Working on AST, we were packing the vehicle and readying for breakfast (included) by 6:30 AM and were prepping for the remainder of the drive through to Toronto. Loved the downtown location and felt entirely comfortable in the modest digs on Rue Sherbrooke. With parking / loading sorted, we escaped the downtown core without too much difficulty and were Ontario bound.
Gotta say… clear sailing into Toronto. We made great time through leaving early, eating lunch in the rig and mostly construction / accident free highways. We even did a quick “merch” stop for a deal on Jays jerseys after a heads up from Brad’s cousin Fred… baby blues for the game and still arrived with some bonus time to explore, which was spent in Wellington Market where the gals checked out a few stores and the lads walked the food stalls. Then to the plan which, in short, was to find ourselves a decent lunch, get checked in to our downtown digs and take our seats at Rogers.
Okay… we’ll start with eating, which was getting close to everyone’s bellies! During Stanfest we’d synced calendars with our good friend Kelly Peck for August 12th and made a date to visit Rodney’s Oyster House. Just a block away from Wellington Market, we waltzed down the street only to find Kelly running across the road. After a huge welcome and a quick reset (we were a little early for the reservation) Kelly set us up with a table, menus and quick instructions.
There are times when one eats for fuel, others because a fella is bored. However, eating at Rodney’s was next level. Kelly walked us through several of the most exceptional (in both taste and presentation) offerings and we really had a super dining experience. Oysters, scallops, smoked fish and tuna tartar were show stoppers. And of course, it was a special treat to see Kelly in his domain… a wonderful host and darn good friend. I believe Brad may have summed it up in the statement “Who’d have thought I’d have to leave Atlantic Canada and go to Ontario to enjoy the best seafood I’ve ever eaten”!
With many thanks and goodbye hugs with Kelly, it was back to the vehicle and a 15 minute rumble through heavy traffic to Check-in. Janie navigated the city today like a pro… patient but firm, while being smart without risk. The process to gain access was well laid out, but involved, as we needed to gain access to the room, return to the vehicle for parking, and finally lug in of bags. We got it done… but it sucked up a hunk of time!
I’ve yet to mention the accommodation. Holy Toronto sky rise… Eileen said “What more could you want”. We landed a 48th Floor, 3 – Bedroom condo, with all the amenities from washer/dryer to duelling balconies. And perhaps best of all, just a 10 minute crawl from Rogers Centre. We took about 20 minutes to press all buttons and open every cupboard, get changed, do a quick bio-break, then make the trek to Jays central. It will make a more than appropriate home base for our visit.
At departure Janie was parsing out e-tix for our final attraction of the day… Jays vs Cubs. Solid records for both teams would set the table for what we hoped would be two nights of competitive inter-league ball. We navigated the walk, got through the wickets and secured beers… the rest would be gravy! With second level seats on the third base line we readied in hope of an AL East win! There is something about a ballpark at night that’s magical. We absolutely love getting the opportunity to attend a game, regardless of team or location. So indeed, it’s a very special treat to see our Jays, who are having a pennant quality season, at home. With a quality start, solid defence, aggressive offence and a couple of Jays homers, we were pumped to have watched a 5-1 Jays manhandling of the Cubs!
By games end we were getting “worn”, and fumbled/stumbled back to 14 York to settle in for a quick peek at Wednesday good weather & rainy day itinerary options, cold drinks and salty snacks. All in it had been a huge day… with only more to come! Cheers… 🍻
Wow looks like an amazing first day in Toronto! From food, to accommodation, to the ball game everything sounded spectacular. I love the group shot of everyone in their Jays gear. Hopefully day four treats you well- can’t wait to follow along!
So far, so good! Toronto is pretty sticky, with Heat Warnings in place. We loved seeing Kelly and were smacked up the head by the meal! And of course, the ball game and win were the cherry on top (of a melted sundae) 🫠! Thanks for the note and big hellos to you folks in the city (hoping that Bayers Lake wildfire gets under control quickly)!
A great day. The oyster house and the jays game both had homeruns.
I agree totally Brad! So glad that you’re along with us, and thanks so much for all the work you’ve done to make the trip happen 👍!!!