This new shop in Kensington Market is sister to BYOB, the West Queen West hub for all things cocktail related. The new space is a bit smaller, but even quirkier with its array of vintage glassware, cocktail accessories and unique items.
Read my review of Cocktail Emporium in the design section.
With fewer than 30 days to go until TIFF, the full list of documentaries, Midnight Madness films and Vanguard screenings is finally out and it's one that you should probably start getting excited about.
Arcade Fire fans should keep their eyes peeled for tickets to the world premiere of The Reflektor Tapes, a doc directed by Kahlil Joseph that follows the band as they create Reflektor, their most recently released album.
Other docs getting world premieres include a film on the January 2015 terrorist attacks in France called Je Suis Charlie and the Malala Yousafzai profile He Named Me Malala.
The popular, and wildly fun Midnight Madness screenings will kick off with Jeremy Saulnier's Green Room starring Patrick Stewart and Anton Yelchin.
If that's not enough, Toronto-based filmmaker Nick DenBoer has created a remix of The Shining with Davy Force. It's called The Chickening, and yes, it features poultry. DenBoer's short, five minute film will get its world premiere right before the Green Room.
Which docs and Midnight Madness films are you excited for? Let us know in the comments.
Photo by Matthew McAndrew.
Run by a brother-sister duo, this new juice bar serves up Kosher and non-GMO certified cold-pressed juices in flavours such as Lemon, Better Berry and the requisite green juice.
Check out my profile of Gud to Go in the restaurants section.
The Perseid meteor shower is about hit its peak for 2015, and the weather looks like it will cooperate enough to allow Toronto residents to get in on the fun. But, as is the case with all these celestial events, you'll want to get as far away from the city's light pollution as possible to maximize your viewing potential.
Given that Perseid shower is typically the strongest of the various annual meteor events, you don't need to head to an area of complete darkness to see a few shooting stars, but if you hope to see the 100 per hour that some astronomers are predicting, you'll want to use this map to hunt down a light pollution-free area.
This year's shower is set to peak after midnight on August 13th, though meteor activity is already happening right now (something that lucky people at cottages will be aware of) and will continue at a good clip on the 14th. What makes this year's event so tantalizing is that the moon is almost new, meaning its glare will not interfere with the shower.
Your best bet for seeing a strong display of shooting stars is to exercise common sense. Check weather maps to ensure there's no cloud cover, seek out as dark a viewing spot as possible, make sure to bring something that'll keep you comfortable as you stare at the sky for over an hour (blanket, chair, etc.), and give your eyes time to acclimatize to the dark.
If you're knowledge of the night sky is decent, you'd do well to locate the radiant point of the meteor shower, which aligns with the constellation Perseus. You don't, however, have to do this. Just look up. If you've picked a good location, you should see lots of meteors.
Photo via Nasa
Earlier this year, The Economist ranked Toronto as the world's best city to live in. Now, the architecture and design trade publication Metropolis Magazine has followed suit by naming Toronto as the most liveable city in the world.
A team of urban experts - including Danish architect heavyweight Jan Gehl and the Secretary General of the UN's World Tourism Organization Taleb Rifai - determined the rankings. They placed Tokyo and Helsinki as the second and third best cities to "live, work and play in."
In a write-up by Christopher Hume, Metropolis notes that for the first time since the 1970s, Toronto's inner core is growing faster than its outlying suburban areas. The magazine points to projects such as Waterfront Toronto and Toronto Tower Renewal as examples of how the city continues to evolve.
In March, GPS manufacturer TomTom ranked Toronto as the 47th worst city for traffic in the world. And in the Metropolis piece, Hume highlights transit as a major issue still plaguing the GTA.
While we Torontonians love to complain about our city's conservative sensibilities, maybe we're not as boring as we think; the Metropolis rankings also consider the "pleasures a city has to offer the people who live in it."
Do you think Toronto deserves to be named the most liveable city in the world? Let us know in the comments.
Photo by Jason Cook in the blogTO Flickr pool.
Today in Toronto will have you ending PANAMANIA on a good note with A Tribe Called Red. After today, the summer-long fest will be no more, so head to Nathan Phillips Square to kiss the stage goodbye. As per usual on Wednesdays, theres also couple outdoor movies on tap.
For more events, click on over to our events section.
Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events section.
Photo of a Tribe Called Red
46 Castlefield Avenue is the colourful four bedroom going for almost $1.8 million in the Yonge and Eglinton area. This architect designed home in the city's midtown is anything but cookie-cutter with several notable and striking features.
It's hard to miss the floating staircase that dominates the entrance way. The wood framed stairs winds and curves from the first level, bypassing the blue kitchen and red living room, up to the third level.
The remaining house tour is a vibrant one. Angular walls and a skylight in the atrium, boldly painted rooms (and equally colourful loos), and a master that takes up the entire third floor.
Yonge and Eg. is no longer Yonge and Eligible, in terms of Toronto's soaring real estate market, and this midtown neighbourhood is a hot one. Detached houses in the area are selling way beyond the average, and the area is exploding with high-rises and new developments. Have you checked out the main intersection lately? The massive redevelopment is mind-blowing.
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A backyard oasis. The landscape yard is a quiet retreat with a stone patio, shaded pergola and garden pond. Front pad parking allows for additional space to wine, dine and BBQ.
MOVE ON IF
You like stark white walls. This house of colour is anything but bland. A glossy blue kitchen, red bathroom, and lavender and green bedrooms---it's a standout space, similar to this splashy Victorian in Yorkville. Don't like it? Grab some shades or a paint brush.
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Read other posts in this series via our House of the Week Pinterest board.
The Toronto Zombie Walk is not dead yet. Although the organizers axed the official event, they rose from the grave and are now hosting the Toronto Zombie Walk Funeral and Wake on August 29 at Trinity Bellwoods Park.
After the hordes of undead gather at the park at 2 p.m., they'll stagger south to feast at the CNE. Perhaps the infamous food building will serve up brains for the occasion.
The TZW started back in 2003 and it had amassed an army of over 10,000 zombies to participate in its annual Halloween parade by 2014. However, it was unable to secure enough funding for this year's event.
While the funeral should satiate some of the undead participants, those still hankering for human flesh can look forward to another zombie walk that recently announced itself on Facebook. But beware, this one looks eerily similar to the bait-and-switch events that plagued many-a-newsfeed earlier this summer.
Will you mourn the undead at the Toronto Zombie Walk funeral? Let us know in the comments.
Photo by Kat NLM in the blogTO Flickr pool.
Now that the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games are drawing to a close, it's time for Toronto to set its sights on even loftier goals, like the 2024 Olympics. But, the city can't dither for too long - a decision will need to be made by the International Olympic Committee's September 15 bid deadline.
We already know that the Canadian Olympic Committee wants Toronto in the ring. And according to a recent Canadian Press report, Mayor John Tory met with the COC head yesterday to learn more about the bidding process and to discuss why the city was unsuccessful in its previous attempts to secure the summer games back in 1996 and 2008.
As the Canadian Press notes, the COC thinks Toronto is ready for the Olympics after it proved itself as a successful Pan Am Games host city. But do we have what it takes to be chosen over the likes of Paris, Budapest, Hamburg, Rome and Los Angeles?
Do you think Toronto will bid to host the 2024 Olympics? Let us know in the comments.
Photo by Leo Li in the blogTO Flickr pool.
This new Korean restaurant offers something different than your typical K-Town dining experience. Serving up tasting menus and a whole roasted Cornish hen cut table-side, there's food to be had here that goes beyond the standard pork bone soups and bibimbap.
Read my review of Hansik in the restaurants section.
Pet supply stores in Toronto will have your critter companion feeling fresh, eating well, dressed to the nines and playing with the highest quality toys Toronto has to offer.
Here are my picks for the top pet supply stores in Toronto by neighbourhood.
THE ANNEX
Located just south of the Annex Theatre on Bathurst, Annex Pet Supplies stocks a nice variety of health-conscious animal foods and products, most of which are locally produced. They also provide delivery services if you live in the area.
BAYVIEW & LEASIDE
Paws & Claws is a one-stop shop for pet food, toys, supplies, grooming, and maybe even a photo with Santa at the holidays. Although the store's not huge, they manage to pack a lot of product onto the shelves, including a great selection of wholesome, organic foods for both dogs and cats.
THE BEACHES
It may be called The Dog Market, but this well-loved Beaches pet supply store also offers a variety of products for the kitty in your life. That said, with their huge selection of quality dog foods, treats and supplies - as well as obedience training and grooming services - the emphasis here is definitely on Fido.
BLOORCOURT
The pet products, daycare facilities and grooming services at Bloor Street's Woof! are much-loved by customers, but the best reason to support them might be their dedication to animal welfare; more than half the proceeds of all their sales support local animal rescue agencies.
BLOOR WEST VILLAGE
The baked dog cookies at Digsville look so good you'll want to eat them yourself. If you can move past the treats, you'll find an incredible selection of foods, toys and supplies, including high-end clothing for pets that like to get fancy on occasion.
CABBAGETOWN
The giant green lizard towering in front of Menagerie Pet Shop isn't the only reason it's a favourite among Cabbagetown pet owners. Their down-to-Earth, knowledgeable staff and huge range of foods and supplies for all manner of pets have had customers coming back since they opened in 1980.
CITYPLACE
Tucked away under the CityPlace condos on Fort York Boulevard, Pet Social is a full-service groomer, daycare and boutique for dogs and cats. They'll also do home visits if you're out of town and your furry friend needs a pee (or cuddle) break.
DANFORTH
Located less than a block east of Broadview Station on the Danforth, Small Wonders Pet Emporium is home to a massive selection of quality products for the furry four-legged creature in your life, including a lot of fun, speciality toys and accessories you won't find anywhere else.
DANFORTH EAST
For top-notch pet advice - as well as a nice assortment of supplies and all-natural animal foods - Wag on the Danforth has you covered. This family-run east end gem will always have a treat ready for your fur-baby and an answer ready for your toughest pet parenting questions.
DISTILLERY DISTRICT
The folks at Urban Dog are about quality all the way - from their grooming treatments to their "playcare" services, expert staff and the premium dry, dehydrated, cooked and raw food products they sell in their boutique.
DUNDAS WEST
After taking Fluffy for her next run through Trinity Bellwoods Park, be sure to make a pit stop at The Dog Bowl on your way home. Situated just north of the park, this cute, tidy store may be small, but offers a lot of top-quality products for both dogs and cats.
EAST YORK
Tails has recently moved from their former location in the Beaches, but it won't take long for locals around their new East York digs to discover why this pet grooming/supply store has been so well-loved in the past. They've built a reputation for providing high-quality products and great customer service.
ETOBICOKE
Pet Pointe in Etobicoke is a great alternative to the big box pet stores, and well worth supporting. The shop carries a nice selection of toys, treats and food for both cats and dogs, and owners Barby and David are known for going the extra mile with their customer service.
HARBOURFRONT
For the furry friend with more discerning tastes, there's Cosmopawlitan, which is part daycare, part pet boutique and part spa, where treatments run the gamut from a basic bath to mohawks and colouring.
JUNCTION
Located in the heart of the Junction at High Park Avenue and Dundas Street West, Barks & Whiskers is home to a great selection of toys and supplies, as well as a friendly and knowledgeable staff.
KENSINGTON MARKET
Pet Valu in Kensington Market is located right at the corner of College and Augusta, making it super convenient for a quick stop if you live in the area and your critter companion needs supplies - whether that companion is feline, canine or reptile.
KING EAST
For all-natural treats and food at reasonable prices in the King East area, head to Pet Cuisine & Accessories. Need a doggie babysitter? They also offer daycare and boarding.
KING WEST
"Fancy" is the word at Spaw Boutique, where upscale dogs and cats can enjoy a range of grooming treatments, from a simple hair cut to a "mani and pawdicure." They also sell a nice variety of raw and dehydrated foods.
LESLIEVILLE
Rest assured that almost anything you pick up from The Bone House is not only safe for your dog, but safe for the environment. This neat and cute Leslieville pet shop sells only human grade, Earth-friendly foods, supplements and treats.
LIBERTY VILLAGE
The Canadian owned Global Pet Foods in Liberty Village offers a great selection of holistic, natural foods, treats and wellness products not only for dogs and cats, but also fish and small animals.
MOUNT PLEASANT
The people at Happy Tails Dog Spa don't just want to give your pet the best products and services they can, they want to teach you to do it yourself. They offer not only pet grooming, but grooming lessons. And on top of the healthy, holistic foods they offer in store, you can also pick up a mix to make them yourself at home.
OSSINGTON
Adventure and activity awaits your canine companion at Unleashed in the City - a training/boarding/daycare/pet store that's based on the idea that, just like us humans, every dog can benefit from a fun, active lifestyle.
PAPE VILLAGE
Keep an eye out for the pink and black storefront at the corner of Pape and King's Park Boulevard (just south of Mortimer) and you'll find My Dog Spot, a cute little groomer and boutique that will leave your dog with a shiny coat, and you with a bag full of top quality treats.
RONCASVALLES VILLAGE
If you're local to Roncesvalles, you won't find better than the Kennel Cafe for all your pet parenting needs. The store stocks a wide variety of natural and Earth-friendly products at reasonable prices, and delivery is available for a small fee.
ROSEDALE
Although they sell a little bit of everything for your canine companion, the biggest draw at Rosedale's Dogfather and Co. might be their huge range of upscale doggy apparel for both practical occasions and those that call for something a little more fashion-forward.
UPPER BEACHES
Tucked away at Main and Gerrard in the Upper Beaches, Planet Dog is a well-loved independent shop that's build a 20-plus-year reputation for quality products, grooming services and sound pet advice from their friendly and knowledgeable staff.
WEST QUEEN WEST
Don't let the modest square footage at Helmutt's Pet Supply fool you - the store is packed wall-to-wall with a huge selection of products, discerningly chosen for their quality. They also offer a delivery service, which is free for seniors.
YONGE AND EGLINTON
Sit! Stay! Dog Emporium seems more like a cozy hangout than a traditional pet groomer and boutique. Pet owners are welcomed to chill out with a coffee while their canine companions enjoy any number of grooming services, chiropractic treatments or even doggy birthday parties which they'll host for your pooch onsite.
YONGE AND ST. CLAIR
With a huge selection of products (including many that are hard to find elsewhere), it's worth making the trip to visit the Wooftown retail location just south of Summerhill Station on Yonge. But if you can't make it in, be sure to check out their online store.
YORKVILLE
For Yorkville pets and pet parents with a taste for high fashion, look no further than My Pet Boutique, which offers only the best - and cutest - doggy attire, as well as nice selection of fashionable carriers for when you're on-the-go with your fur-baby.
What did I miss? Add your suggestions for Toronto's best pet supply stores in the comments.
Jam-packed with furniture, clothes, houseware and other quirky tchotchkes, this vintage shop acts as a time capsule for decades gone by. While the Junction neighbourhood is filled with reclaimed furniture stores, this shop offers mid-century pieces at affordable prices.
Read my review of Door Number Two Vintage in the design section.
The best 24 hour restaurants in Toronto can satisfy cravings for pancakes and eggs, bulgogi and bibimbap. These never-close places aren't exactly upscale, but they'll welcome you in, even stumbling, at any time of day.
These are the best 24 hour restaurants in Toronto.
See also:
The top 24 hour restaurants in Toronto north of the 401
The Best 24 Hour Grocery Stores in Toronto
Top photo of the Thompson Diner by Matthew Lazzarini in the blogTO Flickr pool.
Toronto's rave scene predated the new millennium but the 2000s was still a fun time to explore what comprised the underground rave culture in Toronto. For many Canadian ravers, Toronto was the only place to be.
Here are 10 signs you were a Toronto raver in the 2000s.
1. You still talk about that rave in an abandoned factory at Liberty Village.
2. You had a PureRave.com account.
3. You knew "Akira" the K-dealer.
4. You knew Kevin Bracken and Lori Kufner and partied in their loft with the swing set.
5. You cheered when you saw Olivia Chow danced like a butterfly.
6. You knew Shamus.
7. You knew someone who or got arrested at the Comfort Zone police raid in 2008.
8. You partied under a rampart bridge for three nights and days.
9. You intimately knew the insides of Savage Garden.
10. You attended Newmindspace events when they boomed.
What signs did I miss? Add them to the comments.
Writing by Trent Lee. Photo by Air'leth Aodhfin in the blogTO Flickr pool.
Vegetarian and vegan gummy candies may seem hard to come by in Toronto. But that's no longer the case thanks to a new gourmet candy store, which recently opened up at Hudson Bay's flagship Queen Street store.
Squish Candy, which already has four locations in the Montreal area, sells various confections such as gummies, chocolates and marshmallows in decidedly grown up flavours.
Yes, you can buy sour gummy bears, but you can also feast on Coke and tequila hard candies, sage drops and chocolate bacon toffee caramels (surprisingly, these are also vegan).
Along with vegan-friendly options, there's also Kosher, sugar-free and non-GMO modified candy available. Now there's nothing stopping you from stuffing your face with a fist full of gummies.
Are you about to go gummy crazy? Let us know in the comments.
Toronto has its fair share of axe throwing clubs and archery tag facilities, but a new, 10,000 square-foot spot in Brampton lets you try archery (crossbow), axe and knife throwing all under one roof.
Stryke bills itself as a "target range entertainment facility." On its opening weekend, from August 20-22, this new target range will let you throw sharp objects and shoot bow and arrows for free. Afterwards, it'll cost you $45 to prepare for doomsday or to channel your inner Katniss Everdeen.
Just like BATL and Bad Axe Throwing, Stryke will have leagues that people can join to compete in archery, knife and axe throwing. These are set to start on September 7.
Didn't your mother tell you not to throw knives? Let us know in the comments.
Today in Toronto will have you embracing the city post PANAMANIA. The fest has wrapped, but there's still plenty of free music happening at Ontario's Celebration Zone. Today also marks the beginning of African Fashion Week, so all you stylish Torontonians can see what's what in the world of fashion.
For more events, click on over to our events section.
Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events section.
Photo of the Beaches
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
RECENTLY REVIEWED
OPENING SOON
CLOSED
Have you seen restaurants opening or closing in your neighbourhood? Email tips to liora@blogto.com
Photo from The Witches Brew instagram.
While downtown Toronto is booming with new construction and glass towers, North York shouldn't be overlooked for bold architecture and a rise of new developments.
At Yonge and Sheppard--an intersection that's been revitalized in the last year--this three-bedroom in the Emerald Park Condos has been on the industry radar since renderings were released. First of all, the double towers are green, like exceptionally green. Tinted, curved and standing tall at 42 and 33 storeys, the buildings light up the skyline like the CN Tower on St. Patrick's Day.
The 2,000 square foot penthouse is new to market, eye-catching with its sloped lime green windows and building amenities. Indoor pool, lounge area with cabanas, fitness studio and a main floor retail space, to name a few. The suite also includes two car parking, two lockers and a 30 second walk to the new Whole Foods directly across the street.
So how much green do you need for this North York dwelling? The suite on the 33rd floor is listed for $1,395,000. Let us know what you think in the comments.
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Splurging and TTC. Yonge and Sheppard has really changed since National Sports Centre was the neighbourhood's go-to destination. Today, the redeveloped Hullmark Centre dots the congested intersection along with retail space and a future LCBO that's under construction right inside the Emerald Park Condos.
MOVE ON IF
The polarizing windows and architecture isn't for everyone, says these critics from Reddit. You either love it or hate it but at least you'll never miss it exiting off the 401 Highway.
