Everything you need to host an over-indulgent Jewish-style brunch is in stock at this new outlet from chef Anthony Rose. At the crux of the concept is the humble bagel and every possible nosherye to dress them up. From cheeses and schmears to smoked, cured and pickled fishes and caviar, the whole store is available in bulk to go - or to be made into thick bagel sandwiches behind the counter.
Read my profile of Schmaltz Appetizing in the grocery section.
Toronto Fashion Week events are surprisingly friendly to the general public - except, of course, for the shows themselves. Public ticket sales for World MasterCard Fashion Week appear to have been phased out this season and, while there's a handful of after-show parties with hors d'ouevres of varying quality and bars of varying degrees of openness, they also come with moderate-to-very exclusive guest lists.
If you're not in the industry, but desperately want to rub shoulders with those who are, there are still a number of events scheduled - both sanctioned and unofficial - around the week's main calendar of shows. (If the party scene's not your thing, designers - particularly fledgling designers showing early in the day - will occasionally make spots at their shows available to the public, in an effort to put butts in the seats. Start beefing up your "follow" list on Twitter.)
Here are my picks for how to do Fashion Week S/S 2015 without an invite.
WEDNESDAY
Fashion Helps Fashion Week
This nonprofit's regular Fashion Week bash goes to filling up the coffers for their project in youth shelters, The Fashion Project: This Is Me; now, they're also helping raise cash to co-create an award with Woolsworth College at U of T to help a student in need. At the bash at 2Cats Cocktail Lounge, you can check out a jewelry and leather design station, a photo booth, some free swag courtesy Sugar Lips Toronto, and some signature cocktails (which aren't free - but $1 from each sale supports the fundraiser.) Admission is a $20 (or more) donation.
THURSDAY
Scout's 3rd Birthday Party
Do you prefer cozy boutiques to the thumping bass and flashing lights of the runway? Scout's third anniversary party isn't strictly a Fashion Week event, but an evening spent shopping and swilling cocktails at the Roncy boutique should make for a nice palate cleanser. In addition to 20% off everything in the store, they're promising "drinks, snacks, and high fives".
Catwalk 2 Closet Sample Sale
From Thursday (October 23) through Sunday (October 26), the Direct Energy Centre at the Ex will be stocked to the brim with all manner of treasures from a variety of fashion brands, including plenty of Canadian content from WMCFW-approved lines like Narces and Mackage. See it on the runway - then score it at a discount. Check out the Catwalk 2 Closet site for more info.
FRIDAY
FASHION Magazine Toronto Fashion Week Awards
With the CAFAs a few months away, FASHION has taken it upon themselves to throw a closing-night ceremony at 2nd Floor Events, honouring Toronto's top emerging designers, models and stylists, as well as awarding a prize for the week's best presentation. Just 100 seats were released to the public at $35 a pop; get yours here.
VENAO Swimwear Show / Fashion Week Closing Party
Cube on Queen West likes to get into the Fashion Week act with a regular closing-night party. This season's, unfortunately will not feature the Misshapes - but it will feature an off-site show by VENAO Swimwear. Grab yourself a comped spot on the VENAO guestlist (provided you're there before 11:30pm).
SATURDAY
Fashion Saturday
Fashion Saturday, WMCFW's attempt to roll out the red carpet for non-industry members of the public, returns again this year. Guests can attend three sessions, each featuring a runway show of highlights from the past week, a presentation on spring fashion and beauty trends (featuring experts from Maybelline and Redken), and the "ultimate fashion consumer experience" - a.k.a. a pop-up marketplace featuring local designers. Tickets range from $20 (for market access only, no runway shows) to $125 for an "elite" package.
ALL WEEK
Style Initiative Pop-up
Take some time to check out small-time Toronto designers at the Style Initiative's fall pop-up shop. The local personal-shopping outfit, created to boost the work of Toronto designers, will be showcasing the work of handmade-chic creators like Jennifer Fukushima. It's on until October 31 at 404 Adelaide St. West.
Did I miss any? Leave your picks for WMCFW events open to the public in the comments.
With the Toronto election just a week away, the Ford-era in city politics could very well be coming to end. John Tory has a decent lead over Doug Ford in the mayoral race, and Ward 2 candidate Andray Domise is making a huge push to thwart Rob Ford's return as city councillor. This news has some people in the mood to party. Hosted by Newmindspace, a huge post-Ford bash is set to go down at city hall on the night of the election under the name "Business as Usual, Folks."
"Join us as we reflect on the last Ford years, rife with drama, intrigue, videotape, crime, drugs, murder and the daily circus that has sullied our "New York run by the Swiss" reputation," reads the Facebook event page. "Meet us at our civic centre with friends and lovers as we kiss these last four years goodbye and usher in another four years of functional city government. Bring Toronto flags, champagne, sparklers and boomboxes."
This could, of course, be the most depressing party ever if Doug pulls off a stunning last minute victory, but the odds look good that Nathan Phillips Square will be home to some very happy people next Monday night.
Chef Anthony Rose has just debuted his latest project, the compact Schmaltz Appetizing store devoted to Jewish-style brunch foods. It's the latest in a string of eateries - which also include Fat Pasha, Big Crow and Rose & Sons - where familiar foods get a luxe spin.
For a chef who's now slinging $45 bagels smothered in caviar, you might expect his tastes to be of the champagne variety. Surprisingly, that's not the case: his go-to favourites in Toronto, for the most part, veer from what's trendy and "happening", and are instead made up of long-standing stalwarts and oft-overlooked old-school joints.
Like most chef/restaurateurs, downtime is scarce, so I asked Chef Rose to share how he makes the most of his time off. His ideal day in Toronto might surprise you, or at the very least offer up some new spots to try out.
Where would you start an average day?
I start five days a week at Rose & Sons eating breakfast at the counter. I usually have our house cured salmon, scrambled eggs, tomato and avocado or a variation on that. I've been trying to stay away from bread ... so it's kind of a little paleo, and I'll eat that five days a week.
What would be your first stop after breakfast?
Then I'll go from restaurant to restaurant to shop checking everything out and then back to the office, and then I do it all over again.
Are there any shops (groceries/knives/books/etc.) you like to frequent?
I go to Smash in the Junction quite a bit and I love it. I went in there the other day and I really wanted to get this beautiful Indian Chief meeting sign from the 1950s, but when I went to buy it, they told me Diane Keaton had already bought it. I told them to call her and tell her I want it ... they thought I was serious.
I also go to Bulk Barn, where I get generic peanut butter cups.
What's your go to for lunch on the run?
I don't usually have lunch. I tend to skip that part of the day and go straight to an allonge, which is a really long, deep, extremely dark, extremely caffeinated coffee.
What's one restaurant you've been going to forever? What keeps you going back?
I go to House of Chan on Eglinton a lot. It's really kind of old school and funky and it's been there forever. It has got this old man, clubby feel about it, it's all red leather banquettes and very dim lighting and lots of mirrors. I usually have martinis and steak.
How would you spend an evening off?
I don't have a lot of evenings off, but one thing I do is hang out with my son eating sushi (from Sushi Couture on Bloor) and watching Netflix at home. I also started doing yoga a few months ago and I go to Ahimsa Yoga on Bloor in the afternoons.
Is there a bar or pub you consider your local?
Allen's on The Danforth for the burger. Again, it's got that kind of feel like it's always been there, like you've always gone there and, I have, all my life. I go for the burger, the three different types of french fries and I'll get the Caesar salad and beer.
What's your go-to for after hours eats?
I go to the Rhum Corner quite a bit. I like to hang out at the bar and drink many different types of straight rum, and I'll eat rice and beans and fried fish. The music there is to die for.
If you were to play Toronto tour guide where would you take out of town guests?
I like to take people rowing at the waterfront - Kerry Knight taught me how to row and I really enjoy it - at the Rowing Club of Toronto or whatever the f--- it's called. (Editors note: I have no clue what it's called either ... maybe one of these?)
This summer I also learned how to sail. I sailed a boat from Nice to Rome for eight days and it was a lot of work, but when I came back I was like, wow, I really enjoyed that, so then I found someone here to lend me their boat. I like to go out on Lake Ontario with usually one other person and we'd camp out overnight on the lake and it's gorgeous ... I did that a few times this summer. I'd also take my guests back to my house for a wood fire in my backyard and drink bourbon.
ESSENTIAL SPOTS
Coffee shop:Ezra's Pound
Brunch spot:Emma's Country Kitchen
Bagels:Kiva's
Hummus:Rosedale Diner
Restaurant to take someone from out of town:The Steak Pit
Museum or Gallery: I'm looking forward to the Basquiat exhibit coming to the AGO.
Bookstore:Silver Snail
Movie theatre:Bloor Cinema
Music or record store:Sonic Boom
Clothing store:Jimmy T'z Vintage
Previously: An insider's guide to Toronto with Rick Mercer
The top new sushi restaurants in Toronto for 2014 (so far) combine the wide range of cooking styles traditional to Japan with new elements. You can see the effects of several food trends in the new Japanese restaurant menus - hints of the artisanal/locavore/organic, molecular gastronomy, open flame/hearth cooking, and new 'fusion'.
It's always exciting to see people shake things up by examining the way long-standing cultural traditions respond to changes in ingredients and techniques. Toronto is a hotbed of this kind of food idea exchange, and we're lucky to be able to sample that variety of experience and expression on our plates.
Here are my picks, in no particular order, for the top new sushi restaurants that have opened in Toronto this year.
Yunaghi
Yunaghi recently opened at Harbord and Manning, offering a new twist on the Japanese dining experience. They've dispatched with the traditional sushi and sashimi in favour of Japanese fusion dishes, all artfully presented, as in the Shira-ae dish - comprised of beets, cauliflower, tofu/grana padano paste, bacon powder and an almond glass chip.
Yasu
This tiny, reservation only restaurant on Harbord focuses on a set menu utilizing the freshest, most luxurious ingredients - toro from Nova Scotia, sea urchin, fresh scallops from Boston, flathead, shima-aji and more. Only a few months old, and Yasu is already in the running to be one of the best restaurants in town.
Kobu Nobu
Kobu Nobu is the creation of French and Japanese-trained chef Masayuki Tamaru, who combines these two disciplines into one unusual and delicious menu. The saba (mackerel) kara-age, marinated in house plum vinaigrette and served on greens, is getting rave reviews.
Sushi Place
People love an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant, especially one that offers good quality fish and ingredients with lots of variety. Sushi Place, just outside Keele Station, is charming the neighbourhood with its lunch and dinner AYCE ($19.99 for dinner, $13.99 for lunch) for those exact reasons. Check it out.
Kujira
Kujira specializes in what they describe as "boutique" sushi, which makes sense since they're located in Yorkville. On the plate, that translates into high-grade Japanese sushi and sashimi done with Western fusion twists - expect jalapeno, arugula pesto, capers, French beans, mint and eggplant alongside the Eastern cuisine.
Nolbu
A 24-hour Korean/Japanese restaurant must be a sure-fire hit, especially when they fire up the karaoke machine and get the whole place swinging. Nolbu, near Yonge and Sheppard, may not be the most fine dining establishment on this list, with its catch-all menu list of Korean (bibimbap) and Japanese (hello, spicy salmon rolls) - but a basic roll or soon tofu may be all you need at 3am when you're belting "Fancy".
The Sushi Bar
James Morry, aka Dr. Jimi, is well known in the sushi business for both his catering service and his uptown Lawrence Park location. He's moved, just three doors down, but the menu and preparations are still great, like the black cod and clams in butter.
Uoshiki Sushi
Uoshiki Sushi, the latest AYCE sushi restaurant to come to Toronto, borrows Spring Sushi's strategy of offering iPads at every table so you can peruse the menu items and keep ordering at your leisure. You'll find the usual Japanese items, like sashimi, nigiri, hand rolls, and teriyaki, as well as some Chinese wok dishes and Thai bowls.
Shibui Robata Bar
"Robata" means fireside in Japanese, and at Shibui Robata Bar on Adelaide, that translates into meat, fresh fish and vegetables grilled over an open hearth. Try the pork belly with shichimi pepper, the teriyaki Chilean sea bass or corn with yuzu butter sauce.
Sushi on Gerrard
Pretty self-explanatory branding: Sushi on Gerrard serves sushi on Gerrard (near Jones). The menu is the usual selection of chirashi, sashimi, hand rolls, spicy rolls and nigiri as well as hot dishes like teriyakis, donburi, udon and soba noodle soups.
Did I miss any? Leave your favourite new sushi restaurant in the comments.
Photo of Kujira by Jesse Milns.
While the mayoral election hasn't lacked drama, it has lacked hummable tunes. Chow's anti-Tory unicorn signs are quirky Instagram fodder and Ford's "you can be racist against little red apples" quote kinda gets stuck in your head like it's been pre-autotuned by its own obliviousness, but you'd think Music City could give us something to snap our fingers to beyond a regrettable slew of Rob Ford parody raps (links not included).
So praise the supreme squirrel overlords for Toronto cult sensation Tonetta, devoted Chow supporter, who's come up with lyrical brilliance including "Olivia Chow, vote her in now," "sorry, John Tory," and my favourite, "Ol-iv-i-a, Ol-iv-i-a." You can't argue with catchy.
Toronto's costumed, dancing uncle's most impressive video is probably the Tory-centric baby mask one, but I'll let you watch below and decide for yourself (democracy). Whichever lo-fi ditty gets stuck in your head for the rest of the week should guarantee you remember to vote on Monday.
You can find all of Tonetta's electoral videos so far on his Facebook (NSFW) and share the election earworms / creepers to your heart's delight, unless you're afraid it will scare your relatives away from the polls (or drive them there in droves, depending on your strategy here).
Photo by John Tavares from the blogTO flickr pool
Do you remember the Queen Street Subway Line? Unless you're a transit geek or into Toronto history, chances are you don't -- because it was never built. Toronto has had so many grand plans when it comes to transit infrastructure, it's both fun and painful to imagine what might have been. Here to help with such a diversion is designer Jon Toews, who has put together a collection of #imaginarystops.
Some of these trace lines that might once have been built, while others are just playful exercises in wishful thinking. One can only dream of the a subway stop called "Junction" or "Degrassi." It's a statement about the failures of our politicians over the years that these stops seem like such preposterous things, but keep the faith Toronto. One day we might get a Relief Line -- one day.
Check out some of Toews' stops below.
The best kosher restaurants in Toronto strictly adhere to Jewish dietary laws while also dishing out some seriously tasty grub. Whether you're observant or otherwise these restaurants achieves gastronomic feats all in accordance with Jewish dietary law. You might even find yourself wishing they're open on Fridays and Saturdays.
Here are the best kosher restaurants in Toronto.
See also:
The top 10 Jewish bakeries in Toronto
Where to buy kosher food in Toronto
The best delis in Toronto
Olivia Chow thinks Toronto should lean on the success of the DineSafe rating system when it comes to improving conditions at our many privately owned apartment buildings. The mayoral candidate called for the implementation of a simple grading system (green/pass, yellow/conditional pass, red/fail) earlier today as part of a collection of ideas to improve rental housing.
"You can go into a restaurant and see a red or a green sign and you know that restaurant is safe. Right now we do not have such a system for these buildings," Chow told the Toronto Star. "What we should have is good transparency, so people know whether their buildings are full of deficiencies or in good repair."
In addition to the rating system and the conspicuous posting of the current grades a building has received, Chow promised to create a smartphone app that would air prospective renters in acquiring information about particular buildings, something that she claims is difficult to do at present. There is the bed bug registry to go on, of course, but that won't tell you if there's mould all over the bathroom.
There are obvious differences between restaurants and apartments (you can't just ask current tenants to vacate if the building gets a failing grade), but a rating system would put pressure on landlords and management companies to be keep their buildings in good condition and renters on the hunt for apartments would be equipped with information that could prove useful in choosing where to live.
Photo by Derek Flack
Halloween parties in Toronto give you plenty of places to show off your costume (or costumes - you can't be every Bob's Burgers family member at once), and while the fun starts this upcoming weekend, Halloween falls on a Friday this year so the best scares will be happening on the jolly old 31st, as you party hop yelling "trick or treat" at the top of your lungs because your parents always made you say "Halloween apples" instead when you went door to door - no? Anybody?
Remember to play safe this year and not accept candy-coloured alcohol from strangers or make out with anyone who can't prove their fangs are removable. Costume-wise, beware the following unacceptable outfits: Rob Ford, Rob Ford's [anything], Rob Ford as [anything], [anything] as Rob Ford. Leave your political snark where it belongs - in the ballot box on Monday. Then let's say Ebola is out too, but ISIS is fine if it's like, Archer ISIS.
Here's our spooky guide to Halloween parties and events in Toronto for 2014.
See also:
TOP EVENTS
Toronto Zombie Walk | Nathan Phillips Square | Oct. 25 | 12pm | Free
On Saturday October 25th, join over 10,000 zombies, monsters and otherworldly beings for the 12th Annual Toronto Zombie Walk and Halloween Parade. Pre-parade festivities in Nathan Phillips Square include a Halloween Vendor Market, food, and live bands. This year there's an official after party being held at the Hard Rock Cafe.
Thrill the World | Oct 25 | Nathan Phillips Square | Dance at 6pm | PWYC
Those sleepovers where you danced the zombie dance while your friends' parents begged you to go to sleep and stop making noise up there are about to pay off. A spooky cast of dancers are calling on Toronto to rattle its gross, brain eating (costumed) bodies in an attempt to set a new world record for the most people sashaying the zombie dance from Michael Jackson's Thriller video. Toronto held claim to the first such record in 2006, in case you dance best under pressure. Here's the info you'll need if you want to dance. If you just want to watch, look out for the bitey ones.
Night of Dread 2014 | Dufferin Grove Park | Oct 25 | 4pm | PWYC
Join Clay & Paper Theatre on Saturday, October 25th for the15th annual Night of Dread, when people dressed in black, white, and dreadful parade their private and collective fears through the darkened streets of Toronto. Night of Dread is an evening of pageantry, music and masquerade, with towering puppets, stilt dancers, fire-spinners and fearful masks. The interactive parade begins in Dufferin Grove Park at 6pm.
GHOST Stories Told Live | Oct 28 | The Garrison | 7:15pm | Free
True Stories Told Live is taking on ghostly autobiographical tales. If you don't believe in ghosts, period, ever, this supernatural incarnation might affect TSTL's brand for you. But what is truth? Costumes are acceptable.
Halloween Spookcade | Oct 31 | Bento Miso | 8pm-1am | PWYC
This party and "spooky video game arcade" includes a huge line up of games just waiting for you to track fake blood all over them, plus they're serving up food and cocktails to keep you on your (crooked and dismembered) toes all night.
Church Street Halloween Block Party | Oct 31 | Church Street | 6:30pm | Free
The Church Street Halloween Parade is an annual tradition. Church will close to traffic and go car free at 6:30pm, and from 9-11pm there will be a costume show in the park. Get ready to strut.
Stanley Kubrick: The Exhibition | opens Oct 31 | TIFF Bell Lightbox
Can you stomach seeing those blue dresses the scary twins wore in The Shining up close? Opening Halloween night, TIFF's Stanley Kubrick: The Exhibition is next in a long line of stellar, fan-pleasing installs at the King Street cinema (such as this creep-out Cronenberg tribute). The exhibit, featuring documents, swag, and props like 'Starchild' from 2001: A Space Odyssey, runs until January 25, which might give me time to get over those Shining nightmares I had from age 7-13. Maybe.
Free Surgery Offered On All Hollow's Eve | Oct 31 | Mighty Brave Productions/ Dufferson Herman Arts/ Haus of Dada
Halloween is always the same old thing. Get dressed up, wander, drink, pose for pics. Not this year though, not this year. [Editor's note: we do not actually recommend free surgery. Any free surgery you incur is of your own volition.]
Sorauren Park Pumpkin Parade | Nov 1 | Sorauren Park | Free
This annual tradition is one of Halloween's quieter events. Bring your pumpkin down to get in line (the line to where? What happens to jack-o-laterns when they die, ma?), or just wander through admiring the artwork of your fellow citizens. Over 2,000 pumpkins are expected to attend.
TOP PARTIES
Halloween Massacre | Roy Thomson Hall | Oct 31 | 9pm | $20
Halloween Massacre is a true Halloween ball located in the heart of the King Street theatre district. This event has room for 1800 people, complete with two rooms and two distinct sounds. DJs will be spinning the latest in mash ups, top 40, R&B and hip-hop.
5th Annual Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air 90's Halloween | Sound Academy | Oct 31 | 10pm | $25
This packed dance party is a tribute to old school hip hop, R&B, dance, house, reggae, and pop from the 90's! Picture a dance floor full of drunk people attempting to do the Carlton dance. Get your tickets early, this party has sold out 4 years in a row!
FRIGHT NIGHT | Oct 31 | Adelaide Hall | 10pm | $10
Toronto's Jungle Drum & Bass scene celebrates Halloween at Adelaide Hall this year, with room for 500 screaming zombies, and a sound system to drown them all out. A big crew of rotating DJs will be throwing down jungle drum 'n bass, and wild rave sets all night long.
Gladstone's Halloween Extravaganza: Decades of Dance | The Gladstone | Oct 31 | 8pm | $35
Dance, play and party at the Gladstone this Halloween, where they'll be celebrating the best in music from the eras of the 50s to the 00s. You can count on all the cheesiness, sing-a-longs, dance-moves, hairdos, denim tuxedos, and everything in between.
TERROR VISION A/V Halloween | 99 Sudbury | Oct 31 | 10pm | $19.50-29.50
Terror Vision is an all-night, "retro-future" audio/visual Halloween music and art party. 99 Sudbury will be transformed using immersive visual art installations by Mansion, the promoters who brought you last year's Slaughterhaus. Music will be provided by DJ EZ (UK) and "Berghain / Panorama Bar official resident DJ Jus-Ed," to name a few. Your retro-future costume will be perfection, I know it.
Hell On Earth 3 "Apocalypse" | Oct 31 | El Mocombo | 9pm | $20-$30+
Here's a spooky thought: if the rumours are true (and this time, it looks like there's no white rock & roll doves to save us - or possibly even that iconic sign), the El Mo is no more as of early November. This all ages rave that will send the El Mo off in style on Halloween night, so dress as an EDM version of your favourite Rolling Stone - they all look like zombies.
CHRONOLOGIC HALLOWEEN | Lee's Palace | Oct 31 | 9pm | $10
CHRONOLOGIC is a dance party through the ages with music from 1890 to 2014, played in chronological order. For the 10th year in a row, the Goin' Steady DJs are pleased to announce their 2014 Monster Mash will be bigger, better and scarier than ever. Toronto designer Adam Belanger (Kubrick The Exhibition / Cronenberg Evolution / Young Lions Music Club) to transform Lee's into a frightening array of spooky mayhem.
The Legendary Halloween Bash! | Steam Whistle Brewing | Oct 31 | 9pm | $33 advance
This Halloween bash takes over Steam Whistle Brewing for not one but two nights! Dare to enter the creepy haunted house, be mesmerized by the incredible costumes and eye popping decorations. And be prepared to dance the night away to the music of DJs Field McQueen & Nino Brown (Friday) and DJs Skratch Bastid & Fields McQueen (Saturday).
Blood Sweat and Queers | The Steady | Oct. 31 | 10pm | $10
Head to Bloorcourt event and party hub The Steady to dance your costumed butt to DJs Aeryn Pfaff and Frustra - then sit that butt down and get a mini reading from Psychic Betsy Balega. There will be witches brew, a costume contest, and, probably, going by our knowledge of the current Steady incarnation, spooky donuts.
Society of Beer Drinking Ladies - Halloween Bash | Oct 31 | Secret Location | 8pm | $25
These sudsy dames traditionally meet on the last Friday of the month, so that means a Halloween bash was a must-do. Men are allowed after 10pm. Cover gets you a beer and a "morning gift" (beers are $6 after that).
breakandenter & Box of Kittens: A Night to Dismember - Hallowe'en Party | Oct 31 | 10pm | SPK 20
Two of Toronto's best promoters join forces to create a carnivalesque two-room dance party where it's okay to be a freak (and not just pretend for a night). Spencer Parker, Mike Gibbs, Jamie Kidd, Martin Fazekas, Ali Black, Aquatic Mind, and Shea Butter a.k.a. Shea Altadonna will supply the music.
DUDEBOX IS FUCKING DEAD V: Return to the Carwash of Doooooom | Oct 31 | Planet Car Wash | $10
Party in a carwash for charity on Halloween thanks to the dudes who brought you that party at Honest Ed's that didn't actually happen at Honest Ed's but they goshdarn tried, didn't they? Yes Yes Y'all's Nino Brown & Yes Yes Jill are on the DJ line up, so don't doubt the supreme legitimacy of this event.
TOP CONCERTS
Death to TO IV | Oct 31 | Silver Dollar / Comfort Zone / Junkyard
The Halloween covers-pocalypse contines this year with a line up including The Jesus Lizard! (The Soupcans), Hot Snakes! (Burning Love), Metallica! (Cellphone), Beastie Boys! (Phedre, Hooded Fang, Moon King, Hellaluyah), Babes in Toyland! (Mexican Slang), and U2! (Actually U2). (Kidding. Dilly Dally). There will be three stages and many a spooky surprise in store.
Sheezer Halloween | Lee's Palace | Oct 31 | 8:30pm | $13.50
Can't spend Halloween getting wrecked with Weezer? Can't spend Halloween getting wrecked in the mid 00's? That's okay - Weezer covering Sheezer are better than both those things. Lonely Parade and Petra Glynt are also on the bill.
Fire Rock With Me: A Very Twin Peaks Party | Oct 31 | Tranzac | $6
What would Halloween be without a room full of log ladies? I'll be dressing my pug up as the log, so my costume wins. DJs will play synth-gaze and psych in the Tranzac mainroom while you munch on cherry pie treats, talk backwards, and wait for a special performance by The Owls are Not What They Seem (TOANWTS) featuring Patrick Grant.
SBTRKT / October 31 (and November 1) / Danforth Music Hall / 7pm / $26
This two night stand by SBTRKT is part concert, part dance party - if people aren't moving to his futuristic bass pop at these shows something has gone wrong. Maybe for Halloween he'll play without his trademark mask for a change? Bonus: this should be done early enough that you can still hit a costume party. BB
The Bruised Spirits of Southern Ontario | Videofag | Oct 31-Nov 1 | 8:30pm
Come witness this multi media terror of nature! Videofag and Theatre a-go-go present a 2-day event of gut wrenching folklore by Opera Arcana, the world's first Southern Ontarian Gothic Sound Outfit who will allure you with a Halloween experience using modern advances in adult contemporary sound along with psychic visual device.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS & PARTIES
Friday, October 24th
Saturday, October 25th
Sunday, October 26th
Wednesday, October 29
Friday, October 31st
Saturday, November 1st
Contributions by Aubrey Jax, Benjamin Boles
Lead photo by Conrad Mcgee-Stocks
Did we miss a noteworthy ghoulish throwdown? Let us know in the comments.
Today in Toronto it's a good chance to visit Toronto's newest museum Aga Khan Museum for The Vigil's screening and panel discussion in the auditorium. Artist-in-residence Tehreema Mitha's autobiographical film "tells of Mitha's struggles to mount a dance tour of Islamabad, Karachi, and her hometown of Lahore in the face of legal obstacles and threats to her personal safety."
Toronto artist Philippe Blanchard is showing large scale psychedelic installations in LUMIERE CONCRETE / STRUCTURED LIGHT over at Glendon Gallery at York University - worth the trip. 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: Philippe Blanchard
This week on DineSafe, the streak of no closures continues, though Mustafa, the Turkish pide shop on Wilson, comes close with a litany of infractions. Among the 11 offences, hand washing is among the most crucial ... and cringe-worthy.
Here are the rest of the worst on DineSafe this week.
The Pint House (678 Yonge St.)
Inspected on: October 14, 2014
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 3, Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4C (40F) or colder.
TCJ Restaurant (67 Queen St. East)
Inspected on: October 14, 2014
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 4 (Significant: 4)
Crucial infractions include: N/A
Mustafa (866 Wilson Ave.)
Inspected on: October 15, 2014
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 11 (Minor: 3, Significant: 6, Crucial: 2)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4C (40F) or colder. Employee fail to wash hands when required.
Driftwood Fish & Chips (393 Driftwood Ave.)
Inspected on: October 15, 2014
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 2, Significant: 1)
Crucial infractions include: N/A
Noodle Bowl (348 Bloor St. West)
Inspected on: October 14, 2014
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 2, Significant: 4, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4C (40F) or colder.
Biryani Hut (6055 Steeles Ave. East)
Inspected on: October 16, 2014
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 2, Significant: 4)
Crucial infractions include: N/A
Furama Bakery (4841 Yonge St.)
Inspected on: October 16, 2014
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 2 (Crucial: 2)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated. Operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4C (40F) or colder.
Spread across fourteen islands close to the western shore of the Baltic Sea, Sweden's capital city is an economic powerhouse. The metropolitan area of some 2.2 million people (slightly fewer than Toronto) is responsible for roughly a third of the entire country's gross domestic product.
True to Swedish form, the Stockholm Metro, which opened a few years before Toronto's subway, is an architectural dream. Caverns of painted exposed rock, sculptures, and permanent art installations make the system a pleasure to explore, as well as ride. On the surface, a successful and increasingly popular congestion pricing scheme has quelled traffic and locals are allowed to enjoy a beer in many of the city's parks and gardens, despite the country maintaining liquor laws similar to those in Ontario.
Here are 5 things Toronto could learn from Stockholm.
There's value in making subway stations attractive
The Stockholm Metro, the Stockholms tunnelbana to the locals, is filled with sculptures, mosaics, paintings, and other works of art. The architecture is impressive, too. In some stations the bedrock has intentionally been left exposed, making the walkways, ticket halls, and platforms look like a convenient network of caves. Creative painting has turned the textured walls into roiling storm clouds and canyons of ice.
Building a beautiful subway costs additional money, but cities that invest in public art and powerful architecture appear to be getting a return on their investment. An Italian study found that transit riders were willing to pay more, wait longer, and walk further to reach well-decorated train stations. Fingers crossed those results bode well for the Spadina line extension, which is going to feature its own compelling station designs.
Get people involved in the subway design process
When trains start running on Stockholm's nine-station, $4.5 billion subway line, the people filling the seats will have had limited say over its appearance and layout. One way the city is giving riders a modicum of control over the new line is by allowing residents (well, anyone with an email address, actually) to select the colour on the subway map. Entrants must provide a rationale for their choice and the winner of a public vote will receive a year's free transit. Yellow, brown, purple, and pink are proving popular, according to Quartz.
Opinions can change on congestion pricing
Like London, Stockholm was among the first major cities to introduce a congestion pricing scheme. During the six-month initial trial, the idea of charging vehicles a small fee to drive in the city centre was unpopular. Despite frowns from drivers, congestion fell by more than a quarter. When a referendum was held on the question of making the pricing permanent in 2007, the majority of city-dwellers backed the concept (suburban commuters didn't, however.)
By 2011, a study showed steadily growing support for congestion pricing. The resulting reduction in traffic, cleaner air, increase in transit use, and switch to fuel-efficient vehicles, which are exempt from the charges, had translated into a 70 percent approval rate. There was even tentative support for raising the prices. The take away for Toronto: try it, you might like it.
Outdoor drinking is OK, even with government-controlled liquor sales
Like Ontario, the sale of wine, liquor, and strong beer in Sweden is only allowed through a chain of government-owned stores similar to the LCBO. Light beer (under 3.5 percent) is available in corner stores, but the Systembolaget outlets are just as (if not more) Victorian as Ontario's LCBO. Stores close at 6 p.m. during the week and 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Sundays? Forget about it.
Despite tight control on the sale of liquor, Stockholm still permits drinking in most outdoor places. Some parks have banned alcohol, but most others permit controlled drinking between certain hours (i.e. not late at night,) allowing for an after work tipple in the summer or a glass of wine with a weekend picnic. Doesn't sound too heinous, does it?
Cycling is a viable transportation method, even in the cold
Stockholm, like Toronto, gets cold in winter. Snow is frequent and temperatures often dip into the minus double digits. Yet despite the harsh weather, about 10 percent of people use a bike to get around Sweden's capital, according to Copenhagenize. In Toronto, even the most bicycle-friendly wards top out at around 8 percent.
Cycling in Stockholm isn't without its issues. Patchy snow clearance and a number of other factors appear to be creating a situation where people are getting hurt. As a result, studded tires are a must in cold weather when compacted layers of ice turn bike lanes into a slippery gauntlet. Perhaps Toronto could bump its figures with some winter friendly infrastructure upgrades, like plowed bike lanes.
Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.
Image: edward stojakovic, Tobias Lindman, Jonathan Lundqvist/Flickr.
At this new restaurant on Cumberland, sushi is carefully crafted with a balance of flavours. Soy sauce is hardly necessary when each piece arrives with garnishes like arugula pesto, piquant jalapenos or apple purée. In addition to the raw offerings, there are deep bowls of udon soup loaded with karaage.
Read my profile of Kujira in the restaurant section.
Toronto parks are good for more than just picnics, walking dogs, tossing the ball around, or lounging in the sun. In addition to sports facilities, our parks are also home to community ovens and fire pits, the latter of which allow city dwellers to soak up a bit of the country vibe with nightly camp fires.
Parks across the city have fire pits with capacity ranging from 50 to 200 people. It's not too much of a pain to book one, they're available all year round, and it's pretty affordable, too. I did a little digging to save others from having to figure out how to book a fire pit via the city's illustrious web site. Here's how to plan your next urban campfire.
Getting a permit
In order to use the fire pits, of course, a permit must be obtained. During the summer and early autumn months, it's relatively simple to book a fire pit.
To make a permit request, you need to physically pick up a telephone and dial the customer service permit call centre (416.392.8188). You tell the customer service rep which fire pit you're into (see our list below), they check to see if it's available, permit and insurance are issued with payment and signature due at time of booking, and that's it.
The cost
The cost of renting a pit depends on the size of your crew. It's $24.27 for 25 people or fewer, and $79.58 for 26 or more. Insurance is mandatory, and it's an extra $27 to $54, depending on the crowd.
So is this a seasonal thing?
Technically, you can book a fire pit in a Toronto park all year round. But beware that in October, many of the public washrooms at the city's parks close down, and this can make the process of obtaining a permit a bit more difficult. Whether a permit is granted during the freezing half of the year is left in the hands of individual park supervisors. I press a Parks and Rec staffer for more information, but she just keeps repeating that it "depends on the park, and whether there's construction or the bathrooms are closed."
Parks with pits
For more information, check out Parks Toronto's how to host a campfire guide.
Photo by Eric Sehr in the blogTO Flickr pool
For three years, this little shop on Wellington has been turning out custom-crafted suits for Bay Streeters, creative professionals, pro athletes, Drake, and everybody in between. They've even done some high-flying feats of tailoring, including creating a bulletproof suit, and a custom suit for TFC players that's so comfy they can even play soccer in it. (If your resume's not that illustrious, don't worry - you can snag their most basic suit for just under a grand.)
Read my profile of Garrison Bespoke in the fashion section.
When a photo of a heavily graffiti tagged Toronto subway train was posted to Reddit on Sunday, it came as something of a surprise to the TTC. Since David Gunn's tenure as general manager in the late 1990s, the transit provider has had a strict policy of keeping heavily vandalized trains out of sight.
"It's a bit of the broken window theory," says TTC spokesman Brad Ross. "We will take trains out of service, or buses, or streetcars if it has been significantly vandalized, and the reason for that is we don't want it to become viral."
When Gunn took over as president of the New York City Transit Authority in 1984, graffiti was so widespread that some trains were coated inside and out with tags. Management had spent decades and countless dollars cleaning and periodically repainting trains.
As part of Gunn's wider rehabilitation of the New York subway, he instituted a policy of pulling tagged trains from service, even during rush hour, a concept he brought to Toronto in 1995. The theory goes that if damage and graffiti become normal for riders, it could lead to more severe acts of vandalism.
Gunn's policy hasn't eliminated graffiti on the Toronto subway, however.
"Last year we had around 70 reports. That's everything: inside trains, on vehicles, stations, all TTC property," says Brad Ross. "We don't include 'scratchiti' in that, but [it's] Sharpies and spray paint or whatever marker."
As you might expect, tagging a subway train is risky business. The third rail, the source of the high-voltage electricity used by trains, is always live and tunnels are in constant use, even after the end of scheduled service. People die trying to paint trains.
In the case of last weekend's tagged train, Ross says the incident likely occurred as a result of track work between Bloor and Eglinton stations. Instead of being kept in a fenced and closely watched yard overnight Saturday, the train was stored on the tracks somewhere near Finch station.
Staff didn't notice the damage and the train was allowed to enter service, Ross says. It was pulled and an investigation launched soon after. It took several hours to clean with solvents, but the train is now back in use on Line 1.
"People shouldn't have to look at vandalized vehicles for which they own and pay for, and so we have an obligation to ensure they are kept clean and presentable for the people of Toronto."
Photo by Peter Muzyka
Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.
In recent years, more and more aspects of Toronto's music history has begun to be properly
documented, from the vibrant punk scene of the 70s, to the early rock'n'roll clubs on Yonge street, and even the indie rock community of the 90s. In a city that's not always great at preserving our heritage, this has led to some of the quirkier aspects of our music history being uncovered, revealing an often hidden underbelly of wild nights and rowdy bars.
The Toronto concert that broke up the Beatles
The 1969 Rock'N'Roll Revival concert at Varsity Stadium was remarkable for a variety of reasons. Some argue that it was one of the earliest examples of the 1950s nostalgia that continues to permeate pop culture, bringing together the big stars of early rock'n'roll, like Bo Diddley, Little Richard, Gene Vincent, Chuck Berry, and Jerry Lee Lewis alongside some of the biggest names of the hippy era: John Lennon, Eric Clapton, and the Doors.
It was also the birthplace of the legend of Alice Cooper biting the head off a live chicken on stage (supposedly he merely tossed it to the crowd thinking it would fly, but decided to let the myth flourish on the advice of Frank Zappa). But perhaps most historically significant, Ringo Starr later said that it may also have been the moment that John Lennon realized he no longer wanted to perform with the Beatles, and instead decided to follow the new path he began that day with the divisive first public performance of the Plastic Ono Band.
Cabbagetown, the mob, and Billie Holiday
For 39 years the Winchester Hotel in Cabbagetown remained empty and in rough shape, until the second floor was revived in 2004 as the Laurentian Room. Now known as the Winchester Kitchen and Bar, the room still boasts many of the original fixtures and bar from when it was notorious gangster Al Capone's favourite Toronto joint to unwind at during the prohibition era, when he spent a fair amount of time in town building his bootlegging empire. In that era it featured regular burlesque performances, but also hosted shows by legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday
Funkadelic were once based in Toronto
George Clinton and his Funkadelic band briefly relocated to Toronto in the early 70s, and recorded the album America Eats Its Young here. While not one of their most well known albums, it was an important transitional period, and marked the beginning of Bootsy Collins' long relationship with the P-Funk family. They also greatly increased the amount of black leather in their wardrobe, thanks to the affordable local shopping.
Bob Dylan's Toronto connections, real and mythical
Apparently the rumours of Bob Dylan stopping by the Free Times Cafe aren't accurate (supposedly it was actually Willie Nelson that stopped by in the early 90s), but Clinton's Tavern claims that Dylan did attend their first concert in 1980, which featured Toronto blues legend Jeff Healey. A more verified story is the time he showed up at Friar's Tavern to check out Levon and the Hawks, who he would later hire to be his backing band, and who would later become the Band.
Dylan also discovered enigmatic early-Americana revivalist Leon Redbone at the Mariposa Folk Festival in the early 70s, and helped launch his career by singing his praise to Rolling Stone magazine. So far we've seen no credible confirmation of the rumour that Dylan hid out in the basement of a Toronto guitar store during his post-motorcycle accident period (perhaps our readers know the scoop).
Toronto saved Keith Richards
The Stones have had a long close relationship with Toronto. They've often rehearsed here before tours, and have been known to randomly show up at local bars to blow off steam after practices. They've played many intimate club shows here, including their infamous 1977 surprise appearance at the El Mocambo, as well as shows at the Horseshoe, RPM, the Palais Royale, and the Phoenix. That 1977 Toronto visit is important for more than just the political scandal of Margaret Trudeau cavorting with the band and the live recording they did at the El Mo though.
While Keith Richards ultimately got off easy after being caught by police with a large quantity of heroin, cocaine, and weed, the incident was the turning point for his battle with opiate addiction, and spurred him to finally seek treatment for what was becoming a life-threatening habit.
Toronto has long been a secret dance music mecca
This isn't an easy town to open a nightclub, but the busy summer festival season proves that there's still a huge audience for dance music in Toronto, possibly as big as back in the 90s, when we boasted one of the largest rave scenes in North America, and arguably the biggest drum'n'bass scene outside of the UK. That history with underground dance music even extends to the 80s, when the legendary afterhours club Twilight Zone was the first international gig for house music godfather Frankie Knuckles.
The Liberal Party closed down Toronto's first DIY punk venue
Although it only existed for less than a year in 1977, the infamous Crash 'N' Burn club was a vital part of Toronto's early punk scene. Originally the basement at Duncan and Queen was the practice space for the Diodes, but the band decided to turn it into a venue that summer. Too bad the noise and the rowdy behaviour led to a steady stream of complaints from the Liberal Party of Ontario, which resulted in the space getting shut down just as it was starting to build steam.
Musicians have been complaining about the same things since 1950
You think Toronto traffic is bad now? In 1950, Yonge street was being torn up to build the subway, and local big band swing artist Ozzie Williams commemorated the chaos the construction caused with the Toronto Subway Song. It was the b-side to the single Sunday In Toronto, which criticized the puritan "blue laws" that forbid everything from bars to shopping on Sundays. In comparison, Toronto's current anti-fun laws seem practically hedonistic.
One of Toronto's biggest R&B stars of the 60s was openly gay
While originally American, Jackie Shane made his name on the bustling Yonge street club circuit. Much more flamboyant than Little Richard, Shane wore full makeup, occasionally a gown, and many assumed he was a woman on hearing his singles. Despite how much he transgressed the taboos of time, he achieved a fair amount of local success, before disappearing in the late 60s.
Toronto's reggae scene was already hot in the 60s
A wave of Jamaican immigrants in the 60s brought reggae music to Toronto, and the musicians who moved here also integrated themselves into the city's rhythm & blues scene, leading to a unique cross-pollination of cultures. Legendary Studio One keyboard player Jackie Mittoo relocated to Toronto in 1969, and fellow Studio One alumni Leroy Sibbles also moved here in 1973. Recently city council recognized this heritage by renaming a laneway south of Eglinton Reggae Lane.
West Queen West is one of Toronto's most fascinating neighbourhoods - even Vogue, thinks so, recently naming this stretch between Trinity Bellwoods and Dufferin the second coolest neighbourhood in the world.
Populated by indie cafes, patisseries, galleries, home-grown fashion labels and restaurants, it's easy to see the attraction. The neighbourhood is a hub for dining and nightlife and while other neighbourhoods might call it a night early, West Queen West is often still bustling and raring to go if you muster the stamina.
Here's how to spend a day on West Queen West from morning to late night.
BREAKFAST AND COFFEE
This neighbourhood is full of heavy-hitting coffee bars, but I still like the smaller indie outfits like White Squirrel and R Squared. For a quick breakfast on the run I like to visit Sud Forno where the display cases are stocked with fresh-baked cornettos, sandwiches and biscotti.
If a leisurely brunch is in order, it's hard to beat the big English breakfasts served by The Bristol, but I also like Swan where the weekend brunch menu features fresh-shucked oysters and solid plates of huevos rancheros.
MORNING ACTIVITY
Trinity Bellwoods is easily one of the neighbourhood's best attractions and in the warmer months you'll get all walks of life flocking here to picnic, tan or just to be seen. The park is also well equipped for active folk, there are tennis courts, an ice rink and off leash dog bowl, but best of all there's a swimming pool inside the Trinity Community Recreation Centre where drop-in lane swim is offered mornings year-round.
LUNCH
Once I've worked up up an appetite at the park I'll head over to RaviSoups or Bolt Fresh Bar for hearty, vegetable-rich liquid lunches that are easy to grab and go. If I'm intent on lingering over my midday meal I'll stop in at Fonda Lola weekdays between 11am and 2pm for classic Mexican dishes with a twist.
SHOPPING & CULTURE
This stretch of Queen St. is densely populated with indie fashion labels and design stores. Among my favourites are Bicyclette for ladies' fashions and accessories, and vintage boutiques Chosen and Cabaret. Type Books and the The Paper Place are places for the design-minded to nerd out.
The area is also flush with galleries, and hopping from one to another is a great way to check out the local talent. I plan to spend as much time at MOCCA as I possibly can before it's demolished to make room for a new condo development. I also like to check out the workshops and the latest exhibits at Graven Feather.
MID-AFTERNOON SNACK
When my sweet tooth calls, I typically find myself at Nadege for a couple of their salted caramel macarons. Other favourite spots of mine include the back counter at Appletree where I go for the $4 green smoothies and Clafouti for one of the best croissants in the city.
DINNER
There are so many dining options in this area it's easy to be overwhelmed. I love going to Oyster Boy for lobster rolls or rich bowls of saffron-scented bouillabaisse. The County General is notable for some seriously tasty fried chicken, while I like Carmen for a date night because there's just something lovely about sharing in a spread of Spanish tapas.
DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT
You'll find a hub of activity happening at both The Gladstone and The Drake Hotel most nights of the week, thanks to concerts and events that draw big crowds. Despite being compact and often cramped, The Beaver is the one place I've frequented the most - you'll find it a relaxed place for drinks in the early evening that often transitions into raucous, queer-friendly dance parties as the night wears on.
For a more laid back atmosphere, I like The Done Right Inn, a low-key watering-hole with a a great patio shaded by trees, fully stocked bar and a pinball machine.
LATE NIGHT EATS
The take-out counter at Barton Snacks has got me covered for late night eating until 4am on weekends with a fun menu featuring hot dogs and tacos, the kind of stuff that sits just right after a few too many drinks. Just down the street, Poutini's is also a solid option as they ladle out the gravy up until 3:30am on weekends.
What did I miss? Add your suggestions for how to spend a day on West Queen West to the comments.
Photos by Jesse Milns, Andrew Williamson and Morris Lum.
