Cool bookstores: Chapters in Runnymede

This way to a gorgeous Toronto vintage theatre 

I enjoy every step of doing research for a walking guide (no pun intended): strolling, admiring urban sights, coffee drinking, notes taking, treats tasting... Most of all, I love exploring, on the lookout for hidden gems. Well, I found a good one in Runnymede! Behind the closed doors of Chapters along Bloor Street West.

(Update as of March 25, 2014: "Chapters is supposed to vacate the building by March 31. Shoppers Drug Mart hopes to open in the location in the summer and has publicly committed to retaining all of the existing historical features, interior and exterior, including the stage and interior walls." excerpt from an article published in The Star in February 2014.)

A Chapters is a Chapters, right? That’s what I thought the first time I explored the Runnymede area to find the best circuit for the Runnymede Casual Stroll I would include in Toronto Urban Strolls 2. I did not bother entering the store, figuring I already knew what it was all about.

Later, as I was writing the guide, I could not remember if the bookstore on Bloor West was a Chapters or an Indigo. Googling it, I learned from a Wiki blurb that the building currently hosting Chapters was initially the Runnymede Theatre, a playhouse built in 1927 as an “atmospheric theatre” (with blue sky, clouds and stars).

In a Heritage Toronto article, I read that the playhouse was turned into a movie theatre in the 30’s, a bingo hall in the 70’s, back to a movie theatre in the 80’s, before closing down in 1999. The locals obviously appealed to save the vintage theatre and resented the chain moving into the historic building.

Little did they know that Chapters would do such a good job at restoring it to its 1920’s glory! The old theatre is a book lovers‘ dream, now that it stages books instead of vaudevilles. 

The relatively plain facade at 2225 Bloor West doesn’t do justice to what awaits inside. Expect a domed ceiling (which used to be over the box office), impressive entablature, multiple adorned pilasters, shell-shape niches and all kinds of other architectural detail. They’ve even kept an old projector and a few of the movie theatre seats for good measure in the mezzanine.

Before or after a visit to this store, I recommend you stop for a smooth cappuccino and a bite at the slick Baka Gallery Café at Bloor West and Beresford (one block west of Chapters, on the north side). Ask for a leaf design!

Great pairing: Dark Horse cafés and artist Matt Durant

Hot coffee and cool art combo

Matt Durant' mixed media work can be admired in all the Dark Horse espresso bars throughout Toronto. I never tire of contemplating his artwork while sipping my americano. 

Dark Horse on 684 Queen West is part of TRINITY-BELLWOODS Artsy Stroll
in walking guide Toronto Urban Strolls 1 by Nathalie Prezeau  

Riverdale Art Walk
Today, June 2, we can still meet Matt Durant at his booth at the Riverdale Art Walk (Jimmie Simpson Park in Leslieville, along Queen Street East). The closest Dark Horse is a 5-min. walk west of the park at 682 Queen East. 

Visit his website to get an idea of his original mix of reclaimed wood and whimsical patterns. Matt Durant is a grad from OCAD where he focused on woodworking, video and audio sculpture. I don't know what "audio sculpture" is but you can definitely picture sound waves in some of his work.  

His large pieces look great on a wall but he sometimes turn them into tables, which would become the instant focal point in any room. (All his artwork has a glossy durable finish.)

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Labour of Love: Training my husband to buy the right gift

I love long whimsical necklaces. The only problem is gold better suits my skin tone than silver... and I don't have the budget for it (a dreamy Ippolita creation easily reaches $4,000).

So I've bought my share of shiny trinkets under $20 (you know, to match that new outfit). They never last long. I've moved on to better quality pieces ($60 range Guess, Anne Klein, Fossils). Very durable, but they would oxidate in reaction to my skin. 

Then, I fell in love with Holly Yashi's necklaces at Labour of Love (242 Carlton Street). Made out of niobium, as pretty as gold but rarer, light as a feather and 100% hypoallergenic, all the pieces showcased at Labour of Love had the modern gypsy look I favour.

The one I preferred was over $200. Too much for impulse buy, but perfect as a Christmas gift! 

My step-by-step approach 
With such an issue at stake, you'll agree with me it was not the time for subtleties and gift "suggestions":

1) I wrote down the designer's name and the piece number (Holly Yashi is actually a duo of designers with a creative team, check this clip) on Labour of Love's business card. 

2) Back home, I visited the designer's website, hunted down the necklace and printed a colour photocopy of it, to which I stapled the store's card.

3) I handed the photocopy to my husband. 

4) I dropped him at the door of Labour of Love. And suggested he meets me at Jet Fuel, the espresso bar on Parliament (a 3-minute walk from Labour of Love) once he's done.  

5) Finally, I acted surprised when he gave it to me two months later for Christmas. (He actually really surprised me, having bought the necklace's matching bracelet as well!  Aaaaw...) 

The gift of guilt-free indulgence
My teenage son was horrified when he discovered my unromantic step-by-step approach. I had to explain to him that what his dad actually gave me for Christmas was the gift of a guilt-free indulgence. (I would have felt bad treating myself with this kind of accessory. Now I can wear my beautiful necklace guilt-free.)

That was two years ago. Last Christmas, without my prompting, my husband returned to Labour of Love and got me another Holly Yashi creation.

By the way, niobium truly is hypoallergenic. My necklaces, which I wear regularly, are as shiny now as they were two years ago. What a treat!

Toronto Urban Strolls sold at Labour of Love

The gift and jewelry store Labour of Love is included in the Cabbagetown Nooks & Crannies Stroll which you'll find in my walking guide Toronto Urban Strolls... for girlfriends 1.
Regina, the owner, has seen people showing up at her store with my guide in hand!

She now carries both guides:  Toronto Urban Strolls 1 (with 28 walks) and Toronto Urban Strolls 2 (with 24 additional walks, no overlap with the first guide).

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Behind the scene in Leslieville

Working behind a counter in a cool coffee shop has its advantages!  

Next time you visit Te Aro, my local café in Leslieville, and notice a pretty blonde with soft eyes, a radiant smile and an Australian accent behind the counter, say hello to Natasha Bouchard: singer/songwriter.

"I've had amazing support from the community!", marvels Natasha as she sits in front of me for the interview after a long shift. Right on cue, a customer entering the café cracks a joke at her as he passes behind her.

Read her inspiring story on how an artist's engagement in her community paid back when she decided to self-produce a show.

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