Thanks to Panamania, you don't have to be a sports fanatic to enjoy the Pan Am Games. The city is hosting a 35-day celebration of Toronto's arts and culture scene, full with free concerts, art exhibitions, and fireworks. Whether you're looking to celebrate an athlete's performance or want to spend an afternoon relaxing by the water, there's plenty to do over the next month.

Here are my picks for the top things to do during Panamania in Toronto.

MUSIC

Dance the night away at one of the many free concerts (July 11-26, Aug. 7-12)
Free music in Nathan Phillips Square is not a new concept for the city of Toronto; but the Pan Am Games has created an intensive line up with over 130 acts throughout 35 days. Expect free performances from artists like Serena Ryder (July 11) The Flaming Lips (July 19), Chromeo (Aug. 7), The Roots (Aug. 8). Tanya Tagaq (Aug. 8), and Jann Arden (Aug. 11). Concerts will occur every day between noon and 11 p.m.

Stick around after a game at Exhibition Place (July 11-25)
It may be known for its cronuts or deep-fried, well, everything, but this summer the Exhibition Place will become one of the largest sport and art clusters in the city. In addition to hosting five competition venues, it will also be the home of a number of concerts, including performances by Lights (July 20), Colin James (July 17), Stars (July 23), Kiesza, and Toronto-based electronic band Austra.

Listen to some classical music at Koerner Hall (July 21-22)
Not up to standing all night long or braving the crowds at Exhibition Place? Maybe you should head to Koerner Hall to hear the classical musical styling of the YOA Orchestra of the Americas (July 21) or to see Grammy Award-winning pianist Danilo Pérez (July 22), who will be performing an original song for the Pan Am Games.

ACTIVITIES

Enjoy pop-up shops at the Distillery (July 11-26)
While known for its art galleries and quaint boutiques, the Distillery District is promising some unique pop-up shops and cultural experiences during Panamania that will bring in "the sights, sounds and tastes of the Americas."

Celebrate the Caribbean at an outdoor fashion show (July 16-18)
Watch "island chic" strut on the runway during Cuttin' Style Caribbean, a free event that guarantees elegant and sophisticated style. After the fashion show, mix and mingle with international and local designers, including Torontonian Cherith Burke, during an evening Gala (July 18) full of vibrant music and festive foods. Tickets are $145 per person.

See a world premiere (July 21-Aug. 8)
Among the premieres debuting during Panamania is a comedy by Canadian actress Sandra Shamas called The Big 'What Now?', (July 21-25) about life after 50, and a one-man show called 887 (July 14-19) by Quebecois playwright, actor and film director Robert Lepage. These ticketed events are happening all across the city at various theatres and community centres.

Sing along with a musical debut (Aug. 6-8)
Panamania will be debuting a new musical about the Salem witch trials called Obeah Opera. The performance - at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts in the Distillery District - is sure to have you clapping your hands and stopping your feet with its acappella music and all-female cast.

Get into the rhythm with dance (July 17-Aug.8)
See the world move with one of the many international dance performances happening across the city. See hard-hitting urban street dance in Battle for the North (July 21-23), Brazilian modern dance in MIX, or even experience ballet from six different countries with The connected Creation of creative Connection (July 15).

Walk down the Bloor St. Culture Corridor
Bloor St. between Bay St. and Bathurst will be joining the Panamania listings as one of the must-see cultural locations in Toronto. Visit one of the many museums, art exhibitions or concerts happening in this "culture corridor," or even take in a Pan-American film at Hot Docs.

Check out the most Canadian circus ever to have lived (July 23-25)
Remember those childhood moments: acrobats, musicians, and clowns all riding their mini bicycles around in circles, vying for the crowd's laughter and applause? Well, Cirque Alfonse's Timber! puts a North-American twist on the average circus. The storyline and acrobatics were all inspired by the designer's real-life Québécois farming experience, complete with lumberjacks and loggers.

ARTS

Art in transit (July 10-Aug. 15)
Your commute may be longer thanks to the traffic and congestion caused by the Pan Am Games, but at least the view will be improved. TTC users will be subject to the world premiere of Water's Edge, a photo exhibit by Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky and six other international artists. You can see the exhibition at Union Station and Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Stroll through your regular summer hangouts (July 10-Aug. 15)
Toronto's favourite summer attractions--like Harbourfront, Sugar Beach, and Fort York--have been transformed into art hubs, each one hosting an exhibition featuring photography or textiles. If the weather holds, the artwork will even move to Lake Ontario. Watercolour will open and close the Pan Am Games with a floating exhibit representing the 41 countries participating in the Games.

Watch artists battle it out live (July 24-25)
Seeing the final version of a painting is so passé. Head to the Distillery District to watch artists from across the Americas create their masterpieces in a live art battle. The finalists will move on to the International Live Painting Championship at Nathan Phillips Square on July 25. This is a free event.

SPORTS

Learn about the next sportswear fad (July 7-Nov. 15)
The mystery of spandex sportswear will finally be answered. The Design Exchange will be showcasing an exhibition about the evolution of sportswear technology and will explain how it "permeates every aspect of our lives."

Celebrate victory with your fellow Torontonians (July 10-26, Aug. 7-15)
Want to celebrate Canada's latest win? Athletes will be heading to Nathan Phillips Square after their medal presentations to meet fans and party the night away. Be prepared for regular nightly fireworks and some awesome entertainment.

Witness the personal struggle of parasport athletes (Aug. 11-14)
If you are looking for a more educational activity, watch the world debut of Push! Real Athletes. Real Stories. Real Theatre., which opens on Aug. 11. This performance follows the lives of six athletes--all of their successes, failures, and challenges--and intertwines them to explain the history of the Paralympics.

What did I miss? Add more Panamania events to the comments.

Photo by Matt Forsythe.

Road closures in Toronto for the weekend of July 4-5 rounds up the key transportation shut-downs affecting the city, including street and TTC closures.

KEY ROAD CLOSURES IN TORONTO

Taste of Lawrence
Lawrence Ave. E. will be closed between Warden and Birchmount from Friday at 10am until Sunday at 11:59pm for Taste of Lawrence.

Salsa on St. Clair
St. Clair West will be closed between Winona Dr. and Christie St. from Saturday at 8:00am until Sunday at 11:59am. TTC buses will divert via Davenport Rd.

Pan Am Torch Relay
This one is a doozy, so be prepared. The torch relay begins in St. James Town and then heads east over the weekend. Only a single lane of traffic will be closed in most cases, but if you're looking to get somewhere quick, it's best to avoid the celebration altogether.

Saturday:

• Southbound on Bleeker St. from the St. James Town Library to Wellesley St. E.
• Westbound on Wellesley St. E. to Jarvis St.
• Northbound on Jarvis St. continuing onto Ted Rogers Way to Bloor St.
• Eastbound on Bloor St. E. to the Bloor Viaduct

Sunday:

• Northbound on Fenwick Ave. to Danforth Ave.
• Eastbound on Danforth Ave. to Variety Village at 3701 Danforth Ave.
• Northbound on Kennedy Rd from Lawrence Ave. E. to McNicoll Ave.
• Westbound on McNicoll Ave. to 2000 McNicoll Ave.
• Eastbound on McNicoll Ave. to Silver Star Blvd.
• Southbound on Brimley Ave. to the Finch Hydro corridor
• Sheppard Ave. E. from Markham Rd. to 5183 Sheppard Ave. E.
• Eastbound on Ellesmere Rd. from Neilson Rd. to Military Trail
• Northbound on Military Trail to the PanAm Aquatics Centre
• Southbound on Military Trail to Old Kingston Rd.
• Westbound on Old Kingston Rd. to the Tennis Centre
• Westbound on Old Kingston Rd. from the Tennis Centre entrance to the Kingston Rd. access
• Southbound on Kingston Rd. to Morningside Ave.
• Westbound on Eglinton Ave. E. from Kingston Rd. to Midland Ave.
• Westbound on Queen St. E. from Fallingbrook Rd. to Woodbine Ave.
• Southbound on Woodbine Ave. from Queen St. E. onto Lake Shore Blvd. E.
• Westbound on Lake Shore Blvd. E. to Coxwell Ave.

TTC CLOSURES

Line 3 SRT
Line 3 is closed this weekend for scheduled maintenance. Shuttle buses will be in service.

Line 2 Bloor-Danforth
Line 2 will be closed between St. George and Pape stations until noon on Saturday and Sunday.

ONGOING CLOSURES

Over and above the special closures this weekend, construction projects across Toronto result in numerous other road restrictions across the city. For a comprehensive list of such closures, you can consult the official map maintained by the City of Toronto (also available as a PDF.)

A Toronto Judge has ruled that the city of Toronto can't do anything to shut down Uber unless they change current bylaws. In a 30 page ruling handed down late Friday, Superior Court Judge Sean Dunphy rejected arguments that Uber is required to have a taxi license in order to operate.

Much of the rationale for the ruling came down to Dunphy's interpretation of the word accept and his belief that Uber doesn't accept communication from passengers since passengers download the app ahead of time to arrange transportation.

As such, Dunphy contends that Uber doesn't fit the definition of a taxi company and therefore current taxi regulations don't apply to it.

Now that the ruling has been made it remains to be seen whether taxi drivers will make good on their threat to stage a Paris type revolt later this month.

Do you agree with the ruling? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Vik Pahwa in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Looking for a corporate or staff retreat a short drive from Toronto? Studies have shown that taking some time away from the grind can actually increase productivity, team spirit, and help employees to perform better. So, in the spirit of actually enjoying work, I have rounded up some options to help you keep your sanity.

Here are my picks for the top corporate and staff retreats near Toronto.

Drake Devonshire in Prince Edward County
A good option for smaller groups, this hotel in the country can accommodate up to 80 guests. Use the dining room and lounge for a team meeting and have some fun in Prince Edward County - there are miles of bike trails, farm and winery tours (check out Haute Goat Farm for a chance to bond with baby animals) and beach-side activities at Sandbanks Provincial Park.

Treetop Trekking at Horseshoe Valley Resort in Barrie
An advanced network of tree-top bridges, rope courses and zip lines is an excellent way for employees to conquer fears, build trust, and work together as a team. Luckily, Treetop Trekking at Barrie's Horseshoe Valley Resort offers this opportunity and more. This is a good option for groups large and small (10-100+ people).

Kingbridge Centre in King City
This facility is well-equipped for conferences and large meetings. When not looking at pie charts, head outside to explore a vast network of hiking trails or other green space for outdoor team building activities.

Inn at Christie's Mill in Port Severn
This waterfront spot is stacked with amenities for corporate retreats. There are 26 traditional inn-style rooms plus 15 suites making it a good option for small and medium sized teams. Staff are good at planning excursions and activities such as cooking classes, spa days, boat cruises, campfires or wine-tasting tours.

Killarney Mountain Lodge in Killarney
If rustic-chic is your thing, look no further than this place. On the windswept shores of Georgian Bay, Killarney is the true definition of a rural retreat. Cozy rooms, a 60's-inspired lounge (with live music nightly), home-cooked meals, and close proximity to Ontario's crown jewel (Killarney Provincial Park) means your retreat might be more memorable than last year's wild holiday party.

Long Point Eco-Adventures in Long Point
Offering one and two day corporate retreats for teams of any size, Long Point Eco-Adventures has redefined glamping to include serious adventure. The facility is dedicated to team building, goal-setting, and increasing productivity through hands-on activities such as kayaking, ziplining, stargazing, and mountain biking.

Bartlett Lodge in Algonquin Park
Helping your small to medium-sized team get in tune with nature, Bartlett Lodge is a comfortable and luxurious option. Located in Algonquin Provincial Park, activities such as canoeing, hiking, nature-watching, and simply bonding over the campfire are right at your fingertips.

Westin Trillium House in Blue Mountain
Mountain biking, trekking, ropes courses, and rock climbing are just a few of the activities on offer here. You can also select a theme to your stay thanks to Summit Teambuilding. Mini Olympics, a Blue Mountain Village Challenge, and Team Synergy are all par for the course.

Niagara-on-the-Lake
Offering a wide variety of hotels to choose from, both the falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake are ideal destinations for a weekend corporate retreat. Sample Ontario wines at a local vineyard, ride the Maid of the Mist under the majestic falls, or take your chances at Fallsview Casino - it's all in the name of a tighter-knit and more productive team.

Hart House Farm, Caledon
One of the more economical choices on this list, this spot can accommodate smaller groups at the rustic Ignatieff House. The property features an outdoor sauna and two swimming ponds. Head for a hike on the Bruce Trail, enjoy a wood-oven pizza and cider sampling at Spirit Tree, or just relax, unwind, and take a break from the urban grind.

What did I miss? Add more places for corporate and staff retreats near Toronto to the comments.

Photo of Drake Devonshire by the Drake Hotel.

Need to grab a bite after catching a game at one of the Pan Am Game venues? There are many restaurants to choose from but not all of them are conveniently located near ones of the sports facilities or stadiums.

Here are my picks for where to eat that's within walking distance of the key Pan Am Games venues in Toronto.

PAN AM PARK
The CIBC Pan Am Park is near the waterfront and encompasses a number of Pan Am venues, including the Exhibition Place grounds.

Exhibition Place
Expect funnel cakes, cronuts and other fattening foods plus the usual assortment of fare offered by the vendors in the food building.

Loco Burrito (0.6km)
Found inside the Roastery Cafe on Fraser Avenue in Liberty Village, this Mexican joint serves cheap and filling burritos alongside quesadillas and enchiladas.

The Craft Brasserie (0.8km)
This newly opened basement beer hall has the largest selection of draught beers in the city with 120 brews on tap. There are also plenty of TVS to stay tuned to the action but the best part? The kitchen is open until 2 a.m.

Local Public Eatery (0.8km)
Head to East Liberty St. and enjoy a pint and a west coast approach to burgers and tacos. Hang out on the patio or stay glued to one of the 15 television screens inside.

Oats and Ivy (0.8km)
After munching on peanuts and pretzels all day, this takeout spot in Liberty Village provides a refreshing and healthy lunch option. Their lunch bowls can be made to suit any dietary restriction - vegan, gluten-free or paleo.

CENTENNIAL PARK PAN AM BMX CENTRE
This Etobicoke facility will host the BMX cyclist competitions. Unfortunately, the venue isn't surrounded by a bounty of food options. Let's hope some food trucks show up.

Grand Chinese Cuisine (4.2 km)
Found inside the Doubletree Hotel, this local fave is a good option for dim sum or those looking for a sit-down meal.

Holy Smokez
(5.6 km)
This tiny take-away counter serves some of the best Southern Carolina and Texas-style barbeque in the area. It's the perfect place to get some pulled pork, spare ribs, or brisket.

Babaz (5.5 km)
On the corner of Dundas and Shaver St. this Middle Eastern restaurant is where to go to get your shawarma fix.

Dundas Street Grille (5.9 km)
Steps away from Kipling subway station is a old school diner that has been around since 1984. They serve the usual diner fare (breakfast and burgers) but it's the atmosphere that has the regulars coming back.

PAN AM ATHLETICS STADIUM
At York University, this venue will be hosting the Opening and Closing ceremonies as well as the track and field events.

Bamiyan Kabob (0.9 km)
This local chain is a favourite YorkU student hangout. It's all about the meat here - so arrive hungry and get ready to fill up on the cheap.

Caribbean Heat (1.7 km)
For cheap Caribbean-Chinese fusion meals under $10, head to Caribbean Heat on Finch Ave. My favourite is their roti mixed with sweet and sour pork.

Pho Lien Hung (1.7 km)
This small Vietnamese restaurant near Finch and Keele St. offers good pho at cheap prices.

PAN AM SPORTS CENTRE
This new Scarborough facility created just in time for the Pan Am Games features swimming pools galore, diving tanks, and dry-land drive training facilities.

The Fossil & Haggis Pub (0.2 km)
With pool tables, karaoke, and free wifi, this Scottish-style pub near Morningside Ave. offers cheap food options and a fair number of brews on tap.

Regino's (0.2 km)
Sick of the regular pepporini and cheese pizzas? Head to Reginos near Morninside for some unique pies, including zucchini, corn, and Philly steak.

Caribbean Wave (1 km)
This Scarborough spot is where to go if you're craving Caribbean-style low mein, chow mein, and fried rice.

MARKHAM PAN AM CENTRE
Go see some badminton, table tennis or water polo at this venue on Main Street in Markham.

Congee Wong (0.2 km)
This popular chain is a good bet for Canton-style meals that will fill you up before the next game. Can't find it? Just follow the scent of congee, rice and noodles wafting through First Markham Place.

Wei's Kitchen (0.2 km)
With lunch specials under $6.99, this Chinese restaurant in First Markham Place is the place to go for cheap lunch specials. Try the House Special Duck.

Nak Wong (0.2 km)
This Korean chain does a good dolsot bibimbap and offers plenty of free banchan.

MISSISSAUGA SPORTS CENTRE
This 5,500-seat multi-purpose arena near Eglinton Ave. in Mississauga will be hosting many of the one-on-one sports like judo, karate and powerlifting.

Saravanna Bhavan (2.6 km)
This outpost on Eglinton Ave. offers a variety of southern Indian dishes. The Mini-Tiffin and the lunch special buffet are excellent value meals.

Nirvana (2.8 km)
Near Brittania and Hurontario St., this Indian fave makes a mean butter chicken and a rogan josh that will blow your mind.

For more ideas, download our free iPhone app and find the closest places nearby by typing in the address of the venue.

Beer made with citrus can be fantastic and refreshing on a hot summer day, but with so many radlers, shandies, and a hundred sugary "beers" ending in -arita lining store shelves these days, it's tough to know which ones to get. Thankfully there are a handful of locally made options that keep the citrusy sweetness in check while still delivering a little summer fruity goodness.

Here are my picks for the top citrus beers made in Toronto.

Left Field Brewery's Sunlight Park Saison
Named after the first baseball stadium in Toronto, Sunlight Park Saison is a refreshing, 5.3% saison balanced with sweetness and a touch of grassy hops and made with the zest of 100 organic grapefruits in every batch.
Available on tap in Toronto bars and sporadically in bottles at Left Field Brewery's retail shop.

Amsterdam Sweetwater Squeeze Radler
Among the array of beer-juice combos out there this summer, this is one of the few that delivers big flavour without being cloyingly sweet. A unique blend of house-made soda, blood orange juice, and beer, this sweet refresher ideal for hot weather patio sessions.
Available at the LCBO and Amsterdam retail stores for $2.85 a tall boy.

Bellwoods Brewery's Omertà
A 5% American Pale Ale made with blood oranges and hibiscus, Omertà is somehow complex while simultaneously exceedingly subtle. It's zesty but delicate, refreshing but hoppy. Uniquely suited to showing someone that refreshing beer can have taste.
Available on tap at Bellwoods and in their bottle shop.

Collective Arts Brewing's Saint of Circumstance
Burlington's Collective Arts refers to this one as an "any time" beer and, with a remarkably subtle malt profile and just a touch of the lemon flavour imparted by incorporating "seasonal citrus," they might just be on to something. It's a 4.7% blonde ale that would be just as at home dockside as it would alongside grilled chicken or fish.
Available in six packs at the LCBO for $13.95

Mill Street Brewery's Lemon Tea Beer
If you're like me, when this beer first came out in 2010, you had a summer love affair with the refreshing, 5% wheat beer infused with fair trade Orange Pekoe and Earl Grey teas and real lemon juice. It may have fallen off your radar as of late but, newsflash, it's still a really good and reliable summer sipper.
Available in tall cans at the LCBO and Mill Street's retail store.

Ben Johnson also writes about beer over on Ben's Beer Blog. Tweet him invites to go patio hopping with you @Ben_T_Johnson.

Even as Toronto has exploded with music festivals this year, it's a tough game for independent artists to benefit from the many new, big ticket events taking place here. NXNE isn't particularly kind to up and coming musicians, and massive newcomers like WayHome are all about offering as much star power as possible.

That's why it's very good news for the Toronto music community that TWiMFeST is returning for a second year. Presented by promoters Two Way Monologues and The Indie Machine, this is a festival that prides itself on treating independent artists with the respect that they deserve. It is, after all, the only festival to advertise with hashtags #nofees #noradiusclause #paidgig.

Last year's TWiMFeST showcased 68 artists across a handful of music venues. It was a breath of fresh air in a year that was marked by controversy surrounding NXNE's radius clause, which was ultimately pulled after outcry from local music community. Toronto doesn't really need more music festivals, but it does need ones that prioritize independent musicians.

The second year of the festival is to be expanded, with extra time to promote and to put into practice lessons learned from its first iteration. The list of participating venues has grown, now including Rancho Relaxo, the Gladstone Hotel, the Horseshoe Tavern, Tennessee, Junction City Music Hall, Dundas Video, the Painted Lady, Bier Mrkt, and more still to be added.

20 artists from across Canada have been announced in the initial lineup, though that just scratches the surface of what the final roster will look like. On board so far are Toronto's Pick a Piper, The Auras, Paint, and Montreal's Dear Criminals, Lakes of Canada, and Saskatoon's Autopilot. The second wave of acts will be announced August 1st.

TWiMFeST also takes place in St. John's, Newfoundland, home of promoter Dan Wolovick (Two Way Monologues). In both cities, the festival promises to bring "bands they love, venues they think are awesome, and forward thinking for all." This is all very auspicious.

Photo of Pick a Piper via TWiMFeST

Fishbar's four year run on Ossington has come to an unceremonious end as the landlord locked the doors on June 30th due to unpaid rent. While the bailiff's notice posted on the front door doesn't indicate how much the restaurant is behind, it doesn't appear the situation will be resolved.

Fishbar opened in 2011 when Ossington's restaurant boom was in full swing. Lauded immediately for its sustainable seafood offerings, the restaurant enjoyed a loyal following throughout its tenure. There was no warning that closure was imminent. Customers with reservations earlier this week arrived to find the restaurant shuttered.

Fishbar's owners also run Salt Wine Bar just north on Ossington. It's still open for business as usual. Perhaps two restaurants on the ever more expensive stretch just wasn't sustainable.

New events in Toronto this summer will have you cuddling with puppies, camping out at music festivals and feasting on baked goods. Although some of this year's high profile newbies such as Bestival are already behind us, there's still plenty to look forward to in the coming months.

Here are my picks for the top new events in Toronto this summer.

Front Street Foods at Union Station (July 6-Aug. 30)
Bye-bye construction and hello food fair! Revel in Union Station's new outdoor plaza with an open-air market that serves up food seven days a week. Vendors include Caplansky's, Uncle Testu and Hula Girl Espresso.

Panamania (July 10-Aug. 15)
Free concerts from bands and artists including the Flaming Lips, Jann Arden and Chromeo, as well as art shows and theatrical performances, allow you to enjoy the spirit of the games without stepping foot in a stadium.

TIFF in Your Park (July 11-Sept. 25)
For its 40th anniversary, TIFF is rolling out free film screenings to parks across the GTA. From Mississauga to Scarborough, you can watch classics and box office hits like Ghostbusters, Hugo and Fly Away Home - in the city's green spaces.

The 12 Beers of Summer (July 17)
It's officially Christmas in July because the Gladstone Hotel is giving its popular all-you-drink beer-fest a summer date. The Hawaiian-themed 12 Beers of Summer will feature taps from Canadian and American craft brewers, making your $20 ticket well worth the price.

Slide the City (July 18-19)
Relive the glory days of your youth by splashing your way down a 1000 foot slip-and-slide. Although, you won't exactly be sliding through the city as the event takes place at Downsview Park.

Wayhome (July 24-26)
Touted as Bonnaroo of the North, Wayhome has a headliner deserving of this moniker - Neil Young. This three-day festival in Oro Medonte will have four stages and music going until 2 a.m. some nights. With a silent disco, art installations and an impressive lineup, Wayhome may just live up to the hype.

Toronto Vegan Food and Drink Festival (Aug. 8)
For one day only, munch on the city's best vegan comfort food at the Fort York Garrison Commons. This cruelty-free food festival also features beer, wine and spirits. Tickets start at $10.

Sweetery (Aug. 15-16)
Finally, a food festival dedicated solely to desserts. Vendor details are pretty sparse, but the event will include sugary treats created by George Brown pastry chefs as well as nostalgic activities like a piñata competition and a jellybean count. Best of all, admission is free - sweet.

Camp Wavelength (Aug. 28-30)
While Wayhome has been getting all the attention this summer, Wavelength is bringing its own independent, camping music festival to Artscape Gibraltar Point on the Toronto Island. Headlined by Holy F*ck, this three-day event will feature two stages, art installations, and of course, nights under the stars.

Poochella (Sept. 20)
At the tail end of the summer, Woodbine Park will be transformed into a dog-lover's paradise. This four-legged fiesta is taking place only a week before Woofstock and at the same venue so we'll see what happens.

What did I miss? Add your most anticipated new summer event in the comments.

Photo by Matt Forsythe.

The food scene in Toronto is anything but boring when it comes to well designed spaces that give diners the chance to drool over the decor as well as their meal. The restaurants on this list are all massive culinary projects that serve cuisine from around the globe. The emphasis is on the food as well as on everything else that meets the eye, for an interesting and truly immersive experience.

Here are my picks for the top restaurants with stunning interior design in Toronto.  

See also:The 10 most Instagrammable restaurants in Toronto

Carbon Bar
This Southern barbeque spot is situated in a massive space that formerly housed Electric Circus and a Disney studio. The decor gives casul nods to this history - the neon club sign was kept, and now illuminates diners in its fluorescent light while Donald Duck figurines line a shelf near the bar. The leather benches are evocative of a French bistro and large, white globes are suspended from pantographs attached to the ceiling.

Momofuku
The Momofuku complex is housed in a three story glass cube in the Shangri La and offers diners the full Momofuku experience via four very different stopping points. The entire space is decked out in oak, concrete, steel, glass and stone, all accentuated by the natural light coming in through the floor to ceiling windows. At night the wood-paneled space come alive with warmth.

El Catrin
This Distillery District spot has to be the most beautiful Mexican restaurant in Toronto. Designed by Munge Leung, the vibe here is Day of the Dead on acid. Large, chandelier inspired lighting fixtures light the enormous space decorated with smiling skulls, neon flowers and a giant mural painted by street artist Oscar Flores. Make sure to check out the deliciously creepy, votive lit altar on your way to the bathroom.

Byblos
It's hard to resist Byblos' charm - the airy dining room is mostly decorated in shades of white with accent pieces like Turkish coffee pots adding the necessary pops of color. The white and yellow tilled bar spans an entire wall in the downstairs dining room and is lit by glass lined shelves. The room itself is lit by a series of modern, gold colored chandeliers that cast an ethereal light, perfect for enjoying east-Mediterranean cuisine.

Parts and Labour
Part bar, part club, part restaurant, Parts and Labour certainly also ticks all of the design checkmarks. Diners sit at long communal tables lit by bare, recycled fluorescent lights in an industrial-feeling room designed by Castor Design. The non-traditional space houses a rotating collection of art and is host to different live events and dance parties downstairs

Bar Raval
The younger, sibling of Bar Isabel feels unlike any other restaurant in Toronto. Lined in deep, curved mahogany paneling, the bar pays homage to the intricate Gaudi houses scattered across Barcelona. White tiles are adorned with subtle patterns. Having drinks and snacks here will surely transport you to Raval in Barcelona for the evening

Patria
Tucked a few meters away from busy King Street, Patria aims to recreate Barcelona style tapas, though don't be fooled, this place is anything but casual. The piece de resistance has to be the colorful, needlepoint creation hanging above the staircase. Designed by Commute Home, Patria gives a nod to its Spanish roots through a warm, rich color pallet, enormous, Velasquez style paintings and an eclectic melange of antiques.

Via Vai
The new kid on the block, Via Vai is a study in lighting with 45-foot, ceiling to floor windows spanning the entire restaurant and making sure that every seat is a window seat. The space previously housed an art gallery, a fact which has been preserved in the current restaurant's design via large murals and paintings hanging on the wall and colorful pieces of glass suspended from the high ceiling.

The Chase
Beyond the stunning view, this rooftop Financial District spot is sure to impress with its clean, elegant design. Crystal chandeliers and natural light work together to create an almost ethereal lighting. Diners sit in grey, Ralph Lauren booths, chairs or along the bar at white stools which offer the best view outside of the patio. The food is contemporary Canadian with heavy emphasis on the denizens of the deep.

R&D
The project of Master Chef Canada winner Alvin Leung, R&D is essentially Chinese Canadian fusion. Another one of Commute Home's works, this enormous restaurant is divided into three different spaces, filled with Chinese street art-inspired murals and lit by large, drum lights while faux crumbling wallas are meant to be evocative of the state of Chinese society.

Did I miss any? Add your picks to the comments.

Photo of R&D by Jesse Milns. 

Photo by Lori Whelan in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Free events in Toronto will have you moving and grooving at the Beaches Jazz Festival, kicking off this Friday. Expect to find Woodbine Park filled with live music, food vendors, and massive crowds. If that's not up your alley, head to PANAMANIA and catch one of the free shows happening at Nathan Phillips Square.

Here's what to do if you're saving up for a well-deserved vacation.

Franco-Fête (July 10-24)
Franco-Fete is an opportunity for Toronto's French-speaking people to get together and share their cultures, and teach others about them, too. The festival, at Yonge-Dundas Square, will focus on French music.

Beaches Jazz Fest (July 10-26)
The Beaches Jazz Festival continues to expand, this year encompassing three weekends at Woodbine Park, on top of the annual street festival, while still remaining free for everyone. Performances by the Lula All Stars, Chris Thomas King, Ogguere, God Made Me Funky, The Boom Booms, La Gran Colombia Orchestra and many more.

PANAMANIA (July 10-26, August 7-12)
The Pan Am Games aren't just about sports. You'll be able to see acts like The Roots, Flaming Lips, Chromeo, Jann Arden, USS, Lights, Janelle Monae, Colin James, tons of world music artists and lots more -- all for free at Nathan Phillips Square and the CIBC PanAm Park. Check the schedule and show up early.

Taste of Downsview (July 11-12)
Taste of Downsview is a two-day fest in Downsview Park. There will be free live performances and plenty of of streets eats to chow down on.

Toronto Bastille Day (July 12)
Head to David Pecaut Square to celebrate French culture. There will be tons of live entertainment and traditional French dancing. You can bring your own picnic, or if you feel like spending a few bucks, you can buy an array of French food.

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

Photo of the Beaches Jazz Festival

The top parks for playing sports in Toronto offer everything from basketball and volleyball courts to baseball diamonds and soccer fields, making your summer exercise that much easier -- and more fun. If you're looking for a space to practice your serve, bring your equipment and some chums and spend a day off at one of these fine public parks.

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

Sunnybrook Park
This park has an impressive number of fields for rugby, field hockey, ultimate, cricket and others. There's even an archery range nearby. And since all its fields are rated "Premier" (the highest rating a field can get), it's one of the most pristine places to bring your game.

Christie Pits Park
Two baseball diamonds, a basketball and volleyball court, sports field and sportpad area make Christie Pits a favourite amongst Toronto's sport lovers. You can also swim laps at the pool when its quiet.

Centennial Park
Centennial Park is one of the most stacked parks for sports facilities in Toornto. There's a ball diamond, space for frisbee golf, two fields, outdoor fitness equipment, an outdoor track -- even a ski hill. If you consider fishing a sport, you can do that here, too.

Withrow Park
This eight-hectare park at Logan and Danforth is the perfect spot to play the classics: outside, there's a tennis court, baseball diamond, dry pad, sports field and fitness equipment, and there's a fieldhouse for sporting indoors.

Eglinton Flats
Take your game of bocce out of Bellwoods and into Eglinton Flats, where there's an actual professional court waiting for you. There's also six (yes, six!) soccer fields. This park also boasts a tennis court, multi-purpose field, and playground (for those of you who consider swing-jumping a sport).

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

National Fried Chicken Day is a thing in Toronto in case you didn't know. Well, in as much as National Donut Day and National Hot Dog Day are things. And why not? Fried chicken is the type of dish that attracts a rabid fan base, with devotees quick to point out which new or under the radar spot has the best version in the city.

Taking place Monday, July 6th, there's a number of ways you can mark your love of fried chicken on this dedicated day. One restaurant that's pulling our all the stops on National Fried Chicken Day is Leslieville's CHICK-N-JOY, which is busting out live music, prizes, and trivia contests in addition to a $2 special on a piece of chicken and fries.

Also getting in on the fun is the newish Dirty Bird Chicken and Waffles in Kensington Market. They're also doing a $2 special, but this one includes two pieces of chicken for two bucks (though you'll have to order a side to qualify for the deal).

Over and above CHICK-N-JOY and the Dirty Bird, there's a host of other fried chicken joints you can hit up to celebrate on July 6th. You can expect top notch takes on the classic Southern treat at places like the Stockyards, Electric Mud, Luther's Chicken, The Gabardine, and pretty much every other place on this list.

If you know of a restaurant doing something special for National Fried Chicken Day, let us know in the comments.

Photo of Dirty Bird

Today in Toronto you can head to Casa Loma to see Sean Jones live. If that's not up you're alley, no worries: you can extend your weekend by heading to Handlebar for their Monday Rotation where you'll find people partying it up until last call. The best part is, all drinks are $5, and there's no cover.

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

• Soul in the City feature Sean Jones (Casa Loma)
• ReelHeART International Film and Screenplay Festival (Carlton Magic Lantern Cinema)
• Bring Your Own Vinyl (Pour Boy)
• Monday Rotation (Handlebar)
• Hey '90s Kids, You're Old (Comedy Bar)
• Jamaican Jerk Chicken + Appleton Estate Rum Tasting (The Drake Hotel)

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events

It took over 10 years, but last night the Bloor Viaduct finally lit up the night sky as the so called Luminous Veil was unveiled in all its colourful glory. Composed of 35,000 LED lights, the Dereck Revington-designed installation runs the length of the bridge, and will now remain illuminated 365 days of the year. It's one of those Pan Am legacy projects that I suspect many people will be happy about.

Hundreds paid a visit to the bridge for the official lighting last night, which featured music from July Talk and extended hours from the Thrill of the Grill Festival. The highlight, however, was the rotating light show that showed off the various ways that the Luminous Veil responds to changes in temperature and wind.

A photo posted by Wendy Tao (@hellofromwendy) on Jul 4, 2015 at 8:32pm PDT

It really does complete the bridge. The Bloor Viaduct is one of our most iconic bits of infrastructure, and this crown gives it an almost Parisian quality. It feels important, and it looks downright cool. Congratulations, Toronto. You finally got this one right.

Lead photo by Richard Rhyme, second photo by Keith Armstrong

With the Pan Am Games on the horizon, it seemed like the right time to add to our sizeable archive of historical posts with a look back at sporting events over the years in Toronto. While the city has never hosted a sporting event on the scale of Pan Am, there is a long history of amateur and professional sport in Toronto, one which features surprises like Hanlan's Point Stadium and swims across Lake Ontario.

Take a trip into the past of Toronto's sporting legacy.

Lacrosse at Hanlan's Point Stadium in 1910.

Automobile Polo at the CNE in 1910.

Boxing match at Christie Pits in 1915.

Varsity Stadium was the city's biggest hub for sporting events throughout the first half of the 20th century.

Varsity Stadium in the 1920s.

A bike race at the CNE.

Horse racing was a massive draw in Toronto throughout the first half the 20th century. Seen here is Woodbine Race Track in the 1920s.

Patsy Wallace and Jimmy Wilde square off at a CNE boxing match in 1920.

Hanlan's Point Stadium lit up in 1928.

Maple Leaf Stadium hosted pro baseball until in was demolished in the late 1960s.

Lou Turofsky photographs the Grey Cup at Varsity Stadium in 1950.

Maple Leafs action in the 1950s.

Marilyn Bell swam across Lake Ontario in 1954.

Crowds fill the Royal York Hotel during the 1956 Grey Cup, which CFL football was a much bigger deal.

Crowds fill Exhibition Stadium in the late 1970s for Blue Jays game action.

Photos from the Toronto Archives

There is a lot happening during the Pan Am Games, and it can be difficult to keep up with it all. But if you have a smartphone, you don't have to worry: there's an app for that.

Here are five apps to check out if you want to stay informed during the Pan Am Games this summer in Toronto.

Toronto 2015 (Iphone, Android)
This is the official app for the Pan Am Games. It's basically a one-stop shop for information when the Pan Am torch will be coming to town, a daily schedule of the games, a calendar of Panamania events, and a social media page. You can even purchase tickets directly from the app. It's colourful and extremely easy to navigate.

Pan Am Path (Iphone, Android)
For those who want to experience Toronto's culture as much as its sport, this is the app for you. It maps out the Pan Am Path and the activities/festivals that are happening along the way. Many of the events have already taken place, but there are a few happening throughout the months of July and August. For a special treat, they've included four music playlists to keep you motivated.

Toronto 2015 Trip Planner (Iphone, Android)
This is an offset of the Toronto 2015 app designed specifically for commuters. With all of the Pan Am venues pre-set as destinations, it is easy to figure out the best route to the Games. Aside from showing traffic and construction, the app will also indicate whether or not there is parking close to the destination. One of the best features is the "drive mode," which allows you to hear audio alerts.

Medalloid (Iphone)
This social media aggregator was created specifically for the Pan Am Games; although the developer hopes to keep it active for future international sporting events. Medalloid offers a more personalized way of keeping up with sports by following the Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram posts of thousands of athletes. Users can then follow the activity of specific countries or spots. It also has medal listings.

Go Team Canada (Iphone)
This app follows everything to do with Canadian athletes. Go Team Canada compiles articles from all sorts of news sources, from the Toronto Star to the Orangeville Banner, giving you a bit of everything. It also has a fancy countdown to the games. The fan page is a little sad - it appears only two people have ever visited - but who knows, maybe it just needs the Pan Am audience?

Did I miss any good ones? Add more Pan Am Games apps to the comments.

Photo via Toronto 2015 on Facebook.

Toronto has always been a destination for celebs. Whether it be for a film shoot, a concert, or a meet-and-greet at a nightclub, famous people of all stripes will be gracing our super livable city while the snow is on hiatus.

Here are ten famous people visiting Toronto this summer.

Bono
Famed Irishman, the poor man's John Lennon, and the subject of The Edge's reoccurring nightmares, Bono will be performing with U2 in Toronto July 6 and 7 as part of their iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour.

Will Smith
Twitter legend Jaden Smith's dad is in the midst of filming Suicide Squad (code name: Bravo 14) with some other big names, including Jared Leto, Viola Davis and Margot Robbie. As annoying as some of the road closures for this film are, the inconveniences will be totally worth it if you get to see the Fresh Prince in the flesh.

Neil Young
Canadian rock superstar and the best part of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Neil Young is headlining Wayhome, a Bonnaroo-esque festival in late July.

James Franco
Freaks and Geeks alum, perpetual student and Instagram creeper James Franco has already been spotted around the GTA shooting the movie adaptation of Stephen King novel 11/22/63. Filming is slated to continue in Toronto until the end of summer, so hopefully the downtown area gets a taste of JF.

Kevin Hart
This breakout comedian is performing at the Air Canada Centre in early August as part of his What Now Tour. The always-yelling Hart may be on the small size but won't be easily missed on the streets of Toronto.

LeBron James
King James is hosting a pool party at Cabana Pool Bar at the end of July. Get tickets fast, as his recent televised wardrobe malfunction is guaranteed to bring fans in droves.

Janet Jackson
Musical royalty Janet Jackson (Miss Jackson if you're nasty) is performing at the ACC in early September. This soft-spoken songstress is an amazing performer with a show that's guaranteed to wow.

Serena Williams
The Jessica Simpson to sister Venus' Ashlee, Serena Williams is slated to play in the Rogers Cup in early August. Ranked number 1 in women's singles tennis, Williams recent return to dominance makes now a great time to see her in real life.

Perez Hilton
Part internet innovator, part master of drawing jizz on celebrities faces' in MS Paint, Perez Hilton (real name: Mario Lavandeira) will not be ignored (and will not go away). Hilton is playing Danny Tanner in a Full House parody this summer.

Mike Tyson
Heavyweight champion and pigeon enthusiast Mike Tyson is somehow being let into Canada again - this time for an appearance at Toronto's Fan Expo. The world can only hope that Tyson will be visiting the CP24 studios for another amazing interview.

Who did I miss? Add more famous people to the comments.

Photo of James Franco via his Facebook.