Category Archives: Uncategorized

A History of the Toronto Fashion District

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Toronto’s Fashion District is located near Toronto’s Chinatown, between Spadina and Bathurst. The area has historically played a significant role in the Toronto Fashion scene, and is, to this day, home to many clothing stores and designer shops. The borders of the Fashion District include Bathurst Street on the west, Queen Street on the north, Spadina Avenue on the east, and Front Street on the south.

QuadLofts_FashionDistrictMap_May11,2013

In the early 20th century, the area was home to a large Jewish community, many of whom worked in the garment industry. The location was convenient – it had easy access to shipping and rail lines and so, warehouses and industrial factories sprung up in the neighbourhood. Back then, it was referred to as the “Garment District.”

After World War II, the Jewish community moved north and all the factories turned into other businesses. The area started seeing an influx of Chinese immigrants in the 1950s and 1960s, which resulted in today’s Chinatown, known for great Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants.

Later on, the area also became known for its arts scene. Clubs like the Horseshoe and Cameron House were venues for the local music scene in the 1970s.

The 1980s saw extensive revitalization in the neighbourhood, with a number of high-profile and high-end condominium and retail developments.

Some of Toronto’s most interesting buildings can be found in and around the Fashion District. Examples include: Osgoode Hall, Old City Hall, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the OntarioCollege of Art & Design.

The Fashion District is also known for its shopping and nightlife. There are tons of trendy clothing stores owned by independent store owners and upcoming designers. There are also lots of bars and restaurants, which make it an ideal spot for a fun time with friends.

Sources:

http://www.totallytoronto.net/information/About_Toronto/Neighbourhoods/Fashion_District/

http://www.toronto.ca/heritage-preservation/pdf/queen_hcd_plan_pt1b.pdf

http://condoguidetoronto.com/index.php/neighborhood-review/2012-05-18-16-43-06

DIY Textured Vase

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QuadLofts_Vases_April5,2013

With flowers soon in full bloom, here is a great textured vase do-it-yourself project. If you’re looking for a vase with spunk and personality, you’ve found it!

QuadLofts_Vases2_Apr12,2013

1. All you need to get started is a plain vase, some white spray paint, some very fine sand paper, a sheet of self-adhesive foam and some scissors.

2. Cut small geometric pieces of foam to create your design. Lightly sand your vase and wipe it clean.

3. Adhere the foam shapes to the vase.

4. Use several coats of spray paint, allowing dry time between each coat, until the vase is completely white. Optional: use a coat of triple thick glaze on top to give your vase a glossy finish.

Source:

http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2013/04/lets-make-a-textured-vase.html

A refreshing twist on Coconut Layer Cake

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Looking for a light and delicious dessert for a family brunch?  With spring’s anxiously awaited arrival (hooray!), there is no better time to try some refreshing new recipes for your next patio meal.  So, here is a great recipe with a fresh new twist: The Coconut Layer Cake!  This one has lemon curd in it to give it a cool new taste.  It’s light and airy and perfect for the balmy weather we’re anxiously awaiting.  Here it is, courtesy of Martha Stewart recipes!

QuadLoft_CoconutLayerCake_Mar102013

For the Cake

    • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pans
    • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pans
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 1/2 cups sugar
    • 2 large eggs, plus 3 large egg yolks (reserve whites for frosting)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 cup whole milk

For Assembly

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with rack in center. Butter two 9-inch round cake pans. Line bottom of pans with parchment-paper rounds; butter paper. Dust paper and sides of pans with flour, tapping out excess.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Add flour mixture in three additions, alternately with milk in two, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
  3. Divide evenly between prepared pans. Place pans next to each other in oven (without touching); cook until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, about 30 minutes, rotating pans halfway through.
  4. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Run a knife around edges; invert cakes onto a rack. Peel off parchment; reinvert and let cool completely before assembling.
  5. Assemble the cake:  In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup store-bought lemon curd with 3/4 cup Seven-Minute Frosting. Place bottom cake layer on a platter; tuck strips of parchment under edges of cake.
  6. Leaving a 1-inch border, spread layer with lemon-curd mixture and 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut. Top with remaining cake layer.
  7. Spread 2 cups frosting over top; spread remaining on sides (push spatula in a forward motion to prevent crumbs). Sprinkle 1 1/4 cups coconut over cake; pat gently on sides.

Cream Lounge for a Decadent Experience

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The upscale Cream lounge/restaurant is located in the heart of the King West neighbourhood, an easy walking distance from the Quad Lofts.  If you’re trying to plan a perfect romantic evening for you and your date, look no further!  The restaurant is truly ideal for those looking for a quiet and first-class meal.  It also doesn’t hurt that it’s mere blocks from the Theatre and Entertainment districts.  Visit before or after a show to make it a night to remember.

QuadLofts_CreamSeating_Mar12013

Serving traditional French Cuisine, the menu offers Imported french cheese plates and hand cut charcuterie, featuring wild game as well as oysters to compliment our French Tapas menu.  Cream also has an impressive list of wines and champagnes, as well as a wide range of martinis and champagne cocktails.

Take a look at their full offerings:

QuadLofts_CreamMenu_Mar12013

Location:
589 King Street West,
Toronto, ON M5V 1M5
(416) 366-2736

Sources:

http://www.creamlounge.ca/

http://www.opentable.com/cream

The Fashion District: A Great Area to Shop and Live

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From Fashion to Luxury Living, the trendy area from Spadina to Bathurst and Queen to Front has been changing these last few years.  Originally known as “the garment district” for its terrific bargains on fashions, fabric, leathers and furs, the area now more popularly known as the Fashion District has been changing ever since the first major condo development in 2008.

Where once you could find a mix of textile factories, specialty retailers, wholesalers, and designer denim, you’re more likely to see contemporary high-rises and large construction sites.  The fashion lover need not be discouraged though; there are still plenty of unique shops for clothes collecting.  Now you can simply live in an upscale condo steps from your favourite boutique!

QuadLofts_District_Jan252013

Recent condo development has been centered on the Victoria Memorial Park, which is surrounded by stylish mid-rise buildings and industrial brick structures given new life with trendy shops and restaurants.  Real estate prices have been on a steady rise since recession, something that has stood out for condo developers.

In 2008, the Tridel Corporation, one of the largest condo developers in Canada, built 305 condos in a 14-story glass building, calling it Rêve.  James Ritchie, senior VP of sales and marketing at Tridel, calls King West a “hot spot for new condominium development in Toronto.”

In the last year, Tridel has sold more than 270 condos in Rêve, with only the larger units remaining, indicating how well-received the condos were in the market.  The area is so well received perhaps because of the location: right on a park and yet so close to Toronto’s downtown core, all while featuring plenty of character to spare.  With its industrial roots, the neighbourhood suits perfectly many young city dwellers looking for something original, a modern twist on the ubiquitous condo.

Here’s a look at Quad Lofts, located right in the heart of the Fashion District at 19 and 23 Brant Street:

QuadLofts_Jan252013

Now, developments of hundreds of units sell out in a year, and prices in the Fashion District have achieved $700 a square foot, much of that gain taking place in the last four years, Mr. Cohen said.

The average price per square foot for condos in the greater Toronto area is $532, and $814 in Toronto’s core, according to the real estate information services company RealNet Canada.  Obviously, buyers and investors think the Fashion District is an appealing place to live.  How about you?

If you’re interested in Quad Lofts or living in this up and coming neighbourhood, please don’t hesitate to call us at (416) 929-1660 or email us at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com. You can also stop by at 270 Wellington Street West #101.  We’d love to help you find your perfect home!

Sources:

http://www.toronto.com/article/374559–fashion-district

http://www.torontoshopoholic.com/toronto-fashion-district.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/05/realestate/commercial/05toronto.html?_r=0

Decorating your loft: The top 5 “go-to” tips for decorating your loft-style apartment

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Moving comes with many emotions and thoughts. Excitement, joy, a little nervousness, and the overwhelming realization that you have so. much. stuff.  While moving into a new loft is certainly the trend, it can also prove to be a challenge when it comes to storage and décor, especially for those who are downsizing. Below is a list of the top 5 “go-to” tips for decorating your loft- style apartment that you’ll be able to call home in no time.

Colour

Here we see alternating stripes of flat and gloss paint in an eye-catching colour. Image c/o Apartment Therapy.

Most lofts feature the same characteristic colour scheme, often featuring neutral tones including beige, crème and taupe. Although avoiding a 24/7 headache from an apartment filled with neon orange is a healthy necessity, don’t be afraid of colour! Painting a room with a soft blue, green or yellow is a great alternative to help you avoid both extremes.

Playing with different paint effects can assist in creating depth and can give the illusion of more space in your trendy new loft. Painting a single wall of stripes, alternating between gloss and flat paint in the same hue, or making a statement with a deep grey wall amidst a minty green room are just three simple solutions to creating unexpected space.

Furniture

Here we see a bed with lots of storage underneath, perfect for loft living. Image c/o homes.ninemsn.com.au

When it comes to choosing furniture for your loft, it is important to think of how you’re going to use it, and how much space it is going to take up. Does that new bed come with drawers underneath, or foldout storage behind the headrest? Choosing a dining room table with adjustable sizing is always beneficial for those who enjoy hosting dinner parties or need to work on larger projects. Furniture pieces with wheels also prove to be more versatile, for instance allowing a roll able desk to transform into a makeshift TV dinner table on a lazy evening.

Make use of any nooks

Look at the brightly painted closet workspace in this photo. Who wouldn’t want something like this? Image c/o houzz.com

When living in a small space, it’s essential to use all the nooks and crannies that it features. Turning an extra closet into a simple workstation is an easy way to transform an unused space. Build the desk into the wall and add a few shelves above your workstation to make it complete! Changing the doors to a curtain or accordion style creates a more open and welcoming feel, but also allows for a quick clean up.

Installing sheer curtains or making use of a room divider is another solution to creating a nook. This is a great way to store some unsightly items in an otherwise open area. Is there not enough room to store your laundry hamper in the closet? Place it behind your makeshift nook along with installing a shelf or two to store your laundry detergent and drying rack, and you’ve made yourself a mini (hidden) laundry room!

Storage

Handy built-in shelving can help clear your washroom of clutter. Image c/o shelving-ideas.com

For many people living in lofts, the biggest complaint is storage, or in other words, there seems to be nowhere to hide your clutter, which may include embarrassing fashion choices that you still can’t seem to part with (parachute pants will come back in style). Choosing furniture with storage makes a huge difference, along with choosing a piece that you’ll enjoy looking at, but which serves an equally functional purpose, such as storing away your old receipts. To save a few pennies, making your own shelving is a feasible option. This can be a great option for the bathroom, where a narrow built-in shelving unit could be the answer to all your problems. Investing in stylish canisters and small wicker baskets can also be a foolproof way to hide your cotton balls and q-tips.

Keep the natural light in

Sheer curtains allow plenty of natural light to filter in. Image c/o houzz.com

Now that you’ve secured your stylishly chic condo in the city, don’t become a hobbit and cover up your windows with heavy, dark drapery. One of the perks of living in a loft is all the natural light it provides. So instead of heavy drapery we suggest opting for sheer panels or shutters that will allow you to control the incoming light as you prefer.

Adding mirrors into your loft is also a foolproof way to allow more light to dance around your space. Not only will this keep the natural light in, but it is also a staple designer trick used to visually expand a smaller space.

Sources:

http://www.bobvila.com/articles/298-how-to-decorate-a-loft/pages/1

http://www.lifescript.com/life/timeout/at-home/10_tips_for_decorating_a_loft.aspx

http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/lifestyle-bloggers-spatially-challenged-loft-design-tips/pictures/index.html

The Prague Deli gets new owner, changes name

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Image c/o Toronto Life

Prague European Kitchen has been in business for over 40 years, located in the heart of the Queen West community. In August 2012, new owner Dejan Lazic took over the restaurant. His career includes past stints at the Rosewater Supper Club, the Oliver-Bonacini Group, and Czehoski, another Queen West restaurant. The newly renovated deli looks brighter and features beautiful hardwood and laminate tables. The atmosphere is very relaxed and casual.

The Prague European Kitchen offers all the homey Czech cuisine that one would expect including dumplings, schnitzels, cabbage rolls and palacinkys. Head chef, Jake Paradis has created a menu which combines traditional Prague gourmet with the social habits of the modern city-dweller. His earliest experiences involved time spent in his Slovenian grandmother’s kitchen. He then worked for Oliver-Bonacini’s Jump Restaurant before moving to the Prague European Kitchen.

Some of their mains include: the goulash ($12), the classic chicken or weiner schnitzel ($12.50) and the Czech smoker ($8.50) which is house smoked pulled ham hock, smoked Edam, Russian dressing served on caraway rye. Ingredients are locally sourced.

Visit the Prague European Kitchen if you’re in the mood for comfort food at reasonable prices! They are open late most days.

638 Queen   Street West, 416-504- 5787, Monday 10 a.m – 6 p.m, Tue – Wed 10 a.m – 10 p.m, Thu – Sat: 10 a.m – 11 p.m, Sun 10 a.m – 5 p.m. http://pragueto.wordpress.com/

Sources:

http://pragueto.wordpress.com/

http://www.torontolife.com/daily/daily-dish/restauranto/2012/09/06/the-prague-renovation/

https://twitter.com/PragueT_O

 

This exciting DIY project will have your walls dripping with colour this summer

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Image c/o Derona Gratis.

If the summer heat has got you down and you’re feeling like kicking around at home this weekend, we have an exciting DIY idea that will add a splash of colour to your condo and help to relieve your seasonal doldrums.

Based on a similar DIY project by 700 Spin, which challenges crafty pros to take crayons, put them on canvas, and melt them with a hair dryer as they streak down the surface, Derona from Design Gratis offers a twist that caters to beginner and expert level DIY-ers alike.

To make your own piece of “drip drop art,” swap the crayons for watercolour paints, procure a canvas and frame, and get to work, following these instructions by Derona herself:

On your canvas, sketch out perimeters and mark even spaced circles at the top of the canvas where you would like your drops to start. Then, allow the brush to move freely down the canvas from each markers’ starting point. After a few hours of meticulous (or, free flowing) effort, suddenly, voilà, you are a true artiste!

Have the creative inspiration to decorate a new home or condo, but lacking in the possession of said condo? Contact our office at (416) 929-1660 or via email at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com. We would love to assist you in your search for that perfect home!

Sources:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/diy-drip-drop-art-design-gratis-174066

http://designgratislondon.blogspot.ca/2012/07/drip-drop-art.html

Crush is truly a premier wine bar

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Image c/o crushwinebar.com

 

Located at 455 King Street West, Crush is a stylish wine bar near Quad Lofts. This former factory space turned trendy wine bar not only offers great wine, but also a great seasonal menu.

The crowd mainly consists of business casual 30-somethings who drop by for lunch or a quick drink.

The menu was created by Executive Chef Trista Sheen and incorporates organic meats and fresh produce from local farms. Some starters include the Steak Tartar ($16), Endive Salad ($12). Entrées include items such as the Roasted Halibut ($29) and the Beet Barley Risotto ($25).

Sommelier Tiffany Jamieson-Home is in charge of the wine collection. Guests can choose from over 600 labels in stock and more than 60 wines by the glass. She is also on hand to help guests choose wines that will best accompany their meals.

Crush also has a great patio for those who would rather dine outside.

Check out this premier wine bar near Quad Lofts for a great casual dining experience.

If you like the idea of living around Quad Lofts, feel free to contact us for more information. Call us at (416) 929-1660 or email us at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com. We would be happy to help with your search for the perfect condo!

Sources:

http://crushwinebar.com/

http://www.torontolife.com/features/crush-wine-bar/

http://torontocitygossip.com/crush-wine-bar/

Le Select offers diners a true taste of Paris in the heart of Toronto

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Le jardin. Image c/o Le Select Bistro

With the idea of environmental sustainability becoming more and more relevant amidst our increasingly smoggy city, it is comforting to know that many establishments throughout Toronto are taking initiative and becoming more eco friendly. This is particularly true near Quad Lofts, where residents can be assured that their air is getting a little bit fresher due to the numerous restaurants switching their methods of production. One of these restaurants is Le Select Bistro, a French eatery nestled right at the corner of Wellington and Spadina, just minutes away from Quad Lofts.

At Le Select, the chefs and owners believe strongly in the idea that what we ingest has a significant impact on how we feel. This has led them to support only those farmers that grow their vegetables without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, and raise livestock free of hormones, growth promotants, or antibiotics. They also purchase fish only from sustainable aquaculture or fisheries, and eggs only from pasteurized hens. These strict ingredient criteria ensure that all food served to guests are healthy for them and for the environment- an ideology that is often lost in our fast-food-based culture.

It should be noted that being environmentally-conscious does not equate to being bland. Rather, it is quite the opposite, since produce is always picked seasonally, or, at its peak ripeness. This helps explain why Le Select has been praised for its outstanding menu by celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver!

Here are some of the dishes that have made Le Select so successful:

  • Kale salad with fresh Ontario sheep cheese from Monforte
  • Wild boar mortadelle with pickled quail egg
  • Ontario lamb neck with spring vegetables
  • Grilled mackerel with fava beans and fennel
  • Steamed fresh water salmon on quinoa salad
  • Grassfed bison tartare
  • Mussels steamed in Maudite (a strong ale from Quebec)

If sustainability, celebrity praise, and exquisite food is still not enough to convince you, perhaps their wine list will. Le Select is home to a remarkable 15,000 bottles of wine from over 1,000 different labels, making it the largest inToronto. Possessing wines dating all the way back to 1947, it is no wonder that newspapers, magazines, and radio stations have all repeatedly recommended Le Select Bistro for dinner.

If you have any questions regarding Quad Lofts or any other residence in Toronto, please don’t hesitate to contact Axon Capital Realty at (416) 929-1660 or email us at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com. We’d be happy to assist you in your search!