I drink a lot of coffee. Not as much, I'm sure, as my wife, and nowhere near as much as fellow Canadians, whose thirst for java in all its forms means that major coffee franchisees can open on competing corners from each other, and no up-and-coming urban neighbourhood has truly arrived until it has at least one stylish, serious shop selling latte with artful little swirls etched in foam.

Te Aro opened last spring in a former garage in Leslieville, a neighbourhood with no shortage of coffee shops. Given this saturation, owners Jessie and Andy Wilkin decided to offer coffee tastings to educate their customers on what goes into a cup - and showcase their beans. I managed an invite to the first test run of the tasting - or "cupping," as it would more properly be called - as a way of addressing the fact that, for all of the java I down, I don't really know much about the stuff.

Our latest essential bar only opened in August but already it has carved out a niche as a quieter alternative to The Drake, The Gladstone and other nearby watering holes. There's no live music here and no bouncer. But there are 12 beers on tap, good snacks and a dive-bar-chic vibe.

Today's bar: Double Deuce Saloon

Located above a pet supply store in Leslieville, this essential bar is secretive, unusual and classy. One of the true delights here is the menu. Operating without a kitchen, the chef has created a selection of pates, spreads, and even desserts that are stored and served in tiny Mason jars, available for $6 each.

Today's bar: Swirl Wine Bar

International Chefs Day isn't officially until tomorrow (Oct 20) but this past crisp and sunny fall Saturday was when Toronto got to celebrate it at Yonge-Dundas Square.

For $2 or $3 apiece, chefs from across the city sold their culinary creations in celebration of their profession while supporting the non-profit Second Harvest.

This week the Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA) launched four cultural food guides highlighting where city dwellers can buy locally grown ingredients for Chinese, South Asian, Middle Eastern and African Caribbean cuisine.

Foodies, Philanthropists and some local entrepreneurs all got together Friday night to rub elbows, grease some wallets, and help out some much-in-need Canadian Athletes from the CAN foundation. Add a healthy set of wine, beer and Scotch pairings to warm the rain soaked evening up, and some local delicious treats mingled in-between sips, and you have one well-rounded event. The charming historical Campbell House was the setting for the foodie-fueled fundraiser, its small intimate hallways and corridors proving to be a good way to get to know other guests quickly.