Freshly opened this past spring, the multi-level communal workspace offers more than a desk and a chair. It’s a well thought out environment that not only addresses the daily operation needs but has design in mind. I was explaining to a few people this week that if I was to create my own office, this place pretty much hit everything on my wish list for what I would want when it comes to overall design and the individual workspaces, boardroom and communal areas. Location on the quaint tree-lined street is home to several creative production houses and studios (looks like Youtube is building something across the street).

There are different levels of memberships starting at $250 per month to suit a variety of small business needs. “Hot Desk” membership is perfect for someone like me who can just drop in when needed and takes away the stress of looking for another “coffice”, know what I mean? I’m constantly looking for a coffee shop with wi-fi and then go searching for the electrical outlet while I nurse 3 coffees and a muffin to justify my stay. A “Dedicated Desk” membership is ideal for someone who has a need to know they have the exact same space each time they visit and start up businesses can also have space to help them through their growth stage, with a little more privacy.  It offers a reception area that, like other shared work spaces, will help with couriers and other essentials. The space is fully equipped with Wi-Fi access, boardrooms, and a kitchen that is complete with coffee machines and a loaded fridge — the days I used the space I discovered Yerba Mate, Pluck tea, and a several brands of beer.

I would think that working along side people who are in a similar headspace would also have potential to build a network within and bring back a sense of community. Open concept lounge spaces stimulates conversations and is something I often hear entrepreneurs say they are craving when they work from home. I admit that I’m the type of person who gets distracted easily but I was surprised at how easy it was for me to take a break, chat a bit with others in the space, and then transition back and focus on my work.

DESIGN: The modern yet soothing and minimal look is very much Scandinavian influenced. I’m not talking Ikea but more upscale. Owners Logan and Ed mentioned that through their travels they were inspired by the country’s natural environment as well as the lifestyle of trying to achieve a work/life balance. With an interior designer, they worked with the space to maintain the much loved exposed wooden beams and exposed bricks to also include components of soothing wood furniture and understated colours. Many of the design elements were brought back from their travels.

WORKSPACES: What I had noticed about the workspaces is that they can cater to many different work styles. We had an interesting discussion about how people have their preferences. Some people like to be in an open space while others may prefer a quieter location. Some people like a desk, while others may like a couch. I like to be nearby a wall or in a corner nook and Verkspace keeps all that in mind. There are private spaces that can fit your squad with the ability to lock up belongings and come and go as you please. Speaking of, members have access 24/7 and safety cameras and entry points are secured. Aside from aesthetics, neat features include Herman Miller work chairs that not only look sleek and stylish but are ergonomically designed. Individual work areas also have lockable filing cabinets and dedicated desk lamps for personal lighting preferences. There are currently 40 individual workstations planned out in the 9000 square-foot space. But the space is also adaptable for growth and needs of the people who use it. They’ve already acquired the top floor of the building that has epic windows and natural light. Once that’s ready, current members will have first dibs to that space.

SOUND:  When you work in a communal “workhús”, as they like to refer it, probably one of the first concerns is sound. When I was was there, there was a lounge-like playlist faintly running in the background. It’s not a library setting but any chatting seems to just fade as background noise. If you’ve worked in a coffee shop, you would already be accustomed to voices and most people tend to tune it out anyway. I had a meeting and noticed that others had headphones on or were too focused on their own personal work to pay any attention anyway. But there are opportunities to book boardroom spaces when more privacy is needed.

MEMBERS: I was really curious as to how one becomes a member here. They tell me that each person is interviewed as well to see if it’s mutually a right fit for the space. Once you’re part of the community, there is a sense of trust and understanding — you treat it as if it was your own place of business. Aside from just a place to lay your laptop, they’ve already started discussions with local businesses to offer members perks.

Verkspace is located at 32 Britain Street. It is easily accessible by TTC and there is a small parking lot next to the building. Several food options are nearby as well as being able to use things like UberEats and FEAST delivery services.

Visit their website for more info.

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You’re a busy person but that’s no excuse to take care of yourself, right? From head-to-toe our city is full of fast and speedy services from wax bars to nail salons and our gyms are just around the corner from the office these days. Now say hello to Toronto’s first facial bar! Blitz Facial Bar (from the owners of the successful Body Blitz Spa) has opened up two shiny locations to cater to our busy lifestyles and we took notice!

I had recently returned from soaking up the sun on vacation and felt I needed a good facial when I had returned to the city. After all, the sun, surf and sand wreak havoc on my skin. However, I knew timing would be a challenge as I transitioned back into the reality of life. As much as I would love to spend several hours in a serene spa, I knew I couldn’t fit that in right now. A facial at my usual spa meant taking more time and the desire to linger in a lounge where I could peacefully nosh on some goodies and sip some zen tea while catching up on the latest tabloid trash. There’s a time and a place for that.

I had a couple of meetings downtown and knew that Blitz Facial Bar locations were accessible (Leslieville and Trinity-Bellwood). I wanted to give it a try so I checked myself in. By the way, walk-ins are also welcomed. They’ve had a steady business since they’ve opened in May this year and it’s no surprise since they already have a loyal following with their Body Blitz Spas.

When you walk in to the Blitz Facial Bar space you’ll notice that there are open-air facial stations for the treatments so you can get right to your service without having to change into a robe. The most popular service is the Express Facial #BlitzandGlow ($48) — a half-hour service that is ideal for ongoing maintenance. This facial takes care of all the essentials including cleanse, exfoliation, toning, serum massage on face, arms and neck area. There are other signature express facials (and yes, they do extractions) and the qualified esthetician can help you figure out what your personal skincare needs are. If you have discolouration and want to smooth skin out evenly you’ll be happy to know that they also do microdermabrasion. My esthetician  told me that the products they use are created by the Blitz owners and exclusive to them. I was pleased to hear this as I’ve enjoyed their body products (hello, Mint Lime Body Lotion & Wash). The skin care products are made with natural ingredients sourced in Canada.

My aesthetician noticed that my skin was pretty dehydrated and had recommended a Vitamin C Boost which I agreed whole-heartedly and glad I did. Even a few days after my facial I’ve noticed a difference in texture. Other “Booster Shots” sounded pretty awesome but I didn’t need them this time around. A few other examples; A Skin Renewal Boost is a penetrating mask and rescue serum to help calm rosacea and sensitive skin; Plump It Up offers plumping without filler and uses a deep moisturizing mask and plumping serum; Cold Plunge is a cold jade stone massage that instantly calms redness and close pores.  There’s even a beard oil treatment for the guys. Boosts are add-ons to your facial ($10 each).

The service was great and ideal for us who want a high quality facial but don’t have the time to linger. Staff were friendly, knowledgeable and didn’t rush. Sounds funny right?  I’m happy to find this spot that will offer a great facial and met my needs of rehydrating my skin. And yes, I’m glowing!

Blitz Facial Bar Locations:

1133 Queen Street East

803 Queen Street West

Website for up to date information.

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Chef David Lee is a force to be reckoned with in Toronto restaurant scene.  He has run the noted Nota Bene (located on Queen West) with front of house partner Yannick Bigourdan and together they have decided to take the plunge on another restaurant.  The space has a bit of history attached (having one housed CityTV) but with this newest venture,  Lee and company have decided to write their own history.

The restaurant is The Carbon Bar and inside you’ll find a smartly designed and hip interior with brick walls and maroon booths.  As homage to the old CityTV days is a bright club-light “Electric” sign.  Everything is perfectly thought out the entire resto – right down to the branding on the plates.

I asked David Lee what the most difficult thing was about opening a new restaurant was and he told me, “you have little to no time for yourself and family. But also, it is difficult to get to know a new kitchen, space and a brand new team.”  If David has had any trouble getting acquainted in the new space, the indication did not come to light upon my visit to Carbon Bar. The fare is a simple barbecue restaurant but it pulls from the chef’s Italian and pan-Asian influences.  This is not your typical meat & potatoes.

David tells me, “I’ve been in love with natural wood and charcoal fire cooking since my childhood. Every country has a BBQ story, and mine was growing up in Mauritius and cooking over charcoal in a drum; making Char Sui / BBQ pork belly, & Peking ducks.  I wanted to create a restaurant where these flavors were accessible to everyone”

We saddled ourselves up next to the Crispy Chicken Skins with sweet chill vinegar ($7),  Hamachi with clementines, pear and kombucha vinegar ($14) and the Cabrito Papusa conveniently stuff with goat cheese and tomatillo salsa ($13).  These dishes touted as “Carbon Originals” and they seemed to be smashes.  No lie: I would love a bucket of Crispy Chicken Skins delivered to my house nightly.  I’m not sure if Chef David takes order for that.  But if he does, I hope he is listening.  The Hamachi was lacking a bit of acid which is a shame for a good Hamachi dish.  But please, whatever you do: order that Cabrito Papusa. It is heavenly and cheesy.

From there, we feasted upon what is known as the Pit Masters Platter (for two people at $26 p.p) which contains pork ribs, beef brisket, cornmeal fried chicken, pickles and smoked in white oak and black cherry wood.  Lee tells me, “We season our meat with only salt & pepper. This allows for the guest to taste the meat and all of our cuts come from Cumbrae Farms,”  With each platter, several different sides are to be chosen and on this night we picked the TCB Slaw ($6) and Collard Greens ($5). The signature TCB Slaw ($6) topped with corn nuts is one word: genius!  It adds this little crunch and pop each time you bite in.

But let’s rewind back to that meat for a moment: this platter included some of the juiciest BBQ I have tasted and well, I have been to some BBQ  joints in the city.  The one that stood out most to me was their turkey, which was juicy and tender and moist.  Also, lest not forget the Jalapeño Sausage.  The sausage had hints of jalapeño with little to no fat.  It was pure delicious.  Basically everything on this platter (brisket was fatty and moist, ribs fall off the bone good — I don’t want to spoil the entire platter for you) was incredible and well worth the price.  Even if some meat sweats ensued.

For dessert, we were delighted with the Cheddar Ice Cream Sandwich – which I must say – was amazing.  I am not a huge sweets fan and this was everything.  The right mix aged cheddar ice cream, thin wafers and the ultimate Canadian treat: maple syrup.

Nota Bene is a loved restaurant by many in this fine city and David Lee may have just created another restaurant that will be loved by one and all once again. From entry through the door to first plate to exit, The Carbon Bar is sure to be making many Top Ten Lists for 2014.

thecarbonbar.ca

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Check out the Walkable neighbourhood of Riverside. Just few blocks from downtown Toronto, on the other side of the Don River valley and the busy parkway which bears its name, lies a vibrant neighbourhood with a unique small town in the big city atmosphere that makes it a draw for residents and visitors alike. Best known for heritage buildings, award-winning restaurants, and the street that inspired the internationally renowned Degrassi TV series, Riverside’s attraction also lies in its artisans and community builders of many sorts.

Extending along Queen Street East from the Don to just past famed Degrassi Street, Riverside is a great example of a neighbourhood that is drawing on its history as impetus and inspiration for its new development. The pride of ownership in both the new and old is evident throughout in award-winning beautification and revitalization projects that include new pedestrian lighting and painstakingly detailed restorations of historic façades made of the city’s distinctive red brick.

The rejuvenated buildings provide the perfect settings for the plethora of shops and international restaurants that have recently sprung up in the area, but the urban renewal has not distracted the Riverside community from maintaining its original friendly charm. The eclectic mix of every day shops and services with artsy and fashionable boutiques encourage people from all walks of life to mingle and enjoy together.

One of the best ways of experiencing Riverside is by walking its history laden streets. Saturday, October 26th is one of the best times to check out the Riverside for the first time, as it is their and wildly popular Riverside WalkFEST. This annual event showcases Riverside through 9 unique walks lead by local personalities, where tasty treats, insider info, and historical anecdotes are shared.

More info on the Riverside WalkFEST and the Riverside District can be found at: www.riverside-to.com

Anjuli Solanki
Riverside BIA Director of Marketing and Public Programs

Experience the Riverside District in Toronto

Facebook: www.facebook.com/RiversideTO

Website: http://www.riverside-TO.com

Twitter: @riversideBIA

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The East End has captured my heart, and taste buds, with the delectable Tori’s Bakeshop. The shop has a lovely vintage charm that is a treat for your eyes while you are treating your stomach. Everything falls right into place, from the pastel colour palette to the display cases right down to the dog water bowl outside. With such meticulous attention to detail, you know Tori has definitely set the standards high for her goodies and she does not disappoint!

If you haven’t tried the cinnamon buns then I suggest you run (not walk) there immediately! It came highly recommended by Candice Hutchings, the Edgy Veg, and was simply perfect! The texture was soft yet not mushy and it had just the right amount of sweetness. I also had the fortune of trying an ice cream sandwich, which Tori just introduced a few weeks ago. Two gluten free chocolate chip oatmeal cookies enveloping a cashew coconut ice cream layer. Look at this photo…how can you resist?

Tori herself is a total sweetheart (no pun intended) and brings such a welcome vibe as soon as you walk through the doors. I had the pleasure of speaking with a few ladies outside the shop who couldn’t stop gushing about Tori and not only the sweets but also all the savoury dishes as well. (I actually didn’t even ask them – they were so excited they just had to tell the next person who walked by which happened to be me). That, to me, is the best type of advertisement of all and I know it won’t be long before I’m back to try more! Check out the website here for more information.

How long has Tori’s Bakeshop been open? Why did you decide to open a vegan bakery?

We opened a year and a half ago, March 9, 2012. As a vegan for several years, I spent a lot of time “translating” favourite family recipes into something I could eat, that still tasted as good as its non-vegan counterpart. Through this process, I realized that this is a hard thing to do, but it is also necessary. I decided to open the Bakeshop in order to share delicious, ethical treats with people, who can then share them with their families, so everyone can eat well, together.

What are some of your specialties? Are these healthy alternatives?

Our “b”lt is definitely a healthy alternative to a bacon sandwich. We hickory smoke coconut, season and crisp it, and put it on the spelt bread we make in-house. We know an Albertan self-described “meat-man” who says, “This is how bacon is SUPPOSED to taste,” which we take as a great compliment. We now sell the ba”con,” as we call it, by the jar! Our gluten-free donuts are also a healthy alternative, because they are baked, not deep-fried. Some things though are still very much treats. There’s only so much “health” you can bake into a cupcake.

What is your philosophy? Tell us about your ingredients.

We analyze all of our ingredients — both food and nonfood. We bake with organic, non-GMO products, and make beyond fair-trade coffee. We build relationships with other like-minded businesses, to mutually help each other grow. It’s vital to know as much as possible about where everything comes from, to choose what you support. For me, it’s not possible to be vegan and simultaneously not also work to care for the whole planet. Tori’s Bakeshop is largely built with reclaimed materials, and we strategically monitor our energy conservation efforts, which include compostable to-go materials.

With more and more people developing sensitivities to gluten, I bet your gluten free treats are very popular. What are some of your favourites?

Our gluten-free oatmeal cookie is a huge favourite, in part because it is a challenge to find treats with certified gluten-free oats in them. We make a great loaf of sandwich bread that we sell whole, or use to make sandwiches here. And we’ve stumbled upon some great cupcake flavours after guests specifically asked for a cake that wasn’t part of our normal repertoire: the banana cake with chocolate frosting, and carrot cake! They’re buoyant, moist, and delicious!

What are the benefits of being vegan? Besides being vegan what do you do to stay healthy?

As a vegan, I have a much clearer idea of what my global footprint looks like. It helps keep me tuned in to my body and what it needs, because it isn’t clouded by confusing signals from foods that boost the body’s inflammatory responses. I also recently started Crossfit, which has been a wild, wild ride. I love the movements and the pace, and also that although the culture is largely associated with more meat-based diets, I perform just as well fuelled by plants! And I have a young Boston Terrier who keeps me always moving.

Name some healthy businesses in Toronto that you love and why?

We’re huge fans of Belmonte Raw, and sometimes carry their juices. We love Trebilcock Coffee Roasters, a father/son operation out of Pickering who share relationships with their coffee growers that boarder on the familial. Majesteas keeps us stocked in lovely loose-leaf teas that come from well-travelled experience. Working with Chocosol has elevated our baked goods to an entirely new level. We also love Fresh City Farms, Thomas Lavers, The Big Carrot, Kid Icarus, and The Paper Place!

Tell us about your location. Do you think you’re in a health-conscious neighbourhood?

We are located Queen East in the Beach(es). We’re a block north from the water which we all appreciate on our lunch breaks. We’re in a neighbourhood with a lot of families, and “Beachers” who have welcomed us so warmly. They often comment about how there’s not much else around like us. We provide options to accommodate so many different dietary concerns, and it is clear through our discussions with the locals that they are definitely health-conscious — but that might not mean what you mean by it. By, health-conscious, I don’t mean that they only eat healthy things, but that they are conscious about how what they eat affects their bodies. They’ve done the personal research to know whether spelt feels better than wheat, and that almond milk makes a fantastic latte without the dairy overload. So when they choose to eat a cupcake, they know what’s in it, and how it will make them feel — and because of this, they can actually enjoy it.

What do you have in store for the rest of the summer and what should we expect from you in the future?

We will be changing up our in-house-made ice cream flavours and pouring cold brew coffee for the rest of summer. We’re also quite busy with wedding orders! In the future we plan to convert the Bakeshop from the day into a wine bar at night, with biodynamic and organic wines, and small plates of “cheese” that we’re slowly cultivating.

Anything else you would like to add?

We never take it for granted that we live in a city that is so supportive of independent businesses, and that offers so many events where people can come together and try new things. We’re equally grateful for our Beach community who has welcomed us, and for the far-west-enders who make the journey out here and take half the shop home with them. We enjoy what we do because of the relationships we’ve made, and we thrive because of them — they are what keep us healthy. Thank you!

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