The best Shepherd's Pie in Toronto evokes images of cobblestone streets and old English stout. While we might not have the streets (though if you squint hard enough at a pothole-marked Steeles Ave., it might start to look like cobblestone) and the stout is only sporadically available, Toronto does have some pretty decent options for an authentic plate of hearty Shepherd's Pie.

The best shawarma in Toronto must start with a strong foundation. That is, the meat. You can have the tastiest garlic sauce or pickled turnips this side of the Atlantic Ocean, but if your meat is too dry (read: pre-shaved or left to sit) or without a slight crisp (shaved too early), the delight of the Middle Eastern fast food will soon start to dissipate.

And still, the spots on this list know the meat is just the start. Proper seasoning, marination, and appropriate shaving time, yes, but also fresh toppings, tangy sauces, warm pita--and hey, a smile never hurts. Of course, I'll take a delicious sandwich and a frown over a sub-par shawarma and friendly chit chat ay day. Never been one for small talk, after all. And on that note, here is the list of the best shawarma in Toronto.

See also:

The best falafel in Toronto
The best hummus in Toronto

The best sandwiches in Toronto have a way of bringing people together. While few vegans care to weigh in on the issue of the best sauce-soaked ribs in the city--and, likewise, meat-eaters on the whole care not for sesame tempeh debates, everyone can appreciate the glory of a good sandwich.

It starts with great bread, naturally, which must compliment as much as contain the "meat" (figuratively speaking) of the sandwich. And whatever is put inside--slow-roasted brisket, veal smothered in homemade sauce, or BBQ tofu on a bed of arugula--it must be fresh, hearty, filling, and delicious. I'm sure everyone knows what I'm talking about.

Here is the list of the best sandwiches in Toronto.

The best green retailers in Toronto usually have most of your environmental bases covered. While it's not unusual to find an organic product or a biodegradable bag here or there, the best green retailers in Toronto find a way to address more than one environmental concerns.

These are the stores that offer organic cotton t-shirts or bamboo coat hangers, available to take home in bags made of recycled paper or shipped to your house via bicycle transport. The stores themselves are powered via Bullfrog or a clean(er) source of energy, painted with low VOC paint, and might even have an organic garden stationed out back or up top. These retailers are on the cutting edge of what's new in green, and usually try to keep cost competitive to what you'll find in mainstream.

Here is the list of the best green retailers in Toronto.

The best new restaurants to open in Toronto in 2011 are a varied lot to be sure with
everything from tacos to Thai, 'cue to Guu making an appearance. Since timing is everything in these kinds of end-of-year things, some places made it in by the skin of their teeth to qualify for this year's list (I'm lookin' at you Grand Electric & Yours Truly).

Low-key appears to still be the flavour of the moment as diners flock en masse to neighbourhood joints offering up tasty grub at a reasonable price-point in relaxed digs. Jen Agg's ears must be burning with the constant mention several of these restaurants as the next Black Hoof. Time will tell, but for now we've got some eating to do.

The best new cheap eats in Toronto in 2011 were all across the board. While in previous years we've see trends sway in favour of the gourmet burger, the burrito, or the hot pile of poutine, this year it was a healthy (well, I'm not sure if that's the right word) mix of a little bit of everything. Whether it speaks to the diversification of our communal taste or simply the fact that we've grown tired of gourmet burgers at every block, I'm not sure, but the variety of quality cheap eat options has certainly diversified for the better.