This is where the cool kids live.
I can only compare it The Village in NYC as I don’t think we have a Toronto equivalent. Funky, higher-end boutique shopping, destination eating, total bar crawl potential and fabulous green space (that hosts outdoor art shows all the time) within 5 minutes from downtown. And it oozes the hip factor that I don’t think you can fake – you either have it or don’t and Ponsonby has it in spades.
Here are some must sees and eats:
Commoner: This is comfy, cotton everything. The store is so minimalist and its focus is so clear and tight. I love that. They do what they are good at. Super for staples.
Shell Shock: I don’t really do costume jewelry but if I did, I would so have to hit this spot. Cool statement pieces and all NZ made. Bracelets and necklaces and rings, oh my!
Red Current: I want to live in this shop as who ever does the buying is after my own heart. The all housewares all the time is mostly mono-chromatic – mellow shades of grey and white. Loving it yet? Even the Le Crueset line they carry is in a gorgeous dove grey. Gush.
Coast: I am obsessed with this New Zealand-made line of – wait for it – bean filled outdoor furniture. Bean bag chairs and sleepers – all 100% outdoor. I love the concept and will be buying some for our pool here, later to migrate to our Canadian dock. I will be the envy of everyone on Lake of Bays.
Moo Chow Chow: My one, consistent, albeit mild, frustration with most Asian restaurants is the textbook they hand you that is meant to be the menu. It is the equivalent of emptying your purse on the table in hopes of finding something that might be useful. I find it all overwhelming. Moo Chow Chow, despite being modern Thai, offers a menu that fits neatly onto a single page. The food is smashing and quite complex – layered flavours and insane aromatic combinations. And the drink menu is peppered with housemade elixirs like spicy gingerbeer and lemonade. Just fine attention to detail. My only complaint is that if you have an early sitting, like before 7 pm, they will hurry your meal to make room for the 8 pm-ers. Annoying.
The Blue Breeze Inn: This always and forever booked restaurant on Ponsonby Road is worth the hype. We went with our kids, as we do, and ate at the bar, as we do when we can’t get a reservation, which doubled as a quasi chef’s table with a completely open view to the mastery that is the kitchen of Chef Che Barrington (who happens to be easy on the eyes). Like Moo Chow Chow, the menu is uber tight but can be at times repetitive. Super yum regardless. And leave room for dessert – you will want to marry the choc pot laced with salty peanut butter.
Sidart, Farina and SPQR are all on my visit list but I need to pace. Or my ass does anyway.