#FOOD: CHOTTO MATTE’S GAME DAY MENU

Chotto Matte’s launched a new game day menu. This summer, there’s only one place in Toronto to watch the World Cup – and it’s not your average sports bar.

Perfect for sharing, snacking, and staying for extra time, Chotto’s new game day menu celebrates the World Cup with a Nikkei cuisine selection inspired by the journey from Tokyo to Lima. Perched with sweeping views of the CN Tower and steps from Union Station, Chotto’s, Patio, Bar & Lounge transforms into Toronto’s most electric match-day venue for every single game.

Chotto Matte will be playing the tournament all day, every day it’s on!

ABOUT THE MENU:
🏆 Start with the snacks: Shareable favourites like the Maíz Tostada Chips with guacamole and yellow tomato salsa, Yuca Fritas served with a smoky aji panca dip, or Shishito Peppers tossed with den miso are the perfect way to kick off the match.

🍣 For the mains: Go bigger with Pulled Asado Beef Tacos topped with jalapeño huacatay and pickled vegetables, the signature Dragon Roll packed with prawn tempura, salmon and avocado, or the indulgent Wagyu Sliders finished with truffle cheese and pickled salsa.

🍋‍🟩 Don’t miss the cocktails: Inspired by the rich heritage of Nikkei cuisine, Chotto Matte’s cocktail collection celebrates the journey from Tokyo to Lima, blending Japanese and Peruvian ingredients, flavours and techniques. Sip on The Story of Jade (gin-based), the Kakigori (vodka based) or the El Camino (tequila based). Each cocktail is thoughtfully crafted to honour the roots of Nikkei culture while delivering the innovative flavours Chotto Matte is known for.

More here.

#FIRSTLOOK: SANKOFA SQUARE TO HOST GHANIAN WORLD CUP WATCH PARTY

On June 17, 2026 Sankofa Square will come alive as fans gather to support Ghana’s Black Stars in Toronto. This high-energy watch party, hosted by @tribeculturefest, brings together the Ghanaian diaspora, football fans, and the wider community for an unforgettable night in the heart of downtown. Enjoy live match screenings, music, food, and cultural experiences throughout the day.

This programming complements the recent launch of #HotSquareSummer, a full season of weekly events from June to late August featuring music, film, wellness, markets, and cultural celebrations that showcase the city’s energy.

Tuesday – Lunchtime in the Square: Transform your lunch hour with high-energy DJ sets and a rotating selection of local food trucks. A #HotSquareSummer reset that reenergizes the midday workday

First Tuesday Evening of the Month: Movies in the Square: Open-air evening screenings featuring Canadian filmmakers and feature films. These relaxed, family-friendly evenings offer a relaxed cultural escape under the shining city lights.

Wednesday – Fitness in the Square: Free outdoor sessions focused on movement, mindfulness, and community care. The ultimate after-work decompression designed to recharge both body and mind as the city transitions into the evening.

Thursday Evenings – Music in the Square: Free live concerts featuring a curated mix of emerging artists and beloved homegrown icons. A weekly celebration of Toronto’s music scene in the heart of downtown.

Select Friday – Melanin Market in the Square: A special partner presentation celebrating Black creativity and entrepreneurship. This afternoon-to-evening market features curated local fashion, art, and handcrafted goods from Black-owned businesses.

Together, these weekly events keep the Square active and open to the city all summer long. Drop in, stay awhile, and make it part of your routine.

#FOOD: PLACES TO CATCH THE WORLD CUP – INK ENTERTAINMENT

This summer, the world’s biggest soccer tournament takes over North America, and INK Entertainment is bringing every match-day moment to some of Toronto’s most sought-after destinations.

Whether you’re gathering with fellow fans for an afternoon kickoff, catching a match over cocktails and share plates, or celebrating a historic victory late into the evening, INK’s collection of restaurants and venues offers a viewing experience for every kind of supporter.

Participating Venues:

• Mister C
  80 Blue Jays Way, Toronto
  Located inside Bisha Hotel, Mister C embodies the decadence and sophistication of a classic hotel lobby bar. With velvet interiors, a circular fireplace, elevated cocktails, and an energetic social atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for catching a match while enjoying one of Toronto’s most stylish lounges.
  
• Primadonna (Portland Square)
  4^th Floor & Rooftop, 600 King St W, Toronto
  A kitschy, stylish nod to Italian mobster legends and glamorous mob wives, Primadonna serves hearty Italian-American comfort food in a vibrant, high-energy setting filled with vintage art, plush banquettes, and Instagram-worthy design moments.
  
• KŌST
  80 Blue Jays Way, 44th Floor, Toronto
  Perched 44 floors above the city, KŌST offers panoramic skyline views alongside Baja-inspired cuisine and refreshing cocktails. The rooftop restaurant is one of Toronto’s most iconic destinations for daytime and sunset viewing experiences.
  
• Vinny
  480 King St. W, Toronto
  Part restaurant, part listening bar, Vinny pairs timeless cocktails and elevated dining with vinyl-spun soundtracks from Toronto’s top DJs. Expect an energetic atmosphere that evolves from dinner into late-night entertainment.
  
• Beso by Patria
  478 King St. W., Toronto
  A bold new Spanish dining destination inspired by the spirit of Spain, Beso combines vibrant interiors, shareable tapas, paellas, fresh seafood, grilled meats, and inventive cocktails in a lively King West setting.
  
• Daphne
  67 Richmond St. W., Toronto
  Located in the heart of the Financial District, Daphne is a contemporary American restaurant, lounge, and garden terrace offering seasonal classics, handcrafted cocktails, and a sophisticated indoor-outdoor atmosphere ideal for gathering with friends and colleagues.
  
• Sofia
  99 Yorkville Ave., Toronto
  A refined Italian dining destination in Yorkville, Sofia combines premium Italian cuisine, striking design, world-class art, and impeccable service. The elegant patio and gallery-like atmosphere make it one of Toronto’s most sought-after social destinations.
  
• Melani
  2537 Yonge St., Toronto
  Melani is a modern Greek restaurant inspired by the Aegean coast, offering fresh Mediterranean flavours, shared plates, grilled seafood, and warm hospitality in a beautifully designed space that celebrates connection and community.
  
• Cabana (Final Match Viewing)
  11 Polson St., Toronto
  Toronto’s premier waterfront destination, Cabana offers unmatched skyline views, resort-style energy, flexible lounge seating, daybeds, cabanas, and vibrant social spaces; the ultimate location to watch the tournament’s final match.

#FIRSTLOOK: ARCADIA EARTH SOCCER JERSEY PROMO

Toronto is in full soccer mode this June, and Arcadia Earth is joining the celebration with a limited-time offer for fans across the city. This unique offer is the perfect fit for any upcoming “to-do” round-ups or World Cup stories.

Every Wednesday to Friday from June 10-26, 2026, guests who visit Arcadia Earth wearing a soccer jersey can score 26% off their regular-priced admission ticket. Whether you’re repping your favourite club, country, or hometown team, it’s the perfect excuse to experience Toronto’s most unique immersive attraction while getting into the spirit of the tournament.

Offer Details:

Dates: June 10 – 26, 2026

Valid: Wednesdays to Fridays during regular operating hours

Discount: 26% off regular-priced admission

Redemption: In-person ticket purchases ONLY

What to expect:
Wear a soccer jersey and receive 26% off your own regular-priced ticket to Arcadia Earth. Offer valid only for guests wearing a soccer jersey. Discount applies to the individual wearing the jersey and cannot be combined with other offers or applied to additional guests’ tickets. Discount applies to tickets purchased in-person only.

More here.

#FOOD: WORLD CUP THINGS-TO-DO ROUNDUP – NRG HAUS, THE DRAKE HOTEL, AND CHOTTO MATTE

With World Cup fever building, I’m excited to share a few unique Toronto experiences for potential coverage, from watching matches between sauna and cold-plunge sessions at NRG Haus to patio viewing parties at Chotto Matte and soccer-inspired stay packages at The Drake Hotel.

NRG HAUS:

This summer, NRG is bringing the energy of the FIFA World Cup to the heart of Liberty Village with a full lineup of watch parties, kickoff celebrations, and community activations, making it the only recovery studio in Toronto hosting World Cup viewing experiences throughout the tournament. Inside the space, guests will watch every match on a massive 150-inch projector screen in NRG Haus’ Mocktail Lounge, transforming the contrast therapy studio into a vibrant viewing destination for soccer fans. 

NRG Haus will be hosting the following activations + partnerships:

• June 11 at 3:00PM: FIFA Kickoff Party for the tournament opener, Celsius will be onsite giving away samples of their newest drink, Electric Vibe, alongside branded décor and activations surrounding the exterior of NRG. 
• June 12 at 3:00 PM: Canada’s first World Cup match watch party. Celsius will be onsite giving away samples of their newest drink, Electric Vibe, alongside branded décor and activations surrounding the exterior of NRG. 
• July 19 (time tbc): NRG Haus will host a World Cup Finals Party featuring an outdoor Ole activation with complimentary samples, giveaways, and additional fan experiences. Ticketing and RSVP information for all events will be announced soon.

BOOK YOUR SESSION HERE

Chotto Matte: 

This summer, Chotto Matte invites you to experience the World Cup like never before. Complete with sweeping views of the CN Tower, and close to Union Station (a central location for tourists visiting the city), Chotto’s patio becomes the ultimate destination for Toronto’s most unforgettable match days. Each game transforms into a full celebration: Nikkei bites, crafted cocktails, and live DJ sets for every kick-off. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this is Toronto at its best: world-class sport met with world-class hospitality.

RESERVATIONS HERE

The Drake Hotel:

With the World Cup set to take over Toronto, The Drake Hotel is gearing up to give fans an unforgettable stay that brings the spirit of the big game to life. Guests can settle in with full access to an in-room minibar, thoughtfully stocked with premium beverages and snacks (valued at $300), included with their stay, and receive two custom limited-edition soccer t-shirts from a local screenprinting studio on WQW. Designed around match days, the package requires a two-night minimum and starts at $709+ tax per night, while the hotel’s best available rate on game days begins at $659+ tax per night.

BOOK YOUR STAY HERE

#FOOD: WORLD CUP TORONTO DINING OPTIONS ROUND-UP

World Cup frenzy is hitting the City of Toronto, with many international visitors looking for the best places to dine at while they’re in town. Here are some ideas in and around the City that showcase some of the best Toronto has to offer!

Takja BBQ House
Takja BBQ House, where chefs Jeff Kang and Edward Bang are continuing to raise the bar for Korean dining in Canada with an updated Hansang experience for spring/summer. The new menu features elevated seafood offerings, premium cuts grilled tableside, and a Mushroom Stone Pot Rice prepared in the Anseong Jumul Gamasot — a traditional Korean cast iron pot currently used at Takja exclusively in Canada. Reservations here.

Oroshi Fish Co.
Oroshi Fish Co. offers thoughtfully curated sushi platters for your World Cup viewing parties with family and friends! These stunning sushi sets come with chopsticks, seasoned soy, wasabi and gari which allows the party host to focus on spending time with friends and the game instead of worrying about food prep. Order here.

George Restaurant
GEORGE Restaurant is a MICHELIN-recommended fine dining destination located in a restored 19th-century chocolate factory in Toronto’s Old Town. Since 2003, Executive Chef Lorenzo Loseto has led the kitchen with a philosophy rooted in seasonal ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and deeply personalized tasting experiences. GEORGE is owned by the Verity Group of Companies, founded by Mary S. Aitken, C.M. Reserve here.

Chaiiwala of London
For those running to catch the game or want to order takeout for a World Cup watch party, Chaiiwala of London offers quick, easy and tasty traditional chai and South Asian street foods with a nod to contemporary food trends. Signature offerings include Karak Chaii, Pink Chaii, Karak Coffee, and street food favorites like Desi Breakfast, Bombay Toastie, and indulgent Gulab Jamun Cheesecake. Find your nearest location here.

Riley’s Toronto
Toronto’s hottest new opening is the Michelin-recognized Riley’s. It’s a sophisticated yet approachable steakhouse and seafood concept that reimagines modern dining through craftsmanship, comfort, and community. It combines the refined service and theatrical flair that Glowbal Hospitality is known for with a menu that celebrates premium Canadian beef, sustainable seafood, and a curated raw bar experience. Reservations here.

Black + Blue Toronto
Located in the financial district, Black + Blue is Canada’s premier steak dining experience. They offer the magic of a classic steakhouse combined with a modern and energetic twist. They take great pride in being Kobe Beef certified, in addition to offering our guests a selection of the world’s rarest cuts. Black + Blue has private dining room options to host your watch parties with friends and colleagues. Reserve here.

Isaan Der
Isaan Der is Toronto’s only Northeastern Thai restaurant, led by Chef Ko. During the World Cup, they are offering a World Cup Grilled Platter and Beer Tower at only $109!

The World Cup Special includes: Grilled short ribs, Grilled pork ribs, Moo ping, Isaan sausage, Wings, Som tum, Shrimp chips, Sticky rice Beer Tower!! The combo platter is perfect for sharing with 5–6 people as you cheer for your favourite team! More here.

Hello Nori
Hello Nori is a premier dining destination specializing in innovative Japanese hand roll sushi, aburi oshi, and premium sake experiences. With multiple locations in Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary, they are pioneers of the hand roll experience in Canada. The team is committed to using fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced both locally and directly from Japan while delivering exceptional hospitality.

The striking restaurant designs and attention to detail are central to their brand, creating a memorable atmosphere that captivates the guests’ imaginations. Focusing on sustainability, they proudly collaborate with local and Japanese import partners and have partnered with Ocean Wise to minimize their environmental impact. More here.

Simpl Things
SIMPL THINGS is a cozy, all-day cocktail, wine, and snack bar in Toronto inspired by vintage Miami design. Known for its playful seasonal menus, inventive drinks, and community-driven atmosphere, SIMPL THINGS celebrates connection through thoughtful food, genuine hospitality, and good vibes—from brunch to last call. Reserve now here.

(Photo credit: BMO Field)