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    A Fine Medium

    Readings by Margaret Unfogs My Future By Jessica Glover I took the tingling in my left hand as a sign that I had reached the right card. I slowly withdrew the final tarot card for the psychic so that she could divine my future. I was afraid of what might be revealed about me, but curiosity had driven me to Readings by Margaret just east of Donlands on Danforth Ave. Margaret has been a resident and business owner on the Danforth for fifteen years and is an active member of the community. “I love the Danforth. I find there are a lot of different cultures and people here.” Margaret, a…

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    Grassroots

    How one Danforth-Area Store is Embracing the Green Movement By Erin Haggett The Danforth is well-known for its eco-conscious attitude. Bikers and pedestrians abound, local produce stands win out over industrial-looking grocery stores, and recycling boxes are filled to the brim come garbage day. This green mindset is one of the main reasons why business owner Rob Grand chose Danforth Avenue for the second location of Grassroots, his environmentally friendly Mecca. “Riverdale is a great community,” says Grand. “I had some friends who did door-to-door environmental groups, and Riverdale was one of those communities that was very supportive of campaigns by local environmental groups.” Located near the Chester subway station,…

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    Get F.A.T

    “On the Danforth” ventured to a far away land (Liberty Village!) to check out what Toronto’s alternative fashion scene had to offer. Fashion . Art . Toronto, or F.A.T, was successful in making Toronto feel Longing, Lust, Rage, and Joy last week at its so aptly themed Alternative Fashion and Art Week. Toronto Alternative Arts and Fashion Week is a non-profit organization that serves as a platform for inventive, pioneering and contemporary expression. This annual multi-arts event features 200 national and international fashion designers, visual artists, bands and performers each year for the last five years. This year marked the festival’s fifth anniversary, proving that things only become better with…

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    Evergreen Everlea

    The East Toronto band grows up By Jordan Whitehouse I first heard Everlea through a ghetto blaster during a heat wave in my friend’s back yard. We had been listening to tunes all afternoon, trying to keep out of the summer’s blazing sun, when a song by the band came on and I instantly took notice. What I heard was a well-crafted pop-rock song that delivered a great melody, hard hitting drums, and genuine lyrics. I could tell this band would be one worth paying attention to.   The band was formed in Kingston, Ontario by four high school friends. Originally calling themselves Saucepan Heroes, they spent a few years…

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    Little Ethiopia

    Could it change the culinary image of the Danforth? By Scott Jeffries Traditionally the Danforth has been known for its Greek town, but over the last five years there’s been a rise in a new culinary delight: Ethiopian cuisine. Between Pape and Coxwell station you’ll notice about a dozen Ethiopian restaurants right on the Danforth’s storefront.  I’ve been attracted to these new places as a vegetarian, so I imagine that has to be part of what’s going on. “Our dishes are popular amongst vegetarians,” explains Michael Kidus, owner of the Dukem Ethiopian restaurant, “and our most popular dish is the vegetarian platter. It’s a selection of all our meatless dishes…

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    Danforth Music Hall is Detoxified

    Why The Toxic Avenger Musical closed abruptly in 2010 By Scott Jeffries Last fall Danforth residents watched their renovated Music Hall transform into “Tromaville” as Dancap productions prepared the venue for the opening day of The Toxic Avenger Musical. The idea comes from the 1984 cult classic The Toxic Avenger which spawned three sequels (with a fourth on the way) as well as a short-lived children’s TV spin-off called Toxic Crusaders — and then, in 2009, its new incarnation in musical theatre. The stage design of The Toxic Avenger Musical came right out onto the Danforth; there were prop barrels of toxic waste, massive sidewalk stickers shaped like ooze, and…

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    La Di Da ♪

    If you think this boutique sounds good, wait until you see it! By Lisa Wray The La Di Da Boutique, located at 128 Danforth Avenue, is a haven for the last-minute gift shopper. Its walls are filled with a unique array of jewellery, edibles, stationary, and items for the home…including a collection of the sexiest aprons I have ever seen (these are definitely not of the variety your mother wore!). The store opened in 2006 by co-owners Joanie and Elise. The boutique initially promoted an aesthetics studio, but they closed it this past Christmas and now devote their time focusing on stock. “We just pick what we like,” co-owner Joanie…

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    Mother’s Day Gift Guide

    Mother’s Day Gift Ideas from Drysdale & Co. Article and photos by Amanpreet Dhami With Mother’s Day coming in May, you’ll want a unique gift idea for the woman responsible for your place on this earth. Drysdale & Co., a seven-year-old, eclectic gift shop located on the Danforth, provides options for mothers of all ages, personalities, and vocations. Owned by Susan Drysdale, “the boutique stocks products based on customer recommendations, and from Susan’s research of items she sees on blogs,” says store manager Amy. Canadian designers and artists make all items found in-store – including the jewellery, stationary, and novelty items – so your purchase will support homegrown talent. My…

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    The Joy of Caffé Demetre!

    Waffles, Ice Cream, and Cake, Oh My! Dieters beware: this place is for special occasions only. By Andrea D’Amico A dessert only restaurant is rare. The concept is delightful: sit down with friends to enjoy crêpes, waffles, ice cream, and hot drinks in massive proportions. Not only is it a dieter’s worst nightmare, thanks to their generous portions, but Caffé Demetre could make you nauseous if you ignore the pains coming from your stomach.     Low Calorie Menu? I went into Caffé Demetre to find out if anything on their menu was condidered low calorie. What I found was that they had a few low calorie items on the…