The Distillery District proved to be a gem with bustling shops, distilleries (obviously) and art galleries like Thompson Landry Gallery. Further down was Chinatown, streets lined with every ingredient needed to make an authentic Asian dish. Kensington Market was nearby, a grittier feel to a market, but just as enjoyable. Yorkville a neighborhood where you can find high-end dining and shopping — think Gucci, Chanel — as well as some celebrity sightings was just a short distance away. Guided by Yorkville expert, Michelle Topola from Toronto Bespoke Tours, I discovered the hidden beginnings of this neighborhood including Eastern Sound Studio where Elton John and Gordon Lightfoot recorded their classics in the 1960’s. Luxury hotels and stores lined the streets, but there were plenty of hidden art galleries and whimsical sculptures, as well as the original setting of the Heliconian Club, Victorian homes that have secret stories to tell, and The Pilot, a bar from WWII.
Popular attractions included the Royal Ontario Museum — don’t miss the dinosaur exhibit or the rocks and crystals. Foodies must take advantage of “patio season” and dine at Bar Reyna where people watching goes hand-in-hand with savoring Mediterranean tapas and original cocktails. The Lamb Baklava and the Lebanese Taco were filled with unexpected flavors prompting me to slow down and savor every bite. If French cuisine is more your style, then the Paris-like French Onion Soup at Maison Selby should be on your list. Their Caesar Salad with croissant croutons (what a concept), and perfectly seasoned hand-cut Beef Burger with frites and aioli also standout.
China Town
Distillery District
Maison Selby
Bar Reyna
Bar Reyna
Lebanese Taco