Basil Thai Kitchen has the best sole fish with okra and tamarind sauce, but you might never have stepped past the cacti in the window.
Joseph can sew your wedding dress into a cocktail outfit, but you likely have never noticed his shop Four Seas Fashion Tailor (2193 Danforth).
NaNa Florist specializes in Japanese ikebana flower arrangements and it delivers across the city for just $10. Have you ever ordered from them?
These are just a few of our neighbourhood’s hidden gems.
We want to celebrate them! And we need you to help us!
This Thursday, we are launching DECA’s inaugural Danforth Gems competition.
It will last a month. At the end, the business we crown as our neighbourhood’s hidden gem will win a free marketing prize pack, with designers, a PR and website specialist, professional stagers and photographers.
It could mean a whole new look for them, and new publicity, so they no longer remain hidden.
THIS IS HOW THE COMPETITION WORKS:
Nominate your favourite hidden gem within DECA boundaries. DECA’s borders are Main Street (east), Lumsden/Mortimer (north), Monarch Park, (west) and the train tracks (south).
Tell us why it is a gem, how it is hidden, and why it deserves this prize pack.
Send us a photo, if you want.
You can nominate it on Facebook (DanforthEastCommunityAssociation), Twitter (@decadiaries using the hashtag #DECAgems) or by e-mail at DECAgems@gmail.com.
On May 8, we will choose the top four contestants.
Then a week later, our panel of celebrity judges will choose the winner.
What do we mean celebrity judges? Well, CBC music columnist Errol Nazareth, Spacing Magazine founder and publisher Matt Blackett, restaurateur and Guinness Record holding Oyster shucker Pat McMurray, Kim Mitchell Band keyboardist Ray Coburn, Danforth Mosaic BIA chair Billy Dertilis, DECA chair Sheri Hebdon & past chair Anita Schretlen. (The last two are celebrities to us.)
Get involved. Unearth your buried treasure in the neighbourhood!
I nominate quattro4ragazze restaurant because of the most authentic Sicilian food entrees in the east end.. delicious and traditional.. not to mention the homelike environment and friendly service.. A meel at quarrro4ragazze is like a meel mad by MAMMA.
Thank’s.
Robert Arangio
I would like to nominate quattro4ragazze restaurant at 1792 Danforth Ave. for being the top Italian restaurant in the east end. It is truly a gem! Every item that I have had on the menu is exquisite! Beautifully presented with deliciously seasoned flavours that are so amazing! The service is wonderful and friendly. You are made to feel welcomed & relaxed…like you are one of the family. And the desserts and espresso are simply the best! A perfect destination for a special occasion or a casual evening out. It’s my favourite!
Susan Gattoni
Absolutely agree about Quattro 4 Ramaze the food is delicious and the family so warm and welcoming ❤️ Eating dinner there again tonight …can’t wait!!
1792 Danforth Ave.
Had a Valentine’s dinner there and they treated us like gold.great homestyle Italian!
I’d like to nominate Face to Face Games on Danforth at Woodbine. It’s hidden up above the Pizza Pizza location. It’s a hidden gem because it provides a safe place for so many of the community’s kids to hang after school and on weekends playing fantasy card games like Magic: The Gathering or board games. They serve healthy snack choices. Families can drop in too and learn to play games. Staff are friendly and generous with their time, teaching the games they know. I brought a Beaver Scout colony there one week and a great time was had by all. And unlike other similar game stores, there’s no hourly fee, or minimum purchase. It’s a great addition to our community!
I nominate Artisans at Work. I have the best purse in the world made by a woman who immigrated to our neighbourhood from the Congo. Her name is Sandra Mushale. I have the best all natural soap. I have very beautiful jewellery made by the talented Tara Shelton. She also repaired my jewellery and I am getting a wedding ring makeover. First Friday’s is a blast. I have met so many talented artists. This shop has inspired me to paint more. Super hidden gem. Love this place.
I apologize for the mistake in the name of restaurant should read as follows:
Quattro 4 Ragazze
I nominate The Bartending School Of Ontario always have fun there learn new things every day and all at a great price
It is my pleasure to nominate the Yoga House, a gem which has been creating more conscious community, wholesome & mindful living, improving health & wellness & bringing yoga to youths in High School only to mention a few inspired activities & contributions. Namaste Andre
Legacy Indoor Cycling at Danforth and Coxwell is a party and a workout in one!
I nominate http://theyogahouse.ca/ as a jewel in a ravine setting for all your Yoga and Fitness needs with the ever inspiring Celeste.
Make sure to send your nominations by email to decagems@gmail.com, or visit the “nominations here” post on our facebook page and use the hashtag #DECAgems