Trust Me, Try This

Your East TO Summer To-Do List

By Aleks Jassem

Photo: Scarlet O’Neill

Aleks Jassem is one half of The Rebel Mama, a multimedia platform that is rebranding motherhood for a new generation. This includes a parenting blog, podcast, The Rebel Mama Hotline, two best-selling books, The Handbook for (Cool) Moms and Get Your $hit Together, and a community spanning Canada and the United States. Since we've been cooped up with our families for so long, we thought this savvy Leslievillian would be the perfect guide for where to go when you're at your wit's end with what to do with your kids. (Or when you need to escape them.)

SOUK TABULE

For the perfect family-style lunch

“Souk Tabule, little sister of Tabule, is a Middle Eastern cafeteria and one of my favourite places to eat with the kids. Or better yet, take the food to go and have a picnic at Corktown Common. I recommend the shakshuka and the Lebanese coffee.”

→ Souk Tabule, 494 Front St E

ED’S REAL SCOOP

MERCURY ESPRESSO

To keep you caffeinated enough to keep up

“Mercury Espresso is still the coolest place to grab an iced Americano. You feel like a regular in no time — and you never know who you’ll see. This is, after all, the spot where Drake filmed his Jungle video!” → Mercury Espresso, 915 Queen St E

THE BROADVIEW HOTEL

For a vacation vibe without leaving the city

“Hands down, the Broadview Hotel rooftop offers, the most instagrammable westward view of the city and never fails to transport me back to weekend vacations in New York pre-kids. With its solid snack and cocktail list, it’s the perfect place to catch up with friends.” → The Broadview Hotel, 915 Queen St E

A treat for the whole family

“Did you know that Mercury Espresso’s signature coffee is used to make Ed’s Real Scoop’s espresso gelato? So if the kids — or I — have had a rough week, this is our go-to pick-me-up. I also make sure to have pints on hand, so we don’t get stuck in weekend line-ups!” → Ed’s Real Scoop, 920 Queen St E, 2224 Queen St E

SPACCIO

For an escape while grocery shopping

“Spaccio in Corktown is Terroni’s East Side cousin and a great spot to shop for fresh pasta, prepared foods, and Italian delicacies. Shopping the Spaccio kitchen is like stepping into the Italian countryside vacation of your dreams.”

→ Spaccio, 22 Sackville St

To refresh your home

“Black Rooster’s Nina Ber-Donkor has kept Leslieville homes stylish AF since she first opened her doors in 2012. Through lockdown, I’ve learned that your space needs to be a sanctuary. Adding unique pieces, like intoxicating candles and unique hand-picked furniture and decor, help to elevate your space to the next level. Even if you don’t buy anything, browsing around Black Rooster is a treat in itself!”

→ Black Rooster, 1075 Queen St E

LESLIEVILLE PUMPS CORKTOWN COMMON BLACK ROOSTER

For a top-notch picnic basket

“Leslieville Pumps gained notoriety for their breakfast and BBQ sandwiches (like their Brisket Sammy with fried pickles on the side) and the kinds of nostalgic convenience goods that will take you back to eating Pop Rocks behind the portables in 1992. The Pumps is our family's go-to to fill our picnic basket for the perfect park day.” → Leslieville Pumps, 913 Queen St E

For a park day with (or without) the kids

“Corktown Common is a newer park at the base of Lower River Street that pleases the whole family. Its contemporary play structures and splash pad sit on top of a hill for a great view of the city skyline while the kids play. Older kids are just a few steps away from the hoops and skateboard ramps at Underpass Park. And parents are mere minutes from the Distillery District, where you can head for a leisurely patio lunch and shopping.” → Corktown Common, 155 Bayview Ave

For small (or large) indulgences

“Stocked with cool west coast labels curated by OG fashion retailer Aziz Alam, Good Neighbour has a real chic L.A. vibe. (For those of us old enough to remember, Aziz owned Jet Rag on Queen West back in the day.) Good Neighbour offers the best all-around shopping in Leslieville, by far – even if it’s just to pick up Compartes chocolates or rose gummies for a lucky friend.”

→ Good Neighbour, 935 Queen St E

GOOD NEIGHBOUR

For an intimate date night

“With its dark and sexy atmosphere, you can see why Comrade is a neighbourhood fave for date night. A word to the wise: avoid the weekends so you can find a quiet corner for the ultimate privacy. My husband and I love coming here to reconnect over a martini and talk about something other than online school.”

→ The Comrade, 758 Queen St E

For a kid-free dance party

“Boasting delicious late-night eats, Poor Romeo is a tiny neighbourhood bar with the best and rarest tunes, thanks to music aficionado and main man behind the bar, Adam Graham. This late-night escape is the ultimate spot for drinks and dancing with my friends. You say you won't dance, but I guarantee you always will!” → Poor Romeo, 1029 Gerrard St E

QUEEN BOOKS

For a quiet moment

“Venturing into Queen Books is like being transported into a dream world curated carefully by owners, Alex Snider and Liz Burns. Wandering amongst the stacks of books and tables laden with exciting new reads is, for me, the definition of self-care time. (You can pick up one of our Rebel Mama handbooks here, too!).” → Queen Books, 914 Queen St E

Follow Aleks and Nikita at therebelmama.com