Royal Ontario Museum

Rated this place:

100 Queens Pk, Toronto, ON, M5S2C6

Art, culture, history: Never has there been a more exciting time to visit the ROM than now. In 2007, it proudly touted its award-winning addition of the Michael Lee-Chin crystal that juxtaposed sharp, angular architecture (think urban jungle meets Superman's Fortress of Solitude) against a mishmash of classical elements that included Gothic gargoyles and carvings. Today, you can revel in even more eye candy from renovations that have taken place over the years alongside fascinating exhibits, from dinosaurs to a simulated bat cave. Fifty-percent discounted rates await you on Fridays.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Museum
• Friday Night Outing
• Tourist Spot
• Cheap Entertainment
• Place to Kill a Rainy Afternoon

Exhibition Place

Rated this place:

200 Princes' Blvd, Toronto, ON, M6K 3C3

A gateway to summer fun: The towering, graceful archway that marks the entrance to Exhibition Place brings to mind the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. In the summer, it's surrounded by swarms of buzzing pedestrians and automobiles as the host of a number of annual summer celebrations that include Canada Day fireworks, concerts, Indy races and CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) festivities. For out-of-town guests, it is more than the place to go for photo ops -- it's the spirit of our city.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• fireworks
• CNE
• city landmark

Art Of Hair Ltd

Rated this place:

2470 Yonge St #A, Toronto, ON, M4P2H5

Superstar style: After climbing the stairs to this second-floor salon to meet Jason Lee for the first time, all I knew was that I was lucky to get an appointment. Winner of Slice Networks' reality show Superstar Hair Challenge, Lee squeezed me in a month in advance after I followed my sister's reco to contact him. When I settled into his chair, it was apparent why he was in such high demand. Lee has an engaging, light demeanor, open to spilling with trade secrets on how to make your hair look its best. I was bored with my look and just wanted anything new -- Lee took the time to discover my "personal brand" before he got to work. The resulting cut looks and feels great, with the added bonus of being easy to manage. Now, the price tag may make you think twice (around $100) but I am a firm believer that you often get what you pay for. Come here and you'll find it's worth the trip to Yonge and Eg. But be warned: last I heard, Lee may not be accepting new clients right now...

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts

Rated this place:

4 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON, M5R2E8

Classy cool: My friends and I came here and had no idea what to expect since the only things we heard about the roof lounge is that it's great. Once we passed the concierge and got into the elevator on the way up, we were pleased to find that it was actually smart casual here. We ordered three glasses of "romance on the roof" champagne that had hints of strawberry ($25 each) and smoked montecristo mini-cigars ($5 each) while overlooking the view of the city. It was magnificent, and highly recommended for special occasions. We toasted to my birthday at midnight on that roof and I'll never forget it!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• view of the city
• montecristo mini-cigars

La Muse Art Studio

Rated this place:

896 College Street, Toronto, ON, M6H 1A4

Live Drawing drop-in classes: I like to sketch and so when I was determined to attend a drop-in sesh for live drawing somewhere in Toronto, I was really relieved to find La Muse. This seemed like the only place that offered these drop-ins on a Thursday after work (they are open from 7-10pm). When you go, the room is dead silent with concentration, where the only noise you hear is etchings on paper. You can buy chart paper of various thicknesses (I got newsprint) and some conte for less than $5, although they encourage you to bring your own materials. The fee for the session itself is $12, definitely worth a try!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• live drawing drop-in

Mandarin Restaurant

Rated this place:

88 Copper Creek Drive, Markham, ON

Same place, better service: My boyfriend and I love coming here because it's just like every other Mandarin but with faster service since it's fairly new. The servers are practically perched and ready to fill your glasses with water or to clear your plates. Come here any night and don't worry about any long lineups. Another perk: fancy hand dryers in the bathroom!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• quick service

Caffe Demetre

Rated this place:

75 Consumers Dr, Whitby, ON, L1N9S2

East side sweets: This place will kill me with their sugary sweets, but I don't care. For the east enders like myself, I like going to the Whitby AMC location, but in the end, as long as I've got my crepes I'm good. Love their cute names like "Fudgement Day" or "A Streetcar Named Devour" but I choose to make my own creation, with Tiramisu Goomba Ice Cream, powdered sugar, mixed nuts and some bananas.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• dessert crepe

Brownstone Bistro

Rated this place:

603 Yonge St, Toronto, ON, M4Y1Z5

For the picky ones: Brownstone is the place you can take anyone, especially if you hang with a crowd that has diverse tastes in food! Taking a peak at their Euro-influenced menu, I had their seafood pasta and gorged on calamari, salmon, shrimp and mussels. Although I turn pink quite easily when it comes to alcohol, I sipped on the lightest French cab sauv that cost around $6 for a glass. Come with good friends and debate whether the waiter looks like Vin Diesel (he doesn't). : )

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• French wine

Cafe Mirage

Rated this place:

26 William Kitchen Road, Scarborough, ON

Outside their doors...: ...there are clusters of people waiting to get inside Saturday nights. If you're willing to wait in the parking lot, or maybe catch a movie at the nearby AMC, seats in their comfy cushy chairs are hard to come by. With good reason though: no where else can you find the same selection of delicious desserts and cafe drinks in Scarborough around 11pm at night. Conveniently located near Hwy 401, I can imagine this place as a weekly refuge in Scarberia where sweet spots like this one are hard to find.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• desserts
• Crepes
• Late Night Eats

Caffe Demetre

Rated this place:

400 Danforth Av, Toronto, ON, M4K1P3

Take a break from souvlaki: I used to go to school nearby and eat at this place along with a couple of other restos. Had it not been for the fact that I love the crepe desserts that Demetre chains offer, I would feel very lukewarm about coming here more than once since the service tends to be hit or miss if they're busy.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• dessert crepe

Crepes A Go Go

Rated this place:

18 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4W3Y8

Did I forget my passport?: Stopped by to satisfy my crepe craving and ended up getting transported to Paris, served by staff with sunny smiles and charming French accents. Although I usually like ice cream in my crepes, their selection is more authentic and even offers a culinary creation they call "finger crepes" for gourmands on the go. I ordered a dark chocolate crepe with bits of banana along with a latte, which came up to aroud $10. While the crepe did not disappoint, the cafe au lait recommended as "the best in the city" by the friendly lady behind the counter was not as satisfying for my sweet tooth. The impeccable service more than makes up for any minor missteps; they present their meals with a cute wicker basket with napkins and even help their customers hold the actual food in their hands, gingerly peeling the paper wrapper for them with care.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• dark chocolate crepe

Markham Station Diner/Restaurant

Rated this place:

5117 Sheppard Ave. E., Scarborough, ON, M1S4N8

Late night, early morning hangout: To get an idea of what Markham Station is really like, the busiest I've ever seen this place is New Year's Day, when every booth is crammed with hungover partygoers craving for pancakes and omelettes. It's an old-school diner with a low-key vibe, a great venue to have conversations both deep or mindless. All other 364 days of the year, expect the flow to be steady but small, with a few patrons here and there but not overly crowded. And that's a good thing.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• 24 hr restaurant
• All-Day Breakfast

The Boiler House

Rated this place:

55 Mill Street, Building #46, Toronto, ON, M5A 3C4

Dim and delightful: After a lovely stroll in the Distillery District, my boyfriend and I stepped into this open space resto only knowing that this place came with high recommendations. Rightly so! From the exposed wooden beams, wine racks, and the second-floor seating with a view of the chatting guests (and their food) below, the vibe in this place was both romantic and trendy. The cubbies appear to be a fun seat to eat, but I wouldn't recommend it for people who like arm-room. Just by the warm dinner rolls, we could tell the quality of the food we were in store for would be top-notch. For appetizers, we ordered lobster crepe (pricey at $18 for two finger rolls, but worth it) and a cesear salad that came in a "bowl" made of 4-year-old aged parmesan, bacon, and smelt. Aroon ordered a tasty New York striploin which ended up a little smaller than we expected and came with bone marrow that to my unfamiliar taste buds resembled congealed oil. I had the Ontario lamb which had some fat on it, but overall still delicious. While we waited for our food (the lamb was slow-cooked), the live guitarist followed by a singer & band were also the highlight of the night. I'd definitely want to go back, especially to try out the outdoor patio couches in the summer!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Live Music
• lobster crepe

Thousand Islands

Rated this place:

Gananoque, ON

Romantic fun: For our anniversary, my boyfriend and I went to Thousand Islands and had an amazing time. We took a cruise and admired the secluded cottages and the stunning view of Boldt Castle while learning some historical facts about the region. A very picturesque place to be in the summer, and if you're in for a little action, powerboating is closeby as well!

Feet First

Rated this place:

300 Borough Dr #214, Scarborough, ON, M1P4P5

These boots were made for walkin'...: I like the fact that I can find boots here that can make me feel comfortable and not worry about a certain threshold of time and distance before my feet start getting sore(s). A good place to go to if you're not looking for anything too trendy or high fashion (i.e. spiked heels), but something functional, long-lasting and stylish (with LOTS of leather).

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Winter boots

Addis Ababa Restaurant

Rated this place:

1184 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, M6J1J5

One giant plate of delicous: When my friends and I first stepped in for shelter from the snow, the first thing that struck me was being surrounded by warm, vibrant colours. We were greeted by a friendly waitress who recommended meat combo (lamb, chicken, beef) and veggie combo (chickpeas, and other stuff I forget) for us beginners to Ethiopian cuisine. What we got was a gi-normous plate with everything in it, lined with injera, a rubbery doughy bread that resembles naan in appearance. So delicious, forget about using utensils! Did I also mention there was a live band? Turns out that it included 2009 Juno nominee Julian Fauth. There's live music here every Wednesday and Friday, so check it out!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Ethiopian Restaurants
• Live Music
• spicy chicken

The Papery

Rated this place:

1424 Yonge St, Toronto, ON, M4T1Y5

holiday gift boxes : Another haven for pen & paper fanatics, this place is filled with charming trinkets. I bought my friend a strawberry-flavoured, donut-shaped lipgloss and a cute gold giftbox that looks like a chinese takeout container at a very reasonable price. They've got a wide selection of cards and gifts, even a glass counter filled with bachelor/bachelorette t-shirts and other branded items. Very tempting to wander around in here for at least half an hour.

Civello Salon & Spa

Rated this place:

269 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, M5V1Z9

You get what you pay for: You get a complimentary scalp massage and they served me drinks (I asked for hot chocolate) when I waited for my appointment. Staff is friendly and gives great service. I'd say the prices are mid-range.

Ten Ren Tea Co Limited

Rated this place:

Scarborough Town Centre, 300 Borough Drive, Scarborough, Ontario

Operation: Tapioca Time: I walk past the Wal-Mart and head straight to their little stand by the escalators on a mission. They've usually got locations at other major malls or their own franchises spread throughout the downtown area, but this particular stop is where I go when I'm in Scarbs. I like to order their honey green tea with extra tapioca. Mmm mmm!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Bubble Tea

Bloom Cafe

Rated this place:

45 Baldwin Street, Toronto, ON, M5T1L1

First date: The first thing you notice once you climb the stairs and enter this ultimate chill-out joint is Louis Armstrong. (Just his voice, not his spectre.) Order their special hand-sewn "first date" blooming tea ball, and watch it literally blossom in your clear teapot. Taste and savour the jasmine and white tea flavours while sitting on the couch lined against the wall complete with fluffy cushions. If you're not able to take advantage of their free wifi, take any one of their mags for a quiet read and order some small dishes from their kitchen.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• first date
• couches
• blooming tea leaves

Craft Burger

Rated this place:

573 King St. West, Toronto, ON, M5V1M1

Excellent burger joint: It was delicious and satisfying, not too filling. I was able to taste the difference in the meat (my first time trying an organic burger) and I don't know if I can go back! All the ingredients were fresh and the fries were handcut. Try their $10 lunch combo that has a regular burger, fries and a drink.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• organic burger

Rockwood + Grass

Rated this place:

31 Mercer St., Toronto, ON, M5V 1H2

Girls' Night Out: This was my first time here, so I discovered a couple of things: Rockwood + Grass refers to the layers of themes they have on each floor. So Rock is the lower level with R&B and hip hop, Wood has house music, and Grass is on the roof, which was freezing since it's winter right now but I imagine it's probably refreshing in the summer. The people at Rockwood were kind enough to allow my friend VIP seating in the "wood" area on the second floor for her fundraiser event Girls' Night Out (which goes to Ride to Conquer Cancer). We really wanted the VIP seating on the lower level because of the music, but it was so packed there I imagine it's too popular for them to give away. Turned out the night we went was Mardi Gras, so they had a couple of costumed dancers shaking it up through the crowds and handing out beaded necklaces. If you're not one for tightly packed crowds, stay away from the hip hop area or prepare to be crushed by 20-somethings.

Mandarin Restaurant

Rated this place:

7660 Woodbine Avenue, Markham, ON, L3R2N2

10% entree, 90% dessert: My special dessert combination is take two waffle pieces, add whipped cream, powdered sugar, two scoops of cappucino ice cream, chocolate syrup, and peanut toppings. It might sound gross now, but it's delicious in my tummy, and I can always have second servings. This location is best, although there's a new location at 14th Avenue and 9th Line with less waiting time!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• DIY ice cream waffle
• crispy shrimp

Sephora

Rated this place:

Scarborough Town Centre, 300 Borough Drive, Toronto, ON, M1P4P5

Plant Love: I don't wear makeup on a regular basis, but the certified natural and organic "Plant Love" cosmetic line makes a great present for my friend or myself. I bought their Bamboo eyeshadow, which looks fabulous on my pale, olive skin tone. Their makeup artist was also knowledgeable and extremely helpful; she sat me down and patiently gave me a special tutorial on how to do the smokey-eye effect.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• organic makeup
• makeup session

Double Dragon

Rated this place:

147 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON

Meh: It's a fast-food place that serves ready-made dishes similar to Manchu Wok. There's a bigger selection though, but I do believe you tend to get what you pay for. Also sad that they don't have my favourite honey flavoured bubble tea, although they do have a variety of other fruity choices.