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Best of North Toronto 2019

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In a city full of foodies, there is no shortage of wicked places to have a meal — especially in midtown. Here we break down the top restaurants, cafés, sandwich purveyors, burger joints, bakeries and so much more.

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BEST MACARON

NADÈGE was crafting impeccable macarons before Toronto even knew how to say the word. Her pastel-hued meringue rounds come in elegant flavours that rotate with the seasons. 1099 Yonge St.

BEST BURGER

It’s a tie! Are you feening for a takeout burger on the go or a sit-down meal that hits the spot? At HOLY CHUCK the toppings are incomparable: like the Greek Bahahastard with roasted red pepper and garlic feta aïoli on two lamb patties. Or head to BURGER CELLAR for the Canadian with maple glazed peameal bacon on a black Angus patty, served with a chic glass of chablis. 1450 Yonge St. & 3391 Yonge St.

BEST SALAD

At PALM LANE, you can build your own salad from more than 70 ingredients or choose one from the menu. New, is the Julius, featuring a bed of romaine with cauliflower, olives, almond Parm, cherry tomatoes and walnuts. 55 Avenue Rd.

 

Palm Lane

­­­BEST PASTA

We swear it’s not just ’cause Drake loves it, but SOTTO SOTTO sure knows its pasta. All the faves are here — cacio e pepe, linguine alla puttanesca, rigatoni ai quattro formaggi — dished out with a side of romance. 120 Avenue Rd.

­­­BEST BAR

Midtown isn’t synonymous with “late night,” but BAR BATAVIA flips that switch. It offers tipples such as Krakatoa — a refresher with grapefruit-infused bourbon and Aperol — and Indo-style snacks feed the peckish. 2031 Yonge St.

 

Bar Batavia

­­­BEST BRUNCH

WISH RESTAURANT puts its unique stamp on brunch. Eggs Charlotte sees poached oeufs topped with smoked salmon with a leek and Parm fondue, and a mound of challah French toast is gussied up with caramelized bananas and blueberries. 3 Charles St. E.

­­­BEST SOUTHERN BBQ

Go to THE STOCKYARDS on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays for the ribs and chicken. Any other day, hit ADAMSON BARBECUE for authentic Texas-style barbecue like brisket, spare ribs, pulled pork and more. 699 St. Clair Ave. W. & 176 Wicksteed Ave.

­­­BEST DIM SUM

KWAN has all the dim sum faves and then some. Feast on siu mai (pork and shrimp), har gow (shrimp with bamboo) or cha siu bao (barbecued pork buns) in addition to curried cuttlefish and tripe with ginger. End on egg tarts. 1496 Yonge St.

 

Kwan Dim Sum

­­­BEST DINER

Around for a cool 75 years (since 1944), AVENUE DINER is a beacon of comfort. Get endless coffee poured while chomping on standards like all-day brekkie, grilled cheese with bacon and banquet burgs. 222 Davenport Rd.

BEST FISH AND CHIPS

An east versus west dilemma. OLDE YORKE FISH & CHIPS, a Leaside mainstay with a family recipe, and sea witch with its battered halibut (or haddock, cod, trout) done up with chips or in a sandwich format. 96 Laird Dr. & 636 St. Clair Ave. W.

BEST TACO

This family-run taqueria, ITACATE impresses with its authentic flavours. Tacos include the placero, loaded with chicharron, guac and fresh cheese, and the classic al pastor, with pork and pineapple. 998 St. Clair Ave. W.

 

Itacate

BEST BRISKET SANDWICH

You could order one of the other fine sandwiches at BLACK CAMEL, but those pangs of regret can be avoided if you just go for the brisket. It’s the only real choice. 4 Crescent Rd.

BEST CLUB SANDWICH

The club sammie at COCOALATTE looks to Cali for inspiration. The handsome stack layers together smoked turkey breast with stripes of bacon, avocado and cheddar. 671 St. Clair Ave. W.

BEST MEATBALLS

Mama Rosa Marinuzzi makes her meatballs with love. 7NUMBERS’s polpette di vitello are a work of art. Perfectly cooked veal rounds stuffed with mozzarella and smothered in their homemade tomato sauce, delizioso! 516 Eglinton Ave. W.

 

7Numbers

BEST SHAWARMA

Hidden in the back of a Hasty Market, FLAMING STOVE is a must for shawarma fans. Saj bread is handmade and filled with your choice of falafel or chicken. 21 Davisville Ave.

BEST ROTI

This ever-expanding local chain dishes out true island flavour. RITZ CARIBBEAN FOODS classics include oxtail, chana roti and, yes, that jerk chicken. 32 Eglinton Ave. W.

­­­BEST BUBBLE TEA

FORMOCHA pours authentic Taiwanese bubble tea, from fruit teas (green apple or winter melon) to flavoured milk options (think rose or taro-coconut). Plus, their Cheesecake Hill lattes are essentially drinkable cheesecakes. 55 Eglinton Ave. E.

 

Formocha

BEST LOBSTER

Delivering nostalgia with a side of lobster, HOUSE OF CHAN is the full package. Served against a rich red backdrop, the lobster starts at two lbs. and can be ordered a variety of ways. R.I.P. Smoked & Cracked; we miss the lobster rolls. 514 Eglinton Ave. W.

BEST LUNCH

Equal parts healthy-ish and delish, PANTRY offers swoon-worthy curried cauliflower with pomegranate, grilled chicken breast and potato salad with bacon. If you can, eat in — the portions are decidedly larger. 1094 Yonge St.

­­­BEST PIZZERIA

It’s not often that a T.O. pizza joint serving N.Y.C.-style pieces is an offshoot of a Nova Scotian pizzeria, but the team behind YEAH YEAHS PIZZA knew what they were doing. Try the whole menu as you mourn the loss of Camarra’s. 1210 Yonge St.

 

Yeah Yeahs

­­­BEST CHINESE TAKEOUT

C’EST BON is, well, pretty bon when it comes to takeout. Don’t be fooled by the French moniker — this is Chinese fare, with a side of Thai. Order Shanghai noodles, mu shu pork with pancakes and Thai-style pineapple fried rice. 2685 Yonge St.

­­­BEST BAGEL

Our resident chef, Mark McEwan, is rather fond of the everything bagel and house cream cheese from KIVA’S. The bagel’s size and form impress, as do the variety of seeds used on the baked good. 2496 Yonge St.

BEST INDIAN

BANJARA does it all, serving both North and South Indian fare. From the north, go for tandoori chicken, some filling malai kofta, or thalis for those who like a bit of everything. Meanwhile, delicious dosas beckon from the south, giant parcels of crispy perfection. 164 Eglinton Ave. E.

 

Banjara

BEST VEGETARIAN

FRESH was here before all the other joiners came along. The spot does healthy but has plenty of fun. New to the menu? Nachos with cashew queso, and flatbread studded with beyond sausage and shishito peppers. 90 Eglinton Ave. E.

BEST FRENCH BAKERY

Fancy yourself some baguette, boule, fougasse, maybe a croissant or three? Head straight to THOBORS. Looking for less bread and more patisserie options? RAHIER also does impeccable croissants, backing them up with brioche, danishes, frangipane for all your French brunch needs. 627 Mt. Pleasant Rd. & 1586 Bayview Ave.

BEST STEAK HOUSE

Steak with a side of people-watching is what STK is all about. Order your steak — like a 14 oz. dry-aged Delmonico or a massive 34 oz. Tomahawk — and top it with the likes of lobster, Alaskan king crab or foie gras butter. 153 Yorkville Ave.

 

STK

BEST GELATO

How could we ever choose between HOTEL GELATO and HOLLYWOOD GELATO? Hotel dishes out fab flavours; meanwhile, Hollywood goes all childhood nostalgia. 532 Eglinton Ave. W. & 1640 Bayview Ave.

BEST PIE

Baker Vicki sure knows her way around a pie. Her award-winning creations at PHIPPS BAKERY CAFÉ include lattice-style fruit pies and a super-rich caramel and pecan number. 420 Eglinton Ave. W.

BEST DECADENT DESSERT

Hit up HK SWEETS for Hong Kong–style desserts that put all others to shame. Wow-worthy offerings include the Mango Honey Mountain toast, which takes 25 minutes to prepare. 2375 Yonge St.

 

HK Sweets

BEST RAMEN

Drawing lines at its sister locations downtown, HOKKAIDO RAMEN SANTOUKA offers the same incredible flavours with less stress. Signature blue bowls arrive with white tonkotsu broth (made from boiling pork bones), a swirl of egg noodles, strips of pork chashu and a single red pickled plum. 2057 Yonge St.

BEST BREAKWICH

Kitschy environs provide the ideal backdrop at UNCLE BETTY’S DINER for scarfing down this Breakwich. A pillowy King’s Hawaiian roll hugs fried egg and melty cheddar, with the option of bacon and avocado further jazzing up this timeless breakfast sandwich. 2590 Yonge St.

BEST NYC DINING

Gunning to be uptown’s answer to Soho House, ARTHUR’S RESTAURANT didn’t exactly tiptoe into the nabe. A menu of nostalgic American fare mirrors the clubby-retro environs, a sprawling rooftop terrace acts as yet another space to play flaneur, while an (optional) $450 yearly membership is the cherry on top. 12 St. Clair Ave. E.

 

Arthur’s Restaurant

BEST BISTRO

Bistro food has never looked so good. MAISON SELBY is a historic mansion dolled up to the nines, with each room more enticing than the last. Grub sticks to Franco staples, be it French onion soup, escargots, boeuf bourguignon or moules et frites. 592 Sherbourne St.

BEST SUBS

Don’t ever gaze at those other sub shops: BELLY BUSTERS SUBMARINES is the original. For the older crowd, subs come with a side of nostalgia; to young’uns they’re just plain tasty. Go cold cuts, or get jazzy with spicy sausage or even a cheesesteak sub. 3347 Yonge St.

BEST NEW RESTO HEADED TO THE ‘HOOD

For years we hoofed it down to Harbord Village, lured by the promise of Victor Barry’s bright Italiana. Come fall, Davisville shall have her very own PIANO PIANO outpost, with scrumptious pizza and pasta set against a lively backdrop. 623 Mt. Pleasant Rd.

 

Piano Piano

BEST BUTTER TARTS

Mark McEwan, our resident chef, fell hard for CHARMAINE SWEETS butter tarts, praising both buttery shell and filling. Owner Teresa also does divine Napoleons, Sacher torte cookies and airy chiffon cakes. Wannabe bakers should keep a lookout for her technique-driven baking classes. 115 Vanderhoof Ave.

BEST PUB

THE ABBOT is our publisher’s gastropub of choice, this cozy-like-home spot is creeping up on its 20th year. Remember: you didn’t come here for salad. Dive into comforting grub like cheese and beer fondue with focaccia, a classic wing or eight, or a wedge of shepherd’s pie. 3367 Yonge St.

BEST PERUVIAN

Once under the radar, the food of Peru is thankfully stepping into the T.O. spotlight at KAY PACHA. Here, it’s easy to learn about the cuisine, starting with Peruvian-style ceviche cured in spicy and citrusy leche de tigre. There’s also cute empanaditas, anticuchos chicken skewers, Japanese-Peruvian wings… 744 St. Clair Ave. W.

 

Kay Pacha

BEST INDONESIAN

This city isn’t exactly a hub of Indonesian grub, but at least the (sole) destination LITTLE SISTER is excellent. From spicy satay lilet (chicken skewers) to garlicky nasi goreng (fried rice) to rich udang kari (shrimp coconut curry) these flavours are spot-on. 2031 Yonge St.

BEST OYSTERS

ZEE GRILL in Mt. Pleasant Village is the destination for the spiffiest of molluscs. The oyster bar displays the goods nabbed from both the east and west coast, be they PEI’s Raspberry Points or Beach Angels from B.C. Dab with mignonette and you’re set. 641 Mt. Pleasant Rd.

BEST ICE CREAM

It’s impossible to choose between MY FAVOURITE ICE CREAM SHOP and DUTCH DREAMS. The former is where Rosedalers gather for post-dinner ice creams, the lucky ones licking their cones while sat at the picnic table out front. Those further west look to the latter, a veteran of the scene that serves its ice cream with a side of kitsch. 3 MacPherson Ave. & 36 Vaughan Rd.

 

Dutch Dreams

BEST BRISKET

Meatatarians can go right ahead and seat themselves down at this uptown shrine to meat. At STACK, they have Memphis-style double-smoked dry ribs to start, brisket-topped poutine for mid, and mammoth platters with just about everything to keep the night going. 3265 Yonge St.

BEST CAKES

As popular as that Betty in high school, BOBBETTE & BELLE pastry shop actually has reason to be. Their raisin-free carrot cake is iced with cream cheese buttercream. But their chocolate cake? Choco-fudge frosting, choco buttercream, chocolate ganache and homemade brownie chunks. Just wow. 3347 Yonge St.

BEST PASTA DEAL

Every day, this ANNABELLE PASTA BAR doles out $11 pastas to folks in the know. The combination of chef’s mood and encyclopedic noodle techniques may result in fusilli Genovese, orecchiette with corn, bacon and basil or rigatoni drowned in pork ragu. 909 Davenport Rd.

 

Annabelle Pasta Bar

BEST ORGANIC BUTCHER

THE HEALTHY BUTCHER knew and cared about all the key terms — organic, local, grass-fed, pasture-raised — before we could wrap our heads around ’em. Yes, these products may be on the pricier side, but we say eat less meat — just make it the best. 298 Eglinton Ave. W.

BEST INDIE COFFEE SHOP

Indie to the core, THE MAD BEAN keeps things fresh. Beans are roasted in Stouffville and delivered weekly, yielding the perfect pour. They do specialty drinks, too, like the Dublin Fog with minty green tea, vanilla and micro-foamed milk. 519 Eglinton Ave. W.

BEST VEGAN

Yes, people were eating plant-based fare before PLANTA Yorkville, erm, hoofed it onto the foodscape. But chef David Lee’s foray into vegan suddenly made it desirable and upscale — not just for granola heads. Everything from ceviche (coconut!) to pâté (lentils!) to pizza (cashew mozza!) has been given a plant-based do-over. 1221 Bay St.

 

Planta

BEST TURKISH

Istanbul meets Yorkville at swishy ESTIA. Move from authentic wood-fired pides — Turkey’s answer to pizza — to halloumi and grapes drenched in warm truffle honey. Teeny tiny manti dumplings sit in yogurt-y sauce and are stuffed with shredded oxtail. Just be sure to pronounce ‘manti’ properly. 90 Avenue Rd.

BEST FILIPINO

Cheap ‘n’ cheerful Lasa has morphed into LAMESA, which spins out both trad Filipino dishes and contemporary twists. Best way to experience their cuisine is via the Kamayan feasts every Sunday. A smorgasbord of goods is spread out on banana leaves to be eaten by hand. 634 St. Clair Ave. W.

BEST SUSHI WHEN PRICE IS NO OBJECT

Could we have one without the other? Thanks to SHOUSHIN, Jackie Too-Old-To-Be-A-Wunderkind-Now Lin’s uptown shrine to sushi, Torontonians fell in love with omakase. And now at SUSHI MASAKI SAITO, those same sushi lovers are spending $500 a head to dine on the eponymous chef’s sushi. Win-win. 3328 Yonge St. & 88 Avenue Rd.

 

Shoushin

BEST SUSHI FOR THE REST OF US

For Japanese flavours in affordable packages head to TOKYO SUSHI. Go for a variety of bento boxes, spiffy dynamite rolls and the like or sushi and maki combos. There are also a few Korean faves like chapchae and bi bim bap in the mix. 373 Eglinton Ave. W.

BEST GOURMET SHOP

Tucked away in a residential nabe, SUMMERHILL MARKET is an oldie but a goodie, with over 500 fresh-made items offered daily. Their house line of goods includes a new plant-based tahini dressing. Stay tuned for Eglinton Way and Annex outposts, making it even easier to shop Summerhill. 446 Summerhill Ave.

BEST NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD RESTOS

After helming the kitchen at Mark McEwan’s North 44 for years, chef Sash Simpson went out on his own this year with SASH. The Summerhill spot is already packed nightly with diners devouring every dish on the menu. 1133 Yonge St.

New to the nabe and already a fave, THE NOMAD STEAKHOUSE is giving patrons top-quality cuts on any type of steak you can think of, along with some fish and pasta options if you’re not in a red meat kind of mood. 453 Eglinton Ave. W.

SOPHIE’S KITCHEN is a cute midday spot that knew what the nabe needed — a place for families. Tuck into lemon ricotta pancakes while kids get the PB&J version. Or get brioche stuffed with green apple and candied bacon. 1614 Bayview Ave.

 

Chef Sash Simpson

Innovative contemporary cuisine arrives in Rosedale

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@newlovecollective

Mineral, the new spot from executive chef Daniel Cancino, is changing the face of Rosedale. In a sea of upscale European restaurants and bougie juice bars, the people at Mineral are bringing some Asian inspiration into the mix.

At the corner of Yonge Street and Roxborough St. E., a neon blue sign on a wall of windows invites guests inside to try the new and exciting flavours they are bringing into the area. Upon entering Mineral, patrons will find a coffee bar in the entranceway with imported beans that were hand-selected by their staff on a recent sourcing trip to El Sapo farm in Tarqui, Huila, Colombia. By day, this spot doubles as a coffee bar before the restaurant transforms into a swanky and creative dinner venue. 

Chef Daniel Cancino, who is known for introducing Filipino cuisine to Queen West with his beloved Lamesa, was ambitious when creating  this new spot. Since Lamesa on Queen closed down and we patiently wait for the Lasa to re-open on St. Clair West, it’s intriguing to see what chef Cancino will do with this new spot and how it will transform the culinary face of the neighbourhood. 

 

 

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Chef Cancino has put together a collection of dishes that feature flavours prominent in Filipino cuisine with inspiration from South East Asian cooking as well as contemporary bistro dishes. In his new menu, Cancino is able to showcase his love for all South East Asian flavours, styles, and techniques instead of solely focussing on one specific flavour profile or cuisine. Mineral’s menu is Cancino’s most mature yet, allowing him to express his experience as a chef in Toronto and share his passion for cooking with a new neighbourhood.

The menu is separated into a cold bar and a selection of hot plates, all of which are perfect for sharing. Both sections of the menu have smaller and larger courses, but for the most part, this menu was made to taste. Chef Cancino, like in his other restaurants, encourages the guests to try as many different dishes as they can and share amongst their friends, allowing for everyone to get a taste of his different inspirations.

The menu includes highlights like the salt spring mussels topped in a coconut foam; the liver mousse dumplings with macerated mango, onions, chicharrones and radish; and larger plates like the Wagu flat iron steak, which is served sliced and accompanied by chimichurri, sea asparagus and a bone marrow butter.

 

 

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Mineral, 1027 Yonge St. 416-925-8565

Best of North Toronto 2019

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In a sea of big box chains, we take a look at the best local shops that are keeping main street alive and adding some character to the streets of midtown. Whether you’re looking for the perfect outfit, equipment for your next adventure, or that something special to make your house a home — these shops have you covered.

BEST CASUAL CLOTHES

Mother-daughter duo Rita Benzacar and Gillian Piltz have turned their shop, THURSDAYS, into the ultimate shopping destination for anyone looking for the perfect weekend outfit. New items arrive every Thursday. 1130 Yonge St.

BEST MENSWEAR

Pop in to TNT CONCEPT in Yorkville Village if you’re looking to freshen up your wardrobe. With the full Patrick Assaraf line along with countless other designers, the shop covers everything from bomber jackets to blazers.
87 Avenue Rd.

BEST VINTAGE AND CONSIGNMENT STORE

Dawn Librach and her team have made REWIND a treasure trove of designer goods. Check their Instagram (@rewind_cr) daily as the good stuff goes fast. 577 Mt. Pleasant Rd.

 

Rewind owner Dawn Librach

­­­BEST FANCY FEET

Cut footloose at FLOORPLAY SOCKS. Janet Wright’s sock-only shop has hundreds of well-made and unique styles that are bound to turn heads. At FloorPlay, they’re all about having fun from the knee down. 2585 Yonge St.

­­­BEST OUTDOOR DEPOT

Planning your next big adventure? Well HIGHER GROUND has your back. Since 1987, Kevin Roher and his well equipped and highly trained staff have been sending North Toronto’s outdoor enthusiasts safely into the wild. 2541 Yonge St.

­­­BEST SHOE STORE

Few know Italian footwear better than STUDIO D owner Derrick Adams. He carries MSGM, Coclico, Sebastian, Angelo Bervicato and more. He’s now added men’s shoes and even some bags to top it off. 2570 Yonge St.

 

Studio D owner Derrick Adams

­­­BEST WATCHES

Breitling, Rolex, Patek Philippe, VAN RIJK has it all when it comes to top-of-the-line watches. The shop specializes in estate jewellery and watches and the collection is endless. 90 Eglinton Ave. E.

­­­BEST FOR BOOMERS

A neighbourhood institution since 1987, TZATZ is the kind of store that has lifelong customers. With a focus on fashion finds for women of all ages, the Tzatz team picks items that will be comfortable and flattering for all sizes. 2476 Yonge St.

­­­BEST VACATION WEAR

Before you hop off to any sunny destination — whether it be in Europe, the Caribbean or just Muskoka — you must visit SNAPDRAGON for all your vacation wear needs, from caftans to beach bags and more. 622 Mt. Pleasant Rd.

 

Snapdragon

­­­BEST CASHMERE

At BLACK GOAT there is so much more than the standard cashmere sweater. With a full line of clothing for both men and women as well as accessories, Black Goat can outfit you from head to toe in cosy cashmere. 131 Bloor St. W.

­­­BEST KIDS COLLECTION

JACADI is the perfect place to find the cutest outfits for your child. Whether they’re 12 months or 12 years old this renowned kids boutique has the trendiest collections to send your kids back to school in style. 87 Avenue Rd.

BEST BIKE SHOP

If you want a bike that was made by hand with the utmost care, you’ve got to go to MARIPOSA BICYCLES. Not only are the bikes made by hand, but they are made specially for you. 45 Cranfield Rd., #6

BEST COMIC BOOK STORE

The stock at PARADISE COMICS is Marvel-lous, pardon the pun. Here, the specialty is golden, silver and bronze comics, alongside modern ones and graphic novels. 3278 Yonge St.

 

Paradise Comics

BEST KNICK-KNACKS

It’s often the little quaint touches that make a house into a home. At PAPERGRAFIX, you’ll find candles, bathroom accessories, frames and other housewares to personalize your space. 1708 Avenue Rd.

BEST TABLE TOP DECOR

Wish your floral centrepiece could last all year? Wish no more. Head to MIMI AND RY for stunning preserved roses that will take your entertaining game to the next level. 16 Vaughan Rd.

BEST PATIO FURNITURE

Your perfect backyard oasis is just one shopping trip away. Pop in to SOUTHPORT OUTDOOR LIVING where you can find everything from couches to firepits and outdoor kitchens. 1296 Castlefield Ave.

BEST FIREPLACES

Nothing makes a room or a home feel cosy quite like the way a fireplace does. At THE FIREPLACE SHOP, owner Peter Cook understands that, and he’s got you covered. 379 Eglinton Ave. W.

BEST FURNITURE

For those looking for top-of-the-line furniture with impeccable design, look no further than SOUTH HILL HOME. The pieces you find here will be unique, timeless and elegant. 146 Dupont St.

 

South Hill Home

Best of North Toronto 2019

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There is no shortage of fun things to do in midtown. Here’s our list on the best activities, services and repair shops to meet your every need.

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BEST BEAUTY BAR

Cuticles looking a little worse for wear? Trust those arresting appendages to LTS NAILS. It’s the place to go for the ultimate manicures and pedicures featuring organic products that do the body good and keep it looking great. 540 Eglinton Ave. W.

BEST TATTOO PARLOUR

Looking to add a little colourful body art this fall? There is no better place than VILLAGE INK. The service is fantastic, the artists put in the effort and time to get it right, and the environment is spotless. 101 Yorkville Ave.

­­­BEST FLOWER SHOP

It is hard to be a good florist. Whether it is time to brighten up the home with a fresh mix or order something for a special occasion, it is hard to beat the quality and selection at APRICOT FLOWERS. 621 Mt. Pleasant Rd.

 

Apricot Flowers

­­­BEST LASH & BROW

Think you can get away with the occasional plucking? Think again! The world of brows and lashes has exploded and with it places such as FLIRTY FLUTTERS are here to provide visionary services from micro-blading to extensions. 691 Mt. Pleasant Rd.

­­­BEST MEN’S GROOMING

Local lads know how important it is to make the extra effort in the grooming department. MANKIND GROOMING is the go-to spot for all the big-city barbering needs from a style to a beard trim or clean shave. 155 Redpath Ave.

­­­BEST BLOWOUT

Looking for a blast of style on the go? BLOWDRY LOUNGE can turn those frowny locks upside down in the wink of an eye. Try kinky curls, the lounge look or maybe an up-do will do? It has it all with great service. 1343 Yonge St.

BEST CATERING

Whether hosting a highbrow affair, large special event or an intimate dinner party, URBAN FARE CATERING offers exceptional quality and service. This beloved local business also operates a delish food shop. 1415 Bathurst St.

 

Urban Fare Catering

­­­BEST LIGHTING

Shining a light on the best fixtures and products to brighten up your home is what ROYAL LIGHTING does better than anyone else. Outstanding products, service and incredible insight flip our switch. 1549 Avenue Rd.

BEST DRY CLEANER

One would be hard-pressed to find a better cleaner of garments than the fine folks at ASHFORD CLEANERS. With more than 30 years in business, this is the place to trust with your finest tweeds and taffetas. 535 Eglinton Ave. W.

­­­BEST DERMATOLOGIST

Dr. Gidon is the heart and soul of GIDON AESTHETICS AND MEDISPA. She is caring and highly skilled, with extensive experience in cosmetic and laser dermatology. This is a place you can trust. 1849 Yonge St., #307

BEST TAILOR

Approaching serious local icon status, Penny at STYCHIN TYME continues to be the neighbourhood’s best option for hemming or transforming garments. 927 Mt. Pleasant Rd.

 

Penny at Stychin Tyme

BEST VACUUM REPAIR

Let’s face it, cleaning gear is expensive, and replacing it is a pain. Try YORK VACUUMS they can fix anything from central vacs, to uprights to small appliances.
2029 Avenue Rd.

BEST MECHANIC

Finding a mechanic to trust that offers good service at a good price is the holy grail. And, you can find it at WALLY CLAYSON MASTER MECHANIC. Quality repairs.
76 Laird Dr.

BEST BIKE REPAIR

This local store is the best place to buy a new bicycle, but GEARS BIKE SHOP also has an amazing repair shop for everything from tune-ups to winterizing to repairs to keep you on the road.
109 Vanderhoof Ave.

BEST NIGHTS OUT

Why did the chicken cross Eglinton? Summer is over, and the need for a good laugh is real. ABSOLUTE COMEDY offers a fantastic slate of comedians in a casual, fun environment.
2335 Yonge St.

Encore! Encore! The venerable TARRAGON THEATRE can be counted on to offer the best in Canadian theatre right in the area. And this season, which kicks off Sept. 17, is no different.
30 Bridgman Ave.

Get me outta here! When it comes to escape rooms, CASA LOMA ESCAPE SERIES is far ahead of the competition with challenging games that combine history, live actors and suspense.
1 Austin Terr.

 

Casa Loma Escape

The future of food is female

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This fall, powerhouse women from across Toronto are taking the world by storm. Janet Zuccarini’s cannabis brand Gusto Green is launching in L.A. next year, and Top Chef alum Elia Herrera’s Mexican all-vegan Los Co Vegan will open with the expansion of Assembly Chef’s Hall this fall. Jen Agg’s new pasta and wine bar, Bar Vendetta, is set to open its doors any day, and Raptors personal chef and owner of Twist Catering, La-Toya Fagon, is the first Canadian woman of colour to cater all major events at TIFF. All in all 2019 seems to be bringing female foodies to the forefront and we’re all for it.

 

Janet Zuccarini

Janet Zuccarini’s restaurant group, Gusto 54 (Felix, Trattoria Nervosa, Gusto 101, Chubby’s) is branching off to greener pastures. Gusto Green is the celebrity restaurateur’s newest company where Italian cuisine meets wellness-based and cannabis-infused cooking. Opening in Los Angeles in the fall, Gusto Green will be a heathy eats and edibles brand located in entrepreneur and influencer, Gary Vaynerchuk’s Green St. building.

 

Elia Herrera
Elia Herrera

Top Chef favourite Elia Herrera is opening up an all-vegan stall in the new expansion of Adelaide’s hawker-style cafeteria, Assembly Chef’s Hall. Los Co Vegan will be a Mexican inspired, yet contemporary spot, where Elia can explore her love for Mexican flavours and will be inspired by her childhood family recipes. Herrera has also said that Los Co will be a great opportunity for her to get back to her roots as a pastry chef and try her hand in plant-based desserts.

 

Jen Agg
Jen Agg

I Hear She’s a Real Bitch‘ author and Toronto restaurateur, Jen Agg is in the process of opening up a wine and pasta bar in her old stomping grounds. Bar Vendetta, set to open any day now, is located in The Black Hoof space, where Agg arguably made a name for herself in our city. This simple and casual spot will be extremely wine focussed and give diners the chance to try bottles they might not be able to get their hands on anywhere else.

 

La-Toya Fagen
La-Toya Fagen

Chef La-Toya Fagen is not only the personal chef to the 2019 NBA Championship team, but she’s also the first female chef of colour to cater the media & filmmakers lounge at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, the rising stars event and the board of directors cocktail reception during this years film festival. Her catering company TWIST Catering is one of the city’s premier catering services featuring Island flavours fused with Mediterranean ingredients.

 

Ruth Tal
Ruth Tal

The owner and operator of Fresh, Toronto’s first juice and vegan fresh bar is setting its sights south of the border. Fresh Los Angeles is set to open up this year and with it Tal will be bringing all her classic recipes and iconic cold-pressed juices. Top Chef alumnus, Shereen Arazm Koules was responsible for bringing Terroni to LA has now partnered with Tal to help bring her chain to the city of angels.

 

Amanda Bradley
Amanda Bradley

Co-owner and GM of Alo is stepping away from the fine dining scene and immersing herself in a funkier atmosphere. Amanda Bradley will be opening up a hotel-style lounge at King and Portland, set to open in 2020. Teaming up with Robin Goodfellow of Bar Raval and PrettyUgly, the two plan to transform the 4,000 square-foot space with Partisans Architects.

 

Ivana Raca

Chef Ivana Raca has paved the way for many women in the food industry. As chef Mark McEwan’s first female saucier, turned executive chef,  founder of Open Kitchen Toronto and owner of Ufficio, Resto Bomeo & Chef’s Table, Raca has established herself as a powerhouse on Toronto’s culinary scene. On Oct. 30, she will be toasting her esteemed colleagues; hosting the Taste of the True North — a celebration of Canadian female Talent at Cafe Boulud.

Picking Favorites at Toronto’s new authentic Thai restaurant

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Favorites Toronto
Thai BBQ sausage, betel leaf shrimp wraps

Joanne Kates trained at the Ecole Cordon Bleu de Cuisine in Paris. She has written articles for numerous publications, including the New York Times, Maclean’s and Chatelaine.

About a decade ago, my husband and two kids and I were roaring around Chiang Mai on motorbikes, hot in pursuit of what was reputed to be the best barbecue joint in northern Thailand. Go down this soi (a small street in Thai), then take three lefts and a right, another two lefts, veer right for a while, and soon you’ll be there. Sure. In your dreams.

After almost two hours of fruitless searching, we decided to give up. It couldn’t be that great anyway. We’ll have noodles in soup for lunch like every day, for a buck a person including Thai beer with ice cubes in it.

And then suddenly there it was. Gai Yang Wichianburi. One skinny guy sweating over a large charcoal barbecue filled with half chickens. A grotty counter. Dirty plastic tables and chairs. Pretty much all Thai people chowing down on the most scrumptious imaginable Thai-seasoned barbecued chicken and somtam (green mango salad) with cold beer. The chicken is moist and perfectly seasoned, the green mango salad fresh and fab. It’s served on cheap plastic plates. Part of the charm.

And we still love it. Over frequent visits they’ve added a grimy sink with a cold water tap for washing your hands, and ice cubes in the beer. But the food hasn’t changed.

 

Favorites Toronto
The lively dining room at Favorites

After so many yummy visits to Thailand, I have grown less able to eat Thai food here at home. So much sugar, so much coconut milk, the sharp flavours dulled by the fat and sugar.

So when Jonathan Poon (famed for Paris Paris, Bar Fancy and Superpoint) partnered up with Monte Wan of Khao San Road (one of the few honest Thai spots in town) and chef Haan Palcu-Chang (who’d worked at a Michelin-starred spot in Copenhagen) on Favorites, I bit.

It’s a funny entrance, through what is a Sam James coffee bar by day, and then you walk through what feels like Thailand: way too hot narrow corridor past a bank of charcoal barbecues. Dark, steamy, sweaty: Thailand!

But the dining room in the back is Toronto all the way. Chilled by AC, a wall of windows, green marble tables and oak high tops, very noisy and très chic.

And then the fun begins. There are salty/sweet raw oysters topped with deep-fried shallots and nam jim sauce, the classic Thai dipping sauce for fish, made from garlic, fish sauce, sugar, lime and fiery bird’s eye chilies. There are betel leaf wraps of dried shrimp, oodles of ginger, roasted peanuts, tamarind and palm sugar. These are BIG flavours, Thai all the way. The house-made northern Thai–style sausage is dotted with emerald and ruby — coriander and chilies — and is even better than in northern Thailand because it’s softer, with the same savour.

 

Favorites Toronto
Pineapple bites at Favorites

We love the one-bite treat of pork & chicken cooked chewy in cane sugar with toasted peanuts and bird’s eye chilies sitting on a small piece of pineapple, topped with deep-fried shallots and fried garlic, on the side a leaf of Thai sawtooth coriander; and the thin charred sweet spicy lamb chops with nam jim jao sauce, from the Isan area of northeastern Thailand. It’s the classic northern BBQ dip made from fish sauce, shallots, green onions, palm sugar, tamarind, lime and chilies. With the lamb we also get the rarely seen aromatic sawtooth coriander leaf, Thai basil and bird’s eye chilies. (Caveat emptor on the last item.)

Then, the pièce de résistance, they bring the P.E.I. scallop red curry. Anywhere else in town, this would be a gloppy thick canned coconut stew. But Messrs. Poon et al, in their hunger to give us more authentic Thai cuisine, elect to simmer the coconut milk for hours, separate out the fat and cook it down with garlic and spices, and then at the last minute, to smooth it out, throw in the coconut milk and fresh scallops. Splendid!

Their sole misstep is rewriting som tam (green mango salad) with Ontario corn, cherry tomatoes, shrimp, toasted peanuts, raw green beans, dried shrimp, chilies and salted duck egg. It’s a noble effort, but a bit dissonant made with corn, because fresh corn is so sweet — and green mango just isn’t sweet. But this is a splendid restaurant. Close your eyes and you could be in northern Thailand.

The must-see shows playing in Toronto this September

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A story of war and its consequences 

Hilot Means Healer, which has been in the works for a few years, is the latest from the always edgy and exciting Cahoots Theatre. The production is in association with b current performing arts. The play runs Oct. 5 to 27 at the Theatre Centre’s BMO Incubator and is set in Manila, Philippines, during the Second World War. Drawn from the long tradition of Philippine folklore, legends and Indigenous spirituality, the interdisciplinary work explores the socio-political consequences of war.

A visit from The Band’s Visit

The Band’s Visit took Broadway by storm recently buoyed by a offbeat sensibility around love and relationships and unique musicality, winning a whopping 10 Tony Awards in the process. Oh, and it won a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album. “It doesn’t feel like any musical ever,” says New York magazine. The stellar cast for the Toronto production, running Sept. 17 to Oct. 20, is led by award-winning Israeli actor Sasson Gabay, star of the original film and the Broadway production, and hometown sensation Chilina Kennedy, who blew us away with her performance in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

 

‘The Band’s Visit’ opens this month

The play with an edge

Looking for a theatrical slap in the face? Look no further than the season-opening production from the fine folks at Coal Mine Theatre. Knives in Hens, by British playwright David Harrower, has been described as “a brutal fable of awakening consciousness, a study of sex and knowledge that is stark and fierce.” This production, running Sept. 22 to Oct. 13, happens to star the fantastic Diana Bentley, one of the Coal Mine’s co-founders, and acclaimed actor Jim Mezon. Wow, this will be interesting.

A big top like no other

This month, famed Cirque du Soleil remounts one of its most legendary productions in Alegría, running Sept. 12 to Dec. 1. The Montreal company first presented Alegría in 1994, and the stunning show went on to win over more than 14 million spectators in 255 cities in 19 years. Alegría takes its name from the Spanish word for “joy,” and that’s the result when taking in this intoxicating production. Expect everything from synchronized trapeze to contortion to hilarious displays of clowning and wonderful music. New to the magical and moving artistry of Cirque? This is the perfect place to start.

 

Cirque du Soleil’s big top returns to Toronto with ‘Alegría’

Something fishy at the Factory

The Factory Theatre is mounting a new production of Toronto artistic powerhouse Claudia Dey’s fantastic and fantastical play Trout Stanley, running Oct. 19 to Nov. 10. The tale of two siblings stuck in a northern cabin in the hinterlands of British Columbia is kooky fun and was described as “a deliciously lyrical piece of Canadian Gothic” by the New York Times.

Quirky movie theatre fable

We are big fans of the immersive works of Mitchell Cushman and the Outside the March team, so we were excited to find out they’re mounting a new production of The Flick, the Pulitzer Prize–winning masterpiece by Annie Baker. For the show, running Oct. 6 to Oct. 27, OTM is transforming the Crow’s Theatre into an old-timey movie theatre for audiences to immerse themselves in the story of three ushers navigating life, making $8.25 per hour, as they attend to the last 35 mm film projector in town. This will be good.

Exploring systematic racism

Copy That, which gets its world premiere at the Tarragon Theatre and runs Nov. 6 to Dec. 8, is the latest by renowned Canadian playwright Jason Sherman. In the play, Sherman takes us behind the scenes of network television to explore the nature of systematic racism and its impacts. Copy That stars local actor Tony Ofori, who is also a hip-hop musician on the rise in Toronto.

New Toronto collective aims to make the food industry more inclusive

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Ivy Knight

Trinity Bellwoods Park will play host to a new Toronto collective, the Confederacy of Love & Acceptance among Mammals (C.L.A.M), this Sunday at 2:30 p.m. for the group’s first gathering.

The “Feminist Baptism and Caviar Communion” event will feature food, drink and performance art aimed to break down the barriers and misconceptions in the food industry and provoke new conversations around inclusivity. 

Now you might be thinking, what does this Confederacy entail? Is this is a religious movement? How am I to respond to this anti-oppression movement whose acronym insinuates a certain female anatomical region? Well, to that Knight says, “If this acronym freaks you out, please consider that a man has used another acronym (Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve & Talent) for 11 years on his Emmy award-winning hit show. And no one has said a word.

C.L.A.M has pledged that this happening is “a free religious service, that is free of religion”, which will be open to people of all walks of life who are looking to equalize the playing field in the food industry and create more respectful and non-toxic mentorships.

C.L.A.M is spearheaded by Ivy Knight, the esteemed food writer who made a name for herself with her manifesto How Being a Line Cook Ruined Me, which detailed her 10 years in the trenches of a professional kitchen where sexism was at the forefront of her day-to-day life. After graduating from her time behind the line, Knight went on to write detailed profiles on some of the food industry’s biggest players like Anthony Bourdain and Jen Agg, for publications like Playboy, Condé Nast, VICE and the Globe & Mail. Now, Ivy Knight is trying her hand in a new feminist movement, where she is empowering local artists and industry folk to come out and raise awareness on subject matter that for her and many others, hits close to home.

The Guerilla Girls and Pussy Riot-inspired rally will take place on the Queen West side of Trinity Bellwoods park and is open to the public. The leaders of C.L.A.M will be sharing their 10-point manifesto, where they hope to transform regular folks into woke individuals galvanized by a new understanding of equality through feminism. Not with old fashioned rhetoric and the body of Christ, but with caviar and sparkling sweetgrass elixir,” says Knight.

The Feminist Baptism and Caviar Communion will feature artwork by and Jack Phelps & Tisha Myles of New Love Collective and Sarah Keenlyside (owner of CXBO and La Banane), as well as caviar from Oyster Boy and Acadian Sturgeon and sparkling sweetgrass elixir from Pow Wow Cafe. 

This collective is free of charge, although donations are encouraged. All C.L.A.M happenings will raise funds for Indigenous Missing and Murdered Women and Girls, specifically for the Sovereign Bodies Institute, the creators of the MMIWG database. Sovereign Bodies Institute is dedicated to building on Indigenous traditions of data gathering and knowledge transfer to create, disseminate, and put into action research on gender and sexual violence against Indigenous people

 

 

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The best old-school pizzerias in Toronto

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not ubereats
North of Brooklyn Pizzeria is one of more than 80 restaurants on the platform

These are the top events for book lovers in Toronto this month

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MARGARET ATWOOD

Yes, the city’s most famous author penned a sequel to the classic Handmaid’s Tale, which is entitled The Testaments, and yes, she is slated to give a reading Sept. 16 at the Bluma Appel Theatre.

WORD ON THE STREET

The city’s largest street festival dedicated to the written word, this year’s festivities are scheduled for Sept. 21 to 22 at Harbourfront Centre, featuring authors such as Catherine Hernandez, André Alexis and Zoe Whittall.

MALCOLM GLADWELL

Toronto native and bona fide intellectual superstar, Gladwell is back in his hometown for a talk on Sept. 30 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in support of his new book Talking to Strangers.

EDEN MILLS WRITERS’ FESTIVAL

Probably the loveliest day of literature one could find anywhere, this plucky festival is located in the country outside Toronto in the idyllic town of Eden Mills, Sept. 6 to 8.

Canoe Restaurant has a new nostalgic tasting menu in Toronto

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The soup and grilled cheese at Canoe

With back-to-school season in full swing, there is much to reminisce about. The bus rides, school trips, after school programs and of course, the simple and altogether nostalgic meals that made us feel safe and comforted every night at around 6 o’clock.

Canoe, the popular fine-dining spot from Oliver and Bonacini, decided to take a trip down memory lane with their new tasting menu for fall. “Taste Nostalgia: Childhood,” was developed as a menu of simple pleasures, that allows for their guests to enjoy several interpretations of childhood favourites, made for the eyes of an adult and the belly of a 10-year-old.

 

Mac ‘n’ cheese

After 24 years in business, Canoe is getting ready for a big renovation in the new year and sous chef Ron McKinlay and the rest of the Canoe team are taking time for retrospection. Since their Taste Expo 67 in 2018, they have continued to push their boundaries as a restaurant, but also to provide an experience that goes further than a delicious meal with beautiful presentation. Thus the new menu was born.

 

Meatloaf

Ron McKinlay, chef de cuisine at Canoe, crowdsourced ideas from Canoe guests, social media followers, and staff to put together the perfect compilation of whimsical dishes that are totally inspired by school-time snacks.

 

Pixie dip

The menu features dishes like tater tots, tomato soup and grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and drive-thru apple pie — all with a modern twist. The elevated take on homespun classics is meant to evoke nostalgia, while staying true to the beautifully plated dishes Canoe is known for.

 

Drive-thru apple pie

The memory filled menu will be available from now until mid-fall. To reserve, visit Canoe online.

Chick-fil-A is opening its first Toronto store, but not without protest

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Controversial American chicken restaurant Chick-fil-A is opening in Toronto on Sept. 6 at 10:30 a.m., months after the location was originally announced. Its first Canadian location (beyond a short stint at the Calgary airport), will be located at 709 Yonge St. in Yorkville. The chain confirmed the opening day on Twitter after social media speculation that the new restaurant was ready to go.

Chick-fil-A has recently made headlines for their social media chicken sandwich argument against fellow chicken restaurant chain Popeyes, which quickly escalated into a viral meme and all-out chicken sandwich-based war. The competition between the two restaurants (and other ones who jumped into the fray) caused many Popeyes locations to run out of sandwiches.

However, not all of Chick-fil-A’s press is positive. Chick-fil-A has donated millions of dollars to anti-LGBTQ+ causes, including to organizations that promote conversion therapy or which attempt to block legislation which protect LGBTQ+ rights. Chairman and CEO (and son of Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy) Dan Cathy has also publicly denounced same-sex marriage. The chain is closed on Sundays due to the owner’s religious beliefs.

The animal rights group Liberation TO has planned a protest to denounce the company’s policies and viewpoint, and will be there when it opens at 10:30 a.m. on Friday. LGBTQ advocates The 519’s Army of Lovers has also joined the protest. Protesters will be meeting at The 519, located at 519 Church Street, at 9:30 a.m. before heading to the protest. Its unknown how many people plan to attend the protest at this time, nor how many plan to line up for chicken on opening day. Other recent Chick-fil-A openings, such as ones in Wisconsin, Kansas, and New York City, have also faced protests. Time will tell whether these protests make an impact on sales.

 

 

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