> ELLEN WONG’S INSIDER GUIDE TO TORONTO

Although Ellen Wong grew up in Scarborough, she’s found the GTA’s evolution over the three years she’s lived in L.A. startling. But her deep history with the city (including the 2010 cult classic Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, in which Toronto plays a pivotal role) means she knows exactly where tourists can go to feel like a local. The Tampered Press 256 Crawford St. The chill indie coffee shop is directly across Dundas St. W. from hipster hangout Trinity Bellwoods, perfect for grabbing a coffee before peeping on the nearby dog park. “I don’t have a dog, but I love to go watch all of the doggies play,” she says. “It’s a much more serene part of the park.” Joso’s 202 Davenport Rd. Wong finds the family atmosphere at the 36-year-old seafood restaurant soothing, especially the artwork of its Croatian founder Joso Spralja, who died Aug. 8 at the age of 88. “You can feel this journey of art,” she says of the unique ambience, which was photographed for Drake’s Take Care album cover. “You feel like you are part of a family when you eat there.” Bar Raval 505 College St. Wong loves this tapas bar in the day, when she comes by for a lox and cream cheese-topped croissant, or night, to sample the adventurous cocktail menu while standing at one of their bar-height tables. The Fish Store 657 College St. With fish fresher than any Torontonian can reasonably expect, this no-pretentions sandwich shop gives Wong coastal-city vibes. And don’t get her started on the sauce. “You can get it in a sandwich! You can get it on a taco! You can get it with rice!” she hollers. “It’s really frickin’ good.” Bellwoods Brewery 124 Ossington Ave. The microbrewery’s patio can get crowded, but Wong swears it’s worth it for her favourite beer, the Jelly King. “It has a tangy, sour taste to it,” she explains.