Toronto is a tough city to love. This could be attributed to the unsightly landscape, the cold wintry climate  (that lasts a good chunk of the year), the hideousness of its architecture, and its sheer lack of cohesiveness.  The city seems to bring out the worst in everyone; it’s residents, though ‘kind”, are renown for avoiding eye contact; it’s parks, though plenty, are often in shambles and it’s night life, though vibrant, is fickle and difficult to navigate.  As a character played by Steve Martin on an episode of 30 Rock brilliantly summarized, Toronto is “just like New York, but without all the stuff!”…how apt!

Things though have started to change. Out of towners now come to Toronto to experience more than how “clean” the city is (yawn), or how “nice” the folks here are (double yawn). Toronto has become, strangely enough, “hip”, especially in regards to its singles scene.

Fitness is something a lot of Torontonians take seriously, as evident in the plethora of gyms, tennis and basketball courts in every neighbourhood; yoga studios are as ubiquitous here as sidewalks, and cyclists have an array of trails to concur (cycling is the best way to get around the city). Joggers are often seen running around Queen’s Park, High Park or along Harborfront (especially once the weather reaches a tolerable, above zero temperature). All these are great things for singles to do to stay in shape, but to actually “meet” people, that’s a different matter…so lets start with the most obvious:  

Toronto’s art scene; part of the reason for Toronto’s resurgence is due to it’s art scene; yes, the new Gerry designed Art Gallery of Ontario (www.ago.net) is impressive but more importantly, every Thursday night, gallery openings on Queen Street West are full of young, hip artists, and artist-wannabes.; these openings are perfect for mingling, and getting the 411 on what’s cool, hp, and right now.  Comprised of art students, art student wanna-bes and one-time art students converge into a large potpourri of chatter bugs. Yes the crowd is self involved and talkative, but they also outgoing and funny.

Another reason for Toronto’s “hip” status is its music scene; eletrcoclash pop vixen and Toronto born and bred musician (and now resident Berliner) Peaches has stated the thing about Toronto, is that it forces people to create their own scene, and make their own music. International superstars such as Feist, Nelly Furtado and Broken Social Scene are all based in Toronto. The Rolling Stones, which have adopted Toronto as their second-home, chose local scenesters Metric to open up for them internationally.

The fact is small/standing room-only venues like The Horseshoe, Lee’s Palace, The Opera House, The Phoenix and The Mod Theatre are regularly packed with music fans; with tickets costing a fraction of what it would cost in NY and plenty of options, the town acts as a perfect way to experience everything from jazz to rock. Toronto audiences are tough but if you can’t strike up a conversation in these venues than you can’t cross the street without your hand being held.

The club scene is best exemplified by CIRCA (www.circatoronto.com), a large multi-level maze that would give any city a run for it’s money. When CIRCA opened in the fall of 2007 by infamous New York club king Peter Gatien, people gave it a few months, but it has thrived, and become a mainstay. Circa now draws top of the game talent such as Diplo, Cut Copy and Lupee Fiasco. Even for those who loathe mammoth clubs, CIRCA is a wonder to behold; it’s a beautiful, lavishly decorated space, which is proud of its $6.3 million price tag. If you like clubs, but are not into “box store” sized venues, there’s the recently opened and thriving Wrongbar on Queen Street West that is hipster central.

At its core however, Toronto, is not so much a city of “clubs” (that honor would go to Montreal); at its core Toronto is a city of “bars”.  The hipsters hang out in a once isolated strip called Ossington. The bar’s there, with names such as Sweaty Betty’s, The Painted Veil, Baby Hewy’s, The Crooked Star and The Communist’s Daughter (my personal favorite spot) are small, and intimate. These places are worth checking out because they are boisterous, and loud (the music sometimes is TOO loud, but that’s a different story) as well as easy means to meet fellow folks who are out for a good time. Be forewarned though that Toronto’s last call is 2 a.m. so everyone goes out by 10.30 to start their night.

Being truly multi-cultural has also benefited the city. Food of every variety can be savoured here. In Toronto there is not only a Chinatown, a Greek-town, Little-India, Little-Portugal… you get the idea. Places such as Kensington market are full not only of vintage clothing shops, small art galleries, produce stands and health food emporiums but also great little bars and restaurants.  Kensington Market seems to bring out the best in everyone (www.kensington-market.ca); it’s a mixture of art kids, immigrants, moms, unemployed twenty-somethings and musicians enjoying a coffee at IDEAL’s concrete uneven patio (www.idealcoffees.com) or buying cheese at  “Cheese Magic”. For a similar vibe as Kensington (though more “artist” geared) is 401 Richmond Street. 401 Richmond is artist collective that is all housed in one large building (www.401richmond.net) which has a lovely roof top patio to gaze, and socialize, on.

As if to signify Toronto’s new “persona” as a hipster destination coffee shops (not Starbucks coffee shops mind you) have sprung out like jelly beans out of a jar. These coffee shops, independent, vibrant, and downright cool, are complete with “communal” tables (thereby forcing normally reserved residents to socialize and interact). This, for Toronto, is radical. Dark Horse (www.darkhorseespresso.com) for example, has set up shot in the heart of Chinatown in the city’s downtown core attired with hardwood floors, high ceilings, chandeliers and exposed brick in an old gallery space. It’s a refreshingly open and social atmosphere, which is lovely created. The same principal applies to Manic Coffee on College (www.maniccoffee.com) and the White Squirrel on Queen West (though do pop by right next door to Calfoutti for the city’s best croissants).

Okay, so that’s my guide to the hellishness that is Toronto.; my unfortunate home. If  you’re in town give me a ring, I’d love to show you around, maybe for a coffee at Dark Horse at Ideal or Dark Horse, or even brunch at Aunties and Uncles (the best brunch/omelet place EVER).  


By Nicholas Kazamia