AYCE sushi restaurants abound in Toronto but in a city brimming with options for raw fish lovers, it shouldn't be unexpected that a handful of places fail to get noticed as much as the most popular spots. For those looking to get their sushi fix without breaking the bank, any of these spots should do the trick.

Here are 10 AYCE sushi restaurants in Toronto you may not have heard of.

See also:The best AYCE sushi in Toronto

Noka Sushi
This Annex spot gets overshadowed by neighbourhood stalwarts New Generation and Sushi on Bloor but with prices starting at $12.99 for lunch and $20.99 for dinner, it shouldn't be a sleeper AYCE spot for much longer. Go for the fresh maki, many with interesting names like Crazy Spicy Salmon, Ex-Boyfriend, and Ex-Girlfriend (all of which are worth a try).

Kenkou Sushi Bar
Nicely appointed and serving up huge portions, Kenkou is the place to go should you be looking for AYCE near Steeles and Leslie. The Osaka golden shrimp and the salmon rose are good choices here. Prices start at a very reasonable $12.99 for lunch and $18.99 for dinner, with a 10% discount should you pay for your meal in cash.

Sushi One
Sushi One is an interesting enigma. The restaurant is almost always full, located on Yonge Street in a busy part of Koreatown North, yet still rarely gets a mention when the discussion of good AYCE places comes up. My favourite: Sweet Shrimp Passion Roll, which tastes as good as it sounds. Prices start at $17.99 for lunch and $24.99 for dinner.

168 Sushi Asian Buffet
Hands down the worst-named restaurant on this list, it's hard to believe that 168 has multiple locations spread across cities in Ontario, the closest one to Toronto being at Steeles and Dufferin. You get a LOT of variety on the AYCE menu here, so you'll also find delicious kalbi ribs to go along your tofu pocket cucumber rolls. Lunches start at $15.95 and dinners start at $25.95.

Yamamoto Japanese Cuisine
It's not hard to see why this relatively new sushi spot gets overlooked by everyone: it's located inside Scarborough's Bridlewood Mall and it doesn't have any prominent signage announcing its presence. Regardless, make sure you stop by for their array of sushi along with the Creamy Philadelphia Maki. Lunch prices start at $13.99 and dinners at $23.99.

Sushi Kiku
This two-location sushi spot serves up fresh fish with friendly service in a modern upscale environment (and also iPads for ordering!). The original one at York Mills Rd. is spacious, and is still one of the best examples of AYCE done right. Try the Snow Corn Roll, made with a garlic cream sauce. Lunches start at $15 and dinners start at $23.

Maison du Japon
Known to rather few people outside of Markham (where the restaurant is an absolute hit), this northern sushi outpost provides good and cheap AYCE dining, with prices starting at $13.99 for lunch and $22.99 for dinner. The salmon wasabi cake is an interesting and fiery take on sushi, while you can't go wrong with their hand roll selections.

Yellowtail
Quite possibly the least known of the bunch, Yellowtail actually provides some of the freshest and best quality fish I've ever had in an AYCE establishment. Prices start at $14.99 for lunch and $22.99 for dinner. The spicy salmon sushi pizza here is lovely, and the salmon sashimi is generally to die for. Bonus: there's plenty of parking space!

Heart Sushi
Featuring a cute, modern, and lovable (pun intended) decor, Heart Sushi serves up AYCE lunches starting at $14.99 and dinners starting at $24.99. Their sashimi selection is one of the freshest around, and their tempura uses actual tempura batter (and not just regular batter as found in many lesser quality AYCE places.)

Sushi Gen
The restaurant's name always makes me think that there's a Street Fighter character back there furiously slicing up my fish. Their sashimi can be a bit hit-or-miss, but their maki are generally excellent...just be warned that their excellent price of $12.99 is for weekends only. For weekdays, AYCE is priced at $21.99 anytime of the day.

What did I miss? Let us know in the comments.

Posted by Darren "DKLo" Susilo. He hangs out on the twitter and his own mansion. Photo via Noka on Facebook.

Photo by g026r in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Action Bronson will not take the stage at Yonge-Dundas Square for NXNE this year, after a petition launched against the show gained enough traction to force festival organizers to rethink their choice of headliners.

While NXNE's initial response was distastefully glib, a more thoughtful statement finally ensued after someone woke up and realized that Northby had another PR nightmare on its hands. It probably didn't hurt that Mayor John Tory expressed concern about the show.

The festival announced that Bronson's show would be cancelled at Yonge and Dundas after 5pm on Friday in the only bit of intelligent PR that's been shown throughout this whole fiasco. The decision has still been picked up by the international music press, which is hardly surprising.

It's unclear if Bronson will play at a private ticketed venue for the festival. NXNE has extended the invitation, but the no alternate location and date has been set at this time. Ultimately, the rapper will have to decide if he wants to come and play in Toronto. Had the show quietly been moved when the petition was first launched, one suspects that none of the controversy that ensued would have arisen in the first place.

Read the full statement from NXNE below.

We at Northby Northeast (NXNE) are very proud of our 20 plus years relationship with the people of the City of Toronto. And for almost ten years we've shared Yonge-Dundas Square with you to present free, all ages shows open to the public. YDS is the city's space and as such we are obliged to listen to how the city and community want it used. A significant number of Torontonians have indicated their desire to have Action Bronson not perform at the Square. As annual guests in this space we feel we must accede to the strong wishes of the community and honour their input.

As a result, we will not be presenting Action Bronson at Yonge-Dundas Square but, hopefully we will still be presenting Action Bronson as part of Northby. We remain fundamentally committed to presenting this artist on a Toronto stage. We are not moving the Action show because we believe in censoring him or any other artists. In fact, we find the limiting of artistic expression distasteful. When artistic expression is limited, freedom and the evolution of ideas is often the casualty.

Hopefully, Action Bronson will accept our invitation to play at another, ticketed venue in the city so the public can decide for themselves if his work has merit. We booked Bronson, in part, because of his latest excellent disc, Mr. Wonderful.

We hope that this series of events does not foster some type of artistic chill in Toronto and its public spaces. Yonge-Dundas Square must remain a dynamic place where many viewpoints are expressed not just culturally but also at political events and rallies staged there.

We are heartened by the community engagement that has been taking place around this YDS show. This debate continues an important conversation about violence against women and its depiction in art and culture that is long overdue. We salute all of those who fight this battle and we would encourage everyone who has signed the petition or been engaged by this conversation to commit themselves personally to continuing the fight against violence against women. We at Northby pledge to continue being part of this discussion with the intent to help act as agents of change.

Sincerely,

The Directors of North by Northeast

Photo by Niklas Sandstrom for the Flow Festival

Lineups in Toronto are especially bad in the summer, when the whole city's out and about. It's easier to manage these aggravating setbacks when you know where to expect them and how to avoid or plan around them. From brunchtime hotspots to the most sought-after desserts in town, I've narrowed it down to the worst of the worst queues.

Here are my picks for the worst lineups you can expect in Toronto this summer.

Uncle Tetsu's
It's been a waiting game at this place since opening day to get a taste of that spongy Japanese cheesecake. The wait has lessened somewhat, but dessert lovers can still expect to be there for the better part of an hour before their order is taken.

Tip for surviving this lineup: Go early in the mornings when lineups are shorter. Or, just check this Twitter for the latest status.

Bang Bang Ice Cream and Bakery
Even on cooler days, this tiny ice cream shop has an eager lineup of people weaving all the way down Ossington. The shop often has to cut off the line an hour before closing time, since it'll take the end-of-the-liners longer than that to finally reach the front counter. But those homemade ice cream sandwiches are worth it.

Tip for surviving this lineup: They're not open Mondays and only take cash or debit.

Seven Lives
Toronto's top taco joint has had a queue of hungry lunch seekers even before it moved to its larger location on Kensington Avenue. The lineups move quickly and the gobernador taco is so ridiculously good that it's worth it.

Tip for surviving this lineup: Don't go during lunch rush hour (noon to 1-pm). Buy cheese first at Global across the street.

Any Service Ontario location right after work hours
It's like a stampede as nine-to-fivers pour out of their workplaces and head to tend to current issues with their driver's license, health card, passport, or whatever else. Once 5pm hits, you know you'll be waiting there for at least an hour staring at the promotional posters for safe driving.

Tip for surviving this lineup: Go during the week in the middle of the day. Work regular hours? Some Service Ontario locations take appointments.

Lady Marmalade
This Leslieville brunch spot has a constant lineup, particularly on the weekends, when the wait is half an hour at a minimum. As they're only open during breakfast and lunch hours, you can't beat the busyness by coming in the late afternoon.

Tip for surviving this lineup: Go at 8am right when they open. Also, they have a policy where all parties must be present in order to be seated. Make sure the whole gang is there when your turn is up.

BONUS

The ferries going to and from the Island
We've all been there. You're packing up your picnic (or the remnants of your all-day nude fest at Hanlan's) and heading to the dock to take the ferry home when with a groan you realize the lineup to board seems to wind around the entire island. The ferry lineup peak time for going to the Island is typically mid-morning to early afternoon on weekends and the line to get back home is around dinnertime.

Tip for surviving this lineup: When you're Island-bound, bypass most of the line by paying cash. And for your return trip, pay a little extra for the water taxi -- trust me, it's worth it.

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

Photo of Uncle Tetsu's by Jesse Milns

There's an abundance of new parks in Toronto that keep the city green even in the midst of its massive condo development boom. If you've seen enough of Trinity Bellwoods and High Park, stray from the old favourites and check out some of these new outdoor spaces decked out with aquatic centres, public barbecue facilities, art installations and other cool stuff.

Here are my picks for the top new parks in Toronto.

Corktown Common
This two-year-old park in the West Don Lands 'hood is like the backyard of every Torontonian's dreams: dotted with over 700 trees, Corktown Common has a playground and splash pad, an athletic field, a barbecue, a fireplace and other fun summertime tools. But take note: the park will be closed June 1 -- September 30 for the Pan Am Games.

Aga Khan
You'll feel like you're in a whole other country once you've stepped foot in this brand-new space, which was designed after traditional Mughal gardens. There isn't a playground to be seen at this park, which caters more to those folks who want a scenic walk amidst some interesting landscape architecture.

Regent Park's Central Park
This park was finalized in 2013, adding to the revitalization project that was going on in the neighbourhood at the time. There's an aquatic centre that spills out into a community area with a splash pad, which then leads into natural park space.

Sherbourne Common
Not only does this five-year-old park house Toronto's first stormwater treatment facility, but the facility itself is pretty to look at. With a 240-metre water channel, three massive public art installations and a pavilion, this is one of the few places where you'll be entertained enough by just sitting there and soaking in your surroundings.

June Callwood Park
Possibly one of the most interesting parks in the city, this park -- which opened this past fall -- isn't the place to visit if you want to lay in the grass. The ultra-mod space features some seriously contemporary landscape design, an abundance of adolescent trees and lots of pink.

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

Negroni Week is back in Toronto with even more participating bars than last year. And it's a good thing, after a hard day at work, few drinks satisfy quite as much as a deliciously bittersweet cocktail. Comprised of just three ingredients in equal proportion over ice -- gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth -- it packs a punch of alcohol.

Conceived by Italian lothario and fencing teacher Count Camillo Negroni in 1919, the drink is essentially an Americano cocktail with the soda water swapped out for gin. Legend has it that Count Negroni wasn't content with the timid amount of booze in his drink, and, fresh from his travels in the UK (where he'd acquired a taste for gin) ordered up a variation that had all of his native Florence demanding their drinks to be made 'the Negroni way.'

From June 1-7, over 3,000 of the world's best bars will band together to celebrate this classic cocktail for the third annual Negroni Week (it's the second time that Toronto has got in on the fun). Better yet, it's all for a good cause! Each participating bar is donating at least $1 from the sale of each Negroni to a charity of their choice.

Each venue will be showing off their iteration of the classic drink, either by getting picky with the gins and vermouths, adding extra flavours from cocktail bitters and other ingredients, or by swapping some of the elements out entirely for something different. You can't play with the cocktail too much, but subtle changes lead to big differences.

If you want to take part here in Toronto, there's 32 venues to choose from, with many bars and restaurants such as the County General opting to donate to Sick Kids, although animal lovers can stop by Home of the Brave or La Carnita to ensure that their revenues go to Paws for the Cause.

The Bristol will be donating to neighbouring CAMH, while Momofuku Nikai and El Caballito will be giving to the STOP Community Food Centre. Alternatively, Bar Isabel's proceeds will be going to the Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto.

If anyone is willing to try all 32 in a week, both myself and your doctor would love to hear from you.

Alternatively, if you'd like to make yourself one at home, I hope you've already got your Campari, because the entire city is presently out of stock at time of publication, though you can always use Aperol in a pinch.

Photo by Franze Conde on Flickr

Old school homey touches and an adaptable menu have kept this Italian hotspot rolling in the dough for the past 50 years. Here you'll find an array of Italian-American staples and big dinner crowds every night of the week.

Read my review of Paisano's in the restaurants section.

We all know (and love) the Danforth for the souvlaki and massive summer food festival but there are a ton of great bars and pubs across the Danforth that make the street a legitimate nightlife destination. If you're looking for lengthy craft beer lists and laid back casual atmospheres, the Danforth is the ticket.

Here are my top picks for bars and pubs on the Danforth.

Auld Spot Pub
This Greektown stalwart serves classic pub-style food paired with extensive craft beer, wine, and scotch selections. Check out their oyster specials throughout the week or indulge in a Sunday roast to end your weekend. Get there early if you want to grab a patio seat.

Louis Cifer Brew Works
This Danforth bar doubles as a craft brewery. They have seven of their own freshly brewed offerings on tap as well as selections from Junction Craft Brewing, Cameron's and SideLaunch. Stop by and try one of their beer flights.

Old Nick
The Old Nick is the place to be to see a showcase of new and local musicians. Their open mic nights as well as singer/songwriter showcases are very popular in the neighbourhood. Come for the music, stay for the drinks and great daily food specials.

The Wren
One time at The Wren I had a burger that used pancakes as buns. I've thought about that flawlessly executed calorie explosion every day since. The menu at The Wren for both brunch and dinner is brilliant. Pair a meal with one of their 12 rotating craft brew taps or one of their 4 specialty cocktails.

The Only Cafe
The Only is the leading name in craft beer offerings in the city. With 24 taps and 1 cask that's constantly rotating, this Danforth favourite has something for everyone. The divey atmosphere is perfect for a fun and casual night out. Be sure to check out their massive back patio, one of my favourites in the area.

Sauce on The Danforth
Sauce is inspired by the speakeasies of the 1920s and offers the best classic cocktails in the area. If you're craving a Manhattan, Gimlet or French 75, this is the place to be. Last call is at 2am every night of the week.

Linsmore Tavern
The Linsmore Tavern is steeped in rich Toronto bar history. It was one of the first bars to be licensed in 1934 and has remained as one of Toronto's only original hotel/taverns. They have live music from Thursday to Sunday.

Black Swan
The Black Swan is a hidden gem amongst the comedy community with a stand-up and sketch comedy venue tucked inside this English pub. They also run classes in improv and sketch comedy for those looking to try something new.

Dora Keogh
This delightful little Irish pub is a favourite for Danforth locals. With cozy dark-wood it's a perfect spot to have a pint with friends. You have to check out one of their music "session" nights when some of Toronto's best celtic musicians come together to jam on Thursdays and Sundays.

Local 1794
This Danforth and Coxwell gastropub will be great for impressing the foodie in your life. The only thing more impressive than their menu may be the extensive beer and Scotch lists.

What's your favourite spot to drink in the Danforth? Let us know in the comments.

Photo of the Wren.

Summer in Toronto is the perfect time to hit the party boats in Lake Ontario. There's a ton of options out there, from the loud, electro-thumping rager to more refined affairs that won't bust your ear drums.

Here are my top picks for the boat parties in Toronto this summer.

Toronto Craft Brew Cruise - June 6
Attention all Toronto Craft brewery fans, as part of Beer Week celebrations, you can enjoy craft brewery tastings on Toronto's harbourfront. Enjoy an evening on The River Gambler and samples of the best the city's craft brewers have to offer.

Knot Another Yacht Party - June 13
Dinner, live bands, DJs, prizes and giveaways are all on the docket for this massive summer boat party. With enough room for 550 guests, you can enjoy one of the three bars and stunning views of the Toronto Skyline as the sunsets.

Lost in Floatation 2 - June 21
This is the second iteration of the "Lost in Floatation" party, and it promises even more fun than the first one. This year the team has paired with Crazy Beard Ale and Sage mixology to cover all of your alcoholic bases.

Pride'N'Bass aboard the River Gambler - June 26
Kick off Pride by hopping on the River Gambler and celebrating in style. Sail into the night on Lake Ontario, enjoy the DJ lineup and celebrate the LGBTTIQQ2SA community. I love their tagline: Let the bass drop and show your pride!

Yacht Night in White - July 9
We may not all get an invite to Sean Combs White Party in the Hamptons this summer, but that doesn't mean we can't all party in style. 7 Social events will host Yacht Night in White with a dress code of all white everything. Bonus: All proceeds to this event go to the MLSE Foundation and aid in bringing sport and recreation to youth in communities across the city.

Sailing Race Spectator Cruise - July 12
Toronto Harbour is home to lots of sailing regattas throughout the summer and you can get a front row seat. Book a ride on the Empire Sandy on one of their 15 race dates to watch the race and enjoy a meal and cash bar.

Kajama Midnight Tennis Match - July 17
The only thing that can make a yacht party better is a themed yacht party. House of Dust is hosting this preppy event where the dress code is 80's tennis style. Dust of your whites, sweat bands and visors and rave the night away in style. You may meet the Kournikova of your dreams at sea.

2015 Toronto Pirate Party Cruise - July 17
Party like Jack Sparrow on Toronto's largest tall ship the Empire Sandy. Get decked out in your best pirate garb and get ready for a night of debauchery. They even blow off cannons throughout the night to give you that authentic pirate feel. Good news, on this pirate ship the rum is NOT always gone.

Balance Inc Boat Cruise - August 1
Hop aboard the River Gambler for a night of great dance music with DJ Daniel Portman. This is a great option for all you EDM lovers that want to take the party off shore.

Sail-In Cinema - August 20-22
Take the idea of the drive-in to the next level. You can enjoy free outdoor movies three nights this summer with a 2-sided floating movie screen one of two ways. either bring a chair and cushions to Sugar Beach or hop on your boat and catch the same movie on the other side. A great date night idea!

Will you be boat partying this summer? Let us now where you're headed in the comments. Photo by Matt Forsythe.

Photo by BruceK in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Free events in Toronto this week will have you shopping without dropping a dime at the Really Really Free Market. You can simultaneously de-clutter your apartment and refill it with trinkets you never knew you needed. There are also two free art exhibitions on offer, a reddit-board inspired exhibit at Steam Whistle gallery and a contemporary/surrealist show at TAC Art/Work Gallery.

Here's what to do in Toronto when your credit card is maxed out.

Sonder at Steam Whistle Gallery (June 3)
Steamwhistle Gallery is hosting a new exhibition and it kicks off on Wednesday. Head over around 7pm to check out the opening reception for a Reddit-board inspired art collection. There will be refreshments, light snacks and a DJ on the scene as well.

Urban Nirvana's 4 Year Anniversary Party (June 5)
Do your body a favour and head to Urban Nirvana for their fourth anniversary bash. There will be free yoga classes and complimentary thai massages offered over the course of the evening.

New Contemporary Art Show (June 5)
This exhibition features Canadian new contemporary artists who incorporate surrealist elements into their work. On display are Tara Krebs, Steven Chmilar, Nicholas Di Genova, Sarah Joncas, Troy Coulterman and Jamiyla Lowe. You must RSVP for the free opening night reception

Really Really Free Market (June 6)
Everything is up for grabs at the Really Really Free Market; no strings attached. Do some spring cleaning of your own and donate all your excess bits and bobs. Free vegan food will also be served on site by Food Not Bombs.

Cosmo MusicFEST & EXPO (June 6)
Cosmo MusicFEST is an east end music festival happening this Saturday. 90's alt band I Mother Earth and Winnipeg rockers The Mohrs will be taking the stage. Guitar legend Steve Vai will also be in attendance and is hosting a meet and greet.

ONGOING FREE EVENTS IN TORONTO

Elvis Mondays (Mondays, The Drake)
Toronto's longest running indie showcase, William New's free show has put thousands of bands on stage. It's at the Drake Underground every Monday.

Free Nights at the Horseshoe (Monday/Tuesday, The Horseshoe)
The Legendary Horseshoe has a storied history, and hosts free indie rock shows in the early week with Shoeless Mondays and Dave Bookman's Nu Music Night on Tuesdays.

AGO Free Evening (Wednesday, AGO)
The Art Gallery of Ontario's free evening runs from 6-8:30pm. It can be a little crowded, but sometimes the people watching is as good as the art (sometimes).

Aga Khan Free Evening (Wednesday, Aga Khan Museum)
The brand new Aga Khan Museum for Islamic art has launched Free Wednesdays from 4-8pm.

CINSSU's Free Friday Films (Fridays)
The Innis Town Hall is back with free movies every Friday. Follow the Cinema Studies Student Union or check out our event section.

Canadian Opera Company (Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre)
September through to early June, catch free classical shows at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts "most Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon, and some Wednesdays at noon or 5:30 p.m."

MOCCA (Tuesday - Sunday)
While nearly all art galleries in the city are free to enter, it's worth noting The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA) is always PWYC.

Have a free event you'd like to plug? Submit it to our event calendar using this form.

Kensington Market patios are perfect if you're looking for a laid back retreat in one of the most unique neighbourhoods in the city. There are a variety of low-key, casual spaces to choose from, ranging from sidewalk spots perfect for people watching to more secluded or hidden backyard haunts.

Here, in no particular order, are my picks for the top patios in Kensington Market.

For more patio ideas, check out our Toronto Patio Guide or download our iPhone or Android app.

Trinity Common
Trinity Common's front patio is a perfect people watching spot. The picnic table seating matches the casual vibe of the neighbourhood and is an all-around great choice if you want to sip some craft beer and chow down on smokehouse grub.

Cold Tea
The Cold Tea patio is Kensington's best worst kept secret. It boasts long communal tables, making it ideal if you've got a big group of friends. They often throw patio parties during the summer with DJs and food provided by a local eatery.

The Last Temptation
The Last Temp is a Kensington classic. The drinks and food are cheap and the branded umbrellas and plastic patio furniture add to the no fuss no muss vibe. Its location on Kensington Avenue situates it more among the vintage shops than the main drinking drags of Nassau or Augusta.

KOS Restaurant
The popular lunch and brunch spot flaunts one of Kensington's larger patios, with enough seating for 65. Prices are on the cheaper side making it a good option for students or those on a budget.

Supermarket
A good bet in the evenings, this patio may be on the small side but when there's live music inside you can still hear the bands playing on the stage as the large front windows next to the patio are usually open.

Ronnie's Local
It can be tough to snag a seat on this neighbourhood old and faithful. The sun-drenched front patio is the ideal place get your daily dose of vitamin D as there are few umbrellas and very little shade.

Poetry Jazz Cafe
When night falls, Poetry Jazz Cafe may be your best bet. Head to the back for one of the more refined patios in the area and a good spot to savour a cocktail while listening to the live music coming from within.

Templeton's
This low-key, budget-friendly (everything is under $10!) hangout is a good option if you're craving pub grub but still want to soak up the sun. Grab a burger and a sangria and watch the market action from the north end of Augusta.

Torito
Torito is definitely the wildcard when it comes to patios in the area. The backyard space offers a Spanish escape from the bohemian marketplace. Serving tapas and sangria, this is the place to go if your looking for a less rowdy crowd.

Handlebar
Handlebar's small front patio is a craft beer haven. Featuring a few wooden tables and bench-style seating around its perimeter, this is where it's at if you're with a smaller crew. Grab an obscure IPA and embrace Kensington culture to the fullest.

Thanks to Strongbow for sponsoring our 2015 Toronto Patio Guide.

Did I miss any? Add your favourite Kensington Market patios to the comments.

The top concerts in Toronto this June manage to squeeze themselves into an already jam-packed schedule of music festivals, so, so manymusic festivals. Get ready for another round of Field Trip, Toronto Jazz Festival, Luminato, Digital Dreams and NXNE (courting controversy and generally making a mess as per usual), plus the addition of UK import Bestival this month.

In news of regular-size gigs, the British are coming (Ride, Paul Weller, Starsailor) as are some, uh, quirky pairings (Fall Out Boy with Wiz Khalifa, Robert Plant with The Pixies).

Nostalgia acts abound as always, but my favourite one flying under the radar is The Ataris, who'll be all tucked away in The Cave playing one of their old albums in its entirety (but not the one with "Boys of Summer" on it, which is a fascinating decision to me. C'mon guys).

Here are the top concerts to get excited about for June.

Drake (June 2, ACC)
Drizzy fans who missed out on OVO tickets got a second chance at happiness when he announced this show, part of the impromptu six-date Jungle Tour that will also feature rapper Future as an opener. Hopefully (or maybe hopefully not), Madonna's sweet musk will still be on him.

Lana Del Rey (June 3, Molson Amphitheatre)
Gorgeous sad sack Lana Del Rey is embarking on her first official concert tour in support of last year's Ultraviolence, and in her classic quirky fashion, managed to add some weirdness by making Courtney Love her opener. Sadly, us Torontonians will be deprived of their cosmic chemistry since Love's not on the latter half of the tour, but luckily Grimes is taking up the mantle.

Briefcasefest (June 5 and 6, Hard Luck Bar)
This burgeoning two-day blitz of local metal is moving to the Hard Luck Bar for its third year, but you can still expect the same abundance of inventive and experimental heavy music for crazy cheap. Day one brings Philadelphia's Starkweather to rub shoulders with locals such as Godstopper and IRN; day two welcomes the black metal vibes care of Akitsa, Volur, Occult Burial and more.

Wavelength 666 featuring Fresh Snow (June 6, Silver Dollar)
The Wavelength series has reached its momentous 666th show, but since Briefcasefest's stolen away all the satanic black metal that day, Wavelength's commemorating the dark milestone with less evil (but still kinda evil) electro-influenced music care of Fresh Snow, Corpusse, Several Futures and more.

Colin Stetson with Sarah Neufeld (June 9, Great Hall)
Saxophonist Colin Stetson and violinist Sarah Neufeld took time out of their main gig with Arcade Fire and paired up for collaborative LP Never Were the Way She Was earlier this spring. The evocative, film-like quality of their instrumental compositions will make for an intense experience at The Great Hall.

Sound Seance (June 12-14, Geary Lane)
It looks like the Geary Lane progenitors successfully cut through all that red tape threatening to shut the venue down, because their next concert experience is officially a go. This new weekend fest in the vein of Montreal's Suoni Per Il Popolo will feature tons of avant garde tunes from Suuns, Wrekmeister Harmonies (featuring members of Godspeed You! Black Emperor), Expo 70 and Mimico among others.

Dashboard Confessional and Third Eye Blind (Echo Beach, June 15)
Get out the Kleenex and pull on a T-shirt over a long-sleeved shirt, because two bands from your youth are coming back to make you revisit some pretty heavy emotions. After a five-year break, Chris Carrabba is dusting off the old Dashboard Confessional moniker for a new tour that will be co-headlined with Third Eye Blind, which totally makes sense somehow.

KEN Mode and Fight Amp (June 16, The Shop at Parts + Labour)
Two awesomely loud bands are about to launch new releases with a joint tour that will bring them to The Shop. Winnipeg's KEN Mode puts out fourth LP (and Steve Albini-produced!) Success on the day of this show, while Fight Amp's Constantly Off comes out the week previous.

Rush (June 17 and 19, Air Canada Centre)
One of Canada's biggest musical exports is ending the spring (and their career, maybe) with a bang. Rush's 2015 tour is reported to be their last, so do everything you can to squeeze your way in to the ACC to catch the legendary rockers play one last time. Maybe.

Spoon (June 23 and 24, Phoenix)
Around this time last year, Spoon was cavorting around town for NXNE, treating fans to both free Yonge-Dundas and secret club sets. Clearly the indie rock icons love making summer plans with us, as they're back again for two nights still going on the strength of 2014's They Want My Soul.

New Kids on the Block with Nelly and TLC (June 28 and 29, ACC)
This summer blockbuster of a concert features some of pop's biggest heavy hitters of the nineties and early aughts. Entitled The Main Event, NKOTB's new tour brings along Nelly and TLC for a megahit-laden night that'll harken back to the days when butterfly clips were cool and music was profitable.

See also:
The top 10 music festivals in Toronto for spring 2015
The top 10 music festivals in Ontario for 2015

What did I miss? Tell us about your favourite upcoming Toronto concerts this June in the comments.

Fried chicken, be it Southern style, Asian style or even Toronto style, is hot right now on menus across this city. There's a lot of finger-licking fried chicken to be had, whether you like it by the bucket, with waffles, or as entree over mashed potatoes.

Here are my picks for the top new restaurants where you'll find fried chicken on the menu.

See also:

The best fried chicken in Toronto
The Best Korean and Japanese Fried Chicken in Toronto

The Dirty Bird
Northern fried chicken dusted in maple sugar is specialty at this new fast food joint in Kensington Market. Order three pieces of bone-in chicken with fresh-made buttered waffles and a side for $14, or try the budget-friendly two-piece combo with a choice of fries, slaw or 'tater salad for $7.

Bar Fancy
Fried chicken ($16) at this Queen West snack bar boasts four big pieces of delicious, fried bird per order. Expect a salty crackling skin and moist juicy meat inside served alongside slices of Wonder Bread, pickles, lime, two sauces (habanero and mayo) and plenty of wet naps.

R&D
The modern Chinese restaurant on Spadina bills General Sanders' fried chicken ($25) on its menu. This version embraces sweet, salty and spicy flavours all at once - expect crispy deep fried poultry glazed in Kung Pao sauce and served with Hong Kong style bubble waffles and sichuan maple syrup.

McRamyun
This Baldwin Village eatery specializes in Korean ramen, but the Mc Chicken Wings ($5.45 for 3 pcs, $11.45 for 7pcs) coated in crispy crushed noodles is not to be missed. This take on KFC (Korean Fried Chicken, that is), is a house fave and comes accompanied by two sauces - a garlic mayo and a spicy gochujang for dipping.

Nine Restaurant & Tapas Bar
KFC, Korean Fried Chicken ($13) is a standout at this Asian tapas bar on lower Roncy where morsels of crispy battered poultry are served glazed in w sweet and spicy chili sauce, and accompanied by crunchy pickled daikon.

Lucky Red
Deep-fried five spice coated fried chicken ($7) is served two pieces at a time at Banh Mi Boy's licensed spin-off in Chinatown. Douse it with the house hot sauce then rely on the sides of pickled kohlrabi and fennel to cool things down.

Kanpai
TFC, short for Taiwanese fried chicken is the main attraction at his Cabbagetown snack bar. Sprinkled with chilli peppers, cilantro and scallions, and served with chili hot sauce, a three-piece order of crispy bone-in chicken goes for $8, a while a bucket will set you back $19.

Old School
The Colonel's Bucket ($19) features boneless nuggets of juicy chicken in a crispy golden coating topped with knob of vanilla butter. Smother it with Tabasco honey and enjoy with sides of slaw, potato salad and a biscuit.

Concession Road
JFC, or Japanese fried chicken ($19.50) is on the menu at this St. Clair restaurant. The dish features Mennonite-farmed chicken marinated in sesame oil and sake before being crusted in cornmeal, deep fried, and served with a tomato and preserved lemon mayo over mashed potatoes with seasonal veg.

The Tennessee
The new Parkdale pub and live music venue serves up Tenny Fried Chicken ($13) featuring drumsticks marinated in a secret sauce then dredged and deep fried to a crisp. Every order includes a side of hush puppies, and organic greens to make it a meal.

Photo of Dirty Bird by Jesse Milns.

Opened by the folks behind School in Liberty Village, this new diner marries modern decor with American classics like fried chicken, barbecue, and massive stacks of pancakes for brunch.

Read my profile of Old School in the restaurants section.

Dundas West is proving itself as one of Toronto's most dynamic streets with a ton of new stores and restaurants opening up in the last few months. From 24 hour diners to ice cream to home decor crafted in Portugal there's lots to like here.

Here's a round-up of new stores and restaurants to check out on Dundas West.

Saudade
This adorable shop carries a collection of Portuguese designers and brands with a little something for everyone. Stop in on your next tour of the neighbourhood and check out their wares. Stop by for hand woven blankets, soap, kitchen items or other unexpected finds perfect for gifting.

Old School
24-hr BBQ. That may just be the best and most dangerous sentence I've ever heard. Next time you're craving some delicious meat head to Chef Brad Moore's newest brainchild at any hour of the day. I predict this will change the late-night snacking game in the neighbourhood.

Scoop Shop
This is the perfect summer retreat not far from Trinity Bellwoods. Custom make an ice cream sandwich with any two of their delicious fresh baked cookies and your choice of ice cream flavour. Yum!

Oh My Lard
BBQ served the way it was meant to be out of an upcycled shipping container at Market 707. Get your hands on one of their pulled pork sandwiches ASAP. It'll change the way you think about BBQ.

Tucana Cafe
This floral and cozy coffee shop is a must visit while you're strolling through the neighbourhood. Stop by for a cortado and why not treat yourself to a yummy vegan cookie while you're here.

Loveless
Show some love to Unlovable owners' newest offering Loveless. This place has a similar laid back feel as it's older counterpart. There's patio seating in the summer and coffee, cocktails or beer all the time.

Northern Belle
Northwood's little sister, is your best bet for classic cocktails in the neighbourhood. While you're here take a look at their menu and put together a nice little charcuterie snack for yourself.

Solita
Do you know what you're having for dinner tonight? Head to Solita for all the best Italian ingredients and fixings. Don't feel like cooking? Why not pick up one of their soup, deli or pasta specials. Also, there's some great cannoli to be had here.

Souppe Shoppe
Inspired by the diverse flavours from around the city, this Market 707 container offers a list of soups with local and fresh ingredients. I was lucky enough to try some of their Gazpacho and I highly recommend it. Get some before they sell out.

North of Brooklyn at Get Well
I was already a huge fan of Get Well but they've made it even better by inviting North of Brooklyn Pizzeria inside to keep them company. That's right friends, you can now get slices and full pies of this delicious pizza here until last call.

What did I miss? Add your favourite new places on Dundas West in the comments.

Photo by Jeff Mann in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Today in Toronto the drinkers out there will be treated to Negroni Week. If that's not your thing, you can head to Revival Bar to see an all-Torontonian lineup take the stage and belt their hearts out.

For more events, click on over to our events section.

• Irvine Welsh on Trainspotting (TIFF Bell Lightbox)
• Live in Concert: Matthew Monopoli, Tringa Rexhepi & Michelle Bouey (Revival Bar)
• 86'd Mondays: Book launch for The Antarctic Book of Cooking & Cleaning (The Drake)
• Film Screening: The Damage Done (Bloor Hot Docs Cinema)
• Negroni Week (Various Locations)
• SINGular Sensation (Statler's Piano Bar)

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

The elusive High Park peacock has disappeared. After days of sightings in the Roncesvalles area and failed capture attempts, the bird has flown (or, more accurately, strutted) under the radar, causing Animal Control to speculate that it might have returned to High Park.

Is it possible that we'll never hear from the bird again? It's unlikely, but I doubt many thought it would be able to evade capture for as long as it's had. If it's back at High Park, there are plenty of dense bits of forest in the park that would provide cover, allowing the colourful creature to remain on the loose.

Animal Control has asked that the public contact them if the bird is sighted again, and are apparently watching Twitter closely for new sightings. For now, however, the trail has gone dry. Well done, peacock. Well done.

Photo by Jeremy Gilbert in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Located at the southeast corner of Dundas and McCaul, OCAD University's current administrative offices are housed in a rather bland red building, the design of which pales in comparison to neighbours like the AGO and the school's own iconic building on stilts just a quick hop to the south.

That's set to change over the next few years, as OCAD has unveiled plans for the Rosalie Sharp Pavilion, a dramatic makeover of the current building that aims to turn it into a gateway to the university. The administrative offices will be relocated elsewhere and the pavilion will play serve as student space with a focus on exhibiting work.

The most dramatic element of the design is what architectural firm Bortolotto describes as a scrim, which allows those passing by to see into the building but also provides the requisite shade required for a space that will display artwork. The lace-like exterior will also light up at night thanks to the use of LEDs.

Long ago, this section of Dundas was envisioned as a wide promenade (note how the nearby police station is set back from the street). Those plans will never come to pass, but at least now there's a certain grandeur promised by the proximity of three stunning buildings.

Images via Bortolotto