Claudio Aprile, the chef and owner of molecular gastronomy temple Colborne Lane, has announced that he’ll be opening two new locations of his more accessible Origin in the new year. The first, according to The Grid, will be a 150-seat restaurant in Liberty Village, complete with lounge, open kitchen, raw bar and patio and set to open in April. The second will take over the space vacated in November by the decidedly more casual Sierra Grill at Bayview Village, and will open by Christmastime next year, if all goes according to plan. The new locations will apparently share the “DNA and core values” of the original King and Church space, but will have menus more tailored to their surroundings. Aprile has often hinted that he wanted to be running a chain of restaurants. Indeed, he told Chris Nuttall-Smith last year that he could see himself running six restaurants within a decade. Judging by this new announcement, that might happen a lot sooner. Read the entire story [The Grid] »
The comprehensive index of every blog post, magazine story and restaurant review that appears on Torontolife.com
All stories relating to Bayview Village
Brooks Brothers set to open up second Toronto store at Bayview Village for spring 2012
Brooks Brothers will be opening a second Toronto location at Bayview Village, with an opening expected sometime around spring 2012, and what can be expected is everything we know and love about the heritage brand. The Financial District Brooks Brothers store boasts 22,000 square feet, while the Bayview store will only take up 10,000 square feet, but Brooks Brothers isn’t leaving anyone out, because they have confirmed that all house brands, from kids clothes to Black Fleece, will be on hand. The most exciting aspect of this whole development is that men have yet another opportunity to dress like Gordon Gekko.
Mall wars: Bayview Village doesn’t want to be like Yorkdale
The un-Yorkdalian Bayview Village (Image: Google)
The National Post has published a lengthy piece on the recent renovations at Toronto’s major malls. The Eaton Centre, Bayview Village, Dufferin Mall and the Scarborough Town Centre have all finished or are undergoing revamps to lure shoppers and compete with on-line retailers. Just last week, the Town Centre completed a $62-million reno job with new flooring, skylights and escalators, and the Eaton Centre (currently working on a $120-million make-over) is a jumble of scaffolding.
Read the rest of this entry »
Sales roundup: two designer sample sales, 25 per cent off at Au Lit, Baby Ben closing sale
FASHION AND BEAUTY
ALYSSA AGENCY SAMPLE SALE
Pieces from Fidelity Denim, Covet and Brave are at least half off at this three-day sale. Cash only. Nov. 3 and 4, 11–7; Nov. 5, 11–5. 2770 Dufferin St., Ste. 206, 416-782-4169, alyssaagency.ca.
BABY BEN
Baby Ben—a locally made line of baby clothing, bunting bags and quilts—is shutting down operations. A two-day clearance sale will be held at the St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club, with bunting bags for $65 (usually $144) and cowboy jackets for $45 (usually $85), along with tees, blanket bags, fabrics and more. Nov. 6 and 7. 843 Palmerston Ave., 2nd flr., 416-534-8461, babyben.ca.
JOSEPHSON OPTICIANS Read the rest of this entry »
The venerable Toronto eyewear chain is holding its annual sale, with up to 70 per cent off frames. Until Nov. 30. 60 Bloor St. W., 416-964-7070, plus five other GTA locations.
Risk Assessment: a neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide to the safest places to buy real estate in Toronto
No neighbourhood will react the same way to a burst bubble. We talked to market watchers, economists, mortgage brokers and seen-it-all real estate agents for the scoop on where to park your money, what streets to avoid and when to sell, sell, sell
Canadian designer denim: summery jeans from Andy Thê-Anh
These Canadian-made jeans from Montreal designer Andy Thê-Anh are made with a lightweight denim that’s cool enough to wear on warm spring days and throughout the summer. The dark hue and slim cut mean that they’re appropriate for casual office wear, and the ankle straps (a trend we’ve already seen in footwear) add a dash of personality.
$325 at Andy Thê-Anh, Bayview Village, 2901 Bayview Ave., 416-590-0167.
Just Opened: Judith and Charles boutique gives us another reason to visit Bayview Village
Jeanne Beker at the opening of Judith and Charles (Image: Glynnis Mapp)
When Parisian brand Teenflo was launched in Canada more than 20 years ago, it came into a market when women were looking for work attire to set them apart in a competitive marketplace. Today, women looking to float from the office to evening with ease should look to the well-edited selections at Judith and Charles, the new Bayview Village store from Teenflo co-founders Judith Richardson and Charles Le Pierrès.
Down the hall from the newly opened Andy Thê-Anh shop, the store stocks such brands as Paris favourite I Love My T’s, Velvet and 7 for All Mankind in addition to its own line of sharply tailored pantsuits, skirts and shift dresses. They’re wardrobe essentials for busy women, and if anyone is in need of a wardrobe that works with her busy schedule, it’s Jeanne Beker, who attended the launch. “I’ve worn this dress two days in a row,” said Beker of her little black Teenflo number. “Teenflo has been one of my favourite brands for years,” she said. “The fabrications and the subtle detailing always makes me feel sexy yet still put together and keeps me coming back to them.”
Judith and Charles, Bayview Village, 2901 Bayview Ave., 416-229-0918, teenflo.com.
Just Opened: Andy Thê-Anh has new stores in Yorkville and Bayview Village
The new Bayview Village boutique (Image: Glynnis Mapp)
When Andy Thê-Anh closed his only Toronto location at the beginning of the year, the splashy 83 Yorkville Avenue boutique, he promised two new stores in the near future. In the past two weeks, the Montreal designer, who’s known for creating polished womenswear, has opened a smaller Yorkville shop on Bellair Street and a store in Bayview Village, in addition to presenting his fall collection at LG Fashion Week.
The new stores show off the calculated rebranding of the label: runway-like sales floors, bright camera-ready ceiling and pot lights and very tidy, minimalist interiors. Each of the new shops offers colourful and geometrical lines not unlike Thê-Anh’s spring-summer collection. Thê-Anh is no novice to Toronto’s high-end geography, and the upscale stores are a way to reach his well-heeled customers. “Toronto is like New York’s sister city: you have all the important brands in the city, you have the socialites, the trend-setters—the cultural scene is every eclectic,” he says. “To me, Toronto is a showcase to the world.”
Seven standout food deals for Easter and Passover
Read the rest of this entry »
Whether you celebrate the slaves’ escape from Egypt, the resurrection of Christ or the annual arrival of Cadbury eggs, these seven restaurant events—with Passover- and Easter-themed menus—can help make next weekend memorable.
Toronto has a wealth of lame loos, but a dearth of story ideas
(Image: Eric Schmuttenmaer)
In a story remarkably similar to one done by Citytv two weeks ago, the Toronto Sun spent 741 words last weekend discussing the fact that public toilets are—wait for it—gross. Both pieces start with reader submissions on where the city’s worst bathrooms are (apparently subway stations; Kennedy and Kipling are the worst offenders), followed by a list of where the cleanest washrooms are. Here is how each media outlet described Kipling station:
Read the rest of this entry »
Andy Thê-Anh closing its Yorkville boutique, opening two new Toronto stores
A look from Andy Thê-Anh's spring show (Photo by Jenna Marie Wakani)
Andy Thê-Anh, the luxe Canadian womenswear retailer, will close its Yorkville boutique to open two new Toronto locations by mid-March. The old shop at 83 Yorkille Avenue will be shuttered to make way for a slightly larger shop at 27 Bellair Street and a new space in Bayview Village.
The move is part of a rebranding for the company, centered around a revamped logo and typeface designed, according to the media kit, to “mirror the subtle sophistication and unassuming elegance of Andy Thê-Anh’s work.” The company says the “brand development will happen through runaway shows, media and social awareness, and through our retail operations.” We assume they mean runway shows, but with fashion’s never-ending thirst for outlandish spectacle, who knows?
McNally Robinson blames Shops at Don Mills for Toronto store failure
Bookstores are competing with digital technology, like e-readers (Photo by Mike Lee)
Earlier this week, we reported on over 30 stores that didn’t make it through 2009. The list included a handful of indie bookstores, such as McNally Robinson, which filed for bankruptcy in December and closed its newly opened Shops at Don Mills location. But unlike its compatriots, who’ve pointed to difficulties resulting from the economic downturn, chain stores, on-line retailers, increasing rents and e-readers, McNally is laying the blame for the closure largely on the Shops’ developer, Cadillac Fairview.
Read the rest of this entry »
Sales roundup: 90 per cent off at William Ashley, 80 per cent off athletic wear, Rita Tesolin sample sale
FASHION AND BEAUTY
ATHLETIC LOCKER OUTLET
Find holiday presents for sporty family members at this 25th-anniversary warehouse sale that includes up to 80 per cent off clothing, running shoes and skates from such brands as Fila, Airwalk and Wilson. Winter jackets start at $35, and footwear starts at $15. Nov. 18 to 22. 6085 Belgrave Rd., Mississauga, 905-361-0110, athleticlockeroutlet.com.
DOLL FACTORY BY DAMZELS
In honour of its third anniversary, the Leslieville frock shop is celebrating by offering guests 10 per cent off all purchases, gifts with purchases over $150 and free cocktails. Nov. 19. 6–9. 1122 Queen St. E., 416-598-0509, damzels.com.
LILEO
For anyone who has ogled the amazing Japanese denim at this Distillery District boutique, pay attention. For two evenings, Lileo is hosting Guys and Girls Night Out, with 25 per cent off most items, vodka shots, wine, desserts and free facials. Nov. 19 and 20. Noon–9. 55 Mill St., Bldg. 35, RSVP to 416-413-1410, lileo.ca.
RITA TESOLIN Read the rest of this entry »
The Toronto jewellery designer (her multi-strand pearl necklaces are stunning) is hosting a holiday sample sale with deep discounts on baubles and belts. Nov. 20 to 22. 63 Wingold Ave., Ste. 110, 416-784-1221, ritatesolin.com.
Sales roundup: Discounts on Lacoste, Linda Lundström, Alexander McQueen, Lanvin and more
FASHION AND BEAUTY
ALYSSA AGENCY SAMPLE SALE
This sample sale includes such must-have brands as Fidelity Denim, Snob and Covet. All sizes are available. Cash only. Nov. 9 to 13. 2770 Dufferin St., Ste. 206, 416-782-4169, alyssaagency.ca.
DANIER
Leather coats are deeply discounted at the Hot for Winter Sale. Some great buys include a ladies’ bomber with hood for $199 (down from $369) and a men’s lamb leather jacket for $249 (down from $479). Until Nov. 11. Eaton Centre, 220 Yonge St., 416-595-6336; plus other GTA locations, danier.com.
ESPRIT AND LACOSTE SALE
Save 80 per cent on Esprit men’s and women’s clothing and Lacoste footwear. Nov. 12 to 15. International Centre, Hall 4, 6900 Airport Rd., styledemocracy.com/?p=273.
EWANIKA
In celebration of its 11th anniversary, the newly relocated boutique owned by Toronto designer Trish Ewanika is offering 15 per cent off pieces from the fall/winter collection and select holiday items. Nov. 12 to 14. 1083 Bathurst St., 416-927-9699, ewanika.ca.
JONATHAN AND OLIVIA Read the rest of this entry »
The Ossington boutique’s warehouse sale includes up to 90 per cent off last season’s items. Nov. 13 to 15. 49 Ossington Ave., 416-849-5956.
Just Opened: Cupido adds sparkle to Bayview Village
Bayview Village's newest resident
After two successful years at Vaughan Mills, good friends Jeff Karadjian and Haigo Derian have opened a second location of their gleaming fine-jewellery shop, Cupido. The Bayview Village boutique opened in October and offers luxury labels, such as Hermès, alongside European brands new to Canada for a lust-inducing collection of interesting and inspired objets d’art for the body. Here are some of our favourite finds from the store.
Read the rest of this entry »
Follow Toronto Life on Twitter, Facebook and via RSS