We have an immediate need for a Copy Editor to oversee content production, preparation and scheduling for the site. This is a full time, contract position.

The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 2-3 years of copy editing and web production experience for a digital media publication, as well as a keen interest and broad knowledge of the subject areas we cover on the site.

Primary responsibilities will be to prepare content for publication on the site. This includes editing and formatting content as per our style guidelines, sourcing and formatting photos and other media (embeddable videos, tweets, Storify, Google Maps etc.) as applicable.

In addition, we are seeking a candidate who has the skills, experience and interest to take on writing for the site on an as-needed basis, as well as social media and community management activities.

Requirements:

• At least 2-3 years of copy editing and web production experience for a digital media publication.
• Experience working with Movable Type and/or Wordpress CMS. Basic understanding of HTML in the scope of editing copy for online publications in respect to hyperlinks, bold and italics formatting etc.
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• An ability to write captivating headlines that will interest readers on the site and via social media channels.
• You have been a Toronto resident for at least five years.
• A Journalism degree is preferred.

Additional information:

The ideal candidate will also be able to demonstrate the following:

• You are flexible to take on evening and weekend work as required.
• You are highly organized and have a keen attention to detail.
• You have a grammar obsession and an innate ability to spot and fix typos or pare down overwritten paragraphs.
• You are willing to work independently and as part of a larger group and provide feedback to writers and photographers as applicable.
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How to apply:

Don't just send us a resume. We'd like to get to know you. Please send an application to jobs [at] blogto [dotcom] that includes the following:

• Tell us why you're applying for this position and why you're interested in joining the blogTO team.
• Highlight key experiences that have prepared you for this role.
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We have an immediate need for a Copy Editor. The start date is as soon as possible but we will wait for the right candidate. Thanks in advance for your interest. We aim to respond to everyone who sends us a complete application as detailed above.

The best Spanish restaurants in Toronto celebrate simple pleasures one small plate at a time. These restaurants deal in abundance and variety, serving up spreads of tapas, pintxos, montaditos, sizzling paellas, and sharable platters of cured meats, cheese and olives.

Here's are the best Spanish restaurants in Toronto.

See also:The Best Sangria in Toronto

The most breathtaking views of Toronto delight passers-by, professional photographers and amateur Instagrammers with new ways to appreciate the city. Whether at dawn or dusk, or even during a super storm, these locations give us all a chance to marvel at the metropolis we call home.

Here are my picks for where to go for the most breathtaking views of Toronto.

Riverdale Park
Grab a hot beverage from Rooster Coffee House and enjoy it as you walk north up Broadview. It's what Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan did in the rom-com The F Word and it's the perfect way to admire the city as its skyscrapers loom just beyond the park.

Toronto Islands
The ferry ride across Lake Ontario provides stellar views of the downtown core, as do the Toronto Islands. Whether you're cycling or walking around, a trip to the Islands gives you the chance to gaze at the city from an entirely new perspective.

BMO Field
When cheering on Toronto FC from the top of the BMO Field stands you're not only ensconced in a sea of red-and-white-clad fans, you're also looking at one of the best views of the city. It's worth it even if you're not into football.

Humber Bay
This picturesque spot in the city's west-end is a favourite of cyclers, joggers and photographers. You can view the skyline from the area's iconic arch bridge, or venture into Humber Bay Park before dawn to watch the sun rise over the city.

Chester Hill Lookout
Chester Hill Lookout might be one of the best makeout spots in the city, due in part because it offers stunning views of downtown, the Don Valley and the Bloor Viaduct. You won't find a perspective in which the city looks more lush than this one.

Bathurst St. Bridge
This thoroughfare that runs above the Front Street railway tracks offers a unique, sidelong view of the downtown core. When walking or jogging along the bridge, it's always tempting to take a photo of the CN Tower and Rogers Centre, which appear as if they're right beside you. If you tire of the skyscrapers, turn your head to admire Fort York.

Polson Pier
A visit to the Port Lands, and Cabana Pool Bar, is never complete without snapping a shot of Toronto's skyline. However, if the thought of spending $20 (or more) to lie by a pool gives you the chills, you can experience similarly spectacular views from all over Polson Pier, including the parking lot across from Sound Academy.

The One Eighty
Located on the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre, this pricey patio in Yorkville offers 180 degree views of the city. Head here if you're itching to sip luxurious cocktails and munch on cornish hen or beef carpaccio way up in the sky.

CN Tower
What list of Toronto viewpoints would be complete without the CN Tower? A trip up will cost you (it's $35), but you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the GTA and beyond. You can always combine your visit with a meal at 360, the revolving restaurant. Or try the Edgewalk if you're feeling daring.

Porter Plane
Other than the lounge and unlimited in-flight drinks, the best part of flying Porter is the view you're privy to upon take-off and landing. As you soar above Toronto, you get to see the city from an entirely new vantage point. There's nothing quite as grounding as that.

Which breathtaking views did we miss? Let us know in the comments.

Photos by Spyhopphoto, Empty Quarter, Howard Yang, Jennifer Robblee, Neil Ta, twurdemann, and Jason Allies.

For nine days, 1,600 para-athletes will be in Toronto to compete in the Parapan Am Games. We've had a nice break from sports over the last week, but now it's back, and the dilemma continues: with 15 sports running almost every single day, which ones should you tune in to?

Here are my top picks for the top events to see at the Parapan Am Games in Toronto by calendar date.

AUGUST 8

Cycling road
This marks the first of two medal events for road cycling. During the last Parapan Am Games in Guadalajara, Canada took home three gold medals, two silver, and four bronze medals. Their biggest competition will be the United States, who game first overall in gold medals, and Columbia.

Swimming
Good news for swim fans: these events will be taking place every day of the Parapan Am Games. Today will feature the women's and men's freestyle and backstroke. Brazil will be the team to beat this year. Their team includes Andre Brasil, a 10-medal Paralympic athlete, and Daniel Dias, who has been compared to Olympian Michael Phelps for his 11-gold medal win at the 2011 Parapan Ams.

Powerlifting
This will be the first medal round for powerlifting--women's Up to 41kg, 25kg, and 50kg, and men's up to 49kg and 54kg. Mexico, Columbia, and Cuba are expected to do well.

AUGUST 9

Archery
Canada is expected to do well in this two-day event. Two-time world champion Kevin Evans is aiming for a repeat performance after his gold-medal win in 2011 and Karen Van Nest, who is relatively new to the sport, promises to be a serious contender.

Football-7 (Soccer)
Canada will face the United States in their second preliminary game of the competition at 11 a.m. For those unfamiliar with football-7, it just means that only seven players (including the goalkeeper) are allowed on the field at once. The game is played on a reduced field and there are no throw-ins or offside rule.

Wheelchair Rugby
In their first preliminary round, Canada will play against Columbia. Even though this is team Canada's Parapan Am Games debut, they are considered serious contenders. During the London 2012 Paralympic games, the team took home the silver medal.

AUGUST 10

Cycling Track
Canada is expected to do well during this two-day event. During the 2011 Parapan Am Games, they came in second in the medal counts with three golds and one silver. Their biggest competition will be the United States, who came in first during the previous games.

Table Tennis
The men's and women's singles semi-finals and finals will be held today. Brazil is predicted to dominate the sport for another year--in 2011, the team brought home 12 gold medals.

Athletics
Just like the Pan Am Games, the athletic events are quite popular. Athletes will participate in a variety of sporting events, including long hump, 5000m, shot put, discus throw, and the100m. Keep an eye out for Josh Cassidy, the Canadian record holder in the 1,500, 5,000 and 1,000-metre and marathon.

AUGUST 11

Boccia
Today is the medal round of this event. One of the lesser-known sports, Boccia is similar to curling/bocce. Athletes propel balls and try to get them as close as they can to the white target. Canada won two gold medals during the 2011 Guadalajara and are hoping for a repeat performance.

Sitting Volleyball
Both the men's and women's Canadian teams will be playing today. This is the first time the women's sitting volleyball team will be competing since the 2011 games, where they won third place.

Wheelchair basketball
Canada is predicted to do very well in this event. The women's team won the 2014 World Championship in Toronto and the men's team won gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Keep an eye out for Janet McLachlan, who was named Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association's 2014 Female Athlete of the Year.

AUGUST 12

Judo
The first of the medal rounds begins today for the women's -48kg and -52kg, as well as the men's -60kg and 66kg. The last Parapan Am Games saw Cuba finish with five gold medals. Brazil and Mexico are also serious contenders.

Goalball
This will be the last day of the preliminary round robins. Canada will be facing Brazil and the United States in the afternoon. This sport is for athletes with visual impairments--athletes have to roll the ball, which has a bell in it, into the opposition's goal.

Athletics
Today is the semi-finals and finals of shot put, long jump, 200m, javelin throw, and the men's 1500m. Keep an eye out for American Jarryd Wallace in the 200m sprint. Wallace won gold at the 2011 Parapan Am Games and currently holds the world record at 22 seconds.

AUGUST 13

Swimming
The finals of the freestyle 100m, the butterfly, backstroke, and the freestyle relay. Events will be held from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Canadian Paralympian Benoît Huot may just be a match for the Brazilian team. He won 19 medals over the last four Paralympic Games.

Wheelchair Tennis
This is the first day of the medal rounds, specifically the finals of the men's and women's doubles. The United States and Argentina typically dominate this event. Keep an eye out for 19-year-old Gustavo Fernandez from Argentina, who is expected to be a top contender at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Wheelchair Basketball
The final classification rounds will happen in the morning and then the women's semi-final games will happen around 6 p.m at the Ryerson Athletic Centre. Team Canada is hoping to make it to the finals and beat their 2011 Parapan Am Game record--the women took silver while the men won bronze.

AUGUST 14

Sitting Volleyball
The bronze, gold, and 5th/6th place games will all be taking place today. The men's team will be trying to beat their record from the last Parapan Am Games, when they won a bronze medal.

Wheelchair Rugby
This will be the final day of the rugby sporting events. Chances are the Canadian team will be competing in either the bronze and gold medal games. They won a silver in both the 2014 World Championships and 2012 Paralympic Games. Not to mention their team leader, Zak Madell, is widely considered as one of the best wheelchair rugby players in the world.

Athletics
It will also be the last medal round for the athletic events such as the Javelin throw, 400m, 1500m, long jump, and shot put. The men's final 4x100m Relay, one of the more popular of the track and field events, will also be taking place this evening around 8 o'clock.

AUGUST 15

Football-7 (Soccer)
After six days of competition, teams will finally compete in the bronze and gold medal games. Canada hopes to be one of those winners.

Wheelchair Basketball
By the early afternoon, the competition will be over--the gold, silver, and bronze medalists will have been announced. As long as both the men's and women's teams stay strong, it's predicted that Canada will be among those to claim a medal.

Closing Ceremonies
The ceremonies will be taking place at Nathan Phillips Square and promises to be quite the event. All of the music has been organized by Live Nation Entertainment. During the presentation, Canada will pass the torch on to Lima, Peru, who will be hosting the Parapan Am Games in 2019. This is a non-ticketed event, so head to Nathan Phillips Square a bit early to ensure a good view of the show.

What did I miss? Add your Parapan Am Games picks to the comments.

Escape from the Tower is a new escape game In Toronto, operated by Liberty Entertainment Group in conjunction with Company & Co., the people behind the first real escape game in Toronto. Open to the public on August 12, the game takes place in an actual castle tower and blends fact and fiction for a thrilling ride.

I arrived at Casa Loma ready to escape. I came prepared with my glycogen stores full (carbs), my brain warmed up (brain teasers on the subway) and my second smartest friend (my smartest friend was busy).

After meeting the group outside Casa Loma, we were led down a creepy hallway and into a cold basement theatre. There, we were given basic instructions and watched a short video that set up the story of our prospective escape and introduced us to our three major objectives.

While most escape games have a theme or, at a minimum, a few introductory lines that attempt to provide context, this story was fully fleshed out and mashed up actual Casa Loma history (it was used to do secret research in World War II!) with exciting dramatics (family drama!).

Upon completion of the video, we were hustled up to the first of three floors we would be playing on and, hopefully, escaping from. In addition to the inclusion of a fuller storyline, Escape from the Tower departs from the typical escape game by including characters that players can interact with and mine for important information.

Having the characters in the game turned an already fun scenario into a full-blown experience. The actors were fully invested, fun, and convincing without being cheesy (which I imagine is extremely difficult when you're in a 1940s getup and talking sadly about your relationship with your father).

With the main character leading us, we quickly moved through each floor of the tower. Though I won't spoil anything, I will say that the puzzles in this game are even more imaginative and fun than the original escape game. Sadly, we just missed making it out of the tower in the one hour timeframe but we did complete most of the objectives.

I'm still weirdly emotionally invested in the game (which involves reconciling a family), so I left feeling like a 1940s Maury Povich even if we didn't successfully make it out of there.

After our hour was up, we watched a video epilogue of the story -- a great way to tie up the narrative and make you feel like you accomplished something even though you're an adult who just paid people to let you play pretend in a museum.

It's hard to take something successful and make the second version even better (see: True Detective) but Company & Co. has managed to do just that.

Escape from the Tower is open Wednesday to Sunday and have games at 5:30, 7:30, and 9:30 p.m. Prices are $36 per prospective escapee on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and $42 on Friday and Saturday.

Photos by Jesse Milns

Last night marked the Maclean's Debate, the first federal leaders' debate in the 2015 election. Whether you sat watching attentively or followed along on social media, Prime Minister Stephen Harper caused quite a stir on Reddit, or rather, his campaign bus did.

According to a Global News report, Redditor kennethtoronto put the photo up last night after his girlfriend noticed the Prime Minister's campaign bus blocking a bike lane on Lower Simcoe. She was out cycling and asked the driver to move. He refused. Prime Minister Harper wasn't there at the time.

Do you forgive the bus driver for being parked in the bike lane? Let us know in the comments.

Photo via kennethtoronto on Reddit

Ivana Raca came up through the ranks of Mark McEwan's food empire, blazing a trail for female chefs along the way. After leaving the Toronto food scene for a couple of years to travel abroad, she's back with her own restaurant and says nobody can touch her risotto.

Read my profile of Raca Cafe & Bar in the restaurants section.

Photo by BruceK in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Whether it be memories of your dad's garage fridge filled with industrial lager in little tins or visions of shotgunning affordable lagers at college parties, beer cans have, for the most part, gotten a bad rap as something like the poor-man's beverage container.

But that's quickly changing.

Increasingly, as Toronto's craft beer scene booms and the city's brewers seek out the best ways to sell their beer, cans are becoming the preferred option. But why?

Jeff Rogowsky, the co-founder of Session Craft Canning, has seen the popularity of cans grow in the last few years. Rogowsky's company is a mobile operation that brings canning capabilities to craft brewers who often can't afford their own expensive canning lines.

I spoke with Rogowsky via email and he told me that he thinks the increased popularity of cans is largely being driven by consumer demand. "Canning gained popularity," he says, "because it allowed people to take beer to more places--golf courses, beaches, in a backpack, to a movie theatre--cans are infinitely more portable and easier to travel with."

Erica Campbell, Brewery Manager for Black Oak Brewery and a Co-Founder of The Society of Beer Drinking Ladies, agrees that the rise in cans is consumer-driven. Black Oak Brewery has been around for 16 years and the company just recently began canning their Nut Brown and Pale Ale. "Customers like variety," she says via email, "and tall boys are great for grabbing a bunch of different Ontario craft brews."

Another big reason consumers are asking for cans is for their ability to keep beer fresh. While you may have memories of beer cans imparting a "tinny" taste on your brew, that's no longer the case. Beer cans are now sprayed with an interior coating which means the tinny taste is long gone.

That skunky taste you may get from those beers you have to put limes in comes from beer being exposed to light--often through their colourless glass bottles. Cans keep beer out of the light, ensuring they don't go skunky. Cans are also generally better than the crown caps on bottles for keeping out air. Exposure to oxygen makes beer go stale prematurely.

Of course, because this is Ontario and we're talking about beer, there's also an element of politics involved in the rising popularity of canned craft beer. Tall cans are the most popular retail choice for brewers who opt to sell their beer at the LCBO, one of only three places brewers can sell containers of their beer, by law.

In this increasingly crowded retail environment, brewers have a much easier time getting their beer listed at the LCBO if it's in a can as opposed to the 500mL, 650mL, or 750mL bottles sometimes used by craft brewers. So, for brewers who are thinking strategically about the best format to sell their beer, cans become the best option.

What do you think about canned beer? Is that satisfying "TSST" sound of a can being opened your favourite sound, or do you still prefer prying the cap of a long-necked bottle of brew?

Ben Johnson also writes about beer over on Ben's Beer Blog. Follow him on twitter @Ben_T_Johnson.

Finding an apartment in Toronto is serious business. It's a competitive market with seemingly endless options, and hundreds of would-be tenants vying for the same places as you. So put on your game face (and your best behaviour) and take this tried-and-true advice on your next apartment hunt.

Here are my tips for finding an apartment in Toronto.

See also: How to rent an apartment in Toronto

1. Diversify your web search
Viewit is an awesome tool for finding apartments in Toronto, but a lot of people really narrow their search by sticking to Viewit alone. There are also hundreds of gems on sites like Padmapper, Myhood, Casalova, as well as Craigslist and Kijiji. Better yet, set up a Google Alert containing key words (like "Junction 2 bdrm", for instance) and you'll be the first to hear about any new listings.

2. Consider a real estate agent
Most renters don't realize that you can actually enlist a real estate agent to find your next great apartment - and you won't pay a dime. A lot of landlords list their rentals on MLS and they, not you, pay the agent's commission. An agent can do a lot of the dirty work for you, like making a shortlist of units and setting up viewing appointments.

3. Walk around the neighbourhood
If you know the general area you're interested in, take a stroll around the neighbourhood and keep an eye out for "for rent" signs. Not only will you get the jump on any great units in the area, but you'll also learn where local amenities exist.

4. Check everything
You might only get a few minutes to check out your prospective apartment during a viewing, so make the most of it. Don't be afraid to try all the faucets and light switches, make sure the cupboards close properly, the toilets flush, and the outlets actually work.

5. Question the laid back landlord
If a landlord doesn't ask you for proof of employment, references or a credit cheque, remember that they haven't asked anyone else in the building for that information either. It might be an indication that the building is badly managed, or that you'll have one or two sketchy characters for neighbours.

6. Check the bed bugs registry
It sounds gross (and it is), but there are more than a handful of apartments in Toronto that have a bed bug problem. Don't worry - there are tons of clean places too. But it's better to be on the safe side and check the bed bug registry to make sure your home-to-be isn't infested.

7. Treat viewings like job interviews
Often you're competing for an apartment with lots of other eager would-be tenants. So if you're going to meet a landlord or view an apartment, act like it's a mini job interview and make a good first impression. Be prompt and friendly, say "please" and "thank you," and make sure you look put together.

8. Bargain for lower rent
It's true that Toronto is a competitive renting market, but that doesn't mean you can't negotiate here and there. If you love a place and aren't quite down for the asking price, throw out another number that works for you. You might be surprised to find the landlord is open to a bit of bargaining.

9. Bring a cheque and references
You might have to make a decision on a place the first time you see it, so make sure to bring a cheque and references (and maybe even a few recent pay stubs) to every apartment you look at. Toronto apartments go in a hurry, so you've got to be ready to fork over that deposit and grab it fast.

10. Know your rights
Tenants have more rights than most landlords would have them believe. Familiarize yourself with the Landlord and Tenant Act, which will help you avoid getting bullied into illegal stipulations in your lease, plus a whole host of inconveniences at that can arise once you've already moved in.

What did I miss? Add your tips for finding a Toronto apartment in the comments.

Photo by capreit on Flickr

The top mini putt golf courses in and around Toronto will have you showing off your skills with the short stick. The city and surrounding area has everything from outdoor options to glow in the dark greens. It doesn't matter whether you're new to the game or have a swing that rivals Rory Mcilroy, you're bound to have a good time.

Here, in no particular order, are my picks for the top mini putt golf courses in and around Toronto.

The Docks
If you want to skip leaving the downtown core, The Docks is your best bet. The outdoor facility offers an 18-hole course featuring everything from cartoon characters to windmills as obstacles. It's in close proximity to tons of bars, restaurants, and event venues, making it a great first stop for a date. For adults, it costs $8 on weekdays and $9 on weekends and holidays.

Harry Putter Golf
Harry Putter offers a simple, 18-hole mini golf course in Vaughn. Once you've had enough small-scale game play, turn to the driving range to perfect your swing with a driver. Each round of mini golf is $6 for an adult.

RINX
Want a mini golf course with a little something extra? RINX gives putters the chance to travel through jungles, tombs, cities, and even underwater on its 3D glow in the dark green. It's a private event venue, so prices will vary depending on party size.

Putting Edge
Putting Edge brings mini put to two locations: Richmond Hill and Vaughan. The 18-hole, glow in the dark courses feature design themes from Aztec jungles, the ocean floor, and more. A round will set you back $10.50, but you can upgrade to unlimited play for an extra $2.

401 Mini-Indy Go-Karts
401 Mini-Indy Go-Karts will indulge more than just your need for speed. The facility also offers an 18-hole glow in the dark course with a race track theme (what else?). When you've tossed in your clubs for the day, take advantage of the go-karts for some more fast-paced fun. The cost is $8.95 per round, or $15.99 for a day pass.

Markham Golf Dome
The Markham Golf dome is a mecca for enthusiasts of the game. You'll find a pro shop, indoor and outdoor ranges, as well as an 18-hole mini golf course. That means you can grab your gear, work on your swing, and master putting all in one place. Playing on the mini-golf course will put you back $5 per round.

Timber Creek Golf
Timber Creek may be a bit out of the way, but it is well worth the drive to Stouffville. It offers two 37-hole mini golf courses: "Logging Camp" and "Shipwreck", with obstacles unique to each outdoor green. The adult cost per round is $9-$9.50, depending on the course.

Just For Fun Party & Play Centre
This indoor course is ideal for those looking for a child-friendly option. The play centre flaunts a black light course with holes segmented by neon barriers. You probably want to steer clear if you aren't babysitting or bringing your kids, as it is a popular choice for birthday parties. It costs $4 dollars per person or $6 per person for two rounds .

Playdium
Playdium flaunts an 18-hole outdoor course in Mississauga. It's pretty no-frills, the only embellishment you'll find is the flags marking the holes, so you can focus on mastering putting. Once you've wrapped up your game, head indoors and take advantage of the giant play facility -- it has games galore. One round on the course will cost you $3.98.

Scarborough Family Golf Centre
Scarborough Family Golf Centre brings medieval-themed mini golf to the GTA. Enter the enchanting world of mini putt by a fairy castle and head through the game facing obstacles inspired by the middle ages as you go. The adult cost is $7.50 per round. The facility also offers a driving range and lessons if you want to do a little more.

What did I miss? Add your favourite mini putt golf course to the comments below.

Photo by Jeffrey on Flickr

Today, a trip to the supermarket in Toronto more than likely means shopping at a brand belonging to one of a small number of corporations. Loblaws owns No Frills, Valu-mart, and T&T; Metro owns Food Basics, while FreshCo, Sobeys, Price Chopper are part of the Canadian conglomerate Empire Company Limited.

In the mid 20th century, before the first of several major acquisitions and mergers, shoppers had more of a say where their grocery dollars ended up. In those days, independent chains like Power, Dominion, and Steinberg wowed customers with gleaming self-serve supermarkets, ample parking, and space age foods.

Here's a look back at five supermarket chains that have vanished from Toronto.

A&P: 1959-present

Founded as The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company in New York in 1859, A&P expanded into Canada in 1927. At its peak, the supermarket chain was the world's largest grocer. In 1930, Time magazine reported that A&P's total annual sales at its 3,100 American stores was in the region of $2.9 billion, making it also one of the world's biggest retailers along with General Motors.

A&P gradually faded from its commanding position and eventually quit Toronto and Canada entirely in 2005. The Canadian brand was bought by Metro for $1.7 billion, but that didn't stop the rot. A&P filed for bankruptcy for the second time in a decade in New York this July.

Dominion: 1919-2008

Founded out of a little storefront at 174 Wallace Ave., Dominion Stores Limited claimed to be the largest grocer in Canada with 190 stores (62 in Toronto) after just four years in business. In the decades before supermarkets, Dominion stores were staffed by clerks who would fetch and bag items on the customer's behalf.

Remade as a conventional self-service supermarket chain, Dominion consisted of 195 stores in 1954, all of them in the GTA.

The Argus Corporation under Conrad Black sold the faltering company to A&P in 1985 and in 2008 all remaining stores operating under the Dominion name were converted to Metros.

Grand Union

Grand Union's most famous Toronto store was at the Parkway Mall at Victoria Park and Ellesmere in Scarborough.

The U.S.-based company built the store with its distinctive arched roof in 1958, just five years after entering the Canadian market with the purchase of Carroll's, a grocery chain based out of Hamilton.

Just months after opening its flagship Scarborough location, Quebec-based Steinberg's (see below) bought the company's Canadian stores and rebranded the Parkway Mall location. It was later a Miracle Food Mart and a Dominion. Today, it's a Metro. In 2009, the store became the first supermarket to be listed on the City of Toronto's Inventory of Heritage Properties.

Power: 1904-1972

Another product of Toronto, the grocery store that would later become Power opened under the ownership of Samuel and Sarah Weinstein at Bay and Dundas in 1904.

In 1933, the company switched its focus to low-cost food and opened its first supermarket at Coxwell and Danforth. One of its employees during this time was a young "Honest Ed" Mirvish. Power was bought by Loblaw in 1953 but continued as a distinctly separate budget brand until 1972, when its parent company decided to spend $10 million improving its image.

Leon Weinstein, the cigar-smoking son of founders Samuel and Sarah who oversaw the company's expansion years, was briefly president of Loblaw from 1968 to 1970.

Steinberg's: 1917-1992

The pride of post-war Quebec had humble roots in a grocery store founded in Montreal by Hungarian immigrants. Under the leadership of Samuel Steinberg and his brothers, the company grew into one of Canada's largest food retailers and a cultural phenomenon. "Je fais mon Steinberg" entered the province's lexicon.

Steinberg's entered Ontario in 1959 with the purchase of 38 Ontario Grand Union supermarkets. A family dispute and slumping sales eventually forced the closure of the company in the early 1990s. Metro and Provigo, two of its main Quebec rivals, claimed the spoils.

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Images: City of Toronto Archives (as marked,) Musée Steinberg's/Flickr/Creative Commons, Eric Veillette/Silent Toronto.

The end of summer is approaching at an alarming pace, but there is still plenty left to do around the city. Whether you're looking to kick back on a patio with a iced beverage or take advantage of the outrageous food and fair rides at the CNE, the GTA has got lots on tap to get you through this seasons' final days.

Here are a few things to do before you break out your Canada Goose.

Act like a kid at the Ex (or just gamble away all your money)
The CNE is rolling into town at the end of august and with it comes the regular roster of outrageous eats, midway rides, and carnival games. There's also the CNE Casino, if you're feeling lucky. You may drop some cash, but it might just be a worth it.

Catch a movie on the lake
This summer you won't need to hit the movie theatre to catch a flick. Sugar Beach is hosting a weekend filled with 80's films for Sail-In Cinema (August 20-22). If you're afraid the floating screen will make you seasick, no problem. There are plenty of parks and other outdoor venues showing free movies until the end of summer.

Soak up the sun on a rooftop patio
Patios rarely disappoint, especially when they offer stellar views, optimal sun exposure and an air of exclusivity. If you're in the market to try a brand new patio, head to Mascot Brewery or Bar Raval. Why stop there? There are dozens of patios to try across the city.

Gorge at a new food truck
Food trucks become scarce when the temperature dips, so why not try one of the newest additions to the city's fleet before summer wraps. Koi, Meltdown Cheesery, and Rebozos have all rolled into town this summer.

Hit up a street festival
Sadly, the end of summer also marks the end of festival season. But don't fret, there are still many block parties to attend. Close out summer by hitting up the last few fests, from Wheels on the Danforth to Taste of Manila. All flaunt a hefty number of street vendors, live performances and entertainment.

Get refreshed with a summer drink
Toronto is no stranger to sporadic heat waves, and when they hit, they hit hard. When the weather gets too hot to handle, there are few better things than a iced beverage to cool down. This August, skip Starbucks iced lattes and opt for something different like an affogato or rice wine slushie - your taste buds will thank you.

Have lunch at the Union Station outdoor market
Union Station's outdoor market has been serving up drool-worthy eats for the better part of this summer. Luckily, its run has been extended until the end of September (so if you haven't been, now's your chance). It's serving up everything from gourmet doughnuts to Holy Chuck burgers.

Head to the Islands
The Islands always have a lot to offer in the summer. This August expect to find them buzzing thanks to Camp Wavelength and Centre Island's newly added maze. Remember that you can now purchase your ferry tickets online, so you can reduce your wait time.

Buy some art outdoors
Whether your revamping your home or just like to do a little window shopping, outdoor art markets are a great way to pass the time. There's the Queen West Art Crawl, Cabbagetown Art & Crafts Sale, the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, and many more that have yet to happen.

Get a sun tan at a music festival
Bestival, OVO, and Wayhome may be things of the past, but there is still much to come in terms of music fests this summer. Whether you're dying to see Major Lazer perform at Mad Decent Block Party or want to relive your angsty teen years at Riot Fest, there's plenty of crowd pleasing shows on tap.

What did I miss? Add your pick to the comments below.

Photo of the CNE by Pixel Diary

Some Toronto neighbourhoods are chock-full of art galleries filled with pieces by an array of Canadian and international artists working across numerous media. Whether you're looking to browse or buy, many of these galleries will help you start your collection as you venture into the art market for the first time.

Here are my picks for the top neighbourhoods for art galleries in Toronto.

Junction Triangle/Bloordale/Dupont
Many of the biggest names in Toronto's contemporary art scene are flocking to this formerly industrial area thanks to the cheap rent it affords. Already here are Arsenal, Daniel Faria, Scrap Metal, Katzman Contemporary, Clint Roenisch and Gallery TPW. And, Cooper Cole opened its new Dupont Street space in July.

Neubacher Shor and Angell Gallery are also in the midst of moving in; the latter opens its first Dupont Street exhibition on September 11. Erin Stump Projects is here too and in a couple of years, MOCCA will have a permanent home at the Tower Automotive Building on Sterling Road.

West Queen West
Despite the mass exodus of galleries (as summarized above), this changing neighbourhood still boasts prominent names in Toronto's visual arts scene including Katharine Mulherin and the photography-focused Stephen Bulger. Until the end of the month, you can check out MOCCA and the Edward Day Gallery.

If you venture off Queen Street, you'll find a variety of spaces including the Koffler Gallery inside the Artscape Youngplace on Shaw, Pari Nadimi Gallery on Niagara and don't forget the regular exhibitions that pop up at The Drake as well as at the Gladstone.

Yorkville
Its proximity to Mink Mile means Yorkville's home to numerous galleries that generally cater to serious collectors. However, this neighbourhood was once a bohemian enclave back in the 1960s. Its artsy roots are still showing thanks to the Yorkville institution (it opened in 1962) Mira Godard Gallery as well as Liss Gallery, Odon Wagner, Gallery Gevik, Gallery One, Leonardo Galleries and Loch Gallery.

Dundas West
A variety of galleries populate this stretch of Dundas and they include those that cater to emerging artists as well as venerable Toronto institutions. Art Metropole, for instance, moved into the area three years ago to carry on its 41 year legacy as an artist-run centre.

OCAD's independent gallery XSPACE is here, as is Loop Gallery and LE Gallery. Other neighbourhood spaces include Hermann & Audrey, MKG127, Olga KorperChristopher Cutts and The Black Cat.

Distillery District
Its cobblestone streets are usually filled with tourists marvelling at the largest collection of Victorian industrial architecture in North America. The Distillery used to be a bit more robust gallery-wise, but it's still a destination. Noteworthy is the massive Corkin Gallery and Julie M. Gallery, which focuses on showing contemporary Israeli, Canadian and North American art.

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

Photo of Katzman Contemporary

Remember when downtown living was capped by Bloor? Not anymore! As if Anthony Rose opening five restaurants on Dupont doesn't spell gentrification enough, now there's a retail store devoted entirely to macarons! No one here is complaining.

Read my profile of the new AG Macarons in the baked goods section.

Photo by Saj Sodhi in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Free events in Toronto will have you giving one last goodbye to PANAMANIA. Head to Nathan Phillips Square to see the final few cost-free shows, before the fest wraps up for good on August 12th. When the weekend hits there will be no shortage of free events, with some of the most anticipated street fests in the line-up.

Here's what to do if your fishing change out of your sofa.

PANAMANIA (August 7-12)
PANAMANIA will be over in a few short days, so spend the 10th to the 12th taking advantage of the final free events. See Jann Arden (August 11), A Tribe Called Red (August 12), tons of world music artists and lots more at Nathan Phillips Square. Check the schedule and show up early.

Waterfront Night Market (August 14-16)
Make a bee line for the Night Market stage and catch some live performances free of charge. If you feel like dropping a few dollars, you can also get your hands on some delicious stinky tofu, steamed buns and grilled seafoods on skewers.

Wheels on the Danforth (August 15)
The Danforth is being shut down for the ultimate automobile show. Look forward to scoping out classic cars and motorcycles, shopping, and listening to live music. End your day by joining in on the electronic street dance party.

Festival of South Asia (August 15-16)
The Festival of South Asia is focused on food, and it closes down Gerrard Street in Little India from Coxwell to Greenwood. Aside from the eats, it's a great chance to take in some Bollywood music and dancing.

York-Eglinton International Street Fest (August 15-16)
On the weekend of August 15th Eglinton Avenue West from Marlee to Dufferin will be closed for the York-Eglinton International Street Fest. The celebration is expected to draw in 25,000, so prepare yourself for crowds. It will feature a petting zoo, live entertainment, food vendors and countless other attractions.

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

Photo by Lori Whelan in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Toronto area casinos are places where hope springs eternal. Whether you want to trek out to Niagara Falls to place your bets, or stay within city limits, there's plenty of casinos not too far from home. Remember your four-leaf clovers, rabbit's feet, horseshoes and pray that you save (or win) your rent money.

Here, in no particular order, are my picks for the top casinos in and around Toronto.

The Ex
If you want to get in on the casino action, but don't feel like making a trip outside the city, head to The Ex. The annual CNE casino offers blackjack, roulette, WAR, Spanish 21, 3-card poker, Texas hold 'em and more. Unfortunately, it's only open for a short stint of about a month every summer. Check the website for this years' dates and plan accordingly.

Casino Rama
You'll have to travel about two hours from the city to get to Casino Rama, but it's well worth the drive. This gambling hub boasts a number of table games to choose from (everything from craps to blackjack), over 2500 slot machines, and live performances happening on an almost nightly basis.

Fallsview Casino
Niagara is a well-loved destination for casino enthusiasts for good reason. Fallsview flaunts over 20 table games, more than 3,000 slots, and million dollar jackpots. It's also an entertainment destination, hosting over 250 shows a year with big name performers like ZZ Top and Tony Bennett.

Casino Niagara
Casino Niagara is another tried and true spot in Niagara for those with a penchant for poker. The casino offers tons of gaming options, including 1,300 slots and 10 table games, multi-sport wagering, and live entertainment. A bonus, they offer free live music on Friday and Saturday, which is great if you can't afford a paid performance after one too many rounds of blackjack.

Great Blue Heron Casino
Looking to satisfy your craving for card-playing around Scugog? Great Blue Heron offers a ton of table games and the regular roster of slot machines. You can book your seat online if you want to take part in one of their many poker tournaments.

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

Photo by Lisa Gallant

Filipino brunch in Toronto will satisfy cravings for fried eggs and sausage - only these establishments sub in garlic fried rice in lieu of starches like toast or home fries. Traditional silog breakfasts prevail on menus, but there are other delicacies to be had too; try the sisig at Lamesa, where pig's head and chicken gizzards get topped with crispy fried eggs.

Here are my picks for the best Filipino brunch in Toronto.

Lamesa
This Filipino restaurant on Queen West serves classic brunch foods with a Filipino twist each weekend from 11am to 3pm. Start with fresh shucked oysters and a Filipino shandy (lager with calamansi juice) before moving on to dishes like longanisa-cured salmon benny, ensaymada French toast with ube cheese mousse and dolce de leche, and sizzling sisig topped with a fried egg and served with pico.

Casa Manila
Open on weekends from 9am, this restaurant on York Mills offers a complete range of Filipino silog breakfasts including Tapsilog (beef), Longsilog (sausage), and Liemposilog (pork belly). Aside from the classic combo of eggs, garlic rice and meat, find Tortang Talong, an eggplant omelette, and steaming bowls of Arroz Caldo (a congee-like rice porridge).

Kanto by Tita Flips
Operating out of an upcycled cargo container, this vendor at Market 707 opens daily at 11:30am. It might be a little late for breakfast, but falls squarely in the parameters of brunch, and can indeed get your fix of tapsilog (with beef) or tosilog (with tocino) complete with sinangag (garlic fried rice), itlog (fried eggs), and atchara (papaya slaw).

Chef George
This breakfast spot on Birchmount is open from 7:30am Tuesday through Saturday serving up typical Canadian-style staples (eggs, pancakes, etc.), and the real menu gems: Manileneous breakfasts. Each order ($8.50 or less) starts with two eggs, garlic fried rice, and a chopped salad, to which you can add on a choice of longanisa (sweet cured sausage), beef tapa, chicken adobo, or daing na bangus (milkfish).

Coffee In, 2181 Lawrence Ave East
Don't be fooled by the name, this strip mall establishment on Lawrence Ave. East at Birchmount Rd. isn't so much a cafe as it is a well stocked Filipino hot counter. Open daily at 8am, find tapsilog offered at breakfast complete with a couple sunny side up eggs, pan fried beef strips, a huge scoop of garlic rice, and tomato onion salad.

What did I miss? Add your favourite Filipino brunch spots to the comments.

Lead photo from Lamesa's facebook.

A talented chef and a caffeine addict have opened up a brunch and coffee shop on the east side. This place has tasty, quality food in the form of freshly baked bread that changes daily, apple fritters with Canadian maple syrup, plus Mediterranean and Argentine-influenced egg dishes all prepared in an open kitchen.

Read my profile of Ashdale Brunch and Espresso in the restaurants section.