Sarah Thomson is once again running for Toronto mayor. I'm quite sure this isn't news for those of us not intimately tied to the local political scene. At the end of the day, the publisher of the Women's Post is unlikely to figure as anything more than a fringe candidate. And yet there's something about Thomson's platform that's already too entertaining to pass up. Aside from the press release announcing her candidacy, her first bit of campaigning comes in the form of a poem. Yes, a poem with an AABB rhyme scheme, which with the wit of Pope and the gravity of Milton takes on the issue of subway infrastructure in Toronto.

"Stop and go. Stop and go
I want a city with transit below
I want a city with underground trains,
Light rail or subway, they're almost the same.
I want a city that is filled with a passion
to dream of a future not cramped by inaction."

This thing reads like white rap on the sitcoms of the 1990s. I want so desperately to make fun of the entire thing, but there's really no need. As is the case with Rob Ford segments on the late night talk shows, the less one gets in the way, the funnier it is.

"It's hitting all cities from Dallas to Kent
the rich who come in are increasing the rent
It's time to say yes to those who suggest
Toronto is better, when we all just invest.
It's hard to predict the needs that arise
it's hard to have vision and keep the same stride."

Kent? I know you want "rent" in there, but Kent? Ok, shhhh.

"It's hard to determine the truth from the lie
And easy to blame it all on "that guy"
We must come together, unite in one stand
To build underground transit for each woman and man
The cost is gigantic, but the payoff is double
And the jobs it will bring are more than a bubble."

Read the whole thing here.

And, remember, "it's time to ignore the ones who provide / a short-term perspective on how we must ride," lest we abandon our children to hell (that's swell).

More poems, please.

Update: (1:00am)

In her official campaign launch video, Thomson points out that "if a cat were big enough, it would eat you."

Charles Khabouth and Hanif Harji collaborate once again, this time expanding their empire of restaurants into Middle Eastern territory. The new spot offers a swank new setting to share richly spiced mezze and vibrant cocktails.

Read my profile of Byblos in the restaurants section.

Keeping in tune with the weather people toned down the colours at Toronto Fashion Week and brought their best street inspired looks to the tents at David Pecaut Square. Lots of althetic wear and attitude flashed in front of the camera.

Check out all the looks in our Style section.

Thanks to Yorkdale, celebrating 50 years of style, for sponsoring our coverage of Toronto Fashion Week.

Target has announced plans to build a massive new anchor store in downtown Toronto. Part of the sweeping development at the foot of York Street known as Harbour Plaza, the retail outlet is slated to occupy 145,000 square feet, a significantly larger presence than the company's "City" branded stores in the US, which are at least somewhat scaled to the urban milieu in which they're located. Not so here. On the contrary, this will be one of the biggest Target locations in Canada.

That's good news if you live in one of the many condos south of Front Street, but it also raises some concerns about how the area is being developed. Even as the neighbourhood we've mostly agreed to call South Core has seen a rise in amenities over the last couple of years, the retail presence still lags well behind the residential boom. This, no doubt, is why the location is so attractive to the company. Still, a bit of diversity might not be a bad thing.

Along with Target, Harbour Plaza will feature an additional 50,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, a number that pales in comparison to what's allotted for the superstore. On the bright side, the presence of the retail complex will extend the PATH southward when it opens in late 2016. That should increase the connectedness of the condo-heavy area south of Front and send a hell of a lot of people through Target.

What do you think? Will this be a welcome addition to South Core?

Photo by jp1958 in the blogTO Flickr pool

You've sang, you've laughed, and, if you were the one sober misanthropic friend who didn't know what they were getting into, you cried. Karaoke at the Gladstone has been our own number one pick for belting your heart out to everything from Whitney to the Backstreet Boys and from Queen to Will Smith. But this Saturday (March 22) The Gladstone will host its final karaoke night.

Shortly after the ice storm this winter a pipe burst at the historical West Queen West hotel, causing considerable damage to the Melody Bar and the Gladstone's audio equipment. To make matters more severe, the Melody Bar is no longer reliably soundproof, and drunk wannabes from from and wide crooning Dolly's greatest hits in a sound-leaky room spells disaster for a boutique hotel's business (I'd imagine the average northern Canadian highway hotel bar might not share this dilemma).

Peter Styles, a musician who's hosted karaoke nights at the Gladstone for 14 of its 15 years as a Toronto staple, told the Toronto Star that he's currently looking for a new gig: "I'll work wherever they hire me." When you wish him well at the Melody Bar this weekend, don't forget to drop BOMT early, so it looks like you're the first person who thought of it. I'll close with this M*A*S*H* "Suicide is Painless" karaoke video, because it seems right (and it never fails to weird me out).

Where will you go to almost hit the notes now that the Gladstone's left the ring?

Photo via Gladstone Hotel on Flickr.

Luther's Chicken is set to launch in mid-April within Dundas West cocktail bar Churchill. Similar to how Caplansky's got its start inside The Monarch, co-owners Kyle Hough (formerly of La Cubana) and Knickoy Robinson will take over the small, generally unused kitchen onsite to offer a menu of buttermilk fried chicken and essential sides like macaroni salad, collard greens, coleslaw, green beans and biscuits.

Food and drink billing will be handled separately, but there's talk of some menu crossover in the form of sweet tea or kool-aid cocktails. Or you could just order an Old Fashioned (bourbon) and fried chicken like they do it in the South. The kitchen plans to operate nightly from 5pm to 1am and might also do family style chicken buckets for take-away. Stay tuned to the restaurant's Instagram feed for details on the exact opening date.

While it may not seem like it, today is the first day of spring. And if the face-cracking wind and sporadic flurries have you confused, there's one sure sign that the weather is about to turn: the announcement of spring beer events in Toronto.

Sure, it's not quite the full-on tank-tops-and-plastic-cups-every-other-weekend bliss of summer beer festival season, but the events are starting to pop up on the radar and that can only mean that the end of winter is approaching. So here are a handful of beer events to get you ready for summer. Think of it as spring training for your liver.

Cameron's Blues Cask Night
Cask ale and blues music seems like a good pairing to me. The folks at Cameron's Brewing in Oakville will bring the two together for a night of fun on March 27th with Soulshaker blues band and food from Bestia food truck. Tickets are $25 at the door and $20 in advance with a discount for students.

Toronto's Festival of Beer Spring Sessions
Not content to wait until summer for Toronto's biggest beer event, the folks behind Toronto's Festival of Beer opted to give us a little teaser this spring. Featuring roughly 20 brewers, including Toronto's own Left Field Brewery, Mill Street, Steam Whistle, and Great Lakes and even our newest cider producer, Brickworks Ciderhouse, the event offers two days of beverage-drinking revelry at the Evergreen Brick Works on March 28 and March 29 (just before this posting, the Saturday Session of the event sold out). Entrance is $30 and includes five sample tickets and a mug.

Beerworking
If you've ever been to a "networking" event, you're probably already aware of the concept's main flaw: the lack of craft beer. The organizers behind "Beerworking" have seen to the problem by combining the chance to meet new people in a speed-networking setting while simultaneously learning about beer. Events are being held at Project Owl on April 2, April 16, May 14, and May 28 and will feature beer from Black Oak Brewery, Wellington Brewery, Mill Street Brewery, and Lake of Bays Brewery, respectively. Full disclosure: While three of the events are being led by Certified Cicerone Crystal Luxmore, the first, on April 2, will be led by this writer.

Eggs and Kegs with Great Lakes and Duke's Refresher
For possibly the city's first brunch-themed mini beer festival, the earlyish-risers at GLB are bringing a lineup of unique beers to Dukes Refresher from noon to 4pm on March 30th. Among the beer goodness on hand to accompany your eggs will be their Long Dong Pilsner, their new THRUST! IPA, Sweet Zombie Jesus Peanut Butter Stout, an Ouzo Soaked Liquorice Baltic Porter, a cask version of My Bitter Wife, and even a collaborative beer brewed with help from Dukes' staff called Hindsight Breakfast Stout. You'll never look at brunch the same way again.

The Brewer's Backyard on Good Friday and Victoria Day
Having seen a great deal of success holding his "Brewer's Backyard" events on long weekends, Toronto beer guy Cass Enright has expanded his family-friendly beer series to include five dates in 2014, including Good Friday (April 18) and Victoria Day (May 19). Learn about, try, and meet the people behind the best beer Ontario has to offer, paired with local food vendors in the relaxed setting of the Evergreen Brick Works. The events are all ages, family friendly, and, best of all, admission is free.

Society of Beer Drinking Ladies Bevy #4
Having sold out in just eight hours, the SOBDL's third event on March 28th is now only open to non-ticket-holding women (and men) after midnight at the as-yet-undisclosed-location. But not to worry, the ladies tell me that Bevy #4 is already in the works and based on the response they've received for their first two events, you can bet it will be a popular event. Taking place April 25th, tickets will go on sale in mid April and, as the organizers tell me, signing up for their mailing list is the best way to make sure you're first in line for tickets.

Ontario Brewing Awards
On April 3, The Gladstone hotel will once again play host to the Ontario Brewing Awards, the event where industry folks gather to recognize the achievements of the province's brewers in 29 style-based categories. Find out who will take home gold in categories lick Best German Style Wheat Beer and Best Honey or Maple Beer! It's the one awards gala where you can bet no one cares who anyone is wearing.

Beer4Boobs
Featuring an exclusive line-up of one-off beers and unique collaborations, the third installment of Toronto's Beer 4 Boobs will feature creations by female brewers from Amsterdam, Black Oak, Mill Street, The Ship, Bellwoods, 5 Paddles, Niagara College, Wellington, Cheshire Valley, and The Granite. The event will be held on April 27th at Bellwoods Brewery and the $25 ticket (cash at the door) will include a sample ticket and a commemorative glass. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre's PYNK program, the first of its kind in Canada to address the special clinical, psychological, research, and educational needs of younger women with breast cancer.

The Session Craft Beer Festival
The close of Ontario Craft Beer week and something like the official start of summer for beer drinkers, Session this year is even bigger than ever before. Taking place June 13 and 14 at the ridonkulously high profile location of Yonge and Dundas square, this year's festivities include live music, food, and over 100 craft beers, including 30 made just for the event in collaborations between craft brewers and artists for "Collaboration Nation" (including, ahem, a hotly anticipated collaboration between this writer and Canadian Brewery of the Year, Great Lakes). Tickets tickets will cost $39.50 and this includes your glass and five tasting tokens.

Ontario Craft Beer Week
The fifth annual tribute to Ontario's independent brewers takes place June 15-21 and features over 30 Ontario Craft Breweries pouring local brew at 150 events in over 50 different Ontario communities. Festivities will include food and beer collaborations, tap takeovers, tasting events, brewery tours, cooking demonstrations, beer dinners, contests and more. The week prior to the festival, we'll feature a comprehensive guide to the events occurring right here in Toronto during the week.

Ben Johnson also writes about beer over on Ben's Beer Blog. Follow him on twitter @Ben_T_Johnson or we'll kill this dog.

Photo by Jesse Milns

Fashion week is in full swing at King and John; though the weather's thawed slightly from Monday's frigid opening night (and the heaters at the tent finally got up to full tilt), designers' minds have been firmly on fall weather, with a strong focus on cozy staples like woolens, flannels, fur and leather at Pink Tartan, LINE Knitwear, Mackage and Joe Fresh. (Apparently, Canadian fashion designers also spent the winter fixating on the horrors of the Polar Vortex. They're just like the rest of us!)

Meanwhile, David Dixon swept showgoers off their feet Tuesday night with his take on bridalwear, and menswear designers Outclass, Klaxon Howl and Christopher Bates made a strong showing Wednesday afternoon.

Click through for a sneak peek at the action backstage.

Thanks to Yorkdale, celebrating 50 years of style, for sponsoring our coverage of Toronto Fashion Week.

Photo by NickLOdeon in the blogTO Flickr pool.

The big brash Brant House and its sneaker-hating dress code on King West are no more. Now courting the cable-knit wearing set, the new spot aspires to be more casual and approachable, now offering fun libations and ambitious pub fare.

Read my profile of The Citizen in the restaurant section.

Must-see spring concerts in Toronto don't just add to the noise of the huge, multi venue spring concerts the city has on the horizon, they also remind us that we made the right choice by not moving to Florida back in November. A short while ago we discussed how this probably was not the worst winter Toronto has ever seen, but it certainly felt like it. It's still going on too! Spring is coming though, and the warmer weather is bringing with it many must-see music acts.

This spring catch a collection of big name indie acts from the last decade, but keep your eyes and ears open for some new up and comers. Here are 20 shows you should not miss when the snow melts, in chronological order.

Mar 24, 25 | Childish Gambino | Sound Academy
Ex-Community star and stand-up comedian Childish Gambino has been pretty serious about progressing musically. He's coming to Toronto for back-to-back nights at the Sound Academy next week. Check him out March 24 and 25.

April 6 | Cloud Nothings | Horseshoe Tavern
Cloud Nothings won me over with their drone rock banger "No Future/No Past", which was accompanied by a frighteningly original music video. Shades of punk, hardcore and rock blast out of their music, and one can only imagine how well it will translate into a high energy live show. Check them out at the Horseshoe Tavern on April 6.

Apr 9, 10, 11 | The National | Massey Hall
Three dates were necessary for this rock staple. The National have been absolutely killing it the past few years, releasing solid album after solid album. If you don't have your ticket to see them April 9, 10, or 11 at Massey Hall, you better start searching Craigslist.

Apr 19 | Avey Tare's Slasher Flicks | Lee's Palace
David Portner, aka Avey Tare, has refused to make classifiable music throughout his entire career. His most recent venture is no exception. Check out his new act that has been described as a "jazz power trio", among many other desperate attempts at a label. The guy is a great performer and their show on April 19 at Lee's Palace is bound to be a pretty weird experience.

Apr 25 | The Knife | Kool Haus
It's The Knife. What else do I have to say? Like Daft Punk, their insane live shows are a bucket list item for the majority of music lovers. The most recent tour, supporting their latest album, appears to be some sort of dance/ballet performance, judging by live photos. Whatever the Swedish duo brings to Toronto, make sure you don't miss them at the Kool Haus on April 25.

Apr 25 | Say Hi | Drake Hotel
The do-it-yourselfer from Seattle has been putting out some really fine indie rock/pop for several years now. I always get excited for the release of a new Say Hi (formerly Say Hi to Your Mom) album because there is bound to be a handful of fantastically nerdy love songs. Last time I saw him it was upstairs at Sneaky Dee's, years and years ago. You will want to see him when he comes around this time, playing the Drake Hotel on April 25.

Apr 26 | Zomboy, Cookie Monsta, TC | The Hoxton
Do you love bass? Do you love dubstep? Do you love Sesame Street? If any of these apply to you, you need to catch these three killers when they shake the Hoxton on April 26. If you have been to a dub club any time in the past 5 years, you've definitely heard a track or two from all these guys, and seeing them all in one night is a can't-miss experience.

May 2 | Boys Noize | The Hoxton
Boys Noize is just plain fun to see live. He turns up the electro knob to the point of breaking it off. Grab your rum and coke in a plastic cup and get ready to stomp right through the floorboards of the Hoxton on May 2, when this rocker from Hamburg drops what is assured to be a crazy awesome set.

May 3 | Shlohmo | Opera House
I haven't had the pleasure of seeing beat master Shlohmo do his live thing yet, and I can't say for certain what that will entail. His music normally hovers around quiet bass beats with often off-time snare pops and warm organ tones. How this will translate to a live show is something definitely worth looking into. You can see what he brings to the stage of the Opera House on May 3.

May 9 | City and Colour | Air Canada Centre
Ex-Alexisonfire guitarist Dallas Green has been operating under the alias City and Colour for a while now. Last time I saw him was on TV for the kick-off to the Boston Bruins/Toronto Maple Leafs playoff series last year. For some reason, he was dressed like Elvis Costello. One can only hope his music doesn't start going this way too. You be the judge when he plays the ACC on May 9 (as part of CMW).

May 9 | Odesza | Tattoo
Seattle-based duo Odesza have been been putting together gorgeous sample-based beats for two years now. They bring their dreamwave sounds to Toronto on May 9, when they play Tattoo.

May 10 | Owen Pallett | Danforth Music Hall
The brilliant mind behind the strings of early Arcade Fire, Owen Pallett has been working on a film soundtrack and a lengthy solo career since. This spring he is coming to Toronto yet again. Watch him loop his violin over and over to build up beautiful masterpieces while he croons along in his trademark falsetto. He plays the Danforth Music Hall on May 10.

May 11 | Wye Oak | Horseshoe Tavern
If you don't know who Wye Oak is yet but you love indie folk rock, you need to get on board. For many, this band came to light when their track "Civilian" closed out an emotional episode of The Walking Dead. Go have an ale or two at the old Horseshoe Tavern on May 11 and nod your head along to some jaunty tunes.

May 13 | Lana Del Rey | Sony Centre
I admit I'm not super up-to-date on the growing library of Lana, but everyone I talk to (especially our music editor) seems to love her. If you love her, if you don't know her, if you think you know her but you're worried that maybe what you know isn't really what's going on - whatever the case may be, grab a ticket and go see Lana at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts on May 13.

May 13 | Mogwai | Danforth Music Hall
This is easily the show I am most excited for on this list. Scottish post rock gang Mogwai has been killing live shows for years and years now, and their stop in Toronto on May 13 will be no exception. Sit back in your seat at the Danforth Music Hall and just take it all in as vibrant guitars, heavy drums and steady bass accompany pretty lights to entice your senses.

May 15 | HAIM | Kool Haus
The future is nothing but bright for young sister trio HAIM from Los Angeles. Their brand of steady pop rock with 80s undertones got my attention when they released the single "Don't Save Me" last year. Since then they have played Saturday Night Live and are getting the chance to play big venues all over the world. Come to the Kool Haus on May 15 and see what all the fuss is about.

June 3 | Polica | Mod Club
When I heard, "I See My Mother" - one of the best tracks released in 2012 - I immediately fell in love with the stripped bare sound of trippy rock group Polica. They are two albums deep now and don't show signs of stopping. Their Toronto stop will be at the Virgin Mobile Mod Club on June 3, and it is definitely worth catching.

June 6 | First Aid Kit | Danforth Music Hall
Welcome the warm vibes of summer with some solid girl-folk. My interest in Swedish sister duo First Aid Kit piqued when I heard their beautiful cover of the classic "When I Grow Up" by Fever Ray. Dance along dreamily when they play the Danforth Music Hall on June 6.

June 6 | A-Trak | The Hoxton
If folk isn't your thing, then make your way over to Hoxton instead on June 6 to see a production champion get the dance floor bumping. A-Trak has not stopped turning it up, with some fantastic remixes and mashup releases over the years.

June 19 | Journey & Steve Miller Band | Molson Amphitheatre
Waking up on Saturday mornings to the sound of "Only the Young" was a regular occurrence for me as a kid. Two rock giants are performing a can't miss double header on June 19 at the Molson Amphitheatre. For many, this will be a walk down memory lane. Come out and revisit the 80s with hundreds of beer-gutted, mullet-sporting old men on what will (hopefully) be a balmy late spring/early summer night.

See also

• The top 5 spring music festivals in Toronto for 2014
• The Top 5 Dance Parties in Toronto March 2014/
• The top concerts in Toronto March 2014
• Just Shows

What spring shows in Toronto are you excited for? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Anthony Abbott via Flickr. Follow Adam on Twitter and Instagram

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

• Tonight, Friday, March 21st, the drop-in dinner at The Depanneur (1033 College Street) is lovingly dubbed NSFW Grilled Cheese Porn courtesy of Dustin Jude of 3030 Dundas. Oozing delux grilled cheese sandwiches are on for $12 starting at 6pm 'til they're gone.
• Ruby Watchco (730 Queen Street East) presents the first semi-regular artisan dinner series on Tuesday, March 25th. The Norman Hardie dinner will feature a five course plated service with wine pairings for $150.
• Shio Mega Ramen returns to Kinton Ramen (51 Baldwin Street) on Tuesday, March 25th. Finish the entire mega ramen in 15 minutes and the $30 bowl is free.
• Courts & Corks happening Friday, March 28th at the Hot Stove Club at the Air Canada Centre will pair wine and basketball for a $99 sommelier-led wine pairing lesson and tasting plus a lower bowl ticket to the Raptors vs. Celtics game following.

UPCOMING

• Starting April 2nd, Bar Hop (391 King Street West) is starting a monthly event wherein they'll feature five beers from a particular brewer and the brewers themselves will be on hand to chat about the beers.
• Cote de Boeuf (130 Ossington Avenue) hosts a Game of Thrones inspired dinner on April 3rd and April 4th. Only 14 seats are available each night per night for the $175 dinner featuring 3 starters, 5 feasting courses and 3 desserts.
• Momofuku Noodle Bar (190 University Avenue) will host Hudson Kitchen for a collaborative dinner on Sunday, April 6th. Reservations are available online and by phone now.

Photo from our review of Cote du Boeuf

I've posted about a lot of quirky Toronto paraphernalia over the years, be it maps, coasters, baseball bats, or screen prints, but this skyline ruler might take the cake for its odd charm. Part of a series that also includes cities like Paris, New York, Amersterdam, and Berlin, it's a cheap little souvenir ($9 US) that's sure to appeal to urban nerds and those who like the idea of being able to trace an outline of Toronto in less than three seconds.

Comparing the various cities on offer, it's nice to note that when paired down to its most iconic elements, our skyline might just be the nicest of the bunch -- or, at a minimum, holds its own against some of the other celebrated cities of the world. Here's a question for the Torontophiles out there: from what perspective do you think the skyline is presented here? Snake Island? Ward's? The Ferry? Weigh in with your suggestions below.

The Skyline Ruler is available online from Monkey Business.

The patience of Toronto commuters is about to be tested in a major way on Eglinton Avenue East as construction begins on the eastern section of the Crosstown LRT. Prior to this point, crews have been plugging away at the western portion of the line, which has already led to major backups in places like the foot of Allen Rd. It's all about to get a whole lot worse this spring. While it's crucial that we all think long term about infrastructure projects like this one, here's a little glimpse of the pain in store if Eglinton is a route that you frequent.

- Daily lane reductions are already in place between Laird and Leslie as construction crews prepare to install an excavation shaft.

- In early April, construction will begin on Laird Station, causing more closures in the immediate area for approximately eight months.

- That will be followed by station construction at Bayview and Mount Pleasant, with the former needing an emergency exit that will take two years to complete.

- Most impactful of all, when the tunnel boring machines arrive at Brentcliffe to dig west, traffic will be reduced to one lane in either direction for over two years.

- When the machines are finally extracted at Yonge St., it's difficult to say just what a nightmare it'll be, but think apocalyptic.

I recall driving on Sheppard numerous times during the construction of that subway line. It was really bad. This will be worse. But, we can all take solace in the fact that the Crosstown will have far more positive and lasting effects on easing congestion in the decades to come. So pop a mouthguard in the glovebox and you won't grind your teeth down in the meantime. The Eglinton Crosstown LRT is expected to begin service in 2020.

Day four saw a flurry of activity outside the tents at World MasterCard Fashion week as guys who pay close attention to tailoring took a stroll in front of our camera. The ladies on the other hand were decidedly playful in their use of colours, showing us how small subtle pops of colours rooted in neutrals can make a killer outfit.

Check out all the looks in our Style section.

Thanks to Yorkdale, celebrating 50 years of style, for sponsoring our coverage of Toronto Fashion Week.

A team of landscape architects have unveiled the latest plans for a narrow sliver of former waterfront land close to what used to be Ontario Place, and there are several notable changes from the interim version of the park presented earlier this year.

The serpentine strip that's being turned into a new waterfront park runs from the foot of Ontario Place Blvd., down the back of Echo Beach, and out round the back of the old water slides. When the park was open the area was used for parking and equipment storage.

In January, the province and Waterfront Toronto, the two groups leading the development of the park, called for public feedback on their latest draft. The suggestions, gathered over the last three months, called for improved connections to the water and better recognition of local First Nations heritage.

Many of the people that provided input said they wanted the as yet unnamed park, which is made up of areas that sound like levels in a Sega Genesis video game, to include multi-use trails, space for food trucks and other public events, and forested areas. Facilities should be geared towards walking, cycling, and hiking, they said.

As it currently stands, visitors will enter the park through an artificial ravine, which was not included in the previous incarnation of the park. On the rocky walls, carvings will use patterns and textures from traditional First Nations moccasins; overhead, a part of the looping park trail crosses the ravine on a suspension bridge.

A looping, 980-metre multi-use trail will pass through the upper portion of the park, which contains high hills and forest, and a waterfront boardwalk with public seating and rocky outcrops that protrude from the beach into the water.

There are some nice touches: Some trees will be planted and grown in deliberately unusual shapes as visual landmarks and fire pits will be allowed - encouraged even - on a rocky section of beach with panoramic views of the city skyline. There's even a "romantic garden" for being romantic and a lookout for looking.

There is enough space, planners say, for about 3,500 people in the 7.5 acre park at one time: Flying kites, getting married, riding bikes, and eating from food trucks.

There's always a risk, however, that creating a park from scratch, adding sculpted hills and looming canyons where there was previously a sea of concrete, could result in something that feels contrived or artificial. It's hard to get a sense of what the park will look like when it's fully realized, but its best features could end up being ones that weren't planned. In short, it will be what people make of it.

The final design for the park will be unveiled and locked in place this summer. It's expected to be open a year later in time for the Pan-Am Games in 2015.

What do you think of the latest designs? Is anything missing?

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

Just short of one year ago, Steam Whistle announced we'd be able to buy their ubiquitous craft pilsner at Toronto Blue Jays' games. Today, two weeks from their home opener, they've announced that the partnership is no more.

On March 18, Steam Whistle Co-Founder Greg Taylor received the news that the Jays organization would not be renewing their deal with Steam Whistle and that the only craft beer that's ever been available at the Rogers Centre was being given the boot after just one season.

For their part, the brewery has responded in a typically classy fashion, noting that they are dissapointed, but proud to have held the distinction of being the first craft beer served at Toronto's MLB games.

"We are very appreciative of the warm welcome we received from fans and hope to continue to be part of their game day celebrations by welcoming the public pre- and post-game at our brewery across the street," Taylor said in an emailed statement.

I first reached out to Aramark Canada, the company that oversees foodservices at the Rogers Centre, in January when I heard rumours that Steam Whistle might be shown the door. At that time, David Freireich, who handles Aramark Communications, sent me the following statement:

"We are currently in the process of reviewing and enhancing our food and beverage menu for the 2014 baseball season. During the offseason, we work closely with our Rogers Centre client and their valued partners to develop a diversified and exciting menu for our fans to enjoy during their visits to Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays pride themselves with their strong partnerships representing brands and services that best reflect Canada's team in MLB."

When I pointed out that, with no Steam Whistle, there would actually be zero beers in the Rogers Centre that are actually made by Canadian-owned companies, I was met with a polite apology that Aramark couldn't offer me any additional information.

The decision is one that clearly shows just how behind the times the Toronto Blue Jays organization is. Before Steam Whistle was sold at games last season, the Rogers Centre was the last ball park in North America to embrace the clear consumer movement toward craft beer. Now that the beer lineup at the Rogers Center has reverted to mass-produced, foreign-owned lagers, the Blue Jays once again own the dubious distinction of being the only team in the majors that doesn't support craft beer.

Sports fans have shown, time and again, that local and craft beer can be successful in sports venues. The Charlotte Bobcats, for example, recently created a Craft Beer Garden at Time Warner Cable Arena in October, pouring nine local brewers. As of just two months into the NBA season, their sales were up 39 per cent over last season's draft beer, wine, and hard liquor sales.

And while it's clearly a travesty that Canadian baseball fans who know and love good beer can't get the same sort of local selection that people in Charlotte watching basketball are currently afforded, the massive "Budweiser" logo that currently adorns the Jays' left field might suggest to fans that there are likely some other factors involved ($) in the Ontario market.

A request for comment from the Toronto Blue Jays was not answered as of this post.

Steam Whistle, meanwhile, clearly wants people to know that even though they've been ousted, they still support the Jays' fans. For the season opener weekend, the good beer folks are planning to have extended hours, big screens to watch the game, a DJ, and food vendors. Full details are available here.

And while I'm not one to abuse the forum that blogTO affords me by inciting beer and baseball fans to protest, I feel it would be remiss of me not to mention that public comments on this news might easily be directed places like the Toronto Blue Jays Official twitter account.

Ben Johnson also writes about beer over on Ben's Beer Blog. Follow him on twitter @Ben_T_Johnson

Photo by Sebastian Ip

The best fish tacos in Toronto are widely available on menus at taquerias, tequila bars and seafood specialists citywide. This wasn't always the case. But in the last few years local restaurants have almost tripped over themselves to offer what was once a scarce commodity in these parts. Rightly, this list is dominated by delicious So-Cal style specimens, almost always properly double wrapped in a fresh corn tortilla.

Here are the best fish tacos in Toronto.

See also:

The best tacos in Toronto
The Best Mexican Restaurants in Toronto
The Best Burritos in Toronto
The Best Late Night Burritos 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 March 21-23, 2014.

Fashion Week Closing Party
Rumours have been swirling for the past few weeks that New York mid-2000s super-DJs the Misshapes would be headlining a post-WMCFW party. Turns out that dream is real: The duo (featuring front-row fixture Leigh Lezark) is set to spin at Cube, at a party that will feature "Canadian supermodel (that cannot be named)". (So, y'know, if anyone sees Coco Rocha hanging around this week, you let just let us know.) Check their Facebook event for more info. Saturday, 10pm at CUBE Nightclub.

FOOD

Midnight MRKT 1yr Anniversary
It's the one year anni for MIDNGHT MRKT (which starts before midnight but lasts into the wee hours or the morning), a unique event that combines DJs (midnight dance party market!) with vintage clothing, Canadiana, street art, and food stuffs. Apparently the organizers just asked themselves "what would Berlin do?" which seems a little suspect -- sure everyone will be speaking English and wearing fancy pants, but you can't drink on the TTC on the way over. Friday, March 21, 2nd Floor Events (461 King St. West), $5.

Static Zine Issue #9 Release Party
Static Zine and Fat Girl Food Squad are releasing a mag about something very dear to our hearts: food! Snacks! Noms! Cover gets you a copy of Static Zine, snacks, and a '90s R&B and 2000's pop dance party with DJ Doris Day All Night. Saturday, March 22, Belljar Cafe (2072 Dundas West), $5.

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

PARTY

Foundry
Last year Foundry brought together a wide network of underground dance music promoters and scenesters to throw an eclectic mini-festival. This year they return with another talent-stacked lineup. This weekend starts with Red Bull Music Academy's night w/ Efdemin, Cosmin TRG, Nautiluss, and Martin Fazekas, then on Saturday DJ Harvey, Invisible City, and Members Only take over. Note: the fest was moved at the last minute from the Tower Automotive Building to 99 Sudbury. Check out our preview of the fest here. March 14th to April 5, 99 Sudbury St, 10pm, $99.50 series pass, $19.50-$49.50 single nights.

BassWeek
BassWeek kicks off tonight, where a number of TO concert promoters including Toronto Jungle have come together to present two weekends of ear-bleeding, lung-shaking, face-melting acts. Huge names in dubstep and drum and bass are coming across the pond to join local Toronto favourites at some of Toronto's best venues starting next weekend. Read our DJ preview here. March 21-29: full line up here.

See also

• Black Marble
• Madchester

For more dance listings, check out our Top Dance Parties in Toronto in March post.

MUSIC

Gladstone Karaoke Swan Song
The Gladstone is reluctantly withdrawing their voice from Toronto's karaoke scene, and water damage to the Melody bar is to blame. Read more here. Your last chance to belt it out at Queen & Gladstone is Saturday, March 22.

Marker Starling at Twin Peaks Residency
All month, the Julee Cruise Ships are doing a Twin Peaks residency at Handlebar (playing your fave tracks from David Lynch's unfinished romp in the Black Lodge) joined by five different artists all together over the month, but Saturday is the one to hit if you're a true fan of Twin Peaks' aesthetic. Marker Starling, formerly known as Mantler, is an angel of strange, sincere nightclub kitsch. See below. Saturday, March 22,Handlebar (159 Augusta), PWYC.

See also:

• The Big Sound
• The Dirty Nil
• The Internet - Bizzarh - Ice Cream

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

FILM

Toronto Nepali Film Festival
The Toronto Nepali Film Festival brings Toronto a diverse selection of short and feature-length contemporary Nepali films. Showcasing films from the broader region of South Asia surrounding Nepal, this festival intends to add an often forgotten perspective to the multi-layered diasporic narratives of Canada and the world. Highlights include Soongava - Dance of the Orchids (Saturday, 7PM; Innis Town Hall), Nepal's submission for this year's Academy Awards, which details the romance that emerges between two young Kathmandu women. For the full festival schedule, go here. March 21-22; Carlton Cinema & Innis Town Hall.

Nymphomaniac: Volumes I & II
A two-part, four-hour "sex film" from persona non grata Lars von Trier. The cinema sphere can't honestly say we were surprised. What is surprising, though, is that Nymphomaniac ended up being both a hilarious comedy (Volume I) and a devastating humanist meta-parable that up-converts Tarkovsky iconography into some of the saddest images ever (Volume II). Detailing the sexual history of one promiscuous, self-described nymphomaniac (don't call her a "sex addict"), the film is ultimately about the fundamental nature of storytelling and the ambivalence of empathy. Watch both successively, if you can. TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King St West) various showtimes.

Also opening in theatres this week:

• Divergent (Varsity, Scotiabank, Rainbow Market Sq.)
• Down River (Cineplex Yonge & Dundas)
• Le Week-End (Varsity)
• The Lunchbox (Varsity)
• Muppets Most Wanted (Cineplex Yonge & Dundas, Rainbow Market Sq.)

FASHION

Outer Space Glitter Face
WORN Fashion Journal's Outer Space Glitter Face launch party is just around the corner! To celebrate their 18th issue, snag a 10 advanced ticket or pay $15 at the door. Wear your best galaxy-themed ensemble, rock one of their sparkly headbands, and get jiggy to all the best oldies for ample fun at The Dovercourt House (805 Dovercourt Rd) Saturday, March 22, 9pm.

See also

• Toronto Vintage Clothing Show at The Convention Centre

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

COMEDY

Comedy Uncovered
Gloomiest week ever, right? (Just checked my common sense almanac.) If stand up and improv comedy serves as a remedy to your how-can-this-be-March-22nd ennui, Comedy Bar will let you get silly with Mark Little (Just For Laughs, Mr. D, PicnicFace, Variety's 10 Comics to Watch), Nigel Grinstead (Winner of Cream of Comedy 2014, NXNE), and improv duo Kayla Lorette and Ron Pederson (MadTV, Gemini-nominated). Saturday, March 22, 8:45pm, Comedy Bar (945 Bloor St. W.) $10.

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

Foundry photo by Alejandro Santiago, film writing by Blake Williams

The Royal Ontario Museum has revealed plans for a new public plaza and green border that will bring trees, flowers, and grass to the corner of Queen's Park and Bloor Street. The designers of the all-season "outdoor gallery," Hariri Pontarini Architects and landscape architect Claude Cormier, whose team was responsible for Sugar Beach, hope the overhaul will "humanize" the public space on three sides of the 100-year-old museum.

Currently, much the area skirting the museum (with the exception of Philosopher's Walk) is concrete sidewalk with little in the way of trees or greenery. The plaza in front of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, scaled back significantly from the original plan and often crowded with tour groups, is little more than a few stone benches arranged amid a scattering of signs.

There will be a performance space for the use of the museum, a new canopy over the main entrance and "totemic information sentinels," which appear to be vertical ad poles along the Bloor Street curb. The ROM, which has large natural history and wildlife departments, hopes the green space will double as an "outdoor gallery."

The Globe and Mail announced the project in February last year. At the time, the museum's vice-president of communications said the new plaza could be complete for March 19 this year provided it could find a way to cover the $3 million price tag.

The ROM turned 100 years old last week and the plaza is one of four centennial projects designed to transform how the museum welcomes and interacts with visitors.

What do you think of the designs?

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