It’s Toronto’s classic example of trendy urban revitalization – a place of restaurants, shops and insights. The Distillery Historic District sums up its raison d’etre this way: “Our vision was to combine the romance and relaxing atmosphere of European walking and patio districts with the hip, cool dynamic of an area like New York City’s SoHo or Chelsea, where creative minds get together and you feel as if anything could happen.”
The epicenter of the District comprises the 47 buildings of the old Gooderham & Worts Distillery.
People come to eat and peruse the shops. First thing’s first: the food. If you have time to dine, head to The Boiler House, a classic chophouse in the grand tradition. The wine selection here is extraordinary.
The good prices are extraordinary at Archeo – the restaurant’s pizza and pasta are delizioso and they won’t deliver too much of a hit to your wallet. The interior is intimate and features plenty of 150-year-old wood.
After fueling up, shop until it’s time to eat again. Inspired by your dining experience, cook up some recipes at Crescendo, a retail shop selling unique Johannes Kiderlen vinegars and oils. See, smell and taste before you buy, then go home armed with the essentials to make your next home-cooked meal memorable.
You’ll find some options for pampering here too. Set to open soon is Jacob & Sebastian. Billed as “a modern apothecary,” the shop is stocked with trendy bath, body and skin-care products.
(Image: Jamie in Bytown)
