| Lelieville vs Beaches Smackdown |
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It’s official, Leslieville is way cooler than the Beaches. I’m sorry neighbors but its true! I love my ‘hood for its trees, its people and being able to walk to the boardwalk. But, if I need a good meal, I go west. This weekend we had our brunch date and stumbled into Lady Marmalade http://www.ladymarmalade.ca/ just before the rest of the world did. The mish mash décor has been done before but somehow, this time it feels authentic. The “nothing matches” vintage felt as though it had been there for years or came from the staff’s grandma’s attic. Perhaps because the staff all seemed so cool and competent in their bo-ho, easy breezy way. (Interestingly, 80% of the patrons were women and the children were all handsomely in tow.) The menu mixes Mexican with brunch as easily as the salt and pepper shakers mixed little duckie with Japanese raku. I broke into a sweat trying to decide which eggs Bennie were for me, the choices were vast and diverse. Mine came on a crispy English muffin topped with grilled veggies and an outstanding Hollandaise sauce (always order on the side because a mere teaspoonful will do!) The sauce, with it’s barely coat a spoon thickness had a lemony/buttery tang that was true and unpackaged. I enjoy nothing less than a gluey pre-prepared bright yellow glop. Served with the crispiest pan fried russet potatoes and a small Asian salad makes for a fusion fest breakfast that kept me going for hours. Hubby had the buckwheat crepe filled with fresh fruit. His was lighter (as usual! I can way out eat him!) and ever so slightly sweet drizzled with honey and some homemade sesame seed granola crisp. Our server didn’t blink when he ordered coffee black and I asked for both cream and sugar to go with it. I can’t drink a whole cup of coffee but always hijack his last 3 sips as my dessert. A drop of cream to make it smooth, a teaspoon of raw sugar and a good dose of milk to make it worth it, and I am good to go. Afterward, we wandered some of the antique markets and a clothing shop that made me drool. Set in a gorgeous, museum-like building, Stephan Caras design http://www.stephancaras.com/ took my breath away. Crisp, smart clothing tailored with care was just expensive enough to mean it but not so exorbitant as to scare me away. A girl could get used to this. What really stood out for me was how chic and casual the people in this tonier part of town were. There is agelessness about this set. Could be 20? Maybe 45? Here is where we come to be who we are. We may have great jobs but shop thift and vintage with the occasional designer piece. Our kids come with, that just the way it is. We scour for junky things that look nice, we eat great food. We do not value status or symbols; we value each other and beauty. Way cooler.
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