Green Walks: Roncesvalles

Photo credit: Karsenault's Don't Worry, be Happy blog

Along the theme of the Green Living Guide's "Green Walks", I decided to explore and share a second walk I went on not too long ago with all of you. I was curious to explore this strip, which has stong Polish immigrant roots leading back to the 1950s and changing this neighbourhood that used to be primarily British. The Polish bakeries, restaurants and such cannot be missed while on this stroll. There is a family-feel out here, which is certainly different from the downtown vibe.

I must confess that I chose to go out to this westward neighbourhood because of need for cat supplies (I don't think I've mentioned my adopted cat Charly yet), but I read some time ago that there was a supply shop called The Kennel Cafe and they carried sisal cat scratching posts (which I prefer to carpet as what I hope is a more enviro. alternative). I was interested in checking out other shops, like the cheese shop Thin Blue Line and Imelda Shoes to see what they were all about, too.

Boarding the Queen streetcar and sitting for what seemed like forever, I arrived at Roncesvalles Ave. I checked my Green Guide and saw that I would be starting their walk a bit backwards, but then, I was probably going to skip most of the stuff way up the street anyways.

Photo credit: Karsenault's Don't Worry, be Happy blog

I stopped first at Thin Blue Line (93B Roncesvalles Ave.) and bought two amazing croissants and a Quebec brie with delicious ash through the middle (or should that be the thin blue line?). It was nice to visit such a small and local shop that really cares about the food it carries.

A shop that wasn't in the guide, but still caught my attention was Frock at 97 Roncesvalles Ave. (www.frock.ca). As you can guess, this was a store that carried lots of fun clothes, but what really caught my eye was the Matt & Nat purses and wallets... ah, I always love a good (and vegan leather) bag. I think this store will need to be visited again as I admit I kind of rushed through it and didn't get to learn enough about where the clothes were made and if any were from more ecologically-sound sources.

I did make it to The Kennel Cafe ( 295 Roncesvalles Ave. http://www.kennelcafe.com), where you can find all sorts of "natural", "holistic" and "organic" foods. I use quotes here because I have learned that these claims can mean different things to people and companies, but after reading ingredients and looking into the food supplier, I feel comfortable knowing that there are plenty of foods for pets to choose from. I ended up buying some more enviro. responsible toys for Charly and lugged a super heavy sisal stand for my little monkey to sharpen his claws on.

All in all, I think Roncesvalles is a walk worth doing. There are loads of coffee and food shops that didn't make it on my list but will be tried on a gastro-themed walk of this 'hood next time.

The last of the three walks, Kensingston will be up on deck next.