Looking for somewhere to eat that is accessible on Valentine's Day?
With Valentine's Day coming up this weekend, the AccessTO crew has been thinking about ways to bring some increased accessibility to the Day of Love. We've put together a list of restaurants that might fit the bill for your celebration - whether it's a romantic night with that special someone or an evening out with a group of friends. We've also brainstormed a list of gift ideas that keep accessibility in mind. Keep reading to find out what's on our wish lists this year!
The first restaurant on our list was a no-brainer since the name literally means love in Italian. Amore, known for their delicious pizzas among other Italian dishes, is a cozy option in the Yonge & Eglinton neighbourhood.
The next two on the list are for those of you who are feeling like getting a little creative on Valentine's. The Art Gallery of Ontario doesn't just have great accessibility, but also has lots of great options for food and drink. And for those who feel like getting a little more hands-on with their date, an evening at Paint Lounge could be the perfect plan! Just a reminder that the West location is the only one that's accessible at this time.
Not many neighbourhoods in Toronto are as romantic as Little Italy, and although there aren't a huge number of accessible spots in the area, we think Bar Italia is a great option.
Although lots of us are on a budget, we know that some of you may be looking to splurge on your date and go for something a little bit fancier. Or maybe you just want to treat yourself to a special dinner! Either way, we recommend Ruth's Chris Steakhouse or Montecito as two accessible, more upscale options.
We are big fans of Scaddabush, both for their accessibility and for their delicious food. A little farther uptown, The Miller Tavern is another great option that has nice ambiance for a Valentine's date.
We'll break up all the Italian restaurants with something from South of the border. El Catrin, which offers an awesome selection of Mexican food, is a great accessible option in the Distillery area.
And finally we will head a little bit East to Leslieville where The Comrade offers a cozy, romantic space with lots of creative cocktails.
Now onto the gifts! There are seemingly endless gift guides out there but few are specific to those who identify with disability. Here is one that we thought was great. We particularly like the "gifts of adventure" ideas on this list if you're shopping for a thrill seeker:
http://www.newmobility.com/2013/12/12-holiday-gifts-for-wheelchair-users/
Got a computer user on your list? What about a speech-to-text software program? Dragon Naturally Speaking is a popular option:
If the object of your affection is a fashion-lover then a shopping spree at iZ Collection could be the perfect fit! We are big fans of this clothing line designed specifically for the needs of wheelchair users:
Let us know what your plans are for Valentine's Day and what your favourite date spots are in the city. We would also love to hear what gifts on your wish list. Please feel free to leave us a comment below!