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The top 10 documentary films to see at TIFF 2015

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tiff 2015Truth isn't just always stranger than fiction, when it comes to documentaries, it can be just as compelling. The power of docs is once again on display at TIFF for 2015, with no end of great sounding films showing off a variety of subjects.

Here are my picks for the top documentary films to see at TIFF 2015.

A Young Patriot
Following a young Maoist over five years, A Young Patriot tracks one kid's struggle with his country's move away from communism to capitalism, in a movie that should prove an illuminating look at a superpower in transition. Especially in the wake of the recent stock market issues.

Being AP
This doc shines a light on legendary jump jockey AP McCoy, as he looks to become Champion Jockey one more time before he retires, or his body gives out. It's not often we get a sports documentary that isn't about hockey, football, baseball, soccer, or basketball, so will no doubt prove interesting viewing.

He Named Me Malala
Academy Award-winner Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth, Waiting for Superman) trains his camera on Afghan teenager, Malala Yousafzai, who survived being shot in the head by the Taliban for campaigning for girls' education. A doc about the youngest ever Nobel Prize laureate, and a remarkable human being, is bound to inspire.

Hitchcock/Truffaut
Fifty years ago, French New Wave director Francois Truffaut sat down to talk to Alfred Hitchcock about his filmmaking. The result was a book that now sits on most cinephile's shelves. This doc looks at the book's legacy, as well as the director's behind it, with interviews with Martin Scorsese, David Fincher and more.

In Jackson Heights
Frederick Wiseman's National Gallery and At Berkleyproviding enthralling access to the inner workings of two major institutions. With In Jackson Heights he applies his deep dive approach to a singular place to a neighborhood - Jackson Heights, Queens - and its dense immigration population.

Je Suis Charlie
The bombing of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, provided a wide range of complex reactions. Je Suis Charlie may to likewise as it looks at the events, its victims, and how France - as well as the world - responded to the tragedy.

The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble
After co-directing one of this year's best movies, Best of Enemies, Oscar-winner Morgan Neville returns to music docs with this look at the Silk Road Ensemble, a musical collective formed by renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. You can't go wrong with one of cinema's greatest music documentaries working with one the world's greatest musicians.

The Reflektor Tapes
Beloved Grammy Award-winning Canadian band, Arcade Fire, gets a music doc of its own, with a behind-the-scenes look at the band on tour, their creative process, and the making of their latest album, Reflektor. Always nice to see a home nation star get a little documentary love.

Sherpa
There are no end of stories about foreigners seeking to conquer Mt. Everest. Less common are stories about Sherpas, the local Himalayans who guide them up its peaks. I've long wanted to know more about Sherpas, so I'm eager to see how this film gives their lives the spotlight.

Women He's Undressed
For classic Hollywood lovers, costume designer have long been a source of fascination. Women He's Undressed pays tribute to the work and life of Orry-Kelly, the Australian multi-Oscar winner who dressed the beautiful casts of such classics as An American in Paris and Some Like It Hot.

What documentary films are you most looking forward to at TIFF 2015? Let us know in the comments. Film still from Being AP.

For all the latest on TIFF 15, including snap reviews, you can follow me on Twitter at @alxhuls.


What to expect at Buskerfest 2015

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buskerfestToronto Buskerfest is back for a 16th year. The annual street festival is sure to draw a crowd to Yonge St. this week with more than 170 entertainers expected to make an appearance. Expect to see local talent as well as acts from around the world including musicians, acrobats, strongmen, mimes and everything in between.

Here's what you need to know about the 2015 Buskerfest in Toronto.

TIME & LOCATION

From August 27th to 30th Yonge Street will be closed from Queen to College, making way for buskers and vendors. Trinity Square Park, Dundas Square, and Gould Street will also be devoted to the fest. On Thursday and Friday the event will run from 12pm-11pm, Saturday from 11am-11pm, and on Sunday from 11am-8pm.

ENTERTAINMENT

At Buskerfest the roster of musicians is anything but ordinary, with a rock choir and bassoon team rounding out the line-up. Fourteen bands are slated to perform, including The Boxcar Boys, Samba Squad, and Turbo Street Funk. Side stages will host a bevy of equally impressive, mostly non-musical acts, with everything from an extreme makeup artist to a hoop dancer juggling flaming rings.

Aside from shows on the main and side stages, roaming entertainers will be putting on street level performances for the crowds. On your journey down Yonge expect to come across stilt dancers, a drumming troupe, human statues, and more.

FOOD & DRINK

Buskerfest has partnered with a number of local eateries, giving you ample options when it comes to food. Get your fix of savoury fare from outposts like Friendly Greek, Vesta Lunch and Salad King. Or, if you're jonesing for something sweeter, Bruce Country Nut & Fudge, Tiny Tom Donuts, and Choco Churros will be on the street serving up sugary bites.

For those looking to amp up their festival experience, there will be a beer garden where you can indulge in a little pregame action (right at the intersection of Yonge and Gerrard). Believe me, watching someone try to consume fire or contort their body is ten times more fun once you've thrown back a few pints.

IT'S ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Proceeds from the event go Epilepsy Toronto, a local charitable organization with the goal of bettering the lives of those who live with Epilepsy and spreading awareness abut the disorder - so think big when you donate at the gate.

buskerfestThanks to Reds Midtown Tavern for sponsoring this post.

What did I miss? Let us know Buskerfest acts and eats you're excited for in the comments. Photo by Kian Tang in the blogTO Flickr pool.

The top 30 Thai restaurants in Toronto by neighbourhood

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thai restaurants torontoThai restaurants are a staple in Toronto and with good reason; there's nothing quite like a soothing curry on a cold day or a refreshing mango salad in the summer months. While pad thai might be the most popular dish from this region, there's so much more to this cuisine than rice noodles.

Here are my picks for the top Thai restaurants in Toronto by neighbourhood.

See also:The Best Thai Restaurants in Toronto

ANNEX
The street style pad thai at Real Thailand on Bloor is respectable, but there's so much more worthwhile stuff to try. Not sure where to start? Hit up the lunch buffet for a thorough sampling.

AVENUE & LAWRENCE
Thai One On has locations across the city but really shines in this neighbourhood. Primarily operating as a takeout and delivery joint, count on this place for generous portions of lemongrass soup and red curry chicken.

BAYVIEW & LEASIDE
Satay skewers, cold rolls, oodles of noodles, and rich curries are all on the menu at Satay on the Road.

BEACHES
Fill up on steaming bowls of tom yum soup, slurp up the pad thai, and smother an order of rice in curry at Thai House Cuisine on Queen East.

BLOOR WEST VILLAGE
Peppery sauteed shrimp (goong haw) and rich golden curries (kang leung kai) are among the many favourites at Simply Thai. Be sure to save room for dessert because sticky rice with fresh mango is on the menu.

Khao San RoadCLUB DISTRICT
Crank up the spice level as you like at Khao San Road where signature dishes include pad gra prao and golden curried khao soi.

CHURCH & WELLESLEY
Just Thai is an offshoot of The Friendly Thai with a menu that lists a range of popular dishes like basil beef and tofu goreng. Now if only they'd stay true to their name and lose the pan-Asian menu items like the General Tao chicken.

THE DANFORTH
The Family Thai is a local favourite for Thai and Malay dishes. The keang khtao wan nuer, a green curry beef and eggplant dish, is a must.

DON MILLS
Linda Modern Thai enjoys Thai Select status, meaning that it upholds authentic traditions of Thai cuisine while offering outstanding service in a great atmosphere. That doesn't mean Linda doesn't know how to have fun in the kitchen, though: just look at the Thai soft tacos loaded with chicken, puffed rice, tom yum sauce, and sour cream.

thai restaurant torontoDUNDAS WEST
The Sukhothai at this location boasts ample seating and a totally date-worthy atmosphere. Aside from the usual lineup of pad thai and curries find highlights on the menu including nua gra teaum, a stir-fry of beef served with fried egg, cucumbers and rice.

EAST YORK
At lunch hour it's hard to beat the value of Eathai's $6 pad thai special. At any other time of day, try the basil chicken with rice topped with a fried egg or the tangy papaya salad garnished with pork crackling.

EGLINTON WEST
Fresh herbs and an interplay of sour, sweet, salty, bitter and spicy flavours are what Royal Elephant prides itself on. The pad woon sen is a perfect example featuring stir-fried bean noodles paired with a choice of protein, egg, mushroom and vegetables.

ETOBICOKE
Nimman on Lake Shore does a top notch pad thai. Go traditional or opt for the pad thai hor kai , an authentic stir-fry of rice vermicelli with sliced chicken, jumbo prawns, eggs, bean sprouts, and sour turnip, all tossed in tamarind sauce, crab oil, and coconut milk.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT
Sukhothai on Wellington offers the same delicious dishes you know and love from the other locations, but in a sophisticated setting. Find a well-heeled clientele populating tables at lunch slurping up the "Sukh'ed up" version of pad thai.

KING EAST
Chef Sasi is the acclaimed mastermind behind Mengrai Thai, and her renowned dishes include a red curry chicken with lychee along with braised curry lamb, and curried pumpkin soup.

KING WEST
Coco Rice offers an expansive menu that covers wok-fried specialties, noodles, soups, and curries. There's even an abundance of rice styles (coconut, jasmine, sticky, or brown) as well as a dedicated vegan menu.

thai restaurant torontoTHE JUNCTION
Baan Thai is a neighbourhood gem run by a Thai family. Dishes like the som tum, a spicy green papaya salad with dried shrimp and chilis, and the Thai omelet with rice are not to be missed.

JUNCTION TRIANGLE
While Thai Lime does brisk business in takeout and delivery orders, it's not a bad spot to sit back with a Singha and couple cold rice paper rolls. Family sized combos offer excellent value and four can dine on spring rolls, mango salad, pad thai, basil beef, ginger chicken, and mixed veg for less than $50.

LIBERTY VILLAGE
Thai Room must be doing something right, as the local chain continues to expand throughout the GTA and has recently landed in this condo-heavy neighbourhood. Dine in to enjoy the contemporary setting and popular dishes like curry pad thai and ginger chicken.

thai restaurant torontoLITTLE ITALY
Soi Thai brings a taste of Thailand's vibrant marketplaces to Little Italy. You won't find pad thai or curry on the menu, but look forward to skewered meats, Thai-style ceviches, and cold grilled pork salads spiked with chilis.

REGENT PARK
The original Sukhothai serves up Northern Thai-influenced dishes for eat in or takeout. When ordering dishes like guaytiaw (noodle soup), expect complex flavours and some serious sweat-inducing heat.

RONCESVALLES
Thai Chef Cuisine is an excellent source to get your fill of deep-fried tofu with taro, hot and sour soup, and pad woon sen, glass noodle with shrimp, chicken, wood mushrooms and egg.

ROSEDALE
Sawasdee serves up regional dishes from northern Thailand including house specialties like the soya sauce flavoured pad see ew and creamy coconut curry, khao soi.

SCARBOROUGH
Jatujak is named after Bangkok's largest weekend market and deals in Thai street foods. Try the gaeng karee, a golden curry with potatoes and deep fried onions cooked to order with a choice of protein over steamed jasmine rice.

ST. CLAIR WEST
The guay tiew (noodle soups) at Thai Noodle on Vaughan Rd. are the real deal. The menu bills aromatic broths loaded with combinations of crispy BBQ pork, sprouts, and blood cake, or fishballs, ground peanuts, and wontons.

thai restaurant torontoWEST QUEEN WEST
Nana is a Thai canteen that channels the boisterous street food culture of Bangkok. Try the boat noodle soup thickened with beef blood and crowned with meatballs and beef, both braised and sliced thin.

YONGE & DUNDAS
Thai comfort foods served tapas-style are the speciality of Sabai Sabai. The menu boasts bar foods like squash fritters, stir fried morning glory, and pork rib noodle soup, plus lesser-known dishes like fish curry custard.

YONGE & EGLINTON
Start with the crispy fried rolls and tangy mango salad at Sorn Thai before moving on to a standard assortment of curries, stir-fries and noodle dishes.

YONGE & LAWRENCE
Solve weekday dinner dielemas with takeout from Joy Thai. Should you choose to dine in, expect a no frills kind of atmosphere that'll nevertheless satisfy cravings for curry and pad thai in a pinch.

YORKVILLE
Bua Thai on Avenue Road is a solid spot for fish sauce-laced fare. Skip the usual suspects and opt for a whole fish preparation or the pad khee mao, a basil scented broad noodle stir fry.

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

Lead photo from Nana

LCBO to introduce growlers and craft beer tasting bar

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lcbo growlerThe LCBO is getting a growler program. There have been rumours of this for a while, but earlier this week the agency issued an email to local breweries inviting them to submit products for consideration for the launch of the program, which will start here in Toronto at the flagship Summerhill location.

The email reveals that Summerhill will not only feature the LCBO's first growler filling station, but also a craft beer tasting bar.

The email also reveals that LCBO staff will dispense beer directly from kegs into growlers and that the program will only be available to products that are not already listed at the LCBO in another format, i.e. beers that are already available in bottles and cans won't be taking up space in the keg fridge, so this should mean more craft beer variety at the LCBO.

You can expect seasonal or limited edition beers, or even beer specially brewed for the LCBO growler program.

Additionally, customers will also have the option to buy pre-filled, refrigerated growlers, but it seems that for now, the program is only open to brewers who are capable of delivering beer directly to the Summerhill LCBO -- meaning you shouldn't expect to see beers from too far astray geographically.

The LCBO will be selling their own branded growlers for customers to purchase, return, and exchange for refill, and they will only be accepting and filling these LCBO-branded growlers.

The call for products asks for beers that can be ready for September and October, so it seems like we'll find out very soon if the growler program is the positive next step for craft beer the province is hoping for.

At a minimum the decision to create a beer tasting bar at Summerhill indicates that the LCBO is aware of the surge in craft beer sales in this province, and is ready to respond with a better buying experience for the growing customer base.

What do you think? Are growler fills going to help grow craft beer in this province (or at least Toronto)?

Read more about the program on Ben's Beer Blog.

Photo of an existing LCBO tasting bar via Fiorino Design

Toronto getting a massive indoor obstacle course

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Pursuit OCRDo you long for a time when it was socially acceptable to spend hours swinging from monkey bars, wading through ball pits and climbing up jungle gyms? A new Toronto gym will will soon let you harken back to those carefree days while helping you to get fit.

Pursuit OCR, located on Dufferin just north of Queen, is a 10,000 square-foot facility and when it opens, it'll be Canada's only indoor adult obstacle course.

"It's an alternative fitness space," say Wil Mclean, who founded Pursuit along with Eddie Chan who owns Bolt Fresh Bar. He wants to avoid the machismo attitudes that permeate many traditional gyms to create a centre that's welcoming to everyone, regardless of their fitness level.

Mclean runs RedGate Bodyworks in West Queen West and is also known for hosting Shameless Karaoke event at the Gladstone Hotel. It seems like he's bringing the same sense of fun to Pursuit OCR. "The whole idea is, you go in there and you sort of play the way kids play at a McDonalds playland," he says describing the course, which will have 19 obstacles.

Along with the giant playground, Pursuit will hold group exercise classes mainly focusing on gymnastics and dynamic flexibility. According to the gym's Facebook page, you'll even be able to learn hand-balancing from a former Cirque du Soleil performer.

Pursuit will also be one the only places downtown offering cryotherapy. While freezing yourself may not sound appealing, many professional athletes and celebrities tout the benefits of standing in a cryogenic chamber (usually -120 C or colder) for a few minutes.

Later this week Pursuit will launch an Indiegogo campaign to help it expand its program offerings. On Sunday mornings, for instance, McLean wants to turn the obstacle course into an indoor park for families.

During the rest of the week, Pursuit's obstacle course will be scalable for all fitness levels, from hardcore athletes to those completely new to working out. It's set to open mid-September. Day passes will cost $20; a 10 pack of passes will set you back $150.

What do you think of Pursuit OCR? Let us know in the comments.

Photo via Pursuit OCR on Facebook.

Favour restaurant delivery service launching in Toronto

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favour torontoEarlier this summer, Just-Eat Canadaswallowed Orderit.ca and in the spring, Uber rolled out their own lunch delivery service in the downtown core. Starting tomorrow, these and the rest of the companies waging battle in Toronto's suddenly saturated online restaurant delivery space will be getting competition from south of the border.

Favour, based out of Austin, Texas (down south it's known as Favor) is promising its army of blue, tuxedo-shirt-clad "runners" will deliver anything you want, as long as you're stationed downtown.

Favour will launch with a delivery area that spans from the DVP to Roncesvalles north to Dupont, though it promises to expand in the near future.

This service seems quite similar to Hurrier in that it offers quick deliveries but it doesn't seem to be actually have business relationships with any restaurants. Instead, it appears to act as a middle person between you and whichever restaurant you're craving.

For its first two months in Toronto, Favour will cost you $2 plus 5 percent of your total food order. Your first delivery, however, is free if you use the promo code Toronto.

Will you try Favour? Let us know in the comments.

Toronto's first cat cafe opening next month

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cat cafe torontoIn a few weeks time we'll finally declare a winner in the race to open Toronto's first cat cafe. And, it's run by a feline-friendly team that pounced up from behind us.

Despite the crowd-funding campaigns that put Smitten Kitten/Kitty Cat Cafe and Pet Me Meow on our radar, TOT the Cat Cafe quietly marked its territory on a storefront at College and Spadina.

By mid-September, cat enthusiasts will be able to stop by for a warm beverage and a snack before entering a glass enclosed space to play with a bevy of furry friends. "If no one wants to interact with cats, it's still a cafe," assures company spokesperson Brian Best.

While the details aren't firmed up yet, Best says TOT's owners hope to act as sort of a foster home for cats and they want to use the cafe to help raise awareness for the Toronto Humane Society.

Will you visit Toronto's first cat cafe? Let us know in the comments.

Gotstyle ensnared in Jose Bautista Sportsnet controversy

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gotstyle devon travisFor more than three months, the Toronto Blue Jays' Jose Bautista hasn't participated in a single one-on-one interview with Sportsnet, the team's official broadcaster (Rogers Communications owns both the Jays and Sportsnet). The reason? A dapper blue Ted Baker suit.

UPDATE: The Toronto Star reports that the issue has been resolved between Sportsnet and Jose Bautista.

In May, Jays rookie Devon Travis participated in a makeover segment on Sportsnet wherein anchor Hazel Mae helped him upgrade his wardrobe at popular local menswear shop Gotstyle.

Travis apparently paid for his new clothes out of pocket. And now, Bautista is standing up for his teammate. The right fielder is refusing to speak with Sportsnet until the network pays for the garments or hands Travis an equivalent Gotstyle gift card, notes the Toronto Star.

Gotstyle detailed the segment on its blog a few months back, and now many are taking to social media urging the store to cover the cost of Travis's new suit.

Gotstyle owner Melissa Austria says she gave Travis a discount at the store. "We asked if we should gift the suit and they [Sportsnet] said no but feel free to give him a discount," writes Austria via email. "I think this was for journalistic integrity so they aren't 'buying their stories' by giving free product to athletes.

"We ended up giving Devon 50% off everything and rushing alterations that day so he could wear the suit the next day to take his mom out for dinner. He later tweeted us thanking us for the suit," she continues. Her full statement is posted below.

As the Star article notes, this whole situation suggests a murky ethical dilemma over who should pay for Travis's clothing. Some, such as Bautista, insist it's unfair for Travis to fork over cash since the segment was Sportnet's idea. Others, however, argue it's journalistically unsound for Sportsnet to foot the bill.

Here's a roundup of some of the Twitter chatter regarding this whole suit debacle.

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Statement from Gotstyle owner Melissa Austria:

It's unfortunate that this story came out this way. We always take care of our athletes when it comes to initiatives that we do ourselves but in this case we were approached by Sportsnet to see if they could film in the store a story about Devon Travis and have him come to the store and buy his first suit.

We asked if we should gift the suit and they said no but feel free to give him a discount. I think this was for journalistic integrity so they aren't "buying their stories" by giving free product to athletes. We ended up giving Devon 50% off everything and rushing alterations that day so he could wear the suit the next day to take his mom out for dinner. He later tweeted us thanking us for the suit.

I'd love to turn this around and give free suits to the guys who really need it, men who are transitioning from the military into civilian life and don't have a proper suit to wear to job interviews. We've done great work with True Patriot Love in the past raising $25,000 with Joffrey Lupul. Maybe a challenge for Bautista, for every game they win, we'll donate a suit to a solider if he'll matches.

Either way, the Jays are doing amazing why are we even talking about this?

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Who do you think should pay for Travis's sartorial makeover? Let us know in the comments.

This post was originally published before we received comment from Gostyle owner Melissa Austria. We've now updated the post to include her statement.


Tape measure street art on Spadina gets erased (again)

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tape measure street artAnother salvo has been fired in the bizarre ongoing battle between two artists at the corner of Spadina and Richmond. This morning, for the second time in less than a year, a work crew armed with a pressure washer has scrubbed away a colourful tape measure painted at the street corner by artist Victor Fraser.

The original artwork, which consists of two colourful buttons, a thimble, and tape measure markings subtly etched into the sidewalk, was commissioned by the city in 2007. Created by artist Stephen Cruise, the piece is titled Uniform Measure/Stack.

Separately and without Cruise's permission, street artist Victor Fraser coloured in the tape measure etchings in 2006 using a semi-permanent mix of chalk and tempera. The addition remained in place for roughly eight years, leading many locals to believe the two pieces were by the same artist.

Then, without warning, the tape measure paint was removed by the city last November at the request of the original artist. The cost of the work was $623.

Fraser re-painted the tape measure in July, this time with letters instead of numbers, again without securing the permission of the city or the artist.

toronto spadina tape measureThis morning, the pressure washers returned, according to a tweet. A visit to the corner earlier this afternoon confirmed that the artwork had indeed been removed.

In a phone conversation, Fraser said he didn't understand why his work had been removed a second time, especially given the warm reception it received earlier in the summer.

"I have an emotional investment in this piece," he said. "So many people came out and said 'I'm so glad you're doing this again.'"

"I would tell Mr. Cruise to really come and take a look at what's not there anymore."

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

First ever Tamil street festival in Toronto this weekend

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tamil festival torontoToronto's first ever Tamil Festival is happening this weekend in Morningside Heights. Organized by the Canadian Tamil Congress, the event will showcase live music and dance performances, a mobile museum detailing Tamil Canadian history and of course, plenty of food.

Some of the food vendors expected to attend include Hopper Hut, Lingan Cream House and Yarl Dosa Corner.

More than 300,000 Tamil Canadians reside in the GTA and this inaugural street fest will unfold over August 29 and 30. It's all happening on Morningside between Finch and Nielson Road and more than 20 food vendors are lined up to serve crowds over the two days celebration.

Will you be attending Toronto's first ever Tamil Festival? Let us know in the comments.

House of the week: 210 Poplar Plains Road

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210 Poplar Plains Road Toronto210 Poplar Plains Road returns to the market as the gutted, now architecturally stunning property in the affluent South Hill neighbourhood.

In its former iteration, the home was a dilapidated rooming house (here are the frightening before photos), and stuck out like a sore thumb on this tree-lined street, just south of St. Clair near Casa Loma.

210 Poplar Plains Road TorontoAsking $5,188,000, the house has been bouncing around the market, the owners most recently increasing the price. While the costs might scare off potential buyers, the architect-designed interior is quite nice, especially if you're charmed by outdoors waterfalls and a private walkout on every level.

210 Poplar Plains Road TorontoThe layout is simple, open and airy. There's plenty of natural light with expansive windows, skylights, and two outdoor fountains --one by the front door and another in the backyard. Multiple fireplaces, a soaker tub on (almost) every floor and a finished basement that doubles as a home theatre, gym, games rooms, and office.

210 Poplar Plains Road TorontoSPECS

  • Address: 210 Poplar Plains Road
  • Price: $5,188,000
  • Lot Size: 50 x 135 FT
  • Bedrooms: 5+1
  • Bathrooms: 6
  • Parking: 8
  • Taxes: $19,118.33
  • Walk Score: 77

210 Poplar Plains Road TorontoNOTABLE FEATURES

  • 6,600 square feet
  • Three fireplaces
  • Skylights
  • Floating oak staircase
  • Second floor glass cut-outs
  • Large finished basement, possible nanny suite
  • Landscaped front and backyard with outdoor fountain

210 Poplar Plains Road TorontoGOOD FOR

A family seeking a suburban dwelling close to the city. South Hill is a good balance of downtown living on a large midtown-sized lot. In this neighbourhood, you get a long private driveway big enough for eight cars, garage and a pool-worthy backyard.

210 Poplar Plains Road TorontoMOVE ON IF

If you've always dreamed of living in a grand Victorian or classic Tudor-style house. This is not the property for you. While the original home was built in the 1900s, its historical character was thrown out the window (literally), replaced by modern glass walls and a really stunning fireplace in the bathroom.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
210 Poplar Plains Road Toronto210 Poplar Plains Road Toronto210 Poplar Plains Road Toronto210 Poplar Plains Road Toronto210 Poplar Plains Road Toronto210 Poplar Plains Road Toronto210 Poplar Plains Road Toronto210 Poplar Plains Road Toronto210 Poplar Plains Road Toronto210 Poplar Plains 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.

Late summer beach volleyball

Today in Toronto: Buskerfest, Jazz Night at Evergreen Brick Works, Paddle Royale, Mad Max, SCTC Party

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2011828-buskerfest-dtstuff.jpgToday in Toronto you can celebrate all things weird and wonderful at Buskerfest. Entertainers from near and far will be taking to Yonge Street to show of their talents. Of course, there's also the renown Diner en Blanc (if you managed to get your hand on one of the tribalistic tickets early).

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 by dtstuff in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Toronto Restaurant Openings: West City SnackBar, Triple A Bar, The Grow-Op, Loka, Kiu, The Basil Box

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

OPEN NOW

  • West City SnackBar is now open at 430 Horner Ave. in Etobicoke. Run by the same folks behind Treeline Catering, the new spot is serving pulled pork sliders, baby back ribs, and tacos.
  • Union Juice has opened its doors at 106 John St. and is serving up salads, panini, yogurts, and of course juice.
  • The second location of Triple A Bar opens this weekend at 1276 Queen Street East.
  • The Grow-Op, a new juice and salad bar opens today at 222 Ossington Ave.
  • QW Resto Bar, a new spot for for tapas and cocktails, is now open at 1032 Queen St. West.

RECENTLY REVIEWED

OPENING SOON

  • After a successful crowdfunding campaign, Loka has found a new (permanent) home at 620 Queen St. West, formerly Del Ray.
  • The team behind Ramen Isshin are expanding to Markham and opening Kiu at 169 Enterprise Blvd. this fall.
  • The Basil Box, a new fast-casual restaurant featuring the flavours of Southeast Asia, is opening this winter at the Ryerson Student Learning Centre at 341 Yonge Street.
  • Big Jack's burger shop is in the works at Queen and Parliament

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

Photo from The Basil Box

8 foot wide Toronto home for sale for $750K

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383 shuterToronto boasts an array of wonderfully weird houses. From the half-a-house on St. Patrick to the city's tiniest home at Dufferin and Rogers Road, there are plenty of pint-sized living spaces across the city. Now, one that's just 8-feet wide is for sale. But only if you can spare $750,000.

The diminutive detached house at 383 Shuter might be one of the narrowest in the city. Thankfully, however, it has high, wooden-beamed ceilings and plenty of natural light. Its two bedrooms and three baths are obviously quite tiny. Space is also tight in the kitchen, although it appears modern and bright.

Despite the novelty of being so small, this house includes a sauna and a sunlit garden. And, it's still going for less than the average price for a house in Toronto, which in June sat at $1.052 million.

383 shuter383 shuter383 shuter383 shuter383 shuterWhat do you think of this narrow house? Let us know in the comments.


The top 5 award winning films to see at TIFF 2015

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tiff 2015TIFF can sometimes be a gamble. You're never entirely sure if the movies you pick are going to be good or not. Sometimes you can increase the odds though. Every year a few films arrive at the festival having been tried and tested with major awards already on their proverbial shelves.

Here are my picks for the top award winning films to see at TIFF 2015.

The Assassin
Filmmaker Hou Hsiao-hsien took home the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival for this martial arts tale about an assassin sent to kill the man who was once set to be her husband.

Dheepan
The winner of Cannes top prize--the Palme d'Or - Dheepan finds acclaimed director Jacques Audiard (A Prophet, Ruse & Bone) sharing the story of a former Tamil Tiger soldier who escapes the Sri Lanek civil war to move to Paris and try to start over.

Right Now, Wrong Then
Hong San-soo's latest work - a romantic comedy that plays out with two separate outcomes--Right Now, Wrong Then is heading into TIFF with a freshly minted award on its mantel: the Golden Leopard, the top prize at the Locarno Film Festival.

Son of Saul
This holocaust drama about a father's struggle to arrange a proper Jewish burial for his son inside a concentration camp won the Grand Prix Award at Cannes for its heartwrenching filmmaking.

The Witch
First-time director, Robert Eggers won the directing award at Sundance for The Witch, a film that more than one rave review promises might be the best (scariest) horror movie we've seen in years.

Which award-winning films are you most looking forward to seeing at TIFF 2015? Let us know in the comments.

Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @alxhuls for all the latest on TIFF 15, including snap reviews.

Film still from The Witch.

10 fun things to do with kids outdoors in Toronto

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kids outdoors torontoFun things to do with kids outdoors in Toronto depend almost entirely on whether it's minus 25 or plus 25. Late summer / early fall tends to be the weather sweet spot in this city - all the better to get out there and explore the many options we have of experiencing the great outdoors without ever leaving the 6ix.

Here are my picks for 10 fun things to do with kids outdoors in Toronto.

See also:10 fun things to do with kids indoors in Toronto

Get on the water
There are plenty of beautiful and interesting places in and around Toronto to explore by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, and you'll get some good exercise while enjoying the inherent tranquility that comes from being on the water. Places like the Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre and Toronto Adventures offer equipment rental, safety instruction, and guided tours.

Walk the plank on a pirate ship
I dare you to find truer fanatics of pirate lore than the infectiously enthusiastic crew of A Pirate's Life, an interactive theatre experience aboard pirate ship the Island Rogue, complete with a cruise around the Toronto Islands. Participants can bring their own costumes or get suited up using the troupe's collection.

Practice patience with some bird watching
It's hard to top the look of excitement in your child's eyes as a chickadee eats right from the palm of his hand. High Park Nature Centre regularly hosts Family Nature Walks (by donation) and bird-related programs like Night Hawk Night, Dawn Chorus, and Family Day for the Birds. Tommy Thompson Park is also an excellent place to take in avian wildlife.

Ride a horse
At Sunnybrook Stables, kids 9 and older can sign-up for 50-minute private and semi-private lessons (starting at $120) in an outdoor, pastoral setting. Just outside the city at Claireville Ranch, kids under 10 can enjoy a pony ride ($25 per hour), while family members 10 and up go on a 1-hour trail ride ($30 per person) through different terrains. More horseback riding options here.

Develop a need for speed by go-karting
Get that adrenalin pumping with a race around the track. Centennial Park Mini-Indy Go-Karts has a 2km track and karts for different age groups that move at varying speeds. They run a special on Tuesdays and Thursdays where you can fulfill your racecar dreams for a very reasonable $2.50 per lap, which takes about 3 minutes. Bigger kids can drive the ¾ km course at Go-Karts @ Polson Pier.

Get lost in the maze
There's something magical about wandering around and getting lost in a life-size labyrinth. With the recent re-opening of the William Meany Maze on Centre Island, visitors young and old can experience the dizzy, giddy fun that comes from getting lost & disoriented. Take a leisurely stroll, play a game of tag, or time each other to see who can get through the fastest.

Pitch a tent
Did you know you can go camping right within the city limits? Glen Rouge Campground is located on the banks of the Rouge River and runs from May to October. Another option is the Toronto Zoo's Serengeti Bush Camp Overnight Experience, which operates from July to early September.

Get soaked
Cool off at one of the city's many splash pads, which run from mid-May to mid-September. Located in Scarborough, Kidstown Water Park is an awesome (and free!) waterpark that's definitely worth checking out. Or enjoy the sound of the waves and the sand in your toes on one of the city's lovely beaches.

Connect with animals
A visit with the animals at High Park Zoo, Riverdale Farm, and Far Enough Farm is a wholesome family outing that you can experience year-round and for free! Located on Centre Island, Far Enough Farm has more than 40 different species of animals including ponies, rabbits, and a black swan.

Take a hike
You might be surprised by the quantity and quality of nature trails we have right here in the city. Hiking trails at Crothers Woods and Glen Stewart Ravine allow visitors to feel completely immersed in nature. The Evergreen Brick Works offers family scavenger hunts and guided tours of the Don Valley, both great ways to learn about the ecology and history of the area.

ritzThanks to Ritz for sponsoring this post.

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

Photo via A Pirate's Life

New traffic laws come into effect this September

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toronto traffic lawsStarting on September 1, the police in Ontario will be enforcing harsher fines for traffic infractions such as distracted driving. It's all part of the Making Ontario's Roads Safer Act, which the province approved back in June.

Distracted driving fines, for instance, currently sit between $60-$500. On September 1, if you're caught texting and driving, you'll likely get a $490 fine plus three demerit points. Novice drivers, or those with a G1 or G2, will face a 30-day license suspension.

These new laws also aim to make Ontario's roads safer for those on bicycles. Penalties for "dooring" are now set at $365 and three demerit points. If you don't leave a one-metre space when passing a cyclist, you can face a $110 fine plus two demerit points. Alternatively, if you don't have proper lights on your bike, you might get dinged with a $110 ticket.

The province's Slow Down and Move Over law for emergency vehicles now includes tow trucks. If you don't, as the law suggests, slow down and move over when you see one assisting a driver, you can receive a hefty fine as well as demerit points.

What do you think of these new traffic laws? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Empty Quarter in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Condo of the week: 1 Cordoba Drive

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1 Cordoba DriveThe mind-blowing penthouse at 1 Cordoba Drive might just be the most luxurious suite in all of Vaughan. Larger and more expensive than most Bridle Path mansions, the $14,000,000 (yes, $14 million) condo in the sky is beyond incredible and chances are, if you reside north of Bathurst and Steeles, you'll recognize the building and its upper two-storey glass suite.

Named after the famous hotel in Buenos Aires, the Alvear Palace Residence is almost as acclaimed. The penthouse is 16,000 square feet featuring five bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and a main floor destined for a museum.

condo 1 Cordoba DriveWith marble floors, a glass and steel staircase and a private elevator, there's no shortage of opulent features. A formal chef's kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, a full-sized bar, a dining room that seats 30 people, a home theatre and a fitness studio larger than a GoodLife.

The second floor is floor-to-ceiling windows, flooded by light, and the focal point of this condo/mansion. The indoor swimming pool has a retractable glass roof, sauna, spa and an outdoor kitchen. The features are endless, and the photos incredible.

condo 1 Cordoba DriveSPECS

  • Address: #Uph - 1 Cordoba Drive
  • Price: $14,000,000
  • Square feet: 16,000
  • Bedrooms: 4+1
  • Bathrooms: 11
  • Parking: 2
  • Taxes: $38,369.94
  • Maintenance fee: $8,137.43 /monthly
  • Walk Score: 82

condo 1 Cordoba DriveNOTABLE FEATURES

  • Upper two-storey penthouse
  • Glass and steel staircase
  • Dining room that seats 30
  • Two chef kitchens
  • 15 foot ceilings
  • Home movie theatre
  • Private elevator
  • Fitness studio
  • Spa and sauna
  • 6,000 sq. ft indoor swimming pool with retractable glass roof
  • Wet bar
  • Seven car parking
  • Outdoor terrace with 360 degree views

condo 1 Cordoba DriveGOOD FOR

Your own all-inclusive vacation. The 6,000 square foot second floor with its indoor swimming pool and poolside bar feels like a private resort. There's a 360 panoramic view of the city (or at least of Vaughan) and a full outdoor kitchen.

condo 1 Cordoba DriveMOVE ON IF

You only have one car. This regal residence includes seven underground parking spots, although the chances of owning this property and having one car is slightly absurd.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

condo 1 Cordoba Drivecondo 1 Cordoba Drivecondo 1 Cordoba Drivecondo 1 Cordoba Drivecondo 1 Cordoba Drivecondo 1 Cordoba Drivecondo 1 Cordoba Drivecondo 1 Cordoba Drivecondo 1 Cordoba Drivecondo 1 Cordoba Drivecondo 1 Cordoba Drivecondo 1 Cordoba Drivecondo 1 Cordoba DriveWhat do you think of this extravagant $14 million penthouse? Have your say in the comments.

Toronto gets an elaborate new dinner theatre

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candyland torontoAmidst the clubs and restaurants that dot King West, a new type of entertainment venue is slated to open in September, one that bills itself as an elevated dinner theatre experience.

Candyland will be located at 619 King St. W, and it'll be reminiscent of places such as The Box in Manhattan and Cirque le Soir in London.

Throughout the night, guests will see three or four short performances with each one lasting between 10 and 15 minutes. As a variety show of sorts, these brief interludes of entertainment will include circus acts, such as ring dancers, as well as a blues band and other theatrical sketches.

Since this will be dinner theatre, Chef Frank Parhizgar, behind Frank's Kitchen, will serve up a menu made up of upscale snacks and small plates. It'll cost you $20 cover plus the price of food, which will be served until late.

What do you think of the Candyland concept? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Ryan Emberley

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