Musicstar

I have always considered myself to be a west-side Toronto boy. I've never lived anywhere East of Younge. I have lived on Queen West (near Spadina), Bloor/Annex (near Honest Eds) and College (near Little Italy). For the past three years, however, I have been keeping it real in a beautiful apartment in Dundas West.

A common conversation I seem to be having with my friends these days is why this neighbourhood is so great to live in. In fact, for me this neighbourhood feels more like home day after day than where I grew up in Aurora.

Yesterday, while walking home from work, I started to list in my head ('cause making lists is what the kids do these days) of the reasons why I love that Dundas West is where I call home. And of course I am now going to present my argument here (in no particular order):

• Cafe Brasiliano — I just so happen to live around the corner from the best place to get a cup of coffee! Smiles, nicknames and good brew first thing in the morning means I can survive waking up.
• Proximity to Kensington Market — I think I've always gravitated to being near this place but never living in it. I hold hippies in the same regard as babies: "They're great when you don't have to take them home!" The reality is that Kensington Market is both a great place to get food and has a great sense of community.
• Communist Daughter — A small bar with the best goddam jukebox in Toronto. Other great places to get liquored include: Magpies and The Press Club.
• Location, Location, Location — Dundas West is pretty darn close to anything an indie kid could want: Queen Street venues such as the Cameron House, Horseshoe and Rivoli or College Street venues such as Sneaky Dee's, Rancho Relaxco, Silver Dollar and the El Mocambo.
• musa — I also just so happen to live around the corner from the best place to get an eggs benny for weekend brunch. I'm not joking, I take brunch very seriously! Also features a fun and wonderful staff and host of other great things to eat for dinner. I should also add that other great places to eat include: The Sidedoor Cafe, Ciccio's and The Lakeview Lunch.
• Hipsters (or the lack there of) — Dundas West is home to artsy types such as musicians and writers as well as down-to-earth professions such as lawyers and academics. I do not worry about dressing up to go to the corner store or to grab some food. Hoodies and embarassing t-shirts away!
• Trinity Bellwoods Park — The perfect way to waste a day doing nothing but nothing!
• Safe, Friendly and Family — Aside from the non-Hipsters the neighbourhood is made up of families mainly of Portuguese and Chinese descent. Great neighbours. Little to no crime. There are always friendly faces on the streets making me feel safe.