The CN Tower and Skydome are seen on Lake Ontario in this landscape view of Toronto. (Kevin Frayer/Canadian Press)

By CBC News

The CBC's Jennifer Hollett recently dissected the New York Times' picks for Toronto 'style spots,' offering her own take on the paper's declarations. From the Thompson Hotel to Holt Renfrew, check out what she had to say about the city's most buzzed about places.

We asked our own TIFF 10 Street Level blog team to share their own must-visit Toronto locales. See their picks below and then share your own.


Chris Berube's picks:
Location: Toronto Island
On the Map: Off the map, actually.
What the local says: Visiting the Toronto Island is more of a right of passage for residents of the city, since it is so distinctly unlike Toronto. The dense vegetation, gentle breeze, and copious picnic tables serve as a welcome contrast to the sometimes overwhelming downtown. Visitors may have to build their day around visiting the island, as the ferries, especially during the off-season, are not especially frequent.


Brunch at Aunties & Uncles. (Submitted by Chris Berube)

Location: Aunties & Uncles
On the Map: 74 Lippincott St. (at Bathurst and College)
What the local says: Hands down, the tastiest brunch in the city. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and inventive fruit sides (pear used to be standard). The hash browns, which are garlicky and soft, are to die for. Frequently visited by local celebrities like the CBC's Sook-Yin Lee and Sloan bassist Chris Murphy!

Location: The Junction
On the map: Around Dundas West and Keele
What the N.Y. Times says: "Block by block, the young and artsy are transforming this stretch of Dundas Street West from a grimy skid row into a bright enclave filled with quirky bookstores, vegan restaurants and organic cafes," declared a profile of the neighbourhood in the Times travel section last year, which also suggested (erroneously) that the neighbourhood was becoming a tourist spot.
What the local says: While the Times report from last year suggests that The Junction has only recently made the transition from dangerous haven to a cool neighbourhood revitalized by young families, the truth is that the process has been ongoing for the last 10 years or so. The Vegetarian Restaurant, now closed, Pandemonium Records, and a number of high quality book stores have been providing the neighbourhood with cache for years. Recent additions like the Organic Beet Cafe, the yearly Junction Arts Festival, Big Daddy Video, and Crema Coffee have helped bolster its reputation, but contrary to popular belief, the Junction has been a pleasant place to spend an afternoon for some time.


Christine Estima's picks:
Location: The Common
On the map: 1071 College St.
What N.Y. Times says: Nada
What the local says: Another hipster caf? hole in the wall with limited seating and a fly problem, but a great voyeur spot to eavesdrop on local celebrities' conversations (make sure you're there when sex columnist Sasha is about, her convo's will leave your mouth dry). There is absolutely no menu posted anywhere, so you'll just have to ask, but the drinks are hot as is the regular barrista with her cropped jean shorts and fire-engine red lipstick.

Location: The Communal Mule
On the map: 984 Dundas St. W.,
What N.Y. Times says: Bupkis
What the local says: This hole in the wall caf? with communal tables, lots of reading material, and free Wi-Fi daily plays host to some of the hottest hipsters looking to sip chai soy lattes while yapping about bike culture and Arcade Fire hit-and-misses. Barristas are friendly and make the lemonade fresh before your eyes with wild berries. Almost directly across the street from Trinity Bellwoods Park, perfect side-street stop after lounging in the sun reading Michel Houellebecq and discussing the mayoral debate.

Location: Saving Gigi
On the map: 859 Bloor St. W.
What N.Y. Times says: Rien
What the local says: This sister caf? to perhaps more popular spot Saving Grace down on Dundas is a boisterous and breezy, vegetarian-friendly eatery with menu choices from tofu and spinach to salmon and cakes. Huge windows illuminate all the sexy faces behind their laptops (another free WiFi spot), and everyone from local office workers to would-be-novelists in Buddy Holly glasses. The place to be and be seen for brunch.
 
Stephenson Price's picks:
Location: Beer Bistro
On the map: 18 King St. E.
What N.Y. Times says: Zip
What the local says: With an extensive beer list that stretches longer than the CN Tower is high, knowledgeable staff and a menu to die for, this is the spot you'll want to hit for a quick drink or to indulge in something a little more solid: definitely try one of their fantastic weekly rotational sausages (on occasion made of bison, duck, venison, or even salmon). The fact that you can be dressed down or dressed to the nines in this classy establishment makes it an easy choice for both those looking to go out and those who just happen to be walking by.

Location: Drake Hotel
On the map: 1150 Queen St. W.
What the N.Y. Times says: Ziltch
What the local says: A hot spot for both hip and dignified events, underground concerts and the always agreeable rooftop patio, one can often find a great time just waiting to happen at the Drake Hotel. Keep an eye out for The Drake's signature "Maple Jack Sour" cocktail which takes a little Whiskey a long way from its Southern U.S. roots and gives it a distinctly Canadian spin.

Location: Cafe Nervosa
On the map: 75 Yorkville Ave.
What N.Y. Times says: Nada
What the local says: Though the majority of the TIFF action may have moved south to King Street since the Bell Lightbox opened, Yorkville is still a foothold locale for celeb sightings ÿ in particular this little Italian treasure where you can indulge in pastas, pizzas, salads and authentic European cheese platters. TRUE FACT: I sat across from Natalie Portman at lunch here, just yesterday!

Anastasia Tubanos' picks:
Style spot: The Reservoir Lounge
On the map: 52 Wellington St. E.
What N.Y. Times says: Nuthin'
What the local says: When you walk into The Reservoir Lounge, it's like you've been transported back into post-prohibition days. It's a little out of the ordinary and lures culture-hungry Torontonians with live bands playing swing jazz and jump blues every night of the week. And the food! Oh the food! The lounge is quaint, sexy and perfect for that evening when you want to impress.


A view of the Hey Lucy's neon sign. (Hey Lucy)

Location: Hey Lucy's
On the map: 295 King St. W.
What N.Y. Times says: Nuthin'
What the local says: Nestled in the strip of restaurants lining King between John and Peter streets, Hey Lucy's is best known for its lip-smacking list of martinis (although the homemade pizza baked in the wood burning oven IS pretty good). With its interior brick, cozy booths, dim lighting and buzzing atmosphere, it's my go-to spot to catch up with old friends and new beaus.

Style spot: Queen Mother
On the map: 208 Queen St. W.
What N.Y. Times says: Nuthin'
What the local says: This cozy and timeless spot is affectionately known as "Queen Mum" by its regulars and is situated in a gorgeous historic 150-year-old building in the heart of the Entertainment District. The Lao-Thai main dishes and vegetarian friendly appetizers are heaven for the eclectic palette and perfect for sharing. And if you manage to get a spot on the back patio, it's like you're in your own secret garden with lush vines hanging around you and candlelight glowing bright enough for you see the company you're with.

What are your Toronto style spots? Let us know below.

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