Living in the centre of Toronto comes with its vibrant community complete with restaurants, boutiques and theatres. With so many interests being served, it’s the ultimate draw to living in the Entertainment District and the reason why so many choose to become residents and call the neighbourhood home. Even though boredom in the Entertainment District is impossible, those in the area may be most occupied by nesting in a new dwelling, sprucing up an old one, or (re-)discovering the area. Here is a list of Entertainment District comforts to make it feel like home.
Swipe Design | Books + Objects
Are you looking to add a personal touch to your at-home space? Swipe Design is located at 401 Richmond and has a curated selection of knick-knacks and stunning coffee table books for the best design inspiration. For those keeping their fingers on the pulse of graphic design, advertising and architectural communities, Swipe Design is the official bookstore for the Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario and the Advertising and Design Club of Canada. Pop into this aesthetically pleasing space and browse its unparalleled selection of books and journals all about thoughtful design.
Detox Market
The Detox Market is what Sunday strolling and window-shopping dreams are made of. The boutique specializes in stocking wonderfully luxurious, potent and chemical-free beauty products for quickly replacing all your empties. Natural beauty is about the lit-from-within look and it lives here. The store stocks all the best cult brands like RMS and May Lindstrom to underground miracles like MV Organic Skincare. If you find your skin needs a pick-me-up, its informative staff sincerely offers sound advice to turn that around. Let the beauty come to you with its seasonal subscription box!
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High5 Curated Convenience
The newest addition to The Fifth Inc’s roster of businesses, High5 is stocking shelves with top quality organic produce and chef-selected pantry items. High5 knows its customers and was inspired by European kiosks to offer practical convenience items at competitive prices. The Kitchen thrives on making use of fresh, seasonal ingredients that can also be found stocking the shelves. You can find all your pantry items – everything from San Marzano tomatoes to fresh cookies and even raw turmeric in the cozy café space. Stop by to grab a bite…or at least to start collecting stamps on its coffee rewards card!
Carver
If you don’t have Ritual, now is the time to download the app and experience all that is Carver. A restaurant designed perfectly for savoury lunchtime cravings and when finding the motivation to make something satisfying at home is lost. The slow roasting joint specializes in porchetta platters and focaccia sandwiches. Executive chef Rob Bragagnolo uses the same recipe as his grandfather did at his trattoria in Veneto, Italy while sourcing hormone-and-antibiotic-free meat. The sandwiches use the Drake’s focaccia and are seasoned with rosemary, sage, fennel pollen and dried chillies- We’re not kidding when we say this is the best sandwich you’ll ever have.
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Clarence Square Park
There is just something about a man’s best friend to make you feel at home! If you own a dog or simply crave some puppy-loving, stop by Clarence Square Park for the fix. Found at Wellington St. and Spadina Ave., this park is somewhat of a haven from the busy city block lining its perimeter. It is one of Toronto’s oldest parks and has an enclosed, dog off-leash area. Take a stroll down, only before stopping to see the dog-bunny statues at Wellington Ave. and John St. just south of Metro Hall. The instalment is called Remembered Sustenance by Cynthia Short and it is intended to convey the sense of whimsy playfulness, often associated with children’s playtime.
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TIFF Bell Lightbox Films + Talks
Movies are meant for the theatre, complete with the smell of buttered popcorn and booming surround sound. This is cinema, the film itself is as important as the experience. Instead of streaming an old favourite online, experience the flick in the Entertainment District the way it was intended, on the big screen! This month, TIFF Bell Lightbox is screening Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 sci-fi masterpiece, 2001: A Space Odyssey. In celebration of the film’s 50th anniversary, the screening is a 70mm print newly made from the original camera negative. With no digital tricks or remastered effects, this flick is offering an experience unparalleled by home theatres.
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