It is no secret among those who know me (and the Spotted By Locals readers) that I love the restaurants of Jen Agg. I have reviewed Rhum Corner, The Black Hoof, and her bar, Cocktail Bar. Now, very recently, she has opened a new spot in the hip Kensington Market, Grey Gardens.
Like the documentary of the same name, the interior of Grey Gardens has a whiff of elegant decay - painted vines covering the walls and a garden-like, pastel palette as though faded by the sun. Add to this polished brass finishings, and the result is very chic, yet warm.
The food is helmed by Mitchell Bates, formerly of the Momofuku restaurants in Toronto and New York. It is superb. You might call it "New North American"- vegetable-forward, with a subtle brashness (slices of cheddar cheese with rutabaga, shaved leeks with burst of roe)- but there are Asian influences as well. It's a magnificent marriage. The knockout punch is the sweet potato ravioli- bursts of hot, rich flavour with shavings of black truffle on top.
The meal may sound fancy, but there isn't anything fussy about it. Plates are meant for sharing, and pair well with the list of bold, funky natural wines. It has a swagger to it, tempered with a lightness and femininity. It could be a casual drop-in spot if you want to sit at the wine bar, or a hot reservation for special evenings. Destined to be one of the best spots in the city.
Find your way with 145 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The store offers containers for specialty recycling which would otherwise be tossed in the trash, and they even help with the hosting of recycling events.
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"Allan Gardens Conservatory", strangely advertised as a major Toronto landmark, remains a well-kept secret. Have a picnic in 100s of flowers and old trees!
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Throughout the experience, you’ll visit several different rooms, each with its own focus on threats to our precious planet, such as electronic waste.
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A couple of great finds I’ve gotten from this store are Braiding Sweetgrass, my favourite book of all time and The Intersectional Environmentalist...
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From beautiful jewelry to handmade or vintage home decor, amazing artwork, and candles scented with classic Canadian smells, it’s a gift-givers heaven!
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Each visit to The Latest Scoop is a like a little treasure hunt, with regularly updated inventory to keep up with the latest trends.
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Somewhat tucked away in the Annex neighbourhood of Toronto, this sweet shop welcomes you with a selection of locally made baked goods you can take to-go.
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There is so much to see in this stunning space, and they have such a wide selection, you could spend hours inside and still not see it all!
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Their guiding principles are rooted in the slow fashion movement of quality over quantity, meaning sustainably and ethically produced pieces!
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I’ve bought plenty here from a beautiful, sustainably-made beach towel to a gorgeous gold-dipped necklace - both were gifts for myself!
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"Broadview Espresso" in Toronto makes cappuccino just the way I like it -- almost scalding hot! I love sitting at the patio in the wooden seats...
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