Lunch in Toronto? As if you needed another reason to "forget" your boring brown bag lunch at home, this diverse new crop of luncheonettes includes supremely delicious destinations for that midday meal. Sandwiches are as popular as ever but there's also excellent selection when it comes to hearty Indian curries or Persian stews.

Here are my picks for the top new lunch restaurants in Toronto.

The Food Dudes Pantry
This retail outlet for The Food Dudes catering and food truck operations opened to the public this spring offering an astounding variety of ready-made lunch options including vibrant salads, barbecued meats with sides like pierogi or mashed potatoes, and snack foods like caramel corn and fresh baked goods.

Maha's Restaurant
Doing Egyptian brunches and lunches week-round, this new daytime destination on Greenwood is serving up a big plates at excellent value. Date grilled cheese sandwiches with lentil soup, for example, sell for $12, while the Mind Blowing Chicken Sandwich costs just $7 and comes overflowing with herb-tossed chicken smothered in garlic sauce and tahina.

Completo
Intitally launched as a food stand in Kensington Market, the South American sandwich counter found a permanent home in Leslieville this summer and has amassed a loyal following since. Churrasco sandwiches ($9) slathered in avocado and hot sauce are among the signature offerings.

The Tiffin Box
Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will find hearty lunches like thali ($8.95-$9.95) at this Indian take-out counter on Bathurst north of Bloor. The compartmentalized combos are filled out with a choice of rich meat curries or dhaal with basmati rice, and vegetable sides and raita.

Sorella
What could be better than a local, artisanal Italian sausage-maker who opens his doors at lunch to walk-ins? Get 'em grilled up on bun for just $5, with optional caramelized onions, rapini, and house-made garlic oil.

TLP Sandwich Co.
Barberian's Steakhouse branched off into the realm of Canadian-centric comfort foods over the summer. The take-out counter specializes in wholesome lunches like meatloaf or peameal bacon on bun, available with a drink or butter tart for around $10.

The Stone Pizza
This pizzeria in The Beaches is a mighty fine source for slices ($3-$3.50) and whole 14-inch pies in fun original flavours like The Apple Jack with cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, apples and arugula.

Sea Witch Fish & Chip
This newly opened chippy is a welcome addition to the lunch options on St. Clair West. Gloriously golden fish fry dinners or sandwiches are the main event on the menu, where lunch for two will set you back less than $30.

Kadbanu
The compact Persian eatery caters to lunch crowds with a grab-and-go menu featuring hearty stews or tachin with rice ($12) and hand-held options that include Nan-Opaneer ($7) and tongue sandwiches ($7).

Big Butcher Barbeque
Butchers getting into the lunch game is always a good thing, and this Etobicoke grill, from the same owners as Market Jolly, is no exception. Meaty sandwiches take centre stage on this menu; massive cheese-laced burgers and hoisin-glazed pork belly sandwiches sell for just $8.

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

Photo by Morris Lum.

It's easy to overlook this family-run paninoteca with so many similar sandwich offerings nearby, but locals know this place is a gem. The unassuming Woodbridge eatery makes a mean chicken cutlet sandwich along with an astounding array of Italian American specialties including lasagna, arancini and veal scallopini.

Read my profile of Centro Panini in the restaurants section.

The City of Toronto will install 20 additional bike share stations in time for the 2015 Pan Am Games and continue to expand into high-density areas in 2016, according to the president of the Toronto Parking Authority.

The new stations will be initially situated at Pan Am Games sites, such as the West Don Lands, before being redistributed on an "as-needed" basis after the event is over, Lorne Persiko says. "[Bike share] will expand through the city where's there's density. It has to be where there's density or where there's transit lines."

Persiko announced the expansion at a press conference called to unveil TD Bank as lead sponsor of Bike Share Toronto. In future, the black bicycles will carry TD advertisements over the rear wheel and on the front basket.

The TPA took over the financially troubled Bixi program in March after the original operator, Montreal-based Public Bike Share Company, hit the skids. Last year, Cllr. Denzil Minnan-Wong said the city would be seeking a major sponsor to help finance the operation.

Persiko says the deal with TD, which is likely worth more than a million dollars, will cover the operating cost of the bike share program for two years. Bikes, stations, and other capital costs will continue to be funded through development funds raised by the city

"We're in a position to start to make money," he says.

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

Image: Chris Yao/blogTO Flickr pool.

This new family-run restaurant at College and Ossington mixes Argentinian family favourites with the neighbourhood's Portuguese influences. What that means for your tastebuds: dishes carefully cherry-picked from both sides of the Atlantic showcasing beautifully-executed grilled meats and fishes, all topped off with a liberal dose of garlicky chimichurri.

Read my profile of Iberia-Sur in the restaurants section.

Nothing says Christmas cheer and holiday spirit like baked goods. (And goodwill toward your fellow man - but you know, mostly the baked goods.) Riverside bakery Desmond & Beatrice understands - and they've decided to marry the two this holiday season.

The bakery has announced via Twitter that anyone who stops by their shop with three canned goods for donation will get a free cupcake in return. (Somehow, the people that invented the brownie inside a cookie feel like they still have more to give the to the world. What beautiful souls.) The promotion runs until December 22.

Know of any other holiday-themed promotions? Let us know in the comments.

Books on Toronto's history are anything but a boring affair. On the contrary, the insights they offer into the shape of the city today are perhaps more fascinating than ever as we blossom into a place that boasts more and more acclaimed architecture. It wasn't always the case that Toronto was proud of its architectural legacy and showed loyalty to its heritage properties. In fact, one of the things you'll find in almost all of the books below is an archive of lost structures that were demolished mostly on account of a lack of respect and foresight.

What you'll also find is enthusiasm. For many years, Toronto's history didn't seem to attract much public interest. That changed somewhere along the way, but at least partially because of these advocates of our heritage. Without these books, it would be difficult to understand the way we used to be, and, by extension, where we are going.

Here are my top picks for books on Toronto history.

The Historical Atlas of Toronto - Derek Hayes
If you tend to engage with history on a visual level, this collection of maps will prove a fascinating trip through Toronto's past. From old fire atlases to transportation plans to geological studies, Hayes has pulled together a wide array of cartographic resources to chart the growth of Toronto.

Unbuilt Toronto I & II - Mark Osbaldeston
Some of my favourite books about Toronto, Marc Osbaldeston's two histories of projects that didn't get built are just as illuminating about the state of the current city as those that record completed buildings and infrastructure projects. From abandoned subway routes to plans to build a hockey arena on top of Union Station, this alternative history of Toronto is both tantalizing and intriguing at once.

Toronto's Visual Legacy: Official City Photography from 1856 to the Present
This history of Toronto in photos comes courtesy of the the city archives and features some of the best images in our municipal holdings. Chock full of images of landmarks and lost buildings, this is a book that every Torontophile should have on his or her bookshelf.

No Mean City - Eric Arthur
One of the quintessential books on Toronto's architectural heritage, No Mean City was at least partially responsible for organizing the city's preservation movement back in the 1970s when city planners were busy razing historical structures for parking lots. The most recent edition (2003) significantly updates the work with essays on contemporary architecture in Toronto and Arthur's legacy as a preservationist and educator.

Toronto Sketches (various) - Mike Filey
Mike Filey's Toronto Sketches series is up to number 11 now, which should make lovers of historical images very happy. Filled with photos of the early TTC, lost amusement parks, and the city's first skyscrapers (to name just a few things), these thin editions are the perfect way to acquaint oneself with early Toronto at a modest expenditure.

Lost Toronto - William Dendy
This can be a tough book to stomach. There are just so many architecturally significant structures that have been lost to demolition and fire over Toronto's history that it's difficult not to feel a tinge of pain at what could have been. Just take a peek at a photo of the Board of Trade Building to see what I mean. Lost Toronto is no longer in print, but very easy to find from online retailers.

Old Toronto Houses - Tom Cruickshank
As much as we tend to focus our architectural attention on large buildings, Toronto's single-family homes are also steeped in traditions that define the character of the city. There's more to the historic Toronto home than the Bay and Gable house that everyone seems to know about, and there's no better guide to the diversity of buildings on our side streets that Old Toronto Houses.

Toronto Between the Wars - Charles Cotter
There are better books out there for those solely interested in a visual history of Toronto, but what makes this one unique and valuable is its tight focus. The period between the First and Second World War witnessed Toronto undergo profound changes, many of which are captured in the 180 annotated photos contained here.

Toronto in Art - Edith G. Firth
Toronto's artistic heritage doesn't tend to get the attention it deserves. It's actually remarkable to track the growth of the city by paintings rather than photographs or written narratives. Unfortunately, this book is out of print -- but there are lots of copies floating around on sites like Abe.

Inside Toronto - Sally Gibson
Our archival record of Toronto is so heavily steeped in exterior photos of the city's buildings, that it's fascinating to get a look inside the structures we might think we know so well. In fact, it is these inside spaces that mark change over the course of time so well. From ornate decoration to unembellished slums, Toronto at the turn of the 20th century seems an impossibly different place.

What did I miss? Add your suggestions in the comments.

Photo from University College, U of T

This Annex home at 51 Tranby Avenue is a good representation of the neighbourhood in all but one way -- its size. While the renovated interior marries contemporary design with the historical bones of the home (just check out that kitchen), at only two bedrooms, it's a far cry from the larger properties that dot the area. Perhaps this is why it's been listed for over a month and a half at its current price.

With a listing that's just shy of $2 million, that's a lot of coin to fork over for what might generously be described as a cosy abode. One imagines the ideal buyer as empty nesters or a power couple without interest in procreating (though I suppose there is one additional bedroom that could be reserved for kin).

SPECS

Address: 51 Tranby Avenue
Price: $1,895,000
Lot Size: 17.96 x 76
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Parking: 2
Taxes: $9,232
Walk Score: 100

NOTABLE FEATURES

• 10' ceilings
• walnut hardwood flooring
• original stain glass windows
• Bulthaup kitchen
• Spa bathroom featuring Phillipe Starck fixtures

GOOD FOR

Someone who wants a gorgeous house in a walkable neighbourhood but doesn't need a whole lot of space. The finished basement provides a bit of extra room, but this home is really designed to accommodate two or three people. As such, the eventual buyer will no doubt be flush with cash but not with family. Someone in the market for a luxury condo might perk up at the idea of a house like this, given its size and move in-readiness. And that kitchen is to die for.

MOVE ON IF

You need more space. There's really nothing not to like about the interior design and layout -- but only on the condition that one doesn't need additional bedrooms. There is a really nice balance of new and old at work here, but one suspects that the combination of listing price and lack of space is responsible for keeping this one on the market.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

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.

Photo by Matt Wiebe in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Today in Toronto comic fans can witness the birth of a new with the launch of publication Bitch Planet #1 from Image Comics. The comic, set in a women's prison in outer space, is a play on the exploitation genre. Kelly Sue DeConnick and Valentine De Landro will be signing copies. If you want to draw The Grinch on your greeting cards, head to Round to draw from a creepy costumed model.

The Gladstone's Take Home the Unknown will feature anonymous artwork by "100 artists, musicians, chefs, writers, actors, and local luminaries, all priced at only $100." At Mod Club, Andy Kim celebrates his 10th holiday show with Lights, Kevin Drew, Platinum Blonde, and more. For more events, click on over to our events section.

• Comics: Bitch Planet Launch Party (Silver Snail Comics)
• Music: Andy Kim Christmas (Mod Culb)
• Art: Toons on Tap - The Grinch (Round)
• Art/Craft: Take Home the Unknown (Gladstone)
• Dance: Idle No More (Yonge-Dundas Square)
• Fashion: INLAND Pop Up (Parloque)

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

Photo: Emmanuel on Flickr

The Toronto Radio Project is the city's newest underground radio station, literally - they broadcast from the basement of a vintage shop in Bloordale Village. That means you might hear the rumble of a passing subway train on the mic from time to time, but founder Frazer Lavender believes this adds authenticity to the project: "Toronto is the pulse of this station."

TRP began broadcasting via their website on November 24. The station currently features 31 programs produced by local DJ's and music collectives, including Digital Needle and Cyclist (the team behind the Beam Me Up disco parties), Kings Of The North, and members of the Bedroomer collective. Local Haunts presents Toronto-focused audio documentaries, and Resistance Vibes offers political and social commentary interspersed with themed music.

Frazer is a UK ex-pat who moved to Toronto last year. A fan of independent radio projects in Europe, he noticed a lack of something similar in Toronto and saw an opportunity. "There's a gap in radio for a project such as this where we have no obligations to anyone - sponsors, licensees, etc. Therefore we can take a lot more risks on the programming and offer a huge variety of shows."

TRP is licensed to play by SOCAN, which means they broadcast copyrighted material legally, and SOCAN pays artist royalties. Otherwise, the station is run on the smallest of budgets and all shows are produced on a volunteer basis. "People getting involved [with TRP] are pushing forward with their passions and no matter what stage they're at, they're positive about making it work with a real DIY attitude."

One of the missions of TRP is to reflect the diversity in Toronto's underground music scenes. There's no talk of "indie" or "alternative" here, instead the focus is on presenting interesting audio programming with a local focus. The studio set-up is extremely user-friendly and TRP is actively seeking people to produce and host programs. "We're looking for people who have a passion for what they do to join a community of like-minded people doing interesting things in Toronto."

If you think you have what it takes, get in touch via their website.

Late night eats in Toronto used to be the domain of diners, pizza slice counters, and shawarma shops - and while those trusty staples are still going strong (and multiplying), there's recently been an influx of new options.

Snack bars, poutineries and sandwich shops have proliferated this year, and it's good news for those looking to dine on something great in the wee hours.

Here are my picks for the top late night eats destinations that opened in Toronto this year.

Bar Buca
Open until 2am, seven days a week, Bar Buca serves up some pretty elevated fare as far as late-night snacking standards go. Try skewered polipo with sopressata from the list of spiedini, or nosh on garlic knots from the cicchetti menu right up until last call.

Poutineville
The Quebec-based chain of poutineries opened a Toronto outpost in The Annex this year adding a new source for fries, curds and gravy (not to mention, all sorts of specialty toppings) until 4am on weekends.

The Ossington Stop
You'll find this kitchen operating in full force until 4am on weekends, and the rest of the week it closes no earlier than midnight (off on Mondays). The menu is tailored perfectly for light-night eating, featuring options like tacos, sausage pies, mac 'n cheese and assorted sandwiches.

People's Eatery
The new addition to Chinatown serves up an ever evolving menu featuring snack foods like mini fried tongue sandwiches on pretzel buns, and platters featuring Peking duck three ways. The eatery is open until 2am every day of the week.

Tzatziki
Night owls in Pape Village gained a new ally this year with this Greek diner that keeps the grill hot until at least 2am week round. Late night gyros and souvlaki are the big draws, and while this isn't unusual in this part of town, being able to find on in the wee hours on a Monday, happens to be unique.

Lo Pan
Upstairs from Dailo, this cocktail bar offer a late night yumcha menu until 2am where the snacky options include Big Mac bao, pastrami spring rolls and Asian confit duck wings to go along with cocktails like the lemongrass gimlet.

Mr Flamingo
After dinner hour ends, the menu at this cocktail bar transitions to a late night format inspired by a different theme each month. Served until 2am, the debut menu is inspired by the canned seafood of the Iberian Peninsula. Next month expect an Asian night market inspired nibbles.

Korean Cowboy
This Korean anju bar at Yonge and Eg keeps the kitchen open from lunch until late night offering a menu of small plates including fried spaghetti, steamed bun burgers and kimchi fries, plus sharing platters featuring tacos, ssam, and Korean fried chicken wings.

Thoroughbred
This new multi-level establishment in the Entertainment District keeps the kitchen open until last call serving selections from the bar menu that includes haute dawgs with Burgundy truffles, duck confit nachos and buttermilk fried sweetbreads.

Luther's Chicken
Taking over the kitchen at The Churchill, this month's-old fried chicken outfit has introduced a menu featuring southern staples like chicken, biscuits, and sides like collard greens, macaroni salad and buttered corn. Best of all, the kitchen keeps cooking 'til 1am.

What did I miss? Add your favourite new late night eats to the comments.

Photo of Bar Buca

This new pub is the perfect go-to spot in the neighbourhood for a pint and some comforting classic grub done well. With excellent fried chicken and potato waffles, a tasty rabbit pie and daily roast and sandwich specials, you'll feel like you're in a modern English country kitchen that's somehow located in the heart of Little India.

Read my profile of Eulalie's Corner Store in the restaurants section.

As expected, a ride on the new airport train is not going to be cheap. It will cost most Toronto-based passengers $19 to ride the new Union-Pearson Express from downtown to the airport. That price will be available to adult riders who use a Presto card. Those without will pay $27.50.

The price structure (below) includes a discount for students, seniors, and children. A family ticket, which is only available to non-Presto customers, is priced at $55. Travellers departing from Bloor or Weston stations will pay less and "qualified" airport employees will be charged $10 for a one-way journey.

Riders who buy tickets on board the train rather than at the station will incur a $2 penalty.

Metrolinx CEO Bruce McCuaig said the UP Express was not intended to be a commuter service and that the prices are "reasonable." He said the price of a UP ticket is about a third of the price of a taxi and $10 less than the defunct airport bus.

"We are confident travellers will choose our service because it is faster, cheaper, and more reliable than other direct airport to downtown modes of transportation," he said.

Fare revenue from the anticipated 2.5 million annual riders is expected to cover the line's operating costs within three years.

The provincial transit agency made the price announcement at a press event this morning where one of the 18 new UP Express trains was on hand.

The diesel trains, which feature electrical outlets, luggage racks, wifi, and departure information boards, will run every 15 minutes, stopping at Bloor and Weston GO stations. A one-way trip is expected to take about 25 minutes from Union to Pearson.

The line will open in the Spring.

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

Image: Metrolinx/Flickr.

Toronto has a new online clothing store that also happens to not be gender specific. Future is the Future, named after a song from the band Electric Six and founded by our own Natalia Manzocco, stocks second hand vintage duds and locally made jewellery that's geared more toward one's shape and style than X and Y chromosomes.

The idea for the store has its roots in the notion that it's sometimes easier to shop for clothes based on how they look on someone rather than being forced to browse via the traditional men's or women's paradigm. To that end, Future is the Future posts photos of its entire inventory online modeled by regular folk with useful info like measurements for length, chest, waist and arms as well as fitting notes.

Case in point, this Banana Republic sweater is said to fit like a men's medium or a women's extra large. A vintage varsity jacket fits like a men's small or women's large and also comes with the handy note that it's from a local high school in Windsor.

Future is the Future isn't the only androgynous-focused clothing store or brand, but it's certainly at the forefront of what seems like a new trend. Los Angeles based Greyscale Goods and Brooklyn's Marimacho are other forerunners in the space.

For now, shop Future is the Future online (most items are around $25 with $8 added for shipping anywhere within Canada), or find them this month at Vendor Queens, a craft and vintage market coming to the Evergreen Brickworks on December 14 and 21. You can also check out their Facebook page for updates on places they might pop-up around the city.

Roman style pizza isn't nearly as prevalent in Toronto as its round, pie-shaped brethren, but for those that agree that variety is the spice of life, the Pizza al Taglio at this Woodbridge joint certainly delivers. Square slices sold by weight can be served up in any size, meaning you can try four different pizzas at once and still leave room for some Nutella-topped focaccia.

Read my profile of Ciao Roma in the restaurants section.

The best cheap eats in Woodbridge all have an Italian flair - not surprising given the high concentration of Italian-Canadians that call the city home. As someone who's lived and eaten in Woodbridge her entire life, I'd consider myself highly qualified to comment on all the deliciousness that the restaurants here have to offer. For those who don't hail from the land of carbs and pastries, listed below are the best bang for your buck in Italian cuisine, from soup to nuts.

Here are the best cheap eats in Woodbridge.

Writing by Stephanie Girardi. Photo of Centro Panino by Jesse Milns.

See also:

The Best Restaurants in Woodbridge
8 great Italian bakeries in Woodbridge

Toronto's next food truck will leave you with sticky fingers after eating goat's head soup at a beggar's banquet. The Rolling Stone, a new truck from the owners of the Olde Stone Cottage Pub, is set to hit the road on steel wheels (last one, I promise) over the winter.

The new eatery is a mobile cousin to the Stone Cottage, Stone Corner and Stone Lion family of pubs (I sense a theme). They'll "lean heavily on all crazy stuff that makes eating out of a truck fun," according to the owners, who have already teased at some pulled pork and barbecue dishes.

The truck's been in the works for a while, but is currently stalled due to the owners "not being able to find the gas tank" (which is somehow very rock-and-roll). Currently, they're aiming to get the truck on the road by Super Bowl season.

The gift of music can be harsh territory - the more music obsessed your recipient is, the more unlikely they are to be satisfied with your well intentioned pick. And while the thought still counts, the beat is off. Case in point: 14 year old me unwrapping Britney Spears thanks to HMV directing my auntie to it hot sellers for teenage girls. (No grduge, they let me trade it in for a Cardigans single).

While a ton of great albums came out this year from Taylor Swift to Farewell My Concubine, either you know exactly you know what your tuned in pal/relative wants, or you're in a little over your head right now. While I can't solve all this year's holiday problems, let this gift guide give you a nudge toward satisfaction. If all else fails, keep the receipts. That CD single got a lot of play.

Here are my picks for making music lovers happy on the holidays (and whenever).

Bow to their taste with gift certificates for indie shops
Almost all Toronto's indie music shops including Rotate This, She Said Boom, Sonic Boom, Soundscapes, and brand new Tonality sell gift certs. Supporting your favourite local record shop and give them an album they'll treasure forever, no returns necessary. (If gift certs are too informal, package it with a homemade digital mixtape on a cute USB stick.)

Make memories with live access
Tickets to upcoming concerts are a choice gift for the fan who can't quite scrape the cash together to see Swans, and it gives them something to look forward to. Music Gallery memberships are great for fans of boundary pushing music; on the other hand Field Trip early bird passes went on sale today.

Show you're in the know with Toronto's indie labels
Crafty break out label Healing Power will package Eucalyptus, Guy Dallas, Bile Sister, and Skull Bong vinyl, CDs, and tapes for $25. Email them for the deal. Or check out Pleasence, Telephone Explosion, Inyrdisk, Paperbag, Hand Drawn Dracula, Buzz, Mammoth Cave, Deep North, DETH, Optical Sounds, Dine Alone, Arts & Crafts, You've Changed (hint: Constantines reissue) and more.

Dress them with music
Aside from the above epic DFA 1979 holiday sweater, Nirvana cover band Hervana have some cheeky 90s tie-dye gear which will be available at their show this weekend, Wavelength's Mike Pereira designed tote bands are at Sonic Boom, and DETH just launched its spooky D.U.M.E. clothing line.

Craft their skills
Naturally our music hub of a city has tons of options for learning how to follow and break the rules. See our guide to general music lessons, guitar, voice, and piano, and check out specialized schools like Ukulele High School and Off Centre DJ School. Coach House Sound also offer studio time as an Indiegogo perk.

Feed their souls and their stomachs
While Dine Alone once cornered the venn diagram for music/food fans (find them in a ton of Toronto shops), the Zunior Eats - 10th Anniversary Charity Cookbook has edged in with recipes and writing by By Divine Right, Sloan, the Weather Station, Ron Sexsmith, the Tragically Hip, and more. Proceeds from the waste-free PDF go to Daily Bread Foodbank.

Keep them warm with winter reading
Get lit with our list of books on Toronto's music scene, hit Sonic Boom for 33 1/2 books, or grab Neil Young's memoir Special Deluxe: A Memoir of Life and Cars. Then TYPE Books has some interesting titles.

Embrace the freak scene with Wyrd Distro
Remember that huge grant Weird Canada got to run a Canada-wide distro for independently produced music? It's up and running, and you can search by genre or by location. If you can't settle on a disc or tape, this eye bleed mug is sure to startle your intended each morning.

Give the gift of Drake
Show the Drake fan in your life you take care with official gear from the now-open OVO pop up/store on Dundas West, or wow them with a strange and wonderful bootleg item from our Drake merch round up. (Onesies are available, but the Uggs are just a legend.)

Encourage an active lifestyle
Hamilton punk band Simply Saucer's Reckless Agitation 7" record is also a frisbee. Keep fit and have fun. You wouldn't think a curmudgeon like Mammoth Cave Records' Paul Lawton would make something that suggests fun in the outdoors, but this city music scene is full of surprises.

What amazing items did I miss? Leave your ideas in the comments.

Thanks to the LCBO for sponsoring our 2014 Gift Guide.

Photo: themadadubon on Instagam

Brunch in Toronto is a beloved weekend tradition, and it's as popular as ever, if this list is any indication. While there's certainly no short supply of places to go, anyone who's ever waited in line for eggs can tell you that these new daytime destinations are welcome additions to each of their respective neighbourhoods.

By neighbourhood, here are my picks for the top new brunch options from 2014.

See also:The top 50 brunch restaurants in Toronto

ANNEX
Rasa on Harbord serves up smoked meat hash and fried green tomatoes at brunch time on weekends. Starting off with their cheddar biscuits or sticky buns topped with pralines, cream cheese anglaise and candied bacon is advised.

THE BEACHES
Bam! Breakfast & Bistro is a quirky new diner with a vast menu that's got a little something for everyone. Sweet tooths will find waffles, pancakes and crepes, while on the savoury side of things there are sandwiches, salads, burgers, and eggs done every way imaginable.

BLOOR WEST VILLAGE
Week-round brunching at Sparrow Restaurant is a pretty safe bet, and while the menu is a little pricey, the indulgent offerings are totally on point. Expect to find french toast stuffed with pumpkin mascarpone and topped with pure maple, plus pulled pork hash browns topped with kimchi and green onion aioli.

BLOORCOURT
The brunch menu at Scout & Cash is concise, sticking strictly to essentials like two egg breakfasts, French toast, three-egg omelettes and benedicts.

CABBAGETOWN
Murgatroid on a Parliament is a cozy spot for weekend brunches made from scratch and with great care. Look forward to menu features like cinnamon roll french toast, short stacks of plum pancakes and two-egg breakfasts atop potato rosti.

CORKTOWN
Brunch served Sundays at Black Irish Whiskey Bar & Oyster Saloon features a range of cross-cultural offerings including big Irish breakfasts, lobster benedicts, and Jamaican breakfasts with ackee, saltfish and plantain.

THE DANFORTH
Greenwood Smokehouse offers the usual suspects at brunch, including two-egg breakfasts, bennies, pancakes and huevos rancheros. What makes this smokehouse special is that bulk of options start out veggie friendly, then the choice is yours to add on house-smoked bacon, peameal, brisket or pulled pork.

DUNDAS WEST
Patois, the Chinese-Jamaican restaurant on Dundas West, has established itself as a go-to for cross-cultural fusion foods, and their playful brunch menu is no exception. Expect to find unique dishes like syrup-doused fried chicken with Hong Kong waffles, and hollandaise-smothered egg benedicts topped with mortadella and laid over beef patties.

EAST CHINATOWN
Saturday Dinette replaced Hammersmith's this summer, offering locals a new weekend destination for fluffy eggs, trout hash, and molasses baked beans studded with farmer's sausage and a fried egg.

ETOBICOKE
New to New Toronto this year, Goodlake is satisfying brunch cravings with eggs soft-baked inside a crispy hollowed out potato skin, and cinnamon raisin French toast topped with creme anglaise and berry compote.

JUNCTION
The brunch menu at The Passenger covers the classics, including french toast (served in parfait form), classic eggs and hash, and fried egg-topped breakfast burgers on brioche buns.

JUNCTION TRIANGLE
In hog-wild Toronto, it feels like a rarity to find a brunch spot that's not all about bacon, but Hello Darling is exactly that. The menu isn't meat-free, but features like breakfast poutine, bennies and pancakes start vegetarian while pork products are just an add-on.

KING WEST
Brunch at Bar Buca consists of an array of sweet and savoury selections ranging from tiered displays of Italian pastries to schiacciata (focaccia sandwiches) and indulgent scrambled eggs with dollops of burrata and shaved truffles.

LESLIEVILLE
Caesar cocktails garnished with lobster tails are just one if the perks when brunching at the new Rock Lobster outpost in Leslieville. Other seafood-centric brunch options include shrimp and bacon hash, and lobster bennies on buttermilk biscuits.

LIBERTY VILLAGE
The brunch menu at Local Public Eatery isn't nearly as long as at nearby favourites, School and Mildred's. The wait times for a table aren't as long either, which is a bonus when you need some banana pancakes - stat.

LITTLE INDIA
Maha's Restaurant has recently introduced a taste of Egyptian cuisine to this neighbourhood and the menu, featuring scrambles and fried eggs on foule, is decidedly delicious.

MARKHAM
Weekend brunch, like the rest of the menu at Inspire Restaurant is an eclectic mix of cultural influences. Expect to find Korean beef and eggs listed alongside Peking corn pancakes with pork belly and banana bread french toast.

NORTH YORK
Doug's Public Kitchen launched Sunday brunches in North York this past January with a line-up of all-organic seasonal plates. Grab vegan twists on classics like bagels with cashew cream cheese and carrot lox, or tofu scrambles with homefries and miso-buttered toast.

PARKDALE
Mata Petisco Bar serves Brazilian brunches featuring specialties like acai bowls, picanha steak and eggs, and pulled pork breakfast poutine over cassava frites.

QUEEN WEST
Two words: lobster benedicts. Layered with chunks of sweet crustacean meat, double smoked bacon and kale before being finished with béarnaise, you can find them at The Tavern by Trevor on the weekends. The indulgent menu also features beef cheek and cheddar poutine and a breakfast sammy with fried eggs, cheese and chorizo.

RIVERSIDE
From 10am on weekends, the County Cocktail & Snack Bar serves up cocktail-friendly brunches featuring plates of french toast with fried chicken, fried green tomatoes and eggs, and Thai omelettes.

ST. CLAIR WEST
Starving Artist opened a second outpost on St. Clair this spring, and the waffle house has been packed ever since. The week-round all-day brunch spot is home to a menu of sweet and savoury griddled fare, including peanut butter and banana-topped waffles and potato waffle bennies.

WEST QUEEN WEST
The Bristol (formerly The Bristol Yard) relocated to a prime spot on Queen West this past summer and brought with it a lineup of big English breakfasts served seven days a week. Satiate hunger pangs with French toast rolled in crunchy puffed rice, or sausage patty sandwiches with sausage gravy.

YONGE & DUNDAS
Need some hangover-curing grub ASAP? Duke's Refresher + Bar has got weekend brunchers covered with choices like vegetarian egg tostadas and breakfast poutine blanketed in pulled pork, sausage, bacon, cheese curds, gravy and fried eggs.

YONGE & LAWRENCE
As you might guess from the name, The Scratch Kitchen is devoted to making everything in house - including curing bacon and baking breads. The brand spanking new brunch destination is serving up skillet-baked pancakes with poached anjou pears, and fried eggs with swiss chard, raisins, cremini mushrooms and grana padano.

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

With the end of year in sight now's the time for us to do a bit of navel gazing and help round out the team as we head into 2015. We have a number of paid freelance positions available as well as a full time gig. Read on to find out more about who we're looking for and how to apply.

WEEKEND AND EVENINGS EDITOR

We're looking for someone to join us as our first full-time Weekend and Evenings Editor to edit, write and publish content when most people are at the bars or having brunch.

The ideal candidate should have a journalism background and at least 1-2 years of online writing and editing experience with good knowledge of the various aspects of Toronto lifestyle and culture that the site covers.

Primary responsibilities will be weekend and evening content planning, writing, editing posts submitted by our freelance team, covering breaking news and posting to our various social media channels.

You may also be tasked with covering weekend and evening events, checking out new bars and nightlife related assignments.

The Weekend and Evenings Editor will be expected to be available to work full time Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 5pm as well as afternoons and evenings three times a week.

Additional Requirements:

• Proficiency with Photoshop for photo editing and ability to take photos for the site as needed.
• Solid understanding and track record with using social media including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
• A self starter who can work independently as well as with a team, highly organized and ability to consistently meet deadlines.
• A knack for finding interesting news stories and post ideas beyond what's being reported in mainstream media.

FREELANCE WRITER - HOME DECOR

We have an immediate opening for a freelance writer to write articles on a number of home decor related topics. If you're the kind of person who trolls Houzz, reads Design Lines front to back or are obsessed with other people's renovation projects this might be for you.

Expert knowledge of local design resources ranging from places to get tile, steel and lumber, paint and hardware stores would be an essential requirement for this role.

Additional Requirements:

• A Journalism background or 1-2 year of online writing experience.
• Solid research skills and the ability to write concise, punchy prose in article or list-based formats.
• Good organizational skills and the ability to consistently meet deadlines.
• A knack for finding what's new, unique and interesting to the site's readership.

FREELANCE WRITER - TECHNOLOGY

We have an immediate opening for a freelance writer to contribute ongoing articles covering Toronto's tech scene. You're in-the-know about the latest local start-ups, consumer-focused apps and other tech related products and services being crafted in Toronto.

Please note that our tech coverage does not include enterprise or business to business products or services, nor does it include any product reviews of gadgets (unless it's something just introduced by a local company).

Additional Requirements:

• A Journalism background or 1-2 year of online writing experience.
• Solid research skills and the ability to write concise, punchy prose in article or list-based formats.
• Good organizational skills and the ability to consistently meet deadlines.
• The ability to write tech related articles that appeal to a general (non tech-based) readership.

FREELANCE WRITER - REAL ESTATE

We have an immediate opening for a freelance writer to write articles on a number of real estate related topics including our popular House of the Week feature as well as notable new real estate developments in the city. If you're the kind of person who spends their evenings surfing real estate listings sites or reads The Mash just for kicks then this job might have your name on it.

Good knowledge of Toronto neighbourhoods, realtors, developers and an eye for what makes good real estate p0rn would be key attributes you bring to the table.

Additional Requirements:

• A Journalism background or 1-2 year of online writing experience.
• Solid research skills and the ability to write concise, punchy prose in article or list-based formats.
• Good organizational skills and the ability to consistently meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Photoshop (or similar tool) for photo re-sizing or editing images to meet the site's photo formatting specifications.

FREELANCE WRITER - ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS

We're looking for writers able to contribute to our ongoing signs you grew up in series for Brampton, Mississauga, Oakville, Richmond Hill, Markham, Woodbridge/Vaughan, Rexdale or Etobicoke. If you grew up in any of these places and can come up with a funny and insightful list of 10 signs please drop us a line.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested in applying for one of these role? Just send an email to jobs [at] blogto [dotcom] with the following info:

• Send us a bit of information about yourself (how long you've lived in Toronto, what neighbourhoods you have lived in) and your education and work experience. A link to your Linked-In or CV will be helpful here.
• Let us know why you're interested in this role and how soon you can start.
• Send us links to any relevant online content you've created that you think will wow us.

In addition to the above please submit the following depending on what role you're applying for.

Weekend and Evenings Editor

• Your availability during evenings and weekends.
• Your feedback on any published article on blogTO and summary of additional edits you feel could improve the post.

Freelance Writer - Home Decor

• A list of your top 5 furniture stores in Toronto.
• Toronto stores you'd recommend people in Toronto shop at for kitchen or bathroom tile.

Freelance Writer - Technology

• A list of your top 5 smartphone apps that were released this year (and created by a Toronto company).
• A list of 5 Toronto startup companies you think will breakout in 2015.

Freelance Writer - Real Estate

• Your pick for the most exciting Toronto real estate development announced in 2014.
• A link to a recently listed property you would choose to feature in the House of the Week.

Freelance Writer - Additional Assignments

• Pick one of the areas (Brampton, Mississauga, Oakville, Richmond Hill, Markham, Woodbridge/Vaughan, Rexdale or Etobicoke) and send us at least 5 things you'd put on the list of signs you grew up there.

Thanks in advance to everyone interested in applying to one of the above roles. We aim to respond to all applicants who send us a complete application as per the instructions above.