Figure Skating Boutique

Rated this place:

6174 Yonge St, North York, ON, M2M3X1

Figure skating gear: They've truly got the best selection in the city for Michelle Kwan wannabes. Oops, there I go dating myself. Actually, when I coerced my parents into swiping their credit cards at this North York skate boutique, Kristi Yamaguchi was my idol. Now THAT'S gotta date me.This is the place to shop if you get excited by trying on some Riedells (even if you just settle for the Risports). Forget that trendy American Apparel figure skating dress and buy the real deal in the FSB's apparel section.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• figure skating gear

Davids Footwear

Rated this place:

66 Bloor W, Toronto, ON, M5S1L9

Fancy footwear: The service is impeccable. Professional, courteous staff at the Bayview Village location replaced winter boots I had bought the previous winter and subjected to harsh Montreal weather because they did not live up to the brand's waterproof guarantee. After applying an unknown testing method to the boots, I was offered store credit beyond what I had paid (but equivalent to the original retail price) and I was able to get through the next winter with new, more functional (and chic) boots.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• fancy footwear

Remely's Takeout & Catering

Rated this place:

4830 Sheppard Ave E, Scarborough, ON, M1S5M9

Filipino cuisine: It's a family-run business that is always full of Filipino families in the know. The counter is full of authentic, delicious dishes that can be eaten in the clean (if basic) restaurant or taken out to be enjoyed at home. Staff are attentive & will take time to explain the various daily offerings to those new to Filipino cuisine. The sweet barbecued skewers are flavourful & tender; though saucier stews are great too. Remely's is also known for catering with lumpia being a popular order.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Filipino cuisine

Rainbow Cinemas

Rated this place:

80 Front Street East, Toronto, ON, M5E 1T4

Tuesday night date: There's nothing like a classic dinner movie outing and Rainbow offers one of the cheapest Tuesday tix in town. I particularly like the Market Square location because of all the St. Lawrence Mkt neighbourhood offerings for pre- and post-film fun. Just don't expect repertory cinema selection; Rainbow shows movies for the masses. Big budget movies at proletariat prices? Hmmmm...interesting. Catch a flick and analyze it all afterwards over dinner or drinks (without breaking the bank.)

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Tuesday night date

Cucina-CLOSED

Rated this place:

640 College St., Toronto, ON, M6G 1B4

Iced latte: It's a real latte made with skill from Segafredo Zanetti espresso poured on ice upon request. There are no iced coffees on the menu, but there's no extra charge for ice. Don't let cucina's slick look, location in ever trendy Little Italy & full menu make you worry about just ordering coffee as the staff is unpretentious & accommodating. Settle into one of the comfy armchairs up front and sip away while enjoying one of the many magazines provided for customers.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• iced latte

Soy-n-Joy

Rated this place:

664 Finch Avenue East, Toronto, ON, M2K 2E6

Vegan ice cream: As the friendly owners will enthusiastically explain, their non-dairy, wholesome, organic frozen desserts are low fat, low calorie & low GI. With heavy duty food science & nutrition backgrounds, you can be sure that the creators of the goofily named Soy-n-Joy serve cold treats that won't induce guilt. Happily, they don't compromise in taste either. Beating B&R's 31 flavours, Suree & Kai-kong offer 33 yummy flavours including Asian favourites like durian & red bean.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• vegan ice cream

Made You Look

Rated this place:

1338 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, M6K1L4

Jewellery studio/gallery: Made You Look allows the curious and savvy shopper a chance to get close to the creators of their best accessories in a special combined gallery/shop/studio on west Queen W. The bright front area of the place acts as the showcase for the beautiful jewellery designed and made by local artists, while the back is where the creative magic happens. There's a diversity of styles to suit all aesthetic tastes in this Parkdale fave just steps outside of the official 'Art & Design District.'

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Jewellery studio/gallery

Dimpflmeier Bakery Ltd

Rated this place:

32 Advance Rd, Etobicoke, ON, M8Z2T4

Linseed rye bread: This healthy bread toasts up nice and crisp--perfect for topping with almond butter and banana in the morning. Though they're sliced thin, one piece is quite filling. Whether you call them linseeds or flax seeds, you probably already know that they're full of omega fatty goodness and wonderful nutty taste. These little wonder seeds are baked into this wholesome bread that is available in most grocery stores in airtight packages. The outer bag will even teach you a little German.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• linseed rye bread

Studio Brillantine

Rated this place:

1518 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, M6R1A4

Gift shop: Dear Barbapapa of my childhood poses proudly in the window next to designer home accessories (from the usual suspects like Alessi & Starck). Kitsch and class meet in this shop that labels its wares in museum fashion but sells them like a museum gift shop. With goods that are more covet-worthy than those hawked at the MoMA and Centre Pompidou gift shops, you won't be as sad about not being in NYC or Paris for the weekend and appreciate your Queen W. stroll even more.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• gift shop

Trove

Rated this place:

791 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5S1Z5

Fashion boutique: This charming boutique is full of character and incredible fashion finds. Stocked with special items from local and international designers, you'll come out of Trove with an item that will have strangers on the subway asking, "Where'd you get that?" If you're an accessories fiend like me, you'll have a hard time resisting the cheerfully chic handbags or tastefully glamourous baubles. There are many treasures to be found in this sweetly sophisticated Trove.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• fashion boutique

Better Living Center

Rated this place:

195 Princes' Boulevard, Toronto, ON, M6K 3C3

One-stop shopping extravaganza: If you are interested in escaping mall tyranny and spicing up your wardrobe, Toronto's seasonal weekend shopping event is well worth the admission price. Find good deals on everything from new looks by local designers to handcrafted jewellery. Many booths are run by people who only sell at trade shows or are hobby vintage enthusiasts so you'll find special items that you might not otherwise find. Budget your time & funds wisely as you can be easily overwhelmed by the selection.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• one-stop shopping extravaganza

Madeleines, Cherry Pie and Ice Cream

Rated this place:

1087 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, M5R 3G8

Sweet treat: Though there’s a couch in the front room à la Central Perk where you can enjoy a delightful cappuccino, this Annex jewel is more than a café. Kyla & family serve up an extensive range of treats that will satisfy any craving. Enjoy a signature madeleine in the morning or a scoop of Kawartha Dairy ice cream on the back patio on summer night. Goods on offer that are not made by the family are hand-picked by them: exquisite teacups sit comfortably alongside tiered wedding cake samples

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• sweet treat

Pho Mi Thuan Loi

Rated this place:

1265 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON, M6K 1L5

Pho: It is one of many reasons I miss working in Parkdale. Don't be alarmed by the huge fish swimming in isolation in its tank & just focus on the rich, fragrant flavours swimming in your warm bowl. The broth that carries the slices of delicate meat, tendon, tripe (whatever you fancy) is complex enough to get your tastebuds hyped up, but still exudes simple comfort. While the noodles are made from dry rice sticks (like in the entire city & unlike in Vietnam), they have a great, chewy texture.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Pho

Saravanaa Bhavan

Rated this place:

153-1571 Sandhurst Circle, Mississauga, ON, M1V 1V2

Masala dosa: Put aside all your preconceived notions of an international chain restaurant and embrace the mega popular Chennai-based South Indian vegetarian family restaurant. The pristine Scarborough location is often packed with groups of friends and families enjoying authentic plates that transport your palate across the world. The dosa are lightly crisped and adequately seasonsed without being too salty (unlike so many other dosa I've tasted.)

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• masala dosa

The Paper Place

Rated this place:

887 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, M4M1J2

Paper store: It's a beautiful, tranquil little shop full of an incredible selection of exquisite papers sourced from around the world. In particular, there's an impressive assortment of handmade Japanese paper. Raw materials like individual sheets or stacks of decorative pages will please and inspire creative crafters while bound journals and unique gift items will delight any shopper.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• paper store

Courthouse Chamber Lounge

Rated this place:

57 Adelaide St E, Toronto, ON, M5C1K6

Business lunch: The uncomplicated but sophisticated cuisine matches the tasteful, yet opulent decor. Built in 1852, this gem is full of architectural and artistic treasures that are sure to impress. Full of Toronto history, this former courthouse's grandeur has been lovingly restored. It's place in the city's political and cultural history is enough to spark lively discussion. The atmosphere is decadent without being too stuffy--perfect for a pleasant lunch meeting.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• business lunch

Front Door Organics Inc

Rated this place:

415 Horner Ave, Etobicoke, ON, M8W4W3

Organic food delivery service: Who doesn't love a fridge and pantry stocked with fresh organic produce that is primarily locally-grown and brought from field to your door by a company that practices ethical, sustainable business? From fair wages to employees to green cleaning at the warehouse, FDO practices what it preaches and leaves supplier, customer and employee happy!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Organic food delivery service

Gryfe's Bagel Bakery

Rated this place:

3421 Bathurst St, North York, ON, M6A2C1

Soft bagel: The Jewish families lined up on weekend mornings know where it's at! My intro to Gryfe's bagels during girlhood sleepovers at a friend's home where they were a large part of the a.m. brekkie ritual. During my 4 years in Montreal, I developed a real taste for that city’s denser, chewier creations but that didn’t make me forget the soft, sweet comfort of a Gryfe's bagel. When they are fresh out of the oven, there's no need for cream cheese or lox. Stay away if you're watching your carb intake!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• soft bagel

Thai Princess Restaurant

Rated this place:

387 King St W, Toronto, ON, M5V1K1

Seafood curry: The dish's complex spiced heat is perfectly balanced with creamy coconut. The main star, the seafood, is fresh and the accompanying jasmine rice is adequately scented, cooked to the perfect texture and served hot.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• seafood curry

Sushi On 7

Rated this place:

4568 Hwy 7, MARKHAM, ON, L3R1M5

All you can eat japanese cuisine: Amazingly, this place actually serves food that will make you feel like you’ve ordered à la carte. Go in a group to enjoy the widest assortment of fresh sashimi, sushi & warm plates. The sashimi is my fave, but I also love the tender grilled eggplant (w/ a sweet, garlicky sauce) & the crispy tempura. Carnivores will enjoy the tasty meat dishes too. Everything is made to order so freshness is guaranteed & there's less concern about leftovers/surcharge. Don't forget the ice cream

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• All you can eat Japanese cuisine

COBS Bread

Rated this place:

370 Bloor Street East, Toronto, ON, M4W 3M6

Soft sandwich bread: It tastes great and stays creepily fresh for days despite having almost no unnatural ingredients (aside from Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate). Bread is baked fresh daily and nutritional information is available on the company website. The cape seed loaf is my favourite soft bread, but other whole grain or seeded varieties also make great lunch bag sandwiches. Escape grocery store tyranny and put down that generic, gummy, preservative-laden packaged bread. Your tastebuds will thank you.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• soft sandwich bread

Open Window Bakery Ltd

Rated this place:

Bathurst Village Plaza, Toronto, ON

Blueberry bun: This was always a special treat when I was a little girl and still reminds me of happy childhood moments. It's gotten smaller over the years and sadly is sometimes drier; but generally, you can count on gooey, bluish purple sweetness wrapped in a soft white dough washed with a light glaze and topped with coarse sugar.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• blueberry bun

T & T Supermarket

Rated this place:

222 Cherry St, Toronto, ON, M5A3L2

Asian supermarket: T&T brings Asia to T.O. in a big way. Shopping at any one of its 5 GTA locations is a sensory pleasure. Even late at night, the store is crowded with shoppers buying everything from freshly baked bread & pastries to delicious Chinese salads for serving with a pot of congee. The fresh produce, seafood, meat and packaged foods are sold in clean, organized zones; but it's the convenience food (made on site daily) that really impress. It's a one stop shop for your Asian culinary adventures.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Asian Supermarket

Harbour Sixty Steakhouse

Rated this place:

60 Harbour St. (Toronto Harbour Commission Building), Toronto, ON, M5J1B7

Steak: Unlike most pricey steakhouses, this fancy haunt of suits lives up to the hype. This classy traditional steakhouse managed to get me (the most apathetic consumer of steak) to agree with my carnivorous brother and wax lyrical about the delicious corn-fed Prime beef. Smaller appetites will be satisfied with a tender 10 oz. filet mignon while serious steak lovers will love the mega Porterhouse.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Steak

He He Long BBQ Take-Out Shop

Rated this place:

111 Ravel Road, North York, ON, M2H1T1

Barbecued pork (char siu): Their version of a classic Cantonese staple is just sweet enough and never tough. Even the leanest pieces are tender and delicious with the perfect amount of carmelized crust. Served with piping hot white rice and a side of veggies, a weeknight dinner bliss is achieved easily.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• barbecued pork (char siu)