ISSUE V
iSPY
I SPY WITH MY LITTLE YYZ EYE SOMETHING HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT. Words & Images / LONELLE SELBO
Tucked away beneath King Street West, between Parkdale and The Fashion District, rests the trendy Toronto enclave of Liberty Village. Just off the main drag, it’s easy to miss, but as the whispers about cool clubs and bustling restaurants grow into resounding recommendations, you would be well advised to pay attention to the street signs. Toronto has begun to embrace the history of its old factories, converting them into loft apartments that maintain the integrity of their classic façades. From the Irwin Toy Factory to the Toronto Carpet Factory Building, the wheels of Toronto’s industrial era are still turning in Liberty Village. Within snug borders, there are restaurants, bars, offices, condos, a marketplace, and daily life amenities—from très chic furnishings at Casalife to handmade soapshop Demo; the delicious window-fare at Cakeballs to more customary requirements like the LCBO and Starbucks—all nestled closely together. You could walk from the gym to Allan Lamport Stadium, cool off, and watch a match. With everything so easily accessible, Liberty Village has cultivated a culture of walkers, and for outsiders, a one-stop shop. The nightlife is equally compelling: sip a Negroni at the Liberty Bistro or, for more boisterous group fun, visit the local Irish pub, The Brazen Head, boasting a large selection of beer, upscale pub fare, and a buzzing rooftop patio in the summer. You can indulge in a cognac and play billiards on King Edward VIII’s pool table (circa 1880) at The Academy of Spherical Arts or head over to Locus 144 on a Saturday for some late night dancing. The next day, crawl out of bed and make your way down to Mildred’s Temple Kitchen for a Sunday brunch that will heal all that ails you. 110