GOLD.FACED.BETTY

so we have compiled a “Best of Toronto” list.  these are our fave places around the city…nothing in particular, just little gems that make us and Toronto BFFs.

Best for Coffee Addicts:

Tequila Bookworm: (512 Queen Street W.) the WiFi is free and the latte bowls are actually in bowls.  crazy right?

Black Horse Coffee: (215 Spadina Ave.) meet a new friend while sharing communal tables and sipping on your own personal french pressed coffee.

Best for Drinks:

Bistro 422: (422 College St.) the biggest dive on College.  the owner is rude, but the mini pitchers and the friday night raffle makes it somewhat worth it.  you will most likely spot hipsters, so dress appropriately.

Best Eats:

Aunties and Uncles: (74 Lippincott St.) the best place for brunch.  period.  get the banana walnut pancakes and talk to the server he’s hilarious.

Miss Cora’s Kitchen: (69 Kensington Ave.) this is a true gem in the heart of Kensington.  named the best cupcakes in Toronto on BlogTO.   go for the mini red velvet cupcake for just $1.50, it will not disappoint.

XeLua: (254 Spadina Ave.) found in the heart of Chinatown this place offers the cheapest Pho, fastest service, and best Top 40 hits ever.  it’s also open until the early morning hours, perfect drunk food option.  mango smoothie is also a must have.

Nazareth: (969 Bloor Street W.) this is a little “ma and pa” Ethiopian restaurant.  if you are skeptical of this foreign venture, trust me on this.  the restaurant itself is no bigger than a tiny corner store.  order a vegetarian platter, it’s $8 and is perfect for 2.  if you are really feeling crazy order another!

Best Free Hangouts:

Trinity Bellwoods: the best place to picnic with friends, or read solo on a blanket.  best on a sunny day, and preferably not during the Snowbird practice at the Ex, as I experienced in August.

The Island: (Toronto Island) definitely an M&K favourite.  I think we visited the island 3 times in a period of one week this past September. bike over for the full experience.  don’t be afraid of the “clothing optional” beach, the sand is softer and the gentleman are so friendly they’ll even offer to take a picture of you.

Best Place to Get Your Nails Did:

Time For Nails: (641 Bay St.) we’ve searched all over Toronto for the best cheap nail salon.  this is our favourite find.  for $40 you get a manicure & pedicure, and your own tool kit.  you never need an appointment and the so-called “massage” chairs will make you laugh.  (in my opinion these chairs offer more pain than pleasure.)

Best Dance Parties:

The Gladstone: (1214 Queen Street W.) this is a Toronto classic.  we used to partake in “Loving in the Name Of” an event which took place the first Friday of every month.  this event is no more…since oct/nov.  we are sad.  we miss the cover band who sang hits including Tiny Dancer, and so much Madonna you would think you were back in the 80s.

p.s. please share your “best of toronto” picks with us!