We try to keep things as local as possible so we’re running down 5 of our favourite boutiques across the city to shop at this holiday season…

1. Tuck Shop Trading Co.

Located in the Summerhill/Rosedale area right on Yonge St., Tuck Shop Trading Co. provides amazingly well crafted, often local wares that work well from big city to big country; wools, corduroys and denim feature heavily.

2. The Future of Frances Watson

For those on the West side of town, TFOFW offers an amazingly eclectic and stylish set of fashions, accessories and other home and lifestyle products for both men and women. They also put an emphasis on well manufactured goods (which we appreciate), proving that fashion can be an investment rather than a trend.

3. Model Citizen

Model Citizen is a Kensington Market boutique dedicated to Canadian designers and men’s fashion. “Selling to guys is a lot easier than selling to women,” says owner Julian Finkel, explaining his shop’s male-centric merchandise. “It’s a shop for fashion ninjas.” In truth, it’s much more than that. Finkel does quite a lot of his own design work and features many of his own prints on garments in-store adding a special DIY aesthetic to various items.

4. WANT Apothecary

For our uptown/mid-town people, WANT Apothecary provides some modern luxury fashion brought over from Montreal-based WANT bag makers. Fashion, accessories and a great many well made lifestyle products; all the stuff you really WANT for for the holidays ; )

5. Early Bird and Worm

Not to be so selective as to leave out those little people who make the holidays so special, Early Bird and Worm bills itself as a kid's concept shop on Roncesvalles. Selling fashion forward outfits with bold prints and style as well as other accessories, this place will have your baby looking anything but bland.

Wherever your holiday shopping takes you, please let us know! We’re always interested in amazing local businesses. Happy Holidays!

As the chill of winter sets in, we’re prompted to take some time to enjoy that favourite of fares, steak. Many argue over what are the best cuts and the best spots but perhaps most exemplified in a great steakhouse is a combination of atmosphere and aged meat… a little scotch doesn’t hurt either.

Here are 5 of our favourite spots to sink into a great steak…

THE KEG MANSION

A Toronto mainstay in steaks for over 40 years, The KEG mansion serves up the classic KEG food menu of steaks and seafood in one of the best locations in Toronto. Apparently haunted, the atmosphere here can’t be beat!

HARBOUR 60 STEAKHOUSE

Another iconic Toronto building, Harbour 60 offers a glamorous setting to enjoy some more high-end options including truffle steak and eggs, A5 Japanese Kobe and bone-in NY strip loin.

STK TORONTO

Situated in the heart of Yorkville, this luxury steakhouse chain serves up some mighty fine steaks in an uber sophisticated atmosphere that will please even the most choosey restauranteur.

MICHAEL’S ON SIMCOE

This locale is easily the priciest of the bunch but they do it all so well. Look out for 2 types of Wagyu and A5 Japanese that could cost over $1,300! Good thing they’ve got their own dry aging chamber to ensure quality.

BLUEBLOOD STEAKHOUSE

Again with the ambiance! Blueblood keeps it regal by holding court in Casa Loma, which makes the whole experience rather opulent. But they don’t skimp on the steak and certainly not the rest of the menu; jumbo scallops, a seafood tower and amazing short rib ravioli to name a few. Definitely a place worth celebrating.

Wherever your bloodthirsty appetites take you, be sure to let us know! Enjoy!

DADS…

they are many things to many people and perhaps one of the hardest people in your life to shop for? So if you’re gonna grab a gift for Dad this Father’s Day, why not go local? Here’s our Top 5 places to buy a gift for Father’s Day…

SHINOLA

Photo by Scott Norsworthy

Detroit-based SHINOLA is a “luxury design brand with an unwavering commitment to crafting products that are built to last—from timepieces to leather goods, jewelry to audio.” Their 1000 Queen St. West store is ideally located on the popular Ossington strip and as the description says, carries a tonne of well-crafted products that should please your papa to no end. Guys and leather is generally a good match. Sorry to all those vegan Dads out there.

18 WAITS

Photo by Hector Vasquez

We first heard of 18 Waits specifically in regard to their absolutely adorable Father/Son selection of clothing. Many pieces in the store are replicated in both adult and children sizes, making for a super-sweet match-y, match-y look for your hubby and little one. Gorgeous fabrics and well-crafted clothing with a specificity to button-up shifts make this shop a no-brainer for Father’s Day.

WANT APOTHECARY

Who says that Dad’s can’t do with a little pampering? You may be surprised to find out your pops actually considers moisturizing a necessity or wouldn’t mind a new bracing aftershave balm post-shave. Want apothecary in Rosedale/Lawrence Park not only carries all of these personal grooming products but a full selection of classy and stylish mens wear.

THE CHEF UPSTAIRS

If you’re anything like Jeremy, you love to get dinner going or cook up some new recipe on the weekend. Why not skip the product offering and go for an experience instead? After-all, experiences are the new products. The Chef Upstairs offers a variety of classes on a variety of cuisines and techniques. Whether Dad wants to bone up on his knife skills or learn the essential ingredients to make the perfect Mexican dinner, midtown’s The Chef Upstairs has him covered.

MONTRAIT MUAY THAI

If you follow our social media accounts, you know we’re HUGE fans of the work Peter Montrait is doing at his new gym on Dundas West. Peter is the real deal in terms of experience and insight, nutrition and knowledge. Most Dad’s don’t get the time they need to get to the gym or when they do, may not be the best at filling that session with the most beneficial exercises. Why not leave it to a pro? Peter does private training sessions and holds Muay Thai kickboxing and Kettle Bell classes that are literally fun for the whole family (if that’s what you need). Do your Dad a favour and give them a call.

Wherever and whatever you go to or do with Dad this Sunday, remember that the best presents tend to be presence. Got a favourite spot you like to shop for Dad in Toronto? Please let us know!

Happy Father’s Day Dads!