Naco just opened up on Dundas St. west of Dufferin a few weeks ago. It’s a friendly, eclectic little coffee shop that serves authentic Mexican food. The owner is originally from Mexico, and he has given the place a warm vibe. The menu is small and the food is excellent. I highly recommend a little Mexican bite when you stop in for coffee.

Technorati Tags: Cafe, coffee, delicious, Dundas Street , espresso, local business, mexican, pastries, Brockton Village, Toronto

One of the reasons I love living in Toronto at this particular time is the growing energy going into making the city a truly great place to live. There’s an increasing interest amongst everyday citizens in civic issues: topics like housing, transit, streetscapes, art, outdoor life, pollution, and economic vitality are fast becoming part of everyone’s sphere of interest.[1] And just as importantly, there’s an increasing willingness and capacity to change things. Unlike many other cities I’ve visited, Toronto is a place where you can actually change the way the city works, and accomplish it in your lifetime. It’s a huge reason to live here.

If this line of thinking resonates with you, and you’ve been seeking ways to get more engaged within the city, there is a program you need to know about: The City of Toronto is launching the “Urban Fellows Program“, an initiative aimed at attracting new high caliber professionals to the Toronto Public Service.

As I understand it, it’s one half boot-camp, one half incubator for smart people who want to make the city better. Participants get “an intensive introduction to the governance, operations and administration of Canada’s largest city through a combination of full-time work experience and participation in a series of seminars, tours and workshops.”

The program is one year long, with two six-month rotations in city positions. They’re seeking Masters – and Ph.D.-level experience, although that doesn’t seem to be an absolute requirement… I read it as, “we want whip-smart, well-educated people who are fired up about making the city better”. There are a limited number of positions. And it’s paid: the salary is almost $62K, some serious cash.

I love this concept, and I hope they net some really great thinkers. Applications are due May 30, and the first cohort starts this September. Please help spread the word.

—

This post is also cross-posted on MyOwnPirateRadio.

[1] I readily admit to being biased by the people I surround myself with.

It’s good news for Toronto that its best espresso bar in town is a moving target. Something new and interesting opens up every month.

In truth we have a long way to go before this city is anywhere close to saturation on great coffee and ambiance. Where I lived in Seattle previously we had 4 fantastic coffee bars within a 3 minute walk. That may seem like a lot… but they were all busy from open to close, and bustling with people from all walks of life. It was like having a second living room: you knew you would always run into new people but there was something familiar and comforting about being there.

So… to the point…Dark Horse Espresso Bar strikes again. This time even better. Their new space is right below the Centre for Social Innovation (where we work) at 215 Spadina and it is beautiful!
A perfect location since there is very little good coffee nearby unless you trek up to Kennsington Market.

Hurray!

Technorati Tags: Cafe, coffee, croissant, delicious, espresso, latte, pastries, chinatown, Toronto

Check out this luxury streetcar stop. What a delight: sitting in style in a wind-shaded area awaiting your transportation into the city.

Good news: Ezra’s Pound has expanded south from it’s original Dupont location. The new location is on Dundas St W at the corner of Bellwoods Ave. right near the park. They will be roasting their own coffee beans at the new shop as well. The new site offers fantastic coffee, hot chocolate, baked goodies and sandwiches. They also have a patio, which I look forward to using as the weather warms up.