Already a popular spot in Markham, the second coming of this teppanyaki restaurant let's diners cook their own meats on sizzling hot teppan plates. Not to be outshone, the super chewy udon is also a standout here.
Read my profile of Aka Teppan in the restaurants section.
There's no denying that NXNE 2015 was a scaled-down version of last year's 20th anniversary blowout, but that doesn't mean it wasn't packed with enough shows to keep you busy. From parties that started at noon to 4am last calls, the schedule jammed last year's nine days into five. While you might be disappointed missing one band, odds were good you'd forget when another one blew you away.
Check out all of our highlights from five days of NXNE 2015 in this photo gallery.
Today in Toronto will turn you into a morning person when Breakfast Club launches. Become an early riser and attend the event at The Hoxton where you'll find DJ's, dancing, yoga, and more, all before 11am. If you think you need your beauty sleep, choose an evening event like the viewing of The Overnight at the Open Roof Festival.
For more events, click on over to our events section.
Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.
There's plenty of things that Toronto doesn't do as well as other cities -- like transit and cycling infrastructure, last call, and some would argue just plain old fun -- but there are also areas in which our fine metropolis leads the global pack. There's a reason why we score so well on so many world city rankings.
Here are 5 things Toronto does better than any other city.
Livability
According to a recent report by The Economist, Toronto is the best city to live in the world, beating out Stockholm, Amsterdam, San Francisco and Montreal. The study looked at safety, livability and cost of living of over 50 cities.
Film Festivals
From Hot Docs to TIFF, Toronto has over 75 film festivals and counting. We have more than any other city in the world. Festivals showcase films from all sorts of countries and reflect genres that mirror the diversity of Toronto's population and interests.
Pride
Not only were we home to World Pride in 2014, but Toronto's annual Pride celebrations are the largest in North America and, generally agreed, best in the world. The festivities extend beyond the high profile parade and marches and include a massive amount of parties and, this year, grand marshal appearances by the likes of Pussy Riot.
Peameal Bacon Sandwiches
While poutine and food trucks might have stolen recent headlines, the peameal bacon sandwich is our city's flagship dish. From Carousel Bakery and Paddington's Pump at the St. Lawrence Market to newer offerings from Rashers and TLP, our sliced and cured pork loin between two buns takes home the bacon.
New York
In the last six months alone over 20 films have been shot in Toronto to stand in as a lookalike of Manhattan. With flicks like Adam Sandler's Pixels, the Marilyn Monroe biopic, Marilyn as well as shows like Suits, Toronto continues to be production companies' go-to locale for NYC settings.
What did I miss? Add your suggestions for things Toronto does better than any other city to the comments.
Writing by Trent Lee. Photo by wvs in the blogTO Flickr pool
The top food events in Toronto this summer are the perfect opportunity to get a taste of our diverse culinary scene while soaking up the sun and maybe a few cold ones. This summer, our calendars are jam-packed with street festivals, BBQs, night markets, and more!
Here are my picks for the top food events and festivals taking place this summer in Toronto.
Toronto Rib Fest
The annual celebration of BBQ and pork takes over Centennial Park from June 27 until Canada Day on July 1. Concert stages and a midway make for a whole day of family fun, while the main attraction is of course the selection of slow smoked meats from pit masters across Ontario.
Taste of Toronto
Now in its sophomore year, this internationally acclaimed food festival takes place at Fort York from July 2 to 5. Look forward to a lineup of 30+ chefs dishing out delicacies, a vendor marketplace, a WayHome preview stage, guided tastings, master classes, and more. Admission is $19 to $25 in advance, $30 at the door.
Toronto Food Fest
Taking place in the afternoon on Sunday, July 12, this free event will occur at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (5183 Sheppard Ave. East) and feature a bevy of vendors. Look forward to regulars on the pop-up circuit plus newcomers like Liko's Hawaiian Barbecue, and Heirloom Food Truck.
Oyster Fest
Happening in the alley behind Rodney's Oyster House (469 King St. West) on Sunday, July 19 will feature a bevy of bivalves and other seafood centric attractions. Tickets are available for $33 in advance, or $40 (cash only) at the door.
Night It Up!
Admission is free for this Asian night market, happening July 24 to 26 at the Markham Civic Centre. The three-day food festival boasts 120 vendors, a spectacular stage lineup, and ticketed attractions like the Paint-a-Thon.
Toronto Food Truck Festival
Toronto's favourite food trucks will rally at Woodbine Park on August 1 and 2 for two days of street foods, eating challenges, cold beer, live music, and a children's village. Admission is free, but you'll have to pay for your eats.
Toronto Vegan Food & Drink Festival
Celebrate the best of Toronto's vegan dining scene along with plenty of beer, wine and live music at Garrison Common in historic Fort York on August 8. General admission is $10, or $20 including three drink tickets.
Sweetery
Toronto's inaugural food festival devoted to all things sweet will debut August 15 to 16 at Front and Portland. Admission is free for the two day event featuring piñatas, jelly bean counts, loot bags, and, food stands helmed by local bakeries, patisseries, doughnut shops and ice cream parlours.
T&T Waterfront Night Market
Happening August 14 to 16 in the parking lot of the Cherry Street supermarket, this night market will feature an array of vendors gathered in the Port Lands . Expect delicious hawking stinky tofu, steamed buns and grilled seafoods on skewers. Here's what it looked like last year.
Diner en Blanc
The location will be announced last minute, but the pop-up white party has announced it'll take place on Thursday, August 27. Guests are required to wear all white, and to bring along their own table, chairs, and white table settings as well as food and drink.
What did I miss? Plug your favourite summer food events in the comments.
Photo from the Waterfront Night Market.
Luminato's second major act (after the Unsound Festival at the Hearn), played out in the form of Contemporary Color at the ACC this week. A combination of colour guards performing to live music created specifically for them - an idea conceived by David Byrne - it was a spectacle rarely seen in Canada. The colour guards have a deep history in the US, and after this performance, don't be surprised if you see more flags spinning north of the border.
Have a look at this incredible spectacle in our photo gallery from Contemporary Color.
How seriously do you take your softball league? Not, I suspect, as seriously as the Stinkmitts, who have created one of the most entertaining team Instagram accounts around. Featuring player and coach interview clips, quotations, and game scores, you'd think you were following a big league team.
Of the many grin-inducing posts, the player/coach interviews really are the best, as they're just so spot on in their imitation of the vapid nature of post-game professional athlete interviews. Roll out four or five cliches while avoiding any specific answer to the question posed and, voila, you've got a damn good copy of your average pro ball soundbite.
Paris Hilton and Perez Hilton will both touch down in Toronto this summer, though it would appear there won't be any overlap between the two's visits. True to form, the heiress will be in town to make an appearance at Cabana Pool Bar (June 27) for the release of her single "High Off My Love," while the celebrity gossip blogger will be staring in the parody musical of Full House in which he plays Danny Tanner. No, that's not a joke.
Apparently the musical tracks the demise of the sitcom star and his "descent into madness as he slowly turns from wholesome Danny Tanner to foul-mouthed and dark Bob Saget." In other words, the plot is just farcical enough that a non-actor might just be able to pull it off. Maybe. Possibly.
As for the other Hilton, the one releasing a single at Cabana, I'm less optimistic at its prospects, which is saying something. But, hey, at least the view from the club is nice. That might be worth the $25-35 price of admission on its own.
Which Hilton are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments.
Vegetarian restaurants in Toronto have been sprouting up all over the place, giving meatless eaters more choices and better variety than ever. Whether looking to eat clean and raw, or indulge in plant-based comfort foods, there's a little something for everyone on this list.
Here are my picks for the top vegetarian restaurants in Toronto by neighbourhood.
See also:The best vegetarian restaurants in Toronto
ANNEX
Live Food Bar specializes in all organic plant-based foods and is known for pizza made on almond crust, mung bean pancakes, and pulled burdock burritos.
BALDWIN VILLAGE
Vegetarian Haven offers a pan-Asian menu that lists miso wonton soup and chapchae alongside curry pad thai and Moroccan wraps. The sunny patio is a bonus.
THE BEACHES
Tori's Bakeshop is an organic vegan bakery during the day that transforms into a swank little wine bar on select evenings. Stop in to satisfy cravings for cupcakes and cookies, scones and sandwiches; or book a table after hours to dine on pizza and gnocchi with a glass of wine.
BLOORCOURT
Hogtown Vegan knows that just because you don't eat meat, doesn't mean you don't like to get down and dirty on occasion. The menu features gluttonous brunch options and pubby junk foods like unchicken & waffles, and phish & chips.
BLOORDALE
Through Being Cool Vegan Baking Co. is home to dairy-free pizza rolls, enchiladas, and doughnuts, so many doughnuts.
BLOOR WEST VILLAGE
Zucchini & kelp noodle pad thai, and, watermelon slushies are among the house faves on the menu at Rawlicious.
THE DANFORTH
The vegetarian deli counter at the Big Carrot is well stocked with readymade meals. Order grain salads and greens by weight and dig in at the cafe or take it to go.
DUNDAS WEST
Dundas West vegetarians are spoiled for choice with Veghed and The Goods both on the strip. Porter House is still my favourite, it's cooking up scratch foods like BBQ jackfruit sandwich and quinoa polenta, and serving it up in a cozy, beer-enabled environment
EAST CHINATOWN
Simon's Wok is a vegetarian kitchen that is all about the mock meats. Expect to find meatless versions of classic Chinese dishes including hot and sour soup, sweet and sour faux pork, and vegetarian cashew chicken.
EGLINTON WEST
Irie Veggie is a no frills take out counter near Eglinton and Keele that dishes out a smorgasborg of delicious Caribbean-vegetarian eats. Expect to find chunky stews, rice combos soups, and porridge.
ETOBICOKE
Thrive Organic Kitchen is a sprawling vegan cafe equipped with a large patio, indoor fireplace, couches, cafe tables, and all-day menu of burgers, tacos, salads, and desserts.
FINANCIAL DISTRICT
Kupfert & Kim is the popular pick in The PATH. Multiple locations keep things interesting with a variety of breakfast options, lunch boxes, and daily specials.
THE JUNCTION
The menu at The Beet might not be entirely meat-free, but it keeps the local vegetarian population well fed and well caffeinated with an abundance of options. Standouts on the menu include the spicy tempeh tacos, as well as burgers crafted from mushrooms, walnuts and quinoa.
KENSINGTON MARKET
Hibiscus Cafe is great little lunch spot where menu highlights include the savoury buckwheat crepes, and delectable vegan ice cream.
KING WEST
Wagamama is a bakery cafe that's especially vegan-friendly. At lunch, find an array of sandwiches, soups, and salads, plus a vegan chocolate cake that'll make you swoon.
KOREATOWN
Apiecalypse Now! Pizza and Snack Bar is situated across from Christie Pits making it an ideal spot to grab a vegan slice to picnic on at the park.
LIBERTY VILLAGE
Oats & Ivy gained acclaim as a lunch delivery service but now operates out of a flagship outlet on Liberty. The menu is predominantly meat-free and features lunch boxes packed with quinoa or kamut noodles, plus cold press juices and snack foods like Tuscan bean dip and hummus with crudités.
LITTLE INDIA
South Indian cuisine at Udupi Palace is done entirely vegetarian. The eatery on Gerrard is best known for its dosa, though the curries and rice dishes are worthwhile too.
LITTLE ITALY
Woodlot isn't exclusively vegetarian but it offers a menu tailored to meatless eaters that's sure to impress. Expect rustic seasonal dishes like spring pea empanadas, and broccoli cheddar stuffed agnolotti.
NORTH YORK
Doug's Public Kitchen wants to make vegan food comfortable, nourishing and mainstream, and he does it by appeal to our collective love for brunch and comfort foods. The menu is always changing, but expect to find everything from buffalo cauliflower to raw poutine to taco salads.
QUEEN WEST
Grasslands is the answer for vegans looking to enjoy bar snacks and cocktails in a chic setting. The menu bills social dishes to share like a vegan take on charcuterie along with entrees including pastas, burgers, and chimichurri tofu.
RICHMOND HILL
Gourmet Vegetarian Restaurant offers a menu of Chinese food favourites including hot pots with taro and faux chicken, and tofu and mushroom in black bean sauce. Dine in or carry-out available.
RIVERSIDE
Pulp Kitchen is a source for juices, soups, salads and sandwiches. The signature PK sandwiches is a fave - it comes loaded with tofu slices, avocado, and hummus.
RONCESVALLES VILLAGE
Cardinal Rule on Roncy is the kind of place where vegans and carnivores can break bread together. About 50% of the menu is devoted to vegetarians and offers dishes like three bean chili and smoked tofu club sandwiches.
SCARBOROUGH
Ital Vital is a go to for followers of the Rasta lifestyle and vegetarianism is integral. The restaurant specializes in West Indian dishes like veggie stir-fry, fried rice, and, veggie BBQ.
ST. LAWRENCE MARKET/>
Cruda Cafe is a magnet for vegans looking for alternatives to the market's primarily meat heavy options. The vegan cafe is dedicated to using fresh, organic ingredients and is known to put out cowls of vegan chili, fresh salads, and wraps.
WEST QUEEN WEST
Fresh has been around since 1999 and is as popular as ever. The all-vegan menu offers everything from brunches to burgers and tacos, plus salads, rice and noodle bowls, and green smoothies.
YONGE & DUNDAS
Urban Herbivore in the food court of the Eaton Centre is an oasis of good eatin' in a sea of junk foods. Expect to find sandwiches, salads, and bowls made to order.
YONGE & BLOOR
Salad Days offers a dizzying array of dishes for vegetarians. Customize salads at the counter with vibrant medley of ingredients including protein-packed hummus, hard boiled eggs, and chickpeas.
YONGE & EGLINTON
The Vegan Duchess is a raw, gluten-free and vegan takeout counter that serves up salads and pizzas, wraps and raw zucchini noodle dishes.
What did I miss? Disagree with my selections in the comments.
Pride festivities are on in full force around Toronto with a dizzying array of parties leading up to the big parade on Sunday. Helping to keep the party going into the wee hours, there's extended last call at a host of bars around the city from now through the 28th. Drinkers rejoice! NXNE's extended last call just ended, and Pride's has just begun.
Here at 24 restaurants and bars where you order booze until 4am during Pride 2015.
See also
Photo of Crews & Tangos by Jesse Milns
There's much more to Thai desserts than just mango sticky rice, and this new bakery in Bloor West Village specializing in sweets (and more) from Thailand is the perfect place to try something different.
Read my profile of Patchmon's Thai Desserts in the bakeries section.
The rumour mill is churning that the Raptors are on the cusp of announcing the acquisition of a new D league team that will play out of the Hershey Centre in Mississauga. While the franchise has yet to confirm it, the Toronto Star reports that the name of the new club will likely be the Raptors905s or some variation of such. One would imagine that Drake would approve of the use of an area code in such a manner.
The news should be exciting for Mississauga basketball fans, but also those who want to see the Raptors develop their own talent. Up until this point, the team has had to share US-based minor league affiliates, which is hardly an ideal scenario for bring along a club's assets. The Star reports the cost of the D league franchise at about $6 million, which would be money well spent.
Photo by Christian Bobak
This new shop specializing in hand crafted table and kitchenware is the discerning dinner host's one stop shop for immaculate table settings and other items to help prepare and serve fine food. The shop owners are also hoping to bring back table manners by hosting workshops and events catered to those who want to catch up on proper etiquette.
Read my review of Hopson Grace in the design section.
Today we're opening up voting in our latest Best Of poll. Now you can have your say in 10 categories including ice cream, sangria, cheap drinks, comic shops, nightclubs, Chinese food delivery and more.
Voting in the poll ends at 11:45pm this Saturday June 27th.
Today in Toronto will have you getting your fine art fix when MOCCA throws the final exhibition at its West Queen West location. Rather party for Pride? No problem. Night of 100 Dolly's urges you to dress in dolly drag and dance and drink the night away.
For more events, click on over to our events section.
Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.
Photo Dean Baldwin's minibar.
Toronto Restaurant Openings highlights the latest restaurant openings and closings in Toronto and also gives a preview of what's coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.
OPEN NOW
RECENTLY REVIEWED
OPENING SOON
Have you seen restaurants opening or closing in your neighbourhood? Email tips to liora@blogto.com
New vintage clothing stores in Toronto may be freshmen compared to the horde of veterans in the city, but they've got all the makings of shops here to stay. If you haven't guessed by now, this city is hot for vintage clothing, so there's always room for a new joint peddling old product - especially if they fill a niche in the ever-thriving scene.
Here are my picks for the top new vintage clothing shops in Toronto.
In Vintage We Trust
After selling men's vintage collectibles on eBay for years, In Vintage We Trust opened a brick-and-mortar earlier this year to house their vast selection of quality men's sporting goods and workwear. The Parkdale storefront fits right in the neighbourhood with its old school varsity jackets, authentic basketball jerseys, and - of course - original Levi's jeans.
The Treasure Chest
There's no better place to set up a vintage boutique than in the lobby of the Windsor Arms Hotel, a building that's almost 90 years old. The Treasure Chest teems with flashy womenswear and a handful of menswear goodies despite being a cubbyhole-sized space. Think of it as your glamorous grandmother's walk-in closet, with leopard carpeting to boot.
Siberia
Stacey Collrin, one owner behind Odd Finds General Store in Bloordale, decided earlier this year to open Siberia, another vintage venture on West Queen West. The smaller shop stocks a curated collection of womenswear from the 70s, 80s, and 90s - perfect for the hip-and-with-it neighbourhood it's in.
96 Tears
96 Tears is a Parkdale go-to for men's and women's clothing with a generous helping of fun factor. The new shop carries funky finds like velour tracksuits, patchwork leather pants, and enough 90s windbreakers to dress your entire squad.
Three Fates
Three Fates is a cozy space carrying ultra-feminine womenswear both new and vintage. While secondhand floral dresses and denim cutoffs make up part of the stock, the Parkdale boutique also carries girly labels Motel Rocks, Honey Punch, and Pink Stitch.
This post was brought to you by Heineken.
What did I miss? Let us know what your favourite new vintage store is in the comments. Photo of 96 Tears by Morris Lum
Tours of graffiti alley in Toronto are nothing new, but there's extra incentive to explore one of the city's hot spots for street art as the local BIA has ponied up to make them free this summer. Each weekend, TourGuys will lead walks through the colourful haven on Saturdays starting on July 4th at 1pm.
Graffiti Alley has long been recognized as a tourist destination, but now the BIA has realized just what a draw to the neighbourhood the impromptu art gallery has become. The street art here is legal and some of the best in the country, so why not show it off in some official capacity?
To get in on a tour, head over to graffitialley.ca to register for a spot over the next couple of months. You could also do this on your own, of course, but it's nice to know who the artists are and how long certain murals have been in place.
