Quantcast
Channel: blogTO
Viewing all 47899 articles
Browse latest View live

Photos of the Toronto Polar Bear Dip 2013

0
0

toronto polar bear dip 2013On the morning of January 1st, 2013, hundreds gathered bright and early at Sunnyside Beach for the Toronto Polar Bear Club Dip. The annual event has been a tradition since 2005, and raises funds for Habitat for Humanity, as well as being a surefire way to banish New Year's Eve hangovers for those who are brave, and motivated enough, to drag themselves out of bed.

toronto polar bear dip 2013The Toronto Polar Bear dip sees participants, each having brought a minimum sponsorship or donation of $20, run into Lake Ontario in simple bikinis or elaborate costumes--on a day when the temperature dropped beneath the 0 degree mark, although the water temperature was 2 degrees. Many wore (probably ineffectual) hats, scarves and gloves, and most dashed in and quickly ran out.

The event is one of several being held throughout the country, and the Toronto Polar Bear Dip had its highest attendance ever this year, and had raised $28,000 as of an hour before the event's start (although more people registered later).

Check out more photos below.

toronto polar bear dip 2013toronto polar bear dip 2013toronto polar bear dip 2013toronto polar bear dip 2013toronto polar bear dip 2013toronto polar bear dip 2013toronto polar bear dip 2013toronto polar bear dip 2013toronto polar bear dip 2013

Photos by Christian Bobak


New in Toronto Music: Taylor Knox, Black Walls, Smash Brovaz, Digits, Non-Stop Girls

0
0

New in TorontoFind out what's new and hot with our our bi-weekly local music roundup.

DIGITS / LOVE IS OUR ONLY AFFECTION / DECEMBER 17TH
I give this video two digits, specifically my thumbs — get it? Good. In it we meet a pale alien who has crashed landed (fallen to earth) and goes on a sensual fact-finding mission. This video is spicy and features all sorts of heavy petting and borderline leud scenes. It's pretty far out (and I ain't referring to another pelvic digit). N.S.F.W. which of course means means 'Nary Strive o' Foppish Wonderer, a phrase which I've always felt was pretty unclear.

BLACK WALLS / GABRIEL'S MESSAGE /DECEMBER 19TH
Here's a little Black Walls fan fiction, if you will: Shyphonius stood before the altar of Gabriel. He outstretched his arms and began the incantation. ¶ "Quid, Me Anxius Sum/Quid, Me Anxius Sum/Quid, Me Anxius Sum." ¶ The black wall stirred. A light, beginning ever faintly, began to brighten seemingly through the blackness itself. Shyphonius crossed himself and bowed. His beard tingled. ¶ The light increased. It blinded him. It overtook him. It humbled him. ¶ Finally the Figure of Gabriel appeared still and silent. ¶ Shyphonius cried "Oh Gabriel, tell me of my father's voice for I have never hear it." ¶ Shyphonius could speak no more. He kneeled with his head down for what must have been 15 minutes. Finally he sensed Gabriel stir and pushed himself to raise his head. ¶ When their eyes met Gabriel was smiling. Shyphonius' cup was filled (metaphor). ¶ Gabriel let out a large fart and winked.

TAYLOR KNOX / FIRE/DECEMBER 18TH
The impression that I get when listening to Fire is of a mighty mighty band that will last for a long time, Knox on wood. That last sentences included three different puns/allusions — let's see if you can spot all of them as well as figure out what band I'm referring to. I'll wait. AWESOME JOB! Also, awesome job Taylor Knox. Fire is an excellent EP, just sparse enough to be sincere without being boring — OK, I can't bare to think that someone missed out on all my excellent puns. THE BAND IS MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES!

SMASH BROVAZ / THINK IT'S A GAME / DECEMBER 18TH
Yes, Smash Brovaz is a hilarious name but its real strength lies in its diverisity . It wouldn't have lost a touch if it were the name of a rocksteady band, a drinking game or the moniker of two grade school bullies. Their leader would be Phillip who always wore a turtle neck and was so ballsy he would even wet willy the girls. His partner in crime would be Trevor, a larger, seemingly cruel boy who really just doesn't know any better. But in this case it belongs to local rappers who have debuted their new album Think It's a Game, which I'm inclined to do judging by their name.

NON-STOP GIRLS / CASSETTE / DECEMBER 22ND
Non-Stop Girls is also the name of the screenplay I'm developing. It's about a really cool guy who takes women's studies and learns hilarious and plot twisting surprises about each of his teachers. The title refers to the overwhelming number of girls in the film, which only serves to compound the personal problem of the main character — namely, that he's only interested in one girl, who is not attracted to men. This is mainly a device to allow our protagonist to play Weezer's "Pink Triangle" at the big talent show. Of course he doesn't get the girl because sexuality is not a switch, which is the moral of the story. Sure, I would put the band Not-Stop Girls on the soundtrack but only if they changed their name to Vicki O'Rourke and Stop Measures.

Photo of Digits by the Urban Hermit

Spoken word events in Toronto, January 2013

0
0

january spoken word events torontoHappy New Year one and all! No doubt you had an amazing experience ringing in 2013, and now, the locals are restless once again--at least the poetry locals, who have a full agenda of performance magic on deck for the first month of the New Year. Some may not know this, but the spoken word on offer in Toronto is some of the best you can see anywhere in this country. Here's another 30 days' worth for all the aficionados out there.

HOT TICKETS

WORDSPELL SPOKEN WORD / JANUARY 2 / 8:30PM / FREE TIMES CAFÉ / $6 AND UP (PWYC SLIDING SCALE)
Lillian Allen, the Juno Award-winning dub poetry legend, headlines the third bi-monthly edition of this showcase of women's voices. She is joined by up-and-coming actor/chanteuse/poet Emilee Nimetz. The show is hosted by Cathy Petch, and will also include an open mic reserved for women sharing their words.

THE ROOTS LOUNGE OPEN MIC & POETRY SLAM (INAUGURAL SCARBOROUGH EDITION) / JANUARY 6 / 7PM / YVONNE'S COFFEE HAUS / $5
Up From The Roots Entertainment opens up the east end of the GTA for poetry slam with this new show. The Roots Lounge is Ontario's longest running slam and the new Scarborough show makes it a twice-monthly series. Poets and slam fans from Durham Region no longer have to go all the way downtown, as the Scarborough slam will take place on the first Sunday of every month.

REGIE CABICO @ Q SPACE / JANUARY 12 / 7:30PM / Q SPACE / PWYC
American spoken word stalwart Regie Cabico comes north of the border for a night of what promises to be wild antics, hilarious repartee and tremendous poetry. Partnered with local luminaries David Bateman and Cathy Petch, there's no doubt this show will be a memorable one.

TORONTO POETRY SLAM / JANUARY 12 / 8PM / THE DRAKE HOTEL / $5
The city's biggest slam series starts off their 2013 schedule with a visit from Abdominal & The Obliques. Their new CD, Sitting Music, is a treat to the ears that will certainly get the show jumping at the Drake. Here's a sample of one of their new tracks as seen on Exclaim! TV:

ONTARIO SPOKEN WORD CIRCUIT PRESENTS LISA SLATER / JANUARY 16, 17, 23 & 24
The OSWC is a consortium of five spoken word groups that stage monthly spoken word events in London, Guelph, Hamilton, Burlington, Mississauga, Toronto and York Region. Thanks to the Canada Council for the Arts, they will bring a high-profile artist each month to perform at the venues on the circuit. This month the 2012 Individual World Poetry Slam finalist and Unionville native Lisa Slater visits from Vancouver. She appears at Bill Brown's 1-2-3 Slam (January 16), Burlington Slam Project (January 17), YorkSlam Canadian Indies Qualifier (January 23) and We Flip Tables! @SaugaSlam (January 24).

WHEN SISTERS SPEAK / JANUARY 26 / 8PM / ST. LAWRENCE CENTRE FOR THE ARTS / $38-48
Dwayne Morgan hosts the 13th annual spoken word concert of Black female poets, featuring Toronto poets Amani, Britta B. and Jemeni, New York's Tantra, Miami's Rai Renea, and the return of d'bi young. If you've never seen this Dora Award-winning talent, you are truly missing out.



OTHER SHOWS AND EVENTS

Portobello / January 5 / 1:30pm / Portobello Restaurant & Bar / free

Sunday Poetry / January 6, 13, 20, 27 / 11:30am / Ellington's Music & Café / free

R.I.S.E. Poetry Movement / January 7, 14, 21, 28 / 6pm / Scarborough Youth Resource Centre / $2

Loose Leaf Poets & Writers / January 7, 14, 21, 28 / 7pm / Fogarty's / free



The Art Bar Poetry Series / January 8, 15, 22, 29 / 8pm / Q Space / PWYC

Acoustic Soul Tuesdays / January 8, 22 / 8pm / Lambadina Lounge / $5 before 8pm; $10 after 8pm

The Beautiful and the Damned hosted by Philip Cairns / January 10 / 7pm / Glad Day Bookshop / PWYC

Hot-Sauced Words / January 17 / 8pm / Black Swan Tavern / PWYC

Roots Lounge Open Mic & Poetry Slam / January 20 / 8pm / Harlem Restaurant / $5

Plasticine Poetry hosted by Cathy Petch / January 20 / 6pm / Pauper's Pub / free


Toronto Poetry Slam ft. Toronto Poet Laureate George Elliott Clarke / January 26 / 8pm / The Drake Hotel / $5

For more listings, head on over to the events calendar or check out the Cytopoetics Events spoken word blog for local info updated weekly during the month.

Have a spoken word event coming up that you'd like us to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO events calendar.

Greg "Ritallin" Frankson is the creative director of Cytopoetics, as well as an arts educator and a spoken word artist himself. Photo courtesy of Abdominal & The Obliques.

Snowbound

Radar: Awake, 1st Thursdays, Issue 1, A Comic Themed Art Show, Songwriters Circle of Jerks 4, Salt Baby

0
0

toronto events january 3THEATRE | AWAKE
One of Toronto's most violent neighbourhoods gets the theatre treatment in the opening of AWAKE, the story of a Jamestown shooting based on the true events of the 2005 murder of Amon Beckles. Using interviews with youth, cops, parents who have lost their children, and Jamestown locals, the play documents gang violence in the community as well as through those who manage to escape it and thrive despite their surroundings. Running alongside with the Next Stage Theatre Festival, AWAKE will remain on stages until January 13th.
Factory Theatre Mainspace (125 Bathurst Street) 5PM $12 early show, $15 late show

ART | 1st Thursdays
The city's biggest art party returns for the first Thursday of the month with a performance by the Juno and Polaris Prize nominee Basia Bulat. Bulat's soulful folk songwriting fits right in with the theme of the evening, which will explore images of Canadian landscapes. Local street artist fauxreel (also known as Dan Bergeron) will showcase a participatory mural project not unlike the street "interventions" he regularly creates. Pop-up tours of the Canadian collection will be available and the Frida & Diego exhibit will be open to those who purchase combo tickets to the event and exhibit ($20). Purchase online to avoid lining up in the cold.
Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas Street West) 6:30PM $10 advance, $12 door

ART | Issue 1: A Comic Themed Art Show
Five of Toronto's top comic artists explore the burgeoning of geek culture with Issue 1, a comic themed art show. Illustrations of the famous characters from your childhood comics, superheroes, and original characters created by artists W. Scott Forbes, Ricky Kruger, Alina Urusov, Cy Berlin, and Deena Pagliarello will be for sale. Geek out and show up before the show ends January 17th.
#Hashtag Gallery (801 Dundas Street West) 7PM Free

MUSIC | Songwriters Circle of Jerks 4: Undercover
The circle jerk is back! In this month's installment of the music showcase where local songwriters cover songs by their own favourites, five musicians will cover one another's works. Headlining Circle of Jerks 4 is folk artist Ben Hermann, alongside the regular Jerks: Nelson Sobral of Melting Pot, Hugh Wilson and Nick Verona of Big Name Actors, and David Hustler of David Hustler & The Trustworthy. Stop by Free Times Café for a beer, and a night of new Canadian music.
Free Times Café (320 College Street) 8:30PM Free

THEATRE | Salt Baby
Salt Baby never fit in on the Rez. A white-looking Native girl with her Shirley Temple curls and pale skin, she is constantly challenged by her community to "be more Indian." Having to explain your heritage is the powerful subject that Salt Baby addresses, in a comedic play about a young woman taking on an entire reservation and city to define herself. Written by Falen Johnson, directed by Yvette Nolan, and starring Paula-Jean Prudat as Salt Baby, the show premieres at Factory Studio Theatre tonight as part of the Next Stage Festival.
Factory Studio Theatre (125 Bathurst Street) $15 9:30PM

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR RADAR:

Photo courtesy of Basia Bulat

Morning Brew: Toronto prepares shark fin appeal, new transit works for 2013, residents frown on revised LRT map, horses head Stateside, and finding the Avro Arrow

0
0

toronto icy alleyToronto plans to appeal the court ruling that killed the city's ban on shark fin projects. City solicitor Anna Kinastowski said her team has filed papers ahead of a deadline that sets the stage for a legal battle if council gives the thumbs up later this month or in February. The shark fin by-law was struck down by an Ontario Superior Court judge in November for being outside the city's jurisdiction.

2013 will bring plenty of subtle changes to transit in Toronto, including new articulated busses and renovations to Union and Pape stations. A new, more permanent rush hour traffic management scheme for Yonge-Dundas station is also in the works, hopefully at the expense of the current plastic barriers. New service interruption displays for the ticket halls are also coming soon.

Speaking of transit improvements, Metrolinx's plan to extend the buried portion of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT isn't proving popular with some local residents. Two sub-surface stops - Leslie Street and Ferrard Drive - will be cut from the route if the plan gets the go ahead. Should Metrolinx build as many stops as possible or is tunneling more important?

Two local steeds will be in the United States for Barack Obama's second inauguration. Honest Ed and Tecumseh, two Toronto police Clydesdale-Thoroughbred crosses, will march with horses from across North America down Pennsylvania Avenue on Jan. 21.

Meet the bike-riding lawyers who fought for two recent coroner's reports into cycling and pedestrian safety. Albert Koehl and Patrick Brown hope that by having statistics on the number of road injuries will lead to better equality and protection for all road users.

Everyone knows a major sporting event is nothing without a mascot, and that's why Pan Am Game organizers are throwing down the gauntlet to local children to design a cheery character to represent the 2015 event. Kids might consider designing some sort of cash cow, since the character is likely to be one of the event's highest earners.

Finally, somewhere in the murky depths of Lake Ontario lie nine Avro Arrows, the legendary Canadian supersonic fighter jet project abruptly cancelled in 1959. Despite promising tests, all existing prototypes, designs, and documents were destroyed and several hulls dropped into the lake. Since then, continued interest in the project has lead a team of enthusiasts to search the bed for the lost jet. No luck so far...

QUICK LINKS:

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

Photo: "Untitled" by Lisa on the Run from the blogTO Flickr pool.

This Week in Film: The World Before Her, Promised Land, Texas Chainsaw 3D, Labyrinth, Scott Puccio & Ekrem Serdar, and Canada's Top 10

0
0

World Before HerThis Week in Film rounds up noteworthy new releases in theatres, rep cinema and avant-garde screenings, festivals, and other special cinema-related events happening in Toronto.

NEW RELEASES

The World Before Her (Bloor Hot Docs Cinema)

Before it plays in Canada's Top Ten (see the Film Festivals section below for more on that event), Hot Docs '12 Best Canadian Feature prize winner The World Before Her gets a four-day run at the Bloor. Taking a look at 20 contestants for the Miss India pageant as they enter an intense month-long beauty boot camp in Bombay, this portrayal of Indian women's constraints and freedoms could not be screening at a more relevant and necessary time. Required viewing, whether you've already seen it or not.

Promised Land (Cineplex Yonge & Dundas)

Gus Van Sant is in a slump. It's happened before, it'll happen again, and we'll all just have to sit tight and wait it out with some degree of confidence that he's only doing this for the money (see also: Finding Forrester) and that his real passion projects are on the horizon. Which isn't to say Promised Land's intentions aren't in the right place. Its portrayal of fracking and the damages it's causing our environment are necessary points that everyone needs to be aware of. It's just too bad that the film is essentially 100 minutes of a "fracking is evil" Google search.

Texas Chainsaw 3D (Carlton; Scotiabank)

With each ill-advised and totally unnecessary sequel/remake, you can count on Kim Henkel and/or Tobe Hooper (the creators of the masterful 1974 original) to make some sort of official stamp of approval or appearance as characters. Nice of them to try to keep their single valuable contribution to cinema alive, but this doesn't make any of the rehashes good. In the 70s, it was revolutionary, stylistically unheard of, and structurally sui generis; it was a leader. Everything since, though, including this new 3D-ification, is a hack-job, made for and by followers; the celluloid and DCP cartridges ought to be chainsawed to pieces.

REP CINEMA

Labyrinth (Saturday, January 5 at 2PM + Sunday, January 6 at 1:30PM; The Royal)

The first week of the year is always quiet in cinemas, and that applies to rep cinemas, too. The sole classic film screening this week is Labyrinth, which needs no introduction or defense from me. Tickets will be available through the box office starting 30 minutes prior to each screening and will be a measly $5.

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

Selected Stories of Ekrem and Scott (Friday, January 4 at 8PM; CineCycle)

"In the winter holidays, when chance permits, Scott Puccio and Ekrem Serdar regularly join their poet friends for a small holiday event in Buffalo, NY, in which they can share words and images with each other. Now with Ekrem living in Texas, they are taking this rare opportunity of seeing each other to share work new and old in a city that is dear to both their hearts." Scott Puccio & Ekrem Serdar will both be at the screening in person from Buffalo, New York and Austin, Texas! The 41-minute program will Include an expanded cinema performance with live music.

FILM FESTIVALS

Canada's Top Ten (January 4-13 at TIFF Bell Lightbox)

Canada's Top 10 FilmsThere are always going to be snubs in Canada's Top Ten (this year's are Tower and Bestiaire), but the jury more often than not gets it right when it comes to summarizing the past year's best Canadian Cinema (even if they do perennially ignore our quality avant-garde output when it comes to their short film acknowledgements). The year's two best Canadian features are there in the form of Cosmopolis and Laurence Anyways, the Sarah Polley film is better than the one from last year, and the closest analog to Starbuck (i.e. forgettable populist waste) is Goon, which is better than it had any right to be thanks to one of the year's best acting performances from Seann William Scott.

So all in all, one of the better years for the CTT. For a closer look at all of the films selected this year — short and feature-length — check out our complete run-down here.

Still from the World Before Her

The 2012 Photos of the Year: Round Two

0
0

Photos of the year 2012As the new year begins, 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. This poll will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on January 9th.

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 ~EvidencE~

2.
Toronto Island HomePhoto by asianz

3.
Toronto SkylinePhoto by n.white1

4.
High Park SpringPhoto by CaroLeal

5.
James GoneauPhoto by James Goneau

6.
Toronto SkylinePhoto by Empty Quarter

7.
Supermoon TorontoPhoto by Richard Gottardo

8.
Bird DivingPhoto by valkozintsev

9.
Fireworks TorontoPhoto by Richard Gottardo

10.
Streetcar TorontoPhoto by syncros

11.
Rain TorontoPhoto by ursini danilo

12.
Rosedale StationPhoto by photolifer

13.
Gardiner ExpresswayPhoto by Jim U



Club District party bar brings back memories of camp

0
0

club district bar torontoThis Richmond street club takes a page out of the Canadian winter handbook with its lodge-themed interior, and desire to be more of a party bar than nightclub. It has all the makings of a Club District classic--cover charge, drinks that could be stiffer, and loud DJ tunes, tight dresses--but makes up for it with deer antlers.

Read my profile of Cabin Five in the bars section.

New in Toronto real estate: Axiom Condos

0
0

axiom condos torontoAxiom Condos is the nuanced name for the set of two towers planned for Adelaide and George streets. Clearly, potential buyers are to take the project as their calculated, reasoned, true real estate choice — but hey, look, it comes with a "sparkling water feature!" A joint project by Greenpark and Fieldgate, Axiom towers will rise only modestly, but they will still certainly bring added density to Adelaide East. Watch out, west end — Axiom is coming! Very, very slowly. Here's a closer look at Axiom Condos.

axiom condos torontoSPECS

Address:424 Adelaide Street East

Number of towers: 2

Total number of units: 480

Number of storeys: 19,17

Types of units: Studio, one bedroom, one-plus-den, two bedroom, two-plus-den

Unit sizes (in square feet): 415 - 1058

Ceiling heights: 9' and 10'

Prices from: Low $200,000's

Parking: $35,000

Maintenance fees: $0.52/sf

Maintenance fees exclude: Hydro, water, bicycle locker maintenance ($10.70)

Developer:Greenpark Homes and Fieldgate Homes

Architect:Kirkor Architects

Amenities: 24/7 Concierge, lounge, theater room, games room, pet spa, fitness studio, party room, outdoor terrace, sky deck

Expected occupancy: December 2016

axiom condos torontoTHE GOOD

Lest my eyes (or sixth grade mathematical skills) deceive me, it seems Axiom is offering its suites for much below the apparent new "norm" of $650-$700 per square foot. Indeed, these units are priced closer to $500-$550, which (sadly) is pretty competitive for a new downtown Toronto tower. Granted, initial pricing is often deceiving such that the term "starting from" usually comes to mean "exclusive to just one suite on a low floor, with no view, basic finishes, and next to garbage chute." But hey, it's affordable, right? Chock it up to a cooling real estate market, surplus of new condo options (the chicken or the egg?) or the arguably less desirable east-of-Yonge address, but Axiom definitely has pricing on its side. Until you read the fine print, that is, but that goes for most Toronto builds.

Now, I hinted at a supposed east-end inferiority — a point seemingly supported by the glutofnewcondos poised to take over Richmond, King, and Adelaide streets west. But there's decidedly less love on the other side of Yonge. What gives? Well, for one, the area just north of the Axiom site is still a little bit seedy, with a persistent row of dive bars on Queen and questionable nighttime action at Moss Park. Retail lags a bit over here, too, with a couple stretches of unoccupied spaces that would never be tolerated a little further west. But I suspect that will change. Axiom will bring fancy new retail to its podium base (anyone want to wager $20 on Starbucks?), and construction will inevitably move east as developers snatch up the last of skinny King West spaces. Axiom residents won't be the firsts to the area, but they most certainly won't be the last either.

axiom condos torontoAnd if you can look past the occasional dive bar brouhaha, what's not to love? You're five minutes from the St. Lawrence Market, four mintues from the Distillery District, and potentially right by the Downtown Relief Line. And until then (just 15 years, or so), there's always the King streetcar.

THE BAD

What, exactly, is a bicycle locker maintenance fee? $10 per month to make sure exhaust from the parking garage doesn't filter into the bike room and contaminate your seat? The cost of a random stranger employed to clean your chain and inspect your brake pads once a month? Or something even more frivolous and unnecessary? Seems almost as redundant as a pet grooming room in a condo that's around the corner from a pet spa. Oh, wait...

axiom condos torontoAxiom Condos suffers from the main plague that strikes too many new urban builds; that is, the space-saving pseudo-kitchen. While I'm sure some talented multifunction-room dwellers can make good use of the kitchen/living/dining hybrid, the lack of counter space and humming Energy Star by the living room credenza doesn't seem overly charming (at least, to those pretentious people who casually use the term "credenza"). While the unit layouts seem pretty good overall, actually — with windows in most bedrooms, the occasional walk-in or step-in closet, and fair-sized balconies for most suites — no space for the stand mixer is a definite drawback.

And don't let Axiom's seemingly innocuous 19 storeys fool you — this is one mega condo in disguise. Granted, elevator waits won't be so bad with units divided between two structures, but you can count on close to a thousand people sweating in that fitness centre and clogging up the parking garage entrance. High density can mean high wear, which is bad news for your maintenance fees. And nerves.

axiom condos torontoTHE VERDICT

Really depends on the price of a pint at one of those Queen East dives.

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

Yonge and St. Clair is lining up for new bakery and cafe

0
0

artisan baker torontoIf you're looking for French bakery grab-and-go, you might be out of luck. Yonge and St. Clair has embraced this new bakery and cafe, occupying each marble-topped table during lunch and eating up (figuratively and literally) the quiches, croissants, and daily hot specials. So if you want to grab a quick pain au chocolat — come at 10:30 a.m.; you should be OK.

Read my profile of The Artisan Baker in the bakeries section.

The Best New Fashion Stores in Toronto, 2012

0
0

fashion stores torontoThe best new fashion stores in Toronto in 2012 reflect a wide variety of tastes, styles, and budgets, with reworked vintage seeing a spike in popularity. There are shops with a tight focus on local, hard-to-find brands, while others cast their net far and wide to source international lines.

Shoe addicts will be pleased to see their vice of choice well represented, while those with an appreciation for the past will find haute labels and no-name brands alike nipped, snipped and otherwise updated into modern silhouettes. And although fashion's long been considered a woman's game, most of the entries below have a generous helping of menswear.

Here's the list of the best new fashion stores in Toronto in 2012.

See also:

The best new fashion stores in Toronto, 2011
The best new fashion stores in Toronto, 2010
The best new fashion stores in Toronto, 2009

Eaton Centre eye

The photos of the week: January 4-10

0
0

Ward's IslandThe 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!

Lead photo by ~EvidencE~.

Eaton CentrePhoto by jamesbf

ROM Toronto snowPhoto by Gary Baker

Toronto DensityPhoto by Jonathan Castellino

Humber Bay Arch BridgePhoto by Subjective Art

Don RiverPhoto by mooncall2012

Toronto PierPhoto by DMVPhotography


5 upcoming wedding and bridal shows in Toronto

0
0

toronto wedding shows 2013Wedding season is upon us. It's a strange truism of the wedding industry that it kicks off with renewed vim and vigour in the New Year, and nowhere is this more evident than in the convention and event venues of Toronto--many of which are transformed into bridal wonderlands come January.

As anyone who's ever tentatively bent the spine of some heaping, glossy wedding magazine can attest to, you inevitably feel a mix of excitement ("what a fabulous party I'll throw") and panic ("I'm meant to throw this fabulous party?"). The task of planning a wedding can sometimes feel like exactly that (rather than the whimsical falling-into-place of everything you foolishly imagined), and the price tags are frequently exorbitant. Wedding shows are not only a convenient one-stop-shop for venues, caterers, florists, and the all-important dress, but also an opportunity to obtain many of these things at a discount.

Here are 5 upcoming wedding and bridal shows you can't miss.

Canada's Bridal Show / January 4-6, 2013
The season starts off right with Canada's Bridal Show, featuring hundreds of exhibitors--from stationary stores, to limo services, to venues, and even a firework provider. You'll also get expert desert advice from Buddy Valastro of TLC's Cake Boss, and maybe even snatch up a dress for a wallet-friendly $200 at the Mona Richie wedding dress sale.

Wedluxe Wedding Show / January 6, 2013
The WedLuxe Wedding Show bravely packs itself into one Sunday at the Fairmont Royal York (just imagine the hordes of brides to be). On the surface, it has a high price tag at $35 in advance (or $45 at the door), but comes steeped in goodies above and beyond its impressive list of exhibitors. You'll receive a free tote bag and copy of the latest issue of the Wedluxe magazine, as well as be treated to complimentary mini-spa treatments, hors d'oeuvres, and a shopping session at the swag bar. Grooms will also be taken care of with snacks, cocktails, and a comfy seat before a widescreen TV.

The Wedding Co. Show / January 11-13, 2013
Billing itself as the show for the urban couple and with an address to match (the considerably more intimate and stylish Carlu), the Wedding Co. show is in its 12th year, and boasts a more streamlined, and dare I say, handpicked list of exhibitors. You'll find vendors such as Anne Sportun, Bobbette and Belle pastries, and (my pick for highly tailored bouquets) Sweetpea's floral boutique. Tickets are $25 (or $30 at the door), and include a copy of the Wedding Co. Spring issue.

National Bridal Show / January 25-27, 2013
The National Bridal Show is perhaps the creme de la creme of the wedding planning season, beginning with free entry for brides-to-be with pre-registration (otherwise, $15 at the door or $12 online). As expected, there'll be fashion shows (in which you can carefully spy how models navigate long trains and unruly bustles), gurus on hand to answer your pressing wedding questions, including Jane Dayus-Hinch, host of Wedding SOS and Keasha Rigsby (of Keasha's Perfect Dress), as well as promised discounts of 40%-70% off Amanda-Lina Sposa Boutique's wedding dresses.

Toronto's Bridal Show / April 19-21, 2013
The Direct Energy Centre will get swamped with shades of off-white in early spring for this 150+ exhibitor show, featuring a fashion show (with no-doubt frothy concoctions) and giveaways. There'll be inspiration (and hopefully some concrete finds) for photographers, bridal beauty trends, and even bachelor and bachelorette parties. Stay tuned to their website for ticket prices.

Lead photo by Gabriel Li // StudioGabe in the blogTO Flickr pool


This Week in Food: Zakkushi, Kupfert & Kim, Jungle Juice, Brew Year's Day, Sips & Nibbles, Good vs. Evil

0
0

toronto food eventsThis 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

  • Vancouver import, Zakkushi-Charcoal Grill Diner is now open at 193 Carlton Street offering a selection of Yakitori, tapas and sushi.
  • Kupfert & Kim is now open in First Canadian Place. Found across the corridor from Naturally Yours, Bay Street's latest lunch option specializes in meatless and wheatless fare.
  • Anyone who's been to Rio and wondered why we don't have juice bars like they do in Brazil will want to hit up Jungle Juice, now open at 370 College St.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Tickets go on sale today (Friday, January 4th) for Sips & Nibbles presented by the Toronto Underground Market. This one night event at Steam Whistle Brewery (255 Bremner Boulevard) takes place Saturday, February 16th at 7pm - you could by tickets for your sweetheart now and be a total hero come V-Day.
  • Celebrate Brew Year's Day at the The Brewer's Backyard on Sunday, January 6th from noon until 4pm. The Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Avenue) hosts this winter event featuring a slate of six, strong Ontario ales. Admission is free, but food and drink will cost you $4-$6 a pop.
  • The Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival continues until January 31st. Get out of the city to experience tasting events at wineries across NOTL.
  • Dishcrawl hosts Foodie Finds in the Beaches on Tuesday, January 22nd. Tickets are on sale now, the $60 tour will offer up local specialties from 4 food boutiques in this vibrant neighborhood.
  • Get your tickets for the Good vs. Evil Tour featuring Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert sharing the stage at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts (1 Front Street East) on Saturday, May 4th for an evening of storytelling and frank insight into what really goes on behind the kitchen doors.
  • Learn to make Perfect Parisian Macarons on Wednesday, January 9th at Le Dolci (1006 Dundas Street West). The 2 hour hands-on class costs $80 and covers the secrets to virtually no-fail macarons using everyday kitchen items.

CHEFS

OTHER NEWS

  • Winterlicious prix fixe reservations will be accepted as of Thursday, January 10th for seatings between January 25th to February 7th. The full list of the 191 participating restaurants is online now to whet your appetite.
  • Nota Bene (180 Queen Street West) will keep the champagne flowing the entire month of January with an $80 promotion featuring 3 courses with Veuve Clicquot pairings.

College Street's izakaya stands up to the competition

0
0

hapa izakaya torontoThis izakaya chain originated in Vancouver with three locations, but in September touched down in Little Italy. Aside from a good selection of sake, they're serving up inventive maki, mackerel blowtorched table-side, and a menu focused on seasonal items.

Read my review of Hapa Izakaya in the restaurants section.

How hard is it to operate a food truck in Toronto?

0
0

Food Trucks TorontoToronto's food renaissance has been marching on relentlessly for the past few years--2012 saw the arrival of some truly exciting culinary talent. A great deal of hype accompanied the launch of David Chang's Momofuku at the newly opened Shangri-La, which perhaps best epitomized the direction that the food scene (both in Toronto and on a global scale) has been headed of late: a gentrification of street food.

Line-ups snaking around the block for humble tacos or mere ramen is a common sight these days, and the Toronto Underground Market became the launchpad for numerous successful businesses this year: most recently, with the 6 month-turnaround of Rock Lobster from Kensington stall to 65-seat restaurant.

Street food, some have argued, deserves to stay on the street, and it's this sort of mentality that's made it s difficult to find a quick snack in a city with no recognised spaces to serve much else other than hot dogs. Many will look back on 2012 as the year that food trucks really came into their own, but a closer inspection of the terms they operate under has the future of mobile eats hanging in the balance.

William Randolph, owner of the recently launched British food truck The Feisty Jack, has been at the heart of those trying to address that problem. In business since October, William and his partner Jessica Sinclair have formed the Toronto Food Truck Association after having come across numerous obstacles and baffling regulations. As he puts it, "I think the food truck business is glamourized by shows like Eat Street. It's a brutal business, really."

With a long history of restaurant ownership in his family, and chef schooling at Leiths in London, William has grown up in both the UK and Toronto. Upon deciding to join the burgeoning food truck scene, William opted to build his own truck rather than buy one ready-made: "Seeing food trucks going for $150,000 made me think about doing a lot of the work myself." Jessica adds, "Most of the trucks were originally Purolator or UPS trucks that have been retrofitted."

Food Trucks TorontoWhat exactly is needed to operate a food truck? "You'll find everything in our truck you would expect to find in a restaurant: a four burner oven, stove, griddle, deep fryers, fridge freezer, triple sink and water system. We're graded the same exact way by health inspectors as restaurants." In fact, it seems they're even more heavily scrutinized, with health inspectors frequently waiting at vending sites to perform checks on arrival. William is proud of the standards attained in the industry: "No food truck has failed an inspection yet in this city."

Still, with all the work in getting started and the stringent regulation applied to the trucks, it remains illegal to pull up on the street and perform transactions for food. Unless, of course, the cash transaction is happening elsewhere (like inside of an adjacent storefront). The regulation does not prevent the distribution of food itself, just the vending of it. It's a confusing situation, made worse by what happens when the City of Toronto actually does invite food trucks to sell. Toronto, William argues, is still playing catchup when it comes to embracing food truck culture: "There is no specific food truck license. It's the same license as that for a hot dog vendor."

This means holding a permit for only one area at a time, which can be enormously difficult to negotiate in the first place. Since launching in October, The Feisty Jack has only been able to sell food to the general public in Toronto on four occasions, with the truck losing money each time, especially after permit fees of $100-$2500, and paying between two or three staff per service. He doesn't have to look far for examples of more progressive approaches: "In Niagara and St. Catherine's, for example, they have a limited number of licenses for food trucks, but the trucks can park anywhere they want" However, "there's respect for the restaurants in the area," and trucks will not park close to existing restaurants.

The reputation of low overheads when operating a mobile food service appears to be a myth, too. Jessica explains: 'We don't have access to the same kind of storage and refrigeration that restaurants do. Every time we go out, we have to go and stock our fridges for that day. If we run out, we run out; if we buy too much, we lose money."

For William, much of his private events business (where the real money is) comes from being seen at public events: "People see you, and they want to have you at their birthday or office parties." With only four public services, he's been able to generate enough bookings to sell about 3 days a week. There are other revenue streams, too. A lot of Feisty Jack's business comes from delivery to various offices: food is pre-paid, and then delivered to the office.

Still, even with extra revenue streams, William wants Toronto's food trucks to become a more regular part of the urban landscape, and to be respected as a legitimate contributor to the city's marketplace: "For 99% of food trucks, our product is from local Toronto businesses. We're not running off to Costco; we are part of the Toronto economy."

Food Trucks TorontoThe inaugural meeting of the Toronto Foodtruck Association proved to be a revelation--William and Jessica's sentiments were shared universally, and the uptake on formulating a plan of action has been extremely enthusiastic, with every Toronto-based truck on board. "We all share the same concerns and difficulties," Randolph explains.

William's plan for the TFA involves a great deal of education for both city councillors, and also restaurant associations, who he believes will benefit from understanding that food trucks like Feisty Jack are not trying to steal business away from them. "The people who go to food trucks just want a quick snack; they don't have time to sit down and order food," William says. "There's room for everyone." The lack of understanding, he argues, is causing friction that everyone in the industry is feeling.

He says that it's not uncommon for him and others to receive threats of violence and intimidation, even when they're not vending at all. Just the presence of the truck is enough to unease local business owners. Some work is needed to build relationships with Toronto's many BIAs too: "They need to understand that this is not a trend. We're not leaving."

Another aim of the TFA is to establish best practices, like implementing rules about things like making garbage and recycling facilities available, and ensuring that trucks are not leaking: "We don't want to leave a footprint behind."

When asked if he'll open his own restaurant, William replies "We've been approached to open a restaurant, but I've turned it down." Jessica adds, "Some people prefer the mobility." This mobility means flexibility, and if William and the TFA make any real progress this coming year, it means that they should be able to operate as a real part of the city, rather than as things stand now, with food trucks on the fringes, invited to be part of urban events only when it suits City Hall.

feisty jack torontoIn the meantime, The Feisty Jack will be serving food from the kitchens of El Mocambo from next week, with service from 8am-2pm, and 6pm-10pm (later on Fridays and Saturdays).

Writing by Jen Hunter. Photos by Jesse Milns

The Best New Bakeries in Toronto, 2012

0
0

new bakeries toronto 2012The best new bakeries in Toronto in 2012 brought terrible new temptations to those still clinging to the forlorn Atkins diet. Sorry. 2011's reign of the cupcake was replaced by a newfound appreciation for the heavily decorated doughnut, along with persistent dedication to the classic croissant and cookie. The year 2012 saw traditional French, country homestyle, and the odd vegan take on baking, with a couple of unusual options (or names) that seduce a second glance.

Here is the list of the best new bakeries in Toronto in 2012.

See also:

The Best New Bakeries in Toronto, 2011
The Best New Bakeries in Toronto, 2010
The Best New Bakeries in Toronto, 2009

Weekend events in Toronto: January 4-6, 2012

0
0

toronto weekend eventsWeekend events in Toronto is our guide to events happening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Here's what's happening in Toronto this January 4-6, 2013.

MUSIC

The Young Novelists
The folks behind the rising folk group Graydon James & The Young Novelists bring their 8-instrument, 6-person band to Lee's Palace this Saturday night for a show featuring friends and openers The Fires Of and Wool & Howl. In an evening of good old roots rock with a contemporary spin, the headliners will perform pieces from their recent EPs, including the acclaimed a small town eulogy as well as songs from Graydon James' double album release from 2009. Tickets are just $7 but are reduced in price if you bring a non-perishable food item (or two!) along with you.
Lee's Palace (529 Bloor Street West), January 5, 2013, 10PM $7 or $5 with non-perishable food item

Outtacontroller with Pink Wine and Non-Stop Girls
Eric Boshart recently gave blogTO readers the rundown on what's new in Toronto music and named Non-Stop Girls as a garage punk band to keep an ear out for. The Girls join powerpop group Pink Wine this Friday night at Parts & Labour as openers for Halifax band, Outtacontroller, who specialize in gritty, frantic, fuck-with-your-head pop punk. Cover is $5, action takes place in The Shop Under Parts & Labour, and this party will definitely not recreate your New Year's Eve hangover.
Parts & Labour (1566 Queen Street West), January 4, 2013, 10PM $5

Connie Kaldor
Connie Kaldor is the reason that Hugh's Room exists, so it's only fitting that she plays the venue during her visit to Toronto. The legendary Saskatchewan-born Juno Award-winning folk artist will perform music from her 14 solo albums in the space dedicated to Hugh Ogilvy Carson, a man who recognized Toronto's need for a folk music venue. The folk singer-songwriter plays two shows this Saturday and Sunday night. Reservations can be made by filling out a request form on the Hugh's Room website or by calling the venue at 416-531-6604.
Hugh's Room (2261 Dundas Street West), January 5-6, 2013, $27.50-$30

For more music listings, check out our Hot Ticket and January Concerts posts.

PARTY

Motown Party
751 Lounge at Queen and Bathurst does Motown right with an all-vinyl set being played in the basement space by Brett Millius and Reverend Throwdown, while guest DJ Splattermonkey plays Motown remixes upstairs. Old favourites by the best of Motown like Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross will be playing all night long with $11 pitchers to give you the liquid courage you'll need to dance. Get there before 12:30PM if you want in; space is limited.
751 Lounge (751 Queen Street West), January 5, 2013, 10PM $5 before midnight, $10 after midnight

THEATRE

Sudden Death
Award-winning playwright Charlotte Corbeil-Coleman fills the void the NHL has left during the lockout in Sudden Death, a play about a hockey legend battling addictions during the most pivotal point of his career. John "Rambo" Kordic is a tough guy at his breaking point--he's a brawler addicted to cocaine and steroids who can't seem to get it together for the biggest night of his life. A dark comedy that explores the unexamined side of our national sport, the play premieres at the Next Stage Festival this Friday night.
Factory Theatre Mainspace (125, Bathurst Street), January 4, 2013, 9:15PM $12 early show, $15 late show

For more theatre listings, check out our Next Stage Theatre Festival Preview post.

COMMUNITY

Audit Ride of Sherbourne Street Protected Bike Lanes
The first protected bike lane in Toronto sits on Sherbourne Street and is up for audit in 2013. Organizers of the audit invite all cycling-enthused Torontonians to join them on their ride to gather feedback on the rolled curb design north of Gerrard and the raised track design that heads south. The analysis is designed to help protect bike lanes in Toronto and measure their impact on riders and traffic flow; so the more participants, the better for the city! Cyclists will meet at the corner of Bloor East and Sherbourne at 11:30AM to begin their ride.
Bloor Street and Sherbourne Street, January 5, 2013, 11:30AM Free

toronto weekend eventsFOOD & DRINK

Brewer's Backyard: Brew Year's Day
Six craft breweries showcase the best in winter ales at Brewer's Backyard: Brew Year's Day at the Brick Works this Sunday afternoon. Imperial stouts, baltic porters, oak-aged ales, and black IPAs from brewers like Indie Alehouse, Amsterdam, and Great Lakes will be up for tasting inside the Young Welcome Centre. Big E's Grinds will be serving Hawaiian street food and the outdoor skating rink will be open at this free, all-ages event that welcomes old man winter with a brew. Note that food and drink are for purchase only.
Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Avenue), January 6, 2013, 12PM Free

Feast In The East 21: Yacht Club + Digits + Beta Frontiers + Miss Elizabeth
The monthly east ender's carnival of sorts returns with new bands, a new chef, and a new installation for 2013. Dan Bedard will be cooking up a free dinner while Adrian Dilena will preview his latest artwork Environs. The night will include performances by Yacht Club (the side project of Fucked Up's Ben Cook), Berlin electropop star Digits, Beta Frontiers and Miss Elizabeth. The event is all ages with advance tickets available at Circus Books & Music, The Film Buff, Grasshopper Records, and Soundscapes.
Polyhaus (388 Carlaw Avenue), January 4, 2013, 9PM $7 advance, $10 door

For more food listings, check out our This Week in Food post.

MARKET

7th Really Really Free Market
Winter gear is up for grabs at the 7th Really Really Free Market, which once again takes place in Campbell Park this Saturday morning. This month's market will be for any winter clothing or items you need to give up--whether it's your old hockey gear, a sled or last year's parka--or desire. The rules are the same as always: All items must be submitted by 5PM and there is to be no trading, bartering or exchange of money. All leftover items will be donated to a local charity.
Campbell Park (Campbell Avenue, between Wallace Avenue and Antler Street), January 5, 2013, 10AM Free

ART

Opening Reception: 2nd Annual Emergent Artists Exhibition
With a new year marks the return of O'Born Contemporary's 2nd Annual Emergent Artists Exhibition, which showcases upcoming local talents of mixed mediums. This show will display works that signify the cycle of a new generation of artists that are gaining traction in the city. Jeff Bierk, Lindsay Lauckner, Benjamin Freedman, and Kyle Brohman have all submitted their pieces for this coming-of-age compilation exhibit, which opens publicly on Saturday with a special preview at the Friday night opening reception.
O'Born Contemporary (131 Ossington Avenue), January 4, 2013, 6PM Free

FILM

Prom Night
Toronto's best-kept secret cinema starts out its 2013 programming with a 1980s Canadian teen slasher film that is equal parts camp and horror. Prom Night stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Leslie Nielsen in a story about a masked killer seeking murderous revenge at a high school prom. This Paul Lynch directed film will be a fun one to watch on the big screen in the Palace's dank basement particularly if you attended the local high school where the film was shot. Tickets are a reasonable $5 for a Friday night out at the movies.
Trash Palace (89-B Niagara Street), January 4, 2013, 8:30PM $5

For more film listings, check out our This Week in Film post.

COMEDY

Toronto Strip Spelling Bee
It's a known fact that strip spelling bees are hilarious--right? Buddies in Bad Times Theatre hosts a version of strip poker based solely on third grade spelling test scores where people deluded about their abilities (and maybe more) will get onstage to compete for a spelling champion title. Prizes for the winner and Best Striptease will be given out to one of the ten participants. Entrance is free for competitors brave enough to spell (and strip) in public! Play nice--no photos and no booing rules are strictly adhered to.
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (12 Alexander Street), January 4, 2013, 10:30PM $10

For more comedy listings, check out our This Week in Comedy post

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

Photo by Ian Muttoo in the blogTO Flickr pool

Viewing all 47899 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images