Essential Toronto Magazine 2017 | Page 55

exPlore DiStillery DiStriCt this 19th-century heritage village and national historic site is filled with artists’ studios, galleries, restaurants and Canadian-designed goods 1 Shoe Store John Fluevog’s shoes have always been outside the conventional shoe- box, which is probably the key to its 40+ years of staying power. Browse the in-store selection or explore the archives and have an older design custom-made. 4 Trinity St.; other locations, fluevog.com Gift Shop Distill Gallery offers a range of Canadian-made clothes, jewellery, home decor and more, as well as art pieces by local designers. You’re sure to find the perfect gift 2 here, whether you’re shopping for friends and family back home—or for yourself. 24 Tank House Ln., 18 Tank House Ln., elcatrin.ca distillgallery.com 3 Art GAllery Alongside traditional sculptures and prints, Gallery Indigena displays a carefully curated selection of masks and wood art from talented Indig- enous artists across Canada. If you want to take a work home with you, the gallery will pack and ship your selections to anywhere in the world. John Fluevog 46 Gristmill Ln., galleryindigena.com 6 hAute CuiSine French cuisine gets the star treat- ment at Cluny, where modern fare, like ginger-chilli frog legs, is served alongside classic steak-frites platters. Choose a glass (or bottle) from the extensive list of French vintages as you enjoy the bustling Parisian atmosphere. 35 Tank House Ln., clunybistro.com 7 preMiuM tippleS The Gooderham and Worts distillery is active once again thanks to Spirit of York, which has reclaimed the malting room to produce small-batch gin and vodka. Tour the facility to get a glimpse of the distillation process, taste custom- ized bitters, and grab a bottle to toast with at home. 12 Trinity St., spiritofyork.com 4 Coffee Shop Australian-inspired Arvo Coffee shares its succulent-filled space with a florist, so patrons can enjoy beautiful blossoms with their pour-over or cappuccino. Drink up the decor—complete with exposed brick and a refurbished marble countertop from Toronto’s Omni King Edward Hotel—inside or sit on the patio to take in the district’s historic vibe. 17 Gristmill Ln. Spirit of York GettinG there The Distillery District is bounded by Mill Street to the north, the Gardiner Expressway to the south, Parliament Street to the west and Cherry Street to the east. 65 Parliament and 504 King streetcars El Catrin Distillery District Mill st. 4 7 3 1 5 2 6 5 MexiCAn reStAurAnt El Catrin serves tapas-style Mexican eats. Enjoy fresh ceviche below the glowing mural by Oscar Flores or sip tequila cocktails on the heated patio. Those looking to broaden their palate should try chef Olivier Le Calvez’s traditional guacamole and tacos—with crickets. EssEntial toronto where 55