Happy Monday! Three Visits Queen West And The County General

 I love exploring this somewhat new city of mine, so when three decided to visit the Trinity Bellwoods area I was pretty excited.

Queen St W is packed full of great stores, fashion and interiors, bakeries and some amazing restaurants.

The County General was on our list of places to check and it did not disappoint.

It's small but packs a lot of punch with their decor.  I have to admit when checking out the menu I was all over the fish taco, however it's huge and wasn't served at the time we were there.

Upon several recommendations the tomato sandwich was suggested...tomato sandwich, really?  

Wow was I wrong!  It was the most amazing sandwich I've ever had!  Fresh, delicious Vicki's tomatoes and the avocado chutney, I'm craving it as I type this!  

Keri

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Like Keri said above, Queen West/Trinity Bellwoods is such a great area to visit.  There's a little of everything. You've got seamstresses selling their wares, some fantastic design stores, and great eats...     ...beautiful subtle segue complete... 

...like The County General.

  I started off on Dufferin and worked my way east along Queen to meet up at The County General. When you're making your way to the 'General, spend time at some of these amazing design stores.  I mean, I was passing INabstracto, how was I not to go in? 

 Check out this wicked chair in the shed out back.  This store is so deep. No, literally, deep. It goes way back in off the street.

When you do make it to The County General, I hope you're ready.  The food is crazy good.  The service was fun, friendly and courteous.  The Manhattan was recommended, to sip on while I waited for my sandwich.  Good choice, it was just awarded the best Manhattan on BlogTO.com

My sandwich.  Crispy chicken thighs and fries.  Soooooo juicy and delicious.  

Sweet decor too.

From The outside to the inside, I like the thought that went into this place. I like the slightly warm grays, I like the warm unfinished wood and I like the rustic honest feeling.

All in all, a great visit. When you're in the area next, and you know you will be, grab lunch, grab dinner, grab some eats and be happy.

Oh, and before I forget, on the way out, we ran into the folks from Graven Feather showing off the tiniest little corner of their artist collective with this old school press!  3 Artists in a working gallery who also do work shops, sign up!

Bill

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Although I am on Queen Street West everyday because of work, I never have an opportunity to slow down and enjoy it. When Three was discussing possible Toronto areas we could all explore together, Queen West was an instant contender.  Queen West is full of fabulous restaurants, shops and has one of the greatest parks in the city.  The funny thing about Toronto is that each street has its own style.  QW has more of an artsy, organic, hipster vibe then say KW which is more posh and clubby.  

The County General was our fist stop and it is a perfect example of everything QW.  The moment you walked in you were welcomed by casual rustic decor which instantly made you feel cozy.  Being a huge taco fan, the pork tacos were an instant contender for me...I had no need to keep looking over the menu.  

The County Happy Hour menu was the perfect introduction to this new restaurant and it displayed their top sellers.  Next time I visit I will definitely dine later so I can enjoy their full dinner menu. Can't Wait!!!

Our last stop of the evening was The White Squirrel Coffee Shop.  Bill and I were in need of some dessert to finish off our evening.  I always knew that they sold coffee but I was pleasantly surprised they had ice cream and ice cream sandwiches to be exact!!! 

My chocolate gingerbread cookie was filled with roasted marshmallow ice cream.....Yum!!! It was the perfect ending to our QW adventure. Queen West was bunches of fun and I can't wait to see where our next Three outing takes us.    

Stephanie

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Design Destination - Design Republic - UPDATED

UPDATED- New links, head to the bottom!

 As I mentioned in my post earlier this week, I was all over Toronto this weekend.  

We went east, we went west, downtown and back north.  

While we were out and enjoying the sun on Queen west, I spotted Design Republic. 

This was my first time walking through and what a great find.  It turned out to be a huge store, with tonnes of design ideas and products.  I posted a pick earlier to my pinterest boards of one of the pics below if you want to have a look.

 

You really can't miss the storefront. No, really. You can't miss it. Gigantic red flags let you know you're in the right place.

 

As you can see, the store is large, 2 levels.  The top floor is worth exploring, take the back steps and head up. Pretty cool steps actually, and look above your head as well. I don't have  a picutre, but I loved how they were clad.

 

On the 2nd floor, you'll find more furniture, and get a much closer look at many of the carpets and original artwork.

They make a huge part of their inventory in house.  What they don't make is largely 

(though not all) sourced from local manufacturers.  

To you, this means a relatively green footprint and huge customization options.  

Who doesn't want a piece they've had a hand in designing for their own home?

This pillow is such cool Canadiana.  

You have the queen, the outdoors, and good, warm wool

This lime bench and bed, with a hint of tufted UK was one of my favourite finds here.  I love the faux alligator texture, paired with that industrial feeling headboard.  

 If you're near by, stop in, this is a Design Destination. Well worth the visit.  You'll find inspiration and maybe, just maybe, your next sofa.

UPDATE

Hey folks, I was recently contacted by Terry Edward Briceland to let me know this last pic, with the amazing green bench, and union jack headboard were his. He has a store within a store at Design Republic - Teb Interiors.  Check out their site for all kinds (one of  a kinds) of couture furniture, bedding, pillows, cool silkscreens etc.  Its some "awesome crap for your home".

Bill

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Monday... ...errrr Tuesday pictures!

Monday Pictures: Long Weekend Edition (Coming to you on Tuesday!)

I have a lot to share with you this morning.  I was all over this weekend.  Queen West, St.Lawrence, North York.  And finally, home.

Down to the market to pick up some fiddelheads,  a bit of a delicacy, and some fresh espresso for (as my wife calls them) fancy coffee!

 Spent some time on Queen West as well, stopped for a pitcher a snapped a quick photo of the much photographed much music.

And finally, home. But home with cheese. :)

A little sneak peek at this Wednesdays post (design republic) 

How was your long weekend?  Get away? Stay home? 

Bill
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