Hip and ultra-cool, their coffee kicks serious butt. I lived in Rome for a few months back in the day, and there's an essence of that here, but modern - a little more Milano than Roma. There's so much more to rave about: a handsome Italian man is telling me I'm bellissima, the wireless network lets me check my email and get a bit of work done while I sip my perfect latte and manga a delicous panini. I really don't think it gets any better than this. Swoon!

If you're looking for something funky-cool to dress your little one in, Simon Says is your best bet. Nestled in the heart of Davisville Village on Mt. Pleasant Ave., owner Tina will infect you with her passion for fashionable kid wear.

Their pizza is the absolute best this side of Rome. Having lived in Rome as a student, I learned what good pizza really is. There is nothing better than a glass of vino rosso with Terroni's Fungi appetizer and a Santo Spirito pizza. Pure heaven.

It's my guilty pleasure. I'm not usually one to drop mega bux on shoes, but Fluevog brings out the Carrie Bradshaw in me. From ultra-funky to just plain gorgeous, Fluevogs can create pure joy.

Mabel's Fables is the perfect children's bookstore. Set in a vintage store that looks like a gingerbread house, the books are organized by age group to make it easy to find the perfect read for the children you love.

Bright with lots of happy colours, Gymboree Play and Music is a great extracurricular activity for your child, from baby to pre-schooler. Choose from Gymboree, Music, Yoga, and more. I especially love Gymboree when winter makes it tougher to get outside to play.

If you've got a kid who loves trains, you must take them to George's Trains. Renowned in North America as one of the most well-known mecca for model trains, their entire 2nd floor is dedicated to Thomas the Tank Engine gear.

These cupcakes are to die for: they're a stunning work of art, and so delicious. The icing is light as air (mmm, must be all that butter!) and the cupcake is yummy spongecake. Betcha you can't eat just one!

If you're about to enter the world of parenthood, or you're already there, you'll want to visit Moms To Be for the latest, chic-est gear around. Just because you're a mom doesn't mean you've lost your cool; Moms to Be keeps you looking stylish and makes parenting just a little bit easier.

they greet you in Italiano, and have the best gelato in the 'hood. Why travel all the way to Corso Italia or Little Italy when there's a little piece of Rome right here in Davisville.

In summer they have a fabulous patio, in winter it's bright and cozy. Because they don't mind when you bring your kids and they make a mess. Because their burgers are delish, and because their weekend breakfast is the best.

Whenever I'm looking for something unique and funky-cool, I just have to walk up the street to Bean Sprout to see what owner Trish Haddad has in her shop.

The atmosphere is friendly and comforting, because Jules makes the most delictable croissants, because his lattes kick butt, and because they're just up the street from me.