Market Value
Is Kensington indie? Bourgie? With a spate of new shops, the debate is about to peak. Here, we map the newcomers By Rachel Heinrichs
Image credit: Daniel Shipp, Jenna Marie Wakani
1. WATERFALLS INDIAN TAPAS
After six months of construction, the former Xpace gallery’s interior is all dark wood and candles, although the yellow “10 per cent off” banner in the entranceway and the handwritten “Bathroom for Patrons Only” sign are a nod toward Kensington raggedness. 303 Augusta Ave., 416-927-9666.
2. WANDA’S PIE IN THE SKY
Stocking Wanda Beaver’s homespun pies and veggie lunches, this bakery has a restored 1961 oven and an exterior that’s been deliberately scruffed up by a local graffiti artist. 287 Augusta Ave., 416-236-7585.
3. PENNYLICKS
Run by South American brothers Chris and Steve Idrovo, this café is one of a handful in the city to brew beans with the $11,000 Clover machine (it lets baristas engineer single cups with scientific exactitude). 281 Augusta Ave.,
416-348-0909.
4. MODEL CITIZEN
Julian Finkel (who moved from his former Dundas Street digs in search of
a storefront with more foot traffic) offers vintage-inspired designs, including his signature silkscreened Ts and ties. 279 Augusta Ave., 416-703-7625.
5. THIS AIN’T THE ROSEDALE LIBRARY
Trotskyist pamphlets used to be the market’s only
lit fix. Since this venerable indie bookstore moved
its operation west in May—it was a Church Street institution for 22 years—there’s a new HQ for Kensington literati. 86 Nassau St.,
416-929-9912.
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