The third incarnation of popular café-cum-restaurant chain Le Gourmand (affectionately known as LG3) has unexpectedly closed due to evasion of rent, according to a notice in its window. “The Yonge and Eglinton location didn’t work out for various reasons,” owner Milton Nunes tells us. “The area wasn’t ready for it. Everyone in the building just bought half-a-million-dollar condos, so they can’t afford to come buy their $3 coffees in the morning.” Fans of the bistro’s baked goods and pastries (a number of Chowhounders agree that Le Gourmand provides standout cookies) can rest assured that the two other locations are doing fine—“stronger than ever,” according to Nunes—and that “within the next year, you’ll see more Le Gourmands opening up.”
All stories relating to Yonge and Eglinton
Thirty-four Toronto stores that didn’t make it through 2009
A huge rent increase forced Pages to close last summer (Photo by Neal Jennings)
Last year was for Toronto store owners what recent seasons have been like for the Blue Jays: difficult to endure and full of loss. Thanks to the most severe economic downturn in decades, the city said goodbye to many long-standing businesses, notably Dack’s, Syd Silver and Rotman’s Hat Shop and Haberdashery. There was a high turnover of businesses on Queen Street West and at Yonge and Eglinton, and the independent bookstore sector was hit hard. Here, a look back at 34 shops we lost in 2009.
Read the rest of this entry »
Twelve new indie cafés: Toronto’s thirst for coffee poured by hipsters proves unquenchable (for now)
(Photo by Alan Turkus)
As Starbucks attempts to boost profits with its instant coffee and Tim Hortons’ profits tumble, Toronto’s indie café craze just won’t abate. We seem to write this article every few months—and with good reason. In the past 15 weeks alone, at least nine decent new cafés have popped up, with several more scheduled to open before Christmas. We visited the new spots and learned that the only thing they have in common is that they appeal to divergent tastes. From Leslieville to the Junction, here are the 12 latest spots to keep the city buzzing.
Read the rest of this entry »
Dunning set to open at Yonge and Eglinton this week
Colourful polos at the new Dunning store (Photo by Karon Liu)
When it comes to sportswear, designer Ralph Dunning figured out that not all men want to pay a premium to look like a walking NASCAR vehicle. So in 2001, the Torontonian, who competed in the Iron Man competition last month (Craig Alexander took the crown), started a line that combines Brooks Brothers’ country club aesthetic with Nike-like technology at prices that rival, if not beat, those at the mall.
Read the rest of this entry »
Free chow mein frenzy, local food under threat and health inspectors walk the line
Overload: the municipal workers’ strike is affecting more than just garbage collection (Photo by Danielle Scott)
• As restaurateurs deal with permit headaches and piling up garbage, we hope they’re not too distracted to keep their kitchens clean. With health inspectors walking the picket line, city hall has been forced to cancel the dozens of inspections it conducts each day. During the strike, managers will check restaurants only if it receives a complaint. [Globe and Mail]
• More evidence that the recession is bad: by 10 a.m. on Canada Day, more than 800 people waited three hours in line at the Mandarin at Yonge and Eglinton for free Chinese food—a full two hours before the restaurant opened. Owner James Chiu offered free lunch to all Canadians at his 21 Mandarin locations as a thank you to his patrons. Let’s hope he decides to thank us for the free publicity. [Toronto Sun]
Read the rest of this entry »
The best shopping at Yonge and Eglinton
An influx of indie boutiques and upscale shops is quickly remaking this area—formerly more big box than fashion forward—into a stylish shopping hub befitting its young, condo-dwelling population. Here, nine of our favourite stores on the strip.
Eko opened its midtown outpost in late 2008 (Photo by Carolyn C)
