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Today in Toronto: Regent Park Film Fest, NDY2014 Pre-Gig, Witchy Women, Best Canadian Poetry

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Today in TorontoToday in Toronto the Regent Park Film Festival will start up at one of the city's best small theatres, Daniel's Spectrum, and run November 19-22. Then, Little Brother Magazine will get mystical with What We Talk About: A Lecture Series: Witchy Women Edition. At S.H.I.B.G.B.'s, Not Dead Yet Fest,Toronto's largest and best punk, hardcore, metal and noise festival, gets an early preview with brutally-named DiE, S.H.I.T., VCR, and Conundrum. 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: The Journey at Regent Park Film Fest


Help select Toronto's top tech contributor of 2014

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totechbashOn December 2nd the annual #TOTechBash will go down at the Courthouse, celebrating yet another great year for Toronto's tech community. This annual bash brings together developers, designers, creative technologists, makers, hackers, entrepreneurs and more from all the community groups, startups, organizations, companies, and local initiatives in Toronto.

As part of this year's celebration, members of the tech community were asked to nominate those they felt deserved to be recognized for their contributions. A panel of jurors reviewed all the submissions received and narrowed it down to a final ten nominees for the TOTech Top Contributor Honour.

Now it's your turn to select the winner. Who do you think deserves this year's title of TOTech Top Contributor? Review the top ten nominees, then cast your vote before November 23rd for your favourite.

Andrew Smyk
As Program Coordinator for the Interactive Multimedia program at Sheridan College, Andrew inspires and educates his students in today's and emerging technologies, setting them up for success in the industry. His teachings go beyond the classroom as a regular speaker and contributor at events and conferences sharing his expertise on UX and mobile design, often with a standing room only audience. With his long list of publications, you can always find Andrew with a friendly smile on his face ready to talk tech and share ideas.

Andy McIlwain
Andy loves WordPress. He co-organizes the Toronto WordPress meetup group and annual WordCamp Toronto conferences, mentors at WordPress sessions with Ladies Learning Code, presents at PodCamp Toronto, and volunteers his WordPress expertise through Marketers Without Borders. Andy also loves meetups; you'll find him popping up at various ones throughout the city, trying his darndest to bring people together, usually around tech. Or WordPress. (Probably WordPress.)

Anna Starasts
Anna's knowledge of Toronto's tech scene, the people within it, the companies, and the technologies emerging from the city are bountiful. She can easily write and speak on any tech or startup topic with everyone, and does it with an open and welcoming attitude. Her contributions to the community as organizer for Girl Geeks Toronto, contributing writer for blogTO's Get to Know a Startup Series, as well as volunteering to lend a hand at events alongside her team at tech recruiting agency gdR demonstrates the true meaning of a community champion.

Bruce Chau
Bruce contributes to Toronto's open data community in so many ways, as a thinker, speaker, developer, teacher and mentor. He enables the community at events such as Open Data Day and the OGT 2014, he opens the doors for #thehackgoeson, then helps with the data and development work. Bruce is one of the community's most important champions, he sees the civic value in the work and is 100% committed to supporting it.

Christina Troung
Over the past three years, Christina has shifted her focus from being just another front end developer to becoming an educator and advocate of equality in the tech industry. She currently teaches at Humber College and is the tech lead at Ladies Learning Code as well as taught at HackerYou. She puts a lot of effort in not only just teaching but also mentoring students and providing support for them.

Jennie Faber
Jennie is a co-founder and director of Dames Making Games, a feminist organization that supports women who want to make games, and Bento Miso Collaborative Workspace, a community for independent game and web developers. On top of being the leader behind two incredibly successful and supportive tech communities in Toronto, Jennie is a developer and partner at Bento Box Projects, Inc., building software that supports equity, transparency and change.

JJ Beh
From Tech Socials, hackathons and volunteering, JJ dedicates his time to the Toronto tech community through his contributions with HackerNest. He works closely with educational institutions like Ryerson and University of Toronto to help up-coming students and startups move to the next level.

Joallore Alon
As a digital content strategist, Joallore has been a voice for Toronto for years. He is an influential member of the community as the co-founder of the tech community group DevTO, as well as the organizer for #RegiftTO. Beyond that, Joallore is always eager to connect people together, offer guidance, and use his influence to encourage the participation of others.

Pearl Chen
Pearl is an outstanding leader in Toronto's tech community and she is by far one of the most inspiring women in tech this city is lucky to have. Her contributions to technology education, running web development workshops through her company Karma Laboratory as well as through Ladies Learning Code and others, empowers her students to participate and thrive in this industry and community. She also boasts a very impressive resume working with such companies as Intel, Google, TELUS, and CFC Media Lab.

Shawn Pucknell
In 2000, Shawn began working to grow a community for the digital industry with the creation of the Flash user group, which grew to be the largest Flash group in the world in just six months. Following that vision to bring people together, he then launched FITC in 2002, the first ever Flash conference in Toronto. It is now the largest and oldest digital conference in Canada, and has went on to expand the focus of its events. Shawn has been very influential in helping to firmly place Toronto on the international stage within the digital community, and continues to do so each day.


The top ten nominees will be honoured and the winner announced at #TOTechBash on December 2nd at the Courthouse.

Cherry Street finally reopens in Toronto

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toronto cherry streetCherry Street is some way from blossoming, but after more than a year of construction and extensive reconfiguration, the east end street has finally reopened to traffic between Eastern Ave. and Lake Shore Blvd.

The road has actually been complete for several weeks, but, as Global News recently reported, red tape prevented the city from opening the street to the public.

The refurbished road is unique in several ways. First, it comes with a streetcar right of way that doesn't run down the middle of the street. Instead, the tracks have been pushed over to the east side of the street and fitted with priority signals. Second, it has bike lanes; not separated, mind, but at least there are no "sharrows."

At time of writing, however, some of the crossing buttons hadn't been connected and the northbound bike lane is crossed at worrying angles by several hungry looking streetcar tracks at the intersection with King.

The sidewalks are wide and there are decorative planters and trees. When the West Don Lands, Pan Am, and other construction projects that abut the street are finished, Cherry will become an important route through the revitalized neighbourhood.

toronto cherry streetThe TTC will eventually operate streetcars down Cherry to a newly constructed loop just north of the railway overpass. Spokesman Brad Ross said the spur won't be in use until after the Pan Am Games because event officials will be using the track space for event staging. Ross said the TTC hasn't yet come up with a service plan for the branch.

The Cherry Street line is expected to be extended south to connect with a planned streetcar route on Queen's Quay and service the Port Lands, though both projects currently lack funding.

What do you think of the new street?

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

Images Chris Bateman/blogTO

King West gets a massive Italian restaurant & wine bar

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Ovest Cucina TorontoWhat happens when an ex-Terroni chef teams up with ex-Buca GM? This new Italian kitchen on King West is the place to find out. Expect a seasonally-driven menu featuring local product while the wine list - 120 labels strong - is sourced direct from the motherland.

Read my profile of Ovest in the restaurants section.

More details emerge about Broadview Hotel renovation

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Broadview HotelStreetcar Developments is pushing forward with its plans to convert the aging Broadview Hotel, once home to the notorious Jilly's strip club, into a boutique inn and restaurant in the same vein as the Gladstone and the Drake.

The developer will meet the city's Committee of Adjustment today for approval on numerous changes it has planned for the building, which it acquired back in May. We've already covered some of the structural work in the plans, but a bit more information regarding the hotel itself has been leaked to the Star.

The proposed renovations would double the existing buildings floor space, and include 57 hotel rooms, a rooftop bar and event space, and a first floor restaurant. An executive suite is still planned for the corner tower, as we reported back in September.

Streetcar reps have consulted with Christina Zeidler of the Gladstone about their plans, which is a promising sign. The Broadview Hotel poses a huge opportunity to add a marquee historical attraction to Riverside, and it looks like Streetcar wants to do it right.

Photo by Dale Roddick

Downtown Toronto gets two new escape room games

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escape room gamesEscape room games in Toronto continue to explode in number in popularity, as the gaming trend from overseas continues to take root here in the GTA.

Earlier this year, we rounded up seven noteworthy new escape room games, each of which presents puzzle-like scenarios that gamers must work together to solve in a race against time. Since then, two new escape room game businesses have arrived downtown to beef up the previously suburb-heavy scene.

Trapped, located at 118 Dundas St. West in Old Chinatown, features three possible levels: A Saw-style serial killer story, a diamond heist, and a pandemic scenario, all at different difficulty levels. It's $20 per person to play, or $18 for students.

A little further west in Chinatown proper at 422 Dundas St. West is the new downtown location of Mystery Room, joining the original on Sheppard. On Dundas, you can choose between a space-exploration scenario and a tomb-raider level for $22 per person (discounts available for larger groups).

Photo via Trapped Toronto.

The top 10 restaurants for corporate events in Toronto

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corporate events torontoWhen corporate events mean dinner in Toronto it's easy to let the guest list get out of hand. Finding a restaurant to accommodate a party of 30 or more might merit a private dining room, but there are also restaurants that can entertain large groups with panache.

Here are my picks for 10 restaurants in Toronto that would work well for corporate dinners, events and other big gatherings.

See also:10 great ideas for corporate events and after-work social functions in Toronto

Drake 150
The Drake 150 loves to throw parties, and they've got the experience hosting everything from engagement parties to corporate holiday shindigs. They've even got a group booking specialist ready to help cater everything from strolling buffets stocked with seafood towers and charcuterie boards to sit-down dinners.

El Catrin
This massive Mexican cantina in the Distillery District has the real estate to host big events and can serve up whole table menus, like one with seven tasting courses for $42 per person, or a nine course feasting menu for $56 per person.

Valdez
With distinct dining spaces in the all-season rooftop patio, main floor and even the secret walk-in freezer venue, this Latino street food specialist makes hosting large groups a breeze with tailored services including drink ticket options, DJ services and prix fixe menus or customized catered events.

Copacabana
The two GTA locations of this Brazillian rodizio excel at this kind of large-format meal. While some kitchens might struggle to feed a large party smoothly, their kitchen is used to sending out mass quantities of meat to carve tableside, while the buffet stocked with salads and hot vegetarian dishes will accommodate even the most discerning eaters.

Barsa Taberna
The modern Spanish tapas bar in St. Lawrence Market welcomes corporate bookings and parties. The tapas tasting menus offer excellent value for lots of food that's best when shared - along with pitchers of sangria. Enjoy the chef's choice six dishes at a time for $60 or by the dozen for $120.

Skin + Bones
The chef's menu requires full table participation, which is perfect when we're talking large parties. For $38 per person, let the kitchen send out four courses of shared menu items.

Carbon Bar
The expansive down-home barbecue joint, from the same folks behind Nota Bene, is an ideal spot for a party, thanks to long, oversized booths and a menu featuring pit master platters.

Queen Margherita Pizza
QMP's new Dundas West outpost is big enough to host a pretty impressive pizza party. The 100-seat pizzeria offers a three-course, $29 prix fixe that's easy for the kitchen to put out efficiently and economical for whoever is picking up the tab.

Byblos
This East Mediterranean restaurant in The STORYS building offers big groups space to spare in the first floor dining room or in the sprawling second floor cocktail lounge. The kitchen specializes in the kind of food that's best ordered en masse. Choose from a spread of shareable mezze or from four-course prix fixe group menus.

Duggan's Brewery
The massive Parkdale brewpub has got the space for a big party - but it's so new, it's still untested when it comes down to how well the kitchen can put out an onslaught of orders.

Did I miss any? Leave your favourite restaurant for large parties in the comments.

Photo of Copacabana by Jesse Milns.

The top 10 winter running events in Toronto for 2014

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winter running events 2014 torontoWinter running events in Toronto encompass what is finest about runners in our fair city - we have a complete lack of respect for the seasonal discomforts associated with the low temperatures, and we look pretty darn spiffy in a pair of thermal leggings. While some of these runs will preclude the use of thermal anything (ahem, Santa Speedo run) others encourage multiple layers, and invite festive attire, too.

If signing up for a proper race is too daunting of a task, then get a leg up on spring training by joining one of Toronto's running groups. MEC and Black Toe Running offer some central locations, as does the new Nike+ Run club.

Here are my picks for the top running events in Toronto this winter.

Santa Shuffle Fun Run and Elf Walk (Saturday December 6)
If sweating through a red woolen cap as you impersonate your favourite holiday hero is your idea of a good time, then this fun run, held across North America to benefit the Salvation Army, is for you. The Toronto race kicks off at Sunnybrook/Wilket Creek Park near Eglinton and Leslie for 5K or 1K runs through some lovely scenery in a ravine like setting. Raise $50 or more to get a free Running Room shirt, and all finishers score a sweet Santa medal.

Toronto Beaches Runners Club Tannenbaum 10K (Sunday December 7)
This yuletide-themed, chip-timed fun run around the Martin Goodman Trail is led by Santa himself, so if he screwed you over repeatedly as a child, now's your chance for sweet, sweet vengeance. $50 gets you entry, a swag bag and a shiny medal for finishing. Funds raised go straight to Centre 55, a community centre located in the Beach(es).

Toronto Annual Santa Speedo Run (Saturday December 13)
This run is one of Toronto's finest, featuring a rag tag team of half-naked yet extremely festive runners dashing through Yorkville for a swift 3K in support of Sick Kids. All participants must wear a bathing suit and if you register early enough, you'll score a free Speedo to go with those goosebumps. Don't fret if red isn't your thing, white or green Speedos are also acceptable wardrobe options. A post-run hangout will happen back at Hemingway's (for you gawkers).

Brita Resolution Run (Sunday, December 28)
In support of GTA YMCAs, this event is a few days early to count it as your actual resolution but it's a firm step in the right direction. Runners will start off at the Exhibition grounds and set out for a 5K walk/run organized by the Running Room. In its 30th year this event is coast to coast and all runners score a shiny Brooks jacket for showing up.

Midnite New Year's Eve Run (Wednesday December 31)
This 5K run is in its fourth year and is a great event for anyone looking to avoid the shame spiral of another New Year's wasted in clubland. Start the year off with a bang, with a generous swag bag, fireworks, and a champagne cocktail and glitzy medal at the finish. With a party-like atmosphere, runners can buy tickets for friends to come cheer them on (they get bubbly, too). All proceeds (tickets for run and party go for $85) benefit the Fort York Food Bank.

Balmy Beach Canoe Club - Hair of the Dog Fun Run (Thursday, January 1)
The 35th annual aptly named Hair of the Dog fun run is just the ticket to distract you from that hurl worthy hangover that you are probably nursing. Beginning at the Balmy Beach Club at the foot of Beech Avenue at a pretty doable 10:30am, runners meander around the club for a 9K or 3K or course, and enjoy a hot lunch after. Money raised goes to support the club's roster of programming.

Run4RKids (Saturday, January 3)
If the elements prove too much for you this winter, consider an indoor marathon, like this one, hosted at York University. Run4RKids supports Addiction Free Youth, a noble and timely cause. With varying distances from full marathon down to just 5K there's a little something for everyone, minus the snow.

Robbie Burns 8K Road Race (Sunday, January 25)
If you've been hibernating this year watching old Highlander movies on AMC then channel that inner Scot and give the Robbie Burns 8K run a whirl. In its 36th year and as a qualifier for the OMA Road Race Series, this run through Burlington will no doubt be challenging with a belly full of scotch, or for the true competitors, don you best kilt for the best costume award. Just remember, windburn and frostbite are not a good look with a kilt. Cash prizes are available for top contenders, and all money raised goes to Jumpstart.

MEC Race Series #1 (Sunday, January 25)
The first of three Mountain Equipment Co-op led runs, this chip-timed 5 or 10K trek will take you around the Martin Goodman Trail for a cheap $15, and score you 10% off at MEC after. The other races take place in spring and summer, so this will definitely secure you bragging rights amongst the fair weather fans.

Around the Bay 30K Road Race (Sunday, March 29)
Dubbed the 'Oldest Race in North America', this 30K Road Race, 5K, or relay run will have you whipping around Hamilton's Harbour. This popular event sells out every year and raises money for St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. If you have a need for speed, this event is for you, with mega cash prizes for top finishers and medals for everyone.

What did I miss? Add additional running events to the comments.
toyota corollaPhoto of Santa Speedo Run 2013 by Jesse Milns.


Gluten free brewery asks for help to get to Beer Store

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GlutenbergIn potentially interesting news for both the gluten-intolerant and new brewers considering the costs and merits of working with The Beer Store, Montreal's Glutenberg, purveyors of award-winning gluten-free beer, have this week launched an Indiegogo campaign to ask for assistance bringing their beer to Ontario.

In an email statement released yesterday through Glutenberg's distribution agency, Keep6Imports, the owners of Glutenberg noted that, while their products are available in eight provinces, 14 American states, Italy, and Brazil, they have thus far been unable to bring their beer to Ontario thanks to "many unsuccessful attempts trying to work with the LCBO."

As a result, they're asking fans of their beer to pony up the "massive investment" required to do business with The Beer Store. An investment they say they "won't be able to make without your precious help."

For those who are unfamiliar, The Beer Store, which is owned by three mostly-foreign-owned, multinational brewers, charges other brewers for the right to sell beer at The Beer Store, the only privately-run retail beer outlet in Ontario.

And they charge quite a bit.

These myriad fees often add up to an amount that's simply too high for craft brewers to even consider playing ball; however, in an industry where their only alternatives are to sell their beer directly from their own breweries or get them into the LCBO, The Beer Store is becoming a last resort for many small businesses that might otherwise turn up their noses at the idea of paying their competition just for the right to sell beer.

In May of this year, for example, both Kensington Brewing Company and Flying Monkeys announced they'd reluctantly be doing business with TBS, despite the fact that it would cost Flying Monkeys $25,880 just to put their beer in 100 stores.

Glutenberg, who aren't willing to pay that high cost, are hoping that Ontario's fans of gluten free beer will cover the cost of doing business with The Beer Store. Their Indiegogo campaign offers GF boozers the ability to make donations ranging from $15 - $1000 with rewards like t-shirts, gift certificates, and even a night out in Montreal with the company's co-founders, Julien Niquet and David Cayer.

Ontario is certainly in short supply of decent gluten free beer, but the idea of paying a business just so you can buy their beer might leave a bad taste in some people's mouths. What do you think? Will you donate to their campaign?

Ben Johnson also writes about beer over on Ben's Beer Blog. Follow him on twitter @Ben_T_Johnson.

The Best Lasagna in Toronto

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best lasagna torontoThe best lasagna in Toronto makes newly delicious what is possibly one of the oldest types of pasta in history. The name of the pasta is synonymous with the traditional Italian dish, alternating the sheets of pasta with tomato sauce, ground meat (or a ragu), béchamel sauce and Parmesan. Modern twists include ricotta or cottage cheese, spinach or other vegetables.

If you don't have the option of going out to sample all of these restaurant lasagnas, you could take home lasagna from Bologno Pastificio, Queen's Pasta and Pastissima to cook yourself. They all have great take-home lasagna sure to impress the family or dinner guests.

Here is the best lasagna in Toronto.

See also:

The Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto
The Best Pasta in Toronto
The Best Pizza in Toronto

Top photo of Lamanna's Bakery by Libby Roach.

Parkdale to get new LCBO inside former funeral home

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Parkdale LCBOThe LCBO is moving its Parkdale location from Brock Ave. to the former Benisasia funeral home at Queen and Dunn. The new location will be open within a year and that the old store will close, possibly paving the way for development of the site. So far, no development applications have been filed with city planners.

The new building, which is significantly larger than the current location and includes a small parking lot, will require extensive renovations if the liquor store wants to shake off the dour architecture of its predecessor. The work will take at least a year, the LCBO says.

When complete, the new store will double the available retail space. It will have a "vintages" corner and a walk-in cold room with space for Ontario craft beer.

The new store won't follow the slick design of the Beaches "urban concept" LCBO, which came with a subway tile interior, improved layout, and greater overall attention to aesthetic detail. It will, however, feature a new cream coloured interior and carry the liquor store's new logo -- in other words, an improvement over the current location on Brock St.

What do you think of the plan to move the LCBO to Queen St.?

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

Good luck getting home

Today in Toronto: Gourmet Food & Wine Expo, Not Dead Yet Fest, Jen Mann, Deth to Art, Bourbon Derby

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today in torontoToday in Toronto Not Dead Yet, Toronto's best punk, hardcore, and noise fest, will officially get started at venues around the city - check out our preview for what to see here. The Gourmet Food & Wine Expo will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre until Sunday with tutored tastings, a Food Network chef stage, and nibbles, nibbles, nibbles. Choose your belt appropriately.

Thursday art openings include Neubacher Shor in Parkdale showing Jen Mann's enormous works, with titles like "garbage selfie," on canvas, and local gutter goth label Deth Records will hosting a tech inspired art show at The White House in Kensington Market. 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 of Gourmet Food & Wine by Natta Summerky

Toronto Restaurant Openings: Schnitzel Hub, Baju, Veghed, Scratch Kitchen, Taverna Mercatto, HG Bar

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toronto restaurant openingsToronto 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

  • Schnitzel Hub, a European bistro and bar that already boasts one Thornhill location, is now open at 1415 Yonge St. where Chef of India used to be.
  • Raise the Root Organic Market, the new retail outfit from the same folks behind Front Door Organic delivery service, celebrates their grand opening this weekend at 1164 Queen St. East.
  • Baju, a new southern BBQ concept from Zane Caplansky, is now operating inside the Monarch Tavern (12 Clinton St.)
  • HG Bar & Restaurant at 3585 Keele St. is now open in North York, serving up German beer and wood-smoked pork hocks.
  • New vegetarian takeout counter Veghed is now open at 1199 Dundas St. West.

RECENTLY REVIEWED

OPENING SOON

  • The Scratch Kitchen, a new breakfast, brunch and lunch destination, is in the works at 3471 Yonge St. north of Lawrence. The location was most recently the short-lived Middle Eastern eatery Cleo.
  • Mercatto is set to open an offshoot this January. Taverna Mercatto is coming to SouthCore Financial at 120 Bremner Blvd.
  • Bagel enthusiasts rejoice: What A Bagel is opening soon at 828 Bay St.
  • Queen West is due for an infusion of $4.95 foods, with the opening of a sister spot to El Furniture Warehouse a month away at 232 Queen St. West, where Everest was previously.

Have you seen restaurants opening or closing in your neighbourhood? Email tips to liora@blogto.com

Photo of El Furniture Warehouse by Jesse Milns.

Toronto gym has a Dragon Boat indoor paddling pool

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indoor paddling poolJust because it's -10 C outside doesn't mean you have to stop rowing all winter. That's thanks to this training gym, which offers indoor training for dragon boat racers (complete with an indoor pool). On top of that, the 2000-square-foot facility also offers tons of other strength and conditioning equipment, giving visitors the flexibility to get in shape in countless different ways.

Read my profile of Afterburn Fitness in the fitness section.


10 quirky things to know about the Junction

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toronto junctionThe Junction has a history unlike any other Toronto neighbourhood. Growing up near the crossroads of two ancient portage trails, the hardscrabble, boom-and-bust Town of West Toronto Junction was given life in the late 1800s by four major railway lines and numerous mills, factories, and other heavy industries located within its boundaries.

The Junction, briefly the independent City of West Toronto, was annexed in 1909, five years after the town declared itself alcohol free. Remarkably, the prohibition of alcohol within the neighbourhood persisted until 1997, around the time gentrification began to take hold. Today, condos are sprouting inside former factories, but there are still pockets where manual labour persists.

Here are 10 quirky things to know about the Junction.

The original "junction" was a convergence of two portage trails
Indian Road follows the route of a First Nations portage trail that lead north from the Humber Bay. At Davenport Rd., the trail met another popular path that followed the ancient Lake Iroquois escarpment east-west. The original junction, the intersection of the trails, was therefore probably located close to present day St. Clair and Keele.

More than 50 historic Junction buildings were designed by a single man
James Ellis was a prolific architect. Between 1889 and 1912, he designed a variety of buildings in Ontario, but the majority of his work--houses, a school, church, library, and firehall--is in the Junction. Ellis was also a resident of the Junction, so he no doubt used the buildings he designed on a regular basis. Today, at least 50 of his buildings still stand.

toronto junctionThe modern Junction is the intersection of GO and CPR tracks
The days of the famous rail intersection that gave the Junction its name are numbered. For decades, two busy rail corridors met at almost 90 degrees: no tunnel, no bridge, just a simple crossover. The interchange required a complex set of lights and switches to keep safe and for a time there was an elevated control box that oversaw rail traffic through the potentially dangerous area. Metrolinx is currently in the process of building a tunnel under the old junction in an effort to speed up commuter service through the area.

The first running of the Queens Plate was held in the Junction
Early Junction-area landowner William Keele (yes, that Keele) built the Carlton Park Race Course on his sprawling property southwest of Dundas and Keele in 1857. The oval track, if it still existed, would have run north-south from roughly Annette to Glenlake, parallel to Keele. The first Queens Plate was run at Carlton Park in 1860, but the course closed permanently in 1882.

The Junction used to be 100 percent alcohol free
Before 1904, the people of the Junction were free to drink in any of the town's taverns, and they do so heartily. When the community decided to go dry that year, it was an attempt to curb the uglier side of the alcohol industry, namely fighting and public drunkenness. Toronto was notoriously Victorian about drinking in the early 20th century, so the ban wasn't a total shock. What's remarkable is that the prohibition managed to survive until 1997.

toronto junctionThe Junction used to be a fiercely independent city
Like Riverdale, Parkdale, Brockton, and other Toronto neighbourhoods, the Junction used to be an independent town before it was swallowed by the growing metropolis to its east. Unlike the others, however, the Town of Toronto Junction remained doggedly independent to the last. It claimed city status in 1908 and briefly challenged Toronto for rail supremely. The independent spirit persisted after it was annexed: the neighbourhood clung to its dry law for almost a century.

Runnymede is named for an important English meadow
The Magna Carta--the "Great Charter"--was issued in 1215 by King John of England in an attempt to calm a political crisis. The document, sealed with wax at Runnymede, a meadow beside the Thames near Old Windsor, is considered a cornerstone of the British constitution, even if the majority of its clauses were later deleted. However, the Magna Carter's declaration that all free men had the right to justice and a fair trial is repeated in the United States Bill of Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the European Convention on Human Rights, writes the British Library.

There's a house on Jerome St. covered in salvaged terracotta tile
J. Turner Sr., a west end builder, loved terracotta. The decorative tile was popular until around the mid 1890s, when it began to fall out of fashion as an exterior cladding. Turner, however, loved the stuff. He covered his Jerome St. home in the stuff leaving almost no spaces. Never mind that much of the tile he used was manufactured for use on larger buildings.

toronto union stock yardsThe Junction used to be home to massive stockyards
The Union Stock Yards used to dominate the southwest corner of St. Clair and Keele. From 1903 up to the mid 1980s, the massive site was home to packing houses, abattoirs, and animal storage areas. During the first world war, the site was taken over for military use and later fell under the ownership of the province. The Ontario Stockyards continued into the 1980s, when the rail companies began to stop carrying animals. Between 1995 and 1999, the site was gradually demolished and sold off.

The Junction used to run south to Bloor
The Junction of today is smaller than it used to be. Before annexation, the town extended as far south as Bloor and northern High Park. Maps from 1903 show everything between Bloor and St. Clair between the Humber River and Keele as being part of the Junction, about four times as much space as the current neighbourhood boundaries allow.

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

The top 25 fish and chips in Toronto by neighbourhood

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fish and chips torontoFish and chips restaurants in Toronto are pretty evenly dispersed around the city, with tons of fantastic destinations. No matter what neighbourhood you're in, you need not cast your line too far to reel an excellent plate of coastal comfort food.

Here are my picks for the top fish and chips by Toronto neighbourhood.

See also:

The best fish and chips in Toronto
The top 10 under the radar fish and chips in Toronto

THE ANNEX
Harbord Fish & Chips is an old school outfit that's best enjoyed on a warm day, when you can perch at a picnic table and people-watch while mowing down on flakey filets encased in a golden fried crust.

THE BEACHES
British Style is a stalwart at Dundas and Coxwell where classic fish dinners focus on the essentials; lightly battered fish and seafoods and deep-golden, crispy chips.

BLOOR WEST VILLAGE
The One That Got Away does all the classic fry-fishes as well as some more unusual catches like arctic char and pickerel. In addition to light, crispy fried options, this place does grilled alternatives for the health conscious, too.

fish and chips torontoTHE DANFORTH
Off The Hook takes a customizable approach that offers a variety of styles. Have your fish battered, grilled, jerk or cajun-style, along with an ample selection of sides and house-made sauces.

DON MILLS
High St. Fish & Chips reels in a steady stream of Anglophiles looking for golden wild-caught halibut dinners with chunky fries and extras like pickled beets and mushy peas.

EAST DANFORTH
Established in 1930, Duckworth's Fish & Chips is famous for battered halibut, haddock, blue cod or sole combos served with creamy coleslaw and thick steak fries.

ETOBICOKE
Kingsway Fish & Chips is a west-side fave for its varied menu featuring fried and grilled fish and seafood, comfort foods like meat pies and mushy peas, and finally, their perfectly-seasoned chips.

fish and chips torontoFINANCIAL DISTRICT
Little Fin is a seafood-centric fast food spin-off from the same folks as The Chase, and while the majority of menu verges on being obscenely pricey, the haddock (priced at $9) with crispy potato wedges and slaw is an excellent value. For extra flavour, the fish is marinated in lemon, caper and mustard and encrusted in a golden fried breading.

HIGH PARK
Generous, over-packed platters of beer-battered haddock with a mountain of chips and coleslaw and tangy tartar sauces are one of the best bets on the menu at the Mugshot Tavern.

fish and chips torontoKENSINGTON MARKET
Fresco's is an unassuming fry shop in The Market where the menu features haddock, halibut, salmon and cod dinners with fries, slaw and tartar sauce. Extras like fried pickles and battered mushrooms are worth trying, too.

KING WEST
Bar Hop offers an inventive spin on the classic: the fish is coated in crushed Ruffles chips and Rice Krispies and comes served with delicious twice-fried chips, fennel apple slaw, house-made tartar sauce and tempura'd green beans.

fish and chips torontoLEASIDE
Olde Yorke Fish & Chips is the pub-style chippy of choice in this neighbourhood. The menu features crackling battered cod, haddock or halibut dinners along with various diner staples and a notable roster of desserts - try the key lime pie!

LESLIEVILLE
As its name suggest, Reliable Fish 'N Chips and a steadfast choice for sustainable alternatives to the classic halibut and chips combo. Opt for wild caught snapper, basa, cod or haddock served on checked paper, accompanied by fresh-cut chips, tartar and malt vinegar.

LITTLE ITALY
The Caledonian, being the consummate Scottish pub, is home to a seriously excellent plate of fish and chips. The house beer batter encases fresh haddock, while ultra-crisp, aggressively seasoned chips are sure to satisfy.

fish and chips torontoMOUNT DENNIS
Golden Crisp is a family-run institution on Weston Road that's famous for massive portions of halibut, haddock, big roughy or Alaskan white fish. Standard dinners come with golden thick-cut chips and slaw, or Caesar salad.

NEW TORONTO
The menu at New Toronto Fish & Chips does only four things; fried halibut, haddock, scallops and shrimp - each coated in light, fluffy batter perfected over their 40 years in business.

fish and chips torontoQUEEN WEST
Fresh Off The Boat is a newly opened take-out joint on Queen West where the menu does traditional beer-battered fish and chips served with fresh cut fries, a lemon wedge and raisin-studded broccoli slaw.

SCARBOROUGH
Count on excellent bang for your buck when ordering the haddock or halibut with chips at My Place Fish and Chips, a Brit-style chippy found in a Scarborough strip-mall.

ST. CLAIR WEST
The menu at Sea Witch Fish & Chips consists of five types of fish (halibut, haddock, cod, pickerel and Arctic char) available one or two pieces at a time with chips or on a bun. The newly-opened eatery is clean and contemporary, giving it a charming character that just might entice diners to eat in.

ST. LAWRENCE MARKET
Delicious fresh fish abounds at St. Lawrence Market where stalwart Buster's goes head to head with spin-off Market St. Catch to claim the crispiest fish and most delicious fries. For me, the winner is Buster's, where the frantic, bustling line-up is all part of the experience,

WEST QUEEN WEST
Its home facing Trinity Bellwoods park positions Chippy's as the easy favourite among park-goers looking for a fish fry picnic for grab-and-go. Bonus points for house made tartar sauce and insanely tasty hot curry,

WESTON
The menu at Sun Crisp Fish & Chips is a gem on Weston that will satisfy hankerings for classic fish and chip dinners complete with vinaigrette-saturated coleslaw. Choices include cod, halibut or haddock, battered and fried in hot fresh oil that entombs the succulent, flaky fish in a crunchy and (relatively) light crust.

YONGE & DUNDAS
Among the menu of pub favourites at the Queen & Beaver on Elm St., expect to find delicious fish and chip dinners served with the house tartar sauce and extra-juicy, extra-sweet grilled lemon.

fish and chips torontoYONGE & EGLINTON
Fish Street Market & Open Kitchen is a fishmonger that's happy to expertly cook up whatever you choose from the daily catch on display. Not to be missed are the lightly battered fish dinners, served with thick potato wedges and slaw.

YONGE & ST. CLAIR
John & Son's Fish & Chip Shop (adjacent to the oyster bar by the same name) prides itself on exclusively offering sustainable Ocean Wise fish. Choose from haddock, Atlantic cod or curry-spiced steelhead trout with fries or salad and house-made tartar sauce and flavoured aioli.

What did I miss? Disagree with my selections in the comments.

Top photo of Sea Witch by Marni Wolf.

The top 10 things to do outdoors this winter in Toronto

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outdoor winter torontoOutdoor activities this winter in Toronto will help you fight the urge to hibernate as the mercury dips and the city is blanketed with snow. While it's easy to curl up by the fireplace (or space heater, as the case may be), staying active over the coldest months is a great way to burn calories and ward off the winter blues. In other words, the best way to survive winter is by embracing it.

Here are 10 fun things to outdoors this winter in Toronto.

Hit up a skating trail
Skating might be the most obvious winter activity to partake in, but if you're looking to shake things up a bit you might try a skating trail. Instead of circling around an ice pad ad nauseum, the trail at Colonel Sam Smith Park allows skaters to travel in a figure eight pattern across 250 metres, which features a lot more variety than your average rink. Just watch out for slow skaters.

Strap on your skis
The joy of Toronto's ravine system doesn't end when the leaves fall. While most of the groomed areas to cross country ski are located a short drive from the city, High Park has some excellent trails, and many intrepid skiers carve tracks in places like the Moore Park Ravine and the Toronto Islands. If downhill is more your game, you have local options, too.

Go for a cold weather run (possibly in a red Speedo)
Hardcore runners don't hang up their shoes come December. On the contrary, cold weather running helps build fitness and, assuming you're dressed properly, is a relatively warm activity as you're always moving. If you're feeling brave and don't suffer from body image issues, the Santa Speedo run should be on your list of things to do this winter.

Hit the hills!
The cheapest winter activity might also be the most fun. Toronto is blessed with many excellent tobogganing hills that fill up with eager thrill seekers in the wake of fresh snow. For my money, Riverdale Park is the best of the bunch, though everyone will have a favourite hill. If you want to avoid the kids and families, make a night run. Just lay off the booze, ok?

Ring in the New Year with a chill!
Not for the faint of heart, Toronto's annual Polar Bear swims are one shocking way to ring in the new year, but the participants always seem like they're having a good time. Perhaps an icy cold dip is on your bucket list? Head to Sunnyside Beach January 1st -- just be sure to bring a flask with some strong stuff in it.

Catch a wave
And you thought the folks doing the Polar Bear Dip were nuts...winter surfing is actually a thing in Toronto, especially as storms kick up more surf in the colder months than they do in the summer. You'll need a thick wetsuit, of course -- but assuming you don't bail too many times, it's less cold than you might think. Or at least that's what the folks who've tried it will tell you.

Throw some spikes on your bike and race
For the last 13 years, adventure-seeking cyclists have outfitted their bikes with spiked tires to participate in the annual Icycle race held at the Dufferin Grove Park ice rink in ate February. As a spectator, it's wild to see riders lean into deep turns around the corner of the rink, and it's even wilder still to try it out yourself -- though it is amazing how well the spikes work. Proceeds go to help subsidize the medical costs of bike messengers injured on the job.

Play at being Sidney Crosby on an outdoor rink
If hockey is Canada's favourite winter pastime, then shinny is the game at its purest form: skates, stick and gloves. Toronto is stacked with outdoor ice pads for Shinny. Some of the best daily games go down at Dufferin Grove Park, Christie Pits, and Ramsden Park. Weekends are always busy at all the rinks around town.

Try your hand at ice climbing
You'll have to make the short drive to Ancaster to try out ice climbing in real life, but you can build up your climbing strength at any one of Toronto's many indoor rock climbing gyms. The skills are a little bit different between the two disciplines, but there's plenty of crossover as pertains to one's comfort level and strength. Ice climbing is a pure winter sport insofar as it exposes participants to a beautiful environment but poses a serious challenge to be overcome.

Hit up a sugar shack
Maple syrup season takes place in late winter (typically near the end of March), and various conservation centres around Toronto mark the occasion with educational walking tours and massive pancake feasts. The Kortright Centre is a good bet near the city, just make sure to arrive early, as the lineup to access the park can be painful for those arriving in late morning.

What did I miss? Add more suggestions to the comments.toyota corollaPhoto by Jesse Milns

Boutique hotel & restaurant coming to Lower Ossington

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Levack Block hotelThe shuttered LeVack Block night spot at the corner of Ossington and Humbert is going to reopen as a restaurant and hotel in 2015. Almost a year after the popular restaurant and bar closed its doors, new owners are finalizing plans to bring food, drink, and sleep back to the 120-year-old building.

Details are still thin on the hotel, but the currently unnamed downstairs restaurant is expected to seat about 60 people and include a lounge and event space in the style of a "modern speakeasy." Toronto-based interior designer Lisa Ho, whose work is most visible on the main level and rooftop patio of EFS nightclub at King and Bathurst, will be responsible for the look of the eatery.

It will be "somewhere people can hang out and feel at home," said Reza Abedi, a partner in the project who is also affiliated with EFS.

The LeVack Block building was previously the home of a popular eponymously titled restaurant and club. The business closed in January after six years on Ossington Ave., leaving the future use of the historic row uncertain.

Built between 1889 and 1891 to designs by architect Frank Heakes, the block is named for a family that ran a stockyard at Givins and Bruce. It was designated a Toronto heritage property in February 2005.

What do you think of the plans to bring nightlife back to 88 Ossington?

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

Photo by Matthew Borrett

The top 10 karate classes in Toronto

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karate in torontoKarate in Toronto is widespread throughout the city. There are numerous schools and classes that offer a variety of different karate styles depending on your preference, or how hardcore you want to get. You can work your way up to a black belt, or just have some fun and break a sweat. So go ahead, get karate choppin', young grasshopper.

Here are my picks for the top karate schools and classes in Toronto.

See also:

The Best Martial Arts in Toronto
The Best Fitness Clubs in Toronto
The Best Boxing Gym in Toronto
The Best Specialty Fitness Clubs in Toronto

Silver Spirit Karate Club
At Silver Spirit Karate Club you'll be able to practice the traditional Shotokan Karate. Shotokan is divided into three parts: kihon (the basics), kata (patterns of moves), and kumite (sparring).  As part of the program, you may sometimes get taken on field trips or have a special guest instructor to keep things interesting. The club's classes take place inside a church on Donlands near the Danforth, so you if you happen to get an extra painful karate chop, you may want to muffle your curses so a certain someone doesn't hear you.

Northern Karate
With an outstanding 12 locations around the GTA (most of them north of the 401), Northern Karate's schools aim to make you realize your true potential while affecting your mind, body and spirit. The karate classes - with a Quick Start program for the beginning stages of your journey - will help increase your strength, stability, and cardiovascular system. You can join their novice, intermediate (black belt), or advanced (masters) program, depending on your skill level.

Danforth Karate
Located on the Danforth between Greenwood and Donlands, Danforth Karate is for all age groups from little peewees to adults. Their Master Instructor Shihan Gord Davis has been practicing martial arts since the age of ten, received his black belt all the way back in 1975, and now bestows his wisdom upon his students at this facility. If you want to learn from someone who has truly dedicated his life to karate - this is the place to go.

Japan Martial Arts Centre
Claiming to have one of the highest number of black belts in the city, Japan Martial Arts Centre on Broadview Ave, north of the Danforth, is the place to be if gaining a belt is your ultimate goal. Their chief instructor, Kancho Takemasa, is a 10th Dan (Dan is a ranking system depicting level of expertise) - one of the highest rankings you can have. So you'll definitely be learning under the best as they teach you karate, judo, aikido, jujitsu, kenjitsu, and fighting with weapons.

Toronto Goju Ryu Karate
Toronto Goju Ryu Karate is the place to learn the specific Goju Ryu Karate technique. This martial art includes strikes, joint manipulation, throws and pressure points (imagine subduing an attacker by merely knowing where to put pressure!). Their classes take place at the O.I.P Dance Centre on Richmond near Jarvis and for those who rather not have white-robed rugrats running around, this place is for those 18 and older only.

Toronto Kyokushinkai Karate
Located in the Upper Beaches, Toronto Kyokushinkai Karate is another place to try when wanting to learn a specific karate trade. Kyokushin Karate is traditional in its training methods and beliefs and is great for discipline (send your kids!), strength and coordination - kinda like yoga for fighters (ha!). You still get a great work out in and can drop by this place to observe any class or try one out for free.

Ki Karate School
North York's Ki Karate School is where all ages and belts can come and learn martial arts mixed with yoga. At almost 8000 sq. ft., this facility shares its space with Rhythm Dance Studio - so there may be an activity everyone in your family can enjoy, all in one place. School director Shri Keth Singh successfully brings together physical conditioning and spiritual well-being. All together now: ommm.

Contact Kicks
The owner and head coach of Contact Kicks, Sensei Steve Fogarasi, has had over 20 years' experience teaching karate and placed numerous times in worldwide karate competitions - in case you wanted a goal to strive for. The facility, located near York University, offers three types of programs: karate kyokushin, kickboxing and jiu jitsu - for when you want to mix up your workouts from just straight up karate. They offer fun classes for kids and a more vigorous workout for adults.

DeSantos Premier Martial Arts
This gym, located near the Beaches, focuses on karate and tae kwon do. While many of the facilities on this list are owned or founded by men, Desantos Premier Martial Arts is owned and operated by one badass chick, 6th degree black belt Veronica DeSantos. She was the first woman to be inducted into the North American Martial Arts Hall of Fame - so ladies, this is definitely a place to be inspired!

Cold Mountain School of Martial and Healing Arts
This place will heal your mind, body, and spirit - and get you in fighting ready condition. Cold Mountain School of Martial and Healing Arts, located just north of Leslieville, combines three different practices into one discipline. Here you'll be able to train in the art of Uechi-ryu karate, Qigong (which is like a standing, slow moving meditation), and traditional meditation. If you're looking for a place to de-stress, this is it.

Did I miss any? Leave your favourite karate gym in Toronto in the comments.

Writing by Chynna Wilson.

Photo by Simon Ip in the blogTO Flickr pool

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