It’s all Greek to Me

I moved to East York a few years ago, and it’s definitely now become my "home".  One of the great things about having lived in different Toronto neighbourhoods is that once you’ve lived in a ‘hood, you "own" that place.  By "owning" it, I mean, it becomes part of your "intimate" circle of destinations that, like your close friends and family, tie you to a city.   Here’s a few of the faves from my inner circle of Toronto shops and restos.

While I was in law school, I lived at Bay and Bloor.  From that time, I feel a close kinship with the Manulife Center (Holt Renfrew, Indigo and the Varsity theatres in one building!) and all the lovely shops along Bloor St.  I know them like the back of my hand and feel totally at home strolling around that fun part of town. 

From my early married days in Cabbagetown, I hold with me a love of Daniel & Daniel, an amazing gourmet food store at the corner of Carlton and Parliament – when were were newlyweds, my husband and I would treat ourselves to D&D’s delicious buttery croissants on Sunday mornings, the perfect accompaniment to the New York Times.

Another Cabbagetown fave is St. Jamestown Steak & Chops, where the butcher, Mark, is now a friend.  Check out this shop for triple-A beef, fresh Ontario poultry and lamb and an amazing assortment of Ontario fruit and vegetables.

Right now, I’m becoming an expert on some things Greek.  For example,  the most delicious Greek food (in my humble opinion) can be found at Pantheon Restaurant on the Danforth.  The amazing family-oriented ambiance and their tolerance of my young kids makes that place a definite fave.  The taramasalata, my favourite dip for pitas made from pureed fish, is fantastic there – and often all I order because I love it so much!

Down the road, Athens Pastries has the most divine spanakopita, that is even more delicious with a café frappé, made in a true Euro style with Nestle coffee and carnation milk on ice.  For baklava, another decadent indulgence that I adore, my favourite Greek bakery is Serrano bakery on Pape avenue.