It's a traditional greasy spoon that serves more than just grease. Make like a regular & order the daily specials by number as the old school wait staff expect no less. The folks in my office go for weekly esophageal lubrication (or aterial clogging, depending on your view). Popular choices are Montreal smoked meat (from the reputable Lesters Deli) served on Silverstein's rye bread. The Friday mac & cheese is also a hit though lunchtime consumption might hamper p.m. productivity.

it has saved my household from many a cooking emergency. Just a short walk from my downtown apartment, Rabba stands by their slogan & is always there for me. Rain or shine, morning or night, I can depend on their well-stocked shelves when I'm in a bind. This ain't your average corner store: expect a full range of products. While their base prices are much higher than I'd generally like to pay, their specials often match those of leading grocers.

there's nothing like nibbling on an authentic croque madame by a warm fireplace to transport you back to that perfect Parisian holiday. Don't do completely like the French: tone down the snootiness & just embrace the manufactured fabulousness. You don't just have to take my word--last time I was there, I witnessed Anna Olson of 'Sugar' fame sitting across from my table with her chef hubby Michael, quietly enjoying a meal, which quickly inspired their compliments to the chef.

I love breaking through that perfect crunch to find the savoury-yet-sweet fluffy inside. There's no hint of phoney flavour--just pure buttery goodness. Neither too rich nor too large, this breakfast wonder makes one want to break new year's resolutions in January! Hey, some believe it's better to raise the calorie count in the a.m. rather than the p.m., right?

there's a serious selection of classic retro delights like pickled herring & smoked trout that are best enjoyed in a charming country inn setting. Escape the city within the city limits & hang with sweet seniors who regularly delight in the decent all-you-can-eat roast beef before dancing the night away. The "Deluxe Lunch Buffet" (also hilariously referred to as "Taste of the Nations") is probably the best deal but be prepared to emerge from the dimly lit dining room

the delicious barbecued kebabs served with a heap of fragrant basmati rice will make the unitiated understand why the many discerning Persian families dining at Zaffron on any given night are regulars. In the heart of 'Tehranto', it's one of the fancier restaurants in the 'hood, serving up simple, accessible food that's fit for all seasons. If you're a meat eater, you'd be wise to pass on the Italian items and head straight to the charcoal barbecue section of the menu.

it's scrumptiously geek-friendly and down-to-earth. Enjoy delicious espresso-based beverages made with rich, frothy steamed milk and served in the kind of mug--and with the type of warmth--you'd expect at a friend's house. For some, it is a cosy communal workspace where writer's block is fought over casual food and drink. For others, it's a spot for quiet reading. I think it's a great relaxed hangout for solitary chillin' or group gabbin'. It's just aces in my books.

It's perfect in all ways: Impossibly sweet service; delicious, wholesome contemporary Japanese cafe food; and fantastic atmosphere (really, what do you expect from a King West furniture store/cafe combo). It's almost too close to my home and work. It's delightfully and dangerously tempting.

It combines the best flavours of the popular build-your-own brekkie menu in yummy Southwestern style: BBQ pulled pork, beans, avocado, cheddar, tomato, red onion & fresh cilantro are wrapped in perfectly fluffy, light eggs & topped with a dollop of sour cream. It's morning perfection on a plate that will keep you going well into the p.m. While your tastebuds dance, the rest of you will want to as well because the music rocks! Dine to vintage Sloan. new Tokyo Police Club & the like.

Why go to the St. Regis Room for overpriced ready-to-wear from afar when you can get personal service & local tailor-made clothing in a charming bohemian showroom for much less? While Pat's had hit shows at many fashion weeks, her specialty is in custom wear. Whether you are looking for a sleek suit or a slinky gown, Pat can provide. While she’s been around for years, Pat’s style is ageless. Young fashionistas on a budget, indulge your couture fantasies right here in downtown Toronto.

These fab, frequent cars get a dedicated lane along one of my favourite streets. Even during non-rush hours, you'll be sure to catch a Spadina streetcar shortly after you plant yourself at one of the partially sheltered, fence-protected stops. (Hurray for less chance of getting run down by a passing car!) Spadina is a major artery of some of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto (including my own); and next to walking, the streetcar is the best way to enjoy the street's many pleasures.

this shop allows me to hit several birds with one stone: I can flex my language muscles while enjoying guilty pleasure reading.Hola, revistas de moda. Salut, magazines féminin québécois. As the name of the store suggests, there is a significant collection of Francophone reading material; but in general, there is a large selection of (fairly current) newspapers and magazines from around the world. It's browsing heaven for cosmopolitan readers.

They offer quality instruction in a peaceful environment to anyone (beginner to advanced) interested in deepening their yoga practice. Part of the worldwide network of non-profit International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres that were founded in 1959 by Swami Vishnu-devananda to spread yoga and Vedanta teachings for overall well-being, the Centre is a refreshingly far cry from the trendy, commercial vibe of many of the city’s studios. Yes, you can ditch the lululemon gear for regular old sweats.

Its cozy back room with the old chesterfields transports me back to my high school days when my friends and I would spend hours on end hanging out at the Green Room (only minus the horrible teen angst.) Ah, the power of nostalgia. It may be in hot hipsterville, but there's nothing snooty about this hangout: the music rocks, the service is pleasantly pressure-free and the atmosphere is warmly low-key.

they've truly got the best selection in the city for Michelle Kwan wannabes. Oops, there I go dating myself. Actually, when I coerced my parents into swiping their credit cards at this North York skate boutique, Kristi Yamaguchi was my idol. Now THAT'S gotta date me.This is the place to shop if you get excited by trying on some Riedells (even if you just settle for the Risports). Forget that trendy American Apparel figure skating dress and buy the real deal in the FSB's apparel section.

The service is impeccable. Professional, courteous staff at the Bayview Village location replaced winter boots I had bought the previous winter and subjected to harsh Montreal weather because they did not live up to the brand's waterproof guarantee. After applying an unknown testing method to the boots, I was offered store credit beyond what I had paid (but equivalent to the original retail price) and I was able to get through the next winter with new, more functional (and chic) boots.

As the friendly owners will enthusiastically explain, their non-dairy, wholesome, organic frozen desserts are low fat, low calorie & low GI. With heavy duty food science & nutrition backgrounds, you can be sure that the creators of the goofily named Soy-n-Joy serve cold treats that won't induce guilt. Happily, they don't compromise in taste either. Beating B&R's 31 flavours, Suree & Kai-kong offer 33 yummy flavours including Asian favourites like durian & red bean.

There's nothing like a classic dinner movie outing and Rainbow offers one of the cheapest Tuesday tix in town. I particularly like the Market Square location because of all the St. Lawrence Mkt neighbourhood offerings for pre- and post-film fun. Just don't expect repertory cinema selection; Rainbow shows movies for the masses. Big budget movies at proletariat prices? Hmmmm...interesting. Catch a flick and analyze it all afterwards over dinner or drinks (without breaking the bank.)

It's a real latte made with skill from Segafredo Zanetti espresso poured on ice upon request. There are no iced coffees on the menu, but there's no extra charge for ice. Don't let cucina's slick look, location in ever trendy Little Italy & full menu make you worry about just ordering coffee as the staff is unpretentious & accommodating. Settle into one of the comfy armchairs up front and sip away while enjoying one of the many magazines provided for customers.

It's a family-run business that is always full of Filipino families in the know. The counter is full of authentic, delicious dishes that can be eaten in the clean (if basic) restaurant or taken out to be enjoyed at home. Staff are attentive & will take time to explain the various daily offerings to those new to Filipino cuisine. The sweet barbecued skewers are flavourful & tender; though saucier stews are great too. Remely's is also known for catering with lumpia being a popular order.

It is one of many reasons I miss working in Parkdale. Don't be alarmed by the huge fish swimming in isolation in its tank & just focus on the rich, fragrant flavours swimming in your warm bowl. The broth that carries the slices of delicate meat, tendon, tripe (whatever you fancy) is complex enough to get your tastebuds hyped up, but still exudes simple comfort. While the noodles are made from dry rice sticks (like in the entire city & unlike in Vietnam), they have a great, chewy texture.

Made You Look allows the curious and savvy shopper a chance to get close to the creators of their best accessories in a special combined gallery/shop/studio on west Queen W. The bright front area of the place acts as the showcase for the beautiful jewellery designed and made by local artists, while the back is where the creative magic happens. There's a diversity of styles to suit all aesthetic tastes in this Parkdale fave just steps outside of the official 'Art & Design District.'

This charming boutique is full of character and incredible fashion finds. Stocked with special items from local and international designers, you'll come out of Trove with an item that will have strangers on the subway asking, "Where'd you get that?" If you're an accessories fiend like me, you'll have a hard time resisting the cheerfully chic handbags or tastefully glamourous baubles. There are many treasures to be found in this sweetly sophisticated Trove.

This healthy bread toasts up nice and crisp--perfect for topping with almond butter and banana in the morning. Though they're sliced thin, one piece is quite filling. Whether you call them linseeds or flax seeds, you probably already know that they're full of omega fatty goodness and wonderful nutty taste. These little wonder seeds are baked into this wholesome bread that is available in most grocery stores in airtight packages. The outer bag will even teach you a little German.

Put aside all your preconceived notions of an international chain restaurant and embrace the mega popular Chennai-based South Indian vegetarian family restaurant. The pristine Scarborough location is often packed with groups of friends and families enjoying authentic plates that transport your palate across the world. The dosa are lightly crisped and adequately seasonsed without being too salty (unlike so many other dosa I've tasted.)