Noodles & Company is set to open its first Canadian location in Toronto this summer. The chain has become increasingly popular south of the border with its wildly diverse menu that features a mashup of cuisines linked by the presence of the noodle. From pasta to Pad Thai to Steak Stroganoff, this is the type of menu that would send Gordon Ramsay into fits.

But, hey, this isn't fine dining. The Toronto location will open in the TD Centre food court, with an eye toward grabbing some of the immense lunch business in the PATH. There are already, of course, other noodle spots around these parts (Eat Canteen and Noodle King come to mind), but none that boast such a broad menu.

If Joe wants spaghetti and meatballs, Jane wants Japanese noodles, and Jim wants Thai Hot Pot, they can all stand in line together! How cute.

Toronto is getting its own Mermaid school this summer, following in the footsteps of the much-hyped Montreal location of Aquasirene. Founded by Marielle Chartier Hénault in January, the plan was always to come try this market after the first location was up and running.

Mermaid school is pretty much exactly what it sounds like, where swimming classes take place in full fins and other appropriate attire. The idea is to add a dose of whimsy to traditional swimming lessons, though the mermaid staff are typically trained as lifeguards, synchronized swimming instructors and aqua fitness trainers.

In Montreal, the school is hosted at about 10 local pools but so far only one pool has been selected for Toronto. Classes will officially begin at Jimmy Simpson on July 5th.

Until then, watch out for strange octopus-like creatures posing as friends. They're lurking everywhere.

Toronto FC will welcome former striker Jermaine Defoe and Sunderland of the English Premier League to BMO field on July 22nd for a friendly the club announced today. It will be the first time Defoe has played at the stadium since he was sold to Sunderland at the beginning of the year.

Other stars who might make an appearance from the English Premiership team are club captain John O'Shea, Connor Wickham and Jack Rodwell. So, it's a bloody big deal, or so they say.

Tickets will be available through a special pre-sale window for season ticket holders beginning Tuesday, June 9. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, June 17. For more details, check out the club's website.

Photo via Sunderland's Facebook page

The future of the Gardiner is the hottest political subject of John Tory's young mayoralty, and with a vote on the fate of the eastern section of the crumbling expressway expected at city council next week, the pressure is mounting for the mayor to endorse tearing it down over the alternative hybrid model that he presently supports.

Earlier today, 14 developers and business leaders sent the mayor a letter requesting that he reconsider his position in the interest of the city's long term welfare.

"Mr. Tory, tear down the Gardiner East," said CityBuilders member Alfredo Romano, President of Castlepoint Numa, in a press release. "Removing the barrier between the city and a new and vibrant, revitalized waterfront will benefit Torontonians for generations to come."

This comes on the heels of a letter from nine Ontario MPs in favour of the tear-down option, which has also drawn the support of the federal Liberals and grassroots initiatives like CodeBlueTO.

The CityBuilders group may yield the most influence of all, given that its members, which include powerhouses like the Daniels Corp. and Tridel, collectively own 51 hectares of prime waterfront in and around the area the East Gardiner currently occupies.

"The capital costs for the status quo, or so-called 'hybrid proposal,' are more than double those for the 'boulevard' option, requiring an astonishing $500 million more," they argue. "This money is badly needed for other critically important citywide initiatives, including the delivery of SmartTrack."

It's shaping up to be a battle royale at council next week. Let us know what option you favour in the comments.

Photo by Subjective Art in the blogTO Flickr pool.

This newly opened ice cream shop seems like it's still a work in progress, but it's opened its doors in time for warm weather and is stocked with the essentials; ice cream, ice cream bars, and ice cream sandwiches. As the shop settles in, there's plenty of room for expanded seating and confection sales.

Read my profile of the new location of Sweet Olenka's in the restaurants section.

The 2015 Power Ball: Appetite for Excess was really weird. In a very good way. The event took place at the Power Plant where party goers embraced the theme of excess as they engaged with edible art installations.

Octopus hung from a chandelier-type fixture had guests chopping off tentacles, while a wall of roast pork forced guests in all their finery to carve meat off the bone. Adding to the frenetic energy in the room, performers on the balcony taunted guests, threw potato chips, and begged to be thrown up some bread or a handful of cheese.

Following the food performance, the space opened up into a series of rooms containing different art installations and open bars. Outside on the waterfront patio, seafood and fire-roasted chicken tacos were served while guests played in inflatable kiddie pools.

Think it's all too crazy to be true?

Check out all the action in this photo gallery from the 2015 Power Ball fundraiser.

Toronto's annual art party of the year took place at the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery on June 4th. Art installations, open bars and thumping music kept guests entranced and entertained for hours. As usual, guests made a point to dress up to impress.

Check out some of our favourite looks in the Style section.

Toronto is about to be the proud new home to a Berlin-style sandwich and street eats shop specializing in that most perfect of drunken late night hunger-tamers, the döner sandwich. Named Otto's Döner, the shop is slated to open this summer in Kensington Market in the space formerly occupied by La Palette and Le Kensington Bistro & Rotisserie at 256 Augusta.

It's a promising space for what will likely prove to be a popular addition to the Market. You see, the idea isn't just to serve takeout and street eats. An ambitious German-focused beer list is in the works, and the folks behind the project, well known promoters in the city, know a thing or two about how to play good hosts. It sounds like a winner given Toronto's voracious appetite for street eats.

Photo by Marc in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Some of the best places to hang out by the lake happen to be sandless (or at least mostly). There are grassy parks, beautiful boardwalks and waterside restaurants you can flock to when you want to avoid the usual beach crowd (and gritty sandwiches). If you're craving a view of the lake and a gentle breeze, head to one of these scenic spots to soak up the atmosphere.

Here are my top picks for places to hang out by the lake in Toronto.

Olympic Island
This portion of the Toronto Islands is lined with lush greenery and cushy grass, making it the perfect spot for a picnic. Settle in at a picnic table by the water facing north and you'll get an unobstructed view of the Toronto skyline and the voyaging ferries.

Sunnyside Boardwalk
Take a scenic jaunt along this waterside path, which stretches from the bottom of Roncesvalles to the old Palais Royale. Stroll past Budapest Park -- a great place to lay down a blanket -- or stop to take a dip in the Sunnyside Bathing Pavilion.

Cabana Pool Bar
If you're willing to wade through a pool full of bros, Cabana Pool Bar is a luxurious vantage point from which to savour the view of the lake. Book a cabana and sip on some mojitos to take it all in in style. Dudes, don't forget your pastel-coloured tank tops.

Coronation Park
This is a great place to chill out and watch the boats come in and out of the harbour. Picnic tables and benches in the shade make it a serene spot to catch up on some reading or assignments, or take a walk along the path by the water's edge.

Toronto Music Garden
This isn't your average waterside garden. The landscape architecture here will blow your mind as you explore and interact with it, and there are tons of spots to buckle down and enjoy some lunch while soaking up the sight of the lake.

The patio at Against the Grain
Located in the lakeside area of Corus Quay, Against the Grain serves up a refreshing summertime menu that you can browse while sitting adjacent to the lake on their atmospheric patio. Snack on an ice cream sandwich and sip some beer while gazing at the view.

HTO Park
If you're that person who likes to tan in the sand without swimming, this man-made alternative to a beach is your happy place. Real sand and sun umbrellas create an all-day hangout spot where you can enjoy the view of the water (without buddies nagging you to jump in).

Sherbourne Common
Add a mod mood to your enjoyment of the lake at this new waterfront area. Contemporary water features and landscape architecture make it an ideal spot for those seeking some zen.

Leslie Street Spit
This long stretch of wilderness branches out into the middle of the water, making it a true escape from metropolis. The view of the city and the plant life are more than worthy of a day trip out here.

Paralia
Just off Woodbine Beach, this restaurant is known for its view of the lake as much as it is for its Greek food. A beautifully decorated interior and a scrumptious menu equals prime lakeside relaxation.

Did I miss any? Add your favourite place to hand out by the lake to the comments.

Photo by mooncall2012 in the blogTO Flickr pool

There was a time not long ago when Toronto was most definitely not marijuana friendly. During the nascent era of Nancy Reagan's "Just Say No" crusade, many anti-pot scare films and public service announcements (PSAs) were shot in and around Toronto, and screened locally on TV and in classrooms.

Few things have aged worse than anti-marijuana propaganda. Starting with the Daddy of them all - Reefer Madness, and its portrayal of dribbling, dope smoking lunatics whose on-screen behaviour is closer to that of bath salts abusers than potheads - vintage drug scare films now come across as more hallucinatory than Inherent Vice.

Our city's connection to this hysterical genre started with the stark industrial, Toronto based films of F.R. "Budge" Crawley, who produced the first known corpse-ridden, blood-soaked Driver's Ed movie Safety or Slaughter in 1958, ushering in an age of visual shock treatment where lessons were primarily taught with ghoulish imagery drowning in hectoring narration.

By the time "Just Say No" permeated '80s culture, local producers and organizations like the Concerned Children's Advertisers, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and even the Rotary Club were producing shot-on-video substance abuse scare films and PSAs.

Anyone who grew up during this time probably remembers these spots popping up during afterschool cartoons or during health class when a TV and VCR were wheeled in to freak out potential drug users, warning that one toke would lead to full blown heroin addiction, followed by swift but grisly death.

Here's my choice of the 10 weirdest "Just Say No" videos shot or aired in Toronto:

Mr. Finley's Pharmacy (1987)
Aimed squarely at the junior school set, this bizarre short features mildly spooky puppets made by renowned puppeteer Noreen Young, famous for her amazing work on TVOntario shows such as Read-A-Long, Today's Special, We Live Next Door and Téléfrançais.

Choose (1989)
Starring a pre-Beverly Hills 90210Kathleen Robertson, Choose illustrates the dangers of marijuana, alcohol and tobacco by having a pair of teens transported into the innards of pizza parlour video game where their green screened host (imaginatively monikered "The Game") walks them through important life decisions.

Hip Choice (1993)
Scary puppets again, down a dark alley and looking to score from a truly terrifying dealer with scorched eyes. Produced by the Concerned Children's Advertisers in their salad days, before childhood obesity and mixed media messages became the primary target of their ire.

Say No to Drugs! (1988)
No-nonsense, in with a razor blade PSA voiced by the one and only "The Voice" aka Mark Dailey. Anchored by eerie music and the age old "don't even try it once, you will die" meme which thankfully had mostly subsided by the end of the decade.

One Dumb Move (1985)
Hailing from across the lake in New York State, this stone cold crush relic features "Professor of the Rap" Gary Byrd warning of the triple headed evils of dope, smokes and booze, and could be seen on many of the Buffalo TV stations received in Toronto. Also released on 7" flexi disc.

Stay Real (1983)
Atypical, pensive and serene look at pot and hashish which implies a shameful existence for users. Nice visual metaphor, though.

Drug Dialogue (1989)
This prime-time CTV special hosted by Sandie Rinaldo was meant as a primer for parents on how to talk to their kids about drugs, accompanied by a Casio keyboard gone berserk and some real amateur league performances (although Sandie comes across as her usual Teflon self).

Say Nope to Dope (and think before you drink) (1988)
Created by the War Amps of Canada (who also brought us Astar and Play Safe), this strange mix of skiing, sloganeering and rap is capped off by the completely random appearance of yet another anti-drug puppet.

Dale Hawerchuk - Team Against Drugs (1988)
Winnipeg Jets legend Dale Hawerchuk informs us via a long cord phone that he gets high from playing Hockey. Made by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which is possibly the weirdest thing about this totally non-sequitur PSA.

Right to Say No (1987)
Produced by the Rotary club, this classic PSA hits a lot of high '80s notes: skateboards, short-longs and Joey Jeremiah hats.

While obviously these were all well intentioned - drugs are bad and they can make a dog's breakfast of your life - the style and tone of these shorts make you wonder how many narcotics were consulted during the making of them.

Did I forget any? Please post your favourite weird "Just Say No" video or commercial in the comments below.

Retrontario plumbs the seedy depths of Toronto flea markets, flooded basements, thrift shops and garage sales, mining old VHS and Betamax tapes that less than often contain incredible moments of history that were accidentally recorded but somehow survived the ravages of time. You can find more amazing discoveries at www.retrontario.com.

Breaking up with someone is hard to do, and it's a task made even more difficult given all the possible ways it could go terribly wrong. If you've managed to resist the temptation to follow the millennial practice of doing the deed via text, well done! But now comes the hard part: you must choose the most appropriate setting to wreak emotional havoc on your possibly unsuspecting (former) mate.

Here are my picks for the best places break up with someone in Toronto.

O.NOIR
This dine-in-the-dark restaurant allows you to disguise your potential emotional outpour but still get your feelings across, all without the shame of "not doing it in person." For those looking to avoid the guilt that comes along with looking into the sad eyes of the breakup victim, the location has everything you need.

Marvel Coffee
Immediately next door to Donlands Station, this cafe provides you with easy access to an escape route should your breakup go left. Great coffee and pastries, but no tables or chairs means you can get in and out quickly and hopefully unscathed.

Christie Pits Park
Not as couple-y as Trinity Bellwoods, Christie Pits offers the benefits of wide open spaces (for potential meltdowns) but with the added bonus of sporting activities to visually distract your partner from the news being broken.

416 Snack Bar
The bite-sized food allows you to get through your meal quickly (because there's nothing worse that dragging out awkward meal time) and, similar to O.NOIR, the low lighting will help you evade the hateful gaze of your now ex. It's also loud, so people won't be listening in.

Union Station (York Concourse)
Passing through Union on your way to or from work? A cruel fact, this location is nothing if not efficient for the breakuper on the go. Further, no one seems to be using the York Concourse these days, so you run little to no risk of herds of commuters making you yell your breakup spiel over the 5 o'clock rush.

Toronto Islands
This is a choice for breaking up with someone you know well enough that you can be confident they will not try to throw you off the ferry. Though incredibly busy in the summer, its pseudo seclusion provides the perfect balance between public and private.

Bulldog Coffee
Three things drew me to Bulldog: the food, the location and the owner. For those who like to drown their sorrows in buttery baked goods, this place offers some of the best croissants in the city. For those who seek out retail therapy, this café is only a few blocks from the Eaton Centre. Lastly, Ross, the owner, seems like the kind of guy who you could vent to for hours and nothing would faze him.

Toronto Reference Library
The pressures of social norms are on your side for this location, because no one wants to make scene in the library. Breaking up at the Reference Library may not be the nicest choice (since you're virtually silencing your partner from speaking their feelings) but if you're looking for the best way to prevent a loud public display of non-affection, this library is the way to go.

Nadege Bakery
Chocolate. Need I say more? For the gluttonous emotional eater, a break up in or adjacent to this this Queen West bakery will give you (or, more importantly, your future ex-partner) the excuse you need to splurge on the best chocolate in the city.

Dundas Square
Last, but certainly not least, Y&D has almost all the advantages of all the above: quick access to subway, nearby retail therapy, emotional eating locations galore, but most of all, and possibly the most beneficial, the hustle and bustle to provide enough noise to drown out any potential shouting or crying.

What did I miss? Add your suggestions for break up locations in the comments.

Writing by Emily Tamfo. Photo by Maxime N in the blogTO Flickr pool.

The top new galleries in Toronto are diverse, ranging from veritable institutions that have just recently moved locations to a nomadic upstart named after the reigning queen of pop culture. Gone are the days when galleries would cluster around West Queen West. Today, the arts scene is less conventional than it once was, which makes it more fun to explore.

Here, in no particular order, are my picks for the top new art galleries in Toronto.

Gallery TPW
The 38-year-old Toronto Photographers Workshop recently moved to the Junction Triangle. The gallery combines TPW and R&D, a research and design space, with ample room for exhibitions and performances. Contemporary art fans take note because Clint Roenisch's gallery is right next door.

Younger than Beyoncé
Bow down because this roving gallery may showcase your work, but only if you're under 33 - the same age as Queen Bey. After running a successful Indiegogo campaign and launching earlier this year, YTB aims to give emerging artists exhibition opportunities.

8-11
Though the 8-11 art collective replaced its infamous storefront sign, a riff on the 7-Eleven logo by artist Elle Kurancid, the group continues to host eclectic exhibitions and events out of its tiny, but versatile space in Chinatown.

Autumn
This Roncesvalles space showcases contemporary and multimedia work that often explores city life. Exhibitions have included Daniel Rotsztain's All the Libraries, and a solo show by artist Peter Triantos.

Super Wonder Gallery
After migrating north from 99 Sudbury to Bloor and Ossington in March, this gallery and events space christened its new home with the annual erotic art exhibition The Super Naughty Show. Is this the beginning of a gallery scene in Bloorcourt?

What did I miss? Add your suggestions for top new galleries in the comments.

Writing by Amy Grief. Photo via Super Wonder Gallery on Facebook.

The Beaches' favourite cupcake shop moved across the street earlier this year. Aside from a new address, the store has also diversified and now sells a range of home decor and baking gadgets in addition to the sweet stuff.

Read more about the new Life is Sweet in the bakery section.

Summer music festivals in Toronto for 2015 usher in a period marked by new music festivals, old staples, and the elephant in the room: Panamania. There's also the much anticipated WayHome which takes place just beyond city limits. You're not going to find a three-day festival headlined by Neil Young, Sam Smith and Kendrick Lamar anywhere else.

Here are my picks for the top music festivals in Toronto this summer.

Digital Dreams
Dates: June 27-28
Cost: $99 - $279
Venue: Ontario Place
Type of music: Electronic
The "largest electronic music festival in Canada" that you can probably take an Uber home from is still going strong. The biggest outdoor dance party is bringing Armin Van Buuren, Zedd, Steve Angello, Martin Garrix and more to The Flats at Ontario place to keep you dancing for two days straight.

Electric Island
Dates: July 1, August 4, September 1
Cost: $99 - $127
Venue: Toronto Island
Type of music: Dance/Electronic
Three holidays left, three chances to dance on Toronto Island left. Each line-up is announced when the last one has passed, so July 1st brings Sasha, Marcel Dettmann, Less Foss, Dennis Ferrer and more to our escape in the harbour. Count on a good time.

Beaches International Jazz Festival
Dates: July 10-26
Cost: Free
Venues: Woodbine Park, Queen St. E. (the Beach)
Type of music: Various
The Beaches Jazz Festival continues to expand, this year encompassing three weekends at Woodbine Park, on top of the annual street festival, while still remaining free for everyone. Performances by the Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Lula All Stars, Chris Thomas King, Ogguere, God Made Me Funky, The Boom Booms, La Gran Colombia Orchestra and many more make this one of the most international options this summer.

PANAMANIA
Dates: July 10-26, Aug. 7-12
Cost: Free
Venues: Nathan Phillips Square, CIBC PanAm Park
Type of music: Various
It looks like the PanAm games have put the damper on music festivals in July, but they're making up for it in a big way. You'll be able to see acts like The Roots, Flaming Lips, Chromeo, Jann Arden, USS, Lights, Janelle Monae, Colin James, tons of world music artists and lots more, FOR FREE, at Nathan Phillips Square and the CIBC PanAm Park. Check the schedule and show up early.

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival
Date: July 15
Cost: $35 - $269
Venue: Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
Type of music: Metal
Toronto doesn't get anything close to Heavy Montréal, so metal fans will take what they can get. We could do a lot worse than Slayer, King Diamond, Hellyeah, The Devil Wears Prada all one on bill, plus there's a second stage of up-and-coming acts so you can discover something new.

Vans Warped Tour
Date: July 17
Cost: $66.50
Venue: Ontario Place
Type of music: Punk/Rock
20 years later and the Warped Tour is still rolling. Pierce The Veil, We Came As Romans, The Wonder Years, Memphis May Fire, local favourites PUP and The Dirty Nil, and lots more are taking part this year. Things unique to Warped: if you're under 18, you can buy a ticket and bring one parent for free, and the first 100 people to donate blood on the day of the festival get a backstage wristband.

Edgefest
Dates: July 23rd, July 29th, August 15th
Cost: $55.50 - $135
Venue: Echo Beach
Type of music: Various
Edgefest is going with what works, sticking with their themed three-day structure from previous years. Day one is newcomers, headlined by Milky Chance and Elle King; Day two is blast-from-the-past, bringing back Incubus and Deftones; Day three are the "now" bands, topped by Mother Mother and Kongos. Each day features an 'emerging artist stage' so you can come away with a new favourite band.

Veld
Dates: August 1-2
Cost: $204 - $304
Venue: Downsview Park
Type of music: Electronic
Toronto's other EDM monolith returns to Downsview for another round, bringing hometown hero Deadmau5, Kaskade, Hardwell, Above & Beyond, Steve Aoki, A$AP Rocky, DVBBS and more along with it. Hop on the subway and dance all day and night.

OVO Fest
Dates: August 1-3
Cost: $135 - $370
Venue: ACC, Molson Amphitheatre
Type of music: Hip-hop (+comedy)
Drake's love for Toronto knows no bounds, proven this year by expanding his OVO Fest with a third day, featuring a Kevin Hart comedy set at the ACC. J.Cole ft. Big Sean and YG headline day one of the mystery line up, while the classic 'Drake + Special Guests' is on tap for day two.The mystery has already sold out day two, so do what you can to get your hands on weekend passes or start hitting refresh on Craigslist.

Fat Wrecked For 25 Years
Date: August 6
Cost: $56.50
Venue: Echo Beach
Type of music: Punk
California pop-punk label Fat Wreck Chords are celebrating 25 years, which means tapping Warped Tour and Riotfest regulars for their own festival. NoFX, Lagwagon, Strung Out, Swingin' Utters, The Flatliners and more will help you relieve your youth (or see them for the first time) at Echo Beach this summer.

TIME Festival
Date: August 15
Cost: $35 - $50
Venue: Fort York
Type of music: Various
TIME takes a slight turn away from the dance-y line up of last year, putting South African hip-hop duo Die Antwoord at the top of the bill, along with crazy crooner Mac Demarco, Ariel Pink, BADBADNOTGOOD, Yung Lean, Ryan Hemsworth, DIIV, and more, all at a very affordable price. As a bonus, there's no way it can rain as much as it did last year.

Camp Wavelength
Dates: August 28-30
Cost: $65 - $125
Venue: Gibraltar Point, Toronto Island
Type of music: Various
New kid on the island this year is Camp Wavelength. Dedicated to the ALL CAPS Festival which last took place in 2013, Wavelength is giving you a chance to spend two nights under the stars a short ferry ride from downtown, while taking in some great bands. The Wooden Sky, Do Make Say Think, The Weather Station, Doomsquad, Absolutely Free are among the first round of bands announced, with more on the way.

Mad Decent Block Party
Date: August 29
Cost: $46.50 - $76.50
Venue: Fort York
Type of music: Electronic
Diplo's annual block party is back for a third year, and this time he's performing as his cartoon dancehall alter ego, Major Lazer. Thugli, XXYYXX, CL, Jauz, TJR and What So Not are also on the bill, with at least two more mystery artists to be announced.

TURF
Dates: Sept. 18-20
Cost: $69.50 - $349.50
Venue: Fort York
Type of music: Various
Making a jump from June to September, TURF are going head-to-head with Riotfest, focusing on a slightly tamer indie rock lineup. Of Monsters and Men, Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros, one as-yet-unnamed headliner, The Avett Brothers, Wilco, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Neko Case, Cake, UB40, and more are their weapons of choice.

Riotfest
Dates: September 19-20
Cost: $99 - $199
Venue: Downsview Park
Type of music: Various
Riotfest's move to Downsview last year came with a big upgrade in their line-up, four times the stages and a second day, slowly edging closer to the monster size of their US counterparts. Thanks to this year's apparent "heavier + hip-hop" mandate, they've convinced Alexisonfire to reunite, bringing along however many of the Wu-Tang Clan can get across the border, Rancid, Motorhead, All Time Low, Tyler, The Creator and so many more.

What did I miss? Add more summer music festivals to the comments.

Writing by Matthew Forsythe / Lead photo of Digital Dreams by Jesse Milns.

The top patios on The Danforth will have you enjoying the hustle and bustle of the east end. Offering up everything from rooftop terraces to casual backyard barbecues, there's something for everyone.

Here, in no particular order, are my picks for the the top patios on The Danforth.

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

The Only
The back patio at The Only is a neighbourhood staple that attracts an eclectic crowd. With plenty of space and an expansive beer menu (230 bottles and cans, 25 craft beers on tap), this patio is tried and true option.

Sarah's Cafe and Bar
If you're closer to the east end of Danforth, Sarah's is probably your best option. A community favourite, this sidewalk patio features laid-back decor and a roof overhead that will keep you enjoying the outdoors even if a sun shower starts up.

Pizzeria Libretto
Pizza Libretto is where to go if you want to get a slice of street action with your meal. The cozy front patio is barely separated from the street, giving diners a prime view of the area.

Greenwood Smokehouse BBQ
Every neighbourhood needs a backyard barbecue spot for the summer and Greenwood Smokehouse is the top pick for the Danforth. This back patio is complete with picnic table seating, exposed piles of chopped wood, and the strong scent of barbecue.

Globe Bistro
Want a more upscale option? Globe Bistro has got you covered. This sophisticated rooftop is unlike anywhere else in Greektown. Flaunting its own cocktail bar, plush bench seating and plenty of privacy created by a high wooden wall, this terrace looks like it belongs much closer to the downtown core.

Allen's
If you're looking to escape the busy streets of the Danforth, head to the greenery-filled back patio at Allen's. Free from obnoxious branded umbrellas, the backyard gets its shade from large surrounding trees.

Combine Eatery
No time to escape the city this summer? This backyard brings the feel of cottage life to the city. Surrounded by a high wooden fences and tables, you'll feel more like you're in a cabin than a restaurant. Order up some southwest fare and enjoy your brief escape from the urbanity.

7 Numbers
7 Numbers is where to get your fix of Italian fare in the area. The patio is right on the street so you can enjoy the bustle of the street while sipping your pinot or eating your penne.

Sauce
The no-frills patio behind Sauce offers a casual spot to kick back when the sun comes out. Complete with it's own bar, you don't need to travel far to grab your next pint.

Factory Girl
With two patios, it's no surprise that Factory Girl is one of the most popular options come summertime. The sidewalk patio is a great option for people watching while the backyard offers a laid back escape from the busy street.

Thanks to Strongbow for sponsoring our 2015 Toronto Patio Guide.

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

Photo by David Williams in the blogTO Flickr pool.

The Queensway started out as an east-west trail in southern Etobicoke, west of the Humber River, called Stock's Sideroad. Reflecting its position as a rough continuation of Toronto's Queen St., the road was renamed to match its eastern relative before 1900. The biggest change in the history of the Queensway came in the 1950s, around the the same time the Gardiner Expressway was carved out a short distance to the south.

Intending for the street to serve as a highway bypass for local traffic, engineers widened the road and pushed it through High Park to the intersection of King, Queen, and Roncesvalles, filling in the southern end of Grenadier Pond in the process. Streetcar tracks were added to the central reservation as far as the Humber Loop and the road beefed up to accommodate six lanes of traffic.

In the years that followed, the Queensway became home to a mix of residential properties, stores, and auto-related businesses, like taxi dispatch offices and gas stations. It was also where the first Toronto Tim Hortons opened in on June 1, 1970 between Royal York and Islington.

Here's a look back at what the Queensway used to look like.

Sunnyside house between Sunnyside and Glendale in 1859. This photo shows a picnic that was given in honour of Charles E. Holiwell by the Toronto Volunteer Field Battery.

A rare early photo of the Queensway, showing the railway level crossing west of the Humber River, north of Lake Shore Rd. The view today, near where the streetcar tracks peel off beneath the Gardiner, is somewhat different.

Looking north up Ellis Ave., west of Grenadier Pond, in 1900 before the area had been significantly altered from its natural state.

A Toronto and York Radial Railway streetcar outside Sacred Heart Orphanage (now St. Joseph's Health Centre) in 1900. The transit operator serviced suburban areas of the city until 1927, when it was absorbed by the newly-formed Toronto Transportation Commission.

Pre-widening Queensway east of Royal York Rd. in Long Branch in 1957. These buildings are still standing, though the businesses have long since changed. Long Branch Tile and Linoleum and Morris variety store is now a used book store and an embroidery outlet.

Pre-widening bridge over Mimico Creek in 1955. The current structure has room for four lanes of traffic.

The dispatch office of Owl Taxi in 1957.

Reliance motors and Goldale cafe, 1957. Out front, widening work continues.

The landscaping for the Queensway near High Park.

Handing over a portion of High Park and Grenadier Pond for the Queensway was a controversial move. In his will, John G. Howard, the landowner, explicitly stated that no portion of his former estate was to be used for anything other than parkland.

Demolition for construction of the Queensway west of King, Queen, and Roncesvalles. This picture was taken near Parkside Dr., looking east to present-day St. Joseph's Health Centre, in 1956.

Parts of the Queensway have always been residential. Here, a child plays outside his home while work to expand the road continues close by.

More widening work in the 1950s.

The Ontario Food Terminal, east of Park Lawn Rd., in 1957. 56 firms moved to the massive, $4 million wholesale facility from the St. Lawrence Market in 1954. Today, it's the third busiest produce distribution centre on the continent and the largest of its kind in Canada.

The Queensway bus garage near Evans Ave. under construction in 1965. The building is still in use today, servicing more than 20 routes in the west end of the city. According to Transit Toronto, the facility opened in 1966, replacing an ageing facility in Parkdale.

Cities Service Station at the northwest corner of the Queensway and Woolgar Ave. in the 1960s. Today, the property is home to a Mercedes dealership.

The eastern terminus of the Queensway at King, Queen, and Roncesvalles in 1973. The Grey Coach building on the left is now a McDonalds.

Up Roncesvalles from the east end of the Queensway in 1979. The Edgewater Hotel is a Howard Johnson.

A PCC streetcar heads west past the Roncesvalles car house in 1979. The first CLRV streetcars entered revenue service on the Long Branch route the year this photo was taken.

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.

Free events in Toronto this week will have you doing everything from watching a seafood smackdown to pampering your feet with a cost-free pedicure. There will also be a couple festivals where you can peruse local arts and culture.

Here's what to do in Toronto when you're down to your last dollar.

BYOV: Bring Your Own Vinyl (June 8)
Got some records you'd like to trade in? Head to Pour Boy to swap some of your discs, listen to your favourite albums on vinyl, and mingle with fellow Toronto music junkies.

Ocean Wise Ceviche Smackdown (June 8)
Head to The Drake to witness a free seafood smackdown featuring some of Toronto's top chefs. Brassaii, Crush Wine Bar, and Turf Lounge are among the eight competitors.

Guiness World Record for Most Pedicures (June 10)
If you're desperate to embrace sandal season but don't have a penny to spare head to Dundas Square for a free pedicure. For eight hours, Amopé will be offering guests a speedy foot-pampering session free of charge.

Portugal Week Fest (June 13)
Head to Earlscourt Park this Saturday to see everything that the Portugal Week Fest has to offer. The celebration ticks all the festival boxes, featuring everything from food to entertainment. The musical line up will include Xutos & Pontapés, Shawn Desman and many more.

Beaches Arts and Crafts Show (June 13-14)
Despite the erratic weather, it's officially beach season. Head to The Beaches to see the community come together in support of local artists at the Beaches Arts and Crafts Show. When you're done there, you can always head down to the water (which is always free).

Also check out these regular free events

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.

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).

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.

Running events in Toronto this summer have reached fever pitch, with Toronto firmly in the sporty spotlight with the PanAm Games, motivating everyone in the city to shake a leg and get moving. This year's list of running events has a bit of something for everyone, from couch potatoes to ultra-elites, there's a route and a run for everyone.

Here are my picks for the top running events in and around Toronto this summer.

Prison Break- Saturday, June 27
If running from the police is a favourite pastime of yours then consider yourself ready for this capture the flag style run (5 or 7.5km) just north of Orangeville. Similar to a Warrior Dash, the Prison Break Run combines barriers like crawling under barbed wired and leaping over an open fire with the added bonus of cops chasing you too.

Pride and Remembrance Run - Saturday, June 27
This celebration race kicks off Pride festivities with a route that meanders its way around the village. Starting at Church and Wellesley, runners choose from a 5K run or 3K walk course raising funds and awareness for the LGTBQ+ community. Free shirts, timed bibs and other swag are up for grabs at this feel good event.

Jazz Run- Beaches Tune Up - Sunday, July 12
This run is a Toronto fave, especially with serious runners looking to keep things tight for the upcoming Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Kicking off at Kew Gardens, this 5K, 10K or 20K route will have you whipping around Lakeshore Blvd on the scenic Martin Goodman Trail.

The North Face Endurance Challenge Series - Saturday July 18 & Sunday July 19
Blue Mountain is home to this run, with a truly cringe worthy max route of 50 miles (for you American friends) or for the commonwealth cowards the 50km route would still prove pretty knee shattering. Boasting the most pronounced elevation gain in all of Ontario races, this bruiser of a course features gains and losses of 800 feet, with the scenery of the escarpment and valleys to keep you focused while you wonder what you got yourself into.

Toronto Women's Run Series - Saturday, August 29
This popular race is just for the ladies (although men are technically allowed to sign up), benefiting a very worthy cause - POGO (Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario). Weaving through Sunnybrook Park, the route is on pristine tree lined paths for either 5 or 10K distances. Ladies will be perfectly hydrated on this run, with firefighters manning every water station on the course.

Oasis Zoo Run - Saturday, September 12
Leaping lion, galloping gazelle, or stealth sloth...you decide which is your spirit animal in this run through the Toronto Zoo. Word to the wise, get there early as the corrals are tightly wound through the animal exhibits, making it difficult to snake your way through the busy crowds. Kids love the 500m fun run and while the 5K distance is a cinch for most, the 10k hits up the hillier aspects of the zoo and is a pretty challenging route.

B&O Yorkville Run - Sunday, September 13
This has been dubbed the fastest Canadian 5K road race for the past 4 years and this year marks the second time they've tacked on another running event, the Canadian 5K Road Race Championship. Speed demons can apply to snag a spot in this elite race, so if your 10K time looks like most people's 5K, then sign up to secure a spot.

RBC Run for the Kids - Saturday, September 19
Hit the mean streets of North York for this 5K, 7K or 15K run in support of youth mental health. This race starts at Mel Lastman Square, whips around the neighbourhood and finishes off with a big party back at the square. All proceeds go to support Sunnybrook's youth mental health initiatives.

Terry Fox - Sunday, September 20
Everyone's favourite one legged athlete made his mission to cure cancer, and while his life was cut short by the disease, his goal of every Canadian donating one dollar to the cause was something he accomplished long ago (currently at $650 million in donations). Runs are throughout the city, with courses in North York, Sunnybrook Park, Seneca College, High Park, and Scarborough to name just a few.

Runway Run - Saturday, September 26
You'll wanna fartlek your way through this run, as the added bonus of jet fuel in your face will either leave you determined to finish quick, or to pause briefly to give your lungs a break. The 5K marked route (or 2K walk) starts at the southernmost runway with planes taking off and landing on the adjacent tarmac.

What did I miss? Add your favourite summer running events to the comments.

Photo of the Runway Run via Facebook.