Poutine is such an iconic food here in Toronto that even restaurants that have no business serving it are doing just that. While the recipes might diverge from the classic trinity of fries, curds and gravy, the cross-culturally inflected and innovative takes are undeniably delicious.

Case in point: the Japanese Poutine ($3.95/small, or, $5.95/large) dreamed up by Ramen Raijin on Gerrard St.

The noodle house serves up crisp fried spuds smothered with proper cheese curds, but veers from the traditional when it comes to sauces that are only vaguely reminiscent of gravy. Select between tangy teriyaki mayo or a butter soy sauce thats doused over the cheesy mess then crowned with nori chiffonade and green onions.

It's not your average poutine, but it sure does eat well with chopsticks.

Thanks to IBM for sponsoring this post. IBM Watson's cognitive system helps chefs create new recipes and helps businesses cook up new ideas.

Know of any Toronto restaurants doing interesting takes on poutine? Let us know in the comments.

After months of existing in pop-up kiosks around Parkdale, this fledgling record store has found some permanent digs. They're now the neighbourhood's only record shop (before they came around, record-shoppers had to trek east to Rotate This) -- but if that's not enough cause for celebration, their prices on used records are among some of the lowest in town.

Read my profile of Parkdale Platters in the services section.

Liberty Village residents' struggle to ease their commuting woes continues, with the crowdfunded Line Six bus line now halted in its tracks. Earlier this month, the organizers pulled the plug on the service due to concerns that the route would be breaking municipal laws regarding transit providership, which is the exclusive domain of the TTC.

This still leaves thousands of commuting condo-dwellers woefully underserved by the over-crowded, often-delayed 504 King streetcar. Now, a new service is offering another potential solution, one that uses what Liberty Villagers have already got -- their own cars, and enough people to fill them.

cLink, a carpooling app which acts as a sort of uberX for ride-sharers, is attempting to build a database of interested carpoolers between between Liberty Village and downtown. Their ultimate goal is to transform every empty car seat on the route -- from personal cars to taxis -- into "a pleasant $4 fixed price ride for a passenger". They're currently seeking signups from commuters interested in offering seats or becoming passengers.

High Park's Grenadier Pond remains a favourite destination for ice skaters, hockey players, and families looking to enjoy a clear winter day -- even though the city remains bent on keeping them on solid ground. Despite the thick ice and vast space that keeps skaters coming back, it remains illegal to skate on the pond, with signs reading "No Skating -- No Access" posted around the perimeter.

Many die-hards grew to love the spot in the '80s and '90s -- the city would even keep an oval cleared -- but liability fears led parks department officials to ban the practice. Now, bylaw officers make regular stops to the area, blowing whistles to signal skaters to get off the ice, but little enforcement happens past that. (On one such visit this weekend, the skaters apparently just moving further out into the pond so they could no longer hear the whistle.)

Aficionados argue that they should be allowed to take the risk if they so choose, especially since skaters routinely test the ice thickness before lacing up their skates. What do you think -- should the city permit skating on Grenadier Pond?

Photo by Roger Cullman via the blogTO Flickr pool.

Toronto might play host to a 1000 foot waterslide this summer, as part of a touring series called Slide the City that has scheduled stops in cities throughout the U.S. and Canada. If that's not a summery thought to get you through a frigid winter day, I don't know what is. At roughly three football fields in length, this is the ultimate slip and slide-fuelled way to partake in childhood nostalgia on a grand scale.

The Toronto date is still TBA at present, but based on the other cities on the roster, the slide's arrival does't seem like a pipe dream. Edmonton city council, for instance, is in the midst of considering approval for the event in that city, which would go down in June or July this year. Calgary and Vancouver have already been tapped as future destinations as well.

Finding a suitable place for the slide is one of the challenges that a city faces in hosting this event. You want a nice hill to help participants gain speed, but the gradient can't be so steep that's it's dangerous. Being built on the old Lake Iroquois shoreline, Toronto has plenty of options as far as locations go (why not right down Yonge St.?), it's just a matter of getting the city on board.

Gaining approval might prove a challenge in a city with a troubling track record when it comes to fun. But, to employ the logic of the age group that so loves slip and slides, if everyone else is doing it, why can't we?

Take a look at the video below for a glimpse of what the event is all about.

Photo via Slide the City

Local bands aren't shy about showing off Toronto in their music videos, but tons of international acts shoot their clips in our fair city, too. It makes sense: film productions flock to us for the low-cost, big-city resources of "Hollywood North," so it's natural that a bunch of music stars have been attracted by the same qualities - many more than you might realize.

Some surprising famous tunes have had accompanying videos made in Toronto over the years: Tears for Fears sings "Head Over Heels" in Emmanuel College library and Howie Day's "Collide" features a CN Tower-pegged skyline; Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now" plays out new-country heartbreak at the King Edward Hotel while Kelly Clarkson got similarly mopey for "Behind These Hazel Eyes" at a local church. Julian Plenti, Grizzly Bear, Wale and Belle and Sebastian are also recent customers to our highly filmable backdrop.

Here are five of the more interesting music videos you may not know were filmed in Toronto.

Marilyn Manson - "The Beautiful People"
Marilyn Manson's breakout video contains some of the most nightmarish visuals in MTV's vaults, and that's partially thanks to Toronto's then-decrepit Distillery District. The clip was shot in the abandoned Gooderman and Worts facility long before it's redevelopment. "The Beautiful People" wasn't just a turning point for Manson, but for director Floria Sigismondi, who was soon nabbed by the likes of David Bowie, Interpol, Sigur Ros and Christina Aguilera.

Wyclef Jean featuring The Rock - "It Doesn't Matter"
This magical nugget of millennial pop-culture cross-promotion was filmed at The Guvernment in 2000. That was a heady time when Hype Williams was the king of music videos, The Guvernment wasn't on the verge of shutting down and Dwayne Johnson was better known as The Rock. Oddly, Wyclef Jean wrote this song before he even knew who The Rock was; his little sister suggested the pairing when she heard its refrain, which just happened to be the wrestler's catchphrase. Bless her.

Hilary Duff and Haylie Duff - "Our Lips Are Sealed"
OK, this video is cringeworthy on many levels - the saccharine auto-tuned production, the squeaky-clean pop-star attempt at channeling "bad-ass rocker," the too-cute sisterly bonding - but Hilary (and sister Haylie) Duff's version of The Go-Gos' classic does get a couple cool points for being filmed in our hood. That's Front Street they joyride on for a stretch and the Berczy Park fountain that they frolic in at the end, besmirching the waters with their bubbly detergent and Disney-fied music.

30 Seconds to Mars - "The Kill"
A Hollywood A-lister who decides to direct a big-budget music video for his band is probably the least surprising thing ever, but what you may not know is that 30 Seconds to Mars filmed the majority of "The Kill" at The Carlu. The aged art deco home of the former "Eaton's seventh floor" was the perfect backdrop for this creepy homage to The Shining. That Toronto could play a role in immortalizing Jared Leto's vaguely gothy, pre-man bun phase is, quite simply, a proud part of our heritage.

The Cure - "End of the World"
New-wave icons The Cure showed Hogtown a lot of love in 2004. Not only did they grace us with their short-lived Curiosa festival, they also filmed the video for their self-titled album's debut single right in our backyard. It's another Floria Sigismondi cut that's a perfect patch, her stuttering, decayed visuals complimenting Robert Smith's melted eyeliner/hot mess aesthetic.

What others did I miss? Add your favourite Toronto-shot music videos that people may not know about in the comments.

Considering our perpetually-bananas rental market, we're all about furnishing an apartment on a dime here in Toronto (and if we can do it with baroque sofas and cool vintage posters, all the better). A new store about to open near Orfus Rd. puts a new spin on the used-furniture concept by taking items on consignment -- and takes it a step further by letting consignors choose whether to take home the cash or to donate the whole shebang to a charity of their choice.

Elle and Eve is set to open its doors in a 10,000-square-foot space at the end of the month, stocked with vignettes of consigned pieces (from couches and lighting fixtures to artwork and knick-knacks). Their buyers carefully select pieces that are a fit; if you want to donate the proceeds from your sale, they'll even give you a tax receipt. If you'd like to check them out, they're hosting an opening bash on January 29.

Photo via Elle and Eve.

Toronto's rap darling surely gets a lot of invitations to parties, but none, I suspect, that sound quite so entertaining as this upcoming event hosted by the Crush Project. Coming to the Gladstone on February 1st, Drake Expectations is a night of comedy, burlesque, drag, and live music all devoted to our biggest star, clothier, weatherman and onomastician.

The Crush Project is a series of queer-focused shows that have previously featured Rae Spoon and Gentleman Reg. Will Drizzy make it out to his reserved seat for this one? It's dubious, of course. He's probably "just too busy runnin' shit to run home." But, hey, it's always fun to take a few affectionate digs at our most sensitive rapper in his absence. And besides, what could be better than Drake-themed drag and burlesque?

Tickets are $8 advance, $10 at the door

Photo via Shelfies.

166 The Kingsway, the modern four bedroom dwelling in Etobicoke, might look sleek from the outside but it's going through tough times after a price drop. Originally listed for $2,595,000, the owners recently lowered the price to $2,395,000, hoping the custom built house would sell quickly for slightly less.

It was an expensive build and the property sticks out like a sore thumb on a street with typical west-end post-war bungalows. The angular exterior is a mix of brick veneer and stucco with a roof sliced right down the middle to make room for the gigantic skylight. Inside, the newly built house goes Back to the Future with its Smart Home Automation System.

The new owner can control the thermostat, speakers and lighting from an iPhone or iPad, along with the blinds, door bell and sprinklers. There are surveillance cameras on site, in-floor heating and a temperature-controlled glass wine wall in the basement. Sorry Marty McFly, there are still no flying cars in the driveway, as predicted for 2015.

The backyard is somewhat disappointing and doesn't match the front. With only a small deck and large grass area, there's still work to be completed for the hefty asking price. Take a closer look.

SPECS

• Address: 166 The Kingsway
• Price: $2,395,000
• Lot Size: 40x120 FT
• Bedrooms: 5
• Bathrooms: 5
• Parking: 4
• Taxes: $6,300
• Walk Score: 71

NOTABLE FEATURES

• 4,000 square feet
• Glass-walled wine cellar
• Smart Home Automation System
• Floor-to-ceiling windows

GOOD FOR

A minimalist. The home features a minimalist approach to design with clean lines and stark white walls. Get frisky on the second floor catwalk and soak away your $2.4 million stresses in the freestanding tub with a window view.

MOVE ON IF

Be wary of potential roof repairs. The combination of the flat roof which houses the skylight and sloped exterior will make it a difficult repair in the future.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Worth the asking price? Have your say in the comments.

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 Stephen Gardiner in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Today in Toronto Punk Rock Bingo is back, and at Round Carmen La Bomba will do her best Holly Golightly via Audrey Hepburn impressions for Toons on Tap's life drawing circle. The Garrison has been screening free films every Wednesday this month with drink specials and snacks. The final night features the Videodrome at 8pm and Barfly at 11pm. Rue Morgue and Unstable Ground's Little Terrors series is back with horror shorts at the Carlton. For more events, click on over to our events section.

• Music: Healing Power Records: Beard Closet & Hexzuul (Tranzac)
• Music: Liquid Karaoke (Bambi's)
• Comedy: OUTrageous! With Robert Keller (Yuk Yuks)
• Lit: Pivot (Press Club)
• Games: Punk Rock Bingo - Twenty Fifteen Whip It Good (Beaver)
• Art: Toons On Tap - Session 64: Breakfast At Tiffany's (Round)
• Film: Movie Night at the Garrison (The Garrison)
• Film: Rue Morgue & Unstable Ground: Evil Incarnate (Carlton Cinema)
• Art: Akin Crit (444 Dufferin)

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

Image: Videodrome

After three years of painstaking heritage restoration, the scaffolding has finally come down on a row of century-old storefronts on Yonge St.

The FIVE Condos at the corner of Yonge and St. Joseph have been under construction since the summer of 2011. The podium of the 48-storey residential high rise is made up almost entirely of existing structures, several of them more than a hundred years old. The main entrance, on St. Joseph St., is the painstakingly retained and restored facade of Rawlinson Cartage, one of the oldest moving companies in Toronto.

In order to lay the foundation for the residential tower, the three-metre thick wall was suspended on a massive cantilevered steel truss over the excavation pit for more than year.

"That was a bit of a tour de force. I don't think anyone in Toronto had done that kind of work before, that extensively," says Michael McClelland, a principal with E.R.A. Architects, the firm responsible for the heritage elements of the project.

"We did get a lot of comments from people about how huge the truss structure was ... but it was really necessary. That was such a fantastic building with very, very fine brickwork so we wanted to make sure [the support structure] worked."

On Yonge St., the storefronts have been renovated and the upper floors turned into residential units. McLelland says the brick exteriors have been extensively cleaned up, too: thick layers of paint carefully removed from fragile brick and mortar.

"Some of the buildings were painted very heavily, so there was a lot of deterioration of the brick, actually much more than we'd originally anticipated," he says. "The corner building dates from the 1860s so it hadn't really received much attention for a long period of time. That's why the scaffolding was up for such a long period--the work was fairly labour intensive. We're really pleased with how it's turned out."

The FIVE Condo is due to open later this year. McLelland hopes the project will inspire other similar heritage restorations on Yonge.

"That section of Yonge St. is a bit run down, but it could be fantastic, so we're hoping this is a kickstart to getting other fantastic things happening."

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

Image: Vik Pahwa/blogTO.

The menus are short at this new Southern California-themed bar on Queen West, but the offerings sure are interesting. Play the Russian roulette of spicy eats by ordering a Sweet Hand of the Devil, or try the stuffed French toast for weekend brunch with fillings that change up every weekend - peanut butter and bacon, anyone?

Read my review of Del Ray in the restaurants section.

Super Bowl Sunday in Toronto on February 1st will see tailgating parties start as early as brunch even though kick off isn't until 6:30pm. Sports fans can catch the big game at bars, pubs and restaurants boasting big screens, buffets, beer specials. For those with HD at home, there are party packages for pick-up or delivery to fuel hordes of sports fans with hoagies, barbecue, pizza and wings.

Here's a roundup of events and at-home party packages for Super Bowl XLIX in Toronto.

WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME

The Dock Ellis (1280 Dundas Street West)
With an influx of new competition, expect sports bars on Dundas to really up their game this year. At the Dock Ellis, find Seattle inspired coffee braised brisket nachos facing off on the menu against New England baked bean nachos. The big game will be shown on 11 TVs plus projectors.

The Contender (1166 Dundas St. West)
There's not a spot in the house without at least one of the dozens of screens in view at this sports bar on Dundas West.

The Derby (1516 Dundas St. West)
Doors open at 5pm to the public, though regulars are being offer choice seats from 4:30pm at this Dundas West sports bar. Expect a paired down menu featuring new wing flavored, chili cheese fries and banquet burgers, plus themed shots, trivia for prizes and a props pool.

Real Sports (15 York Street)
The massive bar with 199 HD TVs is already fully booked for the big game. Bar stools are, however, available to walk-ins on a first come basis and subject to a $10 cover.

Rally Sports Bar (1660 O'Connor Dr.)
Watch the game on 42 TVs or a 180" big screen while enjoying an all you can eat buffet, giveaways and prizes. Reservations are welcome.

Skin + Bones (980 Queen St. East)
The Leslieville restaurant hosts a Super Bowl party and for one night only will offer a sports bar menu featuring a burger, beer nuts and chicken wings. Other highlights include buck a shuck oysters and cheap pints of Nickel Brook's American Pale Ale.

THR & Co. (97 Harbord St.)
Watch Super Bowl XLIX at THR & Co. And enjoy a special snack menu, showcasing dishes like ancho braised beef cheek tacos, sweet & sour pork ribs, and nachos. Drink specials include $5 Budweiser, Coors, and Jack Daniels, and expect prize draws and giveaways.

Lou Dawgs (589 King St. W. and 76 Gerrard St. E.)
Both locations will be showing the game and offering the house lager for $5, Jack Daniels for $4.50, and free nachos and salsa with the purchase of any pitcher. Those looking to enjoy the game from the comfort of home can order the Heat & Serve Cottage Pack, complete with an array of Southern BBQ, buns and sides.

Madison Avenue Pub (14 Madison Ave.)
The Annex pub starts that celebration for sports fans at brunch at 11am. Expect $5 foods specials, $4 domestic beers, and $10 combos featuring a domestic pint with wings or a burger.

Boots 'N Bourbon (725 Queen West)
The east side saloon will feature a country tailgate pig roast for the big game, featuring plenty of games, prizes and beer specials. Doors are at 5pm.

The Loose Moose (146 Front St.)
Expect the game on with sound plus special combos for $20 featuring half a pound of wings, half a pound of ribs, and garlic fries.

Duke's Refresher (382 Yonge St.)
Nine 70" TVs will be showing the game and Bud Light is sponsoring the party. Expect beer specials, toque giveaways and prize draws, along with menu features like massive pulled pork sandwiches.

The Monarch (12 Clinton St.)
From 4pm, both floors celebrate the Super Bowl with a Great Lakes Brewery tap take-over and Baju barbecue, now helmed by Jason Rees of The Pork Ninjas.

William's Landing (120 Lynn Williams St.)
Equipped with 18 big screens and two projectors, this pub in Liberty Village host a Firebowl Pig Roast sponsored by Fireball Whiskey. Expect hype girls, whiskey tastings, $3 shots, halftime prizes and of course a spit-roasted pig on the patio.

Hunters Landing (82 Fort York)
The CityPlace bar is doing a $25 all you can eat pig roast buffet at halftime, plus there will be prizing, sampling and contests. Advance tickets are available through the restaurant.

The Office Pub (117 John St.)
Tickets for Super Bowl XLIX are $35 and includes three domestic drinks, an all you can eat buffet offered until 'til half time, a burlesque show, and a chance to win big prizes like a $1000 travel voucher and 50" LED TV.

Mill St. Brew Pub (55 Mill St.)
Catch the game in the Distillery District with big screens, big sound, menu features and prizes. Predict the final score and they'll burn your bill. Reservations accepted.

The Hideout (484 Queen St. W.)
Watch the big game on big screens from comfy couches at this Queen West pub. Sample the chili cook off at half time and take advantage of $4 drink specials.

The Forth (629 Danforth Ave.)
This elegant, multi storey restaurant might seem like an unlikely place to take in the game, but they'll be showing the Super Bowl on two massive projector screens and on flat screens in the bar, For $25, guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat gourmet pub food by new executive chef Zach Albertsen.

TAKE-HOME SUPER BOWL

Momofuku (190 University Ave.)
Large format to-go packages are on offer from Momofuku for the Super Bowl. Order bo ssam for up to 8 people available on 48 hours notice, or, opt for fried chicken that'll feed up to six available for pickup with 24 hours notice.

FBI Pizza
Presuming you're having a hoard of football enthusiasts over for the game, FBI has assemble massive Super Bowl combos to accommodate. Pre-order delivery now for The Bigger is Better Combo ($130) featuring two 21" pizzas, two dozen wings, three 3 hoagies and 6 cans of pop. Or for $140, skip the pizza now down on four dozen wings and six hoagies.

Pusateri's (multiple locations)
The catering team at this chain of fine food store has put together a tailgating menu featuring fan favourites like Mexican chili, jumbo shrimp and pulled pork sliders. Orders need to be placed 48 hours in advance by calling 416.785.9100, see the full menu online.

Duff's (558 College St).
Per tradition, the wing shop will close the dining room on Sunday to focus entirely on take-out orders. Same day orders are okay but since pick-up times are scheduled in 15 minute intervals it's best to order in advance to ensure they're ready pre kick-off.

Hogtown Smoke (1959 Queen St. E.)
Pre order customizable pig out platters in advance and cheer on your team at home with a spread of smoked ribs, wings and brisket, along with an entourage of sides and sauces.

The Stockyards (699 St. Clair Avenue West)
Chicken and ribs are on every Sunday for pick-up at this smokehouse on St. Clair, just be sure to order yours in advance - they'll surely be in high demand.

Barque (299 Roncesvalles Ave.)
The smokehouse on Roncy boasts a catering division and can cater viewing parties with platters of smoked meats, sandwiches and more.

Where did I miss? Add more Super Bowl spots to the comments below.

It's been a brutal winter in Toronto -- particularly for those without shelter. The extreme temperatures have played a role in at least three deaths this winter and placed extra strain on the city's already-spread thin shelter system, and though the city has announced more beds for women and LGBTQ youth and converted motels into temporary shelters, Toronto's homeless population remains perpetually at risk.

City Of Sleeping Bags is the brainchild of two university students hoping to lend a hand. Recognizing that many are shut out of shelters due to lack of space (as well as mental illness, safety concerns and other factors), they mounted a campaign to distribute 100 sleeping bags to people who need them. The bags are portable and easily rolled up, and come with a detachable blanket for use in the summertime. To help them reach their fundraising goal of $5,000, head to Indiegogo.

Photo by Jeremy Gilbert in the blogTO Flickr pool.

When Richard Mauran opened his first burger restaurant in 1959, he figured he would call it Humphrey's. Henry's Hamburgers was already a successful chain in the U.S. with more than 200 franchise locations across the country and Mauran hoped to find a name that embodied the same down-home friendliness.

Flipping through the classified section of the Toronto Telegram, he found what he was looking for: John Harvey Motors at 2300 Danforth Ave--also known as Harvey's. The dealership on the southeast corner of the intersection with Patricia Dr. was closing to make way for a gas station, and the sign was up for grabs.

Mauran installed dealership logo on the outside of his first store at the southeast corner of Yonge and Observatory Lane near Richmond Hill. The drive-through was expected to be a seasonal operation, former business associate Bernie Syron recalled to the National Post. However, demand in those pre-McDonalds days soon dictated that the store would remain open year-round.

Syron said Mauran's burger chain was the first to flame-grill burgers to order and allow customers to add as many toppings--lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, cheeses, and sauces--as they liked, free of charge.

The first Harvey's franchise location opened at Bloor and Bedford in 1963, within walking distance the newly-completed terminus of the University subway and Varsity Stadium. It was also a short walk from the first Swiss Chalet location.

In 1954, before he began to dabble in burgers, Mauran co-founded "Swiss Chalet Bar-B-Q," also at Bloor and Bedford. The company exported the popular Quebec dish of charcoal broiled chicken, dipping sauce, and fries to Ontario to great acclaim, though there was soon stiff competition from Church's Fried Chicken, The Original Chalet, St. Hubert, and KFC.

Harvey's continued to grow under Mauran's ownership, expanding to include 75 stores across the country by 1977. That year, the burger chain and Swiss Chalet BBQ were merged into a single umbrella company, Foodcorp, and sold to Cara Operations Ltd.--a Toronto-based food giant that operated 50 Steak N' Burger locations and owned a 50 percent share in the Keg N' Cleaver, now simply "The Keg."

At the time of the sale, the average Harvey's generated about $350,000 a year in sales. The Swiss Chalets took about a million each.

With Cara at the helm, Harvey's continued to expand within Canada while retaining many of the core concepts introduced under Mauran. Fries were cut from unpeeled Prince Edward Island potatoes, leaving little traces of skin at each end. The patties were cooked to order--"not preheated and waiting for you in a box," and the toppings selected by the customer.

Mauran went on to found one of Canada's mutual fund management companies but today is something of a wealthy recluse. "When you attempt to find any information pertaining to Mauran on the Internet or in newspapers, the trail becomes cold," author Danny Gallagher wrote in the National Post.

"He has never been substantially profiled in any media. Canadian Press has no photo of him. He wouldn't return calls left at his various residences. Attempts to contact him through intermediaries all went for nought."

As far as can be told, the father of two of Canada's most famous fast food brands, now in his late 70s, is living in luxury with homes in England, Monaco, and Fort Lauderdale. He owns a fleet of yachts, too.

Today, there are 14 Harvey's in Toronto, 265 nationwide. The company employs more than 7,000 people.

Sadly, the first Harvey's at Yonge and Observator Ln. was unceremoniously demolished in March 2012 to make way for a condo development. No local residents spoke up in its defence.

"It was a fast-food restaurant, after all, not a birthplace of Confederation," the National Post wrote.

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

All images courtesy of Cara Operations Ltd.

Toronto is home to a flourishing landscape of independent cafes -- more likely than not, there's a really great cup of coffee in close proximity to your own home. Locally roasted beans, skilled baristas, and cozy aesthetics are just some of he perks, and whether you're looking for a quick caffeine fix or somewhere to hunker down with free Wi-fi, you'll find an abundance of options in every neighbourhood.

Here are my picks for the top 30 cafes in Toronto by neighbourhood.

THE BEACHES
Bud's Coffee Bar is bastion of good brew in The Beaches. The espresso bar pulls double shots of Cut Coffee and stocks baked goods from Desmond & Beatrice and Queen B Pastry.

CABBAGETOWN
Jet Fuel is a red-painted neighbourhood fixture where Americanos are served in a pint glass and classic riffs blare over the stereo.

CHINATOWN
Dark Horse on Spadina is a spacious and sunny central location that's furnished with communal tables and outfitted with enough outlets to let the espresso-sipping crowd relax and recharge (and let the freelancers get stuff done).

THE DANFORTH
Filling the void of indie espresso bars on this stretch of the Danforth, Crema Coffee's eastern location is a fresh, sunny spot to enjoy espressos and pour-overs along with panini and muffins.

DUNDAS WEST
Swathed in natural light, The Tampered Press is a cozy spot to perk yourself up with hot cups of coffee and house-baked goods.

ETOBICOKE
Sense Appeal makes its Lake Shore address the home base for all its operations, including roasting beans and baking breads on the premises. Aside from the usual espresso-based favourites, you'll find unique drinks like the Turkish latte, sweetened and spiced with cardamom and cinnamon.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT
Dineen Coffee Co. occupies a sweeping space at the corner of Yonge and Temperance in the historic building which is its namesake. It's a magnet for business meetings and coffee breaks, not just because it serves delectable espressos, but also thanks to efficient service and ample patio seating.

HIGH PARK
Found atop High Park station, Cafe Novo thrives, thanks to commuters and parkgoers looking to take steaming Americanos and fresh-baked pastries en route.

JUNCTION TRIANGLE
Wallace Espresso occupies a tiny nook, and while seating is extremely limited, the locals don't mind, and have become accustomed to taking that daily caffeine fix to go.

KENSINGTON MARKET
There's no shortage of coffee shops in The Market, but Cafe Pamenar, found at the northern tip of Augusta, stands out thanks to its cozy interior and massive back patio.

KING EAST
The second location of Rooster Coffee House is a welcoming space that radiates charm. The espresso bar pulls custom blends from Pilot while serving a simple menu of pastries, sandwiches and salads.

KING WEST
At Jimmy's Coffee, beverages aren't priced by size, but rather sold a single or double shot at a time. Occupying a row house on Portland, this cafe is the original location for what's spawned multiple locations.

LEASIDE
Wisey's Pies and Bakehouse might be best known for its outstanding roster of savoury and sweet pies, but the cafe is also outfitted with a La Marzocco machine and offers the usual line-up of espresso based drinks made with Pilot Coffee beans.

LESLIEVILLE
Te Aro is home base for Pilot Coffee Roasters, purveyors of full-bodied roasts like Big Bro, a blend that boasts notes of nuts and toffee and tastes like pure bliss in a latte.

LIBERTY VILLAGE
Louie Craft Coffee is the go-to for a caffeine fix in this hood. They pull lovely Americanos on a beautiful Strada La Marzocco machine, and serve ready-made sandwiches and fresh baked goods.

LITTLE INDIA
Lazy Daisy's Cafe offers a robust menu for a cafe that includes everything from breakfast sandwiches to hearty bowls of chili. Coffee is still at the core of the business, and there's both drip and espressos on offer.

LITTLE ITALY
Embellished with a Moroccan pattern, the La Marzocco espresso machine is the star of the show at Empire Espresso on College. The charming cafe spins a rotating selection of local roasts into velvety lattes spiked with a double shot.

MOUNT DENNIS
Infusing new life into the neighbourhood, SuperCoffee debuted last summer and has since amassed a local following. The drinks list offers a standard roster of espresso-based beverages while the pastry case is stocked with fresh goodies from Circles and Squares and OMG Baked Goodness.

MOUNT PLEASANT
Istanbul Cafe is a Turkish coffee house on Eglinton where finely-ground beans are brewed in traditional cezve for rich, strong cups of coffee. Espressos and flat whites are on the menu too, featuring a house blend made by Social Coffee Co.

OSSINGTON
Sam James operates out of a tiny nook just north of Queen, and is my coffee bar of choice so long as I have the cash in pocket (FYI, they don't take debit).

PARKDALE
Capital Espresso Bar occupies a sunny corner lot on Queen West and is home to your usual line-up of espresso-based beverages, as well as a pastry case stocked with fresh-baked muffins.

QUEEN WEST
Early Bird Espresso is a relaxed brew bar on Queen where the La Marzocco machine produces frothy, creamy lattes made of Pilot beans.

RIVERSIDE
Merchants of Green began as a business sourcing and selling fair-trade coffees, and has since evolved into a lovely espresso bar and cafe that has become a neighbourhood institution.

RONCESVALLES
Lit Espresso Bar pours delightful espresso from its own brand of beans made by Pig Iron Coffee Roasters. Classic beverages are where they excel -- opt for the fruity cold brew in summer months, and foamy lattes or cappuccinos in the winter.

ROSEDALE
Boxcar Social carefully crafts each include espressos and Americanos ($2.86), macchiatos and cortados ($3.50), cappuccinos ($3.75), and lattes ($4.00).

YONGE & DUNDAS
The Black Canary is an oasis for indie coffee enthusiasts in a neighbourhood where corporate chains rule. The house uses Rufino espresso for milk-based espresso drinks and while shots and Americanos are pulled with Detour beans.

YONGE & EGLINTON
De Melho Palheta isn't just a cafe, but also roasts its beans in-house, serving up blends and single origin options. The cafe has carved out a nice little niche in a neighbourhood where independent cafes are scarce.

YONGE & LAWRENCE
I Deal Coffee on Yonge north of Lawrence isn't just a carbon-copy of its Kensington and Ossington locations. Catering to an uptown clientele, the cafe has an individual character that radiates warmth and seduces with its own house blends.

YONGE & ST. CLAIR
The perfect cup awaits you at 9 Bars, where they're pulling Sam James' Cut Coffee and pouring espressos on finely tuned La Marzocco.

YORKVILLE
Seven Grams offers more than just the usual espresso and drop varieties. Their roster of drinks includes cold brews, pour overs, and Bunn Trifecta-brewed coffees similar to the Clover at Crema.

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

If you didn't know, battle rap has taken the world by storm. Most battles used to be done in a freestyle format, meaning that participants would improvise all of their content. Today it's safe to assume that most of what you are hearing has been pre-written.

With that comes better performance, but less spontaneity - although the best battlers can do both. Leagues have popped up all over the world: Smack/URL and GrindTime (RIP) in the USA, Don't Flop in the UK and Got Beef? in Australia, but arguably the biggest one of all is Toronto's own King of the Dot (KOTD). On February 7/8 they'll be hosting their biggest event to date: Blackout 5.

In this spirit, here are my picks for top rap battles in Toronto of al time.

Pat Stay vs. Hollohan
The current KOTD title holder, Nova Scotian heavyweight Pat Stay met his (at the time) ex-best friend Hollohan in the ring. They settle their differences in what many call the most personal battle ever.

Dumbfoundead vs. Kid Twist
It's like watching two comedians roast one another, but everything rhymes. Both are incredible freestylers on top of it and this battle is filled with countless memorable flips.

Illmaculate vs. Bender
This classic went down at World Domination 2, when Ottawa's Bender (who was KOTD Champion at the time) took on Illmaculate, one of the most well respected veteran battle MCs there is. This battle was also the birth of "sorry player"...

Dizaster vs. DNA
This epic contest brought LA's Dizaster in town to face New York's DNA. They had been waiting to battle for a year and after many delays and cancellations, it finally happened. What unfolded would become one of KOTD's most watched battles.

Scott Jackson & KrNfX vs Subconcious & Killa Beatz
This is a 2 vs. 2 beatbox battle, so no they aren't rapping, but their skill level is undeniable and they still tactically target their opponent. Remember kids, always show love to the beatbox - without them your cyphers would suck.

Photo by Zach MacPherson

100 years is a long time for a Toronto intersection to evolve. Streets get widened, buildings get knocked down, and in many cases rural idyll is replaced by urban hustle. For some of these 10 intersections, the changes have been profound (Bayview and Eglinton is barely recognizable,) but others remain familiar. At Queen and Yonge (above,) many of the buildings present in 1910 are still standing. In fact, the east side of the street remains largely unchanged. If it wasn't for construction of the Eaton Centre and the loss of the Yonge streetcars, the photo would likely be very similar today.

Here's a look at 10 key Toronto intersections as they were 100 years ago.

Bayview and Eglinton - 1910
Bayview looking north from Eglinton. Today, the Metro supermarket would be on the right side of the frame.

Bloor and Keele - 1915
Keele east from Bloor during streetcar track construction in 1915.

College and Spadina - 1912
South on Spadina from College in 1912. The El Mocambo building is on the right.

Danforth and Broadview - 1912
Looking southeast across Broadview and Danforth in 1912. The building in the centre of the frame currently houses a Tim Hortons and a yoga studio.

Lawrence and Kennedy - 1904
Looking south on Kennedy from near the present-day intersection with Lawrence in 1904.

Queen and Bay - 1911
Queen and Bay looking south from Old City Hall in 1911.

King, Queen, and Roncesvalles - 1919
Looking across King, Queen, and Roncesvalles before the Gardiner Expressay and Sunnyside Amusement Park in 1919.

St. Clair and Yonge - 1911
Southwest corner of St. Clair and Yonge in 1911 prior to the street being widened.

College and Yonge - 1912
South on Yonge from College before the intersection with Carlton street was created and before College Park. The streetcar on the left is on Carlton.

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

Images: City of Toronto Archives (as marked.) All others Toronto Public Library.

The best dumplings in Toronto will always have the satisfying warmth that biting into a freshly-made dumpling will give you. The perfect comfort food for cold winter days, these little nuggets of deliciousness will pack the perfect punch for you, whether you eat them straight up, with a side of vinegar, doused in soy sauce, or dipped in hot chilli sauce. The restaurants here tend to be a little on the simple side, but that really only adds to the homey feel. After all, you don't look for a fancy maitre'd when you visit your parents' place for a home-cooked meal, do you?

Here are the best dumplings in Toronto.

See also:

The Best Chinese Restaurants In Toronto
The top 10 Chinese restaurants in Scarborough
The top 10 cheap Chinese restaurants in Markham and Richmond Hill
The Best Late Night Chinese In Toronto
The Best Dim Sum in Toronto
The Best Chinese Restaurants in Mississauga

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