Southern Ontario is home to all sorts of food festivals and culinary adventures waiting to be discovered. From weekly food fairs to elaborate fundraisers there are plenty of options just a short drive away.

Here are my picks for the top food events and festivals near Toronto this summer.

See also:The top 10 beer festivals near Toronto for 2015

OK Friday Barn Fair
Burl's Creek Event Grounds and The Karma Project have teamed up to present the OK Friday Barn Fair on now every Friday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m until October 9. The vibrant art and farmers market features local farmers, vendors, live music curated by Arts & Crafts, and celebrated eateries such as Rodney's Oyster House, and Fat Pasha, Rose and Sons, and Big Crow by Anthony Rose.

Guelph Wellington Local Food Fest
Summer kicks off at noon on Saturday, June 21 at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre and Farm in Guelph. Celebrate local food and agriculture, as well as, a showcase of local artists and artisans. Expect a day filled with cooking demos, workshops, exhibitors offering fresh food and flowers, plus food and craft beer vendors.

London International Food Fest
Occurring Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28 from 11 a.m. each day at Victoria Park, this festival is billing 50+ food vendors, 100 retail exhibitors and 900 lawn chairs, plus beers, wines, coolers and live entertainment.

Food Frenzy at Pelee Quarry
In conjunction with the Pelee Island Music Series, the Friends of the Library caters these recurring $10 concert events happening on Sundays from 5:30 p.m. from June 28 to July 26, and then again on August, 16. Expect an evening featuring word and music performances, local art exhibits, and of course yummy eats.

Flavours of Muskoka Chautauqua
Dubbed the 'amazing graze', this food fest takes place Sunday, June 28, Flavours of Muskoka Chautauqua has been called an "amazing graze." The fundraiser event for Kaleidoscope Arts in Education Programs, it is attended by locals and cottagers alike and will showcase food and drink vendors from throughout the region. Tickets are $65.

The Sandbanks Food Fair
Now in its third year, this annual takes place on Saturday, July 18 from 11am to 6pm at the Sandbanks Winery. Expect to find local food trucks and booths, live music, and wine. BYO-camping chairs.

The Truckin' Good Food Rally
WindsorEats hosts this recurring gathering of mobile kitchens. Find the free-to-attend festival happening at at North 42 Degrees Estate Winery on July 25, while the August 16th and October 10th editions takeover Assumption Park.

Creemore's Copper Kettle Festival
This annual festival offers an old-time village fair vibe, care show and full day of entertainment, cook-offs, local fare, specialty foods and wares. The party takes over Main Street on Saturday, August 22 while you'll find the beer garden and main stage at the brewery.

Moonlight Market
Taking place Saturday, September 5, the Collingwood Downtown Farmers' Market makes the most of the final long weekend of the summer with this special night time market filled with twinkle lights and lanterns. Enjoy live music, kid friendly activities and food vendors at the Pine Street parking lot.

Stratford's Bacon & Ale Trail
Take a self-guided tour of Stratford making stops at food shops and pubs in Perth County, Ontario's top producer of pork. You may also have read about Stratford's pub tours. Available any day you like, purchase your passes online or in person at the Stratford Tourism office. $25 entitles pass holders to tastings at five stops.

What did I miss? Add your food festival suggestions in the comments.

Toronto's bid to become a Music City got a small boost this week when the Music Sector Office and Municipal Licensing and Standards revealed that live music venues will no longer be fined for show posters put up around the city. In the past, venues could be fined between $300 and $500 if posters promoting shows were discovered in non-designated areas.

The ridiculous thing about the former bylaw was that venues could be held accountable even if they had nothing to do with the installation of the posters. They merely had to benefit from the posters to be fined. Music Canada notes that many of these fines were successfully challenged by venue owners, but that's just all the more reason that the system required a fix.

So kudos to the city more making this long overdue change. If only that was the sole bit of Music City news kicking around this week. Unfortunately, we also learned that Paper Bag Records was forced to cancel its upcoming block party due to what organizers characterize as red tape and permit troubles with the city.

This was a well organized, relatively high profile event affiliated with NXNE, the type of programming that the mayor has claimed that the city wants to foster. As such, it remains difficult to evaluate Toronto's Music City efforts in any holistic capacity, as it seems that for every step forward, the city also takes a step back.

Photo by sevres babylone in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Sadie's Diner is set to close its doors after almost a 9 year run at Adelaide and Portland. The brunch spot was much-loved by vegans and vegetarians alike, but owner Al Ridley is primed to retire at the end of the month and will not be passing the business on to a new owner.

"I am closing Sadie's Diner at the end of this month and retiring from the restaurant business," he writes on Facebook. "I've been thinking about it for a while for many different reasons but was holding on to try to renew the lease with the hopes that I could possibly find someone to take over but unfortunately that wasn't in the cards."

"One of the most challenging aspects of running this business for the past 8 plus years has been this old building and the landlords that own it and the fact that I wasn't able to work things out with them is the reason it will be closed and not sold or passed on to anyone else," he continues by way of explanation for the seemingly sudden closure.

Sadie's remained a popular spot throughout its almost nine year run, and you can bet that many will miss the gluten free pancakes and other fare. Sadie's will shut its doors on June 28th.

Photo by Ate by Ate

Photo by wsquaredphotography in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Looking for a restaurant in Toronto for a large groups? Avoid eateries that impose a dreaded fixed-menu and instead head to these spots that allow you and your friends to dine hassle-free.

Here are my picks for the top restaurants for large groups in Toronto.

Home of the Brave
Serving up some of the city's best Americana, Home of the Brave's large booths are perfect for groups. The drink menu is regularly updated to maintain a proud tradition of impeccable cocktails. For food you can pick the special of the day or better yet, select a variety of appetizers and sides for sharing before diving into some of their mains - the Philly Cheese Steak won't disappoint.

Via Vai
This Italian spot is a dramatic, high-ceilinged space perfect for group dining - just give them a call ahead of time if you plan on swinging by with a group of more than 10. The menu consists of Italian classics though my favourite has to be their crusty Neapolitan-style pizza, on par with some of the best pizzerias in the city.

WVRST
For a rowdy good time, Wvrst never disappoints. This German inspired beer hall has long communal tables perfect for large groups to stake their claim - though make sure to come early if it's on a weekend. You'll find a good selection of beer on tap and a menu filled with artisanal sausages. I recommend the venison, along with a side of their glorious duck fat fries.

Craft Brasserie
This massive Liberty Village beer-hall offers up an astounding selection of 120 beers on tap to pick from and is perfect for seating a group as large as 20. The food consists of expected pub nibbles - fries, ribs, tacos - meant to complement whatever you're drinking.

Sukhothai Dundas West
This West-end Thai joint is perfect for a humble meal with friends. Not as large as some of the other spots on this list, try giving them a call ahead to see what the seating situation is like. Their drunken noodles and creamy, complex curries are especially perfect for combating winter blues while their delicious mango margarita is welcome on any balmy, summer's evening.

Byblos
This Middle-Eastern inspired restaurant is sure to impress both with its airy ambiance and divine food. Their round, leather booths are perfect for groups of eight or less, as is the menu, which revolves around a number of small and large mezzos, meant to be ordered at the same time and shared. The bar menu is centered on cocktails, though there's also a selection of wine to sip on.

Cluny
This French-inspired eatery serves up delicious bistro classics. The spacious restaurant comfortably accommodates larger groups, though it's best to call and make a reservation in advance. The wine list doesn't disappoint, though the cocktails are characteristically on the pricier side. For a slice of Paris, pick from among the variety of steak frites.

Gio Rana's
A favourite East-end eatery, well loved for its lively atmosphere and hearty Italian offerings, Gio Rana's is perfect for a casual group outing. Look forward to melt-in-your-mouth Italian staples like potato gnocchi smothered in rich Bolognese sauce. Wash it all down with red wine and a good laugh alongside your friends or loved ones.

R&D
Grab a group of friends and head on over to R&D to experience what a Master Chef's cooking really tastes like. I wouldn't recommend walking in, though you can make reservations for up to 10 people online. The drink menu is wonderfully boozy, consisting of Asian inspired renditions of cocktail classics while the food menu is predictably complex and is meant to be shared.

Gusto 101
Though this place has been around for a while, its popularity still hasn't died down. If you're in a large group you can try your luck as a walk in, which generally works except for Friday or Saturday nights. Alternatively, you can also make a reservation for up to nine people, though you'll have to pick from a limited number of time slots.

Did I miss any? Add your favourite restaurant for large groups to the comments. Photo of Home of the Brave by Jesse Milns.

The top cover-up tattoo artists in Toronto are also some of the best tattooers in the city. After all, you can't run before you learn to walk. And a tattoo artist can't do flawless cover-ups before they first master the fundamentals of tattooing on clean skin. And although there are dozens of artists doing amazing cover-up work all over Toronto, a few in particular stand out.

Here are my picks for the top cover-up tattoo artists in Toronto.

Fabrizio Divari, The Art of Fabrizio Divari
Despite a slew of industry accolades, this talented Italian-born tattooer manages to keep a low profile - quietly churning out his ink masterpieces from a private studio in Parkdale. Though his approach is complex, Divari says the end goal is simple: "A cover-up is a success when after it's finished you could never tell what or where it was before."

George Michael Brown III, Seven Crowns Tattoo
Whether he's camouflaging the stubborn line work of a tribal tattoo or creating a new one, Brown's work is consistently stellar. And unlike many tattooers who shy away from cover-ups, Brown and partner Matthew Ellis are building a reputation for embracing them. Brown says at least 50 per cent of his work involves some degree of cover-up.

Derek Lewis, Lewis Family Tattoo Company
Derek Lewis understands how it feels to have a tattoo that needs covering, because "I've got bad tattoos all over me," he says. Though he can't cover his own ink, he's doing a phenomenal job at his Roncesvalles Village studio. There, he creates gorgeous custom pieces that are bold and vibrant, with a sense of movement that belies their medium.

Raidel Bas, Adrenaline Toronto
Because tattooing is illegal in his native Cuba, Bas learned his craft the hard way - by studying magazines and practicing on friends. Along the way he developed a versatility that runs the gamut from realism to Japanese Irezumi to painterly styles. Bas says this is key when doing a cover-up: "The more flexible you are, the better the cover-up will work."

Ben Ackerman, Tattoos by Ben
After honing his craft at Yonge Street Tattoos, Ackerman now works out of a private studio. His work is bold and delicate, with a beautifully illustrative style. When it comes to cover-ups, Ackerman says the trick is choosing the right new design to camouflage the old one. "Images with a lot of broken lines and layered colours help a lot," he says.

On top of the artists listed above, honourable mention also goes to Csaba (Joe) Sipos, who is producing some of the most unbelievable cover-up tattoos you'll ever see out of Chronic Ink's Markham location. Who else would you recommend? Add your suggestions for Toronto cover-up tattoo artists in the comments.

Writing by Stacey Sleightholm. Top image courtesy Ben Ackerman.

Toronto's ample craft beer offerings will keep you refreshed no matter what your circumstance this summer. Whether it be a weekend afternoon in the park or a late night barbecue, nothing says summer like a nice beer.

Here are my picks for the top local beers in Toronto this summer.

Amsterdam Sweetwater Squeeze, Radler, 3.8% ABV
Every brewery seems to be attempting a beer-juice combo this summer, but to my mind they've all largely been shitty imitations of Stiegl's - the one that arguably started the trend. The exception is Amsterdam's Sweetwater Squeeze. A unique blend of house-made soda, blood orange juice, and beer, this is a great sweet alternative and with all that vitamin C is arguably a perfect choice for breakfast.
Available at the LCBO and Amsterdam retail stores for $2.85 a tall boy.

Bellwoods Brewery's Jutsu 2.0 American Pale Ale, 6% ABV
Any beer that is billed as the "juicer cousin of Wizard Wolf" doesn't really need much more description for me to lust after it. Jutsu 2.0 is balanced pale ale with a clean malt character and big fruit and dank hop flavour and a mild bitterness.
Currently available on tap at Bellwoods Brewery.

Cameron's Into the Shade Saison, 5.2%
Fermented at a higher temperature than your average beer, this saison is described as having "a polite amount of mild lemon and light fruity hops," which might just be the most Canadian beer description of all time. It's also described as slightly tart, thirst-quenching Saison.
Available as part of Cameron's Brewmaster's Selection 4-pack at the LCBO and their retail store for $10.50.

Duggan's No. 5 Sorachi Lager, 4% ABV
With just a touch of the citrusy aromatics and zest imparted by the beer's namesake Sorachi Ace hops, this beer brewed with flaked rice is impossibly light without being boring. An excellent, delicate lager ideal for summer thirst quenching.
Available on tap at Duggan's Parkdale brewpub and in the retail store in six packs for $9.95.

Great Lakes Brewery's Miami Weiss American Pale Wheat, 4.5% ABV
This one's style is a bit of a misnomer given that it's actually not much of a weissbier, but we'll forgive that because a) it's a delightful pun and b) this might be the best summer beer produced in Ontario. A wheat beer made with pale ale yeast and bursting with juicy pacific northwest hops, this beer will serve you well poolside, or cruising in a boat with your blazer sleeves rolled up.
Available exclusively in cans at the GLB retail store. $2.50 for a tall boy.

Indie Alehouse's Couch Surfer IPA, 5% ABV
While this isn't the first time this beer's been around, it's worth a look this summer for twi reasons: 1) The beer delivers wicked tropical fruit, guava, and hop flavours with minimal body making it an awesome summer sipper and 2) The beer now features one of my favourite beer labels in the province courtesy of local artist Dave Murray.
Available in 500mL bottles at the Indie bottle shop for $5 and in extremely limited edition tall cans for $4 while supplies last.

Mill St. Stargazer, Session Ale, 4.1% ABV
This light ale is typical of English style session bitters that are ideal for summer. Made at Mill Street's Ottawa brew pub with a blend of Canadian, English and German hops, the beer has only a moderate bitterness and a dry, lingering finish. Just enough flavour to be interesting while staying refreshing.
Available only in the Mill St. Summer Seasonal Mix Pack (you see how they get you?) which sells for $13.95 and on tap at their brewpub and An Sibin.

Nickel Brook's Naughty Neighbour American Style Pale Ale, 4.9%
It's not new and I feel like I've mentioned it before, but I would be doing you a disservice if I didn't include Naughty Neighbour in this list. That's because this excellent beer delivers big citrus and pine aromas with a mild bitterness, crisp taste, and low alcohol that makes it a beer so ideal for summer I'm already drinking it like it's my job.
Available in tall boys at the LCBO for $2.85

Rainhard Brewery's Motueka Saison, 7% ABV
I haven't actually tried this beer yet, but everything I've tried from fledgling brewer Jordan Rainhard leads me to believe this will be worth checking out. With a mandate to simply brew beer he likes, Rainhard's hop forward IPAs and Pale Ales have all been good so I'm anticipating this saison, which "features a dominant yeast profile reminiscent of spice, earth and pepper" and "an enticing tropical aroma" will be worth picking up.
Should be available in Rainhard's bottle shop and on tap around town at the time of this post.

Sawdust City's Little Norway Pale Lager, 4.5% ABV
Released in late May, Little Norway is the Gravenhurst brewery's first lager and if you ask me signals a tide change in Ontario that will usher in more lagers and pilsners this year. This one is a crisp and light beer with just a touch of hops that was brewed in collaboration with a Norwegian brewer to "commemorate the long standing friendship between Norway and Canada."
Find it on tap in bars and restaurants and direct from the brewery in cans if you're in cottage country. Also, magically, at Tall Boys.

Did I miss any? Add your favourite summery local beer to the comments.

Ben Johnson also writes about beer over on Ben's Beer Blog. Follow him on twitter @Ben_T_Johnson. Photo by Morris Lum.

Grabbing a cool treat this summer in the Richmond Hill and Markham area leaves one with many decadent options spanning different cultures. Whether you are after a traditional scoop or something more exotic your options are plentiful.

Here are my picks for the top places to get ice cream and gelato in Markham and Richmond Hill.

Love Gelato
Located on Main St. Markham this little, unassuming shop is serving up handmade Italian Gelato. All the traditional flavours like nutella and pistachio are available. Having a big party? They will even deliver your gelato with 48 hours notice.

Ti Amo Gelato
The selection at Ti Amo is second to none. Their philosophy of using simple, fresh ingredients results in a quality gelato experience. If you're feeling particularly naughty, have yours with a waffle or a crepe, you won't be sorry.

Old Firehall confectionary
This Main St. Unionville staple is home to some delectable, handmade confections. With Kawartha lakes ice cream, soft serve, and frozen yogurt you can add in your favourite toppings, make an ice cream sandwich, or have it the old fashioned way - in a cone .

Milky Lane
The first location in Canada of this South African chain is part restaurant and part dessert cafe. Milkshakes, waffles, and crepes can be had with unique flavours like rose kulfi. For an Indian inspired dessert, top yours with their delicious rose syrup.

Novello Desserts
Novello has been servicing the Markham area with traditional Italian desserts since 1990. In addition to custom cakes and Italian pastries they have a good selection of handmade, traditional gelato.

BB Cafe
BB Cafe has a small selection of Persian ice cream that includes some of the most interesting flavours around. Tubs of rose, pistachio-saffron, and pomegranate ice cream are sure to keep you cool while tickling your taste buds.

Caffe Demetre
Local chain Caffe Demetre is pure indulgence and their ice cream options reflect that. Whether it's chocolate or a decadent baklava ice cream Caffe Demtre never disappoints. Get yours atop a crepe, waffle or in a milkshake. With the vast menu here it's hard to go wrong.

Nino D'aversa
The big name in Italian bakeries has more than just Italian sandwiches, cold cuts and breads. The dessert selection is impressive and the same can be said of their gelato. They may not have the most extensive selection of flavours, but those they do, they do well.

Ci Gusta
While self-serve fro-yo places are a dime a dozen, self-serve gelato is a bit rarer. At Ci Gusta you serve your own gelato and pay by weight. Choosing your own flavours combinations and toppings is always fun, and with a gelato base its equally delicious.

Exotique Glace
This newcomer to Main St. Unionville is specializing in exotic flavours like avocado or the Asian inspired purple dream (taro). The interesting selection of flavours is sure to have people flocking for a scoop.

Did I miss any? Add your favourite Markham and Richmond Hill ice cream and gelato spots to the comments. Photo via Love Gelato's Facebook page.

It has been 16 years since Toronto decided to knock down the Eastern Gardiner. Where there was once an elevated expressway there is a tree-lined, six-lane boulevard flanked by a popular cycling trail. A few of the old concrete pylons have even been left standing as a permanent reminder of the vanished road.

No, this isn't some alternate future in which city council voted to reject the $919 million "hybrid" option. I'm talking about the other Eastern Gardiner, an under-used section of the crosstown arterial that used to run east from the Don River to Leslie St.

Built in the 1960s in an era when highways were being planned throughout the city, what then became known as the Eastern Gardiner was meant to connect to another waterfront highway that would have cut northeast through Scarborough to the 401.

As it happened, the route was never built, and the elevated spur proved to be little more than a money-hungry, crumbling ramp to the Don Valley Parkway.

"Safety considerations mean that if it's not demolished, it must be renovated. There are no alternatives," wrote Christopher Hume in a 1999 Toronto Star editorial. "Cities around the world are taking down these structures," said Donna Hinde, the president of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects.

At the time, traffic counts showed only a few hundred people using the Eastern Gardiner on a daily basis. "The only argument for keeping the Gardiner ramp is that several hundred drivers will need an extra 10 or 15 seconds to get where they're going," said traffic engineer Nick Poulous.

After years of study and several false starts, city council voted in 44-8 to tear down the 1.5-kilometre structure on June 10, 1999. The cost was pegged at $36.3 million--$12.6 million cheaper than rebuilding option, which some councillors and drivers backed.

"They fear it would hamper their access to downtown and clutter neighbourhood streets, bogus arguments given the facts," wrote Hume.

Tom Jakobek, city councillor for the ward that included the Beaches neighbourhood, was one of the pro-Gardiner voices. "Tell me, are we that stupid? Are we that ignorant that we don't understand that the road is going to be used more, not less?," he wondered.

Councillor Jack Layton represented the opposite side of the debate. "We've got this big, ugly expressway. We've got to get rid of it," he said.

And that's exactly what the city did. Demolition workers tore into the Eastern Gardiner over the next two years, wrapping up their work in 2002. Down at Leslie St. and Lake Shore, a few of the old pylons have been preserved as a reminder of when an expressway used to loom overhead.

Luckily for us, the city also hired photographer Peter MacCallum to document the wrecking process. At the end of the project, some 1,000 of his pictures, taken between 2000 and 2002, were donated to the city archives. Here's what the demolition of the Gardiner looked like through MacCallum's lens.

The underside of the Eastern Gardiner looking east towards Carlaw Ave. in August, 2000.

Demolition of the off-ramps at Leslie St. in January, 2001.

Lake Shore between Booth and Logan in March, 2001.

Pylons are pummelled into dust on Lake Shore between Carlaw and Leslie. March, 2001.

The last concrete pylon is wrecked at Booth Ave.

Nineteen pylons were left standing along the side of Lake Shore as a memorial to the overhead expressway. This picture was taken in May, 2001.

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

Images: City of Toronto Archives, Series 572. Photographer: Peter MacCallum.

Bars and pubs on Yonge Street range in diversity from stylish gastropubs to local watering holes. Some place an emphasis on creating a fun atmosphere to watch the game while others experiment with modern twists on standard pub fare, all while catering to the dedicated beer connoisseur.

Here are my picks for the top bars and pubs on Yonge St. between the lake and the 401.

Duke's Refresher + Bar
This place loves their regulars - if you show up for brunch with a stamp from the night before you'll get a discount and for $20 you can get a personalized stein as well as deals on refills for the rest of the year. On tap they have 40 different beers while the food can best be described as pub classics with a twist.

Irish Embassy
Located in an old building that used to house a bank, this pub is probably the most showy on the list - it has super high ceilings and is usually packed with suits after work during the week. Expect to find Guinness as well as a couple of other Irish beers on tap alongside Hogtown and Steam Whistle.

The 3 Brewers
The beer served at this Montreal import is brewed in house - you can choose from White, Blonde, Amber, Brown or IPA, or if you're looking for something lighter, try one of their beer cocktails. From the food menu try a flammekueche - a pizza like flatbread served with an assortment of toppings, which will go well with just about anything you drink.

Bar Volo
A destination for beer lovers, this Yonge and Wellesley spot offers more than 100 bottles including Canadian microbrews, American craft beers and European imports as well as several on tap. Try one of Dieu du Ciel's offerings - my favourite is the Aphrodite - or ask them to surprise you with one of their rare, or seasonal offerings.

The Rebel House
This Rosedale institution has been serving up great food and cold beer for more than two decades. They have a fair selection of Canadian craft beer to satisfy most discerning palettes. The food here is a pleasant surprise consisting of well-executed bistro classics, with some pub fare thrown into the mix.

The Jester on Yonge
Don't let the outside scare you off - the Jester offers a surprisingly large selection of beer on tap with 27 options ranging from traditional picks like Mill Street Organic, to more unorthodox ones. The food menu is updated frequently and offers modern interpretations on standard pub fare.

The Wallace
If you're a beer fan, it's doubtful you'd dislike this place with its interesting selection of craft beer from all around the globe. For something different, try Maredsous 8 ale, a traditional Christmas brew that warms you right through with its sour, fruity notes.

The Monk's Table
This local watering hall has knowledgeable staff and one of the best selections of European beers on tap north of Bloor, offering a wide range of British, French, German and Dutch imports to uptown residents. The decor and atmosphere are perfectly evocative of a bar somewhere in the Benelux.

Rose & Crown
The Rose is a neighbourhood favourite that's been quenching Young and Eglinton's thirst for more than 30 years. Expect to find a good crowd, sports on the wide screen TVs and live music almost every night of the week. Don't expect to find anything too fancy on tap. For food they serve standard pub fare consisting of staples from all over the globe.

The Miller Tavern
This place offers the best of both worlds: downstairs there are plenty of wide-screen TVs perfect for drinking a pint and watching the game, while upstairs you can grab a decent steak form the surf n' turf inspired menu. In the summer, the patio is a welcome reprieve from the heat.

Did I miss any? Add your favourite Yonge St. bar or pub to the comments.

Photo of Duke's Refresher Bar

The top patios in Little Italy will have you devouring your pasta and pizza in style outdoors. WIth everything from arancini to zeppole on offer, these summer spots are all the more reason to get outside.

Here, in no particular order, are my picks for the the top patios in Little Italy.

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

Bar Raval
The sidewalk patio at Bar Raval is a departure from the wood-embellished restaurant indoors. Much more laid back, the no-frills outdoor space features simple furniture and a barely-there fence. Despite the more casual vibe, the eclectic menu remains the same.

Café Diplomatico
If you're in the market for a modestly priced pint and some basic Italian fare head to this sidewalk spot at College and Clinton which sports simple decor in the same colour scheme as the Italian flag.

Sidecar
Known for its steak frites and cocktails, Sidecar also offers a mid-sized picturesque outdoor eatery. Manicured plants, a high wooden fence and lanterns complete the look of this charming backyard patio.

Kalendar
Located directly on College, this patio gives you a prime view of the bustling neighbourhood. If you've managed to get your daily dose of vitamin D, have no worries, this patio is covered by an awning and gets even more shade from surrounding trees.

Fat City Blues
Fat City Blues flaunts an enviable sidewalk patio with pillow-clad benches. Strings of lights overhead provide some serious ambiance come nightfall.

Il Gatto Nero
On the hunt for some great sun exposure? Look no further than the sidewalk patio at Il Gatto Nero. With very little shade and a menu chock full of pasta and pizza. This is the ideal spot to grab an Italian style cappuccino or a summer meal, just don't forget your sunscreen.

The Caledonian
If you're not craving Italian fare, no problem. This Scottish pub offers a large selection of Scotch Whisky and highland pub favourites. Featuring a giant wall mural of the Scottish flag and minimal decor, this backyard is a great place to kick back and get away from the noise on College.

Woodlot
Woodlot has a sidewalk patio where you can find diners munching on upscale eats. Flaunting an a la carte menu with a smattering of vegetarian and vegan options, this patio is perfect for even the most indecisive eaters.

Bairrada Churrasqueira
This expansive backyard patio is one of the largest in the area, with enough seating for 250, making it great for larger groups. Snag a picnic table at under one of the surrounding trees and enjoy some shade while you snack on some budget-friendly Portuguese fare.

Vivoli
Vivoli offers good food and a great view to match. This rooftop is ideal if you're looking for a more scenic place to relax outdoors. A major plus, it seats 110 so the odds of you snagging a spot are high.

Thanks to Strongbow for sponsoring our 2015 Toronto Patio Guide.

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

Photo by Marcanadian in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Free events in Toronto this week will have you doing everything from soaking up live music to petting pooches. NXNE kicks off this week with free concerts at Yonge and Dundas this week featuring everyone from Best Coast to (safe) Shad.

Here's what to do in Toronto this week if you've misplaced your wallet.

Live in Bellwoods: Great Heart Festival 2015 (June 18-21)
Trinity Bellwoods is hosting its annual Great Heart Festival featuring a lengthy list of unplugged performances. Head to the park for four days of electricity-free shows.

Toronto Jazz Festival (June 18-29)
Though many of the Toronto Jazz Festival concerts require tickets, there are a smattering of performances that do not. On the 19th three separate performances will be open to the public: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Dumpstaphunk, and Morris Day & The Time. Check out the full calendar here.

Opening Party at the Power Plant (June 19)
Who doesn't like a good party, especially when it's free? The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery is kicking off the summer season by throwing a bash filled with music, drinks and, of course, an art exhibition.

NXNE Dundas Square (June 20-21)
Head to Y&D this weekend for some must-see, cost-free performances. On Saturday Best Coast and The New Pornographers are among the artists taking the stage. On Sunday, Ty Dolla $ign and Shad finish the weekend line up.

Poochella (June 21)
On Sunday show your four legged friend some love by bringing them to Poochella for a day of pet socialization. Even if you don't have your own canine companion, you can spend the day scoping out all the instagrammable pups in the city.

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

Taking a nature walk in Toronto is an easy task with so many beautiful parks around. And there are options: from beachside spots to dense forests to botanical gardens, you'll never run out of places to go for a scenic summertime jaunt.

Here are my picks for the top parks for a nature walk in Toronto.

Snake Island Park
This spot in the middle of the Toronto Islands is a fun hybrid of beach and forest. It faces the Toronto harbour almost straight-on, so you can savour a distant view of the skyline while you're far removed from the city and immersed in nature all at once. The swans don't hurt.

Colonel Danforth Park
There are nine (nine!) trails throughout this park, so there's plenty of ways to get lost in the lush landscape. With Highland Creek running through it, and plenty of wildlife and interesting plants to ogle at, it's an ideal place for a quiet stroll.

South Humber Park
Right next to Humber River, South Humber Park is a marshy forest with tons of exploring potential. There's a paved path plus a few other trails that intertwine through the wooded area, which is home to a bunch of birds and other critters. Take the trail to its terminus at the stunning suspension bridge that looks across the city.

Edwards Gardens
Edwards Gardens is a flora-lovers dreamland, but there's lots of fauna if you care to look. Forget the squirrels, there are bunnies (hares) to be spotted here, and perhaps a hedgehog amidst the flowers. Follow one of a few trails that lead through formal gardens and floral displays, over arch bridges and past fountains.

Tommy Thompson Park
It's hard to believe that this park is located on a man-made peninsula. The space is now bursting with cottonwood trees, marshlands and meadows of wildflowers. Enjoy a view of the city while secluded on this neat pocket that boast one of the city's most diverse bird populations.

What did I miss? Leave your suggestions in the comments. Photo by mooncall2012 in the blogTO Flickr pool

This year's Toronto Fringe Festival offers a heavy dose of comedy and storytelling inspired shows. From July 1 to July 12 the theatre district in the city will be buzzing with eager thespians in search of an audience. The lineup this year is chock full of shows starring, written or directed by kick-ass women so make sure to see at least a few shows.

As always, the best way to Fringe is to take a chance on a new act and expect the unexpected. For the full monty head to the Fringe Club behind Honest Ed's and check out pop-up shows, musical acts and food and a drink with the the cast. Theatre doesn't pay much, so forget the flowers and buy your favourite star a few rounds.

Here, in no particular order, are my picks for the top shows at this year's Toronto Fringe Festival.

Morro and Jasp do Puberty
If you're looking for a sure thing this play by the Dora and Canadian Comedy Award winning duo Heather Marie Annis and Amy Lee is for you. Morro and Jasp Toronto's favourite clown-sister act have remounted their 2010 hit, a coming of age story about raging hormones, mishaps with feminine hygiene products and the need for loud punk rock. Be prepared to laugh right out of your seat.

A Nurse's Worst Nightmare
Zabrina Chevannes' A Nurse's Worst Nightmare is a hilarious and insightful look at the life of a comedian, nurse and mother of two. This solo show will take you on a journey through her childhood in a Jamaican family to her dark days battling mental illness. Chevannes raw brand of comedy about working in nursing homes and a near death experience will make you think while you laugh.

Life Records
If your life had a soundtrack what records would make the cut? Rhiannon Archer's Life Records attempts to answer this question in this comical, heartwarming and honest solo show about the songs that make their ways into our lives and haunt our memories. The show is an amalgamation of true stories and the songs that bring them to life. Think of it as High Fidelity if John Cusack was a smart and sassy girl.

Anatolia Speaks
Anatolia Speaks is a meticulously crafted show performed as a speech to an ESL class. Candice Fiorentino illustrates the everyday moments in the life of a new immigrant through an amalgamation of small details about her life as a grocery clerk at the Superstore.

A man walks into a bar
A man walks into a bar and asks a waitress for a drink is a sexist joke that unfolds into a tense and funny look at gender dynamics. The show blurs the lines between the performers and the characters creating a standoff about gender, power and selling sex. Playwright Rachel Blair is a Fringe favourite, having previously won the Best of Fringe's Patron Pick for Bluebeard.

Adventures Of A Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl
Rebecca Perry made a huge splash with her 2013 play Confessions of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl now has a sequel of sorts. This time our heroine is out of the coffee shop and into the jungle as she embarks on an adventure in pursuit of her dream job as an anthropologist with The Jane Goodall Institute.

In Case we Disappear
We tell our stories so someone remembers us. In this lyrical piece that's part comedy, part poetry and part music we eavesdrop on the intimate conversation of two siblings. What starts as a ploy to put her baby brother to sleep, becomes a confessional of the embarrassing and kooky stories that define us.

Caws & Effect
It's all lights and magic as crows re-dream the world in this large scale shadow theatre from a bird's eye view. Chloé Ziner and Jessica Gabriel have been developing a multi-layered style of visual storytelling using overhead projectors as their main light source. Their work is beautiful and unique, with handmade layered projections, puppetry, masks, and an original musical score.

The Untitled Sam S. Mullins Project
Sam Mullins tells stories, the kind that get featured on The Moth, This American Life and The Irrelevant Show. In this show the Canadian-Comedy-Award-Winner and Fringe veteran tells the four stories of his four "truths."

Served
You're stuck in a dead-end job but plagued by visions of grandeur. Graham Isador's Served is a play about ambition, entitlement, and walking food to ungrateful customers. The play is co-directed by Tom Arthur Davis who won Best of Fringe for his work on Mahmoud. Watch for funny girl Jillian Welsh and En Lai Mah known for his incredibly physical performances.

What did I miss? Add your suggestions for the shows to watch at Toronto Fringe 2015 in the comments.

Follow Sima Sahar Zerehi on Twitter @SimaSaharZerehi.

Father's Day in Toronto is way more low key than Mother's Day and with any luck the weather will oblige and Dads everywhere can happily play up that whole King of the Grill cliche. Of course you can still grab brunch or do dinner, the gist is that you should just hang out with your pops.

Here are 10 places to celebrate Dads over brunch or BBQs this Father's Day.

BRUNCH

FRANK Restaurant
The restaurant at the AGO celebrates Dad with a special Father's Day prix-fixe brunch, paired with wines and beer for $35.

Mill St. Beer Hall
Celebrate Dad with the 3Bs: brunch, beers and brewery tours. Enjoy live music on the patio, and complimentary steins for all the fathers.

The Gladstone Hotel
Brunch at this West Queen West hotel is fit for a king, including a la carte options like the Lumberjack breakfast and French toast topped with caramelized apples, maple caramel drizzle and house smoked bacon served from 8am to 4pm.

The Hogtown Cure
Start Dad's special day with a Caesar cocktail at this Dundas West eatery before moving on to selections on the meaty menu including smoked brisket bennies and stuffed french toast.

Montecito
The weekly $35 brunch buffet fits the bill perfectly for Father's Day. Indulge in all you can eat eggs and enjoy specials on champagne and Caesars.

See Also

• The Best Restaurants that take Reservations for Brunch in Toronto
• The Best Splurge Brunch in Toronto
• The top 50 brunch restaurants in Toronto
• The Best Brunch in Toronto

BBQS

La Carnita and Junction Craft Brewing
Bring Dad to this brewery (90 Cawthra Avenue) for an afternoon of beers and BBQ featuring ribs, slaw and a flight of beers for $25.

Marky's BBQ Smokehouse
This smokehouse in Baby Point offers a whole rack of ribs, a pint of beer and a side (beans, slaw or fries) for $25 in celebration of Father's Day this year.

The Drake Hotel
Treat Dad to Beef + Bourbon Bliss at the Sky Yard of this West Queen West hotel and enjoy a steak dinner with all the fixins complete with a stiff Old Fashioned cocktail for $36.

Bespoke Butcher
Dine with Dad inside this Liberty Village butcher shop. The collaborative dinner from chefs Andrew Poulsen and Jonathan O'Callaghan will feature seven-courses with drink pairings priced at $110 per person.

Pusateri's
Two take-home options from this chain of fine food stores embrace the BBQ theme. The first option features a multi-course tasting menu featuring St. Louis style pork back ribs and spice rubbed grilled shrimp for $50 per person (PDF), while the second is a grill-it-yourself box of marinated meats and seafood with sides and salads. Available for pick-up at multiple locations.

See Also

• The Best BBQ Restaurants in Toronto
• The top 10 under the radar BBQ restaurants in Toronto

Photo from Pusateri's

Literary references are a common theme when christening bars and cafes in Toronto. While this collection of establishments couldn't be more diverse, the all share a common love of books.

Here are 10 bars and cafes in Toronto named for books or authors.

Balzac's
How fitting that one branch of this cafe inhabits a space in the Toronto Reference Library. Bibliophiles and coffee lovers alike can share their love for this coffee roaster named for the 19th century French author, Honoré de Balzac, who was so obsessed with coffee that he wrote a dissertation called The Pleasures and Pains of Coffee.

No One Writes To The Colonel
This relaxed rec room-like bar on College Street takes its name from the legendary Latvian club "Pulkvedim neviens neraksta" - fans of the novella written by Columbian author and Nobel Prize winner, Gabriel García Márquez.

Hemingway's
The iconic Yorkville bar and restaurant takes its name from the famed novelist who briefly called Hogtown home as a young man. Ironically, he hated it here, and his contempt for 1920's Toronto seems a driving force in his permanent move to Paris.

Ezra's Pound
The cafe and roastery on Dupont plays on the name of Hemingway's mentor, American poet Ezra Pound (the two met by chance at book shop in 1922). In a way, Ezra's Pound continues to foster creativity... or at least that's how I feel about coffee in general.

Belljar Cafe
Inspired by the Sylvia Plath novel and also the name of owner Geoff McPeek's former band, this Dundas West coffee house and bar is a hub for creative types who wax poetic over coffees and cocktails.

Wind-Up Bird Cafe
Named for the popular work of fiction by Japanese author Haruki Murakami, this College Street restaurant draws diners in to enjoy a wellspring of dreamy dishes and the occasional literary event.

Hitch
Named after Christopher Hitchens (a.k.a Hitch), this Leslieville bar cites the serious drinker as an inspirational figure and deals in classic cocktails in a dim candlelight room.

Double Double Land
The DIY venue in Kensington Market takes its name from a play produced by Life of a Craphead, the performance art group who operate the space. In the play, Double Double Land is a "shitty place," and the gist of the plot is that sometimes things get a lot worse before they get better. And they do.

Red Fish Blue Fish Creative Cafe
The Dr. Seuss title lends itself well to this two-storey cafe that caters to mommy and me crowds. Here, the creative workspace and snack bar offers kid friendly programming and a sunny spot to sit on a massive patio.

Owl of Minerva
This chain of Korean restaurants is named for the Roman goddess of wisdom. Marquee locations offer ultra-late (sometimes 24 hour) service, making The Owl a wise choice when craving kimchi and spicy rice cakes after midnight.

What did I miss? Add more places in the comments. Photo of Balzac's.

Zimmerman's Discount in Kensington Market is gone, as is its dusty, eclectic range of merchandise. The new occupant is the a sparkling new organic grocery store that's both spacious and amply stocked.

Read my profile of 4 Life Natural Foods in the grocery section.

Ever had the urge to flip a table over and send everything on top of it flying? Now you can thanks to Ye Olde Dandy's, Toronto's first table flyppery. The week old spot in East Chinatown offers table flipping for $10 a flip, or $5 if paired with their mystery room experience.

The barebones basement space has a mystery room in the back and the table flyppery in the front. You get to choose from an assortment of random items to put on the table like cassette tapes, plastic cups and paper plates before sending the table flying.

To my surprise, the whole tabletop gets flipped over - for some reason I was expecting to just flip the tablecloth. There's a mattress against one of the walls to try to prevent anything from breaking.

Ye Olde Dandy's is currently at 617 Gerrard East (near Broadview) but expects to relocate to a more central location by the end of the summer.

Do you plan to live out your wildest table flipping fantasies? Let us know in the comments.

Good news for fans of Siddhartha, the long-standing Indian buffet destination on Gerrard East - they're opening a take-out location on Queen East near Broadview. The tiny spot that will assume the former Pretty Hair Salon space at 734 Queen St. East won't offer any AYCE or table service. Instead, it will be a strictly take-out and delivery affair.

This is good news for area residents who seems tired of the unending pubs and Italian restaurants that keep opening in the neighbourhood. Riverside and Leslieville need more good Indian food - especially in the wake of the recent closure of Amaya near Queen and Jones.

What other types of restaurants do you want to see open in Riverside and Leslieville? Let us know in the comments.