Despite the doom and gloom that often seems to surround the Toronto book market, once in a while there are some bright spots. Case in point: this recently opened used shop in Little Italy, which is the by-product of its owners' collection of 40,000 books. Want to get your hands on the first paperback edition of On the Road? They got you covered.

Read more in my profile of Sellers & Newel in the bookstores section.

Proof that history repeats itself? This juice bar and vegan eatery has been back and forth from the deadpool for years, emerging once again in a shared space with LPK's Culinary Groove. While this new incarnation is take-out only (which means no brunch, alas), its classic juices, smoothies, salads and sandwiches are back on the menu board again. Hopefully written in permanent ink.

Read my profile of Pulp Kitchen in the restaurants section.

A few months after a new Loblaws, Joe Fresh, and Winners opened at one end of the block, another major retailer has opened on the other. In the historical building that once held the Big Bop, this American furniture store has opened its first Canadian showroom at the corner of Queen and Bathurst. Meaning the rock-driven underagers of the intersection's recent history must move on.

Read my profile of CB2 Toronto in the design stores section.

Started five years ago, later opening a second location on Wellesley, this Leslieville cafe has closed its doors for good. Well, its Queen Street doors, at least. Now at Danforth and Greenwood, this cafe is trying to establish community feel anew, though I think I can still hear weeping from down on Queen.

Read my profile of Red Rocket (Danforth) in the cafes section.

While the decor at this North York sushi joint could use an update, the food is nothing to scoff at. With service that's more odd than unfriendly, you know they must be doing something right to stay in business for 20+ years.

Read my review of Kiyomizu in the restaurants section.

Sandwiched between a couple of retail giants selling a collection of "vintage-inspired," this Vancouver import is offering the real thing. With a mix of high and low — Levi's denim and Louis' handbags — you can be sure there are no carbon copies of the finds at this Queen West vintage shop.

Read my profile of Used House of Vintage in the fashion section.