SHOP// Bicyclette Boutique
A girl can blame the spring air and now Shop Bicyclette for dreaming up a light and whimsical wardrobe. This independent Queen Street West retailer’s selections are fit for a downtown girl who likes nostalgic and retro traces in her outfits. If your closet staples include floral print silk blouses, lace tops, polka dot and heart-shape printed silk and chiffon dresses and skirts, then this shop hits the right note.
Shop Bicyclette have really zeroed in on the type of customer that keeps coming back, and have done a great job catering to their tastes. And proof of this is their recently launched Bespoke capsule collection. A line designed in-house that celebrates Bicyclette’s one year residence on Queen West and pays tribute to their shoppers.
The limited-edition collection was designed by Bicyclette and Paige Boersma - boutique’s owner - is the creative director behind Bespoke and its four curated looks capturing an individual “Bicyclette Girl’s” spirit. Each dress (retailing at $178) has its own name and persona, meant to represent a different kind of girl, but I’d say that all four are just as romantic and could easily be seen on any one wearer - but that’s an individual call.
(Pictured Left and Right) Chloe and Alice
Take your pick from: the Chloe muted turquoise lace with a peach underlayer dress, a sweetheart neckline and scalloped hemline is designed for a dreamy wearer; the black on white polka dot Alice dress in midi length with a peter pan collar has a more classic, structured cut suited for a feminine, uptown girl; the black, white and peach floral print Lola dress with a bustier and fuller skirt is fitting for a bohemian and adventurous gal; and Phoenix - a black chiffon dress with polka dot overlay, a front button up closure and open back is for one with rock n’ roll style inclinations.
(Pictured Left and Right) Lola and Phoenix
The dresses are handmade right here in Toronto, and since they are limited-edition, only six of each are made. To complement the four dresses, Bespoke collection also includes a printed, dip-dyed silk scarf ($98), a collection of circle scarves ($30) and canvas tote bags ($20).For the launch Bicyclette also collaborated with Siana to further introduce the "Bicyclette Girls" in a short video.
-- Julia Parfenyuk
880 Queen St. W.
shopbicyclette.ca
SHOP// Philip Sparks Flagship
It’s official! Acclaimed fashion designer Philip Sparks launches his flagship store in Toronto, nestled quaintly in the wonderful neighborhood of Ossington.
Almost double the size of his pop-up shops this store features two floors. The first floor exposes customers to a capsule collection of his current inventory (which in this case happens to be his fantastic Spring 2012 line) thereby allowing them to comfortably navigate through the various fabrics, styles, colours and accessories. From there customers are ushered to the second floor where they have the opportunity to shop the collection at their own leisure in a wonderful space inspired by the late 60’s.
With Summer just around the corner there couldn’t be a better time for the opening of this store. With his Spring 2012 collection in stock for both men and women alike customers have a great opportunity to shop for some fantastic summer essentials from classic seersucker shirts, coloured denim to some great printed jackets.
Finally, a one-stop shop for everything Philip Sparks.
Address:
The Philip Sparks Flagship
162 Ossington Avenue (entrance on Foxley street)
Hours:
Monday to Wednesday 11am-6pm
Thursday to Saturday 11:00am to 7:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm to 5:00pm
-- Sharad Mohan
Trump Takes Toronto
The Trump has been in the works for what feels like years. So when the Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto at the corner of Bay and Adelaide finally opened its doors on January 31, some were rejoicing.
Like anything else with the name Trump stamped on it, the building was also designed to make a mark: it’s now the tallest residential building in the city (65 stories) and its spire is successfully etched into the Toronto skyline. Everything about the stone, glass and steel tower screams out grandeur, and they’re guaranteeing 5-star, personalized service and experience at the 261-room hotel and prime location and views for the condo units. Although the hotel is part of the Trump Hotel Collection, the building was actually developed and is owned by Talon International Development Inc. - and not the Donald.
But the visitors looking to spoil themselves are more likely to be interested in the lavish amenities: Stock Restaurant & Lounge on the 31st floor, a 15,000 square-foot Quartz Crystal Spa with a heated infinity pool, a salt-water lap pool (available in April) and sauna on the 32nd floor, and a fitness facility. No denying it here that the man goes big.
And from their latest press release, the Trump Hotel reveals a partnership with Birks: offering a one or two night stay in a luxurious one-bedroom suite including complimentary champagne, roses, champagne flutes, a 4 p.m. check-out and a $1500 gift certificate to Birks for Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry. They’re definitely keeping it in the family with this deal, and you can have all of the above for a mere (sarcasm intended) $1795 a night.
-- Julia Parfenyuk
SHOP// m0851: Made in Montreal Exported to the World
M0851 are very serious about simplicity. Their design philosophy is to create products of high-quality craftsmanship that are both charming and functional - so don’t expect to find any flimsy embellishments here.
M0851 is a company with an urban-focused mindset, whose leather bags, outerwear and accessories forego all the distracting details, and focus instead on pure design and craft. Celebrating 25 years of authentic goods designed and produced in Montréal, their soft calfskin leather comes from a trusted supplier in Italy, but production is right here - making it a truly Canadian-based and dedicated brand.
The “Safaris” collection is a definite hit: totes, travel and duffle bags (for guys and gals) come in a selection of dark grey or dark brown colours. Retailing for $395-$695, they are absolutely perfect for travel purposes and sure as hell look like they will stand the test of time. “The Authentiques” and “Vachetta” collections are also superb - absolutely essential for city-runners on frequent meeting and shopping trips. Other offerings at the Avenue Road store in Toronto (which has you gawking and reaching for bags from high-ceiling wall shelves) include leather bomber jackets, mohair, merino wool, and modal/silk print scarves, hats, leather belts and wallets. Another favorite was the m0851 smooth-leather clutch in blue (available also in red or brown for $105) with a slim wrist strap, and no other fuss.
M0851 is spreading their Montréal city-cool look and pure-and-simple attitude worldwide: they’ve got eight stores in Canada (Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary) two in New York, locations in Paris, Antwerp, Taipei, along with an online store. With a quest to “enhance your individuality, not create it”, m0851 an emphatic seal of approval.
www.m0851.com
38 Avenue Road, Toronto
3526 Boul. St-Laurent, Montréal
677 Ste-Catherine W.,Montréal
--Julia Parfenyuk
SHOP//Cutler and Gross - Beautifully Framed
Luxury is often synonymous with artisan craftsmanship, and if that is what you’re asking of your eyewear, then look no further than to Cutler and Gross.
The duo pair that is Graham Cutler and Tony Gross, have built a brand of innovative and precision eyewear, while embracing their English heritage and eccentricity as of 1969. Although they are rooted in London’s Knightsbridge, where all cutting-edge, yet uncomplicated designs are masterminded, the frames are handmade by a small group of craftsmen in the company’s own two factories in Cadore, Italy, taking 6-12 weeks to handcraft from acetate slabs and then deliver.
And, it seems, that Cutler and Gross must really love Canada! Not only did this leader in luxury eyewear manufacturing single out Toronto’s Yorkville as their first North American flagship store, but they have also recently collaborated with Canada’s top designers: Erdem Moralioglu (creating ‘The Marlene Glasses’) and Thomas Tait (with his over-sized ‘Sadzies’). The Yorkville boutique emulates the updates of the brand’s Knightsbridge flagship, and offers more than 4000 pairs of optical frames and sunglasses from seasonal and designer collections.
The luxury of an English design and Italian craftsmanship does not end with the finished product itself. The store also features a private VIP room, dubbed the “Museum”, where clients can also choose from over 600 vintage archived and limited-edition styles dating back from 1969 to present. And for those who are itching for privacy and customization, the recently-launched bespoke service in Yorkville’s boutique, is an appointment-only session offering a choice in the frames’ material, lasered inscriptions, lace, silk (or other) lamination, and fittings. As this is no ordinary optical boutique, nor an ordinary pair of glasses (the quality is really striking first-hand), expect prices to start from $950 a pair.
The big items on the agenda for 2012 so far for Cutler and Gross is the Spring-Summer 2012 collection, which follows an oriental theme and a “Hong Kong Love Story” plot line, with abundance of frame colours in pearl, rose Chinoise, pink and black pearl. Just as exciting is their third collaboration with fellow Brit, Giles Deacon for Spring-Summer 2012 titled ‘Sonic’.
Cutler and Gross
84 Yorkville Ave.
cutlerandgross.com
-- Julia Parfenyuk
SHOP//Dalston Grey: In Balance between the Past & the Present
Toronto is brimming with hundreds of stores that cater specifically to either contemporary or vintage shoppers; but at Leah Gust’s boutique - Dalston Grey on Dundas St. West, the fashions of past and present meet seamlessly under one roof.
So what’s the story and inspiration behind Dalston Grey? Well, Leah is drawing on the contemporary, gritty and trendy style of fashionistas from Dalston (an East London borough, where she lived for over a year), and fusing it with the bygone sartorial luxe of previous decades (think of New York socialites Big Edie and Little Edie circa 1920s to late 1960s - residents of the East Hampton and subjects of Grey Gardens documentary film). Point is - in Leah’s own words - that the boutique offers a space to bring back great clothes from the past, and give them a new life in pairing with contemporary pieces.
The vintage apparel consists mostly of seventies, eighties and nineties items, but is oriented toward a contemporary look. Girls: expect to find lots of print silk blouses, floor and knee-length skirts (an orange knit skirt was a stand-out), large-print jackets, leather belts, leather and fabric purses; and for the boys: a rack-full of print button-up shirts, sweaters, cardigans, blazers and a couple shelves of awesome print ties and pocket squares. All these pieces appear even sweeter at their budge-friendly prices.
As for the contemporary selections, Leah is the only stockist in the city that carries the Parisian line Gat Rimon. Their fall/winter 2011/12 collection is a knock-out of simple silhouettes in nude, pink, mustard and brick tones, and in store are a great body-con mini skirt, loose silk blouses and a brown scoop-neck sweater. Another line is Amour Vert - an eco-apparel line made in US, offering some closet staples you could never go wrong with, such as: a black & white striped long sleeve organic cotton shirt, black & white animal print blouse, a black sheer blouse with velvet polka dots, and a black silk tunic. Finishing off the contemporary mix is a men’s denim line Raleigh Denim, designed and handcrafted using vintage machines in Raleigh, North Carolina, and judging by the dark-wash original cut denim style, this is another wardrobe essential.
All signs point to a growing future for Dalston Grey on Dundas West (and beyond, we hope!) with the arrival of spring collections to look forward to - from both Gat Rimon and Amour Vert, the launch of a new line - Capulet, along with monthly rotations of vintage pieces. Smooth sailing on, Dalston Grey!
1317 Dundas St. West
http://www.dalstongrey.com/
-- Julia Parfenyuk
SHOP//Fawn Boutique
Edgy, sharp and simple. That’s a three-word overview of Kasha Bilobram’s style aesthetic and spirit of the clothes, jewelry and accessories stocked in her boutique. Kasha carries a tightly-edited selection of independent designers from NYC, L.A., Berlin, Stockholm and Copenhagen, whose designs are constructed with originality, fine quality and details in mind.
Expect to find here wardrobe essentials with some wicked twists, as all merchandise is handpicked in-line with the store’s concept acronym: fashion, attitude, wit, nostalgia. The “fashion” part is self-explanatory once you see her selections, while the “wit” bit is in the pieces’ creative and multi-functional wear purposes - like Anagram’s geometric print silk and cotton dresses that can be arranged and draped in several ways.
The jewelry pieces would certainly dial up the “attitude” factor, with rough-cut and hard-metal selections like those by Toronto’s Chloe Comme Parris and Michelle Ross, who mixes semi-precious stones with metals, ceramics and glass. Hosiery can be one damn hot fashion statement; and proof of that is Hansel from Basel’s neat “bon voyage” sheer stockings with the phrase running down the back of the leg in black cursive font.
Considering we’re in for a couple more winter months ahead, Kasha’s knit sweaters and tunics will be the major grabs - trust! She recommends pieces from Rodebjer, Boessert/Schorn, Hope, and Kai-aakmann. Another slick piece is a black leather, perforated tank by Ian RN: pair that with skinny jeans or trousers, pencil skirt or denim shorts and you’re set for year-round wear! Pop into FAWN (located under Chocolate Factory Lofts) for some seriously cool wardrobe pieces you won’t want to get out of - which is probably the point after all.
FAWN Boutique
967 Queen Street West.
http://www.fawnboutique.ca/
647-344-4703
-- Julia Parfenyuk
Ognian Zekoff’s Solo Exhibit at Thompson Landry Gallery, Distillery District
No, those aren’t photographs. But it’s OK if you’re dumbfounded by the realism of this artist’s oil on canvas paintings.
Ognian Zekoff’s attention to detail and use of high-contrasting light and dark tones are two arresting aspects of his work. Born in Bulgaria, and based in Montréal, Zekoff relies on classic painting and charcoal drawing techniques, and works only from live objects and models.
Thompson Landry Gallery, the Cooperage Space, The Distillery District
55 Mill St., building #32
-- Julia Parfenyuk
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SHOP//Dandi Maestre Jewelry: Luxury of the Raw & Exotic
Toronto is proud to be home to one of the boldest jewelry and accessories designers in the biz. Hailing from Bogota, Colombia, Dandi Maestre draws her inspiration from nature and indigenous cultures, creating pieces that dare to be loud, extreme and imperfect.
We’re keeping our eyes on Dandi’s upcoming collection, Primal Futurism, for Spring/Summer 2012, bound to be spotted in several magazines in the New Year. Inspiration is taken from the ancient and mythological, whose primal and super-natural qualities are fused with technical and structural aesthetics.
Dandi’s store on Huron St. (opened last year as a pop-up shop) reflects her entire design vision, serving as a gallery space for shoppers to view her creations. Lovers of chunky necklaces, over-sized rings and earrings of raw materials - welcome to exotic jewelry heaven! Drop by the AGO shop this Friday, November 25th from 12-4 p.m. for a trunk sale.
-- Julia Parfenyuk
http://www.dandimaestre.com/index.html
386 Huron St. Mon-Fri 10 am - 3 pm
Work It ! by Mathieu Chantelois / Fall 2010
You would think that after six seasons and two films from the Sex in the City franchise you would have seen everything a woman can do perched atop a pair of stilettos. But you’d be wrong! The next new thing: High Heel Boot Camp. What is it exactly? It’s a 60‑minute workout divided into four sections, each taking inspiration from one Manhattan’s most stylish ladies. Balancing on high heels, participants strut around, working to become sexy, toned and charismatic—just like them! And for those in search of the body of a Greek god, aspiring warriors can sign up for Clash of the Titans–inspired toning program Warrior Workout. Both courses are offered by Toronto gym chain Extreme Fitness. Now please, spare us from a new workout inspired by this fall’s release of Jackass 3-D...
Extreme Fitness
80 Bloor Street West
1-866-754-9235
http://www.extremefitness.ca/
An Insomniac’s Haven by Mathieu Chantelois / Fall 2010
In the US, there is no more prestigious name in hotels than Thompson. Good news: the king of cool, American Jason Pomercan, recently unveiled the Thompson Toronto. And so far, the new kid on the block has been a hit: all of TO has spent the summer sipping strong cocktails and dipping their toes in the patio pool, which has an unrestricted view over the city. The only critique from tourists: the eating, partying and relaxing is so good there that you might lose all desire to explore the rest of the city.
Thompson Toronto
550 Wellington St.West
416-640-7778
http://www.thompsonhotels.com/
Naked Lunch by Mathieu Chantelois / Fall 2010
We’ve already sung the praises of restaurateur Hanif Harji’s Blowfish and Kultura. Now he’s teaming up with Terry Tsianos (Palais Royal, Wheat Sheaf, Miller Taver) for a new mouth-watering venture: Nyood (pronounced nude) has a sleek look and is sure to seduce the most discerning palates. Our top pick is the ceviche, but the grill is also a favourite.
Nyood
1096 Queen Street West
416-466-1888
http://www.nyood.ca/
Wrinkle-free Shopping by Mathieu Chantelois / Fall 2010
Would you like some botulism toxins with your latte? Don’t furrow your brow. Torontoites are now combining their botox sessions with their shopping outings. Right in the heart of the Fashion District, Visage Clinic is offering transformation sessions in just a few minutes to those who want to erase any pesky lines that may have formed over the years... before heading back out to hit the sales. And even better: you can get your surgery done en français! Owner and surgeon Marc DuPéré is a Quebec native with magic hands—and according to the celebrity grapevine, the best in the city.
Visage Clinic
179 John Street
Suite 209
416-929-9800
Poutine Galore by Mathieu Chantelois / Summer 2010
The gluey pairing of oily fries and over-salted gravy doesn’t have the greatest reputation with food connoisseurs. And for a reason: poutine is most often the culinary choice of sloshed partygoers in search of a calorie fix. But these perceptions seem to be changing, with the New York Times recently declaring the dish fashionable—an “embarrassing but adored” staple, according to the headline. In Toronto, the trend is swimming in grease, easily evidenced by a trip to one of the city’s trendiest restaurant chains: Smoke’s Poutinerie. Here, poutine is served with a variety of sauces: traditional gravy, Italian meat sauce, country gravy... There’s even the Montreal-inspired frit’chezz, served with smoked meat, mustard and a pickle.
Smoke’s Poutinerie
578 Queen Street West
416-366-2873
http://smokespoutinerie.com/
Queens Of The Jungle by Mathieu Chantelois / Summer 2010
Have you noticed that Bay Street business women have been cutting a finer figure recently? They’re sporting more designer-label suits and shoes that (finally!) match their salaries. But more than anything, it’s their hair that’s turning heads. The man responsible: Stephan Zorian, the owner of Hair FX. In the heart of TO’s financial jungle, his scissors have tamed many a mane. His forecast for summer: “We foresee a combination of the 50s meets 80s, with a mixture of volume and textures, and a touch of the ‘un-done.’” We’re (almost) tempted to get a job at the TSE.
Hair FX
199 Bay Street
416-368-1077
In The Footsteps Of Toufik by Mathieu Chantelois / Summer 2010
Toufik Sarwa is the king of Toronto nightlife. His upscale Yorkville club, Amber, has made him a darling of the night-owl crowd. He’s also spent the past year making a name for himself as one of the city’s most respected restaurateurs. His new restaurant, Cinq 01, takes after him entirely: charming and elegant. His foie gras hotdogs and duck mac ‘n’ cheese are to die for, and the wine list is superb.
Cinq 01
501 College Street
416-964-1555
Lobbying by Mathieu Chantelois / Summer 2010
Since its grand reopening in 2004, the Drake has risen to the top spot among the city’s boutique hotels. The lobby’s retro furnishings set the tone: clients can expect vintage opulence and friendly service. Last summer, names such as Chris Cooper, Daryl Hannah, Maria Bello and Nick Nolte made its patio the place to be during the Toronto International Film Festival. A must for an after-work mojito (Or two).
Drake Hotel
1150 Queen Street West
416-531-5042
http://www.thedrakehotel.ca/
Colour Tune-up by Mathieu Chantelois / Spring 2010
I’m not alone in saying that the world needs more colour. This spring, hair colours are going to be dazzling. Just the thing for your mane: a visit to Rob Pizzuti. The master colourist at Exit Salon, Pizzuti has a true worldwide following. Known for spectacular colour that looks natural enough to fool Mom, his brush has worked miracles for Toronto’s A-list, as well as international dignitaries (Iranian princesses and Fergie, the Duchess of York, among them). Don’t you deserve to be treated like royalty?
Exit Salon
1360 Young Street
416 966-3948
http://www.exitsalon.com/
The Noir Life by Mathieu Chantelois / Spring 2010
Bright, vivid colours are back with a vengeance this spring. But not at Serpentine, where black is always beautiful. The boutique specializes in traditional urban looks—think rock star, biker chic, or post-Twilight vampire-style—with a definite rough edge. And yet it all just shimmers. According to co-owner Paul Mailing, “We noticed that no one else in Toronto was carrying this type of clothing. We weren’t really interested in the latest trends. We have a pretty solid concept here; it’s become our signature.”
Serpentine,
18 Hazelton Avenue
416 513-1818
http://www.theserpentine.net/
Sweet Jesus by Mathieu Chantelois / Spring 2010
Over the last decade, undergarment designer Jason Sutherland has captured our imagination—and fuelled our fantasies—with his Ginch Gonch line of underwear. This year, Sutherland is launching a new line that’s sure to tantalize: his new Piss & Vinegar label is designed to be both spicy and—spiritual! You’ll find all the saucy sacrilege on display at Almost Naked, Toronto’s trendiest unisex underwear emporium. The shop’s sales staff is so sexy, it’s a shame they don’t model the wares themselves… Other top brands include Bikkembergs, Hugo Boss, Marlies Dekkers, John Galliano and Diesel.
Almost Naked
479 Queen Street West
416 360-8200
NYC Via UPC by Mathieu Chantelois / Spring 2010
There’s nothing like a quick shopping trip to New York City… but an afternoon at Yorkville’s UPC comes awfully close. The shop’s selection of men’s and women’s apparel is simply unbeatable, with labels you won’t find anywhere else in town, like Three as Four, Yigal Azrouel, The Cast, Oliver Spencer… And spring is definitely the time to go: in September, the shop’s inventory gets raided by the Hollywood types who flock to the city for TIFF.
UPC Boutique
128 ½ Cumberland Street
416 929-9209
http://www.upcboutique.com/
Queen Of Queen by Mathieu Chantelois / Spring 2010
Tiger of Sweden, Designer Remix, Twenty8Twelve, Badgley Mischka, Modern Vintage and Michael Kors—Queen Street chic at its very best. For ten years, owner Kasha Milewski has been offering clients “a classic look that reflects the neighbourhood’s undeniable edginess.” With a large selection of shoes and accessories, you’ll find everything you need to give your wardrobe a total Queen Street makeover.
Deluxe Boutique
793 Queen Street West
416 603-3704
http://deluxeboutique.blogspot.com/
Shopping Break by Mathieu Chantelois / Spring 2010
If you’re the type of shopper that has to hit every single floor at Holt Renfrew, you should definitely take a breather in the café. It’s a regular haunt for local shoppers and tourists from the nearby hotels—the cuppa at Holts café is a Toronto tradition. Try their famous sandwiches—on Poilâne bread flown in from Paris.
Holt’s Café
50 Bloor Street West
416 922-2333
http://www.holtrenfrew.com/
Dolce Deco by Mathieu Chantelois / Spring 2010
Once you set foot in Dolce, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief: Toronto finally has a fabulously swank bar for a martini (or two). This temple of tipple has gone all-out to create a sophisticated atmosphere, with a very South Beach look. And it works. So put on your trendiest outfit and get ready to knock ’em dead! Cheers!
Dolce Social Ballroom
647 King Street West
416 361-9111
http://www.dolcesocial.com/
Power Duo by Mathieu Chantelois / Spring 2010
Sarah Parisotto and Hamid Samad make an incredible pair. The two designers behind Commute Home have a knack for combining dissimilar elements and creating surfaces with unexpected materials. Their designs juxtapose new and old, natural and artificial, fusing them into a single piece or environment. The result is refreshingly original furniture and interior design. The proof: two of this spring’s essential eateries: Nyood (1096 Queen St West) and Cinq 01 (510 College St).
Commute Home
819 Queen Street West
416 861-0521
Geek Chic by Mathieu Chantelois / Winter 2009
Finally! Design geeks and technophiles unite at the sleek new Bang & Olufsen boutique on Avenue Road. Masterminded by acclaimed designer Johnson Chou, the space illustrates the unique and modern modus operandi of the Danish electronics brand: technological and aesthetic excellence can peacefully coexist. “Design is a language. If you have nothing to say, design won’t help you,” says Toronto boutique manager Laurent Fort about their motto. True that! We already lust after the BeoSound 9000 audio system (see photo). Whether vertical or horizontal, flat or mounted, this six-CD system is music to your eyes as well as your ears.
Bang & Olufsen
185 Avenue Road
416 935-1919
http://www.bang-olufsen.com/
Oh-So-Sixties ! by Mathieu Chantelois / Winter 2009
She’s been oh-so-vintage since she was a little girl. Jessica Zimmerman was pretty much raised in a vintage boutique – her mother owned one. Having gotten the bug early, her collection of kitsch knick-knacks and rare gems of accessories grew to the point where it simply needed its own boutique. But Zimmerman’s shop is anything but traditional vintage. Rather, you’ll find some of the city’s most stylish jackets, Woodstock-inspired boots and furniture that looks like it was lifted of the set of Mad Men. Dust bunnies need not apply.
Bungalow
273, Avenue Augusta
416 598-0204
www.bungalow.to
Sweeeet ! by Mathieu Chantelois / Winter 2009
His own world travels are a recurring point of reference for Serge Vitale, epicurean owner of Sweet Lulu. Duly inspired from accents of the Far East, he presents a menu of lovely, light Asian fare that’s perfectly flavoured with maximum herbs and spices and minimal animal fats. The restaurant’s sweet staff and shockingly affordable prices make this delicate, exotic, and nutritious experience as memorable as a trip to Thailand.
Sweet Lulu
350 Bay Street
416 203-2228
http://sweetlulu.ca/
I Love You, Man! by Mathieu Chantelois / Winter 2009
The secret is out: Got Style is man’s new best friend. Dandies who know a thing or two about casual couture are well acquainted with this 4500 square-foot style mecca, packed with goods from all the right emerging designers: John Varvatos, SAND, Ted Baker, Full Circle, to name a few. And all under one roof! With perfectly tailored suits and shirts to fit every fellow’s style fantasy, Got Style also prides itself on quality. This is good stuff, guys. Speaking of which, while you’re there, why not treat yourself to a handjobber – the name of a manicure offered by the spa nestled in the back of the boutique. Who doesn’t love a good hand job?
Gotstyle
489 King Street West
416 260-9696
Love Is In The Hair by Mathieu Chantelois / Winter 2009
Come on, admit it : we’ve all been there. We saunter into the hair salon, and suddenly our brains undergo a strange phenomenon. We suddenly want to get the very same haircut of our favourite celebrity. Forgetting, of course, that we possess neither the same head shape, nor the killer facial bone structure of the star we so admire. Worry not! Hair on the Avenue will protect you and your hair from these potentially tragic delusions. Owner Lior Asuline is more than just the best hairstylist in town (seriously!) he also respects and adores each and every hair on the heads of his diverse clientèle. The salon’s relaxed vibe completes this magic formula. As such, it takes a while to get an appointment to sit in these magic chairs, but the wait is well worth it. Your hair − and psyche − will thank you!
Hair on the Avenue
112 Avenue Road
416 922-0112
Room With A View by Mathieu Chantelois / Winter 2009
Does the decor of your condo’s reception hall still scream 1993? No problem! This winter, invite your crew to the Hazelton Hotel. The game plan goes a little something like this: warm up at the chic bar before reeling the troops into the private screening room, a beautiful space of caramel leather seats, mohair walls (a boon to sound quality) and all the Blu-ray HD bells and whistles your modern heart desires. Chef Mark McEwan’s ONE Restaurant is available for catering – pass the gourmet chocolate covered popcorn.
Hazelton Hotel
118 Yorkville Avenue
416 963-6300
http://www.thehazeltonhotel.com/
Cake Couture by Mathieu Chantelois / Winter 2009
Your sweet tooth has never been more spoiled. Gourmet Patisserie Nadège makes mouths water with its menu of exquisite treats. Pastry chef Nadège Nourian whips up decadent delights like macaroons (pure chocolate, black currant, or olive oil) and marshmallows (lemon, strawberry or violet). We especially covet the magnificent cakes sculpted into the shapes of famous museums! But the sexiest indulgence has got to be La Veuve, a bubbly champagne mousse made from Clicquot and field berries. Cheers! Nadège Patisserie.
Gourmet Patisserie Nadège
780 Queen Street West
416 368-2009
L’Atelier by Mathieu Chantelois / Winter 2009
For twenty years already (wow!) Youssef Hasbani has provided Toronto society with interior design guidance. So what are this season’s design trends? L’Atelier, the massive treasure trove where this stylist extraordinaire showcases his finds, holds the answer. “Louis XVI inspiration, he says without hesitation. With a modern, contemporary flair, obviously.” Obviously! One can wander for hours through this veritable palace of decor, three stories of ideas. With so much beauty for sale, the real challenge is to leave empty-handed.
L’Atelier
1224 Young Street
416 966-0200
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