Weekend events in Toronto is our guide to events happening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Here's what's happening in Toronto this July 18-20, 2014.

TIME Fest
Saturday's diverse one-day line up at Fort York will probably be more fun than Grove was last year, however the loss of Death Grips due to their break up is unfortunate. Grimes, Smith Westerns, Kaytranada, Majical Cloudz and more are still on the bill. TIME took a three year break, so it's not brand new - but a jump from Sound Academy means this fest is going to be a totally different experience. Tip: that experience might include noise bleed from the Honda Indy. Just gimme Indy Rock! Saturday, July 19, 12pm, Fort York Garrison Common (100 Garrison Road).

SPORTS

Honda Indy
Vroom vroom, if we're being totally honest the noise of the Honda Indy is probably closer to what I typically listen to than Time's line up. Cars will race, precious fossil fuels from the depths of the earth will spill out onto the hot pavement, and the music fans at Fort York may or may not grimace with faces as hard as the brave drivers who risk their lives (kinda) for your amusement. As opposed to the brave bikers who risk their lives daily in Toronto to get to work. Fan Friday is free! July 18-20, Exhibition Place (200 Princes' Blvd).

FOOD

Thrill of the Grill
Taking place on Saturday, July 19 from noon to 4pm, the Thrill of the Grill, organized by the Danforth BIA, will raise funds for kidney cancer research while showcasing local restaurants and merchants. Five Danforth restaurants and one butcher will compete to win over crowds and celebrity judges with delectable racks of BBQ ribs. LI

Taste of Thailand
Free VS plane tickets to Asia - it's one of those weekends where your credit limit makes the choice for you. Taste of Thailand, a free outdoor festival celebrating Thai food and culture, takes place at Nathan Phillips Square July 19 and 20 from noon until 8pm. The event will feature free cultural shows, Thai delicacies for sale, cooking demos and carving workshops. LI

Amsterdam Block Party
The Amsterdam Block Party is back with all the free beer you can drink after you pay the $15 entry. DJ Well Said will be DJ-ing the rooftop. Saturday, July 19, 6pm, 25 Kensington Market Ave (around back).

Ontario Oyster Festival
The 26th Ontario Oyster Festival at Rodney's (469 King St. West) promises a shuckin' good time, featuring fresh oysters, mussels, and lobster, on Sunday, July 20 from 2pm to 10pm. Tickets ($32) get you admission plus two drink tickets, and one plate of oysters or one hot food item. Additional food and drink tickets are $5. LI

See also

• Global Village Food and Music Festival (Friday, Market 707)
• Hot Dog Happy Hour (Saturday, Craft Dogs)
• Tranzac Sunday Feast
• Bikes, BBQ, & Cold-Brew Coffee: Cycle Toronto July Social (Sunday, Propeller Coffee)

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

MUSIC

Beaches International Jazz Festival
Having gotten too big for Queen Street East, The Beaches Jazz Festival has expanded in recent years to include events at Woodbine Park. Don't fret - the street festival still shuts down The Beach for three days, but there's now more jazz to go around. The Jazz Festival is one of the more family friendly options on our list, due to the cost (free!), the all-ages atmosphere, and the easy listening of the music on display (no heavy metal or pounding beats here). Best of all the fest is no longer feuding with Drake. Check out our guide to the Beaches Jazz Fest here. July 18-27, Woodbine Park/Queen St. E. (The Beach), free. MF

Khôra + Dirty Inputs + Thom Huhtala
Drone is cool now. Embrace it with the illusive Khora (Constellation) and Wavelength at that new place Skrillex likes (and 7-11 hates) on Spadina, 8-11's gallery. Friday, July 18, 8-11 (233 Spadina).

Airplane Boys
Catch this rising r&b/hip hop duo before they rise as high as the Weeknd and have comedians dressing up as them at shows. Expect Drake-style vocals and a Drake-style play between egoist machismo and sweetie pie vibes from this Scarborough repping group. Sunday, July 20, Mod Club (722 College).

Poor Pilgrim Island Show 7
It's back - Poor Pilgrim presents Doomsquad, IC/JC/VC, Petra Glynt, Carl Didur and more in a relaxing show in hidden spots on the island (a map and tour will guide the way). Hopefully the noise bleed from the Honda Indy won't make it over the waters. Sunday, July 20, 5pm, Toronto Islands, PWYC.

See also

• Champion Lover (Friday, Sneaky Dee's)
• Dirty Frigs (Friday, Magpie)
• Hip hop karaoke (Friday, Revival)
• Live Band Karaoke (Friday, Junction City Music Hall)
• Wrong Hole (Friday, Smiling Buddha)
• Subhumans (Saturday, The Horseshoe Tavern)
• Girls Rock Camp Toronto showcase (Sunday, Tranzac)

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

FILM

Richard Linklater's Boyhood
RIchard Linklater is known for his radical depictions of time passing, most notoriously in his Before trilogy; he could have made each sequel the way most others would: by slathering make-up on his actors to make them appear nine years older. But Linklater prefers to let life do the make-up work, and Boyhood, which chronicles twelve years in the life of a boy named Mason and, yep, took twelve years to film, is his most moving ode to the power of waiting. Set in Texas, it's also a great summer movie, what with the ambience always being summery there, no matter the season. Cineplex Odeon Varsity & VIP Cinemas (55 Bloor Street West). BW

CPFF Days of Summer: Stand By Me coming-of-age flicks
I have watched Stand By Me so many times that I could recite the whole thing from memory, but embedding audio in this post would defeat the purpose of you going to check out this free outdoor screening of the Rob Reiner classic aka the only coming of age film that matters (maybe). Bring a blanket and a small donation. Saturday July 19, 7:30pm, Christie Pits Park (779 Crawford Ave W).

See also

• Insomniac Film Festival 2014 (Friday, Rainbow Cinemas)

PARTY

TIME Festival pre-party
TIME Fest alumni Alice Glass (Crystal Castles) will DJ the Hoxton tonight with Health (DJ), Chrome Sparks, and the Range. Pretty awesome for a pre-party - congrats Toronto. Friday, July 18, 10pm, The Hoxton (69 Bathurst Street).

See also

• Yes Yes Y'all (Friday, RYZE)
• TIME Festival Official After Party (Saturday, CODA)

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

COMMUNITY

BIG on Bloor
BIG on Bloor closes the street off to cars between Lansdowne and Dufferin. Last year, the festival, one of Toronto's newer ones, drew about 80,000 visitors. This year, it will be on July 19 and 20, and it will feature 200 local arts and crafts vendors, alongside arts and entertainment showcases. July 19-20, Saturday 1-9pm, Sunday 12-6pm, Bloordale Village. SR

Salsa on St. Clair + Mayoral Dance-Off?
Salsa on St. Clair is probably one of the festivals most fraught with steamy summer possibilities. This year, it's a week long with events across the city, from July 12 to 20. The street festival, which is obviously along St. Clair, this weekend. Most importantly, there are confirmed rumours of a mayoral dance-off. July 19-20, St. Clair Ave West from Winona Dr. to Christie St. SR

Chinatown Festival
On Dundas St. between Spadina and Beverley, and on Huron St. between D'Arcy and Dundas, Chinese culture will festoon the streets from July 19 to 20. One of Toronto's handful of Chinatowns, this neighbourhood is always alive with Chinese culture, but with this festival, the sheer volume of street foods on offer is astounding. You can also catch a dragon winding its way through the area, with lion dances at night. Last year, the festival attracted about 150,000 people, and organizers expect more of the same for 2014. July 19-20, Dundas St. West - Spadina Ave. SR

See also

• Cultura Festival (Friday, Mel Lastman Square)
• Corso Italia's Mercato (Friday, Corso Italia)
• Habari Africa Festival (July 18-20, Harbourfront Centre)
• Toronto's Biggest Swap at Yonge-Dundas Square (Saturday, Yonge-Dundas)
• International BrazilFest (Sunday, Earlscourt Park)

ART

Card Yard at Big on Bloor
As part of Big on Bloor on Brock Street a Senayah Design and PULP joint venture will once again erect pavilions made from recycled cardboard tubes. There will be colourful art creations, poetry, photography, dance, and, according to promoters, actual magic. Unicorn sightings can be tweeted @blogto. Saturday, July 19, Bloordale Village, 12-6pm.

HUSTLEHARD: Art Works
This creative "think tank, but with cocktails" at the Sky Yard wants you to dish the dirty on working as a creative in Toronto, and find new artists to collaborate with. Anupa Mistry hosts and it's $2 to get matched with your future muse, mentor, or friendly rival. Sunday, July 20, 7pm, Sky Yard At The Drake Hotel (1150 Queen St. West).

See also

• Summer Group Exhibition (July 19 - Aug 17, Narwhal)
• Leslieville Gallery Crawl (Sunday, Project Gallery)
• Sunday Scene: Michele Pearson Clarke (Sunday, Power Plant)

For more art listings, check out our Top 10 Must-See Art Shows This Summer post.

COMEDY

Caturday Night Live
Comedy for a claws - I mean cause: the Annex Cat rescue is hosting some funnies along with a cat food drive, a pet photo shoot, and much more. Performers include comedians Mark Andrada, Rhiannon Archer, Leonard Chan, Sara Hennessey, Julia Hladkowicz, Ted Morris, Ashley Moffatt, Pat Thornton, Kathleen Phillips-Locke, and Daniel Woodrow. Steven Mann hosts. Door prizes include a stay at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. There an adoptathon going on earlier in the day, too. Saturday, July 19, 9pm, Paintbox Bistro (585 Dundas Street East).

See also

• Calvinball Comedy's Detroit Improv Fest Showcase (Friday, Social Capital Theatre)
• Mary-Janes of Comedy Stand-up Comedy Summer Extravaganza (Friday, Comedy Bar)
• The Superstars of Comedy (Saturday, Comedy Bar)

ENVIRONMENT

Live Green Toronto Festival
A true celebration of "all things green" wouldn't be complete without Kermit, but Live Green means it in the earth-saving way. Not that Kermit couldn't share some vital tips on how to keep us from careening into evolutionary oblivion, if only someone would ask. There will be a beer garden, a swap zone, and music on the main stage. Saturday, July 19, 11am-8pm, Yonge- Dundas Square, Yonge Street (Gould to Queen).

FASHION

Philip Sparks and blogTO Peroni Night
Fashion's noticed that you're into free beer, and this only means good things for you - shop at Philip Sparks on Ossington while drinking free beer and chatting up our lifestyle editor Natalia Manzocco tonight, then stumble out into the street in your new suds - I mean duds - where you'll be indistinguishable from the rest of the Ossington milieu. Friday, July 18, 7-9pm, Philip Sparks (162 Ossington Ave).

See also

• Walk-in Closet - Men's Edition (Saturday, A Homerun)
• The Leslieville Flea (Sunday, Ashbridge Estate)

DRAG

Crews & Tangos Drag Race - Season 4
Crews & Tangos are hosting a drag race of their own from July 20 - August 24, and the prize is a fabulous $5,000. Week one is free, so get your performance ready - or just show up to enjoy the show. Sunday, July 20, 9pm, Crews and Tangos (508 Church Street).

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

Photo: Jesse Milns. Contributions by Sarah Ratchford, Matt Forstythe, Blake Williams

Photo by Francis Reyes in the blogTO Flickr pool.

The top rehearsal studios for music in Toronto perform that necessary function few non-musicians give much thought to: a pass to be as loud as you possibly can. Musicians know what I mean. You're in a band, you need to practice. Neighbours may not care for your art (your art is going to wake the baby/freak out the Pomeranian), so unless someone in your band has access to a fully-detached property with a deep basement or a sound-proof garage, you're going to need a rehearsal space.

When choosing an hourly rehearsal space price is often a determining factor - most Toronto spaces run from $15 to $30 per hour. Then there's location, quality of gear, ease of booking, scheduling flexibility, and the cleanliness of available studios. I've listed Toronto's finest rehearsal spaces not by ranking by in alphabetical order - different needs for different deeds, different rooms for different tunes. Now make like MC5 and kick out the jams!

Here are the top 10 rehearsal studios and spaces for music in Toronto.

A Musik Zone
Location: 748 Broadview Ave.
Contact: 416-462-1731, art.zone@bell.net
Price: starting at $20/hr.
The studio at A Musik Zone has seen 27 years of bands and artists passing through at Broadview & Danforth. Four rent-able rehearsal rooms are available, three by the hour, two of which are large enough for mini concerts, if you're ready to rock for an audience. The fourth room is a monthly rental space.

Array Music
Location: 155 Walnut Ave, M6J 3W3 (Queen and Niagara St)
Contact: 416-532-3019
Price: $21/hr Sun-Thurs, $31/hr Fri-Sat.
This space just south of Trinity Bellwoods specializes in orchestral, composition and interdisciplinary arts clients. Array Music functions as a rentable rehearsal studio as well as an event venue. Pianos, drum kits, and P.A. systems are rentable for flat rates and block bookings of 10 hours or more receive 15% discount. It's home to the Array Ensemble and features a yearly concert season, an artists-in-residence program, workshops and special events. Finally, a place to practice my timpani.

DC Music
Location: 360 Muster Ave, M8Z 3C7 (Bloor and Kipling)
Contact: 416-234-0222
Price: starting at $15/hr ($10/hr for drum room).
DC Music is a full-service music industry production house. In addition to rehearsal studios beginning at $15/hour, they offer a soundstage for touring pre-production and video production, t-shirt printing and custom merchandise services, an artist development program, a music academy, they host concerts and special events, and boast a client roster of top-selling international recording acts. Truly a one-stop shop. A premium room, a drum room, and a soundstage are available at varied rates.

Decibel House
Location: 14-244 Brockport Drive, M9W 6X9 (Hwy 27 and the 409)
Contact: 647-430-8155
Price: starting at $20/hr.
Decibel House offers a clean professional rehearsal experience with quality gear and acoustically treated rooms. Studios are available monthly or by-the-hour, and money-saving incentives are available to artists booking large blocks of time, or pre-paying online. They also feature a large showcase room for bigger bands or more intricate set-ups.

Encore Rehearsal Studios
Location: 76A Geary Ave, M6H 2B5 (Dovercourt and Dupont)
Contact: 416-537-3542
Price: $20/hr.
Encore Studios is a boutique rehearsal space catering to clients that prefer a more laid-back, low traffic atmosphere. The rooms are well-equipped and all clients are given personalized service. The location also doubles as a venue and features concerts and special events throughout the year.

The Groove Room
Location: 15 Towns Road, M8Z 1A2 (Kipling and Horner Ave)
Contact: 416-259-3325
Price: starting at $40 for two-three hours.
Two guitarists who were "unimpressed" with the rehearsal studios available in the city started The Groove Room in 2007. They make it their mission to provide top-quality gear and service at affordable rates. They even have a dedicated drum room for drummers who need to practice on their own without a fully-equipped studio. Cleanliness and comfort are a priority. Budget rooms are available at a discount for $40/3 hours; $50/4 hours; $10 each additional hour.

The Jam Space
Location: 500 Keele Street unit 301, M6N 3E4 (Keele and St. Clair)
Contact: 416-722-7363
Price: $15/hr.
This second floor warehouse in The Junction boasts 2,500 square feet of rehearsal space. Including a 1,000 square foot rehearsal room and professional backline. They also offer photo, video and graphic design services. Even as jam spaces go this place is pretty relaxed - just make sure you load in all your gear before you get locked into the space.

PRB: Pro Rehearsal & Backline/Cherry Jam Studios
2 Locations: 33 Villers Street, M5A 1A9 (Cherry Beach); 154 Islington Ave, M8V 3B6 (Islington and Lakeshore)
Contact: 416-693-1816
Price: Islington Ave starting at $55 for 3 hours; Cherry Beach starting at $60 for 3 hours.
With two locations bracketing the south-east and south-west ends of the city, PRB has established themselves as one of the top names in Toronto. Their client roster is a who's who legendary recording acts (AC/DC, Adele, KC & the Sunshine Band, QOTSA, Justin Timberlake) and they've provided backline gear to the likes of The Junos, Beaches Jazz Fest, and Canadian Idol. But you don't have to be a superstar - all are welcome.
Note: PRB will soon re-brand as Cherry Jam Studios, and their new website will allow for online bookings.

Ratspace
Location: 1278 Dupont Street
Contact: 647-705-8605, booknow@ratspace.com
Price: starting at $30/hr.
Rat's studio east of Lansdowne and west of Dufferin on Dupont boasts a list of clients including Death From Above 1979, Metric, and The Weeknd, any of whom you might see loitering outside as you lug your own fucked up, barely working gear into their lush rehearsal studios. Their single room is rather idyllic by practice space standards: 14" ceilings, 900 sq ft of space, wi-fi, two washrooms (!) and best of all, an engineer who will hook you up with a monitor mix at the start of your session. Day rates are available for $275.

The Rehearsal Factory
3 Locations: 178 Front Street East, M5A 1E7 (Front and Sherbourne); 660 Richmond Street West, M6J 1C2 (Queen and Bathurst); 330 Geary Ave, M6H 2C7 (Dufferin and Dupont)
Contact: 416-366-1525
Price: starting at $15-25/hr.
If you've ever played in a band in Toronto, you've probably jammed at a Rehearsal Factory. Their three downtown locations makes them easily accessible, they have several different price points for different types of hourly and monthly rooms, and bookings can be done online. Although you can often hear the metal band next door while you practice your acoustic set, for convenience and location they can't be beat. Pro tip: if you can make /afford) the drive, their Mississauga location is pretty swanky, roomy, and often quieter.

BONUS

Ruckus Rehearsal & Recording
Location: 15 Towns Road, M8Z 1A2 (Kipling and Horner Ave)
Contact: 647-284-2964
Ruckus keep it on the down low - they didn't respond to my email and could not be reached by phone. Very little information available on their website. Anyone know if this place is awesome or not?

Did we miss any great Toronto jam spaces? Are you renting our your garage? Let us know in the comments.

Writing: PO Karim. Photo: Rehearsal Factory.

This newly-opened spot for Indonesian street foods encourages diners to order in abundance. While a single order of curry or braised meat with rice could do as a meal, the best way to enjoy the snack bar's satay skewers, fried rice and lettuce wraps is to do as they do in the Dutch colonies and sample as much as possible.

Read my profile of Little Sister in the restaurants section.

Boozy brunch restaurants in Toronto can be roughly split into three categories: places that are geared towards getting you sauced while offering some food to soak it up; those that are food-centric, but have a decent bar offering anyway; and those magical places that go the holistic route of designing cocktails that are only available at brunch (meaning day drinking is the only way to try them). Even more pleasing to see is the arrival of all-you-can-drink options. Either way, they'll start your day off right (by setting yourself up for a well-deserved afternoon nap).

Here are my picks for the top restaurants for a boozy brunch in Toronto.

Weslodge
King West's Weslodge has, since opening, established itself as something of a mainstay for boozy nights, lunches, and, most importantly, brunches. Forget about the sides of duck bacon and fingerling potatoes with truffle vinaigrette ($6), and head straight towards the juiced-up mimosas (with Cointreau - $11), curried caesars ($13), and a solid selection of bubbly by both the glass and bottle.

Disgraceland
This laid-back Bloorcourt bar offers a dedicated brunch cocktail list, featuring standards such as caesars, mimosas and bellinis, alongside tropical sorbet floats and blueberry bourbon iced teas at only $6.75. The brunch itself is an unfussy affair, with most dishes coming in at between $9-$11. For those trying to appease friends with dietary restrictions, thankfully almost everything on the menu can be made vegan.

Hudson Kitchen
Jay Myers' bar program at Hudson Kitchen offers a unique brunch cocktail: The Pineapple Express. Combining malt powder, Sailor Jerry's spiced rum, cream, salted pineapple syrup, and creme brulee tea, it's a refreshing take on the creamy coffee cocktail. The patio overlooks the increasingly bustling Dundas Street West scene, and the food is pretty spectacular too (try the chorizo and eggs). It's a touch pricier than most of the other spots on this list, but a worthy upgrade if you're looking for a little decadence.

The Dakota Tavern
The Dakota isn't known for fabulous cocktails or a selection of wines by the glass. Rather, this noisy haunt offers a boozy brunch by way of the excellent soundtrack, courtesy of the live bluegrass music on offer. The upbeat tempo and raucous atmosphere, in combination with the all you can eat fare ($18) sets the tone for a morning/afternoon of sheer indulgence. Enjoy the $5 mugs of Beau's, or the 'Beau Jay' ($6.50): half Beau's, half OJ.

Whippoorwhill
Blansdowne's Whippoorwhill tavern offers probably the best dedicated brunch cocktail list of the lot, with brunch standards alongside drinks like the Martin Picard ($9), a pork belly-infused bourbon caesar, or the Whiskey, You're the Devil ($9), which meshes Jameson with Nutella syrup, egg whites, espresso, and chili.The menu itself offers a wide variety of options, from quinoa porridge ($9) through to steak'n'eggs ($24) and albacore tuna sandwiches ($14).

County Cocktail
Brunch at the Queen East outpost of the County General offers up lashings of buttermilk options, by way of pancakes, biscuits, fried chicken, and even a buttermilk ranch sauce atop the french toast. Booze is plentiful, with bar manager Veronica Saye's spiked sodas complementing the extensive rum selection, as well as the excellent caesars on offer.

Barque
The excellent caesars or smoked sours (both $10) will set the mood for one of Barque's epic brunches. Stacks of pancakes smothered in smoked duck or the benedict (both $14), poached eggs on cornbread topped with barbecue hollandaise. Huge bonus points for offering a comprehensive kids menu.

Le Select
Classic French bistro fare needs no more than a simple selection of bubbly drinks, and Le Select excels in this department, offering up mimosas and bellinis (both $7.75), champagne, Cremant de Bourgogne Rose, and the fabulous Deus beer from Champagne ($40 a bottle). Helpful wine pairings are also offered with the foie gras and cheese plates, which never hurts.

Lakeview Restaurant
Brunch at the Lakeview is a 24-hour affair, with an extensive list of benny options (check out the Philly Cheesesteak at $14.50) and sides to accompany the outrageously cheap caesars ($4) and mimosas ($3). There's a great selection of draught beers and local wines if you fancy something a bit more straightforward too.

TOCA at The Ritz-Carlton
Something of a baller option, TOCA's buffet brunch ($79 per person) seems like a steep price point, but for those with an appetite, there's no question that you can get your money's worth here. All-inclusive bellinis and mimosas will get you started, and you can line your stomach with lobster tails and oysters, smoked fish, artisanal cheeses, pastries, and an omelette bar that will cater to your every eggy whim.

Did I miss any? Leave your favourite spot for boozy brunch in the comments.

Photo of Barque by Ryan Spencer.

For small Toronto restaurants, the reservation system, no matter how you dice it, is not without its share of problems.

It's true. Dinner reservations are one of the few things in Toronto we can commit to and pull a no-show with no repercussions whatsoever, financial or otherwise. Life happens. That's a given. Flights are delayed, meetings run late. What small restaurant owners want us to know, though, is that reservation no-shows take a real bite out of their business.

Some, bluntly and without apology, are "calling people out" for pulling a disappearing act when their dinner is served, in hopes of changing a long-standing philosophy that it's no big deal to miss a reservation without a phone call. They say that if a dinner reservation was treated more like an appointment it could make the difference between success and struggle for their business.

Frank's Kitchen on College Street in Little Italy, run by husband and wife team Frank Parhizgar and Shawn Cooper, is one of them.

Cooper stands by this philosophy, she says, because no-shows are hurting her business, and her focus is to cultivate repeat business. "I wish I could say they are a rare occurrence, but I think the consciousness is changing because people like me and other small, husband and wife run places are gently educating people," she says.

"Larger restaurants can afford to lose a table or two but the new crop of tiny chef-owned and -operated restaurants simply cannot. The type of restaurants that are now opening and becoming popular have changed over the last couple of years, and the reservation policies have had to change as well, so that we can all stay afloat."

It can get tense, when a restaurant calls guests out and makes it a point to let them know that no-shows do have repercussions. For diner Matt Tummon, a self-described avid restaurant goer, that kind of philosophy is too strict.

"Comparing a dinner reservation to a doctor's appointment is ridiculous," he argues. "There are three meals a day every day of the year. You go to the doctor once a year."

He missed his reservation at Frank's Kitchen recently due to a meeting running late and says he was browbeaten for it. "I was wrong for not calling to inform them I would be missing my reservation and the voicemail they left me that night was more than sufficient. It was the second voicemail that was left two days later that was almost two minutes in length that is the real issue here in my opinion." 

From the restaurant's perspective, a small establishment without financial backers has a razor thin profit margin, so asking guests to be more aware of reservation commitments ultimately means a more enjoyable meal, bought and prepared with a specific number of diners in mind.

"At first I know people are like, 'Why do I have to give notice? Why are they making a big deal about it?' And I get it, how would they know? They wouldn't," Cooper acknowledges. "It's just about education. So I've spent years talking to people on the phone telling them, 'Here's why it's important to us,' and people are very cool."

Whippoorwill owner Shawn Creamer doesn't as avidly follow-up with guests who miss their reservation without notice, but says if it was up to him he would do away with reservations for his intimate, 43-seat restaurant.

"But we do them because it's necessary," he says. He uses online booking software ResBook, which is the only way people can make a reservation at Whippoorwill.

"But truthfully, 20 to 30 percent of those people don't show up... With a small restaurant it's so hard to make money in the first place. I'll phone people while we are saving the table when they are 20 minutes late and never hear back. It's such a kick in the teeth. I do think it's true that it's just not thought of."

The question seems to be then, how far should the restaurant go in asking people to change their philosophy as well? A voicemail? Two? A scolding? Telling customers they are no longer welcome? Tweeting the names of guests who don't show up?

"People will make a reservation at three or four different restaurants and then pick the one they want to go to that night and ignore the other ones," Creamer says.

"Some people don't see that they are hurting a small business, but I think it's important that people know, and I think it's worth educating them."

It can get tricky though, because a diner like Tummon feels like he was unfairly taken to task for an oversight about which he already felt guilty. Striking the right balance is food for thought for Toronto restaurant goers, as small restaurants are ready to bring them into the conversation, however boldly that entry may be.

Writing by Erin O'Bourn

For small Toronto restaurants, the reservation system, no matter how you dice it, is not without its share of problems.

It's true. Dinner reservations are one of the few things in Toronto we can commit to and pull a no-show with no repercussions whatsoever, financial or otherwise. Life happens. That's a given. Flights are delayed, meetings run late. What small restaurant owners want us to know, though, is that reservation no-shows take a real bite out of their business.

Some, bluntly and without apology, are "calling people out" for pulling a disappearing act when their dinner is served, in hopes of changing a long-standing philosophy that it's no big deal to miss a reservation without a phone call. They say that if a dinner reservation was treated more like an appointment it could make the difference between success and struggle for their business.

Frank's Kitchen on College Street in Little Italy, run by husband and wife team Frank Parhizgar and Shawn Cooper, is one of them.

Cooper stands by this philosophy, she says, because no-shows are hurting her business, and her focus is to cultivate repeat business. "I wish I could say they are a rare occurrence, but I think the consciousness is changing because people like me and other small, husband and wife run places are gently educating people," she says.

"Larger restaurants can afford to lose a table or two but the new crop of tiny chef-owned and -operated restaurants simply cannot. The type of restaurants that are now opening and becoming popular have changed over the last couple of years, and the reservation policies have had to change as well, so that we can all stay afloat."

It can get tense, when a restaurant calls guests out and makes it a point to let them know that no-shows do have repercussions. For diner Matt Tummon, a self-described avid restaurant goer, that kind of philosophy is too strict.

"Comparing a dinner reservation to a doctor's appointment is ridiculous," he argues. "There are three meals a day every day of the year. You go to the doctor once a year."

He missed his reservation at Frank's Kitchen recently due to a meeting running late and says he was browbeaten for it. "I was wrong for not calling to inform them I would be missing my reservation and the voicemail they left me that night was more than sufficient. It was the second voicemail that was left two days later that was almost two minutes in length that is the real issue here in my opinion." 

From the restaurant's perspective, a small establishment without financial backers has a razor thin profit margin, so asking guests to be more aware of reservation commitments ultimately means a more enjoyable meal, bought and prepared with a specific number of diners in mind.

"At first I know people are like, 'Why do I have to give notice? Why are they making a big deal about it?' And I get it, how would they know? They wouldn't," Cooper acknowledges. "It's just about education. So I've spent years talking to people on the phone telling them, 'Here's why it's important to us,' and people are very cool."

Whippoorwill owner Shawn Creamer doesn't as avidly follow-up with guests who miss their reservation without notice, but says if it was up to him he would do away with reservations for his intimate, 43-seat restaurant.

"But we do them because it's necessary," he says. He uses online booking software ResBook, which is the only way people can make a reservation at Whippoorwill.

"But truthfully, 20 to 30 percent of those people don't show up... With a small restaurant it's so hard to make money in the first place. I'll phone people while we are saving the table when they are 20 minutes late and never hear back. It's such a kick in the teeth. I do think it's true that it's just not thought of."

The question seems to be then, how far should the restaurant go in asking people to change their philosophy as well? A voicemail? Two? A scolding? Telling customers they are no longer welcome? Tweeting the names of guests who don't show up?

"People will make a reservation at three or four different restaurants and then pick the one they want to go to that night and ignore the other ones," Creamer says.

"Some people don't see that they are hurting a small business, but I think it's important that people know, and I think it's worth educating them."

It can get tricky though, because a diner like Tummon feels like he was unfairly taken to task for an oversight about which he already felt guilty. Striking the right balance is food for thought for Toronto restaurant goers, as small restaurants are ready to bring them into the conversation, however boldly that entry may be.

What should restaurants do when diners don't show for reservations? Add your 2 cents to the comments below.

Writing by Erin O'Bourn

Photo by Ian Mationg in the blogTO Flickr pool.

The top fitness bootcamps for women in Toronto meld some serious conditioning with a female-friendly atmosphere. Though there's not much of a military influence in modern-day fitness boot camps (unless you count, say, the O Course's fatigue-wearing drill instructor), the fitness industry's hung on to the term to describe anything that jams tons of all-over training into a brief time frame, with a focus on quick results (and an added bonus of camaraderie and team-building with your fellow bootcampers).

Toronto has tons of great co-ed bootcamp options, but women-only fitness programs take up a solid slice of the fitness landscape. If you're hoping to work out with other like-minded ladies, there's a range of bootcamps out there that will teach you some new kickboxing or yoga movies, boost your endurance, build muscle, and transform you into a lean, mean fightin' machine. And don't be put off by all the hot-pink branding and swirly fonts - these camps mean serious business.

Here are my picks for top fitness bootcamps for women in Toronto.

Build My Body Beautiful
Good things come in threes at Build My Body Beautiful. At their trio of downtown locations, they offer three boot camps: a fat loss-oriented "Build & Burn" program based on cardio and resistance training, a high-cardio kickboxing boot camp, and a "Fit & Firm" class created to tone the body through cardio, plymetrics and weight training. If you're not sure which is for you, they'll let you take a trial class for free. Instructors will keep you guessing week in and week out, and participants report a friendly, social vibe.

Buns of Steel Boot Camp
Based out of the Riverdale Presbyterian Church on the Danforth, this boot camp holds six weekly one-hour classes, ranging from the "COR-DIO" (core/cardio) workout to boxing-inspired courses and circuit training. This is a good one if you're looking for a social group (and a little accountability) - participants say they'll hold potlucks and events, and frequently encourage one another to go to class on days when they're tempted to slack. (Aww.)

Fit Chicks
The Fit Chicks hold a series of four, eight and 12-week programs in seven locations around Toronto. The classes, have a fun, supportive and friendly vibe - but the workouts are no walk in the park. High-intensity interval workouts are the norm here, mixing short bursts of cardio and strength. The scaleable nature of the workouts mean they're suitable for both pros and beginners - basically, you'll get out whatever you put in.

Sandra Jean Fitness
Trainer Sandra Jean has found a cult audience for her women-only Girlz Gone Fit program, which holds four- and eight-week sessions in North York. The workouts run the gamut from core strengthening to agility drills and high-intensity interval training. (There's also yoga camp and "lift camp", which focuses on resistance training using free weights.)

Go Girl Boot Camp
Personal trainer Dan Go (get it?) whips women into shape with a series of boot camps around the GTA. Go Girl's programs place a heavy emphasis on fat loss, with exercises designed to boost metabolism (as the weirdly spammy website explains), though fans say toning benefits become apparent quickly. The camps run for one month at a time, and you can take part in up to six classes a week.

Fly Girl Fitness
Fly Girl, which currently has two locations on the east side (near Coxwell and Woodbine stations), offers two-class or three-class per week options, depending on your schedule and goals. The classes feature a mix of activities to keep your body guessing, but their health-focused, holistic gym is focused far more on overall health and personal betterment than turning you into a killing machine.

Flirty Girl Fitness
Yes, they also offer "Coyote Ugly" weekend workshops. But King West's Flirty Girl also does some hardcore training in the form of their Bikini Bootcamp classes. Weight and cardio circuits promote all-over toning and weight loss - look for them to bring in weights, resistance bands and balls to keep the workouts fresh.

FitSanity
This women-only gym on Church St. offers all kinds of courses, from kettlebell to TRX; their recurring bootcamp classes will throw a variety of obstacles and drills your way for that basic-training-style experience. (If you're looking to whip yourself into shape in a short timeframe, they also offer an eight-week bridal bootcamp program.

Did O miss any? Leave your favourite bootcamp program geared toward women in the comments.

Photo via the Build by Body Beautiful Facebook page

There's a lot of stuff you have to learn when you move here - Pizzaiolo over Pizza Pizza, always; Dundas station to Queen station is not an acceptable distance to travel by subway; "the Danforth" is not a river (a real thing I thought once). The thing that really identifies you a local, though, is becoming so blase about the city in which you live, you stop caring about pronouncing it properly. The loss of the second "T" in Toronto is so widespread, you're basically risking being discovered as an enemy agent if you don't do it.

It's about time, then, that someone - specifically, local label The Button Machine - created a truly phonetically correct Toronto T-shirt, finally allowing us all to show our love for our home city and our disdain for the Queen's good English. It's available in T-shirt or tank form; find it at Crywolf on Ossington or at the Button Machine webstore.

According to a petition being circulated by the owners of The Great Hall, the fate of the historic venue will be decided this summer by whether or not they are granted a significant capacity increase by the AGCO. As anyone who has attended an event there recently knows, the current official capacity for the main hall is so small that it feels empty even when it's legally full.

However, if the application for the increase fails, it's still unlikely that the space could be easily turned into yet another condo tower, as the building received its heritage designation way back in 1973, which would be a major roadblock for developers.

The hall's current focus on music was a relatively recent development, although it did host a concert by local musicians the very first night after it officially opened in 1890. Originally it was constructed to house Toronto's West End YMCA, and was bankrolled by Samuel J. Moore, a businessman who'd made his name making books of carbon paper sales slips. His name also provided the name for the short-lived restaurant on the first floor that has now become the Bristol.

The ornate building was designed by architecture firm Gordon and Helliwell, who were also responsible for building many churches throughout Toronto and surrounding areas. Originally it featured a swimming pool in the basement (some traces of the deep end still remain), a gymnasium, a bowling alley, a library, and a raised running track.

First Nations marathon runner Tom Longboat worked out there, and would go on to win the Boston Marathon in 1907. It was also the site of some of the earliest basketball games ever played. In 1912, the YMCA moved to College and Dovercourt, where it continues to operate today.

Anti-alcohol fraternal organization the Royal Templars of Temperance took over the space after the YMCA moved, and renamed it the Royal Templar Hall. During this period it was used for a wide variety of purposes, including political speeches, entertainment, and even a seance conducted by a psychic. The Royal Templars' battle against booze would not be successful.

The Polish National Union purchased the hall in the 1940s, and set up printing presses to produce the Polish Voice newspaper. During wartime, Polish refugees were housed on the upper floors, and the building continued to be central to Toronto's Polish community until the mid-80s, when it turned into a hub for the city's artistic scene.

Tenants over the next decade included avant-garde music organization the Music Gallery, visual art gallery YYZ, the Theatre Centre, the Toronto School of Art. It also hosted afterhours parties, early house music events, and even an early Toronto appearance by Sonic Youth.

By the end of the 90s, it was more well known as a rental hall for private events than a cultural space, although mixed in with the weddings and corporate functions there were still some quirky offerings, like the OCAD Sumo Robot Challenge. Time was taking its toll on the building though, and the main hall was not really set up to be a proper concert venue.

The Great Hall has experienced a revival in recent years, after Wrongbar owner Nav Sangha took over the space in 2011 with help from The Lakeview Restaurant's Alex Sengupta and Fadi Hakim. The basement space was renamed the Blk Box Theatre, but currently gets very little use due to the lack of a proper liquor license. The restaurant on the main floor recently became a pub called the Bristol, and the main hall continues to host a diverse variety of events, from multi-media concert series like Long Winter to offbeat events like Art Battle.

If the Great Hall doesn't manage to get the capacity increase they're looking for, it's unclear what the future will hold for the space. Will the ghosts that are said to haunt the hall want to stick around if it becomes a fancy furniture store?

Free events in Toronto this week are going to the dogs - free hot dogs, that is. Then there are indie music shows, film screenings, and street fests galore to entertain you if you lost all your money betting on A Horse Named Lightning at the Honda Indy. How were you to know Honda wasn't a breed of horses? It's not like you or your parents could buy a car with those TTC tokens desperately hoarded whenever the destination is within forty-five minutes walking, rain or shine.

Here's where to rest your weary, shoddily-adorned feet in Toronto for free this week.

Nerdy Talk
A free comedy show on the Danforth for geeks, lovers of geeks, and the tentatively geek-curious. Monday, July 21, 9:30pm, Black Swan Tavern (154 Danforth, 2nd Floor).

FREE SHOW!! W/ Freedom, Good Conduct, & Home Alone
Free music to be had at Sneak's, with "cheap booze, and free karaoke after." Monday, July 21, 8pm, Sneaky Dee's (431 College Street West).

BamBoo at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern!
Local radio station Indie88, who promise Toronto no vanilla (and instead dish up something akin to French vanilla bean), are dishing out plaid wearing foursome BamBoo, who in turn want to give you free copies of their Mountains EP. Tuesday, July 22, 9pm, The Horseshoe (370 Queen Street West).

Fancy Franks' National Hot Dog Day: FREE Hot Dogs in Support of SickKids
Free food for a cause - National Hot Dog Day in Toronto are flipping dogs in support of SickKids charities on Wednesday. One free hot dog per person will be served on the Fancy Franks College Street patio (326 College Street) between 12-7pm on July 23rd.

Outdoor Screening of THE LUNCHBOX
Summertime free screenings continue with The Lunchbox, "a film about an unlikely romance between a lonely young wife and an accountant on the verge of retirement" from India. Bring some change for popcorn. Wednesday, July 23, Outside Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas Street East).

Post A Letter Social Activity Club
By donation letter writing supplies, and a free excuse to write a letter home to Mississauga. Stamps are also available by donation, but if you're truly scrappy you might just want to scan that letter and email it when you get home. Wednesday July 23, 7pm, Wise Bar (1007 Bloor St West).

FREE Drive-in and Sock hop in Downtown Markham
Sad that you're too broke to get out of Markham? Here's a free screening of Grease. Summer lovin' and a sock hop. Wednesday, July 23, 7pm, 85 Enterprise Blvd. Markham.

Field Trip Discovery Series III
Indie acts Grounders, Fresh Snow, Programm, and Dirty Frigs are all playing a free show at the Garrison this Thursday. Arrive before 9pm for a free beer. The catch? You have to RSVP with your SIN number (just kidding about that last part) online. July 24, 8pm, The Garrison (1197 Dundas St West).

Music in St. James Park: Nostalgia Chamber Ensemble
By now you know the drill - outdoor concert lawn chair/picnic blanket romance. This week Nostalgia Chamber Ensemble will be playing classical arrangements of musical, opera, ad oldie favourites. Thursday, July 24, 7pm, St. James Park (120 King Street East).

Cultura Festival
Cultura Fest is back at Mel Lastman Square for one more Friday. Performers, art installs, and film screenings are all free. July 25, Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge Street).

EASY LIFE
Show up at Parts & Labour before 11pm, and this party featuring Prince Innocence (DJ) and more is free (otherwise it's $5). Friday, July 25, 10pm, Parts & Labour (1566 Queen St. West).

Movie Night in Liberty Village Park
Head to Liberty Village for a free screening of Jurassic Park. That's Jurassic, not gentrifurassic. Friday, July 25, 8:30pm, Liberty Village Park (70 East Liberty St).

I HAVE EATEN THE CITY Tape release : first official show at RATIO!
A PWYC show (so bring some change) at Toronto's newest mixed-used art space in Kensington Market. Khora and Fake Humans (Carl Didur/ Colin Fisher) will play along with I Have Eaten the City, who are releasing their firstly album since 2007. Friday, July 25, 9pm, Ratio (283 College Street).

The Lab Cab Festival
One of the summer's most anticipated street fest's is Lab Cab in Parkdale. Check out one of Toronto's most creative neighbourhoods for music, readings, art happenings, food, dance, theatre, patio hangs, and more. Saturday, July 26, 2-9pm, Parkdale - over 75 venues on Queen Street West, between Dufferin St. and Roncesvalles Ave.

2014 North American Women's Parkour Jam
Literally feeling like you're climbing up the walls? Here's the sports event for you. The Monkey Vault Movement Training Centre is the headquarters of this event where all the workshops are free. Check out more here. Saturday, July 26, The Monkey Vault Movement Training Centre (100 Symes rd).

Indy Comics Showcase
Back Space (Comic Book Lounge and Temple of Toys) is taking their turn to showcase DIY comics this weekend. Saturday, July 26, 12-7pm, Back Space Toronto (587A College St.)

Taste of...
All of these neighbourhoods in Toronto are holding Taste of... celebrations this Saturday (lucky you) which are, of course, free to be wandered. The Junction; Cabbagetown; Beach Village; Riverside.

Animated GIF Workshop at Xpace
Xpace wants to teach you how to make animated gifts, and all they ask in return is that you remember to sign up and show up with your laptop and the video you want to make into a gif. You will be judged according to how cute/weird your provided video is. Saturday, July 26, 1-4pm, Xpace Cultural Centre (2-303 Lansdowne Ave).

MAN FINDS FIRE Presents a SUMMER SESH/BBQ @ GEARY LANE
If you've got a few dollars burning a whole in your pocket for a pay-what-you-can affair, check out this new DIY concert space on Geary and live music by Bile Sister, Mimico, Akua, and more. Saturday, July 26, 12-6pm, Geary Lane (360 Geary Street).

White Picket Fencing then BBQ then Games
If you've never fenced before, here's a chance to learn for free. If you're a pro (or a middling enthusiast) the tournament is free to enter as well. You're advised to bring your own jacket if possible. Games will be on hand as well at this potluck/BBQ - potluck means bring something edible, cheapskate. Sunday, July 27, 4pm, 21 Trent Ave.

MATSURI 2nd Toronto Japanese Summer Festival by Kurakake
MATSURI is back to bring all things Japanese here to you in Toronto, which is lucky since you can't even afford gas to Montreal these days. From music and drumming to fashion and food, Yonge-Dundas Square will be showing its inner Tokyo on Sunday. July 27, 10am-9pm, Yonge-Dundas Square.

2014 Toronto Vintage Bicycle Show
Stroll through Trinity Bellwoods this Sunday to gaze at vintage bikes galore. Warning: if you're currently bike-less or yearning for a beautiful bike to replace your beat up embarrassment of a Craigslist find, this might be more of a tease than you can stand. Sunday, July 27, 10am-5pm, Trinity Bellwoods Park.

CPFF Days of Summer: Rear Window
Rear Window is this week's screening at Christie Pits. Bring a donation, a blanket, and someone to grip hands with during this Hitchcock flick. Sunday, July 27, 7:30pm, Christie Pits Park (779 Crawford Ave West).

• Elvis Mondays at the Drake
• Foosball Battle Royale, Monday, Disgraceland
• Art Gallery of Ontario free evening, Wednesday, 6-8:30pm.
• IFOA Weekly, free for supporters, students, & youth under 26, Wednesday, Harbourfront Centre
• Skin of My Nuts Comedy Show, Thursday, Sonic Espresso Bar
• Free patio concerts, Thursday until Aug 7, Roy Thomson Hall
• Canadian Opera Company's Free Concerts series
• While nearly all art galleries in the city are free to enter, it's worth noting The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA) is always PWYC.
• The ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) offers discounted tickets on Fridays ($10).

Middle Eastern brunch in Toronto encompasses Persian and Levantine culinary traditions in a way that satisfies our westerners' brunch-lust. It's a broad category that shares a love of flat breads, soft cheeses, fresh herbs, olives, nuts and fresh fruits...oh, and strong, delicious coffee.

Honourable mentions go to Gilaneh, Anatolia, Darband, Red Rose PatisserieS. Lefkowitz, Tabule. None of them quite recognize the concept of "brunch" - though they serve mighty fine mid-day fare in a timeframe that falls into brunching territory.

Here are my picks for the top restaurants for Middle Eastern brunch in Toronto.

Takht-e Tavoos
On College St., this Iranian breakfast nook serves up haleem ($10), a wheat berry porridge with lamb, sugar and butter, as well as fried egg dishes over turmeric scented potatoes ($10) or butter-soaked dates and walnuts with feta cheese and ardeh shireh, a sweet tahini ($9.50).

Fat Pasha
At this Dupont restaurant, the non-traditional brunch menu offers a playful spin on Israeli and Sephardic dishes. Find hearty morning staples, like shakshuka swimming with poached eggs and lamb meatballs ($17), or a babka bread pudding ($12) with halva and yogurt.

District Oven
The weekend brunch menu served 10:30am to 3pm at this Middle Eastern spot on College offers an expansive array of options, including two-egg omelettes with pan-fried halloumi ($15), and manakeesh ($8), a flatbread pizza topped with akkawi cheese or labaneh and zatar. And while it might seem all too simple, this is the place to enjoy the simple delight of breakfast platters laid out with tomato, cucumber, pickles, olives, halloumi and boiled eggs sprinkled with zatar and olive oil ($13).

Paramount Fine Foods
On weekends, two locations of this Middle Eastern eatery serve brunch from 8am to 2pm. Served with fresh wood-oven baked pita bread, there are breakfast-specific dishes like ful ($7), a garlicky mix of braised chick peas, fava beans and lemon juice, and fatteh labban ($7), chick peas over thick yogurt with crispy fried pita bread topped with melted butter and nuts.

Tov Li
This kosher diner has two locations - both on Bathurst - that serve Israeli breakfasts all day long. Choose from assorted bourekas with ($4) or without ($2.79) hard boiled eggs, or opt for the shakshuka ($7) composed of three runny eggs poached in a rich tomato stew. Also of note are the three-egg Israeli breakfasts ($7.69) done any style and accompanied by chopped salad, fries or hummus and avocado, and a bagel or multigrain toast.

BONUS

Aroma Espresso Bar
This chain of Israeli espresso bars might have as much ambience as a cafeteria, but its menu of quick, all-day breakfast options is actually kind of great. The Power Breakfast ($11) includes two eggs any style with mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, carrot, olives, feta cheese, cream cheese, avocado spread, freshly baked bread and butter. Also noteworthy is the sunny-side-egg topped shakshuka ($9.60) served with tahini and bread.

Did we miss any? Leave your favourite spots for Middle Eastern brunch in the comments.

Photo of Paramount Fine Foods on Facebook

Photo by James Paolo in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Today in Toronto it's your last chance to see identity-fluid (identity-less?) American pop star Katy Perrys - yes, plural, every child there will be dressed as Katy Perry. What a role model for our youth. For those who are nerds IRL (stop posing, Katy, gosh), hit up Nerdy Talk, a free comedy show on the Danforth for geeks, lovers of geeks, and the tentatively geek-curious. If you prefer your extreme enthusiasm in the kitchen, Poet Laureate of Toronto George Elliott Clarke and chef/writer Sang Kim will be geeking out about food. For more events, click on over to our events section.

• Music: Katy Perry (ACC)
• Geek/Comedy: Nerdy Talk (Black Swan Tavern)
• Food/Lit: Cook/Book with George Elliott Clarke (Wind Up Bird Cafe)
• Fashion: The Wilderness (Lost And Found)
• Games: The International 4 Viewing Event (TIFF)

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

Photo by Brian Hayden Safdie on Flickr

This Week in Music rounds up the latest news, releases and concerts coming to Toronto.

Summerworks music line up announced
Summerworks' performance fest is on August 7-17, and the eclectic and solid music series will feature Weaves, Army Girls, Lido Pimienta, Light Fires, Adam Lazarus, Natasha Greenblatt, Cara Spooner, and Allison Cummings. Each are paired up - see the line ups and dates here.

This Week in Drake
If you missed Drake's sing-song ESPY disses, Drake's Polaris Prize nomination, and best of all Drake's album title announcement and possiblere-naming of Toronto, that's okay. You don't have to keep constant watch over his every movement. He's not the mayor here in The 6. Yet.

Fool's Gold Presents Day Off
A-Trak's label is bringing Danny Brown, Lunice, Le1f, Tommy Kruise, Thugli, and more to Toronto for the first-ever Canadian edition of Day Off at Sherbourne Common September 6. Other artists are still TBA. Another music festival! I'm writing an indie musical about a Torontonian who hates festivals, beer, bikes, and Drake. His or her name is whatever nom de plume is most popular among blogTO commenters - I'm guessing it will be Rob - and it's titled Fear and Loathing in The 6.

New Toronto songs & vids

Beta Frontiers - Undone Things
This new single should get you dancing a dance not unlike that dance you dance to Glass Candy when you're truly alone and thinking of all those terrible things you've done and can't wait to do again. But faster. Much faster. All the world needs now are synths to ruin your life to.

PartyNextDoor - Recognize Feat. Drake
in This Week in Drake part two, the auto-tune on PartyNextDoor's new one is being poured out like cheap gin at a highschool party where the stoner dude who thinks he knows a lot about hip hop has hooked his Songza playlist up and it's all Future, which rules, that's party music. The Drake verse is good, just like on those Future tracks. Pre-order Two (out July 29) here.

Sloan - Keep Swinging (Downtown)
A new Sloan track? That's news. In my indie musical there's a new Sloan track every day.

Wrong Hole - HDTV
Remember garage rock? It's all HD everything now. HD screens and laptops speakers - the new lo-fi. It's not a lifestyle, mom, it's the internet.

Hot ticket shows

Otherland
The promoters behind Mansion's Happy Endings parties in Chinatown (and more) and Foundry are about to launch Otherland, a club series in the newly revamped Tattoo that promises to share its love for "something different" and fill a gap in the city's music scene with their DJ/live bookings. Going by this mandate and past events, at the opening night July 25 dance and electronic fans should expect anything but a generic club district vibe. The 25th's line up is Model 500, Jeremy Greenspan, Gingy B2B and Kevin McPhee in Room 1, and Members Only and more in Room 2. Check out the full summer line up and dates here.

Local hot tickets

Friendly Rich CD release
Ring in this weirdo's newest, Bountiful, at the Horseshoe Tavern Thursday. No, like really weird - check out this Exclaim review. "Pierre Trudeau's death train?" Where do I get on? Thursday, July 24, Horseshoe Tavern.

Field Trip Discovery Series III
Rising indie acts Grounders, Fresh Snow, Programm, and Dirty Frigs are all playing a free show at the Garrison this Thursday. Arrive before 9pm for a free beer. The catch? Of course you have to RSVP with your SIN number (just kidding about that last part) online here. Thursday, July 24, 8pm, The Garrison (1197 Dundas St West), free.

I Have Eaten the City
An experimental night of chill vibes at Toronto's newest mixed-used art space in Kensington Market. Khora and Fake Humans (Carl Didur/ Colin Fisher) will play along with I Have Eaten the City, who are releasing their firstly album since 2007. Friday, July 25, 9pm, Ratio (283 College Street), PWYC.

Man Finds Fire Presents A Summer Sesh/BBQ
Check out this new DIY concert space on Geary for live music by Bile Sister, Mimico, Akua, and more, plus art installs by Petra Glynt and Lorde Awesome. Kensington Brewing Company will be keeping you in beer. Saturday, July 26, 12-6pm, Geary Lane (360 Geary Street), PWYC suggested $10.

Unity Festival
Enough with the underground indie rock/psych smatterings and onto some hip hop. Catch Maestro Fresh Wes, Biz Markie, Raz Fresco, Airplane Boys, and more for free at Yonge-Dundas Square on Saturday. Learn more about Unity Festival here. Saturday, July 26, Yonge-Dundas Square, free.

Recently announced concerts

• Beach House / Oct 3 / Lee's Palace
• Perfume Genius / Oct 4 / Mod Club
• Elliphant, Femme w Charli XCX / Oct 10 / The Hoxton
• Merchandise + Lower / Oct 15 / Wrongbar
• Slowdive / Oct 28 / The Opera House
• Mac DeMarco / Nov 6 / Danforth Music Hall
• Interpol / Nov 18 / Kool Haus
• Julian Casablancas / Nov 21 / Kool Haus
• Blonde Redhead / Nov 29 / The Mod Club

What we got up to this week

• A brief history of The Great Hall
• The top 10 rehearsal studios for music in Toronto
• The rise and fall of MuchMusic, from crucial TV to bust
• Has Drake renamed Toronto?
• The top 5 alt-country bands to watch in Toronto
• Ought make indie exciting again at Drake Underground
• 5 things to do at the Beaches Jazz Festival in Toronto
• Toronto music dominates Polaris Prize 2014 short list
• The top 10 metal, punk & hardcore venues in Toronto

Photo: Brian Morton

Toronto has a new late night snack bar serving up dumplings, pizza, ribs and pulled pork sandwiches until 4am. Just don't get fooled by the name and go looking for it on the wrong street.

Read my profile of The Ossington Stop in the restaurants section.

The best maternity stores in Toronto are proof that moms-to-be don't need to sacrifice their personal style. It's easy to think of maternity stores as a lot of tunics and elasticized pants - and, yep, those are there, but Toronto's best maternity stores also mix in bright, fun dresses, surprisingly cute swimwear and lingerie, and piles of designer denim.

On the whole, maternity boutiques are not terribly cheap places to shop, though at least one consignment store is addressing the need for maternitywear on a tight budget). And the maternity boutique shopping experience can be a huge bonus - many of these stores were founded by moms frustrated by a lack of high-style options during their own pregnancies. Head to these stores, and you'll find staff knowledgeable enough to understand what pieces you should be picking up - and when.

Here are the best maternity stores in Toronto.

See also:

The Best Baby Stores in Toronto

The Annex has a new destination for cheap eats - and when I say cheap, I mean burgers with fries, or, big bowls of braised spaghetti for just five bucks. Banking on big purchasing power, high table turnover and sports-like sponsorships, the well-tested concept is the first of its kind in Toronto, but the 10th location in the cross-Canadian family of restaurants.

Read my profile of El Furniture Warehouse in the restaurants section.

Bad Boy is coming to Bathurst and Bloor in November -- specifically to the kingdom of kitsch known as Honest's Ed's. While there's not much time left for discount retailer (the store is set to close at the end of 2016), with Sonic Boom set to vacate come the fall, there's a lot of space left to fill as the store rides out its run before Westbank Corp. starts to redevelop the site.

Sold back in October 2013, Honest Ed's has been operating mostly business as usual since then, save for the nostalgic outpouring on display at a sign sale in the spring.

For his part, David Mirvish characterizes the partnership as something of a natural fit. "We have the space, we have an opportunity and we have the friendship," he told the Toronto Star of the deal. Bad Boy CEO and former Toronto mayor Mel Lastman promises that the new downtown outpost of his store will represent the best it has to offer -- deals galore! -- which, you know, is exactly what you'd expect him to say.

So enjoy your discounts while you can at Bathurst and Bloor. Honest Ed's is somehow going to get even more ostentatious before it all goes way.

Photo by Steven Andrachuk in the blogTO Flickr pool.