By Kait Fowlie
Vintage Finds: Twice Found (608 Markham St). All the items in Twice Found are as beautiful as they are full of unique history. This is the place to come if you want to score some pre loved pottery, furniture, artwork or jewellery. Have a looksy before you stop by: http://twicefound.com. Honourable mention: Vintage Video (604 Markham St.) This little nook houses a wealth of hard to find films, old school figurines, books and flags, and other notable ornaments of old. Don’t resist: http://www.vintagevideocanada.com
Boutiques we love: Grassroots (408 Bloor St. W). The Annex is home to many adorable boutiques, from the artsy Markham strip to the frequent nooks on Bloor. Grassroots was one of the first eco-friendly alternatives stores in the city, opening its doors in 1994 to offer an assortment of one of kind environmentally friendly products like stationary, kitchenware, games and toys, and natural cleaners. Check out their online store here: http://www.grassrootsstore.com.
Grab a pint: The Green Room (296 Brunswick Ave). Sister of the Red Room and Nirvana, the atmosphere in the Green Room is sort of like a haunted bohemian love-nest complete with multi coloured twinkle lights and living room style couches.
Cheap eats: Big Fat Burrito (529 Bloor St. W). Since Big Fat Burrito moved in to the area and started pumping out cheesy, beany, meaty burritos this past December, the annex’s cheap eats scene was revolutionized. No longer was sushi the only option for snacking on a budget. You can expect a big, fat, burrito for as low as $4.00. They’re open late, too- Sunday to Wednesday till midnight, and Thursday through Saturday till 3 a.m.
Dancing ’til Dawn: Dance Cave (529 Bloor St. W). Dance Cave is an unavoidable institution within Toronto’s nightlife scene. In fact, Dance Cave is sort of like a run of the mil ex boyfriend you keep around for kicks – fair enough in the sack, but every once in a while, he’ll bust out some crazy ass move that will make you worship him. Music ranges from the Beatles to Rihanna, and the crowd is equally as varied. Get drunk here then stumble the couple feet to Big Fat Burrito. No cover with student ID.
Weird and wonderful: Honest Ed’s (581 Bloor St. W). The Annex wouldn’t be the Annex without Honest Ed’s. The blazingly carnivalesque shop complete with billboard sized lame jokes advertising cheaper prices on house wares, clothing, and other random merchandise. (“Honest Ed’s a nut, but look at the cashew save!”) Another honourable mention: Suspect Video (605 Markham St.) A gem for unusual film, books, and comics, this indie hub will cater to all your geeky desires.
People watching: Future’s Bakery (Bloor St. W). Future’s doles out liberal portions of cheap Eastern European fare (like Borsht and schnitzel) as well as an impressive selection of cakes to go along with an opportunely located patio, and welcoming interior. It attracts a diverse clientele of artists, couples, and students glued to their laptops and lattes.