The Best of Two Worlds

“Meet me at Allen’s”

The food is dressed up, but you don’t have to be, at Allen’s.

With a top-notch wine and whisky list, superb meals and relaxed feel, Allen’s (143 Danforth Avenue at Broadview) is sure to become a favourite of MintoSkyy residents.

Allen’s owner John Maxwell has been a part of the neighbourhood since opening the restaurant in 1987, naming it after his mentor, restaurateur Joseph Campbell Allen. Since then, Maxwell has watched the Danforth grow in sophistication and vibrancy, brimming with a wide variety of international cuisines.

MintoSkyy has chosen “an absolutely wonderful location” says Maxwell. “It has excellent, commanding views of the DVP and is close to the best transportation hub in the city.”

Allen’s boasts Canada’s largest exclusively VQA wine list. Connoisseurs can enjoy special backyard wine tastings with vintners of note. The restaurant also offers a different whisky for every day of the year – more than 365 in all.

Every item on the Allen’s food menu is homemade, and the restaurant has its own “meats of designated origin” program, appealing to health-conscious customers who don’t want to compromise on taste.

“You know exactly what farm it came from, what it was fed, how it was aged,” says Maxwell.

Allen’s cosy wood interior is perfect for any occasion. Sultry summer evenings draw customers to Allen’s breezy, 90-seat backyard patio under a pair of century-old willows. The convivial atmosphere makes this the right setting for special occasions too – from weddings to wakes, birthdays and anniversaries.

People live their life at Allen’s,” says Maxwell.

See you there!

A natural destination

Take a short walk down Pottery Road and imagine life in the 19th Century.

The Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum & Arts Centre, just steps from MintoSkyy, offers a glimpse of Toronto’s history while also offering a vibrant calendar of events for today’s art lovers, theatre-goers and naturalists.

“We have a wide range of year-round programming, offered free or at very low cost,” says Ulana Baluk, Museum Administrator. “You can come on a guided walk, or simply come explore the site on your own. We love to welcome new visitors!”

The Todmorden community was established in 1793 when a sawmill was built on the property. A brewery and distillery came next. Then in 1825, the new Todmorden Mill produced the first machine-made paper in Upper Canada. Later, bricks were made in the Valley to build Casa Loma, Hart House and other Toronto landmarks.

Today, four original 19th century buildings still stand: a home, a cottage, the brewery building and the Papermill Theatre and Gallery. Plus, Todmorden Mills is home to a 9.2 hectare Wildflower Preserve.

“You can still see some apple and pear trees from the distillery orchards on Pottery Road,” Baluk says.

Love theatre? The East Side Players present three plays each year. Enjoy art? Take in an exhibit by the Society of Canadian Artists or the Don Valley Art Club. This summer, Todmorden Mills will host special events on Canada Day (July 1st), Simcoe Day (August 5th) and offer many guided walks that showcase the Don Valley in full bloom.

At Todmorden Mills, you can experience Toronto’s past as you look forward to the future at MintoSkyy.