Wednesday, 25 April 2012

The Florists at Ave and Dav

Flowers have an immediate impact on space, adding energy and life to their immediate surroundings. 
At The Perry, fresh flowers are a must, and on Avenue Road there is no shortage of Florists.  


 A short walk up the street from The Perry Presentation Gallery, are four Florists to choose from on just one block! Some shops have been around for years and have even been passed down from generations.


Our Favourite Florist on Avenue Road


  

 Be sure to check out the beautiful floral exhibition by some of Toronto’s top designers at The Gardiner Museum this week from April 26th to the 29th!

Saturday, 21 April 2012

Ostuni in Puglia, The Heel of Italy

On a recent visit to the quaint Southern town of Ostuni in Italy, we came across serene landscapes throughout a region inhabited since the Stone Age. Amazed by the surrounding tranquillity of the countryside, we stayed in a typical Pugliese "masserie", which is a fortified large estate-farm. The overall serene essence of the place was an inspirational experience!












(Photos by Maryam Mansouri)

Thursday, 12 April 2012

Seven Grams: Neighbourhood Coffee House


Seven GramsThe Perry's neighbourhood coffee house, is located on the east side of Avenue just south of Davenport. We found out this intimate café gets its name from the measure of ground coffee beans it takes to make the ultimate espresso shot.




Serving premium coffees from all around the globe, Seven Grams acquires its coffee beans from Te Aro, an artisan wholesale coffee roaster located in Toronto’s Leslieville.



The espresso and coffee are made using the La Marzocco GB5 – hand made in Florence, giving you a little taste of Italy! Every espresso drink at Seven Grams is served with two shots of espresso, whether for a strong morning bolt or after-lunch boost. As several coffees have a precise way to be brewed, Seven Grams uses the Trifecta and pour-over method in order to flawlessly create a finely distinguished cup of coffee.




We were wooed even more that most of the delicious baked foods, sandwiches and panini’s are made in-house, including gluten free and vegan options.


As an advocate of supporting local artists in Toronto, the café’s gallery walls are filled with local artwork.  Currently, Matt Durant’s is featured, check out his work online at www.mattdurant.com.




This all season café has a quaint patio for warm summer days and a fireplace on the lower level for the cozy winter. With a tranquil atmosphere and two floors there is plenty of seating to enjoy with your favourite beverage, laptop or book.



(all photos by Blair Johnson)