Listed in Fashion Stores
Simons is finally open in Ontario. While it's slated to make its way to Yorkdale and Scarborough Town Centre in a couple of years, the new outpost is located inside the Square One mall (near Entrance 8, to be exact). I was a tiny kid and I bought one of my first-ever adult-sized clothing items (it was a rad black-and-grey hoodie) from Simons while on a family trip to Montreal - I remember because it was a big deal at the time. Now, I don't need to cross the border to shop, instead, I can visit the sprawling 110,000 square-foot Mississauga space.
Yet, it doesn't feel like your typical big-box fashion emporium, probably because it's bright, airy and filled with natural light - a rarity for department-like stores.
Women's clothing and accessories take up most of the first floor (don't be confused: it's on Square One's second level). Much of the merchandise comes from Simons' various private labels, including Twik, Icône, Contemporaine and Miiyu (lingerie) for women and Djab and Le 31 for men. 
Mixed in with these, you can find well-known brands ranging from Nike, Vans and Adidas all the way up to Balmain, Moschino and Play by Comme des Garçons. In one section, I spot a cute pair of Icône jeans ($68) alongside demin from J Brand, Mavi and Paige. Basically, the store makes it easy to mix high and low pieces together.
As I browse through the first floor, I'm particularly impressed with the selection, especially in terms of swimwear and lingerie. Many of the private label bikini tops and bottoms are about $25, though some are a little more expensive.In the Miiyu lingerie area, I spot brands like Mink Pink, Calvin Klein and La Perla. Though, if you don't want to shell out $170 for a lacy La Perla bra, you can grab one from Miiyu for $25.
Simons doesn't carry many shoes, though there's a sizeable bag collection with items from Phillip Lim, Ted Baker and Matt & Nat as well as casual backpacks from Fjällräven and Herschel. 
The small jewelry collection is filled with affordable statement necklaces, earrings and bracelets as well as slightly more expensive items from lines like Mary Kate and Ashley Olson's Elizabeth and James. 
Homeware is also on the first floor. There's everything from decorative pillows to oven mitts, bathroom accessories and bedding.
Like H&M Home, this section has friendly price-points, and seasonal pieces.
After circling the first floor, I head up the escalator to browse through the menswear. A sculpture by Canadian artist Brendan Lee Satish Tang greets me at the top.
It's sitting nearby a slew of suits, many of which are under the Le 31 brand. While these items are reasonably priced, they're not far from the curated Edito designer section, which features statement pieces by Astrid Anderson, Acne and Alexander McQueen, among many others. 
Though, there are plenty of more casual items from the Djag and Le 31 brands. I find crewneck sweaters for $34 and knit cardigans for $69.99.
And if (like me) you're feeling overwhelmed, you can stop by the second-floor Ève Café. It's not open when I visit, but I notice it offers espresso beverages as well as bistro fare, like salads and sandwiches. 
Clothing aside, Simons has been expanding across Canada over the past few years. The 175-year-old Canadian company is still family owned; brothers Peter and Richard Simons currently run the business.
And they're now joining a number of well-known retailers as they enter the GTA market - like Saks 5th Avenue and Nordstrom, for instance. Yet, Simons' focus on both affordable and designer items might just set it apart.
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Allwyn's Bakery may not look like much from the outside, but this takeout spot, found in an unassuming North York-area strip plaza, doles out delicious and budget-friendly meals.
Patricia Li tells me her father-in-law C.K. Chung started the place along with a Jamaican chef almost 20 years ago. "He taught us how to start up this business," say Li. Allwyn's makes its jerk sauce from scratch and bakes up its own beef patties and coco bread at an off-site facility in Scarborough.
Perhaps that's why Allwyn's has developed such a local following - their old location was near a few high schools, so that helped too. Li says her father-in-law still sees customers who started dropping by when they were teenagers. "He's literally seen a lot of people grow up."
I try a jerk chicken sandwich on coco bread ($4.60) with creamy coleslaw and also snag a bite of my friend's beef patty sandwich, which comes stuffed with jerk chicken and coleslaw.
We also share a large serving of oxtail with rice and peas ($11.50). It's a hearty and savoury dish that I can't stop picking at.
Li serves up a half pound of jerk-flavoured chicken wings ($5.90) fresh from the oven - they're our dessert. They come out piping hot and with crispy skin despite never seeing the inside of a deep fryer.
We eat at the lone table in the centre of the restaurant, which is dotted with large printouts from the restaurant's stellar online reviews.
A steady stream of customers pop in for takeout and Li and her staff seem to be on a first name basis with many of them. They just can't get enough of Allwyn's Bakery's jerk chicken.
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
The Real McCoy is a Scarborough institution that's been cranking out burgers, fries and pizza for the past 48 years.
Owner George Mihail tells me his late father Elias, a beloved neighbourhood figure, started The Real McCoy in 1969. It's been in the family - and in the same spot - ever since.
Over the years, the restaurant's received numerous accolades, including best burger in Toronto from the now-defunct MOJO Radio (AM 640). Mihail won with his banquet burger - he's since renamed it The MOJO Burger, a title he actually trademarked.
The 8-ounce MOJO ($7.99) comes piled with American cheese and bacon. I ask Mihail to top mine with ketchup, mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomatoes and lots of pickles. When I try to order a Diet Coke with it, Mihail laughs until I request a root beer instead. 
That neighbourly service greets each customer who walks through the door. And Mihail and his team seem to know everyone. A group of construction workers come in for burgers and a pair on a daddy-daughter date stop by for poutine and pizza.
And don't expect an authentic thin-crust Neapolitan pie here, either. The Real McCoy serves up enormous slices ($3.49 each) - they're the satisfyingly greasy type, which are now rather hard to find in the city.
Onion rings ($3.59/$4.75) are also jumbo-sized. They come out on a paper plate, piping hot and golden brown after a dip in the deep fryer.
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
The Saks OFF 5TH Vaughan Mills location is the discount offshoot of 
All the clothing is first organized by category and then by designer, making it easy for label junkies to find their drug of choice. 
The shoe section is absolutely obnoxious, boasting rows upon rows of marked down footwear by brands like Puma, Cole Haan, French Connection, Lanvin and Saint Laurent. My favourites were a pair of Isabel Marant Étoile sneakers ($599, comparable to $850) and Frye chukka boots ($289, comparable to $418). 
As for accessories, there are bags, watches, sunglasses, jewelry, wallets, hats and more organized in their own little sections. Pre-owned vintage designer accessories - like a stunning, cream-coloured Prada tote ($895) - are encased in glass.
Photos courtesy of Saks OFF 5TH.
C'est What is a brewpub that's been a fixture in the St. Lawrence Market area for three decades. Found in the cellar of a historic building, the pub is split into two equally cozy and dimly lit taprooms that are filled with fireplaces, billiards tables and plenty of seating.
C'est What even produces seven of its own beers contracted out to local breweries such as County Durham and Granite Brewery. Signature recipes include the Homegrown Hemp Ale, Mother Pucker's Ginger Wheat, and Steve's Dreaded Chocolate Orange, to name just a few. 
In the kitchen, chefs Randy Wink and Carlos Briseno Fera put out an eclectic lineup of comfort fare. Inspiration spans the globe ranging from goat roti and falafel to Moroccan stew and butter chicken.
When it comes to classic pub grub, the Shepherd's pie ($16) represents well. The hearty casserole comprising minced lamb and vegetables is baked with the house coffee porter and topped with creamy, garlicky potato mash, Welsh cheddar, and deeply caramelized onions.
The lamb burger ($15) is another top seller featuring ground Ontario spring lamb. The patty boasts a nice exterior sear while the centre is deliciously rosy. It's sandwiched in teardrop naan with Emmental cheese, tzatziki, lettuce and cucumber, and served with a generous pile of sweet potato chips that prove a welcome alternative to fries. 
An order of braised beef ribs ($18) is impressively huge. The meaty hunks of meat are painted in a coffee porter BBQ sauce and accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes (or fries by request) and slaw.
When I ask what's changed in the years since opening, I'm told not much; they take debit now, but really that's it. Craft beer and scratch-made fare are the unwavering focus.
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Livestock on Roncesvalles is probably the fanciest location yet of the sneaker shop. It's much larger than its 
The entrance is warm and welcoming, keeping the building's original wooden floors and exposed brick walls. The rest of the lengthy room is cold and clinical (in a cool way, obviously), strewn with concrete and stark white. 
Of course, the sneakers are the main attraction, decorating almost every wall in all their hype-worthy glory. Adidas x Raf Simons Stan Smiths in pink ($440), Nike Huaraches in black and blue ($145) and Puma Blaze of Glorys in marble white ($180) are just some of the unique offerings.
Unlike other sneaker shops that throw in a few graphic tees and call it a day, this Livestock in particular carries a killer selection of men's clothing. Brands like Reigning Champ, Arcteryx, FUCT and Garbstore are on their roster, presenting garments much sharper than the average sweatsuit. 
The women's section, although tiny, had me gawking. I saw a pair of Adidas Tubular x Primknits in grey ($210) and Reebok Instapump Fury Gallerys in all white ($180) that I never knew I needed.
The very back of the store is a lower-level pit, used as a pop-up (or pop-down?) space. When I recently visited, it was home to 
Made in Canada using premium fabrics, the label offers fairly priced clothing like DWR-coated tech-fleece pants ($110), a waterproof mac jacket ($295) and everyday slub tees ($55). 
Everything about Livestock's Roncesvalles location screams swanky contemporary boutique from the decor to the product, making it a destination for sneakerheads and menswear fanatics alike.
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Time Capsule Cafe is a board game cafe on the East Danforth just east of Woodbine.
Settlers of Catan, Cards Against Humanity, Ticket to Ride, Life, Cranium and Jenga are some of the more popular games on the shelves, with Operation, Mouse Trap, Candy Land and Hungry Hungry Hippos to bring it back to your childhood. 
Pricing is more than fair. It's only a $6 entry fee for unlimited access to all of the games (yes, including pool, foosball, ping pong, video games and pinball). There's also a small but mighty menu, and the place is licensed so you can order beer, liquor or bubble tea if that's more your mood. 
While we're setting up Settlers of Catan, we start with a banana milkshake ($5), pint of Stella ($7), nachos ($14), and thai chicken bites ($10) to accompany our board game playing. I feel as though I've reverted back to childhood, with Operation starting at me from the box (we're saving that one for last) and the milkshake of my dreams right in front of me. 
The Thai chicken bites come in a generous size, with peeled cucumber and fries on the side. 
The nachos are standard pub fare, but they're perfectly smothered with all the fixings: cheese, green olives, red pepper, ground beef, and a generous portion of sour cream and salsa. Top it off with a pint, and it's a great accompaniment to an afternoon of game playing. 
The space also hosts 
If you're visiting Time Capsule, don't shy away from asking what any of the games are about, as the owners are experts on all things gaming - and love sharing their passion.
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Mermaid Fish & Grill House surprised me when I walked through the front door. I wasn't sure what to expect, but a counter filled with fresh fish and seafood greeted me along with owner Hesham Abdelrehim. 
But, he wanted to serve seafood. Abdelrehim, who's originally from Alexandria, Egypt, developed a passion for fishing before he moved to Canada. Now he gets to share that passion at his Scarborough-area, Mediterranean-style restaurant.
Much of Mermaid's fish and seafood is imported, however; Abdelrehim tell me he sources his white bass and trout from Ontario. 
I try a butterflied filet of sea bass barbecued Singari-style. It comes flavoured with cumin, lemon and garlic as well as red and yellow peppers and onions. 
Each piece of fish comes served with rice and salad. This makes for a rather hearty and still somewhat healthy meal - at least if you choose from the barbecued or baked options. 
But, along with grilling up pieces of fresh fish, Mermaid also serves English-style fish and chips. For a slight twist on this classic dish, each massive piece ($6.99 for basa, all the way up to $15.99 for haddock) has a layer of golden brown breading that's flecked with herbs. 
Calamari and shrimp also visit the deep fryer at Mermaid. And Abdelrehim's calamari are my favourite part of the meal - the breading is light and the squid rings are huge and tender; they're not rubbery or chewy at all. 
If you're not a fan of seafood, you can still eat at Mermaid. Abdelrehim has a few Halal meat options on his menu, including a chicken plate ($11.99) and beef kofta ($10.99). But, at this small Scarborough spot, fish really is the star.
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Carver is a compact glass and concrete, standing room-only take-out restaurant that's devoted to serving up slow roasted meats. 
The menu is concise. It centres around porchetta and chicken served in sandwiches or loaded on top of herb crushed potatoes, which come drenched in jus and finished with crackling.
The chicken sandwich ($8.49) on focaccia starts with grain fed, free-run poultry sourced from Kunan Farms, which is two hours away from Toronto. The team at Carver brines the chicken overnight and marinates it in smoked paprika, cayenne and herbs and before roasting it. It's then torn to bits and layered with fresh basil, tomato chutney and tangy charred lemon aioli.
When pressed between focaccia in sandwich form ($7.99), the porchetta comes dressed with a sweet apricot mostarda, pickled red onions and a crackling crumble. It is indeed a very good sandwich.
If you want it over a baked potato, you can ordered the Sunday Plate ($14.49), a mess of soft, almost gnocchi-like potato finished with sour cream and scallions and accompanied by a side of kale salad tossed with quinoa, chickpeas, carrots and brussel sprouts in a smoked avocado dressing.
There's no deep fryer on site, but if you're craving a dirty indulgence, the loaded baked potato ($6.49) will fit the bill. It's smothered in nacho cheese, sour cream, green onions and bacon.
While the meat spends hours in the oven, each order is designed to be assembled in about three minutes. Even still, lineups should be expected during peak hours; calling ahead is advised.
Photos by 
BeaverTails has been serving up their famous dough pastries since 1978 and to get them from the source you're going to want to go to Pier 6 on the waterfront. If the tall, red building doesn't grab your attention, the sweet smell of pastries will.
A classic BeaverTail is the Killaloe Sunrise topped with cinnamon, sugar and lemon. The tart lemon compliments the sweetness of the pastry well. 
In total there are nine different variations of BeaverTails ($5.09-$6.42) on the menu. The most popular might be the cinnamon and sugar, banana chocolate and Triple Trip, which consists of chocolate, hazelnut spread, peanut butter and Reese's Pieces. 
If you have a sweet tooth, the Triple Trip is deadly. You can't really go wrong with chocolate and peanut butter together, and even though it's almost too sweet, it's a perfect pastry to share.
To drink I recommend the raspberry peach smoothie ($6.42). The smoothies here are all made with fresh fruit and frozen yogurt, but if you're dairy-free you're in luck. The frozen yogurt can be replaced with a fresh orange juice or lemonade base and they'll double up on the fresh fruit so you don't lose the quality or quantity. 
Sadly, this location doesn't offer Beaver dogs, but they do have poutine that looks legit. For $7.30 you get a generous portion of fries, gravy and cheese curds. It's worth the calories. You can also grab plain fries for $4.87.
Also available are the Moozoo brands of frozen yogurt ($3.32) and sundaes ($4.87) and gelato (made on-site starting at $4.42). Flavours are always changing, but expect classics like lemon and strawberry and some more decadent ones like red velvet and tiramisu. 
Beaver bites (BeaverTails in ball form) can be ordered with gelato ($6.42) or frozen yogurt ($5.53). There's also a range of soft drinks and coffee-based drinks. This location is open year-round and has extended hours in the summer months.
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Samosa Sweet Factory, unsurprisingly, specializes in serving up vegetarian samosas as well as a variety of Indian desserts. But this Etobicoke mainstay doesn't only cater to locals at its small retail store; it also sells its multi-coloured sweets - under the Apna Taste brand - at grocery stores both in the GTA and abroad. 
Eventually, Harpal moved into his current west end location. He started with a single unit, but steadily expanded. Today, he and his brother Harminder Sandhu run the business; they're now in the process of taking over the entire building at 1850 Albion Rd.
When I arrive around 11 a.m., the place is slowly filling up. Customers head towards the hot table to pick up inexpensive lunch items. 
There's lots to choose from including samosa chat ($2.99), channa masala ($3.99) and palak paneer ($4). Others pop in to pick up boxes of piping hot samosas. 
The rest of the retail space is filled with trays of brightly coloured desserts. Param tells me everything is made on site using a standard set of recipes. 
His father, he explains, was inspired by an unlikely source: McDonald's. After eating under the golden arches in Germany, he realized the fast food chains taste the same regardless of where you are in the world. Samosa Sweet Factory tries to give customers a consistent experience too. 
"You come in today, you come in tomorrow, you come in three years later, what you got that day, is the same thing you'll get later on," says Param of his father's philosophy.
I try a few of the sweets, including the milk cake ($4 per pound), rasgulla ($4.50 per pound), gulab jamun ($4.50 per pound), pink sandwich ($5 per pound) and chandar kala gujia ($8 per pound).
Each one is fresh and delicious; it's easy to see why Samosa Sweet Factory does crowd control and makes you take a number when your walk through the door.
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Xawaash is a Somali restaurant in Rexdale. It's also a popular food blog, and one husband-and-wife team run both. 
Their fans encouraged them to open up a bricks-and-mortar restaurant and so the two moved from Kitchener to Toronto in order to get started. In March 2015, they opened their doors and Abdullahi says they've been busy ever since. And it's easy to see why.
Xawaash features affordable lunch specials ($4.99 to $5.99) as well as platters piled high with meat, vegetables, rice or fries - like the shawarma platter ($10.49).
A stand-out menu item is the muufo platter ($13.99). Abdullahi tells me muufo is a traditional Somali bread. I eat it with savoury beef suqaar (beef sautéed with a myriad of vegetables), mbogga - a delicious medley of spinach, carrots, potatoes and tomatoes - and salad. 
I also can't stop picking at the chicken kofta platter, largely because it comes with two skewers made up of spiced ground meat. 
Also on the menu is a chicken kebab platter ($11.99) with an assortment of dips, including mutabbal (or babaganoush) with fragrant pomegranate syrup.
Beef samosas ($1 each) come on a plate with sweet fried bread called mahamri (two for $1) - Abdullahi recommends eating both together.
Thanks to its location on the east coast of Africa, Somali cuisine, Abdullahi explains, fuses flavours from a variety places, including from India and the Arabian Peninsula. Somalia's past as a former Italian colony is also evident in its food.
With Xawaash, Abdullahi says he and Leila wanted to recreate the restaurants and espresso bars they remembered from Mogadishu. 
Fittingly, I end my meal with pasty cream-filled graffe ($1.49) and a rich caramel latte ($2.99).
"We don't have any secret recipes," Abdullahi says. "If any customers come and ask us, 'how do you make this?' We direct them to the food blog. But they still prefer to come and eat here."
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Switzer's Airport Deli brings a distinct retro vibe to an industrial park situated right by Pearson International Airport.
The space features wood panelling, red vinyl booths and an array of kitschy, nostalgia-inducing decorations, which is fitting considering the restaurant's been in the same spot for the past 38 years.
"We moved up here because we had a lot of restaurants in the GTA and we needed a kitchen commissary and this provided us with a restaurant and a kitchen," notes Charise Beck, who runs the deli along with her father. He joined the business back in the mid-1950s. 
"Most of the time, we won't know people's names, but we know what they eat," says Charise - she's been working at the deli since she was 17. "When people come in," she continues, "I'll go, 'here comes two lean corned beef, one on rye and one with mustard.'"
And it's easy to see how Switzer's has garnered a slew of regulars. They come in for classic deli dishes, like a made-in-house beef knish slathered with dark brown gravy ($5.50).
Homemade soup is also available if you're looking for a comforting appetizer. When I visit, the soup of the day is beet borsht ($5.75 for a bowl). Along with its sweet and savoury broth, it comes filled with a myriad of vegetables. 
And being a Jewish deli, Switzer's also serves up matzo ball soup ($5.75). 
Sandwiches, however, are the star here. Charise and her team pile various types of smoked meat atop rye bread ($8.25 to $10.75), kaisers and onion rolls ($1 extra) from 
The Reuben is particularly tasty. Layers of hot corned beef, melted Swiss cheese and sauerkraut and come piled on slices of grilled rye bread along with fries, made-in-house coleslaw and one sour dill pickle ($15.75).
A triple-decker club sandwich ($15.75) - with turkey, bacon, lettuce and tomatoes - also looks like it'd make a hearty and filling meal. 
If you're looking to satisfy your deli cravings in Mississauga, you'll have to head to Switzer's between Monday and Friday - Switzer's isn't open on weekends.
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Charmaine Sweets Studio immediately catches my eye from the outside, a standalone rectangular box with its name written in huge letters across the building. Found at the corner of an intersection in 
Inside, it's bright and welcoming, with a casual yet elegant feel, and the wafting scent of butter-laden pastries in the oven is pure heaven. Robin egg blue paint covers the walls, and the space boasts one communal table, which is also used for hands-on, 
Owner and matriarch Teresa Ho has collaborated with two of her daughters and their partners here, and even her husband and sister made contributions (he's a real estate agent and found her the building while her sister, an artist, designed the menu boards).
Baking started out as a hobby for Teresa, but making cakes and cookies for her kids eventually grew into her starting up a baked goods business in 1985 from the basement of her home. She also became interested in teaching and passing her knowledge onto others, using baking classes to bring women together and bond.
Her business is named after her eldest daughter, who, funnily enough, ended up becoming interested in baking as well - specifically in bread and pastry. 
Charmaine previously worked at 
All the treats are baked in house from scratch every day, with premium ingredients. The focus is on European-style pastries and desserts while also experimenting with some Asian twists like matcha green tea shortbread ($1.50) and mini chicken pies ($3 each) similar to the ones found at Chinese bakeries.
Signature cookies ($1.50 each, $10/½-pound, $18/lb) developed and made by Teresa include chewy chocolate gingerbreads, mocha hazelnut crescents and lime meltaways, and can be packaged into boxes or tins ($10-$30) as gifts for special occasions and, along with specialty cakes (from $35), can be ordered ahead of time 
Other offerings include small fruit pies (starting at $6.50 each), whose flavours and fillings, like the Charmaine's lovely macarons ($2 each), tend to change up. There are pecan tartlets ($2.25) as well as sticky, gooey, just-sweet-enough butter tarts ($2.50) that use Sterling butter. They're so good my friend comments, "I could live in there. Make it my own home."
I feel the same way about the almond croissants ($2.75); the flaky, buttery exterior gives way to the soft and light interior containing a dangerously addictive vanilla-y almond paste. I wouldn't mind living in this. Regular ($2.15) and chocolate ($2.25) croissants, along with soft and eggy beignets ($2 each) are some of Charmaine and Dustin's other specialties. 
During our visit, I notice a lot of walk-ins from curious passers-by who've noticed this new addition to the area. "We're happy to be in this neighbourhood," says Teresa, who lives up by Bayview Village. "We feel welcomed here."
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Federick is one of the pioneers of Indian-style (Hakka) Chinese cuisine in Toronto. Found 
Inside, the space is large, welcoming and modern. 
The Combo Pakoras ($11.50) are a good place to start. The order comes with three varieties: chicken, shrimp, and vegetable, the latter of which is the big winner. The flavours of potato, broccoli, and carrots really shine through the thick fried chickpea batter.
The best-seller here is the Chili Chicken ($8.99) and it's easy to see why. Lightly spicy without being overwhelming, the meat is tender with bold flavours. Make sure to order the all-dark meat version for maximum juiciness.
The Kan Shue Green Beans ($7.50) are a bit of a mixed bag. Fragrant and well-seasoned, they're sort of like si ji dou (Four Seasons Beans), a popular dish in many conventional Chinese restaurants. Federick's version seems missing a certain depth of flavour - probably because it doesn't come with pork (understandable since the restaurant is Halal.)
The Manchurian Mixed Chow Mein ($8.75) is a gargantuan carb-heavy feast that's rich in both colours and flavours. The noodles are served al dente, a nice contrast from the softer ones you get at most Chinese establishments, while the beef and shrimp complement the dish nicely.
Another absolute must-order is the wonderfully named Federick's Delicious Garlic Shrimp ($12.75). It arrives in a sizzling hot plate with succulent jumbo shrimps coated in a slightly sweet and garlicky sauce.
For dessert, there's Deep Fried Pineapple with Vanilla Ice Cream ($4) - an interesting take on the commonly-found deep fried banana. This decadent dish features a wonderfully substantial batter, which offsets the rather tart pineapple.
Posted by Darren "DKLo" Susilo. When not writing for blogTO he can usually be found tweeting 
The Siista'r is a womenswear boutique on Queen Street, right across from Trinity Bellwoods Park. To be frank, the decor and displays are a smidge underwhelming; run-of-the-mill garment racks line every stark white wall and the only hint of personality comes from a few potted plants on a shelf.
New clothing and accessories hit the shelves weekly, which (kind of) justifies the formless function of its interior design. It gets the job done, I guess.
As I sifted through the dozens of clothes, I was surprised to find many a label I hadn't heard of, but fell in love with immediately. Everything's sourced from all over the world, curated to suit the stock's neutral tones and wearable prints. 
In short, The Siista'r is for young ladies with a subtly cool, comfortable style. Because I'm in a sweatsuit 99% of the time, I ogled at the assortment of super soft shirts, oversized basics and relaxed-fit jeans. 
A beige shirtdress by 
Aside from casual wear, there's a generous helping of cocktail dresses with a bit of quirk. A striped, neoprene mini dress by Do+Be ($145) would've been mine if I had somewhere to wear it. 
As for accessories, the minimal jewelry is aplenty, but I was too distracted by the bold, beaded clutches ($138) and the fur pom pom keychains ($38) to peruse it. 
Overall, I'm pleased to have set that first foot in the space; though the physical store isn't very stimulating, its contents are right up my alley.
Photos by Jesse Milns.
Page One is a cafe and cocktail bar with a choosy selection of craft beers, cocktails and coffee. Behind the scenes, owners and partners Firas Arafat and Jennifer Reynolds were eager to open a hybrid coffee shop catering to academics looking for a moody atmosphere, reliable WiFi and a menu that rewards overstaying. 
"Ryerson faculty love it here," says Reynolds. That must be a good sign, but I bet you the students come to as well.
Replacing the former Sears warehouse, Page One is located in The Merchandise Building on Mutual Street, a loft converted warehouse dating back to 1910. Firas shows me the before-and-after on 
Behind the bar, Page One prides itself with staff who are beyond capable. I order a latte ($4.10) which arrives equipped with a flying swan, emerging from a sunset. No surprise here, Barista Anskar Shin regularly competes in competitions. No big deal.
Serving coffee from 
Then there's Nino Shaoshvili, the mixologist and cocktail specialist. On top of a classic menu with a Mojito ($13), Dark and Stormy ($13) and an Old Fashioned ($14), she hands me an ice cold cocktail - they call it, Catching Fire ($12), a cool mix made with crushed ice, gin, soda water, cinnamon syrup and topped with a lime that's literally on fire. 
It's as if they thought of everything. There's even a bountiful selection of organic snacks from 
From Almond Thai Chickpea salad ($7.99), Spicy Goat Cheese & Roasted Yam ($9.99) and smaller treats like Ginger Cookies, Zucchini Walnut Muffins ($5), customers won't leave without eating something.
Typewriters, plug outlets, jazz vibes, wheelchair accessibility, organic stuff, local craft beer, tasty cocktails, comfortable seating and coffee with flying swans. Yup, Page One thought of everything. 
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Spokehaus is a high-intensity, low-impact full body workout located at Cityplace modeled after 
I'm not a spinner. I hate spinning. So, in the first five minutes of starting the session (sessions are only 45 minutes), I kept thinking, "how am I going to get through this?" This is the usual sentiment for newcomers, says owner Christine Tessaro.
But that sentiment quickly disappeared as the music started blasting and I was instantly absorbed in the workout. The trainers make the workout fun and they know their stuff. I didn't even want to sit on my seat - not that I could have. Be prepared to be mostly out of your seat for the session.
Spokehaus has eight instructors, including Tessaro, with a variety of backgrounds from traditional spin to big box gyms. Each trainer brings an element of individualized choreography, but within the same overall template of a Spokehaus workout.
The facilities are beautiful. There's only one spinning room which is located behind the reception desk. By the end of the 45-minutes of a blissful session, expect the room to be steamy, your hands wet from the sweat and your face flushed. 
The change and locker rooms are bright and clean, and equipped with Malin+Goetz toiletries. The studio is also equipped with 
Spokehaus offers early morning workouts starting at 7 a.m. with convenient after-work times at 5:30 until 7:30 pm. Weekends offer three morning classes at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., which may increase to afternoon workouts depending on the need. 
The online booking system is extremely easy. You have your online profile, you reserve your bike, and you're good to go. The best part? The wet eucalyptus-infused towels at the end when it's necessary to drape it over your head and let the towel cool you down - if you're not flushed, you've missed a beat.
Photos by Jesse Milns.