Ice cream floats are one of those iconic summer treats that are due for a revival. My introduction to the ice cream float came in a frosty mug from A&W, and while the nostalgic treat has always seemed like a mainstay, it's only recently that it's getting the artisanal, handcrafted and sometimes booze-spiked treatment.

Here are my picks for the top ice cream floats in Toronto.

Bean & Baker
The retro malt shop on Harbord crafts its classic ice cream floats with all-natural, house-made soda pop. Try the hibiscus float ($5.25) featuring a steeped hibiscus flower soda over any scoop of Kawartha Dairy, Ed's Real Scoop, or Coconut Bliss ice cream for fizzy and frothy results.

D-beatstro
Find this vegan cafe and art space scooping out dairy-free ice creams brought in by Pleasantville Creamery, then topping them with a choice of soda flavours including black cherry, root beer, red birch beer , orange cream, cola, banana, and grape.

The Lakeview
The 24-hour diner on Dundas West is home to 19+ versions of this nostalgic treat. Sure you can have a scoop of chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry ice cream topped with standard sodas ($3.75), but more unique is the beer lovers' edition made with Mill St. Cobblestone Stout ($7.75)

Home of The Brave
The all-American restaurant on King West keeps cold Nickel Brook Brewery Babbling Brooke's Root Beer on draught which they'll pour over supremely beautiful swirls of Sweet Jesus soft serve for $6. Booze it up with a shot of optional bourbon if you like.

P&L Burger
Unlike the fancy, artisanal options on this list, this Queen West burger joint knows that the classic ice cream float pairs perfectly with good ol' burgers and fries. Find four flavours ($4.5) to choose from including classic root beer and coke floats, plus orange creamsicle and cream soda on offer.

What ice cream float did I miss? Let us know in the comments.

Photo from Bean & Baker by Jesse Milns.

Drive-in movie theatres conjure up images of an idyllic past, and also this scene from the musical Grease. With numerous such theatres near Toronto, there are ample opportunities for you to speed back in time to capture that nostalgic feeling of cozying up in your car, with fast food and popcorn, to watch a double feature under the stars.

Here's a round-up of drive-in move theatres in and around from Toronto.

The Docks
It's the only drive-in theatre in Toronto proper. And, it's located by the water. There's also a driving range on-site. The Docks will provide you with a retro evening perfect for your next #tbt. Unlike other drive-ins, The Docks stays open year round.

5 Drive-In
Jump on the QEW and you'll quickly arrive at the 5 Drive-In. With three screens showing the latest new releases, you'll definitely want to stay for both feature films. Oh, and along with the movies, this drive-in has an impressive diner and snack bar.

Stardust Drive-In
The Stardust, north of the city in Newmarket, is under the same ownership as the 5 Drive-In. On Tuesday nights, you can bring a carload of people for $17. Pets are more than welcome too.

Mustang Drive-In
This drive-in holds all night movie marathon. Luckily, the next one is over the Simcoe Day long weekend. For $15, you can screen four movies and this time the roster includes Pixels, Vacation, Magic Mike XXL and horror film The Gallows.

Can-View Drive-In
This drive-in megaplex has two locations, but the Fonthill outpost is closer to Toronto. It includes four screens, and each one plays a double feature. For $13 you can watch movies from dusk until dawn - that's just two dollars more than an $11 general admission ticket.

Which drive-ins did we miss? Let us know in the comments.

Photo of the Docks Drive-In by Dominic Bugatto in the blogTO Flickr Pool.

The Toronto Festival of Beer turned 21 this year, and it celebrated the milestone like a freshly legal youngster. Even though it fell on the same weekend as Wayhome, the three-day event saw over 30,000 beer lovers swarm Bandshell Park at Exhibition Place for a weekend of boozy fun.

'Tis the season of seeking excuses to day drink, and this was the epitome of them all. Armed with complimentary keepsake beer mugs and fistfuls of tokens (the TFOB currency), attendees flooded the festival grounds each afternoon and sought out continuous top-ups from its 150-plus vendors until the event wrapped at 11 each night.

The atmosphere was a mesh of that picnic-y, rib fest sort of vibe with a music festival air, and people dressed for the occasion by donning neon shades, majestic DIY headwear constructed from recycled Steamwhistle boxes (there were many of these), glow sticks and tank tops scribbled with beer-related sentiments.

There was everything a tipsy Torontonian could want out of a summer weekend.: oversized beer pong, silent disco at the Miller tent, fair-style games and an impressive lineup of live performances: Naughty by Nature took to the Bandshell Stage twice on Friday, providing a perfectly-timed pick-me-up for those attendees who'd started to droop after hours of chugging.

54-40 appealed to the older crowd on Saturday, Lowest of the Low performed on Sunday, and throughout all three days, people also got to catch some Irish groups in the Irish Pavilion, a new addition to the TFOB.

Hosted by Tourism Ireland, this corner of the festival showed off Irish beers, bands, chefs and other entertainment, giving people the chance to investigate the country that has as much of a beer-loving reputation as we do.

Besides a brief bout of rain on the Saturday, attendees basked in glorious weather the entire time. Everyone was in great spirits - no one tried to ruin anyone's fun. Apparently after 21 years, this festival knows the secrets to keeping their thousands of visitors happy and respectful.

In fact, the TFOB brought people together, reminding everyone that there's no bond quite like that which exists amongst beer lovers. By the end of each night, no one could turn a corner without being met by a friendly, woozy fist bump or a clumsy "cheers."

Even John Tory made an appearance at one point, hailing his own half-pint with pride as he posed for goofy pictures with his loyal subjects.

How tipsy did you get at this year's TFOB? Or did you opt for Wayhome instead? Let us know in the comments.

Photos by Andrew Williamson

The top events in Toronto for August will bring Drake and company to the 6 for the sixth instalment of the ever-popular OVO Fest. But that's not all, with festival season in full swing, there are plenty of event options this August. Roundhouse Craft Beer Fest, T&T's Night Market, and way more will have your schedule filled from the 1st to the 31st.

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

Maker Festival 2015 (August 1)
Maker Festival showcases the best and brightest talent in the world of technology. Head to the Toronto Reference Library to see 3D printer demonstrations, learn what goes into building a robot, or test your own abilities in creative workshops.

VELD (August 1-2)
Toronto's other EDM monolith returns to Downsview for another round, bringing hometown hero Deadmau5, Kaskade, Hardwell, Above & Beyond, Steve Aoki, A$AP Rocky, DVBBS and more along with it. Hop on the subway to Downsview and dance all day and night.

OVO Fest (August 1-3)
Drake's love for Toronto knows no bounds, proven this year by expanding OVO Fest with a third day, featuring a Kevin Hart comedy set at the ACC. J.Cole ft. Big Sean and YG headline day one of the (somewhat) mystery lineup, while the classic 'Drake + Special Guests' is on tap for day two.The mystery has already sold out day two, so start hitting refresh on Craigslist.

SummerWorks (August 6-16)
This eleven-day Canadian cultural festival focuses on theatre, dance, music, and live art. Tickets are already on sale, and you can view the full list of performances here.

Parapan Am Games & PANAMANIA (August 7-15)
The Parapan Am Games kick off on August 7th and will feature a roster of sporting events ranging from judo to wheelchair tennis. Plus, after a brief hiatus, PANAMANIA is back and better than ever. Expect to see more impressive shows, with headliners like Chromeo, Janelle Monae, and Serena Ryder performing free of charge.

Rogers Cup 2015 (August 8-16)
Toronto's summer streak of high-profile sporting events is continuing with the Rogers Cup. Tennis a-listers like Serena Williams, Eugenie Bouchard, and Maria Sharapova will battle it out for the Rogers Cup, beginning August 8th.

Roundhouse Craft Beer Fest (August 8-9)
Offering an array of beers from Ontario Craft Brewers, this festival at Roundhouse Park is still a relatively casual affair with food from some Toronto food trucks. Ticket prices have jumped this year from $10 in advance to $20, but that's still decent value given that the "ticket" for is your glass, meaning you can return for day two without having to buy a second ticket.

Waterfront Night Market (August 14-16)
Happening in the parking lot of the T & T Cherry Street supermarket, this night market will feature over 100 food and retail vendors. Expect delicious stinky tofu, steamed buns and grilled seafoods on skewers.

Camp Wavelength (August 28-30)
New kid on the island this year is Camp Wavelength. Dedicated to the ALL CAPS Festival which last took place in 2013, Wavelength is giving you a chance to spend two nights under the stars a short ferry ride from downtown, while taking in some great bands. The Wooden Sky, Do Make Say Think, Absolutely Free are among the first round of bands announced, with more on the way.

CNE (August 21-September 7)
The CNE rolls into town at the end of August and will run until September 7th. Expect the regular roster of midway games, rides, exhibitions, fair foods and about a million ways to spend your hard earned money.

Contributions from Matthew Forsythe, Ben Johnson, and Liora Ipsum.

What did I miss? Let us know what us know what events you're most looking forward to this July in the comments.

During World War Two, Casa Loma was home to the top-secret Allies Anti-Submarine Detection Investigation Committee (ASDIC). It moved in after its headquarters in London, England were bombed. Now, that piece of history is the basis for the new immersive game Escape from the Tower. That's right, you can play an escape-style game right inside Casa Loma.

The Casa Loma games series is presented by Company & Co., the same group who brought Real Escape Game to Toronto. Escape from the Tower has a historical plot line and players must find enemy u-boat coordinates and transmit them back to the Allied forces.

But, time is limited; participants have only 60 minutes to complete this task. Unlike other escape rooms, this one is theatrical and includes a cast of actors to further enhance the immersive experiences.

Escape from the Tower runs Wednesday through Sunday and tickets are currently available for games starting on August 12.

Games such as these aren't new in Toronto. So, if being locked in a creepy castle tower isn't for you, there are plenty of other options for you to test your wits and problem solving skills in another one of the city's escape rooms.

Would you try out an escape room in Casa Loma? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Somewhere in Toronto in the blogTO Flickr pool.

It's officially summer in the city and it might just be the hottest day of the year. According to Environment Canada, temperatures are expected to soar to 34 C this afternoon. With the humidex, it'll feel even hotter.

Thankfully, Toronto is providing us with some relief. If you don't have air conditioning, you can head to one of the city's seven cooling centres, which are open from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. If none of these are nearby, a visit to your local library or community centre will do the trick.

During extreme heat alerts, eight public pools keep extended hours. Today, you can take a refreshing dip until 11:45 p.m.

While the very young, very old and those with certain illnesses and conditions are most vulnerable to the heat, these high temperatures can be dangerous for everyone. Drink lots of water (or other cold drinks) and avoid over exerting yourself outdoors.

And, don't sweat it, by Saturday it'll be a cool 24 C.

How will you beat the heat today? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Alex Korittko in the blogTO Flickr pool.

The Pan Am Games are slowly becoming a distant memory. But, if you're in the market for 40 three seater sofas, 500 white folding chairs or 100 folding tables you're in luck because furniture from its Athletes' Village is up for auction.

While the pieces may look a little institutional, there are currently some great bargains on the GovDeals.ca site. A single grey sofa starts at $100 and a pink bean bag chair is only $10. Although, bidding may drive these prices up. Along with the furniture, you can also buy appliances, such as a washer and a dryer.

According to a Global News report, money earned at the online auction is earmarked for covering the cost of the Pan Am Games.

Would you bid for the ultimate piece of Pan Am Games memorabilia? Let us know in the comments.

Today we're opening up voting in our latest Best Of poll. Now you can have your say in 10 categories including pancakes, 24 hour restaurants, playgrounds, bao, chicken wings, cookies and more.

Take the best of poll here

Voting in the poll ends at noon on Thursday July 30th.

It's hot out there. We hit the streets to find how Torontonians were coping with the rising temperatures. Shorts, skirts, t-shirts and tanks predominate but that doesn't mean people still don't look good.

Check out all the looks in our Style section.

Earlier today, Bombardier announced it would not meet its target to ship 27 streetcars to Toronto this year. Instead, by the end of 2015, it will deliver only 23. While the company promises to get Toronto 204 new streetcars by 2019, TTC chair Josh Colle and TTC CEO Andy Byford aren't pleased with the current roll out.

"I don't want anymore excuses I just want our damn streetcars," said Colle in a press conference this morning, according to the Toronto Star. To date, Bombardier should have delivered 50 new cars. Clearly, this never happened. However, the Montreal-based company has now promised to ship four every month.

In May, the city had to reject some of the new streetcars, which were fraught with manufacturing problems. Byford feared the vehicles would break down on Toronto's streets. Currently, there are seven new streetcars running in Toronto.

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

Photo by Gary Baker in the blogTO Flickr pool

Even after Norm Kelly told Meek Mill he wasn't welcome in Toronto, the Philadelphia rapper defied the Ward 40 councillor's wishes and performed during the Nicki Minaj show at the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre last night.

Concertgoers weren't too pleased with his appearance and reportedly booed while he was on stage. That's because Mill is feuding with Drake, a Canadian hero, at least according to Kelly.

It all started after Drake appeared on Mill's song "R.I.C.O.," off the album Dreams Worth More Than Money. In July, Mill accused Drizzy of using a ghostwriter for his verse. The 6ix rapper fired back with a diss track called "Charged Up."

Overnight, he dropped yet another one. "When I look back I might be mad I gave this attention, but it's weighing heavy on my conscience," raps Drake on "Back to Back."

Along with his snappy one-liners, he went one step further and used an image from the 1993 World Series for the track's art. To jog your memory, the Blue Jays beat the Philadelphia Phillies that year.

"Back to Back" features Drake freestyling over a simple beat as he continually throws out zingers like, "This for y'all that think that I don't write enough. They just mad 'cause I got a Midas touch." Meek Mill has yet to respond.

What do you think of the of this ongoing feud? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Brian Morton.

In a partnership that merges land with sea, the King West members-only Spoke Club is joining forces with the Island Yacht Club.

According to the National Post, the Island Yacht Club has been struggling for a number of years. Its membership was dropping and a fire devastated its clubhouse in 2004. By partnering with the Spoke Club, Bill Duron, who heads Blockhouse Bay Management Company that runs the IYC, told the Post he hopes to revive the ailing waterfront club.

However, the clubs aren't merging. Rather, it's a co-branding strategy. During told the Post his club will be marketed as "Spoke on the water at IYC." Existing members will get a $500 discount if they want to join the other club. New members who want to join both can save $1000.

Named after a cute endangered bird known to impale its prey on sharp objects, this quirky bar has a sweet back patio and killer drinks to boot (some are even named after characters with guns). A bartender and a magazine editor/novelist have teamed up to open a place that will make you want to become a regular.

Read my profile of Lucky Shrike in the bars section.

As summer fades into fall, many revel in the change of season by frolicking in pumpkin patches, picking apples or sipping on sweet Ontario cider. If the latter sounds more up your alley, you're in luck because the Toronto Cider Festival is coming to Yonge-Dundas Square.

With numerous beer festivals peppered throughout the year, this is one of the only events dedicated solely to cider. On Saturday, September 26, you can sample local varieties from numerous cider companies including Brickworks Ciderhouse, Revel Cider Company and Duxbury.

Tickets are on sale now for $30. Each one includes four sample tokens, a sample mug and four hours for tasting.

Will you be attending the Toronto Cider Festival? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Jesse Milns.

The top restaurants for a first date in Toronto might just help you get to date number two. If dinner is on the table, you'll want somewhere fun, not necessarily fancy, and of course, there should be drinks to help instill enough courage to go in for a kiss.

Make a good first impression with a pick from this list organized by Toronto neighbourhood.

See also

The top 10 restaurants for a first date in Toronto
The top 10 coffee shops for a first date in Toronto
10 unusual ideas for a first date in Toronto

ANNEX
The Harbord Room offers a sultry setting for a first date, and it maintains a sophisticated vibe without being too formal. Scrupulously crafted cocktails will help break the ice.

THE BEACHES
Take your hot tamale to Xola for a casual but intimate night out. The tiny Mexican restaurant is the perfect spot to let sparks fly over tacos and spicy cucumber margaritas.

BLOORDALE
The Burdock is the place to go if beer and live music are listed among the six things your date could never do without. The bar/restaurant/music hall/microbrewery has it all.

BLOOR WEST VILLAGE
Cured meats and olives, beef carpaccio and pillowy gnocchi are all very good reasons to take your next date to Campo. The restaurant on Jane has got a cozy and cool vibe and a volume level that'll let you get to know each other sans screaming.

CABBAGETOWN
It can get a little loud inside Kanpai when the draught cocktails start flowing, so expect to have to lean in real close to talk while you share Taiwanese snack foods like fried chicken and potato slaw.

CHINATOWN
People's Eatery is a friendlier date destination than its sister restaurant 416 Snack Bar. Both snack bars offer a great vibe, nibbles, and cocktails, but the Spadina spot takes resos!

CHURCH & WELLESLEY
Bespoke cocktails and steak tartare are a match made in heaven at Smith. With any luck, and perhaps a couple Paper Plane cocktails, love will be in the air.

THE DANFORTH
Show off your best self with a little liquid courage from The Wren. This spot can get a little loud, so get cozy over a couple pints and an order of gauc and chips.

DISTILLERY DISTRICT
El Catrin is an upmarket Mexican restaurant where tacos and tequila shots will set the tone for a fun night out with the object of your affection.

DUNDAS WEST
Strong drinks, sharable dishes, and a candle lit room are what makes Mr. Flamingo a great date destination. The menu is ever changing, but look forward to fresh shucked oysters and made-to-order burrata.

EGLINTON WEST
Ceviches, mini tacos, and ample vegetarian options make Frida a hot spot for a first time rendez-vous.

ETOBICOKE
Plan your date for a Friday night at Anatolia and hit it off over a mixed grill platter while taking in live Turkish music and a performance by belly dancers.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT
Meet for drinks at the bar of the Drake One Fifty and play things by ear before moving to a table to nibble on baked oysters an crispy duck wings. If things look promising, be sure to visit the photo booth - it's the perfect spot to steal a kiss and could be a memento to show your future grandkids.

THE JUNCTION
Let sparks fly at The Hole in the Wall where live music will give you good reason to lean in a just a little closer. The bar is well stocked with craft beers, while the kitchen is famous for its crispy calamari and duck confit wings.

KING EAST
Maybe you can have a Lady and the Tramp moment over a plate of Spaghetti Ca' Pummarola N'Goppa at Terroni on Adelaide. If that's just too cheesy, stick to strong negroni cocktails.

KING WEST
The attraction of Bar Buca begins with a dimly lit dining room and drinks-focused menu, but it's dishes like stuffed burrata, and crisp squash blossoms that might just steal your heart.

LESLIEVILLE
Woo your love interest at Dundas & Carlaw where a coffee date has the potential to turn into drinks, an assemblage of snacks, and maybe even a life long love affair.

LITTLE ITALY
Show off your playful side at Snakes & Lagers over board games and bites. Start with something quick and fun like Fluxx before deciding if you'll commit to a cheese plate and a game of Carcassone.

MOUNT PLEASANT
Neapolitan pizzas are the primary passion at Viva Napoli and the feelings are infections. Prized pies like the Margherita are capable of melting hearts.

OSSINGTON
Foxley is an eclectic bistro that serves up stellar ceviche and pan-Asian plates. The cozy ambience is just right for a first date, not to mention, there's a secluded back patio.

PARKDALE
Want to get lei'd? The Polynesian flavours at Miss Thing's set the right tone while Island-inspired cocktails including rum punch and pina coladas can't hurt.

QUEEN WEST
Lamesa is an intimate spot on Queen West where you can court your latest love interest over plates of salmon escabeche and halo halo parfaits.

RIVERSIDE
Unsure if your date eats meat? Play it safe at Tabule where an all accommodating menu lists ample options for vegetarians. Start with a spread of mezze and mojitos before committing to stay for a second course.

RONCESVALLES VILLAGE
Cast in warm candlelight, The Ace is perfect place for a dinner date. The menu bills a daily crudo along with starters like crostini topped with figs, ricotta and honey.

WEST QUEEN WEST
The cocktails at Swan by Rose and Sons are dangerously easy to drink while vinyl records contribute to the warm, convivial vibe. The cuisine here looks towards California for inspiration, so expect bright colours and clean flavours on each plate.

YONGE & DUNDAS
Sabai Sabai is a Thai restaurant and bar that features a relaxed atmosphere and exotic cocktail list that'll put both parties at ease. Test the waters with squash fritters and crispy taro rolls before moving on to spicy curries and stir-fry dishes.

YONGE & BLOOR
The warm and inviting interior at Wish is ideal for couples to get to know one and other. The eclectic menu offers something for any appetite and the wine list boasts bottles and by the glass selections.

YONGE & EGLINTON
Little Sister is a fun street hawker-inspired snack bar that serves up a assemblage of shareable plates including satay skewers and rendang tacos. The place can get packed, so impress your date by booking a table in advance.

YONGE & ST. CLAIR
Freshly prepared dim sum at Kwan is a delightful way to enjoy dumplings, savoury pancakes, and buns with not just a cup of customary tea, but also, alongside wine and beer.

YORKVILLE
Kasa Moto is a swank setting for sushi and a variety of other seafood-centric dishes. It's no doubt a splurge for a first date, so perhaps, reserve this one for a "sure thing".

What did I miss? Disagree with my selections in the comments.

Lead photo of Lamesa.

Photo by Paul Henman in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Today in Toronto Caribana starts to ramp up. Look forward to everything from nightlife events to the King and Queen Competition. If you'd rather indulge in some retail therapy, head to the Gladstone Hotel for BOOZAR. You can shop for vintage treasures while indulging in some libations.

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

• 2015 Hart House Craft Beer Festival (Hart House)
• Pan American Food Festival (Daniels Spectrum)
• BOOZAR: Gladstone's Night Market (Gladstone Hotel)
• GUMBO (Supermarket)
• Live on the Patio (Roy Thomson Hall)
• Caribana (Various Locations)

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

Toronto Restaurant Openings highlights the latest restaurant openings and closings in Toronto and also gives a preview of what's coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.

OPEN NOW

• Etobicoke bakeshop, AG Macarons has opened a second retail outlet at 647 Dupont St.
• This Friday, July 31 is opening night for Nightowl, a two storey bar and arcade at 647 College St.
• Neo Coffee Bar, a new cafe and source for Japanese roll cakes and profiteroles opens on Saturday, August 1 at 161 Frederick St., Unit 100.

RECENTLY REVIEWED

• KaKa All You Can Eat
• Eative
• Alo
• Smoke's Weinerie
• Miss Thing's

OPENING SOON

• The Orchard Bar from the folks behind Haven Espresso Bar is opening very very soon at 1174 Bloor Street West, replacing Clara's Gourmet Burgers.
• Palinka Bar & Bisztro, a new destination for Hungarian eats is coming to Little Italy this fall. The new restaurant is in the works at 585 College St. where Millefiori Florist used to be.
• The Walton, a new cafe and cocktail bar is in the works at 607 College St., formerly Wild Indigo. Expect an August opening.

CLOSED

• Johnny Jackson at 587 College St. has closed and is soon to be replaced with Dish Cooking School

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

Stop waiting for the ferry because today you can finally start walking to Billy Bishop Toronto Island Airport. After a ribbon cutting ceremony this morning, the pedestrian tunnel will officially open to the public at 1 p.m.

The 260-metre-long walkway took three years to build and according to a CTV News report, it'll take pedestrians six minutes to get across. The tunnel has moving sidewalks, which travel at 2.3 km/h, and it'll be able to shepherd up to 1,100 people to the airport each hour.

Rob Ford released a statement today, detailed CP24, noting how his administration was responsible for pushing the tunnel project forward. "I look forward to the added economic benefit that it, and further airport expansion, can bring to the City of Toronto," wrote Ford.

Regardless, it's comforting to know that you can now dash under the lake if you're running late for a flight. For those who prefer ferryboats, you can always keep taking them even after the pedestrian tunnel opens.

What do you think of the new pedestrian tunnel? Let us know in the comments.

This new two-storey shop sells apparel, pillows and prints on the first floor, and features a spacious, modern art gallery on the second. Owned by the founders of Gelaskins, this new business keeps the focus on art while expanding the items offered from pillows, to tank tops, to canvas prints.

Read my review of Nuvango in the design stores section.