A new indie coffee shop has taken over a former Cash for Life in Pape Village, giving the area a much-needed boost of caffeine. They also offer healthy and hearty fare like lentil soup, beet salads and grilled chicken sandwiches that are all made in-house. (Oh, and the coffee is pretty great too.)
Read my profile of Goat Coffee Co. in the cafes section.
When is a pizza not just a pizza? When it's a crispy, wood-fired Neapolitan or a pan-baked Roman. (Or a Windsor, Ontario pizza. Seriously.) If you want to learn the intricacies of several traditional Italian styles - or just fantasize about impressing prospective mates with your pizza dough-tossing skills - there's a north-end pizza school that promises to turn you into a true pizzaiolo.
School Of Italian Pizza, located just off Dufferin and Steeles, offers one or two-day courses that cover everything you'd expect to go into the pizza-making process - and a few things that you wouldn't, including choosing the perfect flour, the role of levitation and temperature in the final consistency of your dough, and the proper application of the "traditional Neapolitan 'slap'" to open the dough up.
The workshops, geared both towards amateurs and those seeking to sell the fruits of their labours, don't exactly come cheap - their two-day courses on traditional Italian pizza and Roman pizza are $480 each, while a four-hour Neapolitan pizza course is $330. Then again, as that old adage goes, teach a man to make pizza, and he'll quit spending $25 on delivery all the time.
Photo via School of Italian Pizza on Facebook.
Superheroes are a lot like DJs. We're not sure where they come from or what purpose they serve, but they seem pretty confident in their abilities and function in society, and once in a while they save the day. Slash night. (Last night.)
A Toronto graphic novel project is onto this correlation. Set here after a "Great War," The Future Prophecy features two sisters who are (surprise!) DJs and have (actual surprise!) magical powers. The comic "transforms Toronto into a dystopian urban battleground" - and comes with free original music. If you're not sold on the local tie-in and electro twist, take a look at the artwork here.
The project is now on Kickstarter with a goal of a hefty $25,000. This will pay for press and the release of the next four issues (plus Japanese translations), the recording of tracks for each, and music videos. Rewards include some awkward DJ pics (who doesn't need more awkward DJ pics in their home), t-shirts, and a Pioneer DJ controller.
Learn more about Future Prophecy and back the indie comic on their Kickstarter page here.
Has it been four years already? It seems like only yesterday we were outraged that Rob Ford had been photographed reading while driving at highway speeds on the Gardiner (folks, he was "busy," OK.) That was before the Garrison Ball, the crack cocaine scandal, and the conflict of interest trial. It was a simpler time.
Now that Ford is headed out of the mayor's office (but not city hall,) it's worth a look back on some of the most shocking moments of the most surreal mayoralty in the history of Toronto. If one thing's for certain, John Tory won't be anywhere near as entertaining.
Here are some of the most noteworthy lowlights from the Ford years.
Ford is seen talking on his cellphone while driving, flips off another driver
How innocent we were in 2011. When Ford was reported for talking on his cellphone while driving and allegedly making an obscene gesture to a fellow motorist, it seemed like a reasonably serious scandal. Ford admitted to using his phone at the wheel but denied making the gesture. Police decided they weren't able to pursue a fine or demerit points.
Marg Delahunty doorsteps Ford and chaos ensues
Mary Walsh's This Hour has 22 Minutes character certainly caused a stir when she dropped by the Ford household in Oct. 2011. Ford repeatedly called 911 and allegedly verbally assaulted the dispatcher: "You ... bitches! Don't you f--king know? I'm Rob f--king Ford, the mayor of this city!" he said. Ford accused Walsh of scaring his children, though she later denied seeing any kids around the mayor when she pounced.
The St. Patrick's Day incident
It's hard to briefly summarize the events of St. Patrick's Day 2011, but here goes. According to police documents, a drunk Ford uttered a racial slur towards a taxi driver and visited McVeigh's Pub on Church St. before arriving at the Bier Markt. There, according to the Toronto Star, he snorted cocaine, drank vodka, took OxyContin and "partied with a prostitute." Back at City Hall, Ford abused his staff, pushed another, then later made his famous remarks about policy advisor Olivia Gondek. Jeepers.
The Daniel Dale altercation
What should have been a routine exploration of a piece of public parkland behind Ford's house turned into a bizarre confrontation between the mayor and a newspaper reporter. Ford initially accused Dale of standing on cinder blocks to look over his fence in the moments before he "charged." The ensuing confrontation led to the mayor confiscating Dale's phone and demanding he be dropped from the City Hall beat. Oh, and then there was the libel suit.
Ford commandeers two TTC buses to transport his football team
When a Don Bosco Eagles match ended early, Ford asked the TTC to provide a shelter bus for his team, since their ride was still over an hour away. The TTC obliged by pulling a 36 Finch bus out of service, stranding fare-paying riders in the rain, so that the Eagles could be returned to their school. Respect for taxpayers!
Ford falls while posing for cameras outside City Hall
Ford, preparing to toss a football during CFL Grey Cup celebrations, appears to somehow propel himself backwards onto a makeshift field outside City Hall. GIF gold.
A judge tentatively removes the mayor over a conflict of interest
Remember that time Ford was almost booted from office for breaching the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act? The reign of Ford was almost cut short in 2012 when a judge decided the mayor had broken provincial rules by voting on an item in which he had a financial interest. In his ruling, Justice Hackland said Ford has a "wilful blindness" to the rules. The mayor successfully appealed the ruling.
The mayor is ejected from the Garrison Ball
The roots of the Rob Ford crack scandal (more on that in a second) can be traced to a night in Feb. 2013 when an intoxicated Rob Ford was asked to leave the Garrison Ball, a gala celebrating the Canadian armed forces. Weeks after being accused of groping Sarah Thomson, Ford appeared "rambling" and "incoherent" before being ushered out of the black tie event. In her book, Robyn Doolittle said she was tipped off to the crack video after co-writing the Garrison Ball story.
The crack scandal
Impossible to sum up in a paragraph, the forever unfolding crack cocaine scandal was the defining moment of Ford's mayoralty. The Toronto Star and Gawker broke the story on May 16, 2013, triggering vehement public denials, accusations of vendettas, a successful crowdfunded attempt to recover the video--a maelstrom of chaos. The ensuing slow release of police documents sketched a sordid portrait of violence, drug use, and other alleged criminality. Amazingly, Ford has faced no charges related to to any of the damning accusations, despite admitting smoking crack.
That quote...
"Oh, and the last thing was Olivia Gondek. It says that I wanted to eat her pussy. Olivia Gondek. I've never said that in my life to her. I would never do that, I'm happily married. I've got more than enough to eat at home. Thank you very much." Fine words from one of history's great orators.
Ford goes on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Sorry to remind you, but this actually happened. A sitting Toronto mayor who had only recently scandalized the city by admitting to smoking crack cocaine flew to Los Angeles to be publicly mocked by a high-profile comedian. The TV appearance could have gone worse, but it was still excruciating. Ford made a half-hearted attempt to promote the city but spent most of his time in LA being lampooned as a buffoonish drug user.
Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.
Image: /blogTO Flickr pool.
Did you miss out on the 6 hats at the OVO pop-up shop earlier this summer? Are we even still calling it "the 6" anymore? It looks like you'll be able to find out once again at the pop-up's former home at 899 Dundas St. West in the coming weeks.
Paper printed with the logo of Drake's record label/music festival/streetwear line went up on the store's windows early this week, and local businesses say they've spotted folks loading in boxes, large TV screens, and graffiti art over the past week or so. Could all those accoutrements point to a more permanent setup? And, if so, will they be selling polka-dot birthday bowties (great fashion choice, Drake -- don't listen to what anyone else says). Fingers crossed.
The best gourmet food stores in Toronto are designed to bring out the inner epicure by dazzling customers with beautiful displays of exotic fruit, hanging aged meats, choice selections of cheeses, rare birds and fishes, gourmet food stuffs from far-off places, or providing the finest of local ingredients in the best possible combinations.
Here's our list of the best gourmet food stores in Toronto.
See also:
The Best Butcher Shops in Toronto
The Best Fish Stores in Toronto
The Best Fruit & Vegetable Stores in Toronto
The Best Health Food Stores in Toronto
Toronto's newest residential listings site has added a political dimension to apartment hunting, one that might appeal to those whose ideological allegiances are particularly important to them. Nomad TO, a recently launched site that's waded into the very competitive market of rental listings, hopes that by allowing users to search by mayoral election results, they'll set themselves apart in the crowd.
"Our belief is that in finding a place to live, your surroundings and neighbours are equally as important as the property itself," co-founder Noah Taylor tells us. If you're a politically junky and already familiar with how each ward voted, you probably won't find this extra layer of information all that useful. But, given that you can search by both the 2014 and 2010 results, the added dimension should, at a minimum prove intriguing when evaluating a given neighbourhood's merits.
Pizza in Toronto is ubiquitous, with pizzerias blanketing every corner of the city. Playing favourites with just one pizza in a given district isn't easy, but if delivery zones don't make the decision for you, then try these standout pies found in 30 Toronto neighbourhoods.
See also: The top 30 burgers in Toronto by neighbourhood
THE ANNEX
On Bloor, you'll find west coast chain Famoso doing a decent, though unremarkable job. You're better off heading down to Harbord, where Pizza Gigi slings slices until late night or THR & Co. (my pick for tops in the Annex) which improves on the classics with additions like white anchovies or n'duja layered onto a base of sweet tomato sauce and fresh mozza.
BLOORDALE VILLAGE
Pizza topped with shaved chicken shawarma and zesty garlic sauce: gross or great? Your feelings towards this greasy slice of pie might fluctuate depending on your state of sobriety, but this is exactly what Chito's, a standing room only joint at Bloor and Lansdowne, is known for.
BLOOR WEST VILLAGE
The expansion of Queen Margherita Pizza to Baby Point has been well received, and rightly so. The namesake pie ($14), simply topped with tomato, fior di latte and fresh basil, is excellent; the lineup also includes delicious original creations like the Birdman ($16) with kale, parm, garlic aioli, dried tomato and sunflower seeds.
CABBAGETOWN
The plentiful variety of pizzas out of the wood-burning oven at F'Amelia are commendable, but the unique gumbo and Louisiana-style pies at Peter's Cajun Creole Pizza are perhaps the most reputable in this 'hood.
CHURCH WELLESLEY VILLAGE
North of Brooklyn is a great addition to this neighbourhood and while the new digs are compact, the menu actually offers more than its Queen West counterpart. Available by the slice or full pies, signature pizzas are loaded with goodies like kale and double smoked bacon, or with garlic ricotta and arugula.
CORSO ITALIA
In Corso Italia the top contenders are Pizza e Pazzi or Marcello's, and both are truly worthy but my pick is Frank's Pizza House where crowd pleasing hand crafted pizzas are offered for dine-in, take-away and delivery. Try the Pastore with mozzarella, goat cheese, roasted peppers and Italian sausage.
THE DANFORTH
Danforth Pizza House has been a mainstay on The Danforth for 50 years and despite an abundance of nearby alternatives (Libretto, Il Fornello and Big House Pizza) the old school joint still reigns. Original owner Angelo has passed in recent years, but new management are family friends committed to upholding the original recipes.
EAST CHINATOWN
Pizza fritta at Mr. Ciao is a novel but delicious way to satisfy cravings for cheese, sauce and crust. Stick to traditional styles like the Margherita ($14) with basil, tomato sauce and buffalo mozzarella, or opt for the Peking duck pie ($17) that nods to the neighbourhood with with black bean, char siu sauce, wasabi peas and scallions.
EAST YORK
Like it's name suggests La Famiglia is a family-run pizza parlour where the pizzas come generously topped with wacky but wonderful combinations like cordon bleu (chicken, ham, cheese) and lasagna (ground beef and ricotta).
ETOBICOKE
Encompassing such a large area makes Etobicoke home to large swath of worthwhile pizzerias and according to our best of list, it's the premium pies at FBI Pizza that are tops. Bonus they even deliver to the downtown core.
FINANCIAL DISTRICT
La Bettola di Terroni does brisk business at lunch attracting well heeled Bay Street types with a menu featuring Terroni's top sellers. Try the bufalina ($17) with tomatoes, buffalo milk mozzarella and basil, or get fancy with the C't Mang ("what are you eating?"), a white pizza with gorgonzola, fresh pears, walnuts, speck and honey ($17).
JUNCTION
Newcomers like Nodo and Buddha Pie are welcome additions to the neighbourhood, but Vesuvio, the old school pizzeria that has been slinging pies since 1955, earns this honour for its delicious New York style pizzas. The family-run operation was integral in reforming prohibition in The Junction, and even just that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy for them.
KENSINGTON MARKET
Via Mercanti rules when it comes to pizza in The Market. The charming trattoria is a favourite for traditional Naples-style pies where thin crusts are the base for a soupy mess of cheese and sauce in the centre.
KING EAST& CORKTOWN
Over two dozen top-notch pies at Mangia e Bevi beat out nearby competition from Magic Oven and Pastizza. Standouts on the menu include a potato and pancetta pizze bianche ($15) and the puccini ($15) with eggplant, fresh ricotta and lots of garlic.
KING WEST
Home to Gusto 101, Cibo Wine Bar and Luce makes King West a competitive neighbourhood for pizza. If it wasn't for Buca, then maybe some of these other places would stand a chance. Their rustic stretched pizzas, topped with luxe ingredients like taleggio, white truffles and duck yolk, have become infamous.
LEASIDE
Bravo Pizza in Leaside has been a mainstay since 1969, thanks to its eclectic assortment of offerings - which include both thin-crust pies and fine cigars. This place is pretty much a take-home pizza party waiting to happen.
LESLIEVILLE
Queen Margherita Pizza proved so popular in this 'hood that it's spurred a city-wide expansion. The pizza parlour is renowned for being loyal to Naples traditions while also spicing up the menu with selections like The Dominator ($19) topped with rapini, smoked mozzarella, fennel sausage and chili oil.
LITTLE ITALY
National chains have invaded Little Italy in recent years, but tucked away on Clinton, off the main drag, Bitondo's is the longstanding local favourite. Slices, whole pies and panzos are the specialties and while it's primarily a take-out operation, there are a handful of seats if you want to sink your teeth into a slice ASAP.
MOUNT PLEASANT
Viva Napoli upholds the strict standards set by the VPN, offering prized Neapolitan pies dressed in vibrant red sauce, pools of fior di latte and ultra fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes and arugula.
NORTH YORK
In business for over 50 years, Camarra Pizza is an oasis in a sea of big chains that dominate North York's pizza landscape. The family-run pizzeria is home to authentic Italian cuisine, including a dozen signature pies like the Siciliana, a simple combination of tomato sauce, onions and pecorino cheese, with fresh basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
OSSINGTON
Staying true to the authentic Neapolitan style, Libretto on Ossington has been the go-to since the day it opened its doors, and continues to expand with more locations planned to open in the downtown. There's lots to love on the menu, where thin wood fired pies feature toppings like duck confit and bosc pear, or prosciutto with tomato, mozzarella and basil.
PARKDALE
Top honours in Parkdale go to Old Man Pizza & Wings, a divey take-out and delivery operation that slings stellar old-school pies (Amico's earns an honorable mention).
QUEEN WEST
Competition is fierce on Queen West where North of Brooklyn and Enzo Pizza Bar sit just doors apart (not to mention Lo Zingaro and Fusaro's). I tend to favour Enzo's in this case - the classic pizzas are solid but it's The Americano (essentially a Big Mac hybrid pizza) that's incredibly addictive.
RONCESVALLES VILLAGE
Pizza Defina on Roncy isn't your typical pizzeria. Embracing both Roman and Neapolitan styled doughs (the choice is yours), this inviting neighbourhood joint offers creative toppings like boar meatballs and caramelized shallots, or hen of the woods mushrooms and n'duja sausage.
ST. CLAIR WEST
Pizza e Pazzi is so popular it has spawned two locations on St. Clair just to keep up with demand. The VPN-certified pizzeria strictly adheres to tradition hand-tossing its dough and topping it off with San Marzano sauce and DOP ingredients.
WEST QUEEN WEST
The original Terroni on West Queen West is still a neighbourhood favourite and while the 'no substitutions policy' is strictly enforced, you'll find the ample selection of thoughtfully topped pizzas will impress.
YONGE & COLLEGE
Amato's on Yonge is an excellent source for a varied array of ready-made slices. The sheer selection available for walk-up ordering is impressive and includes house favourites like the patate alla creme, a white pizza topped with mixed cheeses white onions, potatoes and rosemary.
YONGE & DUNDAS
Big Slice isn't fancy, but it's well loved for offering inexpensive and enormous slices. Better still, it's open until the wee hours in the morning making it a reliable destination for late night eats.
YONGE & EGLINTON
Pizza enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice in this neighbourhood where you'll find solid options at Vita Sociale, SIP Wine Bar and Doppio Zero. My top pick is Falasca SPQR, where squares are sliced and sold by weight (just like in Rome). The thing to do here is go at lunch when the counter is stocked with fresh slices, order a sliver from multiple varieties and sample until you find a personal fave.
YORKVILLE
Cafe Nervosa used to be the best game in Yorkville with pizzas layered in translucent sheets of prosciutto and piles of peppery arugula. The arrival of Buca upsets the long established hierarchy with truffled topped pizzas raising the bar.
What did I miss? Disagree with my selections in the comments.
A woman who says she was hit repeatedly by fired radio host Jian Ghomeshi recounted her story to CBC Radio earlier tonight, immediately sending shockwaves through social media. According to the CBC, this is a fifth woman, previously unaccounted for in earlier media reports, that alleges an attack by Ghomeshi. She says it took place in his home nearly ten years ago.
The woman, who the CBC did not name, never went to police but had informed friends and her now husband about the incident.
She alleges that Ghomeshi, who she describes as "very charming", invited her back to his home when he grabbed her hair and threw her on the ground before "close-fist pounding me on the head, repeatedly."
For the full interview of the alleged incident, listen to the audio below.
The woman says she came forward now since she felt the recent news gave her "permission to speak."
The CBC says another woman will be interviewed tomorrow at around 8:30am on The Current and more info is still to come on tomorrow evening's edition of The National.
Photo by Roger Cullman in the blogTO Flickr pool.
Jian Ghomeshi, a long-time supporter (and promoter) of Canadian musicians, is now being condemned by the very bands who once shared a stage with him or sat in his chair for an interview on CBC Radio. Members of F*cked Up, The Constantines, Katie Stelmanis of Austra and Owen Pallett are just a few of the popular artists who have signed a petition in support of the women who have come forward with allegations against Ghomeshi.
The petition, which condemns Ghomeshi's "PR attempt" offers a show of support for the alleged victims of the once popular radio host's actions and seeks to offer a "counterbalance of public support and understanding."
Read the entire contents of the petition below or sign and read it here.
Gesture of Love and Support
To the women who have been directly affected by Jian Ghomeshi, And to those survivors of abuse and assault who fear being disbelieved,
You should know first that there are so many of us who believe you. We understand why you fear coming forward, and want to offer a counterbalance of public support and understanding. Jian Ghomeshi's tactic of using his massive personal platform as a public figure to preemptively silence and discredit his victims is shameful.
We condemn the PR attempt to make you out to be a "jilted ex" and we see through the deplorable strategy of re-routing a conversation that should be about consent and assault to one about BDSM. No one should be abused anywhere - not on a date, not in a workplace. No one should be intimidated out of coming forward with their own stories.
We believe you.
See also:Woman tells CBC radio she was attacked by Ghomeshi.
Following up on tonight's CBC interview where a woman alleges she was attacked by former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi as well as a petition condemning Ghomeshi signed by a who's who of Canadian musicians, the Toronto Star has just published an article in which actress Lucy DeCoutere, "Lucy on Trailer Park Boys", says Ghomeshi choked and beat her.
According to The Star DeCoutere told them of an "incident in 2003 when she alleges Ghomeshi, without warning or consent, choked her to the point she could not breathe and then slapped her hard three times on the side of her head."
According to The Star, DeCoutere is one of now eight women who allege abuse at the hands of Ghomeshi. Read the full account here including details and timelines about the other alleged victims.
The Jian Ghomeshi sexual abuse scandal just keeps getting worse and worse by the minute. Amid the news that at least eight women, including Trailer Park Boys actress Lucy DeCoutere, allegedly suffered physical and sexual assault at the hands of the CBC host, a Twitter account, @bigearsteddy, has been discovered detailing allegations as early as April.
Several of the accusations were retweeted at the time, but now that the Toronto Star has published accounts that reference the same bear, the tweets are getting increased attention.
Star investigative reporter Kevin Donovan writes that two women recall Ghomeshi owning a stuffed animal he called "Big Ears Teddy." When he was preparing to slap or choke the women, he would turn the bear around and say "Big Ears Teddy shouldn't see this."
So far Ghomeshi has been silent since posting a Facebook message blaming his firing from the CBC on "a jilted ex girlfriend and a freelance writer."
On CP24 earlier this evening, Toronto Star editor Michael Cooke said he believes the former host of Q is in Los Angeles.
Here are some of the @bigearsteddy tweets. The content may be triggering.
Hi there @jianghomeshi. Remember louring me to ur house under false pretences? Bruises dont lie. Signed, every female Carleton U media grad.
— Sidnie Georgina (@bigearsteddy) April 10, 2014So I guess it's not abuse if you're paying the girl to like it. Right, @jianghomeshi? #happyhitting#hookerhero
— Sidnie Georgina (@bigearsteddy) April 10, 2014BREAKING NEWS: @jianghomeshi keeps an impressive anthology of videos and photos of the young girls he chokes out... #howromantic#rapecultre
— Sidnie Georgina (@bigearsteddy) April 10, 2014THIS JUST IN: @jianghomeshi the real life monster behind britney spears smash "Hit me baby one more time". #hideyourkids#hideyourwife
— Sidnie Georgina (@bigearsteddy) April 10, 2014Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.
Today in Toronto it's devils night, but you don't have to let the news get you down. There's plenty of light hearted spooky mischief afoot, including Toronto's annual Halloween covers-pocalypse with a line up including The Jesus Lizard! (The Soupcans), Metallica! (Cellphone), Beastie Boys! (Phedre, Hooded Fang, Moon King, Hellaluyah), Babes in Toyland! (Mexican Slang), and U2! (Actually U2). (Kidding. Dilly Dally). Find it all at Death to TO. If you want Weezer covers, though, the Sheezer Halloween party is the place to be.
Then there are ghost tours and free films for those not feeling the gig vibe. The Toronto South African Film Festival also kicks off today, and as part of Startup Open House dozens of Toronto companies will open their doors to the public. 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.
Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre by Jackman Chiu
Toronto Restaurant Openings highlights the latest restaurant openings and closings in Toronto and also gives a preview of what's coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.
OPEN NOW
RECENTLY REVIEWED
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Have you seen restaurants opening or closing in your neighbourhood? Email tips to liora@blogto.com
Photo of the Gaslight by Jesse Milns.
After doing stints at a few of Toronto's best-loved hair salons, including Day and Night and John Steinberg, a Toronto stylist has poured his 12 years of experience (and a whole lot of renovating elbow grease) into his own brand-new space on Bloor. He's bringing a whole lot of expertise with him - including a deft hand at dye jobs and some barbering skills (with the vintage chairs to match).
Read my profile of Trevor Odho Salon in the fashion section.
As someone who spent her youth in a suburban Scarborough home, I know I still show the quirks of an east-ender, despite having up and left. You can take the girl out of Scarborough but you can't take Scarborough out of the girl.
Here are 10 signs you grew up in Scarborough.
1.Scarborough Town Centre is still the most convenient meeting spot. You don't mall rat for hours anymore, but you and your friends always sneak a snack at the food court before heading elsewhere.
2. The same old man ripped your tickets at Morningside Cinemas for as long as you can remember. You even joined his Facebook appreciation page.
3. You're immune to the smell that engulfs your RT car between Midland and Ellesmere station. You know someone's not from Scarborough when they look around for who cut the cheese.
4. You tried to get into graffiti art as a teenager. Mostly you just ended up vandalizing bridges and mailboxes with your tag.
5. You've sang Happy Birthday on the bridge by Old Finch Road in hopes to catch a sighting of the ghost girl that haunts it. It never works.
6. When you visit the Bluffs you get vivid flashbacks of the massive bonfire parties you drank at before you were of legal age.
7. You still find yourself beelining to The Markham Station for all-day breakfast after a long night. You don't care what anyone says - The Lakeview and Fran's has nothing on the Malvern diner.
8. You often catch yourself asking "what you saying?" or ending sentences with "still".
9. You've gotten into heated debates over which TTC station has the best Jamaican patties. Warden has my vote but you can fight me on it if you want.
10. You've made a C-walking video... or at least had one dedicated to you.
What signs did I miss? Add your suggestions to the comments.
Photo by Danielle Scott via the blogTO Flickr pool.
More than a year in the making, this new hub for Thai street food is finally open and serving up crispy fried chicken, fried rice and rich noodle soups. We checked it out on opening week, and while the food is good, we left so thirsty.
Read my profile of Nana in the restaurants section.
In the wake of yesterday's allegations against Jian Ghomeshi, the former CBC Radio host has taken to Facebook this morning with a brief statement amounting to a no comment. He writes:
"I want to thank you for your support and assure you that I intend to meet these allegations directly. I don't intend to discuss this matter any further with the media."
To say public sentiment about the allegations has shifted since his first post on Sunday night would be an understatement. Since that time both the CBC and Toronto Star have detailed reports of alleged abuse by named and unnamed victims and Canadian musicians have been vocal in their condemnation of him. His Facebook page likes have been plummeting in real time.
In addition, numerous internet postings are being shared around social media - some in support of Ghomeshi but the overwhelming majority in support of the alleged victims. In one Dan Savage interviews a woman who claimed to have a positive, consensual sexual relationship with Ghomeshi.
Another one making the rounds is an article published back in July where Ghomeshi discussed his now infamous Big Ears Teddy.
The CBC plans to have more updates on tonight's edition of The National.
The top cover bands in Toronto aren't the ones you hear through the wall at practice spaces fumbling clumsily through classic rock baselines, and though you may find some of them at weddings, you'll also find them filling clubs on their own merit.
It's that time of year when you pretend to be somebody else for one glorious night (/week), but these bands channel their favourite performers year round, paying tribute to great bands and great music. That said, you can celebrate Halloween with some of the city's best. Plus at Death to TO tonight, local, non-cover bands will form to pay tribute class acts like Depeche Mode, U2, and even Eminem. (There's also a Jeff Buckley tribute November 13-14 at Supermarket that's not to be missed.)
From heavy metal to '90s pop, here are 10 of the best cover bands Toronto has to offer.
Vag Halen
Feminist art-rock band Vag Halen is serious about rock and roll. Armed with a repertoire of classic rock their show's are not just about the music. This band is not afraid to play up their sex appeal on stage. And in November they've teamed up with Lez Zeppelin the 'she-incarnation' of Led Zeppelin from south of the boarder for a show at The Phoenix on November 14.
Dwayne Gretzky
Canadian clue is in the title. No, it's not a tribute to Wayne, rather a tribute to last century's great classics: the band's inspiration and covers come from a variety of bands including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, because, why choose sides when you don't really have to. Dwayne will be hosting a Halloween show October 31 at Tattoo on Queen West.
Sheezer
It's everything Weezer was missing. A feminine touch. This all-girl Weezer cover band brings you a kick-ass tribute to the all-boy band. In fact, there is not much difference between Sheezer and the real deal - except that minor detail of no Buddy Holly look-a-likes on stage. They will complete their Halloween tour with a show at Lee's Palace on October 30.
The Neil Young'uns
I've been searching for a heart of gold and a kick-ass Neil Young tribute. Haven't found the first but The Neil Young'uns sure deliver on the second point. This band of five friends begun their Young journey with a residency at Toronto's Cadillac Lounge and have since moved on to perform across Ontario.
Oldies 990
Did somebody say swing? If so, do yourself a favour and check out Oldies 99 and you will get the fix you need. Performing high-energy songs from the '50s and '60s, these guys put the rock in Rockabilly. Check them out live at the Decades of Dance party at The Gladstone on Halloween.
Bat Sabbath
Hardcore punk band Cancer Bats probably never get tired of their head-banging fans, as they also perform together as Bat Sabbath, a tribute to, you guessed it, Black Sabbath. If you don't live in Toronto you may be able to catch these Ozzy-channeling rockers on a tour or at a festival appearance: there's some suspicion that the band are torn on which Bats incarnation they prefer. Or are we being paranoid?
The Kings of Vegas
What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas. These three guys have all the class in the world they need to follow in the footsteps of The Rat Pack, Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Donned in the classic 60s' garb their performance includes the classics like 'Luck be a Lady" and the trio mixes the show with solos and duos and depending on what the crowd wants they can show up with a big band to back up all that class.
Wannabe
Did you know Toronto has a Spice Girls tribute band? They also happen to be some of Toronto's most fun entertainers, and beyond the music they put a huge effort into looking like the Spice Girls who once stared back at you from of packs of gum, lolly pops, and sticker packs (oh, and MuchMusic). Next time you hear about a show, just say you'll be there.
Pretzel Logic (Steely Dan)
You a Dan fan? Whether you are or not you will be sure to be impressed with this 10-piece band dedicated to bring you the best rendition of the Steely Band song book. Not to be confused with the LA cover band with the same name, these guys are ours and will be playing in Toronto soon enough, on October 30 at The Orbit Room on College.
Stars of Pop
And then there are those who want to pop. These stars imitate the best of our current pop-stars including Taylor Swift and Katy Perry. And did somebody say Canadian pride? They even have their very own Bieber.
BONUS
The Big Sound
Because we just can't get enough: paying tribute to the Motown classics comes The Big Sound. A 25+ that pays tribute to the 'golden era of soul.' They promise a show that will knock your socks off. And to receive updates on up-and-coming ones, become part of their Facebook group
Vag Halen photo via the AGO
