Local Vietnamese restaurant is un‘pho’gettable

Plus … New jean store brings Denmark’s best to Bayview

For Jason Ching, new Vietnamese restaurant WonderPho isn’t just a business, it’s a chance to explore his roots. “My mother grew up in the food business. When she immigrated to Canada, she fell into something else,” says Ching, who adds that his mother has been helping him perfect his pho and stir-fry dishes (865 York Mills Rd., 647-352-5777).

Jack & Jones, a Denmark clothing company specializing in jeans, has just opened its first Toronto location at Fairview Mall. The store is best known for Italian denim. “We’ve had people say they were travelling in Lebanon and saw a location there and that they’re so happy we’re here now,” says manager Ashley Bronsard (1800 Sheppard Ave. E., 416-756-4747).

After years in the music business, Rob Hamilton decided it was time to wake up and smell the flowers. Five years ago he bought Aberdeen Florists, now celebrating its 100th year in business. He says many of his customers have been coming for years: “They’ll say ‘You did the flowers for my wedding; now it’s our 50th anniversary’” (1997 Leslie St., 416-441-3131).

Jenny To was tired of having to travel downtown every time she craved a crepe, which is why last month she opened Pastel, a creperie and dessert house. To and her brother Johnny spent months perfecting the different savoury and sweet options, such as the frankfurter sausage crepe and the strawberry shortcake crepe (5417 Yonge St., 647-352-5588).

Natural Creations Salon recently opened its doors in North York. Owner David Yu says his aim is to provide high-quality hair and makeup. Hair extensions are a specialty; they involve hand-braiding the hair for hours (5492 Yonge St., 647-349-8880).

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