Neighbourhood Cabbagetown, The Beach, East York, Leslieville, Greektown, Danforth Village, Riverdale, Riverside
east
Fall 2012 • Issue 13
C e l e b r at i n g l o c a l p e o p l e . P r o m o t i n g l o c a l b u s i n e s s .
Anil Khera
Well informed. Responsive. Working for you. “Thank you so much for all that you have done for us. I also think about how things unfolded in terms of our meeting and then finding this place and all of the work that has gone into making it happen and I am really touched. You’ve not just been an agent to us, but more importantly you have been a trusted advisor and a friend that has tried to direct us in our best interests. This has been invaluable and I cannot express to you how much it means.” “Thank you very, very much for the amazing work and support you have provided to us. I believe it was fate that our paths crossed when they did and I don’t think another agent could have helped us through this process the way you have. I am very grateful.” “Our housing needs were very specific and, as we searched Toronto for months together, it seemed like Anil became family. He was always interested, patient and positive - even when it seemed like we would not find anything that suited our needs. When Anil sent us the listing for what is now our new home, it was further proof that he had been listening very carefully to what we were saying.” Anil Khera has lived with his family in Toronto’s East-end since 1986. With more than 20 years of solid business and financial experience and an in-depth knowledge of the neighbourhood real estate market, Anil is well positioned to help buyers and sellers navigate the system and ultimately make a choice that will excite them for years to come.
“We are from out of province and this was our first time buying a commercial property. Anil went out of his way to give us the advice and service we needed to make our purchase a success.”
Anil has access to a network of professionals at all levels, including mortgage lenders, renovators, cleaners, home inspectors, stagers and movers. Whether you are selling your home, looking for your dream house, or buying/selling an investment/ commercial property, you can expect your real estate transaction to be professionally and personally managed with clear and concise communication every step of the way.
Anil Khera, a Realtor you can count on. An Agent you can trust.
Anil Khera, Sales Representative
Royal LePage West Realty Group, Brokerage 416-233-6276 (office) 416-805-8850 (direct) anil@royallepage.ca www.anilkhera.ca
Neighbourhood east
NEXT ISSUE: Winter 2012 Delivered to fine homes and targeted businesses in Cabbagetown, The Beach, East York, Leslieville, Greektown, Danforth Village, Riverdale, Riverside Reaching 44,000 readers and growing.
2
Neighbourhood People
Cindy Suter
Graphic Designer: Pamela Hickey
2 Scratching the surface with artist Cindy Suter 6 Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine at home in Riverdale
Neighbourhood Promoter: Carolyn Tripp
Local Homes and Gardens
Editor/Feature Writer: Tracey Coveart
9 Autumn in the garden 10 Kevin Karst, master craftsman: a new edge on design 14 Lashar Rugs 17 Growing your own is a sensory adventure
Printer: Ironstone Media Contributing Photographers: Igor Yu, Greg Barsoski, Mark Green and Arlene Hazzan Green, Miguel Mata Contributing Writers: Tracey Coveart, Mark Green and Arlene Hazzan Green, Greg Barsoski, Nathalie Prezeau, Mark Freeman
10
Kevin Karst
Food & Celebration in the Neighbourhood 18 The Commissary: It’s all about the taste we create 21 The Art of Giving Back: Lisa Shamai
Publisher: Greg Barsoski
Neighbourhood Living Magazine is now in its third exciting year. We have created over 90 campaigns for our clients with great success. For a free marketing analysis that will help you grow your business, call Greg Barsoski at 416-402-4283 or email b5@sympatico.ca.
ON OUR COVER: Fluffy from artist Cindy Suter
Local Fashion and Beauty
18
The Commissary
23 Ici Paris: Understanding the business of beauty 24 Studio Fresh 26 Delish 27 Incanto 28 Do Bamboo ... it’ good for you 29 Neighbourhood Source Guide
In the Neighbourhood 31 Mark Freeman: The cleaner the house the better the offer 32 NeighbourhoodWalking: Riverside ‘Up and Coming’ Stroll 35 Upcoming events 37 Riverside BIA
Want to read Neighbourhood Living online? Visit www.neighbourhoodliving.com All rights reserved info. No article or ad may be duplicated without the consent of the publisher. Neighbourhood Living makes no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to the qualification or accreditation of those whose opinions are expressed herein, or with the respect to the accuracy of completeness of information (medical or otherwise) provided to, or published in, this magazine. The views and opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of the publisher.
www.neighbourhoodliving.com |
Neighbourhood Living |
1
n
neighbourhood people
Scratching the surface with artist Cindy Suter Painter Cindy Suter is just as interested in surfaces as she is in what lies below them. And as a portrait artist, she is interested not so much in the faces she sees, but what those faces might be concealing. “It’s what is right beneath the surface that I find so fascinating,” she says. A former sculptor working in bronze and steel, Cindy rediscovered her love of painting in preparation for her move to Toronto from Arkansas three and a half years ago. She also changed mediums – she paints in acrylic now rather than oil – and subject matter. “I needed to work on a series that would help me transition to painting, so I decided to do portrait studies of individuals. I had never really done portraits before, so it was a total shift.” Cindy started modestly, painting portraits of friends and family. Then she got ambitious. “I decided to paint portraits of all 44 U.S. presidents. It took me a about two and a half years.” Those paintings are now the subject of a coffee table book on the history of portraiture that Cindy hopes will be ready for publication later this fall. A contemporary artist rather than a realist, some of her portraits are almost abstract, she says, while others look exactly like their subject. “I tell everyone who wants me to paint them: ‘You’ve seen my portraits and you know my approach. As long as you allow me the freedom to do your portrait the way it develops naturally, then I’m happy to do it.’ That’s my caveat. “Because once I put the initial sketch onto the canvas I have no idea what direction it will go in. It just seems to move or take on the form and direction it needs to. It’s almost as if someone else is directing my hand. Those who make the leap of faith are never disappointed with the result, a candid portrait that reveals much more than the photograph from which it was painted. “There’s an expression I’m looking for in each person – that instant when they are not posing; when they are not thinking about having their picture taken and are off somewhere else.” And there’s something else. “I paint my canvasses black. A lot of my paintings have an urban edge. I distress the surface and that allows the black to come through.” Cindy’s style is influenced by the graffiti art that so inspires her. “I really respond to graffiti – not just the images you see on a wall, but the paint that’s peeling beneath the surface and the bricks and the rust and everything that comes through and merges and mingles with the work. When I paint, I try to bring that same vision into my paintings. I like to scratch through the surface – peel back
“It’s what is right beneath the surface that I find so fascinating.” 2
|
Neighbourhood Living |
www.neighbourhoodliving.com
www.neighbourhoodliving.com |
Neighbourhood Living |
3
the layers – and allow the colours underneath to come through. “It’s a reflection of life. Beneath the image that we present to the world, there is a past that we keep hidden. And yet, all the layers that came before, all the weathering, occasionally break through. My portraits show not just who we have become, but what we were before.” Cindy has her own history. “In the beginning, if a painting wasn’t exactly what I wanted, I ripped it up and threw it away. I didn’t think my work stood up compared to the masters and other artists I respected. At 61, I’m comfortable with my own work and my own style. It’s different, and some people might not like it, but that doesn’t bother me anymore. Everyone looks at art with their own eyes and everyone sees something different.” Cindy also knows that she is continuously improving. “Each canvas presents a new challenge. If I’m not happy with the result, at least I learn from the process. And as long as I’m learning, I’m happy. “I have definitely evolved as a portrait artist. It’s fun to look at a series, like the presidents, and see how the portraits have changed over
needs to be replaced again this is not the final one
4
|
Neighbourhood Living |
www.neighbourhoodliving.com
time; how each painting incorporates something I learned painting the one before.” So what’s next? “I’ll probably do a series of people viewing art at galleries. At the Chagall exhibit at the AGO I sat back and watched people as they looked at the paintings. I liked their shapes and silhouettes. I’ve started working on that project and someone suggested I do the Canadian prime ministers.” Then there is the fingerprint series. “I’ve been collecting fingerprints for 15 years. I carry around a stamp pad and I get my friends and family to stamp their little fingerprints and sign their name. Some of my early bronze sculptures were based on my own fingerprints – my first self portraits! – and I know I’ll work in that direction again.” In the meantime, she draws her inspiration from the people around her. Not just the people who commission her to paint their portraits, but people on the street, on the subway, on the streetcar. “They are all in their own world, and they all have that expression I love. Who knows what they’re thinking about – it could be their shopping list – but they are totally self contained. I am fascinated with that look.” Cindy is also fascinated by the people in her own neighbourhood. The homeless in particular. “You never know their story. To me, that’s a fascinating thing about humanity. What are those layers and those things that make us who we are today? Doing portraits is my way of telling those stories.”
Previous page, Bird; Left, Adams, Massive, Viewing Chagall; Top, Cindy at work in her studio, Fabulous
Cindy Suter www.suterart.com | cindysuter@gmail.com | 647-351-6929 Current works can be viewed at Hangman Art Gallery, 756 Queen St. East
www.neighbourhoodliving.com |
Neighbourhood Living |
5
Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine
At home in Riverdale
“We think you should feel as well today as you did in your 20s.” Jonah Lusis and Du La are naturopathic doctors, business partners, and a husband and wife team with two young daughters. Their new Broadview Avenue clinic, the Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine – known to friends as TCNM – reflects their attitude and approach to caring for patients. It is modern, fresh and filled with light, yet still has the warmth and comfort of classic Riverdale architecture. TCNM provides health care, doula and massage therapies to patients of all ages and levels of health. The centre is dedicated to the idea that restoring and maintaining your good
6
|
Neighbourhood Living |
health is central to the successful enjoyment of your life. The entire team of naturopathic doctors, doulas and massage therapists has been educated, trained and certified in their specific roles, and then tested in real world clinical conditions. Jonah is very clear on the approach at TCNM. “Every service our patients receive here is tailored to their exact needs. Our goal is better health for our patients, and we will do everything we can to help them achieve the state of health and wellness they deserve.” Du (pronounced Yo) agrees. “Many people come to us with health issues that have had
www.neighbourhoodliving.com
a severe impact on the quality of their lives. Fortunately, we can almost always help. We believe that you should feel as good today as you did before your health changed. You should, and can, feel as good today as you did years ago.” The Centre provides care for a wide range of illnesses, and the website offers extensive information on conditions that affect people living a modern life. Naturopathic medicine is a comprehensive, holistic, individualized approach to improving health and treating illness. Drawing on knowledge substantiated by thousands of years of experience and incorporating modern scientific research, naturopathic doctors like Jonah and Du and associates Rachel Schwartzman, ND, and Shannon Kaupp, ND, use natural substances and treatments to support and stimulate the
The Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine is holding an
Open House on October 13, 2012 at its new location at 475 Broadview Avenue. You can receive a complimentary massage from a Registered Massage Therapist, sit in on valuable presentations by one of the centre’s four naturopathic doctors and meet the staff on an informal basis. There will even be free face painting for the kids! Saturday October 13, 10 am to 2 pm.
body’s ability to heal itself. Naturopathic doctors consider all aspects of a person’s life when diagnosing and developing a treatment plan, including physical, mental and emotional states. Prevention is a priority. “When disease is present,” says Rachel, “our focus is to address the underlying causes of illness. That approach supports a return to health rather than merely managing symptoms or attempting to replace a state of good health with medication.” A large part of TCNM’s work is in fertility, childbirth and post-partum care of mother and child. Du, Rachel and Shannon are all certified birth assistants or doulas, with close to 250 birth experiences between them – including seven of their own! Du describes the role of the doula as both coach and companion. “The doula is there
to help make the birth experience more comfortable and more joyful for mother and baby. We bring the physical, emotional and informational support that helps make pregnancy, labour, birth and post-partum a happier time.” A recent addition to the centre’s services is on-site Massage Therapy. RMTs Melissa Dunseith and Julie Walsh offer a wide range of techniques and massage styles, including acupressure, deep tissue massage, prenatal massage, Thai massage, Tuina, reflexology, Reiki and Swedish massage. Since 2003, the Toronto Centre for Naturopathic Medicine has been important to the health and well-being of hundreds of patients. Now, the recent move to Riverdale will make those services available to hundreds more.
TCNM Team from left to right: Du La, ND, Melissa Dunseith, RMT, Rachel Schwartzman, ND, Jonah Lusis, ND, Julie Walsh, RMT, Shannon Kaupp, ND, Erika Yerkie, Office Manager Top Photo: Reception area + Erika Bottom Photo: Treatment room
TCNM is located at 475 Broadview Avenue and the doctors, doulas and RMTs are now accepting new patients. Call 416.598.8898 to book a one-hour massage and save $20 until October 2012.
www.neighbourhoodliving.com |
Neighbourhood Living |
7
greentea d e s i g n 388 CARLAW AVE SUITE 200 416.462.1459
DAILY 10-6 SUNDAY 12-5 greenteadesign.com
Danforth Living “and loving it!”
This is an amazing urban neighbourhood that just gets better and better with every new restaurant, shop and resident! I’ve lived here since 1969 and know it’s about caring and involved people that makes it such a dynamic community. Every client I work with, every house I sell adds to my commitment to the Danforth area! Call me when you want an agent who cares about you and the community you choose to live in. I’ll give you the utmost in service, expertise and neighbourhood knowledge when helping you buy or sell.
de n i l e Z
RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage 724 Pape Avenue Toronto, ON M4K 3S7
8
|
Neighbourhood Living |
www.neighbourhoodliving.com
Zelinde Kaiser Sales Representative
Find out more at: www.zelinde.com Email me at: zelinde@zelinde.com Give me a call at: 416.462.1888
local homes + gardens
Autumn in the garden Paula Deresti Landscape Design www.pauladeresti.com
|
paula@pauladeresti.com
|
416-270-0534
n
Gardening in the fall is as important as tending your lawns and flower beds in spring and summer, but as the cooler weather sets in and the sky turns grey it’s hard to generate the same enthusiasm. Fortunately, this time of year can be a time of creativity and healthy activity. Plan your new garden from scratch, expand or create new beds, make changes to tired areas, build that arbour you’ve been thinking about, lay out a pattern of spring-blossoming bulbs, collect seeds for next year’s backyard crop or research a new heirloom variety for your vegetable garden. It is also an excellent time to seek out a landscape professional to help you with a garden makeover. Autumn is the perfect season to divide perennials, put in new plants for next year and fertilize with organic matter such as compost. While you are at the compost, why not turn in the contents of your breakable clay pots and any annuals that will not survive the winter. You should also prune herbaceous perennials to the ground, with the exception of attractive summer flowers and grasses which can provide seed for migrating and overwintering birds. Apply protective winter mulch, including fallen leaves, shredded bark or something more exotic like chocolate scented cocoa shells. Remember to water well, right until the garden freezes. Perennial planters too! Fall is the harbinger of horticultural society meetings. Find your local organization – the Toronto Botanical Garden or the Royal Botanical Garden – and become a member. Take part in the wide range of interesting courses, workshops and international guest lecturers on offer. Maybe you can plan a winter getaway that includes a garden tour. Whatever your landscaping needs and desires, don your wooly sweater and your Wellingtons and experience an active and fulfilling late season in your garden.
www.neighbourhoodliving.com |
Neighbourhood Living |
9
Kevin Karst, master craftsman: a new edge on design
10 2
| | Neighbourhood Neighbourhood Living| | http://neighbourhoodliving.dgtlpub.com www.neighbourhoodliving.com Living
“People want quality. They want to know their project is my only priority. I work on one job at a time, so they have my undivided attention, and I put a lot of emphasis on aftermarket service.”
When
Kevin Karst was a little boy growing up on a wheat farm in southern Saskatchewan, his father would give him a hammer and a dull saw to keep him busy while he worked. Little did the elder Karst know that his encouragement would arouse in his son a lifelong affinity for wood, and that Kevin’s only woodworking instruction – at the hands of a local 4-H leader – would inspire a master designer craftsman. “I was always building stuff,” says Kevin. “I started nailing wheels into primitive blocks of wood and I never stopped.” Kevin received his bachelor’s degree at the School of
Industrial Design at Carleton University and stayed for six years as a Wood Technologist while he did his graduate work in Canadian Studies. A combination of architecture, anthropology, northern and native studies, his focus was the history of woodworking. “I looked at how the Plains Cree used fire to manage the aspen forest, and spent a month on Haida Gwaii (the Queen Charlotte Islands) off the coast of British Columbia, researching Haida sustainable woodworking practices.” After 10 years in Ottawa, Kevin moved to Toronto, where he worked a series of “really interesting jobs”: as a detailer at | Neighbourhood Living www.neighbourhoodliving.com | Neighbourhood Living | | 11 http://neighbourhoodliving.dgtlpub.com 3
Craftwood Industries, one of Canada’s top millworking shops; at a small store fixture company that did high end store interiors in wood, metal and glass; at Knoll Inc., managing the custom product development department; as product manager for Irpinia Kitchens; as design manager at Ontario Store Fixtures; at Teknion, a Canadian owned furniture design company that was looking to expand into a wood furniture line; and at Aya Kitchens as director of manufacturing. It was then, in 2004, with his hard-earned pedigree in wood furniture design, that Kevin opened his own business. “I’d run my own custom cabinet shop in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, from ‘78 to ‘84, and always had a basement shop at home in Cabbagetown making custom furniture for my clients. The market was there. So I opened a small shop and built a business in custom kitchens, furniture, home office interiors and my own line of closets.” (He moved to his present space on Carlaw Avenue in 2011.) In 2006 Kevin cold-called Klaus Nienkamper, owner of one of Canada’s premier modern furniture design and manufacturing companies, to pitch some chichi office tables he had designed. Neinkamper agreed to meet and “loved the prototype immediately.” The tables won a bronze award at IIDEX/Neocon in Toronto the year they were released to the market. Kevin got as far as a royalty agreement with Umbra for a second prototype – his bentwood stacking stools – but “the world of unsolicited design is hard to penetrate.” The stools never reached the manufacturing stage, despite winning an award at a furniture exhibition sponsored by the Ottawa Association of Architects. These days, Kevin
specializes in custom cabinetry, targeting older housing stock in Toronto’s downtown core. “Those quirky, oddly shaped homes really beg for custom storage solutions.” As a journeyman cabinet maker, Kevin is a one-stop shop: from consultation, to sales, design, drawing and engineering, manufacturing and installation. “People want quality. They want to know their project is my
12 4
| | Neighbourhood Neighbourhood Living| | http://neighbourhoodliving.dgtlpub.com www.neighbourhoodliving.com Living
only priority. I work on one job at a time, so they have my undivided attention, and I put a lot of emphasis on aftermarket service.” What really sets Kevin apart from other cabinet makers, however, is his knowledge – and love – of wood, which he shares with his clients and students at Georgian College in Barrie, where he taught cabinetmaking. “When I talk to people about how trees grow
and what kind of growth processes lead to a certain look, they think about wood in a different way.” Kevin encourages his clients to visit the shop and see how things are done. “It’s a place of ideas. I want them to get a feel for what goes on here; for how cabinetry and furnishings are built. I explain my approach and how it adds value.” That’s a productive way of looking at design, he says: adding value to materials. “Down the road, I imagine some future cabinet maker going into my kitchens saying, ‘The fronts may not be what you want but we can use the same infrastructure. We don’t need to tear anything out.’ With my frameless cabinets, you can keep those boxes in place forever. They never have to go to landfill.” Design sustainability is critical to Kevin. “Make it smart and keep that product in service for as long as possible. That’s why I use only the best materials. I don’t want anything to fail.” And that’s what so intrigues Kevin about the Haida. “Their art resonates 2,500 years later; centuries on, their art forms still have relevance. People are looking for those qualities in their current lives. The Haida understood their materials because they knew them so well, a principle I embrace in my practice. Many errors and questionable judgement we see in design today are the result of a poor understanding of materials.” Which is why Kevin works with domestic hardwoods: walnut, cherry, maple, white oak. He opts for less conventional cuts that make familiar timbers look exotic. “Quarter cut walnut is very striking, curly cherry is impossibly beautiful and figured maple is stunning. I keep my eye on sustainability and I work with what I know.” The result is breathtaking: enduring wood furniture and cabinets that tell the story of a lifetime.
Kevin Karst Design Inc. www.kevinkarst.com 388 Carlaw Avenue, Unit W22 647-206-9002 • design@kevinkarst.com Check out Kevin’s work at www.houzz.com, a designer database of ideas.
| Neighbourhood Living www.neighbourhoodliving.com | Neighbourhood Living | | 13 http://neighbourhoodliving.dgtlpub.com 5
Our once in a lifetime sale was so popular, thank you, we have decided to continue it with our fall selection of new rugs from India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Hossein Rafat, Lashar Rugs 744 Danforth Ave. • 416-461-0888 • www.lasharrugs.com
Rug Cleaning and Repair Free pickup and delivery. We offer professional cleaning, stain removal, fringework, repair patchwork and more.
416-461-0888 14
|
Neighbourhood Living |
www.neighbourhoodliving.com
NEW!
KILIM: Assorted hand-woven all wool kilims
NEW!
GABBEH: Assorted hand-knotted all wool Gabbeh rugs
NEW!
CHOBI: Assorted hand-knotted all wool Chobi rugs
NEW!
PERSIAN TRIBAL: Assorted handknotted all wool Persian tribal rugs
NEW!
PERSIAN FINE: Assorted hand-knotted ACID WASH: Assorted hand-knotted all-wool acid wash patchwork rugs all-wool fine Persian classics www.neighbourhoodliving.com |
Neighbourhood Living |
15
MAY BE WORTH MORE THAN YOU THINK.
Schedule your free retirement review today.
Let’s set aside some time to review your retirement strategy.
It’s been said that we spend more time planning vacations
Call today.
than preparing for retirement. Schedule your complimentary retirement review to learn more about: ❚ How much you may need to retire ❚ How long your savings may last – including a look at how inflation can impact your retirement savings ❚ Diversification and how it may help your retirement efforts Nadine De Palma Financial Advisor .
2146-B Queen Street East Toronto, ON M4E 1E3 416-686-5470
www.edwardjones.com Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund
Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss.
16
|
Neighbourhood Living |
www.neighbourhoodliving.com
IRT-2735A-C JUN 2010
AN HOUR OF YOUR TIME
Growing your own is a sensory adventure Rippling through our city is a new movement that feeds our hunger for a more sustainable food system. Now taught in our schools and discussed at City Hall, Urban Agriculture is changing our vocabulary and shifting our perception of what it means to be an eater in the city. We shop at farmers’ markets, belong to CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture initiatives), raise chickens (albeit illegally) and grow our own fruits and vegetables in our back and front yards. This is a dream come true for many urbanites who have nurtured fantasies of a farmhouse in the country. Arlene Hazzan Green is one of those split personalities; with one foot in the dirt and one in high heels. That’s one reason she and husband Marc quit their day jobs in the film and television business, jumped on the Urban Ag bandwagon and created The Backyard Urban Farm Company. Their goal was to inspire people by helping them to grow their own food. And they wanted to justify spending all day in their garden! Not all city folk share their nostalgic desire for a simpler life, however. Many would sooner make dinner reservations than garden plans. Their own ‘reservations’ are legitimate. But because the Greens have made it their mission to spread the Urban Ag gospel to those not yet converted, they offer the following thoughts on how growing your own food can ignite your senses. TASTE: When you grow your own, you discover how food is supposed to taste. You realize there is more than one variety of a multitude of fruits and veggies. Your palate will learn the different flavours of lettuce, strawberries, cucumbers, peppers, beets, eggplant and more. You will never – ever – taste a better tomato than a juicy heirloom picked moments after it’s ripened on the vine. Fresh cut herbs will astound you. Homegrown garlic will transform you. SIGHT: A gorgeous garden is a wonder to behold, and a vegetable garden can have it all: a rainbow of vibrant fruits, blooming flowers that attract an amazing array of butterflies and birds, even water features and outdoor furniture to make your home one room larger. Tending a garden surrounded by such beauty feeds your soul and reminds you how reviving it is to be one with nature. SOUND: The sound of a garden is a special kind of heaven. A soft breeze through the trees, love songs between cardinals, the hum of a nearby bee, even the patter of a summer rain – all do a wonderful job of drowning out the neighbour’s air conditioner. Connecting with the rhythm of a garden soundscape brings peace to jangled city nerves. SMELL: What can be more intoxicating than a long, deep inhale of Genovese basil? To caress a mound of lavender is reminiscent of a spa. The aromas drifting from a backyard garden kitchen can fill a Saturday afternoon with the promise of an evening feast. TOUCH: A vegetable garden attracts living beings of all kinds. It’s so much more than the soft soil beneath your feet or the velvety texture of a young plant’s leaves. We touch others when we invite them into our gardens, feed them from our harvest or share with them our love and awe of growing. The joy of gardening is contagious. Which is why Arlene and Marc encourage others to join the growing urban agriculture movement and plant a veggie patch. “It’s a feast for the senses,” says Arlene, “and a great way to have the best of the country in the city.”
The Backyard Urban Farm Co. 647-290-2572 info@bufco.ca www.bufco.ca www.neighbourhoodliving.com |
Neighbourhood Living |
17
n
food + celebration
It’s about the taste we create Neighbourhood Living sat down with The Commissary’s Andrew Bridgman, managing partner and Helder Cadral, executive chef, to discuss what patrons can expect from this busy restaurant in Leslieville.
We love the people in area. They have been very supportive of us and they like what we are doing. We really appreciate their feedback and make every attempt to incorporate their suggestions into our business. They want to be part of our growth and we want to grow with them.
THE COMMISSARY 889 Queen St East 416 477 3393 | www.thecommissary.ca | follow us on Twitter @TheCommissaryTO 18
|
Neighbourhood Living |
www.neighbourhoodliving.com
We are known for our brunch - but have you tried our dinner? ANDREW: We became known for our brunch and the positive response from our clients has allowed us to expand our service. We want people to know we have added an excellent dinner menu with a wide variety of seasonal mains. HELDER: We offer classic cuisine with a modern edge. Our dishes are braised and marinated, cooked in a single pan and served with vegetables that are delivered fresh daily. Our menu changes regularly – we have a winter menu coming out in October – because we want people to come back and try new things all year round. Our creative team in the kitchen is always introducing new dishes as well as seasonal twists on old favourites. ANDREW: I have a passion for wine that I want to share with our clients, so I have developed a wine list that you won’t find at the LCBO. The Commissary will soon be hosting wine-pairing events, where we match wines with cheeses, oysters and prix fixe dinners. I am really excited about introducing wine flights, with four different glasses of wine from a single region.
ANDREW: We have great craft beers from the Amsterdam Brewery, as well as Boneshaker, an award-winning micro-brewed IPA that The Commissary is one of the few places to carry it. HELDER: Our 10-minute take-out lunches are very popular, and account for 25 per cent of our business. We also do a lot of group lunches. (It helps if you give us an hour’s notice.) And we have great desserts: three to four rotating specials, including our flourless chocolate torte and strawberry chocolate mousse. ANDREW: Readers should visit our website, thecommissary.ca, to register for our newsletter and get information on upcoming food celebrations, to see an example of an eight-course menu we created for a private party, and special events.
HELDER: The Commissary is neighbourhood-centric. We always buy local when it is cost-effective for our customers. We buy bacon products from Rowe Farms, bread from the Broadview Bakery on Queen, and sausage from Sausage Partners on Queen. We have partnered with Hooked for a number of specials and buy fish from Daily Seafood on Blake Street. We shop at the Leslieville Cheese Market and our fair-trade coffee, Café Feminism – grown by women – comes from Mountainview Coffee on Logan. www.neighbourhoodliving.com |
Neighbourhood Living |
19
Melanie’s Bistro L UNCH • B RUNCH • D INNER
Sunday Steak Dinner 3 course $30.00 1870 Danforth Avenue • 416-422-1870 www.melaniesbistro.ca
Come experience one of the city’s hidden $3.00 DRINK SPECIALS THURSDAY ANDgems SATURDAY & Leslieville’s hottest patio.
BookDJyour events,plus birthdays andlists private Resident Misterspecial Stylus spinning extensive drink get youparties. dancing - Saturday 5pm to 2am every Friday andMonday Saturday Nights. Mon-Sat: 5pm-2am 1173 STREET 1173 DUNDAS ST. EAST E.| CARLAW CARLAW&& DUNDAS |416.849.5331 416.849.5331
“Purveyors of fine Maritime foods”
1101 Victoria Park and St.Clair • 416-755-9960 20
|
Neighbourhood Living |
www.neighbourhoodliving.com
Neighbourhood Building ...
The Art of Giving Back At the heart of every great neighbourhood are great people. People living and working in the community who give back as much as they get. People who find a way to make a difference. Lisa Shamai is one of those people. Since 1989, Lisa Shamai Cuisiniere has been catering for corporate functions, weddings and private parties, offering the finest and freshest foods available in the GTA. A Danforth resident, Lisa believes that promoting nutrition and healthy living is her higher purpose and that giving back is part of being a good neighbour.
Philanthropy begins at home.
urite hamai’s favo S a is L f o w A fe it forward ways to pay
International Women’s Day For the last 11 years, I have been helping to purchase and prepare food for an International Women’s Day luncheon hosted by CAMH. More than 200 women enjoy wonderful food, music, dancing and entertainment and leave with a gift bag of goodies. It is the highlight of the year for so many women who need a little happiness in their lives and I am thrilled to be involved in such a wonderful community initiative. Weekend to End Women’s Cancers This September was my fourth year walking 60 km over two days with the ‘Rainbows’ and raising funds for the Campbell Institute at Princess Margaret Hospital. With each member of the team committed to raising $2,000 to walk each year, we have raised $70,000. It’s an exciting event, and all the Rainbows look forward to the thrill of the walk, the fun of the sleep-over in Downsview Park, the pride we feel at the finish line and the hope we are giving to women who are battling breast and gynaecological cancers. Eat to the Beat Willow is a support centre for women living with breast cancer. One of the ways the centre raises funds is a fantastic event called ‘Eat to the Beat,’ a gathering of 60 of the city’s finest female chefs. There is beer, wine, jazz and a silent auction, and guests are invited to sample all the delicious treats donated by the chefs in attendance. This year’s event is October 16 at Roy Thompson Hall. I’ll be there, and I hope to see lots of familiar faces! (www.eattothebeat.ca) Wellspring Thanks to a lifetime of cooking and a keen interest in nutrition, I’ve learned about cancerfighting foods and the importance of a healthy diet. For the past two years, I’ve been an instructor at Wellspring Cancer Support Centre, teaching healthy cooking to cancer patients. I love the Sunnybrook and Brampton locations, and I’m looking forward to working with the folks at the new Halton Hills facility. Toronto Social Services Contrary to popular opinion, it’s not just the wealthy who can afford to eat healthy. To spread the word, I partnered with Toronto East Social Services and a registered dietician to teach single parents in the ‘Investing in Families’ program how to avoid pre-packaged foods and seasonings and cook with natural, readily available ingredients. Over the 15-week course, participants receive practical cooking and shopping instruction, as well as their Food Handling Permit, Smart Serve Certification, and an introduction to the many services provided at the East End Community Health Centre. School Initiatives I’m very interested in teaching kids how to cook and have spent time at the schools my son Ethan has attended, teaching cooking classes and cooking for special occasions such as Earth Day and the Harvest Festival. In addition, my commercial kitchen has always been available to volunteers who want to make preserves and chutneys for school fundraisers, for food preparation for fun fairs ... and just for fun!
lisa
shamai
Riverdale Food Working Group As an active member of the RFWG, I have met all kinds of wonderful people, including David Kearney, who now works full time at Lisa Shamai Cuisiniere! David and I opened our commercial kitchen every Friday for two years to volunteers who used local produce to make pickles and preserves that were sold at the Withrow Farmers’ Market. The funds raised were used by the RFWG to bring in speakers, offer berry picking bus trips and buy ingredients for canning sessions.
cuisinère
My Own Support Network It would be impossible to run Lisa Shamai Cuisiniere and spread my philanthropical wings without the invaluable assistance of Mike and David in the office, Pat, Lucia, Jessy, Myna, May and Eva in the kitchen, and Mike J. out on the road. They carry on without me and free me up to pursue all the great volunteer work that I love! www.neighbourhoodliving.com |
Neighbourhood Living |
21
Everything your Kids need for their Special Place
MASELLIS SUPERMARKET
Family owned and operated, serving the community since 1959
Remember to order your Thanksgiving Turkey!
2086 Queen Street East, Toronto 416 698 9726 www.kidsathome.com
We sell Ontario home grown produce when in season. Selected organic & gluten free products.
906 Danforth Avenue • 416-465-7901 DELIVERY AVAILABLE
Shortbread for Every Season. Any Reason. open 7 days a week
639 Queen Street East • 416-461-4576 • www.marymacleod.ca
We Specialize in Giving the Sweetest Gifts 22
|
Neighbourhood Living |
www.neighbourhoodliving.com
fashion + beauty
n
Understanding the business of beauty You have been in the skin care business for almost 30 years. What is your secret to success? When Ici Paris opened in 1976, the City of Toronto – and this neighbourhood – were very different. European holistic traditions and professional skin care treatments were a novelty. Two key factors allowed us to win the confidence of our clients and build loyalty: expertise and customer service. Our business is very personal. Winning, and keeping, the trust of our clientele is one of our trade secrets. It involves passion, dedication and perpetual learning. Today, we boast three generations of women and men as clients. Beauty, health and radiance are influenced less by age and more by consistent care. What do your clients love most about Ici Paris? We combine the services of a skin care clinic with a spa. While many of our treatments are therapeutic – focusing on the resolution of skin problems and the maintenance of a healthy, youthful looking complexion – our spa menu features relaxing and luxuriant health care supplements. To us, it’s a natural fit. If there is one treatment that is synonymous with Ici Paris, however, it would be our facials. They are a customer favourite. What keeps you fresh? Constant innovation. This may seem contradictory, but we incorporate the most modern technologies into our holistic European treatments. Our non-invasive beauty therapies adhere to the holistic principles of nurturing body, mind and spirit. And our amazing and talented staff have almost 200 years of experience between them in the service of beauty. What is your clients’ biggest concern? Aging skin. But this is a very complex process and understanding it – following the newest breakthroughs in technology and products – is helping us to uncover the mysteries of the body’s largest organ. Acne and hyper-pigmentation (dark spots) are also top concerns, as well as the negative effects of stress and the environment on skin health.
What is your clinical approach to skin treatment? We start with a complimentary consultation. Clients come to us with their skin concerns and we develop an understanding of their overall health and skin condition. Then we create a customized treatment program and skin care regimen. We work closely as a team – and with our clients – in a way that is never stressful or demanding. We never lose sight of the fact that our clients come to Ici Paris to relax and rejuvenate. We would be delighted to welcome new clients for a complimentary consultation with our head esthetician, Mareena Ostrovsky, who has been a a skin care specialist and clinical aromatherapist for more than 30 years. For more information about our products and services - or simply about us - call us or visit our website at www.iciparis.ca, our blog at iciparis.squarespace.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
Ici Paris Skin Care Clinic and Spa 416 461 1774 370 Danforth Ave iciparis.ca
www.neighbourhoodliving.com |
Neighbourhood Living |
23
The Fall/Winter 2012 line is about playful layering. Some pieces are fitted; others drape softly, with an effortless flow. There is less focus on black this season and more on muted tones and rich hues. The look plays on both past and present, with attention to detail – texturing and/or tailoring for a style that is unique and body flattering. The result is a fun, individual piece that blends with your existing wardrobe but has a character all its own. The Studio Fresh line is created and designed by Connie Meyer. It is with great sadness that Connie has announced the temporary closing of her boutique, Studio Fresh, at 1025 Queen Street, due to a fire on August 20. The good news for fashion fans is that three west end Toronto stores will be carrying The Studio Fresh fall/winter line: Trap Door at 2993 Dundas Street West (647-827-6994; shoptrapdoor.com) and the Fresh Collective (freshcollective.com) at 401 Ronscesvalles (647-3527123) and 692 Queen Street West (416-594-1313). Make sure to check www.studiofresh.ca for announcements regarding Pop Up Sales, select viewings and Connie’s future plans.
The Studio Fresh fall/winter line is now available at:
24
|
Neighbourhood Living |
Trap Door at 2993 Dundas Street West • 647-827-6994 • shoptrapdoor.com Fresh Collective at 401 Ronscesvalles • 647-352-7123 and Fresh Collective at 692 Queen Street West • 416-594-1313 • freshcollective.com www.neighbourhoodliving.com Make sure to keep checking www.studiofresh.ca!
Looking for that special fragrance?
BeadWorks
ONLY
25
$
n Mentio od r ou ho Neighb get this to Living nt. discou
Pennywise Fragrances 1366 Danforth Avenue • 416.469.9604 (East of Greenwood Subway)
Create your own Accessories 2154 Queen St. East 416.693.0780 www.beadworksjo.com
‘Fall’ into a new you! Fall has arrived and, with so many beginnings and endings afoot, there are physical, mental and spiritual adjustments to be made. Vacation is over, the temperature is changing, the kids are back to school, businesses are gearing up for new projects, and you need to find some balance in your life. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stop, take a deep breath and take the opportunity to experience different modes of healing and stress relief. Rayne Spa on the Danforth is a quiet oasis in the heart of Toronto’s east end where you can relax mind, body and soul with a myriad of services that help to rejuvenate and renew. Try a facial, massage or one of Rayne’s specialized body treatments to get into the swing of the fall season. Registered Massage Therapists and experienced aestheticians are waiting to pamper you. There’s no better place than Rayne Spa for all your relaxation needs. Call to inquire about fall promotions, and get ready to celebrate the beauty of the season with a new you.
Call ahead to book an appointment for our ‘Trick or Treatment’ event on Sunday, October 28, from 12 to 5 pm, with proceeds to the Sick Kids Foundation.
416.405.9465 | www.raynespa.com www.neighbourhoodliving.com |
Neighbourhood Living |
25
Mention Neighbourhood Living to receive a gift with purchase DeLish by studio d
2116-G Queen Street E, Toronto
416.698.6784
Celebrating
one year
in The Beach! 26
|
Neighbourhood Living |
www.neighbourhoodliving.com
I N C A N T O on the Danforth
Unique and and elegant elegant clothing clothing and and accessories Unique accessories for for all all occasions occasionsfrom fromItaly, Italy,France Franceand andCanada. Canada.
275 Danforth Avenue (between Broadview andand Chester, south side) 275 Danforth Avenue (between Broadview Chester, south side) www.neighbourhoodliving.com | Neighbourhood Living | 27 Tel: (416) 778-5978 Tel: (416) 778 - 5978
Do Bamboo It’s Good For You ... and The Planet John Elias has always considered himself an environmentalist. Looking to start his own business in 2006, he stumbled across an article about the benefits of bamboo. “I wanted to get passionate and really believe in the products I was selling,” John recalls. “Bamboo is environmentally friendly and it brings comfort to people. It was a win/win opportunity.” He started selling online and at consumer shows, opening his first store on the Danforth in July 2009. “Do Bamboo is a very unique concept,” says John, who sells bamboo products exclusively, from bedding and bath towels to clothing and customized apparel. “There’s not another like it in Ontario. You can order bamboo products online, but I’m the only bricks and mortar retailer. People tell me they have found bamboo elsewhere, but they go back to get more and it’s gone. Nobody has the selection I have here. It’s all bamboo and it’s all under one roof.” Plus, John’s customers can shop with integrity. “I don’t know of many retailers that are pushing Canadianmade clothing. I source from local manufacturers or contract out to Toronto-based cut-and-sew facilities to make my own Do Bamboo brand label products. And I look for fair trade and sweat shop free merchandise.” And John’s prices are more than competitive. “I sell leggings for $40 and T-shirts from $22.50 – all made in Canada. My most expensive piece of clothing is a dress for $65.” As an added bonus, John can customize your apparel while you wait. He has 15 environmentally positive slogans that can be applied free to any shirt, and slogans like ‘I’m organic’ and ‘Will work for trees’ are extremely popular with the earth-aware customer. He can also ad your personal slogan or logo for an extra $10. Just bring in a jpeg file of your image or artwork. “Nothing feels as good as bamboo,” says John. “It is naturally breathable, boasts antibacterial qualities, wicks moisture away from the skin and helps to regulate body temperature. And because it washes and wears like cotton but feels like silk, you’ll never be satisfied with anything else once you’ve tried bamboo.”
28
|
Neighbourhood Living |
John Elias; Do Bamboo 764 Danforth Ave. 416-465-4800 www.dobamboo.com
www.neighbourhoodliving.com
I wanted to get passionate and really believe in the products I was selling. Bamboo is environmentally friendly and it brings comfort to people. Bamboo is good for you Ready for harvesting in just 10 years, bamboo is a grass that grows fast and regenerates naturally, without the use of pesticides. Hardy and versatile, bamboo doesn’t require irrigation or heavy tilling, which makes it a much better environmental choice than commercial cotton. According to statistics, cotton is heavily water dependent – accounting for 2.4 per cent of the world’s consumption – and at 1/3 of a pound of pesticide per cotton T-shirt, it has cornered 25 per cent of the global pesticide market. Next time you’re shopping for bedding, bath products and apparel, Do Bamboo. It’s good for you and the planet.
Neighbourhood Source Guide 1
7
www.ecobees.ca, 416-902-2669
320 Danforth, unit 4; 416-463-7690
EcoBEEs clEaning Cleaning service using only environmentally friendly cleaning solutions. Our quality checklist approach ensures customer satisfaction. Serving The Beach, Danforth, Leslieville & Riverdale. “Like us on facebook. com/ecobees to receive our special offer!”
2
JExy & Jax Unique Apparel Made in Canada. Jexy & Jax carries two of its own unique designed in house labels, and boasts a selection of lifestyle apparel appropriate for casual and formal wear. Our mens’ and ladies’ attire is source designed and manufactured in Canada.
375 Danforth Ave. 416-465-5557 www.jexyandjax.com
3
ParadE clothing BoutiquE Since 1975. “When you don’t think like everyone you don’t have to dress like everyone,” says Sonya. Danforth Avenue is an environment aware that supporting local business is integral to everyone’s creative survival.
Parade315@yahoo.ca; Paradeonthedanforth. blogspot.ca; 261 Danforth Ave. 416-461-8833
4
snoB Owner Denise Zidel returns from her monthly travels to a dozen African countries with authentic African furniture and accessories embellished with ostrich feathers, zebra skins and horns. Check it out online at www.snobstuff.com.
388 Carlaw Ave, #202F; 416-778-8778
5
tilt FitnEss Group training – great for friends, family or co-workers with common goals. Workout is drill-based, and class size is kept to a maximum of 8 participants -providing more personal attention. Contact us, and start your own group class today!
andrew@tiltfitness.net; www.tiltfitness.net; 416-561-1013
6
sPiros custom tailors Men’s & Women’s custom suits for 35 years. Hand measured, hand fitted, fully customized to the individual in any style that the customer prefers. Up to date on the latest fashion trends.
aroo Family business providing natural fashionable clothing products for the neighbourhood women. Support Toronto designers like May Aruj, Shwing & Animale. Personal services to help clients match their fashion flair. Carry many unusual products of quality and styling.
8
taBula rasa New & handpicked vintage clothing. Known as a trendy and affordable retail spot for all things vintage. Jewelery, shoes, local designers, Cuchara bracelets, Dolce Vita shoes.
745 Broadview, south of Danforth; 416-465-4450
9
EvErywhErE garmEnt co. Activewear, swimwear, and leisure clothes. Manufactured on location. 100% Canadian quality. Always new designs, can custom fit.
793 Broadview, north of Danforth; 416-466-6202
10
incanto Fashion clothes for women wanting to dress up. For women who see clothing as an investment and enjoy looking good. Good quality French and Italian produced clothes and many unique pieces. Also carry Canadian manufacturers. Cartise dresses, tops and pants.
275 Danforth Avenue; 416-778-5978
Forever pleasure “At the heart of my practice is the pleasure of working with a client to
Neighbourhood Living is your go-to magazine for all things local. That’s why we’re introducing our Neighbourhood Source Guide, where you’ll discover great businesses, shops and restaurants within minutes of your door. Some you may know, others are waiting to make your acquaintance. All help to make our neighbourhood a wonderful place to live, work and play. Want to introduce yourself to the neighbours? Call 416-402-4283 or email: b5@sympatico.ca to find out how!
design something that speaks to his or her style and esthetic.”
Grace and Angeline Jewelery Studio 256 Durie St. • 416-546-5150
335 Danforth Avenue; 416-466-6646
www.neighbourhoodliving.com |
Neighbourhood Living |
29
GROUPS & PRIVATES
OF
JOY OF
RE
CENTRE
CE
DANCE
ERS GE
& TEACHERS COLLEGE
E
E
JOY OF
JOY OF DANCE CENTRE
E
E
- 93
Ballet Ballroom For Bellydance Burlesque Ginga DANCE Hip Hop Jazz CENTRE Latin & TEACHERS Latin Cardio COLLEGE Lyrical Nia Salsa Zumba and more... s3 age
& TEACHERS COLLEGE 416-406-3262
www.joyofdance.ca 95 Danforth Ave @ Broadview
Singing with Heart & Soul Find your inner Diva
Why study voice? Strengthens health through deep breathing Improves the power and quality of the speaking voice Releases pent up emotions Gives pleasure to one’s self and friends
Susan Hirst 416.778.9074 suescape@hotmail.com
May-12 Neigh.Ad KYBB:Layout 1 24/05/12 1:50 PM Page 1
It’s our business to...KNOW YOUR BODY BEST
Heal!
E
your aches!
Sooth!
your senses!
E
Strengthen!
your body!
Yoga Products • Mats • Blocks • Foam Rollers • Cushions • Straps
E
Visit us...we have so much to offer you! 461 Carlaw Avenue (in the Riverdale Plaza)
(416) 367-3744 Mon.- Wed. 9-5pm
®
Thurs.- Fri. 9-6pm Saturday 10-5pm
Shop on-line 24/7 www.knowyourbodybest.com 30
|
Neighbourhood Living |
www.neighbourhoodliving.com
in the neighbourhood
n
The cleaner the house, the better the offer! People
are always asking me about my strategies for getting top dollar for a residential property in the city. I tell all my clients the same thing: ‘Ever hear of the Virgin Mary? Your house has to be like her. Immaculate.” Naturally, sellers in Toronto expect a large payoff for a welllocated single-family home. Here are some key property preparation strategies I use to help generate the sale price my clients want. First, have a Realtor® conduct an evaluation of the house/ property. Make a list of the best qualities as well as anything that is a potential obstacle for a buyer. The good will be marketed robustly, while the obstacles - as many as possible - should be dealt with prior to listing. This means: fix that cracked mirrored closet door in the master bedroom; re-paint anything that looks dull or worn; clean, de-clutter and deodorize the entire house, including the basement; replace the ugly, worn doorknob and tricky lock on the front door; upgrade the ancient electrical system; stage the house if it is vacant or cluttered. Second, be proactive with your home inspection. Hire an inspector and have your Realtor® make the inspection report available to interested buyers. This accomplishes two things: it indicates that you have nothing to hide; and it puts you in a
better position to receive a firm offer, rather than an offer that is conditional on a satisfactory inspection and one from which the buyer can easily walk. Third, set your price. If you are looking for a single offer, price your home/property slightly above market value. It you want to stimulate a bidding war, underprice it. In either case, by making your home easy to view and easy to love, it will sell for top dollar. Contact me for advice on selling this fall or to book a complimentary, no obligation, home evaluation.
Mark Freeman, Sales Representative office 416.466.2090 • direct 647.309.7439 www.torontovintagehomes.com mark@torontovintagehomes.com 1858 Queen St. E., Toronto M4L 1H1 www.neighbourhoodliving.com |
Neighbourhood Living |
31
NEIGHBOURHOODWalking Riverside Up & Coming Stroll by Nathalie Prezeau
Dark Horse Espresso Bar and Merchants of Green Coffee are reasons enough to visit this part of town. But so are Bonjour Brioche’s flaky croissants, Ambiance’s delicious (and affordable) chocolates, Mary Macleod’s Shortbread gourmet cookies, the vegan desserts, the pies, the cupcakes, the olives ... And then, there are the restaurants. Isn’t it convenient that the Don Trail, which runs along the river, is just down the bridge to help us burn off those calories?
1
2
32
|
Neighbourhood Living |
Merchants of Green Coffee [1] (2 Matilda Street) is one of the best kept secrets in Toronto. To get there, I like to park on quaint little Hamilton Street (arriving from Dundas Street, west of Broadview Avenue), then walk south and turn right on Kintyre Avenue, which becomes Matilda Street. The café is at the turn in the road, hidden beneath a canopy of green leaves in the summer. It’s as laid back as it gets (you can bring your own food since they just carry a few treats), with a cosy cottage feeling thanks to all the wood, the roaming cat, the old piano and the shelves loaded with books. And it’s now open seven days a week. After a great coffee break, I suggest you stroll the neighbourhood by heading east on Matilda. Cross Broadview Avenue and you’ll see the artisanal St. John’s Bakery on your right. Keep walking on Kintyre Avenue and turn right on Grant Street [2], to enjoy one of the prettiest streets in the area. Then turn left on Clark Street and right on Boulton Avenue. Lovely, isn’t it? The always excellent Bonjour Brioche Bakery Café is right at the corner of Boulton and Queen (open at 8 a.m., closed on Mondays). It’s very popular, so if there’s a line-up when you show up for breakfast or lunch, don’t fret. There’s another option just to the west: The Canadian Pie at 784 Queen East. In the vicinity of Bonjour Brioche, you’ll find vintage clothing at Common Sort, some funky clothes and shoes at Bergstrom, and Olive and Olives – a slick specialty store – all facing Phil’z, with its truly original furniture (792 Queen East). A bit further west is Hardware [3], another great furniture shop at 760 Queen East. Beyond, you’ll see a beautiful building that features the fancy clothes of Stephan Caras [4]. Next door is Desmond & Beatrice [5] cup cakes, and Ambiance Chocolat (753-A Queen East) is across the street. Wander into MacFAB Fabrics [6] – supplier of some of the most exquisite fabrics in the
www.neighbourhoodliving.com
world. Check out their catalogs for luxurious collections by Designers Guild. The sister store is MacFAB Home at 734 Queen East. These aren’t the only sisters on the block. The owner of the gastronomical Ruby Watch (offering only one table d’hôte per night) also operates Ruby Eats [7], a gorgeous fine food shop down the block at 742 Queen East). They face two vintage stores: Rogue Gallery and Studio Pazo [8]. 3
4
5
6
7
9
8
Empire sits across the street from the tiniest store I know in Toronto. The little building at 717½ Queen East is now clad in orange and occupied by Pulp Kitchen [9]. They’re back in the neighbourhood as a take-out only eatery. There’s so much more to discover: the messages engraved on the sidewalks at the Broadview intersection, the architectural details of Jilly’s (can you see the pirate’s face?) and the great Dark Horse Espresso Bar [10] with its communal table at 682 Queen East. There’s also a surprising backyard patio at F’ Coffee [11], which serves beer and grilled cheese sandwiches. For dessert, pop into Mary Macleod’s Shortbread at 639 Queen East. Cross the bridge for a great view over the Don River, and climb down the stairs [12] on the west side of the overpass (south side of Queen) to reach the Don Trail. Or, if you’re ready to call it a day, head north on Davis Avenue to get back to Matilda Street.
10
11
The brand new Joel Weeks Park, with its great climbing structure, fun splash pad and interesting concrete corridors for skateboarders, is already adding life to what used to be a sad little nook in the Riverside neighbourhood. Nathalie Prezeau has played the tourist in and around the city since she moved to Toronto from Montreal 20 years ago. This article is an adaptation of The Riverside Up & Coming Stroll, one of 28 walks described in the author’s new guide, Toronto Urban Strolls ... for girlfriends (1), which made the Globe’s bestsellers’ list this summer. She’s also the author of Toronto Fun Places ... for families, 5th edition and the blog Toronto Fun Places. Both guides are sold in major bookstores and from torontofunplaces.com. www.neighbourhoodliving.com |
12
Neighbourhood Living |
33
Cleaning service using only environmentally friendly cleaning solutions. Our quality checklist approach ensures customer satisfaction. Serving The Beach, Danforth, Leslieville & Riverdale. “Like us on facebook.com/ecobees to receive our special offer!”
www.ecobees.ca 416-902-2669
S&S Motors
The experts in service to fine European imports
Our mechanics are tuned into Audi, BMW, Mercedes & Volvo
WE ARE YOUR HONEST & RELIABLE DEALER ALTERNATIVE!
We boast a state-of-the-art facility, leading-edge diagnostic equipment, WARRANTY APPROVED scheduled maintenance and much more. Call us first. You’ll be glad that you did.
Open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm • 416.463.1774 • 645 Queen St. East 34
|
Neighbourhood Living |
www.neighbourhoodliving.com
UPCOMING EVENTS ■
September 29
WALK TO END CANINE CANCER at the off-leash area of Kew Beach and along Ashbridges Bay. Registration at 10:30 am. Training demonstrations, silent auction and prizes for top pledge earners. Funds go to Smiling Blue Skies (www.smilingblueskies.com) to benefit the OVC Guelph Pet Trust Fund. For information, visit www.facebook.com/EndCanineCancer THE GREAT LAWN SALE. 8 am to 2 pm. Cosburn United Church, 1108 Greenwood Avenue. ■
September 30
SUNDAY FUN DAY at Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 11, 9 Dawes Rd. 1-6 pm. Entertainment, prizes, and more. Call 416-699-1353 for information. ■
October 5
OPERATION SPRINGBOARD WALKATHON at Ashbridges Bay Park. Registration 8:30 am, walk at 9:30 am. Fundraiser for young adults living with developmental disabilities. For information and to register visit www.operationspringboard.on.ca ■
October 6
TORONTO CAT RESCUE ADOPT-A-THON at Wag on the Danforth, 1918 Danforth Avenue. 10 am to 4:30 pm. Lots of kittens and cats waiting for their forever families! Adoption fee is $175 for kittens ages six months and younger and $100 for all cats over the age of six months; $250 for a pair of kittens under 6 months. Cash only. Fee includes six weeks of free pet insurance. For information, call 416-5388592 or visit www.torontocatrescue.ca. ■
October 9
SARIKA SEGHAL, TRAVELLERS AND MAGICIANS. Opening reception October 11, 7-9 pm. On until October 28. For information, call the Artists’ Network at 416-4656-0302, visit 756 Queen Street East, or log on to www.artistsnetwork.ca. ■
October 13
OPEN HOUSE AT THE TORONTO CENTRE FOR NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE, 475 Broadview Avenue. 10 am to 2 pm. Complimentary massage or reflexology treatment from a registered massage therapist; presentations by one of the centre’s four naturopathic doctors; free face painting for the kids. For information, call 416-598-8898. ■
October 16
BRING AND BRAG, part of the Artists’ Network ‘Seminars on the Business of Art’ series. For information, call 416-4656-0302, visit 756 Queen Street East, or log on to www.artistsnetwork.ca. ■
October 17
DISCUSSION AND BOOK SIGNING WITH KEN GREENBERG, city planner and author of ‘Walking Home: The Life and Lessons of a City Builder.’ 6 pm
at the Riverdale Branch of the Toronto Public Library (370 Broadview Avenue). This Riverdale Community Arts and Letters Club event is free and open to all. For information, email susanp@pathcom.com or call the Riverdale Branch at 416-393-7720. ■
October 19, 20, 21
19TH ANNUAL BEACH STUDIO TOUR FALL 2012. Friday 6 to 9 pm, Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday 11 am to 6 pm. Visit the homes and studios of 25 artists and artisans. 25 chances to win. Each of the 13 locations will offer refreshments and a prize draw for a piece of work donated by each artist. Ceramics, jewelry, metal arts, mixed media, painting, photography, scultpture, textile, home decor. Visit www.beachstudiotour.ca for more information and a tour map. ■
October 20
TAKE A WALK ON THE RIVERSIDE. Six different walks with expert leaders: The Design Walk; The Culinary Walk; The Art Walk; The Historic Walk; The Dog Walk; and The Dance Walk. For information, call 416-466-8167 or visit www.riversidedistrictbia.com.
donation to Sick Kids Foundation and $25 towards products and services. Limited capacity – first come first served. Drop in or call the spa at 416-405-9465 to buy a ticket or visit www.raynespa.com. BASKET OF SERVICES, part of the Artists’ Network ‘Seminars on the Business of Art’ series. For information, call 416-4656-0302, visit 756 Queen Street East, or log on to www.artistsnetwork.ca. ■
LITTLE ART SHOW CLOSING GALA. For information, call the Artists’ Network at 416-4656-0302, visit 756 Queen Street East, or log on to www.artistsnetwork.ca. TORONTO EAST ROTARY CLUB’S 3RD ANNUAL ARTS AND CRAFTS SALE. 10 am to 5 pm at Eastminster United Church, 310 Danforth Avenue. Artisans will be selling their creations. Refreshments, a draw, live music and face painting. Proceeds to community projects, including the Out of the Cold Program at Eastminster. Admission is free. For information, visit www.torontoeastrotary.com or call 416-463-3834.
24TH ANNUAL ST. BARNABAS ART SHOW, Riverdale Art 2012. 10:30 am to 5 pm at St. Barnabas Church, 361 Danforth Avenue. Featuring the work of more than 20 local artists, including paintings in watercolour, oil and acrylic and photography.
■
OKA FUN RUN. 8 am to 12 pm at the Balmy Beach Club. A 5 K run for people with varying physical abilities hosted by the Ontario Kinesiology Association. Proceeds to the Canadian Diabetes Association. For information and to register, visit: www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=8420
■
■
October 25
MY BOY JACK, presented by the East Side Players until November 10. A Drama by David Haig, directed by Julian Mulock. The year is 1913 and war with Germany is imminent. Rudyard Kipling’s determination to send his myopic son to war triggers a bitter family conflict. For tickets, call 416-425-0917 or visit www.eastsideplayers.ca/about/ contact.html ■
October 27
HALLOWEEN FUN IN RIVERSIDE. Start with a haunted house at the Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre and pumpkin giveaway at Nell + Natasha Brokerage. Finale is a kiddie costume treat march up and down Queen East. For information, call 416-466-8167 or visit www.riversidedistrictbia.com. ■
October 28
TRICK OR TREATMENT event from 12-5 pm with the expert aestheticians at Rayne Spa (257 Danforth Avenue). Raffles, door prizes, silent auctions, pumpkin spice lattes and delectable organic treats; plus all-day mini services. Tickets $30, includes a $5
November 17
November 20
ACCOUNTING FOR ARTISTS, part of the Artists’ Network ‘Seminars on the Business of Art’ series. For information, call 416-4656-0302, visit 756 Queen Street East, or log on to www.artistsnetwork.ca.
November 21
RIVERSIDE BIA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. 6:30 pm. For information, call 416-466-8167 or visit www.riversidedistrictbia.com. PRESENTATION AND BOOK SIGNING WITH MARK OSBALDESTON, author of ‘Unbuilt Toronto.’ Mark will introduce his new book, ‘Unbuilt Toronto 2’ at 6 pm at the Riverdale Branch of the Toronto Public Library (370 Broadview Ave). Event is free and open to all. For information, call the Riverdale Branch at 416-393-7720 or email susanp@pathcom.com. ■
November 29
LIGHT UP THE RIVERSIDE AND LATE NIGHT SHOPPING. Annual Riverside tree lighting ceremony. Stores will be open late, carollers will be carolling and hot chocolate and treats will be served in the Gardens at Mustard Seed in the FontBonne Gardens (791 Queen East at Degrassi). For information, call 416-466-8167 or visit www.riversidedistrictbia.com. ■
December 12
POTLUCK PARTY WITH THE RIVERDALE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 7 pm at the Frankland Community School, 816 Logan Avenue. This Riverdale Community Arts and Letters Club event is free and open to all. For information, call the Riverdale Branch at 416-393-7720 or email susanp@pathcom.com.
www.neighbourhoodliving.com |
Neighbourhood Living |
35
Riverside is ‘Toronto’s authentic urban neighbourhood,’ where you will find an eclectic and affordable mix of design and fashion shops, specialty food and retail stores, galleries, parks, historic buildings and more. Come feel the excitement on October 20 at the Fourth Annual ‘Take a Walk on the Riverside.’ Sign up for any - or all! - of six different free walks with expert leaders: The Design Walk (learn tricks of the trade and visit behind the scenes); The Culinary Walk (tantalize your taste buds with Riverside’s top chefs, sommeliers, bakers and chocolate makers); The Art Walk (visit Riverside shops and local businesses transformed into galleries to display the works of prominent Toronto artists); The Historic Walk (explore Riverside’s unique architecture and history); The Dog Walk
(romp through pet friendly businesses and parks); and The Dance Walk, which will pop up randomly throughout the afternoon. You may even bump into a celebrity on your stroll! With our inviting streetscape and unique combination of trendy and historic buildings, Riverside is a coveted location for television and film productions. We recently caught a glimpse of Daniel Radcliffe, who was in the neighbourhood shooting an upcoming Hollywood pic! And Riverside is home to Degrassi Street – set of the iconic TV show. To help us celebrate our unique neighbourhood, the community has initiated a Riverside Flag contest. Create a flag that depicts everything that makes Riverside great! Designs must be submitted, online at www.Riverside-TO.com, by October 15. The community will vote on a short list of entries
between October 27 and November 15. The Winning flag will be announced on November 29, at ‘Light Up the Riverside,’ our annual tree lighting ceremony. Stores will be opened late and there will be carollers, hot chocolate and treats in the park at Mustard Seed, in the FontBonne Gardens (791 Queen Street East at Degrassi).
Mark your calendar for a little ‘Halloween Fun in Riverside’ on Saturday, October 27. Start with a haunted house at the Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre and a pumpkin giveaway at Nell & Natasha Homeward Brokerage and finish the day with a Kiddie Costume Treat March up and down Queen Street East.
For details on all our great community events visit www.Riverside-TO.com or facebook.com/RiversideDistrict, and don’t forget the Riverside BIA’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, November 21, at 6:30 pm. Call 416-466-8167 for details or visit online. This fall, explore Riverside and discover our authentic urban neighbourhood for yourself.
Having an affair? Let us cater it!
If there’s an event on your horizon, let Lisa Shamai Cuisiniere render every detail a piece of cake. Intimate gatherings, galas, weddings, corporate splashes – we deliver dishes from around the world with delicious homemade taste and professional flair. Invite us to your next affair and we’ll bring more than two decades of expertise to the table.
416-406-1101 lisas@lisaskitchen.com www.lisaskitchen.com 36
|
Neighbourhood Living |
www.neighbourhoodliving.com
lisa
shamai
cuisinère
www.neighbourhoodliving.com |
Neighbourhood Living |
37
38
|
Neighbourhood Living |
www.neighbourhoodliving.com