The best omakase in Toronto leaves the destiny of your dinner to the kitchen and entrusts your appetite to the whims and sensibilities of the chef. Omakase is like the antithesis of impersonal, AYCE sushi dinners and the goal here isn't to gorge senselessly but rather to relax and let the dishes roll out at a pace and progression that the chef sees fit. It's like the Japanese equivalent to a tasting menu or chef's table, and it's a chance to be surprised, entertained and fed all at once.

Here is the list of the best omakase in Toronto.

See also:

The Best Japanese Restaurants in Toronto
The Best Splurge Sushi in Toronto
The Best Tasting Menus in Toronto

Top photo by Jen Chan in the blogTO Flickr pool

The federal government has promised $660 million for a Scarborough subway extension to Sheppard Avenue, seemingly putting the troubled project on the best track since the latest round of talks began.

"You have our money, let's get this subway built," finance minister Jim Flaherty told a press conference at Don Montgomery Community Centre near Kennedy station, flanked by Stephen Harper, Rob Ford, and several city councillors. "Our money is real, our money will flow, our government is solid."

The government came to the table after Rob Ford wrote a letter, Flaherty said, although it was probably more likely city manager Joe Pennachetti.

There are, of course, plenty of unanswered questions: the various LRT cancellation costs, sunk costs, and the additional money it will require to keep the SRT running have not been factored in yet, it seems.

The map Flaherty used a his presentation shows the subway connecting with Sheppard LRT at McCowan, which suggests the light rail line is also looking more solid. That maps also breaks from the route the province backed, which followed the old SRT route and ended at Scarborough Centre.

There are also questions around how the city will react to the cash injection. The province's share of the funding, $1.4 billion, and today's promise from the feds, $600 million, provides $2 billion. In July, the city set a deadline of September 30 for $1.8 billion from the province and 50% of the capital costs from the federal government.

A report from Joe Pennachetti at the time said the city would have to hike property taxes 1.1% over three years, with a minimum 0.5% increase in 2014 to cover its share.

Doug Ford says the subway could be up and running by 2022 with "shovels in the ground within a year or two." "Another promise made, another promise kept," said the mayor.

Is this a win for the city?

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

The three day long, fourth annual Walk of Fame Fest went off without a hitch this weekend. From Thursday through Saturday Burton Cummings and Band, Serena Ryder, and Maestro Fresh Wes each took over Massey Hall for a night to honour and preview the Walk of Fame's newest inductees (the actual Walk of Fame Awards will take place October 27th). On the final night of the fest, Maestro was joined by a variety of friends including Classified and Saukrates.

Check out our visual recap of the three day festival.

With summer officially over, one of the prevailing themes spotted on Toronto's streets is the amount of black worn this Fall. Of course, wearing black is nothing new. But in this round-up we try to pull it all together with Moto jackets, leather and looks that have something of a punk/grunge aesthetic going on.

Check out all the looks in our Style section.

A smoking ban could be back on the table for Toronto patios and other public areas, like sports fields and beaches. Approximately a year ago, the Toronto Board of Health initiated a public consultation process on toughening the city's smoking by-laws, which currently prohibit one from lighting up in the workplace or within nine metres of a public playground (amongst other places). As a result of these consultations, Toronto's Medical Officer has formally recommended that smoking be banned on restaurant and bar patios as well as other key outdoor public areas.

"Based on the consultation findings, review of actions in other jurisdictions, health evidence on outdoor tobacco smoke exposure, the importance of smoke-free role models for children and youth, and public opinion data, this report recommends the Board of Health support making the following outdoor spaces smoke-free: public building entrances and exits, sports fields, specific amenities in parks, swimming beaches, public squares, bar and restaurant patios and hospital grounds."

A common argument when this particular debate comes up is that a ban on patio smoking will ultimately hurt a restaurant or bar's business. So while it's hardly surprising that the Medical Officer would make such recommendations, it should be noted that patio owners were included in the consultation process. The recommendation will be considered by the Board of Health on September 30th. City council would have to approve any change to existing smoking legislation.

What do you think? Is this a step in the right direction?

Photo by HappyLuck in the blogTO Flickr pool

Photo by BruceK in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Toronto events on September 24th, 2013

CULTURE | Festival Of Images And Words
Tonight marks the opening of the Festival Of Images And Words. This event, which began in 2005, is devoted to Latin American and Caribbean literature and culture in Canada, and is run by Antares Publishing, a trilingual press specializing in Spanish, English and French literature. The festival will have film screenings, literary events, lectures, and more. This evening's festival opening is an art exhibition, entitled Shared Spaces/Espaces Partages, and will feature work by Carlos Torres, Mira Martínez, Charmaine Lurch, Oswaldo León Kantule, and Shaniqueki S. Bartley. The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration of Ontario, The honourable Michael Coteau, will be the guest of honour, and there will be an opening address by the Principal of Glendon College, Dr. Kenneth McRoberts. The Festival Of Images And Words runs until November 9th.
Glendon Gallery, Glendon College (2275 Bayview Avenue) 6:30PM

MUSIC | The Dodos and Cousins at Lee's
San Francisco-based duo, The Dodos, play Lee's tonight. These guys have an original edgy sound that flirts with minimalism, and explores the tonal possibilities of the electric guitar in an interesting way. Core members Meric Long and Logan Kroeber, who have been playing together since 2005, are occasionally augmented by a third member live. Their 2011 album, No Color included a guest appearance by Neko Case, and helped to spread the word about The Dodos, and put them on the US charts, and also got them a coveted slot at the 2011 ATP Nightmare Before Christmas in the UK. Cousins, from Halifax, will get the show started.
Lee's Palace (529 Bloor Street West) 8PM $17.50

BOOKS & LIT | Liberty or Death by María Páez Victor - Book Launch
Tonight María Páez Victor launches her noew book, Liberty or Death! The Life and Campaigns of Richard L Vowell, British Legionnaire and Commander, Hero and Patriot of the Americas. Victor is a Caracas, Venezuela-born sociologist, with degrees from York University and the University of Kent at Canterbury. Liberty or Death! is a biographical work that chronicles the story of 19th Century English adventurer, Richard Longfield Vowell, who cut his studies at Oxford University short to fight the Spanish Empire. Victor did research on three different continents for this book that reveals new and important information about an important time in British history. There will be a book signing, as well as a brief talk by the author, complimented by music over dinner.
Lula Lounge (1585 Dundas Street West) 7:30PM

CULTURE | Queen Gallery Poetry Night X
The Queen Gallery poetry night gathers again for its September edition. This "open stage" format evening of poetry and music happens on the last Tuesday of every month, and features an established poet, along with the emerging open stage talent. Tonight, Mahlikah Awe:ri, a performer and poet, is the featured guest. Awe:ri, is a member of the First Nations, an activist, a teacher, and a noted "rapologist" who has toured extensively with her project Red Slam Collective. She lends her talents to support a number of causes including Idle No More, and is a KM Hunter Arts Award in Literature nominee.
Queen Gallery (382 Queen Street East) 7PM PWYC

Also Of Note

Without Wood: Why do we cut trees?

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

Photo of Cousins by Denise McMullin

Toronto events on September 24th, 2013

CULTURE | Festival Of Images And Words
Tonight marks the opening of the Festival Of Images And Words. This event, which began in 2005, is devoted to Latin American and Caribbean literature and culture in Canada, and is run by Antares Publishing, a trilingual press specializing in Spanish, English and French literature. The festival will have film screenings, literary events, lectures, and more. This evening's festival opening is an art exhibition, entitled Shared Spaces/Espaces Partages, and will feature work by Carlos Torres, Mira Martínez, Charmaine Lurch, Oswaldo León Kantule, and Shaniqueki S. Bartley. The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration of Ontario, The honourable Michael Coteau, will be the guest of honour, and there will be an opening address by the Principal of Glendon College, Dr. Kenneth McRoberts. The Festival Of Images And Words runs until November 9th.
Glendon Gallery, Glendon College (2275 Bayview Avenue) 6:30PM

MUSIC | The Dodos and Cousins at Lee's
San Francisco-based duo, The Dodos, play Lee's tonight. These guys have an original edgy sound that flirts with minimalism, and explores the tonal possibilities of the electric guitar in an interesting way. Core members Meric Long and Logan Kroeber, who have been playing together since 2005, are occasionally augmented by a third member live. Their 2011 album, No Color included a guest appearance by Neko Case, and helped to spread the word about The Dodos, and put them on the US charts, and also got them a coveted slot at the 2011 ATP Nightmare Before Christmas in the UK. Cousins, from Halifax, will get the show started.
Lee's Palace (529 Bloor Street West) 8PM $17.50

BOOKS & LIT | Liberty or Death by María Páez Victor - Book Launch
Tonight María Páez Victor launches her noew book, Liberty or Death! The Life and Campaigns of Richard L Vowell, British Legionnaire and Commander, Hero and Patriot of the Americas. Victor is a Caracas, Venezuela-born sociologist, with degrees from York University and the University of Kent at Canterbury. Liberty or Death! is a biographical work that chronicles the story of 19th Century English adventurer, Richard Longfield Vowell, who cut his studies at Oxford University short to fight the Spanish Empire. Victor did research on three different continents for this book that reveals new and important information about an important time in British history. There will be a book signing, as well as a brief talk by the author, complimented by music over dinner.
Lula Lounge (1585 Dundas Street West) 7:30PM

CULTURE | Queen Gallery Poetry Night X
The Queen Gallery poetry night gathers again for its September edition. This "open stage" format evening of poetry and music happens on the last Tuesday of every month, and features an established poet, along with the emerging open stage talent. Tonight, Mahlikah Awe:ri, a performer and poet, is the featured guest. Awe:ri, is a member of the First Nations, an activist, a teacher, and a noted "rapologist" who has toured extensively with her project Red Slam Collective. She lends her talents to support a number of causes including Idle No More, and is a KM Hunter Arts Award in Literature nominee.
Queen Gallery (382 Queen Street East) 7PM PWYC

Also Of Note

Without Wood: Why do we cut trees?

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

Photo of Cousins by Denise McMullin

The provincial government says its pledge of $1.4 billion to the Scarborough subway extension isn't enough to build the line the federal government proposed yesterday. "We are not walking away from a project that is fully funded for one that isn't," said Transportation Minister Glen Murray said. The current federal/city proposal falls about $1 billion short, he added. Murray says he will work with the city and the feds to close that gap, however.

Montreal's auditor general says he doubts Bixi can continue to operate in Quebec and Toronto. Jacques Bergeron produced a report in to the parent company's most recent financial year and will present it to Montreal city council this week. Bergeron says the company, which has expanded across North America, is in serious financial trouble.

Toronto could open the door to more electric billboards. A consultant's report is recommending the city allow signs in areas outside the current designated zones at Yonge-Dundas Square and along the Gardiner. The billboards would be away from residential areas and 250 metres from the nearest residence. Is this a worrying case of ad creep or a logical option for a big city like Toronto.

Toronto is home to more than 2,000 single millionaires (or plenty of people willing to lie about their income in a survey,) according to online dating website SeekingMillionaire.com. 2,327 people listed their annual income as more than a million dollars, more than double the second place Canadian city, Calgary.

Toronto police are cracking down on cold tea outlets in Chinatown. Using legislation passed in 2001, cops are targeting landlords who repeatedly turn a blind eye to illegal booze cans and allow new after-hours bars to open, like the owners 319 Spadina, a notorious repeat-offender.

A lost stuffed dog has found its way home thanks to Twitter. Toronto police Staff Sgt. Chris Boddy found the dog in the arrivals area of Pearson airport last month and used social media to track down the owner, a little boy named Caeden, 5, using the hashtag #findmyowner.

New Leafs signing David Clarkson has been banned for 10 games and fined $270,000 for leaving the bench to participate in a brawl, the NHL says. Clarkson hopped over the boards to defend Phil Kessel during a gritty pre-season match against the Buffalo Sabres.

Finally, Cirque du Soleil has signed on to produce the opening ceremony of the 2015 Pan Am Games. The Canadian company of acrobats will sponsor the event and work as a creative partner with the organizers. The news is expected to be confirmed later this morning.

IN BRIEF:

• Man shot dead after being ambushed near elevator in Shuter St. highrise [Toronto Star]
• 2 men charged in alleged Via plot to face 'lengthy' trial [CBC]
• Man rushed to hospital after shooting near Regent Park [Global News]

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

Image: Ryan/blogTO Flickr pool.

The new Kings of Leon album, Mechanical Bull, drops today and to get in the spirit we're running a photo contest through Instagram and Twitter. To enter, find one of the new Kings of Leon album posters (shown here) on the streets of Toronto and snap a photo. Tag it with #SpotTheKOLPoster and @blogTO via your Twitter or Instagram. And that's it! We'll be awarding a signed copy of the poster and a vinyl copy of the album to one lucky winner.

Deadline for entering is EOD this Friday September 27th. Good luck!

This Week in Home Video previews all the latest Blu-ray, DVD and on-demand titles hitting the street this week, plus lost gems, crazed Cancon, outrageous cult titles and the best places to rent or buy movies in Toronto.

NEW RELEASES

Room 237

Simply the most bonkers documentary in a long while explores the many and varied theories regarding what Stanley Kubrick's ho-hum adaptation of Stephen King's The Shining (1980) is really all about. Things start off promisingly with talk of late 1970s subliminal advertising, hidden Minotaurs and ample clues about the massacre of native Indians, who in turn may possess lunatic novelist Jack Torrence (the always unhinged Jack Nicholson in an insane career highlight).

Mystery Solved? Not quite. Sadly it's not long before zany moon "truthers" arrive and suggest the whole of The Shining is actually about Kubrick's involvement in the faked lunar landings. Overlong but fascinating balderdash.

V/H/S 2

Incredibly, available in a Blu-ray/DVD/VHS combo pack, this "all-new anthology of dread, madness, and gore" sets out to evoke the heady days of finding scary VHS tapes at the back of dusty rental store. Result - a mixed bag of styles from found footage to snuff that actually manages to brilliantly capture the highs and lows of renting shitty horror movies based on the cover art alone.

Iron Man 3

Eccentric genius, billionaire, philanthropist Tony Stark is the armored super-hero known as Iron Man, whose recent activities with the Avengers haunt him to the point of psychosis. Non-stop Iron Suit action plays it fast and loose to break free from the long shadow of The Avengers, with mixed results.

TV

Hannibal - Season 1

Barking loon Dr. Hannibal Lecter teams up with the FBI, toying with them while they work to unravel mysteries and catch serial killers. Creepy doesn't come much creepier than Mads Mikkelsen, who manages to make this busy role his own in spite of the other greats who have come before him. Bonus features include audio commentaries, storyboards, deleted scenes, a gag reel, and several behind the scenes featurettes.

Doctor Who Series 7

Doctor Who celebrates 50 years with a rather subdued season that starts with a Dalek insane asylum and ends with the Doctor's own mausoleum. High hopes the golden anniversary special airing in November will restore this brand to its former giddy heights after the low blow of seeing breakdancing Cybermen, comedy Dinosaurs and a looming sense of been there, done that with this set of underwhelming episodes.

CULT

Prince of Darkness: Collector's Edition

Satan is returning, and his passage to Earth ends in an abandoned urban church being monitored by University professor san students. John Carpenter's masterpiece of metaphysical horror plays mood like a synth, with terrifying imagery and even more terrifying ideology. Mostly forgotten amidst the great directors other masterful works, Prince of Darkness deserves to be reappraised. This collector's edition features a commentary track from Carpenter, as well as an interview with soundtrack contributor and guest star Alice Cooper.

Halloween: 35th Anniversary Edition

Nevermind that low life Rob Zombie remake, John Carpenter's original Halloween remains the most terrifying slasher film ever made. Whether you've seen it once or 100 times, Halloween is a sweet seasonal treat that invites and rewards multiple viewings. This 35th (!) anniversary edition sports a spritely brand new transfer and also boasts all new audio commentary with writer/director Carpenter and star Jamie Lee Curtis, and all new featurette entitled "The Night She Came Home" - a documentary-style piece showing Jamie Lee Curtis attending a fan convention, On Location: 25 Years Later featurette, Trailer, Old TV and radio spots and the TV version footage - footage added in for the film's TV airings.

Psycho II

Just in time for Halloween, Scream Factory resurrects the neglected Psycho sequels. Part II, released during the slasher crazy early 1980s, is actually amazing all things considered. A tight script from Tom "Fright Night" Holland finds Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates released from the loony bin and deciding to take up Motel management again. Original Psycho actress Vera Miles lends a hand, as does mega 80s babe Meg Tilly. Extras include commentary from Holland, vintage interviews with the cast and crew, and TV spots and trailers.

Psycho III

Directed by Norman Bates himself, this gory sequel actually pre-figures the now popular A&E prequel series. Extras include commentary from the screenwriter Charles Pogue, interviews with the actors and make-up artists and an original trailer.

STILL FRESH

• World War Z
• The Bling Ring
• We Steal Secrets: The Story of Wikileaks
• Arrow - Season 1
• Falling Skies - Season 2
• Doctor Who - The Ice Warriors
• Slacker
• Friday the 13th: The Complete Collection
• Day of the Dead: Collector's Edition
• Star Trek Into Darkness
• From Up on Poppy Hill
• Sharknado
• Homeland - Season 2
• Star Trek - Origins
• Vampire Diaries - Season 4
• Snake Eyes
• Marathon Man
• The Fly

THE BLACK MUSEUM RETURNS TO TORONTO

Lurid lectures for the morbidly curious. Named after Scotland Yard's infamous murder exhibit, the Black Museum returns to Toronto just in time for Samhain's fall of fear and this season's eclectic line-up promises everything from video games to Giallo , Stephen King and horrors from the womb.

First up - a dose of chilling 8-bit monstrosities...

September 26, 2013 "Arcane Arcade: The History of Horror in Video Games"

During the short history of the videogame industry, the horror genre has grown from humble beginnings greatly inspired by the genre's long running history in film. While film has long offered the means for the audience to become passive observers of horror, videogames continue to use advances in technology to immerse players as active participants, tasking them with walking through darkened hallways and opening forbidden doors, creating experiences that simply can't be had through other media.

This lecture will examine the history of the horror genre within the videogame industry, from early licensed film titles to the emergence of survival horror, which came to define the genre with titles such as Resident Evil and Silent Hill creating narratives that influenced the film industry in turn. We'll also look at the aftermath of survival horror, with the hybrid action horror titles of recent years, in addition to releases working to increase the psychological act of play and the rise of indie programmers creating compelling horror experiences outside the major studio system.

Tim Luscombe's Pig is positioned as a play that interrogates the normalization of gay sexuality — monogamy, marriage, adoption — by exploring the antithesis of these traditional structures in dark, seedy places where sexual expression has no bounds. Truly, there are no boundaries in the scenarios enacted by these characters.

In doing so, the playwright attempts to contribute to an important dialogue about sexual expression, in which acceptance gives way to love in all different shapes and sizes. It becomes problematic, however, when, in far-reaching extremes, the characters in control are so driven by their need for pleasure that they cross, not the line of sexual taboo, but the line of reason. In the name of love, they attempt to murder.

After hooking up online, Joe (Paul Dunn) and Stevie (Blair Williams) begin a tumultuous relationship founded on their mutual enjoyment of charged, trangressive sex. Both men are budding writers (almost every character it seems has writing aspirations) and soon their sexual pursuits become blurred with that of their alter egos Knife and Pig, as well as the fictional characters in Stevie's play, which includes a lecherous Larry (Bruce Dow). Like a bathhouse maze, the narratives twist among themselves so that it's difficult to determine, at times, whether we're following the original characters or their fictional counterparts.

There's no doubt the play is challenging and will inspire great discussion. But its provocative nature does not make up for poorly constructed characters. Stevie and Larry, in control for most of the action, never reveal a convincingly human, empathetic side.

Brendan Healy, who has directed a string of excellent productions as Artistic Director, chooses a minimalist approach to staging and set design that seems at home with the text. I disagree with his claim, however, that the play is a strong statement in opposition to normalized sexuality. He states, "These days our culture seeks to normalize gay sex...Luscombe, however, takes some of the darker aspects of gay male sexuality and, instead of labelling them as harmful or deviant, treats them as expressions of love."

The play does explore these themes through the character of Joe for whom dark, sexual discovery runs in opposition to the normative. But when characters like Knife and Larry indulge in rape and murder with non-consenting parties, the conversation turns from sexuality to harm. It's unfair to lump these characters in with promiscuous, liberated men who push sexual boundaries and are sure not to harm others who do not want to be harmed.

A more appropriate reading of the play is one that considers acceptance of sexual expression, yes, but also one that recognizes extremes of sexual behaviour — that sex can lead to murder for one — and what these behaviours reveal about human nature. The dark places depicted are too far removed to be in dialogue with gay marriage.

Ironically, the most interesting character is the least sexual. Harry, the gregarious friend in love with Joe, steals just about every scene. It's a testament to Dow's incredible talents, an ability to jump from comedy to tragedy at the drop of a hat, but it's more that he's the most well-rounded character. His human side is exposed in his unrequited, pathetic love for Joe.

Dow is mesmerizing throughout; his characterizations never waver. Alongside, Dunn commands our attention as the object of affection. He's able to temper vulnerability with a quiet, flirtatious confidence. Williams doesn't ever seem sure of footing with Stevie or Knife, but it might be that Luscombe hasn't given these characters enough due. Stevie/Knife, after all, is the narrative engine.

Provocative though it may be, below the surface is a muddled play improperly positioned as a response to gay normalization. The practices depicted here, some of which hinge on consent not given, tread far beyond freedom of sexual expression.

—

Pig, written by Tim Luscombe and directed by Brendan Healy, runs at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre until October 6.

It wasn't a bad week for DineSafe inspections, with no closures and only a few conditional passes with crucial infractions. The west end takes a hit with most of this week's restaurants being in the area including the newly opened Weldon Park and Roux and popular spots like King Slice and Urban Thai.

Here's the rest of this week's DineSafe hit list.

King Slice (1598 Bloor St. W)
Inspected on: September 20
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 8 (Minor: 3, Significant: 5)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Dominos Pizza (312 Queen St. E)
Inspected on: September 19
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 3 (Significant: 3)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

India Palace (257 Queen St W)
Inspected on: September 16
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 1, Crucial: 2)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated, operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4C (40F) or colder.

La Burrita (735 Bloor St W)
Inspected on: September 16
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 8 (Minor: 3, Significant: 4, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to wash hands when required

Roux (2790 Dundas St. W)
Inspected on: September 18
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 3, Significant: 2)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Tim Hortons (1900 Midland Ave)
Inspected on: September 18
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 3)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Urban Thai (638 College St.)
Inspected on: September 18
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 3)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Weldon Park (569 College St)
Inspected on: September 17
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 2)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

For anyone looking for an authentic loft within spitting distance of College and Bathurst, you really can't do better than The Movie House Lofts. If you're familiar with the neighbourhood, I'm sure you've peeked at this beautiful building a few times (or maybe that's just me). The historic former movie theatre was converted into 18 loft units in 1998, and this top-level apartment is on the market from one of the original buyers. In a city where condo turnover is high, long-term ownership is usually a sign of great construction.

There's plenty of light with an east-facing original wood window — this unit looks out on Euclid Avenue, offering a slight reprieve from the din of College Street — and a massive skylight. Hard loft fans will appreciate the exposed pipes and custom built-in wooden crate shelving. The private rooftop terrace is a special perk, enough to make the main-floor units jealous.

Buyers should keep in mind that this apartment is designed for two occupants at the most. The Venetian plaster walls might require a redo if you're over the faux painting fad, and those sexy stripping firefighter pillows aren't included in the price, unfortunately. But maybe you can cut a deal?

SPECS

• Address: 206-394 Euclid Avenue
• Price: $489,000.00
• Sq Ft: 906
• Bedrooms: 1 + office space
• Storeys: 2 + mezzanine
• Bathrooms: 1
• Parking Spaces: Not included

NOTABLE FEATURES

• Stainless steel appliances and gas range
• 16' ceiling in main living area
• 6' x 6' skylight

GOOD FOR

Couples or singles looking for a character loft in a central spot. Also, there's a Starbucks right downstairs, so, Gold Card holders? This place suits someone who isn't offended by the constant smell of brewed coffee and the sight of stale banana loaves.

MOVE ON IF

You're expecting the facilities and amenities offered with newer shoeboxes in the sky — you'll find none of those extras here, though the common areas are sparkling and a security system is included with the monthly maintenance fee. There's no underground parking, either, so drivers should be prepared to shell out for a permit and hunt for a spot.

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

Writing by Leslie Bank

By now you've heard the news: Montreal's Godspeed You! Black Emperor won the 2013 Polaris Prize last night at The Carlu. The news sent a thrill through the room (and Twitter), but also pulled a shroud over what was an otherwise twee and unapologetically positive ceremony — complete with a 50 person choir covering Tegan and Sara, Kathleen Edwards swearing (omg, right), and a Sarah McLachlan cameo.

In keeping with past winners including Feist, Arcade Fire and Fucked Up, Godspeed will donate their $30,000 winnings to a charitable cause. They've picked one which happens to be really fucking cool: musical instruments and music lessons for prisoners in Quebec. When Constellation Records' Ian Ilavsky accepted the award on Godspeed's behalf (of course the band themselves chose to be absent, no excuses offered) and announced the bands' plans for the monetary prize, the ballroom tables seemed to quake a little under their own finery.

The ceremony was completely upset, in fact, by the announcement to the point where no one emerged more pristinely glistening with integrity than Godspeed for pouring a thick, tar sand sludge of reality over the glitz of the proceedings — no one but the Polaris itself, who seemed suddenly impenetrable for choosing the band who cared the least. Not that I'm saying that factored into the final jury's decision, but it will be a future boon for the prize.

Up until the announcement it was anyone's guess who could have won. Stand out performances were Colin Stetson's short and sweet display of his divine, feel-it-everywhere tooth-grinding saxophone experimentations that both defy and define music; A Tribe Called Red's much needed deep bass toward the end of the night paired with a hypnotically talented, hoop master of a dancer; McLachlan-introduced Whitehorse's adept mastery of multi instrumentation and harmonies (who knew country could use vocal distortion to such a great end); and METZ's l-o-u-d ballroom quaking, literally blinding performance which somehow turned a seated gala into a basement show. If METZ want to make arena hardcore a thing, I actually think that's something I could get behind.

Also an awesome sight and sound: Zaki Ibrahim's beautiful voice and hugely powerful stage show, from thundering drums and live cello to decked-to-the-nines, extremely shoulder padded backup singers. Purity Ring, Young Galaxy, and a stripped-down version of Metric also performed, while Tegan and Sara were replaced by hosts Kathleen Edwards and Shad cosplaying T&S, after the um, 50 person Choir! Choir! Choir! cover band. Shad and Edwards, who were actually (to everyone's relief) pretty funny, charity swear jar and all, also cosplayed as Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke (Shad was Cyrus, nat), in case anyone needed to know that.

Did the first ever paying audience members to the gala enjoy themselves despite the fact that tear down and set up took as much time as each performer's set (during which FACTOR was thanked repeatedly), only to find that the winning artists were not present? Maybe. The performances of the night highlighted the strangeness of the Polaris Prize itself: as nominations are determined only by geography, the shortlist artists and their respective albums were proven to be so different that they couldn't be fairly compared. It would have seemed criminal if anyone except the one absent (and not Choir! replaced) band hadn't have won.

Godspeed issued a statement via their label early this morning solidifying their feelings on their win, and the prize itself. Their main bullet points read:

• "holding a gala during a time of austerity and normalized decline is a weird thing to do.
• organizing a gala just so musicians can compete against each other for a novelty-sized cheque doesn't serve the cause of righteous music at all.
• asking the Toyota motor company to help cover the tab for that gala, during a summer where the melting northern ice caps are live-streaming on the internet, IS FUCKING INSANE, and comes across as tone-deaf to the current horrifying malaise"

Maybe punk rock trumps arena hardcore.

Maybe it was the best Polaris ever. Or maybe you wasted $50. Tell us about it.

Photos by Denise McMullin.

A major downtown street could be transformed in to a haven for pedestrians, cyclists, roller skaters, and other forms of non-motorized transportation next summer thanks to $180,000 of provincial cash.

The grant money, awarded for a "community building and social engagement exercise" tied to the 2015 Pan Am Games by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, is being used to develop an "open streets" program - also known as a "ciclovia" - in Toronto and three other Ontario cities, Windsor, Kingston, and Thunder Bay.

The planned event, similar to ones held in Ottawa, New York City, Chicago, Mexico City, and Guadalajara, would close a major street to traffic and open the road up to pedestrians, cyclists, yoga classes, dance lessons - anything that promotes healthy activity and community building.

8-80 Cities, a Toronto-based non-profit that promotes healthy forms of transportation and outdoor recreation, and councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam are the driving forces behind the idea, and both hope to have a trial event over four weekends in 2014.

"It's a very exciting proposition because we know that it has worked in other cities very successfully and it's extremely participatory in nature. Anybody can get involved," Wong-Tam says.

"It enables communities to take advantage of a time when we don't have the money to build new swimming pools or build new community centres. We're using existing infrastructure and we're allowing for different types of uses, so it's much more flexible and I think in many ways it's efficient."

Despite backing from the province, the Toronto open streets concept still needs funding. Policing is one of the highest costs associated with each event - sometimes more than half the total budget - and 8-80 Cities are looking for a commitment from the city as well as sponsorship from groups like Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment that have a focus on active events.

8-80 Cities and Kristyn Wong-Tam also have to decide where they would like the event to happen. Open streets work best on principal roads that pass through a broad range of neighbourhoods, says Paul Kulig, the architect and transportation expert working with 8-80 Cities to select a location.

"We're looking for iconic streets," he says. "We want a street that's got the institutions, that's got the play ... the short version is: 'if it's not on a postcard nobody wants to use it.'"

The streets Kulig says fit the bill are Yonge, Bloor-Danforth or Lake Shore Blvd. Typically, open streets events "soft close" a street over 10 kilometres. On Yonge, which seems like the most obvious candidate, that would mean closing off access to cars from the waterfront to around Lawrence Avenue although traffic would still be able to use major intersecting roads during the event.

There is some precedent for using Yonge Street. It's well served by public transit, crowded with foot traffic, and is one of the city's most famous roads. It was also the backdrop for a pedestrian mall that ran from 1971 to 1974 between Wellington and Gerrard. At the time, 78% of stores found it good for business.

As reported earlier this year, the removal of motorized traffic and program of special outdoor events would take place on consecutive Sundays, ideally over the course of the summer.

"Even though it's a very simple concept, it's not something that's simple to make happen, politically especially," says Emily Munroe from 8-80 Cities. "For it to be an effective program you really want it to be something that reaches from one end of the city to the other and connects a wide range of communities."

"In broad strokes, it would be something that's at least 10 kms on a really lovely, iconic, people-friendly street where there's lots of exciting highlights from Toronto: wonderful parks, museums, cultural spots, galleries, shops, that type of thing."

There are still plenty of hurdles for the open streets event to overcome, but none that pose a insurmountable obstacle to the idea, she says. Toronto's relatively flat terrain, wide streets, and subway system are all selling points.

"Every city has challenges, I certainly wouldn't say Toronto has any more challenges than any other city," Munroe says.

A staff report on the subject is currently being bounced around departments but is due before 2014.

Do you like the idea of a regular open streets event? Are Yonge or Bloor/Danforth the best options?

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

Images: Miles Storey/blogTO Flickr pool, 8-80 Cities

Greek food in Toronto just got an update with the debut of this authentic Greek gyro shop near Trinity Bellwoods. On the menu are pita wraps, salads and platters all made from scratch with top quality meats and produce.

Read my profile of It's All GRK in the restaurants section.

Although Saturday's Junction Music Fest was rained out until 7pm, no bad weather could stop the collision of good music, good people, and good food. Cuff the Duke, Zeus, and Zaki Ibrahim shone bright on the Indian Grove Stage, while fans flocked to wet their feet at the many vendors who set up shop alongside the musical performances.

Check out our visual recap of the event.

Photos by Andrew Williamson and Galit Rodan

The 7th Manifesto Festival delivered a much needed dance-a-thon to Toronto last weekend, hopping venues and moving bodies from September 19th to 22nd. The celebration of hip hop and youth culture maintained a welcoming mood felt throughout, as stylish fest-goers young and old took in dance parties, award shows, panels, live performances, and an art exhibition at Sacred Seven Gallery.

Opening night at newly renovated Measure started off right as DJ L'Oqenz and Poirier had the crowd moving. The vibe carried on through Friday's Foundry co-presented Adelaide Hall take-over to Saturday, where a colourful art exhibit exploring the theme of evolution decked the walls of Sacred Seven Gallery, while live painting went on outside.

On Sunday at Yonge & Dundas Square, where the Graffiti Boxmen Project artists were still working on their art into the evening, The Last Style Standing might have been the day's most exciting portion — dance competition was fierce. While the B-Boys style wowed the fans, more traditional dance styles ruled the finals.

Performers ecstatically interacted with fans, several jumping the fence and dancing among the crowd. Kardinal Offishall joined Kenya Boys Choir in the middle of their set — Offishall saw them play in Africa and, when he found out they planned to be at Manifesto, requested to join in. Shad, another special guest, followed up.

Headliner Jhene Aiko of LA had a large contingent of fans braving the cold weather, and mentioned that since it was her first time in Canada she'd be playing extra songs. DJ Mel Boogie's brother, Maestro Fresh Wes, also stopped by to celebrate her 20th anniversary. As the festival moved toward its close, even the photographers in the pit were dancing.

PHOTOS

Thursday

Saturday

Sunday

Photos by John Kivellote, Derek Flack, and Rose Joy Kivellote.

Toronto events on September 25th, 2013

CULTURE | AGO's Bowie Fan Costume Callout
David Bowie is begins today at the AGO. This amazing exhibition hits TO for its first stop in North America, and will feature over 300 artifacts from Bowie's life and career including costumes, diaries, lyric sheets, instruments, set blueprints, videos, photographs, and more. To celebrate, the AGO has announced a Bowie "costume callout," directed at fans who share the music and fashion icon's penchant for the theatrical. The first 200 exhibition attendees who arrive dressed as The Thin White Duke tonight between 6 and 8:30PM will receive complimentary admission to David Bowie is.
The Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas Street West), 6PM.

FILM | Every Film Is Political presents WAL-TOWN
This Magazine is kicking off their Every Film Is Political film screening series tonight at the Tranzac with a showing of Wal-Town. This Sergeo Kirby directed NFB production takes a hard look at the inner business workings of mega-chain Walmart, and how its presence is felt in different locales around the country. Given the current controversy surrounding Walmart's plans to take up residence just outside of the perimeter of Kensington Market, this film is a great choice to begin This Magazine's new series, which aims to bring an audience regular films that tackle political issues affecting TO audiences.
Tranzac Club (292 Brunswick Avenue), 7PM. $15.

MUSIC | Chali2na @ Adelaide Hall
Chali 2na hits TO tonight for a gig at the Adelaide Music Hall! Known for his association with the groups Jurassic 5 (of which he was a founding member) and Ozomatli, Chali 2na has been gaining a serious following or his solo performances around the continent at festivals like Evolve and others. He has also collaborated with Roots Manuva, Linkin Park, K'naan, Mos Def, Rusko, Black Eyed Peas, and many others. This is his first solo gig in TO, so both he and the audience should be pretty pumped. He'll be performing with The House Of Vibe, and Kayo is also on the bill.
Adelaide Hall (250 Adelaide Street West), 8PM. $25.

Also Of Note

• Rue Morgue & Unstable Ground present LITTLE TERRORS - Vol. 20
• Contexts Lectures: Mesopotamia: Inventing Our World
• After School Presents: "Into the Mystic of Advanced Meditation"

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

Photo by Sukita.