take toronto

On a recent trip to the Big Smoke, we settled into the lovely Lesliville
‘hood.

sip
Head
east on the 501
streetcar to sunny Red
Rocket Coffee for an organic espresso and freshly baked goodies like
Retro Cheese Danish and Caramel Tortoise Bars. Park yourself on the
dog-friendly terrace and watch the red rockets wind in and out of the
TTC yard across the street. 1402B Queen St. E., Toronto, 416-406-0880,www.redrocketcoffee.com

shop
Favouring wearable designs, Wilson Li stocks
his Studio We!
boutique with tailored-but-sexy clothes he displays by colour. We
spotted a tony turquoise military-style blazer from Nick & Mo ($115),
fabulous trouser jeans by !iT ($99) and a pretty, ruched Gaya clutch bag
($45). Boys can head one block west to Lis mens boutique (aptly named
Me!). Me!, 1270 Queen St. E., Toronto, 416-463-0888; We! 1184 Queen St.
E., Toronto, 416-463-4616, www.studiowe.ca

eat
We love the scent of smoked peat moss (flown in
from the Emerald Isles) and the Irish dancers waiting tables at the cozy Ceili
Cottage. Devour kettle chips with thyme ($3), buttery mac and cheese
($12) or rich mutton stew. This former garage also serves Galway Bay and
Green Gables oysters shucked to order ($14/6), which taste just grand
with a pint of OHaras Stout ($8.50). 1301 Queen St. E., Toronto,
416-406-1301, www.ceilicottage.com

sleep
Theres no hotel in Leslieville (yet), but do
head west along Queen Street to The
Ivy at Verity. Located in a former chocolate factory, this luxurious
boutique hotel is set in a private womens club, and with just four rooms
(from $329) the attentive service is impeccable. Wind down in the
stunning library or book an in-room Sweetgrass
massage (from $125). Who knew Toronto could be so zen? 111d Queen
St. E., Toronto, 416-368-6006 x 300, www.theivyatverity.ca