Monthly Archives: February 2018

6 Things You Didn’t Know About Acura

That logo isn’t an “A” or an “H”…

Mind. Blown.

Acura has enjoyed tremendous success on the luxury market, but compared to much of the competition, it’s relatively young. Let’s explore the history of the intriguing and innovative Japanese brand.

Here are 6 things you may not have known about the Japanese automaker.

The word “Acura” doesn’t mean anything in Japanese.

Unlike Honda, which gets its name from its founder Soichiro Honda, Acura doesn’t have a deeper definition in Japanese. Acura is a slight modification of the Latin word for “done with precision.” This theme is echoed in the brand slogan: Precision Crafted Performance.

Acura was the first Japanese luxury automotive brand to arrive in North America.

Acura was launched in 1986 in Canada and the US, making it the first Japanese luxury automaker to stake a claim on the crucial market. The early success of the Integra and Legend spurred the competition along and soon Toyota and Nissan both arrived on the scene with their luxury offshoots. Acura, however, was the first.

That logo isn’t an “A” or an “H”

The Acura logo sticks to the theme of precision or accuracy with a clever logo that some interpret as a capital A or H. The truth: it’s actually an outside caliper, a precision tool used to measure thickness.

Look familiar?

OutsideCalipers

Outside Calipers, Via Wikipedia.

Acura has an impressive motorsport pedigree.

Testing new technologies in a racing environment is a great way to ensure their reliability and help spread awareness for the brand’s credibility. If a car can drive at full throttle on a racetrack for 24 hours straight, it will certainly last much longer in the hands of customers. Acura gets this.

Since the brand’s inception, they have been involved in SCCA and IMSA GT Championship, two prominent series in the US. They won the SCCA World Championship in 1997 using the NSX and Integra, proving the cars’ performance chops. In the 2000s, the brand even developed its own LMP1 car, which raced admirably in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. More recently, an ILX raced in the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, won in its class, and came in 8th place overall.

And the NSX was the world’s first supercar you could use daily.

The first car to be classified as a supercar was the Lamborghini Miura, in 1966. From that point, there have been many supercars, and most of them Italian. While they were all undoubtedly very fast, beautiful and exotic, you couldn’t really use them as a daily-driver. They had poor reliability, running costs were exorbitant and they weren’t practical.

And then in 1990, the Acura NSX arrived.

Just like the Italian stallions, it was mid-engined and aerodynamic. It could reach speeds greater than 300 km per hour and rev to 8,300 rpm. However, unlike its Italian competitors, it was reliable, easy to use, had good visibility and didn’t require a second mortgage to maintain.

The NSX ushered in a new era in the supercar world, forcing the industry to rethink their way of building cars.

The Policaro Group ran the first Acura dealership in the country!

As part of Policaro Group, Policaro Acura is proud to have been a part of Acura’s history since day one! In 1987, following years of working with the Honda brand, the Policaro Group’s founding members were awarded the first Acura dealership in Canada. Learn more about the Policaro Group’s fascinating family story here.

17nsx01

 

7 Cozy Southern Ontario Restaurants That Are Perfect For Valentine’s Day

Photo via Instagram @langdonhall.

February in Ontario can be…dreary. There are a lot of words we could’ve used there, but “dreary” will have to do as this is a family-oriented blog.

Luckily, there is an event right smack dab in the middle of it that gives us adults an opportunity to get a little extra (ahem) cozy. We’re talking about Valentine’s Day, the day dedicated to lovers, chocolate, and cheesy Halmark Cards.

via GIPHY

It is, if nothing else, the perfect opportunity to book a table at one of these seven cozy restaurants in the GTA. Hole up at an ultra cozy eatery with your lover and fill your bellies with a warm, hearty meal.

KB Food, Whitby

KB Food is an eclectic restaurant by chef Kevin Brown in the heart of Whitby on Brock Street. The atmosphere inside is snug and comfortable, perfect for ordering several dishes to share, like a charcuterie or cheese board, before going on the entrees.

East & Main Bistro, Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County has become a summertime hotspot for its wineries and beaches, but the region is just as awesome when the temperature drops. Try East & Main Bistro which serves up locally-sourced dishes at long farm tables, so plates can be shared and conversation can flow.

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Sonny’s Drive-In, Brampton

Order some classic North American comfort food over the counter at the Brampton institution, Sonny’s Drive-In, and scarf it in the cozy confines of your vehicle. Save the cute, picnic table seating area outside for a warmer season. Charcoal broiled burgers, however, are a good idea year round.

Happy Double Cheesburger with Bacon and Chicken Fingers Day everyone. #staysafe #brunch A post shared by Zach. Food. Toronto (@zachdoesburgers) on

The Cornerhouse, Stouffville

Sitting pretty on Main Street in Stouffville is The Cornerhouse, a three-storey restaurant with a whole lot of charm. Candle lit tables create an intimate vibe, perfect for indulging in a melt-in-your-mouth steak–this spot’s speciality. Order the eggplant fries to start.

Langdon Hall, Cambridge

Whether you want to treat yourself or impress someone special, Langdon Hall will leave you feeling like an A-list celebrity. The five-star Relais & Châteaux property is set in a stunning heritage building, and after a fresh dusting of snow feels just like stepping onto a movie set. Inside the dining room, regal decor with velvet couches and large chandeliers set the mood for a memorable meal by Chef Jason Bangerter.

La Vecchia, Toronto

La Vecchia is one of the coziest spaces in Toronto’s midtown. The Italian eatery is known for its fresh pasta dishes like tagliatelle bianchi and ricotta tortelloni, while its impressive wine list makes it hard to have just one glass. Have two and call an Uber.

The Olde Angel Inn, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Some call it haunted; others call it a delightful little locale in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Olde Angel Inn is the coziest of cozy pubs dishing out English staples like bangers and mash, chicken pot pie, liver and onions and more. The dark wood finishes and low ceilings add to the snug feel, as does the live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

C’est What, Toronto

Tucked below street level in Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market is C’est What, a hidden gem that’s easy to lose a few hours in. The pub has an extensive beer list, fireplaces, live music, pool tables, and a lamb burger that’s one of the best in town.

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