Style Destination
Style destination: Distillery District
Style destination: Distillery District
Style Destination
Style destination: Distillery District
Toronto’s only pedestrian village, this National Historic Site has the largest and best-preserved collection of Victorian architecture in North America. Assistant editor Amanda Etty wanders the Distillery’s cobblestone streets and intimate alleyways full of worn brick walls and characteristic green
front doors and window frames.
Photography courtesy of balzacs.com
Where to eat
Soma Chocolatemaker
Soma specializes in artisanal chocolate made from world-class cocoa. So if you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, don’t settle. Stop in for a shot of Mayan hot chocolate and check out the view into the chocolate-making room. I picked up their Alleppo Pepper ($7) and Starry Night ($6.50) bars. 55 Mill St., Building 48, somachocolate.com.
Balzac’s Coffee Roasters
I ordered the Farmers blend to go, which left me well caffeinated for a Sunday morning stroll through the Distillery’s shops and galleries. If you decide to sip inside, you’ll be surrounded by marble-topped tables, modern bistro chairs and an oversized Vaudeville chandelier, reminiscent of a Parisian café. 55 Mill St., Building 60, balzacs.com.
Brick Street Bakery
For hearty loaves, sweet treats and savoury pastries, Brick Street Bakery satisfies with heartwarming comfort. 55 Mill St., Building 45A, brickstreetbakery.com.
Lead image courtesy of Eric Hashimoto
Photography courtesy of bergo.ca
Where to shop
Blackbird Vintage Finds
Exposed brick walls and sky-high ceilings provide the perfect backdrop for Paula DiRenzo’s collection of antique and vintage-inspired wares. On my wish list are some pressed-glass dessert dishes ($13), ideal for a scoop (or two) of ice cream, vintage trophies (from $40) and antique apothecary jars ($95). 55 Mill St., Building 57, blackbirdvintage.com.
From the Potting Shed
Despite its petite size, I could have spent hours in here. I felt like I’d stepped into a 19th-century French potting shed, with worn terracotta pots, potted herbs and tin watering cans. 55 Mill St., Building 52, fromthepottingshed.com.
Bergo Designs
The juxtaposition of new and old is alive at Bergo, where modern industrial housewares are set against historic architecture. I was drawn to the large collection of Alessi kitchenwares, as well as an array of toys, including old-school faves like Tiddlywinks, and a curious selection of stuff that begs the question “Why didn’t I think of that?” 55 Mill St., Building 47A, bergo.ca.
Photography courtesy of torontochristmasmarket.com
Toronto Christmas Market
Now in its second year, this free annual event captures the tradition, heritage and charm of a European Christmas market. There’s lots to see and do, including choirs and carollers, Santa and his elves, food and drink tastings, local handcrafted gifts and a gigantic Christmas tree. Dec. 2-18, torontochristmasmarket.com.
Photography courtesy of balzacs.com
Where to eat
Soma Chocolatemaker
Soma specializes in artisanal chocolate made from world-class cocoa. So if you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, don’t settle. Stop in for a shot of Mayan hot chocolate and check out the view into the chocolate-making room. I picked up their Alleppo Pepper ($7) and Starry Night ($6.50) bars. 55 Mill St., Building 48, somachocolate.com.
Balzac’s Coffee Roasters
I ordered the Farmers blend to go, which left me well caffeinated for a Sunday morning stroll through the Distillery’s shops and galleries. If you decide to sip inside, you’ll be surrounded by marble-topped tables, modern bistro chairs and an oversized Vaudeville chandelier, reminiscent of a Parisian café. 55 Mill St., Building 60, balzacs.com.
Brick Street Bakery
For hearty loaves, sweet treats and savoury pastries, Brick Street Bakery satisfies with heartwarming comfort. 55 Mill St., Building 45A, brickstreetbakery.com.
Lead image courtesy of Eric Hashimoto
Photography courtesy of bergo.ca
Where to shop
Blackbird Vintage Finds
Exposed brick walls and sky-high ceilings provide the perfect backdrop for Paula DiRenzo’s collection of antique and vintage-inspired wares. On my wish list are some pressed-glass dessert dishes ($13), ideal for a scoop (or two) of ice cream, vintage trophies (from $40) and antique apothecary jars ($95). 55 Mill St., Building 57, blackbirdvintage.com.
From the Potting Shed
Despite its petite size, I could have spent hours in here. I felt like I’d stepped into a 19th-century French potting shed, with worn terracotta pots, potted herbs and tin watering cans. 55 Mill St., Building 52, fromthepottingshed.com.
Bergo Designs
The juxtaposition of new and old is alive at Bergo, where modern industrial housewares are set against historic architecture. I was drawn to the large collection of Alessi kitchenwares, as well as an array of toys, including old-school faves like Tiddlywinks, and a curious selection of stuff that begs the question “Why didn’t I think of that?” 55 Mill St., Building 47A, bergo.ca.
Photography courtesy of torontochristmasmarket.com
Toronto Christmas Market
Now in its second year, this free annual event captures the tradition, heritage and charm of a European Christmas market. There’s lots to see and do, including choirs and carollers, Santa and his elves, food and drink tastings, local handcrafted gifts and a gigantic Christmas tree. Dec. 2-18, torontochristmasmarket.com.
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