February 2008

Eastern Promises

Who’s the Queen of cool? By Courtney Shea



Image credit: Meaghan Ogilvie

Long the unwilling punching bag of its edgy neighbour to the west, Queen East has hit a stylish stride, as evinced by countless new bars, stores and restaurants. I Deal Coffee (a west-side staple) has even made the move east, opening a shop on Queen near Coxwell. Could this dark-roasted defection be the tipping point in the battle for Queen Street supremacy? Here, how the opposing ends of Toronto’s coolest thoroughfare stack up.

Beat-up Tigers, painted-on denim, locks artfully tousled by Coupe Bizarre for that “I’m way too busy with my music to spend time on my hair” look. The Uniform An organic-cotton carrying sling is the must-have accessory for the local baby brigade. For those transporting groceries, eco-friendly totes.
Queen Street runs east of the Don? the Attitude Queen West is sooo 2002.
The Soho district around Spadina—with everything from American Apparel to Aritzia—has come to resemble an Eaton Centre al fresco. Retail Summary Indie central: vintage frocks at Gadabout, one-of-a-kind belts and brooches at Nathalie-Roze.
Unsatisfied with the lacklustre java options, latte snobs turn their noses north to the I Deal on Ossington. Best Morning Brew From Dark Horse Espresso in the Riverdale area to Red Rocket Coffee further east, the new I Deal will face stiff competition in this highly caffeinated ’hood.
Czehoski Hipster Hamburger Burger Shoppe
Local lore has it that the MissBehav’n girls (undies-clad window dancers) are paid in lingerie. Grit Live entertainment and lappers at Jilly’s.
Neighbourhood standards the Social, Lot 16, the Drake, the Beaconsfield and the Cadillac Lounge. Saturday Night Strip An influx of new hot spots—the Citizen, the Comrade, Soma—offers many reasons to drink locally.
Breakfast burritos at the Beaver are oft enjoyed with a jug of Steam Whistle on the side. Sunday Morning Recovery Brunch fiends line up for retro ambience and smoked salmon eggs Benny at Toast.
“…still has a slightly seedy side, from the rundown diners…to the somewhat startling...live go-go dancer.” new york times sound bite “Brunch is practically a competitive sport in Toronto, and Queen Street East is one of its premiere arenas.”