Two Toronto photographers are looking to help people get more comfortable in their own skins, and make a little art while they're at it. A new project called Fully Disclothed will capture Torontonians going about their day-to-day lives and engaging in routine activities like work, meditation, reading, cooking and cycling - only they'll be ass-naked while they do it.

"The point is to invite people to step outside of their comfort zones and do something they never thought they'd do, and express themselves in the process," says Kailie Ridsdale, one of the artists working on the project. "The point is to give up what we've been hiding, on a physical level, and on a personal level." The project targets people who are afraid to pose naked, nudging them out of that fear so that they can "know themselves as someone with enough guts to be naked on the internet."

Participants will be given three images of their birthday suit-clad selves, as well as an opportunity to write a piece detailing what they gained (or lost) from the experience.

See the naked truth (or sign up to have your photo taken) on the project's website.

Mods n Rockers celebrated its fifth annual motorcycle and scooter rally over the weekend, bridging the vintage motorcycle and scootering communities in Toronto. The festivities began with a barbecue at Town Moto on Lower Ossington on Friday followed by a Rumble at the Black Dice Cafe on Dundas West. On Saturday there was a crosstown ride from The Bristol Yard to Rosedale Valley Road and up the Bayview extension where over 100 bikers and scooterists regrouped before heading over to The Duke for drinks, live music, awards and more.

Check out all the photos in our slideshow of the 2013 Mods n Rockers.

Toronto Fan Expo 2013 is taking over the Metro Toronto Convention Centre once again later this week. For four full days, fans will get a chance to line up, shop around and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Toronto's top convention for gaming, comics, sci-fi, anime, horror, and, uh, sports?

Yup. Looks like this year will be particularly special because Hobbystar, the creators of Fan Expo Canada, are now expanding their target market and including the wild world of professional sports. Not sure what brought that on. All I know is it's a field I don't play on (wah-waaah), but I'm still excited to see what's in store.

Read on for what to expect from the 2013 edition of Fan Expo.

THE GUESTS

Looks like Stan Lee hasn't had enough of us, and is returning once again to bedazzle the true believers. However, he's going to have a hard time wrestling the hardcore fans away from the charismatic whirlwind that is Nathan Fillion. This year also sees the arrival of the new Star Trek's Spock and Bones; the old Star Trek's Sulu and Uhura; cast-mates from The Walking Dead, Murdoch Mysteries, and Firefly; and other major players from Carrie Fisher and David Hasselhoff to Hulk Hogan and Alice Cooper. Full list here.

THE FLOORPLAN

As always, Fan Expo is the place to shop 'til you drop for merchandise and gear, homemade and otherwise. The Artist's Alley and the Indy and Small Press Pavilion will be populated with the likes of Sketchkrieg, Spent Pencils, Rachael Wells, Lamin Martin, and more. Local stores will hock their wares. Major companies like Space, Rue Morgue, and WB will be showing off the future of entertainment, while other exclusive booths, like the one for the animated series Max Steel, will be dominating the grounds. Here's a map! (PDF) And be sure to hunt around for some Fan Expo exclusive merch, too.

THE EVENTS

What's a Fan Expo without events? Aside from the autograph signing sessions, the game tournaments, and the multitude of panels, attendees can expect much more. This year will host the very first set of Lolita Style World events, which will range from panels and fashion shows to something called the Kawaii Emissary Crowning. Plus, speed-dating hosted by 25Dates.com will take place, for any Han Solos hunting for their Princess Leias, Apollos hunting for their Midnighters, Sailor Neptunes for their Sailor Uranuses (or is that Uranes? Urani? Discuss in the comments!). Photo-ops will be legion, and expect a big Fan Expo party with special guest appearances and a kicking DJ on the Saturday evening. More major attractions can be found here.

SKYNET

...Or as everyone else calls her, Hatsune Miku. Yep, it looks like the starlets of the Vocaloid Project will be hosting a major concert on the Sunday. To explain: Vocaloid is a Japanese voice synthesizer for aspiring musicians, and the mascot for this program became so popular she burst off the box and onto the stage in the form of an elaborate hologram show with a live band. Basically, expect this.

This gets its own section because Miku has become a digital rockstar among anime fans and game fanatics, making the character so popular that she's starred in car commercials. Tickets are going for ten dollars. I might avoid the concert on the off-chance she finds a way to download her consciousness into our phones and take over our minds. For you fearless challengers of the unknown, however, find the tickets for sale here.

Fan Expo 2013 will run from August 22nd to August 25th. Visit the event''s web site for more details.

I arrived late to the Soft Metals show this weekend, because my love for Soft Metals blinded me to the idea that anyone would make the seductive, moody band, touring up all the way from LA, play before 10:30 on a Friday night. My bad. Of course The Drake Hotel would do this.

When I reached the door I already knew I was late due to the magic of text (sext, since this is Soft Metals), and spent a couple of minutes grinding my teeth outside while two women grinded against the bouncer (an aside: I get that it's The Drake, but damn, everything on Queen West West / Ossington has a bouncer now. You need to pass a bouncer just to buy Skittles.) "Isn't my friend gorgeous" Woman 1 asked. "She's very sexy" rasped the bouncer, looking Woman 2 up and down at close quarters. I threw up in my mouth. Skittles, whiskey, and sadness. "FML," I thought.

The Drake is the best worst venue in Toronto: after bolting downstairs, I had a great view of the stage, because no one was there: each dancer, or (it's Toronto, at 10:30PM) standing-arounder, had at least a half meter of personal space. I watched the band in silence for a few moments, stunned by muted reality. I really wanted Patricia Hall to be Yasmine Kittles of LA contemporaries Tearist, thrashing with a piece of metal, crushing fans, screaming, blind with aggression.

Then the miracle that is a good show happened. I felt better. Silver, black, and white clad Hall was doing everything right. She swayed the perfect amount behind her synths. Her flawless voice carried across the bar with sweet and angelic yet almost monotone gothic melodies. Emotion was restrained, yet fully bloomed. Ian Hicks stood at Hall's side busy with his array of samplers and gadgets while high saturation projections bathed the pair in vibrant hues. The volume could have been louder, and the band echoed their recordings more or less to the letter, but the total exhibition of sound and colour was reviving.

Touring is full of unpredictables. Is anyone going to show up? Will you play at 10PM, or 3AM? Will there be bed bugs at the hotel? Will someone post photos from the show, begging you to return soon? "This is our first time in Canada; we've always wanted to come here. The border was easy. We're going to come back!" Hall beamed near the end of the set, smiling. We (the two dozen people in the room) cheered.

Why be sad at a goth show? Not to genre simplify: Soft Metals are a cold wave influenced synth pop duo who craft subtle, textural, alluring dance tracks begging for night drives and foggy, slightly ennui house parties. They reminded me of Bushwick's Le Sphinxx—who've also been releasing lovely crystal-glazed happy goth tracks this year—only without the ceremonial skulls and incense. Soft Metals' new album Lenses is as solid and sensual as their last. Highlight track "In the Air" has an uplifting tropical vibe, and sounds like a dance club in heaven, if heaven only exists as a place in the clouds achieved by opiates.

Near 11PM, there were sufficient calls for an encore, but Hall laughed. "We have a curfew!" She said, smiling, but perhaps aware of the tragedy: if there was a second party coming up in the Underground's bar, no one had arrived for said party. "We can't!" I begged them to come back soon with my mopiest love-gaze. You should have been there, but you probably would have been too late anyway.

Photos by Denise McMullin.

Almost three months after its first run, CraveTO popped up at Honest Ed's alley this Saturday with food, drinks and music for its second event of the year. Featuring an almost entirely new line up of food vendors with influences from around the world, CraveTO divided the huge crowds from its first event into two smaller, more manageable day and night sessions.

DJs ViVi Diamond, Rich Hope and e.steria provided tunes for the day, while Left Field Brewery, Hogtown Brewers, Kensington Brewing Company and Nickelbrook provided an assortment of ales, IPAs and fruit beers. If brewed drinks weren't your thing, Tromba and Iceberg were there with tequila and vodka options as well. Tromba's grapefruit margaritas were particularly refreshing.

There were both food trucks and pop-up food stands, and the lineup included 14 different vendors. There were quite a few Asian and Asian-influenced dishes, including Kanto's Sisig fries, Gushi's Japanese chicken skewers, Eudora's samosas, and Hot Bunzz's Chinese style buns.

Meat lovers got to choose between pulled pork, beef or bison short ribs fillings. Mango Pinto served up delicious arepas (Venezuelan flatbread sandwiches made from cornmeal) and their Pabellon option was a delightful spin off of the Venezuelan national dish, Pabellon criollo.

Pretty Sweet baked an assortment of cupcakes and Terra Nera had handmade Sicilian cannoli to satisfy the sweet tooth in the crowd.

Fans of Pancho Bakery's churros will be excited to learn about their new food truck that debuted at CraveTO. The Dulce de Leche remains my favourite flavour, with strawberry coming a close second. Joining the fleet of food trucks were Fidel Gastro's signature sandwiches and Buster's Sea Cove's fresh seafood tacos.

Ice Volcano drew quite a crowd by making liquid nitrogen ice cream. Their coffee ice cream was made exclusively for CraveTO and surprisingly smooth and creamy.

CraveTO was more intimate and comfortable than the last, with shorter lines, and actual tables and seats to eat. While some vendors accepted credit cards, it's always easier and more efficient to have small denominations of cash handy. Organizers definitely took note of criticism from their last event and have clearly improved upon it.

Check out more photos from the event in the CraveTO stream.

Photos by Jimmy Lu

The Classic Coin Wash near College and Lansdowne looked a little different this weekend. Motorists hoping for a sparking buff and polish were instead relegated to blood and gore as a pack of zombies assumed duties for a few hours on Sunday afternoon. The event was the 4th annual fundraiser for the annual Toronto Zombie Walk and Halloween parade and reports indicate there were no fatalities and everyone had a good time.

Check out photos from the Zombie Car Wash in this slideshow.

With a name that means one devoid of moral restraint this new Dundas West bar and restaurant seems like a good spot for a debaucherous night out. Cocktails, food and tarot readings are all on the table Tuesday through Saturday nights at this new speakeasy-style lounge.

Read my profile of The Libertine in the restaurant section.

Last Friday, local filmmaker John Greyson (director of Zero Patience, Lillies and Fig Trees) and London-based ER doctor Tarek Loubani were arrested in Cairo, Egypt. At present time, Egyptian authorities have not provided a reason for the ongoing detention of the two Canadians. According to a CBC News report, they are currently being held in Torah prison, which is located on the outskirts of Cairo. Currently, the Canadian Embassy in Cairo have contacted Loubani and Greyson in the Egyptian prison facility and are attempting to secure their immediate release.

Understanding the risks of traveling to a country in political upheaval didn't stop Greyson and Loubani from passing through Egypt. In fact, the final destination of their trip was to visit the emergency department of Gaza's largest hospital, Al Shifa Hospital. John Greyson was traveling to Gaza with Loubani in order to research an upcoming film to be set in Gaza. Both Loubani and Greyson are known for taking political risks.

In 2009, Greyson caused much controversy by pulling his film Covered (above) from TIFF over a Tel Aviv Spotlight, a peaceful act of protest that created the space for much needed dialogue and debate, divided many film critics, filmmakers and theorists. In one of his most recent videos (below), Greyson shows his support for Stevie Wonder pulling the plug on his concert for Israeli soldiers and urged Morgan Freeman and Jian Ghomeshi to the same.

As an activist artist, Greyson challenges us to ask questions about how to make the society we live in a better one. For more information about the status of Loubani and Greyson check out Justin Podur's blog, a website maintained by an associate professor at York University who is a mutual friend of the two and who has been the best information about the event since it happened.

Writing by Clint Enns

The patios with the best views in Toronto offer unique urban perspectives from rooftops and waterfront locales around the city. Take advantage of our short-lived summers by snagging a spot at an open air destination and taking in a spectacular vista over cocktails and tasty eats.

Here's our list of the patios with the best views in Toronto.

See also:

The Toronto Patio Guide web site, iPhone and Android app
The top 50 patios in Toronto for 2013
The best patios in Toronto
The best rooftop patios in Toronto
The best backyard patios in Toronto

The Thompson Hotel
Decked out with designer furniture, poolside cabanas and a rooftop infinity pool, this Thompson Hotel patio offers legendary 360 degree views of the city. The exclusive retreat is reserved for hotel guest and lounge members only, making it a coveted instagramable destination.

Amsterdam Brewhouse
There are three patios at this mammoth brew pub, but the choice view is from the reclined vantage point of a Muskoka chair overlooking the water. With a frosty brew in hand, there's arguably no better way to lose an afternoon.

The Chase
This newly opened fish and oyster bar offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the Financial District making it a perfect after work oasis to slurp back some half shells over cocktails.

Momofuku Daisho
Take in the scenery at this newly opened 3rd floor terrace at Momofuko surrounded by shiny glass skyscrapers. Once settled in, kick back in the open air with savoury red sangria or snack on lettuce wraps and burger buns.

Stock
High atop the city, this 31st floor terrace wraps around the Trump Tower offering uninterupted views of the downtown core. Soak in the sun during the daytime over breakfast or lunch, or, enjoy the twinkling skyline after dark over cocktails and dinner.

Trinity Taverna
This newly opened patio looks onto the sandy Woodbine Beach and benefits from the lakeside breeze. In addition to the scenic landscape, the patio also affords direct sight lines of the volleyball nets, so on sunny days count on oogling some beach bodies too.

Bluffer's Restaurant
This cozy waterfront restaurant is nestled into a 400-acre parkland and offers a panoramic view of Scarborough Bluff's Marina. The hidden gem isn't that far from downtown but it still feels like a lazy city escape.

Murphy's Law
Climb the stairs to get to the 3rd floor rooftop patio at this casual Irish pub and unwind overlooking the east end. Situated just a short walk from the beach, this place attracts beach bums and locals looking to refuel on solid pub grub and suds.

Roof Lounge at Park Hyatt Toronto
The 18th floor rooftop patio at the Park Hyatt Toronto towers over Yorkville affording sweeping vistas of Toronto's distinct skyline. Decked out with luxe finishes, it's an elevated and elegantly al fresco lounge favoured by visiting celebrities and well-heeled locals.

Statler's
Depending on what you look for in a good view this piano bar in The Village might offer the perfect eye candy. On the weekends it's a prime people watching spot and come Pride and Halloween it offers exclusive aerial views of the festivities.

BONUS PATIOS!

La Societe
The outdoor terrace at La Societe is a people-watchers patio. Overlooking the mink-mile it's a place to see and be seen. Over TIFF it's a prime spot to stake out celebrities while sipping champagne and indulging in French bistro fare.

Jack Astor's Dundas Square
Want to take in the Times Square North, er, Yonge and Dundas Square without jostling with the frenetic crowds? The patio at this big box Canadian concept is unique for overlooking the event space opposite blazing lights and oversized billboards.

Want more patios? Download the blogTO Patio Guide app for Android and iPhone.

Photo by Jason Cook in the blogTO Flickr pool

Toronto events on August 20th, 2013

MUSIC | Uproar Festival
The Uproar Festival, now in its third year, hits TO today! This festival, sponsored by Rockstar Energy Drink, is a touring multi band, multi stage festival following the classic model popularized by Lollapalooza back in the early '90s. The Uproar Festival will feature three stages at Molson Amphitheatre this afternoon. The Coldcock Herbal Whiskey Showcase Stage, which will feature Charming Liars, The Dead Daisies, and others; and the Zippo Encore Stage whose lineup includes Danko Jones and Walking Papers, will run simultaneously throughout the afternoon. The Rockstar Energy Drink Main Stage will take over after 6pm and close things out with Jane's Addiction and Alice In Chains.
Molson Amphitheatre (909 Lake Shore Blvd West) 2PM $19.75-$79.75

FUNDRAISER | Scotiabank BuskerBall
Tonight, Scotiabank presents, Buskerball: an entertaining event to raise funds for Epilepsy Toronto. This gala fundraiser will feature a hand picked lineup of spectacular busker performances including some impressive acrobatics, and will be hosted by Andrea Case, CTV's news anchor/reporter, as well as former Maple Leaf Darcy Tucker. It's not a cheap ticket by any means, but nothing feels quite as good as giving to a great cause, and an amazing evening is promised, along with a "strolling dinner", open bar, auctions, and a tax receipt for one hundred dollars.
Mattamy Athletic Centre (50 Carlton Street) 6PM $175

MUSIC | Audiopollination
Audiopollination, Somewhere There's monthly event featuring a variety of short improvised music performances by a number of different ensembles and configurations, happens tonight at Array Music. This installment of Audiopollination will include duo sets by Jamie Thompson (flute) and Anastasya Koskin (recorded sounds), David Jones (guitar) and Zoe Abrams (vocal), Michael Lynn (upright bass) and Barry Prophet (sound art and electronic percussion), and also Dominique Banoun (vocal) and Adriana Monti (piano), with guests. The evening will conclude with a premiere screening of Kevin Kelly's film, Snippets accompanied live by Gerard Leckey and Kevin Kelly's group, Strange Nursery.
Array Music (155 Walnut Avenue) 8PM pwyc

BOOKS & LIT | Amanda Sun
The Japan Foundation presents a talk and book signing with Amanda Sun, who is launching her first novel, Ink, the first part of a series, The Paper Gods: a supernatural fiction series taking place in Japan. Ink follows the adventures of protagonist Katie Greene who is sent to Japan following the death of her mother. Sun has spent considerable time in Japan herself, and will discuss how her time there immersed in Japanese culture influenced both her life and writing. Admission to this event is free, but an RSVP is required.
Japan Foundation (131 Bloor Street West) 6PM

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

Photo by Zun Lee in the blogTO Flickr pool

The police officer facing second-degree murder charges over the shooting death of teenager Sammy Yatim will turn himself in later today. The Special Investigations Unit says Const. James Forcillo will voluntarily enter custody in secret because of death threats issued on Twitter. The SIU announced the charges yesterday, a move met with relief by Yatim's family.

Rob Ford will have a chance to publicly refute the Toronto Star and Globe and Mail's crack video stories at a series of Ontario Press Council hearings in September. The council said it would hold the hearings after it received 41 complaints about the coverage, which included allegations Doug Ford dealt hash in the 80s. The OPC will not rule whether the stories are true, only whether they were reported responsibly.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Sun says Ford staffer David Price was "furious" about allegations he dealt pot with Doug Ford, quoting an email he sent in the hours after the story was published that called the story "bullshit, gossip, and innuendo."

Rob Ford wants the federal government to reconsider withdrawing from the governing body that decides who gets the World Expo. Council voted 30-4 last December to investigate whether the city could snag the touring exhibition in 2025 but with Canada planning to turn in its membership over costs, the plans could all be moot.

Council appears to split over how best to replace former Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday. Rob Ford has called a special council meeting for August 26 to deal with the matter and he remaining councillors must decide whether to hold a byelection (Ford's preferance) or appoint somebody to the post for the remainder of the term. In the past, byelections have typically been the preferred option.

Norm Kelly is now officially Ford's new right hand man. With the publication of Holyday's election made official by the Ontario Gazette, Kelly was formally selected by the mayor yesterday. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role," the mayor's twitter account said.

Finally, TTC drivers will not be dressing up "like the Habs." TTC CEO Andy Byford says new uniforms will be rolled out next year and pictures of a few test items have been leaked online, including a red and blue striped golf shirt and a red and black ball cap. "If you're in Manchester, you don't wear the colours of Liverpool," union leader Bob Kinnear told the National Post, clearly overlooking the fact teams from both cities wear red. The new uniform will be unveiled next year.

IN BRIEF:

• Intersection of King and Spadina reopens to traffic [CTV News]
• Missing Plaque Project unveils Toronto's untold history [Toronto Star]
• 1 dead, 1 in custody following fatal west-end crash [CBC]
• 2 taken to hospital after accident at TTC yard [CBC]

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

Image: Ronnie Yip/blogTO Flickr pool.

The Fairview Mall farmers' market goes down every Friday from 8am-1:30pm. It's a modest market that's held in an inauspicious spot in the mall's south parking lot with condo towers to one side and the mall on the other. The market opened for the season back in June and will run until mid October.

Here's a snapshot of some of the vendors you'll find at the Fairview Mall farmer's market.

Bees Universe
Bees Universe is a mainstay at farmers' markets across the GTA, selling a unique selection of raw honey, honey-based skin-care products, chicken, duck, and quail eggs. Owner Irina Alecu encourages everyone to taste the range of honey on sale, from traditional buckwheat, wildflower, and blueberry to flavoured options like cinnamon and ginger.

Blyleven Farms
Based in Dunnville, this family farm sells produce grown in its fields and greenhouses along with offerings from neighbouring farms. By far the largest vendor at the market, the Blyleven family sells a wide range of fruits and vegetables, including pesticide-free options. Chances are good that if it's in season and locally grown you'll find it here.

European Meat
Since 1972, this Cookstown-based family butchery has been making and selling smoked and cured meats. Their stand is weighed down by an impressive array of sausages and cheese. You're unlikely to pass by without being offered a sample.

Green Gate Farms
Although not certified organic, the pork and beef sold at Green Gate Farms' stand is naturally raised, free of hormones and preventative antibiotics. In addition to the standard offerings of steaks, chops, and roasts, Green Gate Farms sells heat-and-serve items for rushed weeknight dinners including shepherd's pie and tortiere, and a variety of filler-free sausages, such as sweet Italian, chorizo, and apple bacon.

Green Vision Farms
Following a life-changing car accident and some soul-searching, Chandrika Joshi left behind a career in banking and now works a quarter-acre in Flamborough. She and her husband grow produce using organic and sustainable methods. Alongside staples such as zucchini, kale, and radishes, Green Vision Farms sells some of the more unique produce at the market. When I stopped by Joshi was selling lamb's quarters, a green that she recommends using in place of spinach or chard.

Hearty Catering
Fittingly, given its focus on healthy and organic treats, many of which are gluten-free and/or vegan, Hearty Catering operates out of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. For those trying to cut back on refined sugar, chef Evelyne Gharibian sweetens her cookies with applesauce and cane sugar, but she doesn't neglect those with a strong sweet tooth: Choco-Loco squares, with dark chocolate, walnut, coconuts, and a graham cracker crust, provide an all-natural indulgence.

Marigold's Maple Syrup
Marigold, the 75-year-old parrot for whom the business is named, isn't at the market, but Brian Hamilton is happy to talk about her while encouraging shoppers to try samples of his maple syrup. Hamilton sells dark and light syrup in a variety of sizes and presentations, including giftware and custom-etched bottles.

Future Bakery
With its Annex cafe and permanent outpost in the St. Lawrence Market, Future Bakery is a Toronto institution. At the Fairview Mall Farmers' Market, the bakery's focus is on its European-style loaves of bread, although some sweets, such as poppy seed rolls and pecan tarts, are available.

Rob's Good Food
The humble dry-erase board advertising Rob's Good Food belies proprietor Rob Hudyma's 25 years of experience as a chef and caterer. Here you'll find fresh-baked goods, with a focus on locally grown, seasonal ingredients. Hudyma's old-fashioned, gooey butter tarts are a specialty, as are his gluten-free scones.

Discover more of Toronto's farmers' markets via our Toronto Farmers' Markets Pinterest board.

Writing by Robert Hickey. Photos by Jesse Milns.

A new men's vintage shop has sprung in Toronto breathing new life into the men's retail scene. Found down a small street near Churchill bar on Dundas West, the easy to miss shop is the brainchild of Sacha Laberge from Montreal.

Read my profile of Black Flower Vintage in the fashion section.

If you're hooked on Peter Pan's food, you may want to think twice. The restaurant got itself a yellow card with a total of eight infractions. Sadly, simply believing won't get it the pass it needs. Just Thai also got a conditional pass, making it a repeat offender this year. But worst on the list? That would be the red card handed to Riverside's Sushi District. Be careful where you eat raw fish, people.

Here's this week's DineSafe round-up.

Sushi District (806 Queen St. East)
Inspected on: August 13
Inspection finding: Red (Closed)
Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 1, Significant: 4, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to prevent gross unsanitary conditions

Fat Cat Wine Bar
Inspected on: August 13
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 10 (Minor: 5, Significant: 4, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.

Just Thai (534 Church Street)
Inspected on: August 14
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant 3)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

La Mexicana (3337 Bathurst Street)
Inspected on: August 13
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 2, Significant: 2)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Pappas Grill (440 Danforth Avenue)
Inspected on: August 15
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 9 (Minor: 2, Significant: 4, Crucial: 3)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4C (40F) or colder, operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 60C (140F) or hotter, operator fail to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.

Peter Pan Restaurant (373 Queen Street W)
Inspected on: August 12
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 8 (Minor: 4, Significant: 3, Crucial 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4C (40F) or colder.

241 Pizza (357 Wilson Avenue)
Inspected on: August 14
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 3, Significant: 2)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Wimpy's Diner (199 Sheppard Avenue E)
Inspected on: August 14
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 14 (Minor: 2, Significant: 9, Crucial: 3)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4C (40F) or colder, operator fail to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated, employee fail to wash hands when required.

A new lounge has taken the place of Jezebel on Ossington. While it's name may sound familiar, this is definitely not the place to take your 6 year old aspiring ballerina for some weeknight exercise.

Read my profile of Ballet in the bars section.

Well, it's here. In officially unleashing the complete line-up and schedule for the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival this week, North America's largest cinematic event kicked off 16 days of pre-festival madness. Now that we're all scurrying to schedule time off, narrow down wish lists, finalize advanced ticket forms and mentally prepare for some seriously over-ambitious movie binging, it's time to take a closer look at what to look forward to at this year's festival.

To launch our TIFF13 coverage, I've outlined a list of the most buzzed about titles to be found in this year's festival. From top prize-winners at other major festivals, to anticipated titles from world cinema's leading auteurs, to new projects from Canada's biggest talents, these ten films ought to be some of the harder tickets to come by.

12 Years a Slave
After Hunger (2008) and Shame (2011), British video and installation artist Steve McQueen has made it clear that he is, and will continue to be, a major presence on the international film platform. His continuing collaboration with actor Michael Fassbender is one of the most interesting actor/director combos currently active, as the two consistently tackle controversial and boundary-pushing subject matter. This third picture for the duo, which is having its world premiere in Toronto, is based on the true story of a 19th-century freeman kidnapped and sold into slavery in the Deep South.

August: Osage County
Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Juliette Lewis, Gala Presentation, 'nuff said. But to give a little bit more info, the film takes as its source the darkly comedic, Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name, written by Tracy Letts, telling the story of a group of strong-willed women (which, based on the cast, duh) whose lives have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Midwest house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them. Best Actress experts, look here first. Pack your hankies.

Blue is the Warmest Color
The winner of the Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes film festival, under-rated director Abdellatif Kechiche's sizzling epic of intimate proportions details the sprawling relationship between two young French girls (performed so well by actresses Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos that the Steven Spielberg-led jury decided to award them a Palme d'Or, too). Controversial for its sexual frankness and extended sex scenes, the extremely divisive film has struck up an intense dialogue since its Cannes victory about the ethics of female and lesbian representations in movies.

Prisoners + Enemy
It's been three years since Denis Villeneuve took Canadian and international audiences by storm with his inflammatory (sorry) melodrama Incendies, but those mourning his extended absence from movie screens will be pleased to find that he has not one but two new films in the festival this year. Both star Jake Gyllenhaal: one (Enemy) is an adaptation of Nobel Prize-winning author José Saramago's novel The Double, with the other, cast alongside Hugh Jackman, detailing an investigation into the shocking disappearance of two young girls. If Villeneuve's recent output is anything to go by, these should be among the more riveting and suspenseful fare at this year's festival.

Gravity
Yes, it really has been seven years since Children of Men. After Alfonso Cuarón's visionary, idea-driven sci-fi spectacle wowed cinephiles, the main questions on their minds was "how can he possibly outdo this?" Then Gravity was announced, and early indications were that he'd have a shot at besting himself. Despite production beginning in early 2011, though, the film has encountered delay after delay in the effects stages. The wait is over, though (*knock on wood*), and regardless of its modest 93-minute running time, you can count on there being some pretty damn spiffy CGI in this one.

Labor Day
TIFF and Jason Reitman are apparently two peas in a pod. The latest film from the director of Up in the Air and Juno - both huge festival and Academy favourites in their respective years - centres on 13-year-old Henry as he confronts the pangs of adolescence while struggling to care for his reclusive mother, Adele (Kate Winslet). Featuring a loaded cast that also includes Josh Brolin, Tobey Maguire, and James Van Der Beek (who, apparently, is still acting), this might be one of TIFF's trademark awards season candidates, which they have a remarkable knack for unveiling.

Story of My Death
Fresh off of being awarded the Golden Leopard in Locarno (that festival's top prize) last weekend, Albert Serra's new film looks to apply his highly unusual, wryly comedic style to a narrative surrounding Casanova and Count Dracula. Judging by his last picture - 2008's absurd, austere, and utterly wonderful Birdsong - this gothic epic might be the most curious and mysterious object in the entire festival line-up.

Tom at the Farm
Since making a splash and sweeping the awards in Cannes' 2009 Directors' Fortnight with his incredibly poised, melodramatic debut (I Killed My Mother), Xavier Dolan has gone on to showcase two more features in Cannes' Un Certain Regard section (including by far his best film to date, last year's excellent Laurence Anyways), and is now placing his chips in Venice's Competition slate - his first time competing in a major film festival. Tom at the Farm stars a notably un-prettied Dolan as a grief-stricken copywriter who stirs up trouble when he visits his dead lover's parents, and should see the young director's rapid rise to Canada's A-list continue.

Under the Skin
If you sympathize with Alfonso Cuarón fans, be sure to save some spare back pats for Jonathan Glazer aficionados. Now nine years since his creepy, Kubrickian Birth, Glazer's latest has, like Gravity, encountered delay after delay in the abyss more commonly known as post-production. Returning in a mode that appears to be decidedly Birth-like, Under the Skin stars Scarlett Johannson as a seductive alien scouring remote highways and backroads for human prey. Sounds delicious.

The Wind Rises
People can't get enough of Hayao Miyazaki and the Studio Ghibli brigade, so much so that TIFF Bell Lightbox is returning their Ghibli retrospective - conducted barely over a year ago - for an encore this winter, no doubt returning due to popular demand. So you can rest assured that the Japanese animation master 's first film since 2008's Ponyo is going to be met with a crazy level of hype (there's a reason why he isn't programmed in the TIFF Kids programme). Described as his most unique film to date (which, if true: whoa), the film is vaguely summarized as a story of love and perseverance in a turbulent world.

What titles are you most looking forward to? Add films you're most excited about in the comment thread below.

Thanks to Grolsch for sponsoring our coverage of TIFF13Lead still from Gravity.

Yorkville is always bustling in the summer, even during a lazy summer afternoon. Here's a round-up of shots taken over the course of an hour over lunch time.

Check out all the looks in our Style section.

The record of luminaries awarded a ceremonial key to the city of Toronto reads like the strangest party guest list of all time. There's author J. K. Rowling and martial artist Jackie Chan, legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma and former President of Greece Constantinos Stephanopoulos, Nickelback and Nelson Mandela.

Two Mickeys have the key to the city (Rooney and Mouse) but only seven women have received the honour, just three of them from Toronto. Contrast that with the 62 men from around the world who have a key sitting in a special wooden presentation case in their home or office.

The keys themselves are made of gold-plated zinc for the City of Toronto by North York Trophies and Promotions and cost around $80 each. The city keeps a stock of blank keys ready for engraving when the mayor announces a presentation, says Cece Metcalfe, the owner of the store.

The precise number of key recipients is actually difficult to place. In 2003, Mel Lastman gave one to the entire population of Prince Edward Island as thank-you for their support during the SARS crisis, which included a free truckload of oysters.

The city records only date back to amalgamation in 1998, and other former cities may have previously handed out their own keys.

According to the City of Toronto, the presentation of a key is entirely at the discretion of the mayor and isn't subject to any formal guidelines or protocol. The trophy itself is meant to symbolize becoming a "freeman," a throwback to medieval times when a person of significant standing graduated from serfdom and was allowed to own land and run a business.

So far Mel Lastman has been the most generous, giving out 95 per cent of the keys since 1998. A plan to give the Spice Girls a key turned sour when the group refused to perform at a free outdoor concert the city had started (perhaps prematurely) planning.

David Miller and Rob Ford, on the other hand, have given out just five trophies between them. Upon receiving his key today, Doug Holyday will become the second deputy mayor, after Case Ootes, to receive the award.

Here's a full list of recipients since 1998. Some of them are famous. Some of them not so much.

MEL LASTMAN

Mickey Rooney - actor
Bobby Curtola - musician
Sheldon Kennedy - hockey player
Bobby Rahal - racing driver
Ed Mirvish - business leader
Roberto Leal - musician
Charles Adler - broadcaster
Nelson Mandela - politician
Barbara Ann Scott - figure skater
Johnny Lombardi - broadcaster
Yo-Yo Ma - musician
David L. Gunn - TTC GM
Norman Jewison - movie actor and director
Mickey Mouse - cartoon mouse
Frank Alvarez - radio station owner
Jorge Ferreira - musician
Céline Dion - musician
José Lello - Portuguese politician
Ron Huldai - Israeli politician
Joe Foti - Liberal fundraiser
Sharon, Lois & Bram - children's music trio
Desmond Tutu - religious leader
David Boothby - chief of police
Neil Young - musician
Donald Sutherland - actor
Konstantinos Stephanopoulos - president of Greece
Dr. Jan Paulsen - church leader
Orville Parchment - church leader
Pramukh Swami Maharaj - Hindu guru
Barenaked Ladies - musicians
J. K. Rowling - author
Boris Spremo - photojournalist
King Constantine II - former king of Greece
Sylvester Stallone - actor
Sophia Loren - actor
Margaret Atwood - author
Joni Mitchell - musician
Blue Rodeo - musicians
Tiger Woods - golfer
Carlos César - Portuguese politician
Thomas Rosica - church leader
Ronnie Hawkins - musician
Tony Dionisio - union leader
Muhammad Ali - boxer
Mike Myers - comedian
Eng. Ferrero Rodriguez - ????
Prince Edward Island - Canadian province
Rolling Stones - musician
The Anson Carter Family - family of hockey player Anson Carter
Nickelback - musicians
Case Ootes - deputy mayor and councillor

DAVID MILLER

Julian Fantino - chief of police
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama - religious leader

ROB FORD

George Cohon - business leader
George Chuvalo - boxer
Doug Holyday - deputy mayor

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

360 Walmer Road is a modernized home itching for someone with an awesome art collection, and a wicked pair of gliding socks. You will want to slide from each massive room into the next with ease so you can soak up the amazing layout, expansive windows and all around space.

There is no official dining room, so if entertaining is of importance then keeping the soiree to a strictly kitchen party may be most unbecoming for you. But, with five previous price drops this new price may make you consider becoming a Casa Loma local, if you aren't already. Or if you're anxiously awaiting that foreign, unknown and long lost relative to kick the bucket and leave you those millions.

SPECS:

Address:360 Walmer Road
Price: 2,495,000.00. Down from $3,249,000.00
Sq Ft: 3700
Bedrooms: 4+1
Bathrooms: 5
Parking: Attached garage for 2
Taxes: N/A
Walk Score: 80

NOTABLE FEATURES:

• In ceiling speakers
• Recessed electric blinds
• Security system
• Hot water on demand system
• Balcony and rooftop deck
• Walk in closets with built in shelving

GOOD FOR:

Good for anyone that likes sunlight, levels and a modern layout design. Perfect for someone with an art collection worth more than the home. So you can justify buying a storage spot to showcase your pieces.

MOVE ON IF:

You are shy and a toilet in front of a window gives you great stress, as this appears on the third floor. Or if smudged fingerprints on glass also causes the OCD in you to escalate, because this home could eat your time in Windex maintenance.

Read other posts in this series via our House of the Week Pinterest board.

Writing by Shannon Burnett