OUR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER TELLS US WHERE TO GO
As told to Odessa Paloma Parker
Our very talented staff Photographer and Parkdale aficionado Mark Binks shares his favourite spots with us. You can probably wear a Plaid shirt to visit all of them!
“I live in Parkdale, and anyone who knows me, knows how much Old Man Binks hates any kind of commute, so naturally all of my favourite places are within a ten minute walk from my house,” says Binks. “It does work out, however, because they’re all totally amazing.”
FOOD
The Westerly. Through a happy accident of a family dinner being cancelled, my sister, brother and I stumbled across across this place on Roncesvalles over the holidays and for weeks afterwards I couldn’t shut up about it. We were all starving, and just as I was suggesting the generic pub across the street, I turned around and we were standing right at the Westerly’s front door. After a quick peek at the menu we decided to roll the dice. From French Bistro style fare, to gourmet pub food, every single thing we ordered was incredible. I don’t remember the last time I swore to come back and try everything on the menu. For the record, I’ve been back twice since.
The other thing I love about Parkdale is that it’s the roti capital of the universe (my universe). Typically it’s a toss up between Mother India or Bacchus, depending on what my little heart, or belly, desires.
SHOPPING
The Future of Frances Watson is where I have made more hungover purchases than anywhere else since I don’t know when. Despite my feeble whining, store owner Carrie Butt always makes me try things on first before I buy them, saving me the trip back with what I’m sure would inevitably be the wrong size. God bless her heart.
DRINKS
I’m loving Bar Neon right now at Bloor and Brock (1226 Bloor St West) . Although not technically in Parkdale, it is a pretty sweet downhill bike ride home after a few bourbon negronis.
CITY WALK
Come spring time I’ll be dusting off the old bicycle and taking the dogs for a long run along the Lakeshore bike paths down on the lake. I love them, but love them even more when they’re exhausted.
BOOKS
A lifelong struggle with self diagnosed ADD has resulted in me spending a lot more time readings magazines with pretty pictures, and newspapers than books, and no place in Parkdale seems to have a bigger selection than The Mascot (not to mention some great coffee). It’s truly frightening how much money I can drop in a coffee shop on any given day.
COFFEE
So obviously I love The Mascot, with it’s tempting selection of magazines, not to mention the tres cool vibe perfect for hanging out and reading said magazines, but also equally love Capital Espresso. Maybe it’s the delicious americanos and coffee beans they sell me, maybe it’s the more bank account friendly selection of free mags and newspapers. Either way, both are great.
