Listed in Bars
Proprietor Shaughnessy Bishop-Stall has lived in this area for over a decade, and Torito is his favourite restaurant, so he happily took over the space beneath it when it became available (it was previously Bar Pepe, but that didn't stick around for long).
Snacks come from upstairs, including tapas like pan con tomate (Catalan bread with tomato) or Spanish olives and bread ($4 each) along with artisanal cheese and serrano ham boards ($8 for cheeses, $10 for ham and bread or $15 for a mix of everything).
Like Torito, both Spanish and local beers are on offer in bottles ($7/$6 each respectively) and on tap (16oz of Estrella Damm, $7; two Flying Monkeys options, $6 each). Spanish red, white and Cava are also available by the glass ($10/$12) or bottle ($45/$55).
A short list of The Lowdown's own seasonal signature cocktails, with names that sound like pulp fiction detective novels (Grifter's Paradise, $10: Codorniu Cava, Stolichnaya, Cynar, hibiscus tea), catches my attention.
Turns out Bishop-Stall is a published author ("Reads like a film noir pounded out by a pissed-off, hung-over John Irving," is how one review describes his novel), writes a column for Sharp mag (you may even run into its EIC here) and is a professor of creative non-fiction at U of T. Ah, writers and booze. It's a perfect(ly complicated) combination.
One of my fave drinks is the Girl with the Copper Eyes ($10) - Tanqueray gin, Pedro Ximenez sherry, Aperol and orange peel garnish - a play on the classic Negroni, only lighter, a bit less bitter and more citrusy.
Another drink, called Moon Under Mezcal ($12), contains Jaral de Berrio mezcal, Luxardo Maraschino, Green Chartreuse, citrus, cucumber and mint, and is a tribute to George Orwell's essay on his ideal (non-existent) pub, "The Moon Under Water."
Bishop-Stall considered naming his bar after Orwell's favourite fictitious pub, but eventually decided against it. It'd be a lot to live up to (and besides, a ton of other places have already done the same). This joint definitely would have been a fave of mine if it had only been around while I still lived by here.
"The Market is a unique kind of beast," Bishop-Stall says. "There are not a lot of options late at night and bars here can feel insular."
His goal with this personal labour of love is not to cater to any specific demographic; he believes there's too much homogeneity with certain bars (he doesn't name any names), and aims to welcome a cross-section of humanity here. "It makes the dance moves more interesting."
Originally only open on Fridays and Saturdays, the bar is now slowly expanding to more days, with programming that includes an open mic night on Wednesdays, a "Standup at The Lowdown" comedy night on Thursdays and a soon-to-launch night with trivia and music bingo on Sundays, geared towards weary travellers from the local hostels.
Fridays and Saturdays are usually reserved for DJ nights (writer Russell Smith has spun some tunes here) and live music of varying genres played in the small alcove-esque space at the front. The cozy venue fits about 35 people comfortably.
Bishop-Stall hopes to host everything from art shows and literary events to wine tastings (Torito's wine cellar is down here) and parties of all sorts (birthdays, Kwanzaa, everything) - dance parties 'til 3am are highly encouraged. "I want when you come down these steps, you won't know what to expect."
Loon Records is an unassuming but quirky vinyl shop on College St. in the heart of 
With more retro than contemporary offerings, Loon Records is ideal for those looking to fill in an eclectic collection. 
Rock staples (The Beatles, CCR, Bowie, Bob Dylan and Fleetwood Mac, to name a few) have racks to themselves, while everything else is organized alphabetically by genre, requiring you to thumb through at your leisure.
The good thing about the tiny space is that, if asked, McDonagh would easily know if he has a particular record in stock or not. 
And if he doesn't have it, he's happy to get his hands on it for you. He's also happy to just spend a few good minutes chatting music.
While the shop sells mostly used records, there's a section of new vinyl for those who want untouched pieces. 
The enthusiastic handwritten notes peppered throughout the collection are charming, as well; it's hard not to smile seeing "Super shape!" stuck on Paul Simon's Graceland or "The great Peter Green's last LP with the Mac!" on Fleetwood's Then Play On. 
Prices are comparable with what you'd find elsewhere: $10-15 for lesser known albums and singles, $25-35 for classics and new records and the occasional $100 and up box set.
Little Italy feels like the right place for a tiny neighbourhood vinyl store, with its healthy mix of young renters and well-to-do families.
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Saks Fifth Avenue's first Canadian location has taken over much of the Hudson Bay Building at Yonge and Queen streets. Walking into its 169,000 square feet is just like entering a museum or gallery thanks to its open floor plan, bright lighting and selection of art pieces -- but at Saks, you're allowed to touch everything.
All three floors are souped up with only the most luxurious custom-made furniture, fixtures, lighting and artworks by talent from all of the world (including Toronto's own 
Aged marble floors, hand-knotted Tibetan wool & silk rugs and an OLED sculpture programmed to perform a light show every hour are some of Saks' most notable design details. 
Aside from looking obnoxiously shiny, Saks is stacked with fashion and beauty products from the highest of high profile designers. Chloé handbags, Maison Margiela sneakers, Acne leather jackets (my favourite style comes in pink), and every existing Tom Ford fragrance are among their extravagant stock. 
They carry everything from designer sweatpants to evening gowns; running sneakers to glittery pumps. It's no surprise it took me a whopping two hours to see absolutely everything.
And, if any of this overwhelms you, the store has debuted Saks At Your Service - a new level of personalized service - in tandem with its Canadian launch. Personal shopping, made-to-measure, alterations, meals, beauty treatments and more can be enjoyed in extravagantly designed VIP suites (one suite includes a living room, bathroom and fitting room dazzled with silver leaf wallpaper). 
Moreover, if store hours are inconvenient or you'd like to bring this service elsewhere, a Saks At Your Service Mercedes-Benz can travel throughout the region, delivering goods, bringing associates to your door or transporting you wherever you need to go. This is high end shopping that will like make the folks over at Holt Renfrew nervous.
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Entice is a culinary lounge on West Queen West with grand ambitions. It's a restaurant with a supper club kind of vibe that aims to be an immersive experience where sights, sounds and tastes are all accentuated.
To drink there are ten classic cocktails plus three "molecular drinks" which change seasonally. 
They're pricey; the Cucumber Granita is $18, but the combo of vodka with cucumber juice and black pepper syrup is delightfully spun into a frozen slushie state with liquid nitrogen (just note you might miss this dash of theatre unless you're sitting at the bar).
The "global" approach to the menu from chef Ryan Wilson-Lall (former chef de cuisine at 
Then there's the mushroom moccachino ($10), a soup that bills itself as a wild mushroom espresso broth with shaved chocolate and a sweetened froth. It's brewed in a hot infusion siphon which is a cool hack for making a perfectly clear consume, but the combination of flavours is...perplexing.
The carbonara raviolo ($16) is redeeming, the house-made pasta forms a pocket around a roasted garlic mascarpone and egg yolk and it's a delight to cut into. It's smothered in pecorino and served with crispy basil, bacon and cremini mushrooms to be reconstructed on the fork as one eats.
Next up is The Tour ($13) a trio of dips served on a crowded platter of roasted vegetables with bread. It's described on the menu as "moussaka, warm serrano bechamel, roasted garlic and parsley..." only said "moussaka" is more accurately a starchy eggplant-flavoured bechamel sauce. 
As it's set down on the table the Spicy Ahi Tuna ($25) is described as a "hot mess on a plate" and I can't help but agree. I doubt there's even four ounces of fish on this plate; more prominent are the haphazard mounds of mango, daikon, cucumber and green papaya slaw. Calling this one an entree seems like a stretch.
The sour cherry duck breast ($28) makes a good first impression but on closer inspection the skin is browned but not rendered. What would usually be the best part is almost inedible (save for a few slices on the ends). The dish includes compressed pears, carrot puree, tangy cherry sauce which amounts to sweet on sweet on sweet and it's missing salt and acid.
The striploin ($29) fares better and features a nicely seared steak boasting a rosy centre. It's plated alongside a chiffonade of aggressively seasoned collard greens, purple patatas bravas and meaty asado mushrooms.
When it comes to dessert, there's a tres leche waffles ($11) featuring a stack of waffles with macerated cherries and tres leche poured table side. 
It ultimately tastes okay but for some reason arrives under a cloche which leads me to expect a puff of smoke or steam to be released when it's lifted but...there's nothing. It's just another example of style before substance - a common theme throughout this evening.
Photos by 
Hastings Snack Bar might just be the cutest lunch counter in Toronto. The wide but shallow eatery features just a single row of stools along the counter looking into the open kitchen and coffee bar.
She's enlisted the "best chef ever," her mom Ania Garbos, and the two are serving up a concise menu of family recipes that stay true to their Polish heritage. 
The newly refurbished diner has entered its new phase after former owner John Chong retired after 53 years as a short order cook last spring. The place has been gutted but the peach patterned counter top is original, as are the newly reupholstered stools.
The chalk-written menu hangs overhead and bills just a handful of dishes available exclusively from Thursday through Sunday. 
The rest of the week the shop is open for coffee, tea and select baked goods from Pain Perdu.
Options include kielbasa ($7/2), pierogi ($5/4, $8/8) stuffed with potato and cottage cheese, beef or blueberries, and cabbage rolls ($8) with beef, pork and rice filling, or made vegan with lentils, rice and mushrooms.
The best way to sample it all is to get Hungry Tata's Lunch Plate ($13). It's packed with all the aforementioned good stuff and served with rye bread, pickles and tangy sauerkraut slaw.
The only thing left to try is the Polish breakfast ($9) before conquering the whole menu. The morning meal features farm fresh eggs (perfectly cooked, by the way) along with parowka (a Polish weenie), potato pancakes and bread.
It's cheap, cheerful and comforting. It's very easy to like. Thankfully there's a few benches outside and they'll do take-out when all the stools are full.
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Rooster Coffee House is already a beloved entity both 
This bright spot is full of windows and natural light, and Andrews and Watson took advantage of the incredibly high ceilings by adding an upper level loft, where you can look down over the edge and watch the baristas working at the bar. 
Unlike the other two Roosters, there are no communal tables this time around, but the proximity of the seating still encourages strangers to interact, with the one exception of the cozy and quirky hermit's nook by the stairs. 
Coffee-wise, Rooster sticks to the roaster it's been using from its start in late 2009, with a choice of its house-blend espresso, featured beans or organic decaf from 
Espresso-based drinks ($2.25-$3.75) are made on the swank and super high-tech La Marzocco Linea PB, which was custom-painted at a motorcycle shop. 
I try a latte ($3.75), and unsurprisingly, it's as satisfying as I've had at any other Rooster; smooth and creamy enough that sugar is unnecessary, and topped with expertly made latte art.
Brewed coffee (including cold brew), specialty teas (ginger honey, matcha, plus latte versions) and seasonal drinks are also available, along with cold-pressed juice from 
A wide variety of baked goods ($2-$3 each), with gluten-free options, are sourced from all over, including 
Like its two siblings, this spot carries on the tradition of the communal crossword puzzle at the coffee pick-up counter, and baristas seem genuinely happy to be here. They get to know their regulars (I experienced this firsthand when I used to visit the King East location almost every day). "We do our best when we create relationships and connections," says Andrews.
With the Rogers Building just up the street and St. James Town nearby, this Rooster should do very well. Andrews tells me each location has sentimental value to them; she used to live in this area when she first moved to the city from Guelph, and has always been drawn to this neighbourhood. (Andrews and Watson now live next to the original Rooster in Riverdale.)
She feels things have come full circle with this cafe, particularly since this is likely the last Rooster she and Watson will create. They personally want to maintain the high quality of each, and don't want to spread themselves too thin. While that's sad news for the Rooster-less parts of this city, who knows? Maybe they'll change their minds in a few years.
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Chine Hot Pot is proof that Chinatown is finally getting serious about hot pot. This China-based chain joins 
The hot pot here is AYCE. $23.99 for adults on weekdays, with an additional $2 surcharge on weekends.
No stranger to spice, I try the Legendary Spicy Broth (+$3), though I opt for the milder version so as to not completely obliterate my tastebuds. It's actually quite nice, and provides a strong peppercorn flavour that doesn't overwhelm.
Those looking for something at the other end of the scale can try the Creamy Corn & Taro Broth (+$3), which has a milder, earthier flavour. The broth itself is tasty enough to drink.
Chine has a sauce station where you mix your own dipping sauces. Try the sesame sauce with some hot sauce, leek sauce and parsley. 
The New Zealand lamb slices are also some of the best I've had. The texture is almost buttery and the meat does a good job absorbing the broth it's cooked in.
One item not to miss is the Screaming Chili Beef. This is essentially tender beef wrapped around a whole chili pepper. Cook it in the spicy broth and try to eat the whole thing without whimpering. 
What would hot pot be without snacks? The Legendary Deep Fried Pork Slice is crispy and flavourful, resplendent with Szechuan peppercorns.
For dessert, the Golden Chinese Bread is fried just right and served with a side of condensed milk for dipping. Make sure to eat these right when they arrive at your table.
Posted by Darren "DKLo" Susilo. When not writing for blogTO he can usually be found tweeting 
Second Voyage is a thrifters dream. The 
This cozy shop has a thoughtful curation of vintage home decor and a small (but good) selection of vintage clothing. There are products ranging from DIY handmade pieces to rustic art. Like many vintage stores, there's something to take home, whatever your budget. 
Muskoka born owner Kyle Burton tells me he purposely gave the store a rustic, outdoorsy, cottage-y vibe. He painted the wine decanters and turned them into vases, put gold dip on the milk bottles and upcycles and repurposes as much as he can find.
Among my favourite items are the snifter glass sets, copper candle holders and vintage cameras and typewriters. The typewriters, I'm told, are all fully functional, and are one of Burton's top sellers.
The glasses are available in complete sets, and there's a great selection, whatever your style. 
The knick knacks are endless, and you have to be careful otherwise you may suddenly go home with an overstock of shot glasses and tiny apothecary bottles. 
There's some unique vintage canisters, vintage frames ($25 each) and turkish coffee pots. There are men's ties, wallets, pocket watches, and beard supplies.
Many of the handmade pieces are done by Burton himself. He has a unique a side table on display that I never would have guessed is a repurposed Singer sewing machine base. 
The clothing section is small, but I'm impressed with the selection. There are cowboy boots ranging from $40-$60, high waisted vintage denim (think Levi's and Wranglers) from $20-$50, and Pendleton shirts from $30-$40. 
There's a lot of product in a small space, yet it feels like everything belongs. "I like to maintain and upkeep a certain aesthetic in the store," Burton tells me. "I want people to come in and feel like they're in a design shop. It's kind of like an Etsy shop. Vintage and handmade work well together."
Adding to the cottage/rustic/handmade theme, Second Voyage also carries homemade body sprays by 
There are also some prints from a local Aboriginal artists, Patrick Hunter, available at $45/print.
Photos courtesy of Second Voyage.
CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice, a Taiwanese-based operation, claims it's the largest bubble tea chain in the world, with over 2,000 stores worldwide. Before opening at Yonge and Irwin streets, its Toronto footprint was limited to 
For those looking for a refreshing fruity drink with a lot of frills, the amusingly-named Bubble GaGa ($4.20) is a must-try. It's a mix of green tea and passionfruit juice topped with coconut jelly and tapioca.
The Lemon King ($4.70) is simple and uncomplicated. It's essentially a lemonade, and a rather refreshing one at that.
The creamy Red Bean Matcha Milk Tea ($4.50) is definitely one for those with a sweet tooth (though every drink can have its level of sweetness and ice customized to taste, as per the norm these days). The matcha flavours mix nicely with the sweetness of the red beans. 
The drink that I recommend the most is the Sago Taro Milk Tea ($4.50) - one of the best taro drinks I've ever had. The tiny sago pearls complement the slightly sweet drink, with a nice taro flavour that is not overwhelmingly rich. It's delicious.
CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice doesn't offer food, nor does it offer a lot of gimmicks. The space is small but welcoming enough to hang out in for a while.
Posted by Darren "DKLo" Susilo. When not writing for blogTO he can usually be found tweeting 
D-Beatstro is a community-driven vegan cafe by day and a DIY/DIT event space by night in 
Co-owners Jess Montebello and Chris Cammarata have each spent over a decade involved in local music scenes, and met running in the same circles. They're both vegetarians, and here they're serving up classic comfort food, vegan-style, with a focus on being tasty.
Locally roasted, fair trade organic beans grown by women coffee farmers come from 
During weekdays, there are eats like a breakfast sandwich ($4) with soy bacon, "cheddar" and a tofu-and-chickpea "egg" patty on an English muffin or the Hail Seitan "turkey" club ($7.50) with roast "turkey" seitan slices and coconut bacon. Everything is made in house, including baked goods like salted caramel butter bars and Oreo Rice Krispie bars ($4 each).
If you go for brunch, the red velvet waffle stix ($9) are a must as a shared starter or dessert. They're light, cake-like delights in waffle form served with maple syrup and "cream cheese" frosting dips. The frosting is delicious (it's actually made with vegan buttercream and lemon), and actually tastes like cream cheese.
Gluten-free "huevos rancheros" ($11) consist of a tofu scramble (or "scramz," as the menu calls it), baked beans, salsa, guacamole, sour cream and cilantro piled high on corn tostadas. It's flavourful and my friend is a fan, but I find the salsa a bit too sweet for my taste.
With 
Photo by Jesse Milns.
Basil Box on Yonge at the base of the Ryerson Student Learning Centre is a Southeast Asian eatery that's actually the second of its kind to open in the GTA (the first is in the food court at Square One). This location, however, is both standalone and sit-down with room for 80 diners.
Seating is a mix of high tops and tables. Ample electrical outlets have been enthusiastically embraced by the laptop-toting clientele.
To order, we're ushered through a Chipotle-like assembly line to customize boxed meals, each priced at $9.45. Ordering starts with a choice of salad, chilled rice noodles, brown rice or jasmine rice followed by a choice of two veggies, one protein, a sauce and then a selection of free toppings. 
I try the lemongrass chicken on jasmine rice and have it loaded with corn and green beans in sweet chili lime sauce. From the free toppings I add Sriracha spiced pepitas, pickled veggies, Thai chilis, and fresh herbs. 
When it comes to the box of chili lime shrimp on noodles, I'm most impressed by the noodles. Served cold, the vermicelli stays slippery rather than sticky.
On a bed of spring mix, I sample the vegan option: a coconut curry tofu, this time dressed in a tangy tamarind sauce (all the sauces are vegan). Charred sweet potato and sautéed peppers bulk up this salad while pickled veggies, crushed peanuts and sesame seeds add a crunchy element.
There's a cold case full of drinks and grab and go items too. A mango salad ($3.25) and veggie fresh rolls with peanut sauce ($3.25) are welcome side dishes.
A selection of snacks includes a sweet mango rice pudding ($2.50), Chiang Mai trail mix ($2.50), and Thai tea and ginger lime macarons ($5.25).
This fast food concept skips the usual soda options. Hand Crafted Refreshers ($3.25) in flavours like Thai iced tea and mango ginger ale are sweetened with cane sugar while the cooler is stocked with bottles of Boylans ($2.65), bottled iced teas ($2.95), and coconut water ($3).
Those in need of a caffeine fix can opt for the custom cold brew coffee ($2.95). Produced in collaboration with 
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Beaumont Kitchen at Sherway Gardens is the Oliver & Bonacini restaurant adjacent to Saks. The Etobicoke shopping centre is already home to high end shops like Holts and Harry Rosen, and this appropriately upscale dining destination fits right in with its neighbours.
Brass pendant lamps accent the room like jewelry while clusters of framed artworks and sculptural bookshelves adorn the walls.
Beverages from bar manager, Darren LeBlanc include a line up of craft draft and bottled beers, wine and potent specialty cocktails that'll surely loosen inhibitions before heading off to shop next door. 
Lightweights like me should steer clear and perhaps stick to the BB Smash ($14) crafted with just a single ounce of vodka muddled with blackberries and basil and loosened up with a splash of soda,
The opening dinner menu offers apps, vegetables and salads, thin crust pizzas and a selection of more robust mains, while menus at lunch and weekend brunch include plenty of light, vegetable-centric fare peppered with a few indulgences.
I try the king crab toast ($18) which is kind of like a fancy, open faced lobster roll. The cold salad comprises luscious shellfish with crème fraiche and chives, and it's generously piled onto a thick slab of toasted country bread. 
Next up is the Thai root veg salad ($12), which is equally suitable as a starter or light entree. It's a tangle of vibrant spiralized vegetables in a chili and lime vinaigrette over a swoosh of velvety cashew butter. 
Entrees like braised beef brisket ($28) over roasted garlic-whipped potatoes are heartier. The meat is moist and tender and accompanied by a classic parsley and lemon zest gremolata perked up with fresh horseradish. It's paired with tangy cremini mushrooms pickled in oil and vinegar. 
Expect the menu to change seasonally.
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Boku Sushi provides a touch of Asian flair in the heart of the Distillery District. This chic Japanese restaurant serves up a slew of favourites ranging from sushi to tempura in a classy and sophisticated environment.
The menu is extensive and diverse. In keeping with the chef's background, the sushi here features a Kansai flair. Expect hand-torched and box-pressed takes on your favourite raw fish servings.
I try the Aburi Flight selection ($36), featuring, among others, fresh salmon, beef, and yellowtail. The light flavours really come alive through the ever-so-quick torching of the sushi. My only complaint is that the beef is a bit on the chewy side.
Any good Japanese restaurant is measured by the quality of its sashimi, and Boku doesn't disappoint. The Sashimi Platter ($30 for 10 pieces) is a delight, with the tuna posing as the real standout for its buttery smoothness.
Boku also serves up seasonal specials like the Salmon Tataki ($12) served on a bed of greens. This is definitely a light appetizer but one I would have preferred to have a bit more substance on the plate.
One of my favourite dishes is the Boku Maki ($14), an impressively complex concoction of scallop, avocado, tuna, and sweet ume. The generous drizzling of unagi sauce seals the deal beautifully.
Be sure to ask for the house-made soy sauce when downing their sushi. It features a smokier and sweeter flavour than the regular store-bought ones usually found in Japanese restaurants.
For those who like a touch of deep-fried goodness with their sushi, try the Distillery Roll ($15), which sees fresh shrimp and salmon battered and flash-fried, then topped with cheese and unagi sauce.
The Scallop & Avocado Tempura ($14), with its light and almost airy batter, is excellent. Paired with some fried shiso leaves, it's immensely satisfying from both a taste and texture standpoint. 
The Saki Ika Tempura ($8) is also interesting. While the slightly rough texture of the dried shredded cuttlefish may put some off, the sweet aftertaste I got from the dish makes it all worthwhile.
Boku also serves up excellent cocktails. The Ronin Lemonade ($12) packs a boozy punch, with a light lemon flavour at the end. The Kaiju ($12) is beautiful to look at with its shocking blue colour, with a touch of pineapple mixed in with the blue curacao. 
Posted by Darren "DKLo" Susilo. When not writing for blogTO he can usually be found tweeting 
Dish Cafe has moved to the heart of 
Owner Pam Pridham started out as Dish's school director and ended up taking over the entire business from its founder Trish Magwood in 2009. She and her husband Gord (his official role is "Chief Tasting Officer") have backgrounds in banking and finance, but they've always been passionate about good food and are accomplished home cooks themselves.
In the front is the cafe area, which serves up 
All the food here is made on the premises, including sweet treats like gluten-free salted caramel brownies ($3.50 each) and mini bundt cakes ($4.95), along with other classic baked goods like butter tarts ($2.25) and scones ($1.75). 
A prepared-food counter offers tempting options for every meal, from breakfast sandwiches ($4.25-$4.95) and yogurt parfaits ($3.75) to mix-and-match, build-your-own lunch or dinner items sold by weight. Choices always include a variety of salads, plus a beef, chicken, fish and veggie dish, all featuring seasonal ingredients.
For lunch, I try a piece of Dish's signature BBQ chicken ($3.75/100g) with house-made BBQ sauce accompanied by pecan-streusel green beans ($2.75/100g) and a tasty kale salad with roasted red peppers, curried chickpeas and feta ($2.75/100g). The chicken is tender and flavourful with a kick of spice, while the green beans add crunch and sweetness.
My friend gets a slice of deep-dish, flaky crust quiche ($3.75/serving) paired with an addictive roasted eggplant salad with pomegranate molasses and goat cheese ($2.75/200g). The quiche fillings change daily, and when we visit, the eggy custard is filled with a satisfying combo of kale, ham, onion and mozzarella. 
Sharing a space with the cafe is the retail portion of Dish, which sells ready-made meals like Moroccan chicken tagine and beef bourguignon along with big jars of soup and different kinds of lasagna and mac & cheese. (They can also be delivered through Foodora.)
There are also carefully curated pantry items for sale, with the inventory slowly building whenever the Pridhams come across something of quality that they like and would use in their own kitchen; they personally test and approve of everything sold here, from the Dillon's Bitters to a specific brand of Portuguese extra virgin olive oil that Gord swears by.
Just about everything you'd need to pull off a successful dinner party can be found here (including charcuterie and cheese), whether you want to cook all, some or none of it. "We believe in the building blocks of food," says Gord.
If you'd rather not leave all the cooking up to Dish's chefs, they can also teach you how to whip up your own meals. The same staff who make the food during the day teach here in the evenings, with about four to five different classes offered each week that include knife skills, working with pastry and "date night," where couples learn how to prepare a themed meal.
In addition to the 
Pam tells me loyal Annex customers are still making the trek down here to visit while new neighbours are slowly peeking in to check the place out. They're still adapting to the wants and needs of the clientele in this area, but from what I can tell so far, this is already a great addition to the 'hood.
Photos by Jesse Milns.
The Birchcliff is a rustic coffee shop near the Scarborough Bluffs. The only 
The daughter of neighbourhood House and Garden Florist Irene Makeeff Peters, Peters renovated the vacant space into a cozy coffee shop with beaming natural light, exposed brick and warm, woodsy colours that look and feel like a homely cottage in Prince Edward County.
Proudly born and raised in Birch Cliff, Peters brings a ray of hope for a neighbourhood lacking coffee in a hot spot of chatty locals eager to share stories and hourly updates.
"I know everyone in the neighbourhood. Birch Cliff is so full of rich history; I really wanted to create a beautiful space for friends and family to enjoy coffee." Peters explains. "All the pictures on the wall are from the Scarborough archives; it's a place to celebrate the history of our community."
Serving 
With a snack menu that includes Nutella Chocolate cookies ($1.75), banana bread ($2) and other treats from 
In addition to a classic coffee menu with single ($2.50) and double shot espresso ($3.50), there's also a loose leaf tea selection from Metropolitan Tea ($2.50) featuring seasonal flavours like Apple and Maple.
While Olivia jumps behind the barista bar, a friendly gentleman eavesdropping on our conversation pipes in, "You know, this is the best coffee shop for miles. The neighbourhood is changing for the better with places like this around." 
And he's right. Olivia Peters is only 20 years-old, and she's already changing Birch Cliff with a steady flow of caffeine and ambitious dreams. Lining the walls with historic pictures of the neighbourhood dating back to the 1920s, Peters knows this area like a Toronto historian, and she's proud to make this coffee shop a part of its history.
Bringing gourmet coffee, upscale design and yummy pastries to the heart of Birch Cliff, there's an irresistible smell of good things in the air, all thanks to a woman who left school to run a business herself. It's nice to see a fresh young face making big changes in a community well-deserving of new opportunity. 
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Nota Bene is a fixture on Queen St. just west of University. Even as it has become progressively more casual over the years, the food remains some of the city's most refined. 
The menu from Chef David Lee (ex-
The incredibly attractive cinq a sept-styled offerings showcase eight small plates for $4 each between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. ($7 afterwards). 
Among the highlights are a crispy pork jowl sprinkled in maldon, salt cod fritters with a milk-based pimeton mayo, avocado topped with sweet BC prawns and a plate of addictive chicken fried mushrooms. 
The bar menu boasts one of Toronto's largest selections of gin and the classic G&T ($17) is the house specialty served with a DIY selection of garnishes including grapefruit, cucumber and hibiscus.
The drink list offers appropriately festive after work cocktails like the Oh My Darling ($15), a blend of vodka, aperol, St. Germaine and clementine juice. 
Moving on there's more small plates to try. Tendrils of grilled octopus ($12) presented with peppery arugula, capers and dusting of powdered pimenton is well worthwhile.
The Cookstown heirloom carrots ($16) is among the vegan options casually peppering the menu without distinction. Vegan or not, it's a delicious dish starring roasted, blistering carrots accompanied by a swoosh of dairy-free sunflower seed "sour cream" and a salad of kale and radish finished with crunchy fried channa dal and hemp seeds.
The St. Canut suckling pig ($32) is among the meatier entrees and there's lots to wax on about. The crackling skin and boudin noir sauce are lucious while gently braised Savoy cabbage, apple sauce and Kozlik's mustard add familiar and comforting components.
I'm especially enamoured with B.C halibut cheeks ($36, top photo), a dish composed of supple fish on a bed of lima bean mash with smoked shiitake mushrooms, tangy capers, zippy gremolata and sweet black garlic purée.
For dessert, there's a refined take on s'mores ($12) featuring a quenelle of chocolate ganache with fleur de sel as well as roasted marshmallow, milk ice cream, caramelized milk powder, Graham Cracker crumbs and tangy seabuckthorn.
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Soloway's Hot Dog Outlet has been located at 79 Richmond Street East for the past 18 years. You've probably walked by it numerous times without ever giving it a second glance.
That's why he looks forward to summertime and more specifically, baseball season. When I visit in February, he already has a printout of the Blue Jays' 2016 schedule on his desk.
Boris, who's originally from Russia, started selling hot dogs when his friend took over Soloway's about 20 years ago. The Toronto-based company dates back to 1927, but there's been some ownership turnover since then.
Boris used to work out of Kingston and later moved to Toronto in search of a bigger market. Now, he sells to hotdog vendors and food trucks. He also supplies 'dogs, sausages and hamburgers to charity picnics, City of Toronto events and various hockey arenas. 
Don't despair if you're not a restaurant owner or hot dog vendor; the 1,100 square-foot space is also open to the public, meaning anyone can waltz in and pick up all the supplies necessary for kick-ass summer barbecue. 
Boris keeps most of his products inside a walk-in freezer, but he gets a fresh delivery while I'm visiting. It includes a huge box filled with applewood smoked sausages that just got out of the smoker. They smell like baseball games and BBQs, and I wish it was summer already.
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Gloria is a go-lucky cafe near Roncesvalles and Dundas. The spot is named after 
"I don't want customers to leave empty handed or hungry," Sherry explains. 
Case in point: his larger-than-life Turkey and Havarti Sandwich ($7.50), which is the most satisfyingly pickle-perfect sandwich I've devoured since Thanksgiving. It's a beauty.
There's also free WiFi and plenty of seating for freelancers. One doesn't get the sense that there's any concern regarding the Starbucks competition across the way; Dundas West business owners and neighbourhood folks no doubt prefer local to corporate. 
Replacing Autumn Toronto, a multi-faceted art gallery, Sherry has redesigned the space with the help of leading designer Sarah Townson from Brick Row. Throw in a beautiful rustic logo from Julia Deakin and you have a gorgeous space that's quaint and charming. 
It's been a team effort to bring Gloria to life, and it's painfully adorable with its old-school record player (that still works) and glossy antique sewing table, now covered in sugar bowls and milk containers.
On the menu, Gloria's coffee is a sweet South American blend from 
If you're in the mood for tea, they've got 20 flavours from B.C.'s 
With weekly specials pairing coffee and baked treats like sandwiches, bagels, raw bars and brownies, there's no shortage of delicious pairings. 
Craving something hearty? Good news, Gloria serves fresh baked Montreal-style bagels from 
Catering to Roncesvalles wanderers, commuters and neighbourhood families, Gloria has a special touch that's full of good intentions and possibility. Suffice to say, this little coffee shop is impressively authentic and full of sweet surprises. 
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Tealish first opened near Trinity Bellwoods but has since settled into a location on Roncesvalles. Offering a dazzling selection of over 100 teas, the shop boasts a colossal collection of flavours to surprise even the shamans of tea drinking society. Tea isn't just a drink in Tealish; it's a religion around here.
Tea is flooding Roncesvalles with nearby David's Tea brewing up competition down the street. With so much to offer, it's no wonder the one other customer in the store, a woman on her way home from a yoga class, spent more than half-an-hour asking questions to the associate on duty.
Ensuring "the highest quality" tea flavour, Tealish offers aromatically potent combinations of nuts, fragrances, whole fruit pieces, flowers petals and ingredients like Jasmine Dragon Pearls that blossom while steeping. There's also plenty of brewing accessories to turn a tea party into a full-body ayahuasca ceremony. This tea store isn't joking around.
"We also sell Beehouse, a brand of ceramic teapots made in Japan. You can't find them anywhere else, and they're made for tea rituals," explains store manager Angel Riccio.
The cherry red 26oz mug is pricey at $54.95 next to other brewing accessories like stainless steel mesh infusers ($7.95), Matcha whisks ($22.95), and Urban Outfitters style cups ($10.95) and travel mugs ($39.95). 
On the menu, must-try teas ($3.41) include the Toasty Almond, a herbal dessert tea that smells like a vanilla cupcake with a pinch of cinnamon spice. Next up, there's the Electric Earl Grey, a gourmet black tea with double the bergamot. 
For those looking for a whole-leaf hangover cure, The Hangover Helper is an easy herbal blend that's fancier than water and soothing! 
Oh, and let's not forget about the iced teas ($3.94). Let your spirit free with Lavender Mint or feel weightless with Fairy Dust. I could keep on writing and tell you more flavours, but hopefully by now you get the point: there's a lot.
Blending ritual with high potency concoctions, Tealish is a sanctuary for anyone looking to spend 45 minutes searching for the "perfect" tea. Take off your jacket and get comfortable; it might take a while.
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Gyutaro is the place to go for Japanese rice bowls in the Annex. This cozy restaurant on Bloor with bright red walls, cute lanterns and tablets for ordering is like a scaled down izakaya - there's lots of fried fare like takoyaki and chicken along with a long list of noodle bowls and dessert.
I start with one of my favourites: okonomiyaki ($8.50). This Japanese potato pancake comes with loads of green onion and grilled squid meat. The generous drizzling of umami house sauce seals the deal nicely. 
Fans of deep-fried goodness should not miss the Mix Platter ($8.50). This collection of deep-fried appetizers is composed of juicy potstickers, waffle fries, and fried mushrooms and served with three different versions of Japanese mayo: regular, spicy, and wasabi.
Those trying to stay away from the deep fryer can opt for either the Lava Egg ($1.50), a soft poached egg immersed in sweet soy sauce, or the Pan-Fried Onigiri ($2.00), a traditional Japanese rice ball snack lightly fried in a buttered seasoning.
For the mains, ordering the eponymous Gyudon ($6.50) is a must. This is essentially a bowl containing marinated sukiyaki beef slices on a bed of Japanese rice, it's both simple and delicious.
The Fried Chicken Don ($6.50) is also a crowd favourite. The tender chicken comes served on rice along with a healthy dose of Japanese mayo.
Sides include a smallish portion of kimchi fries ($6.50). They come with curry sauce and a little bit of cheese. I think this dish would be even better with a touch less curry and more of that Japanese mayo.
Drinks-wise, the Green Tea Smoothie ($4.80) is a must-order and its creaminess gives Starbucks frappucinos a good run for its money. Not to be outdone, the Pina Colada is also equally satisfying and refreshing ($4.50).
For dessert there's Green Tea Cheesecake ($3.80) - the richness of which level sits comfortably between that of 
Gyutaro is open for lunch and dinner and the prices are student-friendly and won't make your wallet cry. 
Posted by Darren "DKLo" Susilo. When not writing for blogTO he can usually be found tweeting