5 Ontario cottages that are still available to rent this summer

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338548129_240089051718222_853041647353745358_n — Matt Dean Pettit/Instagram

A new space that’s equal parts snack shop, wine bar, cafe, bottle shop and all around gathering place has opened in the heart of Queen West’s Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood.

Dreamed up by chef and Cityline guest expert, chef Matt Dean Pettit, Trinity Market opened recently on March 22, mere steps from Trinity Bellwoods Park. The cosy space features white countertops that double as the perfect spot to rest a glass of wine later in the evening, paired with any one of the small plates on the menu. The minimalist interior also sports several leafy palms and floor-to-ceiling, pale wood wine racks that arch at the top.

Trinity Market has partnered with local purveyors and restaurants like Blackbird Baking Co., Noce Restaurant, Pearl Diver Seafood, Cheese Boutique and more to create a menu that easily transitions from cafe-style by day to fine wine bar accompaniments by night. Food highlights include the piping hot pizza slices created by Noce’s owner and head chef, Eron Novalski. Other must-try menu munchies are a selection of empanadas, fresh focaccia, creamy Ontario burrata, and cheese and charcuterie plates.

The Trinity Bottle Shop is home to a fine selection of local and imported wines, beers and ciders, sake, spirits and more. Weekly tastings and other events will also be announced in the coming weeks.

“We have been blown away by everyone’s support,” says founder chef Matt Dean Pettit via an Instagram post. “After speaking to so many of you that have come in, the common feedback that people say and feel is that they are being transported to a fun, busy market and wine bar in Paris and many other amazing places around the world.”

Trinity Market is located at 768A Queen St. W. and is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 12 to 10 p.m., Thursday from 12 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., and Sundays from 12 to 10 p.m.

Where Toronto’s Michelin-recognized chefs eat cheap: Kyle Rindinella of Enoteca Sociale

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Although inflation has caused the cost of dining out to soar, there are many standout restaurants in the city with quality food at reasonable prices. And when it comes to restaurant recommendations, who better to trust than a chef — and a Michelin chef to boot!

Chef Kyle Rindinela, recently awarded a Bib Gourmand for Enoteca Sociale.— a much-loved Italian restaurant in Little Portugal and a go-to for housemade pastas, quality wines, and cosy vibes — recently shared his favourite affordable restaurant in Toronto where two can dine with wine for under $100. Read on to find out which spot he selected.

Chef Rindinella wants to eat at: Mattachioni

“My family and I are weekly regulars for a great lunch of sandwiches on house-made bread, great salads, pizzas and a changing and affordable wine list,” he recently told us.

Mattachioni

Featuring perfectly blistered pizza crust, fresh tomato sauce and gooey mozza flagged with fresh basil? For only $13 three days a week? Somehow the Junction triangle and more recently, Gerrard East has been gifted the dreamiest bodega there ever was. It’s the work of a former Terroni kid, David Mattachioni, who has taken his knowledge and run with it. There’s also an abundance of panini (mortadella stuffed in house focaccia), dolce for sweet and, in true bodega style, groceries —mostly Italian staples, like peperoncini, sugo di pomodora (housemade tomato sauce) and dry pasta. 1617 Dupont St., 1501 Gerrard St. E.

If you want to know where chef Steven Molnar of Quetzal eats cheap, click here, for Rob Rossi of Osteria Guilia click here. And to find out where chefs Kate Chomyshyn and Julio Guajardo of Fonda Balam get an affordable meal, click here.

The most unique bars to check out in Toronto this spring

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1:57 pm

Food Cover BarChef Insta — BarChef/Instagram

When it comes to grabbing a drink in Toronto, atmosphere can be almost as important as a well-made craft cocktail. Thankfully, an exciting crop of bars has taken over the city to set the tone, offering reinvented classics and playful vibes. Here are three of the most unique bars to check out in Toronto this spring.

Offworld

At sci-fi-themed cocktail bar Offworld, you’ll find showy cocktails and screens that transport guests through a fictional solar system. Run by the same people behind self-appointed “nerd bar” Storm Crow Manor, Offworld leverages the team’s flair for creating theatrical dining and drinking experiences. While creative cocktails are the showpiece of the bar program, general manager Tyler VanderWallen says the team also wants to cater to imbibers looking for a simple, well-made drink. “We have our nine fun, tongue-in-cheek, classic cocktails that we’ve sci-fi’d up, but we want to be able to have somebody sit down and order the best Manhattan they’re ever gonna have or their favourite tequila,” he says. 739 Queen St W.

BarChef

At BarChef, cutting-edge mixology is kicked into high gear à la immersive cocktails like the The Sailor’s Mojito. Pronounced acidity rounded with sweet vanilla it’s one of BarChef’s most popular cocktails and a great introduction to Modernist cocktails. Each masterpiece can take up to 15 minutes to create, so don’t expect zippy service. Whatever your inclination, you’ll leave barchef feeling noticeably hipper (not to mention more inebriated) than when you entered. 472 Queen St W.

Prequel & Co. Apothecary

Over at Prequel & Co. Apothecary owner Frankie Solarik has created an experience that recalls the art nouveau era of Paris. The decor features custom woodwork and authentic vintage apothecary bottles, and a “méthode classique” approach is used to build cocktails. Housed in a three-storey, red brick building that dates back more than 100 years, Solarik, who also owns the premium cocktail spot BarChef, says that Prequel & Co. draws inspiration from apothecaries of the Art Nouveau era of Paris, from 1890 to 1910. The cocktails are a nod to the ways in which ingredients and elixirs were prepared in the late 1800s, using fresh herbs, florals and liquors hand mixed in the moment. “Expect very defined flavours with amazing structural integrity,” Solarik says of the cocktails on offer. 1036 Queen St. W.

The best street style from Toronto’s most popular vintage market

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1:03 pm

Some of the hottest looks in town are being purchased at Toronto’s vintage markets, including a perennial fave — the Hippie Market. Hosted most months and home to some of the top vintage sellers in town, this is the place to be to shop vintage, sell vintage and live vintage. Meet nine vendors and designers who were dressed for success at last month’s market and get some outfit inspiration for your trip to the next one, happening on April 14-15.

Porschia Thomas, owner, French Toast Vintage

Wearing a vintage velvet blazer, dress from H&M and chunky platform boots, accessorized with gold jewelry.

Her vintage shopping advice: “Wear leggings and a tank top with an oversized sweater over top, so you can easily take it off and try stuff on.”

Daniel, designer, Rabek

Wearing thrifted purple pants with a 2011 Golf Wang shirt. Accessorized with a self-made hat from Rabek and Marni x Veja sneakers.

Favourite part of Toronto street style: “I love how open people are. I moved from Vancouver where a lot of people dress very minimally and you don’t see a lot of loud, out there outfits. But when you come to Toronto, in the streets you see a lot of people expressing themselves, wearing a lot of vibrant colours, and pushing the limits of fashion.”

Luna Lindsay, creator, Moonwix

Wearing a duster jacket from Toronto vintage shop Nouveau Riche Vintage, a vintage cami and jeans from H&M. Accessorized with a beret from Heirloom Hats and L’Intervalle boots.

Where she draws her style inspiration: “I don’t really look for a specific trend, I’m just inspired by my surroundings, so I think of my apartment, my home, colourful things. Since spring and summer is coming up I’m thinking of all the colours that are about to come out.”

Jill Bulger, owner, Sad but Rad Vintage

Wearing a blazer from Pic Vintage over a hand-dyed dress from September’s Vintage. Accessorized with a hat from Expo Vintage, thrifted loafers and Okie Dokie socks.

Favourite part of Toronto street style: “I love how everyone makes everything their own. I like to see something dainty mixed in with a bit of androgynous vibes to it.”

Tahrik Rodriques, designer, Look

Wearing an original Look bucket hat with chunky yarn sewn into the brim, Look chunky yarn tie-dye T, a Zara blazer and JW Anderson x Uniqlo sherpa trap pants.

Favourite part of Toronto vintage fashion: “I would have to say the fact that it’s so diverse. If I were to look around in here right now I would see a multitude of styles, styles that I myself am not familiar with. But the majority of the folks that come into these vintage events, they all seem to have their own individual styles. It’s a diverse melting pot of fashion.”

Genevieve Smith, owner, Gifts of Thrift

Wearing a cashmere sweater and pants from a Paris flea. Accessorized with sunglasses, custom El General cowboy boots, a Big Top Shop custom bag and 60-year-old vintage socks.

Style forecast for the spring: “Blazers with bras underneath because who needs a shirt? I’m really excited to see pants under dresses go away, I’m tired of it. I don’t think we all need to look like Ashley Tisdale, the moment’s gone. I love socks and sandals, comfort over all, and I’m really excited about looser silhouettes.”

Bobby Raffin, owner, Three Pieces Shop

Wearing original reworked snake embroidered pants and a scarf reworked into a tank top. Accessorized with measuring tape, gold hand earrings and a Christian Dior ring.

Style forecast for the warmer weather: “I feel like we’re going to a see a lot of swampcore for spring and summer, so you’re going to see a lot of Shrek-inspired fashion with this puke green, some crocodiles, some frogs — anything that lives in the swamp I think you’re going to see it for the warm weather.”

Kez Garber, owner, Papa Love Vintage

Wearing Y2K vintage camo pants and a ’70s thrifted T-shirt. Accessorized with a chain belt bought at the Hippie Market, a leather belt with real silver and a handmade harness.

Favourite part of Toronto street style: “There are no rules, you can just mix and match whatever the hell you want. As long as you feel good, you look good.”

Cecilia, owner, Regal Flare

Wearing a self-thrifted outfit intended to be comfortable for the market. She chose the purple blouse because it’s one of her favourite colours, and flowy overalls for easy movement.

The perfect thrift shopping outfit: “A nice long slip dress with a layered jacket to accentuate the waist and dress. I’m a dress lover so I always wear dresses, and they don’t hug the body too much.”

Marilyn Denis on marrying her high school prom date

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Samantha Peksa

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12:15 pm

Marilyn Denis and Jim Helman got married at Toronto city hall last June

Marilyn Denis, host of The Marilyn Denis Show on CHUM 104.5, announced on Thursday that she’ll be stepping down from the radio in the summer after four decades. Read the full announcement here; Canada will be sad to see her go! We’re looking back on the story of how the TV host eloped in the summer of 2018 with her high school prom date, Jim Helman. Here, the pair share the story of how they reconnected four decades after their first date.

How they met

Marilyn: Jim moved from Baltimore, Maryland, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at Christmas of 1971. In January of 1972, we met in eighth grade homeroom at Ingomar Junior High School. Jim’s stay in Pittsburgh ended two years later when his father was transferred to a job in Nashville, Tennessee.

The first date

Marilyn: Our first date took place in spring of 1975, where we attended our high school junior prom in Pittsburgh. We went together as good friends. Nothing happened. We were two good, 16-year-old friends at a dance party. We had a great time dancing, catching up with friends, and since we were friends, there was no drama. At the time, Jim was living in Nashville, and he flew back to Pittsburgh for the prom.

The courtship

Jim: Our courtship began when I thought of Marilyn while driving to the Pittsburgh airport after visiting my parents — 41 years after our one and only date: prom in 1975. I looked her up online and learned about her amazing career in radio and television. I wrote an email to her show to congratulate my friend on her successes. We subsequently chatted and a year later got together for lunch. We realized that our relationship could be more than a friendship.

The proposal

Jim: We travelled to Carmel, California in May of 2018, where we stayed in a beautiful hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We had a romantic dinner at a beautiful French restaurant, and then we walked back to our hotel. I was looking in the hotel garden for a place to propose but discovered another loud party of hotel guests had overwhelmed the garden. As I returned to ascend the beautiful, long and flower-draped stairs, I saw Marilyn at the top of the staircase, her face showered by moonlight. The perfect moment had presented itself to us.

The wedding

Marilyn: We were married at Toronto city hall on June 19, 2018. My son Adam and my daughter-in-law Caprice were our witnesses. We had a pre-honeymoon in London, England, and we celebrated our honeymoon in Barbados.

Balancing careers and marriage

Marilyn: We are very thoughtful of the demands of each of our careers. We value every moment together.

Shared hobbies

Jim: We share a love of music, love of arts, travel and being with our family and friends.

Life after retirement

Marilyn: Right now, we are both very involved with work. We will get back to you on this query in 10 years.

Toronto’s hottest new restos are taking their design cues from homes

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restos-design — Courtesy Scott Norsworthy

When Matty Matheson opened Prime Seafood Palace in Toronto, he didn’t seek out the top restaurant interior designers in the city. Instead, he turned to renowned Canadian home architect, Omar Ghandi. The result was a monochromatic, wood-all-over, cathedral-like design that feels less like a restaurant and more like a modern home. Does home design have a leg up on restaurants?

“Bringing a homey feel into a restaurant space really allows it to be a place where people want to go and feel comfortable and feel welcome,” Dyonne Fashina, principal designer at Toronto-based studio Denizens of Design, says.

The studio recently designed Queen West’s Florette, and Fashina says the team modelled Florette after the idea of having a person in your life who’s space you always feel at home in, with the layout of the restaurant following that of a house.

“The dining area is based on a living room space. And the banquette, which is a big long piece in the space, is modelled after a traditional sofa. The bar is meant to look like a dining table with dining table legs, and the back bar is sort of like a curio cabinet,” she explains.

The decor also picks up on a key piece of home design — mixed styles and influences. “When you decorate your home, you often have modern furniture mixed with heirloom pieces from your grandmother. So we don’t often design to one style,” Fashina says. “Restaurants will often say, ‘I’ll do a mid-century modern design, or I’m going to do art deco design,’ to align with current trends, but that’s why spaces live and die within months — they don’t have authenticity.”

Fashina notes that this is something that is changing, as restaurants are trying to create spaces that welcome people in. “In both restaurants and just commercial design in general, the home is becoming more of an influence on these spaces,” she says.

However, Jude Kamal, founder of Sansa Interiors, sees that influence go in the opposite direction as well. Her studio has designed both residential homes and restaurants in Toronto, including Tabule and Miznon. “People like having areas in their home that feel like a restaurant,” she says.

Kamal says trends such as colourful spaces, artwork in multiple rooms and bathrooms or powder rooms with colourful walls all came from restaurant design but are now having their moment in residential spaces. Layered lighting — having lighting in the ceiling but also on walls, coffee tables, under shelving — is popular now in homes, but that originated in restaurants,” she says.

Since the pandemic, Kamal has also noticed another home design trend influenced by restaurants — double islands. “People are asking us for two islands in their kitchens, which is very restaurant-like, because they want more prep surfaces, and maybe they’re spending more time at home to entertain,” she says.

Kamal believes that the relationship between home and restaurant design is more reciprocal, with both taking elements from each other.

“Restaurants used to be very dark, but now many feel more like you’re sitting in your living room, very casual,” she says.

Beloved daytime TV host Marilyn Denis signing off after 3 decades

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Ron Johnson

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11:04 am

CTV is announcing that the daytime series The Marilyn Denis Show will conclude at the end of this season with the final episode set to air on June 9.

“Hosting a national television show has been a career highlight, and such a rewarding and fulfilling chapter in my life, but after more than three decades of balancing my radio show with a daytime series I’m ready to step away and refocus on my family and other projects,” said Marilyn Denis.

“While I’m moving on from daytime TV, I’m not saying goodbye and will continue on the CHUM morning show and with my podcast,” she added. “I want to thank the entire team at The Marilyn Denis Show, who are and always will be family, the incredible experts and guests who have joined me over the years, and most importantly – every studio audience member and the viewers at home for welcoming me into your lives. I’ll be forever grateful for the wonderful years we’ve spent together.”

She announced the news on her show this morning.

♥️ https://t.co/xck126XWfV

— Marilyn Denis (@MarilynDenisCTV) April 13, 2023

Denis has been a fixture on local daytime TV for many years including nearly two decades as the hosted of the daytime talk show Cityline on Citytv, and another 13+ years at CTV.

Her career in television started by reporting on sports, weather, and entertainment at CTV Calgary, while also working as a freelance reporter for TSN.

She is the first female recipient of the Allan Waters Broadcast Lifetime Achievement Award.

Beginning May 8, the four-time Canadian Screen Award-winning series will celebrate with special guests, audience surprises, and highlights from its more than 2,000 shows, culminating with a memorable farewell episode.

“Marilyn is a trailblazer with a relatable and authentic approach that has made her a much-beloved figure in Canadian broadcasting and to viewers across the country,” said Dave Daigle, Vice-President, Local TV, Radio, and Bell Media Studios, in a statement.

The veteran broadcaster will continue as co-host on Marilyn Denis and Jamar weekday mornings on Toronto’s CHUM 104.5. Denis will also remain as host of MARILYN DENIS DOES A PODCAST.

“I feel very fortunate that I have the jobs that I have because I love them,” said Denis, in a previous interview with Streets of Toronto.

5 Ontario retreats to pick up a new hobby or rediscover an old one

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3:06 pm

outdoor photography — @helengrosephotography/Instagram

Take the time this spring to discover a new hobby! Check out these five Ontario retreats ideal for you to pursue a unique learning experience or improve a skill you’re passionate about.

Learn the art of cooking in a Regency-era maison

Savour a French-inspired getaway right on the shores of the St. Lawrence River in Maitland. During your visit, hone your inner Julia Child with one of several culinary experiences such as full-day, private or group classes. Join acclaimed chef Cynthia Peters in the Maison Maitland kitchen and learn several international recipes to elevate your next dinner party. On the full-day adventure, start the morning on a guided excursion to collect fresh ingredients from nearby farms and shops. Upon return, enjoy a hands-on cooking class, lunch, wine tasting and more learning in Cynthia’s kitchen garden. Overnight at the historical Georgian-era manor in one of two reimagined carriage house villas. Each accommodation provides private chef’s kitchens, river-view patios and pampering goodies such as handmade soaps, fresh croissants and a welcome basket. maisonmaitland.com

Uncover the secrets of beekeeping in Grey County

Perhaps you’ve heard some buzz about beekeeping in recent years — from urban apiaries to hobby hives, promoting healthy bee populations is in everyone’s best interest. If you’ve ever been curious about how beekeeping works, you’ll want to take a road trip to Freija for an unforgettable experience. Located in the heart of Kinghurst Forest, a 100-acre nature sanctuary, Freija specializes in nature and science-based learning opportunities. Spend an afternoon learning about the fascinating life of bees, gain an introductory understanding of beekeeping, and enjoy honey tasting while there. To extend your visit, rent one of several unique accommodations on the grounds and enjoy a pristine night sky. Opt to camp amongst the Cedars, sleep in a fun-filled 1,6000 ft. forest loft, or spend a night in a charming meadow cabin. freija.ca/experiences/beekeeping/

Fine tune your outdoor photography skills

From coast to coast, Canada is known for having spectacular outdoor scenery — and for those interested in nature photography, there’s plenty of inspiration to spot through the lens. For shutterbugs looking to sharpen their skills, consider joining one of several multi-day excursions with Helen E Grose Photography. Offering immersive small-group experiences in places like Algonquin, Muskoka and further afoot, these guided adventures will give you a hands-on opportunity to learn and share outdoor photography tips and tricks. While some getaways include camping, other excursions invite you to book your own accommodations. www.helengrose.ca/workshops

Escape to the country for a writer’s retreat

For those with a zeal for literary life and who seek creative connection, quality writing time or gentle guidance from other wordsmiths, a writer’s retreat in Ontario might be the perfect antidote to fill your creative cup. Explore joining an intimate group getaway like the Spring Thaw Retreat hosted by Firefly Creative Writing. Spend three days in a rustic Northumberland Farmhouse with eight other guests of varying writing experience and two writing coaches. Connect over meal prepping, enjoy a balance of quiet reflection and writing time, and dive into group workshops where idea sharing and feedback are encouraged. Sleeping accommodations range from private farmhouse rooms to cabins and camping on the property. fireflycreativewriting.com/spring-thaw-retreat

Finesse your golf game with a PGA instructor

Those passionate about golf know that perfecting your game is a labour of love involving plenty of time on the course — and with spring on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to start planning your next golf getaway. Offering one of the best golf courses in Canada, consider visiting the iconic Deerhurst Resort. With 18-hole and 9-hole courses nestled amid the scenic Muskoka landscape, a few days here will satisfy any golf enthusiast. Practise your swing at the professional-grade driving range or book a private PGA-certified instructor to help improve your skills. Stay in one of the luxurious resort rooms, book a lodge or rent a resort home — whichever you choose, you’ll be within walking distance of Deerhurst’s many fabulous amenities. deerhurstresort.com/to-do/golf

One of Toronto’s top French restaurants reopens after disastrous fire

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Megan Gallant

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2:54 pm

340008620_1419826665429642_3930536289025346572_n — Photo:chewedeee/Instagram

This week, one of Toronto’s beloved and most recognizable French restaurants has soft-launched their new location and, though the response has already been promising, it’s only just the beginning of Chantecler’s re-build.

In November of 2019, the stylish restaurant, which first opened in Parkdale in 2012, was closed down after a three-alarm fire left the space unusable.

While the butcher shop was quick to re-open across the street at Le Phénix, nothing quite like Chantecler has returned to Toronto—Well, until last week, that is, when Chantecler 2.0 opened in Bloorcourt at 798 Bloor Street West, blessing Toronto’s passionate foodies with some familiar favourite dishes.

According to owner Jacob Wharton-Shukster, the “beautiful” space is a “complete re-build with modern designs and touches, though softer in tone.” Facing out from the corner of Bloor and Crawford, the interior is substantially larger in comparison to the former location, with a 60-seat capacity that includes bar seating so customers can sit up close to the friendly staff.

Though the space is more modern, Wharton-Shukster assures the new restaurant keeps the same familiar look and vibe that customers grew to love from the original Chantecler. “We made a comprehensive effort to bring back everything from being purpose-built to the menu design. It’s something Toronto can hang on to,” the owner says, commenting on how much Torontonians lost during the pandemic due to restaurants suffering from food costs and labour shortages, among other obstacles.

As before, customers can expect to find the extensive winelist, a hallmark of the original Chantecler.

Squash Vol-Au-Vent from Chantecler. Photo: chewedeee/Instagram

One of the most significant changes comes in the kitchen, with an expansive menu that builds off the original offerings. Like before the fire, the menu is chef-driven, but has, according to Wharton-Shukster, “grown up with the restaurant.” Chantecler currently serves seafood, and large and small plates that all focus on French tradition, including a squash vol-au-vent, and steak tartar. With the expanded kitchen, Chantecler now serves baked bread and brioche and a full list of dessert items all made in-house.

Though Parkdale was important to Chantecler’s identity, says Wharton-Shukster, the new location is right across from Christie Pitts Park. Having grown up in the neighbourhood, Wharton-Shukster recognized the opportunity, commenting on the excitement of being surrounded by other “amazing” pubs and businesses in the area, including Civil Liberty, and Paradise Grape.

“But, the area is underserved with restaurants,” he says, leaving a perfect opportunity for Chantecler’s re-build. Though Wharton-Shukster is thrilled to have gained the corner spot, he prioritized finding a location with space for a patio—something he felt to be extremely necessary for restaurants following the pandemic.

Mille Feuille from Chantecler Photo: chewedeee/Instagram

Chantecler might have soft launched this week, but they aren’t quite done with the re-build. Stage two of the re-opening will include revealing a front patio to be opened before summer, as the restaurant transitions into being open seven days per week rather than the current five. If that’s not enough to look forward to, the owner says he’s hopeful that over the next few months, Chantecler will even be offering brunch on the weekends.

For Wharton-Shukster, the return of Chantecler wasn’t just a personal goal, though it felt more like an obligation. “When you build something and put it into the world, it belongs to the community, especially when people have their big moments here, from first dates to weddings,” he says. There was never much of a doubt for him that Chantecler would return sometime, somewhere. “We owed it to everyone and ourselves to give it one more try.”

Chantecler is now open Wednesday through Sunday across from Christie Pitts Park.

A beginner’s guide to thrift shopping in Toronto

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1:04 pm

While vintage shopping has become its own trend in fashion circles in the city, the OG secondhand shopping — thrifting — hasn’t gone away. Whether it’s because you don’t feel like spending $30 on a T-shirt or because you love the thrill of the find while sorting through piles and piles of clothes for a few gems, thrift stores in Toronto still have their perks.

There’s clearly still a demand for it — Goodwill recently announced it will be expanding in Canada by opening more than 40 stores over the next five years due to the increasing popularity of thrift shopping. If you’re looking for places to up your thrifting game this spring, Toronto is home to an abundance of thrift shops ranging from household names to family-owned joints. Here are five thrift stores around Toronto for you to check out next time you’re in need of a wardrobe change.

Value Village

Value Village is one of the most popular thrift stores in North America. The brand has stores all over the country, accepting donations at most and offering customers great deals on used clothing. Their location at 639 Queen St. W. is a new concept store that takes a boutique approach to thrift shopping — offering an experience that leans further into more curated vintage shopping that supposedly caters to Torontonian shopping habits. Value Village Boutique carries clothing for men and women, as well as home decor.

Double Take

Located at 310 Gerrard St. E., Double Take thrift store is your one-stop shop for all thrifted clothing needs. The store offers womenswear and menswear at extremely discounted prices and features a few luxury names. Advertised on their website are names like Burberry and Christian Dior, which you can take home for less than $30. Double Take is also an employment initiative from Yonge Street Mission, meaning all proceeds go towards the organisation. You’ll also find an artist-in-residence section in the store — artists can sell upcycled/refashioned products at a reduced consignment rate, and you get the chance to shop local and environmentally-conscious artisan products.

Goodwill

Although they don’t have a sizeable presence just yet, Goodwill is looking to make a name for itself in Toronto. Goodwill announced that it would expand into Canada with plans to open new stores across the country, including Naigara Falls, Waterloo and Burlington. Currently, Goodwill has a donation centre in Toronto and stores in Mississauga and Oakville. They offer similar apparel to Value Village, as well as home furnishings.

Market by the Pound

Market by the Pound is revolutionizing the way thrift shoppers purchase clothing. Located at 55 Orfus Rd., the store has clothing spread out all over the floor in massive bins. Once shoppers enter, they’re able to rummage through the bins before cramming it all into their shopping carts. None of their clothing has price tags, however, as the store goes by a weight system. Every pound of clothing is just $4.99, giving shoppers the chance to shop for (extra, extra) cheap.

Common Sort

With locations in the Annex, Riverside and Parkdale, Common Sort is a more elevated and curated thrifting experience. The brand buys clothes directly from customers at a reduced price, offering shoppers the chance to earn store credit (or cold, hard cash) for clothes they’re looking to get rid of. Common Sort curates their clothing based on current trends and shops seasonally, meaning shoppers have the chance to get their hands on trendy, stylish clothing at a fraction of the usual retail price. You’ll find the clothing at Common Sort has been vetted well — they only accept items in solid conditions, so no suspicious stains or hidden tears. The options range from fast fashion finds to true vintage items to some higher-end brands. While prices aren’t as cheap here as other thrifting spots, it’s the place to go if you don’t feel like putting in the work of sorting through piles of clothes and want to leave with a purchase or two in hand.

These are Toronto’s most mesmerising Japanese fusion restaurants

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11:46 am