On a recent trip to Toronto for work, I decided I was going to find and explore the city’s Little Italy neighborhood. Pasta is a major food group for me as someone of Italian heritage. I set off on foot towards Bathurst Street and College Avenue, the intersection where Little Italy begins.

On the way to my intended destination, I discovered an eclectic part of College Avenue, a main drag that crosses a large swath of town. From the intersection of Spadina Avenue to Bathurst, College Avenue is dotted with Middle Eastern restaurants, organic food shops, dive bars, used bookstores and the odd tattoo parlor. Panhandlers, college students, and young professionals stand side-by-side waiting to cross the street adding to the colorful nature of the surroundings.