Fashionistas on a budget go The Clothes Secret to get outfitted from head to toe. This hidden gem is a family-owned consignment shop that’s been in business for 20 years. (With brand names such as Banana Republic, Michael Kors, Liz Claiborne, and 7 For All Mankind, it’s easy to understand why!) The key? The owners [...]

By CRAIG MOY Toronto-trained chef Crymble manages the culinary operations of two restaurants, a bar, a poolside café and room service at The Rosseau, crafting continental and Italian-influenced menus for the resort’s discerning guests. LOCAL BOUNTY A rooftop herb garden supplies some subtle flavours and aromas for summer offerings—basil is particularly favoured for pizzas and [...]

MARCH 3 TO SEPTEMBER 8 This year marks the bicentennial of the War of 1812, which pitted American forces against British colonial troops. Toronto, then known as York, was the site of fevered combat as the war continued in 1813—the Battle of York saw the Americans capture our sylvan settlement and subsequently put it to [...]

By CRAIG MOY A longtime proponent of the Savour Muskoka culinary initiative, Deerhurst Resort executive chef Rory Golden is committed to filling his menu with seasonal ingredients found close to home. In summer he also highlights the power of the barbecue with lots of grilled meats and vegetables—even grilled desserts. LOCAL BOUNTY You’ve heard of [...]

Brooks Brothers, popularized by presidents and actors alike, is now targeting a younger demographic with its new Flatiron Shop. A concept store that made its debut in New York City earlier this year, the Toronto version is located within the vicinity of the University of Toronto, and features modern updates of signature looks such as [...]

By CRAIG MOY With her eponymous company, Christine Bib Catering, Chef Bib creates simply prepared, seasonal menus for all manner of clients in both Toronto and the Muskoka region. LOCAL BOUNTY Trout is a favourite ingredient; Bib often serves Milford Bay smoked trout, for example, on a potato latke with crème fraîche and dill, and [...]

Mamma Grazzi’s offers comforting food reminiscent of a mother’s kitchen. Known for Old World Italian cuisine with homemade pasta and hand-rolled thin crust pizzas, this restaurant sticks to an “al momento” philosophy of cooking, with each dish prepared individually to order. And with pastas and pizzas ranging from about $11-$20, this is good food that [...]

If you ever wanted to own a vacation home but didn’t want the hassle of maintaining it, Horseshoe Resort & Village has an offer you can’t refuse. Check out their Copeland House community, which has whole-ownership units (one bedroom, one bedroom plus den, or two bedrooms) starting at $199,900. Best of all, Horseshoe Resort’s stellar amenities, including a golf course, ski hill, [...]

Friday, May 18 Start your weekend off with the soulful sounds of reggae and R&B music as Jamaican-born, Toronto-based icon Jay Douglas and his All-Star Band perform timeless tracks at the intimate Glenn Gould Studio. Don’t miss the final few performances (tonight, plus two shows on Saturday) of the Bolshoi Ballet’s Swan Lake. Choreographed by [...]

By CRAIG MOY Originally from Niagara-on-the-Lake, chef Brown has spent more than two decades cooking in wine-and cottage-country kitchens (he moved to Parry Sound in 1993). At Kudos Kuisine (one of Where’s best new restaurants of 2011), he combines the skills he developed in Niagara with culinary influences from Northern Ontario, including traditional inspirations from [...]