Los Angeles–based fashion brand Anine Bing will be taking over some coveted retail space in Yorkville this spring. The new location, the brand’s second in Canada after opening in Yorkdale just a few months back, will be at the Four Seasons Hotel.
The corner storefront at Bay and Scollard streets may be just outside the main Yorkville shopping strip, but there’s no doubt that the shop will become a new favourite in the area. Anine Bing, founded by a former fashion blogger of the same name in 2012, has been worn by the likes of Gigi Hadid, Kate Upton and Meghan Markle.
Courtesy aninebing.com
The brand is influenced by both Scandinavian and American style, and with collections of mix-and-match, minimalist pieces, the new shop will likely be a go-to spot for shoppers looking to try out the ’90s revival or office siren trends. Key pieces in the 2024 collection include relaxed trousers, Princess Diana–inspired blazers and a variety of tops fit for any neutral lover. The brand is also known for its accessories, bags — there are a few woven totes for sale in the new collection in time for the warmer seasons — and a minimal selection of shoes.
The new shop puts Toronto on the map alongside a few other fashion-forward cities the brand has chosen for international locations, including London, Paris, Berlin and Melbourne.
Anine Bing is just one of a few luxury brands that have chosen the Bloor-Yorkville area for a new location this year — Saint Laurent and French brand Anne Fontaine are both set to open on Bloor West this year, on the heels of recent luxury openings, including Ferragamo, Bonpoint and Alexander Wang.
Dining out can be expensive, but it’s also a lot of fun. So when you do decide to spend your hard-earned bucks, you want to make sure the menu items you’re ordering are worth it.
That’s why we reached out to some of Toronto’s top chefs. Who better to tell you about the best dishes than those who create them? We asked them about the one dish they would splurge on when dining out at other restaurants. Here’s what they had to say.
Tomahawk steak
Madie Hamilton/Unsplash
“As a chef, I frequently splurge on a succulent Tomahawk steak or tenderloin and refreshing ceviche. The Tomahawk’s rich marbling and flavour, combined with a good chimichurri butter, always justifies the expense.” Executive chef Ricardo Dominguez, Soluna Toronto
Pad Thai
Markus Winkler/Unsplash
Pad thai boasts one the most satisfying flavour profiles and textures available on one plate. Both dishes provide an appetizing change from the ingredients and techniques I typically work with, making them a special treat whenever I dine out.” Executive chef Evan Dickinson, Mademoiselle Raw Bar & Grill
Vegetable-based dishes
Jametlene Reskp/Unsplash
“I have a deep appreciation for creatively crafted vegetable dishes. While they may not always contain the most expensive ingredients, the innovation and skill behind these dishes elevate them to another level. Exploring new and inventive flavours and techniques in vegetable-based dishes is a culinary adventure I’m always eager to embark upon and I find that the craftsmanship involved is well worth the extra investment.” Chef Paul Shewchuk, executive hotel chef of Fairmont Royal York
Chicken wings
Scott Eckersley/Instagram
“With food prices rising, the one dish I always have room in my budget for is chicken wings! Something about the tender wing meat flavoured from the bone and the crispy skin covered in the hottest sauce will always have a special place in my heart.” Head chef Dylan Sampson, Kissa Toronto
Seafood
Douglas Lopez/Unsplash
“Being born in the main port city of Peru, my go-to is always seafood. When I’m out at a restaurant, I’m very willing to splurge on a great fried fish or seafood dish like seafood paella or crispy fried red snapper. As long as the quality and execution are on point, there is no price I would spare.” Executive chef Elias Salazar, Rhapsody
Jerk Chicken
Jopopz Tallorin/Instagram
I’m always willing to splurge on jerk chicken because of its intricate blend of spices and the meticulous cooking process, making it a challenge to replicate at home. Much like the art of crafting ramen, each restaurant’s unique blend of flavours adds to its appeal. Sharing the dish with loved ones, digging in with bare hands, and forgetting about table manners make it a special experience.” Executive chef Aki Urata, Kinton Ramen
Rendering of the new harry Rosen flagship store. Courtesy dkstudio architects
Men’s retailer Harry Rosen will be undergoing a $50 million, five-year project to update its retail stores, including a relocation of its Toronto flagship to a 38,000-square-foot space at 153 Cumberland St.
The new flagship location is less than 200 metres from the brand’s current store on Bloor Street, and will span three storeys. The plan currently includes a massive patio overlooking the Village of Yorkville Park, a client lounge and espresso bar and valet parking on weekends. The new location is set to open in Spring 2026.
Harry Rosen’s current flagship store. Courtesy Harry Rosen
The new location is currently home to four retailers — Moscot Eyewear, luxury fashion store Nicolas, Aveda and Lululemon, which will also be making a move to a massive new space at Yonge and Bloor.
The announcement is a major shift for the retailer, which has operated out of its Bloor Street location for most of the brand’s 70-year run.
Founder Harry Rosen passed away in December, and his son, grandsons and the rest of the team have since taken over operations.
“Since my father opened the Bloor St. doors in 1970, and our current flagship in 1987, Harry Rosen has developed such a deep connection to the Yorkville neighbourhood,” says Larry Rosen, chairman and CEO of Harry Rosen Inc.
Also part of the announcement is a complete transformation of the brand’s retail fleet. That includes a renovation of its West Edmonton Mall location and a new 16,000-square-foot location in Vancouver’s Oakridge Park development. The statement notes that each store will host an “engaging and immersive environment, with concepts inspired by the art of tailoring and facilitating relationships between customers and their trusted advisors.”
The luxury brand has recently become a favourite of celebrity chef and TV star Matty Matheson, who sported a Harry Rosen suit that made a few best-dressed lists at the Golden Globes this year.
If you’re going to invest in anything when it comes to fashion, let it be denim. It’s the trend that never dies, and while new iterations of jeans may come and go, what’s important is that you find the styles that work for you. Denim certainly made its mark on the runway this season, as designers took some classic styles and gave them high-fashion twists — including trouser-style pleating, doubled up waistbands, jorts and more. If you’re in the market for a new pair of jeans this season, read on for the top denim trends of 2024 and our guide for finding them in Toronto.
’90s straight leg
Courtesy honey.com
Take it back to the ’90s with the straight leg jean, perfect for a model-off-duty look — they’re a Kendall Jenner fave for a reason. Whether you’re a high-waisted or mid-rise kind of dresser, this trend is versatile, and you’ll find plenty of variations that stay true to the ’90s silhouette. Make this your everyday denim for a trendy twist on your jeans-and-a-T-shirt uniform. If you’ve held onto your skinny jeans, this might be an easy first step into the world of modern denim trends.
In 2024, nothing is more chic than a super dark wash denim. Spotted on the runway by everyone from Gucci to Miu Miu, those indigo washes and midnight blues are multi-purpose — sneak a pair into your office wear and no one will notice. While pale washes are always fun, there’s something a little elevated about deeper washes that turns the humble jean into a classic statement. A dark wash is especially striking for a denim-on-denim, Canadian tuxedo look.
Also known as the horseshoe, these jeans have been all over the runway this season. With curved legs that taper at the bottom, are super wide at the knee and create a barrel shape of the pant leg (or horseshoe shape if you’re looking at both legs together), this style might be right for you if you’re looking for a comfy pair of jeans that also score you some major style points. This sculptural trend may be controversial, but we think it’s a representation of all the best parts of fashion — taking a staple and turning it into something eye-catching thanks to its one-of-a-kind shape.
Another ’90s trend is back in circulation! All over Pinterest and worn by the coolest of fashion influencers, wide and long jeans are being turned up at the hem to create a very large, usually at least 4 inch-tall cuff. The most DIY-friendly of the list, just turn up the bottoms of your favourite wide or straight leg jean for a 2024-approved cuffed look. However, if none of your jeans seem to fit the bill, don’t worry — this trend has gotten big enough that you can buy pre-cuffed jeans that give you just the right cuff-to-jean ratio.
Go extra long, extra wide and extra loose — the baggy look is mixing high fashion (see: Loewe, Valentino, Toteme) with high comfort. Fashion reporting as of late has noted that denim trends are leaning baggier and baggier every day, and we’re not just talking wide leg — this trend calls for mega-slouchy, floor-grazing, jumbo jeans. Certainly the most comfortable denim trend on the list, we think this trend looks good on everyone and is an easy way to inject some style into your basics. And anything that rejects the return of the skinny jean is a win in our books!
Meaty, saucy and oh so cheesy, the meatball is the epitome of comfort food. With Mama Rosa, our previous meatball Taste Test winner, as the judge, we’re set for an epic showdown. Read on to see who earns the title of ultimate meatball sandwich champion.
Winner: Papamio’s
I love this crusty bun — you don’t want your meatball sandwich to fall apart or get soggy, which can happen when the bun is too soft. The meat is nice and juicy, and there’s a good amount of sauce.” 934 Manning Ave., $12.75
Runner-Up: California Sandwiches
“I like the flavours. The sandwich is a little bit spicy, but I like some heat. The meatballs are nice and juicy, and there’s
a lot of cheese.” 3701 Chesswood Dr., North York, $15.75
3rd Place: Nono D’Aversa
“The bun is perfect, and the sauce you can tell it’s homemade. There’s also a nice amount of meat — the balls are not
too big like some of the others.” 7287 Yonge St., Thornhill, $13.95
4th Place: Good Behaviour
“The flavours here are very strong — a little too much garlic. “The meatball is moist and I like the fresh basil and provolone.” 342 Westmoreland Ave. N., $17
5th Place: Boccone Deli & Pizza
“The meatballs are OK but I think they need some more flavour — something is missing. But overall it’s not a bad sandwich.” 1384 Yonge St., $10
6th Place: Stock T.C
“I love lots of toppings on my meatball sandwich, so I like the roasted red peppers here. The tomato sauce has a
nice flavour too.” 2388 Yonge St., $14
Rosa Marinuzzi | Streets of Toronto’s tasting chef, has been charming diners at her restaurant 7 Numbers since 2001.
From pain medicine to cosmetic surgery to pediatric surgery and sports medicine, five of Toronto’s top physicians share their insights into their respective medical fields, showcasing their dedication to improving patient care and advancing medical practices – offering a glimpse into the extraordinary work of medical professionals in today’s healthcare system.
Dr. Zameer Pirani
DR. ZAMEER PIRANI MD, FRCPC (Anesthesia) & FRCPC (Pain Medicine)
As a double board-certified (anesthesia and pain medicine) physician it was a natural fit for Dr. Zameer Pirani to co-found the Afiya Spine & Pain Institute. He attended medical school in Ireland at the Royal College of Surgeons, then completed an anesthesia residency at Western University. Dr. Pirani then pursued a two-year chronic pain fellowship at the University of British Columbia. His passion for multidisciplinary pain management makes a meaningful difference to all his patients.
What is your proudest accomplishment as a physician?
Of the many proud moments in my young career, the proudest achievement is the opening of Afiya Clinic which just celebrated its one-year anniversary. Watching the clinic evolve has been incredible and I am humbled and delighted to be part of our patients’ journey toward a pain-free life. Wait times to see specialists with the required training in pain medicine can take 1-2 years which is unacceptable when 1 in 5 Canadians suffer from chronic pain. The consequences chronic pain has on the patient, their families, and society in general can be devastating and we must strive to prevent this from happening. Our clinic was founded with a clear vision: to support and protect our patients in the fight against pain. All patients in pain should have access to multidisciplinary care along with image-guided pain interventions. We aim to provide rapid access to our specialists and believe that chronic pain should not be limiting your quality of life.
Dr. Trevor M. Born is a sought-after cosmetic surgeon who has been featured in the pages of Vogue, Elle, and Oprah magazines. His technique has been described as “effective minimal- ism,” an approach which aims to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results. For nearly three decades, he has served patients at TMB Cosmetic Surgery, with locations in Toronto and the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City.
What major changes, including technological advances, have you witnessed in your field?
Over the last decade, cosmetic surgery has seen major advancements in aesthetic technology— especially with the advent of innovative, non-invasive treatment solutions. At TMB, we’ve been able to stay ahead of the curve with ground-breaking devices from BTL, one of our long-standing technological partners. Backed by BTL’s portfolio of industry-leading products, we’ve not only been able to enhance our surgical outcomes and streamline post-operative maintenance, but also to create state-of-the-art combination treatments for our MedSpa.
With the rise of AI, it’s certain that aesthetic technologies will continue to evolve at a rapid pace. As the first provider in Ontario of BTL’s EXION® Microneedling RF, which uses AI to optimize energy delivery, TMB is already well-equipped to navigate this changing landscape.
Dr. Sharifa Himidan
DR. SHARIFA HIMIDAN MD, MBA, FRCSc
UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS, Cleveland OH
An Experienced pediatric surgeon and educator. Practiced at Humber River Health and SickKids in Toronto, where she helped launch and lead Community Pediatric Surgery. She chairs the Pediatric Surgery Exam Board, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She was recognized in Reader’s Digest and Post City as a top doctor and received Canada 150 Commemorative Medal. Recently, she has joined University Hospitals in Cleveland OH.
Why was it important for you to launch Community Pediatric Surgery at Humber River Health?
Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, health care resources were strained. Surgical wait times are long. Children and families endure inconvenient travel and the cost to get care far from home. The Community Pediatric Surgery Model at Humber River Health created Value Based Health Care. Through this program, we were able to deliver excellent, safe surgical care by pediatric specialists closer to their homes. Humber River Health is an ideal partner because of its visionary leadership and commitment to serving the community. In addition, HRH’s skilled personnel complemented pediatric surgeons to accomplish this mission. The efficiency and ability to safely perform routine pediatric surgery on healthy children is impressive. This alignment of goal and host, were key to the success of this program. I feel fortunate and proud to have been among the team that launched this program.
Dr. Guru Kandasamy
DR. GURU KANDASAMY BSc, MD, DC, CCFP, Dip.Sport.Med.
Dr. Guru Kandasamy is a Sports Medicine Specialist in Toronto renowned for his integrative health approaches. After studying Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo & Acupuncture from McMaster University, he completed his medical training at Michigan State University with focused PGY-III Sports Medicine training. Holding the Diploma in Sports Medicine from CASEM, & licensed in Canada & the U.S., he treats professional athletes in leagues including the NHL, MLB, & CFL.
Why did you become a Sports Medicine Physician?
As a youth, I found myself drawn to the thrill of sports, intrigued by the interplay of athleticism, strategy, & camaraderie. Despite captaining several club & school sports teams, my journey took an unexpected turn with a severe knee injury that required ACL surgery. This period of heartbreak & vulnerability enabled me to recognize the compassion & expertise present in healthcare. At this pivotal time in my life, a determination to pursue a career in Sports Medicine was ignited within me. Following the study & exploration of various alternative therapies, I concluded my postgraduate medical training specializing in Sports Medicine. Today, as a Diplomate of the Canadian Academy of Sport & Exercise Medicine, I am honored to offer integrative health solutions to athletes of all ages. As a Lecturer at the University of Toronto, I find joy in teaching medical students, sharing the same passion for Sports Medicine that drives my own journey forward.
Dr. Somogyi is a plastic surgeon with extensive training in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. In addition to founding FORM Face + Body, a full-service aesthetic clinic in North York, Dr. Somogyi is a full time staff member at North York General, maintains privileges at Women’s College Hospital, and is active academically as an Assistant Professor at The University of Toronto. His research interest has led to published articles on oncoplastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive breast surgery.
How do you build trust with a patient in your care?
I believe we can achieve the best outcomes when patients are fully involved and empowered to make thoughtful decisions. I take as much time as needed with my patients to listen to their concerns and communicate all their options, using tools like example cases, 3D imaging, and results simulators to help them understand every aspect.
What are your favourite cosmetic procedures to perform?
I specialize in mommy makeovers and ‘skin sculpting surgery’ for patients left with loose skin after weight loss. These full-body procedures demand both an aesthetic eye and surgical skill, and are so rewarding because they have a huge impact on quality of life. As well as helping patients feel fantastic in their bodies, we can repair post-pregnancy muscle separation and reduce the serious discomfort of excess skin.
Torontonians recently took to Reddit to discuss their favourite Banksy artwork in the city, with one Redditor highlighting the famous ‘Guard with Balloon Dog’ installation in the PATH, next to One York Street north of Harbour Street.
“If you ever want to admire a Banksy on your next dollar store trip, ‘One york st’ could be your destination. It is on second floor beside the escalators,” the Redditor noted.
The artwork—created by the anonymous British street graffiti artist renowned for his political messages and public placements—portrays a man dressed in a police uniform, holding the leash of a muzzled, pink balloon dog. This was one of several pieces that Banksy drew on Toronto buildings during a 2010 tour of his documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop.
This particular artwork has been in storage since late 2014, when Menkes Development, Ltd., decided to restore the piece and put it back on display in a new public viewing space. The salvaged artwork has been displayed in the PATH since 2017.
The reinstatement of the Banksy artwork, its reinstallation, and the creation and placement of Speculum are integral components of a $2,000,000 public art initiative incorporated by Menkes into the Harbour Plaza / One York project.
“This Banksy piece represents an exciting contribution to the public art landscape in Toronto and we wanted to reintroduce it to the public in a manner that was respectful to its origins,” said Jared Menkes, when it was unveiled years ago.
Watch the video below to see the artwork being restored prior to its unveiling at One York St.
The second Banksy’s piece that could be found in the city is displayed in an alleyway near the Esplanade and Church on the back of Goose Island Brewhouse. It sits behind a protective glass and frame to prevent vandalism and theft.
A Banksy piece near Church and The Esplanade in Toronto – v, v cool!
Last summer, Torontonians experienced the world’s largest Banksy exhibit, BANKSYLAND, where they got to check out over 80 different pieces and installations, including some that have been salvaged from the street, some that have never been seen before, as well as popular pieces, like Girl With Balloon and Love Is In The Air.
The Toronto stop was part of a 22-city international touring exhibition. There’s no word on if this exhibit will return to the city, but considering how fast tickets sold out last year and the super long lineups, the interest is certainly there.
In late 2023, Toronto bid farewell to The Rosedale Diner, a beloved community fixture for over four decades. Established in 1981 by Dubi and Esti Filar, the family-owned eatery was known for it’s great food and sense of community. With celebrities like Rush frontman Geddy Lee among its patrons, the city awaited news of its successor.
Now we know what will replace it. Manita, the super popular cafe, grocery and bar on Ossington, is expanding into the Rosedale neighbourhood, bringing its unique charm and delicious eats to the new location.
Set to open midsummer, co-owner Ian McGrenaghan says that while there are features of the building they’re intending to retain, it will definitely have the Manita stamp.
@manitaossington/Instagram
“Esti and Dubi were very supportive of us redoing the space,” he says. “The Rosedale Diner was an amazing neighbourhood restaurant, and we feel the best way to pay homage to its legacy is embracing that and recreate the feeling of an amazing neighbourhood restaurant that people can enjoy today.”
In his extensive tenure within the restaurant industry, McGrenaghan recounts a notable departure from the norm.
“I’ve owned restaurants for a while and been involved in selling and purchasing them,” McGrenaghan says. “I’ve been fortunate that they’ve all been positive experiences, but it’s typically fairly transactional, which is not surprising, but this was a very special experience.”
After meeting them in the dining room and chatting over a coffee, Dubi walked McGrenaghan through the building, pointing out the stairs where his (now grown up) children used to play.
“I felt like I was getting to the core of something historic. We really wanted to see if we could capture the essence of the space,” McGrenaghan says. “The whole process felt very beautiful and natural, just right for everybody involved.”
Manita was founded in 2020 by Colin Tooke and Ian McGrenaghan of Grand Electric fame and Sam Lipson. Known for its eclectic menu ranging from Mediterranean-inspired dishes to Canadian classics; a place to grab a coffee in the morning, a mid-day meal, some groceries after work, or dinner and a drink at night.
@manitaossington/Instagram
While many of the details will be consistent with Manita’s Ossington location, McGrenaghan says it won’t be identical.
“It’s not going to feel like a complete replica, we want it to feel like part of the Rosedale neighbourhood and fit well in the old historic building its in. It’s still going to feel very, very Manita-like.”
One can hope for the same delicious menu options popularized at their Ossington spot. Get ready for some beautiful French staples like moules and steak frites, along with decadent pasta, dishes, scrumptious desserts and some of the best burgers in the city.
While the restaurant on Yonge Street, north of Davenport won’t be open for a while, its secluded patio boasts a tranquil city garden vibe, perfect for enjoying the outdoors as patio season approaches.
Sangita Patel is Streets of Toronto’s new advice columnist and was previously an entertainment reporter with ET Canada. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two daughters.
Dear Sangita: I think my parents love my boyfriend more than me. They’ve only known him for two years, and they often try to hang out just with him. It makes me feel like they don’t love me. What should I do? — Fourth wheel
Dear Fourth: It’s kind of weird that they only want to hang out with him and not you, and it’s wrong for them to say that he’s too good for you — that’s the wrong message. They may just be joking, but if you’re sensitive to it, you should acknowledge it. I think your parents may just be on a high that you found someone so special. A lot of in-laws don’t get along with the partner, and you’re in a special place where you’re not even married and your parents are in love with your partner. It took a long time for my dad to say, “You’re good enough for my daughter!” So this is not necessarily a bad thing. To embrace this situation, organize something that you like to do and invite both your parents and your boyfriend so you feel like you’re in charge of the environment. If you have a bit more control, you’ll be part of the narrative again.
Dear Sangita: My husband is pretty good at doing his part at home. He cooks, cleans, grocery shops, all of that. But every time we visit his parents, he becomes lazy and expects me to do everything the way his dad expects his mom to do everything. How do I bring this up with him? — Woe is wife
Dear Woe: The truth is, when you visit your in-laws, they might have a certain way they do things. There are cultural or generational situations where the men will all hang out at the couch while the women are in the kitchen doing the cooking and cleaning. Parents are going to spoil their sons — I’m speaking from experience here! It’s unfortunate that he does this at his parents’ place, but that’s hard to change. What isn’t OK is if he brings that attitude of expecting you to do certain things for him home with him.
I suggest you ask him, “Is this how we do this at home?” I would put it in your husband’s court to answer. When you ask, “Do you think this is the right thing for you to be asking me?”, you’ll see how quickly he’ll realize he’s in the wrong.
Dear Sangita: I’ve been dating my partner for two years now, and I don’t like her friends. They’re overbearing with her and judgmental of her life decisions. I want to be honest with her, but I don’t think she’ll want to hear it. What should I do? — Best friends for never
Dear Best: My husband has his own life, I have my own life, and then we have a life together, which means respecting each other’s spaces and friends. I don’t like the fact that they are treating her in a negative way, but she’s been friends with these women for so long, so maybe they have a sibling-type relationship where they’re just honest with each other in a way that someone on the outside would perceive as being rude. If you feel uncomfortable hanging out with them, then don’t! But you need to respect her relationship with her friends, even if you don’t understand it.
Trends, fads, and viral sensations come and go — being short-lived is part of their definitions, after all. But, some things end up getting more than their 15 minutes of fame, and for the past few years, it’s the croissant that’s stolen the spotlight.
It’s not just any croissants, either; the ones going viral are the ones that are truly special—straying from the traditional crescent shape, taking on unique flavours, combining with other sweet treats, or, coming in remarkable sizes.
Never behind on the trends, Toronto has all the viral croissants you might be looking for.
Crookie
Evana Patisserie & Café has just added the newest addition to Toronto’s ultimate croissant craze—the crookie. A delicious combination of cookie and croissant that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this matchup went viral in Paris but has found its new home in Toronto. Evana Café serves up two options: the original chocolate chip crookie and the matcha crookie with white chocolate chips. $7.25. 390 Silver Star Blvd., Scarborough.
Mini Square Croissants
@kream_toronto/Instagram
Croissants have been around for centuries but forming them into cubes is a relatively new idea only launched about five years ago. Korean bakery, Kream Dessert, has just about every kind you could dream up, and they’re calling them Kream Bombs. With an extensive selection from Earl Grey to Matcha Crème Brule, you’ll want to step in to see all the options for yourself. $5.90 to $6.40. 526 Yonge St.
Supreme Croissant
@geste_croissanterie/Instagram
Perhaps the hottest viral croissant right now is the Supreme Croissant—a round, cream-filled or cream-garnished version of the pastry. The flavour opportunities with this one are endless and Geste Bistro & Boulangerie is trying every single one. Offered as their rotating specials of the week, flavours at the bakery have included tiramisu, pistachio and fig, fig and hazelnut, and even a Piña Colada. $10 each. 506 Queen Street W.
Croffle
@dessertfox.croffles/Instgram
This delicious hybrid of a croissant made into a waffle is a dessert that was originally popularized in South Korea, and became popular because of the combination of breakfast dishes and how its shape holds syrups on the pastry. The Annex’s Dessert Fox has made these flaky waffles their specialty, serving them up in an extensive list of flavours including a plain, a Nutella banana, blueberry cream cheese, oreo, and tiramisu. $4.50 to 12.50 depending on the flavour. 635 Bloor St., W.
Cruffin
@circlesandsquaresbakery/Instagram
Similar to a cinnamon roll, the cruffin is the love child of breakfast match made in heaven. At Circles & Squares Bakery, cruffins are treated like the delicacy they are with flavours constantly rotating. Matcha strawberry, ruby chocolate, mango passionfruit, and peanut butter and jelly are just a few of the favourites that have made their way though the bakery. $7. 197 Bartley Dr., North York.
Cronut
Perhaps the matchup that started in all, the cronut was trademarked by French pastry chef Dominique Ansel in 2013 and a decade, continues to have the same hold over pastry lovers. Torontonians can visit Nord Lyon to pick up the O ‘de’ Lyon, a signature cronut filled with lemon cream and topped with white chocolate icing. $8.80 665 Queen Street W.
Giant Croissant, Little Pebbles, $25
The Giant Croissant at Little Pebbles was all that was talked about on the internet last year, and rightfully so. This Japanese-inspired bakery in Kensington Market gained so much popularity that they just opened their second location at 540 College Street, where they are serving all the viral croissants you could ask for. Are you up for the challenge of finishing a 1-kilometre croissant in one seating? $25 160 Baldwin St. and 540 College St.
Ice cream croissant
@hazukidocanada/Instagram
Last year, ice cream lovers had a dream come true when ice cream croissants—or ice cream crones—were popping up around town. Each of the GTA Hazukido Canada locations served up a selection of these ice cream with abundant ice cream flavours filling the hallowed out pastries. Last year’s flavours included hazelnut, oreo, salted caramel, and rainbow—but who knows what will go viral this summer? 1200 Bay St.
Nestled along Davenport Road in Toronto, you’ll spot a storefront that looks more like the inside of a very stylish resident’s home than a store. The warmly-lit Vintage Beyond, which has opened up as a fresh addition to the city’s design scene, features architectural furniture and couches in statement colours fit for a magazine cover. Founded by Tony Pham, known for his entrepreneurial ventures like boutique salon Lac + Co and Lac + Beauty, this new store marks his foray into vintage design.
For Pham, Vintage Beyond is more than just a business endeavour — it’s a reflection of his passion for vintage furniture and design.
“I was inspired to start Vintage Beyond through my passion for infusing everyday life with unexpected elegance,” Pham says. “My expertise lies in developing personalized expressions for clients, drawing from my knowledge of art, culture, design and beauty to produce better living spaces.”
Catering to seasoned collectors and homeowners alike, Vintage Beyond boasts a diverse collection for a wide range of design preferences. From investment-grade pieces to custom or made-to-order products, the store aims to provide something for everyone.
@vintagebeyondca/Instagram
Currently, the store offers a selection ranging from mid-century Pierre Paulin masterpieces — think, stripes, boucle couches and undulating chairs — Mario Bellini, and rare and bespoke creations tailored to individual tastes, with each piece in the collection handpicked to evoke a sense of nostalgia and sophistication.
The selection process itself is a labour of love, driven by a team of discerning curators.
“They carefully consider the authenticity, quality and charm of each item, ensuring that it aligns with the store’s vision of offering exceptional, rare and vintage pieces from select international designers,” says Pham.
As a vintage furniture store, Vintage Beyond is also a part of the eco-conscious movement which encourages shopping second-hand as much as possible. While many Torontonians have leaned into thrifted and vintage clothing, consignment and second-hand furniture is another step in the right direction — and gives consumers the opportunity to find one-of-a-kind pieces (like this modernist Pierre Paulin chair available at the shop right now for a cool $8,525).
If stooping is not your style, visiting more curated shops might be an easier entry point into vintage and sustainable furniture.
@vintagebeyondca/Instagram
When asked about what he looks forward to, he says that he’s excited about the opportunity to continue providing inspiration and sophistication to customers through Vintage Beyond.
“I look forward to evolving the collection, fostering relationships with clients and suppliers, and further establishing Vintage Beyond as a destination for vintage design enthusiasts in Toronto and beyond,” he says.
Vintage Beyond is located at 180 Davenport Rd. and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Today, we celebrate International Women’s Day, recognizing the incredible achievements of women globally. In Toronto, we can support women-led restaurants and bakeries, not only today but every day. Dining at these establishments helps our city’s diverse restaurant scene thrive under women’s leadership, promoting inclusivity and equality in our community.
Here are six must-visit women-led restaurants and bakeries in Toronto.
Nadège Patisserie —Nadège Norian
@nadegetoronto/Instagram
Nadège Nourian, the skilled pastry chef behind Nadège Patisserie, has significantly shaped Toronto’s food scene with her innovative pastry creations. Since its establishment in 2009, Nadège Patisserie has gained recognition for its French-inspired desserts and macarons. Nourian’s commitment to using top-quality ingredients and exploring new flavour combinations has distinguished her within Toronto’s culinary community. With multiple locations across the city, the bakery has become a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike.
Gusto 55 Restaurant Group — Janet Zuccarini
Photo: Gabby Frank
Janet Zuccarini is a renowned Canadian restaurateur celebrated for her diverse culinary contributions to Toronto’s food scene. As the founder and CEO of Gusto 54 Restaurant Group, she oversees a portfolio of acclaimed restaurants across North America. Zuccarini’s journey began with Trattoria Nervosa in 1996, swiftly followed by the launch of other successful ventures like Gusto 101, Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen and Zuzu. With a passion for quality ingredients and innovative concepts, Zuccarini has left an indelible mark on Toronto’s dining scene, earning accolades and recognition for her outstanding contributions to the industry.
Alma —Anna Chen
@alma.toronto/Instagram
Chef and owner Anna Chen, formerly of Scaramouche and Buca, has drawn crowds with her Bloordale bistro, Alma. The intimate 32-seat space features minimal art and offers Canadian fusion fare, attracting foodies and families alike. The restaurant boasts a short but elegant cocktail menu along with French, Italian, and Niagara region wines, and local beers. Alma showcases cosmopolitan tastes influenced by her daily market visits and commitment to scratch-made dishes.
PAI, Kiin, Sukhothai, Selva — Nuit Regular
Chef Nuit Regular at Selva Toronto
Chef Nuit Regular has introduced he vibrant flavours of Northern Thai cuisine to Toronto, beginning with the humble Curry Shack in Pai, Thailand. Her restaurants have garnered international acclaim, including the prestigious Thai Select Premium designation. Chef Nuit is celebrated as one of Toronto’s most influential chefs, admired for her culinary expertise and dedication to authentic Thai cuisine.
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen — Donna Dooher
@mildredstemplekitchen/Instagram
Donna Dooher co-founded Mildred’s Temple Kitchen in Toronto’s Liberty Village in 1989. Mildred’s became famous for its delectable brunch options, such as the blueberry buttermilk pancakes and the “Mildred’s Caesar.” Dooher’s emphasis on using fresh, local ingredients helped Mildred’s stand out in Toronto’s food scene. Her leadership created a welcoming atmosphere that made Mildred’s a beloved spot. Dooher also authored cookbooks and appeared on TV, sharing her culinary expertise. Today, Mildred’s remains one of the top breakfast spots in the city, a testament to Dooher’s lasting impact.
Sotto Sotto — Marissa Rocca
@sottosotto/Instagram
Marisa Rocca’s journey with Sotto Sotto showcases her love for real Italian food. Despite doubts, she kept going with her family’s support. Today, the restaurant is a big part of Toronto’s food scene, known for its “Live, Love, Eat” motto. Rocca’s dedication to Italian cooking and good ingredients earned her respect, even from celebrities like Drake.
“The bun is perfect, and the sauce you can tell it’s homemade. There’s also a nice amount of meat — the balls are not
