Ticking Off the Toronto Bucket List: Week #3

Hello there Everyone!

So, if you've been following my blog, you've noticed that I have been ticking off my "things to do in Toronto" bucket list because I leave for Ireland in September. There's so much to do and see, and especially drink and eat. So far, I've been drinking many caffeinated beverages and eating brunch. Is that a bad thing? I don't think so. Once the summer hits though.... watch out! I'll be ticking things off left, right and centre! This week was a strange one in Toronto. It was sunny at the beginning of the week and has now turned into a rainy cold mess. I can't complain though, at least it's not snow!

Without further adieu... here's what I did!

Jimmy's Coffee 

107 Portland Street

This place is a cute change from the more trendy and expensive vibe of King Street West. It's funny how you can be in one part of Toronto one second, and the moment you turn a corner you've stepped into whole new area. Toronto is fantastic this way. However, that's not to say Jimmy's coffee isn't also a pretty trendy place. I'd like to think of it on the more "upper" scale of indie coffee joints. It's very well decorated, and attracts professionals working in the area. It almost felt like a place to be seen and meet up with others in order to be seen. Does that make sense? People seemed to know each other. Which was fantastic, it means they have a little community that they attract. 

What I found really awesome were the photos decorating the walls. They were all photos of famous Jimmy's! When I saw Jimmy Stewart I thought "awww I love Jimmy!". Then I looked over and saw James Dean and Jimi Hendricks, and soon realized their little theme. It was perfect. 

Oh, and my drink was swell :) You pay by the shoot of espresso which is nice! Also, you can buy Jimmy's ground coffee as well :) 

The Good Neighbour 

238 Annette Street  [The Junction]

I decided to venture out a into the Junction in order to visit a cute little cafe I had read about on blog T.O. It was a great adventure. Located in and around the Junction and High Park, the Good Neighbour is a pretty happenin' place! It's nestled within a little neighbourhood which no doubt is filled with tons of young families and artsy people. When I arrived this place was packed and that was around 10:30am. They have a communal table, as well as window seating and some two seaters. Thankfully the barista was super nice and offered to make room for me at the communal table! I sat sandwiched between a writer/film maker/producer/etc... etc... and a gentleman on his lap top making business calls. I quickly pulled out my journal and iPhone in order to look just as "busy". 

I noticed many women with babies meeting up with other women with babies. This seems to be a tread with coffee shops in the High Park area. But just like the name suggests, this place is filled with "good neighbours" and happy people. I decided to be simple and just have a coffee and raspberry scones. I wasn't disappointed :) 

Oh, and you know what was also really neat? Their lighting fixtures AND the cute black and white photos that surrounded the borders of their large mirror! So adorable. 

I will definitely come back here! 

Grapefruit Moon 

968 Bathurst Street

How on earth have I never been here before for brunch?! I honestly lived down the street from Grapefruit for 4 months and now only a 10 min walk max. Strange how that happens! You never realize what you have until you've leaving and you try to experience as much as you can! Well my friends, this lovely brunch/dinner/late night drinking hang out is located in the Annex. My part of town! It's down the street a bit from the ever so popular corner of Bloor and Bathurst. Why that corner is so popular I'm not to sure, but it's most likely because of the giant lights of Honest Eds. 

Anyway, this place has my kind of "artsy" vibe, and is a pretty happenin' place! Filled with art and fun decorations throughout, Grapefruit Moon is a perfect place for those into a more "down to earth, relaxing" vibe. It's in the same vain as Aunties and Uncles on College. 

Our food came promptly and the service was good. They made sure we were taken care of throughout our meal. The portions were great, and I enjoyed my cheddar and peameal omelet very much :) 

My friend had a classic breakfast. Looks yummy too! 

It's even served with a slice of grapefruit!! So cute! 

The outside of Grapefruit is also fun to look at. I've sat in the patio before, late at night, and I remember people thinking that the bikes hanging were customers bikes. I was sure they weren't, and here's proof! Unless those customers have never left... 

Great place! I'll go back for sure! 

19 more weeks to go! 

Keep Smilin'

- Monica