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Toronto galleries join forces for weekend art party

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suface torontoNuit Blanche might be the biggest contemporary art event in Toronto, but the massive autumnal spectacle isn't for everyone. Luckily, for those who don't want to push through the all-night crowds, there's another art party happening just two weeks earlier.

Surface, an alternative art fair and party happening at 99 Sudbury on September 19 and 20, will bring together five independent Toronto galleries to showcase work by young and emerging artists. The show will hopefully give a larger, and more public, platform to those coming up in the city's visual arts scene.

The curated show bills itself as collaborative and it'll include The Black Cat, Project Gallery, Graven Feather, Hashtag Gallery and Creative Blueprint. All of the work exhibited will be on sale throughout the weekend.

Photo of the NXNE photography show at Black Cat Gallery.


New shop serves up Hong Kong waffles & ice cream

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Woofles and CreamThis new shop knows a thing or two about pairing ice cream with Hong Kong-style egg waffles. You can also order them separately, but when it's in tandem these creations become showstoppers.

Read my review of Woofles & Cream in the restaurants section.

House of the week: 63 Admiral Road

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63 Admiral Road TorontoGrandeur, elegant and slightly old fashion, the restored Edwardian at 63 Admiral Road is primed for social gatherings and a spot of afternoon tea. Majestic heritage houses line the streets in this prestigious part of the Annex near Davenport Road where the cost of living doesn't come cheap at just over $2.6 million.

Like others in the area, this property has been renovated over time with much of the original character still intact. Minus the mishmash of flooring (marble, hardwood and parquet!), the main floor features stain glass windows and multiple fireplaces (there's even a fireplace in the dining area). Double French doors lead to the upgraded kitchen and landscaped backyard.

63 Admiral Road TorontoThe original staircase is a steep but worthwhile climb to the second and third levels. The third floor is the combined master suite and office, with a cute and very private rooftop deck. The basement features a separate entrance, along with a finished apartment for the nanny, teenager or visiting relative.

63 Admiral Road TorontoThanks to heritage designations and city bylaws, you won't find the typical knock-downs and glass boxes on this street. Just well-preserved, stately homes in an area filled with history and lost treasures.

SPECS

  • Address: 63 Admiral Road
  • Price: $2,650,000
  • Lot Size: 25 x 141 FT
  • Bedrooms: 3+1
  • Bathrooms: 5
  • Parking: 2
  • Taxes: $14,270
  • Walk Score: 96

63 Admiral Road Toronto/><strong>NOTABLE FEATURES</strong><br /><ul><li>Approx. 3,500 square feet</li><li>Three-storeys</li><li>Stain glass windows</li><li>Crown mouldings & ceiling medallions</li><li>Built-in shelving</li><li>Marble fireplace</li><li>Private nanny's suite</li><li>Backyard patio</li><li>Rooftop garden</li></ul></p><p><img src=GOOD FOR

Notable neighbours. Admiral Road boasts Canadian star power with famous neighbours like novelist Margaret Atwood and former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. If you need a mayor selfie, John Tory lives just around the corner at Bloor and Bedford.

63 Admiral Road TorontoMOVE ON IF

For the hefty price tag, the bathrooms and bedrooms are dated and there's no garage. Still, there's two car parking in the back, a rarity even in this upscale neighbourhood.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
63 Admiral Road Toronto63 Admiral Road Toronto63 Admiral Road Toronto63 Admiral Road Toronto63 Admiral Road Toronto63 Admiral Road Toronto63 Admiral Road Toronto63 Admiral Road Toronto63 Admiral Road Toronto63 Admiral Road Toronto63 Admiral Road Toronto63 Admiral Road Toronto63 Admiral Road TorontoRead other posts in this series via our House of the Week Pinterest board.

Thanks to Bosley Real Estate Ltd, Brokerage for sponsoring our House of the Week. All content and editorial selected and written by blogTO.

Where to get a tattoo in the Annex

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Puedmag Custom InkThis new tattoo shop in the Annex sets itself apart from the pack by taking a realistic approach to its art. You won't find any flash here. Artists work with clients on crafting precisely what it is that they want, sometimes even in absence of a stencil. Art is everything here, and it shows in the approach and the results.

Read my review of Puedmag Custom Ink in the services section.

The top 5 vegetarian Caribbean restaurants in Toronto

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vegetarian caribbean torontoVegetarian caribbean restaurants in Toronto will have you skipping jerk chicken and oxtail in favour of plant-based dishes. These eateries have taken dishes that usually require a hearty helping of meat and transformed them into delicious vegetarian eats. What's on the menus? Everything from spice-infused stews to jerk tofu.

Here are my picks for the top vegetarian Caribbean restaurants in Toronto.

Veggie D'Light
This takeout spot serves up plant-based Caribbean fare to hungry Kensington Market goers. Sticking with the vegan theme of the building's former resident, Hot Beans, there's a meat-free, egg-free, and dairy-free menu that doesn't slack on flavour. Expect to find protein-packed meat alternatives like jerk seitan and spit pea roast accompanied by locally grown veggies.

One Love Vegetarian
This neighbourhood staple offers vegan and vegetarian meal options to the Annex crowd. You'll find the menu chock full of hearty eats like pumpkin roti, corn soup and fried plantains. A huge plus, you can top off your meal with a fresh juice or smoothie at a price point much lower than your local juice bar ($5-$7).

Irie Veggie
Near Eglinton and Keele, Irie Veggie is a choose-your-own adventure style restaurant. Diners can mix and match a smörgåsbord of side dishes from spiced chickpeas to okra stew. If you're more of a pescetarian, they also have a few seafood-based dishes on hand.

Ital Vital
If you're in Scarborough, check out Ital Vital, a "rastarant" specializing in vegan fare. Expect to find everything from squash curry to veggie BBQ as well as a few fresh juices (prepared in-house). The menu changes on a daily basis, so you'll want to keep tabs on the website to know what's on tap.

V's Caribbean
In Mount Dennis you'll find everything to satisfy your rumbling vegan stomach. The menu includes items like cinnamon squash stew, maple jerk tofu, and callaloo. Got a sweet tooth? No problem. The restaurant offers up sugary desserts like vegan donuts. Their menu changes day to day, so expect to find some new dishes with every visit.

What did I miss? Add your favourite vegetarian Caribbean restaurant to the comments. Photo from One Love.

Gone Fishing

Today in Toronto: Diamond Tongues, The Artist, Do the Right Thing, Stories We Thought We'd Never Tell

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today in torontoToday in Toronto marks the end of the Open Roof Festival. But have no worries, when one door closes another one opens. There will be plenty more free films to see this summer, including this weekend's 80's marathon at Sail in Cinema. If you'd rather skip the movie, theres plenty of live shows and art events to keep you busy.

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.

5 weird Toronto bylaws that could burn you

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Toronto bylawsToronto's strangest bylaws are a reminder why our city has been stuck with the label "No Fun Toronto." Though we have a few well-warranted bylaws that keep our fair city intact, there's a number that come across as more than a little nit-picky and outdated. So remember to consult the city's codes and regulations before you decide to indulge in entertainment of any sort.

Pinball machines in bars
If you dream of having a large-scale pinball tourney in a bar anytime soon, you're SOL. There's a zoning by-law that only allows up to two mechanical gaming machines in a restaurant or place of amusement. Don't think they enforce it? Look to the sad demise of Parkdale's fallen soldier, Pinball Cafe, which ultimately flopped thanks to the rule.

Swearing in a park
If your day-to-day vocabulary is riddled with expletives, you may want to steer clear of publicly owned green spaces. There's a chance you'll find yourself in some hot water (and with a large fine of over $200), if you decide to go on a curse-riddled tangent in one of our city's public parks. My advice: save your swearing for productive activities like axe throwing.

Flying a kite
To you kite flying may seem like some harmless fun, but you're wrong. According to the city of Toronto, the countless dangers it poses warrant a bylaw. Make sure the kite string is free of any hazardous materials and don't even think of having a flying competition without a permit.

Backyard Chickens
Want to start your own urban farming venture? Not so fast. Chickens, hens, turkeys, and pretty much every other farm animal are prohibited (and will stick you with a $240 fine). So, unfortunately, you'll still have to hit the local supermarket if you want to make an omelette.

Ball hockey on streets
If you're thinking of kicking up a game of ball hockey on a local side street, you may want to reconsider. According to city bylaws, you aren't allowed to play sports or games of any kind on our city's roadways. Think of all the dashed Stanley Cup-winning-goal fantasies that would be crushed if we actually followed this one.

What did I miss? Add your least favourite local bylaw you know in the comments.

Photo by Roger Cullman


The top 25 BBQ chicken in Toronto by neighbourhood

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BBQ Chicken torontoBBQ chicken is a suppertime staple that Torontonians are practically weaned on. Our love for this succulent, crispy skinned poultry has endured decades just like many of the churrasqueiras on this list, and while other food crazes come and go, a properly cooked chicken continues to be as popular as ever.

Here are my picks for the top places to get BBQ chicken in Toronto by neighbourhood.

See also:The Best BBQ Chicken (Churrasqueiras) in Toronto

ANNEX
Find plump chickens on rotation in the window of The Queen of Chicken. Fire-roasted quarter-chicken meals sell for $6.25 with a single side; half-chicken dinners start at $8.25, while a whole bird with two large sides goes for $21.95.

BBQ Chicken torontoBEACHES
The tequila and lime brined chicken at Hogtown Smoke is just one of many pit-smoked delicious offerings on the menu. It's dry rubbed then smoked low and slow for tender, juicy results. A quarter chicken sells for $16, while a half costs $22.

BLOORCOURT
The Rooster Rotisserie and Grill (formerly Sardinha O Rei Dos Frangos) is home to Portuguese chicken and above average sides including lemon roasted potatoes and roasted artichokes. Choose between whole rotisserie-cooked or butterflied grilled chicken for $9.73 or opt for a quarter chicken combo with two sides for just under $8.

BLOORDALE
The wafting scent of grilled meats from O Bairradino is a seductive force at the corner of Lansdowne and Wallace. Half chicken dinners sell for $10 here and are served with parisienne potatoes, rice and black olives.

CASTLEFIELD DESIGN DISTRICT
Find sports fans yelling at the TVs at Darosa, a casual family-owned churrasqueira that serves up finger-licking delicious rotisserie chickens and selections from the hot table including rice, potatoes and more. Whole chickens sell for $10.50, while a quarter chicken combo costs $7.50.

CABBAGETOWN
Rotisserie chicken dinners are the big draw at the Cabbage Town Kitchen. Available for dine-in, take-out, or delivery, this place dishes out complete meals starting at $7 for a quarter of dark meat complete with hickory or chipotle BBQ sauce, basmati rice, and a choice of Greek or caesar salad.

BBQ Chicken torontoCLUB DISTRICT
Flock is a take-away counter specializing in chicken and salad for the on-the-go set craving a boost of protein and veg. The chicken here can be had with Caribbean pepper sauce or chimichurri, and is most often purchased a leg ($5) or breast ($6) at a time with a la carte sides like steamed squash or roasted sweet potatoes.

EGLINTON WEST
Churrasqueira Portugal is a grill house where piri piri flavoured frango asado (roasted) and frango no churrasco (charcoal grilled) are the specialties. Quarter chicken dinners start at $6.50, while a half chicken dinner comes in a $9.50 accompanied by starches like rice, fries, or potatoes.

ETOBICOKE
Best Portuguese Chicken on The Queensway serves up moist, juicy rotisserie chicken encased in a crispy golden skin. Order a whole chicken for $12, or quarter chicken dinners starting at $8.50 with two sides of rice, potatoes, or salad.

THE JUNCTION
Marky's BBQ Smokehouse deals in pit smoked poultry sold whole ($19) or halved ($13). Expect juicy, smoke-infused meat customized with house sauces like the Carolina gold or sweet cherry chili.

JUNCTION TRIANGLE
Dupont BBQ Grill House formerly Eduarda's BBQ Poultry & Food is part lunch counter, part grocery store. It's a no frills joint where Portuguese chicken is ably prepared and offered for great value. A quarter chicken combo will return change on a tenner.

BBQ Chicken torontoKENSINGTON MARKET
St. Andrew Poultry has been a Market stalwart since 1962, but since recent renovations, the butcher counter has never looked better. Among the selection of prepare foods are Montreal spiced BBQ chicken. Buy whole chickens for take home, or enjoy a quarter chicken with fries for $7 between noon and 5pm.

BBQ Chicken torontoLITTLE ITALY
I happen to like the piri piri sauce at Churrasqueira Do Sardhina, but it's hard to deny the lovely patio and ambience at Bairrada. Bairrada is a best bet to simultaneously enjoy chicken dinners ($6-$12) outdoors alongside a pitcher of sangria and futebol in view from almost any angle.

MOUNT PLEASANT
Churrasco Villa butterflies its chickens and roasts them over hot coals - the results are truly mouthwatering. Quarter chicken (dark meat) dinners start at $9 with a choice of two sides, and best of all this place doesn't skimp on the piri piri sauce.

NORTH YORK
Butterflied and slowly basted as it turns over hot coals, the chicken at O Patio Churrasqueira is a standout on the menu. Chicken dinners start at $8.50 and come with generous portions of rice and potatoes on the side.

OSSINGTON
Alex Rei doe Leitoes has been in business on Ossington for almost four decades, and the secret to its longevity might just be the charcoal grilled chicken slathered in fiery chili oil. Along with the usual rice and potatoes, find side dishes like spicy rapini that are well worthwhile.

QUEEN WEST
David Adjey's fast food joint, The Chickery, does chicken fried or roasted. When going roasted, expect juicy, spice-rubbed meat served in quarters ($10-$11.50), or halves ($14-$15.50) with a choice of sides (including mac and cheese, slaw, or creamy potato salad), and complimented by dipping sauces in flavours like buttermilk ranch and smokey ancho barbecue.

ROGERS ROAD
Spit cooked chicken is a sensation at St Matthew's BBQ Chicken and for $8 expect to leave extremely satisfied after devouring a quarter chicken on a plate packed with rice.

SCARBOROUGH
Churrasco Portugril on Eglinton Ave. East is one fine looking dining room decked out with patterned tiles, bright colours, and contemporary furnishings. The menu is true to authentic Portuguese flavours and stars quarter chicken entrees ($9.25) served with rice pilaf, roasted vegetables and parisienne potatoes.

bbq chicken torontoST. CLAIR WEST
Churrasco of St. Clair is a local favourite for its crispy-skinned chicken dinners. Whole chickens go for just $11, while the selection of sides is always heaping to the point of ridiculousness. A little more hot sauce would be nice, but the prices and portions are fantastic.

ST. LAWRENCE MARKET
You can't miss Churrasco of St. Lawrence - if the blue and white checkered facade doesn't draw you in, the scent of chickens roasting will. Whole chickens for $10.50 are a great value, but if you're dining solo, try the stellar churrasco sandwich ($6.50) - the handheld version is loaded with pulled meat and the Portuguese bun sops up all the spicy sauce.

WEST QUEEN WEST
Cumbrae's isn't your average butcher counter, but rather a temple of meat. Past the display cases stocked with raw cuts, find the lunch counter bustling as patrons stop in for expertly cooked, ready-to-eat fare including rotisserie cooked chickens, available for takeaway ($7.99 half/$14.99 whole), or for immediate consumption in sandwich form ($10).

WESTON-MOUNT DENNIS
Churrasqueira Beira Mar prides themselves on doing things the old fashioned way. That means roasting chickens over hot coals then painting poultry with fiery piri piri sauce. A whole succulent chicken costs ($12.75), while quarter chicken dinners inclusive of rice, roasted potatoes, and salad costs the same.

YONGE & DUNDAS
George's BBQ is one of those whole in the wall joints where the eclectic menu can be hit or miss. Skip the spaghetti and stick to the chicken to play it safe. These birds come in quarter chicken dinners ($9.35) served with rice or fries, a dinner roll, slaw, and gravy.

YONGE & EGLINTON
The Butcher's Son is meat mongers run by chefs, so while you can buy restaurant-quality cuts, the prepared foods are equally top notch. Chickens here are grain-fed, hormone- and antibiotic-free, and are available whole ($10.99) seasoned with salt, cumin and paprika for pick-up anytime. For ultimate freshness call in your order with 45 minutes notice.

What did I miss? Disagree with my selections in the comments. Top photo from Cumbrae's.

Will third time be the charm for this Little Italy club?

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nightclub torontoOnce home to Moskito and Ryze after it, this club near College and Bathurst is doubling down on its sound system. Will the impressive DJ roster and slick interior design be enough to draw steady crowds?

Find out in my review of Nest in the bars section.

The 10 most outrageous food coming to the CNE in 2015

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cne torontoThe CNE revealed its line-up of outrageous food items today in advance of the annual exhibition which kicks off on Friday. Like last year, these edibles are not for the faint of heart - the coronary inducing indulgences offer extreme interpretations on classic carnival fare, comfort foods, burgers and more.

Beyond the previously announced chicken waffles on a stick and cake poutine, here are 10 more outrageous foods to try at the CNE this summer.

Bub's Brugers
Bub's Badass Burgers in the Food Building gets creative with its beef patties. One version will see a spicy cheeseburger AND fried chicken sandwiched between Jamaican patties, while the "Sumo Burger" offers an Asian spin featuring two beef patties dressed with hoisin sauce, wasabi mayo and chow mein noodles on a sesame seed bun.

cne torontoPoutine Balls
Buttery mashed potatoes stuffed with cheese curds, rolled in breadcrumbs then deep fried will be doused in Bavarian style gravy and more cheese curds at Vienna in the Food Building.

cne torontoCoffee Doughnut Milkshake
How could Fran's (in the Food Building) top last year's Thanksgiving waffle? This year the diner will be blending coffee and doughnuts into a milkshake, dishing out chicken and waffles, and turning wholesome ol' rice pudding into a sinister deep fried dessert served with vanilla custard dip.

cne torontoBacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese
Bacon Nation in The Food Building can always be counted on for a healthy dose of porky goodness. This year is no exception - find bacon strips weaved around a cheddar, mozzarella sandwich and served with sweet and spicy chili ketchup.

cne torontoBaonana Split
This sweet steamed bun from Far East Taco in the Food Building is slathered with Nutella and loaded with sliced bananas, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and strawberry sauce with a cherry on top.

cne torontoRed Velvet Oreos
Double stuffed Oreos dipped in red velvet batter take a bath in the deep fryer and are dusted with confectioners sugar and finished with cream cheese icing. Get three per order at Deep Fried and The Funnel Cake Shop in the food building.

cne torontoGarlic Snow Crab Fries
Jake's Lobster in the Food Building is serving up snow crab over a base of fresh cut fries finished with garlic aioli and fresh herbs.

cne torontoTimbit Poutine
Cake poutine won't be the only dessert poutine at The Ex this year. This sweet take on the iconic Canadian street food comes courtesy of Tim Hortons. Available in the Food Building, the dish consists of timbits dressed up with toppings - one of several variations features French toast mini doughnuts dressed up with whipped cream and maple flakes.

cne torontoBloomin' Apple
This new sweet hybrid bucks the trend of serving carnival foods on a stick and instead takes a classic caramel apple and slices it into a blossom. This easily shareable snack is served with a caramel and Nutella core. Available at Billbrooke Concessions in the Midway.

cne torontoDeep Fried Cheesecake
Pickle Pete's in the Midway is serving up New York style cheesecake wrapped in a tortilla, deep fried and then sprinkled in cinnamon sugar and doused in chocolate syrup.

Which new food offering at the CNE are you most excited or repulsed about this year?

Photos by Jesse Milns

10 tips for buying a condo in Toronto

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condo torontoMore people are buying condos in Toronto than ever before. And while acquiring a condo in the city can prove a valuable investment down the road, there are also pitfalls if you don't make an informed decision on your building and unit. Keeping the following tips in mind will save you money, time, and the mental trauma of spending half your monthly pay cheque on unused maintenance fees.

Here are 10 tips for buying a condo in Toronto.

See also:10 tips for finding an apartment in Toronto

1. Know your location, and know it well
You probably already have a good idea of where you'd like to live. Still, before sealing the deal on anything, be sure to check out proximity to grocery stores, transit, schools, or any other relevant amenities. Some resources available to you in this capacity is this very site's neighbourhood guide, the TDSB's school finder, and the city of Toronto's neighbourhood rankings.

2. Don't be afraid to ask/pay for upgrades
If you're shelling out mad cash for a pre-owned condo, do not hesitate to ask the former owners for upgrades before your move-in date. If you're buying pre-constructed, it pays to invest in the right upgrades right off the bat. You'll reap the rewards later. What should you do? Here are two lists of suggestions for Toronto condo upgrades.

3. Assess the building's overall physical condition, inside and out
Some faults are easy to spot, while others pose more of a challenge. Hiring a home inspector is less common for condo units, but the investment is typically minimal ($100-200), and could prevent a lot of headaches down the line. Find a home inspector using this directory. Another option? Bring an experienced friend/relative/advisor.

4. Meet the building staff
This one is pretty much a given - if you like the people working there, chances are you're going to like living there. Plus, if ever anything should go wrong with your unit, it pays to have the staff on your side. The same rule applies should you need to bend the rules: extra parking passes are a sweet, sweet gift.

5. Research the condo developer and corporation
You don't want to put your faith in a developer with little experience building condos nor you certainly do you want to be buying into a place that's loaded down by debt. Researching those who are behind the construction and management of your condo is crucial. Review the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's tip sheet for buying a condo, which covers the basic research you should do.

6. Make sure you won't lose your view
What's being built next door? If another sky-high condo is in the works and threatening to block your hard-earned view, you may want to steer clear. You might be able to check this just by touring the neighbourhood on foot, but you'll want to also check the Toronto Development Applications website.

7. Evaluate the building's current residents
Is your home to be comprised mostly of renters? Do the current residents seem loud, or, on the other hand, intolerable of noise? Your condo's demographics are likely to have some impact on resale value - not to mention the happiness of your residence there. This can't be internet research; you have to speak to staff and current residents to sketch the picture.

8. Ask your realtor to provide you with a detailed history of the place if it's been previously owned, and to provide you with a future projection of the resale price
Condos.ca is a good resource for some of this information, but it's a good idea to test the mettle of your real estate agent. Find out how much the unit sold for previously and try to determine how much money you can expect to make down the line. Market trends change, but it's key to go through these exercises before buying.

9. Buy a parking space if you can
It might sound counter intuitive with condo dwellers increasingly giving up on car-focused lifestyles, but even if you don't drive, if you're buying a new condo, make sure to fork out for a parking space. When it comes time to sell, you'll thank yourself for it.

10. Beware of occupancy fees
There's always a period of time between when you take occupancy of your condo and the building becomes officially registered in Ontario, during which you must pay occupancy fees or what is sometimes called "phantom rent" (because it doesn't go to your mortgage). This is unavoidable, but the period is generally shorter when dealing with 1) experienced developers and 2) the higher up your unit is (low floors move in sooner).

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

Photo by tomms in the blogTO Flickr pool

Huge book sale at Toronto Reference Library this week

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reference libraryThere's nothing quite as satisfying as rummaging through a used book sale and stumbling upon a treasure. Whether you're searching for a timeless classic or a discounted bestseller, sometimes it's the unexpected finds - like a 1960s-era cookbook - that are the most special.

This week, set your sites on the Friends of the Toronto Public Library's massive, annual sale happening at the Toronto Reference Library's Elizabeth Beeton Auditorium.

Everything will be priced between 10 and 50 cents - yes, cents. If you're itching to get rid of your spare pocket change, you should probably spend it wisely and buy a book.

The sale will run Thursday-Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., except for Thursday when it opens at 9:30 a.m.

Would you attend this massive used book sale at the Toronto Reference Library? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by John Elmslie in the blogTO Flickr pool.

5 awesome food trends coming soon to Toronto

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food trends torontoFood trends in Toronto usually appear gradually and then suddenly permeate across the city. Sometimes, these former novelties stick around - take tacos or macarons for instance. Mostly, however, these items fade away into obscurity (I'm talking about you cronut).

Here are five food trends likely to hit Toronto menus soon.

Kolaches
These central European pastries are popular in areas of the States including Texas, Nebraska and Minnesota. They're becoming more popular, as Bon Appetit notes, with outposts such as Kings Kolache in Brooklyn serving up meat, veggie and even nutella-filled balls of dough.

Freekeh
This Middle Eastern grain started to gain attentionearlier this year. With a smoky taste and nutty texture, it's flavourful and also high in protein, fibre and iron making it a perfect substitute for quinoa, which might just lose some of its lustre with a competitor on the block.

Fermented Foods
These already exist in Toronto, of course. We were ahead of the game on kombucha, but get ready for the flood. You may have seen the study suggesting that fermented foods, such as pickles, kimchi and kefir, may help individuals deal with social anxiety. Now you can count on seeing (a lot) more of these probiotic-filled foods on menus throughout the city and the inevitable rise of Yakult in Toronto.

Draft Lattes
Toronto cafes have already jumped full force on New York's cold brew trend. Along with simple, icy coffees, we also got cold brew tonics. Let's hope we continue following our neighbours because draft lattes could migrate over next. The American chain La Colombe started offering these scrumptious looking (and ice cube free) beverages in June.

Iced Coffee Lemonade
Everyone knows, and loves, a crisp and refreshing Arnold Palmer, a.k.a. iced tea and lemonade. However, what about a cold brew coffee and lemonade? The idea of combining coffee and lemon sounds terrifying, but it's apparently refreshing and delicious. Since we already have cold brew tonic, it seems only natural that cold brew lemonade will proliferate Toronto cafes next.

Let us know what food trends you think are destined for Toronto in the comments.

Photo by William T Hornaday

Bautista


Today in Toronto: Sail-In Cinema, Tirgan Festival, Drunk Feminist Films, Musical Works Festival

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Today in TorontoToday in Toronto you can kick off your weekend early with festivals and films. Sail-In Cinema, Tirgan Festival, Musical Theatre Festival and Drunk Feminist Films kick off this evening. If your not in a film or festival type of mood there's plenty more to take part in, including bar events and gallery shows.

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

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

Toronto Restaurant Openings: Istanbul's Tulip, The Fix and Co., Drink Juice Co., Indian Street Food Company

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toronto restaurantsToronto 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

  • Turkish grill house, Istanbul's Tulip at 1560 Yonge St., Suite 201, has opened its doors and is serving up kebabs, diner, and a salad bar.
  • In cold pressed juice news, Drink Juice Co. has opened in Leaside at 463 Manor Rd. East.

RECENTLY REVIEWED

OPENING SOON

  • Amaya Indian Room (1701 Bayview Ave.) is soon to be reborn as the Indian Street Food Company. The new joint will focus on snack foods including Kerala fried chicken (KFC), biryanis and curries. [Post City]
  • The Brickyard Grounds (1289 Gerrard St East), is reopening on August 27. The neighbourhood destination for coffee, brunch, and comfort foods has been rebuilt after a fire devastated the cafe in late February.
  • The Fix and Co., a new juice bar and vegan, gluten-free and peanut-free snack shop is opens this September at 1 Thirtieth St., off of Lakeshore in Longbranch. time.

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

Condo of the week: 80 Cumberland Street

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2015820-condo-tree.jpgA two-storey sub penthouse in the swanky Yorkville neighbourhood, 80 Cumberland Street is an upscale two bedroom, priced at $1.1 million. Located in one of the city's most expensive areas, the suite in the "Maxus Condos" is approx. 1,300 square feet and features three bathrooms, two balconies, 17-foot ceilings and a glossy velvet master bedroom fitting for Hefner and his bunnies.

It's a unique space and layout, from the eye-popping custom milled front door to the glass staircase and custom wine rack. Also giving credit to the small designer touches like the hanging Blomus fireplace in the bedroom, the mounted flatscreen in the ensuite and uplighting instead of excessive pot lights throughout.

80 Cumberland StreetThe second level features two bedrooms to be reckoned with. The first room has a full-length glass wall along with a mirrored one and the flashy master bedroom might be too sexy to sleep. A purple headboard, built-in lighting, and tinted sliding doors, the room could double as a hotel suite---like your own private retreat in the city.

The Cumberland suite is a bit overdone but isn't that what we love about Yorkville?

SPECS

  • Address: #1703 - 80 Cumberland Street
  • Price: $1,100,000
  • Square feet: 1,393
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Bathrooms: 3
  • Parking: 1
  • Taxes: $4,976
  • Maintenance fee: $1,224.59/monthly
  • Walk Score: 100

80 Cumberland StreetNOTABLE FEATURES

  • Two storey suite
  • Floating staircase
  • 17 foot ceilings
  • Custom wine rack
  • Steam sauna
  • Glass doors
  • Walk-in closet
  • Two balconies
  • Underground parking
  • Security system

80 Cumberland StreetGOOD FOR

Sommeliers. Take advantage of the numerous wine bars in the neighbourhood or better yet, stay home and enjoy the wine rack just off the kitchen. It's a show piece, complimenting the glass blown chandelier above the dining room table and the glowing indoor tree. The suite which was renovated a few years back also added extras like built-in shelving and upgrades to the washrooms.

80 Cumberland StreetMOVE ON IF

You need serious VIP treatment. 80 Cumberland is not the fanciest address on the block and amenities are tame in comparison to other nearby towers that feature over-the-top rooftop pools, car washes, outdoor screening rooms, and even spas for the dog. You'll have to settle for the typical fitness studio, party room and on the positive side, a slightly lower monthly fee.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

80 Cumberland Street80 Cumberland Street80 Cumberland Street

The top 5 theme bars in Toronto

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theme bars torontoTheme bars in Toronto offer all of us merrymakers the chance to immerse ourselves in unique atmospheres and activities all while ingesting booze. It's hardly an option to be a wallflower at these places. From mechanical bulls to bocce ball, there's no shortage of creative establishments upping the ante in the Toronto bar scene.

Here are my picks for the top 5 theme bars in Toronto.

Boots 'N' Bourbon Saloon
This east side bar serves up hearty, deep-fried fare as well as live music, craft beer and cocktails. If you're in the Entertainment District, try the Rock 'n' Horse Saloon where you can line dance with complete and utter abandon thanks to its massive, Corona-filled margaritas. At both spots, unleash your inner rodeo star and try riding the mechanical bull.

Track and Field
Do you dream of spending your retirement playing shuffleboard and bocce ball? There's no need to travel to Boca Raton to get started; simply head to Track and Field on College Street and play these classic lawn games to your heart's content. But instead of sipping on pink lemonade or prune juice, you can hydrate yourself with cocktails and craft beer.

The Ballroom
Located right at the corner of Richmond and John, this Entertainment District spot will change how you think about traditional bowling alleys. While nothing beats a night of 1970s-style Cosmic or glow-in-the-dark bowling, the Ballroom is perfect for both corporate events or a Saturday night out.

SPiN
This King West bar, imported from New York City, made ping pong (or table tennis) cool. Challenge your friend to a tournament, swing by with your coworkers or head over to munch on jazzed-up tater tops and pizza pockets as you practice your backhand.

Snakes & Lagers
Board games, beer and snack foods. If that's not a recipe for a wonderful night out, I'm not sure what is. This two-storey bar at College and Bathurst has more than 250 games as well as 19 beers on tap. Drink up and set your inner gamer free.

Which themed bars did I miss? Let us know in the comments.

Leaf photo of Boots 'N' Bourbon

You can now download TTC ringtones for your phone

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ttc ringtonesNothing gets a Torontonian running quite like the sound of a closing TTC door. Most of us instinctively jump whenever we hear that three note chime floating down a subway platform. That's why McGill graduate student Nick Uhlig thought it'd make the perfect ringtone.

"The entire purpose of those sounds is to cut through ambient noise and get your attention - just like a ringtone," says Uhlig via email. Uhlig, who's originally from Toronto, writes music in his spare time. For this project, he made all of the tones himself and even tried to mimic the characteristically disjointed and "off-tune" quality of the TTC notifications.

Along with the door closing chime, he also made ringtones based on the TTC alert tone as well as the door opening chime. You can hear all of them on Bandcamp. There's a limited number of free downloads available. Once those are gone, you can still get all of them for under $2.

Uhlig wishes he could have incorporated a streetcar bell into his work, however, he couldn't find a good sample of one. For now though, his existing options provide a creative and Toronto-centric alternative to the iPhone's ubiquitous Opening ringtone.

Would you download a TTC ringtone? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Michael Monastyrskyj in the blogTO Flickr pool.

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