Argyle Bar & Grill On Argyle Street, in the summer months there's more patio to be seen than actual sidewalk. The Argyle Bar & Grill, then, sets off this patio strip right, with both a 25-table rooftop patio and a second street-level patio out front. While you've plenty of tables to choose from, you better beware: on a hot summer's day, you might be fighting your fellow patio-goers to snag that open table. Just be sure to beat the crowds and lay your claim early. After all, it's five o'clock somewhere.1575 Argyle Street, 492-8844

Celtic Corner You have a perennially smug friend visiting from out west and you want to shove our rich history in their face so they'll finally quit it? Celtic Corner has got you covered. Not only do you get to work in a ferry trip (do they have those in Alberta? If they do they're probably not as good), but you also get to show this chucklehead the delights of our hearty cuisine, accompanied by that cheerful lilting music we know so well. A fisherman's pie, some local tunes and the sunny skies of Dartmouth will have this fictional character wishing he was a Nova Scotian boy. 69 Alderney Drive, 464-0764

Mexicali Rosa's If this isn't your favourite place to settle down in the sun with a double margarita, then I am NACHO friend! Ha! Heh!...And after that joke, you're probably happy about that. Moving on, then. With a 40-table rooftop patio, Mexi's provides the perfect pretend-tropical vacation for Haligonians. Heck, after a few of these margaritas, you won't even realize you're still in Nova Scotia. You might need a little siesta after this one. 5472 Spring Garden Road, 422-7672

The New Palace If you're lookin' for a place to cool off when you're dancing the night away, this is the spot. Shimmy from the dance floor to the patio for some fresh air. Or if you're looking to make a stop during the day, the patio's open then, too. Directly across from Citadel Hill, you can venture in after suntanning.1721 Brunswick Street, 420-0015

Pizza Delight Best known for its round-the-clock cheap drink specials and 24-hour operations, lest we forget that this new Pizza Delight location also boasts a 32-seat patio overlooking Spring Garden Road, which means watching people on one of the busiest corners in town at any time of the day. Imagine the changing tapestry, then go have a slice, grill some bread and watch it yourself. 5680 Spring Garden Road, 455-0990

Red Stag Tavern "Those who like it, like it a lot!" Why, yes. Yes, we do. The Red Stag Tavern---located in the old Keith's brewery---has an awesome rooftop patio. Serving up all Keith's has to offer, this 15-table patio is the perfect place to celebrate that Maritime pride. 1496 Lower Water Street, 422-0275

Your Father's Moustache With about 32 tables on its rooftop patio, it's great if you're looking to remove yourself from the chaos of Spring Garden Road. They also have a smoking area to save people from travelling downstairs to strike a light. Don't worry, though---it's separate from the food and drink area. 5686 Spring Garden Road, 423-6766

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Raised & rooftop patios

Bearly's House of Blues and Ribs The south side of Barrington Street is a friendly place in the summer. It's rare to stand about for any length of time without striking up a conversation, and if that's your thing, this is the place. Park it on Bearly's minimalist patio and soak up the sweet strains of local R&B, jazz and blues wafting outside from the bar (plus local comedy on Wednesdays before the ever-popular karaoke with Mimi), have a nosh (the kitchen's open to 10pm Tuesday to Sunday) admire some meticulously cared for motorcycles and drown your sorrows/toast your happiness with a drink. 1269 Barrington Street, 423-2526

Economy Shoe Shop Another classic Argyle Street joint, the Economy Shoe Shop is known for its nachos. So why not stop for a bite and quench your thirst on their patio? After those salty, spicy, cheesy mounds of goodness, you might need more than one. Like most Argyle hotspots, the view from the Shoe Shop might not be the most spectacular---hello, vacant lot---but hey, you'll probably be too busy chowin' down and drinkin' up to notice. 1663 Argyle Street, 423-8845

The Fireside Restaurant These 30 seats make some of the primest people-watching space downtown, with eyes on the Brunswick rundown, Spring Garden pass and library lawn. Drool over the passing Folklore Centre guitars and Taz Records finds in the day or marvel at the alcohol-to-heel-to-falling ratio at night. Plus: Martinis! 1500 Brunswick Street, 423-5995

Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market If you can find a more majestic south end view of the Harbour, you must live in the sky. Walk through the market and put yourself together a local spread, tote it all up the stairs and head on out to the rooftop patio for a lovely scene. It'll be open on Canada Day for the fireworks. 1209 Marginal Road, 429-6256

Hamachi Steakhouse Bar & Grill This harbourside patio has 30 seats upon which you can enjoy some late-afternoon sushi and/or a huge drink menu, featuring beer, wine, scotch, martinis and "exotic" cocktails. Or settle in for dinner---there's food that doesn't swim, too---and watch the booze cruises drift by. 1477 Lower Water Street, 422-1600

Q Smokehouse and Southern Barbecue A different sort of patio for Argyle Street---though there is a small selection of booze available, you're hanging out at Q for one thing: Meat. Watch the ladies and dudes do their various mating dances and dodge cabs all the way up and down the street while you sit, relaxed and full, the smell of hickory kissing the night goodbye. 1580 Argyle Street, 407-4006

Rogues Roost While it might be tiny---six tables---there's nothing like people-watching on a patio with a microbrew in hand. And if Spring Garden Road isn't the best spot for that, then I don't know what is. With five ales to choose from, feel free to sit and people-watch all day. After all, you really should sample them all...5435 Spring Garden Road, 492-2337

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Patios for people-watching

Outdoor boulevard patios and parking will co-exist on Main Street Unionville this summer. However, about half of the existing 25 street parking spaces could be axed and merchants who want patios will be required to enter into an encroachment agreement with the town. The interim compromise, OKd by Markham council, doesnt sit well with the local councillor and some merchants on the street who say they want to see parking stay and boulevard patios gone. You cant suck and blow at the same time, Councillor Don Hamilton said at Tuesday nights council meeting. If something is dangerous, then they are all dangerous. Mr. Hamiltons comment was directed to Sharon Taylor Wood, owner of What Girls Want. Ms Taylor Wood said she was asked by about 40 merchants on the street to urge that town council not remove parking and ban boulevard patios. They are unsafe, she said of patios. Asked if she thought parking on the street is also unsafe, Ms Taylor Wood said there have been no complaints about car doors hitting pedestrians or accidents on the street. We want the street the way it is, she said. Paul Vasilovsky of The Unionville Arms expressed similar concerns to the towns general committee Monday. Removal of parking on the west side of the street will only congest the east side further, he said. Id rather see handicapped parking than patios, Mr. Vasilovsky said. However, town staff saidthere have been six reported accidents on Main Street Unionville in the last three years. About 6,000 vehicles use the main stretch of the street every day, said Paul Ingham, Markhams director of operation. Mr. Ingham said with the sidewalk measuring about one metre wide, car doors often open into pedestrians and cars are parked right up to flower barrels on the street, making it difficult for staff to maintain the flowers. Not only that, but cars parked on the boulevard can restrict sight lines for drivers turning onto the street. The compromise will improve sightlines by eliminating some parking spaces at driveway access points along the west side of the street, between Carlton Road and Station Lane. Mr. Hamilton said if the town was to remove some parking, extra spaces should be provided on the east side, behind shops or on town-owned land in close proximity to Main Street. If you can do that over the summer, youll be the biggest hero Unionville Main Street has ever had.

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Patios, parking to co-exist in Unionville for summer

More and more restaurants are staying open, serving desert lovers who enjoy the warm nights on misted patios with chilled soups, fresh cocktails and delicious deals.

Even restaurants that have never closed during the summer Melvyn's Restaurant at the Ingleside Inn has been open every day for the past 37 years say more and more residents and visitors are sticking it out through the heat.

A lot of people will not travel overseas or make other expensive trips since the economy is still not as good, she said. Since we have great hotel packages and good restaurants with affordable prices in Palm Springs, visitors love to come here during the summer time.

Pinocchio's boasts cheap eats and drinks all year-round, with bottomless champagne at $3.95.

Bargain hunters should also watch for special prix fixe menus.

The three-course menus at Escena Lounge & Grill in Palm Springs, at Acqua Pazza California Bistro in Rancho Mirage, and at Pacifica Seafood in Palm Desert are a great excuse to get out of the house.

Here's a taste of The Desert Sun's favorite summer offerings throughout the valley:

Johannes, while closed on Mondays, will be open all summer long with deals like a three-course $34 prix fixe menu or $28 two-course summer menu.

Eat at the bar for schnitzel starting at $10.

Where: Johannes is at 196 S. Indian Canyon Drive

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Summer dining in the desert

SAUGEEN SHORES-

In response to a growing number of inquires from local restaurants about placing tables, chairs or patios on public property in front of their businesses, town staff drafted a policy for council's consideration which was presented at the June 11 committee-of-the-whole meeting. Town clerk Linda White, who presented the information report, said the policy itself differentiates between a sidewalk patio and a sidewalk caf. A sidewalk patio is a fenced-in area on public land between the building facade and pedestrian sidewalk, a caf would also be located on public land between the building facade and the pedestrian sidewalk, but would not be fenced in. Further, where the sale and consumption of alcohol is allowed within the patio area, no sale of alcohol would be permitted on a sidewalk caf. Business owners who are interested in placing a patio or caf out front of their building would have to apply for an encroachment agreement and provide a blueprint of the proposed area. If met, the encroachment agreement would remain in effect provided the business is not transferred or sold, White continued. As outlined in the recommendation report, the Town or business owner has the right to terminate the agreement upon 10 days notice and the agreement gives the business owner the right to use the land for the purpose of a patio or caf and nothing more. Moreover, the current fees and charges by-law establishes a nonrefundable administration fee of $250 per application and an annual fee of $100. The sidewalk patios would have to follow certain requirements such as how far the patio can extend from the building to ensure a minimum two metre unobstructed pedestrian corridor is maintained; that it can only be open during regular business hours and no later than 11 p.m. unless granted by the town to operate until 1 a.m; that it can remain open from April 1 to Oct. 30 and that black iron fencing is required within those months and removed in winter months for snow removal. The requirements for the sidewalk cafs are the same as the patios with the following exceptions: no fence is required; no alcohol can be served; no umbrellas are allowed and furnishings must be removed from the area after regular business house. The sidewalk cafs are also permitted year round in compliance with snow removal. Vice deputy mayor Doug Gowanlock thought the recommendation was an excellent idea. "We have had a number of encroachments that we have dealt with bit by bit... and I think a policy provides our staff with the ability to get out there and deal with these as they come up," he said. "I think it's an excellent amenity in the town." Deputy mayor Luke Charbonneau agreed. "This is a great policy and we have had some great success, such as Allan's (Fireside Grill), a great patio," he said. "We have others that are on private property which is great now. I think this says to the community... this is something that the municipality is going to accept." One item however that did not sit well with Charbonneau was the suggested fence for a sidewalk patio and the instruction for it to be black iron. "I think if its tastefully done, and in keeping with the direction of the downtown areas, then it doesn't necessarily need to be black iron," he said. "It doesn't need to be mandated." When questioned on behalf of the Port Elgin BIA, president Jeff Carver said anything the town can do to assist businesses by easing fees and stipulations with regard to patios in the downtown is needed and welcome. "This could include waiving fees and removing guidelines and restrictions," he said. "Instead, the appearance of these patios should be governed by the concepts and designs put forth in the streetscape plan." According to Carver, the more activity on main street the better it is for all businesses. "The reality is, that patios and the restaurants attached to them, bring visitors and locals to main street creating positive economic spin-offs for the community at large," he continued. "The BIA welcomes anything the Town and council can do to make operating a business in Port Elgin more cost effective and less regulated." Councillor Diane Huber asked White about the coffee shops that currently exist on the main streets and whether they would be grand-fathered into the policy or not? "I would like to see them all treated the same under this policy," replied White. "There are some existing businesses that would be expected to put up the fee."Huber further questioned White on the need to charge participants $100 on an annual basis when a sign encroachment is only $50. Charbonneau echoed Huber's remarks, noting he would be fine waiving the fee as it does not offset any municipal expenses. Councillor Taun Frosst did not see it that way. "One hundred dollars is not a whole lot of dough, and if you support (development charges) you should support this fee," he said. Gowanlock was also reluctant. "I don't think $100 is out of line," he added, noting his concern was more concerned about liability. Huber also made it known there was no mention of smoking within the draft encroachment policy and said she would take issue if it enabled smoking areas outside restaurants and coffee shops. "I'm not so confident in my initial comments if patrons have to walk through smoke to gain entrance," she said. "I don't think we have to get into that now, this is economic activity on the main street, that's the long and short of it," Charbonneau rebutted. With respect, Huber said she would appreciate knowing what is acceptable, so council can share with the public whether it's in the policy or not. The recommendation that council adopt a sidewalk patio and sidewalk cafe draft encroachment policy was carried.

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News Local

The patio. Nothing is more synonymous with summer in the city. Heres a collection of Torontos favourites.

You know that saying about how house parties always end up in the kitchen? Well, all of Torontos best parties between June and September end up outside. On Saturday night, for example, my friend and her neighbours overtook the roof of a Sobeys, because on a warm night, you wouldnt dare want to be anywhere but under the skies. Yup, just say the word and youll notice patios are now selling points: youd get dizzy at the number of patio opening parties that have become actual occasions. And I dont just mean people being cute with their backyards. (I was even invited to something actually dubbed a partyio, or patio party.)

Since all the days and alfresco nights are permanently glued together now, lets see if I can remember all the new additions everyones been talking about and/or drinking for free at. First there was the opening of DEQ, the Ritz-Carltons opulentyet somehow underwhelminghalf indoor/half outdoor space. Its fine, and there are fire pits, but it stops being expansive just as you realize it overlooks, I believe, the back of another building. (But the amazing hand-shaken minimalist daiquiri is like chloroform, so youll forget.) And Italian restaurant Piola opened a sorely-needed front sidewalk patio on West Queen West, just shy of Dufferin, creating a feel someone described to me as a taste of Little Italy without the obnoxious. The Thompson Hotel also re-unveiled its rooftop pool space, slightly re-designed with new finishes and, look, more fire. (I also get confused when people bitch that its so exclusive. I think its pitch perfect for Toronto views on any non-weekend day because everyones at work. Just elevator up.) Then Grand Electrics patio opened (yay!) and it looks so cute and side-of-the-road taco stand-ish, but I still see people waiting in line. Tomorrow night, Yorkville-adjacent Malna Restaurant at Avenue and Davenport will open its 14-seat outdoor space, too, andsurprisingly and welcomingly way-off-trendwill take reservations! (Protip: thats just in time for Summerlicious, and the restaurant is participating.)

And last Friday, the Drake Hotel celebrated the opening of its newest summer theme, the carnival-meets-amusement park Drakeland. The Hotel is continuing its tradition of transformation hot off the sizzling successes of last years Summer School and, before that, their first instalment of the seasonal series with Camp Drake. I remember when the buildings Sky Yard was as good as it got for rooftop bliss. Now, weve got healthy competition and more than enough favourites to go around. And I think back to mine: weekends with board games (fine, Scrabble) and half-price wine at The Roxton (379 Harbord Street), Tuesday afternoons hiding at La Hacienda (640 Queen Street West) with those lick-your-fingers nachos, or the ridiculously legit tapas in the velvet night at Julies Cuban (202 Dovercourt Road). Or The Done Right Inn.(Thought: why arent there any rooftop patios that host actual dance parties? We cant be that lame with noise laws.)So, in the spirit of the season and because I am so sick of Best Of lists, I once again surveyed some of Torontos social-est butterflies for a quick compilation favourite outdoor spots worth a trip this summer. And yes, lets have some fun and compare by adding your own recommendations below and comparinglike, maybe, some spots in the east end?

Easy Question. Bairrada (1000 College Street). The back patio is a hidden gem; I almost dont even want to tell the people about it. Its all picnic benches, the food is to die for, the sangria is cheap and if youre down for Euro Cup they have screens for the games. Hands down my favourite patio in Toronto. A close second is probably still the Green Roomalthough, is that place still open? Stefania Yarhi, photographer of the stylish and woman behind Textstyles.ca. (And, yes, according to a Yelp review from May 2012, the Green Room is still poppin.)

I met my guy on the Teatro (505 College Street) patio (well, at the bar technically) so its always been a favourite of mine. Tati Bistro (124 Harbord Street) feels like a treehouse in the very best way. And the Toronto Island Cafthe most idyllic spot in Torontojust got a liquor license so the good just got even better. Alison Lawler-Dean, senior PR manager, Joe Fresh

The Gem Bar & Grill(1159 Davenport Road) is my favourite patio by far. I am a bit biased because its mere blocks from me, but despite my clear subjectivity, its beautiful at night and offers patrons a secluded space adorned with multi-coloured LED lights. (Plus, theres tons of loud-mouth conversations, making for hilarious, overheard, out-of -context scenarios.) Navi Lamba, social media at GCI Canada, and a bystander to last weeks MMVA meltdown

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The Night Shift: Toronto’s favourite patios

A hosta and hydrangeas make an eye-catching combination in this garden on West Third Street.

Herald-Leader

All of us have wanted to peek over a wall, sneak a look through a fence or strain to catch a glimpse of something just out of view.

The Gratz Park Neighborhood Association is offering a chance to do just that on Sunday with a tour called Secret Gardens, Fountains & Patios.

Opening the gates into the private gardens is a first for the neighborhood, said Carolyn Hackworth, who co-chairs the event with Sharon Reed and Geneva Davidson.

"These are all gardens that are not seen from the street," she said.

Visitors will have a chance to see 11 gardens in the historic neighborhood near downtown, including Hackworth's small patio garden, a space with a lap pool and what is thought to be one of the oldest elm trees in Lexington.

Some homeowners have extended their indoor space, creating outdoor "rooms," such as the three neatly arranged sections behind the gate at 258 Market Street. There, even espaliered pear trees add to the dcor, creating a green patchwork on a red-brick wall.

Hackworth suggests allowing two to three hours for a leisurely stroll through all the gardens. Homeowners will be on hand to answer questions.

Hackworth can share with visitors the history of a 200-year-old ginkgo tree that is thought to have been planted by Lucretia Clay, the wife of noted 19th-century statesman Henry Clay.

Excerpt from:
Gratz Park neighborhood opens garden gates for a tour

RIVERBANK -- The standoff over potted plants at a Central Valley apartment complex is branching out.

The controversy cropped up this week when residents in the Willow Pointe Apartments in Riverbank, about 5 miles northeast of Modesto, complained about rules limiting them to no more than three plants on their patios. The property manager says the rule ensures patios are clutter-free and provides first responders with quick access to apartments.

Residents have dug in and say they keep their patios tidy no matter how many geranium, hibiscus and other plants they have.

Julie Nylen,of the complex's management company sent residents a letter dated May 31 saying they could have their leases canceled or not renewed if they did not abide by the rules. But she said Wednesday that she "doesn't have any plans to, currently" evict those who have more than three potted plants.

Nylen is president of Arizona-based Landmark Management Group, which manages the 24-unit complex for low-income seniors and the disabled.

The fire chief also weighed in when asked by The Bee.

Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District Chief Steve Mayotte said he understands the property manager's concerns but said limiting residents to three potted plants "might be a little strict."

David Cordes, the president of the Colorado company that built and owns Willow Pointe, has said he's required to keep the complex safe as a condition of his loan

That includes, he said, limiting the number of patio plants.

Willow Pointe resident Clarita Neal, 68, is not convinced. She said other apartment complexes for low-income seniors and the disabled have lush lawns and landscaping and lots of potted plants.

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Apartments' limit of 3 potted plants 'might be a little strict'

RIVERBANK -- The standoff over potted plants at the Willow Pointe Apartments keeps growing more roots.

The controversy was unearthed this week when residents complained about rules limiting them to no more than three plants on their patios. The property manager says the rule ensures patios are clutter-free and provides first responders with quick access to apartments.

Residents have dug in and say they keep their patios tidy no matter how many geranium, hibiscus and other plants they have.

But those who have more than three potted plants learned Wednesday that they don't face being evicted.

"I don't have any plans to currently," said Julie Nylen, president of Arizona-based Landmark Management Group, which manages the 24-unit complex for low-income seniors and the disabled. She sent residents a letter dated May 31 saying they could have their leases canceled or not renewed if they did not abide by the rules.

The fire chief also weighed in when asked by The Bee.

Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District Chief Steve Mayotte said he understands the property manager's concerns but said limiting residents to three potted plants "might be a little strict."

Nylen also took steps Wednesday to have the weeds removed from the complex after The Bee published photos this week of them poking through the landscape rocks in the complex's common areas. Residents had complained that management ignored the weeds while cracking down on potted plants.

One of the on-site managers trimmed weeds with a weed whacker Wednesday. Nylen said she didn't realize there were so many or they had grown so tall.

But Willow Pointe resident Clarita Neal, 68, said plenty of on-site managers have whacked weeds over the years only to have them grow back. She and other residents want a permanent solution to keep the weeds from coming back.

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Potted plant plot thickens at Riverbank complex

Ottawa has more than a dozen hookah bars that offer tobacco-free smoking. (CBC)

A committee of Ottawa city councillors has approved a motion to ban the use of hookas in parks, but stopped short of banning them on patios and inside restaurants.

The hookah, or nargile, is a Middle Eastern water pipe that can be used to smoke herbal products other than tobacco.

The city's smoking bylaw was extended this year to extend to patios, city parks and beaches, but the bylaw only deals with tobacco and not other substances.

Hookah bars sell products that are typically a blend of molasses and fruit, although some hookah bars illegally cut the blend with tobacco at customers' requests.

The city committee was considering a recommendation to close that loophole and prohibit the smoking of water pipes and non-tobacco products on outdoor municipal property.

But city lawyers said they want to hear the result on an ongoing court battle in Vancouver before giving councillors an opinion on an all-out ban.

A ban on hookahs in parks must still be approved by full council.

Anti-smoking activists such as Pippa Beck had wanted to see the loophole closed.

"You're still inhaling carbon monoxide, particulate matter and all of the biproducts of combustion, so smoke in the lungs is not a good thing, it's not good for health," said Beck.

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Ottawa committee proposes hookah ban at parks