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File a Trademark for $399 + $250 Government Filing Fee

Trademark Attorney Working With Clients in Richmond Hill, Ontario

If you're an entrepreneur, you know that protecting your intellectual property should be high on your list when it comes to safeguarding your company. However, as a successful business owner, you also know the steps and costs of filing a trademark in the U.S. can be expensive and arduous.

This conundrum can be even more overwhelming for new business owners who want to do everything possible to minimize the price of securing trademarks. They try to handle complicated tasks like trademark registration on their own, which can be a big mistake - especially when juggling the day-to-day tasks of running a business. You may be thinking, "But what about those set-it-and-forget-it services you can find online? All you have to do is plug in your info, and you're done." Using pre-made templates for trademark filing can be tempting, but doing so can leave you with inadequate protection and hurt you in the long run.

So, what is the easiest, most cost-effective route to consider that also minimizes legal risk? The truth is, before you spend money on an online filing service, it's best to consult with a trademark attorney working with clients in Richmond Hill, Ontario.

At Sausser Summers, PC, our experienced trademark attorneys can help you understand the trademark process step by step. We can even help with U.S. trademark filing, U.S. trademark responses, and U.S. trademark renewals at a price you can actually afford. That way, you can make an informed decision regarding your business without having to break the bank.

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Sausser Summers, PC: Simplifying the U.S. Trademark Process

Hiring an attorney can be a daunting task, but at Sausser Summers, PC, our goal is to make the process as simple and seamless as possible for you. That's why we offer a straightforward checkout service. First, you choose your flat fee trademark service and fill out a short questionnaire. Then, we will contact you within 24 hours to discuss the details of our service. From there, one of our experienced trademark attorneys will get to work on your behalf.

Using a trademark attorney for filing in Richmond Hill, Ontario, can significantly increase your chances of a successful registration. The U.S. government recommends hiring a trademark attorney to help with your application, and our team of trademark lawyers is dedicated to meeting your needs. In fact, we help ensure your application is filed correctly the first time so you can get on with your life and avoid legal risks.

At Sausser Summers, PC, we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide them with sound professional advice. We never offer incomplete services, such as simply filing for registration, because that would leave you open to legal risks. You can rely on us to handle your intellectual property matters, and our flat fee services can help protect your business in a simple, straightforward, and affordable way. It's really that simple.

In terms of filing a U.S. trademark, we provide an easy three-step process to protect your intellectual property:

1. You provide your trademark info to our team via an online form.

2. Our team performs a comprehensive trademark search. This search ensures that no other marks will prevent you from registering your trademark in the U.S. Once performed, we'll send you a legal opinion letter that details our findings.

3. Sausser Summers, PC, files your U.S. trademark application. We are then listed as your Attorney of Record on file. From there, we'll provide ongoing updates regarding the status of your trademark as it works through the registration process.

The bottom line? At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.

Online Trademark Attorney Richmond Hill, Ontario
The bottom line?

At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.

Do I Really Need a Trademark Attorney for Protecting My Business in Richmond Hill, Ontario?

It's not necessary to be a lawyer in order to apply for a trademark. Anyone can submit a trademark application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). However, registering a trademark involves more than just filling out a form. It's essential to conduct thorough research, accurately identify and clearly explain your trademark to ensure it receives adequate protection. And even after securing a trademark, you've got to monitor it consistently to make sure it's free from infringement.

The big takeaway here is that it's always a good idea to work with a trademark attorney to protect the intellectual property that you've worked so hard to establish. According to the Wall Street Journal, applicants are approximately 50% more likely to secure their trademark than people who file applications on their own. If your trademark application is rejected by the USPTO, you will need to revise and refile it, incurring additional filing fees. To avoid delays and extra costs, it is best to have a trademark lawyer help you get it right the first time.

Additional Benefits of Using a Trademark Attorney

Great trademark attorneys (like those you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC) will help with every step of filing and enforcing your trademark. Some additional benefits include the following:

Check to see if your proposed trademark is registered by another entity.

Conduct research to see if another business is using the trademark for which you're applying.

Provide advice and guidance on the strength of your trademark.

Draft and submit your trademark applications and application revisions.

Advice and guidance regarding trademark maintenance and protection.

Monitor the market for unauthorized use of your trademark.

Trademark enforcement to protect you against infringement.

 Online Trademark Lawyer Richmond Hill, Ontario

Curious whether our trademark attorney services are right for you and your business? Contact Sausser Summer, PC, today. Let's talk about what you need, and how we can help.

What About Online Filing Services?

Online services, can provide you with basic assistance in filing your trademark. However, they will never be a legitimate substitute for an experienced trademark attorney helping clients in Richmond Hill, Ontario.

 Trademark Attorney Richmond Hill, Ontario

Although online filing services offer a step-by-step process, they take a one-size-fits-all approach to preparing legal documents. Even their advanced service only provides basic attorney assistance in completing your paperwork and helping with minor roadblocks. Online filing services' disclaimer highlights the many limitations of its services, including the fact that communications are not protected by attorney-client privilege. In addition, online filing services cannot provide advice, explanations, opinions, recommendations, or any kind of legal guidance on possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms or strategies.

In other words, online filing services can offer you the necessary forms and point you in the right direction, but they cannot customize their services to your specific needs or help you with serious complications that may arise.

For the most comprehensive trademark service and protection, it's always wise to work with highly rated trademark lawyers, like you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC.

Understanding Trademarks Over Time

Trademarks in the U.S. can last indefinitely, but did you know that clients in Richmond Hill, Ontario can file a trademark online, only to lose protection in some circumstances? Trademarks differ from patents and copyrights in that they do not have an expiration date. However, to prevent the cancellation of a trademark, you must maintain it. To ensure that your trademark remains protected, you must actively use it in commerce and renew it with the USPTO every ten years.

The Lanham Act tells us that "use in commerce" is the legitimate use of a trademark in the ordinary course of trade. In other words, you cannot register a trademark solely to reserve the rights to it in the future. In most cases, a trademark must be used continuously in connection with the goods or services it is registered for.

 Trademark Law Firm Richmond Hill, Ontario

Steps to Renew Your Trademark

Trademarks are registered with the USPTO and generally need to be renewed every ten years. However, there is one crucial exception that you should be aware of. Within the first ten years of owning a trademark, you must file for renewal between the fifth and sixth year from the date of your initial registration.

During this renewal period, you are required to submit a Section 8 declaration, a specimen that shows how the mark is being used, and pay the required fee. You can also apply for Section 15 Incontestability status, which can strengthen your trademark rights. This application, although not mandatory, can make it harder for others to challenge your ownership of the mark.

After the first renewal, which falls between the fifth and sixth year of ownership, the next renewal filing is due between the ninth and tenth year, and then every tenth year thereafter. In the ninth year you will need to file a Section 8 declaration, attesting to your use of the mark or excusable nonuse. You've also got to file a Section 9 renewal application before the end of the tenth year to keep your registration active.

It is worth noting that the USPTO provides a six-month grace period if you fail to renew your mark within the required time frame, but it is best not to rely on it. If you don't file within the grace period time limits, the USPTO will cancel and expire your mark.

By hiring trademark attorneys helping clients in Richmond Hill, Ontario, you can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can arise and cause you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it.

Losing Your Trademark Rights Through Abandonment

In the event that you stop using your trademark and have no plans to resume using it in commerce, it may be considered abandoned by the USPTO. This could result in the loss of your protective rights to the mark. Typically, a trademark is assumed to be abandoned if it has not been used for three years. However, you may be able to refute this presumption by providing evidence that you intend to use the mark again in the future.

Losing Your Trademark Rights Through Inappropriate Licensing

In addition to trademark abandonment, you should also be wary of improper licensing. It's important to remember that once you allow someone else to use your trademark, you must keep an eye on how they use it. You should monitor the products or services that feature your trademark to ensure that they meet consumers' expectations in terms of quality. Failure to do so can lead to a "naked" trademark license and the loss of your protective trademark rights.

How to Avoid Having to Refile Your Trademark

If you're wondering how you can avoid refiling your trademark, the answer is simple: file it correctly the first time around. Filing a trademark isn't inherently difficult, but when doing so, it's very important that certain aspects are filled out accurately in your application. If any information is missing or incorrect, the trademark application may be considered "void ab initio" or void from the beginning, requiring you to file again.

To avoid this, make sure that the information you provide in the application is accurate and complete, including the ownership of the trademark. For instance, if a corporation has multiple shareholders, it should not file under the President's personal name. The rightful owner should be the one/entity that ultimately controls the trademark and the associated goods/services.

It is also important to ensure that the goods and/or services description is precise. For example, if you sell electronic products, you should not file for research and development services despite having a research and development department. The goods/services description should reflect the goods/services you offer to customers, not the departments within your business.

Additionally, providing accurate dates of first use when filing for a trademark is crucial. The USPTO requires two dates to be specified - the date of first use anywhere and the date of first use in interstate commerce. Contact our trademark law office today to learn more about having accurate dates on your filing paperwork.

 Trademark Lawyer Richmond Hill, Ontario
 Trademark Firm Richmond Hill, Ontario

What Makes an Online Trademark Attorney Great?

At Sausser Summers, PC, we often get questions about how to distinguish run-of-the-mill consultants and others from great trademark attorneys. After all - when you're looking for an attorney to file or prosecute your business trademark, you should know their qualifications. Here are three ways you can separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff when it comes to trademark attorneys.

It's crucial to seek legal advice from a licensed trademark lawyer rather than relying on advice from non-professionals like trademark consultants. The USPTO even recommends hiring an attorney to help with the trademark process. Although trademark consultants may provide advice on trademark availability or name marketability, they cannot file the trademark for you or offer legal advice. According to the Rules of Practicing in trademark cases, "Individuals who are not attorneys are not recognized to practice before the Office in trademark matters." This rule applies to individuals who assist trademark applicants.

When searching for a trademark attorney, it's important to find someone with a strong background in trademark law. Look for an attorney who specializes in this area and has significant experience handling trademark-related cases. Avoid lawyers who don't have expertise in this field, as they may not be able to provide the guidance and support you need.

Ensure your attorney provides updates throughout the trademark registration process to avoid missing deadlines, including responding to any Office actions within six months. Failure to do so can result in trademark abandonment. The USPTO will only correspond with the listed attorney of record, so make sure your attorney keeps you informed.

In summary:

  • Be sure you're using a licensed trademark attorney helping clients in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
  • It's best to work with a trademark lawyer who has years of experience filing trademarks.
  • Ensure that your trademark lawyer is willing to provide ongoing notifications relating to your trademark application process.
 Trademark Registration Lawyer Richmond Hill, Ontario

Trademark Attorneys Working Hard for You

Building your brand and gaining recognition for it is a significant achievement, and it's important to protect it. However, there are certain pitfalls and mistakes that can arise, causing you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it. By working with knowledgeable trademark attorneys, you can avoid these issues and file your trademark successfully.

With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Sausser Summers, PC, offers comprehensive guidance, strategic advice, and reliable representation for a variety of trademark matters. Our attorneys have years of real-world experience and, having registered countless trademarks with the USPTO, provide our clients with individualized representation when they need it most.

If you're looking for skilled, adept, and experienced counsel, look no further than our trademark law firm. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can help you safeguard your brand.

Latest News in Richmond Hill, Ontario

Tegan and Sara To Play an Intimate Music & Storytelling Tour Throughout Ontario

The sibling hitmakers will soon be honoured at the Juno Awards for their humanitarian work, which will coincide with their Not Tonight Tour.Tegan and Sara have always been known for their between-song banter. Now, the Canadian pop sibling duo are working it more formally into their upcoming tour. They'll kick off the Not Tonight Tour on March 20 in Richmond Hill, Ontario, which is billed as a special "Intimate Evening Of Music & Storytelling."The trek is a 13-city run of...

The sibling hitmakers will soon be honoured at the Juno Awards for their humanitarian work, which will coincide with their Not Tonight Tour.

Tegan and Sara have always been known for their between-song banter. Now, the Canadian pop sibling duo are working it more formally into their upcoming tour. They'll kick off the Not Tonight Tour on March 20 in Richmond Hill, Ontario, which is billed as a special "Intimate Evening Of Music & Storytelling."

The trek is a 13-city run of specially curated shows across Ontario with stops in Brantford, Brampton, Chatham-Kent, Huntsville and more, and the pair promise acoustic performances and storytelling. It's a rare opportunity for fans in secondary markets to catch their heroes. Supporting on all dates is guest Becca Mancari. Tickets are available now at teganandsara.com/events.

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The storytelling focus of the Not Tonight Tour reflects the fact that throughout their 20+ year career, spanning ten studio albums and more than a million records sold, Tegan and Sara's music has always served as a medium for storytelling. The sisters continue to build a multi-faceted media empire that encompasses TV, books, newsletters and public service.The latest addition to their resume is executive producer credits after the fall 2022 release of the coming-of-age TV series High School, based on their critically acclaimed, New York Times best-selling memoir.

In 2023, Tegan and Sara released Junior High, a young adult graphic novel series they authored, to be followed by the October 2024 release of CRUSH, Volume Two in the series. The publisher describes CRUSH as "a contemporary middle grade graphic novel duology, all about crushes, crushing it, and being crushed by life in junior high." It can be pre-ordered here.

Tegan and Sara will take a short pause in the tour to fly out to Halifax for the Juno Awards on March 24. There they will be presented with the 2024 Humanitarian Award, fitting recognition for their LGBTQ+ Advocacy work through the Tegan and Sara Foundation.

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THE 2024 NOT TONIGHT TOUR

March 20 – Richmond Hill, ON – Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts SOLD OUT

March 21 – Brantford, ON – Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts

March 22 – Brampton, ON – The Rose Brampton

March 26 – Ottawa, ON – Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe SOLD OUT

March 27 – Kingston, ON – Kingston Grand Theatre

March 28 – Chatham-Kent, ON – Chatham Capitol Theatre

March 30 – Milton, ON – Mattamy Theatre

March 31 – Huntsville, ON – Legacy Hall at Deerhurst Resort

April 2 - Belleville, ON - Empire Theatre

April 3 – St. Catharines, ON – FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre

April 5 – Oakville, ON – Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts SOLD OUT

April 6 - North Bay, ON - The Capitol Centre

April 7 – Guelph, ON – River Run Centre

Richmond Hill Inks $31M Housing Accelerator Fund Deal

Richmond Hill has become the latest beneficiary of the federal government's Housing Accelerator Fund.On Monday, Housing Minister Sean Fraser announced that an agreement had been made to provide Richmond Hill with over $31M to break down the barriers to building housing.The funds will help fast-track the building of over 780 housing units over the next three years, and spur the...

Richmond Hill has become the latest beneficiary of the federal government's Housing Accelerator Fund.

On Monday, Housing Minister Sean Fraser announced that an agreement had been made to provide Richmond Hill with over $31M to break down the barriers to building housing.

The funds will help fast-track the building of over 780 housing units over the next three years, and spur the construction of more than 41,500 homes over the next decade.

"Thank you to the federal government for this investment, which will help encourage and incentivize builders to create affordable homes for people who work in Richmond Hill, seniors who want to downsize, and multi-generations of families who want to live close to one another in our community," said David West, the Mayor of Richmond Hill.

"This is only one step toward solving the housing crisis but it is an important one. We will continue to work with other levels of government to bring more affordable housing to those who want to make Richmond Hill their home."

The Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) is a $4B initiative intended to speed up the creation of 100,000 new homes across Canada by 2026-2027. More than a half-dozen cities, including Kelowna, Kitchener, and Calgary, have inked deals ranging from $31.5M to $228M.

To access funding, local governments are required to submit an application outlining their supply growth targets, as well as specific initiatives they plan to undertake in an effort to boost supply and speed up approvals.

Richmond Hill’s HAF agreement is primarily focused on increasing density and affordable housing, including encouraging missing middle housing and transit-oriented development.

Initiatives include zoning by-law changes to allow up to four units in residential areas where accessory dwelling units are permitted, allowing residential buildings up to four storeys in Major Transit Station Areas, accelerating housing-related infrastructure, and incentivizing affordable housing.

"More housing will unlock many new opportunities for growth in Richmond Hill. Safe and affordable housing is a catalyst that enables Canadians to achieve other goals — from raising healthy children to pursuing education, jobs, and opportunity," said Majid Jowhari, Member of Parliament for Richmond Hill.

"Proud to witness transformative investments in Richmond Hill, stemming from the strong collaboration between our government and municipalities. Together, we're breaking down barriers and building more homes in Richmond Hill and across Canada."

Helping build more homes, faster in Richmond Hill Français

RICHMOND HILL, ON, Nov. 27, 2023 /CNW/ - With federal funding, and federal leadership we are changing how cities let housing get built in their communities. With a greater focus on higher density housing, student housing, homes near transit and affordable housing we are going to get more homes built for Canadians at prices they can afford.Today, the Government of Canada and the City of Richmond Hill announced that they have reached an agreement to fast track over 780 housing units over the next three years. This work will help spur th...

RICHMOND HILL, ON, Nov. 27, 2023 /CNW/ - With federal funding, and federal leadership we are changing how cities let housing get built in their communities. With a greater focus on higher density housing, student housing, homes near transit and affordable housing we are going to get more homes built for Canadians at prices they can afford.

Today, the Government of Canada and the City of Richmond Hill announced that they have reached an agreement to fast track over 780 housing units over the next three years. This work will help spur the construction of more than 41,500 homes over the next decade.

The agreement, under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) will provide over $31 million to eliminate barriers to building the housing we need, faster. It will encourage the creation of more density and affordable housing in Richmond Hill by making it easier to build more missing-middle housing and accessory dwelling units as well as incentivizing affordable housing. Richmond Hill's action plan will also help streamline development by reducing barriers to development, accelerating key infrastructure and through zoning by-law changes permitting up to four units in residential areas where accessory dwelling units are permitted, supporting transit-oriented development, and allowing increased density around transit stations.

The HAF is helping cut red tape and fast track at least 100,000 new homes for people in towns, cities, and Indigenous communities across Canada. It asks for innovative action plans from local governments, and once approved, provides upfront funding to ensure the timely building of new homes, as well as additional funds upon delivering results. Local governments are encouraged to think big and be bold in their approaches, which could include accelerating project timelines, allowing increased housing density, and encouraging affordable housing units.

The Government of Canada is making life more affordable for Canadians – and housing is key to our work. We will continue to work with provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, as well as Indigenous partners, to keep building more homes for Canadians, faster.

Quotes:

"Today's announcement will help fast track over 780 homes in the next three years and over 41,500 homes over the next decade. By working with cities, mayors, and all levels of government we are helping to get more homes built for Canadians at prices they can afford." – The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

More housing will unlock many new opportunities for growth in Richmond Hill. Safe and affordable housing is a catalyst that enables Canadians to achieve other goals—from raising healthy children to pursuing education, jobs and opportunity. Proud to witness transformative investments in Richmond Hill, stemming from the strong collaboration between our government and municipalities. Together, we're breaking down barriers and building more homes in Richmond Hill and across Canada – Majid Jowhari, Member of Parliament for Richmond Hill

“Through innovation and partnerships with local governments, we can build the homes we need in our cities and towns and create affordable inclusive and diverse communities. Partnering with Richmond Hill through the Housing Accelerator Fund does just that. We will continue to work to make life more affordable and create strong, more prosperous communities here in Aurora – Oak Ridges – Richmond Hill and across our great country.” – Leah Taylor Roy, Member of Parliament for Aurora – Oak Ridges – Richmond Hill

"I am excited that Richmond Hill is receiving $31 million from the Housing Accelerator Fund that will help set the stage for more affordable housing in our city. Thank you to the Federal government for this investment, which will help encourage and incentivize builders to create affordable homes for people who work in Richmond Hill, seniors who want to downsize and multi-generations of families who want to live close to one another in our community. This is only one step toward solving the housing crisis but it is an important one. We will continue to work with other levels of government to bring more affordable housing to those who want to make Richmond Hill their home."– David West, Mayor of the City of Richmond Hill

Quick Facts:

Associated Links:

SOURCE Government of Canada

For further information: Media Contacts: Micaal Ahmed, Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca; Media Relations, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Where Cibo executive chef Laura Petracca eats Italian food in Richmond Hill

More Chefs in the Burbs Food & Drink Food & Drink Food & Drink ...

More Chefs in the Burbs

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Food & Drink

Where the founder of Instagram’s Scarborough Spots goes for jerk chicken shawarma poutine, doubles and burgers

Laura Petracca, the executive chef at Cibo Wine Bar, is certainly kept busy by the brand’s three locations. “We’re always striving for perfection,” she says, “sourcing the best ingredients for our dishes and pushing our teams to produce the tastiest bites for our customers.” Petracca, who grew up in Vaughan, is currently in the process of refreshing the Cibo menu, and some of the new dishes are inspired by Italian restaurants in nearby Richmond Hill. In her rare moments of downtime between shifts, she heads north to visit family and eat at her childhood haunts. Below, she takes us on a tour of her favourite spots.

Related: Inside the new 25,000-square-foot Eataly at Sherway Gardens

Lago Italian Bakery

12930 Yonge St., Richmond Hill, 905-773-1030, lagoitalianbakery.com

My parents live down the street from Lago, so it’s their go-to for baked goods, fresh bread and Italian imports. I love the atmosphere here. There are always construction workers and high-school students streaming through the doors. If you go between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., there are always customers drinking espresso, eating cannoli or indulging in something classic from the hot table. It has that small-town vibe but in a not-so-small-town area.

Go-to dish: Veal sandwich

For $10, this is a steal. Everything is house-made—the bread, the thinly pounded and breaded veal cutlet, the tomato sauce. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure situation when it comes to toppings, but I like to keep it simple so I can taste each layer. In addition to the cutlet and sauce, I add sautéed bell peppers. It’s a sloppy sandwich but 100 per cent worth it—just have extra napkins at the ready.

Go-to drink: Espresso

One of my first jobs was as a barista at a spot called St. Phillips Bakery in Maple. It’s where I cut my teeth learning how to make proper espresso drinks. And it wasn’t the staff that taught me how to make them; it was one regular customer—a 75-year-old man—who would reject my failed brews and have me try again until it was perfect. I’m definitely not as picky about my drinks, but I do know when espresso is made well—and it’s made well here. You can tell a good espresso when you spoon sugar in and it floats on top.

Go-to dessert: Cannoli

Prepare yourself—these are like beignets in the sense that all the confectioner’s sugar dusted on top will end up on your lap. Aside from being messy bites, they’re super fresh and delicious. The pastry shell snaps when you bite into it, and the whipped fresh ricotta, while it does have a bit of sugar added to it, still tastes like ricotta. This is pure and simple yet very satisfying—and an homage to my dad, who is a huge cannoli fan.

Maria’s Kitchen

588 Edward Ave., Richmond Hill, 905-737-8752, no website

Maria’s Kitchen was a family tradition. Fun fact: though we weren’t in the same year, I went to high school with owner Maria Proietto’s son Lorenzo, who now helps to run the day-to-day operations here. Growing up, I watched their family business grow from a quaint bakery into a full-fledged restaurant and catering company. Now, my extended family continues to order from them for special occasions. I even had my bridal shower here last year—we did an antipasti plate, a bread spread, lasagna, risotto, chicken cutlets, sides and cake.

Go-to dish: Lasagna

This lasagna has always found its way into our family gatherings for the past two decades. A whole takeaway lasagna needs around 20 minutes to reheat, but it’s so worth the wait. People mistakenly assume that lasagna has to be stuffed with cheese and additional filings. But it’s actually supposed to showcase the noodles and the meat sauce, both of which are house-made at Maria’s. Some say Béchamel is also necessary, because it acts like the glue to bind the layers, but my mom is from central Italy, and I grew up eating basic-is-best lasagna, which I prefer. It also allows me to taste the craftsmanship of the thin noodles and the sauce itself, which is a bit reminiscent of a bolognese. It’s beautiful and yielding—you only require a fork to cut through it and a bit of parm on top.

Go-to drink: Brio

There are some common misconceptions about Brio: some people think it’s made in Italy, others that “Brio” refers to the flavour of the soda. It’s actually the company name, and while it’s inspired by ingredients that are readily available in Italy, you’ll only find this Toronto-made brand in Canada. The flavour is actually chinotto, which is slightly bitter with licorice root-ish notes. It’s the perfect drink to wash down any pasta dish—in this case, lasagna.

Abruzzo Pizza

9010 Yonge St., Richmond Hill, 905-881-8222, abruzzopizza.com

This is childhood nostalgia to the max! It’s been a Richmond Hill staple for over 40 years, and Vince Mazzotta has been in charge since 1981. On Friday nights, my parents would treat me and my sister to takeout or delivery to eat while we watched movies together. Abruzzo was our go-to. And as a teenager, I hung out here with my friends. I would always get the deep-fried panzo with a side of bolognese. It’s the type of fast food that makes you happy.

Go-to dish #1: A pound of deep-fried wings

I like to order my wings dry to taste the seasoning, which includes a bit of oregano, and so that the skin stays nice and crispy. But then I like to dunk them in their house honey garlic and hot sauces. I go all in and get super sticky.

Go-to dish #2: Deep-fried panzerotti with ground beef and onions

This is at least two pounds, and I used to be able to eat the entire thing as a kid. There’s no way I could do that now, but it’s still as good as ever. The dough is airy and puffy with this bubbly texture on the exterior, the sauce is cooked down and not too tangy, and then you have the layers of cheese and meat. It’s rich but somehow doesn’t sit like a rock in your stomach. This is the kind of dish you need to eat immediately—do not let it sit out. It’s best fresh and piping hot.

Go-to dish #3: Abruzzo special salad

This is a top seller. Surprising, right? A salad. But it’s one of those stick-to-your-ribs kinds of salads that eats like a meal. It reminds me of giardiniera with meat or antipasti with greens. It’s very hearty—chock full of cold cuts—but balanced out with a tangy balsamic dressing.

Go-to dish #4: Chicken cutlet sandwich

We’ve come full circle with this cutlet sandwich. Whereas the one at Lago is veal, this one is made using chicken breast. It can be so easy to overcook white meat, but here it stays soft and tender. They’re also very generous with the portion sizes and give you two cutlets per order. For me, this is a perfect sandwich: the bread is crusty on the outside but pillowy on the inside, and it cushions the meat, which is slathered with tomato sauce. And that’s it, nothing else. I’m a fan of dishes made with minimal ingredients but done well—and this hits all those marks.

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