For this post, we’re focusing on the area of Yonge and Lawrence.

Located along Yonge Street, starting at Lawrence and going up to Yonge Blvd, the area is easily accessible by public transit and by car. It’s a walkable area that’s great to poke around in for families, friends or on your own.

The past few years we’ve seen this part of the city blossoming. It’s previous reputation of being a small village feel in the big city’ is now making way for a new and welcomed wave of urban cool.

Yes, it’s still a family-friendly neighbourhood full of strollers, fit moms and more nail salons that I can count on my hands but it’s also one of those great pockets in the city where stuff like Halloween is really worth checking out for the decor alone.

Over the past couple few years, there has been a big shift in the neighbourhood. Unfortunately, in the development, we lost a few mom and pop shops – Young’s Fruit Market was a favourite but the family retired the business a couple of years ago,  but having said that, nothing massive or commercial has planted roots here other than Loblaws and Metro anchoring both ends of this stretch on Yonge Street.

What’s been happening in the area is a number of food establishments have been quietly settling in with some being very noteworthy and being recently reviewed by several media outlets.

Here are a few reasons why this area is becoming one of the hottest food destinations.

THE ROLLING PIN: (3429 Yonge Street) if you’re pining for a really amazing donut …maybe even with a shot of caramel or chocolate you’re best to get here before the end of day. Each day offers customer favourites and often a surprise concoction or two. Their Donut Cake is getting lots attention as are their retro artisanal desserts like home-made Poptarts and Flakies. Yep!  If you’re lucky you may stumble onto something pretty special. Recently they introduced a donut poptart cross-breed and foodies on instagram went wild.

KRISTAPSONS: ( 3248 Yonge Street) This family business is smokin’ (salmon, that is) that’s been operating since 1953 and arguable the best smoked salmon in the city. They use a cold smoking method conserving more of the Omega 3 oils. They also supply to many restaurants and hotels here and beyond. Feed a craving or feed a crowd.

THE BURGER’S PRIEST: (3397 Yonge Street) is one of nine outposts for one of  the city’s most loved burger joints. The restaurant is narrow with limited seating and the line ups are long and often out the door with hockey kids and their parents. But they move orders along and no one minds. It’s worth the wait. Demand in the area was so great they recently decided to open on Sundays. The Vatican? The Priest? Preach.

THE SUSHI BAR: (3365 Yonge Street) Master Sushi Chef, Jimi Morry (aka Dr. Sushi) has been tending to the North Toronto crowd for many years, first on Avenue Rd and then moving to the bustling Yonge Street area. His restaurant has grown moving spaces twice to accommodate the demand from customers as well as a thriving catering business having him and his team zipping to Muskoka for parties and tending to on-set catering for film and TV crews. Get to know Jimi by saddling up to the actual sushi bar. While you can get the very fresh sushi and sashimi, I encourage you to also try something off the seasonal special menu. Grab a yuzu liquor drink too.

BUTTER AVENUE: (3467 Yonge Street) true macaron addicts make the trek here to indulge in their light and delectable french morsels made fresh in house every day. Seasonal flavours and limited editions sell out fast as word often gets around on social media by their cult following. Recently, artisanal marshmallows were added into the fold as well as miniature cream-filled pouffes bouches. Offered to bring dessert to a dinner party? Here you will wow them. Everything is made with all-natural ingredients and no preservatives. This cafe has a seating area.

BELLY BUSTERS: (3447 Yonge Street) makes the best submarine sandwiches in the city. It’s legendary as a place to hit for the high school crowd after concerts and parties. It’s a gritty little spot with an order counter that hasn’t changed like forever. Place your order and be prepared to answer a fireball series of questions “white bread? whole wheat? tomatoes? lettuce? onions? sauce? hot peppers?” Totally satisfying and your belly will be very happy.

SHINOBU:(3403 Yonge Street) Tamio previously worked at Kastura, Prince Hotel before branching off and doing his own thing here. Word spread quietly within the asian community seeing vans pull up with Japanese business men. With curtains closed most of the time it was a mystery to the locals who often would pass by without notice. However, inside the tiny restaurant that seats less than 30 people at a time has consistently been packed during the dinner service hour. He only opens for lunch on Saturdays. Shimesaba (mackerel) is seared at the table and the Toriten Nanban (chicken tempura) is considered the soul food of Oita, Japan…and highly addictive.

JOY THAI KITCHEN: (3192 Yonge Street) offers great thai food. Red curry is delicious. Spicy basil eggplant is saucy but you’ll want take advantage of that and order a side of jasmine rice. Sweet and authentic thai family run the business. Take-out orders are brisk but service is slow although super nice. It’s not fast food so slow down. Small dining room area.

THE MONKEY BAR: (3353 Yonge Street) Chef and owner Richard Fox is a super nice and this restaurant has been around for 18 years. Never one to cave to food trends, this restaurant aims to offer upscale dining at reasonable prices. Lots of comfort food offerings with a bit of a twist and not defined by any specific cuisine. He just works his magic.

COPPI: (3363 Yonge Street) named after the legendary Italian cyclist Fausto Coppi, this restaurant recently renovated to a contemporary casual look. Serving up authentic Italian cuisine. Everyone raves about the Pesce al Sale – a whole red snapper (or choose orata or spigola) that is encrusted in sea salt and baked. Menu is droolworthy.

THE FRIENDLY BUTCHER: (3269 Yonge Street) Ken and Donna MacDonald have been sourcing locally since 1996 and offering the best quality meats that’s ethically raised to the community. In addition, it’s a go-to for home-made prepared foods for the busy families who call this area home. Soups, casseroles, stews are all made with no preservatives and easy to just pop in the oven on any busy night. Everything you need for a fast family meal can be picked up here including desserts.

SCRATCH KITCHEN: (3471 Yonge Street) when you walk into this restaurant it feels like you’ve walked into your friend’s kitchen. Staff is warm and great hosts. Chef Michael Tucker has worked in many great kitchens throughout North America. Now planting himself here Chef Michael wanted to create more “thoughtful” food to the table. He’s also a big supporter of locally grown produce, meat purveyors and craft beers. Bread is baked in-house. Brunch cravings for Fat Daddy Pancakes is real.

BOBBETTE & BELLE: (3347 Yonge Street) if you’re looking for somewhere quaint to linger over tea, coffee and sweets, this pastry shop is the prettiest in the area. Cozy and comfortable with lots to satisfy your sweet tooth. Bread Pudding with warmed caramel sauce is what dreams are made of. The pastry shop is also a popular place for custom wedding cakes and celebration cakes.

LIME ASIAN KITCHEN: (3243 Yonge Street) is a relative new comer to this area, it’s original location is on Eglinton. The menu selection is comprised of the most popular dishes from several asian cuisines including Thai, Chinese, and Japanese. Street Noodle soups are favourites. The dining room is modern and casual that has a more downtown cool vibe feel.

THE BURGER CELLAR: The choices for burgers are staggering here. Choose from a selection of beef and add toppings to build your own. Fast enough to serve families with young kids who come in earlier in the evening and service is efficient. Feature burgers are great to try off the menu.

STACK: (3255 Yonge Street) is where to go if craving BBQ. Brisket Sandwich is a hot seller here and worth getting if it isn’t sold out. Portions are decent and should your date want something a little lighter, there are great salads on the menu as well.  Great spot to keep an eye on sports with the TV screens placed in several spots.

CICCO SANWICCIO: (3220 Yonge Street) delicious freshly made-to-order italian sandwiches like breaded veal with cheese or meatballs attracts local construction workers every lunch hour. Soft kaiser buns are pillows for the juicy glorious fillings. Ask for extra sauce…and extra napkins. Pastas are also made-to-order and portions are huge. Penne a la Vodka or Spaghetti with Meatballs can easily be shared. Pasta Fagioli soup is perfect for a cold day. Seating area and mostly take outs.

MILAGRO CANTINA: (3187 Yonge Street) the only authentic Mexican restaurant in the area and goes beyond the burritos and tacos. Founded by Mexico City born brothers Arturo and Andrea Anhalt brings traditional dishes from the various regions of their home country. Killer Margueritas, great cervesas and selection of Tequila, of course.

PATISSERIE SEBASTIEN: (3306 Yonge Street)When you need a little bit of Paris you can come visit here.  Fresh croissants, brioche, quiches are made early in the morning. Weekends early birds know where to get their baguettes and pain au chocolat fix. Owner Charles greats everyone with his soothing french accent and local school kids like to try out their language skills here too.

THE ABBOT PUB: (3367 Yonge Street) If you’re looking for a solid gastropub experience, this restaurant is a popular choice. The menu is blissfully full of the best pub fare from Fish and Chips to Bangers and Mash to Shepherd’s Pie. Several Indian dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala and Beef Vindalo are also great. Sunday nights are worth a visit for their traditional Prime Rib dinner.

SHOUSHIN: (3328 Yonge Street) has only recently and quietly opened with many curious about this high-end Japanese sushi restaurant. Chef Jackie Lin recently worked at the highly respected Zen Japanese restaurant with master chef Seiichi Kashiwabara. Omakase tasting menu at set prices $80, $120, and $250 with menu that will change according to what’s available and by season. Don’t expect California rolls here. This sushi is art.

PAPABUBBLE: (3360 Yonge Street) recently opened and originated in Barcelona this artisanal candy shop makes high quality sweets using traditional methods of candy making. It’s already popular in cities around the world including Tokyo, Amsterdam, New York, Beijing and Sao Paulo. They’ve also been custom making candies as well as supplying other retailers around the city but this shop is all theirs.

OTHER COOL REASONS TO VISIT YONGE & LAWRENCE…

HAZELLILY DESIGNER CONSIGNMENT: (3235 Yonge Street) is a real gem of a spot. Serious high end designer treasure trove that includes barely worn (and sometimes original tags still attached) clothing, accessories and shoes.

ARDITH ONE: (3311 Yonge Street) may just be one of the very few shops in the city that focus on ceramics/pottery and glass handcrafted by Canadian artists. It’s great for one-of-a-kind pieces and thoughtful gifts for those who appreciate true craftsmanship.

FREEHAND SCHOOL OF ART: (3315 Yonge Street) is a place that truly believes that art is for everyone. They offer visual art classes/workshops for all levels and ages. Popular art camps draw kids from across the city. Owners and instructors are all professional artists.

ASHTANGA YOGA CENTRE OF TORONTO: (3215A Yonge Street) has a strong community drawing those who practice from across the city. They also host one of the world’s largest Mysore program. Great for all levels of practice and somedays opening as early as 5:30 am. All classes are drop in friendly as well.

KIDVILLE: (3420 Yonge Street) if you’re looking for a clean large space to bring your tots this place is fun. A big open play space is where little ones can run, climb, and have tons of fun in a safe environment. It also has weekly classes for as young as babies and up to five years old. Classes are developed by early childhood development specialists and include music, dance, gym, art and more. Popular birthday place and even valet parking.

The area boast a strong community of fine artists and emerging ones in all disciplines. From traditional to contemporary, artists here have also shown in galleries across the city and larger shows like The Artist Project and Art Toronto. Local artists volunteer to run the North Toronto Group of Artists, who also participate in the Annual Fall Artwalk & Show and Spring Studio Tours.

The post Neighbourhoods To Watch: Yonge and Lawrence appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

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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What if we started restoring, creating and exploring the nature that exists in our own neighbourhood… What would happen? The David Suzuki Foundation (DSF) wants to find out! It has challenged Toronto’s Ward 19 to create the world’s first Homegrown National Park: a green corridor along the historical route of the Garrison Creek. The project will bring together volunteers, partner groups, local residents and businesses knowing they will “dream up amazing projects that engage their communities in meaningful ways.”

When people think of exploring nature, many imagine themselves beyond city limits – seeing the city and nature as two distinct environments. The David Suzuki Foundation is on a mission to change that and help us urban dwellers play a more active role in greening and engaging with the public and private spaces around us. The Homegrown National Park Project recruited 21 enthusiastic volunteers, or rather Neighbourhood Park Rangers, who are tasked with developing and implementing their ideas on how to create community initiatives that will engage children, youths and adults in their local environment and empower them to “bring more green – gardens, trees, shrubs, flowers – to yards, alleys, streets, rooftops, parks and green spaces throughout the [Garrison Creek] corridor.”

The David Suzuki Foundation has also enlisted the help of over a dozen community partners that have been hard at work in the neighbourhood to provide the Park Rangers with additional intellectual, social and human capital to launch their ideas. These include such great groups as Not Far From the Tree, Park People, Cultivate Toronto, Evergreen, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and more! As Jode Roberts, Communications Specialist at DSF, states, “Such a project would not be possible without the support of the area’s park groups, resident associations, green groups and agencies like Toronto Region Conservation Authority, Fort York and the City of Toronto Parks Department.

Who are these Park Rangers you may ask? They all live, work and play in Ward 19 and each has a unique story that connects them to Toronto’s natural environment. And what kinds of ideas do they have in the works? Ranger Aidan Dahlin Nolan hatched the idea of the Community Canoe. Throughout the summer Aidan will be collecting canoes and re-purposing them to create large planters that will be dispersed in parks along the corridor. Jode is excited about the Community Canoe project, “It is a great example of an elegant idea that could be replicated in other communities. And it is 100% Ranger powered. With little support from us, Aidan has connected with several partner organizations to provide materials, labour and support. The project will leave an indelible legacy – a network of canoe gardens filled with native pollinator friendly plants throughout the Garrison.” The first canoe has already been planted and you can check it out down at Fort York by the Bathurst bridge (and get a peek below).

A local movement is blossoming in Ward 19 and the area around the historic Garrison Creek. Even though you may not live in the area there are plenty of ways to get involved, perhaps even prepare for when the project reaches your Ward!

Want to join the ranks of urban nature seekers?

• Explore the great parks of Toronto: Rouge National Park (Canada’s first urban national park!!!), Leslie Street Spit, High Park, Humber River Valley Trails, Don River Valley Trails, Sunnybrook Park, and more! Check out the City of Toronto’s Discovery Walks to get some ideas.
• Plant native plants in your yard and create biodiversity. What we have identified as beautiful for our gardens, might actually be considered barren to native insects and birds.
• Take a look at all the community partner organizations to find out about interesting programs and projects in the city. The David Suzuki Foundation is keen to add partner groups to those already involved in the project.
• Read about the Park Rangers to see if any of their projects are of interest to you. They will need help!
• The David Suzuki Foundation welcomes you to volunteer or attend events in support of the Homegrown National Park Project. The calendar is quickly filling for summer. Check out the fun activities planned for this weekend and the weeks ahead HERE.

The Homegrown National Park Project is redefining Toronto by actively working to engage a community – residents, businesses, politicians, local organizations and interested parties – and by demonstrating the power of crowdsourcing and collaboration to create a positive impact on a local environment. The project is also playing a vital role in raising awareness around the history of the City of Toronto and the disappearance of the Garrison Creek – a lost river that was buried in a Victorian sewer beneath the city in the 1880’s.

As our cities grow and our urban landscapes continue to undergo significant development, there is a growing need to ensure that we protect the natural environments that remain and that our continued placemaking efforts – the planning, design, and management of public spaces – consider nature and encourage biodiversity. I certainly hope citizens embrace the challenge of this new project and that it expands across the GTA.

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Riverdale is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Toronto. It combines great location with great food and great community. To the north, it is bordered by Danforth Avenue and Greektown, known for its Taste of the Danforth festival each year that brings out 1000s of foodies to taste food and drink on the extended patios of restaurants and bars. To the South, Riverdale is bordered by Gerrard Street and another one of Toronto’s Chinatowns. Gerrard and Broadview is the centre of this strip that provides a great place to get some cheap take out as well as a variety of produce from the markets.

To the West, Riverdale is bordered by Riverdale Park and the Don Valley Parkway. One of the best views in the city is located here as well as one of the best tobogganing hills. The park is a great place to play hockey in the winter as it has one of the city’s many outdoor rinks. In the summer, the Riverdale pool is a great local hotspot to cool off. Tennis courts and baseball diamonds also cover this multi-purposed park. West of the park is Cabbagetown, another neighbourhood that we covered.

Riverdale is bordered by Jones Ave. to the East which is where Riverdale high school is located along Gerrard. Riverdale Collegiate Institute was renovated in 1995 and combined the old building with the new, adding a glass front, seen in the picture below.

One of the most historic and notable landmarks in the area is the Don Jail. Built in the 1860s, before confederation, the Don Jail housed some of the meanest and nastiest criminals. It was also the location of many hangings before Canada abolished its capital punishment laws. The last hangings took place in 1962. The Don’s old main entrance has been renovated to be the administrative building for the Hospital that was recently built next door. The entrance had not been used by the public since 1977. A previous addition to the Don Jail will now be the main entrance, located just East.

The area surrounding the Don Jail is a campus for the new Bridgepoint Health Hospital and facilities. A Park surrounded by several small buildings as well as the Hospital, pictured above. The hospital is a state-of-the-art facility that has been designed to meet the specialized care needs of people with complex chronic disease (multiple lifelong illnesses) and disability.

Included on the campus is the renovation of Emily’s House Children’s Hospice that is run by the Philip Aziz Centre (PAC). This facility is adding a 10 bed children’s palliative care facility and improving on its other facilities. All the buildings are using a mix of the old and the new to maintain the history of the area.

At the corner of Gerrard and Broadview is the “Zhong Hua Men” archway. Completed in 2009 the archway was built to commemorate Canada’s Chinese pioneers, labourers, railway workers and subsequent descendants and Immigrants of Chinese descent who contributed to all aspects of Canadian society. It represents their culture and heritage for future generations.

One of the world’s most famous streets is tucked away in this neighbourhood. In 1979 the TV show The Kids of Degrassi Street first aired. The show was about the lives of a group of children who lived on this street in Toronto. The show was a huge success and went on to create Degrassi Junior High, Degrassi High, and Degrassi: The Next Generation. Many of the actors who played on the first show carried on to the following two. Some even went on to become characters on the most recent show, now as adults.

Withrow Park is another notable landmark. Tucked away in the centre of the residential cluster, this park screams family community. With facilities ranging from ice hockey rinks to soccer fields, this park is a great hangout for people of all ages and interests.

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Kensington is known today as a strong left wing anti-corporate neighbourhood. Residents and store owners have rallied against companies like Nike and Starbucks from entering the hood. In protest of a bid by Nike to open a store front in Kensington shoes with red paint were hurled onto the streets in demonstration of the disagreement with Nike’s child workforce.

In the summer and into the fall on Sundays Kensington Market closes its streets to cars allowing for a pedestrian only exploration of the neighbourhood. Bikes of course are welcome and can be picked up at one of the many local bike shops such as Bikes On Wheels.

The Electric Theatre is a recently renovated art gallery and movie theatre located on Augusta just south of College. The art gallery is located at the front and features artists from around Toronto. The 66 seat theatre is located at the back and is available for rent by film makers or those interested in film related releases or events.

Romeo’s Juice Bar is located at the corner of Augusta and Oxford and promises the best fruit for the tastiest juices and smoothies available. Owner Romeo knows his produce well being a wholesale produce vendor himself as well as once operating a juice stand in the area.

The famous Kensington car planter has been in the area since 2006 and has quite a rich history already. The car was once situated in front of La Palette who insured it under their agreement. The car makes one think of a future where cars no longer exist and alternative uses for them have become a reality. After being towed away and returned, as well as creating battles with the city to designate it as public art, the car seems to be here to stay. On one occasion locals formed a human chain around the car to prevent it from being towed.

Kensington is also a huge location to visit for those fans of street art. Walls, alleys, and store fronts are all painted by local graffiti artists and painters. It creates a giant art gallery for the alternative art style that is so much associated with Toronto’s downtown core. Artists that in most cities would go unnoticed flourish here and are loved.

The area has also become a hot spot for pot smokers and the head shops that they frequent. Stores like Roach O’ Rama sell Mary Jane paraphernalia as well as providing safe havens for smokers to enjoy their green. Another location, Hot Box Cafe, allows visitors to kick back with baked goods, coffees, and joints while seated in their back patio garden.

I also got a chance to visit The Kensington Cornerstone which boasts a vegetarian friendly, celiac friendly menu as well as being very delicious. It can be hard to find good options for those whose diets are limited but The Kensington Cornerstone does it very well.

Check out a few more of our pics and come down to Kensington Market today.

http://www.kensingtonmarketbia.com/

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