While not exactly the lone cowboy bar in town, this newly opened saloon is riding high on the enthusiasm of country music fans, bourbon lovers and would-be mechanical bull riders. On the menu are rustic snacks and big ol' plates of grub like chili, beer can chicken and Buffalo-style fried shrimp.
Read my profile of Boots 'N' Bourbon in the restaurant section.
The best gay bars in Toronto are fun places to get your dance on, meet some new friends or see some great drag talent. There are few things better than a night out at a gay bar. Whether you are LGBTQ or an LGBTQ ally, going to gay bars in Toronto is like going to Cheers, except instead of everyone knowing your name, everyone knows that there are a variety of sexualities to be celebrated and also everyone is way hotter (sorry, Cliff).
Where the Village was once the sole territory for gay bars in Toronto, over the years the geographical range has expanded with the growth of the city. Now you'll find queer-friendly establishments all over town, which, you know, is a very good thing.
Here are the best gay bars in Toronto.
See also:
The best nightclubs in Toronto
The top 5 bars to see drag shows 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 December 13-15, 2013.
Long Winter
The all ages, pay what you can carnival of sights, sounds and sweat will return to The Great Hall tonight (as it will every month this winter/early spring). The line up for the spooky (or festive?) Friday the 13th show includes Doldrums, Hooded Fang, I am Robot and Proud, Beliefs, Fresh Snow, Nick Ferrio & His Feelings, Demolition, Milk Lines, Omhouse, and LLVK (Sook-Yin Lee, Adam Litovitz and Brandon Valdivia). Friday, December 13, 7pm, The Great Hall (1087 Queen St W), PWYC.
HOLIDAY
Santarchy
This annual Santa-Claus-Parade-for-adults / holiday pub crawl kicks off tomorrow at 7pm. Necessary attire is, of course, a Santa costume - and if you half ass it, you're going to wish you didn't, though if you show up without a costume they will be handing out Santa hats with a wild sort of one-of-us mentality. The parade leaves the Imperial Pub at 7:30pm, but you'll want to be there early to practice your ho-ho-ho's over a beer. Then they'll hit Dundas Square, the Eaton Centre, Nathan Philips Square, and the Rex, throwing candy and condoms all the way. Then more drinking. Imperial Pub (54 Dundas St E), Saturday, December 14, 7pm.
Santa Speedo Run
Yes, this is real. Yes, you can flex your (frozen) stuff in a Santa hat. Life truly is a wonderful thing. This annual run raises funds for the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children Toys and Games fund. While they're handing out speedos on a first come, first serve basis, remember arrive early, bring your pledges, and wear a Santa hat, beards/antlers/reindeer nose - and running shoes. The run is about 3KM. This is the most fun you can have this weekend while suffering through the snowstorm unless you're into the rough stuff - plus it's for a good cause! The run kicks off at Hemingway's (142 Cumberland), Saturday, December 14, 1:30pm.
FILM
Spirited Away: The Films of Studio Ghibli
Hayao Miyazaki and Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli is famous for making emotionally complex animated features like notable titles Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, and the heart breaking Grave of the Fireflies, set in Japan during World War II. The latter is considered one of the greatest animated films of all time and is rarely screened, so it's worth a trip to TIFF for this one especially - but bring Kleenex and someone you like holding hands with. A ton of other films are screening too - check the full listing out on TIFF's website. TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King St W), Friday December 13 - January 3, 2014, various showtimes and prices.
Antisocial
You can celebrate Friday the 13th with the Toronto premier of Ontario director Cody Calahan's film Antisocial is this weekend at the Carlton Cinema. Antisocial "begins on New Year's Eve in the not so distant future. Five university friends gather at a house party to ring in the New Year. Unbeknownst to them, an epidemic has erupted outside, causing outbreaks around the world." The indie film is riding on a sold out world premiere at Fantasia, a tour of several major international festivals, and much critical acclaim. Friday December 13, Carlton Cinema (20 Carlton Street), various showtimes.
FOOD
12 Beers of Christmas
The Gladstone Hotel knows what you want. Ugly sweaters? Check. Beer? Um, check times a dozen. Tonight is 12 Beers of Christmas, and $5 gets you in the door for the festive beer tasting and, yes, ugly sweater party. If anyone spots this Rob Ford sweater, let me know. Warning - there will be holiday music. But hey, you'll be drunk. The Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen West), Friday, December 13th, 7pm, $5.
Piazza
Attention lovers of free grub (so, everyone?) - on Sunday Porzia on Queen West will celebrate their first Piazza event, just in time for your brunch cravings. This one will be worth going out into the snow for - snacks are free from 12pm - 4pm. Door entry is also free, and they've promise cheap drinks, too. Porzia (1314 Queen Street West), Sunday, December 15th, 12pm-4pm, free.
For more food events, check out our Toronto Food Events post.
MUSIC
Just Shows' 2nd Annual Christmas Show
For the second year running, the concert website Just Shows will host its annual Christmas concert at CineCycle. The lineup includes Dog Day from Halifax, Toronto's Dilly Dally, Marine Dreams, and the alt-punkers Soft Hell. Welcome to the online-age - you must RSVP on Facebook to attend. Saturday, December 14, CineCycle (317 Spadina), 9pm, $10.
Bicep & George Fitzgerald
Footwork is returning tonight in new digs at 794 Bathurst Street (you'll recognize that address as the Annex Wreckroom - hmm) with Bicep and George Fitzgerald. UK DJ Bicep is blowing up (beefing up? Uh, nevermind), while Fitzgerald is experiencing his breakout year with his combination of the influences of techno, dub-step and UK garage. Read our interview with George Fitzgerald here. Arrive early to avoid lines. Footwork at 794 Bathurst Street this Friday, December 13th, 10pm.
Viletones
Toronto punk band The Viletones play their last live show at The Phoenix tonight. From our best Toronto punk bands of all time post: "The Toronto scene from '76-'78 had a lot of great bands, but none ruled the punk rock roost on top of more newspaper column inches than Steve "Nazi Dog" Leckie and his Viletones. The talked like punk, they looked like punk, and thanks to songs like "Possibilities," "Rebel" and "Screaming Fist," they sounded like punk. No history of Toronto punk rock would be complete without them, but there was a lot more happening in our punk scene in those days than ripped t-shirts and a theatrically bad attitude could contain." This a stacked show - check it out on Facebook. December 13, The Phoenix (410 Sherbourne Street), 8pm.
For more music listings, check out our This Week in Music and December Concerts posts.
ACTIVISM
Toronto Anarchist Fair
There's a ton of stuff going on this weekend tied to the Toronto Anarchist Fair. Quote: "Toronto Anarchist Fair has been organized by a different collective than the Toronto Anarchist Bookfair (which is rumoured to be reoccurring in Spring/Summer 2014). We feel it is vitally important that anarchist gatherings take place, while also being reimagined and reflecting a vibrant multitude of anarchisms." There will be a bookfair on Sunday at Ryerson, panels, workshops, parties, a "really really free market," and more. Check out the Facebook page for a full listing of events. December 13 - 15, various locations and times, PWYC.
THEATRE
The Nutcracker
Tug those fancy-dress clothes over the heads of your little culture loving rugrats (or yourself) - The Nutcracker opens this weekend in Toronto. After over fifteen years, the National Ballet's production of The Nutcracker hasn't missed a step. The ballet is a wildly imaginative journey through the decadent and playful sights and sounds of the Christmas season. Like a richly detailed picture book come to life, the production is full of magic and humour, which all the while encourages audiences to contemplate the true themes of the holiday. Check out our full review from last year. National Ballet - Four Seasons, Saturday December 14 - January 4 2014, 7pm/2pm, $25-$100+.
For more events on stage, check out our The top theatre productions in Toronto December 2013 post.
COMEDY
Good Cop / Bad Cop
Good Cop (Nitish Sakhuja) and Bad Cop (Josh Infald) sees two of the hardest working up-and-coming stand-ups in Toronto joining forces. Sakhuja has been gaining steam of late, steadily performing on more and more paid shows in and around the city. Infald is one of Toronto's most beloved comics, and has been tearing it up virtually from day one. Your MC, Mike Rita, probably hosts more shows than any comic at the request of his peers. Given that all parties involved are working their asses off to make this a big night, this might be the sleeper show of the month. The Lot (100 Ossington Ave), 7pm, $15.
For more comedy events, check out our The top comedy shows in Toronto December 2013 post.
FASHION
1st Annual Toronto Etsy Street Team Marketplace
If you've ever wished Etsy was a store you could pop into while doing your gift shopping, you might need to grab a friend and ask them to pinch you. The Toronto Etsy Street Team is throwing their 1st annual Christmas Marketplace at the Church of Saint Stephens-in-the-Fields this Saturday. Enjoy live music, try your hand at a new craft during a free workshop, hang out with good ol' Saint Nick, and participate in a charity raffle, all while perusing one-of-a-kind creations by 16+ local makers. Saturday, December 14, Saint Stephens-in-the-Fields, (103 Bellevue Ave), 11am - 5:30pm.
Junction Flea
It wouldn't be the weekend without a flea market, would it? Every second Sunday of the month, find unique treasures at the Junction Flea - an eclectic market filled to the brim with independent vendors. This time around, you'll get more bang for your buck (read: $2 admission fee) because the event doubles as the launch of a new skating rink at Evergreen Brickworks. Head down to sip hot chocolate or mulled wine, and - of course - get your vintage/handmade anything-and-everything fix! Evergreen Brickworks (550 Bayview Ave), Sunday, December 15, 10am-5pm.
Leslieville Flea
The Leslieville Flea is back this weekend too - far, far away from its Junction competitor, this will likely be where you'll find east-enders doing their vintage and crafty shopping on Sunday. Don't worry about bundling up too much, as the flea has moved indoors! The Jimmy Simpson Rec Center will house the vendors, and hopefully keep them toasty warm. Look for clothing, nicknacks, handmades, edible goodies, and much more. Jimmy Simpson Rec Center (870 Queen St East), Sunday, December 15, 10am-4pm.
For more fashion listings, check out our This Week in Fashion post.
CRAFTS
Toronto Christmas Market
The Toronto Christmas Market is back for its fourth year, and its expansive set up (sort of) emulates a European Christmas Market in the Distillery District. This will be your last weekend to drop by. Local handcrafted products will be for sale from a variety of vendors. Entertainment will be provided by carollers, a Bavarian brass band, children's choirs and more, plus there will be beer and mulled wine gardens. Damn, mulled wine isn't a thing that happens often enough in Toronto. Distillery Historic District (55 Mill Street), Until Sunday December 15, Mon - Fri noon - 9pm & weekends 10am - 9pm.
City of Craft
City of Craft is a curated juried craft sale is back for its 7th year at The Theatre Centre. High quality wares by established and/or promising local crafters and artisans will be on sale amid installations and workshops, and a gift from this sale is sure to make an impression. Check out the vendor list on their website. The Theatre Centre (1087 & 1095 Queen Street West), December 14 - 15, Saturday 11am - 6pm, Sunday 11am - 5pm, $2 (kids under 12 free).
For more holiday craft events, check out our Holiday craft shows in Toronto for 2013 and 5 holiday art sales in Toronto for December 2013
post.
Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.
Long Winter photo by Matt Forsythe, Nutcracker photo by Bruce Zinger.
This Bloor and Ossington shop has evolved way past its roots as a showcase for local clothing and vintage threads. Now you'll find the work of almost 100 Canadian designers and crafters - there's everything from jewelry and scarves to soap and chocolate to quirky handmade clocks and pillows. Best of all, it's all handmade in Canada with eco-friendly processes and materials.
Read my profile of Freedom Clothing Collective in the Fashion section.
The snow started to fall Monday afternoon, as promised. A winter storm whipped up from the Gulf of Mexico was drifting north over upstate New York dumping fresh powder on the the Finger Lakes as wartime Toronto headed home from work. The Toronto Star weather forecast - "fresh to strong winds; snow, part sleet" - betrayed nothing of what was in store.
The snow picked up and was falling in sheets by late evening. It didn't ease up. Fat flakes driven on the razor wind caused whiteout conditions from Niagara Falls through Toronto and into the Quinte region. With each passing hour the drifts grew higher and more difficult to manage.
The last flight to leave Malton escaped at 1:12 a.m. on the morning of Dec. 12, 1944, moments before the airport abandoned its runways to the deluge. Meanwhile, downtown, TTC crews were working in vain to clear the tracks ahead of morning rush hour.
As soon as the tracks were clear blowing snow would flood the void. "Between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m. we figured we had it licked but high winds and drifting snow backed up on the tracks and slowed things up by plugging switches," a TTC spokesman said.
As dawn broke, the extent of the snowfall became apparent to those trying to make their way to work or school, and still it continued to fall. With many streets impassible, some turned to the horse and cart. One woman used a pair of stilts to traverse the drifts at King and Bay. Many just stayed home.
Metre high drifts were reported on Eglinton and in parts of downtown. Prisoners couldn't make their court dates, funerals were put on hold, and 2,000 people waited in the swirling blizzard at Pape and Danforth for streetcars that would never come.
Eaton's and Simpson's, the rival adjacent department stores at Queen and Yonge, were both closed due to the weather for the first time in their histories. More importantly for Canada's war effort, several munitions factories and two aircraft manufacturers, DeHavilland and Victory, had shifts interrupted or cancelled entirely.
It wasn't until the late morning that the heavy snowfall turned from novelty to tragedy.
The bodies lay crumpled in the snow, shovels still in hand. Men expired from the exertion of hauling powder off walks and drives lay undiscovered for hours. Others collapsed in doorways and in office coatrooms.
The evening edition of the Toronto Star reported nine dead in Toronto. "One suffered a fatal heart seizure while shovelling his snow and seven others died struggling through four-foot drifts."
"Some of the victims lay for considerable time before they were noticed in the blinding blizzard," the paper said. Lorne Grazzanio dropped 10 minutes after he arrived for work at the Canadian Ornamental Iron Works on River St; Samuel Bawden, a manager at T. Eaton Co., expired as he neared his office; a man no-one could immediately recognize died on Carlaw Ave.
"The six telephones in the coroners building, which is also headquarters of the city ambulance service, were ringing incessantly with Herbert Landsborough the only member of staff able to get to the office to answer them."
"The frightening aspect of the death toll is the fear that under the piles of snow, or in the thousands of cars buried under the avalanche on streets and side roads may be more dead, caught inexorably in the blizzard as they might have been on an open prairie."
Meanwhile the snow continued to be a major concern on the roads. In a public radio address, Mayor Frederick J. Conboy urged workers to stay home unless their jobs were essential. "We want all available transportation facilities to bring war workers and others to their jobs," he told the huddled city over crackling airwaves.
All private and non-essential motor traffic was ordered off streetcar routes by the city's transit controller. Milk, bread, and other deliveries were re-routed to fire stations, which became makeshift distribution points. On College St., a line of customers clutched dimes in freezing hands waiting for loaves of bread.
Downtown, restaurants, cafes, and movie theatres did brisk business as freezing workers who had trudged through the snow only to find the city shuttered and silent were forced to find somewhere obliging.
By morning of Dec. 13, 1944 the situation had only marginally improved. The Ontario death toll had climbed to 18 with incidents in Hamilton, Campbellford, Brantford, and Richmond Hill. At Queen and Mutual a streetcar lay on its side with 170 people trapped inside.
The eastbound car had jumped the rails and tipped onto its doors, sealing a crowd inside. One person was killed and 43 were injured but surprisingly little was made of the incident. A photo and a few lines of copy in both the Star and the Globe and Mail, nothing more.
In fact, despite the unfolding drama, there's little evidence of fear or anger from the people of Toronto in the papers. 1,400 volunteers, some of them boys drafted from local schools, some of them repurposed garbage crews, helped shovel snow from TTC tracks. People were "singing and wise-cracking" as they waited on delayed or cancelled public transit.
A few skiied to work, including one Stanley Todrow who was photographed outside City Hall. It's "just like a sight-seeing tour," he said before toppling over in front of the cameras.
Over at Bell Telephone Co., which was snarled "beyond the capacity of both humans and mechanical equipment" by the volume of phone calls (connections were still made manually at the time,) 310 army cots complete with nightgowns, lipstick, soap, and toothpaste were delivered to the tireless girls working the switchboards at the downtown exchange.
Few went home - they couldn't - so the army brought what they needed to take a nap and return to work. "We're prepared to carry on indefinitely," said a Bell official. If the girls were upset, they didn't show it. The photos are full of smiling faces and goofy poses with ill-fitting army gear.
The snow stopped on Dec. 14, giving way to clearer skies and scattered flurries. The city was "50 per cent of normal" by the end of the week and the city lifted its auto ban on Dec. 15., but it would take days for many side roads to become passable.
21 people died in Ontario as a result of the storm and its monster deluge. The snowfall, a whopping half metre in little over 24 hours, wouldn't be beaten until the storms of 1999.
Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.
Images: City of Toronto Archives, Toronto Star
Winter Running events in Toronto have runs to challenge anyone, from the novice couch to 5K-er's trying to kickstart a New Year's resolution, to diehards keeping a leg up on the competition for the fast approaching Goodlife marathon in May.
With running being an intensely popular sport in Toronto these days there's no shortage of races, and even as the temp drops avid runners know to layer up and brave the cold, unless of course you're doing the Santa Speedo Run, in which I suggest, well, run faster.
Toronto Santa Speedo Run - Saturday, December 14th
Dust off that red banana hammock and gear up for this fun 3K run through the posh streets of Yorkville. Raising money for Sick Kid's, this annual run always generates a lot of buzz, and with Saturday's temperature sitting at a high of -9°C, you can bet these Santa wannabe's will be running faster than Dasher or Dancer. Egg nog, high fives and an award ceremony at Hemmingway's pub to follow shortly after.
Santa Pur-Suit - Sunday, December 15th
Join your fellow St. Nick's as you run through the streets of downtown Toronto in the mandatory (and provided) Santa suit. This timed 5K run in support of MLSE Foundation will have 3,000 jolly men and women competing against each other not only for best time and bragging rights, but also the top two get to drop the puck at the Marlie's game afterwards. Don't worry, the other 2,998 Santa's score a free ticket to cheer on the boys in blue.
Don Rowing Club Winter Run- Sunday, December 15th
With both 5K and 10K options, if you're into rowing, or just like to pretend you're nautical, this race is for you! Benefitting the Don Rowing Club in Mississauga, prizes are up for grabs in all categories, and you can toast your time over a hot breakfast at the club after.
Boxing Day 10 miler - Thursday, December 26th
Looking to clean up some credit card debt incurred over the holidays? Dust off those Nikes and down an extra Clif bar for this one. Runners from all over gear up in Hammertown and join the Hamilton Harriers in support of the local YMCA. With a cash purse of prize $2500, 10 miles should be a cake walk. Post run pints at the local Irish pub let you replenish those important lost B(eer) vitamins.
Brita Resolution Run - Sunday, December 29th
This massive event, in its 29th year is a coast to coast event, so do your best to snap a good mid-route selfie to brag to your west coast buddies that you already beat them by a full three hours. This 5K race kicks off at the CNE grounds and all runners snap up a cool 'resolution run' jacket just for showing up. Stick around after for prizes and post event eats.
Midnite Run and Party - Tuesday, December 31st
Kicking off at the stroke of midnight, you'll be humming Auld Lang Syne while you nip off for a quick 5K race around Liberty village in support of the Fort York Food Bank. With bubbly waiting for you at the finish line, this may inspire you to run your fastest 5K (okay, at least the fastest of '14). The party continues after at Danceology with food, fireworks and a bevy of nearby bars to toast your athletic prowess.
Polar Bear Dip - Wednesday, January 1st
While it certainly doesn't qualify as a traditional 'race', you will be running a little bit..into the frigid water at Sunnyside Beach and running directly back out again, hopefully into a warmed up and waiting Snuggie. Money raised goes to Habitat for Humanity, so consider committing a fashion crime and reusing that red Santa speedo for a good cause.
Balmy Beach Hair of the Dog Fun Run - Wednesday, January 1st
For those looking for a cure for all that ails them, the 34th annual fun run may just be a good distraction for your mind numbing hangover. Kicking off at the Balmy Beach Canoe Club, this 3K or 9K run/walk takes you around Ashbridges Bay and includes a hot lunch afterwards.
Run4Kids - Saturday, January 4th
For those not so keen on the sleet and snow, this marathon (or 30K, 10K or 5K) is hosted by York University at their indoor track guaranteeing you protection from the elements. Run4Kids raises funds for school aged kids in Toronto, so while you're running around in circles remember you're doing it for a great cause.
Robbie Burns 8K Road Race - Sunday, January 26th
Before channeling your inner Ron Burgundy (scotch scotch scotch, I love scotch!), tackle the rolling hills of Burlington in your best kilt for your chance to win prizes while raising money for Jumpstart. Running in a kilt is not for the faint of heart, but your best plaid PJ pants are also suitable substitutes, and if you register early, you snag a free pair.
Couples and Singles Valentines 5K - Sunday, February 9th
Looking for love in all the wrong places? This race gives new meaning to speed dating. Couples and singles co-mingle in Burlington for a fast 5K around Cedar Springs Health Racquets and Sportclub. All couples who finish receive a heart shaped metal (aww!) and singles hopefully scoop up a last minute Valentines date.
Brampton Rose Half Marathon - Sunday, February 23rd
This late February half marathon race through the streets of Brampton promises sub-zero temps and throngs of serious marathon runners. A precursor to the Goodlife marathon in May, this popular race is in support of the Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness. Which is good, cause you may need their services after completing this race. A 5K option is also part of the route if the half proves too daunting.
Achilles St Patrick's Day 5K - Sunday, March 16th
With the Start/Finish at Steamwhistle brewery, this 5K race encourages you to wear your best St Pat's day gear, so expect a lot of shamrock shaking. In its 14th year, this run benefits Achilles Canada, a non-profit that provides training to assist people with disabilities to take up running as a sport for not only the physical, but social aspect as well.
Spring in your Step - Wednesday, March 20th
Running Room is hosting this 2.5K or 5K race in support of Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, and also to celebrate the grand opening of their Queens Park location, replete with ribbon cutting ceremony after, and for you fanboys out there, the dude who started the whole company will be on hand to give each runner a medal. Also, there will be cake.
Downtown Dash - Wednesday, March 27th
Another Wednesday, another Running Room event! For those who love combining charity do-gooding with fitness and corporate sponsorship, don't miss this 2.5K or 5K race around downtown, near the Running Room store on Yonge Street by Wellington. All it takes is a donation to the food bank to get you in, and yes, there will be cake and another ribbon cutting ceremony by Mr. Running Room himself afterwards.
What did we miss? Add more winter running events to the comments below.
On Thursday night the Kool Haus played host to the Screaming Eagle of Soul, the 65 year old Doctor of Love: Charles Bradley. It's difficult to imagine what it would take to leave one of his shows feeling disappointed. The man is an expert showman and is, simply put, very entertaining to watch. His voice is on a playing field of its own and his stage presence is enchanting.
On past tours he was often backed by the Menahan Street Band, but on this occasion he assembled the Extraordinaires, a different, equally tight collective. The band started the show without their star on stage, easing the crowd into their funky world with an instrumental medley that included "Keep On Looking" from label mate's Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. The Kool Haus is a very big room, so although this intro was smooth, there was a void that everyone was eager to have Charles Bradley fill. Before bringing him out, the keys player put on his MC hat and roweled up the crowd with some preacher-esque banter.
The energy jumped ten fold as soon as Charles Bradley landed. He gleamed his way to the front, wearing a flashy sequins shirt under a jacket that had an eagle on the back. He started with a rugged rendition of "Love Bug Blues", wowing us with energy and showmanship, before moving into some older jams like "The World (Is Going Up In Flames)". His gyrating dance moves during and in between songs are worthy of a show of their own, and it's easy to forget that the man spinning around doing the splits is actually 65 years old. After giving us a quick taste, he left the stage for what would be his first of two wardrobe changes.
In the meantime the band vibed out again, until Charles Bradley returned in a shimmering burgundy onesie draped with a sequins covered black cape. He delivered a combo of emotions over the next hour, including the ultra funky "Hurricane" from his newest album Victim of Love, as well as his rendition of Neil Young's "Heart of Gold" which was received with open arms.
Bradley shines in his ability to explore different emotions while always maintaining his raw raspy core. Sweet soulful love ballads like "Lovin' You Baby" resonate within, while the more erratic, spastic style of a song like "Confusion" makes you want to jump out your skin. At times, however, I couldn't resist the thought of adding some female background vocalists into the mix. He ended the show with a Christmas-themed encore, performing his seasonal tune "Every Day Is Christmas (When I'm Lovin' You)" followed by a lengthy "Gonna Have A Funky Good Time" and "Victim of Love".
When you leave a show like that, you can't help but feel motivated. He's preaching positivity in his music, encouraging people to make a change for the better - whether it be personal or something on a larger scale. He also connects with the lovers in the audience, reminding them to cherish what they have... and for those who haven't found love yet, not to worry, because Charles Bradley loves you.
MORE PHOTOS
Photos by Matt Forsythe
On the second day of this month Roncesvalles stalwart Alternative Grounds served their last customer. Some might remember the cafe as one of the first in Toronto to offer 100% fair-trade beans. They set up on Roncey back when it was still identifiable as Little Poland and before the street became over-caffeinated with nearby competitors such as Lit Espresso, Belljar and Cherry Bomb. Shortly after opening they also began roasting beans in house, joining the Coffee Tree and Everyday Gourmet as one of the first local roasters in the city.
The decision to shut the cafe's doors had as much to do with the increased competition as the evolution of the business. In recent years, Alternative Grounds owner Linda Burnside has been spending more of her time growing the roasting and wholesale business and she felt now was the time to pursue it full throttle.
Roncesvalles residents might lament the loss of another neighbourhood stalwart, especially given the impending arrival of Tim Hortons in the old Granowska space. But sometimes change has a silver lining. Fans of Alternative Grounds beans will still be able to find or savour them at numerous spots around town including Good Catch General Store, Sunny Joe's, the West End Food Hub, Appletree Natural Foods, The Big Carrot, Noah's, the Nuthouse, Saving Grace, Flying Pony and a whole lot more.
Photo from Alternative Grounds on Facebook
Tucked just below street level in Yorkville, this boutique contains a motherlode of sleek, modern threads by up-and-coming designers. You'll find edgy staple pieces paired with quirky, bold accessories and jewelry, all at a variety of price points. The icing on the cake? Everything's Canadian, with pieces by local faves (Dagg & Stacey, Greta Constantine) and hot out-of-towners (Arti Gogna, Travis Taddeo) hanging side-by-side on the store's carefully-edited racks.
Read my profile of Homegrown Boutique in the Fashion section.
Vegan restaurants in Toronto used to appeal, well, only to vegans. And it used to be a real pill trying to find a good spot to eat if you had a variety pack of diets to consider - meat lovers, pescatarian, vegetarian and vegan. Often if a dish wasn't meat heavy, it was smothered in dairy. But restaurant owners and chefs are increasingly opening their doors and menus to those on a purely fruit, vegetable and grain-based diet.
Maybe it's the trend of local, organic and nutritious, maybe it makes things more interesting in the kitchen, or maybe it just makes business sense to appeal to the broadest range of eaters. Either way people are jazzed about finally being able to eat well (and together) no matter what your preference.
The bulk of vegan-friendly places are still, um, vegetarian restaurants, as well as soup, salad and sandwich joints. What might be surprising to some, is the emergence of traditional carnivore bastions like pubs, diners, burger joints and even steakhouses that now offer extensive vegan offerings. In other words, non-vegan restaurants that serve up great vegan food. Both meat-eaters and vegans catered to at the same place.
With apologies to Yours Truly, Woodlot, The Atlantic, and Actinolite, here are my picks for the top 10 vegan non-vegan restaurants in Toronto.
Disgraceland
Disgraceland on Bloor near Ossington could have been your basic pub - pool, darts and pinball, 13 beers on tap, cocktails, pub food like deep-fried appetizers, sandwiches and burgers - but it's become a mecca for vegans. Nearly everything on the menu can be made vegan, and tasty to boot, so instead of getting a plate of holier-than-thou, you can have a plate full of fun.
Cardinal Rule
This cozy modern diner on Roncesvalles specializes in comfort, with many menu selections that can accommodate vegans. Tons of items on the menu (salads, sandwiches, burgers and brunch) and hella cheap, means both carnivores and their herbivore pals can nosh with pleasure.
Khao San Road
Not only is Khao San Road the best Thai food restaurant in Toronto, it's vegan friendly in ways you wouldn't expect. While Thai menus around the city are no strangers to vegetarians, this Club District spot goes a step further with a dedicated vegan menu (PDF) complete with vegan pad thai, curries, garlic tofu and squash fritters.
The Beet
This Junction mainstay is co-owned by a trained nutritional practitioner and a homeopathic doctor, so it's no wonder they have plenty of vegan friendly dishes on their menu like avocado and tofu wraps, kale salad and vegan mac and cheese. Lesser expected is the other half of the menu designed to win over meat eaters too including bison burgers, steak salad and roast chicken wraps. Maybe you really can win friends with salad.
The Bickford Flexitarian
This less than a year old spot on Harbord says it all in the name (flexitarian) serving up breakfast options made with either regular or vegan eggs and a rest of the day menu that draws diners in for raw tacos and a fish/seafood catch of the day. Smoked ham, rare roast beef and ELT (the E standing for eggplant) round out some of the highlights.
Glas Wine Bar
Glas Wine Bar has been winning over Leslieville locals since it opened last year but carnivores aren't the only ones making a beeline for this spot. The usual menu is small and focused but the real deal comes Tuesdays when Chef serves a vegetarian tasting menu that can be made vegan upon request. It's a novel idea, and should it continue to be popular don't be surprised if it starts making appearances on other nights as well.
Prime Steakhouse
Prime Steakhouse in the Windsor Arms might seem like a counter-intuitive choice for vegans, but don't be fooled. They have a full vegan dinner menu, with several appetizer and main dish options, plus an award winning wine cellar to wash it all down. Midtown vegan never felt so good.
P&L Burger
The new burger joint on Queen serves up juicy beef burgers but vegans aren't left out of the fun. Also on the menu is a vegan tempeh and kale wrap when paired with fries is a complete meal in my books. Fans of the original Parts & Labour location in Parkdale will tell you that the kitchen there can make any of their vegetarian dishes vegan as well, keeping models and straight-edge kids alike coming back for more.
The Steady
This new and popular Bloorcourt spot wears many hats and functions both as daytime cafe, restaurant and nighttime bar and party-spot. It's a good thing the kitchen can serve carnivores and vegans with equal aplomb. While half the table dines on crab cakes, chicken enchiladas and ceviche the others can do their best to win converts via the sloppy vegan (not your grade school Sloppy Joe), vegan pizza and vegan Mexican tapas plate.
Ursa
This West Queen West restaurant's blend of science, nutrition and flavour has been a steady hit since it opened last year. The menu changes often but with a consistent number of creative vegetarian and vegan dishes on offer there's room to accommodate all types. Think of it as the go-to spot for those looking for an inclusive experimental and experiential dining experience.
Top photo of The Steady
The first major snowfall of the year and minus twenty degree temperatures didn't stop the pack of brave, barely-clad Santas from pounding the pavement for the 8th annual Santa Speedo Run in support of SickKids. The 3K route was centred around midtown and raised $32K for the worthy cause.
See all the scenes in our photo gallery of the 2013 Santa Speedo Run.
Toronto events on December 16th, 2013
CULTURE | Doored One Year Anniversary Jubilee
Doored's One Year Anniversary Jubilee happens tonight at Double Double Land. This will be an evening of performance art that some have described as "unhinged", celebrating this monthly event that has been going on for roughly a year. The evening will be hosted by Toronto duo Life of a Craphead, and will feature performances by Bridget Moser, Fake Injury Party, Laura McCoy, and many others. Music will be provided by Man Made Hill. Tonight will also launch the new Doored website. Double Double Land (209 Augusta Aveune) 7PM $7.
MUSIC | Euphonia's December Festival of Fun!!
Euphonia is the TO ensemble that proudly brings what we think of as "classical music" to the bars/clubs, where it truly belongs. This group has developed a following with regular appearances at Lula Lounge, playing works by Mendelssohn, Haydn, Mozart, and others. Tonight it's a Christmas party with special arrangements of your favourite tunes by Jordan O'Connor, guest vocalist Ori Dagan will be sitting in, there will be a Secret Santa "joke off" (it might be worth attending just to find out what this is!) and many more surprises. Lula Lounge (1585 Dundas Street West) 7PM $15.
MARKETPLACE | Bling @ Banu Holiday Pop Up Boutique
Tonight and tomorrow evening, Banu on Queen West hosts a "pop up boutique" featuring an assortment of designers and artists who will have their wares available for you to check out closely, and of course, purchase. This evening is the "cocktail" version of this event, and thing get rolling at five, with a delectable assortment of bites, which get you half off cocktails when you order them - not bad! There will be a great selection of handcrafted jewelry and the like to check out, and this "bling boutique" opens at 1PM tomorrow. Banu Iranian Kabob and Vodka Bar (777 Queen Street West) 5PM.
BOOKS & LIT | Insomniac Launch
London, Ontario-based Insomniac Press, launches some new titles and celebrates the Holidays with a shindig at the Dora Keogh Pub tonight. This small press has been active for over twenty years, and has evolved from publishing poetry chapbooks, to full blown works of fiction and non-fiction, and has put out editions by musicians like Jann Arden and Mathew Good, as well as establishing a firm niche in the LGTBQ mystery-fiction world. Tonight, you can check out new releases by Gayle Gonsalves, Aaron Giovannone, Althea Prince, Gonzalo Riedel, and Dan Yashinsky. Dora Keogh Pub (141 Danforth Avenue) 7PM.
Also Of Note
Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.
Photo via Doored
Karen Stintz is stepping down as chair of the Toronto Transit Commission. In an email to councillors, Stintz said she would remain a member of the TTC board but quit the role ahead of her run for mayor. "I look forward to her resignation because she's done a terrible job as chair of the TTC," said Doug Ford, ever classy. Josh Colle and Maria Augimeri are two councillors being tipped to take over the job.
Rob Ford busted a move over the weekend at a North York church. The mayor was filmed by a member of the congregation at the West Toronto Church of God on Sunday afternoon standing in front of the choir, shaking his body and clapping his hands to a lively song. In November, Ford told the CBC's Peter Mansbridge he had had a "come to Jesus moment."
Conrad Black says the Toronto Star is a "menace to democracy." In column printed Saturday, the convicted fraudster accused the paper of using Daniel Dale's libel suit to wage more war on Rob Ford. "The voters control this city, not the Toronto Star. And the attempt to end-run the electoral system is dishonest and a menace to democracy," he wrote.
Rob Ford's supporters are raising money for the embattled mayor's legal bills. An indiegogo crowd funding campaign is aiming to raise $50,000 to help Ford battle legal challenges by "special interests and big media organizations." At time of writing, $2,556 has been pledged by supporters. "It's time for Torontonians to stand up and say enough is enough," the page reads.
Last night, protestors burned an effigy of a pig in protest at Friday's police shooting at Queen station. Around 60 people marched down Yonge St. in response to news that four police officers may have fired their weapons during the confrontation. The Special Investigations Unit's Carm Piro said nine officers responded to a call about a suspicious person on a train. He said the man was armed, though it's not clear how. An 18-year-old man is in a stable condition in hospital.
Lawrence station is still closed this morning due to flooding from a broken water main. Earlier, the Bloor-Danforth line was closed east of Broadview due to mechanical problems on board a train.
Finally, here's that video:
FROM THE WEEKEND:
IN BRIEF:
Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.
Image: mcdux/blogTO Flickr pool.
This Week in Music rounds up the latest news, releases and concerts coming to Toronto.
Neil Young to play Honor The Treaties benefit
Just a few weeks from now on January 12, 2014, Neil Young himself will play Massey Hall for a good cause. All proceeds - all of them - go to the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Legal Defense Fund for their fight against oilsands developments. Diana Krall will play as well. Similar benefit concerts will also take place in Winnipeg, Regina, and Calgary. As one might expect, this show is already sold out. You can donate directly to Honor the Treaties here.
First list of NXNE performers dropped
The first round of bands playing NXNE have been announced. They are: St. Vincent, Juicy J, Danny Brown, Rhye, Mac Demarco, Speedy Ortiz, Odonis Odonis, Run the Jewels, Omar Soulerman, Courtney Barnett, and Mas Ysa (not to be confused with Toronto's Mas Aya). Festival wise, NXNE wristbands are on-sale right now - and for cheap. From December 10-24, there's a special two-for-one wristband deal. That's right, $75 gets you and a friend into the city's biggest music fest. Even if the line up of headliners doesn't improve by that much, it's a pretty good deal.
Free stuff from Dine Alone Records
Dine Alone Records have released their annual "Holiday Sampler" but I'm not going to tell you what's on it, because if I was in one of these bands I'd be embarrassed by the cover's hackneyed attempt at, what, irony? Some guy from Cancer Bats is "gangster pimp Santa" right, enjoy looking totally lazy and irrelevant. It's free and there's a prize pack, so it has that going for it. Next week in music: ideas - are people running out of them?
CMW shares showcase performers list
In other meh Toronto music news, some showcase performers have been announced for CMW including a band called Slut which from the thumbnail looks to be all dudes. Great. There's also a guy called Jaimie Stewart, which is just confusing - Jaimie, please, change your name. Toronto's Rich Kidd and Wilderness of Manitoba are playing, plus I'm sure some of these rando bands are good. Check them out on CMW's website, where you'll also find info about other programming plans.
Hot ticket concerts
Beyoncé / December 16 / 7pm / Air Canada Centre (40 Bay St) / $63.25-$268.25
We all knew that she was actually a magical being from outer space sent to save the world (or at least make it more fab), but Beyoncé dropping a self titled album on iTunes featuring everything from tender confessions about motherhood to sexy bangers to (hurray!) Drake appearances kind of sealed the deal. You can almost feel the concrete pulsing in anticipation today. Tickets are sold out, but you can still close your eyes and imagine.
The Little Match Girl Passion / December 20 / The Music Gallery (St George the Martyr Church, 197 John Street) / 8pm / $20
David Dacks of the Music Gallery is called this post classical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's classic Christmas Story "the feel-bad Xmas show of the year" - and to be honest that's all I need to hear. David Lang's Pulitzer Prizewinning The Little Match Girl Passion will be curator Gregory Oh's final show at the Music Gallery, and apparently he wants to leave a trail of misery in his wake, right in time for the holidays. Singers will accompany themselves on percussion. An excerpt is below, or you can hear a longer fragment of the Little Match Girl crying for help here.
Local Hot Ticket
Wolfcow + Alpha Strategy / December 22 / 9pm / Handlebar (159 Augusta Ave) / PWYC
You know what's nice? A messy noise show on a Sunday night. At Handlebar this weekend you can see the weirdness that is Toronto's Wolfcow, Alpha Strategy, and New Horizzzons, plus Montreal artist Yàocavé. It'll be a good time to chill and hear some strange sounds before heading to the fam's for carols and non-ironic sweaters, if that's what you have planned for next week (personally I'm looking for someone to watch Rosemary's Baby with, but to each her own).
Recently Announced Concerts
What we got up to this week
Photo of St. Vincent by Bruce Emberley
There's a punk revival happening in Toronto, and the local bands who started it all took to the stage on Friday night for a reunion of old dogs and new tricks at The Phoenix. While they had competition from equally underground and hardcore bands like Ell V Gore at the Long Winter indie music fest that night, oldschool punks The Viletones and The Liquor Pigs still drew a sizable crowd for this "Last Stand of the First Gang" gig signalling frontman Steven "Nazi Dog" Leckie's final hurrah.
The Viletones have been a longstanding powerhouse of a band in Toronto since the late 70s, and with the discovery and proliferation of old, niche music on YouTube, they've remained a well-known name among young punk fans and old(er) original fans alike. The crowd reflected that split, and for the younger 20 year olds, it probably felt a bit like hanging out with your parents' cooler friends. All fans had thick leather jackets, crazy moshing skills, and great beer-can aim whenever throwing bottles at the stage.
In typical punk style, the show started late, and with only two bands headlining the bill (and a notable lack of other advertised and vaunted bands), the crowd had ample time to stock up on beer cans to throw at them. The Liquor Pigs, led by Max McKabe's villainesque looks and mad showmanship, got the show off on the right foot. The bass lines were pumping, the guitars screaming, and McCabe definitely held up his end of the "liquor pigs" bargain, vaulting through another beer almost every ten minutes. If no one was throwing cans yet, you wouldn't have known by the number of them already on the stage.
After a series of songs with titles such as "Bitch with a Broom" and "Someone's Going to Fucking Die," The Pigs' wild set ended with McKabe in a pig mask cranking an oldschool air raid siren.
Almost an hour later, the crowd was more than ready to embrace the Viletones' last stand, and guitarist Ian Blurton wanted to know just one thing: "Why has not one beer bottle landed on this fucking stage so far - that's what I'd like to know." The audience obliged, and as one went flying through the air, the beer pouring out of it hit Blurton directly in the face: "You can throw as many beer cans as you want - we are the fucking Viletones."
Overall, the sound for the night was great - the masterful guitarists hit all the right notes, and, if you've ever been to the Phoenix, there's nothing like scrappy punk music played with the exactness and vigor of truly disdainful musicians to get the juices flowing. The Viletones punched through the rather short set, highlighting "Possibilities" and barreling through the end with their all-time fan favourite, "Screaming Fist."
Done by half-past midnight, the show pleased most die-hard fans that showed up and made an admirable stand for Leckie's last big concert - though, I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of Toronto's Nazi Dog.
MORE PHOTOS
LIQUOR PIGS
VILETONES
In the midst of a stressful, bustling Eaton Centre yesterday, 10 peaceful souls sat down in a circle in a quest to find a little peace and meaning amidst the chaos.
They were meditating, in a demonstration that was part of the Toronto Anarchist Fair this past weekend. The meditation circle, which met beside the water fountain on the first floor, was labeled a flash mob online. But there was nothing mob-like about it. Their faces were content, unlined by stress. And though the group was small, it managed to cultivate a silence amongst the frantic shoppers, crying children, and rampant consumerism. They created a bubble of silence around themselves, while shoppers looked on from the upper levels. The group succeeded in carving out a quiet space in the middle of holiday madness.
"Tis the season for buying things we don't really need in the hopes to find happiness," the Facebook event page reads. "Let's bring stillness to the high church of consumerism, the Eaton center, [sic] and make this an annual tradition!"
Whether you're a minimalist or anarchist or not, there's some real wisdom in that mission statement, spelling errors and all. We would all do well to focus a little less on stressy errands and trying to prove our love through the material, and a little more on truly loving and appreciating one another/ End rant.
The fair included a number of other events across town as well, from a Really Really Free Market at Ryerson to a panel on sobriety and accessibility, and an anarchist book fair at Ryerson.
The group says it has been a long time since anarchists have "assembled in Toronto to share our stories and ideas," and that now is the time to change that. While many may have negative connotations of anarchy, the fair's event page describes it this way:
"We feel it is vitally important that anarchist gatherings take place, while also being reimagined and reflecting a vibrant multitude of anarchisms. We hope to keep expanding the horizons of anarchism in this city beyond this fair and beyond this year.
"For a more Anarchic Toronto and a freer, more joyful, and just world!"
FrostCon 2.0 went down on Saturday, December 14th, bringing comics, cartoons, sci-fi, manga, steampunk, anime/manga, and a whole bunch of cosplay to the Ramada Plaza Toronto. A smaller (and newer) event than FanExpo, that didn't stop participants from pulling out all the stops for their outfits.
Check out all the cosplay action in our Style section.
