Mauricio Alas

Toronto

Spotter since 2013

About me

About me
I have lived in Toronto for most of my life and I am proud to be both of Salvadorean heritage and to be able to call this amazing city my home. I have travelled to numerous countries in Europe and Latin America and I have always found myself looking forward to coming back to Toronto at the end of my travels.

As a photographer, I have to see the world just slightly different. A practice that has luckily carried over from behind the lenses to my day to day life as it has given me a curiosity of not only wanting to meet new people as an event organizer but also as an urban explorer.

I run Toronto’s largest Spanish speaking language group and after 7 years, I never get tired of not only making new friends but helping my fellow Torontonians feel just a little bit more like they belong.

Why Toronto?
Toronto ’is’ choice. Whether it be multiculturalism, arts or cuisine.

Toronto is a place where people from all over the world have found a home and have managed to retain their culture and learn from each other through the simple act of living together.

Even though my city is for all purposes a metropolis, it has somehow managed to maintain a small town mentality as a whole. This of course can be strange to think when you find yourself in the middle of downtown surrounded by a forest of glass towers reaching for the sky.

However it easy to find spots where you are suddenly transported to a small town where kids still play on the streets, find yourself lingering in front of world class art or in spirited markets, where they will casually close down car traffic, as if to say ’no rush, look around, you are our guest,’ Small stores where you can still purchase delicious fruit for cents on the dollar and ALL within walking distance.

My city invites newcomers with a multitude of culturally diverse festivals, exotic food and exciting opportunities to learn and expand their horizons. All you have to do is decide which adventure you want to do first. The choice is yours.

Where can you find me online?
Mauricio Alas (Personal blog)
Facebook
Twitter
Speak Spanish to me
Toronto Friends

My spots (23)

Pauper's Pub

Poor for a patio?

"Pauper's Pub" in Toronto and its two great patios is the King of Summer in the Annex neighbourhood. Protip: always ask your server for the drink specials.

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Bars

by

Mauricio

Alas

Apr 11, 2025

Carole's Cheesecake Cafe

A treat for the ages!

"Carole's Cheesecake Cafe" in Toronto really does cheesecakes very well - solid selection. I recommend coming here with a small group of friends or a date.

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

by

Mauricio

Alas

Apr 11, 2025

Nazareth Restaurant

Kifto me delicious!

"Nazareth Restaurant" in Toronto makes some of the city's best Ethiopian. I really enjoy the dark, cavernous feel of this low-dimmed restaurant. Check it!

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Restaurants

by

Mauricio

Alas

Apr 11, 2025

The White Squirrel

The Moby Dick of squirrels

"The White Squirrel" in Toronto, a cafe with an interesting story (yes, there once was a white squirrel here); it's no surprise their latte is really good.

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Coffee & tea

by

Mauricio

Alas

Apr 11, 2025

Toronto Islands: Algonquin

Picnic ready

Algonquin of the Toronto Islands is one of my favourite places in the city to enjoy a picnic! It has one of the best view over the city for sure...

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Relaxing

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Mauricio

Alas

Apr 11, 2025

The Bedford Academy

The Ex-Ladies club

"The Bedford Academy" is one great Toronto bar nestled in a quiet street. I have many fond memories of enjoying the summer on their well-appointed patio.

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Bars

by

Mauricio

Alas

Apr 11, 2025

Bellwoods Brewery

Come for beer, stay for beer

"Bellwoods Brewery" in Toronto is for real - you want local beer? You got it - just from 75 feet away! I come to this bar for the beer & stay for the ales!

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Bars

by

Mauricio

Alas

Apr 11, 2025

The Artful Dodger

Please Sir, I want some patio

"The Artful Dodger" is a Toronto pub, in fact it's one of the better low-key pubs in downtown. I suggest sitting at the front around sunset and enjoy...

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Art & culture
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Bars

by

Mauricio

Alas

Apr 11, 2025
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