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Condo sales in Toronto continue to soar

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toronto condo salesCondo sales in Toronto continue to surge, as new numbers released by the Toronto Real Estate Board show a 21.3 per cent increase over June 2014. Prices were also up 6.3 per cent compared to last year, so it's not as if sales are being pushed by a saturated market with unit rates on the decline.

While recent months have witnessed historic numbers of vacant condo units, the surge in sales is fuelled at least partially by the outrageously competitive housing market, which is pushing some prospective home buyers into the condo market.

With the average price of a detached home continuing to climb above the $1 million mark, condos look more and more attractive not just to first time buyers, but also those who have a little money to play with but not enough for pimped out house in ever-expensive Toronto.

Photo by Marcanadian in the blogTO Flickr pool.


Toronto gets its first ever momo crawl

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momo crawl torontoToronto is set for its first momo crawl, as a group of Parkdale restaurants have banded together to show off this staple of Tibetan cuisine. Here's how it works: for $20 you get a "momo passport" that buys you a sampling of momos at eight restaurants. You can then vote for your favourite in the hopes of crowning Toronto's momo king.

Participating restaurants include, Himalayan Kitchen, Lhasa Kitchen, Loga's Corner, Norling Restaurant, Om Restaurant, Shangrila Restaurant, Tibet Kitchen, and Tsampa Café.

The crawl goes down in Little Tibet on Sunday, July 26 between 11am and 8pm, which should give you plenty of time to feast on momos. Just make sure you pace yourself. It would be a tragedy to get to six places and then lose your steam.

You can buy tickets to the event via the affiliated Tilt campaign.

Photo of Loga's Corner

The Union Station outdoor market is now open

Local brewery threatened with NIMBY noise complaints

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left field breweryLeft Field Brewery is embroiled in a neighbourhood conflict as nearby residents complain that the brewing operation and retail outfit is making too much noise. An article in the Star today outlines the situation, which can't help but draw the word NIMBY to one's tongue.

The primary issue that it would appear a handful of neighbours have is that the brewery leaves its garage door open during retail hours, which they complain allows noise to filter across to their properties. Left Field, for its part, claims that the heat generated from active brewing requires that the door remain open.

While one resident characterizes the brewery as "bad neighbours," owners Mandie and Mark Murphy claim they have taken many steps to mitigate noise concerns stemming from their business. In a thoroughgoing blog post, they offer their side of the story, which outlines how they've dealt with the feedback from the neighbours.

The issue is now before city council, as area councillor Paula Fletcher hopes to bring staff from Legal Services, Economic Development and Culture, and Municipal Licensing and Standards together with the brewery and residents to find a solution that everyone can commit to by the time the brewery's license is up for renewal in February 2016.

Left Field Brewery's owners say they "would like nothing more than to find a solution to any reasonable concerns that any of our neighbours may have," which hints at the main issue at hand. What is a reasonable concern? Everyone will have a different view on what constitutes such a thing, but perhaps the city could do a better job of ensuring that the criteria is clearly established.

Kensington rooftops at dusk

Today in Toronto: TIFF 40 Launch Party, Maddy Prior & Steeleye Span, It Follows, Pub Chess, Raising Arizona

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today in torontoToday in Toronto it's time to party with TIFF for their 40th anniversary. They'll be celebrating with the first movie in this summer's TIFF in the park series - Baz Luhrmann fans rejoice, it's Strictly Ballroom. If you prefer your outdoor movies by the lake or on a roof, you also have options. Open Roof Festival and Free Flicks are showing movies at 99 Sudbury and the Harbourfront Centre, respectively.

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 section.

The top 26 restaurants in Toronto by Pan Am Games country

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la cubana41 countries, including Canada, are participating in the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto. Spanning South, Central and North America as well as the Caribbean means there are countries with food that's increasing common in Toronto (Mexico, Brazil, Cuba) as well as those that are harder to find or non-existent (Bolivia, Dominica, Suriname).

While I couldn't track down restaurants serving food from every participating country here are my picks of the top please to eat in Toronto by Pan Am Games country.

ARGENTINA
Che Food Truck
While I can appreciate Sky Ranch or Branca might have been easy choices here I'm giving this spot to one of Toronto's newest food trucks. Find cheap eats like choripan sandwiches and chimichurri fries among their rotating offerings.

BARBADOS
Pat's Homestyle
This stalwart Caribbean spot near Queen and Bathurst is a good take-out or late night option for jerk chicken, oxtail or curry goat.

mata petisco barBRAZIL
Mata Petisco Bar
The food at this Parkdale haunt offers a little bit of everything, but its roots lie in Brazilian cuisine. Wash down their feijoada or beef cheek poutine with a classic caipirinha. Also watch out for their new food truck - Made in Brasil.

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Irie Veggie
Caribbean food doesn't always have to be about the salted meats and jerk chicken, as is proven at this casual spot near Eglinton Hill. A popular vegetarian option here is the veggie stew made with callaloo, okra, green peas, chickpeas, potatoes, and carrots.

CANADA
Hopgoods Foodliner
A Canadian restaurant in Toronto? While any of the poutine places might have been the obvious choice, head to this Roncesvalles destination for some good old-fashioned Nova Scotian fare. You can't go wrong with the donairs or any of the seafood options.

CAYMAN ISLANDS
Caribbean Bistro
Now with three locations including the original near Yonge and Eglinton, Caribbean Bistro doesn't hold back on the spices. Grab some doubles, oxtail, jerk chicken or cod fritters.

CHILE
Jumbo Empanadas
When nothing but oversized empanadas and tamales will do head to this Kensington Market original for some authentic street food. Don't miss out on the sweet creamed corn.

columbus bakeryCOLOMBIA
Columbus Bakery
This popular bakery and snack shop on Dufferin embodies everything Colombian. They not only make all the traditional breads and pastries like alfajors and buñuelos, but they also serve up empanadas, sausages and other hot meals.

CUBA
La Cubana
This Cuban snack bar and brunch spot with locations on Roncesvalles and Ossington aims to capture the essence of Havana. Go for the cubano sandwich but stay for the fun snacks and drinks.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Taste of Dominican
Near Danforth and Woodbine, this casual restaurant is where to find traditional and healthy Dominican eats in Toronto like sancocho, platanos, and chuletas.

ECUADOR
Plaza Latina Food Court
While Plaza Latina near Weston Rd. offers a number of small Latin American eateries, it also features two Ecuadorian favourites: La Fuente del Puro Sabor juice bar and Comedor Popular Ecuatoriano which does a brisk business in fried beef empanadas and sopa de gallina (chicken soup).

tacos el asadorEL SALVADOR
Tacos El Asador
This small and always-packed Koreatown favourite serves a fusion of El Salvadorian and Central American street food. The best thing to get here are the pupusas.

GRENADA
Maybles Restaurant and Bar
There aren't many places to get Oil down in Toronto. This traditional Grenadian one-pot stew can be found on Eglinton West near Oakwood.

GUATEMALA
Bakery El Quetzal
This spot near the corner of Lawrence and Jane St. is one of the few places you can get authentic Guatemalan food in Toronto. Fill up on tamales, pupusas, tacos and soup.

GUYANA
Guyanese
Get the goat and chicken curry roti at this restaurant on the Danforth near Donlands. You'll thank me later.

HAITI
Rhum corner
This Dundas West restaurant is also a cocktail bar. Drink from their extensive selection of rum until the wee hours of the morning while snacking on the compact but highly sharable menu. Have a sweet tooth? The sweet fried plantains with coconut ice cream is a must.

JAMAICA
Allwyn's Bakery
This storefront on Underhill Dr. in North York doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's arguably home to the best jerk chicken in the city.

cocina economicaMEXICO
Cocina Economica
There are outposts of the Playa Cabana empire in the Junction, Annex and Koreatown but since the Athletes Village is just steps from the newest member of the family you might as well visit this small Berkeley St. spot for a cocktail and homestyle Mexican cooking.

NICARAGUA
La Bella Managua
Traditional Nicaraguan food is hard to come by - that's why La Bella Managua near Bloor and Ossington is such a gem. Go here for dishes like gallo pinto, sauteed sweet plantains and crispy fried marinated pork.

PERU
King's BBQ Chicken
While El Fogon is also a good option here, more adventurous eaters should make a beeline to this casual Rogers Road restaurant for the city's best Chifa cuisine - that's Chinese food made with traditional Peruvian ingredients.

SAINT LUCIA
Island Foods
With a remaining downtown location on King St. near Liberty Village, this stalwart continues to pack in the crowds for cheap Caribbean eats including usual suspects roti, jerk chicken, and oxtail.

simones caribbeanST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
Simone's
A little taste of the Caribbean can also be found at Simone's on the Danforth. Favourites include the codfish fritters with jalepenos and the jerk chicken. Don't forget to order a ginger beer.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Mona's Roti
Fried bread and spices - that's what you'll smell when you enter this take-out spot on Sheppard Ave. in Scarborough. The doubles and the roti are the main attraction here but it's worth coming back to sample everything on the menu.

USA
Home of the Brave
Sometimes you just want some good old-fashioned comfort food. This King West homage to what makes Americans overweight serves up gut busting options like fried bologna sandwiches, bones in a basket (beef and pork ribs), and Philly cheesesteaks.

URUGUAY
La Pasiva
Head to Wilson Ave. in North York for traditional Uruguayan fare like empandas, faina and chivitos.

gordo ex cafeVENEZUELA
Gordo Ex Café
This sleepy spot on Bathurst near Dupont makes some of the best arepas in town.

Still lots of countries missing! If you know of where to indulge in the cuisine of the other countries participating in the Pan Am Games not mentioned above please add your tips to the comments.

Toronto promises another crackdown on Uber

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uber crackdown torontoToronto might have lost its legal injunction against Uber, but that doesn't mean the city plans on going easy on the company or its drivers. On Monday John Tory announced his desire to reform taxi bylaws to bring Uber inline with current cab operators, while yesterday the executive director of municipal licensing and standards also promised a crackdown on UberX drivers.

The blitz would be similar to one carried out earlier this year, where undercover officers use the Uber app to order a ride before charging the driver for a lack of commercial license/insurance. The idea, of course, is that individual charges serve as a deterrent against other drivers participating in the program.

Whether or not these charges will standup in court is a fuzzier matter. 11 Uber drivers were charged in a sting this March, but the city subsequently dropped the charge related to a lack of commercial insurance. It has, however, proceeded with a case against them for picking up passengers without a taxi license.

It's also possible, of course, that this is all just a lot of hot air out of the city. It's easy to threaten "immediate enforcement," but how that plays out remains to be seen. Council is set to debate Jim Karygiannis' motion to review Uber's operations later today.


Is this the future of convenience stores in Toronto?

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Popbox TorontoReplacing the dilapidated convenience store on Dovercourt south of Bloor, this full service corner store stocks a tightly curated selection of essentials, snacks, sandwiches and espresso. You might call it a gourmet grocery store, one where attention is paid to the provenance of each product.

Read my profile of Popbox MicroMrkt in the grocery store section.

The Best Cafe Patios in Toronto

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cafe patio torontoThe best cafe patios in Toronto provide a taste of sunshine and fresh air on coffee breaks. While much of the city's patio culture seems to centre around frosty beers, there is a live and well (and sober) demographic that enjoy the outdoors in sleepy morning hours and into the afternoons.

Here's the list of the best cafe patios in Toronto.

See also:The best rooftop patios in Toronto

Jimmy's Coffee (Kensington Market)
Grab a coffee and head straight back to this urban oasis in the heart of Kensington Market. The patio can be found flooded with sunlight in the afternoons, and while it's removed from all the action, you'll find yourself still immersed in the lively sights, smells, and sounds from The Market.

Boxcar Social
This cafe and bar takes up two floors and the backyard of an old Victorian home on Yonge in the Summerhill area. Head here to enjoy coffee tasting flights and pastries, or a glass of wine alongside some charcuterie

Tequila Bookworm
The rooftop patio at this Queen West cafe offers a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle below. Expect to find twenty-somethings lounging over coffees and sandwiches by day, and chatting over craft beer and pub fare into the evenings.

Fika Cafe
The backyard patio at this Kensington Market cafe is lush and green, making it a secluded escape from all the activity in The Market, There's even a hammock! Bring a book, grab a coffee (and maybe an avocado sandwich), then relax.

cafe patio torontoCafe Pamenar
Enjoy a panini and strong brew on the enclosed terrace behind this Kensington Market cafe. The back patio offers plenty of shade so you can sip your espresso in peace while keeping cool.

Good Neighbour
Find locals and their dogs seated on the front steps of this espresso bar in The Junction, while outback there's more intimate seating at long wood banquettes and tables. For a summer treat that's still got a strong dose of caffeine, try the affogato.

cafe patio torontoEarly Bird Espresso
Picnic tables outfitted with big umbrellas and ivy sprawling along one wall make this raised back patio on Queen West the perfect destination for al fresco coffee breaks and good spot to get a birds eye view of Graffiti Alley.

Dark Horse (West Queen West)
Park yourself on this corner patio for prime people watching opportunities with an iced latte in hand. The West Queen West address attracts a diverse crowd, many of whom can be found hunkered down over laptops.

Te Aro
The ample patio at this east side spot feels like an extension of the cafe when the garage door is fully rolled back. Regular customers and their furry companions can be found kicking back with solid espresso-based beverages.

Dineen Coffee Co.
The street-side terrace at this Financial District coffee house offers the chance for office workers cooped up all day to catch some rays on their breaks while getting their caffeine fix.

cafe patio torontoFull Stop
Sit on the graduated wood steps, or, pull up a seat at the communal tables outback at this indie coffee shop in The Junction. Oversized umbrellas and ample seating are both good reasons to lounge without risk of feeling rushed.

Rooster Broadview
The front patio on this quiet, residential stretch of Broadview can be found packed with locals, freelancers, and musicians almost any hour of the day catching one of the best views of the city.

New menswear shop is part clubhouse & part boutique

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park and provinceThis new menswear boutique by Trinity Bellwoods looks a lot like a cool apartment, save for the meticulously merchandised clothing, shoes and lifestyle goods. Plants, a patio, and two friendly dudes offering beer are dead giveaways.

Read my profile of Park & Province in the fashion section.

Even mannequins won't let you sneak onto HOV lanes

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HOV lane torontoBe careful in those HOV lanes, Toronto. While Rob Ford hasn't been caught doing a solo turn where he shouldn't be, not everyone has been so fortunate to dodge the law -- not even those who have taken great pains to appear HOV-eligible.

In one of the more ridiculous but amusing Toronto Police press releases I've read, word comes that one of those notorious mannequin-bearing drivers was nabbed by a patrolling officer this morning, when it was deemed that his "front-seat passenger did not appear to be life-like."

In a deft bit of police work, the officer was able to apprehend the driver and confirm that he was indeed accompanied by two mannequins, at which time he was issued the appropriate fine (though, one should note, no extra punishment for his subterfuge).

Lest you think the police lack a sense of humour, however, the press release is also quick to point out that "on a positive note, everyone in the vehicle was wearing a seatbelt." The absurdity of Toronto traffic makes for comedy worthy or Beckett (no word on whether or not the dummies names are Vladimir and Estragon).

Photo by scarboroughcruiser in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Cineplex reducing drink sizes at Toronto movie theatres

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cineplexYou might have to make less trips to the washroom at your next movie. Cineplex is shrinking drink sizes. The move isn't all about protecting the health of movie-goers, though a company spokesperson did confirm that the upcoming Making Healthier Choices act did play a role in the size downgrade.

The other factor, perhaps unsurprisingly, is profit margins. Instead of charging more for the same pour, Cineplex will make a few extra bucks by keeping prices steady and moving sizes down (large sodas will drop from 44oz. to 32oz, while medium size will go from 32oz. to 24oz).

More interesting than the decision, however, will be the reaction it garners. Some will surely view the lowered bang for one's buck as price gouging, while I suspect others will think that smaller drink sizes are a good thing from a health standpoint. What do you think? Should other companies also downsize even if prices remain consistent?

LCBO open later during the Pan Am Games

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lcboFinally some good news for those griping about HOV lanes and road closures during the Pan Am Games - at least you'll be able to buy your booze later in the evening. The LCBO announced today that three downtown stores will have extended hours for the duration of the Pan Am Games in Toronto.

The LCBO stores include locations at Maple Leaf Gardens, Queens Quay (2 Cooper St.) and the one at King and Spadina. The new operating times from now through July 26 are as follows:

  • Maple Leaf Gardens - 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Saturday. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
  • Queens Quay - 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
  • King and Spadina - 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday. 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m Friday and Saturday. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays.

The new hours still don't eclipse those of the Weston LCBO which is open until 11 p.m. every day except Sunday.

Are the new LCBO hours enough to make you forget about HOV? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Samantha Tan in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Climate Summit of the Americas protester


Today in Toronto: Summer Craft Beer Festival, The Black Lips, Chill Chic, Halloween in July, Basic Nature

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today in torontoToday in Toronto start your weekend early by trying out some new brews at the Summer Craft Beer Festival in Liberty Village. Hogtown Brewers and Brickworks Cider House will be among the brewers on site. If that's not you're type of festival, don't worry. The Toronto Fringe Festival is in full swing and there are plenty of shows to take in this Thursday.

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 section.

Photo of the Summer Craft Beer Festival by Michael Pietrocarlo

Torontonians that live near trees might be healthier

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trees torontoA new study released today suggests there may be health benefits to living in areas with lots of trees - particularly streets lined with trees in the front yard. Published by researchers at the University of Chicago, the study is based on data provided by the City of Toronto.

While the study stops short of concluding the exact reasons for the health benefit of trees, it does insist there is a correlation and posits a number of reasons why neighbourhoods or streets with a lot of trees results in healthier residents.

Among the reasons cited are that trees improve urban air quality by pulling ozone and other pollutants from the air, that there are mental benefits (less stress) from being around greenery and that people may perceive themselves to be healthier when surrounded by green space.

It's all good news for Toronto's Urban Forestry Operations which has been busy protecting and maintaining the trees within city limits.

What do you think of the study? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Kaeko in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Condo of the week: 300 Manitoba Street

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300 Manitoba StreetGuess the asking price of this modern three bedroom, two bathroom condo in Mimico? Located at 300 Manitoba Street, just west of the city near the Lakeshore, the two-level loft is an expanded living space at 1,200 square feet, and features designer touches like a main floor fireplace, exposed brick and a built-in breakfast bar.

The floating staircase leads to a very open-second level, overlooking the living room. There's three small bedrooms that can be converted into an office space and floor-to-ceiling windows. Included in the fee is one underground parking spot, a storage locker, and a few amenities like a fitness studio.

300 Manitoba StreetThis family-friendly community near South Etobicoke is a neighbourhood on the rise, although that's still up for debate. Poised for redevelopment, the area has a few promising new builds, more housing, restaurants and retail shops on the way. Real estate's more affordable than in the city, and the neighbourhood is accessible by transit, plus there's a nice view of the lake.

So what's the asking price? This three bedroom unit is going for $454,900. Would you live here?

300 Manitoba StreetSPECS

  • Address: #328 - 300 Manitoba Street
  • Price: $454,900
  • Square feet: 1,200
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 2
  • Parking: 1
  • Taxes: $2,600
  • Maintenance fee: $797/monthly
  • Walk Score: 59

300 Manitoba StreetNOTABLE FEATURES

  • Three bedrooms
  • 17' ceilings
  • Floating staircase
  • Main floor fireplace
  • Modern kitchen with wine rack
  • Exposed brick

300 Manitoba StreetGOOD FOR

Your inner child. With 17 foot ceilings, the main floor is an adult's playground. All this place needs is a trampoline in the living room and a nearby LCBO to fill up that extensive wine rack in the kitchen.

300 Manitoba StreetMOVE ON IF

You need quiet space and a walkable neighbourhood. The second floor is completely open and the bedrooms have an awkward layout, more conducive to two bedrooms than three. With a walk score of 59 ("somewhat walkable"), you're likely to take a car more often, even to get to the local Timmy's.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

300 Manitoba Street300 Manitoba Street300 Manitoba StreetWhat do you think? Is this condo worth the money?

Toronto chef turns to crowdfunding for new restaurant

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loka snacksLoka Snacks wants to open a brick and mortar restaurant. Since launching almost a year ago, the pop-up snack bar, conceived by Chef Dave Mottershall, has operated select nights only out of the kitchen at Hi-Lo Bar turning out plates of house-made salumi, pigs head croquette, and crispy fried smelts - always driven by Canadian ingredients.

Now Mottershall (a.k.a @Chef_Rouge) is turning to Kickstarter to raise $25,000 capital to fund his next move, and it's all or nothing. If he doesn't make his goal he won't get a cent.

The ambition is to crowdfund enough to match his own investment, which will be joined by another $40K from a private investor. This plan ensures Mottershall will maintain a controlling interest in his company and the ability to implement his own vision rather than opening a restaurant for someone else.

The new restaurant will move away from being a snack bar, but still intends to serve small plates. There's no address attached to the project yet, but Mottershall is looking in the west end for a property.

Pledges of $100+ will buy a 5-course tasting menu in advance of the opening, while lesser contributions will be rewarded with things like T-shirts and the inclusion of donor names in a custom-made artwork.

Is crowdfunding a viable solution to starting a restaurant? Add your opinion to the comments.

Toronto's new nail salon doesn't want to get you naked

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naked beauty barDespite a name that suggests otherwise, Toronto's newest nail salon doesn't want you to take your clothes off. Instead, it offers a stylish and fun environment to get your nails looking their best.

Find out more in my profile of Naked Beauty Bar in the fashion section.

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