on the size) either on your lap or behind you against the back of your chair. You should then take the napkin on the table and unfold it onto your lap (however, if you must leave temporarily it is proper manners to place your napkin on the chair). From proper handling of the teacup to the selection of which food to eat first, you can expect to feel relaxed once you’re in the French-style lobby tearoom or the majestic purple room at the Windsor Arms Hotel. Maybe you’ll even feel like you’re drinking tea in the 1600s with Catherine of Braganza herself.

Sources:

http://www.afternoontoremember.com/learn/etiquette

http://www.ahmadtea.com/learn-about-tea/history-of-tea.html

http://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/afternoon-tea/

http://www.windsorarmshotel.com/tearoom/

Originally located at 52 Avenue Road from 1980-1006, Trattoria Fieramosca has brought to The Annex a piece of Italy… literally. The origin of the name comes from Ettore Fieramosca, who was an Italian condottiero and nobleman during the Italian wars of 1475-1515.

Trattoria Fieramosca offers traditional food from southern Italy and the Ionian Sea region, with offerings stemming from salads, pastas and pizza to various fresh meat and fish selections, most of which come in large portions.

Folks can fulfill their appetites by sitting in one of the floral or dark brown wooden chairs and white clothed tables in the dining rooms on either the first or second floor, as well as in one of the many round white and blue tables outside on the amazing roof top balcony.

For delicious Italian cuisine, impeccable service, and a home-like feel, we recommend making reservations at this Italian gem Trattoria Fieramosca.

Already been there? Let us know what you thought!

The first is the King, a two-bedroom layout with a large balcony. At 896 sq. ft., it is quite spacious. It features a generous living and dining area, as well as a gourmet kitchen. Below, is the floor plan:

The St. Michael’s Design is also available. It is an 892 sq. ft. unit with two bedrooms, two large balconies, two bathrooms and an en-suite in the master bedroom. Here is the floor plan:

The development is conveniently located just steps from the University of Toronto and the Yorkville area. Please contact us for more information!

Sources:

http://blog.buzzbuzzhome.com/2013/02/two-suite-designs-u-condos.html

https://twitter.com/pembertongroup

Near the University of Toronto campus, construction is well underway at U Condominiums site – a two tower project intended to be 45 and 55 storeys tall. The project, by Pemberton Group, has finally reached street level.

For future residents of U, building amenities will include a library, a fitness centre, a yoga studio and party room. The location is ideal: it is just steps from the ROM, the U of T, TTC Bay Station, Queen’s Park, and Yorkville’s many shopping destinations.

Source:

http://www.urbantoronto.ca/news/2013/01/update-pembertons-u-condos-now-ground-level

The 3 cranes at the U Condos site. Image c/o A. Wood, Axon Capital Realty Advisors ©

As you can see above, construction is in full swing at U condominiums. The project boasts 3 cranes on site, which is more than the average development site has!

Developed by Pemberton Group, construction is on its way to grade level, as we can see from these images. U will feature two buildings (55 and 45 storeys tall), and is located just steps from Yorkville as well as Toronto’s Financial District.

Another picture from the site. Image c/o A. Wood, Axon Capital Realty Advisors ©

Residents will enjoy 4,500 square feet dedicated to amenities, including a well-equipped party room, a library, a fitness room with yoga studio, to name a few.

Would you like more information on U Condominiums? Please feel free to contact us at (416) 929-1660 or email us at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com. We would be happy to help you in your search for the perfect condo!

Image c/o blogTO.

David Markowitz has been in the shoe business his whole life. In fact, his parents started DAVID’S, a luxury shoe company, the same year he was born. As a teenager, David spent weekends working in the family business. This gave him exposure to the ins and outs of entrepreneurship as well as fashion. Although he first wanted to have a career in the creative arts, Markowitz’s entrepreneurial spirit led him into the business world.

To be as independent from their parents as possible, he and his brothers decided they wanted to go into the shoe business on their own. They got the license to carry the Capezio name and trademark in Toronto, but after 20 years, they decided to finally merge the two companies.

Today, DAVID’S is the largest independent luxury shoe store in Canada, known for its designer footwear and handbags for men and women. It has three locations: on Bay and Bloor, at the Yorkdale Mall, and in Bayview Village. You’ll find brands like Christian Louboutin, Marc Jacobs, Valentino, Hugo Boss, and more!

David’s, 66 Bloor Street West, Monday – Wednesday 9:30-6:30, Thursday – Friday 9:30-6:30, Saturday 9:30-6:30, Sunday 12-6, http://www.davidsfootwear.com/

U is surrounded by great luxury shops just like DAVID’S. If you would like more information regarding U, please feel free to contact us at (416) 929-1660 or email us at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com. We would be happy to help you find the perfect condo!

Sources:

http://www.davidsfootwear.com/

http://twitter.com/DAVIDSFOOTWEAR/

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/sb-growth/success-stories/the-shoe-business-is-like-show-business/article555139/

Image c/o focacciarestaurant.com

Focaccia is a charming Italian restaurant located at 17  Hayden Street, not far from U condos. Reviews consistently praise the delicious food and Larry (one of the waiters), who has been called the “best waiter in the world.”

We suggest you try their prix fixe menu, where two can dine for $49. It features mains like the grilled striploin steak and the spaghetti with shrimp and spinach.

You could also try items off their lunch or dinner menus, such as: the penne with mushrooms, grilled chicken, truffle essence ($15), the spaghetti aglio e olio with sausage, rapini and fresh tomatoes, olive oil and garlic ($15), or the roasted salmon filet, warm chick pea salad, vegetables with roasted tomato vinaigrette ($20).

So, if you’re craving Italian, check out Focaccia! 

Hours of operation:
Lunch: Monday to Friday 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Dinner: Monday to Sunday 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

U is surrounded by great shops and restaurants like Focaccia. For more information, feel free to contact us at (416) 929-1660 or email us at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com. We would be happy to help you find that perfect condo! 

Source:

http://www.focacciarestaurant.com/

Earlier on this month, Lauren Bush Lauren visited Holt Renfrew inTorontoto promote her new socially-conscious FEED bag to fight world hunger.

This all began years ago when Lauren was visitingGuatemala. She saw a young little boy who was clearly malnourished, and whose image stayed with her. She recalls that he was actually seven, but looked as if he was four, “because when you’re that badly malnourished… your growth is stunted, your mental capacity is stunted.” It was at that moment when world hunger went from being a statistic to being this little boy for Lauren.

Since then, Lauren has traveled to Africa, Asia, andLatin America, participating in school feeding programs, thus actively engaging in the fight to end world hunger. Lauren is the co-founder of the FEED Foundation, which provided 60 million meals to kids worldwide in 2011.

The FEED tote that is being sold at Holts is part of the Foundation’s fundraising initiatives to stop world hunger. The burlap FEED tote was designed by American designer Tory Burch and is selling for $50. All proceeds will go towards the FEED Foundation and to Burch’s foundation which supports economic opportunities for women, including providing microloans to female-owned small businesses.

The goal is to raise $100,000, which will provide 500,000 meals for children and $50,000 in microfinance and mentoring support. So be sure to get one on your next visit to Holts!

Sources:

http://www.theprovince.com/life/fashion-beauty/Tory+Burch+puts+stamp+FEED+tote/6602089/story.html

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/lauren-bush-lauren-delivers-socially-conscious-style-with-feed-bag-fashion-line-151130905.html

Image by Atlantis. c/o http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2012/03/photo-day-crane-site-u-condos

U Condos are being developed by The Pemberton Group and designed by architectsAlliance. From this image, we can see that a crane has already arrived on site. That only means one thing: U Condos will soon be rising!

Look forward for more updates from Team Axon!

In the meantime, if you would like more information about U Condos, feel free to contact us at (416) 929-1660 or email us at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com. We can help you find the perfect condo!

Source:

http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2012/03/photo-day-crane-site-u-condos

Image c/o Bannock

401 Bay St
416-861-6996

Bannock is a 4,348 square foot restaurant and café mainly offering Canadian cuisine. The architecture also reflects the menu: it features antique pine and hemlock from one of the Queen’s wharfs that sat beneath Lake Ontario for over a hundred years!

Let’s talk food. Bannock’s menu focuses on wholesome ingredients. Classic traditional Canadian comfort foods are showcased.

The dishes even sound Canadian. You could try the Mac and Cheese ($14), the Organic Chinook Salmon ($19) or the Arcadian Court Chicken Pot Pie ($16). For dessert, what about the Canoe Fireweed Butter Tart ($8)?

The Executive chef and creative mind behind the dishes, Anthony Walsh, is the recipient of many awards and distinctions.

Bannock also features a “grab and go” counter and café. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Options include things like baked pastries, breakfast wraps, salads, sandwiches, and of course, bannocks (a type of flat quick bread). You can also find freshly brewed Torrefazione Italia coffee and a variety of Wabi Teas.

Want to start your mornings off by grabbing a bite at Bannock? In order to do that, you would have to live nearby! For more information about U, feel free to contact us at (416) 929-1660 or email us at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com. We would be happy to assist you in your search for that perfect home.

Source:

http://www.oliverbonacini.com/Bannock.aspx