Cafe Flore, St. Germain, Paris.Mark my words, I will become a regular here this summer. The fashion set's favourite spot since the YSL vs Lagerfeld 1970's heyday (for more on that, you must read "The Beautiful Fall". Did you know that YSL stole Karl's boyfriend, Jacques? Why has no one made a film about this heady era? What I wouldn't give to play Loulou de la Falaise, the ultimate Paris party girl...)
Fashion tangent--let's save her for another entry.
When enjoying the best mustardy tuna nicoise from an indoor table (au plein air is for tourists, just look at the man in shorts and sandals), I would dress like chic Vogue Paris staffer Melanie Huynh, see here.
Back to the point...
It is important to frequent places where you are treated royally. We all love special treatment. The comfort of a readied table and ability and to order sans menu never loose their novelty.
While I moan about my disdain for Toronto, there are a handful of places I adore.
While I moan about my disdain for Toronto, there are a handful of places I adore.
1> Crepes a Go Go: The best crepes in the city. Organic ingredients and buckwheat batter lesson the sin. The place is kept cozy under owner Veronique's warm demeanour. A kiss-kiss greeting and the soundtrack of fluent French flutter from the Gallic staff. Pictures of Gainsbourough and Piaf decorate the mirrored space. Tartinade avec Banane oozes charm and homemade nutella. Perfect snack for a jaunty stroll or for Sunday girlfriend recaps. During weekly visits, I wear a cap Veronique once commanded I sport.
"Always wear zis hat. I love zis hat!"
I like to pretend that I'm the love child of Yves St. Laurent and Betty Catroux when I visit.
Layers of black and gray, Chanel flats, floaty scarf and noir shades.
Perfect place to sport A.P.C. mixed with vintage togs you picked up on your travels. Messy hair a must.
2> Terroni: Whether it's the Adelaide or Yonge + St. Clair Location, I relish in the atmosphere and the Funghi Absoluti salad. Loud, bubbly and boisterous--the perfect place to dish with your girlfriends or sip pinot with the boyfriend. Love that you can show up in shorts and a slinky T or a raw silk LBD and still get seated at the best table. Cute modelesque male servers are better than the desserts.
Last time I dined, I swathed myself in the tightest of purple pencil skirts, leather motocycle jacket, paisley silk scarf, gunmetal gray tights and girl's basketball team-worthy platform pumps. The outfit perfectly restricted overindulgence of pizza. All the better for post-dinner party hopping.
3> George: There is a reason this place is included in the discerning Wallpaper City Guide of Toronto. Romantic to the nth, George feels like a secret garden hidden among the Queen St. East. Delicous magenta plush seating and burnt sienna latice windows. The tasting menu serves food in doll-like portions. I'd wear a minuscule Miu Miu mini satin party shoes and a bow in my hair.
"Always wear zis hat. I love zis hat!"
I like to pretend that I'm the love child of Yves St. Laurent and Betty Catroux when I visit.
Layers of black and gray, Chanel flats, floaty scarf and noir shades.
Perfect place to sport A.P.C. mixed with vintage togs you picked up on your travels. Messy hair a must.
2> Terroni: Whether it's the Adelaide or Yonge + St. Clair Location, I relish in the atmosphere and the Funghi Absoluti salad. Loud, bubbly and boisterous--the perfect place to dish with your girlfriends or sip pinot with the boyfriend. Love that you can show up in shorts and a slinky T or a raw silk LBD and still get seated at the best table. Cute modelesque male servers are better than the desserts.
Last time I dined, I swathed myself in the tightest of purple pencil skirts, leather motocycle jacket, paisley silk scarf, gunmetal gray tights and girl's basketball team-worthy platform pumps. The outfit perfectly restricted overindulgence of pizza. All the better for post-dinner party hopping.
3> George: There is a reason this place is included in the discerning Wallpaper City Guide of Toronto. Romantic to the nth, George feels like a secret garden hidden among the Queen St. East. Delicous magenta plush seating and burnt sienna latice windows. The tasting menu serves food in doll-like portions. I'd wear a minuscule Miu Miu mini satin party shoes and a bow in my hair.
4> Le Pain Quotidien: Okay, so it's in New York, but Toronto just got its first of 2 locations. Sadly, they are both in the nether regions of Uptight Uptown. Nothing beats the location across from The Ritz, overlooking Central Park. Equally great with a gang of plus 10 for brunch or as a shopping cardio pit spot. The food is organic Belgian patisserie--massive macaroons and tasty tartines all feel homemade. Communal tables encourage conversation with ex-pat strangers with indistinguishably chic accents. Go Belgian in the best avante garde Antwerp has to offer. How about an Oliver Theyskens mini for Nina Ricci mini, Dries Van Noten cashmere cardi and Maison Martin Margiela slouchy boots? Spritz on some L'Artisan Perfumeur and go forgo maquillage.
5> Fuzion: In the heart of the gay village, this resto is sprinkled with the kind of flair only born fashionistos can muster. The most well-groomed and friendly men abound. These gentleman appreciate your ensemble more than your other assets. They love the shoes, don't notice the stems. They will be happy to go over the desserts with you, but quick to remind that "a moment on the lips...."
The food is quite thoughtful and the printemps patio is made for lounging carelessly. Wear Wolford. A stretchy dress, cropped jacket and fancy metallic footwear with a snakeskin clutch.
x M.
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