The Best New Specialty Stores in Toronto, 2008

I couldn't really figure out why so many cheese stores have opened in Toronto in the past couple of years, but after a quick Google search for "Cheese Consumption Canada" I think I found my answer. According to Statistics Canada, Canadians wolfed down a record amount of cheese in 2007, specifically, 10.1 kg per person.

Now, I'm not sure if demand led to more cheese stores, or the proliferation of cheese stores has resulted in increased consumption, but either way we have three cheese destinations on our list of the best new specialty stores to have opened in 2008.

They're joined by at least three health food stores (four if you count The Beet) which I guess means that in order to get away with the increased fat intake from a wedge of brie we're all eating more amaranth cereal, soy milk and organic produce.

Here's a look at the complete list:

The Sweet Potato

The Sweet Potato is like a smaller, cheaper, less refined version of The Big Carrot. On the shelves are all the prerequisite natural, organic and health food must-haves like rice pasta, tofu and organic produce; but the real star here is the small cafe that whips up fresh juices, sandwiches and yummy baked treats.

Nancy's Cheese

Once just a counter inside Harbord Bakery, Nancy's Cheese has blossomed into a full size cheese shop on Dupont. Aside from the selection here, the big draw is all the information owner Nancy Peppler provides about the cheese including what to drink with each of them.