As the year comes to a close, we look back at the best photos from 2012 in our second edition of the photos of the year. Each of the photo of the week winners from 2012 will compete against each other for the grand prize. As is the case with our weekly contests, the photo of the year will be sponsored by Posterjack, and the winners will be decided by by our readers. The following prizes are up for grabs:

• 1st Place - 36x48 Metal Print ($400 value)
• 2nd Place - 24x36 Acrylic Print ($200 value)
• 3rd Place - 16x24 Canvas Print ($100 value)

The contest will take place over four rounds composed of 13 photos, one for each week of the year. The three photos with the most votes from each round will move on to the final round, which will feature 12 photos and ultimately decide the top three photos of the year. The poll will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on December 31st.

For those photographers whose images are featured below, please feel free to give us a little information about your shot -- i.e. where and when it was taken -- in the comments section. Who knows? Maybe your description will sway voters in your favour!

Lead photo by Yedman.

2.
Photo by Jonathan Castellino

3.
Photo by Saman Aghvami

4.
Photo by Metrix X

5.
Photo by Oliver Plante

6.
Photo by Marty Pinker

7.
Photo by Saman Aghvami

8.
Photo by Richard Gottardo

9.
Photo by Vic Gedris

10.
Photo by Neil Ta

11.
Photo by Syncros

12.
Photo by Alejandro Santiago

13.
Photo by Sigma

Good news for vegetarians north of Bloor - Fresh restaurants is expanding its empire to Yonge and Eglinton. Coming in summer of 2013, Fresh is opening its fourth Toronto location at 90 Eglinton East. The news was announced just over a week ago and follows on founder Ruth Tal's promise to us back in 2010 that a fourth and fifth location were in the works.

On behalf of our east-end readers, can we suggest the next Fresh be somewhere east of the DVP? In what neighbourhood would you like to see Fresh set up shop?

Well, that's a wrap for Christmas in Toronto — and now all that's left is the hangover and a few gifts to exchange. But, if you're feeling a bit more cheery than me, we've got lots of photos of holiday spirit in the city courtesy of our Instagram followers. So have a look, and feel all warm and fuzzy inside all over again. Happy holidays to all!

Photo by sharkboypd

Also by sharkboypd

Photo by walker_mj

Photo by lisalagace

Photo by stardchiu

Photo by rickettes

Photo by anthonycipolletta

Photo by seana702

Photo by paicanvas

Check out the rest of the set on Statigram, and follow us on Instagram to keep up with all of our Toronto explorations.

Photo by ronnie.yip in the blogTO Flickr pool

It's that time of year again - time to look back at the last 12 months and pick favourites for the new businesses that wowed us the most. From new restaurant openings to new places to shop we have 10 categories for you to vote in.

Take the best of Toronto poll here.

As usual, all categories are optional so skip ones you don't have an opinion about. Voting ends just before the stroke of midnight on December 31st so make sure to get yours to count before everyone starts signing Auld Lang Syne.

GAMES | Scrabble in TO
If you didn't get enough of board games with the family this holiday season, take a break from Mum and Dad, and head to Parkdale's new local board game café Go Lounge tonight for a night of Scrabble and word play. The inaugural Scrabble in TO at Go will have food and drinks being served up as groups will play Scrabble around the café, competing for prizes based on theme words. It's a free, fun event for all (you don't have to be a Scrabble word master), but it would help to RSVP on the Facebook page. Word up.
Go Lounge (1718 Queen Street West) 6PM Free

ART & DESIGN | JP + Kamilla's Screenprinting Marathon Series | EPISODE 1
JP Spanbauer and Kamilla Nikolaev of Signed Design Collective are hosting a marathon series where local artists and designers come together for a 24-hour party of screenprinting. Over 20 artists will participate in screenprinting design based on three words of inspiration they have picked out of a hat, with their final designs being sold for $20-$100. Karolina Kisiel will DJ the night, and drinks and snacks will be served as artists collaborate all night long. Stop by to watch and participate at #Hashtag Gallery tonight!
#Hashtag Gallery (801 Dundas Street West) 7PM Free

MUSIC | Coronado + West Hammock + Philip James
It's coming down to the last shows of the year and Rancho Relaxo is combining the sounds of surf rock, alternative, electro, and lo-fi dream pop to ring in the new year something proper. Local electro indie pop rock band Coronado headlines the evening following Durham melodic duo West Hammock. Singer-songwriter Philip James opens the show. Tickets will be available at the door and they're dirt cheap for a night of 2012's best new Canadian music.
Rancho Relaxo (300 College Street) 8PM $5

MUSIC | Madeon
Uploading a YouTube video for instant fame couldn't be more pop culture--and that's how Madeon and his song "Pop Culture" became known. The 18-year-old French house musician and producer performs an electro DJ set at The Hoxton tonight with opener Andy Ares. Tickets are priced based on quantity--the first 200 sell for $20, the next at $30, and the remaining priced at $40--and will be available at the door.
The Hoxton (69 Bathurst Street) 10PM $20-$40

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR RADAR:

• Mashed Up! (A Constant Movement)
• Erika Werry & The Alphabet
• What's in the Box featuring Diamond Rings DJ Set

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

Photo by Mr. Robin Sharp in the blogTO Flickr pool

A shelved environmental study investigating the demolition of the the eastern portion of the Gardiner Expressway could be back in the works in the next few weeks if city council gives the green light, according to the Globe and Mail. Waterfront Toronto, the group who were conducting the study when it was halted under Ford, say they can pick up where they left off in a relatively short space of time. Expect this to be an issue at the first council meeting of 2013.

Snow is falling across southern Ontario this morning, the first part of a severe winter storm making its way up from the United States. Environment Canada expects between 5 and 10 cms of snow to fall over the course of the day, creating difficult driving conditions and poor visibility. CBC says it could be the biggest dump in two years. So stay home if you can.

Several environmental groups are urging the federal government to give the future Rouge National Park greater levels of protection. When the paperwork is complete, the watershed area in the east end of the GTA will become Canada's first urban national park. City council said it will also seek to ensure tighter provincial protections for the wildlife corridor and park area are carried over when the lands are transferred to the feds.

A Toronto choose-your-own-adventure Shakespeare comic has broken a Kickstarter publishing record. Cartoonist Ryan North raised over $101,000, more than five times the original goal, in a single day to get his re-imagining of the classic Hamlet tale off the ground. The new story has more than 100 different deaths but sticks true to the original for purists.

GO Transit is a good way to get around unless you're a wheelchair user that wants to get off at Long Branch, one of the networks step-laden stations. One dissatisfied customer is hoping Metrolinx can push on with its plan to make all its trains and platforms barrier-free.

Microloans are helping Regents Park community start-ups get off the ground. The Toronto Star visits Paulina Tshuma's catering business, a small-scale enterprise the area's revitalization cash has helped get off the ground.

Toronto's medical hardship fund that provides basic healthcare funds for the city's most vulnerable residents is back in the 2013 budget council voted to eliminate the funds last year. The money provides dentures, glasses, and prescriptions to low-income seniors.

Finally, Christmas 2012 might be in the books but here's a festive music video from DJ Krueger and Megan Hughes-Jones telling an uplifting Toronto tale. Enjoy.

Christmas in Toronto - DJ Krueger and Megan Hughes-Jones (Director's Cut) from John Du on Vimeo.

EXTRAS:

• Richmond Hill family bringing paper snowflakes to Sandy Hook Elementary [The Star]
• Court postpones trial against cops who allegedly beat Toronto man to death [National Post]
• 500 west-enders lose power as truck hits hydro pole [The Star]
• Streaking Raptors run into San Antonio [CBC]

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

Photo: "grace under pressure - 1" by Subjective Art from the blogTO Flickr pool.

The bakeshop itself may be new, but the recipes, on the whole, are not. Working with the owner of the former Altitude Bakery, the management behind this new shop have sought to maintain this spot's reputation for superb scones and supreme sour cream apple pies. They're pretty much just as they have been for decades; never mind the new sign.

Read my profile of Leslieville Bakery in the bakeries section.

Sanctuary Lofts just might be that real estate "haven" you've looking for (see what I did there?) if you don't mind stairs and covet direct unit access. A collection of 14 two- and three-storey lofts, this project involves the restoration and conversion of the near century-old Dufferin Street Presbyterian Church, which was constructed in the early 1900's by venerable architect William R. Gregg. Though the interior will be overhauled with smooth ceilings (shame, but better than popcorn) and your choice of cabinetry finishes, the exterior will retain its stone detailing, red brick, and ability to incite feelings of guilt in innocent (seemingly) passersby. Here's a closer look at Sanctuary Lofts.

SPECS

Address:1183 Dufferin Street

Exterior: Heritage church, east addition

Total number of units: 14 (Four units in addition, 10 in church)

Type of units: One bedroom plus den, two bedroom plus den, three bedroom plus den

Unit sizes (in square feet): 600 - 1,765

Ceiling height: 9'

Prices from (available suites): $349,000

Number of parking spaces: 11

Parking cost: $34,000

Parking maintenance: $50/mo

General maintenance: Approx $0.48/sf

Developer: Concept Loft Developments

Expected occupancy: December 2013

THE GOOD

Church conversions, apparently, are the latest Toronto real estate craze, and it's good to see at least one that tries to maintain the integrity (literally and figuratively) of the space. While some other church conversion projects might try to cram in as many units as possible and/or plop an eyesore of a structural "accompaniment" alongside (yeah, I'm talking about you, St. Clements), Sanctuary has kept it relatively modest. Granted, the addition planned for the back of the Sanctuary church isn't exactly charming, but it does demonstrate a little restraint on the part of the developer since it only incorporates an extra four units. Or do we just expect such insatiable greed on the parts of developers nowadays that a modest add-on is seen as worthy of praise? In any case, fewer units means Sanctuary Loft suites actually come with a real living room, and at about $550 to $600 per square foot, you'll certainly get more bang for your buck than in most new downtown builds.

But the big Sanctuary Loft boon speaks directly to my Socially Awkward Penguin side. (For the layman and lazy reader: that means I have trouble relating to others.) While Sanctuary is, technically, a loft build, its units present pretty much as townhomes. With the exception of the two upper-level lofts situated in the church add-on, each unit has its own direct access to outside. That means no awkward elevator chitchat, no neighbours letting their cats roam the hallways, and no vapid weather discussion as you fumble for your keys. Hermits, prevail! And for those, say, two times per year when you actually invite over guests, it's nice to have them arrive at your very own front (or side) doors. Big balconies and patios are added bonuses, with gas barbeque connections provided for summertime cookouts.

Honorable mention to the skylights that come standard in each three-storey lofts situated inside the church. A win for natural light and the feeling of living in an actual home, rather than a box.

THE BAD

Sanctuary Lofts is right by one of the saddest little malls in all of Toronto. The Eeyore of Toronto retail, if you will. Sorry, Galleria, that's you. But who knows? Maybe Zellers' ultimate departure will have catalyzed a rejuvenation that is long, long overdue? Or maybe not. Regardless, it's clear that the Wallace Emerson area has still yet to achieve "hip" status, meaning you're in for a bit of a walk (or more likely, a drive) if you want to find some good shopping, coffee, or restaurants to explore. Living in a heavily residential area does have its perks (namely, far fewer incidences of street side vomiting as compared to a condo on Richmond Street) but the retail component of this area is certainly lacking. Time to invest in a stovetop espresso maker and a bread machine, I guess.

So, when did separate fees for parking spaces officially become a "thing?" Silly me, I always figured that general monthly maintenance fees went into a communal pot to cover communal expenses such as a shared parking garage. Separate fees are, perhaps, a little more justifiable in a condo where only a small percentage of residents actually own parking spaces, but Sanctuary has 11 parking spaces for 14 units. That's hardly a small minority. You have to wonder, then, how fees are being handled, especially since this project has no superfluous shared amenities. Residents already have to fork over a hefty chunk of change to purchase (I use that term loosely) a parking space, so why should they hand over an additional $50 per month in maintenance?

The units themselves seem not half bad, though the units' tall and lean frames leave buyers little room for layout customization. Stairs can be wonderful, especially when it comes to the monotony of cookie-cutter new Toronto condos, but they do take up an awful lot of room.

THE VERDICT

Do not purchase if you have bad knees.

What do you think? Would you live here? Add your comments to the thread below.

Read other posts in this series via our Toronto Condos and Lofts Pinterest board

It's been an eventful year in Toronto theatre, one that was marked not just by the most memorable productions, but also by the dramatic activities off-stage. Here are some of the highlights from 2012:

Summerworks Soars
2012 was the year that Summerworks solidified its profile as one of the country's best performance arts festivals. The addition of live art offerings, the performance bar, and the strength of the National Series plays, all helped elevate Summerworks to the next level. This year's highlights were Mitchell Cushman's direction of Terminus, picked up for a run as part of the Off-Mirvish series, and Nicolas Billon's Iceland, which will appear at Factory Theatre in 2013.

Quality productions at Tarragon Theatre
Tarragon Theatre may well have produced the strongest collection of shows this year. Time and time again, stellar productions engaged audiences throughout 2012. Among the highlights were strongly written gems The Golden Dragon by Roland Schimmelpfennig and The Little Years by John Mighton; Ravi Jain's A Brimful of Asha featuring his delightful mother; and new Canadian plays Miss Caledonia and the English premiere of Carole Fréchette's The Small Room at the Top of the Stairs.

War Horse a winner
If there's one production on top of the Toronto scene this year, both in terms of quality and duration, it's Mirvish's War Horse. After opening in February to widespread acclaim, the production has been on offer for the majority of 2012. In addition to the strong Canadian cast, the Handspring Puppet Company deserves accolades after crafting living, breathing horses that strike at the emotional core of the drama. The play will take its final gallop the first week of January.

Dancap dims the lights
When Aubrey Dan founded Dancap, it's almost certain he had no idea how hard it was going to be to produce highly successful musical theatre productions. When the company folded in April, leaving Mirvish the sole big kid on the playground, few were surprised that money only goes so far. Jersey Boys will stand as the jewel in Dan's fedora, but other productions (The Addams Family, 9 to 5, Memphis), as well as the awkward singing of the national anthem will not be missed.

Tear the Curtain thought-provoking theatre
While not a perfect show, the Electric Theatre Company's Tear the Curtain was one of the most thought-provoking plays of the year. A hybrid of theatre and film, this metatheatrical feast considered the nature of representation and the ritual of sitting in a dark theatre. Jonathon Young and Kevin Kerr wrapped a lot of philosophical questions into the plot and Kim Collier brought her signature aesthetic. It's a shame that it will likely never again appear on Canadian stages — to maintain continuity, all actors from the film would have to align onstage.

Give thanks for remounts
If a show strikes magic the first time around, there's little doubt that it will reappear the following season. While capitalizing on critical success and sold out houses is a no brainer for theatre companies, remounts also offer audiences another opportunity to catch the most talked about shows. We're thankful for the following remounts: Nightwood's The Penelopiad, Soulpepper's Kim's Convenience, Pamela Mala Sinha's Crash at Theatre Passe Muraille, Studio 180's The Normal Heart, and the National Ballet's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Ken Gass exits Factory Theatre
In June, the Board of Directors at Factory Theatre unexpectedly fired the theatre's founder and Artistic Director Ken Gass. The fallout included an online petition of community members who rallied around the A.D., the withdrawal of plays from Michel-Marc Bouchard, Judith Thomson, and George F. Walker, and an eventual boycott of the theatre from notable Canadian artists. Gass has seemingly moved on, having announced plans for the launch of a new venture, the Canadian Rep Theatre.

Mirvish 2.0
David Mirvish's grand announcement this year was an ambitious new development with architect Frank Gehry set to transform the entertainment district. They'll say goodbye to the Princess of Wales, but the initial designs make way for bigger and better. The development wasn't their only big change in 2012. To complement their musical theatre monopoly, the new Off-Mirvish series presents a collection of smaller, yet formidable, productions.

Honourable Mentions:Proud, Everything Under the Moon, Home, Obaaberima, The Double, The Crucible, The Arsonists

Rob Ford got a late Christmas present today in the form of Justice John MacDonald's decision to drop the $6 million libel case brought against him by Boardwalk Cafe owner, George Foulidis.

The ruling would appear to rest on two key points: 1) that Foulidis was never able to prove that comments Ford made about Tuggs Inc. could be reasonably interpreted to defame the plaintiff, and 2) that Ford's statements merely claimed suspicion of corruption, which he qualified had no factual basis during the Sun editorial meeting that served as the occasion for his comments about Tuggs Inc.

Shortly after the ruling was made public, the mayor's office released a statement. "I welcome today's decision by the court to dismiss the Foulidis lawsuit against me," it reads. "I will continue fighting to represent the best interest of Toronto taxpayers at city hall. There is still a lot of work to be done and I will continue to focus on this."

So that's one legal battle in the books with Ford on the winning side. One does, however, wonder if that'll be the outcome of his conflict of interest appeal. You can read the full text of the judge's decision here.

Photo by BruceK in the blogTO Flickr pool

Photo by Yedman in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Rob Ford is surely feeling a little flush this morning after a judge threw out a $6-million defamation lawsuit against him. George Foulidis, the owner of the Boardwalk pub in the Beaches, brought the suit believing Ford had defamed him with comments he made to the Toronto Sun editorial board during his 2010 mayoral campaign.

The judge ruled a reasonable person would not have concluded Ford was referring to Foulidis when he said a sole-sourced contact on the Boardwalk pub "stinks to high heaven." Is this a good omen for January's conflict of interest appeal hearing?

Ever wonder how a waterfront pub could become such a central figure in municipal politics? The Star has a useful primer on George Foulidis, the Boardwalk Pub, and Rob Ford's involvement.

There's still some of that freezing cold white powder on the ground in Toronto - the first major snowfall this season - and while it lasts the National Post is crunching some numbers on this and other recent winter storm events in the city including (ahem) that time Mel Lastman called in the army.

The Globe and Mail (paywall) reports that Accenture, the US firm hired to implement the Presto contactless fare card system across Ontario, has a troubled history when it comes to delivering projects on time in the province. The firm was criticized in 2002 for a $60-million increase on a $120-million contract to automate Ontario's welfare system. Despite that setback, the company still won the fare contract in 2006.

Five African penguin chicks hatched at Toronto Zoo over the holiday season, two to the new mating partners of Buddy and Pedro, birds that were thought to be gay when they became inseparable, though not sexual, in 2011.

One new year's gift that won't be as pleasant is the TTC's upcoming fare hike. Starting Jan. 1 the price of tokens and some other non-cash fares will rise. Metropasses and cash fares remain the same but the cost of a token will rise to $2.65.

Finally, after 67 years playing trains the Model Railroad Club of Toronto is being forced out of its Liberty Village basement. A victim of the area's increasing density and rapid urbanization, the club's members say they've found a new space but don't want to divulge the location until the deal is complete.

IN BRIEF:

• Man dies in downtown condo fire [CBC]
• Oshawa funeral home owner says break-in could have been worse [The Star]
• Rummage sale find unveils a wedding mystery [The Star]

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

Photo: "Boxed In" by RadarContact from the blogTO Flickr pool.

DJ Sumation first got into DJ-ing when he co-founded AsianXPress with his partner in 2000. AX, as it's now called, was one of the first gay Asian-themed parties in Toronto.

As a continued fixture within the city's gay party scene today, he serves up his diverse blend of Top 40 hits, dance, electro house, deep house, R&B, hip hop, and reggae at numerous residencies, which include Collegenite at Church on Church, Sodom at Club 120, fly nightclub, Byzantium, and Zipperz.

He also actively supports community causes and has spun at numerous charity events, including for the National Ballet School, PWA and MS Society of Canada.

I spoke with him about pioneering the AX parties, the songs that set his dance floor on fire in 2012 and his thoughts on how the city's gay party scene has evolved.

AX was one of the first parties catered to the gay Asian community. Why was the project important to you?

I always liked the idea of having Asian representation in the community. There is a lot of talent in the Asian community that wouldn't normally have the chance to showcase their talent, because there really was no venue for them. It was important to me to have that community.

I met a lot of talented people - whether they were singers, dancers, and drag performers. I helped give them pointers on things like song selection and with their costumes and image and what would be fun to see on stage.

How did you learn to DJ?

We didn't have an Asian DJ to represent the AsianXpress parties, so I tried it out to see if it's something that I could do. I had a huge selection of CD singles, which I've collected since high school. I had a huge repertoire ready and so I just played the music myself.

I started out by learning how to mix CDs. I bought myself a pair of Pioneer CD players and a mixer and I started practicing at home. I also watched a lot of other DJs and how they did it. I would speak with them to get pointers. A few years ago, I started to use Serato and used the tool to do my video mixing, because I had started to do video dance parties.

What were some of your favourite memories from the AX parties?

There are so many of them. One night, we did a dance competition party. We had so many people participate and we even set up a (faux) graffiti brick wall background. This was how we discovered that we had so many talented dancers in the community.

Another highlight was Pride in June 2010, held at the Steam Whistle Roundhouse. We had so many people come. There are so many big Pride events, so for AX to do a big party with close to 1,000 guests, it was a real highlight for me.

You're no longer with AX. Why did you move on and have you checked out the parties since you left?

The reason why I moved on was because I felt it was the right time after my 10 year anniversary, to close this chapter and move on to focus on building myself as a DJ. I check out AX still once in a while if I'm not spinning. The crowd and styling of AX is different now.

You have been an active member of Toronto's LGBT community and entertainment scene for over a decade. How has the gay party scene in Toronto changed and where do you see it going?

The gay party scene has changed a lot. Back then, the audience liked the big venues and now, people like the smaller and more intimate venues.

They also like something new and fresh all the time. I think it has to do with the way media has changed and how it's easier to discover new music. For example, it's easy to go on YouTube and discover a new artist and so the expectation is to hear it right away in the club. So as a DJ, you have to keep changing and find new music for the audience. I like to talk to the people who come to my parties, because it's a great way to find out what they like.

Speaking of musical tastes, what were the top 10 songs that set your dance floor on fire in 2012?

One of the most popular songs was "Gangnam Style." The past three or four months, I got a request for this song everywhere I spin. Another popular song was Rihanna's "Where Have You Been?" Personally, I loved Usher's "Scream" and "Starships" by Nicki Minaj.

The other songs in the Top 10 - in no particular order were: "Somebody That I Used To Know" by Gotye, "Timebomb" by Kylie Minogue, "Let's Have A Kiki" by Scissor Sisters, "Let's Go" by Calvin Harris, "Wild One Two" by Jack Back and "We Run The Night" by Havana Brown.

Which DJs inspire you?

I quite enjoy (Toronto-based) DJ Deko-ze a lot. He's a friend of mine. He knows a lot about music and when he spins, he's very energetic and has passion. He has such great connection with his audience. That is the same quality that I try to bring to my work.

What are your goals for 2013?

One of my goals is to do more overseas gigs. I've done Vietnam before; I did the New Year's Eve party last year at Centro Bar in Ho Chi Minh City. I will be doing another gig in Vietnam next year. I'm also already talking with somebody about doing something in Brazil as well as New York City.

Producing is also on my list for 2013.

RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS

Favourite brunch spot? Dimsum at Rol San in Chinatown.
Starbucks or Dark Horse? Starbucks.
Favourite venue? Fly nightclub and Club 120.
What are you listening to on your iPod right now? "Diamonds" by Rihanna. I like her music. Every single album has good stuff going on. I will be seeing her show in March.

For more DJ profiles, visit our Toronto DJs board on Pinterest

Is there a DJ you would like to see profiled on blogTO? Email us at editors [at] blogto [dotcom].

Photos by Jesse Milns

This Week in Food rounds up the week's food news, restaurants openings and closings, chef movements and upcoming food events in Toronto. Find us here every Friday morning.

OPENINGS & CLOSINGS

• The long vacated Toast Restaurant in Leslieville has started to show some signs of life. Literally. A sign announcing McQueen's Pub has been placed over the front door. Of course, Leslieville needs another pub like it needs another Italian restaurant. Ya with me?
• Over on Ossington, the owners of Union restaurant have launched a small butcher shop called Cote de Beouf. Pick up a smoked capon, elk sliders and duck confit while supplies last.
• Like your food bite sized? Then get ready for Bite Bar opening soon at 57 Elm Street. Their web site promises bite sized desserts, lattes, teas, cocktails, wine and more.
• King West club Century Room has called it a career. They went out in style on Boxing Day with the suitably named End of an Era soiree.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Foodies on Foot leads the Insanewich! Food Tour on Sunday, December 30th at 11am. The tour departs from 75 Portland Street and dedicates 4 hours to all things slow cooked, sloppy, and stacked with meat. Tickets are $65-$75.
• If you're hoping to ring in the new year over good food and drinks, our Toronto New Year's Eve Party Guide 2013 conveniently rounds up the celebratory offerings at restaurants and bars across the city.
• Also of note, Richmond Station (One Richmond Street West) is serving up a five course menu complete with a cocktail to start and bubbles to finish for $120.
• The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (6 Garamond Court) presents Shinnen Kai, a sold-out Japanese New Year's Dinner on Wednesday, January 1st at 4pm.
• Tickets are available now for a series of Winterlicious Culinary Events taking place from January 25th to February 7th. In addition to prix fixe menus from restaurants across the city, the line-up of events includes a Japanese Tea Ceremony at Spice Route, a pasta-making workshop from 7 Numbers and a chance to return to the basics with Culinary U Turn at Origin Liberty.
• Tickets for the first Dishcrawl of 2013 are available now. Join in for the Ossington edition and tour four hot spots in this vibrant west-end neighbourhood at 7pm on Tuesday, January 8th. Tickets are $60.
• Reserve a space now for the iYellow Icewine Tour and spend Saturday, January 19th touring three Niagara wineries; Jackson Triggs, Chateau Des Charmes and Flat Rock Cellars. Tickets for this winter day trip are $125 and include tastings, giveaways and transportation departing at 10am from the Starbucks in Liberty Village.

OTHER NEWS

• There are only a few days left to give to the Second Harvest holiday campaign to help meet their goal of providing 600,000 meals to Toronto's hungry by December 31st.

The photos of the week collect each of the editor-selected photos of the day into one post for a contest to be decided by our readers. Sponsored by Posterjack, the photographer whose image receives the most votes will be awarded with a voucher code for a 24"x36" poster print of their work.

All the rules and fine-print can be found in the original announcement post on the blogTO Flickr page. One thing to add, however, is that the voting period ends at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, after which the winner will be contacted with the good news.

For those photographers whose images are featured below, please feel free to give us a little information about your shot — i.e. where and when it was taken — in the comments section. Who knows? Maybe your description will sway voters in your favour!

Also be sure to check out our photos of the year competition, featuring the best of the photos of the week in 2012.

Lead photo by Neil Ta.

2.
Photo by Yedman.

3.
Photo by ronnie.yip

4.
Photo by Proletar1at

5.
Photo by Kim Yokota

6.
Photo by Empty Quarter

7.
Photo by Aband1d_Urbex

Recent bar trends such as the revival of The Manhattan has seen an upturn in interest for Canada's native contribution to the world of beverage alcohol: Rye whisky. Now that the bourbon fad is slowing down, established American brands such as Knob Creek and Wild Turkey have been launching ryes. To get more insight, I went to visit Toronto's resident authority on all things whisky: Andrew Kaiser of The Emmet Ray.

With 27 Canadian whiskies on a list of 179 in total (including 46 Bourbons, 56 Scotches, and 16 Irish whiskies), The Emmet Ray houses one of the largest collections of Uisge Beatha available to the public here in the GTA. Andrew's been greedily grabbing everything in sight for his bar selection since opening in 2009. If its become available for sale in Ontario at any point in the last three years, you can expect to find it on the list.

Kaiser is quick to point out that people need to separate Canadian whisky from whisky that is made with rye. Though it has been traditionally referred to as 'Rye' by bar patrons the world over, Andrew holds that this is a throwback to Prohibition times, when Rye was simply a term to distinguish the whisky coming from Canada to that of other available whiskies, such as moonshine (made with corn and wheat), and Scotch or Irish (made with barley or wheat).

Until bourbon came to dominate the USA's whisky scene, rye was a common ingredient. Once prohibition kicked in, that deliciously spicy flavour spice was only (reliably) available from one source: with governmental regulations stipulating the necessity for 3 years of aging, and an official seal to designate it as Canadian whisky, the stuff coming from North of The Border was regarded as the finest, and only regulated whisky to pour at a decent speakeasy.

History aside, Canadian whisky might be known as 'Rye', but it doesn't really contain any more rye content than even most bourbons. Whilst there is a tradition of referring to Canadian whisky as rye, Andrew charges that the designation is a poisoned chalice for Canadian whisky makers, as the lack of appellation control over Rye in Canada has led distillers here to quietly accept the moniker in order to boost international sales.

A bar order, for example, of 'rye and ginger' is typically responded to with a Canadian Club and ginger ale, despite the whisky making no claims as to its rye content. Of the 27 on the list at the Emmet Ray, only 8 of these even have the word 'rye' on the label.

Andrew goes even further, claiming that as far as he is concerned, there is no such thing as whisky made with 100% rye - the alcohol yield is far too low to reliably (or profitably) make spirit with it. What he hopes people will understand, is that Canadian whisky deserves an identity of its own: as a spirit with a lively spice tempered by delicate smoothness - perfect for inclusion in the finest of cocktails.

The revival of rye production in the States might be producing some cracking whiskies, but even the finest distilleries in the world hold a special place in their heart for the distillates of the Great White North: both Caribou Crossing, and Royal Canadian are made with Canadian whisky that is imported to the world-famous Sazerac distillery in Kentucky, where it is lovingly aged before being released to the public.

Andrew's given us some of the highlights from his Canadian whisky list. It's worth checking them out first hand at 924 College. Along with the excellent new independent kitchen, Mess Hall (inside the Emmet Ray), and all the meat being provided by Sanagan's Meat Locker it's definitely worth a try.

Andrew Kaiser's top Canadian whiskies that won't crush your wallet:

Alberta Premium ($23.90)
'My favourite. I'll defend it to my death. It's listed as 100% rye on the bottle, but it's been with me through thick and thin since I was 15. This is my go-to.'

Wiser's 18yr ($65.95)
'This is a great session drinker, you can really knock this back. Also, it's a great price for an 18yr old'.

Danfield 21yr ($44.95)
'From Alberta, this whisky coats your whole palate, with a richness you don't see very often.'

Forty Creek Double Barrel ($54.95)
'Because it is made by a distiller who cares, who creates his own sherry just to have access to sherry barrels for aging. Forty Creek is blended after distillation, which allows for a finer distinction of the components on the palate.'

Forty Creek Copper Pot Reserve ($26.45)
'Also has to be included. This has a higher rye content, with a bigger spice'

Glen Breton ($77.95)
'This has to be on there too. Maybe not worth the price, but I still really like it'. This is Canada's first and only single malt whisky. 'Barley's much more expensive than rye or wheat, hence the price.' (Technically, it's not a rye in any sense, but always worth a mention when discussing Canadian Whisky)

McCloughlin and Steele ($44.25 - not available at LCBO)
'From BC, this is designated as Rye, but is super smooth. A great session whisky'

Century Reserve 15-25 Whiskey ($29.95)
'From Alberta, I'm including this for the exact same reasons as the McCloughlin and Steele.'

Writing by Jen Hunter. Photo from the County General Facebook page.

Weekend events in Toronto is our guide to events happening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Here's what's happening in Toronto this December 28-30, 2012.

FOOD & DRINK

The Official Bourbonite Regret Society of Toronto Launch Party
We regret to introduce The Official Bourbonite Regret Society of Toronto, a group of locals who enjoy bourbon, country bluegrass music, and nights of inebriated regret. Launching their club at Clinton's Tavern this Sunday night, the party-throwers at BRST have invited Mikey Chuck Rivers and the Old Salts to perform and will be raffling gift cards to Goorin Bros. Hat Shop. The PBR will be cheap, music will be good and plenty and regrets many.
Clinton's Tavern (693 Bloor Street West), December 30, 2012, 9PM $5

For more food and drink listings, check out our This Week In Food post.

SPORTS

Women's Arm Wrestling for Charity
Sick Kids needs some lady strength so female wrestlers like Scarlett O'Terror, Faye Tality, LumberJackie and Biceptual gather at the 751 Lounge this Saturday night to arm wrestle for charity. Outside participants are welcome to join--just select your fake name and costume, your entrance music, and show up early to register the day of the event. Betting on the wrestlers is encouraged (it all goes to charity!) and prizes will be awarded for best name, costume and, of course, the champion of arm wrestling. To participate, it's only $5 to get in (or $10 to be a spectator, gentlemen).
751 Lounge (751 Queen Street West), December 29, 2012, 9PM $10

THEATRE

Cinderella in Muddy York
The classic fairy tale of Cinderella set in 1834, when Toronto was still muddy old York, Cinderella in Muddy York explores Toronto history with marionette puppets. A theatrical performance by creators Ann Powell and David Powell, the play explores settler life in Canada with subtle humour as Cinderella is expected to be a slave to her recently immigrated stepmother and sisters. The performances are suitable for both children and adults with tickets available at the Theatre Passe Muraille box office or on the theatre website.
Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace (16 Ryerson Avenue), December 28, 2012-January 5, 2013 2PM $25 adult $20 child/senior/student

This Is War
It's 2008. A critical event takes place in Panjwaii, a region of Afghanistan, where the Canadian Forces are on active duty. An unseen journalist interviews three soldiers and a medic about the events after they have occurred. This is the basis of Hannah Moscovitch's This Is War, which premieres at the Tarragon on Friday night for a 6-week run. Directed by Richard Rose and starring Lisa Berry and Ari Cohen, This Is War is a gripping drama exploring Canada's role in the real events that took place in the Afghani conflict. Tickets are available through the Tarragon box office.
Tarragon Theatre Extra Space (30 Bridgman Avenue), December 28, 2012-February 3, 2013, 8PM $27-$53

For more theatre listings, check out our This Week In Theatre post and our wrap-up of the year's best theatre productions and news.

MUSIC

Boxing Day Special
Fuck Boxing Week sales, when The Garrison is hosting 3 days of international DJs spinning every night at Boxing Day Special. Names like Brian Borcherdt of Holy Fuck and BB Guns will headline, with sets by other DJs such as Revolvers and Tess Parks. Admission is $5 and a non-perishable food item that will go to the Parkdale Food Bank.
The Garrison (1197 Dundas Street West), December 28-30, 2012 9 PM $5

What's In The Box?
A mini music festival for fans of local indie names, What's In The Box? is The Drake's answer to the relative draught of shows happening during the season. Featuring sets by individuals from Toronto bands like July Talk and Austra, and performances by BADBADNOTGOOD, Austra's Katie Stelmanis and Soul Proprieter, the festival takes place over five nights and features five shows, all happening in the Underground. In keeping with the rule of five, cover is only $5.
The Drake Hotel (1150 Queen Street West), December 28-30, 2012, 8PM $5

Nu Sensae with Ell V Gore
Noise rock riffs and leather vests will fill The Shop Under Parts & Labour this Friday night because Nu Sensae is in town. The Vancouver noise punk band performs in the Parkdale basement bar with Toronto gore punk friends Ell V Gore and additional acts like Greys and Fill Spectre. It's going to be a sweaty little mess in the Shop because Ell V always sells out a venue so get your tickets in advance at Rotate This and Soundscapes.
The Shop Under Parts & Labour (1566 Queen Street West), December 28, 2012, 10PM $8.50

Flosstradamus
DJ duo Flosstradamus plays The Hoxton this Friday night. Hailing from Chicago, the duo consists of Autobot and J2K (the brother of rapper Kid Sister), who have frequently collaborated with A-Trak and joined Chromeo on his 2007 world tour. The duo has released 5 EPs in 2012 alone, so there will be lots of hip hop and trap to dance to at this show. Tickets will be available at the door.
The Hoxton (69 Bathurst Street), December 28, 2012, 10PM $15

Calvin Harris
Calvin Harris, the Scottish synthpop DJ who has produced a string of hits with the world's biggest pop stars this year, makes an appearance at Uniun Nightclub this Friday night. A DJ worth tolerating horrendous club lines and intolerable people for, Harris' will hit the stage late for his set following opener Manzone & Strong. The event is 19+ with tickets available at inktickets.com.
Uniun Nightclub (473 Adelaide Street West), December 28, 2012, 10PM

Felix Cartal
Playing The Hoxton this Saturday night is Vancouver DJ and producer Felix Cartal, who is just coming off MSTRKRFT's world tour and is currently promoting his 2012 album Different Faces as well as his two remix albums out this past Fall, Black To White Remixes and Tonight Remixes. The 25-year-old electro house musician has collaborated with big names like Sebastien Grainger of Death From Above 1979 and Steve Aoki and has already played several large festivals like SXSW. Advance tickets are available through Ticketweb. Sorry, kids, this is a 19+ event.
The Hoxton (69 Bathurst Street), December 29, 2012, 10PM $15

EMERGE Artist Showcase
EMERGE Artist Showcase gives local musicians a chance to showcase their music to the public in an all-night evening of rock, soul, R&B, jazz, and folk. Revival Bar is where it's all happening on Saturday night with 10 acts like Drew Leith and The Foundation, The Pick Bros., Selena Evangeline, and Beth Moore performing live. Tickets are $15 at the door but are reduced to $10 if you buy online at emergeartists.eventbrite.ca prior to the event.
Revival Bar (783 College Street), December 29, 2012, 7PM $15

For more music listings, check out our Hot Ticket and December concerts posts.

PARTY

SheDoesTheCity Presents: #STAYGOLDEN Holiday Hangover
In the mood for a classic rock dance mess? She Does The City is hosting a holiday party, nestled neatly between your Christmas hangover and your New Year's Eve hangover, at The Gladstone Hotel this Friday night. The #STAYGOLDEN Holiday Hangover party will play only classic rock anthems--like the ones your parents probably sang while drunk at Christmas dinner--with DJ Cherry Pop on the turntables. Photographer Becca Lemire will be snapping away, so tease your hair and wear your Canadian tuxedo so you'll be extra sweaty and messy for the photos.
The Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West), December 28, 2012, 10PM $5

F**k New Years III
The third annual anti-New Year's Eve party for people who just don't want to bother with the hype starts early this year, taking place on Sunday night at The Rivoli. The doors open at 8PM for an all-night (and ostensibly mellow) event featuring four musicians performing--Zachary Bennett of Tin Star Orphans, Luke Correia-Damude of Boys Who Say No, J.M. McNab of Vistavision and Tim Moxam of Great Bloomers. Food and booze, of course, will be available for purchase so come out to the party so you can use your hangover as an excuse to miss out on those other parties you don't want to attend.
The Rivoli (334 Queen Street West), December 30, 2012, 8PM PWYC

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

Photo by DMVPhotography in the blogTO Flickr pool

If you're like me, you've got a lot of new cologne to try out this time of year. And you know who finds new cologne sexy? Drunk people at a New Year's Eve show. Follow me as I try to help you kick 2013 off with a bang in This Week In Comedy...

SUN DEC 30 / CANADIAN COMEDY AWARD TAPING / COMEDY BAR / 945 BLOOR W / 4PM & 8PM / $10 (one show)

In order to be considered for a Canadian Comedy Award, you have to submit a video of your performance. Alas, most comics videotape their sets with an iPhone propped up between a glass of beer and a plate of wings. To ensure proper consideration by the CCA pantheon, a collection of Toronto's best are banding together to have their best stuff professionally filmed. Whatever you do, do not interrupt Jeff Elliott. I saw a wide-eyed university freshman try to use her inebriation as an excuse to shoehorn herself into the show, and Jeff had no problem reminding her who's boss...for the next 15 minutes straight. Your line-up is as follows:

• 4PM: Pat Thornton, K. Trevor Wilson, 2 Man No Show, Brie Watson, Dean Young, Cash Grab, The Weaker Vessels, British Teeth, Jeff Elliott


• 8PM: Laurie Elliott, Hayley Kellett & Kris Bowman, The Whiskey Dicks, Two Weird Ladies, Chris Roberts, Jack Dani, Cash Grab, Jeff Estrela, Clifford Myers

MON DEC 31 / GERRY DEE CAST LIVE / TORONTO CENTRE FOR THE ARTS / 5040 YONGE / 730PM / $65

Now, I've never seen the Mr. D show, but I am quite familiar with the all-star cast that joins him on this night: Bette MacDonald, Darrin Rose, Jonathan Torrens, Mark Forward, Mark Little, and Naomi Snieckus. Pay special attention to Mark Little and Mark Forward, two comics that are at the height of their game right now.

MON DEC 31 / 10PM / NEW YEAR'S EVE SPECIAL / YUK YUK'S / 224 RICHMOND / 10PM / $44

Yuk Yuk's is reknowned for their New Year's Eve show, and their roster of comedians clamour for a spot. This edition includes Pete Zedlacher, Martha Chaves, and Jean Paul. Pay special attention to Alex Pavone, who's been making huge strides as a killer comic in the past year. The last time I saw him destroy at a taping of Late Night with Matty D, my friends couldn't stop talking about him for days after the show.

MON DEC 31 / NERD YEAR'S EVE / COMEDY BAR / 945 BLOOR W / 830PM & 10PM / $10

Nerds of Toronto unite! Producer and nerd comic curator Ian Atlas brings you a New Year's show featuring many of Toronto's best, including the always hilarious Craig Fay and Darryl Orr. Check out Diana Bailey, who many comedians have picked as the best new comic to step onto the scene in the past year. If she starts talking about why she's not the best at giving you know whats, put down your drink.

About the Author: This is Michael Jagdeo, and I refuse to write about myself in the third-person. My blog, Diary of a Stand-up Comedian, walks you through the ups and downs (they're mostly downs, really) in my quest to become a killer comic in Toronto.