11 Yorkville by RioCan Living, Metropia, Capital Developments: Official Website

Yorkville’s Historic Journey from Hippie Hangout to Luxury Haven

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Toronto’s chic Yorkville neighbourhood is well-known for its designer boutiques, upscale hotels, swanky restaurants and world-class museums and galleries, but it wasn’t always that way. The area surrounding Yonge and Bloor has gone through an incredible transformation over the last 60 years, evolving from a bohemian hippie enclave into an internationally acclaimed cultural hotspot.

Today, Yorkville delights visitors and residents with its hidden gems and unique urban landscape. Read on to immersive yourself in the rich history of this storied Toronto community and uncover local legends and fascinating facts from past and present.

Yorkville’s Bohemian Backstory

Once a quaint suburban village annexed to the City of Toronto, Yorkville flourished as a hippie haven in the 1960s and became the centre of Canada’s bohemian counter-culture movement, not unlike New York’s Greenwich Village or San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury district. The neighbourhood’s affordable real estate and emerging art scene drew crowds of rebellious youths and barefoot vagabonds who travelled from across the country to partake in the culture of free love and mind-altering psychedelic drugs.

Stately Victorian homes were transformed into avant-garde coffee houses and nightclubs that hosted live poetry readings, experimental art and live music performances. Perhaps the most iconic local landmark during Yorkville’s hippie era was the Riverboat Coffee House, an intimate basement venue where Canadian folk legends like Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot and Bruce Cockburn graced the stage early in their careers. Singer Neil Young even immortalized the beloved Riverboat Coffee House in his song Ambulance Blues.

In the early 1970s, improved transit routes and a real estate boom ushered in a new era of urban development and gentrification in the Yorkville neighbourhood. As property values increased, the coffee houses and live music venues were replaced with upscale high-rises, office towers and designer department stores. In turn, Yorkville’s hippie residents migrated to rural communes outside of the city and the neighbourhood began to emerge as one of Toronto’s most luxurious addresses.

Photo courtesy Bloor-Yorkville BIA

From Parking Lot to Urban Paradise

Today the Village of Yorkville Park is a popular open-air gathering place, but there’s more to this grassy spot than meets the eye. The Victorian houses that once occupied the site were demolished during the construction of the Bloor subway line in the 1960s and were replaced with a surface parking lot. In fact, Canadian songstress Joni Mitchell was inspired by this very corner of Yorkville when she infamously sang “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot” in her hit song Big Yellow Taxi. The parking lot at Cumberland Street and Bellair Street stood for decades before it was transformed into the Village of Yorkville Park that we know today.

The lush community greenspace is the result of an international design competition and features a number of distinctive landscaping elements, including a 700-ton piece of Muskoka granite transplanted from the Canadian Shield, a fountain designed to mimic a rain curtain, and 11 geographically unique plant gardens. Each plot has been designed to showcase a different element of the Canadian landscape (upland forests, crab-apple orchards, marshy wetlands and more) and garden borders trace the former property lines of the heritage homes that once stood on the land.

Photo courtesy Instagram / @stephkphoto

Bay Station’s Secret Subway Platform

Located in the heart of Yorkville at the corner of Bay and Bloor, Bay subway station is a busy transit hub packed with shoppers, tourists, office workers and neighbourhood locals. But did you know there is a secret subway platform hidden directly below the hustle and bustle of the Bloor Danforth line? The long-abandoned Lower Bay station was used for just six months in 1966 as an interchange station between Lines 1 and 2 before it was ultimately sealed off due to connectivity issues. Accessible only via unmarked fire doors, the forgotten TTC station is now known for its eerie ambiance and is rumoured to be haunted by supernatural spirits.

Today, the Lower Bay platform is closed to the public and is used predominantly for employee training, though the station is available for private bookings, film shoots and is occasionally unlocked for curious visitors during special cultural events such as the annual Doors Open Toronto festival and Nuit Blanche.

Photo courtesy Instagram / @nervosato

An A-List Hideaway for Visiting Celebrities

With numerous five-star hotels and glamorous fine dining options, it’s no surprise Yorkville is a hub for famous faces. Many visiting celebrities don’t necessarily want to ‘see and be seen’ but it is possible to do some star spotting in the neighbourhood – you just have to know where to look. The Hazelton, an exclusive boutique hotel on Yorkville Avenue, is a good place to start. The luxury hotel has seen the likes of Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck check in for a night; Mark Wahlberg even purchased a $12 million penthouse suite at the property back in 2011.

Yorkville’s upscale dining rooms are also a great place to catch a glimpse of visiting pop stars and movie legends. Italian eatery Trattoria Nervosa is a reputed low-key celebrity hangout where Beyoncé and Jay Z have been photographed and longstanding restaurant Sassafraz has hosted Denzel Washington, Bruce Willis, Meg Ryan and many more A-list actors. And while Drake (arguably Toronto’s most notorious resident and unofficial hype man) sold his Yorkville condominium back in 2013, he can still be found in the ‘hood dining at Sotto Sotto – a go-to celebrity eatery that the rapper often name-drops in his lyrics.

A storied spot rich in history and brimming with personality, it’s easy to see why Yorkville is considered one of Toronto’s most fascinating neighbourhoods.

*The cover photo is courtesy of blogTO.com

Introducing Penthouse Living at 11YV

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It’s time. At long last, the day has arrived when you are ready to make the leap to the upper echelon of world luxury.

Welcome to the Penthouse Suites of 11YV, Yorkville’s newest enclave of chic high above the city lights. This is your new haute haven, a new level of refinement, your entrance to top-tier condo living in downtown Toronto. On floors 61 and 62 of this elegant tower, you can make a home at the top of the world, the full urban landscape stretching out before you in all directions.

There’s room at the top

These dynamic Penthouses feature towering 10-foot ceilings, wood flooring, contemporary trim, built-in shelving, subtle and sexy pendant lighting—the very height of sophistication. Upgraded finishes and exclusive details make living this 11YV life even more special.

Designer touches throughout by Toronto-based global design firm Cecconi Simone inject consummate opulence. Kitchens are elevated with elements such as backlit, tinted-glass cabinetry, a white marble island and marble backsplashes. Built-in appliances are so subtle you barely know they’re there. A Sub-Zero refrigerator-freezer and wine fridge impress alongside a Miele range, wall oven, microwave and dishwasher. In the spa bathrooms, floating vanities and integrated stone sinks exude serenity, further softened by recessed lighting, polished chrome and tinted glass.

An extension of your life

As for the building itself, the design of 11YV speaks volumes—about the environment and about you. Right from the moment you step into the soaring lobby, diffused by delicate light from spiraling crystal installations, everything says: You’ve arrived.

Amenities take the true sense of stylish urbanity a step further than most. A fine wine-tasting room, intimate piano lounge, comfortable and convenient business gallery, chef’s kitchen and theatre are key touchpoints in your new lifestyle, offering room to expand—your space away from Penthouse pleasures. A state-of-the-art fitness studio and luxurious change rooms complete with hammam spas can first rev you up, then let you down slow and easy. And total relaxation is guaranteed when the set-dressings for an indoor-outdoor infinity pool include a waterfall, hot tub and fireplace.

The view is good from here

As for the neighbourhood itself, Yorkville is a global destination—cool, cultured, bustling and vibrant—you’ll wonder how you ever considered living anywhere else. With the endless luxury retail shopping, incredible culinary delights, internationally revered museums, comforting spas, and arts and culture galore, you will never want for something to do.

Both Yorkville and a 11YV Penthouse together can set you in the gallery of a unique and scintillating world all your own. If home is where the heart is, you’re going to love it here.

Book your private appointment to visit our Presentation Gallery and experience 11YV for yourself by calling 416.639.6807.

Stylish Yorkville shops to refresh your spring wardrobe

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With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s time to retire your heavy winter coat and chunky knit sweaters and pick up some pretty new pieces for spring. Toronto’s chic Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood has an abundance of stylish clothing boutiques where men and women can shop for waterproof outerwear, practical layering pieces and brightly coloured basics to usher in the new season.

Pay a visit to these five neighbourhood apparel shops just a short stroll from 11YV and give your closet a spring refresh with timeless wardrobe essentials and of-the-moment trends.

Suit Supply

Photo courtesy of Suit Supply

Sophisticated gentlemen looking for a bespoke experience can visit this Yorkville boutique to suit up for spring. Specializing in made-to-measure suits with more than 1,000 fabrics to choose from, Suit Supply is a sartorial mecca for Yorkville’s well-dressed set. Dapper dudes can select their preferred textile and design details – customizing everything from buttons to pocket shape, lapel width and lining. In addition to its tailor-made suits, shirts, trousers, jackets, waistcoats and tuxedos, the Hazelton Avenue store also offers a variety of contemporary separates, footwear and accessories. Give your spring wardrobe an easy update and make a statement with a pair of patterned socks and a colourful pocket square.

Black Goat Cashmere

Photo courtesy of Black Goat Cashmere

A favourite spot for luxuriously soft staples, Black Goat Cashmere on Bloor Street stocks hand-finished garments for men and women, all made with 100-percent sustainable cashmere. For ladies, pastel-hued sweater sets, maxi skirts (with pockets!) and flouncy shawls make the perfect pretty-meets-practical additions to your wardrobe. Meanwhile, the gents will appreciate the seriously soft selection of light-weight crew-neck sweaters, ribbed hoodies and contemporary cardigans for springtime layering.

Burberry

Photo courtesy of Burberry

Need practical outerwear for those April showers? British heritage brand Burberry is internationally renowned for its quintessential trench coats and signature plaid. The brand’s iconic trenches – available in five distinct silhouettes with varying lengths, colours, pockets and adjustable belts – are timeless investment pieces that are built-to-last. Burberry’s signature raincoats are manufactured in the United Kingdom using a polished and practical weatherproof cotton designed to keep coats water and wind resistant. For an alternative look, lightweight quilted jackets for guys and gals make the perfect outer layer for a crisp spring day. The global designer brand also offers a selection of fine-crafted essentials for men and women, including classic polos, Western-style button-down shirts and chic leather goods to complete your closet.

CNTRBND

Photo courtesy of CNTRBND

Those who know, know. Cutting-edge menswear shop CNTRBND (pronounced ‘Contraband’) carries hip labels and coveted streetwear from Asia and Europe, attracting a young, urban clientele who visit to stock up on anything-but-basic pieces. The stark, white-washed showroom is the ideal minimalist backdrop for the shop’s inventory of graphic t-shirts and hoodies, lightweight outerwear and raw denim from brands like Acne Studios, Raf Simons, Dries Van Noten, Thom Browne, Off-White and Helmut Lang. Incorporate some cool new duds into your spring wardrobe with CNTRBND’s mix of haute-couture designer labels and niche streetwear items for a truly dynamic aesthetic.

Eleventy

Photo courtesy of Eleventy

The first North American location for upscale Italian label Eleventy, this Yorkville’s boutique boasts a gorgeous collection of Euro-chic apparel, footwear, leather goods and accessories for discerning men and women. Overseen by creative directors Paolo Zuntini and Marco Baldassari, the made-in-Italy collections bring elegance to your everyday wardrobe in the form of tailored jackets, crisp Bermuda shorts and linen trousers, feminine silk blouses and more, all made with the highest level of craftsmanship. This is investment dressing at its finest.

From contemporary casual wear to sophisticated suits, Yorkville is a top shopping destination for Toronto’s fashion-forward residents. Take a stroll through the neighbourhood’s charming clothing boutiques and you’ll find everything you need for a spring wardrobe refresh, steps away from your new home at 11YV.

Call 416.639.6807 to book your private appointment at the 11YV Presentation Gallery today.

Romantic Restaurants in Yorkville for Date-Night Dining

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With narrow winding streets, charming Victorian architecture and a plethora of elegant fine-dining destinations and fashionable eateries, Yorkville is the ideal place to enjoy a night out with your special someone. Whether you’re spoiling your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day, commemorating a milestone anniversary or simply enjoying a ‘just because’ meal together, these five romantic restaurants near 11YV provide the ideal backdrop for a memorable evening in one of Toronto’s most luxurious neighbourhoods.

Chabrol


Photo courtesy of Chabrol

With sparkling chandeliers, tables lit by candlelight, the mood is set for romance at this glittering Yorkville boîte. Located down a hidden alleyway off Yorkville Avenue, Chabrol attracts a well-heeled crowd enamoured by the restaurant’s enchanting ambiance and chef Doug Penfold’s ambitious French bistro fare. While the menu changes frequently, the restaurant’s signature ttoro has been on offer since day one and is a must-try. Originating from the Basque region of France, this humble fisherman’s stew receives an elevated treatment from the talented culinary team in the petite-but-mighty kitchen. The bouillabaisse-style stew wows with layered, complex flavours and spices that demand to be enjoyed with a crisp glass of white wine and your favourite person.

Sotto Sotto


Photo courtesy of BlogTO

Open since 1993, Ristorante Sotto Sotto is a Toronto institution that has attracted celebrity clientele and a who’s-who of the city for decades (416 golden boy Drake even name-drops the restaurant in multiple songs). A true special-occasion spot, the walls of the storied trattoria are adorned with painterly Italian frescos and colourful snapshots of the many Hollywood stars who have dined at the restaurant over the years.

Rather than reinventing the classics, the kitchen pays homage to traditional Southern Italian cuisine with a menu of fresh salads and antipasti, handmade pastas (available in small or large portions) and entrées such as steak, veal and fresh seafood. Date-night diners can ramp up the romance with risotto for two – a true taste of the Amalfi coast made with an amorous melange of carnaroli rice, succulent seafood, white wine and rich tomato sauce.

Brothers


Photo courtesy of Brothers Food & Wine

A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it doorway just steps away from the entrance to Bay Station reveals the long narrow interior of Toronto’s critically acclaimed Brothers Food & Wine. The restaurant’s deceptively non-descript exterior belies the exceptional culinary experience within. An intimate smattering of communal tables and bar seating gives Brothers a relaxed, convivial energy that can make you feel as though the city around you has disappeared, save for the soft rumblings of the Bloor subway line below.

The food menu changes daily – skewing toward beautifully simple Mediterranean dishes that emphasize seasonality and local suppliers. Plates of marinated olives, crusty sourdough, slow-roasted lamb shank and pillowy gnocchi are thoughtfully prepared and intended to be paired with a glass of vino and good conversation. The impressive-yet-accessible wine list features varietals from Italian producers with special attention paid to biodynamic and natural wines.

Alobar


Photo courtesy of Alobar

Sister restaurant to the much-lauded Alo, Yorkville’s swish and sophisticated Alobar may appear to be a cocktail bar at first glance, but the ambitious menu reveals much more than simple bar snacks. Start your gastronomic date-night adventure with selections from the raw bar: oysters (classic East Coast served with red wine mignonette or Grilled Kusshi with poblano peppers), scallop ceviche and Hamachi tartare are just a few of the notable fresh seafood small plates.

For mains, choose from the best of land and sea with standouts like roasted sea scallops, veal chop and a 32 oz. T-bone steak that should be tackled as a twosome. Polished and professional service ensures an exceptional dining experience while the restaurant’s moody interior – designed by renowned Toronto design firm Commute home – delivers a fashionable mid-century modern sensibility accented with gold light fixtures and plush banquette seating.

Bar Reyna


Photo courtesy of Bar Reyna

Impress your favourite foodie with vibrant dishes, inventive libations and hip lounge vibes at Bar Reyna, one of Yorkville’s favourite snack bars. Housed in a two-storey Victorian home on Cumberland Street, the 80-seat jewel-toned room is both sophisticated and laid-back, offering a wow-worthy interior decked in Moroccan-style lighting and a year-round patio that makes for a romantic hideaway during the warmer months.

Cozy up with your date, order a round of cocktails to start and swoon together over the enticing menu as you decide where the night will take you. Perfect for sharing, the eclectic selection of meze and tapas plates includes Mediterranean dishes like tender lamb shank baklava, halloumi souvlaki with tzatziki, and crispy calamari dusted with chickpea and za’atar spices, all inspired by the unique regional flavours of Greece, Turkey and Spain.

Whether you’re looking for white tablecloths and traditional cuisine or a hip haunt for cool cocktails, Toronto’s chic Yorkville neighbourhood offers an impressive variety of romantic dining options where you can spoil your special someone.

Would you like to live just steps to these Yorkville restos? Call our Presentation Centre to book your private appointment at 416.639.6807 to experience 11YV for yourself.

Yorkville’s newest condo project 11YV stands out at the NAHB Awards

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Riocan, Metropia, and Capital Developments are thrilled to announce that the 11YV condo development at Yonge Street and Yorkville Avenue in Toronto has won a total of 3 Gold awards at last night’s National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) gala in Las Vegas.

The NAHB Awards celebrate North America’s highest achievements in new-home sales and marketing, recognizing the best accomplishments in categories that include everything from model homes and merchandising to websites and promotion. This is without question the industry’s highest honour.

Among the 3 Gold Awards was the most prestigious, Multifamily Community of the Year as well as 7 Silver Awards including:

• Gold: Multifamily Community of the Year
• Gold: Best Computer Generated Sales Tool
• Gold: Best Brochure – Community
• Silver: Best Logo Design
• Silver: Best Graphic Continuity
• Silver: Best Print Ad
• Silver: Best Video – Long Format
• Silver: Best Overall Advertising Campaign
• Silver: Best Presentation Center
• Silver: Best Signage

NAHB winners were announced January 21 at the Nationals Gala, a sold-out awards ceremony held at the iconic Caesars Palace Las Vegas in association with the International Builders Show.

Many thanks to everyone who continues to make 11YV a world renowned success.

Call 416.639.6807 to reserve your private Presentation Centre visit to discover the award-winning 11YV experience in person.

5 Yorkville Restaurants to Visit During Winterlicious

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Toronto’s favourite culinary event of the season is back this month as Winterlicious takes over the city for the 18th consecutive year. There are 206 restaurants participating in the 2020 edition of the annual prix-fixe dining festival, including plenty of must-try eateries near 11 Yorkville where you can tuck into mouth-watering dishes from renowned chefs at a great value.
Pull up a seat at these five Yorkville hotspots from January 31 to February 13 to sample multi-course Winterlicious lunch and dinner menus ranging from $23 to $53.

Café Boulud


Photo courtesy of Café Boulud

When it comes to timeless French fare prepared with an international twist, it doesn’t get much better than Chef Daniel Boulud’s namesake brasserie located inside Yorkville’s swanky Four Seasons Hotel. During the Winterlicious festival, Café Boulud will be hosting three-course lunch ($33) and dinner ($53) services that will give diners a chance to sample Boulud’s award-winning cuisine at an accessible price point. This year’s menu highlights include poached pear and duck confit or mushroom velouté to start, entrees such as potato gnocchi with wild mushrooms and parsnip or classic beef bourguignon, and a delectable dulcey crémeux verrine served with maple whiskey ice cream for dessert.

Kasa Moto


Photo courtesy of Kasa Moto

Elegant Asian cuisine, world-class cocktails and sophisticated service come together at Kasa Moto, a critically acclaimed two-storey restaurant in the heart of Yorkville. The contemporary Japanese dining room will be serving a limited-edition Winterlicious dinner menu ($53) featuring an assortment of small plates, sushi, noodles, meaty mains and decadent sweets. From wagyu gyoza to misoyaki Udon to skirt steak with truffle potatoes, Kasa Moto’s izakaya-inspired offerings are a stand-out option among the menus on offer at this year’s Winterlicious festival.

Planta Yorkville


Photo courtesy of Planta Yorkville

Known for its innovative plant-based cuisine and Instagram-worthy interior, Planta Yorkville is one of Toronto’s go-to dining destinations for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. In honour of the 2020 edition of Winterlicious, Chef David Lee has designed two creative veggie-forward menus featuring fresh, healthful ingredients. On the lunch menu ($23), guests can tuck into artichoke and zucchini fritti, spaghettoni with kale pesto, or funghi pizza. After dark, the dinner menu ($33) includes options like warm rapini salad, gnocchi with cauliflower cream, or Planta’s signature plant-based burger with vegan queso and truffle mushroom sauce.

Sassafraz


Photo courtesy of Sassafraz

Housed in a former Victorian row house on Cumberland Street, Sassafraz is arguably one of the city’s most legendary dining rooms. Open for more than 20 years, the landmark restaurant has become a true Toronto icon renowned worldwide for its sophisticated Canadian cuisine, refined hospitality and romantic atmosphere. This special-occasion spot is sure to be in demand during the Winterlicious festival as the restaurant will be offering exclusive prix-fixe menus for both lunch ($28) and dinner ($43). Notable choices include braised lamb ragu, stuffed acorn squash, and Harrison Co-op roast chicken – all of which are available on both the daytime and evening menus. For dessert, guests can opt for sweet or savoury with a choice of lemon crème caramel, flourless chocolate bar or a selection of Canadian cheeses.

Gatsby by Windsor Arms


Photo courtesy of Gatsby

Nestled inside the historic Windsor Arms hotel, Gatsby is the type of restaurant that transports diners to another place and time. As the name suggests, the plush 1920’s-inspired dining room evokes a Fitzgerald-era aesthetic with plenty of gold accents and Art Deco design details throughout the space. In contrast to the luxe interior, the kitchen here specializes in elevated comfort foods. During this year’s Winterlicious festival, the set lunch ($33) and dinner ($53) menus will feature rustic seasonal dishes like classic French onion soup with gruyere cheese, a hearty roasted chicken with cherry-pecan stuffing, acorn squash with sautéed kale and wild rice, and smooth white chocolate mousse with red velvet sponge.

From refined French cuisine to contemporary Japanese izakaya-style offerings, Winterlicious is the perfect time to enjoy fine dining at the chic restaurants of Yorkville. Reservations open on January 16 so be sure to mark your calendar and save the date for the city’s most anticipated dining event.

7 Chic Boutiques for Holiday Shopping in Yorkville

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‘Tis the season for holiday shopping!
As one of Toronto’s toniest neighbourhoods, Yorkville is home to high-end department stores, independent luxury boutiques and specialty retailers that make it one of the city’s top shopping destinations. Whether you’re picking out presents for your loved ones – or for yourself – you’ll have no trouble finding one-of-a-kind gifts this holiday season at these seven local specialty shops near 11 Yorkville.

Eataly


Photo courtesy of Eataly

When you can shop for artisanal European groceries while snacking on authentic Neapolitan pizza pie, that’s amore! If you want to spoil your favourite foodie this holiday season, you can’t go wrong with a selection of delectable edibles from Eataly, Toronto’s brand new 50,000-square-foot European-inspired food hall and marketplace that spans three full floors of the Manulife Centre at Bay and Bloor. Put together a personalized gift basket featuring a selection of imported goodies from Eataly’s global vendors – cured salumi, dry pasta, extra virgin olive oil, tomato sauce, a chunk of grana Padano, a jar of Castelvetrano olives, Illy coffee beans and decadent desserts – and you’ll have the ultimate Italian gift that’s sure to inspire La Dolce Vita.

Pink Tartan

Duck past the Instagram influencers posing against the pink door and find your way inside this jewel box of a womenswear boutique on Yorkville Avenue. Started by Canadian fashion icon Kimberly Newport-Mimran, Pink Tartan is all about ladylike luxury. On-trend collections feature ruffled blazers, business-ready silk blouses, tailored trousers, smart shift dresses and timeless leather goods. The store also carries a curated selection of home and lifestyle goods that would make for elegant stocking stuffers; think aromatic candles, bath salts and high-end apothecary items.

Laywine’s


Photo courtesy of Laywine’s

As Yorkville’s premier purveyor of fine pens and stationery, Laywine’s is where the analogue-inclined come together to fawn over Italian fountain pens and leather-bound notebooks. Tucked away along Bellair Street, the specialty shop has been in business since 1987 and has been keeping the art of letter writing alive with its sophisticated inventory of pens, pencils, ink and paper products that would definitely delight the calligraphy enthusiasts and font fanatics in your life.

Teatro Verde


Photo courtesy of YorkvilleVillage.com

Shopping for someone who loves to ‘deck the halls’ year-round? Yorkville’s Teatro Verde has been delighting interior design enthusiasts for more than two decades with its gorgeous array of gifts for the home and garden. Owners Shawn Gibson and Michael Pellegrino have curated an elegant collection of unique objects for those who love entertaining at home, including luxurious throw pillows, marble cheese boards, copper-accented kitchenware and darling vintage watering cans. The longstanding shop, which recently moved to a new location in the Manulife Centre, also specializes in stunning floral bouquets and arrangements that would make a perfect hostess gift or a lovely addition to your own dining room table.

La Casa del Habana

Sometimes life demands a good cigar, especially during the holiday season. When it comes to fine Cuban cigars, La Casa del Habano is Yorkville’s smoke shop of choice. The internationally acclaimed specialty store carries a comprehensive collection of authentic Habano cigars and premium smoking accessories, including lighters, cutters, hygrometers, pipes and pipe tobacco, pocket cases, ashtrays and more. La Casa del Habana is also home to Ontario’s largest walk-in humidor and an on-site café where visitors can enjoy a Cuban coffee while sampling new release, vintage and special-edition cigars.

The Detox Market


Photo courtesy of The Detox Market

Help your well-groomed, GOOP-obsessed pal step up their self-care routine with conscious skincare and best-in-class clean beauty brands from The Detox Market. At this all-natural health and wellness boutique, the shelves are lined with spa-worthy serums, moisturizers, cleansers, toners and haircare products designed to leave you feeling refreshed and glowing from the outside in. And if you really want to splurge on that special someone, pick up a bottle of Active Botanical Serum from Vintner’s Daughter; the pricey serum has developed a cult following thanks to its dramatic results when it comes to smoothing fine lines, improving tone and texture, and giving the skin a bright, hydrated appearance.

Over the Rainbow


Photo courtesy of Over the Rainbow

Effortlessly cool fashion is the name of the game at Over the Rainbow, Yorkville’s go-to shopping destination for premium denim brands and contemporary fashion labels for men and women. Searching for the perfect gift for the fellow in your life? You’ll find plaid button-down shirts, slim-fit raw denim, vintage-inspired graphic tees and puffy parkas that make a statement without trying too hard. For gals, shop the racks for faux leather leggings, chunky knit sweaters, flowy boho-chic blouses and minimalist jewelry that’s both trendy and timeless. Over the Rainbow also carries hipster-approved gifts that are perfect for Secret Santa exchanges – think cheeky wine tags, cedar-scented ‘Boy Smells’ candles, durable-yet-chic umbrellas and more.

From imported olives and distressed denim to organic skincare and one-of-a-kind fountain pens, Yorkville’s many specialty retailers will help you find thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list this holiday season.

11YV emits a welcome beacon of shimmering light

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Many people have asked about the breathtaking crystal light art installation in the front window of the Presentation Gallery of the 11YV condominium. The exciting news is that this light sculpture will eventually find a permanent home in the vaulted lobby at 11YV, with companion pieces worked into the luxurious private dining room and other spaces within the complex.

Custom-made for the project by world-renowned Toronto design firm Cecconi Simone, which was responsible for the interior design of 11YV, the timeless art piece was created to convey a feeling of inspired elegance, just like the building itself.

“The crystal light art is representative of the approach to the design of 11YV,” says Elaine Cecconi. “11YV is not simply fulfilling a checklist of amenities but rather creating spaces that are beautiful, inspiring and uplifting. It’s about quality of materials, beautiful lighting and creating a true sense of ‘home.’”

The Presentation Centre installation comprises 6,750 faceted crystals ranging in size, positioned on stainless-steel strands in a variety of compositions. “This re-installed art will vary from 20-foot-long strands over the lobby lounge to an impressive span of 10 feet over the amenity dine space,” Cecconi says.

The cascading strands of crystal appear almost suspended in time, reflecting the light, shimmering like diamonds. Reminiscent of a silent rainfall, the installation’s dramatic proportions are tempered by a delicate, almost ethereal aura, setting a tone of serenity the moment you walk in the door.

“It is both lyrical and magical in the way the crystals reflect light, transformative in how it is perceived—from soft glowing sculpture by day to dynamic high-contrast impact at night,” Cecconi says. “The mirrored ceiling, floor and walls play with perception and a sense of infinity. It is ever-changing and its impression is singular and personal.”

Evoking a sense of grace and refinement, the crystal light art installation is a luxurious artistic touch to 11YV. Elegant, shimmering and inspiring—just like the building itself.

How to Entertain With Ease at 11YV

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Private parties in 11YV’s amenity space in the heart of Yorkville can really draw a crowd.

While friends are always welcome at your comfortable 11YV condominium, there will be times when you need just a bit more space to entertain. A charity-group get-together, a business-associate cocktail hour, a special-occasion dinner with the extended inner circle—these are just a few of the myriad social situations that call for spreading out. Happily, there is lots of room to play in the ample private amenity areas at 11YV.

The soaring vaulted ceiling of the grand lobby makes the all-important first impression, welcoming your guests, steps from vibrant and bustling Yorkville. Noted interior design firm Cecconi Simone, whose exquisite residential and retail work is on full display across Canada and around the world—in high-style nations such as Italy, India, Qatar, America and China—has truly hit it out of the park with 11YV.

For distinguished dinner parties, the opulent Wine Dining Room on Level 4—with its sleek modern look, sophisticated furnishings, seductive lighting and cozy fireplace—sets a stylish scene. The room features a commanding stone table, herringbone-patterned wood flooring and vivid velvet-covered seating. Dramatic yet effective lighting—including glistening chandeliers with crystals that appear suspended in mid-air—lends an ephemeral, art-installation aura. Inviting lounging space, outlined by patterned wool rugs and circular gold tables, props up the fringe areas. This is the perfect spot for a quiet side-chat or an after-dinner brandy.

It’s important to note that while designed for dining and wine-tasting, this elegant room is suitable and extremely convenient for a board meeting or group discussion, a stand-up buffet luncheon, a holiday party or any function—formal or otherwise—that warrants taking the event outside your home.

The multifunctional 11YV Piano Lounge also on Level 4 carries on in the same refined vein, the tables, seats and floor mirroring the Wine Dining Room. Comfortable and intimate, it has the feel of a modern speakeasy, lowly lit and polished to perfection with a bronze-accented library, sumptuous media space, dark walls and a lustrous baby grand piano. This space also pairs well with wine, along with casual cocktails, a birthday party, a club mixer or a business meet-and-greet—whenever you need more elbow room to rub shoulders.

The striking and dramatic Bordeaux Lounge speaks volumes of the vivacious 11YV character—luxurious and even a bit ostentatious. Red velvet and gold tassels, neon, multi-toned reds that flavour every corner, and hushed lighting work together to provide a unique glamour.

For casual cook-offs and bonafide kitchen parties, the TV Lounge and Chef’s Kitchen sits at the ready on Level 3, fully equipped to have the gang over to watch the game or an episode of your favourite show. The same goes for the tiered theatre, with its inviting oversized seating and mood lighting.

Thanks to 11YV’s easy sophistication, your social events seem effortless, like you’ve been planning them for weeks. These welcome add-ons are an extension of both your home and of your lifestyle, well worth sharing. Your guests will remember their time spent with you long after it’s over and look forward to next time. You are in good company, indeed.

Water Works

Exclusive Insights

The indoor/outdoor swimming pool at 11YV is an unequivocal study in total serenity.

Yes, you’ve had unique swimming experiences before, but nothing like this.

The epitome of definitive luxury, the infinity pool on Level 3 at 11YV offers the kind of refinement one would only expect in the spa environs of a five-star hotel—only this is your home. Imagine the tranquility, the moments of quiet solitude, the soothing benefits that emerge from time well spent in the water.

Designed by noted interiors experts Cecconi Simone, the semi-recessed pool draws inspiration from the ancient baths of Greece, creating a minimal yet comfortable atmosphere, grounded by black and white stone walls. The space is perfectly lit with a mix of moonlight and mood lighting, generating a romantic feel that further underlines a sense of both sophistication and serenity. A retractable glass door separates the pool and the outdoor deck, with the pool carrying on underneath it.

A relaxing waterfall feature and an inviting hot tub help ease tired muscles and minds, letting a renewed balance seep into the spa-like undercurrent. A cheerful fireplace banking one wall keeps things cozy in the cooler seasons. This is a place you can really get used to—and you can use it whenever you want.

The pool shares its change rooms with the adjacent state-of-the-art fitness studio. More than mere dressing rooms, they are in effect completely equipped men’s and women’s spas, with elaborate rainhead-experience showers, stone tiling, bronze-tinted mirrors and decadent Hammams that deliver rejuvenation tenfold.

With all the elegance that surrounds you here, it’s easy to forget that swimming is good for you! This rewarding pastime keeps you fit, delivering heart-healthy cardiovascular benefits so you stay in fine form. Swimming is rewarding mentally, too, a chance to turn within and lose yourself, a type of mindful meditation. A visit to the pool can be scheduled for a mid-morning break, to help melt away the cares of the day or to work up an appetite before dinner.

The 11YV swimming pool is also a great place to hang out with a friend for an afternoon of getting caught up. Together time here with your spouse gets you both active and keeps you connected. The pool is also a great place to spoil a visiting child.

With your easy access to such a discerning environment, you have no excuse not to let the healing power of water become part of your daily 11YV routine.