The Yoga Sanctuary

Rated this place:

2 College St., Suite 306, Toronto, ON, M5S3G8

Yoga studio: The studio at Yonge and College has well-earned its "sanctuary" monicker. The hardwood floors and beaming natural light set the tone for some meaningful om-ing. Not only are the instructors reliable, but classes usually include an assistant who walks around to (respectfully) correct your downward dog.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• yoga studio

Pink Pearl Restaurant

Rated this place:

120 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON, M5R2H4

Crispy chicken sauteed with honey and black pepper sauce: The flirtation between sweet and spicey heats up with every morsel of this Pink Pearl fave. This is a restaurant that knows me by name AND by order (think Sandra Bullock in 2 Weeks Notice). Don't skimp out on the spring rolls, either. Those willing to pick it up will save 15% on this upscale chinese indulgence.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• crispy chicken sauteed with honey and black pepper sauce

Patachou Patisserie

Rated this place:

1120 Yonge St, Toronto, ON, M4W2L6

Cafe au lait: Not only is this frothy combination of beans (ground-to-perfection) and steamed milk memorable enough to keep you craving this treat all week long, you're also given an option to lap it up in a decadent bowl. Pair it with their "best in the city" butter croissants and you'll be loath to leave gai Paris.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• cafe au lait

Propaganda

Rated this place:

686 Yonge St, Toronto, ON, M4Y2A6

Unique gift: Even when in a hurry, I can't walk past this adorable store without sneaking a peek. Propaganda is full of one-of-a-kind (local) designer jewellery, handbags, clothes, and random items you never thought you needed 'til you walked through the door. You'll hear yourself awwwing at the sheep and ice cream mittens while desperately trying to convince yourself that you really don't need another bag (good luck with that one)!

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

Sushi On Bloor

Rated this place:

515 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON, M5S1Y4

Sushi: To be fair, I'd be biased toward any place that hands me miso soup the second after I'm seated. Still, the hype of sushi on bloor is definitely well-deserved. The service is fast, generally accurate, and you can order all that your heart desires while keeping the bill ridiculously cheap. The line-up can be frustrating given the lack of space to stand in, but all will be forgotten when you sink your teeth into a delish Casa Loma roll.

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

Cafe La Gaffe

Rated this place:

24 Baldwin St, Toronto, ON, M5T1L2

Sunday brunch: If their banana french toast or creamy/savory eggs benedict aren't reason enough to get yourself dressed and out the door on a Sunday morning, I don't know what is. Grab the cozy front table for a view of this unique nook of a neighbourhood.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Sunday brunch

Hollywood Gelato

Rated this place:

1640 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON, M4G3B7

Gelato: Ferrero Rocher flavoured gelato?! Talk about your jaw-dropping, mouth-watering summertime discovery! Devour your scoops with child-like glee as you stroll along what I like to call the "Eglinton and Babyview" neighbourhood.

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

Scaramouche Restaurant

Rated this place:

1 Benvenuto Pl, Toronto, ON, M4V2L1

Flourless chocolate cake: After all the time you've spent FINDING the well-hidden gem of Scaramouche, you owe it to yourself to stay for dessert! The rich flourless chocolate torte is served warm and gooey and melt-in-your-mouthy. The restaurant also offers a breath-taking view of downtown T.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• flourless chocolate cake

Le Select Bistro

Rated this place:

432 Wellington Street West,, Toronto, ON, M5V 1E3

Mussels: Atlantic mussels are served in a heavenly combo of quebec ale and bacon sauce that begs to be soaked up by Le Select's fresh-out-of-the-oven bread. I especially love the unpretentious bistro/saloon atmosphere where kinda-fancy meets very-authentic.

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

Andy Poolhall

Rated this place:

489 College, Toronto, ON, M6G1A5

Night out: Fulfilling the needs of friends with diverse interests, the modern-artsy Andy's offers up lounging, dancing and healthy pool-shooting competition. Get there before the lines, and you'll likely stay most of the night without getting bored. It's also strategically located next to some very tasty late-night street-meat. *I highly recommend the mellonball cocktail: dee-lish!*

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• night out

Big Fat Burrito

Rated this place:

285 Augusta Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2M1

Yam burrito: Don't get me wrong, Burrito Boyz is a top priority for me, but when I'm closer to home or hungry after strolling around Kensington, nothing is more satiating than a yam burrito! Enjoy great tunes while chowing down on some seriously delicious mexican yumminess.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• yam burrito

Rangoli Haute Indian Cuisine

Rated this place:

1392 Yonge St., Toronto, ON, M4T 1Y5

Butter chicken: I'm a sucker for butter chicken, but the Rangoli experience doesn't end there. The service is incredible, and the atmosphere is cozy, quiet and neighbourly. The food here never disappoints.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Butter Chicken