Vaughan homeowners enjoy the finer life - and food

Aug. 28, 2014
yorkregion.com

Homeowners have been flocking to Vaughan, Ont. in droves over the decades, a trend that can be attributed to the community’s quality of life and convenient location.

The York Region community sits about 20 km north of downtown Toronto and offers all of the amenities of a bustling city. Its neighbourhoods are safe and clean, with access to schools, parks and theatres.

The community is also home to fantastic local eats, fine restaurants and food markets - and is fast becoming a haven for foodies.

For Intercity Realty agent John Ursini, enhanced lifestyle and good food go hand in hand. Below are some of his favourite food spots in the Vaughan and surrounding area:

Restaurants to make your mouth water

Vaughan consists of a diverse and multicultural community, which is reflected in its list of dining destinations - which reads like a map of the world.

New Generation Sushi and Teppanyaki boasts some of the best Japanese around, and is a lunchtime hotspot. Levant Restaurant offers authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, and is a family-owned eatery reputed for its warm hospitality and tasty dishes.

For fine dining, Chartreuse Restaurant in nearby Kleinberg delivers classic cuisine and white-linen service. And for premium Italian, there’s none other than Il Postino Ristorante, an upscale eatery in Unionville.

Specialty stores to stock your pantry

Old-world charm comes to life at Vicentina Fine Foods, which offers customers imported gourmet goods, a panino/espresso bar and full-service butchery. The Yummy Market is also a local source for seeking out specialty ingredients, and features European foods, including cheeses, deli meats and baked goods.

For healthy and organic fare, Nature’s Emporium is a full-service natural market with a bakery, bulk food and fresh produce department. It also offers prepared foods, and caters to specialty vegan and gluten-free diets.

Classes to cook like a chef at home

Vaughan is also home to cooking schools for all skill levels and ages. Petit Chefs Academy, for example, teaches children, youth and families healthy and nutritional cooking styles and techniques in a fun environment.