Most mornings, Todd can be found sipping a black coffee and watching the foot traffic outside. His days are occupied by putting books into the world, either painstakingly, with pencil and paper, or by schmoozing with the good folks that make the gears turn. He’s from a small town, and likes to shake hands with strangers.
Toronto’s record store culture is fiercer now than ever before. The last few years have seen old names opening new shops in the city and fresh, young upstarts creeping into the scene to deliver entirely uniquely curated catalogues. When it comes to Toronto’s best record stores, here’s the seven-step journey through all that’s new in the city’s vinyl scene. [Feature image: Dead Dog Records]
Toronto’s most vivid experiences come from the diversity of its neighbourhoods. The area around Yonge and Eglinton used to be a part of the largest cattle grazing space in Upper Canada. Now it’s the grazing area for urbanites from the 6ix. What follows is a guide through a day in the Yonge and Eg neighbourhood, where to eat, energize, and pick up a few new threads. [Image credit: iStock.com/olaser]
Coffee and booze, perhaps the fluids most essential for getting through life in the 6. There’s plenty of hybrid cafés in Toronto offering both of civilization’s most coveted elixirs. After perusing the best licenced cafés to find the two together, they will be inseparable for any connoisseur, prompting the use of either a hip flask or a hip thermos. [Image credit: iStock.com/SrdjanPav]
Have you been hunting for the best guacamole in Toronto? Look no further. Whether you’re after citrus flavours, chunky texture or spice, you’ll find the guacamole to suit your needs right here. This list is guaranteed to make you long for Mexico then assuage you with the best local alternatives. Salud! [Photo of El Catrin by Parisima Baha]
Born to the streets of urban Japan, the izakaya is traditionally understood as a place to stay and drink. Whether it’s a divey hole where a stomach is quelled with copious deep-fried edibles, or a refined eatery delivering a superb culinary and social experience, the city is rich with unique takes on Japanese food and atmosphere. Itadakimasu! [Image credit: iStock.com/PamelaJoeMcFarlane]
Now Donna! Now Dashiell! Now Pauline and Veronica! The holiday season is upon you Toronto – it’s time to gather friends and family dear for some comfy cocktails and cozy dinners, and these chummy diners, trendy bistros, and historical spots are sure to fit the bill. Read on as we take you for a carriage ride through the frosty streets of Toronto and some of the city’s most charming venues to gather during the holidays.