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BEST OF BAYVIEW 2008

RESEARCHED BY SUSAN TALBOT � COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY GREG DEAN/SIGNATURE STUDIOS � INSIDE PHOTOS BY LISA RAFFAELE & NICOLE BABIN

BEST CUSTOM SALADWHAT A BAGEL, 808 York Mills Rd.With so many fresh options to choose fromdaily — lettuces, beans, cheeses,vegetables, dressings — why not eat itevery day? This is simply the best createyour own salad place in Bayview. Just askfor Jeff or Oren; they’ll take care of you.

BEST TO A CRUMBSHIRINI SARA PASTRY HOUSE1875 Leslie St., Unit 6 This local Iranian bakery takes pride in allthey make. We love the box of daintycookies, not only because they are pretty,but because they pack a ton of flavour.

BEST PLACE TO FISH FORCOMPLIMENTSTARO’S FISH MARKET798 Sheppard Ave. E.There’s no reason for Captain Highliner nowthat Taro’s come to town. It’s fresh from thesea to your table; oysters, whole fish andsushi to go.

BEST LOW-FAT ICE CREAMSOY-N-JOY, 664 Finch Ave. E. Wow, low-fat, non-dairy, vegan, organic soy— that’s a tall order — but this ice creamcomes in unique flavours such as red winedark chocolate. With a trial size only 99cents, give it a whirl.

BEST TO A TEATHE TEA LEAF, 2901 Bayview Ave.Where the lost art of tea service is revered.Purchase quality loose teas spanning theglobe, or sit down for a pot and stop theworld. Try their “euphoric tea,” a customblend created by the Tea Leaf exclusively forCalvin Klein’s fragrance of the same name.

BEST COMFORT FOODCHAPMAN’S ESSENTIAL FOODS1875 Leslie St., Unit 3After 25 years, the only thing that’s changedis the location. Shelves brim with preparedfoods like chicken in the pot, shepherd’s pie,orange roughy and tamari almonds.

BEST TART TO POPPHIPPS DESSERTS ON LESLIE1875 Leslie Street, Unit 21The bite-sized black bottom butter tarts withchocolate crust are impossible to resist.

BEST NO CREAM OF THE CROPOLIVER & BONACINI2901 Bayview Ave.Their dairy-defying mushroom soup isastounding. At the other end of the menuspectrum, equally mind-blowing, is PeterOliver’s original recipe carrot cake.

Gourmet Food & TakeoutThe neighbourhood’s finest grocers and tastiest takeaway

OUR FAVE FOODIE ROSE REISMAN’S PICK:

BEST CHOCOLATE SHOPSWISS-MASTER CHOCOLATIER 2538 Bayview Ave.

Swiss-Master is my number one chocolate shop for

the perfect gift and to cater to my own cravings.

The “chocolate pizza” is by far the finest indulgence

one can experience. Definitely heavenly!

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BEST BIRTHDAY BASHROSSINI RESTAURANT1988 Avenue Rd.

Rossini was a favorite for their

authentic Italian dishes, especially their

amazing Caeser salads. I had my 20th

birthday there with my family, but I

won't say how long ago that was.

BEST PLACE TO CHEERBAYCREST HOCKEY ARENA160 Neptune Dr.

As much as I love theatre,

hockey does hold a special place in

my heart. My company sponsors my

son’s team, and I try to never miss an

opportunity to watch his

team play at the Baycrest Hockey

Arena.

BEST CASUAL DININGCOPPI RISTORANTE 3363 Yonge St.

Atop Hogg’s Hollow, this place has

amazing fish served in a mountain of

salt. It may sound odd, but it tastes

great. Plus, it’s not too casual and not

too formal.

Miranda Kwok, a writer/actor living inL.A. and making her parents proud

Aubrey Dan is the impresario whobrought Broadway to North York

Robert Herjavec is the fabulously wealthystar of CBC’s Dragon’s Den

BEST NURSERY RHYMEWILLOWDALE CONVENIENCE184 Parkview Ave.I love fresh flowers. I don’t need to go

far to get them at a good price. Our

neighbourhood convenience store

doubles as a nursery of sorts. I have

picked up many a bouquet bursting

with sunflowers, peonies and

hydrangeas.

BEST BURGER WARSBURGER HUT804 Sheppard Ave. E.We’d argue with our Forest Hill friends

about which was better, the Burger Hut

or their place, the Burger Shack, on

Eglinton. The Hut was our spot. I love

the burgers there.

Marci Ien is our area’s favourite earlyriser anchoring the news on Canada AM

ESPN basketball and baseball announcerDan Shulman is a York Mills C.I. grad

RESTAURANTS & FINE DININGThe area’s top chefs and enticing eateries

BEST PIZZA WITH PIZZAZZKABUKI JAPANESERESTAURANT2901 Bayview Ave.OK, so here’s thetwist: it’s a sushipizza made withfresh tuna or salmon,green onion, fish roeand mayo on a crispy ricecrust.

BEST MIDDLE EAST BUFFETJERUSALEM RESTAURANT4777 Leslie St.This tasty Middle Eastern, all-you-can-eat buffet costs $11.95 for lunchor $17.95 for dinner. Howdo they do it?

BESTEGGSTRAVAGANZABAKERY GARDENRESTAURANT2901 Bayview Ave.

BEST PHILIPPINO FAVESCASA MANILA879 York Mills Rd.Pancit, lumpia and all thedelicacies that can transportyou back to Manila.

BEST ALL-DAYBREAKFASTTHE SUNSHINE SPOT796 Sheppard Ave. E.

BEST FOOD THIS SIDE OF TOKYOKATSURA JAPANESERESTAURANT900 York Mills Rd.

It’s food as theatre when theteppanyaki chefs cook up astorm, juggle the pepper millsand make a volcano onion right in front of your eyes.

BEST GREEK SALADTHIS SIDE OFMYKONOSWINDFIELD’S

FAMILY DININGLOUNGE801 York Mills Rd.Feta, olives,

romaine, tons offresh veggies, and

you’ve got the perfecthealthy meal.

BEST DISH THIS SIDE OF PARMAPAISANO’S RESTAURANT116 Willowdale Ave.The chicken parmigiana served withlinguini and fresh vegetables is afavourite.

BEST TANDOOR LOVE ’N’ CARECUISINE OF INDIA 5222 Yonge St.The kitchen is in clear

view from the dining room, throughglass walls, so guests can see thetandoor oven turn out fluffy chicken,shrimp and the best naan inHogtown.

BEST ON A ROLLICHIBAN 15 Spring Garden Rd. Old school meets the new world.Huge platters of fresh sushi andsashimi are presented with artistryon bamboo sushi boats.

BEST FINE DININGAUBERGE DU POMMIER4150 Yonge St.Just steps from the hubbub of YongeStreet is a romantic hideaway withfine French cuisine, impeccableservice and the glowing ambience ofroaring fireplaces. You’ll feel likethe only two people in the world.

BEST BURRITO IN BAYVIEWBARBURRITO, 4918 Yonge St.

BEST & BIGGEST WINGSST. LOUIS BAR & GRILL4548 Dufferin St. & 808 York Mills Rd.Their Tuesday wing special isunbeatable for value, but the pig-outspecial is available anytime and, for

those “wing emergencies,” a drive-through at the Dufferin location.

BEST TASTE TYPHOONTUYEN CUISINE,4860 Yonge St.Their sea bass comes made to orderat five thresholds of spice, rangingfrom T1, their most mild, to T10 themost severe. It’s up to you how youweather the storm.

BEST SHRIMP COCKTAILMILLER TAVERN,3885 Yonge St.If you’ve ever stepped in to thewomen’s washroom and checkedyourself out in that mirror, youknow exactly why this award isworthy. And on the food front, theirshrimp cocktail is thebest in town.

FASHION &WELLNESSBEST BLUES CLUESHONEY, 2901 Bayview Ave.Whether you’re Rich & Skinny, or aTrue Religion gal, this is Bayview’shot spot for high-fashion denim.

BEST BOOTY CALLNINE WEST SHOE OUTLET19 Lesmill Rd.Short boots are all the rage this fall,and why pay full retail when youdon’t have to?

BEST ACCESSORIESMAGI 2901 Bayview Ave.Step off the pages of a fashionmagazine with the latest accessoriesto pull those outfits together.

BEST UNDERGARMENTS LEGS PLUS & BRABOUTIQUE, 5867 Leslie St.Randi and Rhonda’s boutique is alocal tradition because of gentle careand the all-important first fit.

BEST RUB IT INSUTHERLAND CHAN CLINIC4841 Leslie St.When a Swedish massage will doyou good.

BEST VISIONARIESEYES ON SHEPPARD180 Sheppard Ave. E.Father and son optometrists Stan andKerry Salsberg.

BEST LINGERIELINEA INTIMA, 2901 BayviewWith the prettiest lingerie this side ofParis, you’ll be walking tall andmore confident than ever before.Let’s just say it’ll give you a lift!

BEST COAT OF ARMSANDREW’S, 2901 Bayview Ave.We love the mini-department storethis time of year for its selection ofstylish, warm winter coats.

DON MILLS CAR WASH, 862 YorkMills Rd. One year, one per day,one car licence only $892.50.

YOUNG’S CLEANERS, 1728 AvenueLaunder men’s shirt $1.75 or$2.50 folded. Sunday drop offdry cleaning for 50% off.

THE VILLAGE SPA, 2901 BayviewFor $265, indulge in a steam, 1/2hour massage, facial. After alunch, they’ll give you a mani-pedi, hair & makeup.

SHINY TIME CAR WASH, 3595 BathurstSt. Simonize by appointment, cost$120 for a car, takes 2 to 3 hours.

BAYVIEW CUSTOM CARE CLEANERS

5 Lesmill Rd. For $2.49, launder men’s shirt onhanger, $3.99 folded.

UPTOWN SPA, 801 York Mills Rd. $280 gets you 6 hours of bliss withmassage, a facial, mani-pedi,makeup, hairstyling & a great lunch.That’s half your waking day relaxing.

VS.

VS.

VS.

BEST OF BAYVIEW 2008

CAR WASH

DRY

CLEANER

SPA

PROMINENT RESIDENTS’ PICKS

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BEST PM PEDIATRICSCHILDREN’S AFTER HOURSCLINIC, 1100 Sheppard Ave. E.,Suite 100Open 5:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.weekdays and 9:45 a.m. to 7:30p.m. weekends and holidays.

BEST VISION STATEMENTJOSEPHSON OPTICIANS2536 Bayview Ave.A proper fit, durable frames andhigh fashion are all possible whenyour youngster needs glasses.

BEST BOWLING ALLEYNEWTONBROOKBOWLERAMA, 5837 Yonge St. You won’t have to tear the kidsaway from their PS2s when itcomes to some good ol’ fashioned10-pin.

BEST THEATRESOLAR STAGE, 4950 Yonge St. Productions are geared to kidsthree to 10 years old and are aperfect introduction to the theatre.

BEST BOARD GAMESTWO HEADED DRAGON5017 Yonge St., 2nd floorFor low-tech gamers who enjoyrole-playing, miniatures,collectibles and board games, aswell as uniquely twisted items likeUgly Dolls, Swear Bears andTeddy Scares.

BEST PLACE TO DEFY GRAVITYCUMMER SKATEBOARDPARK, 6000 Leslie St.

BEST FIRST HANDBOB RUMBALL CENTRE FOR THE DEAF,2395 Bayview Ave.Their Wee Hands Baby Signingclasses, for moms and infants fourmonths to 12 months, encouragesbabies’ language development atthis early stage.

BEST CHILD’S PLAYSCHOLAR’S CHOICE5851 Yonge St.Puzzles, building toys, crafts andscience kits, they have toys withthought that make kids think.BEST AFTER SCHOOL NORTH YORK YMCA567 Sheppard Ave. E. To lure kids away from the gamingconsoles, they’ve set up a facilitywith dance-pads, bikes that activategames, a foosball table and workoutmachines. It’s open weekdays afterschool and all day weekends.

BEST ART ATTACKCALDERONE’S2901 Bayview Ave.The secret to this store is hidden atthe very back where you can findfine art supplies, whether you’re anardent scrapbooker or a buddingTom Thomson.

BEST HOUSEWARMING GIFTSSHAYNEE’S GIFTSELECTIONS492 Lawrence Ave.From your tween daughter to yourgrandmother, they carry tastefulquality gifts that let them know you care

BEST LOOK PAW-FECTJOHN ANDREW PET SPA31 Links Rd.A warm-fuzzy atmosphere withgrooming services ranging frombaths to “pawdicures” with polish,tooth brushing and de-matting.

BEST TAILOR IN BAYVIEWBAYVIEW TAILORING2901 Bayview Ave.

BEST BUY THE DOZENSUE’S FRUIT MARKET 3673 Bathurst St.An unbeatable deal at $19.99 adozen for fresh, long-stem roses inevery colour to suit the sentiment.

BEST PLAID OCCASIONSCOTTISH COMPANY1987 Leslie St.This local boutique specializes in allthings Celtic, from kilts to candies,and they carry a mighty tasty haggiscome Robbie Burns Day.

BEST SHOE REPAIRBAYVIEW VILLAGE SHOE REPAIR2901 Bayview Ave.Fast, affordable shoe fixes will have

you stepping out in comfort..BEST UP IN FRAMESPERFECT PORTRAITS 1875 Leslie St., Unit 4

They grow up so fast, so why notstop time and sit for a familyportrait that will warm your houseand heart for years to come.

BEST VETERINARY VETERINARY EMERGENCYCLINIC 280 Sheppard Ave. E. An after-hours clinic for all your petemergencies.

BEST IN THE ’HOODYORK MILLS AUTOMOTIVE1881 Leslie St.From auto body detail to tune-up,Rick and Leon provide reliableservice at great prices.

BEST PHOTO DEVELOPINGJAPAN CAMERA2540 Bayview Ave.More than just a print shop. Bring inyour camera, and they’ll show youhow to use it, with advice on takingphotos and framing them.

BEST BUYS FOR BLOKESHAVANA, 2901 Bayview Ave.Only the finest trinkets for hispursuits. Imported badger shavingbrushes, cigars and pipes, wineparaphernalia and, of course, greatgolf gadgets.

BEST FRAME UPQUEEN’S FRAME GALLERY5859 Leslie St.The only thing you’ll be guilty of istaking advantage of two-hour expressservice at a value price.

BEST LIFE AQUATICPOOLMASTER, 1875 Leslie St. From basic maintenance materials tofun stuff like basketball nets andinflatable toys, this place has it all.

BEST BEDDINGDAVID’S FINE LINENS2901 Bayview Ave.It’s not just pillow talk when we say

they carry the finest linens, duvets,pillows and accessories.

BEST FILM FESTMOVIEPOSTER WAREHOUSE1875 Leslie St., Unit 17As long as there have been movingpictures, there have been posters topromote them. They carry them all.

BEST ON EARTHSHERIDAN NURSERIES784 Sheppard Ave. E.From grasses to trees, pond lettuce toorchids, this local garden powerhousehas it all.

BEST NOVELTY GIFT SHOPTEATRO VERDE 2901 Bayview Ave.You’ll find whimsical novelty gifts,conversation-inspiring coffee tablebooks and so much more.

BEST MAKE ARRANGEMENTSJOSEPH FLOWERS 808 York Mills Rd.A local florist for over 40 years, welove their voluptuous wreaths andbountiful house planters.

BEST TASTE THIS SIDE OF VENICEMARTIN DANIEL INTERIORS2663 Steeles Ave.For over 20 years this family ownedstore specializes in quality Italianfurniture collections. Their Muranoglass boutique is simply dazzling.

HOMES & INTERIORS

BEST OF BAYVIEW & NORTH YORK 2008

KIDS AND FAMILIES

BAXTER’S, 798 Sheppard Ave.For years, this local institutionpurveyed the best South Africansundries. From biltong to snoek, toFanta pop and crisps, its loss will befelt by all.

GOLDEN HARVEST HEALTH FOODS

240 Sheppard Ave. W.Since 1972, this local store providednutritious and healthy products longbefore they were trendy. They werepioneers and they had a great run.

VIDEO SUPERSTORE

5317 Yonge St.Originally a video wholesaler, theowners answered their customersdemands and began renting flicks.Thanks to rampant onlinedownloading, they closed theirdoors.

LA MAISON BENOIT, 1921 Avenue Rd.It was a touch of Paris in the heartof Midtown, but this French caféshut its doors this past year.

NEIGHBOURHOOD SHOPS & SERVICESThe area’s most innovative stores and providers

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

BEST OF BAYVIEW 2008

Sobie’s Barbecues gets top grill marks in the area Lorne Pancer wields a brisket at Moe Pancer’s famed Do or do not go to Movie Poster Warehouse.There is no

MERCHANTS & MAINSTREET

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BEST SLICE OF HEAVENPANCER’S DELI, 3856 Bathurst St.For 87 years, this family-run deli has addedflavour to the neighbourhood in the form oftheir legendary pastrami and corned beefsandwiches. To thrive for almost a century,you have to be the best.

BEST AT KEEPING IT WHEELFOR 13 YEARSBAYVIEW CYCLE CENTRE3335 Bayview Ave.Our pick for the 13th time, but it’s nowonder — Mohan Soor has been saddlingup cyclists of all ages at his local bike shopfor over three decades.

BEST FOR THE RECORDSonic Temple, 5165 Yonge St.Music lovers make the pilgrimage to this localmusic mecca, escaping the solitude of iTunesfor a meaningful experience among LPs andCDs, including unique imports and hard-to-find recordings.

BEST MEDICINE MAN DR BARRY BORDEN1333 Sheppard Ave. E., Suite 247This local GP, and Bayview resident, is a greatdiagnostician with an unfailing bedside manner.

BEST BUTCHERNORTOWN MEATS, 303 York Mills Rd.This shop gives Bayview its local flavour — as

much for its fresh meat, fish and prepared foodsas for its personable staff behind the countersuch as Slava, Larry and Judy.

BEST HOME DECORDANA JORDAN, 2901 Bayview Ave.This gift shop stands in a class of its own as adestination for tasteful home decor and giftitems. We are loving the executive pillowsmade from silk men’s ties.

BEST GRILL MARKSSOBIE’S BARBECUES 162 Willowdale Ave.The ultimate store for hardcore BBQenthusiasts, from top-of-the line models with allthe bells and whistles, to utensils for specificgrilling needs.

BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT THE PICKLE BARREL, 5941 Leslie St.The epitome of a family restaurant — portionsare big, the menu varies, and they can cater tothe dining needs of all ages. Thier ribs alsorock.

BEST GADGETS FOR GOURMANDSJUNORS THE KITCHEN COLLECTION,2901 Bayview Ave.

BEST CHILL OUT On a hot summer day kids love to splashdown and cool off at Bayview Village Parkwater park — Bayview and Citation.

ALL TIME AREA FAVES!THE PEOPLE & PLACES THAT CONSISTENTLY MAKE OUR BEST OF LIST

FASHION MAVEN JEANNE BEKER’S PICK:

BEST SHOE SPOTZOLA SHOES:1726 Avenue Rd.

“Oooooh,” she coos as she passes a rackof bright pumps. “Ahhhh.” She swoonsover a wall of handbags. “I’m drooling,”she says. “Is that not the best bag ever?Whenever I come here, I’m floored.”