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Uncle Tetsu to expand its cheesecake empire in Toronto

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uncle tetsuTo abate the hours long lineups on Bay Street, Uncle Tetsu is opening up a cheesecake factory under the nearby Toronto Coach Terminal. This, along with an online ordering system set to launch in September, will make it easier for Torontonians to satiate their sweet and cheesy cravings.

Earlier this month, Uncle Tetsu set up shop at the Front Street Foods market. After the outdoor eatery closes on August 30, Uncle Tetsu will get its very own stall inside Union Station and will start serving hungry commuters in October. Apparently, this location will be even smaller then its already pint-sized storefront at Bay and Dundas.

Along with Japanese-style cheesecake, Uncle Tetsu sells madeleines and recently opened a stand-alone matcha emporium, appropriately called Uncle Tetsu's Matcha Cafe, right next to its first Toronto store.

While the new factory will be closed to the public, Uncle Tetsu's array of offerings will hopefully help you get your treats faster.

Are you excited to get your daily Uncle Tetsu fix? Let us know in the comments.


Toronto is Panem in Hunger Games-inspired video

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hunger games torontoFor many Hunger Games fans, we think "Panem" (the dystopian world where the story's set) whenever we hear the words Pan Am. And finally, someone's picked up on this in a new YouTube video Panem 2015.

YouTuber Liam Mitchell dubbed President Snow's voice, played by Donald Sutherland, over the INVADE Ontario Travel Pan Am/Para Pan Am Games commercial from September. I always thought the commercial was bleak, but with a Hunger Games makeover, it's easy to imagine the athletes preparing for some sort of battle royale.

Now, besides the obvious name-related similarities, this mashup gets a gold medal for highlighting the obvious Toronto-is-the-capital-of-Canada pain-point faced by those living outside of the 6ix.

Let us know what you think about the Panem 2015 video in the comments, and may the odds be ever in your favour.

The Best Cheap Drinks in Toronto

Tickets now on sale to TIFF 2015

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tiff 2015 ticketsTickets for the 40th Toronto International Film Festival are now on sale, that is if you're a TIFF member. While members can start purchasing their ticket packages today, the festival's schedule doesn't go live until August 25 and single tickets won't be available until September 6.

Not a member? Visa cardholders also get early access starting on July 22 and everyone else has to wait until July 29. These packages start at $75 and go all the way up to $1,500.

If you don't want to buy in bulk, wait until early September. Single premium tickets, which usually include premieres, are $48. One seat at a regular screenings will set you back $25. Or, go for rush tickets, which are slightly cheaper.

Also today, TIFF announced Jia Zhang-ke, Claire Denis and Agnieszka Holland as the jury for its new program called Platform, which will celebrate international directors' cinema. These three acclaimed directors will award one Platform film a $25,000 prize.

Will you be buying tickets to TIFF this year? Let us know in the comments.

Toronto miffed at Kanye West Pan Am Games selection

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kanye west torontoAfter the Pan Am Games host committee confirmed Kanye West would headline the event's July 26 Closing Ceremony, Torontonians took to social media to express both their elation and of course, outrage.

In typical Toronto fashion, an online petition titled "Don't have Kanye West perform the closing ceremony for the Toronto Pan American Games" cropped up soon after the official announcement.

Many signees seemed miffed by the fact that West is not Canadian. Although, Ontario's own Serena Ryder is one of the artists who has top billing at the Roger's Centre show.

Mayor John Tory was also confused by Kanye's nationality. Tory admitted to a CityNews reporter that he wasn't a fan of the rapper. Though he said, "And I'm smart enough to know that he's a proud product of our music industry here, as are a number of others."

Many see Tory's blunder as proof that the Pan Am Games Closing Ceremony needs a Canadian headliner. Check out our tweet round-up below to see what Torontonians had to say about Kanye.


Are you excited or angry that Kanye West has been selected to perform at he Pan Am Games closing ceremony? Let us know in the comments.

What Nathan Phillips Square looks like for Panamania

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Panamania TorontoNathan Phillips Square has undergone a dramatic transformation for the Pan Am Games, as the central hub for Panamania, the arts and culture fest affiliated with the sporting event. Along with the main stage that has already hosted big names like Wyclef Jean and Death From Above 1979, Toronto's civic space has been outfitted with more patio space, food trucks, and a giant swing. It's all rather celebratory -- especially when the nightly fireworks go off.

Check out what Panamania looks like at Nathan Phillips Square.

Trish Trash

Today in Toronto: The Cardinal Dream, Mama Kin, Summer Games, Toronto Summer Music Festival

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today in torontoToday in Toronto you can do a boozy version of the Pan Am Games at Track & Field Bar or hit up an array of live shows from world music to indie rock. Not into any of that? Easy Tiger celebrates its second birthday today, which is sure to bring a crowd to the unique store on Dundas West.

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.


Toronto Restaurant Openings: Alo Restaurant, This End Up, Swan by Rose & Sons, Maurya East Indian Roti

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sud forno torontoToronto 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

  • Chef Patrick Kriss' Alo Restaurant on the third floor of 163 Spadina Ave. opens today, Thursday, July 16.
  • This End Up (1454 Dundas West) reopens on this Friday, July 17 and while the name stays the same, the concept is all new. Expect transient chefs to regularly host pop up dinners in the new space, while bar snacks from Scout Canning and Mighty Fine Brine will be on offer otherwise.
  • Swan by Rose & Sons is now serving up simple, fresh Californian cuisine at 892 Queen St. West.
  • Crave has opened its third health-focused lunch counter in the TD Centre at 66 Wellington St. West.
  • Also newly opened in the TD Centre at 66 Wellington St. West, is the second location for McEwan, the premium grocer and prepared foods counter.

    RECENTLY REVIEWED

    OPENING SOON

    • Etobicoke roti outfit, Maurya East Indian Roti is setting up a second shop in Liberty Village at 150 East Liberty St.
    • As previously reported, Sud Forno, the Southern Italian bakery from the Terroni family of restaurants is opening a second location in the Financial District. The new bakery cafe is in the works in the heritage portion of the Bay Adelaide Centre East at the corner of Yonge and Temperance.

    Have you seen restaurants opening or closing in your neighbourhood? Email tips to liora@blogto.com

  • 6 restaurants you can buy right now in Toronto

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    restaurannts for saleOpening a restaurant is risky business in Toronto. This year, we've already lost neighbourhood stalwarts such as Crush Wine Bar and Swan (athough, it's been revamped by chef and restaurateur Anthony Rose). With many spaces for sale across the city, you can also try to revive an ailing eatery.

    Here's a roundup of six restaurants you can buy right now in Toronto.

    Leslieville Diner
    Want to serve up breakfast to east end locals? After seven years of business, the folks behind the Leslieville Diner are retiring, leaving their restaurant for sale to an enterprising new owner that could be you.

    Coco Lezzone
    For a cool $399,000 you can be the proud proprietor of this 88-seater in Yorkville. Try your luck at wooing in the neighbourhood's ritzy crowd with this fully licensed Italian eatery on Avenue Road, just one block south of Davenport.

    Mexican Amigos Restaurant
    If lime green walls aren't your thing, you can refurbish this massive North York restaurant to suit your needs, whatever they are. With room for 200 diners plus a 40-person patio, this $499,000 space is surrounded by "major anchor franchises," which is just what this place may become.

    Bite Me Grill
    Though it doesn't have a liquor license yet, this Greek Town spot features an open-concept kitchen and a patio. And, for $229,000 you can takeover this all-day breakfast place.

    747 Wine Bar
    This pint-sized, 40-seat wine bar has on-trend exposed brick, wood-paneled walls and "high pedestrian traffic," according to the listing. If you've got $149,000, you can have it all to yourself.

    Retro Burger
    Give burger-slinging a try and buy this Danforth Avenue spot for $139,900. According to the listing, this fast-food joint has been around for four years with "stable sales and good income."

    What did I miss? Let me know in the comments.

    The top 5 new burgers in Toronto for 2015

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    new burgers torontoBurgers are popular as ever in Toronto, as evidenced by the rapid expansion of local (and international) chains. Even still, there's room in this city for Independent joints to excel, which is exactly what you'll find at these five new restaurants where burgers are menu standouts.

    Here are my picks for the top new spots for burgers in Toronto.

    Mascot Brewery
    The rooftop beer garden serves a backyard barbecue inspired menu and the house cheeseburger combo with fries ($14) is a highlight. Built onto a soft chewy pretzel bun, the burger features a ground brisket patty loaded with double smoked bacon and onion aioli.

    Craft Brasserie
    This tap house in Liberty Village might be best known for its astounding selection of draught beers, but what pairs better with a pint than a burger? The Craft Classic for $10 is hard to beat; the hand pressed patty is perfectly seared and it comes topped with jalapeño cheese, candied bacon, caramelized onions and spicy mayo.

    Little Schmiddy's Hot Meat House
    The burger here is slapped with a slice of cheddar and dressed with bacon and red onion jam, which makes it a standout on an already meat-centric menu. This premium cheeseburger comes with fries on the side for $15.

    Corktown Kitchen
    This newly opened restaurant on King St. East serves up its signature six-ounce beef burger for $16. The handheld favourite comes dressed with the usual array of condiments, but upgrades like cheese and smoked pork belly can be added for $2 each.

    The Bulging Burger
    This burger joint in The Beach(es) grinds its meat daily and serves up hand-formed ground chuck patties that could very well rival some of the city's more popular purveyors. Customize as you like or try the namesake burger featuring a half pound of beef with double cheese, smoked bacon, sautéed onions and special sauce.

    heinekenThis post was brought to you by Heineken.

    What burger did I miss? Add your picks to the comments.

    Photo from Mascot Brewery by Jesse Milns.

    Polaris Prize 2015 short list announced

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    polaris prizeThe Polaris Music Prize 2015 short list was announced today, culled down from the 40-album long list that featured numerous Toronto musicians from Drake and BADBADNOTGOOD, to bands including Death From Above 1979, METZ and relative newcomer, Alvvays, as well as Fucked Up guitarist Ben Cook's new project Young Guv.

    Here's the 2015 Polaris Music Prize short list, which also has a strong showing of Torontonians.

    This year's winner, to be announced on September 21 in Toronto, is in luck because the Polaris Prize is no longer $30,000; it's been upped to $50,000.

    Who do you think should win this year's Polaris Music Prize? Let us know in the comments.

    Condo of the week: 183 Wellington Street

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    condo 183 Wellington StreetA suite at the luxury Ritz Carlton on Wellington Street is just as ritzy as its name. This over-the-top two bedroom soaring high on the 41st floor is going for $2,895,500, a possible bargain for this five-star residence considering other suites in the building were previously listed for well over $4 million.

    53 storeys and 135 luxury units, the glass tower above the premium hotel was a tough sell when it first came to market in 2011. Buyers weren't interested paying for high priced "mansions in the sky," with competition from other swanky hotel-condos like the nearby Shangri-La, and an oversupply in the real estate market.

    condo 183 Wellington StreetAt 2,500 square feet, this suite isn't the largest in the building (some floor plans span over 6,000 sq ft) but still comparable to your average lux condo. It's a unit that doesn't look or feel like a hotel room. A long hallway leads to the main living space, separated by walls, and making it feel more spacious with multiple places to sit, converse and dine.

    condo 183 Wellington StreetThe view of the Toronto skyline is spectacular. With large windows, you can touch the CN Tower from every angle---no need for Netflix when you can almost see the terrified expressions from people on the tower's stomach-dropping EdgeWalk. There's only two bedrooms in the suite but the master is a good size with a shopaholic-worthy walk-in closest and marble bathroom.

    condo 183 Wellington StreetThere's music in the lobby, an opulent day spa and free outdoor entertainment at David Pecaut Square across the street. It's definitely a two million dollar view at the Ritz. Take a look.

    condo 183 Wellington StreetSPECS

    • Address: #4104 - 183 Wellington Street
    • Price: $2,895,500
    • Square feet: 2,500
    • Bedrooms: 2
    • Bathrooms: 3
    • Parking: 2
    • Taxes: $11,396.39
    • Maintenance fee: $2,718.74/monthly
    • Walk Score: 99

    condo 183 Wellington StreetNOTABLE FEATURES

    • Wrap-around windows
    • Hard wood flooring
    • 10 ft ceilings
    • Two underground parking spots
    • South facing view
    • Hotel amenities like indoor pool, spa and restaurant

    condo 183 Wellington StreetGOOD FOR

    Non cooks. With an on-site restaurant, bar and room service, there's no need to cook nightly meals. It's a good excuse for a date night, afternoon tea or just lounging in the lobby. Plus the splurge Sunday brunch right downstairs sounds incredible

    condo 183 Wellington StreetMOVE ON IF

    You want to feel the air on your face from the 41st floor. There's no balcony, no wrap-around patio, no outdoor space in this multi-million dollar suite. On the plus side, if you never want to go outside, like ever, the hotel amenities like the day spa, 24-hour fitness club, VIP parking and restaurant should satisfy your indoor needs.

    ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

    condo 183 Wellington Streetcondo 183 Wellington Streetcondo 183 Wellington Streetcondo 183 Wellington Streetcondo 183 Wellington Street

    The top weekend events in Toronto: July 17-19

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    Weekend events toronto julyWeekend events in Toronto will have you getting nostalgic about your angsty teen years at Vans Warped tour. Artists like Motion City Soundtrack, Silverstein, and Senses Fail will be there to help you celebrate Flashback Friday. If that's not your idea of fun, head to Downsview Park this Saturday for an epic slip and slide and pray for hot and sunny weather.

    FESTIVALS

    Beaches Jazz Fest (July 10-26)
    The Beaches Jazz Festival continues this weekend. Performances by the Lula All Stars, Chris Thomas King, Ogguere, God Made Me Funky, The Boom Booms, La Gran Colombia Orchestra and many more make this one of the most international music options this summer.

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

    Ritmo Y Color (July 17-19)
    Celebrate Latin-American culture without leaving the city at Ritmo Y Color. The fest will feature performances by artists DJ Grouch and Novalima as well as salsa dancing in the street. If you get hungry, there will be plenty of Latin streetfood on the scene (save your toonies for $2 empanadas).

    FOOD & DRINK

    12 Beers of Summer (July 17)
    In the mood for a brew-filled luau? Put on your finest Hawaiian shirt and straw hat and head to the Gladstone Ballroom for 12 Beers of Summer. You'll have to drop $20 to get in, but once inside you can sample all the craft beer you can handle. If you've consumed enough liquid courage, feel free to stick around for karaoke.

    27th Ontario Oyster Festival (July 19)
    If you're into bivalves, you'll want to be at Rodney's this Sunday. Craft beer, wine, lobster and, of course, oysters will be served up to the masses. Stick around and catch some live music performed by Piece o' the Rock, Ride the Riger and DJ Soucial.

    MUSIC

    Vans Warped Tour (July 17)
    20 years later and the Warped Tour is still rolling. Pierce The Veil, Memphis May Fire, local favourites PUP and The Dirty Nil, and lots more are taking part this year. Things unique to Warped: if you're under 18, you can buy a ticket and bring one parent for free, and the first 100 people to donate blood on the day of the festival get a backstage wristband.

    ART

    The VICE Annual Photo Show 2015: The New Photojournalism (July 17)
    VICE is hosting their annual photo show this Friday at Angell Gallery. The exhibition has been co-curated by award-winning Canadian photographer Larry Towell. Capacity is limited, so show up early if you want to get in.

    SHOPPING

    Ossington Sidewalk Sale (July 18)
    The Ossington Sidewalk Sale will bring some of Ossington's most loved stores to the streets. You'll find Jonathan+Olivia, Unleashed in the City, Victoire Boutique and more. Expect to find discounts, deals and giveaways.

    BAZAAR by Bratlist (July 18-19)
    This Saturday Super Wonder Gallery is being transformed into a retail mecca. 20 brands and 60 artists will take over the 4,000 square foot space for a two-day shopping bonanza. There will be food and drink served at the venue to refuel if you've spent all your energy (and money).

    Toronto Urban Collective (July 19)
    If you're into snacking and shimmying while you shop, Toronto Urban Collective's got the pop-up for you. On July 19th at 99 Sudbury, peruse the (shoppable) work of a whole whack of Toronto-based artists, photographers, designers and gourmet food makers -- all while listening to the sweet tunes of TBA local DJs. Tickets are $5 in advance or $7 at the door.

    ENTERTAINMENT

    Calvinball Comedy Roadtrip (July 17)
    Four Toronto comedy troops will be taking over the Social Capital Theatre this Friday. Watch The Royal We, Fake Cops, Darcy & Bingley, and Calvinball dish out some laughs before they head to the U.S. for the Detroit Improv Fest.

    Slide in the City (July 18)
    Want to embrace your inner child? This Friday a gigantic 300-metre slip and slide will be in Downsview Park for some wet and wild fun. Tickets will be $35 until Friday, so snag them ASAP if you want to save a couple bucks.

    The Wren & Left Field BBQ at Cold Tea (July 19)
    In need of some good old-fashioned BBQ? The Wren and Left Field will be providing the drinks and eats for this epic summer BBQ at Cold Tea. End your weekend on a high note with some day drinking, eating and dancing.

    For more events this weekend click on over to our Events section. Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit it for free using this form.

    Contributions by Matthew Forsythe and Bianca Venerayan.

    Photo by Matt Forsythe

    Where should the Toronto sign go next?

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    toronto signThis morning, Mayor John Tory greeted Torontonians with a delightful video asking viewers to tweet suggestions for where the giant Toronto sign should go after its one-year residency at Nathan Phillips Square.

    Many Twitter-users recommended the sign stay put, while others advocated for Pluto, the top of the CN Tower and of course, in front of Rob Ford's house as possible new locations.

    Like the famous "I amsterdam" sign in the Dutch capital, the Toronto sign is already fodder for the Instagram feeds of tourists and residents alike. Its pending move inspired lots of chatter and with #TORONTOsign trending on Twitter, we rounded up some of the best and most outlandish ideas for its new home.

    Check out some of the suggestions below.


    Where do you want the Toronto sign to go? Let us know in the comments.

    Photo by Sean Galbraith on Facebook.


    Porn inspired artwork causes a stir at Queen's Park

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    2015716-maheux.jpgQueen's Park is one of the last places you'd expect to find a sexual piece of art, but artist Rosalie H. Maheux's Sacred Circle VI is currently on display at the John B. Aird Gallery, located in The MacDonald Block at 900 Bay St.

    The suddenly controversial artwork first appears as an innocuous mosaic, but when looked at closely reveals that it's actually composed of naked women placed in various sexual positions. Unsurprisingly, Ontario's Progressive Conservatives aren't too happy with it.

    "The fact that a publicly housed gallery has been allowed to not only display but to sell images of this nature is very worrisome," said Laurie Scott, the PC's women's critic, in a statement.

    Maheux, who's based in Toronto, told CityNews that she wanted to spark a reaction with her work. Well, mission accomplished. This is prim and proper Toronto, after all.

    Sacred Circle VI is part of 30 Under 30, an exhibition featuring 30 artists under 30. The show runs until July 24.

    What do you think about the reaction to Rosalie H. Maheux's Sacred Circle VI? Let us know in the comments.

    The Guvernment nightclub returns in miniature form

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    guvernmentThe Guvernment Nightclub shut its doors in January, leaving many mourning this monumental loss to Toronto's club scene. But, don't despair for too much longer because the Guv's been reincarnated, albeit in miniature form.

    Jeffrey Scott, who's based in Southern California, spent 10 months and $2,900 to construct an incredibly accurate, scaled model of the legendary super-club.

    With over 2,500 tiny partygoers, fully functioning speakers, LED screens and a customized laser light show, Scott's creation is an impressive homage to the club. Video footage illustrates just how closely the mini-Guv resembles an evening at the now defunct nightclub.

    During its 18 year run, the Guvernment complex hosted some of the biggest names music. Now, the Queens Quay East site will become a mixed-use space dubbed a "city of the arts" by developer Daniels Corporation.

    What do you think of the model? Are you nostalgic for nights at the Guv? Let us know in the comments.

    John Tory rides the TTC with Kanye West in new video

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    kanye westToronto Mayor John Tory's Twitter game is on point today. After he referred to Kanye West as "a proud product of our music industry," Tory rectified his mistake by starring in a video featuring hit song "Stronger."

    In it, we join the mayor as he sits in a subway car listening to Kanye and gazing longingly at a photo of Kanye's wife Kim Kardashian. The video, which Tory posted to Twitter, features another tongue-in-cheek nod to the Pan Am Games closing ceremony headliner by saying the mayor's working to make Toronto "better," "faster," and "stronger."

    Earlier today, Tory asked his Twitter followers for recommendations on where to move the Toronto sign after its one-year stay at Nathan Phillip Square. The mayor joined in on the fun by suggesting the sign relocate to Pluto.

    What do you think about Mayor John Tory's video? Let us know in the comments.

    What Pan Am Park looks like for Panamania in Toronto

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