Super Kolbasa & Deli

Rated this place:

3615 Dixie Rd, Mississauga, ON, L4Y2B3

Polish convenience food: They make amazing cabbage rolls, soups, roasted chicken, schnitzel, and lots of wonderful salads and slaws that you can have packed up for a quickie stick-to-your-ribs feast. They also have a deli, a small selection of fresh breads, a dairy case, and a wall of Polish specialty goods from pickles to cookies to magazines.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Polish convenience food

Addis Ababa Restaurant

Rated this place:

1184 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, M6J1J5

Ethiopian food plus ambiance: Platters of injira flatbread, and colourful, well-spiced simmered meat and veg dishes make for a perfectly satisfying communal meal on a chilly night. And Addis Ababa's fine cookery gets served up in dim, cozy surrounds, amid wafts of frankincense, coffee, laughter, and sometimes live music. When I went for my birthday, they even treated me and several of my friends to complimentary Amarula. Delicious.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• ethiopian food plus ambiance

The Paper Place

Rated this place:

887 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, M4M1J2

Fridge magnets: They have a stand-out collection of tiny, yet super-strong, magnets in kitschy collection packs with themes like retro appliances or nigiri sushi. The nigiri sushi ones were exactly like the set I got in Tokyo at Tsukiji fish market. Now I know where to go if I drop an ebi behind the stove or something.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• fridge magnets

Queen Of Sheba Restaurant

Rated this place:

1051 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON, M6H1M4

Cheap eats: A combo platter of savoury Ethiopian veg and meat dishes for 4, with ample injira and a litre of wine rings in at 50 bucks. Short on ambiance, but long on taste, this place is perfect for a good feed and a chat when you don't want to cook but aren't looking for anything fancy.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Cheap Eats

Fly Girl

Rated this place:

849 College Street, Toronto, ON, M6H 1A1

Clothing boutique: I finally popped into Fly Girl this past weekend, after more than a year of passing by on my way to the gym. And I'm glad I did - the two salesgirls were very helpful and friendly, without being overly attentive. And the racks held plenty of fun jeans and tops, jackets and sweaters, and tonnes of great accessories. The bags are particularly great and reasonably priced. Also a good selection of hats/scarves/gloves.

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

Freedom Clothing

Rated this place:

939 Bloor St W., Toronto, ON, M6H 1L5

Clothing boutique: I love this place. I almost never leave empty handed. The group of young indie designers that run it are great, as are their wearable creations, and the collective eye they have for the bits of vintage etc. that fill out the offerings (which also include a smattering of arts and crafts in addition to duds and jewellery). The stuff is stylish, well-priced, and you get to support local creative folk!

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

Mr Lee's Dry Cleaning

Rated this place:

705 King St W, Toronto, ON, M5V2W8

Shoe repair: It's not easy to find a good cobbler these days. Seems everyone just buys new shoes. But when you've got a pair you love, 'cept for they give you the slush foot, or the wobble walk - take them to Mr. Lee.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Shoe Repair

Easy Restaurant & Catering Co

Rated this place:

1645 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, M6R1A9

Banana latte, Brunch for two, Tortilla soup: Soy milk and dutch cocoa get blendy with frozen banana and espresso with thick 'n tasty results. Such a good way to wake up on a weekend morn. Be sure to share though, unless this is all you want to put in your belly for brunch - the glass is probably 20 oz.

It's not exactly romantic, but it's kitschy and fun, and i kinda like that better. lots of toy soldiers and 70s movie posters, and big bad coffee smoothies tall enough for sharing. and, when you're finished with your huevos divorciados (the bean and egg specialty) and toast soliders, there's lots of browse potential in the neighbourhood antique and vintage shops and around roncesvalles village.

Delicious cilantro-laced chicken broth laden with black beans, melted cheese, peppers, tomatoes, corn and chicken, all drowning crispy fried tortilla triangles. If you're not up for the big breakkie, this is a satisfying and wholesome lighter alternative.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• banana latte
• Brunch for Two
• tortilla soup

Raani Foods

Rated this place:

39 Churchill Ave, Toronto, ON, M6J2B5

Chicken stuffed naan for home: I'm always skeptical about take-home heat-up convenience foods, but items like this are turning me into a believer. Pop this sucker in the oven and in 5 minutes you have a delcious, warm, chewy-crisp naan bread, bursting with the kind of flavourful chicken and veggie filling you'd expect from a restaurant analog. Except, you made this at home. In five minutes. A perfect accompaniment to those boil-in-a-bag curries you can get these days that are also surprisingly delicious.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• chicken stuffed naan for home

Utopia Cafe & Grill

Rated this place:

586 College St, Toronto, ON, M6G1B3

Chicken and goat cheese burrito: Mmmm - juicy grilled chicken and creamy goat cheese, green onion mayo, and a crispy complement of fresh veggies, all wrapped and grilled in a tortilla and served with a side of fresh sesame slaw? Yes please.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• chicken and goat cheese burrito

5th Elementt Fine Dining & Lounge

Rated this place:

1033 Bay St., Toronto, ON, M5S3A5

Duck risotto, Mustard curry sea bass: That is some tasty ducky in some tasty rice. well spiced. succulent. beautifully presented.

This moist, mild fish fillet is perfectly complemented by the rich and nuanced mustard-curry cream sauce. The little shrimp puffs on the side? Mmmmm. Also, points for being gorgeous.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• mustard curry sea bass
• duck risotto

Sanko Trading Co.

Rated this place:

730 Queen St. West, Toronto, ON, M6J 1E8

Japanese grocery store: I spent 3 years in Japan, and there's no downtown place besides Sanko that carries certain Japanese specialties I happen to love. Besides all the usual supsects (sushi-making supplies, ceramics, comics, noodles, edamame, miso etc.), they have wonderful harder-to-find goods like tsukemono (all the yummy pickled things), umeboshi (pickled plums), Japanese-style onigiri (formed rice balls with various middles), and the best soft drinks. I also love the automated greeting recordings.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• japanese grocery store

She Takes the Cake

Rated this place:

1600 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON, M6K1T8

Custom cupcakes, Dolce de leche cheesecake: We ordered a couple hundred cupcakes for an event this summer, and Adrienne and her staff simply outdid themselves. We sent our own artwork to be replicated in icing and fondant on the tops, and we couldn't get over how beautiful the results were. Also, the buttercream is to die for, the cupcakes are prefectly moist and dreamy.

This cheesecake is outstanding. I'm telling you - you've never had anything like it. From the buttery crumb crust to the smooth caramelly ganache and creamy, not-too-sweet cheese centre, this cake shows Euro baking with an Argentine flair really works. And the cakes are beautiful too. For now get them at Fresh & Wild and Pusateri's, but the woman behind this dessert (and many others) is readying to open her own bakery at Dundas and Dufferin next month. A tip: let it come to room temp.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• custom cupcakes
• dolce de leche cheesecake

The Queen of Tarts

Rated this place:

283 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto, ON, M6R 2M3

Molasses cookie: I've always loved the chewy, spicy Canadiana goodness of a homemade molasses cookie. This one gets extra points for a hint of anisette or something licorice-y that really complements the usual arromatic spices.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• molasses cookie

Jerusalem Restaurant

Rated this place:

955 Eglinton Ave W, York, ON, M6C2C4

Middle eastern restaurant: Order the "Dinner for Two" and watch as a veritable feast is laid out before you. The most wonderful tahini-rich hummus, tangy baba ganoush, succulent roasted tomatoes and grilled kebabs, an assortment of good olives and pickles, pita and saffron rice, and refreshing tabouleh and garden salads. It will make you happy and full and laden with leftovers. The atmosphere is also cozy and relaxed, with its sand coloured walls, wood-carved camels, warm rads and dim lighting.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• middle eastern restaurant

Mitzi's Cafe & Gallery

Rated this place:

100 Sorauren Ave, Toronto, ON, M6R2E2

Neighbourhood brunch: My number one criteria for a weekend brunch spot is walkability. I love Mitzi's proximity to my digs, as well as its excellent collection of vintage formica tables, tree-shaded outdoor seating in view of a great residential street, bike parking galore, and always-delicous menu of specials built around market-fresh produce. The service can be slow, but if you can take your mind off your watch (isn't that what weekends are for?), and focus on your food and friends, you're sure to enjoy your stay.

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

Soapscope

Rated this place:

297 Roncevalles Av, Toronto, ON, M6R2M3

Soap: This place is fun and fragrant. Great for gifts, or just a little treat for yourself. There's sure to be one scent that strikes your fancy, and then you'll be happy to find a complete line of products that matches it - from bar soap and body wash to bath bombs and lotions. And everything's so pretty. I'm partial the Zen scent. Also, you'll find lots of baby stuff, from natural fabric clothing to baby care products. And carrier oils and essential oils for use in massage or home scenting.

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

Souz Dal

Rated this place:

636 College St, Toronto, ON, M6G1B4

Patio: This is such a hidden gem. Great lighting, completely atmospheric and cozy. The little patio in the back is great if you can get a seat. I went for the first time in late October last year, and the patio was stil open - heated, and as lovely as always. And - yummy drinks.

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

Yellow Griffin Pub

Rated this place:

2202 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON, M6S1N4

Burger: Man oh man oh man. Choose a burger type (bison, lamb, beef, chicken, or veggie), choose from one of over 35 visionary topping combos (we had stilton, roasted garlic and walnut on lamb, and avocado, mango, and bacon on beef), a side (from slaws and greens to various potato creations and other starchy stuff), and then - dig in. The portions are generous, so order a frosty pint to help you along.

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

Another Story Bookshop

Rated this place:

315 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON, M6R 2M6

Indie bookstore: Another great independent bookstore worth checking out, this place stocks plenty of interesting specialty titles as well as the best of more mainstream fare, and boasts helpful, friendly, knowledgeable staff. They have great window displays, showcasing neato books around ever-changing themes, that always pull me in off the sidewalk. Great for creative gifts, self-treating or a browsalicious stop on a weekend wander.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• indie bookstore

Beaver Cafe

Rated this place:

1192 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON

Breakfast burrito: Take a seat in this cozy cafe, sip a seriously good Americano, admire the seasonal wheat sheaf arrangements and photos of Liberace's wardrobe, and get an earful of good tunes while you tuck into THE BEST brekkie sandwich. Steamed eggies, homemade salsa and chili, fresh creamy avocado, and a hint of cheese provide the filling for a flour tortilla. The whole shebang gets grilled panino style, and accessorized with a salad of spring mix and fennel, in a tangy-sweet house vinaigrette. Yum.

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

Crumpler

Rated this place:

831 Queen Street West, Toronto, M6J 1G1

Bag store: The bags are splendid. And the people behind the bags are just as smart and fun. If you haven't checked out their spectacular and inspired Beer for Bags campaign, make a point of doing so next year. A bag for a 6 of Keith's and some Foster's tall boys. C'mon! Too great!

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

Sweet Tooth Pastry Shop

Rated this place:

508 Danforth Ave., Toronto, ON, M4K 1P6

Pumpkin pie: There's a lot of mediocre pumpkin pie out there, and flacid crust plus tasteless squash mush just won't do for Thanksgiving. For a gem of a homemade store-bought treat, head to Sweet Tooth, where judiciously spiced pumpkin custard inside a perfect pastry shell can be yours. Anytime. Just add whipped cream.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• pumpkin pie

Torito

Rated this place:

276 Augusta Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M5T2L9

Arugula salad, Fish ceviche with sweet potatoes and corn, Flatiron steak with egg and chips: The baby arugula was so fresh and sweet. It's served with shavings of Manchego cheese, toasted almonds, and a quince vinaigrette. Really a wonderful and satisfying salad.

I don't think I've ever had ceviche quite as good as Torito's. At least not lately. The chile and citrus-dressed white fish works really well with the sweet startchy vegetables. So fresh. So delicious.

An authentic south American dish of tender, flavourful beef served with a red pepper sauce, fried egg and homemade chili potato chips. Mucho gusto.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• flatiron steak with egg and chips
• arugula salad
• fish ceviche with sweet potatoes and corn

Kubo Radio - CLOSED

Rated this place:

894 Queen St. East, Toronto, ON, M4M 1J3

Asian-inspired beef burrito, Pastry dessert, Pumpkin cupcake, Shrimp dumplings: Mexican meets Thai and Japanese in this creative take on Tex-Mex standard. Aromatic green curry, cubes of tender beef and jasmine rice are wrapped in tender bean curd skin with delicious results. The portion is very generous, so it's great for sharing. Or including in a selection of other choices from the menu of creative and tasty nouveau Asian offerings.

The "Kubo Flakey" takes the Vachon idea out of the lunch box and into the bistro. A tower of crisp phyllo squares, layered with fresh whipped cream and ruptured berries, dusted with powdered sugar and set off by a sweet-tart citrus sauce is worth every bite.

Awash in cupcake-triggered images of gradeschool birthday parties, EasyBake ovens and Betty Crocker kitchen kitsch, I bit into my first-ever generously frosted Babycake the other week. Mmmmm! Under that cutie homestyle exterior lay flavour sophistication and moist cake to rival any fancy gateau. Mine was perfectly spiced pumpkin, with tangy cream cheese icing. I was very vocal about its deliciousness. My friend announced impending Babycake addiction. With so many more to try, this is likely.

The har gow here are super. Great wasabi ginger dipping sauce. Great shrimp and scallion filling.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• asian-inspired beef burrito
• pastry dessert
• pumpkin cupcake
• shrimp dumplings