Just opened near Queen and Dovercourt is downtown Toronto's first, newest and only yerba mate cafe. The kitchen replaces cookies with alfajores and offers lattes along with cafe con leche. Its main specialty though, is yerba mate, served either in a cafetière or in the traditional wooden gourd.

Read my review of El Almacen and find out how it tastes.

Mjolk is the latest interior design store to spring up in the Junction. Rather than taking the vintage route though, this Scandinavian haven is loaded with specially imported furnishings, clothing, books and toys from across the Atlantic.

Read my profile of Mjolk in the design stores section.

The Green Grind steps into the crowded College St. cafe scene, but comes with an environment-first push; recycling, composting, bring-your-own mug discounts and a portion of proceeds going to charitable green causes are all on the menu here - as is great coffee and tasty organic ginger snap cookies.

See my review of The Green Grind in the cafes section.

Delight is a chocolatier in The Junction that will satisfy any sweet peccadillo, from vanilla ice cream to peanut butter hot chocolate and even blue cheese truffles. Not just delicious, Delight's chocolates are handmade with fair trade and organic ingredients.

Read my review of Delight in the grocery stores section.

Bluebird Handmade in the Annex is all about beautiful handmade goods and craft supplies. Originally serving as a workshop for classes, the tiny Bathurst Street location now also makes and sells lovely custom ceramics, prints, scarves, ornaments, bags, jewelery, and toys from their storefront.

See the profile of Bluebird Handmade in the design stores section.

Formerly Lou's Coffee bar, Buddha Pie is a tiny pizzeria that opened about a month ago on the southwest fringe of The Junction. Schooled by Cosimo Mammoliti of Terroni, the owner now makes one of the best margherita pizzas in town.

Don't believe me? Read my review of Buddha Pie in the restaurants section for the photo and written evidence.