How to spend a day in The Annex

The proximity to the University of Toronto has always defined The Annex as part student quarter, part home to Toronto's intelligentsia. Some of Toronto's most famous authors - Margaret Atwood, bpNichol, Marian Engel, Jane Jacobs, John Ralston Saul, Austin Clarke and Morley Callaghan - all lived in the Annex, and its particular architecture, known as the Annex style house reflects the elite origins of the neighbourhood.

My favourite part of the history of the Annex is near forgotten Rochdale College, now home to the David A. Croll apartments. It doesn't look like much but it was once the site of the largest co-op residence in North America, a hippie haven designed for communal student living, and a centre for social and political idealism and experimentation.

Toronto cornerstones of culture, including Coach House Press, House of Anasi, Theatre Passe Muraille, the Toronto Free Dance Theatre, and the Spaced-out/Merrill Collection of the Toronto Public Library began within the walls of Rochdale College, before it succumbed to the pratfalls of the counterculture revolution- sex, drugs and taxes. The Unknown Student sculpture out front is all that remains of this rich legacy.

Here's how I like to spend a day in the Annex from morning to late night.

BREAKFAST AND COFFEE

In the glory days of the Annex, I would have gone to Dooney's for breakfast, if for no other reason than to see one of the neighbourhood writers engaged in witty banter or scribing their latest work, but now that that's gone I hit Grapefruit Moon. The breakfast offerings strike that perfect balance between greasy and healthful and the patio is great.

Toronto has some great independent cafes, but the Annex is surprisingly lacking in them. Mini chain Aroma services the mid-section of Bloor along with the Green Beanery while Ezra's Pound does a steady business north on Dupont. For my morning jolt I like to head to Harbord where Almond Butterfly can pair a well made cappuccino with gluten free banana walnut bread. If I'm not too picky about the borders of the neighbourhood I'll make the trek west to Sam James.

MORNING ACTIVITY

If I want to get in some morning exercise there's plenty to choose from (Kula Yoga is a real hit) but I prefer the community feel of the Miles Nadal JCC with its pool, running track and gravity room, and if not the gym then a morning session at the Lillian H. Smith Library on College. It's home to the aforementioned Merrill Collection, as well as the Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books, and it's a place I'm good to be lost in for hours.

LUNCH

There was an influx of Hungarian immigrants that came to the Annex after the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and I pay my respects with lunch at Country Style Hungarian restaurant, where a plate of cabbage rolls, schnitzel and sauerkraut will set you right. Otherwise there's always the Future Bakery, Fresh, warring sushi joints New Generation Sushi and Sushi on Bloor, or the always-delicious One Love Vegetarian.

SHOPPING AND CULTURE

Afternoons are spent perusing the various second hand bookstores like BMV and Seekers. There's plenty of typical college shops selling dorm room staples but the best shops are a little off the beaten path on Bathurst - near Dupont you've got Ewanika for beautiful tailored women's wear and near Bloor there is Trove, full of fun accessories.

MID-AFTERNOON SNACK



I like Chabichou on Harbord for a French twist on an afternoon snack or vegan bakery Apiecalypse Now on Markham for one of their compassion flakies.

DINNER

Harbord has been a culinary destination for years, ever since Splendido opened its doors and The Harbord Room and THR & Co. carry on the tradition. The neighbourhood rival, and where I'd book for dinner, is an area around Dupont. Find yourself at any one of Anthony Rose's three restaurants - Rose and Sons, Big Crow, and Fat Pasha - and you are pretty much guaranteed a memorable meal. Fat Pasha is the most recent of the three and treats you to a lovely selection of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes.

DRINKS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The College kids go to the Brunny, or Brunwsick House, or the Green Room, but since my uni days are behind me, you won't find me there. I prefer to get my drink on at the slightly more classy Pauper's Pub, they have a great reading series in the piano bar at the top and two patios, one roof top and one massive wrap around.

No experience in the Annex would be complete without a music show. Go to Lee's Palace for the latest indie rock and your favourite 90's band reunion, the Tranzac for unexpected and unusual local acts and experimental music, and Trinity St. Paul's United for classical and choral events, home of the famous Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra. Otherwise, I stroll over to the Bloor Hot Docs cinema. I don't even bother to look up what's playing; they've got such stellar programming you are sure to get something entertaining and informative.

LATE NIGHT EATS

Late night eats are a student and neighbourhood speciality - Sarah's or Ghazale gets my money for falafel and shawarma, Big Fat Burrito (open to 3:30am on weekends) is my burrito joint, but nobody brings me back more than Vesta Lunch at Dupont and Bathurst. That 24 Hour diner has cracked more eggs before dawn than the local Lothario.

What did I miss? Add your suggestions for how to spend a day in the Annex to the comments.

by Erinn Beth Langille via blogTO