Recent GEMS

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  Mr. Viral Closing Night Screening – Toronto Independent Film

  March 26, 2013 at 4:19 am / Digital Media, Film

  You have heard of Viral Video’s, right? Well, who wouldn’t want their video to go viral? If you were a marketing agency responsible for big accounts, and you were about to lose your biggest client, how far would you go? Toronto local, Janine Short just produced her first film based on the dark side of Viral Marketing, written and directed by Alex Boothby. Janine has a lot of experience in the area of production design and Alex in visual effects, [...]

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  ♢ News – No Loblaws No – Kensington Market Community Protests

  February 17, 2013 at 1:58 pm / Kensington Market, Local News

  Yesterday was the Protest in front of the recently demolished Zen Temple, and the location of the proposed new location for Loblaws, the mega superstore. The Community and Friends of Kensington Market, the last of the true Markets in Canada is fighting to Preserve the traditional family run businesses that it has become well known for. How do you feel about this issue?   Toronto Life Torontist

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  ♢ Creatures Creating – Shared Studio Space & Gallery

  January 12, 2013 at 12:05 pm / Creative Gatherings, Dundas West, LEARNING, Sessions, SOCIALIZING, Tuesdays

  Creativity and Community are up on my GEM Radar, and Creatures:Collective fell smack dab into it. Creatures Creating re-opened a new location, from their original space on Queen Street, to Dundas West. It’s Larger Gallery complete with Studio in the back capable of holding around 7 full time artists. Collectively, they have built around the culture, of creating art and music (same thing) by managing an ideal set up for cultivation. Live Model Drawing Workshops are held every Tuesday, to [...]

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  ♢ Freshly Baked Tees – Custom T-Shirt Printing in 5 Min.

  January 7, 2013 at 11:33 am / Clothing, Custom Work, Queen West, SHOPPING & SERVICES

  Ever wonder what to get someone as a personalized gift or to stand out at your next event? Years ago I stumbled upon this 5 Min Custom T-shirt shop, needing a shirt made for an event launching Pepsi’s new flavor, Throwback. I walked in to take them up on the offer, and was very impressed with the service. They Photoshopped my chosen images from Google using a wide, forward facing computer monitor while I watched, totally in the groove to [...]

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  ♢ Merchants Of Green Coffee

  December 24, 2012 at 5:02 pm / Coffee Shops, Food, SHOPPING & SERVICES

  This is one Toronto GEM you definitely want to visit, especially if you are a lover of coffee. The Merchants of Green Coffee is basically a Coffee Laboratory hidden of the beaten path on 2 Matilda Street just off Queen and the Don Valley Parkway. Merchants are purveyors of the finest grade of Arabica green coffee beans (before roasting), focusing on fresh coffee, fair trade and green business. Most of us just buy our coffee at the local supermarket and [...]

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  ♢ Global Cheese

  December 21, 2012 at 11:18 am / Food, Kensington Market, SHOPPING & SERVICES

  Open since 1970, Global Cheese has been providing the Market and Toronto with quality and service that goes without notice. Recently Global has renovated their formally stacked and packed cheese shop to a more 360 degree workable layout that makes the experience for both workers and customers to enjoy. It looks great! This allowed Global to bring in other complimentary items such as spreads and crackers and a variety of other treats. The selection here is huge, so you will [...]

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  ♢ Tom’s Place – The Only Place To Buy A Suit

  December 19, 2012 at 11:28 am / Clothing, Kensington Market, SHOPPING & SERVICES

  Pay attention to this post. Tom’s Place in Kensington Market is the last suit store you will ever need to go to for quality suits at a great price. Open since 1958, originally by Tom’s Father, it has the largest selection of suits probably in the world. From Great Canadian made high quality styles to Fine Italian suits found on the 2nd floor, you will find what you are looking for. Not only will you get the suit and accessories [...]

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  ♢ Seven Lives Tacos -y- Mariscos

  December 15, 2012 at 11:21 pm / DINING, Kensington Market, Quick Bite

  BEST TACOS EVER! This Taco stand just opened up and has won my heart with one bite. Seven Lives Tacos focuses on SoCal and Tijuana Seafood for their creations made at their shop in Kensington Market. They also focus on buying local, as with many of the dedicated ‘Market’ businesses and also provide a friendly atmosphere. But let me tell you about the tacos. I originally had the loaded Gobernador (Smoked Marlin, Shrimp and Cheese) and had a mouth orgasm [...]

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  ♢ Yummy Refills – Chinatown – Dragon City Mall

  December 13, 2012 at 11:56 am / Chinatown, Coffee Shops, DINING

  I have been meaning to GEM Yummy Refills for a while now, and finally got to it. The family and I go here quite regularly for their 24 Herb Tea, that, for some reason, after drinking it, puts us in a really good mood. It’s supposed to be good for you if you smoke or drink, so, it’s probably an anti-toxin. Just to warn you, the tea is a bit bitter and very strong…but I have gotten used to it [...]

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  ♢ SunWah Fruit Market

  November 24, 2012 at 11:57 am / Food, Kensington Market, SHOPPING & SERVICES

  You have to love the local fruit markets in Kensington Market and around the world. They trust us to put their mounds of fruits and vegetables out in from of their stores to make a beautiful bouquet of color, adding life to neighborhoods. In Kensington Market there are a handful of these such shops. One in particular, SunWAH, has been in the market for 20 years now at the corner of Baldwin and Augusta, ran by the Tran-Hoa’s, a friendly [...]

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  ♢ Rasta Pasta

  November 13, 2012 at 11:48 am / DINING, Kensington Market, Quick Bite, Restaurants

  A Brand NEW family owned and operated GEM on the Main Street of Kensington Market is Rasta Pasta. Real Authentic delicious Jamaican dishes…and on the weekend is an addition of Italian choices to compliment the mix. Mama’s recipes really make this place a GEM along with her son and partner, vibe you with smiles upon welcome. As you can see in the video tour, there are a variety of mouth watering dishes including the ever famous Jerk Chicken which Rasta [...]

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  ♢ Raindrops – Fashionable Rain Gear

  November 9, 2012 at 11:38 am / Clothing, SHOPPING & SERVICES

  Today’s GEM is not your average small business. This Mom and daughter shop of Bobi and Natalie Jurcic has been around for 20 yrs, since Natalie was 10, where they used to just sell umbrellas…building up to children’s wear, women’s wear and then Men’s wear of a higher fashion. I Love the concept of making rain gear fashionable, especially for children. What child wouldn’t want to wear frog, batman or cupcake raingear? The original Raindrops shop opened in 2001 in [...]

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  ♢ Cheese Magic

  November 7, 2012 at 12:54 pm / Food, Kensington Market, SHOPPING & SERVICES

  This Little Nook of a GEM Just celebrated it’s 25th year anniversary on October 13th, and has been bring you great service and quality cheese this entire time. Why buy your cheese at a large department store and only receive a fraction for the price? Choose from over 50+ types of cheese (probably more) while also conveniently in the market next door, buy your baked goods at their sister shop, My Market Bakery. The price is right and the staff [...]

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  ♢ My Market Bakery

  November 5, 2012 at 7:59 pm / Food, Kensington Market, SHOPPING & SERVICES

  My Market Bakery is, in fact, where I shop for my bread in the mornings, making it My Market Bakery. Famous for their high quality Grain Breads, great prices and selection, they bring 15 yrs of service to the Kensington Market area. Ping, the owner, gets up early every morning to be at the shop for 5:30 AM so that the shop is ready to be opened by 7:30 AM, where those fresh baked smells fill the air reminding you [...]

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  ♢ Sadie’s Diner and Juice Bar

  November 4, 2012 at 12:52 pm / DINING, Queen West, Restaurants

  Walking around Toronto, you can stumble across GEMS without even looking for them. This one was obvious, even from the outside. Sadie’s Diner has been reviewed in BlogTO and Sadie’s also supports the idea that we should favor small businesses by showcasing the shopsmallbiz.ca on their window. This is a smaller cozy retro style mom and pop feeling kind of place. As you walk in,on the right is the kitchen where the bacon and eggs, or in our case Huevos [...]

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  ♢ Moonbean Cafe – Choose Loose Teas

  October 31, 2012 at 10:53 am / Coffee Shops, DINING, Kensington Market

  “Meet me at Mooonbean“, were important words I heard come from a friends mouth once. Since then, I have been going to this GEM in the heart of Kensington Market often. Mostly for the Loose teas you choose as you walk in. Moonbean is very popular tho those that know it. The offer a variety of options from Smoothies and Certified Fair Trade or Organic Coffee to Gluten Free and Vegan baked goods. It was only today I discovered the [...]

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  ♢ I Deal Cafe

  October 28, 2012 at 1:21 pm / Coffee Shops, DINING, Kensington Market

  I have been coming to this Cafe for a year or so off and on, mostly for the social aspect of the patio where the local crowd gathers and discusses world issues and share simple how are you’s that make it an ideal place to lounge with your coffee and feel at home. I Deal is in the heart of Kensington Market on Nassau St. On your way here, look for the people gathered on one of Toronto’s best cafe [...]

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  ♢ Sanagan’s Meat Locker

  October 26, 2012 at 10:38 am / Food, Kensington Market

  Today we visit a hip and modern butcher shop, cleanly organized and on top of the game. The first thing you will notice as you walk in is the cleanliness of the shop and the young staff mad up of cool looking guys ready to help you. What I really noticed is that they were very friendly and helpful right off the bat, opposed to other experiences I have had in previous butcher shops visited. The meat that Peter Sanagan [...]

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  ♢ 10th Annual Zombie Walk

  October 21, 2012 at 12:39 pm / Street

  Today I Present a Ghostly GEM! Yesterday we attended the 10th Annual Zombie Walk. On the way to Nathan Phillips Square, judging by the zombies we saw walking as we neared the event, it was obvious that this was going to be a huge event. For the first time in history, this event was partnered with the Heart and Stroke Foundation to raise awareness to help carry out their mission of eliminating heart disease and stroke. I highly recommend this [...]

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  ♢ Kid Icarus – Screenprinting and Handmade Gifts

  October 17, 2012 at 10:22 pm / Custom Work, Kensington Market, SHOPPING & SERVICES

  Today, we visit a GEM that is long overdue to be captured. Kid Icarus just may be one of the finest screenprint shops with a high standard of handmade gifts in Toronto.  Nestled in the heart of Kensington Market, Kid Icarus is that place you want to visit when you are looking for exceptional originality. Not only can you buy prints but you can also design and have your prints sold as a local artist, plus purchase the most unique [...]

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  ♢ Natasha Kudashkina – Body Painting & More

  October 17, 2012 at 4:21 pm / Artists, Digital Media, SPARKLING PEOPLE

  Today’s Daily GEM is very special. Natasha Kudashkina’s art caught my eye originally at the Furniture Bank’s Fundraiser, I GEMMED, held at the Gladstone Hotel months ago. Since then I have been following her posts on Facebook and Youtube, I imagine you will too. After reading her BIO from the About Section on her website, I realized it would be best for her to explain who she is. The above video is made by Natasha also, rather than myself. Natasha [...]

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  ♢ Tom Ryaboi – City Rising

  October 14, 2012 at 6:58 pm / Digital Media, SPARKLING PEOPLE, Street

  We stumbled upon a sparkling GEM the other day and I had to share it with you. Tom Ryaboi is purely an artist and an obvious  lover of the city of Toronto, which makes him a perfect Daily GEM. This is a timelapse video he made of Toronto. Turn up your speakers and enjoy. His Explanation is below:   When I started timelapse photography a year ago I thought it would be something I could just jump right into and master, as [...]

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  ♢ Support Independent Music (dot) org

  October 12, 2012 at 6:38 pm / Musicians, SPARKLING PEOPLE

  We need your help on this one guys. Last night I went to a meeting to see how Support Independent Music (dot) Org’s project build-A-space was going. Their Description is: SupportIndependentMusic.org is a non-profit community project. Their goal is to engage the Local Music Ecosystem to collaboratively build the Space for Independent Music in Toronto: A Space for Audio and Visual excellence, technological innovation, sustainable entrepreneurship, community radio, advocacy and exploration into Toronto’s independent music community. The GEMS spearheading this cause is [...]

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  ♢ Graffiti Alley

  October 9, 2012 at 2:28 pm / Queen West, SIGHT SEEING, Street

  A long time ago, in an alley far far away…Graffiti was perceived, at least by most, as vandalism. Look a little closer and you will see that there is a cultural message to all these images. In fact, there is way more to this art form than I can tell you or know, however, I will share what I DO know. First of all there are differences between the images. Some are purely street art (pictures). Some are actually Graffiti (usually words [...]

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  ♢ Casa Acoreana

  October 5, 2012 at 3:54 pm / Coffee Shops, DINING, Kensington Market, Sweets

  Who likes coffee? I know I do. It’s one of the ways we all start our morning. Today, I take you to Casa Acoreana (Asoreana) or house of the Azores, in Kensington Market. The coffee shop is on one side, and is a hot-spot for new visitors and locals to meet for their morning, low priced-high quality brew served by family owner Ozzie Pavao, or OZ and everybody knows him. The little nook of a shop right on this major [...]

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  ♢ Longboard Living

  October 4, 2012 at 2:18 am / Custom Work, Kensington Market, Lifestyle, SHOPPING & SERVICES

  Description: Longboard Living has provided Toronto with HAND-Painted custom designed boards since 2008. Through Collaborations with local artists, they bring a on-going collection of one of a kind boards to the market. I take you for a visit and a short tour of the main location of Longboard Living’s career, having had 3 other locations previously. I received a tune-up from owner Ryan Rubin on my longboard and purchased some accessories. Here, at Longboard Living, you can come by anytime [...]

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  ♢ Super Market Bar – FreeF’All Open Mike Sunday’s

  February 3, 2012 at 2:21 pm / Kensington Market, Live Music, Night Life, Restaurants, SOCIALIZING, Sundays

  Description: For the last 5 yrs The Super Market Bar in Kensington Market has been hosting an Open Mike for artists to showcase their talent. As for the fans who come to watch…it’s FREE for all. I haven’t been here much in the past, however know that it is a Truly Genuine Musical GEM for the City of Toronto and the World. This particular night, a good friend surprised me by hopping on stage for his performance. Joel Douglas – [...]

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  Eagle Sighting On Campus ♢ University of Toronto

  December 18, 2011 at 8:48 pm / SIGHT SEEING, Street

  Description: Today I was Scooting past the University Campus on College Street and noticed a lady taking pictures of a building. When I looked closer I noticed an Eagle perched on the fence and mad a quick U-Turn to capture this GEM. The building the fence surrounded was the Walberg Memorial Building. I HAD To Capture This GEM and show it to you. Location and Directions: View Larger Map View Larger Map Jarvis Emerald G+

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  Loft404 ♢ Ambrosia Hub ♢ A Creative Space for Inspired Gatherings

  November 24, 2011 at 11:28 pm / LEARNING, Rental Space, Sessions

  Description: Loft404 Ambrosia Hub is the most exquisitely unique, best kept secret in the city. Hidden away on the 4th floor of the historical Purman Building in Toronto’s Entertainment District, this beautiful 3,000 sq’ space is more than just a location,it’s a soothing oasis in the heart of the busy downtown. Launched in the Fall of 2010, this eclectic urban paradise is a welcoming hub of relaxation, expression, arts, food, music, healing & connection – a creative and inspiring experience [...]

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  Lomography ♢ And the Diana F+ World (Bus) Tour

  November 23, 2011 at 9:54 pm / Lifestyle, Queen West, SHOPPING & SERVICES

  Description: Lomography opened a shop in Queen West here in Toronto on Nov 5th 2010. It all began in 1982 when General Igor Petrowitsch brought an interesting Japanese camera to the LOMO Russian Arms and Optical factory. They were so impressed by it they took it and re-designed it, keeping the best of it and adding their special touches to it. The LOMO LC-A was Born! The history of how Lomography became an world phenomenon is impressive. Digital is cool…but [...]

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  My City Lives ♢ Capture, Share and Explore Your City

  November 23, 2011 at 7:57 pm / Online, SHOPPING & SERVICES

  Description: My City Lives is an online video sharing platform designed to encourage creativity and recognition to your city…and they are also good friends of mine. Funded by the Canadian Media Fund, MCL has set up headquarters in Toronto at CSI and from here, who knows. The GIANT map allows you explore your city visually by clicking on videos seen on a “Google Style” map OR you can use the list view to explore. Today My City Lives revealed their [...]

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  Big Fat Burrito ♢ Kensington Market

  November 21, 2011 at 3:53 pm / DINING, Kensington Market, Quick Bite

  Description: Big Fat Burrito is in the heart of Kensington Market at the corner of Oxford and Augusta Ave. At first, the name catches your eye and tells you when you leave you won’t be hungry. Then, the heart in the name tells you they will be friendly. As you walk in, the giant window open to the street AND the wall of well placed local advertising says “Welcome Home”. I remember coming here for the first time and finding [...]

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  Flip Toss & Thai Kitchen ♢ Thai Treat!

  October 6, 2011 at 9:11 pm / DINING, Take-Out

  Description: Do you like Thai Food? How about if you get to FLIP and TOSS it on your rice? Flip Toss and Thai Kitchen makes fantastic Thai Food FAST and ready for you to pick up in shorter time than most Take-Out places. Every time I go I am welcomed by the owner, and the kitchen staff who usually have your order ready for you in under 15 miniutes . They have won awards and been featured in newspapers like [...]

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  Far From The Heart ♢ Interactive Youth Movie ♢ Premiere

  October 5, 2011 at 2:07 am / Online

  Description: Far From The Heart is an interactive Youth Series turned into a Movie…by Sheatre. Issues revolving sex, drugs and violence in our youth years are very important to discuss and have a foundation of educational material that the young can actually relate to. Sheatre has come up with a way to do just this. Originally, I was invited to the final day of shooting of the movie…then I was honored to produce and create the Interactive How-To Video for [...]

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  Sticker You ♢ Custom Stickers You Make Online!

  September 20, 2011 at 5:54 pm / Custom Work, Online, SHOPPING & SERVICES

  Description:   Have you ever wondered where you could make good quality stickers for your events or just for fun – and with no real min. order? I kept seeing Sticker You at all social media events I went to…and everybody was using them. Turns out you just use their EASY online system to drag your images on to a page (you can put different images on one sheet), re-size and add effects – and chose the amount and VOILA! [...]

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  Reba’s Cafe and Gallery ♢ Grainne Performs

  September 18, 2011 at 7:42 pm / Coffee Shops, DINING, Musicians, Quick Bite, Restaurants, SPARKLING PEOPLE, The Junction

  Description: Originally I was recommended to check out Grainne, an award winning Folk Rock Alternative country music artist, and discovered 2 GEMS in one! The venue was further than I normally travel, but I love having to go to new neighborhoods and discovering new places. Reba’s Cafe is a sweet little cafe with all kinds of goodies made with love…you can tell. This Cafe is not only a place for coffee, but Arlene, the owner, also features artists work on [...]

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  Akasha Art Projects ♢ Features Bret Culp ♢ Mystical Ireland

  September 18, 2011 at 7:17 pm / Artists, Custom Work, SHOPPING & SERVICES

  Description: Sometimes you have to keep your eyes peeled for hidden GEMS. I was walking down Church Street and Akasha Art Projects sign caught my eye. Akasha is Sanskrit and the root means to Radiate or Shine. “Don’t miss this GEM” – so I took the opportunity to look inside. I was amazed at this very beautiful, very white gallery with tonnes of character. Up on the walls was this month’s artists creations. Bret Culp features his photographs of Mystical [...]

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  Far From The Heart ♢ Interactive Youth Television Series ♢ Live On The Set

  September 18, 2011 at 6:52 pm / Online

  Description: Remember being a youth and the pressures you faced? I do. Sheatre is a professional popular theatre and community arts organization designed to inspire creative expression and transformative learning through workshops and artistic productions. This series I was invited to blog was called Far From The Heart, a series designed to be interactive in bringing awareness to pressures related to violence, sex and alcohol. This particular shooting was the last day of the series, where a young teenage girl, [...]

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  Tooned In ♢ Animation Voice-Over Workshop ♢ With Stevie Vallance

  September 18, 2011 at 6:29 pm / Film, LEARNING, Sessions, SPARKLING PEOPLE

  Description: Have you ever thought about being the voice of a cartoon? Well now is your chance! I had the pleasure of being invited as a guest to TOONED IN, a workshop held at Wanted Sound and Picture Studios and taught by Stevie Vallance – The “Cartoon Queen”. Stevie has been in this business for many years and has been the voice for 100′s of cartoons. Remember Share Bear from the Care Bears? – That was her Turns out you [...]

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