41 Melville Avenue is a house with good bones. From the outside, it looks old but in classic Toronto sort of way: unimposing, unassuming, but dignified. It's anything but an enormous house -- and some might scoff at $900K for two bedrooms -- but the upstairs loft is like it's own apartment and the basement is quite nicely finished, both of which add crucial living space to the home.

SPECS

• Address: 41 Melville Ave
• Price: $899,000
• Square footage: 2,059
• Lot: 20 x 110
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 2
• Walk Score: 90

NOTABLE FEATURES

• Fireplace
• Loft master bedroom
• Dramatic dining room wallpaper
• Everything is finished!

GOOD FOR

You want to move in and do nothing. This is not a fixer-upper. The home is recently renovated and the back area well landscaped. You might want to do something about the loud wallpaper in the dining room, but otherwise this place is move-in ready. The neighbourhood is, of course, also a big plus. It's highly walkable, dotted with parks (most notably Christie Pits), and proximate to both the Annex and Bloorcourt.

MOVE ON IF

You want more space. The price for this house is $899,000. While that's comparable to other houses of its size in the neighbourhood, the two bedroom limitation just won't appeal to some who need to house more than three or four bodies under one roof. That said, the basement could easily accommodate an unruly teenager better left sequestered from the rest of the family.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Writing by Tannara Yelland

Read other posts in this series via our House of the Week Pinterest board.

Thanks to Bosley Real Estate for sponsoring our House of the Week.

Mayor John Tory singled out public transit, employment, and poverty as top priorities during his official swearing in ceremony this afternoon. In a 20-minute speech that occasionally deviated from his prepared script, the new mayor paid tribute to his family and council colleagues and outlined the key issues facing Toronto.

Tory said he hopes council comes together to "achieve uncommon results" by building SmartTrack, extending the Bloor-Danforth Line deeper into Scarborough, and improving existing TTC service. Developing a citywide poverty reduction strategy and finding ways to tackle the youth unemployment rate are also important, he said.

Today marked the first day of the first council meeting of the 2014-2018 term of office, but the event was largely procedural. Councillors were led into the chamber by a piper and presented with framed copies of their declaration of office before Tory was handed the chain of office.

Tory received the blue and gold velvet collar from Ontario premier Bill Davis and Louise Russo, an anti-violence advocate who was left paralyzed in 2004 after being hit by a stray bullet from a drive-by shooting. Tory said Russo was one of his heroes. "To see someone who fought back from unspeakable adversity to devote her life to helping ensure that kids in our city don't get left behind, and are themselves given a fighting chance, is inspiring," he said.

(In 2010, Rob Ford invited Don Cherry to speak at his inauguration. "He's going to be the greatest mayor this city has ever seen, as far as I'm concerned you can put that in your pipe you left-wing kooks," he said.)

The new mayor thanked Ford, who returned to city hall as councillor for Ward 2, calling for a round of applause "for his continued public service" and "a complete and speedy recovery and a return to this place as soon as possible."

Here's a full transcript of John Tory's inaugural speech as mayor, as it was delivered.

-----

Madam clerk, special guest Louise Russo, honourable William Davis and Mrs. Davis, city officials, members of city council, and most welcome guests and all.

Louise, thank you for those wonderful words, I'll mention you again in a moment. I was just a little disconsiderate that you had to raise that 30th anniversary business because, as much as Barb and I love you, I was in some trouble for attending an event. But would have only have been for you on our 30th wedding anniversary, and so far so good after that, so it's going fine.

May I, before I get into my more formal remarks, say a word or two about a couple of other people. First of all I would just like to say to Councillor Norm Kelly, just a sincere word of thanks on behalf of the council and the people of the City of Toronto for your unique contribution in the past years, and I just wanted to say thank you for that.

I said during the election campaign when Rob Ford had to withdraw because of his health challenges that I would miss him at the debates. And I said that I knew that's where he would want to be, at the debates seeking this office that I'm so privileged to hold today and that he held for the last four years.

And I'll tell you that one of the reasons I said I would miss him at the debates was because, it really was, and you sent that brother of yours afterwards, but when you were debating with me, here's exactly what happened ladies and gentlemen, is that we'd be at the debates and at some moment in time in the middle of it, this is absolutely true, he would turn to me and say 'John,' he'd say, 'what's on this page right here, it's going to lay you out in about two minutes. You're going to be out on the floor cold, done, finished.' Absolutely true, he would. I would just say to him, you know, 'OK, bring it on.'

But I think that says a lot about Rob Ford, and this is totally out of order, but it doesn't matter yet because we're not in a formal meeting, we're in a ceremonial meeting. I want to sort of go totally out of order and ask everybody in this room to move a motion thanking Rob Ford for his continued public service and wishing him a complete and speedy recovery and a return to this place as soon as possible. All in favour, say 'aye.'

[Crowd says 'Aye' followed by applause]

Carried unanimously.

I was asked yesterday by a journalist whether I was "just tickled" to hold this office. And as my colleagues will know, you have to think quickly in answering questions like that, and in seconds I had decided not to make any wisecracks in response.

That was my first good decision. But what I did say was something I meant very sincerely then as I do today, and I know I speak on behalf of all of the members of city council in saying in the presence of our guests today that what you do feel is a huge sense of privilege, having the chance to serve your city and to serve the public. And for that, I want to say on my own behalf and I'm sure I speak on behalf of every other member of council here today, say thank you to the people who sent us here, and perhaps, just as important, those who tried to send someone else. Because we are all here now to represent every single person who lives in this city we are so blessed to call home.

I think I can also speak on behalf of every member of city council in saying thank you to our families, which are represented here today. Family members end up deeply involved in public service too, perhaps not always by direct choice, and for all the sacrifices, big and small, the pillow talk which ends up constituting very valuable advice, and for your love and patience - we all say thank you. Let's have a round of applause for our guests.

[Applause]

If you will allow me on this to say a personal word about my own family, I want to acknowledge the presence of my mother Liz Tory. In our family, public service and giving back was itself a given and there was no better example set than by my mother. And she continues to be a tireless volunteer for many causes, though given her occasional outspoken ways, I'm fortunate that never extended to public service, public office that is.
I remember my dad today too. He was a shining example of integrity, hard work, and decency. And I know that he is here and I know that because I am wearing his tie to
prove it.

My siblings, my sister Jennifer and brothers Jeff and Mike are here. They are people of significant accomplishment and public service and they have all been immensely supportive of my various public endeavours. I am very proud of our four children who are also here--John, Christopher, Susan, and George--and our four grandchildren who aren't here because we weren't sure they could behave long enough to be in something like this.

But I think the children in this chamber, children of all ages who are children of people in public life, have a sense of what is involved in having a parent or parents in public life, and we are very grateful for their endless patience and love. And speaking of endless patience and love, there is Barb, my wife. I have come to understand better and better in the past year or so just how unique the perspective of a partner or spouse is in keeping your feet on the ground and keeping you on track.

After almost 37 years, Barb knows me and understands me better than anyone else - not that she would necessarily put that on her resume as a particular point of pride. And i will just say beyond love, we have a great partnership and I wouldn't be here without her. And I want to say... I want to have a round of applause for her, for heaven's sakes.

[Applause]

I want to say one further word about a couple who may as well be family. My political mentor, my friend, the honourable William Davis is here today. He was previously introduced and helped put on the chain of office, together with his wife Kathleen. I have worked with a lot of elected officials over 45 years. Most of that time, as you know, as an advisor to elected officials. There is no one more decent, more caring, more balanced, from among that group, than premier Davis, and I am honoured he and Mrs. Davis are here today to join all of us.

I said that I would also say an additional word, inadequately I'm sure, about Louise Russo. I said many times when I was a broadcaster that together with my father, and Bill Davis, and Ted Rogers, she too was, and is, one of my heroes. To see someone who fought back from unspeakable adversity to devote her life to helping ensure that kids in our city don't get left behind, and are themselves given a fighting chance, is inspiring, and it was a choice I made quickly and comfortably to have her here today, because, she is speaking of course on her own behalf, but I think it also signals some of the issues which will be fundamentally important to me during this term in office. And so Louise, thank you so much, and your family, for honouring us with your presence here today.

Today we observe not the victory of a group of people, but the renewal of our civic democracy. On October 27th, Torontonians turned out in record numbers to decide the future direction of their city. Five weeks ago, voters asked their elected officials to get to work on the priorities that matter to them. Better transit, better housing, more jobs, and an end to the gridlock that is choking our streets. An end to the division that has paralyzed at times city hall itself over the last few years. Accountable and effective leadership and careful stewardship of their tax dollars. And they want us to act to reduce the isolation experienced by so many on account of a lack of housing, the lack of a job, or the ignoring of mental health issues, just to name a few. The bottom line: Torontonians want results, and it is up to all of us in this chamber to deliver them.

The great industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie once said that teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to achieve uncommon results. I know that in this chamber, going forward in the next four years, we can achieve uncommon results.

And that's because I know we can come together on behalf of those who sent us here. Together as a council, I believe we are, the facts show, that we are a group of skilled and dedicated men and women. All of you, all of us, want what is best for your ward and for your city, and I want the same things for your wards and our city. And in the days and months ahead we will be asked to bring judgment to matters large and small. And so let us be honoured and humbled by our responsibilities, but innovative and determined in their execution.

As your mayor I bring a sense of urgency to getting Toronto back on track - but i also bring a sense of perspective. Torontonians are not asking us for miracles, they don't expect miracles of their elected representatives. What they want is visible progress - and soon - on a few critical and shared priorities.

Transit and gridlock top this list at this moment in history. And so, on those subjects, it's time to get to work. We will get SmartTrack up and running in seven years. We will build the Scarborough subway, and we will work with the TTC to improve existing service for its 1.5 million daily riders. Torontonians want a future where we make intelligent decisions that will reduce gridlock. And so we will get to work. We will coordinate construction, we will synchronize traffic lights, and we will do everything we can to see that the laws are enforced.

The damage to families, to businesses, and to the environment caused by out of control traffic simply can't continue, and it is up to us to do something about it, and I know that we can Torontonians also want a mayor who can work with the council and the other levels of government to get things done.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting with Premier Kathleen Wynne. We discussed the need to work together on transit and on traffic. We discussed the need for renewed investment in our city and help with housing. I look forward to having the same discussion with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

The case I did put forward, the case I will put forward is clear: Toronto is the engine of growth in Ontario and Canada and must remain strong - economically and socially. These are important relationships with these two governments that need to be renewed and strengthened, and I will build trust, I will restore faith, and I will regain respect for the City of Toronto at Queen's Park and in Ottawa, and I think this will bring results for our city.

Torontonians also want good, well paying jobs. That's a big reason we're are going to build rapid transit and improve transit generally, including SmartTrack, to connect people to jobs and jobs to people and bring opportunity to all four corners of the city, because, if we are being honest, it is not present the way it needs to be in all four corners of the city and everywhere in between.

We will ask government partners and the business sector and organized labour to team up and foster opportunities for our youth. They have shown, all of them, including business and labour, working with government. They can do it before, and we have to have them do it over and over and over again. We will create, together, the right business and tax environment so that companies continue to choose Toronto.

And each and every one of us on this council--beginning with me in the mayor's office and under the continued leadership of Councillor Michael Thompson--we must all become business ambassadors for the city. When he was up receiving his declaration I said to him: 'sell, sell, sell.' And I'm counting on him and counting on his continued leadership, together with all of us, and with me, to make sure that that happens.

Because we can no longer assume, and I think we know this, that jobs and investment will beat a path to our door. We must put out the welcome mat and ensure that we seed and we grow the clusters that spell economic success and that spell those jobs for the people young and of other ages in areas like hi-tech, and financial services, and film and animation, bio-science, and food processing. I could go on, but that's just to name a few. And you know what, we have another challenge in front of us as well, if we're being honest about this. We have to bring the operations of the city itself into the 21st century.

We need to get rid of waste and modernize both the services we offer and the way they
are delivered. And that's not a criticism of anybody or anything. It is simply a statement of the fact. I've seen it in the last four weeks as I've gone through this transition and the incredible professional briefings provided by our incredibly professional and competent public service, and I thank them for that, as I'm sure I'll have opportunity to thank them for lots of things over the next four years.

But I've also seen that the processes and the way things work around here are things that are generations behind in some cases what is done elsewhere. And we cannot afford to be in a situation where complacency and stand-still thinking causes this city to fall behind its competitors, and causes it to fall behind the expectations people have of us.

It's ironic when you think about it that a big city and a big city government like this often is way behind its own citizens and its own residents in terms of how to use something like technology to get things done better, and we have to fix that. That's our responsibility not theirs.

I want Toronto as one of North America's great cities to lead from the front of the pack, because that too, I think, is going to help us attract investment. I want us in every single area, including some of the toughest areas that seem to be almost insurmountable challenges, I want us to be more opportunistic and open to change. Our role is not to fight the future, it is to be the future - the place in North America and the place in the world where new Canadians and young people find that first good job they've been looking for. Where entrepreneurs want to come to launch their start-ups, not just the ones who are here, but ones who come here specifically because this is the place they want to establish their business.

And speaking of the future, none of us can be satisfied with the snapshot that has emerged in recent years, of a city unfairly and unjustly, and I'm sure not deliberately, but unfairly and unjustly, divided by income, and by class, and by geography. None of us can rest easy, we can't put our heads down on the pillow at night and go to sleep, knowing that 150,000 Toronto kids are growing up in poverty, or that 15 neighbourhoods in our city have poverty rates of 40 per cent or more. I have devoted a good part of my adult life as a private citizen to combatting this, and believe the job that I now have gives me, working together with you and everybody else, every single citizen, every faith leader, every person who can help, the best chance to continue to fight this.

[Applause]

I signed on during the election campaign, as many of you did before and during, to a poverty reduction pledge that said we were going to develop for the city a poverty reduction strategy. And I said at that time, and I repeat here today, that I want one that has got real targets, and real timelines in it, and real things that we can do together, and maybe a few things that we can call upon some other people to help us to do. And I am delighted that councillor and soon to be deputy mayor Pam McConnell, will help lead the way, working with others, in developing a real poverty reduction strategy for the City of Toronto.

A Toronto with these levels of poverty is not the Toronto we remember, those of us who grew up here, and it cannot be the Toronto that we leave to our children. We are one Toronto, and that means one for all and all for one. And as mayor, I ask you to join me in the months and years ahead in ending the neglect that leaves behind too many citizens in our city's isolated neighbourhoods, join me in tackling the city's unacceptable youth jobless rate, and work with me to build a strong, inclusive city of opportunity from Etobicoke to Scarborough, and from North York to the waterfront.

One where every single resident, without exception, feels confident in their government, confident in their police, and confident in their own future. We have a tremendous amount of work to do, and it begins right here, right now.

As your mayor I pledge to you an open door and an open mind. I will not let ideology of
any kind stand in the way of a good idea or doing what is right. With strong leadership and honest partnership we will move this city forward together. We live in a good city, a really good city, but our goal in the next four years must be to unite us as one Toronto and turn a good city into a truly great one.

I discussed this often during the campaign. We have values that we clearly understand as Torontonians and as Canadians and they do say probably first and foremost that we don't leave anybody behind. And so forgetting about ideology, and forgetting about partisan labels, and forgetting about all those kind of things, I don't think we can look ourselves in the mirror and make sure that people know that we are a truly great city unless and until we honour those values by our work that we're going to do here together and make sure that there really aren't people who are left behind.

We want to create a city where there are opportunities for all, and make no mistake from me, I believe the best way you're going to make people's lives better is through a good, lasting, productive job, and better employment for everybody in the family, starting with young people and working right up through the family.

There are far too many people with huge talent in this city, if we're being frank about it, many of them who are newcomers, and many of them who have skin colours other than my own, who are unemployed, or underemployed, and they're people with great skill, and talent, and determination, they just want a chance to prove themselves, and I think here in government we can offer them that chance and do things to make sure they have it.

I think we all want to create here a safe and prosperous, and caring, and fair, and humane place to live and to work. A place where, in reality, we don't leave anyone behind. A Toronto that we can be truly proud of it. We're proud of it now, but let's make ourselves prouder of the city. I know we can do this. I know we can do this. I know we can act in common to achieve some very uncommon results.

Better days are ahead. Together, let's finish the job that voters began on October 27th and build one great city. One Toronto.

Thank you very much.

-----

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

Images: Jesse Milns/blogTO

Photo by Oscar Flores in the blogTO Flickr pool

Today in Toronto a design fan's paradise IIDEX opens for two days at the Convention Centre. Canada's National Design and Architecture Exposition & Conference's array of ideas and artistry will include hundreds of exhibitors plus keynotes and industry seminars. At the Reference Library, The Beguiling and TCAF's holiday pop up for indie comics will open with the launch of Just The Tips: A sexual guide by Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky. Read more here.

If you're in a playful mood, you can play truth or dare in the AGO thanks to Mammalian Diving Reflex. One catch - the truth is out (sorry Mulder) and this is all about the dares. Not sure what happens if you get dared to touch the art. For more events, click on over to our events section.

• Design: IIDEXCanada (Metro Toronto Convention Centre)
• Comics: TCAF Pop-Up Shop Launch (Toronto Reference Library)
• Art/Games: Dare Night (AGO)
• Lit: cleo: vol. 2, issue 3 (Trinity Square Video)
• Comedy: Holodeck Follies - Star Trek Variety Comedy (Social Capital Theatre)
• Erotic: Tell Me Something Good (Gladstone)

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

Photo by Jesse Milns

The recently re-branded Concert Window is an online music venue platform that broadcasts live concerts directly from the web into your home (think: lying on your couch with a bottle of wine), either via smartphone, tablet, or anything that connects to the internet.

The website aims to change the landscape of concert viewing by bringing musicians and fans together online. It's already been called a Netflix for music fans, and now its redesign has it reaching out to Canadian audiences.

Concert Window entered into the Canadian market this fall starting in Toronto. From November 22-30th, the service featured an exclusive look into our city's music scene with a series called Toronto Teardown. Indie musicians Sheldon Holder, HARKthegirl, the Young Novelists were among the dozen or so invited to participate.

Each broadcast features a live concert from a non-club setting: The Young Novelists elected to perform from their living room in Scarborough. Toronto Teardown concert viewers logged on from computers and mobile, some from outside of the GTA (and one person on the TTC). Users were able to live chat with each other and artists - some with a "no pants" motif. Imagine at will.

For musicians, Concert Window is a dream come true - a no-fee (!) platform to reach new and non-local audiences, increase revenue (CW pays out 70% to the artist), avoid things like touring costs (and taxi costs, naturally), and venue... difficulties. Then, imagine all the times someone has said it's too far to travel from Warden Station to Parkdale on a cold winter's night. The pain of a fan missing your gig can be eased by knowing they were there (possibly in their underwear).

For fans, aside from the ease on fomo and guilt, the new platform means catching your favourite Toronto bands (not to mention North American artists slow in touring the vast expanses of Canada) in the comfort of your home. The service is available every night at a free or very low PPV rate of $1-10 for most shows. Viewers can also tip for great performances and follow artists they like.

With its artist-friendly mandate and simple design, Concert Window could be a serious game changer in the indie concert scene. While nothing can replace the energy of a live show, as Dan Gurney, Concert Window co-founder/musician, puts it: "there's nothing better than kicking back on your couch after a long day of work and enjoying some live music." Amen - where's the wine?

Full Concert Window information, including how to set up a show and viewing schedules, is available on their website.

Have you used Concert Window? Will you? Let us know in the comments.

Up and coming tattoo artists in Toronto might not have the experience or name recognition to make a list of the top 10 artists in the city, but there's no doubting the chops and potential that make them names to watch. In fact, that's the first thing that many artists on our previous list said about those who appear here, namely that under the radar artists are equally deserving of the kudos more established artists tend to enjoy.

Here are my picks for the top up and coming tattoo artists in Toronto.

Alex Snelgrove, The Okey Doke Tattoo Shop
Alex has been perfecting her hand-poked style since 2009, crafting unique and arresting images. She picked up a gun in 2012 and quickly brought that vision to machine tattooing. An incredibly versatile artist, she's as comfortable with American traditional as she is with abstract concepts.

Ash Timlin, Passage Tattoo
Ash Timlin's name seems to be on the tips of many people's tongues these days, which is quite a feat seeing as she's only been at it for 4 years. The Barrie transplant started making a name for herself at Imperial Tattoo and most recently at Jay Decator's Passage Tattoo. With a style that utilizes bold lines and high contrast, she breathes new life in to the animal subjects that dominate her portfolio.

Mike Storey, Black Pearl Tattoos and Piercings
Storey began tattooing six years ago when he moved to Toronto to apprentice under veteran artist Bill Read at Abstract Arts. Its clear that he laid down roots in the right city as his considerable skill with black and grey realism has already garnered wide accolades.

Angie Fey, Archive Tattoo
Having originally moved from British Columbia to Toronto to study photography, Angela "Angie Fey" Daniels rekindled her love for drawing in 2009. She apprenticed at Archive Tattoo, where she continues to work and grow as an artist, creating vivid illustrations marked by a bold use of colour.

Seunghyun Jo "POTTER", Forever Young Ink
Seughyun Jo, who also goes by the pseudonym Potter, gained recognition through the convention circuit and was recently handpicked by renowned tattoo magazine Inked for an online feature/showcase of his work. He is a master of photo realism, creating pieces with a such depth and perspective that they pop off the skin.

Jennifer Lawes,Pearl Harbor Gift Shop
There's something adventurous in the way that Jennifer Lawes tattoos. While seemingly steeped in traditional imagery, she brings many different elements to her art. Her open attitude has allowed her to experiment, blurring the lines between the illustrative and American traditional.

Tristen Zhang, Chronic Ink
Tristan Zhang's first studio in Markham's Pacific Mall was not exactly a go-to destination when he opened it in 2008. He has slowly built a solid reputation with his Asian-based, freehand style. His work has garnered him accolades at conventions like Northern Ink Exposure, where he has won awards in various black and grey and colour categories.

Arthur Mills, Imperial Tattoo
Arthur Mills began tattooing in 2006 but left it all behind in 2007 to go on tour with his band. After a three year hiatus he returned to tattooing full time in various shops across the downtown core, eventually ending up at Imperial Tattoo. His dark and intricate work draws its influence from heavy metal imagery, which he attributes to his time in the music industry.

Lemur, Exotix Studios
Leaving his hometown of Cancun, Mexico, Lemur has travelled the globe honing his art. His pieces demonstrate a remarkable flair for shading as he draws on many different influences to create pieces that speak to his worldliness.

Jenny Boulger, TCB Tattoo Parlour
I struggle with finding an adequate way to describe Jenny Boulger's work. I could call it "trippy" but that's almost doing her artistry a disservice. While demonstrating a strong flair for traditional imagery, she builds on that base with an out of this world imagination.

Who did I miss? Add your suggestions for Toronto tattoo artists on the rise in the comment section.

Photo by Ryan Bolton

New juice bars in Toronto have exploded across the city this year. It seems no neighbourhood can be without one of the new elixir centers, selling the happiness liquids at sometimes shocking prices. Seen as a benefit to our health (and a prolonging of our youthfulness) in increasingly busy lives, the juice revolution seems a counter to other more, meat centric, gluttonous food trends of late, with their burgers and offal and towers of fat.

But are they all they are cracked up to be? I think the jury is still out on all the purported health benefits, but one thing is for sure, most of the juices and smoothies being whipped up at the new places sure are tasty.

Here's my roundup of the top new juice bars in Toronto.

Greenhouse Juice Co.
When the Greenhouse Juice Co. took over the little house on MacPherson you could just tell the community would respond with enthusiasm over their raw, organic cold-pressed juices. Now with a location in the PATH at Commerce Court as well as Yonge and Eglinton.

Farmacia Juice Bar
Former physical trainer Stefano Sanna took to the Beaches when he wanted to expand from workouts to nutrient-rich juicing, smoothies and elixirs.

Pulp Kitchen Danforth
Pulp Kitchen made a name for itself at their first location on Queen East, and now you can enjoy their juices, salads and soups at the new Danforth joint.

Fueled Fresh Bar
Across from the Ossington station you'll find Refueled Fresh Bar, a great spot for fresh juices, smoothies, salads and more. The Silk smoothie and Purple Velvet are memorable treats on the menu, as is the Super Hero juice.

Raw Chemist
The Raw Chemist is an all-natural cold pressed juice bar in the Junction, focusing on nutrient rich combinations with turmeric, cayenne, ginger and add-ons like maca powder and mucuna pruriens.

The Good Press
The owners behind the longstanding Sunshine Wholesome Market opened a juice-only spot in Yorkville to great exclaim. Find some of the old favourites like Lean Green alongside new recipes.

Evolution Food Co.
Evolution Food Co was one of the first residents of the newly developed Market Street, bringing their cold-pressed juices, smoothies, salads and bowls to the strip.

The Other Juice Bar
Found in the Other Café on the Danforth, the Other Juice Bar brings its customers zinging juices and smoothies like the Blueberry Zen and JP Avocado.

Refuel Juice Bar
Refuel are known for their cold press juice, the basis of so much of the other products as well, like the smoothies, energy smoothies, shakes and more.

The Raw Juice Company
The Raw Juice Company near Yonge and Eglinton may not have the hype of some of the other recent upstarts yet but they are quietly making fans of the neighbourhood with their juices and smoothies like the pineapple blitz.

JUST OPENED

Pulp & Press
Along with all the Balzac's locations you can also get the Pulp & Press Co. juices at their new location on King Street. Their cold pressed organic juices boast 3-4 pounds of produce in every bottle.

OPENING SOON

Village Juicery
You know you got some posh juice on your hands when you can buy it at Holt Renfrew Gourmet before the storefront even opens. The Village Juicery, opening later this month at 540 College, is 100% organic and cold-pressed, looks good and feels good.

What did I miss? Add more new juice bars to the comments.

Photo of Raw Chemist by Jesse Milns.

The best Hakka restaurants in Toronto provide heaping amounts of hot and heavy dishes. For those unfamiliar, the name "Hakka" actually refers to an ethnic group within China spread all around the world but in Toronto, the term has been used almost exclusively (and somewhat erroneously) in reference to Chinese people who settled in India, blending Chinese ingredients with garam masala and other Indian herbs.

The cuisine may feel a bit coarse, the restaurants may look mostly underwhelming, and the overall presentation may be unimpressive, but for my money it's hard to beat Hakka when your stomach starts whining for delicious and satisfying comfort food.

Here are the best Hakka restaurants in Toronto.

See also:

The Best Chinese Restaurants in Toronto
The Best Indian Restaurants in Toronto
The Best Late Night Chinese Food in Toronto

Writing by Darren "DKLo" Susilo. He hangs out on the twitter and his own mansion.

Every neighbourhood in Toronto ought to have at least one good local - a pub with a solid list of beers and menu featuring an array of all-time favourite foods. Luckily for Torontonians, this city is blanketed in great watering holes.

Broken down by Toronto neighbourhood, here are 35 stops to hit on your next pub crawl.

See also:The best pubs in Toronto.

THE ANNEX
Victory Cafe in Mirvish Village is the kind of place locals can count on for satisfying comfort foods and a wide selection of fine microbrews.

THE BEACHES
Castro's Lounge is serious about good beer, offering a choice of over 100 cans and bottles, plus half a dozen taps and a revolving selection of microbrews from four hand pumped casks. To eat, you'll find an all-vegetarian menu of pub grub including nachos and quesadillas.

BLOOR WEST VILLAGE
Bryden's is a mainstay in Bloor West Village where you'll find a 16 rotating taps and a lineup of classic comfort foods. The menu offers ample variety, spanning from nachos and burgers to curries and mac 'n' cheese.

BLOORCOURT
Tallboys, the craft beer house at Bloor and Shaw, is a magnet for locals looking for a casual bite and a cold one. Double-smashed burgers and bacon chili cheese tacos are among the menu highlights.

CABBAGETOWN
House on Parliament is happy to oblige sentimental cravings with a menu that lists wild boar scotch eggs and tourtière alongside fancy bangers and mash. A rotating selection of cask ales, 15 beers on draught and over two dozen bottles of scotch are among the drinkable attractions.

CHURCH WELLESLEY VILLAGE
Hair of the Dog is a cozy neighbourhood joint that has locals well looked after with an ample selection of beers, and menus featuring curried poutine, baked potato skins, pork chop n' mash and fish n' chips.

CORKTOWN
Channeling the Five Points in New York, Black Irish Whiskey Bar & Oyster Saloon is a shabby-chic bar that plays host to open mic-nights and spirited sing-alongs. Expect to find an ambitious seafood-centric menu featuring oysters on the half shell and lobster atop poutine, nachos and gnocchi.

THE DANFORTH
Don't be fooled by the name - the Only Cafe isn't just a coffee house, but an excellent proponent of good beer where the selection includes 230 bottles and cans plus 24 local craft taps and one featured craft cask.

DISTILLERY DISTRICT
Mill St. Brewpub and the adjacent sprawling Beer Hall dominate this neighbourhood populated by a mix of tourists and condo-dwellers. The family of Mill St. brews are, of course, the starring attraction and even find a way onto the food menu in dishes like saffron mussels steamed in amber lager.

DUNDAS WEST
The Dock Ellis isn't just your run of the mill sports bar, though it's an easy favourite as a gameday destination. The main attraction is their fun $5 snack menu that features goodies like wonton nachos, scotch duck eggs and chorizo pigs in a blanket.

ETOBICOKE
The Galway Arms on the Queensway is a classic Irish pub where the menu includes pot pies and hearty stews that are best enjoyed with a pint of Guinness. On Sundays, the public house takes care of its clientele with a choice of prime roast, roast chicken or Belfast ham dinners.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT
When it comes to finding a watering hole in the Financial District, look no further than the Beerbistro, where the menu of beers is extensive and there's a food menu to match. Steamed mussels and duck fat frites are house faves.

HIGH PARK
High Park residents are lucky to claim the Mugshot Tavern as their own - the joint is a beacon for brunch, lunch, dinner and late night eats, and the bar is well versed in bourbons, craft beers, and cask conditioned ales.

JUNCTION
Indie Ale House is committed to adventurous beermaking, yielding flagship brews like the Breakfast Porter, and rare releases the pumpkin Abbey. In addition to the always-evolving bar menu, expect to find fun fare like an inventive line-up of pizzas (BBQ duck with pineapple anyone?) and above-average pub foods like mini tuna tacos.

KING EAST
There's nothing not to like about Betty's - the divey hangout pours pints from over two dozen draught beers and keeps the kitchen open right up until last call.

KING WEST
Bar Hop caters to the King West crowd, offering a discerning collection of seasonal brews, table bottles and ciders. The menu of bar foods features upmarket riffs on the classics, look forward to choices like spicy gumbo poutine and dark ale short ribs.

LESLIEVILLE
Ceili Cottage is a lively Irish public house where staples on the made-from-scratch menu include corned beef, bangers 'n' mash, and smoked salmon. To drink, you'll find lagers, ales, ciders and stouts sourced from both across the pond and locally.

LIBERTY VILLAGE
Pubs seemingly thrive in Liberty Village where the Brazen Head, William's Landing and Local Public Eatery all compete for patrons. The latter, a newcomer to the neighbourhood, manages to distinguish itself with an always changing line-up craft brews on tap.

LITTLE ITALY
The selection of scotch far exceeds the range of beers at The Caledonian, though locals are keen on the Scottish pub for more than just the drinks menu. When it comes to hearty, wholesome eats, this place has got hungry guests covered with scotch eggs, haggis and fish fry baskets.

NORTH YORK
The Frog, part of the Firkin chain of pubs, does a bang-up job of reimagining traditional British favourites. Find shortrib-stuffed Yorkshire puddings on the menu alongside Irish nachos (on waffle fries) and butter chicken pot pies.

OSSINGTON
Outstanding beers made on-site are the big draw at Bellwoods Brewery, though the sun soaked patio and menu of beer-friendly foods are equally attractive qualities.

PARKDALE
I know beer snobs flock to the The Rhino, but I prefer the Cadillac Lounge, where the kitschy bar is brimming with good vibes, live music and a diverse clientele.

RIVERSIDE
Prohibition Gastrohouse Is a prime place to enjoy beer flights or specialty cocktails like the cherry bourbon sours. At dinner, find a hodgepodge of plates for sharing, plus playful riffs on poutine like a redneck tater tot version.

RONCESVALLES
The Local is a neighbourhood haunt where live music and beer contribute to a convivial atmosphere. Expect to find a typical array of deep fried pub foods like chicken wings and fish 'n' chips, plus some unique fusion foods like Bombay poutine featuring fries, curds and butter chicken.

ROSEDALE
Going strong for over 20 years, the Rebel House is a beloved spot for classic pub standbys like pickled eggs, shepherd's pie and blue plate specials like Salisbury steaks. The wine list is devoted to VQA labels and the ever-changing beer menu specializes in premium draughts by the pint or pitcher.

SCARBOROUGH
The Black Dog Pub tops our list of best pubs in Scarborough, and it's no wonder why. The West Rouge local has been in business over 20 years, offering a broad menu of sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, pastas, wings and wraps, not to mention three house brews on taps and a selection of local and imported crowd pleasers.

ST. CLAIR WEST
Dave's on St. Clair prides itself on offering a menu of well-crafted pub foods and a carefully considered line-up of beers. You can't go wrong here with a pitcher and pizza with wings, or tuck into a burger or a big bowl of chili.

UPPER BEACHES
Feathers Pub found on Kingston Road is a haven for beer lovers, as well as single malt whiskey enthusiasts. The drinks menu might be the main reason to visit, though the wholesome eats like cottage pies and lamb stews might be reason enough to stay a while longer.

WEST QUEEN WEST
Dog & Bear on Queen St. is a sports-friendly beer hall with 20 beers on tap and a menu featuring wings, nachos, cottage pies and big English breakfasts (served daily 'till 3pm).

YONGE & DUNDAS
The Queen & Beaver is an inviting Victorian boozer on Elm Street dedicated to offering an excellent assortment of beers, wines and Brit-style comfort foods like stilton and pear-topped toasts, savoury puddings and fish pies.

YONGE & EGLINTON
Duke of Kent has been the go-to corner pub in this neighbourhood for over 30 years, earning a solid reputation for an alway fresh selection of draught beers and pubby standards like wings, nachos and giant pretzels.

YONGE & LAWRENCE
The Abbot is a cozy destination for a rib-sticking comfort foods like chicken tikka masala, shepherd's pie and sticky toffee pudding. Stop in on Sunday nights for prime rib dinners with Yorkshire puddings.

YONGE & ST. CLAIR
Monk's Table boasts the city's best selection of European beers on draught. Beer-friendly foods on offer include bratwurst, burgers and pork schnitzel.

YONGE & WELLESLEY
Since 1984, Bar Volo has earned a reputation for rotating seasonal taps and cask conditioned ales. The food menu is equally impressive, taking a customizable approach to charcuterie boards chosen from a long list of cheeses, cured meats, pates, condiments and pickles.

YORKVILLE
The Oxley is an upscale Brit-style pub where cask conditioned ales and cocktails are among the highlights at the bar. Favourites on the food menu include fish pies with peas and game meats like the venison and mushroom cobbler.

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

Ever come across a fantastically out-there hairdo on your Tumblr or Instagram feed, and wonder how you could get that look yourself - without a fleet of pro stylists and half a gallon of Manic Panic? Kensington Market's newest hair salon will have you covered - they take their inspiration from street-style stars and bloggers, hitting a sweet spot between alternative and high-end.

Read my profile of Good Day Hairshop in the fashion section.

Toronto flea markets still abound this winter making it easy to save a couple bucks, find great gifts, or just fill a boring, cold Sunday. While flea markets may be a summer staple around the city, many of them move indoors for the winter, so you'll still be able to find your electronics, clothing, produce and much more at discounted prices when the temperature drops.

Here's a round-up of the flea markets open this winter in Toronto.

Junction Flea
While the Junction Flea may close down for the winter, they're holding a special market December 6 and 7 at Smash. This flea promises to focus more on crafts and indie designers (perfect for cool holiday gifts) - plus, they're having an opening party the night of December 5. Check their website throughout the winter for more possible pop-ups.

Junction City Music Hall Flea
Also conciding with Santa In The Junction is the Christmas flea at the Junction City Music Hall. Come for the records, clothing and homemade goods, and stay for the festive music and hot boozy drinks. The flea runs December 7, with plans for another in a couple of months.

Leslieville Flea at the Distillery District
Over the winter months, the outdoor edition of the Leslieville Flea Market moves indoors to the Fermenting Cellar at the Distillery District. The market will be taking a break over the holidays - look for them January 18 and February 22.

Through Being Cool Flea
This Bloor and Lansdowne vegan bakery's bi-monthly flea market back in the spring continues through the winter, perfect for shopping local wares while nibbling tasty treats. The next one is taking place December 7.

Annex Flea
Held at the Centre for Social Innovation on Bathurst just south of Bloor, the Annex Flea offers local handmade and vintage goods - perfect for holiday gifts (or just keeping for yourself). They're having a special flea on December 13-14, with another happening just before Valentine's Day.

Parkdale Flea
A popular spot in the summer, this Queen and Dufferin flea is moving their mix of vintage finds, funky jewellery, and cute and original cards indoors for the winter. Their next market will be December 21 at 1266 Queen St. West.

Downsview Park Merchants Market
With over 600 vendors, North York's Downsview Park Merchants Market is a great place to spend a weekend. You'll pretty much be able to find anything you need here, from electronics to clothes to, ahem, toilets. The market is held Saturdays and Sundays (10am - 6pm).

Merchants Flea Market
Scarborough's Merchants Flea Market will have whatever it is you need: Hit up their jewellery exchange if you want to get that special someone a gift, grab your favourite furry friend a toy at their pet store, or just poke around one of their 250 vendors. The market is held Saturdays and Sundays (10am - 6pm).

Toronto Weston Flea Market
At over 60,000 sq. ft. (wear comfy shoes!) this indoor, year-long market can be slightly overwhelming for some, but a dreamland for others. If you're looking to get a great deal on electronics, box sets of your favourite shows, clothes or home goods, you'll find it all here. The market is held Saturdays and Sundays (10am - 6pm).

Did I miss any? Add more winter's flea markets in the comments.

Writing by Chynna Wilson.

Opened in the old Zocalo space for a couple of months now, this Junction Triangle bar is quickly winning over locals with its gooey and indulgent bar snacks, craft beer and cocktail pitchers.

Read my profile of The Gaslight in the bars section.

Photo by Keith Holmes in the blogTO Flickr pool

Today in Toronto Bill Nye (the Science Guy) is in town. Tickets are $39.50 - $99.50. Field Trip is curating indoor indie expos off season. This one features Calvin Love, Michael Rault, New Hands, and Aron D'Alesio. On Dundas West celebrate the release of the (free) first Bedroomer mixtape, which has Toronto pop and dance fans pretty excited. AM, Eytan Tobin, Gill Bondy, & Lum will perform.

On Thursdays this month, Kensington Market businesses will stay open late for a winter night market, and if you're looking for something psychedelic to do afterward, nearby DIY spot Ratio on College will feature audiovisual performances. For more events, click on over to our events section.

• Market: Kensington Night Market
• Science: Bill Nye (Queen Elizabeth Theatre)
• Music: Field Trip Discovery Series VI (Drake Underground)
• Art: AGO First Thursdays (AGO)
• Dance: Bedroomer Vol. 1 Release Party (Bambi's)
• Dance: Jacques Green (Coda)
• Art/Music: 2 Robert Appleton/ Ted Phillips/ Paul Dutton trio (Ratio)
• Music: Emergents I, curated by Melody McKiver (Music Gallery)
• Crafts: Frolic Artisans Marketplace (401 Richmond)
• Party: Pornothque VIII: Boy Pussy & VindiK8 (Beaver)

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

Photo via billnye.com

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

• Borealia, a new restaurant at 59 Ossington Ave., is now open and dishing out modern takes on recipes of Canada's indigenous peoples and early settlers.
• There's a new butcher in Liberty Village and it's devoted to sourcing its meat straight from small, low-impact farms. Look for Bespoke Craft Butchers, in business at 171 East Liberty St., unit 155.

RECENTLY REVIEWED

• The Tenant
• Local Hero
• Memphis BBQ
• Ricci's Pizzeria

OPENING SOON

• We've known for some time tha t Pizzeria Libretto is teaming up with Porchetta & Co. to open adjacent eateries in the new year, but we finally know where. The new destination for pizza and/or pork is coming to 545 King St. West between Spadina and Bathurst.
• Furlough, a new cocktail bar and bistro from BarChef, is in the works at 924 Queen St. West.
• Triple A Bar is expanding in the new year, with a second location coming to 1276 Queen St. East in Leslieville.
• Citta, Hanif Harji's new CityPlace project at 92 Fort York Blvd. opens December 16 and will offer Southern Italian fare from chef Ben Heaton (The Grove). [Toronto Life]
• Tosto Quickfire Pizza Pasta, a new Italian fast food concept, is coming to 800 Bay St.

CLOSING

• The Corkscrew on College has closed which is no surprise considering that corner lot at 596 College St. at Clinton might be best known for its rapid restaurant turnover.
• The Greek at 567 King St. West looks to be no more - the windows are papered over and show no signs of life.

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

Photo via Borealia on Facebook.

Ratio is the latest DIY music venue and art space to open in Toronto in 2014 (it's been a goodyear). Tucked in a second floor apartment above a variety store at 283 College in Kensington Market, the venue has kept busy, often hosting multiple events per week from live concerts to film screenings to art pop ups, all or nearly all with an experimental bent that the bar scene is often hostile to.

Similar to another new Toronto DIY spot, Geary Lane, attendees who enter Ratio aren't greeted by the kinda-shitty-on-purpose vibes of Kensington DIY institutions like Double Double Land or The White House, or that dingy, cavernous apartment above Smiling Buddha (RIP) - instead Ratio strives to create a space for experimental art that is a little bit grown up.

Nearly everyone who climbs the stairs to Ratio for the first time breathes an impressed comment as to how nice everything looks. Decor is reminiscent of the home of an ex back-packer who's settling down and getting their life together, and there's not a cockroach in sight. Pillows on the floor remind me of Placebo Space's cozy first incarnation above a auto shop on Bloor Street.

Ratio is co-run by a core of artists, musicians, and dancers who have been working in Toronto for a long time, including Nick Storring (Picastro, Bespoken, solo) Matthew Ramolo (Khôra, Picastro, Bespoken), Nicole Cultraro, Joe Dodaro, Daniella Wieclawek, with Doro Oberscheidt and JD Pipher also affiliated. The multidisciplinary pursuits of the creatives behind Ratio are mirrored in the diverse bookings that have filled the venue so far.

"We've tried a few different things and overall it seems like [Ratio] can accommodate whatever." Storring tells me. "We've had really delicate all-acoustic music, such as a Sarah Peebles' disc launch show, and we've had stuff that's quite loud. I think having some place that can accommodate super quiet shows in the city that's not a bar yet not regarded as strictly a classical music venue is something I cherish about our space."

Burn Down The Capital, the promoter behind Feast in the East, has made Ratio a favorite for west end concerts including touring acts like Gordon Ashworth (Concern) and Work/Death. Transient venue Somewhere There's bookings are also a natural fit, and Ratio has hosted shows for InPrint Collective's The Artists' Market, Clara Engel, Khôra, I Have Eaten The City, Hermit Thrushes, Zvi, Isa Christ, Beard Closet, and many more.

Storring tells me Ratio is primarily a music venue at the moment, but that's probably more indicative of Toronto's thriving underground music scene(s) than any set mandate. "Our whole notion is to have it be a multi-purpose venue used for music but also dance, theatre, performance, as well as an ad hoc gallery. We hope to allow it to be used for rehearsals/meetings/workshops in the daytime as well."

While the space has become a haven for Toronto's surprisingly diverse experimental communities, Storring hopes to forge connections across the board with Toronto's underground. "Our identity is still taking shape. We're hoping to open the space up to other media and create connections there too."

"I'd say our focus is on showcasing intensive artistic expression... and honouring it by giving it a safe and supportive home for an evening." Matthew Ramolo adds.

DIY venues can disappear as quickly as they pop up, but Double Double Land just celebrated their fifth anniversary nearby on Augusta, and Ratio's calendar has been steady, so the project is clearly filling a need in the city. The key will be maintaining a balance between its seven collaborators and navigating the stresses that can accompany running a live-in venue year round.

Similar to Geary Lane's stance of playing it by ear, Storring confesses, "I would hope that it is sustainable! It's too early to gauge that with certainty but so far so good, and it feels really great to put on these shows."

Musicians and fans can get in touch by emailing Ratio through their website or visiting during event hours.

Photos by Matt Forsythe.

Toronto's appetite for bootleg Drake merch may never top the mania that was Rob Ford everything, but, with all the home town love, we sometimes forget that devotion to Drizzy extends far, far beyond his roots in The 6. With the holidays approaching and the rapper's confirmation that his OVO pop up for official gear is returning soon, we round up the best and worst Drake appearances past and present in consumer culture. Merry Christmas, Aubrey.

As I wait for my nailstostick, here are my picks for the best and worst Drake merch so far.

THE BEST

OFFICIAL PICK: "6" Snapback Cap
A subtle way to pledge allegiance to Drake, these controversial hats export Toronto pride without utilizing an image of the 501, which can only be a good thing. The gamble of the caps either becoming highly collectable or meaningless basement fodder is also enticing, and charging $40 for a hat with a vaguely meaningful number on it is so silly it's thesis worthy. More please.

Shelfies Majestic Drizzy Loose Tank Top
Where would Drake be without the internet? A sad mixtape in a Forest Hill bedroom. (Just kidding, he'd be riding on one of 2014's healthy selection of platinum albums.) If you want people to know you're online, Toronto based Shelfies is your go-to shop, and Drake + cats + unicorns is your go-to tank. You can also get a custom print of your fave Drake moment.

Drake Prayer Candles
A symbol of old world kitsch, prayer candles are enjoying a come back thanks to the warped, all encompassing fist of irony. Several versions of waxed and icon'd out Drizzy have floated around, but here the charm of Drake's face hastily pasted onto the body of the messiah is undeniable in its blasphemous glory.

Diamond Donatello's Drake Cards
Toronto Etsy seller Diamond Donatello currently lists three comically illustrated rapper greeting cards featuring October's Very Own: sexy Drake, birthday stoner Drake, and birthday yolo Drake. Note: you can also find tons of holidayDrake cards on Etsy, but I wasn't able to find any of those singing cards for you. Shame.

The #DadaLean Drake Polo Shirt
While these are, sadly, a reference to a Drake meme long past rather than to the Andre Breton/Marcel Duchamp brand of dada, the subtle statement piece can be part of a complete and casual Friday appropriate wardrobe including Miguel and Jay-Z. The polo might even come in yellow someday.

Drake Velvet Painting
Just to emphasize the power of Drake: I image searched 'Drake "velvet painting"' and this was the first hit. Proof that if you want it, you can get it in Drake.

WORST

OFFICIAL PICK: The Lint Roller
Internet culture at its most aimless, or a fun roll in the corduroy? All-star team Drake & the Raptors (cool/lawsuit-baiting band name alert) teamed up with Bounce to pass out these limited edition rollers after Drake was spotted grooming himself on the floor at a game. Here's one on Ebay right now. You could write your thesis on how silly these are, but I'm not sure I'd want to read it.

(If they exist) Drake Uggs
Buzzfeed claims that these once existed on Etsy. The running theory seems to be that someone bought them. I'd rather not know if this is the best Drake hoax, or the worst Drake fashion statement.

The Emo Drake Necklace
A questionable favourite of lesser Drake merch round ups, this pendant of Drake going to the bathroom on your neck forever loses even more points for being something anyone could craft for themselves in half the time it takes to watch a Degrassi Christmas special.

Bootleg OVO Gear
At least have an idea of your own when you take an entrepreneurial bite out of Drake's success. This store does offer some of the internet's most over the toplaser printed Drake swag, but countless others aren't even so creative.

Started From the Belly Now I'm Here
Your baby doesn't need a "Funny Hip-Hop Onesie," but if it did, it wouldn't want one that looks like a invitation for an Anne Geddes themed wedding. Then again, Etsy seems to think you named it Brooklyn so I give up - do what thou wilt, baby making Drake fans. (To date, Drake inspired doggie clothes are the one hole in the Drake economy).

Nothing Was the Same Socks
Maybe it's a pun (a pun about being an adult and changing your socks?) and these aren't as bad as lazy Cafe Press shirts (which we'll just ignore), but I don't understand the quirky laser sock trend. Also, several Etsy sellers list socks that are pretty much the same. These OVO printed socks are a little more tasteful (to my knowledge there's never been an official sock).

Did you buy the Drake Uggs? Did I miss a Drake thing? Let us know in the comments.

Lint roller pic via the Toronto Raptors on Facebook; 6 hat by Andrew Williamson; Uggs: unknown

Unwrap your next reservation with an Oliver & Bonacini gift card! To help you celebrate the holidays, we're giving away a $500 O&B e-gift card, redeemable at all O&B restaurants, including Canoe, Auberge du Pommier, America, Biff's Bistro, Jump, Luma, Canteen, Bannock and O&B Café Grill.

Get all the contest details here.

Late night grilled cheese sandwiches in Toronto let you enjoy some gooey goodness after last call. Sure, a grilled cheese may be manageable at home, but these restaurants (usually) make an extra effort to use more than Kraft slices and wonder bread. Plus, burning the edges while zoned out and watching TV is not a menu option.

Here are my picks for the top late night grilled cheese in Toronto.

See also:The best grilled cheese sandwich in Toronto

Lakeview
The 24-hour Lakeview is a hot spot for grilled cheese any time of day, but it's the wee hours that call out for the naughty Fromage A Trois - melted asiago, cheddar and havarti on whole wheat ($8.75).

Johnny Jackson
The Johnny Jackson has tons of late-night eats - their version of a grilled cheese, the Jackrabbit, is a triple-decker served with fries. You can eat this cheesy treat Monday, Tuesday, Thursday until 12, Wednesday until 2, and Friday and Saturday until 4 am.

The Thompson Diner
You have 24 hours at the Thompson to have a threesome - a Threesome Cheese Melt ($9.50) at the Diner, that is. The sandwich features cheddar, provolone and Swiss on toasted brioche; if you don't finish it there you could it take it home.

Markham Station
Mozzarella, monterey jack and cheddar on sourdough bread for $8.99? At family-style joint Markham Station, you can bite into that cheesy combo 24 hours a day.

Fran's
The grilled cheddar on egg bread, with options to add Swiss, sautéed onions, tomato or bacon, is an institution, just like Fran's itself. The locations at Yonge and College and Victoria and Shuter are both open 24 hours; you've got until 2am at the one at Yonge and Front.

Vesta Lunch
At the corner of Dupont and Bathurst stands something of a Toronto landmark - Vesta Lunch, which stays open 24 hours and serves all manner of classics. Their grilled cheese is old-school, particularly in price: $3.99 for the sandwich alone, $5.95 for deluxe.

7 West
University kids have long enjoyed 7 West at all hours for their grilled cheese, amongst other things. They can tuck themselves away at a table in the old Victorian house and chow down on a sandwich for $8.95, not too hard on the pocketbook. Add ham or bacon for $2 more.

Sneaky Dee's
"Dee's" is a long-standing Toronto favourite for Tex-Mex, but there are other gems on the late-night menu as well, like the classic grilled cheese for $6.75. Their late kitchen hours - they serve until 3am seven nights a week - will give you plenty of time to try one.

TAT Burger
TAT burger's got what they call a Cheesen sandwich, with grilled cheese (and ham) on white with a side pickle. They are open Monday through Wednesday until midnight, Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 3am, Sundays, just till 10.

Zet's
It may be a distance from the downtown party scene but there are plenty of late-night folk heading out to Mississauga to Zet's Express on Airport Road for their 24-hour service and grilled cheese at the low, low price of $4.25.

Photo of Johnny Jackson by Jesse Milns.

In the lead up to the holidays and into the new year, Toronto is making the most of the cold snap with festive parties, beer festivals, pub crawls and fundraisers.

Here are my picks for the top food events and festivals taking place this winter in Toronto.

12 Bars of Christmas, December 11, 2014
This charity initiative for The Stop Community Food Centre will see 6 breweries and 13 craft beer bars join together for one ultimate beer crawl. Four buses running from 6pm to midnight will be making a circuit through 12 stops between Get Well and The Only Cafe. Bus passes cost $10 and $1 from every pint to charity.

Eat n' Mingle, December 12, 2014
Foodee presents this holiday social from 7pm at the Burroughs Building (639 Queen St. W.) The event will be catered by Porchetta & Co., The Food Dudes, Japango, and Butter Avenue and tickets (priced at $30 per person) include all food sampling.

Toronto Plate Swap, December 21 2014
The Winter Chef Series is already underway with 12-course dinners being presented throughout the month. The series culminates with The Toronto Plate Swap at The Templar Kitchen (348 Adelaide St. West) where chefs will each create a dish for the multi-course tasting menu. Proceeds from the dinner (priced at $89) will go to support The Children's Breakfast Club.

Pop-ups at the Drake One Fifty, January 20 - 21 2015
The Drake One Fifty will continue to host out-of-town chefs in 2015 with the first pop-up dinner planned to feature a collaborative Portuguese fusion menu from David Santos of Thomas Keller's Per Se and resident Executive Chef, Ted Corrado.

Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival, January 31 2015
The second annual Winter Craft Beer Festival hosted by Steam Whistle Brewery returns to the Roundhouse Park from 11am to 5pm. Over 20 breweries and 5 food trucks have already confirmed they'll be in attendance, and the first 500 people through the gates will get a 2015 festival toque. Tickets are on sale now for $20 (+$5 at the gate).

Winterlicious, January 30 - February 12 2015
The prolific prix-fixe festival returns at restaurants citywide. Look forward to the full list of participating restaurants and menus, plus the program for the culinary event series to be announced in the coming weeks.

FeBREWary, February 1 2015
Beau's month-long celebration of beers is back in February with new special editions released each week and events, and tap take-overs happening at beer bars all month. While details have yet to be released, word on the street is that the first release will correspond with International Gruit Day.

La Poutine Week, February 1 - 7 2015
Celebrate this gravy-covered national treasure at restaurants in Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Ottawa, New York and Toronto. Confirmed Toronto participants already include Poutineville, Cut the Cheese, Marky & Sparky's, Joy Bistro, Mr. Ciao, Holy Chuck, Caplansky's, Duke's Refresher + Bar, Fancy Franks and Lou Dawgs.

Yum Cha, February 21 2015
Spotlight City Events has big plans for 2015, and it all kicks off with a fresh roster of chefs dishing up their finest dumplings, bao and spring rolls at the second annual dim sum festival at Daniel's Spectrum. General admission will be $10, but there will also be the option to buy one of 200 passports ($50) that will be good for a whole year of delicious events.

Recipe for Change 2015 , February 26 2015
FoodShare Toronto's annual fundraiser takes place from 6pm to 9pm at the St. Lawrence Market North Building. A limited number of early bird tickets are available now for $100, for the party featuring 30 chefs, two craft brewers, and four wineries.

What did I miss? Add more winter food events to the comments.Photo of the inaugural Yum Cha festival by Jesse Milns.