I know what you’re thinking, friends. How does one maintain a travel blog whilst not currently traveling? Obvious answer: not very successfully. That is unless of course you are lucky enough to live in a city deemed by many to be a desirable travel destination itself. Enter ‘Toronto Tuesdays’, a weekly series highlighting my favourite eats and activities in the city I call home.

It’s only fitting that the inaugural post in such a series pay tribute to my favourite Toronto hood of all — St. Clair West. When I happened upon my perfect little bachelor pad four years ago in an area I knew next to nothing about, I had no idea that I had hit the jackpot. Just a hop-skip-and-a-subway ride from downtown, St. Clair West has all the convenience of downtown living with twice the charm and half the crowd. Allow me to expose some of the city’s best-kept secrets:

Mezetta (681 Saint Clair West, at Christie)

Mezetta single-handedly transformed my opinion of tapas. With delicious, generous portions at $3.50 a pop, Mezetta’s selection of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes will satisfy your taste buds and your wallet. The lamb kabobs and garlic green beans and guaranteed to leave you drooling for more. Go on Mondays when every second dish is $1.50, or on ‘Toonie’ Tuesdays for even more bang for your buck.

Nona’s (St. Clair West and Vaughan Rd)

This tiny hole-in-the wall West Indies spot is run by none other than the lovely Ms. Nona herself. You’ll find her serving up a $5 home-cooked meal of the day just North of St. Clair West at Vaughn Road.

Wynchwood Pub (517 St. Clair West)

Formally known as ‘Legends’, this local watering hole recently received a major facelift. Albeit some of its mystery has disappeared, the new-and-improved Wynchwood Pub remains a welcoming place to grab a pint. Go on a Wednesday night to enjoy wing specials and local live music.

Artscape Wynchwood Barns

What once housed Toronto’s streetcars has now been refurbished into a bustling cultural hub supporting local artisans, agriculture and an assortment of creative community projects. On Saturday’s you will find The Stop’s Farmer Market, opened from 8am-2pm and boasting lots of local eats.

Leah’s (621 St. Clair Ave. West)

Home of the best damn macaroon I have ever had, there is no escaping the lure of Leah’s bakery on your way towards Wynchwood Barns. Only opened from 9-6 Monday-Saturday and 11-5:30 on Sundays, arrive early to avoid disappointment.

The Stockyards (699 St. Clair West)

Meat, glorious meat. Patrons dutifully line up on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 5:00 pm for a taste of the Stockyard’s famous smoked chicken and ribs. Worth the wait.

Dutch Dreams (79 Vaughn Rd)

A community fixture for the past 25 years, at first glance Dutch Dreams looks more like a carnival fun house than an ice cream spot. In the summer months the unmistakable smell of fresh baked waffle cones lures pedestrians in from the sidewalk. A kaleidoscope of cows, clogs and windmills adorn the walls and ceiling, as if Lady Holland herself had over indulged and vomited everywhere – but in a fun and unique way, of course.

Menchies (518 St. Clair West)

Yes, I know Menchies is everywhere and not nearly as iconic as my beloved Dutch Dreams. But sometimes a girl just wants to be able to pile candy on her fro-yo and pretend like it’s still healthy. Let’s just say that when one moved in 400m away from me, things got dangerous.

California Sushi (1238 St. Clair West)

With a variety of $3.50 rolls on the menu, California Sushi has been satisfying my spicy salmon craving since 2010.

Cedarvale Trail

The 2 km trail through Cedarvale Park is part of Toronto’s expansive network of ravine pathways, making good on one of its slogan’s “a city within a park”. I was shocked at how easily this urban oasis could wrap me in its green arms and shield me from the buzz of the city. Granted, it took several months for me to finally venture down into the ominous looking Heath St. entrance to the path. A large dog park and public tennis court await on the other side.

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