Not only does Stella Kim sell vintage jeans, but vintage runs in her genes as well. Kim recently opened high-end consignment shop Haute Classics (with co-owner Jina Han) but says her love of vintage started young and started in the family. “My mother was a vintage collector. I’ve been inspired by vintage all my life,” says Kim (946 Yonge St., 416-922-7900).
At new Eglinton Way restaurant the Loving Hut, even the French fries are good for you. “Organic, vegan food is not only healthy, but helps the environment,” says co-owner Vinh Lu. The restaurant offers a completely vegan fare, with most meals on the asian fusion menu, such as sushi or a sandwich, costing an average of $8 (953 Eglinton Ave. W., 416-782-4449).
While EDO is celebrating 10 years at its current Eglinton location, the restaurant line dates back more than 20, to when Japanese cuisine was all but a rarity in Hogtown. “When we first started Japanese cuisine, it was almost unknown,” says owner Barry Chaim. Now, many enjoy the EDO specialities such as the tiger tuna (484 Eglinton Ave. W., 416-322-3033).
Kirby Azuma takes his coffee black. But he says it’s just a coincidence that he named his new St. Clair West coffee shop Noir Coffee and Tea. This is Azuma’s first time entering the coffee business after a life in the information technology industry. Noir Coffee offers Fair Trade drinks, gourmet espresso and a laid-back atmosphere (701 St. Clair Ave. W., 416-651-8302).
Named after the landmark front door at Che Bella Spa, Red Door is an after-hours foot massage business run out of the same location. “We realized there was this amazing space that just sat empty all night long,” says co-owner Lucy Demma (10 Castle Knock Rd., 416-485-1225).