Some of you may recall reading my original My ‘Hood post, when I wrote about the Fourth Floor’s neck of the woods. I moved recently, so now I’m sharing some of my favourite places around my new ‘hood: Dupont and Lansdowne.
My place is a short walk from the Corso Italia stretch of St. Clair West, and on weekends I like to hit up Tre Mari Bakery (1311 St. Clair Ave. W.). Family-run for more than 50 years, this bakery/grocery store makes amazing bread and pastries. I like to sit down inside with an espresso or cappuccino and a treat, and read the newspaper or people-watch as shoppers come and go. I usually end up leaving with bread, cheese and olives in tow.
Old school shot of Tre Mari Bakery.
When the weather is nice, I take a walk with my dogs to Earlscourt Park, a 36-acre park with soccer fields, a baseball diamond, a wading pool and an outdoor ice rink. Bordered by St. Clair West and Davenport to the north and south, and Caledonia and Lansdowne to the west and east, the park also has an outdoor track that I like to run on sometimes. Plus, La Paloma (1357 St. Clair Ave. W.) is steps away; hello gelato.
My walking pals, Angel and Roxy.
Speaking of my dogs… while not in my immediate neighbourhood, my new favourite dog groomer isn’t too far away on St. Clair West, just west of Bathurst at Pinewood Avenue. I recently discovered Woof and Shloof, an eco-friendly and cage-free grooming, daycare and dog training company. The owner, Jesse Sternberg, is great and answered all my questions with patience, and I felt good leaving my dogs in his care. My dogs look adorable after their haircuts and baths, and they had fun chillin’ with the other pooches while they waited for me to pick them up. I haven’t tried their daycare or training services yet, but I’m thinking of checking out both very soon.
I like to meet friends for dinner at Marcello’s Pizzeria (1163 St. Clair Ave. W.). Try the Diavola pizza if you like spicy; it’s topped with tomato sauce, mozarella, hot soppresatta, hot peppers, onions and black olives. The pasta is great here too.
Marcello’s interior.
Keeping with the Latin flavour theme, I recently tried a new-ish Mexican resto, Guacamole Mexican Bistro (1216 St. Clair Ave. W.). Totally in love with their Pescado a la Veracruzana – tilapia filet cooked with tomatoes, olives, chiles, green pepper, capers, herbs and garlic. They also make amazing homemade complimentary tortilla chips, guacamole and salsa. Awesome food, great service, well-priced.
What are your favourite spots in this area? Tweet us @rockitpromo or comment below.
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