A couple months back the Dovercourt EP dropped amidst an exciting time in Toronto for electronic music. All of the Toronto-based DJs on this compilation played in their home city within a month, sometimes back to back, as did the 3024 label boss himself, early-dubstep-but-now-more-techno Dutch vet Martyn.

What's more, they all played as a part of the Foundry music series at what is arguably Toronto's best new concert space, Blk Box, located at the foot of the road that informs the EP's title: Dovercourt. In that sense, this release makes for an interesting historical artifact that captures the spirit of a corner of Toronto's techno & house scene at a very particular time. This city has a rich history of producers, many who have left us for earlier mornings in Berlin, but Martyn has brought together a set of new faces who are still here and bringing something fresh but straightforward to the table.

The afternoon before his Toronto show I talked to Martyn about this collection and he mentioned that his intention was to connect some dots in order to expose and thereby strengthen what he took to be a burgeoning and underrated scene. In its early days, he noted, even something as historic as Detroit techno was not as unified as the mythology suggests it was. The creativity needs to be there, sure, but a certain narrative keeps that creativity flowing. Though there might not be a discernible 'Toronto Sound' that comes through over these four tracks, a shared vitality is definitely felt throughout.

Kevin McPhee opens things by once again showing us his handle on a range of different sounds. While he last left us with 2012's smooth, R&B-tinged one-sided 10" "Who Loves You," here he swaps the UK sound for an older, North American vintage. "Version 5's" simple progressions and subtle use of the flanger start us off with something instantly familiar, recalling early classics like DJ Pierre's Box Energy.

Gingy, better known for his work with Montreal's Bordello, moves us in a more contemporary direction. On "Swirlie" he mixes ascendent raviness with Berghain-flavoured factory dissonance. Three quarters of the way through the track adds a stab that has you imagining transition possibilities and wanting to hear it in a mix rather than on a track-separated, geo-specific sampler.

Where these first two tracks are interesting because of their slight variations, Nautiluss, one of Toronto's fastest rising dance exports, builds energy in a much more effusive manner on his deep and spacey contribution, "Zero Gravity." Opening with a sensual, spoken "wave after wave," the track bursts into pupil-dilated bliss midway through and just as it seems to warble out of control it decrescendos into a fitting comedown.

Ending the EP off with another vocal-sampling number is "Beatrice" by Bruce Trail, a solo outing of Nacho Lovers' Scott Seewhale. The track's acerbic squelches are tempered by a whisper and lush synth tones, producing something unique and hypnotic, irreducible to a particular trend, era, or place.

Unfortunately, the vinyl release comes without the Bruce Trail track. But that might not matter since numerous requests at Toronto's more reputable record shops have brought me to the realization that the wax hasn't yet made it to this city's shelves anyways. So, despite the online hype behind these four producers and their appearances on Boiler Room and in some of the world's best clubs, it seems that there's still a way to go on our city's side of things...like actually stocking the music that puts it on the map.

ALBUM ART
Writing by Ryan Krahn / Lead image via Kevin McPhee's Facebook page

After years of debate and political wrangling, there's finally some movement on a long-awaited condo project at King and Sherbourne. Buildings have been demolished, sidewalks are closed, and big yellow braces have appeared on the site's heritage structure. Recently, though, things have been a little quiet. So what's the hold up?

"Work is under way...we haven't stopped," says Ivan Rak, the project manager. "We're doing a very controlled, slow demolition of the back part of the building. The reason why it's slow is because we need to ensure the facade we want to keep doesn't get damaged in any way."

"Everything needs to be done in a certain sequence in a very confined space: there are power cables running along King, they're trying to install columns in a very confined space up and over a building. It's challenging."

The project has been in the works for more than five years. Initial papers were filed with the city in July 2008, but after progressing through the necessary approval process council squashed the plans a year later, putting it in jeopardy.

The developer, King+Condos, previously Rams Head Development Inc., successfully appealed the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board and later proposed to demolish and rebuild the historic facade at the southeast corner of King and Sherbourne.

In response, the city declared its intention to protect the property, preventing it being taken down during the construction process. Since work started, developers have cleared a pair of buildings at 253 and 255 King East and attached bright yellow structural braces to the protected structure in advance of excavations for the underground parking garage.

The site has been quiet recently after the closure of the surrounding sidewalk.

The demolition of the interior of the remaining building will take "a couple of weeks." Once that phase is complete workers will begin digging out the four-level basement and parking access from Abbey Lane, the road that runs parallel to this part of King East. "Weather permitting it will be the end of the month," says Rak.

"Early to mid June we'll start with shoring so you'll see big heavy equipment start drilling. That will be followed by excavation of the hole, then a crane will go up, and so on."

Another notable change will occur at street level around the same time. The current wooden hoarding, which is starting to attract posters and graffiti, will soon be covered by a set of graphics designed by LA Ads, a local company that specializes in outdoor advertising. The anti-graffiti coated display will include new renderings of the building with pink and black artistic touches that will match the sales colour scheme.

Many of the condos have been sold in advance of completion and the developers expect owners to start taking occupancy by Fall 2014.

MORE IMAGES:

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Images: Chris Bateman

With the current boom in restaurant openings taking up much of the commercial real estate in Toronto, it's no surprise that budding young chefs look for shortcuts to get their food to the masses. Obviously the global food truck craze has been well documented, but given the restrictions placed upon the meals-on-wheels industry in the city, the need for bricks-and-mortar is dire, and several notable food trucks have forged alliances with bars and restaurants around town that are in need of culinary talent.

Gourmet Bitches ran a successful pop-up last year at Churchill, as did Feisty Jack with El Mocambo. The Monarch Tavern provided an excellent home to Zane Caplansky whilst he developed his smoked meat business, before Hogtown Smoke moved in for a spell, and the pub is now hosting Shields Kitchen. The move makes sense, and reflects a popular trend in the UK of bar and pub owners leasing out kitchen space, thus taking the associated financial liabilities off the business, whilst bringing in new customers eager to try the grub.

The Emmet Ray, known for its huge whiskey selection and live music, has also taken this road. After the bar hosted a run of supper clubs featuring guest chefs, Justin van Ditzhuyzen, formerly of The Queen and Beaver, and Richard Hung teamed up in 2012 to launch Mess Hall.

With a rotating menu featuring fresh seasonal ingredients, and meat from nearby Sanagan's Meat Locker, The Emmet Ray has found itself with a new and growing customer base. Serving food until 2am every night, Mess Hall has been keeping bellies full well after neighbouring restaurants have closed down for the evening. Unfortunately, that means that by the time Justin and Richard are finished, there's few options for them to go relax and have a bite to eat, other than making something at home.

I asked them what they enjoy as a late night snack, and if they could share the recipe with us. On their time off, Justin enjoys sashimi, and Richard loves pho, but they both agreed that these crispy rice snacks are delicious and super easy to put together at home. The Red Dragon Sauce is fast becoming a food trend in itself, as Korean Fried Chicken (super crispy, and doused in the sauce) finds its way onto top tables like The County General and Momofuku Noodle Bar.

THE DISH: CRISPY RICE WITH DRAGON SAUCE

Ingredients:

2 cups medium/long grain rice
4 tablespoons gochujang (korean red chili paste, try looking for it here)
4 cups sugar
10 cups water
1/4 cup Usukuchi soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
white & black toasted sesame seeds
Maldon salt

For the Rice:

1. Preheat oven to 300F
2. Boil rice as per package instructions until just tender
3. Strain rice in colander, remove as much water as possible
4. Spread rice on baking sheet in one even layer, 5. Bake rice in oven until dry, around 60 mins
6. Break rice into chip sized pieces, flip over, bake for another 5-10 mins, till fully dry
7. Cool rice chips on wire rack, store in dry container, should keep up to 1 week.

For the Red Dragon Sauce:

1. Whisk together sugar, water, gochujang over medium heat until sugar is dissolved
2. Bring mixture to boiling, reduce heat to simmer
3. Reduce sauce by around half until thickened, around 20-30mins
4. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, salt to taste.

To plate:

1. Heat canola oil in flat bottomed pan on medium heat, fry rice chips in oil, ~2 mins per side
2. Blot rice chips on paper towels, season with Maldon salt, sesame seeds
3. Place crispy rice in bowl, drizzle with red dragon sauce, serve hot.

Like the idea of eating around midnight or later? Make sure to download our Bars, Pubs & Late Night Eats app.

Photos by Jesse Milns

A 23-year-old OCAD student named Thomas Hart has found a way to make dirty laundry adorable. He noticed a rundown laundromat near Harbord and Manning, and thought it was sad to see it in such bad shape. So he bought the business and revamped it into a cheery neighbourhood hangout, fully equipped with seating areas and WiFi.

While Harbord Coinwash is still very much a functioning laundromat, it has the vibe of a small, hyper-local cafe. The space is also a gallery now. Hart has been showing a CONTACT exhibit there since the beginning of the month, and he has artists lined up to show their work there for the next few months already.

"I wanted to make laundry fun again," Hart says. He works as a server as well, and he believes everyone deserves high-end customer service--even if it is just while doing laundry.

"The laundromat is a cross between a public and private space. It has really good potential. Everyone who uses it lives close by, so they can come here and see who their neighbours are."

He wants to make people feel at home while they launder, as opposed to being bored and grumpy in a dingy, dimly lit and poorly attended estabishment, as so many laundromats are. "I want to make this their space as well," he says.

"Private as Public" was actually the theme of the CONTACT exhibit. The festival approached Hart because they saw what he was doing with the venue. About 100 people crowded into the coinwash on opening night. Hart plans to host events like that on the regular. He's already hosted a clothing swap, and plans to start a monthly Retro Music, Retro Price night. And he gave away cupcakes on Easter, a cute gesture he plans to do again.

When it comes to day-today operations of the business, Hart is focused on being as environmentally friendly as possible. When he bought Harbord Coinwash back in January, he was concerned about the water and energy used by machines. So he got rid of most of the older machines and replaced them with high efficiency ones. There were two hot water tanks when he bought the place, and he was able to cut it down to just one. He put the lighting on a timer system, so it doesn't come on during the day, and he used reclaimed materials for the renos.

That's the other thing. Hart, who studies industrial design, is one of those superstar people who does everything. He did all the renos himself, outfitting table tops and parts of the floor with found wood.

"I've had to use laundromats before, and they're never nice. I saw no reason why this one can't be nice. It doesn't cost a lot of money, just time and planning."

Photos by Derek Flack

Rob Ford might be committed to his vow of silence in the wake of last week's crack smoking allegations, but things appear far from peaceful behind the scenes. Just a few moments ago the mayor dismissed Mark Towhey, his chief-of-staff and a loyal ally.

"I am no longer the chief of staff. I did not resign," Towhey said as he abruptly left City Hall in the last half an hour.

Towhey was one of Ford's guiding lights and his departure further suggests the mayor's administration is imploding on itself. Rob Ford is due to make a statement in the next few minutes.

More to come.

Update 3:20pm

The mayor's office has released a brief statement regarding Towhey's dismal:

"Effective immediately, Mark Towhey is no longer working in the Office of the Mayor. Mr. Towhey has been a intricate [the writer means integral here, FYI] part of the Mayor's Office and has made many valuable contributions. The Mayor thanks Mr. Towhey for his valuable service and wishes him the very best in his future endeavours. Earl Provost, Deputy Chief of Staff, will assume the role of Acting Chief of Staff until further notice."

That provides nothing other than an official confirmation of the dismissal, so as seems to be the case with a number of things related to Rob Ford, the city is left to wait for a more thoroughgoing explanation.

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Photo by Javin Lau in the blogTO Flickr pool

It's been exactly a week since Toronto woke up to the Rob Ford crack cocaine scandal, and so far the mayor has kept his mouth tightly sealed. This morning the Globe and Mail is reporting the mayor's executive committee - the closest thing he has to a cabinet - will release a statement urging him to seek help for his alleged drug addiction while reassuring the public someone is still in charge. "He has a problem, he needs to go get help with it," their source said.

Even the Toronto Sun is urging Ford to quit and seek assistance. Can Ford stay silent any longer?

Meanwhile, Coun. Paul Ainslie has admitted he was given a formal warning after being stopped at a RIDE checkpoint at Kingston Rd. and Midland Ave. earlier this month. No charges were laid, but Ainslie was required to hand over his license for three days as a result. The councillor admitted the incident at a press conference at City Hall yesterday morning, saying he was drinking wine with dinner.

Crackstarter, Gawker's attempt to crowdfund the money to purchase the alleged Rob Ford crack tape, has hit $160,000, just $40,000 shy of the goal amount. In the last day or so someone has pledged a whopping ten grand to the campaign, a donation that Gawker says it will reward with the iPhone that shot the video, if it gets it.

In an update on their site, Gawker said it hadn't been in contact with the person who holds possibly the most valuable few seconds of film in the city since Sunday. They say there's a chance the owner has gone to ground due to the intense interest in the story. Do you think the video, if there is one, will ever surface?

Presumably not wanting to be outdone in the controversy department, coun. Giorgio Mammoliti has run himself a nice deep bath of hot water. CBC News is reporting he organized a $5,000-a-table fundraiser in Woodbridge on Tuesday night, in apparent breach of city rules about fundraising outside election periods. The funds were sought so he could "keep up the good fight" at City Hall. Mammoliti denies the event was a fundraiser.

The light array on atop the Canada Life building on University Ave. is a convenient way of finding out what the weather is doing (or about to do) in Toronto. Most people know the about the weather vein but here's a beautiful old card published by Reddit user oneyeartrip that explains the entire thing.

Finally, a minor scuffle between a cellphone user and a moviegoer at Varsity Cinema near Bay and Bloor lead the police getting involved recently. Lani Selick says she told a texter sitting next to her to stop. When he didn't, she put her hand over the screen, an action that lead to the police being called. Neither party decided to press charges.

IN BRIEF:

• No charges as police identify woman who took purse from subway suicide [Toronto Star]
• Toronto police investigating sexual assault at York University [Toronto Star]
• Edwin Encarnacion hits grand slam as Toronto Blue Jays beat Orioles [Metro]

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Image: Ramith_M/blogTO Flickr pool.

The photos of the week collect each of the editor-selected photos of the day into one post for a contest to be decided by our readers. Sponsored by Posterjack, the photographer whose image receives the most votes will be awarded with a voucher code for a 24"x36" poster print of their work.

All the rules and fine-print can be found in the original announcement post on the blogTO Flickr page. One thing to add, however, is that the voting period ends at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, after which the winner will be contacted with the good news.

For those photographers whose images are featured below, please feel free to give us a little information about your shot — i.e. where and when it was taken — in the comments section. Who knows? Maybe your description will sway voters in your favour!

SPECIAL NOTE

Due to a repeated photo, last week's poll has been reset to zero and opened for another week of voting. Although there was a landslide victor, the playing field wasn't even based on error that I made, so I'd ask you to take a second and re-vote. Thank you.

Also noteworthy is that I'm currently working through backlog of voucher codes. If you've yet to receive your prize, you should by Monday.

Lead photo by James Napier

2.
Photo by Javin Lau in the blogTO Flickr pool

3.
Photo by Acid_Punk in the blogTO Flickr pool

4.
Photo by mcdux in the blogTO Flickr pool

5.
Photo by .enKay in the blogTO Flickr pool

6.
Photo by Scott Irving in the blogTO Flickr pool.

7.
Photo by Jack Landau in the blogTO Flickr pool

John Malkovich is coming to Toronto. Taking the stage at the Elgin Theatre from June 7th to 9th, Malkovich will be starring in the Giacomo Variations as master scoundrel and seducer Giacomo Casanova. And lucky for you, we want to set you up with VIP tickets to the show as well as a private session backstage with Malkovich himself.

Get all the contest details and enter here.

This new clothing boutique on Dundas West is filled to the brim with high quality Japanese goods. But, instead of the loud, youthful side of this fashion set that we all know and (subjectively) love, they carry an impressive collection of sophisticated brands that both look and feel — as the owner describes — like happiness.

Read my profile of Blue Button Shop in the fashion section.

Toronto Food Events rounds up the most delicious events: festivals, pop-ups, winemaker dinners, supper clubs and other food related happenings in Toronto this week and next. You can find us here every Friday morning.

THIS WEEK

• Doors open at 5pm at CraveTO happening tonight, Friday, May 24th at the Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Avenue). Tickets are $16.75 if bought by 1pm today and $25 at the door.
• The Taste of the Food Terminal (165 The Queensway) takes place this Saturday, May 25th from 11am to 3pm. Admission is $10 and offers the chance to tour the terminal and pop-up neighbourhood featuring independent grocers and restaurateurs. Lunch from Food Share is included in the ticket price.
• Fans of reality television series like Chopped and Iron chef will be interested in Abbey's Kitchen Stadium, the inaugural event of which takes place on Sunday, May 26th and features chefs like Matt Basile of Lisa Marie&Fidel Gastros and Rocco Agostino of Enoteca Sociale&Pizzeria Libretto with James Cunningham of Eat St. playing judge (along with others).
• Support the Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada's Walk of Life on Sunday, May 26th. Heart Healthy snack options will be provided at the post-walk celebrations by food trucks and a select group of TUM food vendors at Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Avenue)

UPCOMING

• The Depanneur will host an Intro to Cheesemaking with Brad Kurtenbach on Monday, June 3rd at 6:30pm. Tickets are $40 for this hands-on workshop that will demonstrate the fundamentals of cheese making and offer ample opportunity for sampling.
• Toronto Urban Adventures presents When Pigs Fry, a pork-themed food tour that's set to depart from the steps of Gooderham Flatiron Building (49 Wellington Street East) at 2pm on Sunday, June 2nd. Tickets for the three hour walking tour are $59 and will include stops at 3 local, pork-loving eateries.
• Tickets for The Stop's Big Night at the Green Barn are on sale now. The event happening Wednesday, June 5th will feature a four-course meal served family style prepared by Toronto chefs. Proceeds from the $200 ticket price support sustainable food production and education programs year round at the Green Barn (601 Christie Street).
• Tickets are available for the next installment of Jamie Kennedy's Culinary Series happening Friday, June 7th at the Gardiner Museum (111 Queens Park). The Italian themed evening will offer a passed hors d'oeuvre reception and 4-course meal for $150 a head.
• The Kensington Market Brewing Company celebrates its second anniversary on June 2nd at the Rhino.
• The Toronto Fringe Festival is hosting a Kitchen Party Fundraiser in support of the 25th running of the fest. You can find details at the main website.
• Although the full vendor list has yet to be released, TO Food Fest returns on June 23. Keep this one on your radar.

Photo of Rome'n Chariot

Summer beer festivals in Toronto present only one problem — because there are so many to choose from, keeping track of them all actually becomes difficult. And, let's face it, you've already got enough on your plate — what with picking out the the right tank top and sunglasses to wear while you patio-hop to kill the time between beer festivals.

So, to take some of the stress out of our collective beer-drinking schedules this summer,
I've compiled a list of the various beer festivals happening in the city so that the biggest decision one has to make is whether or not those slick Wayfarers clash with flip flops.

Toronto's Festival of Beer
What: The big one. Canada's largest annual beer festival will feature beer from over 60 different worldwide brewers featuring over 200 different brands, in addition to wine, cider, and "ready-to-drink" beverages (i.e. coolers and pre-made cocktails). The event also features a "World of Beer Pavillion" featuring food and beer from one region. Last year the pavillion featured Quebec and this year the pavillion will feature beer from the West Coast of North America, i.e beers from British Columbia, Washington State, California and Oregon (can you say IPA?).
When: July 26 - 28
Where: Bandshell Park at The Exhibition Centre
How much: $39.50 for each day. Includes five drink tickets, a glass stein, and a guide to the events. (The Saturday event is already sold out, likely because the Spin Doctors will be on the main stage that night. No, seriously.)
Pro: There will be thousands of people there to party and drink beer over the three day event.
Con: There will be thousands of people there to party and drink beer over the three day event.

Toronto Beer Week
What: By their own admission, the organizers of Toronto Beer Week are "dedicated to the celebration and advancement of the craft beer movement" so don't expect too much Bud Light or Stella. Instead, the week is actually hundreds of events related to locally made craft beer ranging from beer dinners, tasting events, and homebrew competitions. As the week approaches be sure to check their website for an updated list of events and participating venues.
When: September 13 - 21
Where: Various venues across the city.
How much: Costs vary per event
Pro: There are multiple events happening each night of the week so you're sure to find something going on nearby.
Con: There's so many events to choose from it can actually be overwhelming deciding which to attend (We've got you covered though. BlogTO will share our picks for the best bets as TBW approaches).

Beach BBQ & Brews Festival
What: A ribfest featuring BBQ, live blues, rock, and reggae, kid friendly rides, and a beer garden featuring beverages from Kensington Brewing Company, Beau's All Natural Brewing Co., Black Oak, Flying Monkeys, Mill St. Brewery, Nickel Brook, Great Lakes Brewery, Left Field Brewery, and Hogtown.
When: June 14 - 16
Where: Woodbine Park, Coxwell & Lakeshore East
How much: Free
Pro: For those with kids, a day in the park drinking beer and eating barbecue seems like an ideal way to spend father's day weekend.
Con: If you don't live in the Beaches, you're likely looking at least a 30 minute sleepy, beer and rib filled trip back to the nearest subway station.

Ontario Craft Beer Week
What: The fourth annual tribute to Ontario's independent brewers now features over 30 Ontario Craft Breweries pouring local brew at 150 events in over 50 different Ontario communities. Festivities will include food and beer collaborations, tap takeovers, tasting events, brewery tours, cooking demonstrations, beer dinners, contests and more. The week prior to the festival, we'll feature a comprehensive guide to the events occurring right here in Toronto during the week.
When: June 16 - 23
Where: All across Ontario
How much: The cost of events varies.
Pro: It's 150 beer events across the province! There's going to be at least a few you're interested in.
Con: You might have to take the week off work so you can fully enjoy all the events in your area.

Session Craft Beer Festival
What: What started as the unofficial close of Ontario Craft Beer Week has become an event in and of itself. This year, Session (formerly Session 99) has moved venues and will take over the Artscape at Wychwood barns for an evening of live folk music, a selection of food trucks, and, obviously, a great selection of craft beer.
When: June 22
Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns
How Much: A $50 ticket (plus $2 for "handling") gets you in the door for the 4pm-9pm event and includes a sampling glass and all your beer samples.
Pro: The event features a showcase of collaboration beers made with local celebrities, including Tom Green, Ed the Sock, and the current cast of The Second City.
Con: You'll need to brave the "St. Clair disaster" to get there. Oh no!

Hart House Craft Beer Festival
What: The 6th annual Hart House Craft Beer Festival features small craft breweries from across Canada and food by Hart House Executive Chef Marco Tucci--as well as DJs spinning "summery" beats. A new edition to this year's event will also see Canada's first female Cicerone, Mirello Amato leading "ExBEERiential Learning," a one-hour beer tasting workshop.
When: August 1
Where: Hart House, University of Toronto
How much: $35 for adults or $30 for students. Group rates also available ($50/$40 with workshop)
Pro: 14+ brewers will be in attendance pouring their beers for you to try.
Con: DJs spinning "Summery" beats, students.

Muskoka Beer Festival
What: If you're headed to cottage country this summer, check out this outdoor celebration featuring 20 craft brewers as well as wine, cider, and food.
When: August 25
Where: Annie Williams Park, Bracebridge, Ontario
How much: The ticket is $45.20 but includes your sampling and access to all the beers on hand.
Pro: You now have access to a great selection of craft beer even though you're at your cottage.
Con: You don't have a cottage.

Toronto's Premium Beer Experience
What: Our pick for one of the more interesting beer events of the summer, this one promises a "renaissance of the modern day beer festival" and boasts that all the brewers involved will be brewing something unique specifically for the event ot will be bringing a brand new beer.
When: September 12
Where: Berkeley Church, 315 Queen St East
How much: Tickets are $17 and sample tickets will be $1 each.
Pro: New, never before seen beers!
Con: New things can be scary.

The Roundhouse Craft Beer Festival
What: A selection of Ontario beer poured in a casual setting with food from some Toronto food trucks
When: August 10-11
Where: Roundhouse Park, 255 Bremner Boulevard
How Much: Details aren't yet posted, but last year it was $10 online and $15 at the door with $1 sample tickets.
Pro: The "ticket" for this event last year was your glass, which meant in and out privileges and even returning for day two without a second ticket fee.
Con: Last year their was far less food than you might expect at an event advertising "Toronto's best food trucks."

Ben Johnson also writes about beer over on Ben's Beer Blog

Last autumn it was announced that Toronto would finally have its own version of WKRP in Cincinnati in the form of Indie 88.1 with a mandate to "to give Canadian Indie musicians and their hundreds of thousands of fans their own place." As one of the hundreds of thousands I was initially very excited, then I forgot about it completely in like two days...

Until it was announced that Alan "The Cross Bearer for Canadian Music Journalism" Cross had been added to the Indie 88.1 team in the capacity of "in house music counseller," which hopefully means he'll be the one filling the Johnny Fever role.

Of course we all know Cross from his show The Ongoing History of New Music (later rebranded as The Secret History of Rock) a.k.a. what used to be the only reason to listen to the Edge ever besides Weezer. With Cross given a pair of keys to the car known as Indie 88.1 it may be a good enough reason to buy a radio. And by buy a radio I mean buy an app for my phone to listen to the radio. Which just sounds silly.

Anyhow, I asked Mr. Cross a few questions about his new role via electronic mail.

What does an "in-house music Guidance Counsellor" do?

It's a more fun term than "consultant." Because I've been doing radio in Toronto since 1986, I've got quite a bit of experience on a lot of levels and many, many contacts within the music industry. I also know where a couple of bodies are buried. Metaphorically, of course. Adam Thompson, the PD, will be in charge of the station's sound and presentation. I'll be in the background helping him out.

Can we expect you to be an on air presence?

Yep. Not sure in what capacity yet, but just try and stop me.

Will Indie 88.1 be a purely music orientated station or can we expect some documentary programming (such as your shows, Sound Opinions etc)?

The license promises a fairly substantial amount of talk programming. And because we believe it's important to offer context and perspective on the music we play, we'll make sure that it's intelligent and useful talk, not silly chatter.

Why the hell would anyone start an indie rock station in 2013?

Radio is still the most effective way to reach a large mass audience and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. However, Indie 88 will also have a very, very robust online presence.

When's Indie 88.1 going to air?

Soon. This summer.

And finally, care to make any lofty statements about Indie 88.1?

Here's an opportunity to start something fresh with no baggage or history. How many people get a chance to do that?

--

Not many Alan, not many. I would personally like to offer Indie 88.1 and Mr. Cross by best and also offer up my services as a janitorial worker for the new station whom will be discovered to have real radio chops in a Goodwill Hunting type Scenario.

Sometimes we find what we're looking for in the strangest of places. That's the sentiment attached to the discovery of this new micro-shop located on the lower level of the Manulife Centre at Bay and Bloor. Opened by Corduroy Magazine Creative Director Peter Ash Lee, here you'll find unique, mostly handcrafted treasures (think home décor, fashion accessories, and stationary) sourced from Brooklyn and California.

Read my profile of The Corner Store in the design section.

The best sausages in Toronto are reason enough to run out and fill up on propane right away. Meat counters across the city are getting inventive when it comes to stuffings, but that doesn't diminish the deep reverence our butchers have for traditional methods.

Despite the strength of the list below, I'd argue that longtime purveyors like Segovia Meats and the Polish varieties at Starsky's deserve a nod in this space as well. And that's not to mention Thomas Lavers' vegan sausages and Dolce Lucano in Woodbridge, which supplies customizable cured varieties to establishments across the city.

Here is a list of where to find the best sausages in Toronto.

See Also:

The Best Butcher Shops in Toronto

Weekend events in Toronto is our guide to events happening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Here's what's happening in Toronto this May 24-26, 2013.

CITY

Doors Open
Architecturally, historically and culturally interesting buildings in Toronto open their doors to the public for this weekend only during Doors Open. The 14th annual Doors Open Toronto will explore the theme of "Creators, Makers and Innovators", focusing on older buildings that have undergone renovations in order to house the creatives that work within them. Unsure of which doors you want to walk through? Check out our guide to the newest participants in this year's Doors Open.
Various locations, May 25-26, 2013, Free

CONVENTION

Anime North
Toronto's most popular convention for the celebration of Japanese pop culture, from animation and dramas to video games and music. Check out the link above for a full breakdown of what to expect at this year's event. Prepare for cosplay!
Toronto Congress Centre (650 Dixon Road) and Doubletree Hilton (655 Dixon Road)

Toronto On The Water Exhibit
Archival images of Toronto's waterfront throughout the 20th century will be on display at Toronto On The Water at Queens Quay Terminal this weekend. Opening Friday night, this exhibit spans the history of our waterfront, from Sunnyside Amusement Park to Centre Island's Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. Over 100 images on loan from The Toronto Star, Toronto Port Authority, City of Toronto Archives and Queen's Quay Terminal will be on display at this show. The exhibit launches as part of Doors Open Toronto and is open to the public for free until September 2nd.
Queens Quay Terminal (207 Queens Quay West), May 24-September 2, 2013, Free

FOOD

CraveTO
CraveTO is a food and craft beer event for foodies to sample the city's premier street food (in Toronto, there's such a thing). Vendors like Jumbo Empanadas, This is How I Roll, Rome'n Chariot and Food Dudes will be at the Brick Works along with craft beer brewers like Hogtown Brewers, Cameron's Brewing, Black Oak Brewing and Kensington. So here's how it works: buy an advanced ticket to get in the door and once inside, each vendor will be selling their food or drink for $5 or less. Complimentary shuttle buses will travel between Broadview station and the Brick Works all night long and UBER black cars are available for new customers thanks to event sponsors. Come satisfy your cravings with street meat that's the real deal.
Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Avenue), May 24, 2013, 5PM $16.75

Taste of the Food Terminal
Ok, the name doesn't sound like the most appealing but the Ontario Food Terminal imports some of the freshest fruits and vegetables into the city and is Canada's only wholesale food market. Opening to the public this Saturday only, Taste of the Food Terminal is an event that helps locals understand how businesses big and small get their fresh products in store. The event will be raising funds for FoodShare Toronto and offers a full farmers' market, tours and kid-friendly activities.
Ontario Food Terminal (165 The Queensway), May 25, 2013, 11AM $10

For more food listings, check out our Toronto Food Events listings.

FASHION

MIDNIGHT MRKT
Local designers, artists and vintage collectors gather for the third Midnight MRKT this Friday night at 2nd Floor on King West. Street food, jewelry, posters, clothing and more will be on sale with vendors like Shoppalu, Vitaly Design and CMP Originals added to this month's market. $5 gets you in for shopping experience and after-party with DJ Johnny Hockin and Lucie Tic spinning. Despite the name, the party goes until last call.
2nd Floor (461 King Street West), May 24, 2013, 8PM $5

For more fashion listings, check out our This Week in Fashion listings.

PARTY

Friday Night Live ROMic-con
Friday Night Live at the ROM gets comical in more ways than one. A tribute to comics will play out on the ROM big screen with a superhero retrospective and the Second City improv troupe will provide the comedy. Superhero-centric activities will continue throughout the night alongside the normal festivities (DJs, live music, boozing, etc.). Exhibits featuring ancient "superheroes" and cartoonist designs will also play a part in the evening. Tickets are available through the ROM website or at the door but since this event always sells out, try to buy beforehand.
Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen's Park), May 24, 2013, 7PM $12 general, $10 students, Free for members

MUSIC

Steam Whistle Unsigned #25
Six years and running, Steam Whistle Unsigned #25 brings on a new crew of indie musicians to perform for a Friday night crowd at the brewery headquarters. Dreampop band Beliefs, punk rockers Hussy and indie pop rockers The C'mons, who draw comparisons to early No Doubt, are part of the anniversary line-up. Proceeds of ticket sales will go to Artists Health Alliance and keep an ear out for the series' expansion across Canada. Drink and listen to merry music for just $5 this May 2-4 Friday!
Steam Whistle Brewing (255 Bremner Boulevard), May 24, 2013, 8PM $5

Toronto Mid-Town Record Show
Vinyl collectors, make yourselves available to head north this Sunday for the Toronto Mid-Town Record Show, which happens early in the morn at Greenwood College. Over 30,000 LPs will be for sale at this show with a free vinyl pile of 2000 LPs. No frills or gimmicks with this show, just get there early to dig for goodies.
Greenwood College (443 Mount Pleasant Road), May 26, 2013, 10AM Free

For more music listings, check out our May Concerts and This Week in Music listings.

ART

Anonyma
How does a photographer build their identity when they are hidden behind the lens? This is the question that is answered in the works of seven photographers in Anonyma, the latest exhibit to open at Goodfellas Gallery. The struggle between a visible identity and the loss of identity when placed behind the lens is an apparent theme in this exhibit, which has been curated by Hello Foto Inc. The seven photographers will be present for this Saturday evening's opening reception.
Goodfellas Gallery (1266 Queen Street West), May 25, 2013, 5PM Free

CONTACT Photography Festival
This is the last weekend to check out many CONTACT exhibits across the city. Check out the above link for recommended shows, but also consider the recently opened Arts & Crafts photo exhibit featuring the work of Norman Wong as part of the label's 10th Anniversary celebrations.
Citywide May 1-31

FUNDRAISER

2013 Yard Sale for the Cure at Trinity Bellwoods Park
Pack a picnic basket, bring the young ones and head out to Trinity Bellwoods this weekend for a slew of events happening in and around the park. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? will be hosting a large yard sale in the park with everything from furniture to food to knick knacks available for sale. Various vendors will sell vintage and used goods and if that's not your thing, then check out the kids' hockey and baseball games happening just behind the sale. Whatever you enjoy doing on your Saturday, it will be happening at the park this weekend.
Trinity Bellwoods Park (790 Queen Street West), May 25, 2013, 10AM Free

FILM & TV

Toronto Love Bluth: An Arrested Development Party
Arrested Development will be released on Netflix on Sunday so this Friday night is really your last chance at having a social life. The Office Pub is hosting an Arrested Development theme party as a final countdown to the release of the new episodes with trivia competitions, costume contests and by airing classic episodes of the show. Swing by for a quick "annyong" and a frozen banana before retiring to your laptop to watch the entire fourth season in one sitting.
The Office Pub (117 John Street), May 24, 2013, 7:30PM $5

For more theatre listings, check out This Week in Theatre.

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.

Photo by Tracy Zhang

Speaking at a press conference a few moments ago, Rob Ford directly addressed accusations he was filmed smoking crack cocaine for the first time in more than a week after the news first broke.

"I do not use crack cocaine, nor am I am an addict of crack cocaine," he announced before a packed room of reporters. "As for a video, I cannot comment on a video I have not seen or does not exist."

Ford also lamented his treatment by the media who he says have reported "without any evidence." He went on to thank his family, friends, and supporters who have contacted him over the last week.

A visibly infuriated coun. Glen De Baeremaeker blasted the mayor's statement on CP24 shortly after the press conference finished, urging Ford to "simply resign."

"The mayor is just imploding; while the rest of the city is very worried about very big important issues and about the illegitimacy of his government, he's telling staff to organize pizza parties," he said.

"He is unable to govern the city any more, he has no legitimacy, the statements he's made are offensive on so many levels that his tenure as mayor is effectively over ... I think the mayor should do the honorable thing and resign."

"I don't like to call people liars, but yes, he didn't tell the truth."

Earlier in the day, six members of Rob Ford's cabinet-like executive committee signed a letter calling for the mayor to speak out and address allegations he was caught on camera smoking crack cocaine. The group, hand-picked by Ford, are his closest allies on council.

Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday and councillors Peter Milczyn, Jaye Robinson, Cesar Palacio, Gary Crawford and Michael Thompson all signed the document that urges the mayor to "definitively address the issues the allegations before him ... openly and transparently."

The only names absent from the list are Vincent Crisanti, Frank Di Giorgio, Norm Kelly, Denzil Minnan-Wong, David Shiner, and of course Ford himself.

Earlier today, Holyday held a press conference in which he urged his superior to break his silence, which he says has been taken on legal advice. "To sit back and hope it goes away is not the answer ... I certainly would like him to come forward and speak to the public, that's what the executive members are also wanting to say in this letter," he said.

Speaking just after Holyday, coun. Gary Crawford, also a member of the executive committee, told reporters he's "not necessarily comfortable" with Rob Ford continuing to represent the city without addressing the public's concerns.

Ford avoided reporters as he left his Etobicoke home this morning and ducked into his office via a back door shortly after 1:15pm.

The mayor isn't obliged to respond to the concerns of his executive, but this statement may quiet the dissenting voices of his closest colleagues, for now.

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Image: BruceK/blogTO Flickr pool.

Photo by Neil Ta in the blogTO Flickr pool

This edition features The Amazing Racist and Christina Walkinshaw. Can you guess which one got banned from Casino Niagara?

SUN MAY 26 / CHICKA BOOM / FREE TIMES CAFE / 320 COLLEGE / 8PM / PWYC

On this edition of Chicka Boom, your headliner is none other than Christina Walkinshaw, who made waves recently by announcing that she was banned from doing shows at Casino Niagara because of an incident that transpired the last time she was there. What happened?

"About five minutes into my act, they [8-10 drunk men] started to chant: 'Show us your tits! Show us your tits! Show us your tits!' Under normal circumstances, I would shoot them a sassy line, and tell them to shut up. But this club sends us all memos, telling us NOT to talk to the crowd, or engage the staff in our acts. So basically, I have two choices. Keep going, or show them my tits. I decide to just keep going. A few minutes later, they started chanting again: "Show us your bush! Show us your bush! Show us your bush!'"

For the full story, Click here. It's a sad day when comics can lose a gig over circumstances like these, so come out and show your support!

THURS MAY 30 / ARI SHAFFIR / COMEDY BAR / 945 BLOOR W / 8PM / $20

Ari was my favourite comedian at JFL42 last summer. Why? He was able to extract twenty minutes of material from a shit joke involving MadTV's Bobby Lee. Maybe that's the comedian in me talking, but it finally made me realize what Joe Rogan meant when he called Ari a legitimate headliner. Ari got more than a few London Ontarians upset when it was announced he'd be doing a show out there. In fact, the protesters were so fierce that they got the venue to cancel the show! Civil action works! Well, kind of. They've moved the show to an even bigger venue. PS - I hate to go back to his Amazing Racist work, but the joke at 0:55 is ausome!

WED MAY 29 / KYLE AND MARK DO A NEW PLAY / COMEDY BAR / 945 BLOOR W / 8PM / $5

On the Facebook page, the description ends with the location of the event: Comedy Bar Cabaret Space. Toronto. Ontario. Canada. Earth. Milky Way. Gem on a dog's collar.

It's these kinds of hilariously quirky antics that thousands grew to love during Mark & Kyle's run on PicnicFace, and it's exactly why the show sells out every week. Click play and revel in all of their glory. PS - clip doesn't include Dooley, but trust me, dude's a monster.

FRI MAY 31 / GERRY DEE / YUK YUK'S / 224 RICHMOND W / FRI 8PM SAT 8PM & 1030PM / $39

There's a difference between comedians that only have strong material and comedians that are genuinely funny no matter what scenario you put them in. Watch Gerry Dee long enough, and you'll realize that he's a sincerely hilarious individual. In 2008, he was recognized with a Canadian Comedy Award for Best Male Stand-Up.  His show on CBC, Mr. D, garnered 1.23M viewers in its first episode.  But what I find most impressive is that he held his own in an interview with Charles Barkley, even to the point of cutting him off on a few occasions, which is no simple feat.

SAT JUNE 1 / DOUG BENSON / COMEDY BAR / 945 BLOOR W / 420PM / $20

Remember Super High Me? This is the dude. He's done everything from play an extra in Blade Runner to have bit parts in Curb Your Enthusiasm. Wowzers.  A few Canucks might remember his Red Eye incident where he made a joke about the Canadian military during the a month where casualties hit a peak. (Insert Louis CK's Of Course But Maybe bit here). Anyhoo, dude's been mad consistent over the past few years, recording a comedy album every 4/20 and placing sixth on NBC's Last Comic Standing. Make note of the time!

About the Author: This is Michael Jagdeo, and I refuse to write about myself in the third-person. My blog, Diary of a Stand-up Comedian, walks you through the up's and down's (they're mostly down's, really) in my quest to become a killer comic in Toronto.

Nothing says Toronto like a ferry ride to the Islands on a warm summer's day. Never mind the waiting and the overcrowded terminal, every trip across the Toronto Harbour repeats a historic journey that first took place more than 180 years ago.

The original Toronto Island ferry, powered by a pair of horses walking on a treadmill, first entered commercial service in 1833, several years before the Islands were first separated from the mainland. At the time, it was still possible to reach the lighthouse and other early buildings on foot by way of the marshes at the mouth of the Don.

The ferry service, it turns out, is actually older than the Island.

The first ever Toronto Island ferry was a simple wooden contraption that slowly paddled from the Steam Boat Wharfs at the foot of Church Street to a slip near Michael O'Connor's hotel, named The Retreat, directly across the water. The boat was the first regularly scheduled vessel to service the Islands, even if they weren't actually separate from the mainland at the time.

The basic machine was powered by a pair of horses walking on separate treadmills connected by a series of gears to two large paddles. A single crew member, likely O'Connor, controlled the steering at the rear while passengers rode up front on an open deck.

O'Connor, a former steward on the steam ship Canada, marketed The Retreat to "sportsmen, parties of pleasure," and those that wished to "inhale the Lake breeze." In 1833 he charged 7 1/2 pence for adults, 3 3/4 for kids. His boat ran every two or four hours every week day and Sundays.

Though it was certainly convenient, the ferry wasn't entirely necessary. Before the middle of the 19th century, it was possible to simply walk to the Islands via a narrow sand isthmus from the marshes at the mouth of the Don, as the map above illustrates.

The Eastern Gap, the 300-metre shipping passage between Ward's Island and the Port Lands, was created entirely naturally during a violent gale one spring night in 1858. Interestingly, the area was often called an island by the town's early inhabitants prior to the storm, though it was still technically a lengthy sandbar.

Shortly after O'Connor started his hotel business, manufacturer Benjamin Knott moved his starch and soap factory to the property next door from the waterfront at Sherbourne Street. Shortly after his arrival on the Islands, Knott bought O'Connor's hotel and upgraded the ferry to a faster, four-horse vessel and slashed fares.

The second ferry, the Sir John of the Peninsula, named for Sir John Moore, a British army officer who had led O'Connor in battle during the Napoleonic wars, was powered by a team of horses coaxed in a circular motion on a single, large turntable.

Needless to say the journey would have taken considerably longer than it does today - the Islands used to be further away (infill has actually moved the city almost half a kilometre closer in places) and horse powered vessels tended to move quite slowly.

Knott's ownership of the hotel didn't last long. He sold up to another group of entrepreneurs, Anderton and Palin, who switched the name to the Peninsula Hotel. They fitted the place out with "neat and comfortable furniture ... a larder stocked with game, etc., in season, and choice wines."

The pair purchased the city's first steam-powered Island ferry, aptly naming it the Toronto. It was 19-metres long with a "commodious deck cabin" and harnessed a boiler capable of producing fourteen horsepower.

For reason that aren't clear, the Toronto didn't stay on the water long. As Mike Filey notes in his history of the Island ferries, the vessel was removed from service and auctioned that same year, sending travel to the idyllic outpost back to animal power.

By this time the Toronto Islands were becoming a popular destination for day-trippers. As a result, the city had established a toll of between four and six pence for each horse-drawn buggy that wished to use the trail along the isthmus and bypass the water crossing.

The remote location and verdant surroundings also made an ideal retreat for those wanting to escape the sick city during a pair of deadly cholera outbreaks in 1832 and 1834. As fears over further deaths lingered, Charles Poulett Thompson, a wealth citizen and future governor of the Province of Canada, bought the hotel from Anderton and Palin as a personal resort, leasing it to Louis Privat in less than a decade later in 1843.

Back on the mainland, 1,000 people succumbed to the illness.

Privat purchased the Peninsula Packet, an open-deck boat drawn by John Ross Robertson in his book Landmarks of Toronto, and converted it from steam to horse power. The Packet originally used two horses but was eventually upgraded to include room for at least four based on Robertson's sketches.

At the same time, the Privat hotel sprouted enticing new features: a merry-go-round, swings, a bowling alley, a small zoo, and pasture land for visiting horses and cattle. In an ad for the business, Privat declared cattle would be permitted aboard the first crossing each day so that local farmers could take advantage of the unspoiled pasture.

With horse power waning and steamers were becoming more common on the great lakes, and Privat commissioned James Good, a foundry owner at Queen and Yonge, to build the first purposed-built Island steamer. The 25-horsepower Victoria launched in 1850 and was accompanied by a sister ship, the Citizen, in 1853 when John Quinn became sixth owner of the hotel. Double the vessels meant half the wait, and the schedule was soon listing departures every 30 minutes.

It was around this time that passenger shipping in Toronto began to significantly pick up. A rival service run by a Captain Robert Moodie lured customers off the Victoria and the Citizen with faster crossing times. In response, Quinn introduced a third ship, the Welland.

By 1857, however, tickets could be shared between any of the four ferries. The arrival of Moodie's Lady Head later that year boosted the private flotilla to 5.

Then in 1858 the storm that permanently severed the Toronto Island's tenuous connection to the mainland swept through the city. The winds pummeled the basic wooden structure of Quinn's hotel until it was simply "borne away by the waves," according to a newspaper report.

Quinn managed to salvage some furniture and, happily, his family, but the building was a write-off. "He is said to be a heavy loser." the Leader reported on April 14, 1858. The only buildings left standing on the Island was the Gibraltar Point lighthouse and the lighthouse keeper's cottage.

Ironically, the storm that eliminated the Island ferries' road competition destroyed one of the fleet's major destinations. As history shows, passenger traffic sustained and the call of Toronto's offshore destination continues unabated.

See Also:

A visual history of Toronto ferries

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Image: BruceK/blogTO Flickr pool; City of Toronto Archives; John Ross Robertson, "Landmarks of Toronto."