There are plenty of places to party at TIFF this year, whether you're looking to swill some fancy cocktails or just play a giant game of chess. There's no guarantee that your favourite actor will be at any of those spots, but last night, I headed to where the stars gather year after year - the member's-only Soho House on Adelaide - for a pre-premiere party for Nightcrawler, Jake Gyllenhaal's new film, which was set to screen for the first time later that night at the Elgin.

The first floor of the English library-like club (think lots of leather chairs, moose antlers, and a faint smell of rich mahogany) was closed off for the party, and rammed with about 150 guests - somehow, the freak September humidity rolling through the wide-open door only seemed to enhance the party vibe.

The famous faces were in short supply early on - the party was populated mostly by local society types, "are they famous?" lasses in knockout dresses, and a smattering of bushed-looking reporters (including, very probably, yours truly). Grey Goose brought the cocktails and guests snacked on Soho's killer meatballs on sticks and tiny kale salads (memo to party planners: that's an embarrassing food-in-teeth scenario waiting to happen).

As for Gyllenhaal himself? The man of the evening rolled in halfway through the two-hour shindig, quietly through a side entrance, and spent an hour pulled up in a quiet corner by the bar, chatting with guests, including Nightcrawler costar Rene Russo. (It was a busy day for Gyllenhaal - he'd reportedly swung by King West's Brassaii and a variety of industry events before rolling into the party.)

I'm told other marquee names rolled by Soho House that evening, including Jennifer Garner, Chris Evans, Chris Pine, Ellie Goulding, and Eddie Redmayne - but since House rules stipulate that you can't report on what goes on within its walls outside of specific events, you'll just have to trust me.

Thanks to the Equalizer, starring Denzel Washington, for sponsoring our coverage of TIFF 2014.

Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images, courtesy Grey Goose vodka.

The excitement of opening night at TIFF may have come and gone, but film fans had just as much of a reason to look forward to day two of the festival. Of course, I'm talking about Bill Murray Day: the legendary comedian and actor, who premiered his newest film, St. Vincent, at the fest last night, got his own mini-holiday, complete with a Ghostbusters screening and some novelty paper masks.

Even though a massive downpour washed out much of the evening's festivities, a soaked-to-the-bone Murray still took time to sign autographs on the red carpet. But Murray wasn't the only attraction last night - stars like Kristen Wiig and Will Ferrell were greeted by crowds of fans, and the party raged ever on at the TIFF street festival.

See all the star-studded action in our photo gallery of day two at TIFF.

Thanks to the Equalizer, starring Denzel Washington, for sponsoring our coverage of TIFF 2014.

The thing about buzz is that it doesn't always hold up. That can be particularly true at film festivals. What gets buzzed about (or even awarded) at the Cannes Film Festival, can often land with a thud at TIFF and be met with indifference or outright dismissal.

Which is why when a film does prove to be worthy of all the praise it's received elsewhere, it's kind of a wonderful thing. It's always nice to see high expectations met.

That's undoubtedly been true for the fantastic Force Majeure which has emerged as one of the frontrunners for Best of the Fest early into the festival. Critics and festivalgoers alike have all walked out with seemingly unanimous praise for the compelling story about what happens when a husband (briefly) abandons his wife and children as an avalanche threatens to hit them.

Now, unfortunately the last public screening of the film occurred this morning. But, baring any added screenings, have no fear. Force Majeure is scheduled to play at the TIFF Bell Lightbox throughout the fall.

Thanks to the Equalizer, starring Denzel Washington, for sponsoring our coverage of TIFF 2014.

What are some of the best films you've seen at TIFF so far? Add them to the comments.

There's been a lot of talk leading up to the premiere of Jason Reitman's Men, Women, and Children - about how the internet has changed our social interactions - leading up to its big red carpet premiere this evening at Ryerson Theatre.

After all, Jason Reitman is one of Canada's own and the son of Ivan Reitman, director of Ghostbusters. He's also rode a significant wave of success courtesy of the one-two punch of Juno and Up in the Air, before starting to stumble with the uneven Young Adult, and the widely maligned Labor Day.

Still, Men, Women and Children has been buzzed about - if not always positively - because many have been curious to see if Jason Reitman's latest effort will see him back on course to early rocket-like start into the A-List Director stratosphere.

If early word coming out of press screenings this morning are any indication, Reitman's career may be stuck in its freefall. There are some positive reviews certainly that may inspire hope for Reitman die-hards, but it looks like the buzzed-about film may not take off the way some were expecting.

All is perhaps not lost, however. As the movie makes it public premiere this evening, it'll be interesting to see how non-critics respond to the film, and what that could mean for its potential success.

Thanks to the Equalizer, starring Denzel Washington, for sponsoring our coverage of TIFF 2014.

What films have been a let down for you at TIFF so far? Add them to the comments

Photo by Jeremy Gilbert in the blogTO Flickr pool

Indie opera companies in Toronto might surprise you with their mere existence - Toronto has an opera scene? Actually, it's more vibrant than you might think. Whether you dream of singing in a classical stage production or simply want to enjoy an afternoon matinee (or, maybe just finally understand what's going on), here are some alternatives to Toronto's major opera companies.

Toronto Operetta
Now in its 30th year, Toronto Operetta is the place to go for an unconventional opera experience. Operettas often include spoken word shuffled in with the more traditional opera setting. Get ready for song, dance, humour, and proof that there is more to opera than you think. Coming up next spring is an operetta based on Oscar Wilde's Importance of being Earnest.

Toronto City Opera
As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Toronto City Opera gives new opera singers a chance to brush up on their skills and practice the classics. For those who want to sing with them, there is an application process but if you simply want to enjoy their productions and see some rising stars catch their first break, you can grab tickers online. These are full on professional productions and a great way to get your classical music fix.

Opera 5
They are young, fun and on a mission: to take pretension, so often associated with opera, out of the picture, creating opera that people want to actually see is their major focus. Ticket prices are affordable, starting at $25 dollars. Check out their videos "Opera Cheats" where they explain the basics of opera, with everything you need to know to understand the often-convoluted plot points made simple and above all accessible.

Voicebox: Opera in Concert
The bare necessity of opera - the voice - is Voicebox's weapon of choice. Their philosophy of keeping productions simple and performing the rarer and lesser know opera pieces adds some intrigue to Toronto's opera scene. This past season included works by Benjamin Britten and Verdi.

Metro Youth Opera
Creating opportunities for Toronto's up-and-coming opera stars, Metro Youth Opera is dedicated to developing the skills of those who want to immerse themselves in the craft. Auditions for their 2014-2015 are open in September. If you have the heart, the courage, and, above all, the chops, go ahead and apply on their website. Past productions include Mozart's classic Cosi Fan Tutte.

Photo: Toronto City Opera

Free events in Toronto this week will take you to Poland, Mexico, and Ukraine - which it more than your chequings account can conceive, never mind dream of. You can also party at the airport, which is like the Greyhound station but, apparently, bigger and with no pigeons indoors.

If you've got a bike, there's a touring music fest this weekend just for you. If your name is Pedro, you drink for free Tuesday at Bar Wellington for Cinema Scope's launch party. I'm guessing you should bring some legitimate looking photo ID. You can also watch people eating donuts for free, which just seems cruel. Don't forget to milk TIFF for all the free screenings, events, and brushes with ephemeral relevance you can.

Here's how to scrounge together a respectable existence for yourself in Toronto this week.

MONDAY

• New Music 101 (Hinton Learning Theatre, Toronto Reference Library)
• 9to5 Narrative (The Charlotte Room)
• 90s Trivia Night (Wayla)
• All About Doulas - Free Information Session (Toronto Yoga Mamas)

TUESDAY

• if your name is Pedro you drink for free: A Cinema Scope Issue Launch Party [Pedros] (Bar Wellington)
• WARM LOVE (Handlebar)

WEDNESDAY

• Thomas Hlavacek: Sibbald Point (Propeller)
• NIKKI CLARKE SHOW TAPING (White Elephant)

THURSDAY

• Christina Tjandra: FORGOTTEN PLACES (Hashtag Gallery)
• Book Launch of You're Not Dead Until You're Forgotten (Ben McNally Books)
• The Literary War: Poems, Memoirs and Novels about the First World War [RSVP] (North York Central Library)
• Development Drinks (The Fox and Fiddle, Bloor near St. George)
• Queer Swing Dancing (519 Church St Community Centre)

FRIDAY

• CONSTRUCTION VOL. 8 - WTCHS (Smiling Buddha)
• Ukrainian Fest (Bloor West Village)
• Newcomers Toronto Fair (Sheraton Centre)

SATURDAY

• Polish Festival (Roncesvalles)
• Fiesta de Independencia de Mexico (Earlscourt Park)
• Danforth East Arts Fair (East Lynn Park)
• SCREECH KARAOKE :: w/ NANCY BOCOCK (Steady)
• Toronto Pearson Street Festival 2014 (Toronto Pearson International Airport)
• FREE Grant Writing Workshop (XSpace)
• Award-winning YA author of SCARS Cheryl Rainfield (Chapters Scarborough)
• the BRTHDY PRTY (Parts & Labour)
• 2014 East End Poetry Festival (Children's Peace Theatre)
• Pneuma Ensemble (Majlis Art Garden)

SUNDAY

• 5th Annual Toronto Bicycle Music Festival (Allan Gardens +)
• First Ever TBC Doughnut Eating Contest! [free to watch] (Through Being Cool Vegan Baking Co.)
• Bells on Bloor Ride (42 Howland +)

Also check out these regular free events

• 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
• 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).

Do you want everyone to know about your kinda random free or pay-what-you-can event? Submit it to our event section. (You can also submit your for-money events here, greedy-pants.)

Photo by Jesse Milns

The Beaches now has a much-needed indie coffee shop near its western fringes. Taking up real estate in a former Binz store, this airy new space pulls solid espresso drinks courtesy of experiences baristas and the original La Marzocco machine from the Sam James on Harbord.

Read my profile of Bud's Coffee Bar in the cafes section.

The excitement hasn't yet died down at TIFF 2014, with opening weekend in full swing. A handful of hotly-anticipated films had their premieres, including Black and White, Manglehorn, and Tusk, with the requisite population of Hollywood A-listers like Justin Long, Octavia Spencer, Al Pacino, and Kevin Costner to match. (We even had an Amanda Seyfried sighting.)

Check out all the action in our slideshow of Day 3 at TIFF.

Thanks to the Equalizer, starring Denzel Washington, for sponsoring our coverage of TIFF 2014.

Photo by Frank Lemire in the blogTO Flickr pool

Today in Toronto TIFF continues its frenzy of celebs, parties, street fests, questionably-TIFF-related food & drink specials, and oh, some films. Roy Andersson's new one premiers tonight for its second festival showing ever - if you want tickets you'd better be standing around the Lightbox by 5PM. I've probably never been so excited about a movie.

New Groundswell Festival begins one week with PWYC productions by Nightwood Theatre, and the Music Gallery present New Music 101: Toy Piano Composers and the Bicycle Opera Project for free at the Reference Library. If you still want to see a film but you're not up to TIFF's glitz, head to the Royal for Yurumein, the "untold story of Carib/Garifuna resistance against slavery that deserves its place in the annals of the African Diaspora." For more events, click on over to our events section.

• Film: TIFF
• Theatre: New Groundswell Festival (9 Trinity St)
• Film: Yurumein (Royal Cinema)
• Lit: Trampoline Hall (Garrison)
• Music: Toy Piano Composers and the Bicycle Opera Project (Toronto Reference Library)

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

Still from A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence

The top restaurants for live music in Toronto offer something special for hungry concert-goers - while there's no shortage of live music venues that serve food, there are a smaller number who focus on the dining experience (and fewer venues that still cater towards the classic dinner-theatre concept).

An enjoyable night on the town can often include some of the great shows the city's live music scene has to offer. For many, a couple of drinks (or more) can elevate the experience - and for some, especially 9-5ers, going from work to sit, relax, and have a meal before or with the show can be a life-saver.

Here are music lovers' best bets for dinner and a show in Toronto.

Lula Lounge
Lula has built a name for itself featuring jazz, salsa, and sounds from around the world. With a Latin focus on weekends, they have a Friday jazz series that includes a live bands, dance lessons, and a dinner package. Saturdays have salsa lessons and DJs. The menu features Latin inspired and tropical flavours. Red lanterns, booth seating, reasonably sized staff, and a dance floor are all part of the heart of Lula, with a capacity over 200, and dinner reservations if you'd like to guarantee seating.

Hugh's Room
Presenting some of the finest folk, blues, gospel, world, and tribute shows since 2001, Hugh's Room entertains with their dinner-theatre style showcases. They serve a full menu, with eating capacity is over 200, and an "al a carte" menu is offered for evening performances. Doors open at 6pm, dinner at 7pm, with music around 8:30pm. Table service can be infrequent depending on how large attendance is, and sometimes servers attend only during breaks in shows. Their priority seating policy means the first reservation (for dinner) is assigned seating location first.

Jazz Bistro
Joan and Colin Hunter opened the Jazz Bistro in the former digs of the Top O' The Senator. The pair renovated the venue into a three-level club featuring a $100,000 Steinway piano on the main floor. Patrons above can view the musicians looking down, or on multiple monitors. With a state of the art sound system, the Jazz Bistro features some of the world's and Toronto's top jazz musicians. There's a general cover charge for the music, and as for food, they received a 5 star food review from (the late) Steven Daley. They also have a no talking policy.

Flying Beaver Pubaret
The Flying Beaver Pubaret has the distinction of having "Pubaret" trademarked. Operated by Heather Mackenzie (who owned Slack's) and Maggie Cassella (a comedian), "pubaret" is meant to be a combination of pub and cabaret. Narrow, Firkin-ish, and at a capacity 50, the venue is intimate and designed for stage performances focusing on dinner and show. Located close enough to the Village, they have a diverse patronage. The current entertainment format is a mix of comedy, music, and well, great cabaret.

Harlem Restaurant
If you're looking for some soul, jazz, and r&b with your southern fried chicken, Harlem on Richmond St. E. has it. The Harlem Restaurant (associated with Harlem Underground) main floor is described as "artfully subdued" with a seating capacity of about 40. The second floor is grander with a ballroom fee where depending on the show, seats are removed for standing room. Their menu is a Caribbean-Southern American fusion complete with catfish, Jambalaya, and Bayou stew. Music on the second floor can be heard on the main floor, with reserved seating for shows recommended.

BONUS

The Rex
Showcasing live music, and primarily Jazz since the 80's, the Rex has been a Toronto institution for more than 60 years. In keeping with policy, they maintain cheap beer prices, and cheap pub fare. The Rex is a spot to have a burger, nacho or wings after work with some quality jazz.

For live music nightly with regular menu options, see also:

• 3030 Dundas
• Castro's Lounge
• The Central
• C'est What
• Free Times Cafe
• Gate 403
• Relish Bar and Grill
• The Supermarket

Note: some dinner reservation times can change per show and often prix fix is available. Drinks and taxes are sometimes separate from show dinner-show packages.

Photo: Jazz Bistro via rock-it promotions

Weekly queer events in Toronto give LGBTQ+ citizens the opportunity to socialize within the local communities and sub-cultures they identify with. While the city that generally embraces diversity, day-to-day life is hazy with heteronormativity. Contrary to popular belief, online dating is not the only answer to meeting new LGBTQ+ pals and partners.

Queer-centric parties, game nights, and recreation activities happen every day of the week, where you can assume with much certainty that you won't be the only homo in the room. Whether you go with friends, or fly solo, getting yourself out there will help to expand your social circles, while you have some fun at the same time.

SUNDAY

Beaver Karaoke | The Beaver (1192 Queen St. West) | 11pm | Free
The Beaver's regular karaoke nights pull in a diverse crowd who pack the front room on Sunday nights. Rifle through the song books and find that tune you've been singing in the shower, then strut up to the three step landing and become a star - for the next 3-5 minutes. There's rotating cast of enthusiastic hosts that always keep things weird and wonderful.

Also on Sundays

• Gay West Bicycle Club | 562 Dufferin St. | various times | free membership
• Staycation Sunday | Oasis Aqualounge | 11am | $20-50
• Euchre Tournament | Pegasus Bar | 2-5pm | Free
• Sh!t Show Sundays | Statler's (487 Church St) | 9pm | free

MONDAY

FML Mondays | O'Grady's on Church | 10:30pm | Free
O'Grady's hosts the longest running industry night in the Village. This dance party has drag shows, drink specials, and the best of top 40, hip hop, dance, and electro.

Also on Mondays

• SINGular Sensation | Statler's | 10pm | free
• Industry Mondays | The Beaver (1192 Queen St. West) | 11pm | Free
• Martini Mondays | Crews and Tangos | 9pm | Free
• Live Cabaret with Roxxie Terraine | Zipperz/Cellblock | 10pm | Free
• Village Pool League | Pegasus Bar (489 Church St) | 7pm | Free

TUESDAY

Crag Crux Climbers | Joe Rockheads (29 Fraser Avenue) | 7:30pm | gym fees
Joe Rockheads provides a massive indoor facility with walls for climbers of all levels. Everyone is welcome: all you need to know is how to belay using a gri-gri and how to tie a figure-eight knot, which you can learn in an initial lesson. The group also meets outdoors at Milton area, the Collingwood area, and at Lion's Head on the Bruce Peninsula. At Easter and Thanksgiving, there's often a trip down to the Red River Gorge in Kentucky. Find out about gym fees on Joe Rockhead's website.

Also on Tuesdays

• Industry Night | Crews and Tangos | 9pm | free
• Fooftastic Foofer-Karaoke | WAYLA Bar | 10pm | free
• Bingo With A Twist | Pegasus Bar | 9pm | free
• Mile High Tuesdays | Boutique Bar | 9pm | free
• Games Night | Statler's | 9:30pm | free

WEDNESDAY

Toronto Drag Kings | Zipperz | 11pm | Free
Toronto Drag Kings bring the heat every Wednesday night, dancing on tables, swinging from the rafters, collecting $10 bills in their teeth, and melting the hearts of the predominantly lesbian crowd. It's high energy, dance-happy, and vibes are always positive. The bar especially fills up during drag competitions, when new talent comes out to compete against the best.

Also on Wednesdays

• College Night | CHURCH on Church | 10pm | free
• Lawn Bowling | Cosburn Park Lawn Bowling Club | 7pm | $100 registration fee
• Wild Wednesdays | Central Spa (1610 Dundas West) | 11am - 2am | $5-$10
• Top Shelf Comedy | WAYLA Bar (996 Queen St. E.) | 9pm | free

THURSDAY

Queer As Fuck Comedy Night (biweekly) | The Steady (1051 Bloor Street W) | 9pm | PWYC
Queer As Fuck (formerly known as Laughs at Slack's) is a comedy open mic featuring a rotating lineup of all-star LGBT (and LGBT-friendly) comics. These nights also serve as a training ground for aspiring new comedians. Have a drink and get giggly in the audience, or have a few more drinks and try out some of your solid gold jokes. Catch Lesbian Road Trip Comedy on alternate weeks.

Also on Thursdays

• It's the Dinner Show | O'Grady's on Church | 7:30pm | cost of dinner
• Ultimate Thursdays | Crews and Tangos | 9pm | free
• Heaven Lee Thursdays | Zipperz/Cellblock | 11pm | free
• Open Mic | Statler's | 9:30pm | Free
• Cribbage Tournament | The Loft at Statler's | 8pm | free
• Random Play | WAYLA Bar (996 Queen St. E.) | 10pm | free
• South Beach Thursdays | Boutique Bar | 10pm | free

FRIDAY

Pheromone Fridays | Church Street Garage (477 Church St) | 10:30pm | $5
SisterMister presents Pheromone Fridays, a party geared towards females of all labels. The party has been at Church Street Garage, but is moving to Queen West with the exact location yet to be disclosed. There's a different theme every party and on most nights you can find DJ Recklezz behind the turntables. If you're a fan of drag, once a month the Toronto Drag Kings stop by to perform.

Also in Fridays

• Club Lite Fridays | Crews and Tangos | 10pm | $5
• Dance Lessons | El Convento Rico | 11:30pm | $8
• SLAM! | Zipperz/Cellblock | 10pm | free

SATURDAY

Sensational Saturdays | Crews and Tangos (508 Church St.) | 6:30pm | $5
Saturday at Crews is an absolute staple of queer party culture in Toronto. It brings in a lot of regulars, as well as people from out of town who want to experience the sheer size of this gay bar. There's a drag show in the main room, a huge back patio for quieter socializing, plus two flashy dance floors with DJs spinning top 40, pop, remixes, hip hop, rnb, electro, and more. It's a sure bet if you're looking for a mixed crowd, and a packed house for your weekend night out.

Also on Saturdays

• Tallulah's Cabaret | Buddies in Bad Times | 10:30pm | $7
• Poker Tournament | Statler's | 2pm | free
• Sultry Saturdays | Byzantium (499 Church Street) | 11pm | free

Know of more weekly queer-friendly events? Add them in the comments below!

Photo: Jesse Milns

Merton Street is a curiously fascinating part of midtown Toronto that you would probably never explore if you didn't live or work there. Just north of Mount Pleasant Cemetery and south of Davisville Avenue, Merton stretches from Yonge Street to Bayview Avenue.

The street is split into two noticeably different sections: going east to west from Bayview to Mount Pleasant Road, the area is purely residential, full of quaint detached and semi-detached houses. (It's worth a pleasant stroll through this leafy, tree-lined stretch to see the beautiful flowers in bloom on most front lawns.)

From Mount Pleasant to Yonge, there is an interesting mix of commercial offices (Blue Ant Media, the national headquarters of the Girl Guides of Canada, and Toronto Water, to name a few), cafes that know office workers need coffee and lunch, townhouse complexes and mid-rise residential buildings amidst ongoing condo construction.

Below are the key spots to check out if you ever do happen to find yourself on Merton.

Absolute Endurance Training and Therapy (115 Merton St.)
An invaluable facility in this area is this 5000-square-foot space that offers state-of-the-art fitness training and physical therapy services. Most clients live or work nearby, but some also come from as far as Markham to take advantage of the comprehensive running, cycling, swimming and wellness programs here, which are ideal for triathlon training. Despite its many intimidating hardcore Ironman athletes, AETT also welcomes beginners who have not a clue as to what they're doing.

The Al Green Gallery (64 Merton St.)
No, not that Al Green. Toronto's Al Green is an 89-year-old real-estate developer, sculptor and philanthropist who has been honoured with the Order of Canada. His lovely commercial art gallery down a serene little laneway is a true hidden gem. Prior to 2009, the natural-light-filled space was mainly used to showcase Green's own work, but since his daughter Lindy became director of the gallery, it's expanded its scope with one-time exhibitions from various artists.

Cafe Petit Marche (124 Merton St.)
Don't expect the food to be French! Open only on weekdays and catering mainly to the office workers in the vicinity, this small eatery-slash-convenience store run by a Korean couple sells bagels, coffee and an assortment of homemade sushi rolls and other reasonably priced lunches for takeout. There are also tables and chairs for sitting and eating in, but quite frankly, the view is probably better elsewhere.

Monarch Cafe (164 Merton St.)
This small, minimalist cafe can be found on the ground floor of the Geneva Centre for Autism; it's run entirely by adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorder as part of the centre's Pathways of Extended Learning culinary arts program. Participants of the six-month program are completely responsible for running the place, from baking the delicious banana bread to serving customers their coffee. The eats are pretty simple, largely consisting of bagels, sandwiches and soups, but the prices are right, with nothing over $6 on the menu.

Hauser (218 Merton St.)
If you have a hankering to outfit your patio or cottage with high-end, Canadian-made furniture, this is your Holy Grail. The flagship store for this 65-year-old, family-run, Canadian outdoor furniture empire is a bright and inviting multi-level space filled with simple yet sophisticated designs. You can even customize the colours, fabrics and finishes of the pieces to your liking, since the company manufactures most of the items itself.

The Red Lantern Pub (228 Merton St.)
The front patio of this neighbourhood local (open since 1969) was practically full by 3 p.m. on a recent sunny Thursday afternoon. With decent pub grub but a none-too-exciting, basic selection of beers on tap, this is more of a standby hangout than a place to see and be seen. Nevertheless, the Red Lantern has its charms - a live piano player tickles the ivories every Thursday! - and the joint can sometimes get packed at night.

Chacho's Fine Mexican Dining (234 Merton St.)
One of only a handful of viable dine-in lunch spots for office workers on the street and a worthy dinner option for those who live nearby, Chacho's is an authentic Mexican restaurant run by people who actually came from Mexico. Fish tacos, burritos and fajitas prove to be popular meal choices, but the more adventurous should try the mole poblano or the chile relleno.

Palate Cafe (250 Merton St.)
Another office hours-only operation mostly geared towards those who work in the area, this small cafe tucked away on the ground floor of an unattractive mid-rise can be hard to spot if you're not looking for it. Ben, the owner, has been running the place for the past five years and it's easy to see how people become regulars here - he's friendly and personable in a low-key, likeable way. The Segafredo Zanetti espresso served gets the job done and lunch fare ranges from hot daily specials like curried or jerk chicken to sandwiches and salads, which usually sell out if you get there too late.

Get to know more Toronto streets via our Toronto Streets Pinterest board.

There's a new cupcakery in Kensington Market that's been winning over local shoppers since it opened earlier this summer. Aside from the usual cupcake offerings here the big winner is a rum cupcake derived from the owner's Jamaican mother's rum cake recipe.

Find out more in my profile of Don't Call Me Cupcake in the bakery section.

Food trucks from across Ontario rolled in to Mississauga Celebration Square for the annual food truck rally and awards show this past Friday and Saturday night. Held in conjunction with SoundBites, the event experienced a little déjà vu when this first night went the way of last year's festival and was all but rained out. Weather was more amicable on the second night and was well attended, ultimately attracting 35,000 food and music lovers.

Check out our photo gallery and round-up from AwesTRUCK 2014.

Want to put a new lunch option to the test? At Bloor and Sherbourne, this brand-new spot serves squared-off savoury pies in portable single servings. The British/Aussie-inspired comfort-food dish gets a modern, whimsical twist, thanks to their instititutional-chic decor and a few fun lab-like flourishes. (Anyone up for a 600-volt coffee?)

Read my profile of Pie Squared in the restaurants section.

This week we asked the people of Twitter to vote for the worst Toronto subway station. The criteria were broad: any station with poor facilities, bad design, or a lack of cleanliness was to be singled out. The responses were, perhaps not surprisingly, varied. But a few stations did emerge as contenders for the dunce cap.

The most recent TTC customer satisfaction survey, which didn't single out specific stations, suggested that overall ratings for cleanliness and platform crowding were improving on the subway. The helpfulness and clarity of station announcements and the quality of way-finding materials were ranked lowest, suggesting the worst TTC stations might suffer from these flaws.

Here are five candidates for worst subway station, in no particular order.

Islington
Islington station is a major bus interchange -18 different TTC and Mississauga transit routes use the surface-level bays, giving the place a well-worn, sooty air. It's busy place, pigeons tend to flock inside the station, and it doesn't look like it's had a meaningful update since it opened in 1969.

Dufferin
Recent construction, below average station cleanliness (at least so the perception seems to be), and the lack of bus bays contribute to the Dufferin's place on this list. Technically you're not in the station when you're waiting for the 29 bus, but that's precisely the problem given how busy the route is.

Wilson
Formerly the end of the Spadina Line, ever since Downsview opened, it seems that Wilson has gotten shabbier and shabbier. The multi-level station can be confusing to navigate and seems to get unusually cold in the winter.

Spadina
One tweeter said Spadina station was the worst because of the lengthy interchange between the Line 1 and Line 2 platforms (the passageway used to have a moving walkway, but it was removed in 2004.) That is a curious design quirk (Spadina was originally planned as two separate stations--the Line 1 platform was called "Lowther"), though it comes in handy for those heading north from the 510 streetcar.

Union
Union may have been unpopular because of crowding on the narrow centre platform (now thankfully relieved) and the constantly shifting landscape of false walls and temporary stairways en route to the GO platforms or PATH. Now updated for the first time since 1954 and destined to benefit from improvements to the wider station in the coming years, Union may be destined to move out of the hall of shame.

What do you think is the worst TTC subway station?

See also:

• Which TTC subway station is the fairest of them all?
• The best and worst TTC bus and streetcar routes

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

Image: tapesonthefloor/blogTO Flickr pool.

As the temperatures kept rising on Sunday, Toronto welcomed San Fran's deep-house label Dirtybird Records who brought their freshest beats and free BBQ to Sherbourne Common. What started in '00s as recurring parties at Golden Gate Park has launched its first North American tour featuring label head Claude VonStroke, Justin Martin, Ardalan, and more. Their third stop brought out over 150 Torontonians hungry for burgers by tour chef Grillson and deep house tunes, which lasted until about 10pm.

Doors opened at 1:30pm to what looked like a huge fenced paddock with no trees and barely any shade, but plenty of beer for sale, and a long line for the promised free BBQ. A strict no re-entry policy complemented by a very tight security check at the entrance examining every inch of attendees (who's afraid of Torontonians?) left a rather unpleasant aftertaste, but thankfully new and exciting tracks by the lineup made the sun-burnt sleepy crowd show their best on a giant dance floor.

Check out our memories of burgers, sun, and dancing in this photo gallery.

We're through the opening weekend at TIFF at this point, which is traditionally always a good time to come up for air, have a look around, and see what has emerged from the festival as the good, bad, and surprise breakout.

The wonderful thing about the festival (especially in this social media age) is the way pockets of buzz and enthusiasm swell behind certain movies, propelling them to the forefront of what's worth checking out at TIFF. It's especially useful for those who like to use the second half of the festival to scramble and find tickets for those films.

Here then is a list of the best and worst films that have generated a healthy amount of good and bad talk via reviews, critics, social media and more. (All plot descriptions from the TIFF programme).

THE BEST

Pride
"In 1984 Britain, a ragtag band of activists from London's queer community form an unlikely, anti-Thatcherite alliance with striking Welsh miners, in this hilarious and inspirational comedy-drama."

Was fortunate enough to see @PrideMovie at #TIFF14 today. Absolutely amazing, such an incredible story & everyone was so damn good! See it!!

— Kevin McHale (@druidDUDE) September 6, 2014

Predicting #Pride will win #TIFF14#PeoplesChoiceAward! Haven't laughed & cried so much in a movie in yrs. Hilarious uplifting touching film

— Mickeys Clever (@meSOclevergirl) September 8, 2014

Nightcrawler
"A drifter and petty thief (Jake Gyllenhaal) joins the nocturnal legions of scuzzy freelance photographers who scour the city for gruesome crime-scene footage, in this gripping portrait of the dark side of L.A. from veteran screenwriter and first-time director Dan Gilroy."

If Jake Gyllenhaal isn't nominated for NIGHTCRAWLER, I'm suing Hollywood. Dan Gilroy, too. What a movie. My heart is still racing! #tff14

— ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) September 6, 2014

NIGHTCRAWLER is fantastic! NETWORK meets BEING THERE for the TMZ age in which we live. Probably won't win awards, but will become a classic.

— Scott Feinberg (@ScottFeinberg) September 6, 2014

While We're Young
"Noah Baumbach's exploration of aging, ambition and success stars Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts as a middle-aged couple whose career and marriage are overturned when a disarming young couple enters their lives."

WHILE WE'RE YOUNG: I laughed and laughed - super funny & soaked in nostalgia, Baumbach is on a roll right now. Also: Ad-Rock! #TIFF14

— ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) September 7, 2014

WHILE WE'RE YOUNG: Playful, charming, and very funny. Stiller and Watts have great chemistry. Driver unsurprisingly solid. #TIFF14

— Adam Chitwood (@adamchitwood) September 7, 2014

Tusk
"Kevin Smith brings his comedic chops to a disturbing new milieu in this Canuck-baiting chiller about a popular podcast host who descends into straight-up madness when he heads north of the 49th parallel."

TUSK: Comedy slapstick that heavily borrows from The Human Centipede and/or Cronenberg's The Fly. But who cares. It was so much fun! #TIFF14

— The Sleepy Skunk (@sleepyskunk) September 7, 2014

TUSK is absolutely bonkers. It's also immensely entertaining. #TIFF14

— Nigel M. Smith (@nigelmfs) September 7, 2014

Duke of Burgundy
"British filmmaker Peter Strickland follows his eerie Festival hit Berberian Sound Studio with this dark melodrama about an amateur butterfly expert whose wayward desires test her lover's tolerance."

DUKE OF BURGUNDY: Peter Strickland navigates love, desire, and power dynamics in the guise of 70s erotic melodrama. Fabulous stuff! #TIFF14

— Ben Nicholson (@BRNicholson) September 6, 2014

DUKE OF BURGUNDY's my favorite of #TIFF14 so far. A witty, artful follow-up to BERBERIAN, exploring power dynamics in 70s Eurotica.

— Noel Murray (@NoelMu) September 6, 2014

THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY: A whole lot of glorious, strange, captivating beauty hiding dirt, grime and psychosexual warfare underneath. Riveting.

— Brian Tallerico (@Brian_Tallerico) September 7, 2014

Phoenix
"A concentration-camp survivor (Nina Hoss) searches ravaged postwar Berlin for the husband who might have betrayed her to the Nazis, in this gripping drama from leading German filmmaker Christian Petzold (Jerichow, Barbara)."

PHOENIX (Petzold): Best in show so far, exploring Holocaust nonacceptance through the uneasy-to-peg emotional contours of film noir. #TIFF14

— Ben Kenigsberg (@benkenigsberg) September 6, 2014

PHOENIX (A-/84): Hoss mesmerizes as Auschwitz survivor in noir-ish post-WWII Germany that just wants to move on. Great last scene. #TIFF14

— Mark Pfeiffer (@markpfeiffer) September 6, 2014

Big Game
"Trapped in the wilderness after Air Force One is forced down by a terrorist attack, the President of the United States (Samuel L. Jackson) must rely on the survival skills of a 13-year-old woodsman, in this thriller co-starring Ray Stevenson, Jim Broadbent and Felicity Huffman."

That time I saw BIG GAME at #TIFF14& nearly lost my mind because it is SO DAMN AWESOME: http://t.co/KmhWGqEy9L (@mmadnesstiff@biggamefilm)

— siân melton (@sharnacious) September 7, 2014

BIG GAME: A damn fun time at the movies. A great living homage to 90s action with a heart and energy all it's own. #TIFF14

— Brian J. Roan (@BrianJRoan) September 7, 2014

'71
"In the divided city of Belfast at the height of The Troubles, a rookie British soldier (Jack O'Connell, Starred Up) finds himself separated from his unit and lost in IRA-controlled territory, in this gripping fusion of charged political drama and action-thriller."

Do yourself a favour: get tickets to '71. One of the best of the Fest. You'll see why Angelina Jolie cast Jack O'Connell in Unbroken #TIFF14

— Rachel West (@rachel_is_here) September 7, 2014

Already seen one great #TIFF14 movie and it's only day one...'71. Just, wow.

— David Fear (@davidlfear) September 5, 2014

THE WORST

The Judge
"A big-city lawyer (Robert Downey, Jr.) returns home when his estranged father, a small-town judge (Robert Duvall), is accused of murder."

I can't even muster snark for THE JUDGE. It's such a nothing. #TIFF14

— Jordan Hoffman (@jhoffman) September 5, 2014

The Judge: Your honor, I object on the basis of this being such a great cast trying to make the most of an incredibly lame movie. #TIFF14

— Edward Douglas (@EDouglasWW) September 5, 2014

Men, Women & Children
"The latest feature from Jason Reitman (Up in the Air, Labor Day) follows a group of teenagers and their parents as they attempt to navigate the many ways the internet has changed their relationships, their communication, their self-image, and their love lives."

👪 (Reitman): 😬🔫

— Mike D'Angelo (@gemko) September 6, 2014

MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN (Reitman, 0.5/5) Reitman on The Way We Live Today. Catastrophically misjudged. Like all pie scene misjudged. #TIFF14

— Scott Tobias (@scott_tobias) September 6, 2014

What are the best and worst films you've seen at TIFF so far? Add them to the comments.

Thanks to the Equalizer, starring Denzel Washington, for sponsoring our coverage of TIFF 2014.