Girl Friday

Rated this place:

740 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON, M6J 1E9

Oops!: For some reason I always confuse this place with Fly Girl, just steps away from Girl Friday's college street location (and which is also lovely, just not the place I often mean).

Girl Friday always has great items to fill a wide range of budgets. So, while you can go in and drool over some of the more expensive items, you can still leave with something wallet-friendly.

Girl Friday has a huge selection of quirky and fun separates and some classic items with a twist, like lime-green trimmed beige trenchcoats.

Anthropologie

Rated this place:

1090 Don Mills Rd (Shops at Don Mills), Toronto, ON, M3C 0E1

*Swoon*: It's here - it's finally here!

I'm *so* glad that we finally got an Anthropologie in Toronto. I can't tell you how many hours I've spent on their website drooling over their adorable dresses and imagining the occasions I would wear them to.

It's definitely a trek from the downtown core - but with the new McNally Robinson open in the same plaza, it's worth the trip.

And, for those Torontonians who refuse to go north of Dupont, another location is already in the works for Yorkville.

The Paper Place

Rated this place:

887 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, M4M1J2

Stunning!: Just try to walk past without going in, I dare you.

A paper store? That doesn't sound so interesting, does it? But as soon as you peek in the window you'll be drawn in by the most delicate handmade papers in the most beautiful patterns and colours.

Great for scrapbookers and those who love quality stationary. They also have a great desk accessory section with quirky erasers, pencil sharpeners, etc. Buy some for the kids in your life for extra cool points.

A great visit for couples planning a wedding - they customize unique and gorgeous invitations.

Balisi

Rated this place:

668 College Street, Toronto, ON, M6G1B8

A little something different: Aldo has a huge selection - but they're all variations on the same few styles. For something truly different and eyecatching, you're bound to find what you're looking for at Balisi.

Every pair I've bought here seems to prompt strangers to stop me and ask where I got them.

They also carry my favorite brand, Miz Mooz Shoes.

Charlie

Rated this place:

809 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON, M6J 1G1

Trendy and Classic: With ties to Girl Friday, Charlie feels like Friday's older sister.

A little sleeker and more sophisticated, Charlie also carries unique staples that just seem a little more grown-up. It still has a young and fun vibe, but with a more limited colour palette and more elegant patterns.

They always have the most fabulous dresses and the staff is always friendly and helpful.

McNally Robinson

Rated this place:

1090 Don Mills Road, Toronto, ON, M3C 0H9

Some Competition: I strongly support indie bookstores - but there are less options in the suburbs - even less since Chapters/Indigo/Coles seem to have a monopoly on every mall bookstore.

McNally Robinson has recently expanded into Ontario, and this Winnipeg chain is giving Chapters a run for their money.

Their new location is beautiful and has a huge focus on bringing authors in for readings and events in the store.

And, I do love their strong support of Canadian Content, for selfish reasons.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• bookstore
• Books
• Big Box Bookstore
• Megastore
• Reading Events

Sneaky Dee's

Rated this place:

431 College St, Toronto, ON, M5T1T1

Dive Brunch: They host the always-awesome event, Trampoline Hall, on the first Monday of every month.

The nachos always seem like a good idea, until you're done and moaning that you'll never have them again. Make sure you have at least 3 people to share among, or you'll regret it.

I was pleasantly surprised by how good the brunch was. Who'd of thunk it? The portions were, again, HUGE. Next time I'll know though - perfect for sharing.

Utopia Cafe & Grill

Rated this place:

586 College St, Toronto, ON, M6G1B3

Casual Cool: Fantastic vegetarian-friendly casual fare. They will make anything on the menu for you with mock meat. Their burgers and burritos are fantastic and they take condiments to the next level.

They have lots of different flavored mayos. The wasabi and red pepper ones are both fantastic. The gravy is also great - and vegetarian. And be sure to try the hot sauce at every table.

The one downside for me is the wait. Not the amount of time, you have to expect that from most "hot" places. But that despite the popularity, the staff always seems completely unprepared to deal with the lineup - and the venue is set up in such a way that there is no waiting area, making an ever increasing amount of people wait in the doorway.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• french fry condiments

secrets from your sister

Rated this place:

560 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON, M6G 1K1

Lingerie: They carry hard to find sizes and european labels. The staff is always friendly and knowledgable.

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

Ella's Uncle

Rated this place:

916 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON, M6J1W1

Adorably cute coffeeshop: The decor is adorable and very chic. Also, their namesake drink - the Ella (Latte with two shots of espresso and sweetened with maple syrup) is a great way to start a weekend.

The lemonade is just perfect. Sour, lemony and not too sweet.

There isn't anything here that isn't fantastic. The berry scone and a double americano is my usual order but they've been mixing up new recipes lately. The more recent goat cheese and dill scone is phenomenal - I can't stop thinking about it.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• coffee shop ambience
• lemonade
• scones

SOMA Chocolatemaker

Rated this place:

55 Mill St. (Building #47), Toronto, Ontario, M5A3C4

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm: A must-visit spot in the distillery district. Believe the hype: their mayan hot chocolate is as good as they say.

They definitely know their stuff - try a few of their chocolates while one of their experts walks you through the tasting notes like wines.

Kids and adults alike will love watching the chocolate factory through the huge pane window.

The Monkey's Paw

Rated this place:

1229 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON, M6J1V9

Wonderfully Creepy: Stephen Fowler has amazing taste and a great shop. He takes the time to write his own little blurbs in many of the books. Ask about the mailing list - if you tell him what subjects you're interested in, he'll e-mail you when he gets in something he thinks you'd like.

After my first visit, it already became my favorite bookstore. There is no book (or "curiosity") in the store that I wouldn't want for myself. Amazingly eccentric collection. Excellent browsing venue.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Used Bookstore
• Bookstore Owner

This Ain't the Rosedale Library

Rated this place:

86 Nassau Street, Toronto, Ontario

Canadian-Content Heaven: This little book store seems far more at home in their new location. I hadn't even realized that Kensington didn't have a great and quirky bookstore until this place opened, and now I can't imagine it without one.

Despite it's small space, the store is still hosting the events that everyone loved at the church street spot - they're just a little more intimate.

Ideal Coffee

Rated this place:

84 Nassau St, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1M5

One of Toronto's Best: Feng-Shui masters, they are not! It would be hard to come up with a more confusing arrangement of seating.

But, all is forgiven when it's warm enough to sit out on their patio and people watch in Kensington. Or, just grab it to go as you stroll through the market.

They roast their beans on site and make a mean americano.

Royal Ontario Museum

Rated this place:

100 Queens Pk, Toronto, ON, M5S2C6

Bad Reno: I wanted this redesign to be good, I really did.

For months, I defended it while my other Torontonian friends bashed it. I kept hoping for it to turn out, while I read article after article on the changes being made, and the corners that were being cut.

I had to change my tune when I finally went in for my first visit.

All that slanted white drywall with scuffmarks already forming from gymnastic kids running against it? I actually saw a main hit his head and fall to the ground as he was deep in conversation with his partner and didn't see that the wall he was walking against was slowly slanting down.

Czehoski

Rated this place:

678 Queen W, Toronto, ON, M6J1E5

Best Martinis: I would skip the dinner - especially if you're a vegetarian - as their prices are hight, their opions are limited, and, while good, nothing at our table blew me away.

But their martinis - oh, their martinis - are definitely worth coming back for again and again.

The standout for me is their espresso martini. It tastes *amazing* and even comes with crema on top.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• martinis
• Decor
• espresso martini
• champagne cocktails

Ezra's Pound

Rated this place:

238 Dupont St., Toronto, ON, M5R1V7

Local coffeeshop: Everything on the menu is organic, all packaging either recyclable or compostable, and - most of all - they have fantastic coffee. The shop is cute with ample seating (although it still is packed at peak hours).

They make pain au chocolate fresh everyday and the pastry is perfect. If you get there in the morning, the chocolate will still be warm and gooey.

And, before I became a vegetarian, I had the best turkey sandwich here - served on a fresh sourdough baguette with a chili mayo and sweet onion marmalade.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• local coffeeshop
• pain au chocolate
• Turkey Sandwich

Manic Coffee

Rated this place:

426 College St, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1T3

Hipster Haven: They have perfected the Americano and spoiled me from enjoying most other coffees.

The shop is beautifully decorated with lots of wood and exposed brick with a great collage of frames and cool photos along the wall. The crowd - and baristas - here are uber-hip.

They keep a great stock of interesting magazines.

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

Olivia's At Fifty Three

Rated this place:

53 Clinton, Toronto, ON, M6G2Y4

Romantic Date Spot: The back patio is stunning with comfy seats and romantic lighting. It's dimly lit with candles, paper lanterns, and lots of strands of little white lights strung through the massive tree that covers the area. The literary geek in me loves that the specialty martini's are all named after authors.

The inside is gorgeous too - with jazz nights and a microwinery in the basement!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Jazz Bar
• date restaurant
• After Dinner Drink

Reposado Bar & Lounge

Rated this place:

136 Ossington Ave., Toronto, ON, M6J 2Z5

Tequila!: It's always a little packed, so try to get there early if you want a seat.

They make their margaritas with fresh ingredients and awesome tequila - SO much better than those slushies you get at some other places.

The patio is so beautiful, too!

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

The Beaconsfield

Rated this place:

1154 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON, M6J 1J5

Turn it down: The Burger is presented nicely - but not nearly as good as the Drake Burger you can get next door at the same price.

And, what is it with the music?

I feel very crotchety complaining about this - but in a restaurant with no dance floor, why do they insist on keeping the music at a volume that silences conversation?

Good for beers and cooktails - and other short visits. A little grating to stay for dinner.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• too loud

The Black Hoof

Rated this place:

928 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON, M6J 1W3

Surprisingly, even good for vegetarians.: It's known for it's meat - but also has fantastic bread and cheese plates, beatiful decor, and to-die-for cocktails.

They're participating in the bring-your-own-bottle program (though, I don't know why you would when their wine list is this good) and they serve food well into the night! The kitchen is open past midnight on weekends.

Yonge-Dundas Square

Rated this place:

40 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON, M5G2C2

#publicspacefail: On foot, car, or public transit, I always avoid this intersection.

Bright, garish, and ugly - it's not doing what it's supposed to be doing - serving as an urban, public space. Could the city have made less of an effort in it's creation? It's just barely a step up from being completely paved. I would never tell a friend, "Just meet me at Dundas Square".

I prefer my sense of community to come without a sponsorship by Astral media.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• urban space fail
• billboard
• billboards
• concrete

Asa Sushi

Rated this place:

18 Jane Street, Toronto, ON

Sushi for people who don't like sushi: We made the trek out to Asa after reading some good reviews online and discovering it was the sister restaurant to Vancouver's Asa Sushi, which we loved.

Instead of the fresh and simple sushi we'd enjoyed at the Vancouver location, we were instead presented with disgusting rolls. The restaurant had taken the obviously cost-cutting move of mincing up their fake crab and stretching it's use by creating a crab salad with lots of mayo - and it was filling up every roll.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• bad sushi
• gross crab salad
• sushi for people who don't like sushi

Ezra's Pound

Rated this place:

913 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON

New Location: I love their original location up on Dupont and I'm thrilled that the shop is doing well enough to be opening a second location.

I just can't help but be protective over another favorite, Ella's Uncle.

I've always had the impression that the Toronto indie cafe scene was very friendly. I'm always hearing about barista jams and a sense of collegiality in the fight against Starbucks. That's why it seems like a really aggressive move to open directly across the street from a well-loved neighborhood staple.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• coffee
• local coffeeshop
• competition?