On a sleepy stretch of Gerrard East sits Thai takeout heaven. Ketchup-free Pad Thai rules the day but so do eco-friendly principles like a 13% discount on pickup orders if you bring your own containers.

Read my review of Thai To Go in the restaurants section.

How refreshing--as I plucked out the labels from the beautiful clothes hung in the new uptown boutique Magnolia, a flush of pride spread over me at all that Canadian talent. Arthur Mendonca. Izzy Camilleri. Lucian Matis. I've gotten so used to writing about American and European lines that it's a treat to see a new store betting on homegrown labels.

Read my profile and see more photos of Magnolia in the fashion section.

The Danforth isn't exactly a hotbed of fashion activity - with the exception of the nearby Lustre, it can be hard to find places in which to browse to kill time between gyros, so Studio Labiri is a welcome haven for fashionistas looking for a stylish midtown option.

Check out my profile of Studio Labiri in the fashion section.

Disgraceland opened earlier this year on Bloor West and quickly won over local fans for its weekend brunch lineup.

Having heard glowing reviews from friends but mixed reviews in the local papers, I was eager to get over there check it out for myself. Ready for anything, I walked over bright and early, settled into a seat by the window with a couple friends and ordered up the Veggy Benny, Green Eggs & Ham, a round of coffees and one Strawberry Mimosa ('cause hell, we're up before noon on a Sunday).

Ready the full review of Disgraceland in our restaurants section.

Zoinks is only three years old but, somehow, it captures the feeling of the essential neighbourhood store that's been around forever. On Bloor West near Dovercourt, this small but well stocked fave specializes in lightly used books, music and DVDs.

Read my profile of Zoinks in the bookstore section.

Lime Restaurant at Yonge and Eglinton might be overlooked in the shadows of the nearby Spring Rolls. But the restaurant still manages to satisfy thanks to a great lunch menu. Just don't expect a lot of mangoes.

Mango what? Get the scoop in my review of Lime in the restaurants section.