This past Wednesday (September 25) marked the 10th anniversary of the White Cashmere Collection, a unique-to-Canada fashion show featuring extravagant dresses and headpieces made out of white and pink Cashmere toilet paper. Or, as Kruger Products calls it, bathroom tissue.

Twenty of the nation's top designers manipulated the material into ruffles, knits, and enormous architectural shapes - all of which stunned the audience in the best way ritzy TP can. The coveted runway show acted as a fund (and awareness) raiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation; supporters can now vote online for their favourite design, and Cashmere pledges to donate $1 per vote on behalf of the winning designer. DUY, Comrags, Lucian Matis, and VAWK are just some of the names on the roster, each one exemplifying the event's clever tagline: designing a future without breast cancer.

PHOTOS (captions below each image):

The show opened with one of my favourites: a drop-waist dress by Comrags.

David Dixon manipulated large sheets into accordion-like folds, and balanced them out with a dainty bodice.

Lucian Matis strategically weaved heavy strips into a stunning, structured dress.

Though this dress' material is radically different than he's used to, Paul Hardy's timeless aesthetic still shines right through.

Stacey McKenzie certainly did justice to this Rita Tesolin statement necklace.

Luko Marion meticulously crafted dozens of toilet paper flower appliques to dazzle a layer of mesh.

An extravagant, feather-like headpiece by David Dunkley.

MICALLA by Camilla Jorgensen sent this collared number down the runway; covered in Swarovski crystals, no less.

Carlie Wong mimicked delicate lacework in this 70's-esque mini dress.

Marie Saint Pierre is known for her out-of-this-world silhouettes - this bold, ruffled look is no exception.

DylaniumKnits approached the Cashmere challenge as if it were any other
design conundrum. By first creating white and pink yarn, designer Dylan Uscher knit a high neck dress with cap sleeves.

I went into the runway room thinking every look would be soft and ruffle-ridden, given the material restrictions. Joseph Helmer surprised me with the total opposite: a floor-grazing, sculptural masterpiece.

Anastasia Lomonova took the bridal route. An extravagant, white dress sashayed across the floor with just a hint of pink.

VAWK by Sunny Fong sent one of the most delicate looks down the runway; a cascading skirt - reminiscent of chiffon - whimsically floated by.

If it's not covered in rhinestones, puffed up to extremes, or dragging at least four feet behind, it's not a true Hoak Couture gown.

Bridalwear is Jason Matlo's forte, and it shows. This floor-grazing dress is architectural beauty exemplified.

DUY showed just how versatile TP can be, mixing smooth and fuzzy textures into one floor-length dress.

I'm going to take a wild guess that Christopher Paunil was inspired by peacocks.

Rod Philpott probably created the best Caribana costume in the entire world. Remind me to stock up on toilet paper for next year's festivities.

Farley Chatto played both the designer and curator of this year's White Cashmere Collection. Inspired by parties like the Brazilian Ball, this ensemble is eye-catching, intricately detailed, and - of course - as sparkly as they come.

The show closed with every model glamorously gripping a package of Cashmere bathroom tissue.

Photos by Jesse Milns

Photo by AshtonPal in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Rob Ford has his first confirmed mayoral rival. David Miller's budget chief David Soknacki says he will run against Ford in 2014, although he admits name recognition may be a problem. For the record, Soknacki is in favour of an LRT in Scarborough. "Right now that's the only funded transit," he told the National Post, though that could change if the money comes through.

45 people are in the running to fill former deputy mayor Doug Holyday's seat on city council, including former Etobicoke mayor Bruce Sinclair, former councillor and MP John Nunziata, and a hat full of other former politicians, local business owners, and a former police officer. Council will make a decision Oct. 10.

Meanwhile, former councillor Sandra Bussin is planning a comeback in the Beach. Bussin's 13 years in the east end seat came to a dramatic end when she was trounced by Mary-Margaret McMahon by 39 percentage points - more than 9,000 votes - in 2010. It remains the biggest post-amalgamation election defeat in Toronto, which was largely brought about by her support for 20-year, untendered lease on the Boardwalk Cafe.

Eight people have been arrested for their alleged role in a series of killings and attempted murders, some of which seemed to target random people. Toronto police said Project Sugar Horse looked back at events that started in 2008 and continued in 2010, 2011, and 2012. All face charges of attempted murder or first-degree murder.

A Toronto cyclist claims she had a close encounter with police chief Bill Blair's SUV yesterday. Meghan Orlinski says she was biking to class at Ryerson via University and College when Blair's vehicle encroached on the bike lane, forcing her to swerve. "I kind of hit the side of the door," she told Global News. Blair then rolled down his window and scolded her, though he wasn't driving. Toronto Police say Blair's vehicle never entered the bike lane.

Local burger chain Lick's looks like it's in deep trouble. The company is "displaying all the signs of a struggling chain that's about to go under," an analyst told the Star. Grab one while you still can.

Superior Sausage Co. on Dundas West is shutting up shop for good this weekend, taking its famous kielbasa, ham, head cheese and bacon with it. The store has been in business since 1937 but repeated calls to modernize from provincial food inspectors forced them to close, the owners say. The last day for smoked sausages is Sunday.

City councillor Josh Matlow wants Ryerson University to show him the Sam the Record Man sign over rumours the neon records have been damaged or even destroyed in storage. So far there's been no response from Ryerson president Sheldon Levy. The university told the Star the sign was undamaged.

Finally, part of the Bloor-Danforth line will be closed this weekend (28th-29th) due to track construction work between Kipling and Islington stations. Shuttle buses will plug the cap until 6 AM on Monday, Sept. 30.

IN BRIEF:

• Taxpayers foot $74,850 bill for 30 chairs at Toronto City Hall [Toronto Sun]
• University of Toronto students protest David Gilmour [CBC]
• Toronto Zoo delighted by panda season numbers, despite fewer visits than expected [Toronto Star]
• Woman, 90, dead after being struck by van [Toronto Star]
• Toronto cop tries to catch child predator with Twitter [CBC]
• Security guards get expanded powers for Pan Am Games [CBC]
• Toronto police search for escaped suspect [CBC]

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

Image: Mariam Magsi/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!

Lead photo by Ben Roffelsen.

2.
Photo by AshtonPal.

3.
Photo by Freaktography.

4.
Photo by bob is my uncle in the blogTO Flickr pool.

5.
Photo by Phil Marion.

6.
Photo by BruceK.

7.
Photo by fragilemuse.

Honestly, I think it's a shame that ol' Har Mar Superstar has to play at the Horseshoe. The dude should be selling out auditoriums. He makes me smile. He made the rest of the audience smile. There was even a couple at the front smooching! And all this in Toronto.

What is it about Har Mar Superstar that made us all smile? Well, he's a goofball. And he sings really well. And his songs are fun. He also has great dance moves. People who play auditoriums usually have three of these four qualities. Har Mar has all four!

So, does his relative lack of popular stature mean that being a goofball is not an asset but, in fact, a detraction? I didn't use the phrase "novelty act," because he's not. Har Mar is the real deal. And he's a goofball.

Pop Music is pretty serious stuff these days. Every song is all about the urgency of the now, how the particular night the singer is addressing will dictate the rest of their romantic lives. And if there's a goofy song, it tends to be about coy sexual assault (ok, I'm generalizing, but bear with me).

I blame it on the booze. Music is all about booze these days. Nothing against booze, but booze makes some people super dramatic. This is why I wish musicians would start doing acid again. I'm not claiming that Har Mar has done or does acid. I am urging musicians to take more acid to create a musical climate that is more inclusive to goofballs.

Because it's the goofballs that make me smile.

Like Har Mar Superstar.

MORE PHOTOS

Photos by Joslyn Kilborne

As part of an ongoing series on what the Toronto of the past looked like, I've had occasion to post galleries of grocery stores, gas stations, shopping malls, butcher shops, and even variety stores— but the thought didn't occur to me to include libraries until I recently came across the stunning photo above, which features a view of the Central Library in Toronto in 1920. That building, located on the northwest corner of College and St. George streets is now the Koffler Student Centre at the University of Toronto, and while still architecturally significant, it lacks the splendour it once possessed.

The same isn't necessarily true of all libraries in Toronto, as there are plenty of public library branches that have stood the test of time. That said, there's a certain undeniable romance to the library of the early 20th century, something ornate and rather serious. In some sense this is myth of nostalgia: libraries are as important as ever and serious research takes place within their walls, even as technology has redefined the various ways in which they operate as hubs of information.

The Toronto Public Library system dates back to 1884, when an existing library at the York Mechanics' Institute was turned over to the city to run. In the years that followed, a major boon to the growth of the library system was funds donated by well-known philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who helped to build a number of branches around Toronto (here's a full list of Carnegie Libraries in Canada).

Over the years, the number of public libraries in Toronto has swelled to almost a 100, which has been cause for much concern from certain municipal leaders, though most recognize the crucial role that they play as community spaces throughout the city. In addition to these public spaces, there are numerous university libraries that are delightful places to read. The Trinity College Library at U of T is a personal favourite, and perhaps one of the nicest places to read in Toronto during the winter. There's something about it reminiscent of the spaces depicted below. And while not technically open to the public, it's not a particularly difficult place to pay a visit.

Also worthy of note is the magnificent library at Osgoode Hall, which you can check out each year at Doors Open Toronto. It's a stunning space, which has been preserved in pristine condition.

PHOTOS

University College Library, 1884

Central Library (College & St. George), 1900s

Public Library Dundas Branch (Ossington north of Queen), 1901

Osgoode Hall Library, 1909

Osgoode Hall Library, 1910

Public Library Broadview & Gerrard, 1912

Public Library Bloor & Gladstone, 1913

Casa Loma Library, 1913

Casa Loma Library, 1914

Public Library Wychwood Branch, 1916

Eglinton Presbyterian Church library, 1923

Central Library, 1923

Public Library Dufferin & St. Clair Branch, 1926

Dufferin & St. Clair Branch, alt view

University of Toronto Library, 1929

Wycliffe College, 1930

Public Library Runnymede, 1930

Public Library Eastern Branch, 1930

TTC Reference Library, 1935

Photos from the Toronto Archives and, naturally, the Toronto Public Library.

The 2014 Fall/Winter Sharp: Book for Men launch party went down at the Ritz Carlton in Toronto on Wednesday. Like last year's soiree at the Shangri-La, the night was as good an excuse as any for men to dress up and engage in manly activities while well-heeled women joined in the fun.

Check out select looks from the event in our Style 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

• The Canada Baking and Sweets Show is on this weekend from Friday, September 27th to Sunday the 29th at the Toronto Congress Centre (650 Dixon Road) featuring baking competitions, demos, hands-on-classes, and, the Great Canadian Gourmet Doughnut Challenge. Regular adult admission is $15, students, seniors and teachers might be entitled to different discounts on different days.
• In part of Toronto Bourbon Week which starts today, Friday September 27th and runs until Thursday, October 3rd, Amsterdam BrewHouse (245 Queens Quay West) will host the Hillbilly Whisperer seated dinner over the weekend from Friday, September 27th to Sunday the 29th. The four course menu costs $65 and features a special edition "Hillbilly Whisperer" mason style glass for the evening's specialty bourbon inspired brew. See the full Toronto Bourbon Week schedule online.
• Soupalicious is on, this Sunday, September 29th from noon until 4pm at Artscape Wychwood Barns (601 Christie Street). Tickets will be $20 at the door ($12 if you got 'em in advance) and include ten free soup tastings.
• Foodival, Toronto's first carnival-themed food festival takes place Sunday, September 29th in support of Real Food For Real Kids. The event will bring together food vendors, entertainers and midway games for two editions; an all-ages day edition and a 19+ night edition at 99 Sudbury.
• Abbey's Kitchen Stadium hosts a friendly foodie battle on Sunday, September 29th featuring a secret ingredient provided by All The Best Fine Foods. The competitive cook-off takes place at the MOD Club (722 College Street West) from 1pm to 4pm. Tickets are $10 in advance, or $15 at the door.
• Rock Lobster Food Co. at 110 Ossington Avenue presents Sake to Me: Sake Seminar & Cocktail Demo on Wednesday, October 2nd from 4pm to 7pm. For $20, learn about this uniquely brewed beverage and sample various sake styles (au natural, and, in cocktails) paired with Rock Lobster appetizers.

UPCOMING

• Amsterdam BrewHouse (245 Queens Quay West) celebrates Oktoberfest from Thursday, October 3rd through to Thursday, October 10th. For the occasion the brewery will offer a German inspired menu plus three specialty Oktoberfest brews served in limited edition 1-litre steins.
• What's on the Table, the annual fundraiser for The Stop Community Food Centre's critical anti-hunger programs is happening on Wednesday, November 6th. Tickets are $250 per person and will include food and drink from over two dozen local chefs, restaurants, wineries and breweries.
• The Depanneur (1033 College Street) and Brad Kurtenbach hosts a Gourmet Mini Doughnuts workshop on Monday, October 7th at 6:30pm. Tickets for the family friendly event are $40, kids under 12 go for half price.

What happens when seasoned restauranteurs combine highbrow cocktails with lowbrow fun? You get this new Riverside bar from the folks behind Ascari Enoteca and Table 17. Sometimes opposites really do attract.

Read my review of Hi-Lo Bar in the bars section.

Toronto city council has voted 39-3 in favour of taking away a chunk of Rob Ford's mayoral powers, including the ability to add or remove members of his own executive committee.

At a special meeting this morning, only three councillors - Rob Ford, Doug Ford, and David Shiner - voted against the action, drafted in the wake of recent accusations of drug and alcohol use.

Under the new rules, which stay in effect until the end of the present term of office, Ford is also unable to appoint or remove committee chairs. If vacancies do occur, city council will be required to fill the positions.

On 4 Nov., Ford told Newstalk 1010 listeners he would be "running the ship, even if it's by myself."

Rob Ford said he plans to take legal action against the decision. His municipal affairs lawyer, George Rust-D'Eye, believes the mayor may have a case, though city solicitor Anna Kinastowski said she is confident that council acted within its powers.

Ford said it will cost taxpayers "a fortune" for the city to mount a defence against his legal action.

At a separate special meeting immediately following the first, council voted 41-2 in favour of taking away some of Ford's duties in a city-wide emergency, such as the summer floods. The mayor retains the right to declare a state of emergency, however, as that right is protected by statute but some other duties now fall to Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly.

"If wouldn't cost the taxpayers an arm and a leg, which obviously it's going to, I would have done the same thing," Ford said, shortly before voting against the motion.

"If I would have had a mayor acting the way I conducted myself I would have done the exact same thing. I'm not mad at anybody, I take full responsibility."

"Obviously, in my situation, I have to support myself," he said.

The clipping of Ford's wings may not be done yet. A third special meeting scheduled for Monday could hand "all powers and duties which are not by statute assigned to the Mayor" to Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly.

The motion would also cut Ford's office expenses and hand responsibility for the balance of the operating budget to the city clerk and Norm Kelly, who would also become chair of the Executive Committee at the expense of Rob Ford.

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

Photo by John Tavares in the blogTO Flickr pool.

City council has voted to adopt a plan that would save the ailing BIXI bike share program in Toronto. Perhaps somewhat lost to the various Rob Ford controversies at council, council quietly voted in favour of a confidential report that would keep the BIXI network operational and possibly witness its expansion.

Although the details have yet to be made public, the speculation is that BIXI will be folded into the Toronto Parking Authority and the remaining debt on the program's startup loan would be paid off through a deal with Astral Media that lets them off the hook of building 11 of the automated pay toilets that are currently part of its street furniture contract with the city. The TPA would then find a new operator to run the service.

Another possible component of the strategy is a plan put forward by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam to use section 37 funds to bolster the finances of the bike sharing network. This would involve negotiating with developers on deals that would let them out of building a certain number of parking spaces in exchange for funds directed toward BIXI.

In any case, BIXI is here to stay for a while longer yet.

Photo by Dennis Gonzales in the blogTO Flickr pool.

This Dundas West restaurant garnered lots of hype when it previewed to an A-list clientele during TIFF. Now over a month-old, it's booking tables two to three weeks in advance, demonstrating that meat-obsessed Hogtown can be equally impressed by vegetable-inspired creations that skillfully promote the use of the whole plant.

Read my profile of Hudson Kitchen in the restaurant section.

The best vinyl record stores in Toronto are a testament both to the resurgence of vinyl - with many of these stores carrying a wide selection of new releases and reissues as well as vintage vinyl stock - and to the vibrant music community in Toronto. Every spot on this list from The Junction to Leslieville is independently owned and operated. Many host in-store concerts, and while some also deal in books and music equipment, their hearts pump vinyl straight into the veins of both local music fans and tourists who often come to town with very a specific goal: to shop till they drop for the sounds they can't buy at home.

These are the best vinyl record stores in Toronto.

See also:

The best used CD shops in Toronto
The best live music venues in Toronto
The best musical instrument stores 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 November 15-17, 2013.

Ugly Sweater Run
Rummage up the ugliest sweater in your closet (or make a quick Goodwill visit) and join runners and walkers in Toronto's first annual Ugly Sweater 5km Run at Downsview Park tomorrow. This will be a little more fun than your average workout, with holiday-themed check points at every mile. Recharge with hot chocolate, or the two free beers provided at the end of the race. Hopefully the moustache you've been working on is award winning stuff, as there are prizes for the best moustaches, plus the best - and worst - sweater. Saturday, November 16th, Downsview Park (35 Carl Hall Rd), 11am, pricing vary

PARADE

The Santa Claus Parade
With or without Rob Ford at the helm, the 109th annual Santa Claus Parade will march in Toronto this Sunday. Make sure to grab a spot early as the crowds are known to get insane. Don't step on any children. Sunday, November 17th. The parade begins at 12:30pm at Bloor & Christie.

FOOD

Toronto Underground Market
The last Toronto Underground Market of the season is this Saturday. Brickworks will be teaming with vendors and food trucks (including Crossroads Diner and Fidel Gastro,) as food entrepreneurs, chefs and home cooks show their stuff. This isn't just about food either - there will be plenty of craft beer, wine and cocktails. Tickets are still available. Saturday, November 16, Evergreen Brickworks (550 Bayview Avenue,) 5 - 10pm, $22.60.

Gourmet Food and Wine Festival
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is where both the city's food and wine connoisseurs will want to be this weekend. Over four days about 45,000 people will stop by the The Gourmet Food & Wine Expo to sample over 1,500 fine wines, beers and spirits from around the world, plus roast pig, tiger shrimp, lobster - you know the deal. Think cocktail party meets standard convention protocol, and then try to figure out what to wear. Black? Among the educational programming offered tutored tastings will be offered, but they'll cost you extra. Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building (255 Front Street West), Thursday, November 14 - Sunday, November 17, various times, $20

Veggielicious
Veggielicious, Toronto's vegan and vegetarian dining festival, enters its third year tonight with over 30 participating restaurants across the city. Founded by the Toronto Vegetarian Association in 2011 to supplement both Summer- and Winterlicious, the two week-long festival is also primarily structured around prix fixe specials, but does include a variety of other deals from bakeries, cafes and grocery stores to bolster its lineup. This, no doubt is a good thing given the smaller number of participating restaurants. Participating this year are popular vegetarian spots like Grasslands, Sadie's Diner, One Love Vegetarian, Urban Herbivore, Kupfert and Kim, and more. November 15 to 30. More info here.

Gluten Free Garage
It's a gluten free fiesta - or paradise - in Toronto this weekend. Gluten Free Garage will bring together speakers, foodtrucks, family friendly activities and gluten-free vendors on Sunday at the Artscape Wychwood Barns. Grab everything from salsa to cookies.Even The Hero Burger's food truck will be serving up gluten free goodies. A portion of the door proceeds go to the Toronto chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association. Sunday, November 17th, Artscape Wychwood Barns (601 Christie Street,) 10am - 4pm, $10 for adults, free for kids 12 and under.

For more food events, check out our Toronto Food Events post.

FILM

European Union Film Festival
At the European Union Film Festival Torontonians can catch features from Euro destinations from Bulgaria to the UK and from Croatia to Finland, France, Greece, Romania, and well, you get it. Ongoing until November 27 the ninth annual fest will screen 34 films from 28 countries for free (yes, for free!) at The Royal Cinema. Read our preview here. Until November 27, The Royal Cinema (608 College St), various showtimes, all screenings free (reserved seats $10).

Canadian International Television Festival
Love TV but tired of watching everything so... tiny? The first ever public Canadian International Television Festival kicks off tonight at the Tiff Bell Lightbox, and runs all through the weekend. It's mission is to "develop and inspire audiences for Canadian-made television through a dynamic festival experience." Mingle with Degrassi stars and Don McKeller, catch some world premiers, take in an entire "binge" screening of Sherlock season one, and much more. Friday, November 15 - Sunday, November 17, TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King Street West,) various showtimes and prices.

For more film listings, check out our This Week in Film post.

MUSIC

Mac Miller
He's just wrapped up a short tour with Lil Wayne, and now rising hip hop star Mac Miller is set to return to Toronto tonight. From internet sensation to having his own MTV reality show, everybody knows the Mac's candor, care free nature, 420 friendliness - and of course, the music. Mac just revealed a new project called Delusional Thomas, so this show could get interesting. Friday, November 15th, Sound Academy (11 Polson St), 8pm, $34.50 - $44.50

The Rap Party
Parts & Labour will host this Noisy co-presented show tonight featuring three up and coming Toronto MCs: Tasha the Amazon, The 6th Letter, and Roney. The party won't stop until 3am, with a zillion DJs also on the bill. Read our feature on rapper Tasha the Amazon here. Friday, November 15, Parts & Labour (1566 Queen St. W,) 10pm, free before 11pm & $10 after.

Not Dead Yet Fest
Not Dead Yet is an annual DIY punk and hardcore festival run by Toronto promoters Stuck in the City. This year Limp Wrist, Iron Age, Left for Dead, Mind Eraser, and The Boston Strangler are among the headliners, and the fest will take place at Hard Luck, Nocturne, Sneaky Dee's, Soybomb HQ, and Wrongbar. It's gonna get loud. All shows are all ages and the full line up is here. Until November 17, various venues and prices, all ages

Light Fires live in the Stacks
Live music is coming to Sanderson Library tonight, and not just any old live music - Light Fires, Gentleman Reg's electro-drag alter ego, will be entertaining among the stacks, headlining the Fall 2013 season of Toronto Public Library's "Make Some Noise" concert and workshop series. Friday, November 15, Sanderson Library (327 Bathurst Street,) 10pm, all ages, free

Mazzy Star
Dreamy Mazzy Star floated back together a few years ago and they're drifting through the Danforth this month in support of their newest album, Seasons of Your Day. Hope Sandoval voice may just make you melt (or fade) into a puddle on the floor, so bring a close friend along to help clean up the mess. November 16th, Danforth Music Hall (147 Danforth Ave), $33 - 48

Hush Hush: After Hours at the Bloor/Gladstone Library
It's a good weekend to get crazy at the library. After Light Fires takes over the Sanderson Library Friday, Saturday will see The Gladstone turn into some kind of (expensive) rave experience. I guess $125 ($99 if you're a New Collection member) is worth it to break all the library rules if you've got that to spare. Oh, and the open bar. Entertainment includes DJ Fathom and DJ GeeWizz, magician Jonathan Pollock, a spoken-word poet, literary-inspired temporary tattoos, food stations and prizes including a flight from Porter Airlines. Saturday, November 16, Bloor/Gladstone Library (1101 Bloor St W,) $125 public.

For more music listings, check out our This Week in Music,Fall Concerts, and November Concerts posts.

COMEDY

BeerProv:The Main Event
Fans of improv comedy and/or beer will be glad to hear Jim Robinson's BeerProv is back this weekend. Twelve funny people will take part in classic improv games tonight at Comedy Bar, and battle for the title of BeerProv Champion (and something called a BeerProv Mug). Friday, November 15, Comedy Bar (945 Bloor St. W), 10:30pm, $15

The World Cup of Comedy Returns For "The Rematch"
Things are going to heat up at the Toronto Centre for the Arts this weekend. On Sunday the "Juice Comedy Cup" battle will go down between Africa Vs West Indies, as six comedians, two coaches, and twelve "team members" entertain and, hopefully, cheer you up. You need it. The elaborate show will be hosted by G98.7 FM morning hosts Mark Strong and Jemeni. Sunday, November 17, Toronto Centre for the Arts (5040 Yonge Street,) 7pm, $39.99+.

For more comedy events, check out our This Week in Comedy post.

THEATRE

Swan Lake
The National Ballet's production of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, choreographed by James Kudelka, runs at the Four Seasons Centre until November 17. Read our review here. Until Sunday, November 17th Four Seasons Centre (145 Queen St W,) various prices.

After Miss Julie
Red One Theatre's updated verious of August Strindberg's (once) shocking Miss Julie takes the play, set in post war England of 1945, to more overtly sexual territory, but the story of the seduction of the family's valet by the title character (or does the seduction run the other way round?) remains. Can you handle the sexual tension? The Storefront Theatre (955 Bloor Street West), Until Saturday, November 30, Tues - Sat 8:00pm & 2:00pm, $10 - $20

For more events on stage, check out our This Week in Theatre post.

CRAFTS

Souvenir at Milk Glass Co
This weekend on Dundas West you can grab some gifts that vibe, and I mean this in the best way possible, very Dundas West. Milk Glass Co. knows that some Torontonians just want to get their shopping out of the way before the snow really sets in (snow is so bad for ruining hand screen printed paper totes) so they're having their holiday sale early - and it's going to be a good one. Look for fine art, hand crafted decor, letter press works, coffee, vintage items and accessories from over 30 Canadian designers, artists, and makers. Milk Glass Co ( 1247 Dundas West), Friday, November 15 - Sunday, November 17, free.

The 20th Annual Festival of Smalls
If you're looking to give fine art (or buy something to spruce up your pad this winter) but don't have a huge budget, hit up the Festival of Smalls. Artwork in a variety of styles and mediums is up for sale from $55 - $250. You can browse all available works on their website, and if you're sneaky enough you can use the images to test their gift potential. Now until December 24th, Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 12pm - 5pm. Art Interiors (446 Spadina Rd), free.

For more holiday craft events, check out our Holiday craft shows in Toronto for 2013 post.

FASHION

The Leslieville Flea
This east end market is one of Toronto's favourite fleas, taking place the third Sunday of each month. This Sunday 37 vendors will show and sell curated items "from vintage clothing to mid century furniture, hand crafted designs, photography and more." Whether you're browsing for fun or grabbing early holiday gifts, this flea is a treasure hunt. Sunday, November 17, The Jimmy Simpson Community Centre (870 Queen Street East,) 10am - 4pm, free.

Parkdale Flea
It's getting stupid cold out, but luckily the Parkdale Flea is taking it indoors starting this weekend. On Sunday Goodfellas Gallery will host this west end market, where you can find everything from vintage sweaters to handmade snacks. Shop til you drop (from the shopping, and not the weather) and maybe grab some gifts, if that's your thing. Pets are welcome. Sunday, November 17, Goodfellas Gallery (1266 Queen Street,) 10am - 5pm, free.

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

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

Lead photo via Bored in Vancouver, Swan Lake photo by Aleksandar Antonijevic, Mac Miller photo by Brian Morton

The iconic Sam the Record Man sign is alive and mostly well - if disassembled into hundreds of pieces in a warehouse north of Toronto. We already knew this thanks to Councillor Josh Matlow, who asked that Ryerson show him the sign a few weeks ago. But, in a move no doubt brought on by mounting pressure from the media and celebrities like Geddy Lee and Leslie Feist, Ryerson thought it a good idea to invite the media up to take a closer look at the sign today. Stored at a sign manufacturer in Vaughan, the first thing to note is that this bit of Toronto music history has actually been preserved very carefully.

While spread out in a tractor trailer in more pieces than I cared to count, each section of neon tubing and the steel frame that makes up the giant records is carefully labeled with an eye toward the eventual reassembly of the sign, something that the university seems far more keen to do than when it first announced plans for its new, decidedly sign-free Student Learning Centre at Yonge and Gould. That, according to Ryerson staff is a perception issue, as they argue that the school did indeed make "reasonable best efforts to identify an opportunity to incorporate the refurbished signs in an appropriate location on the Ryerson Yonge Street Lands."

This may indeed be true, though the initial agreement with the city was clear in stating that failing re-installation on Yonge Street, the restored sign would have to be placed on the south facade of the university's library on Gould Street. There hasn't really been much talk about this second option (save for this article in the Grid), and Ryerson never appeared particularly keen to go this way. But that, according to the university, is precisely why it tried to amend the original agreement with the city: the options for re-installation were just too limited in its view.

It's hard to gauge what the university's intentions were in the past, though it claims they've always maintained a desire to re-install the sign. At this point it doesn't really matter much. City staff are currently mulling options for the sign in the hopes a fitting location can be found, and Ryerson has made it clear that it will respect the process. In any case, if and when a suitable location is found, the sign is ready to be re-installed - one piece at a time.

Photo by John Tavares Jr. in the blogTO Flickr pool

One of the most talent-stacked shows of the year just happens to be free. Where? When? Follow me as I walk you through This Week In Comedy...

TUES NOV 19 - SAT NOV 23 / SKETCH COM-AGEDDON / COMEDY BAR / 945 BLOOR W / 8PM & 930PM / $8 PER SHOW OR $12 FOR BOTH

42 sketch troupes enter; only one will remain standing. You get the idea. It's a real shame that most comedy fans in Toronto don't realize what an awesome sketch and improv scene we have. I've laughed harder at sketch shows than I have at stand-up shows, word up! My choice to come out on top this year is Rulers of the Universe. I first saw them destroy at the 2012 Tim Sims Competition. Jeremy Woodcock, one of their writers, was recently selected by the giant comedic duo of Mark Little and Kyle Dooley to help them write the plays they'll be delivering weekly at Comedy Bar. So yeah, they're gonna be hard to beat!

TUES NOV 19 / DON'T GET BORED OF US AND LEAVE / THE OSSINGTON / 61 OSSINGTON / 9PM / FREE

Your two hosts, Tom Henry and David Dineen-Porter, have been getting their due attention recently. A recent Now Magazine poll rated David as the best stand-up in Toronto, and last year Tom won the Canadian Comedy Award for Best Stand-up Newcomer. Personally, if I could only see three more comedy shows in my lifetime in the city, this would be one of them. David's one of the most well-read comedians in the city, but what sets him apart is that he has the stage presence and acting chops to let his IQ shine through. Not to be outdone, the more reserved Tom has one of the most efficient words to laugh ratios in the game right now, and I'm always glued to his sets. Oh yeah, and you'll also see Mark Little, Chris Locke, Kathleen Phillips, James Harnett... holy moly, you won't find a more stacked show this year.

SAT NOV 23 / DOCTOR WHOM - 50TH ANNIVERSARY / COMEDY BAR / 945 BLOOR W / 930PM & 11PM / $15

Truly, this is a show worthy of one of my childhood favourites. Improv monsters like Anand Rajaram, Matt Baram, and Alastair Forbes, who've done everything from Second City to Straftord, will lead us through an episode that is sure to bring the ruckus. Just thinking about the theme music in my head takes me back! If I was good, my mom would buy me a Kit Kat and I'd run to the basement to watch the show in the dark. Well, not complete dark - I'd leave the stairway light on, you know, just to be safe.

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.

Lieutenant Governor of Ontario David Onley is one of four Canadian viceregal representatives to be (officially) homeless. Toronto pulled down its last government house, an astonishingly opulent mansion even among its Rosedale neighbours, in 1959 in the name of cost saving.

98 years ago, on 15 November 1915, the first official guests were welcomed inside the grand hall of Ontario's million-dollar palace. 20 years later it was be derelict. Chorley Park is now largely forgotten, save for the small piece of it that remains on the edge of the Don Valley off Douglas Drive.

Ontario's first three official government houses were located outside the western boundary of the town of York, which was then largely clustered around Front Street, east of Yonge.

The first residence, a basic single-floor brick building near Fort York, was destroyed when British troops detonated the grand magazine, a giant weapons cache, while beating a hasty retreat out of town during the War of 1812.

As the city grew, Ontario's viceregal residence found its way to a mansion at the centre of a large plot of land on the southwest corner of King and Simcoe, where Roy Thomson Hall is now.

In the late 1800s, the four corners of that intersection were nicknamed "legislation," "education," "salvation," and "damnation", with Government House representing "legislation." Neighbours Upper Canada College, St. Andrew's Church, and the British Hotel represented the rest.

Elmsley House, the first of two government houses to occupy the King and Simcoe corner, stood among lush woodland west of the town. Built in 1798, the two-storey home would have been a short walk from the centre of commercial activity and was originally the private home of Chief Justice John Elmsley.

The province bought the building in 1815 and it was occupied by successive lieutenant-governors until 1841. In 1870 a purpose-built government house was built on the former site of Elmsley House and remained there until the arrival of factories and rail lines gave the area a distinctly industrial feel.

The land was sold to Canadian Pacific, which built a rail yard and freight office on the site.

(Interestingly, when the CP building was demolished in the 1970s a mysterious underground room containing a locked safe was revealed. The safe, hauled to the surface by the builders of Roy Thomson Hall, vanished shortly after its discovery.)

With the loss of Old Government House, as it came to be known, the province sought a location for a new residence, one that would outshine of its predecessors in grandeur, a "conspicuous ornament to the city," in the words of William Dendy, author of Lost Toronto.

The province bought a site on Bloor backing on to the Rosedale Ravine - where the Manufacturer's Life Building is now - and held an architectural competition that produced several viable designs. Several were given serious consideration but eventually rejected because of cost.

Fearing the Bloor site would become surrounded by heavy industry like King and Simcoe, the city decided to sell the land and use the proceeds for the purchase of a new location.

Into the search stepped William James Gage, a wealthy philanthropist and businessman. He offered to sell his estate at Bathurst and Davenport, just west of Casa Loma, for the same amount Ontario was willing to pay for a site in leafy Rosedale. Gage also pledged to use the money he would earn from the land to establish a public botanical garden nearby.

The deal appeared to have the support of council and it was suggested the city buy the Rosedale land being eyed by the province, thereby seizing the chance to get two parks for the price of one.

The province, however, had other ideas. It rejected Gage's offer and forged ahead with the Rosedale site, known as Chorley Park, after the town of Chorley in Lancashire, England, the birthplace of Toronto alderman John Hallam.

The final design for the grand residence was drawn up by Francis R. Heakes - the province's official architect also responsible for the Whitney Block on Queen's Park Crescent - in the style of a French Loire Valley château.

Heakes' blueprint borrowed heavily from submissions to the 1911 design competition, including many of the exterior details and the floor plan, and was limited to a budget of $215,000.

What rose from the scrubby ground in east Rosedeale between 1911 and 1916 was unlike any other building in Canada. Grey Credit Valley stone exterior was worked into ornate detail; little tourelles - small pointy-roofed turrets - embellished the corners of the three-storey palace - even the chimneys had little architectural flourishes.

As author William Dendy writes, the château style was in vogue in Canada at the time due to its popularity in France. The railways would build the Château Frontenac, Banff Springs Hotel, Château Laurier, and the Royal York with the same look in the years to come.

Chorley Park's grey stone exterior was capped with red ceramic tile and surrounded by carefully landscaped gardens that included a large square forecourt for receiving official guests. The winding driveway reached the main entrance via arched concrete bridge that still stands today.

Inside, an imposing three-storey reception hall basked in sunlught from a massive rooftop window. Passageways led off to a ballroom with a domed glass ceiling, the official State Dining Room clad in carved fumed oak and Caen limestone, a suite of reception rooms, and a glass conservatory that overlooked the Don Valley.

Much of the interior design work was done by the T. Eaton Company. A photo taken in 1916 shows a full polar bear skin rug with the head still attached at the centre of the reception hall floor.

The bill, when it finally arrived, was more than $1 million - more than four time the original budget. It was deemed worthwhile, however, to secure such a stunning work of architecture. That feeling wouldn't last long.

The ongoing cost of maintaining the ostentatious mansion proved to be its eventual undoing. The Conservative provincial government found the cost even harder to justify as the Depression began to take hold in the 1920s.

Despite voices calling for the house to be abandoned, it lingered on as the official home of Ontario's lieutenant-governor until 1937 when the fine furnishings and fixtures were stripped out and sold at auction.

When world war two began, the gutted interior was converted into a military hospital for wounded soldiers.

Chorley Park met its eventual end in 1959 when, with the last of the patients gone and a brief period as a refuge for Hungarian immigrants fleeing the revolution over, the Metro government under Fred Gardiner ordered the building torn down.

All that remains today is the concrete arch bridge and square forecourt. The land is now a public park, as W. J. Gage once planned.

Ontario's official viceregal residence is currently located in the west wing of the legislature building.

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

Images: City of Toronto Archives, Toronto Public Library, Archives of Ontario

Lake Shore West between Mimico and Long Branch is undergoing a renaissance, one that's been boosted by the recent expansion of the Humber campus. There's a slew of coffee shops catering to students and locals, a couple of pubs, and food options that range from Portuguese and Greek to East Indian and Japanese. Those with a sweet tooth are also in luck - there are bakeries and ice cream shops a-plenty).

Here are 10 spots to grab a bite on Lake Shore West between Mimico and Long Branch.

CHEAP EATS

Hex-Mex Handheld Grub
Just a few months old, this unassuming takeout joint brings a dash of the city's Mexican explosion to New Toronto. Burritos ($6.85 small, $8.95 large) and tacos (two for $7.50) come in beef, pulled pork, chicken, veggie and fried cod iterations. The standouts, though, might be their fantastic nacho chips (crispy, salty, not at all greasy) and hot sauces (labelled Hot, OMG and Pain). For the thrill-seekers: Evey few Saturdays they'll roll out the Burrito de los Muertos, which features ghost and habanero peppers. So far, only one customer has finished the whole thing, and they'll make you sign a waiver if you want to try.

Tatsu's Bread
It just looks like a bakery from the outside - imagine my surprise when I walked in and head a saxophone playing. Tatsu's is the go-to hangout for Humber students between classes (including music students looking to jam), and it serves way more than bread -- there are grab-and-go sandwiches (about $5), daily pizza squares, ($1.50), and a variety of baked goods and pie slices. The house specialty is the Tatsu's burger ($5.30), a half-pork, half-beef patty topped with the usual veggies and Japanese steak sauce.

The Empanada Company
The Empanada Company's owners work from a recipe that is half a century in the making. You'll find both classic preparations and more contemporary fillings, including Cajun pulled pork, and a sweet-savoury combination of leek and prosciutto. The crust is traditionally baked, unless requested otherwise, and with a price point that ranges between $2.25 to $2.75 per empanada, there's no reason not to try them all.

FINE DINING

Taste Portugese Cuisine
The couple behind Taste adapted recipes handed down by Portugese family members to create their menu, and though they serve up a little of everything (including a hugely popular pulled pork) it's the rotisserie chicken ($10.95 for half a chicken) they say they can't keep in stock. There's a cozy bar atmosphere to the place -- fitting, since Taste may also be the only place on this strip to grab yourself a craft brew. They've got a few picks from St. Ambroise on tap (apricot wheat and oatmeal stout, anybody?) and a wider selection in bottles and cans.

COFFEE + SNACKS

Big Guy's Little Coffee Shop
It doesn't get much cozier than this: An unfussy neighbourhood hangout (staffed by the eponymous Big Guy, Steve Turner. The short menu includes espresso drinks, drip coffee, tea, and a few pastries and basic sandwiches; Turner commissioned his extra-dark roast from Planet Bean in Guelph, who eventually decided to start selling it themselves. It's the neighbourhood's home away from home, so much so that their Facebook page features statuses like: "We have decided to turn the coffee shop into a confessional for the day. So come along and get the 1000-lb weight off your shoulder."

Fair Grounds
This organic coffee shop does it all - they roast their own fair-trade blends from South America and Africa, bake their own pastries, and serve them all up in-house. Their two dozen-ish blends are also available to take home, and they supply baked goods to other shops as well. Snacks ($2.75) include savoury scones like feta/olive and sweet potato/sage; some vegan baked goods may be in the works as well. (They're also working on opening another location further east on Lake Shore, closer to Humber.)

BAKED GOODS + DESSERT

Sweet Olenka's
This chocolate shop/cafe is a sugar lover's paradise. The couple behind the shop, Olenka and Ray, turn out chocolate bars ($5), macaroons ($2.50), truffles (about $2), and a slew of in-house ice creams in whatever flavour the mood or season dictates - recently, they've been experimenting with bacon. Resist the temptation to re-enact that musical number at the beginning of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Ice Cream Junction
This ultra-pink ice cream shop keeps things Ontario-local with flavours from Kawartha Dairy and London Ice Cream Company (their hottest seller is Moose Tracks). Ice cream aside, there's handmade fudge, a wall of childhood faves like wax fangs and fizzy candy, and candy collectibles like some ultra-limited Lord Of The Rings PEZ dispensers. There's also a wall of U.K. import products, like Tyrell potato chips and dried peas (for no reason other than nobody in the neighbourhood was selling them).

More Than Pies
This bakery lives up to its name - in addition to flaky fruit pies, it also dishes out lattes and teas, homemade cookies and snacks, daily soups, and basic sandwiches. Local produce and preserves are also on offer, as are frozen lasagnas and meat pies for a quick dinner at home. Of course, you can't forget about those 15 varieties of pie ($3 for a slice, about $17 for a whole one).

CakeStar
Know those sculpted, looks-like-the-real-thing cakes you see on those decorating shows? CakeStar can make those a reality. Even if you don't need a dessert that looks like a stack of handbags for your next party, you can still stop in, grab a cupcake or a cake pop for under $3, and take a moment to watch the decorators at work across the store. Basic cakes start at $30 and go up; elaborate custom cakes start at $250.

What'd we miss? Add your favourite place to grab a bite to eat in Mimico or Long Branch to the comment thread below.

There's something brewing in the indie coffee scene on Yonge Street north of Eglinton. First there was the arrival of I Deal, then came de Mello Palheta and as of October the latest entrant is trying their best to win over North Toronto coffee hounds.

Read my review of The Espresso Room in the cafes section.