How Adrienne Clarkson would spend a perfect Saturday in the Annex

By Meaghan Binstock | Portrait by Derek Shapton

I’ve lived within a mile radius of Bloor and Avenue since I came to Toronto in 1956 to attend U of T. My husband, John Ralston Saul, and I love the Annex because we can walk to almost everything. I’d start my Saturday with a private Pilates class at Articulate Bodies (94 Cumberland St.). Then I’d meet John for brunch at L’Espresso Bar Mercurio (321 Bloor St. W.). They do a great hollandaise, so I’d order the eggs Benedict, or maybe their excellent organic burger. Then we’d wander along to Book City (501 Bloor St. W.). I’d pick up a couple of books and the Financial Times weekend edition. On a beautiful day, we’d stroll down Philosopher’s Walk, back up through Queen’s Park and home. I love to spend an afternoon gardening, so I’d stop by Fiesta Gardens (200 Christie St.), the best place to buy plants in the city. I’d also pick up some organic produce at the grocery store there. I’d then go home to read the Times and plant my new flowers. Later, I’d get my hair cut by the fabulous Luciana at The Private World of Mary Tripi (21 Yorkville Ave.). For dinner, we’d head to Maroli (630 Bloor St. W.) for South Indian food—I love their fish molee, a curry which you eat with rice pancakes called appam. And then we’d walk to either the Cumberland (159 Cumberland St.) or the Varsity theatre (55 Bloor St. W.) to see a movie. Or we’d get takeout from Tacos El Asador (690 Bloor St. W.). The secret to enjoying life in a big city is to have your village, and the Annex is mine.

---

“The secret to enjoying life in a big city is to have your village”

---

(Images: Tacos El Asador by Emma McIntyre and L’Espresso Bar Mercurio by Debra Wong)