Discover local gems and get rewarded in Leslieville and Queen West

Toronto’s dynamic neighbourhoods are a vibrant mix of character, with small businesses at the centre of them all. Whether you’re shopping or dining, the Local Gems initiative for Amex Cardmembers makes supporting local businesses a rewarding experience—literally.

“Small businesses bring so much to our communities—they’re what give Toronto its unique energy,” says Kerri-Ann Santaguida, vice president and general manager of merchant services for American Express Canada. “They create jobs, add character to our neighborhoods, and offer unique products and services. Local Gems is our way of celebrating and supporting them by encouraging more people to shop locally.”

Until March 31, Amex Cardmembers can score a variety of Amex-branded goodies—including tote bags, socks and reusable straws—with every Amex card purchase at participating stores, making shopping local even more rewarding. Just look for the blue Amex-branded beacons on storefronts in Leslieville and Queen West.

To get started, check out these Local Gems in two of Toronto’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

Leslieville

The Flamingo (991 Queen St. E.) This cheerful gift shop is a must-visit destination for wildly imaginative items. Merchandise is sourced from artists and manufacturers across Canada and around the world, and there’s something for everyone—from clever T-shirts and hoodies, quirky drinkware, collectible action figures to crystal statement pieces, stickers for any occasion and a wide selection of comics and graphic novels.

Cookery (1170 Queen St. E.) Here, aspiring chefs and culinary wizards alike can celebrate the art of cooking. An expansive array of cookware boasts everything you need to bake, boil, braise, simmer and serve—including utensils, prep tools, small appliances and even specialty cookware, such as bamboo steamers and crêpe pans. Plus, Cookery hosts classes led by professional chefs and offers handy knife-sharpening services.

Queen West

Season Six (188 Ossington Ave.) This cozy bistro has a menu built around the six seasons of produce. Its globally inspired offerings change every two months, ensuring that every ingredient on your plate is at its peak freshness. Whether you’re savouring a meal solo or with friends, Season Six’s scratch-made entrées and appetizers—including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan fare—are bound to leave you satisfied.

Pink Nail Bar (123 Ossington Ave.) Pamper yourself with the beauty services offered at this waxing and nail salon, from manicures and pedicures to eyebrow waxing and lash extensions. When it comes to nails, there’s no shortage of options to customize your look, either: 1,000 dipping-powder colours, more than 500 shades of shellac and over 500 regular-polish colours are available. Tip: grab a beverage from Pink’s drink menu to complete your experience.

Other fabulous Leslieville and Queen West Local Gems include: The Pharmacy Lab (1101 Queen St. E.), a compounding pharmacy featuring assorted health-and-wellness services; Descendant Detroit Style Pizza (1168 Queen St. E.), where you can grab a signature “upside down” square pie; I Miss You Man (63-E Ossington Ave.), which specializes in designer-label resale items for men; The Side Kitchen (1093 Queen St. E.) for foodie-friendly gifts, such as sauces, preserves and prepared dishes; and Barrio Cerveceria (884 Queen St. E.), a family-run taberna serving up authentic Mexican cuisine.

Santaguida added, “by making it easier and more rewarding for people to shop local through Local Gems, we’re helping small businesses thrive and continue shaping the city we love.”

Explore the full list of participating Local Gems merchants in Toronto and learn more about how to get rewarded for shopping locally at amex.ca/local-gems.