BRIAN'S BLOG
Living Local in Toronto – Great Take-Out and more!
April 26, 2021
So we are under our third lockdown and though it’s been rebranded alternately as a shutdown and a stay-at-home order, we’re still allowed to get outside for exercise. I thought I’d share a few of the things that are helping me stay sane right now.
Some of us have been lucky enough to continue working, but many people have faced big challenges, especially restaurants and retailers. This month I wanted to highlight some of the experiences I have enjoyed over the past few weeks. If you have any highlights to add please let me know in the comments below.
My partner and I have had some stellar take-out from Giulietta at College and Dovercourt – the portions were huge and the dessert was spectacular. Honestly, splurge. It’s so worth it.
We also had a great meal from Dova on Carlton which offers Sicilian dishes which travel well. They’ve also created a marketplace in their front window in place of their ample seating… shop for oils, pasta, sauces, wines and more so you can make dinners at home more exciting.
In terms of retailers, I love Spruce Toronto on Parliament St. in Cabbagetown. Kim, the owner, has focused on creating an amazing online presence to make shopping easier – they have some gorgeous items; candles, cards, vases, housewares, unique gift ideas, quirky children’s books and toys… all around fantastic gift ideas to treat your loved ones or friends to…. and you can still do curbside pickup. We’re all spending so much more time at home, it helps to have a few nice things around.
Though we don’t really venture too far outside of Cabbagetown these days on day trips, one thing we did for the first time a few weeks ago is visit the Scarborough Bluffs; walking long the beach, looking at the cliffs. It’s not a very long drive and it feels like you’ve completely left the city.
I don’t know how the Bluffs are still there, they seem to be eroding so quickly. You can see all the sand and silt running down the cliffs and the water running through he rock; it’s fascinating. You have to wonder how the people at the top of the hill get insurance, but that’s just the realtor in me.
Go to Brimley and down the hill, make a left towards the beach and just get out and walk.
I can’t imagine how a lot of people are surviving right now, including hairdressers and those who offer other personal services but the local businesses are what make our neighbourhoods so special. Let’s help them out!