What Giller-winning author Souvankham Thammavongsa loves about the Entertainment District

As a kid growing up around Keele and Eglinton, Souvankham Thammavongsa declared that one day she’d live right downtown. Five years ago, she manifested her childhood dream by moving into a studio apartment near the old CityTV building, which once hosted the MuchMusic and Speakers Corner segments she adored in her teens. Here, she takes us on a tour of her favourite haunts.

Ripley’s Aquarium

“I have a membership to the aquarium, and I wrote about it in a short story called ‘Bozo’ for the New Yorker. When you walk in, it feels like you’re underwater. I think about nature and the human body when I’m confronted with a fish—how different we are. Instead of asking someone out for coffee, I often ask them to go to the aquarium. It’s a big commitment, though, so usually I go by myself.” 288 Bremner Blvd., ripleys.com

Mama Loves You Vintage

“I love clothes that remind me of the ’80s—peplum, big shoulders, the mermaid shape. I became a teenager in that era, and I’d see my mom dress up for parties and think she was the most beautiful person in the world. At Mama Loves You, one of the staff members is tiny like me, and when I see her wearing a dress on Instagram, I know it will fit. Another always says, ‘I have a piece that you may be interested in.’ If it’s too big, I take it to Lilit at Third Floor Tailors, who can make it fit perfectly.” 541 Queen St. W., mamalovesyouvintage.com

Flying Books at Neverland

“I love the public library, but I also love to own books. The staff at Flying Books know my taste in literary fiction, and I usually love what they recommend, like Reward System by Jem Calder. They display their books with the covers facing out, which is important to me as someone who has discussions about 10 different versions of a cover before it’s agreed on. On the display wall, they look like little paintings.” 371 Queen St. W., flyingbooks.ca

Kost

“The rooftop restaurant Kōst, which is in a hotel partly designed by Lenny Kravitz, makes me feel like I’m in LA. You take the elevator all the way up to the 44th floor, and even on a cloudy day, it’s so bright. There’s a narrow pool at the edge of the balcony, so sometimes you’ll find people swimming. I really like how that can just happen in the middle of a restaurant.” 80 Blue Jays Way, 44th floor, kosttoronto.com

New Sky Restaurant

“For my birthday, I go to New Sky and get the Hong Kong–style lobster, deep-fried with chili flakes and garlic. I went with a friend who speaks the language, and it was recommended by our server. They don’t have much in the way of dessert, but the staff will turn off the lights, sing and serve a plate of sliced cucumber with candles for me to blow out.” 353 Spadina Ave., newskytoronto.com

Scotiabank Theatre

“Almost every Tuesday afternoon, I watch a half-price movie alone at the Scotiabank Theatre. On the way up the enormous escalator, there’s a sign that tells you how to ride it safely. I guess people wear loose clothing and get caught in it often. I love it because it builds anticipation.” 259 Richmond St. W., cineplex.com/theatre/scotiabank-theatre-toronto