Your ‘eat local’ bucket list just got longer: Munch your way through Little Portugal with tips from a top Toronto foodie

Amy Rosen, author of “Kosher Style” and CEO of Rosen’s Cinnamon Buns, got rid of her car because she was barely using it.

Having lived in Little Portugal for the past 15 years, Rosen says she “can walk or bike to everything I need: the greengrocers and florists, gift shops and cafés, butchers and bakeries and tons of incredible restaurants and bars.” That matters, she says, because “shopping local means everything right now.”

Want to sample the friendly vibes of Little Portugal? Rosen mapped out the perfect Sunday stroll for procuring the must-have provisions from this lovely ’hood.

1. First stop is Barocco X Nino (974 College St.) for a latte brewed from some of their house-roasted beans — I’m partial to the Biondi, which is soothingly mild with tasting notes of toffee and tea. They also have a full Italian kitchen for takeaway and carry a lot of Toronto brands, including Gertie’s Peanut Butter Pies and frozen Rosen’s Cinnamon Buns.

2. Need to buy a present for someone in your life — or for yourself? Walk down College to Red Pegasus (628 College St.). Whether it’s Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, Hanukkah or a thank-you occasion, my friends and family can expect a paper bag tied with curled ribbons from this venerable gift shop. Inside they might find gorgeous earrings or bangles, a pretty puzzle, a shaving kit, children’s books or colourful doormats and, always, there’s the perfect card.

3. Then head south to hit Forno Cultura (1056 Queen St. W.) for the best sautéed mushroom sandwich in town, crafted with incredibly fresh oily focaccia and peppery greens. Everything here is handmade and delicious. I love the clever wooden toppers they’ve made for the parking bumpers — perfect for relaxing under a tree as you munch away on your sando.

4. Stroll up Ossington Ave. to Azhar (96 Ossington Ave.). It will soon become a full-fledged restaurant, but for now you can stock up for the week on their heavenly refrigerated dips, like house-made labneh and muhammara, along with wood-fired pita and fermented potato and yogurt buns.

5. We’re too quick to move on to the new in this city. Right now what’s more important is frequenting the places that you’ve loved the longest. For me, that’s Foxley (207 Ossington Ave.). When chef and owner Tom Thai opened his bistro a decade ago and refused to take reservations, he inadvertently changed the way we dine out in Toronto. Long lineups meant grabbing drinks across the street while awaiting a text saying your table was ready: in sending us away to wait and drink in other establishments, Foxley became the spark that set off the Ossington strip. Finish off your day with some takeout featuring Thai’s signature ceviches, pan-fried lamb and duck-prosciutto dumplings, spicy crispy shrimp with jalapeno and garlic and grilled pork side ribs with caramelized shallot glaze.