Leah's

Rated this place:

621 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, ON, M6C 1A7

A sweet addition to St. Clair W.: In an area where the pastries of Pain Perdu reign supreme (at least in my books), this cute new bakery is attracting curious locals and sugar fiends (both me) with its creative baked goods and modern décor. The owner, Leah Kalish, whose baking has been sold at various shops across the city, has developed some interesting treats like mushroom meringues (they’re shaped like mushrooms, not actually made with them), mini shortbread cookies, peanut butter chocolate rice crispy squares (um, yum!), gluten-free biscotti, orange muffins, and more. Everything is baked on premises and is really meant to be enjoyed elsewhere unless you can snag one of the three bar stools that overlook St. Clair. The shortbreads and meringues that I bought were both delicious and I think they’ve done a great job at creating a trendy environment in such a small space. Definitely worth trying!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• meringue
• St. Clair bakery

Dew

Rated this place:

1553 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4G 3B5

New Discovery: Dew on Bayview: As more of a west-end girl, I rarely stray east of Yonge when it comes to shopping. But the other day I happened to be in the Leaside area and stumbled upon Dew, an adorable store located on Bayview Ave just south of Eglinton. Dew (which stands for day, evening, weekend) is a small boutique jam-packed with lots of cashmere, little black dresses, cute accessories, jeans, stylish boots and flats, and Canadian labels like Soia & Kyo. If you’re like me and are a fan of studded cotton tees and vintage-inspired jersey dresses then you’re going to have a field day with their collection. Dew reminded me a lot of the independent, trendy boutiques found in Montreal (and on my regular hit list when I lived there). I’ll definitely make a trip back to this shop once more of the spring collection arrives – the clothes aren’t particularly cheap but I like the labels they carry and the indie aspect of the store.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• little black dress
• Leaside store

The Bay

Rated this place:

176 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M5C 2L7

Aromachology at The Bay: If you’re into horoscopes and expressing your own sense of style then you’re going to love Aromachology. The new customized perfume line based out of Toronto has been popping up in spots like The Four Seasons and Henri Bendel, and now, conveniently until Christmas Eve, at The Bay downtown. I popped by The Bay to try my hand at customized perfume and filled out a fun questionnaire to determine which of the five base scents best suited my personality. My answers to questions about my clothing style, hair do’s, and vacationing preferences qualified me as a ‘Totally Edible Gourmand.’ I then chose to finish off my scent with one of Aromachology’s top-notes to add an even more personalized touch. My concoction was blended on-site and I walked away with a fabulous sweet smelling travel-sized bottle. Aside from its beautiful scents, Aromachology makes a great gift (guys get abbreviated questionnaires to fill out), is trendy (the Jonas Bros set off a fragrance frenzy when Joe Jonas mixed a batch for an ‘unknown’ lady), and is definitely unique (you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone else that smells just like you). If you don’t make it to The Bay before December 24th you can also fill out your scent questionnaire and order online any time at MyAromachology.com. Enjoy!

Oh Boy! Burger Market

Rated this place:

571 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, M5V 2B6

Sizing up TO's newest burger: This newly opened burger joint at Queen and Portland is well positioned to feed lunch-goers, party animals, and Toronto’s ever-growing burger trend. Owner Joey McGuirk has created a tastefully decorated restaurant with red old-school booths, an open-air grill, and enough space to accommodate its anticipated round-the-clock clientele. My first visit to Oh Boy left me with a full stomach and a balanced list of pros and cons. On the pro side, their buns hail from the stone-deck ovens at Ace Bakery (meaning they’re handmade, all-natural and delicious); the fries are crispy, soft, and are available in sweet potato form; they will wrap your burger in lettuce in lieu of a bun (it’s messy but an innovative alternative); sides include deep fried pickles. Some of the drawbacks are that those crispy, soft fries are soggy by the time you open your takeaway box, and the burgers could use some added seasoning and cooking time. You can’t help but compare Oh Boy to neighbouring Craft Burger. The burgers at Craft are more flavourful, surprisingly cheaper, and piled with fresher toppings. You'll prefer Oh Boy if you’re looking for a larger space to enjoy your meal until the wee hours of the morning (it’s open until 4am) along with some tasty and creative side dishes.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Chicken Burger
• downtown burgers

Delica Kitchen

Rated this place:

1440 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M4T 1Y5

A Midday Treat: Delica Kitchen is a terrific gourmet take-out and lunch spot at Yonge and St. Clair that's getting a lot of buzz for its authentic food and sleek decor. The small and trendy eatery is owned by Devin Connell (the daughter of the former owners of Ace Bakery) who is challenging those of you with about $10 lunch money to spare to 'get to know your food.' Regulars (and I think there's already a lot of them) get to know a whole assortment of soups, salads, sandwiches, and fresh baked goods like baked 'strawberry jammies' and ridiculously good looking chocolate cupcakes. Everything is made from scratch on-site, except for the bread that's brought in, naturally, from Ace Bakery. I ended up ordering a medium rustic tomato soup and a side of charred broccoli salad infused with hints of chili and lemon. Both were fantastic. But the real icing on my lunch was the freshly baked homemade oreo cookie. It tastes exactly how it sounds...absolutely delicious! It's also nice to know that Delica holds a strong environmental mandate, claiming that 85% of their packaging is biodegradable. This is definitely a spot worth checking out for gourmet take-out, a quick lunch, or tasty and creative desserts.

Jimmy's Coffee

Rated this place:

107 Portland Street, Toronto, ON, M5V 3N8

Here's Jimmy: Jimmy’s is a great new coffee shop that’s raising the barista bar in King West. The cafe, which is on the main floor of a converted house, is stylishly decorated with exposed brick walls, scattered black-and-white framed photos, and marble tables with booth seating. As a coffee neophyte (my coffee drinking experience boils down to one cup during university exams), I took the barista up on her apple cider recommendation. It was frothy, sweet, and perfectly balanced – all it needed was a cinnamon stick. Jimmy’s also serves packaged sandwiches to go and an assortment of baked goods. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a break from Starbucks and a welcoming place to waste (or work) away an afternoon.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Apple Cider
• New Coffee Shop
• Place to work

Boulevard Cafe

Rated this place:

161 Harbord St, Toronto, ON, M5S1H1

Sweet Sangria: Located at the corner of Harbord and Borden, this charming restaurant has been satisfying diners with its authentic Peruvian cuisine and welcoming atmosphere for more than 30 years. While I can’t speak for the food – although everything looks and smells incredible – I can say that Boulevard Cafe’s homemade sangria is one of the best in the city. Order a pitcher of the red wine sangria (or you can choose to have white wine as your base, known as sangria blanca), which is appropriately thick in texture and sweetened with cubes of apples, oranges and peaches. Add Boulevard’s canopied patio overlooking Harbord and you’ve got yourself a perfect evening out.

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

Brassaii Bistro Lounge

Rated this place:

461 King St. W., Toronto, ON, M5V 1K7

The great outdoors: Anyone who's been to this gorgeous warehouse-of-a-bistro on King West knows that the food itself is only part of the allure. Brassaii's sophisticated yet modest menu is matched by an interior decor of hardwood grey flooring, factory windows, painted brick walls, and a summer patio that is so delicious it's often swallowed up by corporate creative types and bright-eyed first-daters. Unlike some of the patios that dot the King/John strip, Brassaii's patio is conveniently tucked away from the commotion of King/Spadina in a spacious courtyard - the perfect backdrop to dining on meaty mussels and salty fries ($13) and the very popular bistro steak with shallot jus and fries ($25). Whatever you order, make sure you wash it down with Brassaii's mojito, the bistro's refreshing concoction that has made quite the name for itself with its balanced blend of rum, mint and fizz.

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

Gee Beauty

Rated this place:

2 Roxborough Street, Toronto, ON, M4W3V7

Beautifying at its best: An upcoming wedding is the perfect excuse to whip your eyebrows into shape at Gee Beauty. Leave everything to Natalie, Gee’s eyebrow expert, who will shape your brows with perfect precision using her fast and relatively pain-free threading technique that targets each individual hair. Unlike waxing, eyebrow threading allows for more accuracy in shaping – and it’s just as quick. Gee also offers a pre-wedding beauty package, fittingly called ‘The Works,’ which includes a series of skin treatments, makeup applications, brow boosts, and eye treatments. Once you’re there, take some time to browse through Gee’s carefully selected stock of hair products, perfumes, makeup, accessories, and scented candles.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Beauty Boutique
• Eyebrow threading
• Rosedale spa

Le Pain Quotidien

Rated this place:

508 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, ON, M5N1A5

Hearty and Healthy: Ideal for brunching and lunching, Le Pain Quotidien serves up a wholesome menu in a welcoming environment. With more than 80 locations worldwide, two of which are located in Toronto’s midtown core, Le Pain draws people in with its famed organic artisan breads, hearty sandwiches, salads, soups, and baked goods. Those looking for a healthy escape from Toronto’s greasy-spoon diners will find refuge in Le Pain’s homemade multigrain granola and organic parfaits. Lunch-goers must try the Atlantic shrimp, avocado and salsa sandwich (served on generous cuts of delicious organic wheat bread), or the goat cheese and arugula salad. The restaurant also allows you to take your experience home with you as most of the delicious ingredients are sold on-site.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Lunch Spot
• shrimp sandwich
• organic bread

Spynga

Rated this place:

1415 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, M5R3H8

Mind & Body: Spynga brilliantly allows you kill two birds with one stone. Like the name suggest, it`s an innovative studio that combines the benefits of spinning and yoga into one total body workout. Spynga opened its doors in 2007 to a welcoming Toronto press and an eager athletic community that was up for a new challenge. The studio has since gained a large following and has introduced a series of `flow` classes that offer different levels of cardio and body sculpting techniques. It`s no place for slackers. The instructors are dedicated to giving you a full mind and body workout, and you’re going to get your money’s worth. A single `flow` class is $18, or you can purchase a month`s worth of unlimited classes for $140. I recommend buying two sessions for $20, so you can test the waters and see if it`s the kind of workout you`d enjoy. Spynga offers a funky vibe (they use black chandeliers as opposed to neon gym lighting) and an inviting setting, and plays host to creative events like a recent hip-hop infused Jivamukti yoga class.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Yoga
• spinning classes
• studio
• cycling

Trinity Bellwoods Park

Rated this place:

1053 Dundas St. W., Toronto, ON, M5H2N2

Downtown Park: Trinity Bellwoods is the easiest way to escape the commotion of the city without ever having to leave the city. For those who prefer exercising outdoors as opposed to in a gym or yoga class, this downtown park has all of the amenities you need to keep active. Trinity’s near-40 acres is dotted with tennis courts, baseball diamonds, running and bike trails, a dog park, and tons of open space that’s prime for post-workout napping or picnicking. For me, the best part about Trinity is its location. For those who work in downtown Toronto, the park offers a free and easy way to stay fit without confining yourself to a workout class schedule. Trinity also plays home to several sports leagues, including a women’s softball league for which I played, making it as much a social environment as it is a healthy one.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• place to play girls baseball

Watusi

Rated this place:

110 Ossington Ave., Toronto, ON

Mod Martinis: This resto-lounge is a great date spot on the bustling Ossington strip between Dundas and Queen. With its retro-chic ambience (picture Austin Powers’ jumbo jet filled with hipsters), Watusi offers a creative and lengthy drink list priced at $10/cocktail including tax. My dirty vodka martini was generously salty and very much enjoyed against a backdrop of retro art, rainbow-coloured windows and vintage lighting.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• martinis
• Ossington bar

Madras Pantry -- CLOSED

Rated this place:

877 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON

Dine on Dosas in West Queen West: Life’s a carnival at Madras Panty. Except replace sticky floors and wild carnies with exposed brick walls, tasteful circus paraphernalia and steaming skillets of dosa dough. The latest project by the team behind fave resto lounges Kultura and Nyood, Madras Pantry is a refreshing new space that’s as hip as it is casual, and as original as it is simple. The simplicity of the place is achieved with its short menu consisting of Indian-style dosas, lassi and kulfi, as well as communal seating and open-air kitchen. My first impression of Madras was a good one. I was greeted by bench dwellers sipping on milky ice-cubed drinks and a vintage-looking ferris wheel turning in the window. Inside was a clean, colourful space with giant circus-themed posters (a sword swallower and two Siamese pigs steal the show) and a wall full of authentic goodies for sale. I ordered a jerk chicken dosa for $7 (including tax) and proceeded to watch the young chefs bundle my chicken, lettuce, tomato, onions and date tamarind dressing into a doughy and crispy crepe-like shell. It smelled amazing and tasted even better. The dough was a perfect texture and the chicken was remarkably lean and perfectly spiced. The food at Madras is so fresh that I recommend eating it there (or across the street in Trinity Bellwoods Park) as opposed to taking out – the cooks even warn that the doughy shell loses its crispness if it’s left too long before eating. The one major flaw in my experience was that they were out of potatoes, even by lunch time, and I’m sure my dosa could have used the missing ingredient. Apparently they’ve been running out of food on a regular basis since opening a few weeks ago, something I’m sure will be rectified as the popularity of this interesting place continues to grow. Enjoy!

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

San Korean Restaurant

Rated this place:

676 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, M6J1E5

Great Korean beyond Koreatown: If you're looking for delicious Korean cuisine at afforable prices, then San Korean Restaurant is sure to fit the bill. I ended up at San after joining my co-worker in her quest for traditional bi bim bap, which is a multigrain rice dish with fried egg, vegetables, meat, served in a hot stone bowl. For $8.95 a got a large serving of chicken chap che, the Korean glass noodle dish that's served with vegetables and your choice of either Bulgogi beef, chicken, or tofu in a sweet and salty soy sauce. My order also came with a refreshing serving of pickled cucumbers and root vegetables. San's modest prices and delicious Korean and Japanese dishes attract a loyal following in the West Queen West lunch scene. The small restaurant has a modern decor that's achieved through dark wooden tables and large front windows, which also help make this a great dinner destination outside of Koreatown.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• chap che
• glass noodles
• Korean take-out

Freshii

Rated this place:

140 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5V 2L4

A Fresh Take on Lunch: Freshii is a hungry dieter's dream. Formerly Lettuce Eatery (same management, just an enhanced menu and marketing strategy), Freshii is my absolute favourite spot to grab a healthy and hearty lunch on-the-go. You can custom build your own salad, wrap, burrito, soup or rice bowl by choosing from their colourful assortment of fresh ingredients. At Freshii, it's all about control. You control exactly what's going in to your meal, how much you want of it, how much you spend, and, conveniently, exactly how many calories you want to consume. Freshii dishes the nutritional value of every menu item on its web site, where you can re-create your order with a calorie counter by your side. Quite the eye-opening activity for anyone who appreciates a creamy salad dressing. I recommend ordering Freshii's chicken teriyaki bowl - a large serving of brown rice, mushrooms, carrots, bean sprouts, broccoli, and chicken smothered in warm and sweet teriyaki sauce that comes out to 2.2 grams of fat and about 400 calories. Freshii prides itself on delivering fast, fresh, custom-built food and so far has done an excellent job at catering to different palates and dietary preferences. Tip: Follow Freshii on Twitter and be privy to daily deals and special giveaways.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• burrito
• wrap
• chicken teriyaki bowl

Sweet Lulu

Rated this place:

859 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON, M6J 1G4

Sweet package!: It's true, good things do come in small, adorably decorated packages. I had heard great things about Sweet Lulu's create-your-own noodle/rice dishes that I eventually followed the crowd to the West Queen West eatery and ordered a brilliant concoction...rice noodles...sweet chili thai sauce...lots of Asian veggies...chunks of garlic and ginger..etc..etc. I was so satisfied with my lunch, its price, and the cute Chinese container it came in, that I have since returned to Sweet Lulu on many occasions. I recommend either the Thai noodles or the Jasmine Rice as your base, and their tofu in particular is really worth trying!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• stir fry
• tofu

TRACK Fitness

Rated this place:

417 Spadina Road, Suite 301, Toronto, ON, M5P 2W3

Keep Yourself on Track: Larry Track and the team at Track Fitness teach the importance of working out and working through your busy schedule to make room for a healthy lifestyle. The two-storey Forest Hill studio offers the works – weights, training, cardio, boxing equipment, bootcamp and a spinning studio. If you’re looking for a challenge and a good sweat, book yourself a series of private or semi-private training sessions with Larry Track himself. He will tailor your workout routine to meet your personal goals and needs, while still pushing you to go that extra mile (and you’ll love and hate him for it). He's taught me some valuable techniques for toning my arms and abs that can be used beyond the classroom. And they allow you to stay ‘on track’ with their own line of energy bars that are high in fibre and rich in nutrients. I’m a big fan of their protein shake, which is sold in bulk on premises. It tastes like a banana split and is a great pre or post-workout snack.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• personal training

Chatelet

Rated this place:

717 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M6J1E6

Feminine Furnishings: If you're like me and have a penchant for feminine French decor then you're going to have a field day at Chatelet. I'm always sucked in by their endless selection of shabby chic and antique treasures, usually to surface with a new picture frame or a $2 fridge magnet that I just couldn't live without. Chatelet is home to mirrored accessories galore - you'll see your reflection in most furntiture pieces (dressers, night tables, vanities) and in the frames of their signature bird paintings. With such a wide range of pieces that can fit any home and taste, Chatelet is a great place to find gifts for bridal showers, birthdays, your mom, your grandmother, your children, and yourself.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• furniture
• picture frames
• lighting
• French decor

Grace Restaurant

Rated this place:

503 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M6G1A5

Farmhouse Fare: It's taken me just under a year to do it, but I finally followed the hype to Grace Restaurant on College for a much-needed date with homestyle cooking (and my man). Grace owner Leslie Gibson, who named the restaurant after her grandmother, has created a refreshing space that pays homage to homespun elegance. The menu is divided into three sections: meat, vegetable, and seafood - and I recommend ordering a good cross-section of it if you can. The winners of our night were the chicken noodle consomme accompanied by homeade cheddar crackers, seared scallops with braised beans and oven dried tomatoes, and the slow-cooked halibut with roasted vegetables. Grace's dessert of homemade cookies with organic milk gets lots of buzz, but try the brownie if you have the room - you won't believe how good it is! Grace manages to combat any hints of fine-dining stuffiness with its second floor cabin-esque bar, appropriately called Grace Upstairs. You'll find the same dark hardwood and airy atmosohere as downstairs, and some fabulous specialty drinks.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Romantic Restaurant
• Comfort Food
• scallops

One Girl Who...

Rated this place:

647 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON, M6C 1A7

A Great Find: I just discovered this adorable boutique yesterday while on a jog in the area. I normally exercise austerity while, well, exercising, but I couldn't resist popping in for a look. I ended up buying a great informal dress and a pinstriped blazer, both at reasonable prices. One Girl Who carries stylish clothing at affordable prices, and very cute accessories to boot. I'm so happy I stumbled upon this new store! Located near St. Clair and Christie, it's right in the heart of the current streetcar construction route, so you'll likely have to get there, like me, by foot for the time being.

Lou Dawg's

Rated this place:

589 King St West, Toronto, ON, M5V 1MS

Sweet, Smokey, and Southern: There's a new kid on the King-Portland block - and so far, so good. Lou Dawgs is the newest restaurant to cater to busy lunch-goers and night owls alike, offering a number of tasty barbecued and southern comfort food until the wee hours of the morning (open until 2am). Since its debut this week, Lou Dawgs has been drawing in a steady crowd eager to try their smokey and southern barbecue sauces, coleslaw (made with cranberries) and paprika-infused Yukon Gold mashed potatoes. I opted for the smoked turkey wrap for $8, made with large chunks of fresh turkey, tomatoes, lettuce, provolone, and a delicious mayo-barbecue concoction. I wasn't ecstatic, however, about the surprise bacon guest appearance in my wrap, which was left unmentioned both on the menu wall and by my cashier. Even still, with its intimate, basement-chic decor and southern accents (like a live blues band) Lou Dawgs has all the right ingredients for success.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• sweet mashed potatoes
• barbecue sauce

T Cafe

Rated this place:

511 Bloor St West, Toronto, ON

Take Time for "T": T Cafe is the newest player in Toronto's ever-growing tea scene - but there is something about T that is sure to leave the competition in its wake. For one thing, there's the fresh factor. The idea of serving tea-infused, tapas-style food in itself is a novel one. Find the agriculural wonder incorporated into pretty much everything you eat at T - vegetable samosas with strawberry tea-infused dipping sauce, onions fried in green tea batter, bbq ribs drizzled in black tea sauce, just to name a few. There's also something remarkable going on with their pastries, notably the gooey coconut macaroons (which dissolved into syrupy goodness in my mouth within seconds), and the oversized stump-less muffin tops (oh how Jerry Seinfeld would be proud). That fresh factor extends, of course, to the teas themselves. The cafe carries more than 50 loose-leaf teas and features a roster of selected 'teas of the day,' all of which you're encouraged to smell before selecting. Aside from the incredible food and large selection of hot and cold teas, T's location also works in its favour. It's situated in the heart of The Annex (where Toronto oldie Dooney's once lived) and is already drawing in heaps of young tea-drinkers looking to capitalize on tasty teas, free wifi, and budget-friendly prices (tapas items are less than $10). Enjoy!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• tea
• samosas
• macaroons
• Annex cafe

Liv by Au Lit

Rated this place:

418 Eglinton W, Toronto, ON, M5N 1A2

A shopper's dream: Au Lit, the charming Toronto fine linen shop has taken a step out of the bedroom and created Liv, a beautiful midtown space devoted to trendy clothing, jewellery, unique gifts, furniture, and, of course, linens. Liv carries unique and affordable brands carefully selected from across North America and Europe - like my recently purchased Blank skinny jeans for less than $100! You can find Dogeared jewels and pricier bangles and necklaces in their jewellery display, and some dreamy framed art on the walls.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• jeans
• gifts
• linens
• midtown boutique

Walk In Wok Out

Rated this place:

495 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1Y2

Walk in hungry: As a true noodle enthusiast, I was really eager to try the newest create-your-own noodle house to hit The Annex (well, if you consider four months in business still 'new' in the ever-changing landscape that is Bloor Street). With its clean decor and open-air kitchen, Walk In has a welcoming environment and friendly staff who are dedicated to having you walk out satisfied - and full. Yes, the portions are massive and fairly reasonable. For about $11, I got a tasty bowl of whole-wheat noodles, Chinese veggies, shitaki mushrooms, and plump shrimps doused in an amazingly tangy garlic-pepper sauce. With a simplified menu consisting of stir-fries and build-your-own salads, Walk In Wok Out is following the popular path of serving healthy, cheap items off of a carefully tailored menu. You'll also find some interesting facts about their ingredients on the restaurant's back wallpaper (and a few grammatical errors, but who's counting?)

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Cheap Eats
• stir-fry
• healthy dinner