Toronto's Distillery District

When I reflect on the number of cities that I have either lived in or travelled to over the past several years, there are a handful of them that occupy a special place in my heart.

From the City of Light and the Côte d'Azur ... to the Paris of the East and the city that never sleeps, I often ask myself what it is that makes these cities tick, that magnetic quality that never ceases to tug at my heartstrings each and every time I'm there. Is it the charming sidewalk cafés and local crêperies ... or the white sandy (sometimes pebbled) beaches and deep-blue Mediterranean Sea? Or is it the cultural diversity of cities on the move that awakens my senses and always keeps me coming back for more?

And then ... there's Toronto—my city of birth and beloved hometown, but certainly not the sexy sibling in a family of superstars. It is, nonetheless, a city I've called home for many years and one that has its appeal in its own little ways ...

In the east end of downtown Toronto is an historic area known as the Distillery District—a pedestrian village of brick-lined streets and restored Victorian industrial architecture that is home to live theatres, art galleries, studios, independent boutiques, open-air festivals, restaurants, and cafés. Nowhere in this city will you see such a rich concentration and an eclectic mix of artistic talent than in this hip and trendy neighbourhood.

Here are a few of my favourites (in alphabetical order):

• Balzac's Coffee: Inspired by France's 19th-century novelist and playright of the same name, this coffeehouse pays homage to one of history's literary greats ... and greatest coffee lovers, said to have consumed copious amounts throughout his nights of prolific writing, one of which produced a dissertation titled The Pleasures and Pains of Coffee. A fine selection of delectable blends in an architecturally stunning ambience.
• Bergo Designs: features a diverse and innovative line of sleek, modern home décor products, furniture, and jewellery by international designers such as Frank Gehry, Michael Graves, and Philippe Starck. An impressive showcase of elegance and sophistication in design.
• Hästens: Walk into this store that specializes in Swedish-designed, handcrafted beds and be greeted by amicable staff who encourage you to lie on their beds as they eagerly await to assist you with all your bed, mattress, and pillow needs.
• Soma Chocolatemaker: really deserves a post of its own. In the meantime, step into this chocolate shop and observe first-hand the handcraftsmanship of truffles, biscuits, and drink mixes through the glass windows of Soma's micro chocolate factory—one of but a few North American artisans of chocolate, made in small batches directly from the cacao bean. "A place to eat, drink and worship chocolate." Mmm ... simply divine!

The Distillery Historic District is located at: 55 Mill Street (between Parliament and Cherry Streets)