Toronto - Welcome to the Neighborhood
by Tahira Azmi
reprinted with permission by the author
One of the most multicultural cities in the world, Toronto is home to more than 80 ethnic groups and over 100 languages. In fact 48 percent of Toronto's population is comprised of immigrants. It's no wonder then that the city is marked by the diversity of its cultures, restaurants and, perhaps most notably, many unique and vibrant neighborhoods.
Little Italy
It is often said that Toronto is the largest Italian city outside of Italy. With over half a million people of Italian descent, Toronto has many Italian neighborhoods, but none is better known than Little Italy. Hip and sophisticated, Little Italy runs along College Street west. Take the TTC streetcar; you will know you've arrived in the district when you see the trees covered in lights that are in the shape of the Italian boot. Always alive with people, the area boasts a dizzying array of cool cafes, unique shops and good restaurants. Great eateries include Grappa and Giancarlo Trattoria, while favorite bars include Bar Italia and the College St. Bar. Café Diplomatico is a Toronto institution for coffee lovers; the café is often used as a set by filmmakers. Looking for a romantic spot? Check out Souz Dal , a funky martini bar, or join the crowd at El Convento Rico and do the Cha Cha Cha or Merengué. On a Saturday night, stick around until 1:00 a.m. and watch the drag show.
Chinatown
With an estimated community of 400,000, Toronto's Chinatown is one of the largest in North America. It stretches along Dundas West and up Spadina Avenue, the intersection of which forms the heart of the district. On weekends, the sidewalks are crammed with open-air food stalls, vendors and thousands of people eager to shop, eat and socialize. Many of the restaurants in the area use the fresh produce sold at the various markets here. Check out such eateries as Champion House (known for its Peking Duck), Eating Garden , Lee Garden and Young Lok Restaurant . Tea lovers will be fascinated by Ten Ren's Tea Shop , which boasts an unsurpassed selection of teas (some unusual to Western tastes) and hundreds of beautifully handcrafted teapots. If you are in the area and are looking to get a taste of culture of a different kind, walk east along Dundas Street and you'll arrive at the Art Gallery of Ontario . Between looking at the paintings and the sculptures, check out the Agora , one of the nicest lunch spots in the city, located right inside the gallery.
Kensington Market
A year-round cacophony of vendors hawking everything from fresh fish to dress socks, Kensington Market has been a gateway for new Torontonians for more than 100 years. Located just northeast of Chinatown, this area has evolved over the years but has maintained a sense of new arrivals to Toronto's immigrant communities. Portuguese, Jamaican and West Indies populations have all left their mark still seen in the array of food shops catering to these different ethnic groups. Kensington Market is also known for its second-hand vintage clothing stores. Or stop in at Tom's Place , an institution in this area that sells new designer suits and clothes at a bargain basement prices. If you love the blues, head up north of the market off Spadina and visit the Silver Dollar Room .
Queen West SOHO
Located on the same street as the Sheraton Hotel, Queen West is known as the "artsy" part of Toronto. Here you can find the latest in trendy home furnishings, urban ware such as "raver" ware and club kids clothes, and funky and vintage lines of clothing. The bars and cafes are just as funky, reflecting this part of Queen Street's eccentric and Bohemian character. Check out Shanghai Cowgirl , a classic-style diner or head out to Peter Pan (Mediterranean and Asian influences with Canadian ingredients).
The area remains alive with activity day and night. Check out the action at one of the local TV stations at City TV's Much Music Building . Visit Speaker's Corner located at the corner of the building, drop a "loonie" (1 dollar) into the video booth, rant about the latest State/Ministry decisions, and your segment might get aired! There are many bars located on this street as well. The Horseshoe is an institution that has music ranging from American alternative rock bands to British pop stars. Gypsy Co-op is a funky cafe/bar/eatery with a general store at the front selling all the different candy your sweet tooth can imagine. Live bands are often featured on the second floor at Hooch.
Entertainment District
The Entertainment District is a bustling concentration of theaters, restaurants, nightspots, retail shops and visitor attractions, all within walking distance of the Sheraton Hotel. Each street in the district has its own flavor and specialty. Richmond and Adelaide Streets are home to massive 3-story nightclubs and smaller, high-end restaurants. Club goers can head out to Richmond Street and stop by Whiskey Saigon , Fluid or Joker . If you venture a couple of streets south from the club area, you will enter what is known as the Theatre District . Located in the heart of the district on King Street have dinner at Fred's Not Here and then cross the street to catch a production of the Broadway musical Mamma Mia playing at the Royal Alexandra . The Princess of Wales Theatre is home to The Lion King and Roy Thompson Hall hosts the Toronto Symphony . While you are in the area, drop into Il Fornello , one of the first Toronto restaurants to realize that pizza is more than just fast food. If theater is not your cup of tea, trek on down to the SkyDome , home to the Toronto Blue Jays and located on the aptly named Blue Jay Way. Also on Blue Jay is Wayne Gretsky's Restaurant , owned by the Great One himself. Right across the street is The Second City , home of comedy that spawned such homegrown talent as Mike Myers, John Candy and Dan Ackroyd.
Greektown
Toronto's Greek community is one of the largest and most active ethnic communities in the city. It is also the second largest (after Chicago) Greek population settlement outside of Greece. This is also where 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' was filmed! Located on Danforth Street, you'll know you've arrived when you see the signs written in both Greek and English. Greektown has built a reputation as an excellent dining destination. Many of its restaurants feature open kitchens, where you are welcome to watch the preparation of authentic Greek cuisine. Always bustling with people, you can feel the energy as you go from bar to restaurant. Myth is a favorite as are Pappas Grill , Pan on the Danforth and Christina's .
