Take A Tour Of Our Neighbourhood: A Guide To Summerhill/Rosedale
The Room 2046 store is lucky enough to be based in the Summerhill/Rosedale area of Toronto, Canada. The stretch of Yonge Street between St Clair and Rosedale subway stations is full of shops, restaurants and businesses, making it an ideal part of the city to wander around and explore. Come along for a tour of some of our favourite spots in our neighbourhood!
Where to grab lunch: Black Camel
The Black Camel is a local lunchtime favourite, with a cult-like following that generates long lineups out the door. Established in 2004, this sandwich shop prides itself on preparing delicious, high quality food quickly and at a fair price. Their freshly baked buns come piled with pulled pork, seared steak, beef brisket, roast chicken, or vegetables, and can be personalized with house-made sauces and toppings. If these descriptions are making your mouth water, don't hesitate to give them a visit, as their sandwiches frequently sell out.
Where to indulge: Holy Chuck
If you are looking for a new go-to cheat day spot, try out Holy Chuck Burgers. Their unique menu sets them apart from a typical burger joint, with a peanut butter and sea salt milkshake, vegan options, and even a foie gras, maple syrup, bacon, and truffle topped burger. They also have a 'Go Chuck Yourself' food challenge, daring customers to finish their 'Go Chuck Yourself' Burger and a milkshake in six minutes. Those who are successful win a t-shirt, bragging rights, and their picture on the Holy Chuck 'Wall of Fame'. If you can beat the record time, your meal is free!
Where to beautify: Alcorn Hair
Since 2008, Alcorn Hair has been a staple luxury hair salon in the Summerhill neighbourhood. The salon is inspired by the vanities used backstage at runway fashion shows and is designed around a central table and cabinets stocked with every beauty product imaginable. The stylists have 105 years of collective salon experience, and offer Keratin and Olaplex treatments in addition to hair cuts and color, highlights and blowouts.
Where to buy booze: Summerhill LCBO
There is no better way to pick up drinks for the weekend than choosing from the massive selection of vintage wines, liquor, and craft beer at the Summerhill LCBO. This flagship LCBO does not resemble any ordinary liquor store, as it was built in a restored train station. However, the beauty of the clock tower, stone courtyard, and Canadian Pacific Railway coat of arms are not its only appeal, as this is also one of Canada's largest liquor stores.
Where to spend Saturday mornings: Evergreen Brick Works Farmer's Market
A breezy 30 minute walk from Yonge Street, the Saturday Farmer's Market at the Evergreen Brick Works is a must for anyone who enjoys beautiful views, fresh produce, and brunch. The Evergreen Brick Works is a former quarry and factory that was converted into an environmentally focused community centre with restored buildings, parks, and naturalized ponds. The farmer's market at the Brick Works started in 2007, and has grown to become the largest farmer's market in Toronto. It runs year-round, and offers a large variety of local and seasonal produce, as well as vendors selling prepared food such as baked goods and crêpes.
Where to get cold-pressed juice: Greenhouse Juice
The cold-pressed juice trend has taken over Toronto, and it all began at the original location of Greenhouse Juice Co. on Macpherson Avenue. Cold pressing is a healthy way to make juice, as it extracts liquids from plants without denaturing enzymes or damaging nutrients. The juices are pressed in small batches in Toronto using organic, GMO-free ingredients grown without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Despite the complexity that cold-pressing requires, it creates delicious and nutritious plant-based beverages. Greenhouse Juice not only makes cold-pressed juices, but also offers handmade nut milks, probiotic tonics, hydrators, booster shots, full juice cleanses, snacks, and a cookbook.
Where to get ice cream: My Favourite Ice Cream Shop
While you pick up a healthy drink at Greenhouse Juice, why not wander next door to My Favourite Ice Cream Shop to indulge in a sweet treat? This small ice cream parlour has been serving up sweet and frosty treats to Rosedale families for over 20 years. They have a large selection of ice cream flavours, as well as soft-serve frozen yogurt you can customize with mix-in ingredients.
Where to get dinner: Terroni
Whether you are looking for a spot for a date night, a family dinner, or catching up with a group of friends, the massive rooftop patio at Terroni Yonge at Price is ideal for any summer occasion. Terroni restaurants are known across the city for their authentic pizza, fresh homemade pasta, and fantastic atmosphere. Their first restaurant was founded in 1992 on Queen West, and their Italian eateries have quickly become Toronto staples. Along with their six restaurants in Toronto, Terroni has expanded to locations in West Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles. Our local Terroni opened in the heart of Rosedale in 2011, right above their own Bar Centrale wine bar. The food is both delicious and Instagramable – we recommend the Caprese salad and Gnocchi alla Simi.
Where to get your shopping and caffeine fix: Room 2046
No tour of the Summerhill/Rosedale neighbourhood would be complete without mentioning Room 2046. We are a multi-disciplinary lifestyle brand consisting of a shop, cafe and studio. Try a vallmonte, our signature drink, while browsing our eclectic selection of merchandise, ranging from books to home accessories to stationery. If you don't live in the Toronto area, we also have an online store where we ship products internationally.
Follow our Instagram to see more of our adventures around the Summerhill and Rosedale neighbourhood and explore the 6ix with our Pinterest Toronto board!
