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Wondering what to see and do when you're running through The Six? We reached out to 100% Silk Shop owner Lee and shop manager Inez for a guide to all their favorite Toronto spots. From Japanese comfort food to unique vintage treasures, they've compiled a go-to guide, below.
Toutoune Gallery and Shop
Inez: "Run by artist Ginette Lapalme, this place is worth the in-person visit. Incredible treasure trove of vintage toys, prints and multiples, silk-screened clothing and stickers, and fine artwork. Ginette has been making art and working in the Toronto DIY print scene for decades, and this space must be protected at all costs. It’s so fun, so joyful, so unexpected. Truly inspiring."
Sellers & Newel Second-Hand Books
Inez: "A wonderfully eclectic collection of second-hand books with an emphasis on the occult, weird fiction, poetry, philosophy, horror, and other cool subjects. I met the owner, Peter Sellers, years ago while working in an art gallery. He probably doesn’t remember me, but my god, what a lovely man with a wonderful way of looking at the world. His selection is good. Don’t skip it!"
Toronto Reference Library
Pictured above
Inez: "The fifth floor of this iconic building (designed by Raymond Moriyama) is my home away from home. The interior is very 1970s but vast, bright and uncluttered. One of the few places in the city where I can still get inspired. Don’t miss the filing cabinets of clippings organized by subject."
Mikishoppu
Lee: "My favorite vintage store in the city. Miki, the owner, has incredible, eclectic taste and sources from all over Asia, so you truly never know what gem you will stumble upon—whether it be a Comme Des Garcons dress or a '70s skirt suit. It’s also one of the rare shopping experiences in Toronto that still feels warm and personal in a very genuine way."
Saigon Lotus
Inez: "The ultimate vegan Vietnamese restaurant. I was vegan for many years and ate here at least twice a week. The selection of seitan- and tofu-based “meats” for their dishes tastes like nothing you’ve ever had before. Salty, crispy, umami, sweet. Get the golden curry. Top-notch."
Côte De Boeuf
Pictured above
Lee: "A stalwart on a street that is constantly getting made over. The place I always tuck into when I know I want to eat well and have a good time. The service is impeccable, and the escargot and steak frites are as good as I’ve ever had in Paris."
Omusubi Bar Suzume
Pictured above
Lee: "The most beautiful Japanese comfort food comes from a small take-out spot in a lineup of container stalls at a busy intersection. Everything is homemade, down to the soy sauce, and her menu changes seasonally (watch out for the sakura mochi during cherry blossom season). I love the Oden, a fish cake stew that is perfect for the cold weather."
Dotty's
Lee: "Highly recommend pairing a visit to our shop with dinner at Dotty’s next door. It’s the platonic ideal of comfort food. My top order is the shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, burger and fries (they remind me so much of the kind I grew up eating in hockey arenas). And don’t skip the soft serve if it’s on the menu."
Larry's Place
Inez: "My everyday go-to for morning coffee. This location is newly renovated and couldn’t be cuter. The staff knows everyone’s name in the neighborhood and remembers all the little details from your last conversation. It has a grandma's-country-kitchen vibe that is hard to replicate without coming off as too sentimental. Solid drip coffee and creamiest espresso blends. The best butter tarts, too!"
Robinson Bread
Pictured above
Lee: "I got to know the baker, Patti Robinson, at our local farmer’s market and was DELIGHTED when she opened a permanent location. Patti only uses freshly milled organic flours. I love her seeded whole rye sourdough, which is dense and lasts for over a week. The coriander in her fougasse is a revelation. Get anything she makes with a pastry crust."
Location
Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday Noon–6:00
Thursday–Saturday 11:00–6:00
100% Silk Shop is dedicated to showcasing emerging brands from around the world that combine a distinctive vision with thoughtful construction and slow, handmade processes. Their goal is to start a new dialogue around the word "handmade," one that celebrates both the aesthetics and the story behind every piece.
Location
Open daily Noon–6:00
Easy Tiger Goods is a lifestyle concept store based in Toronto. They’ve created a space that connects customers with a cool selection of home goods, apothecary items, and women’s wear, all made with integrity. With brands like Hendrik Lou, Saint James, and Steven Alan up for grabs, it's the kind of place to spend a Saturday drooling over every item. Now, with Garmentory, you can do that from your couch.
Location
Open Wednesday–Sunday Noon–7:00
From the same owner of Easy Tiger Goods, Ease is a new boutique for those who seek well-crafted, beautifully designed pieces to complement and enhance their everyday life. With a curated collection of established and emerging designers, Ease brings thoughtful essentials to everyone. Each piece embodies both contemporary concepts and timeless sensibilities in the name of sophistication, simplicity, and ease.
Location
Open Tuesday–Saturday 11:00–5:00
CLEMENTINE'S is a Toronto-based luxury concept shop offering a curated selection of high-end womenswear, lifestyle goods, and beauty and accessories. Founded by industry veteran Christina McDowell, the shop stocks personally sourced pieces from established name brands that draw on McDowell's eye for luxury goods. CLEMENTINE'S also features regular collaborations with contemporary designers for fresh, sophisticated pieces for the modern woman.
Location
Open Wednesday–Saturday 11:00–7:00
EWANIKA is a multi-brand boutique carrying an eponymous women's collection that rises to the challenge of dressing for everyday life. A deftly articulated selection of innovative ready-to-wear lines and accessories is international in scope. Choices are defined by a modern sense of independence and understatement. A trained eye is also directed towards quality and sustainable materials, local production and expert craftsmanship.
Location
Open Monday–Saturday 11:00–6:00
Advice from a Caterpillar is inspiration for the modern family. Customers will be well rewarded by the collection of unique, new and vintage children’s clothing, furniture, toys, books, lifestyle accessories, and baby necessities, with many collections being introduced to Canada for the first time.
Location
Open Tuesday–Saturday 11:00–6:00
Sunday Noon–5:00
GASPARD is a spirited shop of lovingly curated pieces. Owners Jennifer and Richard travel the world to discover designers with history and true connections to their craft. Clever design and quality of fabrics are paramount. Timeless pieces from only the best creative minds.
Location
Wednesday–Saturday Noon–6:00
Sunday Noon–6:00
Grays is an in-house label that uses 100% Ontario wool. The multi-brand boutique, gallery, and social space is located in Toronto’s West End. Home to natural textiles, personal goods, and collected stories. Drop in anytime.
