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Cost to ride train to the Toronto airport won't be cheap

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toronto airportThe Union-Pearson Express train, set to begin running in 2015, promises a quick, speedy, incredibly epic, world city status-affirming ride from the west-end airport to downtown Toronto. It will also not be cheap: In 2012, we found that even at an estimated price of $25, roughly half the cost of a cab ride to Pearson, a ride on the new $456-million rail link will cost overwhelmingly more than comparable airport train rides in other North American cities.

Now, as projected fare details begin to emerge, it's clear that that will be the case. The Toronto Starreports that estimates of the final fare currently sit between $20 and $30. $2 of that fare, in case you're wondering, will be a built-in fee created to cushion the blow of lost airport parking revenue for the Greater Toronto Airport Authority. The GTAA told the Star its goal is simply to break even, while transit activists and politicians who pushed for a lower fare to make the train more accessible to airport employees are crying highway robbery.

With a number of factors already coalescing to drive fare costs up, do you think riders paying to avoid traffic should still pay for parking? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by James Anock in the blogTO Flickr pool


Free WiFi is now up and running in Bay TTC station

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bay ttc wifi torontoAfter half a year of pumping free (albeit ad-supported) WiFi throughout Yonge and St. George subway stations, the TTC is finally beginning its rollout of wider wireless service, bridging the gap between the two stations. The TConnect network tweeted earlier this week that WiFi was up and running at Bay station, and riders report that they've been able to access the network as early as Monday.

A nice bonus: TConnect confirms that you can use the WiFi while traveling between the three stations, without having to re-connect or watching another ad - just hit refresh when you pull into the next station. (You still won't have a signal while the train's in the tunnel between stations, unfortunately.)

There's been no official announcement from the TTC yet, but head of communications Brad Ross confirmed via Twitter that they're doing some testing before an official unveiling. In the meantime, signs went up at College station earlier this month, saying WiFi infrastructure is being added to the station, and TConnect has teased at more stations coming soon. It's all happening.

Photo by S. Awan via the blogTO Flickr pool.

The top concerts in Toronto August 2014

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August concerts torontoThe top concerts in Toronto in August run the usual summertime gamut from outdoor festivals and arena spectacles to back alley raves and noise nerd-outs, because we really can't focus, can we. You already know about Drake's OVO, and if you want to dance outside instead of stand around with your hands in your pockets this month, try these parties. I'm just kidding, by the way - you can't wipe tears from your eyes at Chris Isaak if your hands are in your pants.

Before we get to the concert listings that are missing the show you're most excited about, here are July's best Toronto music Missed Connections.

If you were one of the 80,000 people at Digital Dreams and you're looking for love, perk up your glowsticks - one of these MC's might be for you, if you are: a tall, sexy, shirtless guy with a lot of female companions, Stephanie from Bolton who knows dirty Wilbur (Stephanie's the nicest person, aw), Eesha (either name or a genre of/psychedelic companion to EDM), you sat on a stranger's shoulders and can do wonders with an eyelash curler, or the phrase "wanna mate, I mean date?" kinda rings a bell. A non alarm bell.

TURF also yielded a few, which are predictably underwhelming: Andrew wore the same shirt two days in a row (how rootsy), picturing the prettiest Gogol Bordello fan doesn't exactly make for a stunning vision to me (sorry), and you're a good dancer so I hope you live a good life. Then even the Beaches Jazz Fest gets in on the action: hey there, white boots in an unhappy relationship or hot (very hot, from the sounds of it) pink dress.

Love was in the air at Bey & Jay Z, though you should beware those of bad capitalization (fine for fun, not Great to Marry) or dudes from King West who beg. Last run: were you sporting a "let it be" tattoo at Queen? Acting huffy at TOIKA for H.O.S.H.? Perhaps you were Amy and Laura at MuchMusic for Good Charlotte in Toronto 2004? "You were both REALLY cool and way more kind to me than most people ever were. I thought that if I lived around Toronto, we would've become good friends." I'm crying.

But Good Charlotte were unbearable by 2004, so on to the 2014 concerts.

Boris / August 7 / Lee's Palace / $20
Is there a more perfect band to cap a solid heavy music summer with than Boris? This Japanese trio is pretty much impossible to categorize, with a career catalogue that's attempted everything from drone-y doom to dream pop, but if you had to describe them with one adjective, "LOUD" would probably be safe. The new album, appropriately titled Noise, won't be out until June, but if the teaser track is any indication it will blow away the crowd at Lee's Palace. Bring earplugs. SK

Greys / August 8 / S.H.I.B.G.B.'s (225 Geary Ave) / $10
Breakout band Greys would like to reassure everyone that they never called "loud" a genre and they don't mind being called noise rock, actually. Catch their record release show with BUZZ Records and openers HSY, WTCHS (vowels are out) and Marriage (marriage is in?).

FKA Twigs / August 8 / Danforth Music Hall (147 Danforth Ave) / $25

SARIN / August 9 / Cinecycle (129 Spadina) / $5-10
SARIN is on DETH Records (who are a beacon of black-oil hope in this town but will never save us from Toronto's ever rising dadcore / posi-sock-hop experimental scenes) but he's also on some pretty intense Cronenberg shit. I don't know what he looks like under that disco-ball studded balaclava but I hear one glance will curse your Tinder account for the next seven goth raves. Goth raves are a thing in Toronto, I swear.

Ketamines + Jay Arner / August 9 / The Cavern Bar (76 Church St.)
We have a quote from Paul Lawton that does not include any Canadian music scene drama or CBC references. The quote is as follows. "Ketamines are playing this tour with Jay Arner on bass guitar. Ketamines are recording LP #3 which we are describing as "Cartoon Biker Rock." We have a new 7" coming out on HoZac Records (Chicago, home to Dum Dum Girls, NoBunny etc) later this year with our alter-ego goth band MEAN TIKES." I told you I could do anything if I put my mind to it.

Alvvays / August 14 / The Horseshoe (370 Queen St West) / $11.50
Alvvays hold the distinction of being the only Toronto band to release something catchy this summer. If I'm wrong let me know as I'm not an authority on catchyness, like you, but click the link below first to lighten your outraged vibes.

Mad Decent Block Party / August 15 / Garrison Commons (Fort York)
After Mad Decent's first trip to Toronto last summer, they're back for another round. With Diplo himself on the bill (Mad Decent's main man), complemented by Chance The Rapper, Flosstrdamus, Grandtheft, and more, you know it'll be one of the can't-miss parties of the summer. MF

Wavelength's Endless Summer / August 16 / Vintage & Flea Outdoor Market at Dovercourt (1251 Dundas St. West) / $10
Wavelength's Endless Summer will swarm Dundas West at Vintage & Flea Outdoor Market at Dovercourt, a quirky market full of studded cut-off shorts, normcore backpacks, and haphazard vintage footwear. At Endless Summer, browse to your thrifty hearts' content with live music: Blue Hawaii will send Alex to DJ with live sets by Comet Control, Mexican Slang, JFM, Alpha Strategy, Hiawatha, and more are on the musical menu, with Hand Eye Society supplying video games.

Cam'rom / August 16 / Danforth Music Hall (147 Danforth
Cam'ron is hitting Canada hard this summer with stacked tour dates from Montreal to Vancouver promoting his first two releases of his First Of The Month EP series in which he will drop an EP at the first of each month for six consecutive months. M

Zvi + Isa Christ / August 22 / Ratio (283 College)
Noise show of the month, and it's at Toronto's newest second floor event space. Does your Instagram need more effects-board gazing? Don't bathe this week, you'll ruin the vibe.

Robyn and Royksopp / August 25 / Echo Beach (909 Lakeshore) / $50-80
A strange but beautiful Scandinavian double header, Swedish Robyn and Norwegian Royksopp will share the stage at Echo Beach to close out the summer. It's bound to be a night of happy pop music, lights, and several stops at the beer tent. AG

Chris Isaak - August 27 - Massey Hall (178 Victoria St) $40-100
Sometimes I pretend I'm Chris Isaak. I lie back and imagine it was me who wrote and recorded "Wicked Game." The Forever Blue LP with all its heavenly highs, lows, and dirty highs and lows was crafted in studio by me, a conduit for greatness. I am a divine creator. I am perfection. I am rolling on a beach with a beautiful model and appearing in Fire Walk With Me. I love myself as much as I am loved. A single tear falls on my guitar and pricks the night like a sparrow landing on a tin roof.

Arcade Fire / August 29 / Molson Ampitheatre (909 Lakeshore) / $30-70
They're back. Wear what you want. Wait, the Constantines are opening? Wear that flannel you used to wear to the Lakeview back when they had open mic nights.

See also

Photo of FKA Twigs via The Guardian. Contributions by Shazia Khan, Matt Forsythe, Adam Golfetto, Markit.

Just opened OVO pop-up shop in Toronto sells "6" hats

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OVO Pop up TorontoDrake is definitely re-branding Toronto "the 6" - it's all over his new clothing collection, and you can score 6 hats at the OVO pop-up shop, open now until August 9th at 899 Dundas West. Merch will, naturally, be available at the star-studded OVO Festival at the Molson this Sunday/Monday as well.

OVO Pop up TorontoA line up of about 40 (ha) in-the-know fans were waiting outside the temporary OVO shop this morning. Most were hoping Drake might show, but he must have been hiding in the back folding and refolding the soft OVO branded merchandise, nervously wondering if "the 6" would catch on. Don't worry, Drake, we're sold. 6-ers for life.

The store is open 11am-8pm most days until August 9th (hours on the 3rd and 4th are 11am-4pm).

OVO Pop up TorontoOVO Pop up TorontoOVO Pop up TorontoOVO Pop up TorontoOVO Pop up TorontoOVO Pop up TorontoPhotos: Andrew Williamson

The top 10 hotel brunch in Toronto

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hotel brunch torontoHotel brunch in Toronto might conjure up visions of lacklustre continential breakfasts or rubbery scrambled eggs in warming trays - but such is not the case in a world class city like ours. Toronto hotels have seriously stepped up their game in recent years, attracting international culinary talent and big-money restaurants ready to pull out all the stops and brunch menus are no exception. No need to book a room!

Here are my picks for the top hotels for brunch in Toronto.

Shangri-La Hotel
Bosk, the other restaurant at this University Ave. hotel, offers a prix fixe brunch menu on weekends from 11am to 2pm. Two courses priced at $39 per person offer selections of freshly baked viennoiserie, cheese and charcuterie or beef tartare to start, plus hearty morning fare like cornflake-crusted brioche french toast or smoked salmon benedicts. Coffee, tea or juice is included.

Four Seasons
Cafe Boulud at this Yorkville hotel offers a two-course brunch menu on Sundays for $42. Start with a berry parfait or mushroom tarte flambee before moving on to duck confit hash topped with a poached egg, or boudin blanc, a truffled pork sausage served with fried eggs.

SoHo Hotel Metropolitan
Start with a cup of tea at Susur Lee's Luckee restaurant, which does a dim sum brunch on weekends from 11am to 2:30pm. Order steamed dumplings, fried spring rolls, pot stickers and bao a la carte off the menu, or sample by pointing to whatever looks good as rolling service carts pass by.

Trump International Hotel
Sunday brunch at Stock Restaurant is a weekly celebration held from 11am to 3pm. Priced at $49 per guest, the brunch buffet offers traditional breakfast favourites like eggs and waffles made to order, as well as an oyster and raw bar, seafood display and carving station featuring succulent Tomahawk roast. Chocolates and desserts from the hotel pastry chefs and master chocolatiers sweeten the deal. Did we mention there's bottle service?

Ritz-Carlton
Brunch at TOCA at the Ritz-Carlton hotel is a lavish, all-inclusive affair where even the mimosas and bellinis are bottomless. For the set price of $79, the market-style buffet is worth the splurge, featuring stations for eggs any way, fresh baked goods, hand-carved meats, chilled and raw seafood, and a creperie or showpiece chocolate fountain.

The Beverley Hotel
Brunch, served from 10am on weekends at this Queen West hotel, lists all the requisite morning standards like eggs, bennies and pancakes - surely a comfort to travellers looking for something familiar. For locals, this is a place to be pampered, sipping cocktails while brunching on luxe dishes like lobster and grits ($18), lobster banh mi ($18) or breakfast bone marrow canoe ($15).

The Drake Hotel
Brunch at this boutique hotel is served on weekends from 9am to 4pm and features morning standards like breakfast burritos ($13), pancakes ($13) and smoked salmon-stacked bagels ($12), as well as some more unusual offerings. Their kitchen always keeps things interesting - you'll find sweet and savoury united on one plate with chicken and waffles ($16), while the "rubenesque benny" ($17) with a poached egg over corned beef and sauerkraut is a mash-up of two classics.

Thompson Hotel
There are soon to be two brunching options at this boutique hotel on Bathurst. The 24-hour Diner is as always, a reliable source for breakfast; brunch is served weekends from 11am to 4pm, with a menu featuring fluffy buttermilk pancakes ($17), benedicts ($16.50) and crepes ($17). Also at the Thompson Hotel, the newly opened Colette Grand Cafe is set to launch a Parisian bistro-style brunch after Labour Day.

The Gladstone
Served Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 4pm, the brunch menu at this West Queen West boutique hotel offers a satisfying selection that includes everything from granola and Greek yogurt bowls ($8) to hearty lumberjack breakfasts ($15) complete with eggs, bacon, red-skinned potato hash and a short stack of buttermilk pancakes. From 11am on, brunch bevvies include mimosas ($9), caesars ($6.50) and bellinis ($8).

King Edward Hotel
Brunch at this landmark Toronto hotel is held Sundays from 11:30am to 2pm in the Sovereign ballroom. Priced at $53 per person, the weekly buffet is plentifully stocked with fresh baked goods, eggs cooked to order, charcuterie, chilled and smoked seafoods, salads, carving stations, a juice and smoothie bar and an array of sweets.

Did I miss any? Leave your favourite hotel brunch in the comments. Photo from the Drake Hotel on Flickr.

Helmet wings

Modest Mouse brews a storm at Echo Beach

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Modest Mouse Kevin Drew TorontoIt's been seven years since their last album release (and sure, only five years since their last EP), but Modest Mouse's lack of output still hasn't curtailed the devotion of their legion of fans - at least not here in Toronto, as I witnessed at the band's headlining show on Friday.

Modest Mouse Kevin Drew TorontoSinister storm clouds threatened to hamper the outdoor concert at Echo Beach, but they thankfully cleared before the opening sets provided by somber folk act Mimicking Birds and Toronto's indie-rock ambassador Kevin Drew.

Modest Mouse Kevin Drew TorontoThey both did their best to build energy in the crowd - a highlight being when Broken Social Scene alumni Feist and Emily Haines crashed Drew's set - they were quickly outdone by Modest Mouse's explosive 17-song set.

Modest Mouse Kevin Drew TorontoBeginning with a fiery rendition of "King Rat" from their 2009 EP, the Washington rockers were in top form and high spirits. With no new recordings to promote, they freely ran through favourite cuts from all of their past discography, the most coming from 2004's mainstream breakout LP Good News for People Who Love Bad News.

The audience enthusiastically danced to the dreamy guitar flow of "Ocean Breathes Salty," the bluegrass thump of "Satin in a Coffin" and threw up lighters in traditional rock-show salute to introspective ballad "The World at Large." Even the signature "Float On," now a decade old and ravaged by radio overplay many times over, has aged surprisingly well in live format; neither fans nor band seemed the least bit sick of it.

Modest Mouse Kevin Drew TorontoThough some recent reviews of Modest Mouse's shows on this tour have reported a lack of performance energy, there was nary a hint of exhaustion or boredom here. Frontman Isaac Brock was particularly animated throughout the night, jovially relaying the conflicted relationship he has with his hat (the toque (would he call it a toque?) periodically got tossed off before reappearing on his head a couple songs later) and ranting about the noise curfew that would force the band off stage by 11pm.

Though Kevin Drew earlier displayed relief that the looming storm clouds had abated, Brock felt just the opposite way. "I love a good storm," he lamented, telling the crowd about his secret desire to be struck by lightning. "It's not a death wish," he quickly clarified. "I wanna get hit by lightning - and survive." Obviously, cheers all around.

Modest Mouse Kevin Drew TorontoThe band no longer names Johnny Marr among their ranks, but has been fleshed out to a seven-piece on this tour with additional horn and violin players - co-founder Jeremiah Green and newer addition Joe Plummer continue to both handle percussion duties simultaneously on many songs, and though having two drummers didn't make a noticeable impact for the most part, certain songs, like "Tiny Cities Made of Ashes," did feel like they had added weight at times.

Modest Mouse Kevin Drew TorontoNew bassist Russell Higbee ably held down the other end of the rhythm section in the absence of founding member Eric Judy, but I'm still more excited to see what Krist Novoselic can bring to the table.

Despite the threat of rain, difficulty to navigate and the hilariously overpriced beer ($16 for a Budweiser!), Echo Beach's waterside locale turned out to be an apt setting for the band's more nautically-tinged themes as of late - a new offering, "Sugar Boats," roused the masses with its lilting sea-shanty vibe.

But not all new-music teases were well received, as other unreleased track "Shit in Your Cut" seemed to lose everyone's interest; people steadily filed for the washrooms or engaged in conversation at that point.

Modest Mouse Kevin Drew TorontoMaybe the lack of engagement with new stuff signals a growing restlessness in Modest Mouse fans, who've been teased with rumours of a new album for years now. But by the time the band closed their encore with "The Good Times Are Killing Me," any frustration had clearly been quelled by an exceptionally powerful performance, a clear demonstration of big-league artists still at the top of their game.

One attendee, who saw me not-so-surreptitiously writing things on a notepad throughout the night, pulled me aside right after the stage dimmed: "Make sure you write 'best fuckin' show ever' in your review." Done.

Set List

King Rat
Ocean Breathes Salty
Dashboard
Third Planet
Sugar Boats
Satin in A Coffin
Dark Centre of the Universe
Fire It Up
World at Large
Out of Gas
Shit in Your Cut
Float On
Doin' the Cockroach
A Different City

Encore

Custom Concern
Tiny Cities Made of Ashes
The Good Times Are Killing Me

Writing by Shazia Khan, photos by Matthew Kozovski

10 under-the-radar classical music venues in Toronto

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Classical music TorontoUnder-the-radar classical music venues in Toronto give you a chance to take it outside the proverbial box (violin case?). Think hard. Where do you go if you want to kick it classical? Roy Thompson Hall and The Royal Conservatory probably come to mind. A fancy treat, sure, but there are other venues scattered across downtown Toronto that you might not know are there.

While you can find classical showing up everywhere from Lula Lounge to Placebo Space, if you'd like to venture off the beaten path and listen to some classical music away from the crowds, take a look at this list of the best unexpected venues for classical music in Toronto.

See also

10 under the radar folk, blues & roots venues in Toronto
5 under-the-radar event venues in Toronto

Heliconian Hall
If you happen to be wandering the side streets of Yorkville, you might come across an old white chapel. That is Heleconian Hall, a quaint, peaceful little concert venue. When it was built over 100 years ago, it was part of rural Toronto and inside it still feels like you're far away from the city. The Heliconian Club offers a wide range of arts and culture programs including classical concerts.

Toronto Music Garden
Designed by the world-renowned cellist YoYo Ma and landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy, the bird's eye view of the Toronto Music Garden resembles the head of a cello. Take a break from the score of outdoor movies showing in Toronto this summer and enjoy some classical music performances instead, hosted by the Harbourfront Centre. Bonus: it's occasionally called The Sound Garden, which is kind of funny.

Trinity St. Paul's
Trinity St. Paul's United Church towers over Bloor St. West with its 115-foot tower, but inside there is a sanctuary for classical music. Home to the world-renowned Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir, the church is also where they host the better part of their concerts. In the Jeanne Lamin Hall you'll find the unique acoustics often identified with churches, but rest assured, the newly renovated, ergonomic seats will allow you to enjoy longer performances right up to the end.

918 Bathurst
Do you associate classical music concerts to old, cold churches with uncomfortable seats? Breaking that mold, 918 Bathurst offers a relaxed atmosphere for music and art lovers of all stripes. Formerly the home of Toronto's Buddhist Temple, 918 is a non-profit culture centre that also has an art gallery in addition to hosting musical performances and small theatrical productions.

Music Gallery
Described as "Toronto's Centre for Creative Music," the Music Gallery (located at the Church of St. George the Martyr,) prides itself in offering Torontonians a wide variety of music, injecting Toronto's music scene with experimental and innovative music. With programming like the X Avant Music Festival, you'll find music at this venue to satisfy your curiosity.

Gallery 345
Picture a grand piano placed in an old industrial warehouse in Toronto's west end. In Gallery 345, you can experience that odd combination while enjoying art and a variety of classical music. Coming this fall is the concert "Bridge Between the Arts: A Move Towards Peace," featuring music composed by J.S. Bach, R. Strauss and more.

Musideum
Performances from around the globe including poetry readings, jazz and fusion music mean attending shows at Musideum will allow you to expand your definition of classical music. In August alone, there will be more than fifteen shows to choose from in their intimate showroom. They also sell all kinds of instrument - if you feel inspired by the music you hear, maybe you'll be ready to create your own.

Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Let's go to The Ex - but instead of heading straight for the cronut stands and bro-country focused Bandshell, take a peak at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. This is a perfectly sized venue for both classical and jazz performances. Fun fact: it was the host for Adele's first concert in Toronto in 2008. It's a hidden treasure among the myriad of venues in Toronto, and offers an intimate setting for larger crowds.

Glenn Gould Studio
The Glenn Gould studio at CBC's headquarters offers a range of concerts and events, including classical music, though it's probably best known for hosting live radio shows like CBC's The Debaters. Upcoming events include a musical based on Chet Baker, legendary jazz trumpet player. Do you want to record? The space is also available to rent. Awesome sound included.

Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre
The Four Seasons Centre's world-class stage is the Canadian Opera Company's main venue, but don't feel you need to know much about classical music or opera to enjoy what the centre has to offer. The COC hosts The Free Concert Series, free classical music concerts (and if you happen to have opera tickets, pre-opera seminars) in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre situated in the centre's lounge. The amphitheatre is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows making the ambiance unbelievably relaxing, even though you're in the heart of downtown.

Writing by Naomi Grosman. Photo via 918 Bathurst on Facebook


The top live theatre shows in Toronto August 2014

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theatre august 2014 torontoEach month we round up the most noteworthy live theatre productions playing in Toronto.

SummerWorks Performance Festival
/ various venues / August 7-17 / $15

Festivals reign supreme during the summer theatre calendar in Toronto, and there is none more anticipated than the annual SummerWorks Performance Festival. The juried performance series features dozens of exciting shows and is accompanied by music and live art series, as well as a host of additional programming and partnerships to keep arts lovers buzzing. The talked-about shows usually book up quickly so it's best to stay ahead of the pack. Keep your eyes peeled for a full SummerWorks preview next week.

Dusk Dances / Withrow Park / August 4-10 / PWYC
One of the performance adventures of the summer comes courtesy of Dusk Dances, who celebrate their 20th season this year. Over the course of a leisurely stroll through Withrow Park, audiences are treated to six unique dance pieces. As the crowd swells with onlookers and neighbours alike, the night sky provides a fitting backdrop. This year's pieces include La vie, Through the Mask, Inner City Sirens Part II, Doun Doun Dance, Incandescent, and Run, the Process. The event features live music from Justin Rutledge.

Tartuffe / Soulpepper - Young Centre / August 11-September 20 / $29-$89
If you've seen Diego Matamoros own the stage at Soulpepper then you'll know that he's one of the city's finest performers. What an opportunity, then, to see him as the title character Tartuffe in the classic comedy from French master Moliere, one of the most clever plays ever written. When Orgon accepts Tartuffe into his home, his steadfast belief in the man's religious devotion is tested when his family falls prey to the hypocrite's advances.

Shakespeare in the Park: Titus Andronicus / High Park / July 4-August 31 / PWYC
Canadian Stage has bucked the outdoor Shakespeare theatre trend by presenting a challenging tragedy alongside the family-friendly comedies. Titus Andronicus, one of the more violent and brutal plays in the canon, follows the title character, a general in the Roman army, on his unending quest for revenge. If something lighter is what you crave, the company is also presenting As You Like It the gender-bending comedy which follows Rosalind and her cousin Celia into the Forest of Arden, under the stars.

The Bicycle Opera Project
/ Heliconian Hall / August 7-8 / PWYC

The young troupe of opera singers seeks to introduce communities across the province to contemporary Canadian opera through the Bicycle Opera Project. The innovative ensemble delivers their performances by bicycle, completing a route that stretches from Kingston to London. At their final stop in Toronto, they'll perfom seven different pieces, featuring librettos from Liza Balkan, Anton Piatigorsky, and David Yee.

BuskerFest / Yonge St. / August 21-24 / PWYC
Prepare for Yonge St. to be taken over with spontaneous performance when hundreds of street artists flood the city for the annual BuskerFest. What you may know about the festival is that the acts range from charming roamers to big time aerial and fire performers. What you may not know is that the festival is organized by Epilepsy Toronto, with proceeds going towards their yearlong efforts to assist all people with epilepsy and their families.

Photo of Titus Andronicus.

Cute, crafty and toxic - meet the raccoons of Toronto

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toronto raccoonThey're cute, they're crafty, and they're are hundreds of thousands of them living among us. Have no doubt, Toronto is a city of raccoons. Various estimates put the population somewhere in the range of 100,000 to 200,000 - that's about 12 of them per square kilometre, sleeping in garages, fighting, and poking through garbage.

"They're really, really adaptable," says Mary Lou Leiher from Toronto Animal Services. "So if there happens to be humans in their environment, they can adapt to that. They do make a connection between humans and their food source. Garbage is obviously a main food source for raccoons - it's the main thing they forage on."

In the wild, the raccoon diet consists mainly consists of berries, eggs, insects, and other omnivorous fare. They typically live in trees and tend to avoid open spaces such as clearings. Noises such as whoops, snarls, purrs, and terrifying screeches are common, even among their urbanized cousins.

Like most animals, raccoons tend to stay close to a ready supply of grub, especially if someone is intentionally leaving it out. Most of us do just that every compost collection day. Special straps and clips are often no match for their remarkably dextrous hands and sharp teeth. Raccoons have even been observed teaching bin-busting techniques to their offspring.

"Once raccoons have learned to open a latch - it sounds like something monkeys do - they seem to be able to retain that memory for years," says animal expert David Sugarman from the Ontario Science Centre. "They're one of the few animals that can teach it to their young."

The financial burden of dealing with Toronto's raccoons is unclear, but last year Animal Services collected some 4,398 dead raccoons, and another 2,455 that needed medical attention. In an attempt to curb garbage raids, the city's solid waste division is working on a way to better seal green bins.

toronto raccoonToronto has an odd relationship with its iconic critters. Like other pests, urban raccoons have the potential to damage property and carry disease, but attempts at controlling their numbers are usually met with passionate resistance. Maybe it's their size, maybe it's their little faces, but most people balk at calling an exterminator to deal with unruly raccoons.

They aren't all cute, however. Almost 75% of raccoons have toxic poop, says Sugarman, who has a background in parasitology, the study of parasites.

"There's a roundworm carried by raccoons that's really quite dangerous ... it's creepy. It lives OK in the intestine of raccoons, but if another animal ingests it, the larvae, the little worms that hatch out of the eggs, mostly what they do is migrate through the body and take up residence in various organs."

Baylisascaris procyonis is particularly nasty if passed on to humans. The eggs can be inhaled, absorbed through skin on contact, or soaked up by the digestive system if eaten, leading to myriad discomforts, sometimes skin irritation, difficulty breathing, and even permanent eye and brain damage.

"No drugs have been shown to be totally effective for the treatment of Baylisascaris infection," the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ominously warns on its website.

"People really should be aware of this roundworm and make sure that they keep their sandboxes covered. If you find a pile of this stuff on your deck, you've got to be really careful to remove it," says Sugarman, who advises wearing a face mask or respirator.

"You've got to bury it or burn it. Some people have said pour boiling water on it or carefully use a blowtorch, because that really is the only way to get rid of these damned eggs."

As city dwellers, we will have to get used to the presence of raccoons, says Mary Lou Leiher, because like them or loathe them, they're here to stay.

"We're always going to have raccoons; they're not going anywhere. We can try to eradicate them - it will not work. And so what we really have to do is learn how to live with them."

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

Photos: Somewhere In Toronto, Jamie Kaiser/blogTO Flickr pool.

The top 10 coffee shop baked goods in Toronto

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coffee shop baked goods torontoThe top coffee shop baked goods in Toronto make our city's collection of independent cafes that much better. In case we weren't lucky enough to have a ton of great coffee at our fingertips, these java joints take it that extra step, baking batches of fantastic treats in-house. Some of those muffins, scones, cookies, tarts and croissants are so good, they threaten to outshine the coffee offerings. No worries, though - just think of it as having your cake, and eating it too.

Here are the top 10 baked goods made by coffee shops in Toronto.

Fahrenheit
Owner Sameer Mohamed was smart to compliment his enthusiasm and coffee knowledge with extremely-talented pastry chef Nesreen Mroueh when Fahrenheit had to move locations some years ago, He ditched the Circles and Squares and brought in her fabulous offerings (think chewy and fruit-filled muffins, flaky croissants and perfect cookies) and took the whole business to the next level.

De Mello Palheta
In-house pastry chef Danielle De Roo preps everything with care and a touch of fancy. There are classics like scones, muffins and croissants (I suggest the almond croissant, chocolate pretzel cookies and apple rhubarb muffins) but she also ventures into upscale dessert territory with some cheesecake, tortes and homemade ice creams.

Capital Espresso
Cordon Bleu training can't hurt when it comes to café baking. They may be relying on the one oven and simple kitchen place of Capital Espresso, but Maggie does very great things with what's there. The muffins are studded with fruit and nuts and mascarpone cheese, croissants and cookies and buttery and soft.

Manic Coffee
Manic's muffins are notoriously good, as are the giant cookies (try the pink peppercorn ginger cookie), and you've got your scones and croissant options too. While not technically qualified as baked goods, I'd be remiss not to mention their homemade gelato as well - it's truly fantastic.

Cafe Olya
The opening of Cafe Olya was not just for great coffee, but a way to showcase the amazing baking skills of one of its owners - the eponymous Olyana. She sourced local ingredients and whips up rich tarts, like their blackberry white chocolate ricotta, plus muffins, scones, croissants, squares and more.

Cherry Bomb
This Roncesvalles institution (I can call it that now, right?) bakes up fresh scones, muffins, cookies and croissants throughout the morning so there is always something straight off the tray, still warm and heart melting. The date almond scone has legions of fans, but I'm a sucker for the blueberry muffin.

Extra Butter
Former Cherry Bomb employees opened a competing shop - in a friendly way - just north of their former employer on Roncy. They've got an advantage in terms of seating - and they really do deliver that pat of extra butter with every bite. Their breakfast tart, with bits of bacon in a pastry and eggcup, is a major mouthful.

Remarkable Bean
Beaches favourite The Remarkable Bean provides a bevy of great baked goods for the whole neighbourhood. Classics abound, but the highlights include the savoury muffins, like sweet chilli, red pepper and cream cheese, broccoli and cheddar, or blue cheese and pear. Make it a meal!

Sense Appeal
With two locations now to satisfy your cravings, Sense Appeal's unique offerings are never too far away. Brownies, date squares, muffins, loaves and more are baked in-house using the same scientific/sensual principles that lead the coffee program - knowledge plus experimentation equals taste pleasure.

Portland Variety
The man behind Le Gourmand, with its famous cookies and croissants, recently opened a great café and restaurant at the corner of King and Portland that trumps the first for the variety and deliciousness of it's sweets. The financiers and molten chocolate cakes, in particular, are fantastic.

Did we miss any? Leave your favourite house-made cafe baked goods in the comments.

Free events in Toronto: August 4-10, 2014

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free events TorontoFree events in Toronto this week won't quite make up for you having been too broke to enjoy another long weekend, but beggars can't be choosers can they? My mom used to say that to our family dog, who also got the "no begging" speal a lot. You can imagine the confusing situation poor Dexter found himself in. He didn't get to make many decisions, begging or not.

Here's where to go to pretend you're not a replaceable cog in Toronto this week.

Scotiabank presents Summer Cinema @ Fort York
Fort York is getting a free outdoor film festival, and though festival might be pushing it (let's call it a series between you and I), it's free, so we'll shrug and go along. This week's screening is Jurassic Park. Tuesday, August 5, 7:30pm, Fort York National Historic Site (100 Garrison Rd).

THE TROUBLE WITH BRUNCH Cereal Bar Launch Party!
Shawn Micallef is taking brunch on in a town where I think you can actually go to prison for that. I'm all with you, Shawn (are we all broke because of brunch? I have theories), but hands off Psychic Brunch. Toronto investors: ask me about my Cat Brunch Dungeon concept if you've got money to burn. Wednesday, August 6, 6pm, Handlebar (159 Augusta Ave).

Beeing in the World: Artistic Perspectives on Nature and Culture
Penelope Stewarts's current exhibition is bee-rific (sorry) and this on site panel discussion will bee too (sorry). Bees, gotta love 'em. Wednesday, August 6, 6:30pm, Koffler Centre of the Arts (180 Shaw Street).

Outdoor Screening of "SHORT TERM 12"
A film about social work to feel along with outdoors. Regent Park lovers screening weepers. Wednesday, August 6, 9pm, Regent Park (585 Dundas Street East).

Night Owl Comedy Jam
Improv funnies for free, plus drinking games. My advice for winning drinking games on a budget is to opt out, but that tip's not for the faint of heart. Wednesday, August 6, 9:30pm, Black Swan Comedy (154 Danforth Ave).

Tell Me Something Good: AUGUST Sexy Storytelling Slam - Kink Edition
Sexy stories, truth or dare, and the opportunity to meet the kind of people who have ready-made cool answers to the question that's been around for as long as instant communication: what are you wearing? Wednesday, August 6, 8pm, Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen Street West).

Jackhammers For Scenic Views
Absurdest Toronto-made art film Cold Iron Is A Titanic Comedy is touring the country, and you can catch a rare hometown screening this week in a west end art studio that's usually barred to the public. This is our freak pick of the week for film lovers, the art-addicted, and fans of all things weird. Wednesday, August 6, 7:30pm, Art Zoo Studio (1 Wiltshire Ave, Unit 132).

Music in St. James Park: Patrick Tevlin Blues Band and Free Blues Dance Class
I love it when they explain everything in the event title. Thursday, August 7, 6:30pm, St. James Park (120 King Street East).

Bicycle Opera Project
These quirky opera singers are touring the country by bike, and you can catch them at a PWYC show at Heliconian Hall (one of our top picks for under-the-radar classical music venues) this week. Thursday, August 7, 5pm, Heliconian Hall (35 Hazelton Avenue).

Steel Bananas Collective 2014 Publications Launch
Lit event of the week is the Steel Bananas fiction and artist book launch featuring live readings and Jasmyn Burke (Weaves) playing music for you as STRANDS. Thursday, August 7, 8pm, 3030 (3030 Dundas St. West).

Taste of the Danforth
Toronto's largest street fest is in Greektown along the Danforth all this weekend. Wander it for free and soak up the smells, sounds, and sights of the Mediterranean. Maybe a nice friend will buy you a nibble of souvlaki. August 8-10, GreekTown, Danforth.

Expressions of Brazil
The second event in the past month or so to honour Brazil, and that's not counting the World Cup stuff. Get a taste of the country beyond the soccer field all this weekend at the Harbourfront. August 8-10pm, Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West).

North York Festival 2014
This streetfest in North York includes free dance and singing competitions along with musical performances, a dance party, and magicians who can't help you with your credit card juggling, sorry. Friday, August 8, 12pm, Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge St).

Grange Festival
Another one with magic! Magicians always seem like they're hitting on me but I think it's actually more like they're just impressed with themselves in general. Play games and have a chill old time at this mini outdoor festival near OCAD. Friday, August 8, 12-4pm, Grange Park (23 Grange Road).

The Toronto Palestine Film Festival: Party in the Pits Outdoor Screening
Laila's Birthday will screen for free at Christie Pits Park. The absurdest story of a "judge-turned-taxi driver" was TPFF's voters' choice. Friday, August 8, 8pm, Christie Pits Park (750 Bloor St West).

#FreeFree4All Community Garden Party Potluck Picnic - Fri Aug. 8th
Want to learn a little more about gardening? Pull up some of your neighbour's fresh carrots and take them to this potluck. Just kidding - want to know my potluck secret? Super cheap (but ultra cute) pastry treats from the Caldense on Dundas. Friday, August 8, 5pm, Scadding Court Community Centre (707 Dundas Street West).

Synthesexer: August 8, Digits Little Kicks
This is only free from 10pm - 11pm! After that it's $5. Check out these modular styling DJs on Facebook. Friday, August 8, 10pm, The Piston (937 Bloor St West).

Toronto Queer Arts Festival Music Concert
Celebrate the Queers Arts Fest with music of varying styles by Ted Scarf, Anna Gutmanis, Amy Campbell, Jamieson M. Eakin and and Elek Semilla. Friday, August 8, 8pm, The Sister (1554 Queen Street West)

MJ PRINCE VIDEOS ALL NIGHT
Michael Jackson and Prince videos all night in the back room of the Miami inspired restaurant / bar. Dirty Diana shots are $4, so maybe you can afford get drunk enough to moonwalk for once. Friday, August 8, 9pm, The Steady Cafe & Bar (1051 Bloor St West).

Free Lemonade and Signed Photos of John Stamos
The Marxist Nudist Taxidermy Club probably signed those John Stamos pics themselves, FYI. Still, free lemonade is nice. Saturday, August 9, 1-4pm, Dufferin Grove Park (875 Dufferin St).

Toronto Queer West Film Festival
Head to Buddies for an annual PWYC (not free, but you can cry poor) screening of a diverse line up of LGBTQ programming as part of the Toronto Queer Arts and Culture Festival. Saturday, August 9, 6pm, (Buddies in Bad Times Threatre) 12 Alexander St.

YTV Summer Beach Bash
Read this quote: "musical performances, extreme buskers, thrilling water stunts, food, games, and more." What, pray tell, is an extreme busker? I'm guessing poppers are involved, though this is a family event. Wear something extreme cute, maybe you'll be on TV. Saturday, August 9, 12-5pm, Sugar Beach (11 Dockside Dr).

Good People EP RELEASE w/ Kennedy, No Hands Blackbelt
Good People will release their new EP Life is Very Long with friends. Punk friends (the best kind). Saturday, August 9, 10pm, Smiling Buddha (961 College St).

Video Vengeance #9 - Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon 1985 - Free VHS Screening
Martial arts movies: due for a comeback? Sunday, August 10, 8pm, KITCH (229 Geary Ave).

Toronto Queer Arts Festival Smash Words
Poetry and more from "six of Toronto's best known LGBT spoken word artists" aka Philip Cairns, Alec Butler, Katie Sly, J.P. Larocque, Jenna Harris and "Power Chair Dancer," Frank G. Hull. Bring money, it's PWYC (can you spare $5?). Sunday, August 10, 7pm, Press Club (850 Dundas Street West).

CPFF Days of Summer closing night: Moonrise Kingdom
Last one of the summer! Wes Anderson's Snorerise, I mean Moonrise Kingdom will play in the park. The screening will also include Record which was directed by Dylan Reibling and Martha and the Muffins - too bad it's not screening at Echo Beach, but Christie Pits is lovely and easier to bike to. Sunday, August 10, 7:30pm, Christie Pits Park (779 Crawford Ave West).

Lead image by BruceK

Banu owners expand with Persian lunch spot and cafe

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Kadbanu TorontoThe corner of Dundas West and Markham is looking plush these days, flanked by Bent, the forthcoming Queen Margherita Pizza - and now, this newly opened second effort from the same folks behind Banu. The new Iranian cafe and takeaway counter is set to serve the neighbourhood all day long, offering hot breakfasts, grab and go lunches, and a daily selection of stews and rice dishes to stay.

Read my profile of Kadbanu in the restaurants section.

Olivia Chow at Caribbean Carnival

Simcoe day events in Toronto 2014

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Simcoe Day 2014Simcoe day events in Toronto for 2014 mean being stuck in the city isn't too bad, even if you missed out on OVO tickets. For electronic and techno fans Seth Troxler is back to grace Electric Island's dance party oasis once again (a quick ferry ride away), along with Maya Jane Coles (UK), Bob Moses (NYC/Vancouver), and local DJ/producers My Favourite Robot, Nitin, and Koki.

Then, Handlebar in Kensington Market is throwing their second birthday party, Belljar on Dundas West is hosting a record shop pop up and more, and Tiny Ruins will play with stellar rising Toronto talent STACEY at the Garrison. Of course OVO Fest continues at the Molson, but if you didn't score those elusive tickets there's always Drake's pop-up shop. 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.

Photo via Electric Island on Facebook


This Week in Music: CNE adds a female artist, Boris, SARIN, Hermans, Alvvays, Ketamines, Teenanger

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

CNE Bandshell adds one female artist
The CNE's music program originally booked over fifty male musicians to its lone female, but that's all changed.

After tweeting "The lineup varies from year to year and depends on availability and budget. We offer a mix of acts on the various stages" to us, the CNE has added Kira Isabella to their line up. This means an increase in female musicians by 100%, even though they claim they didn't have budget to pay or find women, and/or no women musicians were interested in playing the CNE this year.

Obviously, an increase from 50:1 to 25:1 still looks bad on Toronto. I don't know what it's like to be a gal in country music, but I bet it's pretty interesting. Hanson or no Hanson, if we tolerate festival line ups this disastrous, can we really call ourselves a world class music city?

Fucked Up doin' things
If you're looking for news about Fucked Up and their assorted projects they do click here. They're putting out a 7" series thing.

New Toronto songs & vids

Hermans - ZAIRES
Stream the final Z O D I A C 4 4 release of 12 - dance music's getting astrological here. Hermans' (Jerry Riggs and Maxwell Church) Zaires even features a Basic Soul Unit remix, and the duo take house to a demonic place that I'm way into. I was born under a dark star.

Alvvays
Alvvays hold the distinction of being the only Toronto band to release something catchy this summer. If I'm wrong let me know as I'm not an authority on catchyness, like you, but click the link below first to lighten your outraged vibes. Check the washed out nautical vid and catch their show at the Horseshoe August 14.

Airplane Boys (APB) - On the Low
This is my least favourite APB song :( so paranoid styles. If you're in a toxic relationship, talk to someone. Getting out should be your top priority and you'll need support to work through it. Once you're out, watch a sexy slick fashion-promo music video to reward yourself. There are sane cuties out there, I promise you guys.

Teenanger - Hot Rods At The Loser Convention
Teenanger have a trick of a name that I'm still not bored of, and their new LP E P L P drops September 9 on Telephone Explosion. Punks, winter is coming. Wear parkas now just to make people feel bad.

Sloan - Cleopatra
Sloan's new track so perky that I can't get through it. Kinda reminds me of watching Clone High as a teen, though. Commonwealth is out September 9.

Fast Romantics - Friends
Sometimes lazy found-footage music videos are so amazing. Sometimes they're not. Walkmen-ish vibes here, at least.

Lowell - The Bells
And here I thought I couldn't be more bored. Lowell is clearly more bored than me.

Zeus - Miss My Friends
Arts & Crafts have really cornered the market on Snoozetown. Do kids buy records in Snoozetown?

Hot ticket concerts

Boris / August 7 / Lee's Palace / $20
Is there a more perfect band to cap a solid heavy music summer with than Boris? This Japanese trio is pretty much impossible to categorize, with a career catalogue that's attempted everything from drone-y doom to dream pop, but if you had to describe them with one adjective, "LOUD" would probably be safe. The new album, appropriately titled Noise, won't be out until June, but if the teaser track is any indication it will blow away the crowd at Lee's Palace. Bring earplugs. SK

FKA Twigs / August 8 / Danforth Music Hall (147 Danforth Ave) / $25

Local hot tickets

Greys / August 8 / S.H.I.B.G.B.'s (225 Geary Ave) / $10
Breakout band Greys would like to reassure everyone that they never called "loud" a genre and they don't mind being called noise rock, actually. Catch their record release show with BUZZ Records and openers HSY, WTCHS (vowels are out) and Marriage (marriage is in?).

SARIN / August 9 / Cinecycle (129 Spadina) / $5-10
SARIN is on DETH Records (who are a beacon of black-oil hope in this town but will never save us from Toronto's ever rising dadcore / posi-sock-hop experimental scenes) but he's also on some pretty intense Cronenberg shit. I don't know what he looks like under that disco-ball studded balaclava but I hear one glance will curse your Tinder account for the next seven goth raves. Goth raves are a thing in Toronto, I swear. Saturday is his Rotten cassette release. Digital music on cassettes is a thing too.

Ketamines + Jay Arner / August 9 / The Cavern Bar (76 Church St.)
We have a quote from Paul Lawton that does not include any Canadian music scene drama or CBC references. The quote is as follows. "Ketamines are playing this tour with Jay Arner on bass guitar. Ketamines are recording LP #3 which we are describing as "Cartoon Biker Rock." We have a new 7" coming out on HoZac Records (Chicago, home to Dum Dum Girls, NoBunny etc) later this year with our alter-ego goth band MEAN TIKES." I told you I could do anything if I put my mind to it.

See also

Recently announced shows

  • Ought / Sept 19 / Hard Luck
  • Russian Circles / Sept 15 / Lee's Palace
  • Andy Stott / Sept 18 / Adelaide Hall
  • Zeus / Sept 27 / Lee's Palace
  • The Wooden Sky / Oct 17 / Lee's Palace
  • Kaytranada / Oct 17 / The Hoxton
  • Iceage / Oct 19 / Horseshoe
  • Flying Lotus / Oct 21 / Danforth Music Hall
  • Ben Frost / Oct 24 / The Garrison
  • Ex Hex + Speedy Ortiz / Oct 27 / The Horseshoe
  • David Bazan / Nov 4 / Mod Club

What we got up to this week

Photo of SARIN by Denise via Facebook. Contributions by Shazia Khan.

The top 10 salons for curly hair in Toronto

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curly hair salonThe top salons for curly hair in Toronto, much to the chagrin of flatirons everywhere, make a cakewalk out of having curly hair. Having a mane of corkscrews, spirals, kinks or waves isn't an easy hand to be dealt, especially in a culture that still doesn't see natural curls as appealing or desirable. That's why so many people spend most of their lives as natural born curl-killers. Embracing what genetics gave you just gets harder when every haircut has the potential to turn you from Felicity, season 1, to Felicity, season 2.

Fortunately, there's a growing awareness that curly hair needs its own cutting and styling techniques to look its best. And thanks to a great crop (oh yes, I went there) of local salons, finding a reliable, stylish, flattering and easy to maintain curly cut isn't such a daunting proposition.

Here are my picks for the top salons for curly hair in Toronto.

Curl Bar
Not to be confused with the New York blowout bar of the same name, Curlbar is a modest, cheerful downtown east end salon that is becoming a city-wide fave. Curlbar's team of Deva-trained stylists take time to hear their client's needs, and are passionate about teaching clients how to style and care for their curls after their new cut. Though Curlbar is all about natural textures, they also offer aesthetics services, cut straight hair, and do beautiful weave work.
 
Aphrodite's Hair Sanctuary
This easy-to-miss shop does wonders in a tiny space, turning out luxurious curly manes worthy of the salon's namesake goddess. Aphrodite's focus is teaching women how to embrace the curls they were born with, from Deva dry cuts (owner Nadine Smellie is Deva-certified) and foil-free highlights. They also do right by those of us still addicted to our flatirons, with Brazilian straightening and extremely affordable, effective blowouts that can tame the unruliest of manes.
 
The Curl Institute
Also known as the Jonathan Torch Curly Hair Institute, this curl-exclusive north-end salon was created by renowned local curl expert Jonathan Torch in 2005. The Curl Institute's experienced stylists specialize in curly cuts including Torch's tunnel cutting technique, meant to encourage length and remove dreaded mushroom-creating bulk without over-thinning hair. Styles are perfected with Torch's own line of products (including his famous Curl Keeper) that expertly define or disguise curls, depending on your mood.
 
Hair Sprung
This vibrant Junction gem has been taming tresses since 2003. Although they cut every texture of hair, the salon specializes in curls for all genders. Their stylists are friendly, understanding, and work hard to make sure clients leave satisfied with their cut. Hair Sprung works with AG products - an effective alternative to some of the other popular curl systems found in local salons, but not necessarily the right choice for those looking for all-natural, silicone-free solutions.
 
Prisma Hair Design
Toronto-proper's only Ouidad-certified salon, this small, slick uptown shop cuts all types of hair, but specializes in working with natural curls. The salon uses Ouidad's products and their "carve and slice" technique to highlight and refine curls. Prisma's staff really excels at giving versatile cuts (Ouidad or otherwise) that translate effortlessly from curly to straight, and also know their way around some edgier cuts and interesting colour.

Curl Ambassadors
This Victorian-chic Harbord salon, renowned for their dry-cutting techniques and wide selection of curl-boosting products, is home to a team of Deva-trained stylists who are adept at working with all hair types. First-time customers just looking to have their curls styled to get a feel for the natural look can get a Curly-Doo, a wash and style (and styling lesson) for only $20. To cater to even more GTA curls, the salon opened a larger location near Vaughan Mills Mall in 2010.

CurlyGirls Studio
Salon owner Adina Sherman is the GTA's only dual-certified stylist (she's both Deva and Ouidad trained) and a veteran curl-cutter. Sherman's cozy Thornhill salon gets rave reviews for its highly personalized experience and intensely curl-friendly practices. Sherman offers only foil-free highlights and paraphenylenediamine-free dyes (meant to protect hair from frizz-inducing, curl-frying chemical processes), only dries hair with diffusers and hooded dryers (avoiding potentially damaging conventional, direct heat blowdryers), and offers treatments for transitioning from relaxed to natural hair.

Gossips Hairstylists Inc.
Gossips is another Junction hotspot for natural curls, owned by Deva-certified, experienced curl-handler Mary MacDonald. Macdonald and her small staff take the time to listen to each customer's concerns and wants (no surprise bobs here), and are unphased by the wildest, crunchiest of curls. The salon also specializes in colour and colour correction for curls, leaving customers with healthy, shiny hair in any shade from rich auburn to bright peacock blue.

Nanni's Natural Hair Salon
Nanni's is a holistic-focused natural hair hotspot, one of relatively few local salons that only services natural hair textures and doesn't offer any chemical straightening treatments. Owner Janet Campbell opened Nanni's with the intention of embracing what you have and deconstructing prejudiced beauty myths that devalue natural hair. The spacious, inviting West-end shop does beautiful, endlessly creative braids, twists and locs on men, women and kids and also offers aesthetic and massage services.

Civello
Civello's Queen West location is a destination for great curly cuts in the kind of opulent, ultra-cool salon environment most curl-only salons don't have the foot traffic or interior design budget to pull off. Civello's personable, attentive stylists consistently leave curly clients happy with their authentic texture, and deftly do convincing, lasting blow-outs and straightening on every texture, from born-on-the-beach waves to pin-tight corkscrews. Just make sure to tell them you want a stylist comfortable with curls when booking.

An honourable mention goes to Parlour, Grateful Head and Palm Sunday, three additional salons that also offer some serious curly cuts. Did I miss your favourite? Leave your favourite salons for curly or textured hair in the comments.

Sidenote: You'll notice that many of the stylists on our list are "Deva-trained." These stylists have been trained at the Devacurl Academy, a renowned New York hair school specializing in curl styling and the Deva cut - a coveted method of dry-cutting where each curl is cut individually to cut frizz and create shape. For many curly girls, it's one of those life-changing, never-going-back kind of haircuts.

Writing by Ashley Petkovski. Photo via Gossips on Facebook.

The top 5 lakeside patios in Toronto

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best patios torontoLakeside patios in Toronto are somewhat scarce, making by the water seating a hot commodity in the summer months. While there's only a handful to choose from, once there, you'll find that these sprawling patios are often able to accommodate hundreds, meaning chances of scoring a seat with a view of the water are extremely favourable.

Here are my picks for the top 5 lakeside patios in Toronto.

Amsterdam Brewhouse
This Harbourfront brewery can accommodate 300 people spread out over three patios. The choice seats if you can snag them, are the Muskoka chairs perched over the water looking out onto the lakes. Of course, the bar menu here makes beers its focus, serving namesake draughts, casks and bottles from the cellar.

Cabana Pool Bar
With a vibe that's more South Beach than Toronto, this massive waterfront venue promises exactly what it's name suggests; shady private cabanas with bottle service, a pool to show off this season's bikini and a bar stocked with premium spirits.

Against the GrainAgainst the Grain
Situated in proximity of Sugar Beach, this vast lake-facing terrace attached to the Corus Building is the perfect spot to kick back over beers or Caesars (in your choice of tableside or lounge seating). It's most inviting in the sun-drenched afternoon.

The Keating Channel
Positioned directly next to the water, with room for hundreds of people, this casual patio is an idyllic destination for dinner or afternoon drinks with friends under an open umbrella. Picnic tables may not be chic, but they perfectly compliment the by-the-water vibe.

Bluffers RestaurantBluffers Restaurant
Bluffer's Restaurant has a patio that comes with a spectacular view. Wrapping around the restaurant and adorned with plastic chairs and covered tables, the patio is set waterside and overlooks the aquatic activity in the Bluffs. The vibe is certainly "country club," with a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

BONUS

The Watermark Irish Pub
Boasting a spectacular view of the water, this courtyard patio is easily this pubs best feature. Dotted with umbrellas for shade and outfitted with a mix of seating, this place attracts a lively crowd looking for pints, pub grub and a breeze off the waterfront.

Did I miss any? Leave your favourite lakeside patios in the comments.

The Best Hotels in Toronto

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best hotels torontoThe best hotels in Toronto let you travel in style, no matter what your budget or your interests. Want to be in the heart of the art and design district, where the likelihood of getting inspired is about as easy as opening your door? Or are you looking to hobnob with the rich and famous? Want pampering, fine dining or a party? The best hotels in Toronto have something for everyone, even your pets.

Here are the best hotels in Toronto.

See also:

The best boutique hotels in Toronto
The best luxury hotels in Toronto
The best airport hotels in Toronto
The best cheap hotels in Toronto
The best hostels in Toronto
The Best B&B in Toronto

Deli to replace Zorba's on the Danforth

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deli danforthWith the recent shuttering of Greektown institution Zorba's changes are a foot. The long established Court Jester Pub has confirmed they're taking over the Greek taverna's Danforth address, sliding down the street 140 metres east to the other side of Pape after 19 years at their current location.

Court Jester owner, Lawrie Kaplansky plans to divide the space, taking over the back half of the space to maintain the laid back atmosphere of the existing pub with 16 draught lines plus darts, pinball and board games.

In the front, Kaplansky intends to open an old school delicatessan specializing in smoked meats on rye, pickles and cherry cokes for casual dining and take-away. While the deli's name has yet to be announced, I'm hoping for a little east-side /west-side rivalry between the two Kaplansky/Caplansky's.

Expect the new pub and deli to open by October.

Photo of Caplansky's by Designwalla in the blogTO Flickr pool

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