Winterlicious 2010: Eat Like A King

While most people mark the start of the year by counting down until the ball drops, Toronto food lovers ring in the year by attending our city’s deliciously awesome food fest, Winterlicious. From January 29 to February 11, eateries of all kinds are serving up prix fixe  menus at discounted prices. Restaurants across the city are partaking in this, but we think the King West ‘hood is boasting a particularly stellar Winterlicious lineup. Learn a bit more about the restaurants that will help you ‘Eat like a King’ this year:

Big Daddy’s Crab Shack
Lunch $15 Dinner $25

Across from Roy Thompson Hall, this restaurant is famous for it’s seafood appetizers and platters. It’s decorated with a New Orleans flair that will cause you to wonder if you’re still in the city.

Conviction
Dinner $45

This restaurant is famous for having rehabilitated ex-convicts prepare the food and wait tables, in fact there was even a TV special done on this spot. The food here is amazing to say the least, but be sure to reserve early.

Crush Wine Bar
Lunch $20 Dinner$35

This wine bar may be famous for its vintage merlot and shiraz, but the real treat is in the culinary masterpieces. The food is created with a British flair that can be tasted in everything from the lamb to the beef wellington.

Fred’s Not Here
Lunch $20 Dinner $35

The dishes here are not to be missed as they are made from a variety of animals ranging from lamb to emu and ostrich.

Madeline’s
Dinner $45

This spot has something for everybody with steamy seafood, succulent meats and even fresh vegetable dishes.

Spice Route
Lunch $15 Dinner $25

This spot will have your mouth agape upon entering just with the decor. The Asian-inspired dishes will tantalize the tastebuds while the expansive bar will keep you there long after your meal.

Vertical Restaurant
Lunch $25 Dinner $45

Presentation is everything, and Vertical does it right by preparing its Mediterranean  foods in a way that’s not only appealing to the stomach, but also to the eyes. Be sure not to skip out on dessert, as some say it’s the best part of the meal.
Are you planning on celebrating Winterlicious this year? King West and beyond, we would love to hear about your Winterlicious experiences on OurFaves.

Enjoy!

25 Things To Do In TO This Winter

As the holidays make a dent in our schedules and our wallets, we often forget to take care of our winter selves. When the city transforms into a living snow globe, don’t run for cover, here are 25  things you can do (and sometimes eat) around the city to make this winter a little more interesting:

• Warm your soul with the one-of-a-kind comfort food at Rebel House, like the gooey grilled cheese
• Get a cookie the size of your head at Le Gourmand
• Have a cocktail, and possibly run into a celebrity, at the Soho Metropolitan Hotel
• Stare at the conveyor belt of sushi, or get yourself a sushi boat at Fune Japanese Restaurant
• Go to the grand opening of Fuzion 99 on Dec. 11 and try their Italian and Latin cuisine
• Enjoy the unique pool hall/Ukrainian restaurant hybrid at On Cue Billiards
• Warm up with a ‘white orange vanilla’ hot chocolate at Moroco Chocolat
• Try a ‘sparkling sake’ with your gourmet dinner at Lee’s
• Take your cardio workout inside at Rock Oasis, which boasts the highest walls in the city
• Pamper yourself and exfoliate away holiday stress with a body scrub at Body Blitz
• Stop in for drinks twice at Spice Safar: Coffee in the morning, alcohol at night
• Catch a (hopefully) winning Raptors or Leafs game at the ACC
• Bask in the warm glow of Christmas at the Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Philips Square. While you’re there, pick up some unique items at their clothing market
• Try the new holiday prix-fixe menu at Peartree Restaurant where you can dine on lamb chops and rhubarb pie for only $23.99
• Get a Kobe steak served to you by an ex-con at Conviction
  
• Try some of the famous ‘drinking chocolate’ and other treats at the enviro-friendly SOMA Chocolatemaker
• Chill out from the Christmas scene and listen to some funky sounds at 751
• Get yourself a new pair of winter boots from Get Outside
• Try to book a table at Nota Bene Restaurant for either Christmas or New Years. If you succeed, brag to all your friends
• Try the famous $45 cocktail at Barchef. Or if you would rather spend your money on food and shelter, try the sage and grapefruit vodka martini for a reasonable $8
• Imagine yourself at a Parisian cafe as you try the croissants at Celestin
• Get pizza the same way Mama used to make at Marcello’s Pizzeria
• Come visit the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Toronto, perhaps Canada, at Annapurna
• Have an incredibly thick steak served to you by the waiters at the family-owned Tulip

Have a 26th suggestion to add??

Vintage Halloween Haunts

Whatever your poison this Halloween,  you’re going to be in need of a costume. You can chose the traditional route and pick something up at a costume shop (yawn), or you can get creative and pull together a stellar costume from some scarily cheap & trendy vintage stores in the city:

Cabaret Vintage Clothing

Cabaret is a hot spot for celebrities when they come into town, and, ss a result, you may sometimes snag a great piece that a celebrity ditched earlier. Cabaret has racks of great clothes at a low price and they have a huge selection of costume jewelery waiting to be found.

69 Vintage

69 Vintage offers that perfect jacket or accessory for any night out. You may come in to find some fingerless gloves for your hobo outfit, and end up leaving with a new pea coat.

Common Sort

Common Sort isn’t just a vintage clothing store – it’s a place where you can buy, sell or trade any article of clothing. This means that you may be able to get your entire Halloween outfit (plus a few goodies) for free if you bring in some of your used clothes.

The Cat’s Meow

The Cat’s Meow is a vintage clothing store that deals with clothes made anywhere from the 1920’s to the 1980’s. The bulk of their selection is from the 1950-1970’s so this is the perfect store if you’re looking to channel that era.

I Miss You

This store caters mainly to the ladies, so guys looking for some costume ideas may be disappointed. However, if your plans are to be a glamorous diva or something equally high-end, this would be a good place to look.

Franny Vintage

Franny Vintage is the perfect place to go if you’re hunting for that detail to make your costume stand out. They have shoes, bags and other accessories that can add to any outfit. Do you have the Jimmy Hendrix outfit but need the huge boots? Franny’s will have exactly what you’re looking for.

Have a fave vintage store you want to add?

The best espresso in your ‘hood

With the leaves changing color and the temperature dipping, it’s time to find some refuge (and warmth) in a smooth cup of espresso. The perfect espresso can be  identified by any connoisseur simply by looking for a few traits; a rich brown color in the shot, a nectar-like appearance, and a thick golden ‘coat’ on top. Few places can pull this triad off perfectly – luckily there are some standout coffee houses scattered across the city, you just have to know where to look for them. For us, the cream rises to the top at each of these coffee joints in five different neighbourhoods:

Little Italy

Riviera Bakery

The owners of Riviera Bakery have done a fantastic job of infusing the taste of Italy into their coffee. Their espresso doppio is perfect for pairing with authentic Italian pastries baked fresh daily.

The Annex

Manic Coffee

This shop is a few blocks away from U of T and as a result is a popular hangout among students. The baristas take great pride in every drink made, and use only the finest intelligentsia espresso beans. They have a way of getting the foam to the perfect density (Note: it can hold a sugar cube for 5 seconds before swallowing it up).

Bloor Yorkville

Zaza Espresso Bar

Only steps from the Royal Ontario Museum, this coffee house is a favorite among Yorkvillers and students alike. The owner hails from Naples and has brought his renowned espresso-making techniques with him. Every shot he pours is done with care and precision, and he puts the same effort into remembering every person who frequents his  coffee bar.

The Distillery District

Balzac’s Coffee Roastery

Balzac’s is one of the most famous coffee houses in the city, not for their brewing techniques or their baristas, but for how they roast the beeans. On a good day, you can even smell the coffee all the way from Front & Parliament.

Leslieville

Dark Horse Espresso Bar

Dark House is world renowned for its espresso-art, where drinks are cheerfully decorated with hearts and smiley faces. Dark Horse also prides itself on using sustainable coffee and has a direct-trade relationship with the coffee growers, so you pay a little bit more to ensure that the money goes straight to the farmers.

We wanna know, who makes the best espresso in your ‘hood?

The Art of Binging: Late Night Eating and Drinking at Nuit Blanche

Who doesn’t love Nuit Blanche? It’s a free celebration of contemporary art where galleries, museums, hidden corridors and, in some cases, kitchens, are bustling with creative conversation until sunrise.  From 7pm to 7am this Saturday, more than 130 art projects will be scattered across three different art zones in downtown Toronto. An all-nighter of such proportions requires proper sustenance, and while you can always rely on the usual 24-hour spots (like Fran’s or 7 West), there are also a bunch of bars and restos that will be extending their hours. Whether you’re a starving artist or just using Nuit Blanche as an excuse to practice the art of late-night binging, here are some recommendations on where to eat and drink past 2am in each of the three designated Art Zones:

Zone A – Downtown North (Spadina to Jarvis; Dupont to Queen)

Ceramic art and salty frites await at The Gardiner

The Rivoli

Magic Oven

The Gardiner Museum

Zone B – Downtown South (Spadina to DVP; Queen to Lakeshore)

Get wired on Balzac's freshly roasted coffee

Balzac’s

The Boiler House

Pure Spirits Oyster House

Zone C – South/West (Spadina to Dufferin; Dundas to Lakeshore)

Munch on a 5am brunch at The Gladstone

Shanghai Cowgirl

Gladstone Hotel

Reggie’s Old Fashioned Sandwiches

Where will you be this Saturday night? Share your Nuit Blanche stories, photos and recommendations on OurFaves or tell us on Twitter.

You can also check out Toronto.com’s Nuit Blanche Guide for more information on how to master your night out.

The best dinner is a free dinner

Close your eyes and imagine a feast sprawled out before you at your favourite restaurant.  Tantalizing aromas swirl around your head as you wonder which plate to attack first.  Before you know it, you’re savouring the last delicious morsel of the best meal you’ve ever had.  Your server arrives with your bill and your lips slowly form an ear-to-ear smile.  Why? Because you won this sumptuous meal by simply writing a review of your favourite restaurant on Ourfaves.com.

Want this beautiful daydream to become a reality? Follow these simple steps and prepare yourself for a feast! (Full contest details can be found here)

1.  Sign in to Ourfaves.com using your Facebook username and password.
2.  Click on “add your fave restaurant” at the top of the page and write a review with the title “My Fave T.O. Resto” so we can track your entry.  (Reviews must be at least 2 lines long)
3.  Ourfaves will publish your entry on its Facebook fan page.  All you have to do is get your friends to cast a ‘Like’ vote for your review!

The published review with the most ‘Like’ votes will win$250 towards a meal at their reviewed restaurant.  It’s that easy.  So get cracking, get creative and get your community voting for you!

OurFaves Guide To Tiff (Part 2)

Although the weekend is behind us and we’re all suffering through a case of the Mondays, it’s good to know that TIFF is still going strong the rest of this week. Future blockbusters such as The Informant and Up In The Air screened this weekend, as well as some thought-provoking biopics like Collapse and Creation. The next three days will prove to be just as eventful, with screenings of films from directors Martin Scorsese and the Coen brothers. Here are a few spots that you should visit if you have the urge to play hooky from work.

September 14 2009

Start your week off with a bang and go see the 9:00 a.m. screening of A Serious Man at the Scotiabank Theatre.  This latest project by the Coen brothers focuses on its main character’s struggle to be respected both at home and at work. After the film, treat your taste buds and wallet with respect by visiting HoSu Bistro, a tasty retreat one block up from the theatre. Reflect on the film while you enjoy a sampling of Korean and Japanese goodies.

Once you’ve fuelled up with some grub, make your way back to the Scotiabank Theatre to catch John Hillcoat’s new film, The Road at 3:00 p.m.  Starring Viggo Mortensen and Charlize Theron, the film is a story of survival in a post-apocalyptic world.  If the movie’s got you down, go for a pick-me-up at Cafe Crepe with a banana-nutella dessert crepe.

Finally to wrap up our day we’ll actually begin at Le Gourmand to get some baked goodies before departing to our next film. Make sure to try their gigantic cookies with a gourmet coffee before making your way to the Roy Thompson Hall and catching the newest movie from director and storyteller, Rodrigo Garcia: Mother And Child. This film begins at 6:30 sharp and recounts the story of a mother and daughter separated at birth, only to find each other later … working at the same law office. This film features an all-star cast of Annette Bening, Naomi Watts, and my personal favorite, Samuel L. Jackson.

September 15 2009

Our first movie is at 11 a.m., so start the day off right with a visit to Eggspectation for a tasty brunch.  It’s conveniently located inside the Eaton Center, steps away from the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre.  Prepare to see your beloved city through director Atom Egoyan’s eyes with Chloe, a movie about marriage and infidelity set in Toronto.

Soak in the last warm days of the year by taking advantage of free TIFF screenings at Yonge and Dundas Square. Today’s offerings include Allan Dwan’s 1922 classic, Robin Hood at 3:00 p.m.  After the film, mosey on over to Johnny Rockets down the street to continue the nostalgia train with a burger, a shake and onion rings with a ketchup happy face.

Our last movie of the day is Waking Sleeping Beauty, a documentary about the Disney Corporation’s return to form in the 1990s with children’s classics such as Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid.  The movie screens at 6:00 p.m. at the Yonge and Dundas AMC, which is a short walk away from Green Onion Pan Asian Cuisine.  Try a little bit of Thai, Szechwan and Chinese for dinner after reliving the magic of some of your fave animated Disney flicks.

AMC / Yonge-Dundas / Home away from home

September 16 2009

Be sure to get up nice and early so you don’t miss out on all the films of Day 6. We’ll start at the Scotiabank Theatre at 9:15 to catch the postmodern depiction of the Manson trials, as directed by Regina Harkema, called Leslie, My Name Is Evil. However, before we watch the film, we should fuel up on some gourmet coffee at The Roastery Coffee House which is just around the corner. Make sure to try some of the birch beer, which is apparently the best that Toronto has to offer.
Our next event is extra special, not just because of the director, but because of the price point. Head down to the Yonge-Dundas Square at noon and catch a glimpse of the new Martin Scorsese movie, The Last Waltz for free (that’s right, $0.00). The movie has been kept under wraps so you’ll be one of the first to know about it if you attend. With all the money you save by seeing this movie, invest it into something worthwhile, like your appetite. Great Cooks On Eight offers great food with a great view. Try any of their lunch specials by the window for a great view of our city hall.
We round our day off early today, with a viewing of Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags a film about the fashion industry and how it got it’s starts as a way for Jewish immigrants to make a living. The movie will be shown at the AMC at 5:15 so be sure to give yourself some time for travel. After the flick, take advantage of not having anything to do and check out Elmwood Spa, located a few blocks away. Take a dip in their pool or get a deep tissue massage, it doesn’t matter, just make sure you enjoy yourself.

Ourfaves Guide To TIFF

After all the announcements and hype preceding it, the Toronto International Film Festival has finally arrived.  For ten days every fall, Toronto plays host to an eclectic mix of big-budget and independent movie screenings; jaw-droppingly gorgeous movie stars; throngs of film connoisseurs from all corners of the GTA; and scores of celebrity hunters in the trendiest Toronto neighbourhoods.

If you’re plan on braving the rush line-ups for the hottest screenings, going elbow-to-elbow with other fans for George Clooney’s autograph, and managing to grab a bite or a drink in between shows, have no fear.  OurFaves has you covered. Here’s a day-by-day guide to where you should be this weekend.

September 11 2009

Start the festival off by hitting up the 2:15 p.m. screening of Cleanfix at the AMC Yonge & Dundas 24. Cleanfix is a light-hearted movie about Mormons who decide to run a video store where they can censor all the naughty parts of their favourite films. You’ll most likely want to enjoy a quick and tasty lunch before this show, so make like so many of our favers and grab a bite at Salad King. This ultra popular spot is minutes from AMC theatre and also has take-out in case you’re running late.

Another afternoon flick worth catching is the Charles Darwin biopic Creation starring Jennifer Connelly. This movie screens at 3:00 p.m. at the Ryerson Theatre, so make sure you stop by the Baskin-Robbins close by and create your own ice-cream combination (sorry, couldn’t resist the pun). Just make sure you enjoy your treat before you take your seat.

After all of your film-trotting, you might be looking forward to a relaxing dinner with friends. We think Barberians Steak House is the perfect pit stop before you head over to Yorkville’s Varsity Theatre to check out an evening screening of Suck. This Canadian comedy is showing at 9:30 p.m. and features former Kids In The Hall actor, Dave Foley.  After the show, pop by Panorama for a nightcap and a spectacular view of the city.

September 12 2009

Although you may want to sleep in after an action-packed Friday night, we suggest setting your alarm clock early so you can catch all the great films showing today. First up, there’s The Informant!, a quirky comedy featuring Matt Damon which starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre. Since you may have trouble getting going that early on a Saturday morning, get your java fix at the Queen and Yonge Starbucks with an Americano and a scone. The coffee will perk you up for the film and the movie will keep you laughing for the rest of the day.

Not much of a morning person? Zoom up to The Ryerson Theatre just in time to catch Megan Fox in Jennifer’s Body at noon.  After the flick, you can head to 7 West Cafe and talk about the deep storyline and character development you just witnessed with a friend. Or just have some coffee and try to figure out why Megan Fox is famous.

Those looking for heavier cinematic fare can head over to the AMC to catch Collapse at 6:00 p.m. This documentary was directed by Chris Smith and talks about the current financial situation south of the border. In honour of the movie topic, we recommend going to Opa! Souvlaki of Greece for a fiscally responsible dinner before or after the movie. As a bonus, the restaurant is just steps away from the theatre, so you get to save cab money too.

The Elgin Winter Garden Theatre: Your New Home

September 13 2009

This day is the most ‘Hollywood’ of all our days, with all 3 films including A-list actors. Kick off your Sunday at the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre with a viewing of Up in the Air at 11:00 a.m. Directed by Jason Reitman and starring George Clooney, the film is about a man that fires people for a living who ends up going through a mid-life crisis, all while trying to rake up as many frequent flyer points as possible. Grabbing a hearty brunch at Senator Restaurant for might be a good idea because you’ll be watching a double feature at the theatre.

Afternoon go-getters can catch The Joneses at 3:00 p.m. with Demi Moore and David Duchovny. It’s also being shown at the Elgin, a place that you should be very comfortable with by now.

Wrap up your day by heading to The Ryerson Theatre and checking out Drew Barrymore’s feature directorial debut about the fast-paced world of roller derby Whip It at 9:00 p.m.  After the film is over, head over to Fire On The East Side to indulge in some delicious crab cakes and to strategize for the rest of the fest.

Well folks, that’s it for this weekend, stay tuned for the second part in Ourfaves’ three-part guide to doing TIFF like a movie star.

Going back to school with some guilt-free shopping

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and for university and college students, this commercial actually rings true. I mean c’mon, sure there are the exams, essays and the all-nighters spent studying and sucking down bad coffee. But before we get to that, there’s the standard two weeks of partying that accompanies every return to school. So to help you get out and have some guilt-free fun, the Ourfaves blog has compiled a few places to hit up in Toronto to get yourself ready for the semester, because we want you to be prepared both to hit the clubs in style and hit the books as soon as the hangover’s gone.

For the Techies

School’s finally back and, as always, you absolutely need to have the latest software or the thinnest Mac on campus. Thankfully, Ourfaves.com has you covered with a few locations that will satisfy all your nerdly desires. Ourfaves.com resident expert Mark Moyes has become a recently converted fan of Future Shop, largely based on their 30-day return policy, which can be shamelessly abused.

If a new computer’s what you’re looking for, a good bet is the Computer Systems Centre located in Chinatown. This store carries a selection of both Mac and PC computers, but don’t worry about stepping into one of those Mac vs. PC ads, since the staff is unbiased and happy to help find the right machine for you. Got bugs? Hey, it happens. Just head over to PC Mechanix to get your computer cleaned up and running smooth. Married to Mac? Then go to the official church of Apple for everything you could possible need for your electronic love.

Oh come all ye faithful to thine Apple Store

DJ’s: If you’re seeking a new set of turntables to get the party going this semester, then Toronto’s countless music and audio shops are at your service. The best bet for a fresh deck is MOOG Audio, while those looking for bone-rattling subwoofers or speakers that set off car alarms would be wise to head to Long & McQuade.

Everything you need to get a noise complaint can be found at Long & McQuade

Looking for a new set of headphones? Want to make your apartment the ultimate pre-party destination? You can sample the best audio equipment over at Bay Bloor Radio, which beats out all big box stores when it comes to selecting a top quality audio system.

Fashionistas

Returning to university with a fresh wardrobe is always a good feeling, even though we both know half these clothes will be destroyed during frosh week. To help you get started on your September style, head over to French Connection, H&M or ZARA for some great selections that are also on the thriftier side of the Toronto clothing market. Urban Outfitters is also a good call – it has something for everyone at prices that are never unreasonable. For men, Gotstyle on King West has a great selection of club gear and features end of summer bargains .

For work or play, ZARA has your style

For higher end clothing, the standard would have to be Holt Renfrew, with smaller but no less classy Augustina Boutiques a close second. Mendocino is also a popular choice among the Ourfaves team, as it features the trendiest and sexiest clothing you can find outside of New York or LA. Too pricey? Mid-to-high-range clothing can be found over at Aritzia on Queen West, which also has eleven other locations around the GTA. Ladies will also find accessories galore at Michael Kors in Yorkdale Mall.

Michael Kors at Yorkdale: So many accessories...so little time

Artists

Enrolled in an arts program? Don’t settle for those second-rate classroom materials. Get the good stuff that’ll last you through the semester by heading to Gwartzman’s Canvas & Art Supplies, which has everything you need and also offers a student discount on their supplies.

If you want to find a few pieces of inspiration to put on your wall, Toronto is chock-full of great art galleries with pieces that look like fine art but without the hefty price tag. One such place is The Cryptic Canvas, located near King and Bathurst. Right across the Art Gallery of Ontario you’ll find the Bau-Xi Gallery, which showcases the latest works by popular Canadian artists sold at prices that won’t turn your stomach.

At C1 Art Space, you can find original Canadian pieces or even create your own art to display at home. If crafts are more your thing, head to Arton Crafts Inc. or even Dollarama for all you could ever need for your next project.

C1 Art Space: Your next masterpiece begins here...

Bookworms Rejoice!

Students taking advertising or design would be wise to check out Swipe Books, which holds numerous titles on these subjects. Aspiring scientists ought to check out Science City at the corner of Bay and Bloor. Telescopes, microscopes, essentially anything with ‘scope,’ or ‘meter,’ at the end of it can be found here.

Advertising and Design students are gonna love Swipe Books

For casual reading, Ossington Street’s Babel Books & Music and Frantic City are both great places to stop by if you’re also in the market for a few pieces of vinyl to go with your literature. If you are going to be taking over the cooking duties from your friends at the apartment this year (Kraft dinner three nights in a row is rough, I know), grab some help from The CookBook Store near Yonge and Bloor.

If you happen to know your booklist for the fall, check out the World’s Biggest Book Store for titles that’ll sell way cheaper than anything you’ll find at the campus bookstore. As well, Discount Textbooks is a great place for…well…discounted textbooks…*cough.

Not gonna see your friends for a while when you’re at school? Then enter into the My Fave Restaurant contest and get the chance win $250 towards treating them to dinner at the restaurant of your choice.

A Leon’s Landmark?

With the insane amount of downtown condos that have sprung up like wildflowers, Canadian furniture big box Leon’s has decided to take advantage by opening a store in a rather unusual place. Instead of going with the familiar sprawling suburban warehouse , they went retro by incorporating a store within the historic Roundhouse train station. Let’s just say this ain’t your typical Leon’s.

Leon's Roundhouse has a selection of retro-style artwork

The design of the brand new 40,000 square foot store fits in well with the old building, a credit to the designers- architecture firms IBI Group and Turner Fleischer as well as interior design consultants Danielle Josette Design. The main lights are arranged in rows that line up with the railways outside, and every single appliance and fixture is clamped to the walls, not screwed or bolted which eliminates any damage to the building’s wooden structures. And with its location opposite the CN Tower, this Leon’s was built to cater to condo residents living near the downtown core and therefore the furniture is smaller and designed for apartment-style living. You’ll also find designs and fabrics of higher quality than you would see at a suburban Leon’s.  And these are some of the reasons why this Leon’s makes our short list of fave superstores. Leon’s decision to retain much of the building’s original architecture was a sound one, and the Roundhouse’s characteristic wooden framing is a sight in itself and the restored wood and natural lighting makes the furniture look even better. And while some may complain that the space would have been better suited for a farmer’s market or a railway museum, a few have now been won over after visiting the store.

40,000 sq feet of Leon's lovin'

But let your trip to the Roundhouse only be a starting point for an adventure in downtown home decorating. For budget-friendly accent pieces and furnishings you can take a stroll through West Elm, where you can get a dresser or a dining room table for $300 to $500. If you are looking some more unique items for your living room, try Umbra Concept Store for affordable artwork and modern vases. Leon’s also has slim pickings in the outdoor furniture department, so a trip to Andrew Richard Designs might get you more bang for your buck. And ladies, add some French flair to your Leon’s lineup with some eclectic pieces from Chatelet on Queen West, just west of the Roundhouse. Once you’ve set yourself up with a few pieces, complete your look with a trip to decor centre Putti, which brings in regular antique and reproductions from New York and Europe. Or, if you got cash to burn and are looking for something unique, say, a 1960s Lucite bar cart, then L’Atelier is the one-stop shop for you.

And if you’d like to take an entire step out of the superstore mentality, see Trendsetters Expert and W Network interior designer Desta Ostapyk’s fave downtown decorating spots. Hint:  Her new Junction fave is the perfect place to spruce up your condo with vintage goodies.

What’s your fave downtown furniture store? Could it be the new Leon’s?