Things to do in Toronto
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Joy Bistro
Joy has a joyous park-side patio or stripy bench seats inside. Order from a menu emphasizing traditional meat dishes with French overtones: duck confit, Manitoba pork belly, slow-roasted lamb shank. The wine list is global, the service impeccable. Jeff Buckley tunes play downstairs; upstairs is a bar called Over Joy (ha-ha).
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Toronto Public Library - Lillian H Smith Branch
Architecturally speaking, this children's library is worth a peek for its fairy-tale interior and bronze griffins flanking the front door. Special collections archive precious picture books, sci-fi novels, original artwork and manuscripts, poetry, letters and early movable (pop-up) books. Storytime and puppet shows are free.
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House of Lords
The receptionist here doubles as a DJ, interrupting raging house to announce, 'I need a color and cut in five minutes - who's up?' to the multitudinous staff. They've treated the tresses of David Bowie and Alice Cooper over the years, and it retains a punkish attitude. Walk-ins are accepted; basic guys/gals cuts from $14/20.
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Akram's Shoppe
Walking into spicy-smelling Akram's takes you on a magic-carpet ride through the kitchens of the Middle East – tubs of hummus, fresh-baked pita bread, organic ice-cream, halal meats, pots of nuts, vats of olives and spices, a wall of hookah pipes and freshly made gluten- and wheat-free falafels. Stock up for a picnic.
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Metro Toronto YMCA
The nonprofit YMCA's enormous downtown complex houses two full-sized gyms, racquetball courts, indoor and outdoor tracks and a 25m pool. Fitness classes (over 130 per week) are led by volunteers. International YMCA members are eligible for guest privileges. For non-members, your first visit is free with appropriate photo ID!
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Diesel Fitness
Around the corner from the Theatre Block, this gym's in-house DJ booth and 'fuel bar' (juice, espresso and high-speed internet) are staffed by friendly pros. Often voted Toronto's best gym, there's yoga, spin, Pilates, capoeira, urban funk and Kick-Cardio Combat classes on offer. Massage and spa services are available too.
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Siddhartha
In a neighborhood stuffed with excellent South Asian food, Siddhartha is a consistent favorite. Although it’s popular for its all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner buffets, don’t be afraid to order off the menu. The naan is perfect, the curries are classic and the samosas are massive. Cool your burning tongue with a Kingfisher.
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7 West Café
Three floors of moody lighting, textured jade paint, framed nudes, wooden church pews and jaunty ceiling angels set the scene for a dazzling selection of pizzas, pastas and sandwiches, and 24-hour breakfasts. Make like a vampire sipping blood-red wine (by the glass or bottle) as the moon dapples shadows across the street.
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F/X
The tornado of girliness that hits you upon entering F/X makes it worth just a visit, even if tutus, Hello Kitty paraphernalia, colored wigs and rhinestone jewelry aren't your scene. The store carries its own line of nail polish in every shade of the rainbow, and, on the 2nd floor, gowns to befit every manner of princess.
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David Mirvish Books
The only bookstore specializing in new art books in the country, this former gallery is a calm, spacious atmosphere for browsing through books on architecture, photography, cooking, design, graphic arts, film and more. Those in the know come just to view the renowned Frank Stella painting, which adorns the back wall.
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Nevada
Painted in warm adobe hues, Nevada has a menu that isn't quite sure where it's from, wandering the map from Thai chicken salad to Shanghai cashew chicken stir-fry to vegetarian fajitas. Confusing, yes, but impressively versatile. Brunch plates are stacked high with blueberry pancakes or Montréal corned-beef hash.
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Queen Mother Café
A Queen St institution, the Queen Mother is beloved for its cozy, dark wooden booths and excellent pan-Asian menu. Canadian comfort food is also on offer – try the Queen Mum burger. Check out the display of old stuff they found in the walls the last time they renovated. The patio is hidden and one of the best in town.
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Elizabeth Milan Premier Day Spa
This professional day spa offers services for men, women, couples and even teens. Its determined owner has searched the world for exotic beauty regimens, and also created some of her own, such as the 90-minute Chocolate Body Indulgence featuring a fondue body wrap ($175). Hotel chefs prepare spa lunches upon request.
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Aunties & Uncles
An always-bustling place with a line on the sidewalk outside the picket fence, Aunties & Uncles does yummy breakfasts with a whole lot of housemade items such as ketchup and chorizo. Plop yourself down in one of the mismatched chairs and dig into dishes like grilled brie with pear chutney and walnuts on challah.
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Sudi's the Spa
Run by an Iranian immigrant who built her ritzy Yorkville business from the ground up, Sudi's 'cosmopolitan exotica' shines through in aromatherapy body massage, Persian body scrubs and eyebrow threading. His-and-hers three-hour spa packages start at $200; full-body laser hair removal (except your head) costs $7000.
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Nami
The name means 'wave' (as in tsunami) – look for the curly neon version on the sign out the front. Bustling about the sleek, black lacquered interior are kimono-clad matrons and intense-looking sushi chefs, who make only small concessions to North American palates. Robatayaki grilling is a specialty.
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Fujiyama
Enter this low-key Japanese diner through a traditional timber arch wrapped in flickering fairy lights, then plant yourself at a blonde-wood timber booth surrounded by rice-paper lanterns emanating a soft glow. The scene is set for non-greasy tempura and moist teriyaki dishes, plus sushi, udon and soba noodle fare.
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Holt Renfrew Last Call
A discount haven for budget-savvy fashionistas, Last Call carries last year's fashions from Bloor-Yorkville's exclusive Holt Renfrew (416-922-2333; 50 Bloor St W; 10am-6pm Mon-Wed, 10am-8pm Thu & Fri, 10am-6pm Sat, noon-6pm Sun; Bloor-Yonge) at up to 60% off. There are monthly promotions, too.
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Guild Shop
The Ontario Crafts Council has been promoting artisans for over 70 years. Ceramics, jewelry, glassworks, prints and carvings make up most of the displays, but you could also catch a special exhibition of Pangnirtung weaving or Cape Dorset graphics. Staff are knowledgeable about First Nations art.
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Carens Wine and Cheese Bar
As expected, there's an amazing selection of cheese boards, and staff can recommend wine pairings. Bright pashminas drape over chairs in case you get a chill on the intimate and stylish back patio, and Thai lanterns hang from the trees. Also, the spicy baked mac 'n cheese ($16) is some of the best we've ever had.
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Myth
Inside a converted movie house, Myth serves the Danforth's chicest mezes beneath bizarre medieval machinations suspended from the ceiling. Small portions of mezes approach mythical prices, but the balsamic-marinated octopus with roasted peppers or Mediterranean stuffed calamari might be the best you'll ever have.
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Silver Dollar Room
Crankin' electric blues and southern acoustic slide guitar reign supreme at the legendary Silver Dollar. Big-name touring acts from down south (Detroit, New Orleans, Chicago, etc) kick up ticket prices, sometimes above $30 on weekends, but there's no cover for mid-week bluegrass jams and Saturday afternoon shows.
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Underground Garage
Trying valiantly to keep it real in the otherwise skin-deep Entertainment District, this urban rock bar is down a steep staircase lined with Led Zeppelin, Willie Nelson and John Lennon posters. Wailing guitars, cold beer and good times – just as it should be. Doesn't usually get going until 9pm; cover under $5.
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Flow
Catering to a 'money is no object' clientele, slung-low Flow flows seamlessly from gulf prawns with summer berry compote to sour cherry-crusted Australian lamb with grilled asparagus, seasonal mushrooms, potato and passionfruit jus. After dark a sexy crowd moves in, transforming the room into a cocktail lounge.
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Toronto Centre for the Arts
The 1000-seat George Weston Recital Hall is home to the Toronto Philharmonia (www.torontophil.on.ca) and the Amadeus Choir (www.amadeuschoir.com). The 1700-seat Main Stage Theatre and intimate Studio Theatre also host ballet and theatre. It's a long way to the top of Yonge St.
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