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The top 30 eats from Toronto Taste 2014

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toronto tasteOne of the most indulgent food events of the year, Toronto Taste, went down at Corus Quay on Sunday with money raised to support Second Harvest's food rescue programs. This year's lakeside gala featured stations from 70 food and beverage vendors, who provided an all-you-can-eat culinary spectacle along with auctions and mystery box cooking competitions. Attendees rubbed shoulders with celebrity chefs while wining, dining and donating to their hearts' (and stomachs') content.

Check out this photo gallery of the favourite foods I tried at Toronto Taste 2014.


House of the week: 266 Garden Avenue

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266 Garden Avenue Toronto266 Garden Avenue is a Roncesvalles / High Park home that exists as an example of renovation done right. Curb appeal has been totally maintained with a covered porch and large trees in the front lawn. Inside, the house is open concept - providing lots of light throughout. But the wide plank hardwood flooring, fireplace, and kitchen design (wood cabinets, butcher block countertops - more Country Living than sharp steel edges) make this far from a quick gut job of an old home. The renovation and styling was thought out, and you can tell.

The exposed brick in the basement and mud room are a rustic cherry on top of an already great house. Sure, you might not be spending long hours in the mud room, but it's a great stylistic touch (not to mention a practical addition). And the basement rec room is more than just somewhere to store your unused treadmills and old toys. You could entertain guests for a movie night or hockey game without shame. Bring on the popcorn!

266 Garden Avenue TorontoSPECS

  • Address: 266 Garden Avenue
  • Price: $995,000
  • Lot Size: 23.41 x 118
  • Bedrooms: 4
  • Bathrooms: 2
  • Parking: 1
  • Taxes: $4.976.12
  • Walk Score: 90
  • Notable Features
  • Detached home with curb appeal
  • Five minute walk to High park
  • Hardwood flooring throughout main floor
  • Fully renovated farmhouse style kitchen

266 Garden Avenue TorontoGOOD FOR

Homebody families. This house has four good-sized bedrooms, along with a large basement great for a rec room or play area. The updates to the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms first and foremost make this a very livable home. Did I mention there's a workshop out back? Time to get DIY.

266 Garden Avenue TorontoMOVE ON IF

You want a smooth, slick interior, with every modern convenience. This house has some great updates - stainless steel appliances, a nest thermostat, air conditioning (thank god). That being said, there are only 2 bathrooms - one attached to the master bedroom and one in the basement. And there's never going to be room for a large walk in closet. Let's face it, there's only so much you can do with an older home.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

266 Garden Avenue Toronto266 Garden Avenue Toronto266 Garden Avenue Toronto266 Garden Avenue TorontoRead other posts in this series via our House of the Week Pinterest board.

Writing by Isabel Ritchie

The top 10 events at Ontario Craft Beer Week 2014

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Ontario Craft Beer WeekOntario Craft Beer Week kicks off on Saturday June 14th for the fifth annual tribute to the great beers that this province has to offer with a bevvy of events across Ontario featuring beers made by the OCB's member breweries. There are over 200 events occurring in over 40 towns and a large chunk of them are occurring right here in Toronto, the centre of the universe.

While I love that the week offers the OCB a chance to showcase the great beverages being made by its members (and I also love the excuse to drink every night for seven days guilt-free), ironically I often find OCB Week is marred by simply offering too much to do. That is, with so many beer and food pairings, brewmaster's dinners, pub crawls, brewer collaborations, celebrations of cask ales and one-offs and so very many Mill Street flights, it's tough to know just what to do each night and the impending FOMO is almost too much for a beer geek to handle.

But fear not, fellow intrepid alcohol enthusiasts, I've whittled the overwhelming list of Toronto events down to just one event per evening so that you may make the most of your Ontario Craft Beer Week.

Saturday June 14

The Session Craft Beer Festival
Celebratingg its fifth year, The Session seems to have become one of the bigger draws of OCB Week, and it's grandiose venue this year (Yonge and Dundas Square!) have some speculating that this beer lover's event may have jumped the shark this year. Regardless, it's hard to argue with a lineup of 100+ craft beers, including 30 collaboration beers vying for top prize in Collaboration Nation (notably one hotly anticipated Dill Hole IPA). Tickets are $39.50 + tax and include your glass and 5 tasting tokens.

Sunday June 15

Beach BBQ & Brews
Running all weekend, this family-friendly event at Woodbine Park boasts a handful of BBQ competitions and beer from Kensington Brewing Company, Flying Monkeys, Left Field Brewery, Great Lakes Brewery, Beau's, and Mill Street, plus live music and a kids area complete with rides. Bonus: Admission is free.

Monday June 16

Beau's Tap Takeover at The Hogtown Pub and Oysters
On Monday, Vankleek Hill's Beau's All-Natural Brewing will take over 14 taps at the Little Italy local. Beers will include Festivale, B-Side Brewing's Kissmeyer Nordic Pale Ale and more plus Beau's staffers will be on hand for giveaways.

Tuesday June 17

Indie Alehouse's IPA Night
While it isn't an OCB Week event since it takes place at non-member brewery Indie Alehouse, this has to go on the list because it's most certainly the best beer event happening on Tuesday (and for this unabashed hop-addict writer, maybe the whole week). For $85, Indie Will be offering a three course dinner paired with IPAs from Ontario craft brewers Amsterdam, Great Lakes, Nickel Brook, Sawdust City and Indie Alehouse. With meals prepared by a selection of chefs who've participated in previous Indie collab dinners, this one will be good--official event status be damned.

Wednesday June 18

Guided tasting of HIGH ABV by Wellington Brewery
Visit Baker Street Station to sample and discuss the finer points of beer with higher alcohol content in a discussion led by Wellington Brewery's Brewmaster Marvin Dyck. Sip Russian Imperial Stouts, Barley Wines, Imperial IPAs, and Belgian Tripels and Quads and chat about cellaring and barrel-aging while you enjoy cheese and charcuterie pairings picked by the chefs at Baker Street Station. $25

Thursday June 19

The Beer Lovers Brewmasters Dinner - the Beer Hall at Mill Street Brew
Not to be rude, but if you're a beer fan and you live in a Toronto and you've never been to one of Mill Street's brewmasters dinner, what's your problem, dummie? Because the Mill Streeters do a beer and food pairing evening right. Pony up the $59.99 plus tax and tip for a five course dinner at the Beer Hall paired with five Mill Street beers and see what the fuss is all about.

Friday June 20

Summer Nights in the City
Hit up C'est What as brewers from northern Ontario descend on Hogtown to bring a bit of the summer to the City. Lake of Bays Brewery, Sawdust City, Side Launch and Northwinds will each be bringing their choice for their best beer for a hot summer night.

Saturday June 21
The Thirsty Games
Given that Session has become a massive, right-smack-in-the-middle-of-downtown, fairly expensive event that will open OCB Week this year, there is perhaps room for a new industry-centred, good-natured piss up to close out the festivities. In its second year, The Thirsty Games, held at An Sibin Pub, might just be the smart bet to nab that important title. Featuring reps from various breweries competing at hourly-run tasks that should get more complicated as the night wears on, the evening will offer an outdoor barbecue and craft beer samples for spectators and, while I'd never encourage irresponsible alcohol consumption, a chance for some of the hard-working brewery folks to end their OCB Week by getting a little sloppy (and then taking part in ridiculous, endurance-testing events while we watch!).

Also worth noting

Railway City Beer KEG SWAP at Steam Whistle Brewing
Throughout the week, Steam Whistle Brewery will host a keg swap with St. Thomas' Railway City Brewing, meaning a feature keg from Railway City will be available at Steam Whistle Brewing during their regular hours and you'll get a chance to try beer from the place where Jumbo the elephant was killed by a train.

Amsterdam's Seven Days of Adventure Brews
Each day during OCB Week, Amsterdam Brewery will release one of their Adventure Series, the excellent, more experimental offerings crafted by head brewer Iain MacOustra. Stay tuned to Amsterdam's twitter and facebook feeds for info as it becomes available.

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

Photo from the Indie Alehouse

This is what a cardboard beach looks like in Toronto

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Luminato cardboard beachWhen Luminato announced that it'd be bringing a cardboard beach its festival hub this year, it was hard to get a sense of exactly what it would look like, but now we have our answer. The all-cardboard installation at David Pecaut Square brings cabana life to King West, and folks have been quick to make use to the new area to lounge away their lunch hours. There's no water or sand, but the reclined chairs just beckon you to lay back and relax.

The work of Cuban art collective Los Carpinteros, the beach is fully licensed (yay!) but also very busy when the square plays host to Luminato events. The vibe is decidedly more laid back during the day, though there's a whole lot less drinking (boo!). Los Carpinteros idea for the installation is both ironic and altruistic. While the dry grass and concrete of David Pecaut Square is anything like a beach, the collective experience of leisure in the midst of the city gestures to beach culture. And who wouldn't want a new place to chill? So let's just hope it doesn't pour rain over the next few days. While the cardboard as a waterproof coating, the beach could become a soggy mess if the rain is unrelenting.

Check out Toronto's newest beach in this photo gallery.

The top 10 all ages shows in Toronto for summer 2014

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all ages shows torontoThe top all ages shows in Toronto this summer range from stadium shows and festivals to small loft gigs. Summertime in Toronto has become festival season, with plenty of events geared at getting us out in the sun to listen to some tunes. This also means that those of us who haven't hit that golden number 19 get a chance to see some of their favourite bands crawl out of the clubs and into the light of day.

Festivals aside, the Molson Amphitheatre has a lot to offer concertgoers this summer - though the price tag can be hefty at times, there's no denying the plenty of variety in this summer's program. Those with more modest budgets can rely on the all-ages shows that many local promoters - including like Wavelength, PPOP, Feast In The East, and Mark Pesci - are throwing to engage music fans of any age.

Pesci's Just Shows site filters all-ages listings here, and venues like Double Double Land, Jam Factory, and Silver Dollar Room are primed to get in on the action. We've rounded up the best picks for the summer, but keep an eye on their pages for even more all-ages live music.

Here are my picks for the top all-ages shows in Toronto this summer.

Construction Volume 3 - Comet Control w/ Mimico / June 13 / Smiling Buddha / PWYC
It truly was a long winter, but the organizers behind the fiercely popular Long Winter series bring their chilly magic to the summer months. Recent events have included everyone's current favorite The Dirty Nil; this edition features Comet Control, a band that rose out of the ashes of local heavy psych rockers Quest For Fire. Follow Long Winter for more Construction shows at Smiling Buddha and Double Double Land.

NXNE / June 18-22 / various venues / free-$149
NXNE is arguably Toronto's most popular festival, and their free Yonge and Dundas Square series is always something to look forward to. This year's highlights include Sleigh Bells, Danny Brown and Odonis Odonis on June 19, St. Vincent, Swans, and Eagulls on June 20, Spoon, Mac Demarco and Alvvays on June 21, and Juicy J, Run The Jewels and Ratking on June 22. Another stellar all ages event is being thrown by local label Buzz Records at The Great Hall June 21. Featuring a few artists off their impressive roster (HSY, Weaves and Mexican Slang) they've also wrangled current cultural obsession Perfect Pussy. This is a show not to be missed. Find more all-ages NXNE shows here.

Fall Out Boy and Paramore / June 25 / Molson Amphitheatre / $20-$60
Pete Wentz takes time off his many extracurricular projects to get back to doing what started this thing off in the first place: Fall Out Boy. Together with Paramore on what has been dubbed "Monumentour," both bands' penchant for hard-driving pop rock will be on display across North America this summer. The sets will undoubtedly be packed full of hits and sure not to disappoint longtime fans.

Against Me! / June 27 / Yonge and Dundas Square / free
Toronto's successful bid to host World Pride this year means there will be plenty of events happening, all aimed at making this the biggest celebration of the LGBT community this city has ever seen. Laura Jane Grace, perhaps the most high-profile transgender musician ever, brings her band Against Me! to Yonge and Dundas Square.

Warped Tour / July 4 / Molson Amphitheatre / $51.25
Hard to believe that this traveling caravan has hit the ripe age of 20, but it continues to rack up the miles with a crowd-pleasing line up in tow. Established artists like Saves The Day and Less Than Jake coexist with rising stars like The Devil Wears Prada, Teenage Bottlerocket, and The Ghost Inside.

Edgefest Summer Concert Series / July 1, July 18, August 16 / Echo Beach / price TBA
Edgefest has been a summer tradition for over 25 years, bringing hundreds of international and Canadian acts to stages across southern Ontario. This year Echo Beach plays host to the series, which will feature The Sheepdogs, Monster Truck, and Matt Mays on July 1, USS, Said The Whale, and Ms Mr on July 18, and for your parents: Our Lady Peace, Sloan, and I Mother Earth on August 16. New acts are TBA so check back to their webpage in the coming weeks.

TIME Festival / July 19 / Fort York / $25
Time Festival makes its return to Toronto after taking a three-year break. Primarily known as an electronic festival, this year's lineup features Grimes, Charlie XCX, St. Lucia, Jon Hopkins, Majical Clouds, Flume and Kaytranada. Widening the scope are infamous rappers Death Grips and Action Bronson, as well as indie-poppers Smith Westerns and Haerts.

Under The Influence of Music Tour / July 29 / Molson Amphitheatre / $27.50-$72.75
Wiz Khalifa gets set to roll out this roadshow for the third year running. The fifth stop on the 22-date tour brings Tyga, Ty Dolla $ing, Mack Wilds, Rich Homie, Quan, Iamsu!, Sage The Gemini, and DJ Drama to the Molson Amphitheatre in what promoter LiveNation calls "hip hop's most electrifying summer tour." As an added bonus, those who purchase their tickets online get a free digital copy of Wiz Khalifa's new album Blacc Hollywood.

OVO Fest / August 3-4 / Molson Amphitheatre / price TBA
Can Toronto's favorite son, Drake, pull another rabbit out of his hat this year? OVO is known for bringing a reliably star-studded event to the stage - and you don't have to look much further than a reunited Outkast to know what's in store. Previous years have given the audiences plenty of surprises with names like Kanye West, A$AP Rocky, and Lil Wayne showing up unannounced. What else does Drake have up his sleeve? No doubt it will be magic.

Panic! At The Disco / August 6 / Echo Beach / $29.50-$49.50
They've dubbed it The Gospel Tour, so it's obvious Panic! At The Disco hopes to further spread the word on their massive 33-stop summer trek. They touch down in Toronto on August 6 with Walk The Moon and Youngblood Hawk in the support slots. Given the rave reviews they've received since their inception, crowds can expect the same kind of full-throttle energy the band gives each and every night.

See also:

What all-ages shows are you excited about for this summer? Let us know in the comments!

pure leafThanks to Pure Leaf for sponsoring our summer adventures. For more things to do this summer, check out our Best of Summer page.

Writing by Evan Sue-Ping. Wiz Khalifa photo by Brian Morton.

Field Trip storms Fort York for biggest festival yet

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field trip 2014 torontoBigger, better, more: Arts & Crafts' Field Trip Music & Arts Festival returned for 2014 in a major way. Expanding outside the label's roster, this year saw more bands, more days, more food, more bars, more art, more fun activities...more of everything. Even headlining hometown heroes Broken Social Scene brought more energy (and surprise musical guests) than last year. Aside from relief from Sunday's errant raindrops, no one could ask for much more.

Check out all the action in our Field Trip photo gallery.

The LCBO now has its own party anthem

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lcbo song torontoGiven that it's the source of the liquor fueling all of Ontario's parties, it's high time the LCBO had a rap anthem honouring it for the cradle of debauchery it truly is. Now, three of the city's goofiest hip-hop artists - SidePonyNation, Whyte Wine and Sean Ward, have teamed up to create a rap tribute to our beloved provincial liquor repository, which comes with its own low, low-budget (most of which was probably spent on cans of Palm Bay) video and "YMCA"-style choreography.

The lyrics reflect the full LCBO experience: Being flattered when the casher asks for your ID, collecting Air Miles, being really excited by extended holiday hours, and, of course, assembling Caesars while hung over the next day. I personally reject Ward's notion that "for the girls, it's Alize and Bacardi", but am simultaneously relieved someone aside from my mom calls it "the lick-bo".

In the middle of the shout-outs to Schlitz malt liquor, though, a beautiful point is made: Rich or poor, young or old, Veuve or Lakeport - we all buy our sauce at the LCBO. It's our province's great equalizer. I'm going to feel incredibly at one with my fellow man next time I go to the LC for a six-pack of McAuslan Apricot Wheat, and in the meantime, I'm going to slot this it onto my Toronto comedy-rap summer fun mix, right next to "My D*ck".

Photo via YouTube.

How Toronto celebrated National Iced Tea Day 2014


What exactly are the rules of the bike lane in Toronto?

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bike lane torontoThe rules of the Toronto bike lane are, let's face it, unclear. Judging from a recent helmet cam video circulated on YouTube, most cyclists don't know which vehicles are legally allowed to be stopped or parked in the bike lane. Contrary to popular belief, even dedicated bike lanes aren't off-limits to all motorized vehicles.

The lack of clearly posted rules is coupled with a dearth of visible enforcement--fines range from $60 to $150 for most bike lane infractions, but the biggest scofflaws--delivery van drivers and moving companies, judging from angry tweets--seem able to dodge enforcement officers with relative ease, increasing the sense of frustration from cyclists.

Coming straight from the City of Toronto bylaw, here are the rules of the Toronto bike lane. Note that the rules differ slightly for painted and separated bike lanes, like on Sherbourne and Wellesley.

WHO CAN BLOCK PAINTED BIKE LANES?

Only bicycles and e-bikes are permitted to use on-street, painted cycle lanes in Toronto, except for in a few unusual circumstances. Ambulances, police or fire service vehicles, or any other vehicles actively engaged in responding to an emergency, are exempt from parking, driving, and operating rules, so are active city, TTC, and public utility -- water, hydro, sewer maintenance -- vehicles. Everyone else has to stay out.

At the approach to intersections, turning vehicles are permitted to move over and occupy the bike lane.

WHO CAN STOP IN PAINTED BIKE LANES?

Vehicles loading or unloading a person with a disability, school buses picking up or dropping off kids, and, yes, taxis collecting or depositing passengers are all allowed to stop in the bike lane. No vehicles are permitted to drive for more than 45 metres in a bicycle-only part of the street marked with paint, however.

WHO CAN BLOCK SEPARATED BIKE TRACKS?

Only pedal-powered bicycles are permitted to use separated bike lanes. Wheel-Trans vehicles operated or licensed by the TTC are allowed to use the track area for loading and unloading passengers. Emergency response vehicles, City of Toronto vehicles, or vehicles parked as part of public utility work are similarly exempt from the rules.

WHO CAN STOP IN SEPARATED BIKE TRACKS?

No vehicle (except the ones listed above) is allowed to stop in a separated bike lane. Not taxis, not delivery vehicles, not moving vans. In fact, the only time a vehicle is allowed to pass through a separated lane is when the driver is accessing a driveway, parking lot, laneway, or side street.

TRANSIT STOPS

On Sherbourne and Roncesvalles, the bike lane cuts directly in front of several TTC stops. When a bus or streetcar is waiting with its doors open, cyclists must wait at least two metres back from the rear doors and allow passengers to enter or exit.

FINES

Any person operating an unauthorized vehicle in the bike lane, contrary to the rules set out in the city bylaw, is subject to a fine of $150.00. Illegally parking or stopping in a bike lane or separated lane attracts a fine of $60.

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

Photo by Xander Labayen in the blogTO Flickr pool

Open Dome

Today in Toronto: Mad Hot Ballet, Pearlblossum HWY, Freedom Party feat Milk, Raimundas Malaauskas

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Today in TorontoToday in Toronto it's the The National Ballet of Canada's turn to host an ultra fancy fundraiser gala. Not fab enough? Milk from RuPaul's Drag Race will be in Toronto to raise money for Rainbow Railroad, an org that helps LGBTQ people escape oppression in their home countries Pearlblossum HWY, an official selection from Rotterdam International Film Festival 2013, is is screening at Double Double Land. If you're looking for something far out, Raimundas Malaauskas (Lithuania) will be telling stories about stories at the AGO. For more events, click on over to our events section.

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

New shop turns junk into repurposed gold

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sourced and salvagedNestled into a basement at Gerrard and Parliament is this repository of reclaimed and repurposed items. Go here to find salvaged crates, light fixtures made out of mason jars, coffee tables and benches made from the wood of 150-year-old row-house roofs.

Find out more in my profile of Sourced & Salvaged in the design section.

That time it rained frogs in Toronto

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toronto raining frogsThe weather forecast on the front page of The Evening Star for June 8, 1898 read: "unsettled, with showers and thunderstorms." Whoever wrote that sentence forgot to mention the possibility of frogs. According to a story on the paper's front page, "Langley Avenue [was] covered with thousands of them" following a day of deeply unsettled weather. The "small fellows came with yesterday's rain," it said, tumbling from the heavens.

The fierce winds on the day in question were strong enough to upset boats in the Toronto Harbour. North of the city, between Newmarket and Holland Landing, powerful winds uprooted trees, washed out the Grand Trunk Railway line, and blew down telegraph poles.

"'Twas a cyclone," read the headline.

But there, two columns to the right, the title that caught everyone's eye: "a shower of little frogs."

"This is true. It is not a fairy tale," the story started, perhaps overdoing the sincerity. "The sky had been overcast, but gave no indication that it had anything unusual for the residents of that locality until, with a peal of thunder, the shower came. And it couldn't have been altogether a shower of rain either; it was a deluge of frogs."

The creatures that slapped onto the ground were appeared to be young, "not old and tough," and were so numerous they could been seen along the street. They were grey and about the size of the end of a thumb, according to the un-named eyewitness who wrote the story.

"The tires of my bicycle committed several dozen murders at each revolution until I could wheel away from the gruesome place ... they stayed on the ground for some time under the espionage of a crowd of East Enders, and then in dozens they hopped to the ditches and pools, and we all hurried away to church."

Was it true? We have no way to know for certain. The story doesn't appear to have been repeated in any other publications, but animals, especially frogs, have been recorded falling from the sky for centuries. The little creatures the Evening Star recorded, which likely weighed no more than a few grams, were likely tossed into air by a waterspout over the Don River or other nearby body of water. Sadly, there are no photos of the incident.

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

New hole in the wall on Dovercourt home to retro gems

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vintage shop DovercourtThis tiny vintage shop on Dovercourt near Hallam is the culmination of a 10 years of collecting for owner Melanie Machado, who, along with her husband, finally decided it was time to convert the front area of her home into a storefront. Chock full of retro treasures like toys, dolls, board games, LPs, and other paraphernalia that's hard to characterize, it's amazing just how long it takes to peruse the stock given the diminutive size of the space.

Read my review of Stowaway Vintage in the design section.

The Best Macarons in Toronto

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macarons torontoThe best macarons in Toronto are part of a sweet trend that has yet to die down - and why should it? It's hard to imagine a more delightful little bite, colourful as jewels, crumbly yet soft. The smooth top and bottom and the ruffled circumference makes them so pretty to look, at and the way you can both bite them and have them melt in your mouth makes macarons fun to eat.

Macarons all contain the same basic ingredients - eggs, ground almond and both icing and granulated sugar and a touch of food colouring - but it's the distinctive flavours and the filling that really sets them apart. While the macaron has a long history in France, there is some dispute as to its origins. Some say they started in 791 in a convent, while others trace the roots to Italian pastry chefs brought over with Catherine de 'Medici's marriage to Henri II of France. Either way, they are highly prized in the country, and the charming confection has been adopted the world over.

Oh, but watch out for that extra "o" in the spelling, or you'll be eating shredded coconut balls instead of almond and meringue puffs - a nice, but very different experience altogether.

Here are the best macarons in Toronto.

See also:


The top 20 bars and cafes for board games in Toronto

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board game cafes torontoA number of bars and cafes in Toronto do a remarkable job of refuting the idea that in order to play a board game, one should be bored. What could be more delightful than a game of dirty Scrabble over one too many pints? Or, for the non-drinkers out there there's always tea and lattes. Either way, it's easy to have a good time over games at one of these bars and cafes. Nerdiness is chic right now - everyone knows this.

My top 20 choices can be found below, but if you beg to differ, or if I missed a great spot to get overly competitive in public, add your suggestions to the comments. It's free to play at these spots, too, unless stated otherwise.

BOARD GAME SPECIALISTS

Snakes & Lattes
The original spot designed for board game geeks in the city, Snakes and Lattes, just west of Bloor and Bathurst, has literally all of the games. They have walls stacked full and including just about any game you could imagine, from your Monopolies of the world to Jumanji and Fireball Island. It's $5 to play, and there's an assortment of classic coffee drinks and treats on offer, too.The baristas are game geeks themselves, and can walk you through a new game after they make you a drink.

Snakes & Lagers
Okay, I know the cute name is overdone, but this one obviously had to be at the top of our list, too. Not only does the dual-floor Snakes & Lagers, on College just west of Bathurst, have walls including every game ever invented like its sister establishment, it also, obviously, has a strong beer focus. It serves up over 15 draught beers, most of which are craft beers, like Kensington Augusta Ale and Beau's Lug Tread. Most pints are $7, and on top of that, there's a decent cocktail list and gourmet mini snacks.

Castle Board Game Cafe
Castle Board Game Cafe is one of few Toronto establishments that rivals the "Snakes &" outfit in its dedication. The College and Spadina cafe has a few walls fully crammed with games - just about any game you can think of - as well as a selection of energy drinks and some half decent coffee-based drinks to keep you going. You'll also find desserts, friendly staff, and an interesting cross section of U of T geeks looking to amuse themselves on weekday afternoons.

Roll Play Cafe
Just north of Yonge and Dundas, Roll Play Cafe offers a deliberately massive selection of board games to its patrons, alongside a mix of coffee drinks, snacks, and full-on meals. You'll find classics like Taboo and Mad Gab, alongside crazier, more rare games, in case you're a committed gamer.

Cafe Princess
Cafe Princess, at Yonge and Finch, provides a comfy atmosphere to geek out and play games. Plush couches and a $2.50 fee to game gives the northern cafe a leg up on some of the downtown spots on this list. Cafe Princess offers a small stack of some of the more classic games in case you want to get your Jenga on, but you can also feel free to bring your own. Alongside their board game selection, you'll also find an affordable selection of sandwiches, desserts, and bubble teas.

Bampot Bohemian House of Tea & Board Games
In a cottage-style house on Harbord, Bampot Bohemian House of Tea & Board Games is, maybe, the coziest spot dedicated to games in the city. You'll find all of the classics in their mix of 160 games, or "pretty much everything," according to a staffer. Alongside a selection of games, you'll find specialty cakes, a hookah, and cute takeout Mason jars of lemonade, made in-house.

Utopia Dream Cafe
Utopia Dream Cafe is Markham's chief destination for board games, with a selection that rivals a number of Toronto's speciality cafes. It's a sprawling space, which also features foosball tables and televisions in case you're getting walloped at Settlers of Catan. The menu features an assortment of bubble teas and light food offerings. Bonus points for staying open way late on weekends (3am on Friday and Saturday).

Chit-Chat-Play
Chit-Chat-Play is Markham's newest board game cafe, and early indications are that it's a good one. With over 300 games in its stock and a commitment to serving decent coffee, the small cafe hopes to prove a destination in a area that's prominently residential at the moment. The gelato will help, as will the fact that the place also sells games. Chit-Chat-Play is open until 2am on Friday and Saturday and midnight the rest of the week.

CAFES AND BARS WITH A GOOD BOARD GAME SELECTION

Stout Irish Pub
Get back to the classics at Cabbagetown's Stout, with a game of Risk, Connect Four, or Trivial Pursuit. Or, if you're of the new gaming generation, they've also got Settlers and Cards Against Humanity. To remain fortified, there's also a menu of pub food and a long beer list.

Lipstick & Dynamite
At Queen and Ossington, you'll find Lipstick & Dynamite, and within, you will find a chilled out bar with a decent list of craft beers and a few big piles of board games. Candy Land, Balderdash and Taboo all await in this dark and divey west end bar, which is complete with reasonably priced soups and sandwiches, so you can camp out for a while if things get extra heated.

Tampered Press
The Tampered Press is an adorable cafe and community space just east of Dundas and Ossington, and alongside its exposed brick, delicious coffee, and affordable snacks, it offers a satisfying mini library and board game stack. You'll find Scattergories, Mad Gab and Scrabble. You can feel free to bring your own game if their classic selection doesn't suit your needs, and the staff are friendly. Based on experience, I can assure you they'll always greet you with a smile, and never hustle you out before your time.

Old Nick
Old Nick at Broadview and Danforth has a huge stack of games in back. Alongside Yahtzee, Scrabble and Jeopardy, you'll also find Sex and the City Trivia, should you feel so inclined. (Um, anyone wanna go there on a date with me? No reason...). Gaming is always a good option following their weekend organic brunches, or accompanied by some pub food.

Bishop & the Belcher
The Bishop & the Belcher in the gay village has a serious affinity for board games. There are Trivial Pursuit cards on every table, or, if that's a bit much for you, there's always a drunken game of Jenga to be enjoyed along with your wings.

MODEST SELECTION BUT BOARD GAME FRIENDLY

Disgraceland
Disgraceland is a charming staple of a spot just east of Bloor and Ossington. It boasts a hodgepodge of board games for its patrons' gaming pleasure, like Yahtzee and Monopoly, alongside a menu that's extremely pleasing to the vegetarian palate. There's cheap beer, too, so they basically have everything a person could feasibly need.

3030
You'll find 3030, at High Park Ave. and Dundas in the Junction, and within, you just might be able to feel like a kid again. They've got cozy seating areas perfect for snuggling in with friends for a night of gaming. There's a stack of games (a game of Mastermind, anyone?), as well as pinball.

C'est What
C'est What, at Front St. and Church St., is a dark and cozy spot to unwind with friends over a beer (there are no fewer than 35 on tap). And if you feel like hanging out for a bit, they've got Backgammon, Scrabble, crib and Trivial Pursuit to keep you entertained by the fireplace.

Swirl
Swirl Wine Bar is a cozy, romantic spot on the second floor of a classic Toronto house at Queen St. E. and Carlaw in Leslieville. Tuesdays are game nights at Swirl, and you'll find gems like UNO, Scrabble and Taboo. Alongside the games, you can enjoy some bread, cheese and charcuterie, as well as $3.50 beer specials to fuel your competitive side.

Grapefruit Moon
Grapefruit Moon is one of the city's cutest, coziest spots for brunch, and a chill spot to catch up with friends in the afternoon. They've got a selection of classic board games on hand to facilitate optimal times, including: Trivial Pursuit, Clue, Risk, Jenga, and Monopoly. "They're a tatty bunch, so beware," a lovely staffer warns over the phone. Grapefruit Moon is on Bathurst just north of Bloor.

The Only Cafe
A small neighbourhood joint with mismatched furnishings, The Only Cafe at Danforth and Donlands has 12 beers on tap, and over 100 different kinds in bottles. They have both a stack of board games and pinball, as well as the gamut of classic coffee drinks and snacks, too, and a giant patio. I call to see what kind of games they have, but the dude on the phone can't tell me, though he does confirm they're there. Methinks the beer list alone would make it worth the mystery hunt.

The Central
The Central is a student fave at Bloor and Bathurst, and alongside their pub food and cheap beer, they've got a stash of board games nestled in beside the bar. You'll find the classics like Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit, and BYOGame is fine, too.

Holy Oak Cafe
Holy Oak Cafe at Bloor and Lansdowne is licensed and has a selection of board games, but apparently it's not kosher to just play on any given night. Game nights are held the first and second Wednesday of the month from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m., and you can feel free to bring your own game, too, though their selection, which ranges from backgammon to Settlers of Catan, might have you covered.

Lead photo by Natta Summerky

The top 10 outdoor weekend escapes from Toronto

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toronto weekend getawayOntario is spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor weekend escapes and getaways. Thanks to the Niagara Escarpment, our hundreds of lakes, and ample forests, there's a wide variety of activities and adventures to embark upon just outside of Toronto. From rock climbing to white water rafting to scuba diving, the daring spirit will find something to get the juices flowing.

There are, of course, more relaxed outdoor excursions on offer as well. There are few better places for canoeing in the world than Algonquin and Killarney parks, and you can even rent a ranger cabin or a yurt if sleeping in a tent fails to appeal. What's the licence plate motto 'round here again? Ontario -- Yours to Discover. Yup, sounds about right.

Here are my picks for the top outdoor weekend escapes from Toronto.

Reach new heights rock climbing
Thanks to the Niagara Escarpment, the area around Toronto is actually full of rock climbing opportunities. That said, unless you're already an expert, it can be risky to head to one of the hundreds of routes in Southern and Central Ontario. If you're relatively new to the sport, a guided rock climbing adventure probably makes more sense. In that vein, check out On the Rocks, a climbing guide company that runs numerous adventures on Metcalfe Rock in the Beaver Valley.

Go white water rafting
If tubing in the Elora Gorge is too leisurely for you, then up the ante with some white water rafting. Close to home there's the Nith River, which is most fun in the spring but also action-filled after a heavy rainfall in the summer. Further afield, the Ottawa Valley is the prime destination for white water rafting in the province (if nothing else). There are a number of adventure companies that do guided tours and who provide instruction, but if you want to stay and play in the same place, check out the River Run Rafting and Wilderness Resort.

Hit the trails on a mountain bike
There is some superb mountain biking within a two hour radius of Toronto (and, in fact, much less than that). Both Blue Mountain and Horseshoe Resort offer good stay and ride packages, while smaller spots like Buckwallow Cycle Centre are a good bet for those staying in cottage country. Closer to home, Albion Hills Conservation Area offers camping and cycling on the cheap.

Get back to basics at an Algonquin ranger cabin
If you like camping but not the whole sleeping in a tent part, an Algonquin ranger cabin might be the perfect weekend escape for you. These rustic old huts don't have running water or electricity, but they provide a level of shelter that makes inclement weather easier to withstand (and added protection from hungry wildlife). Most cabins are in the backcountry and must be accessed by canoe, but there are a few that offer something more akin to the car-camping experience. Prices range from $60 to $140 a night depending on the size/accessibility of the cabin.

Go spelunking!
Ontario is blessed with more caves than you might imagine. The so-called Scenic Caves at the top of Blue Mountain are one of the most popular options out there, but Bruce County is also dotted with caves to be explored. Greig's Caves is a good bet, with 12 different caves linked together by a hiking trail. The Grotto is perhaps the most spectacular-looking cave in the province, having been carved out by waves on Georgian Bay for millennia. Just don't watch The Descent before heading out on your cave adventures.

Scuba dive in Tobermory
Situated at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, Tobermory is the country's prime scuba diving destination. Sure the Georgian Bay water is on the cold side, but it's wonderfully clear, and the area is dotted with over 20 shipwrecks for divers to explore. Hit up the Diver's Den for equipment rentals and tours. For a cheap trip, camp at Bruce Peninsula National Park or checkout the numerous kitschy motels in the area.

Go canoeing in Killarney
Let's be honest, there are a ton of great places to go on a canoe trip in Ontario. Algonquin comes to mind, of course, but the rugged, windswept landscape on the northern shore of Georgian Bay in Killarney Provincial Park might be the most scenic option of them all. There are about 50 lakes spread across the park with 183 campsites and a handful of yurts. You can rent supplies at Killarney Kanoes (inside the park) and then descend into a Group of Seven painting.

Challenge yourself on a zip line
If your inner animal is a bird, then ziplining should appeal to your desire to soar above the treetops. There are more zip lines in Ontario than you might imagine, but some of the best (read: highest and longest) can be found Scenic Caves Nature Adventures, Long Point Eco-Adventures, and the various Treetop Trekking locations across the province.

Hike the Bruce Trail
Although less adrenaline-worthy as some other outdoor adventures, when looking to immerse oneself in nature, not much beats a hike through the Bruce Trail. Stretching 900km along the Niagara Escarpment, the trail is a bit like Choose Your Own Adventure. Target an area that you haven't explored before, make arrangements for a campground or lodging, and off you go to explore the back woods of Canada. Check out the interactive map of the trail to start planning your trip.

Get mud-soaked on an ATV
ATVs are a little bit scary and a lot of fun. They're also completely scarce in urban areas, so there's something extra alluring about hop on when and exploring back country trails. If you're really luck, a cottage-owning friend will have one of these that you can borrow on your ext visit. If that's a pipe dream, however, the best option is to an ATV tour, which will take you through some rough terrain and a lot of mud. It ain't cheap -- a half day will cost you $270 bucks -- but it sure is mindless fun.

What did I miss? Plug your favourite outdoor weekend escapes from Toronto in the comments below.Ford escapeThanks to Ford Escape for sponsoring our weekend escapes.

Photo via River Run Rafting

The Fox Theatre now serves wine and beer

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fox theatre alcoholThe Fox Theatre has joined the ranks of Toronto cinemas that serve booze. The Bloor Cinema got the ball rolling after its Hot Docs rebrand, breaking through what seemed like a lot of red tape to get a liquor licence in late 2012. Since then, booze has become more common in theatres with major theatres like Cineplex Odeon increasing its VIP offerings around the city. For my two cents, I'd say that wine and beer are an even more appropriate fit at rep houses, where the viewing options tend to be more cerebral rather than built around blockbuster shoot-'em-ups, but in any case, more drinking options are just good news in general.

As an added bonus, the Fox isn't thinking of what it serves as an after thought. If you're going to serve wine and beer, after all, why not put some time in to make the offerings interesting? "The Fox plans to include rotating seasonal selections, and many items that will not be available at the LCBO. Down the road we may even get into spanish coffee, signature cocktails or event themed drinks," co-owner Andy Willick explains in a press release. The Fox has always had a quirky concession stand, so I'm looking forward to see what they come up with in the booze department.

60 places to watch the 2014 World Cup in Toronto

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watch world cup toronto 2014World Cup soccer in Toronto is going to be huge this summer. The tournament kicks off Thursday afternoon at 4:00pm with hosts Brazil playing Croatia at the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paolo. Over the next month, 32 countries will battle it out for the ultimate sporting prize: a chance to hoist the famous green and gold trophy and the all-important right to be insufferable for the next four years.

Even casual soccer fans will find something to like this year. Brazil is just an hour ahead of Toronto, so kick off times are bar and patio friendly--no midnight wake-up calls or 5:00am starts.

If you're wondering what happened to Canada, the team finished third in their North, Central America, and Caribbean qualifying group behind the mighty Honduras and Panama, therefore failing to proceed to the next round. But, don't fret. Who needs Canada when there are so many other great countries to support. Here is our guide to watching the 2014 World Cup in Toronto.

TOP PICKS

If partisan crowds aren't your thing, there is a dizzying selection of quality places to catch a game this summer in Toronto. The Queen and Beaver, though listed here as a place for England fans to cheer on their team, is also a good neutral option. Likewise, Cafe Diplomatico on College might be famous for its Italian affiliation, but the bar will be showing all games this tournament and is a good option for fans of European teams throughout the tournament.

As the name implies, the Football Factory at Queen and Bathurst is also a solid bet. The place will be overflowing with clamouring football-sorry, soccer-fans so arrive early and grab a spot on the patio. On Roncesvalles, local stalwart The Dizzy will be packed with delirious fans. Midtown soccer fans will want to hit up Scallywag's, which always sports a rabid fan base (expect English and Brazilian fans).

Also see our list of the best sports bars in Toronto.

PUBLIC VIEWINGS AREAS

The CBC is setting up three viewing lounges at the Eaton Centre: at Trinity Way, at the Urban Eatery, and on the third level near the Queen Street bridge. The areas will be open for all matches that coincide with mall hours. The atrium of the CBC building on Front Street is also playing host to viewing parties throughout the tourney--"three storeys of LED screens."

On Adelaide St. W., Copacabana Brazilian Steakhouse is hosting a slew of several World Cup viewing parties. The venue is promising to remain neutral, but there's a good chance it will lean Brazilian as the tournament goes on. Games will be shown on LED TVs on the open-air third floor and there will be drink promotions and other entertainment.

During the third place consolation game and the World Cup final, CIBC, the CBC, and Budweiser are teaming up for a Brazilian-themed festival at Front and John streets. On Saturday, bands Alysha Barilla, Jordan John, and Shad will perform with a Brazilian band. Sunday sees the broadcast of the final and a concert from featuring Maestro. Drink in the Budweiser beer garden, yell in CIBC's "cheer booth," and take part in Adidas giveaways.

In Newmarket, Upper Canada Mall will be showing all of the games that fall within shopping hours on large flat screen TVs surrounded by lounge seating.

Not exactly public, but if you want to watch the game outside in the sun on a huge screen, Cabana Pool Bar will be screening games on a 21ft LED screen. They also plan to host a Brazilian beach party on Saturday, June 21.

TEAMS

England

Italy

Portugal

Brazil

Netherlands

Greece

Switzerland

Germany

Mexico

Australia

Croatia

Cameroon

Spain

Chile

Colombia

Côte d'Ivoire

Japan

Costa Rica

Uruguay

Ecuador

Honduras

France

Argentina

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Iran

  • Banu - 777 Queen St. W.

Nigeria

Ghana

USA

Algeria

Belgium

Korea Republic

Russia

TOP NEUTRAL TERRITORY PICKS

What did we miss? Add your favourite country-specific World Cup spot and we'll add it to our list.

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

The top 30 Toronto bands at NXNE 2014

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Toronto bands NXNEThe top Toronto bands at NXNE 2014 should be on your radar when you make your schedule for the fest even if you're trying to plan around the rarer sets of touring acts - the much-discussed NXNE radius clause (barring bands from playing another gig 45 days before the festival) has obviously hit local musicians hardest. While Toronto's largest music festival has struggled with Toronto's grassroots music community and often seems deaf to the attempts of smaller bands to engage with fest bureaucracy, there's no doubt they've hooked some of Toronto's best artists and bands this year.

The rise of the city's loud scene is clearly evident in this year's programming (Greys, METZ, and Odonis Odonis are all playing between June 19-21), as is the indie landscape in its many variations, from shoegazey Beliefs to grungey Weaves. Hip hop, R&B, and electronic get some representation (Ain't No Love, Nicole Ariana, Egyptrixx) as does a tiny sliver of Toronto's weird scene (Marker Starling, HUREN).

From token afternoon drone sets at the Festival Village at Edward Day Gallery to the roar of Yonge and Dundas Square, there's no doubt that Toronto will leave its mark on attendees. Whether you're gripping a pass or budgeting individual ticket buys (or scrounging for free events, no shame - we'll post our free NXNE round up soon), here are two and a half dozen Toronto bands you should make it your business to check out - sorted roughly by what your ears are into.

LOUD (HARDCORE, PUNK, ROCK, GARAGE, NOISE)

METZ (hardcore, punk)
Saturday June 21, 12am / Lee's Palace
These Sub-Pop punk rockers have been around the block but are still cranking out hardcore noise anthems. Being likened to the Constantines is typically a good thing in Toronto and these guys definitely have the same verve for rocking out. As Bry Webb puts it: "METZ play like one brutally heavy instrument with three heads, slashing heavy-gauge strings, bending guitar and bass necks in weird unison, along with what is probably the loudest drumming you've ever heard". JT

Greys (punk rock / noise rock)
Wednesday, June 18, 12am / Smiling Buddha
Friday, June 20, 8pm / The Horseshoe
Sunday, June 22, 3pm / Edward Day Gallery
If you follow the loud rock renaissance that's currently garnering much attention for Toronto these days, there's no mistaking why Greys are on every one's lips. Just when you think things can't possibly push the decibel meter any further, Greys get positively unhinged and break the needle right off. With 3 shows to choose from, you'll have plenty of opportunities to give your eardrums the beating they so rightfully deserve. ESP

HSY (noise punk, industrial)
June 19, 11pm / Adelaide Hall
June 21, 3:20pm / The Great Hall
Thank Buzz Records for bringing about the rise of dissonant noise bands in Toronto - the indie label houses pretty much all the most talked-about ones right now, including Greys, Odonis Odonis, Mexican Slang and now HSY, a scrappy four-piece that defines the art of sludge. They cite influences such as The Melvins and Section 25, plastering raw, buzzsaw guitar riffs and distorted vocals against cantankerous, off-kilter drumming. It's jarring and often devoid of melody, but oddly hypnotic in it's own way, and a great example of what lies on the outer edges of our city's thriving punk scene. SK

Odonis Odonis (noise rock, shoegaze)
June 19, 5:30pm / Yonge Dundas Square
June 19, 1am / The Garrison
The noisy racket made by this homegrown three-piece has has been turning a lot of heads with the release of Hard Boiled Soft Boiled, their second LP (or technically their first, since it was recorded before 2011's Hollandaze but mired in record-label red tape). It's a disorienting mix of retro influences, from shoegaze to industrial to dream pop to noise rock, yet a thread of dance-inducing pop hooks seems to tie the whole mess together in an odd way. It all translates to an arresting live set. SK

KetaminesKetamines (garage)
Friday, June 20, 12am / Smiling Buddha
Paul Lawton gained notoriety through a series of blog posts that were critical of the state of the Canadian music industry. I'm sure he would take some of his words back, not because he doesn't stand by them but because that's all journalistic hacks like myself keep talking about. Turns out all he needed was shorts blasts of garage rock to leave us in stunned silence. ESP

Pet Sun (psychedelic, garage)
June 20, 3am / Smiling Buddha
June 21, 11pm / Handlebar
June 22, 1:30am / Crawford
Lo-fi surf-rock north of the border never sounded this good. Their catchy rock n' roll riffs and distorted droning off vocals inspires images of Sonic Youth. JT

The Beaches (alt-rock)
Wednesday, June 18, 12am / Rivoli
The Beaches have been around less than two years, and already they've featured at Friends on 6th Street for SXSW. Sisters Jordan Miller (lead vocals) and Kylie Miller (guitarist), along with Eliza Enman McDaniel (drums), Leandra Earl (keyboards) form the alt-rock Toronto band (ages 16-19). While they've had lots of comparisons to Haim and Lorde and others, they continue to not conform to any industry standard, with lyrics now branching out past boyfriends and high school issues. And they rock stages. RA

PLAID SHIRTS (INDIE ROCK/POP, SHOEGAZEY STUFF)

Dusted (indie rock, lo-fi)
June 20, 10pm / Smiling Buddha
Brian Borcherdt's Dusted specialize in a heavy yet stripped-down variety of indie rock. The prolific Borcherdt, born in Nova Scotia but based in Toronto, is known as a solo artist as well as a member of Holy Fuck and By Divine Right. The sole album to date, 2012's Total Dust, was recorded as a two-piece with drummer Leon Taheny and highlights Borcherdt's delicate voice and intricate guitar lines. The songs are both hazy and direct, with minimal but varied arrangements that serve as a direct contrast to the multi-layered maximalism of Holy Fuck. As one of the luminaries of the Toronto music scene, Borcherdt in any incarnation is a must-see. DB

Weaves (slime pop)
Thursday, June 19, 8pm / Massey Hall
Saturday, June 21, 2:10pm / The Great Hall
Weaves singer Jasmyn Burke has defined both the power of her sound and her musical ideas since her last band Rattail, but the grunge and grit of that defunct group remains. Burke's old soul voice adds an unusual credibility to Weave's fun and playful pop rock, and this band is on a steady ride. AJ

Alvvays (indie pop-rock)
June 20, 9pm / Mod Club Theatre
June 21, 6:30pm / Yonge & Dundas Square
Molly Rankin (yes, related to those Rankins) leads this peppy quintet of indie rockers who are set to release their debut self-titled album. Produced by Chad Vangaalen and mixed by Graham Walsh of Holy Fuck, Alvvays is poised to offer many a summer jam, imbued with airy Britpop and alt-country elements. The tunes are dreamy and sun-washed, but saved from being overly saccharine by Rankin's detached vocal style and an overlay of fuzzy production. SK

Fresh Snow (instrumental, post-rock)
Thursday, June 19, 12am / The Great Hall
Saturday, June 21, 10pm / Lee's Palace
The first time the four members of Fresh Snow got together was to make improvisational music. It worked out so well that by the second time they were already recording. Equal parts drones and noise, a hidden commitment to melody pushes through the din. Known primarily as an instrumental band, Fresh Snow do not come off as insular. Experimental at its core, they use dissonance and precision in a, excuse the adjective, "fresh" way. ESP

Golden Dogs (pop / rock)
June 21 at 11pm / Rivoli
Often described as a nitro-fuelled version of Wings, Golden Dogs are one of the most fun live acts you will ever see. Formed in 2001, they had a medium-sized hit with the stupid/brilliant "Yeah!" which was featured in a Budweiser ad. Dueling singers Dave Azzolini and Jessica Grassia's mix of boy-girl harmonies and classic-sounding riffs are immediately appealing. They've honed their live chops while touring with various Canadian music heroes, including Feist, Zeus and Sloan. Their past NXNE shows have been festival favourites and with a new album in the works, they'll be bringing some seriously good vibes. DB

KC Accidental (post-rock, instrumental)
Friday, June 20, 10pm / 159 Manning
For anyone who's been hanging around since the 90s, this is not a typo. KC Accidental are back to give NXNE festival goers a history lesson. The project that launched the juggernaut known as Broken Social Scene play a low key show that should not be missed by fans - there's no telling when Kevin Drew and Charles Spearin will unearth the project next. ESP

Beliefs (shoegaze)
June 20, 1pm / M for 159 Manning
June 20, 11pm / The Garrison
June 21, 8pm / Smiling Buddha
Local shoegazers Beliefs are Toronto's answer to My Bloody Valentine. Their fuzzy ambience and distorted guitars combined with the dreamlike vocals of both Josh Korody and Jesse Crow make for an immersive experience. JT

Sue Newberry & The Law (pop-rock)
Saturday, June 21, 12am / Dakota Tavern
Sue Newberry & The Law bring more to the stage than just smart pop-songs. The 6-members band is a departure from (then "Sioux") Newberry's folk-roots days. All of her deep poetic songwriting-storytelling is still there with a greater "expression" as she calls it, with the full band. And if there's such a genre as "funrock" (as named by brother David), then Sue Newberry & the Law are it. RA

Twist (dream pop)
June 20, 1:45pm / M for 159 Manning
June 19, 10pm / The Great Hall
The brainchild of BB Guns member Laura Hermiston and producer Brian Borcherdt provides haunting, yet easy listening dream pop. Hermiston's voice brings shade of Nancy Sinatra's coldness, but with a glimmer of hope attached. JT

Zeus (indie rock)
June 21, 9pm / Cameron House - Kid's Snack Stage
Receiving accolades from industry staples such as Sam Roberts and Jason Collett, Zeus have been on the indie rock scene since their 2009 debut album on the Arts and Crafts label, and have only evolved since then. They use a range of different sounds but they've been known to play anthemic alt-rock, or soft rock ballads with a tinge of blues. JT

DRIZZY'S TOWN (HIP HOP, R&B)

Flex The Antihero (rap, hip-hop)
June 20, 10pm / Studio Bar
June 22, 2pm / Yonge & Dundas Square
Unleashing lightning-fast rhymes, Flex is one of Toronto's most skillful young rappers. Local rap fans may know him as half of The Antiheroes. His solo debut Salem was produced by Emerson Brooks and M Mac who give the record a darkly cinematic vibe. His lyrics focus on his personal struggles and the conflicts that arise when one commits everything to art. The combination of technical skill and emotional intensity make him one of the most compelling rappers at this year's NXNE. DB

Nicole Ariana (hip hop / r&b)
June 18th, 10pm / The Drake Underground
Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Nicole Ariana represents the east coast to the fullest. She's recently transplanted to Toronto and is warming up to big city life, spreading her sultry style to the masses. This hip hop / r&b singer released her 4 Seasons EP not long ago and has a brand new beat-scene inspired mixtape dropping this summer. Be sure to check her showcase during NXNE's Wednesday night to get a sneak peak of what's to come. M

A L L I E (soul, r & b)
June 18, 10pm / Tattoo
June 20, 4pm / M for 159 Manning
One of the most promising young voices in Toronto soul, the very difficult to google a l l i e seamlessly fused classic and modern influences. She falls into the same appealingly hazy, dark trip-hop groove as neo-soul artists like The Weeknd and Kelela. Produced by 2nd Son, her Strange Creatures EP hits the sweet spot for the entirety of its brief run time. The heavy beats, deep bass and funky guitar mixes perfectly with a l l i e's intimate vocals. At NXNE, she'll be opening for fellow dark soul connoisseur Autre Ne Veut. DB

Philly Moves (hip hop)
June 21st, 1am / Studio Bar
This alternative hiphop duo is undeniably one of the most active groups in Toronto, with more shows under their belt than one can count. Their performance is diverse as rapper Tragic flows on top of the sounds by producer Jonny Rockwell who plays out beats on his MPC and also occasionally brings out an acoustic guitar. Their buzz hasn't gone unnoticed and their newest album Olga is set for release later this summer through Urbnet. M

Ain't No Love (hip hop, electronic)
June 21st, 10pm / Adelaide Hall
June 22nd, 5pm / Yonge & Dundas Square
Electro hiphop trio Ain't No Love have been putting in work for a couple years now. After releasing a few music videos that were well embraced by MuchMusic, this year they showcased at SXSW for a 3rd consecutive year and also made headlines in the financial news by becoming the first group to accept bitcoin donations for free album downloads through torrents. With their undeniable mainstream potential, they have gone the major label route and are working on a new EP slated for release later this year. M

SCRAP MUSIC

Urvah Khan (rock, electronic)
June 21 at 11pm / The Drake Hotel Underground
Urvah Khan is sole practitioner of a genre she's dubbed "scrap music", assembled from the scraps that make up the history of rock music. Born in Pakistan and raised in the UAE, she ended up in Flemingdon Park, one of the rougher Toronto neighbourhoods, as detailed in her epic bio http://www.urvmusic.com/bio . Her experiences as a troubled youth infused her music with a real, palpable intensity. Working with producer/guitarist Ruben Huizenga (leader of 90s alt-rock weirdos Glueleg), Khan has developed a unique hybrid sound, fusing heavy rock with South Asian, hip-hop and electronic influences. This eclecticism and intensity should make for an unforgettable live experience. DB

NOT EDM (ELECTRONIC)

Ark Analog (electronic, disco)
June 20, 1am / Wrongbar
June 21, 11pm / Tattoo
A duo made up of Woodhands' Dan Werb and multi-disciplinary solo artist Maylee Todd, Ark Analog specialize in blippy yet emotive electronic music. They draw inspiration equally from the darker side of disco and the spare, precise arrangements of Kraftwerk. Their debut single "Make Me a Mirror" was mixed and co-produced by Junior Boys' Jeremy Greenspan, who adds his warm, soulful take on electro to the track. While electro is a crowded genre, especially in Toronto, their songwriting skills and powerful execution make them stand out from the crowd. DB

Beta Frontiers (8-bit, electronic)
Wednesday, June 18, 1am / Smiling Buddha
With all of the loud music pouring out of the clubs this NXNE its nice to get a bit of a palette cleanser. Beta Frontiers makes electronic music that takes its cues from popular 80s synth bands but definitely has a more melancholy, darker approach inherited from the 90s. Collaborations with some very talented singers, including Carmen Elle of Diana and Becky Ninkovic of You Say Party!, show incredible range from lo-fi resources. ESP

HURENHUREN (scumtronics)
June 21, 4pm / The Great Hall - Conversation Room
Technically from Hamilton, David Foster's weird and dirty noise / electronic performance project HUREN is likely the most Videodrome-y, Kensington Market gutter goth repping act at this year's NXNE - how he got on the fest is beyond me. (David, are you on Sonic Bids? Are you going to destroy it from the inside? Kidding, Sonic Bids artists don't get showcases.) You still can't find Huren on the schedulizer, because he is a techno ghost. Foster was a member of Teste, who in 1982 released one of the biggest techno songs of all time. Catch this friendly 4pm set at the Saturday Buzz Records show. AJ

Doomsquad (electronic, folk)
June 19, 7pm / Edward Day Gallery
June 20, 1am / The Garrison
Formed by three siblings, Doomsquad's name was originally supposed to be ironic, since the band began their career playing upbeat traditional folk songs. But over time, their music's slowly transformed to fit the name, taking on darker and more organic elements inspired by recording in Northern Ontario's sparsely populated cottage country. The electronic groundwork is layered with tribal rhythms and primitive instrumentation, ritualistic chants and haunting wails, for a result that feels a little like ominous new age. Owen Pallett became a fan after seeing the band's live show, which is often adorned with projections and installations to round out their artistic vision. SK

Egyptrixx (electronic)
Thursday, June 19, 2am / Adelaide Hall
"Egyptrixx is from here?" - Toronto dance fans who can't believe a producer of this caliber and mystique could emerge from Indieronto. Yet it's true, and you can get sloppy smart dancing with him late Thursday night at Adelaide Hall (don't fall down the stairs on your way to puff some air on the rooftop). "Egyptrixx played NXNE?" - your stunned coworkers after you haul your hungover, limping corpse into work two hours late. AJ

AVANT (DRONE, DAVID LYNCH LOUNGE)

Marker Starling (melancholic party jams, lounge)
Friday, June 20, 10pm / The Drake Hotel Underground
You may know him as Marker Starling or Chris Cummings or previously, "Mantler" (Michael Mantler threatened him with legal action over the name). A growing legend since the early 2000's, Cummings has been called one of the best lyricists in Canada, playing 70's/80's pop-r&b-disco on the Wurlitzer electric piano and a 1970's Rhythm Ace drum machine. RA

Carl Didur (drone, psych)
June 22, 1pm / Edward Day Gallery
Sunday afternoon. You actually went to a bunch of crazy NXNE shows. You want to hear something ambient - something a little Drone Day, a little sparkle-psych, a lot zoned out analog: you want a soul nap with a full and wonderful space dream. Engage fetal position at NXNE Festival Village for Carl Didur's wandering set. Recharge quick - it's almost time for the Pride parties. AJ

MioThanks to MiO for sponsoring our coverage of NXNE 2014

Contributions by Shazia Khan, Evan Sue-Ping, Markit, Dorian Barton, Jacob Thompson, Ryan Ayukawa, Aubrey Jax

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