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The Best New Specialty Food Stores in Toronto, 2012

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Specialty Food Stores torontoThe best new specialty food stores in Toronto in 2012 seemed to like one place in particular — Kensington Market. From sustainable fish-mongers to the meat-minded and others in between, the Market seemed especially enticing to new specialty stores opening in 2012. That said, there were plenty of specialty stragglers spreading themselves across the city, too, with a new food co-op opening in the west end and some healthy eats over in the east.

Here is the list of the best new specialty stores in Toronto in 2012.

See also:

The best gourmet food stores in Toronto


Do you want to write for blogTO?

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Do you like music, tech or attending local events? If so, our list of current writings assignments might be perfect for you. We have a short list of writing roles we're looking for to fill. If you're interested in taking on ongoing (weekly) or occasional writing assignments and are very knowledgeable (ie. expert) in one or more of the following areas please get in touch with us.

We're actively seeking writers expert in the following topic areas:

  • Music writers. We're specifically looking for music writers to cover the local EDM scene, to write DJ profiles, review mainstream rock/pop concerts (Lady Gaga, Leonard Cohen etc.), profile breakout bands and/or write about local music news (like this and this.)
  • Tech writers interested in interviewing Toronto tech/web/mobile start-ups (see example).
  • Writers interested in attending and covering local events (not concerts/live music).

HOW TO APPLY

Interested in applying? For music writing roles, simply send an email to musicjobs [at] blogto [dotcom]. For all other roles, please email jobs [at] blogto [dotcom]. In your email please include the following:

1. State the role you're applying for.

2. Please explain to us why we should pick you instead of another applicant.

3. Tell us which Toronto neighbourhood you live in and how long you've lived in Toronto.

4. Links to any of your previous writing or photography (if applicable).

5. Please don't send us any attachments, resumes or cover letters. Anything you want to communicate to us should be done via text and hyperlinks in the body of the email.

Thanks in advance to everyone interested in applying for one of our writing roles. We aim to respond to all applicants who send us a complete application as per the instructions above.

Waiting on a rocket

Radar: Luminescence, MaRS Startup Book Club, A Yellow Field, Scoop Trumbull & The Wrong Notes, Blue Bonnets, Citizen Gangster screening with Nate Hendley

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toronto events january 15ART | Luminescence: The Silver of Peru
The largest collection of Peruvian silver artifacts has been traveling the world, and tonight, it arrives at the U of T Art Centre for Luminescence, a show of Peruvian national treasures. The exhibit tracks the history of silver and its history in Peru's culture in the form of jewelry, crowns, paintings and masks. This afternoon, José Torres Della Pina, a third generation Peruvian silversmith, will lecture on metallurgical techniques with an opening reception following at 6PM.
University of Toronto Art Centre (15 King's College Circle) 4:30PM Free

BOOKS & LIT | MaRS Startup Book Club
Hosting a monthly literary-based discussion on books that celebrate technology, innovation, and multimedia, MaRS Discovery District invites those who have read Walter Isaacson's biography of Steve Jobs to their January Startup Book Club. Connect with the local startup community over similar literary interests and learn about the fundamentals and latest trends for startups. The only requirement? Have the book read in time for tonight!
MaRS Discovery District, CR-5 (101 College Street) 5:30PM Free

MUSIC | A Yellow Field, Scoop Trumbull & the Wrong Notes, Blue Bonnets
Indiegrass band A Yellow Field makes their Rancho debut as headliners for Tuesday night's weekly TWM party. They're supported by openers Blue Bonnets, a Toronto rock n' roll band, and Scoop Trumbull & the Wrong Notes, a one-man multi-instrument band. Doors open at 9PM, with performances beginning at 9:40PM.
Rancho Relaxo (300 College Street) 9PM $5

FILM | Roncy Historical Society &Citizen Gangster
The Roncesvalles Historical Society introduces the Roncy connection to Citizen Gangster, a film about Canada's most notorious bank robber, Edwin Alonzo Boyd. Screening at the Revue Cinema tonight, the RHS will be joined by two special guests, engaging the audience in a Q&A before and after the film--director Nathan Morlando and author of a book on the Boyd Gang, Nate Hendley. Learn about Roncesvalles' criminal history, and enjoy an evening that'll highlight Canadian connections to the cinema.
Revue Cinema (400 Roncesvalles Avenue) 6:30PM $13 general, $10 members

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR RADAR:

Film still from Citizen Gangster

Morning Brew: Ikea monkey owner denies abuse, Ford gets media friendly, Gardiner ridership by the numbers, Marineland to be investigated, and Burke gets a medal

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toronto captain john'sThe owner of Darwin the Ikea monkey has denied abusing the animal while it was in her care. Staff at the sanctuary holding the rhesus macaque allege Yasmin Nakhuda struck the animal with a spoon and threatened to remove its teeth in court documents. Nakhuda noted animal services said the animal was "perfectly fine" when it was picked up in an Ikea parking lot last year.

Looks like Rob Ford's decided what could be the final days of his mayoralty are the perfect time to drop a few quotes, cozy up to media, and sing the praises of arts spending. The National Post has a summary of yesterday's lines, but here's my favourite confident proclamation: "I can ensure you 100% I'm going to keep the Gardiner and I'm not going to toll the Gardiner." Can Ford realistically keep that promise?

Some really interesting data here from Planning Alliance. The TTC, GO, walkers and cyclists drastically outweigh the number of road users arriving downtown via the Gardiner Expressway each morning. The group of designers, planners, and architects believe the city uses a disproportionate amount of resources on the aging roadway. [via Reddit] Are they right?

It's January and that means it's time to for groups of pranksters in Toronto and Vancouver to lose their pants on the subway in the name of, err...

Is the University of Toronto is holding a student orgy? Well, it depends who you ask. Attendees of the annual Sexual Awareness Week have been invited to an event at the Oasis Aqua Lounge where people are allowed to get frisky on site. The organizers, however, maintain sex isn't mandatory and insist "there's no prodding or pushing in that direction."

In light of recent allegations of animal cruelty, the Ministry of the Environment has ordered Marineland to immediately stop burying dead animals on its land. The Niagara Falls attraction never obtained a permit for its burials and the ministry has ordered an assessment of the entire site.

He might not be a Leaf any more, but Brian Burke has been given the military's highest civilian honour, the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service. Burke was cited for his support of Canadian troops.

Finally, temporarily disbanded rockers Broken Social Scene will reunite for a one-off concert celebrating ten years of its Arts & Crafts record label. The band will reform, including Feist, on June 8 for the Field Trip Music & Arts Festival at Fort York. Tickets go on sale Wednesday.

QUICK LINKS:

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

Photo: "Captain John's" by Acid_Punk/blogTO Flickr pool.

Toronto bars brand their own beer, but what is it?

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Beer pintHouse branded beer is something you might discover on tap if you find yourself in bars that have been around for a number of years or that have a clientele that tends toward less-expensive drinking habits. It's typically a lager named after the bar, it's usually something easy to drink, and it's almost always offered inexpensively in pitchers. But what exactly is that beer?

Well, according to a highly unscientific study I conducted last week, most of the time it's just Amsterdam Blonde. In fact, of the handful of bars that I spoke to that advertise a house brand, a full 40% admitted that their house-branded beers were actually just Amsterdam.

Another 25% of these bars are branding Great Lakes Brewery's Horseshoe Lager as their own, and about 12% are opting to pour Cool Beer Brewing Company's Cool Beer as their house beer.

This probably isn't too surprising for people who drink in Toronto bars with any sort of regularity, but what was a little surprising was how readily bars were willing to admit that their "house beer" was nothing more than an inexpensive local lager with a custom tap handle. "Yeah, it's actually Amsterdam Blonde," was a common refrain as soon as I asked about house beers. "It's actually just Great Lakes lager," said others with virtually no prompting. "The house brand thing is just a gimmick," they admitted.

Indeed staff at only one of the bars I talked to was hesitant to offer up any details on their eponymous house brand. "It is brewed especially for us," I was told over the phone. And when I asked who brewed it for them? "I don't know. And the person who would is out of town."

Hmm.

Of course, these "house brands" are not to be confused with the very small number of bars in the city that actually have their own unique beers. Most recently Get Well announced the introduction of an on-site nanobrewery where small batch beers are in fact brewed on the premises (and, incidentally, are quite good. The porter they brewed recently in collaboration with Duggan's was something of a revelation for me).

Craft beer mainstay barVolo has likewise been pumping out quality one-offs and collaborations with local brewers as part of their House Ales program for over two years.

Furthermore, and for my money far too often overlooked, Opera Bob's offers a fantastic beer brewed just for them. Mill Street's Bob's Bearded Red is actually brewed only for Opera Bobs. Mill Street Brewmaster Joel Manning is friends with world-renowned Canadian opera singer Robert Pomakov (aka Opera Bob), and created this traditional Irish Red Ale (not the North American version that's generally a darker amber with caramel flavouring) just for him. This is a fantastic nitrogen-charged, creamy pub draught you can usually only get at the Mill Street Brew Pub and, obviously at Opera Bob's.

But aside from those and other sparse exceptions, most of the time when you order a "house beer," you're probably just getting something cheap and easy-to-drink made by one of a handful of the city's craft breweries.

The question is, is this dishonest? Bartenders, and even bar owners, didn't hesitate to fess up, even when I disclosed I was writing for the site, so is this a case of underhanded marketing, or is this just a forgivable marketing gimmick wherein everybody wins? Breweries get to sell their beer, the bar gets to say it's their own local lager, and customers get cheap, drinkable draft.

What do you think?

Photo by July Lavelle in the blogTO Flickr pool

Cavernous (but cool) wine bar opens in Leslieville

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new leslieville restaurantThe co-owners of this new Leslieville restaurant and wine bar have a good resume behind them (Pizzeria Libretto, Enoteca Sociale) and they've brought on Matthew Sullivan of the Boxed pop-up to create an eclectic menu tailor-made for the spot's extensive wine list.

Read my profile of Skin + Bones Wine Bar in the restaurants section.

This week on DineSafe: Alimento, E Mart, Farm Fresh Supermarket, Hong Tai Supermarket, Pho House, Thai Express, Thai One On, The Y Cafe

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toronto dinesafe public healthThis week on DineSafe, it was back to regular unsanitary-restaurant-busting, with a couple of offending grocery stores thrown into the mix, too. Farm Fresh Supermarket again proved that its name might be more aspirational than descriptive, landing on the DineSafe low list with a total of 14 infractions. A couple of downtown spots were branded with conditional passes, too, including Thai One On on Queen West and Alimento down on King. Here's a glimpse at some of the DineSafe reports this week.

Alimento (500 King St W)
Inspected on: January 9
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 9 (Minor: 2, Significant: 6, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Inadequate food temperature control

E Mart (698 Bloor St W)
Inspected on: January 9
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 8 (Minor: 3, Significant: 4, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Failure to protect food from contamination

Farm Fresh Supermarket (4466 Sheppard Ave E)
Inspected on: January 8
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 14 (Minor: 5, Significant: 6, Crucial: 2)
Crucial infractions include: Inadequate food temperature control

Hong Tai Supermarket (2555 Victoria Park Ave)
Inspected on: January 9
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1, Crucial: 2)
Crucial infractions include: Inadequate food temperature control

Pho House (610 Gerrard St E)
Inspected on: January 10
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 2, Significant: 3, Crucial: 2)
Crucial infractions include: Failure to protect food from contamination, inadequate food temperature control

Thai Express (2061 Steeles Ave W)
Inspected on: January 9
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 2, Significant: 1, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Inadequate food temperature control

Thai One On (500 Queen St W)
Inspected on: January 10
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 2, Significant: 4, Crucial: 0)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

The Y Cafe (55 John St)
Inspected on: January 10
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional Pass)
Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 1, Significant: 6, Crucial: 0)
Crucial infractions include: N/A


House of the Week: 16 Donino Avenue

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16 donino avenue houseToronto is not, in fact, all shoeboxes in the sky. Indeed, there are some city residences that actually touch ground, flourishing from it with granite finishes, indoor pools, and frankly frivolous numbers of bathrooms. This is the start of a weekly look at some of the latest and greatest homes for sale in Toronto, which will probably confirm to most of us that we have chosen the wrong careers.

16 donino avenue houseSo, here's a reason to send your headshot over to Millionaire Matchmaker's headquarters. A newly built, $5.5 million home in heart of Hogg's Hollow. Forget using those legs — take the elevator to your bedroom. Heated floors? Try heated marble floors. There's even a built-in dog bath in the three-car garage, and a seven-speaker built-in system throughout the home. Because it's hard to yell "Dinner's Ready!" over 7,000 square feet, after all.

16 donino avenue houseSPECS:

Address: 16 Donino Avenue
Price: $5,495,000
Size: 6,575 sq ft + 1,145 in the lower level
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 7
Parking Spaces: Garage 3, Drive 5
Laundry areas: 2
Floors: 4
Property Taxes: Not yet assessed

donino houseNOTABLE FEATURES:

  • Marble flooring
  • 21' architectural windows
  • Custom feature leaded glass ceiling
  • Indoor exercise pool (converts to a hot tub)
  • Sauna
  • Elevator
  • Library
  • Theatre room
  • Wine cellar
  • Six-foot wide integrated fridge/freezer as part of custom kitchen
  • Butler's pantry

16 donino avenue houseGOOD FOR:

People with big furniture, a dog (specifically, one that needs washing), and knee issues. Perfect for those who like to shop at Costco but hate that they can't fit all of their food buys in the fridge. And, there's an amazing master wardrobe and bathroom that will surely help to ensure (at least a few months of) marital bliss.

16 donino avenue houseMOVE ON IF:

You don't have $5.5 million. You don't want to be accused of sucking the "charm" out of the area. You need a full-sized swimming pool, not a puny exercise pool. Oh, and you call that a wine cellar?

Additional Images:

16 donino avenue house16 donino avenue house16 donino avenue house16 donino avenue house16 donino avenue house16 donino avenue house16 donino avenue housedonino housedonino houseIf you had the dough, would you buy this home? Add your two (million) cents to the comments below.

The Best New Cheap Eats in Toronto, 2012

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cheap eats torontoThe best new cheap eats in Toronto in 2012 provide exception to the rule that nothing in life comes good, fast, AND cheap. Fast casual concepts dominated the list with sandwiches, pizzas, and tacos, but unlike past years, not one gourmet burger, fried chicken or hot dog operation managed to crack the top 9, showing that Toronto has a penchant for fresh, customizable options influenced by a gamut of diverse flavours.

Predictably, there were a few new pizza joints on the list, but an array of gourmet sandwich shops proved that you don't need to break the bank to enjoy a quality meal.

Here is the list of the best new cheap eats in Toronto in 2012.

See also:

The Best New Cheap Eats in Toronto, 2011
The Best New Cheap Eats in Toronto, 2010

Radar: The Walkmen and Father John Misty, Bill Brown's 1-2-3 Slam, Seinfeld Trivia Night, Pivot Reading Series

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toronto events january 16MUSIC | The Walkmen and Father John Misty
New York-based rockers The Walkmen hit TO tonight for a show at The Danforth Music Hall. These guys are no strangers to touring, having formed in 2000, with seven albums under their belts. They are currently promoting their latest release, Heaven, which came out last May, and features guest appearances by members of Fleet Foxes and The Cocteau Twins. The vibe of this release is an optimistic and positive one, and reception to the album has been largely positive as well. Father John Misty opens tonight's show.
The Danforth Music Hall (147 Danforth Avenue) 7 pm $33.50-$45.50

BOOKS & LIT | Bill Brown's 1-2-3 Slam January Edition ft. Lisa Slater
Tonight is the first 1-2-3 Slam of 2013. This is a much-anticipated poetry slam with a $100 prize, where poets deliver one minute, two minute, and three minute-long pieces in different rounds as they compete and a winner is squeezed out! This evening's featured performer is BC spoken word artist Lisa Slater, who is an artist with feminist leanings and whose work explores themes of sexuality, friendship, and community. This should be a good one as this event has "regulars" who can't wait to give Slater a run for the money!
Q Space (382 College Street) 7PM $7

TRIVIA | Seinfeld Trivia Night: Questions About Nothing
There's a new trivia right in town folks - consider tonight the "pilot" for Seinfeld Trivia at The Monarch Tavern. Fans of the show will definitely want to consider making their way to this get together which promises to have plenty of prizes, some episodes being screened, and oodles of esoteric questions about your favourite TV series. It's a team sport, and teams will be made up of up to six people, so come ready to battle, or hook up with a crew onsite.
Monarch Tavern (12 Clinton Street) 7:30PM

BOOKS & LIT | Pivot Reading Series
The Pivot reading series holds its first reading of the new year tonight at The Press Club on Dundas West. This event is a special "all poetry" reading, featuring four poets who also do substantial work in fiction: Dani Couture, recipient of an Honour of Distinction from The Writers' Trust Dayne Ogilvie Prize; Lionel Shapiro Prize winner Nyla Matuk; 2010 Governor General's Award nominee, Sandy Pool; and Pat Lowther Award winner, Karen Solie. Jacob McArthur Mooney hosts this event, which takes places every other Wednesday.
Press Club (850 Dundas Street West) 8PM PWYC

OTHER EVENTS ON OUR RADAR

livemusicTO Presents: This Is The Noise & The Set
Niki And The Dove with Vactioner @ Wrongbar
In The Lobby at Thompson Hotel

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.

Photo courtesy of The Walkmen

Morning Brew: Council OKs 2% property tax rise, Ford votes against own budget, TTC fires 8 enforcement staff, going for mid-rise, and taxpayers' group Twitter pulled

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toronto geeseThe first round of budget votes at city council took a bizarre turn yesterday when Rob Ford voted in favour of a motion that contradicted his own budget plans. Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti's motion to freeze property tax rates and build a floating casino to make up the lost revenue garnered a "yes" vote from the mayor whose budget called for a 2% increase. The motion died, though, with only Ford, Frances Nunziata, and Glenn De Baeremaeker voting with Mammoliti. What are your thoughts on the tax increase?

The TTC has fired eight enforcement officers who it says issued false offense tickets for panhandling, loitering, and other offenses to members of the public with no fixed address. Five of the workers face criminal charges for obstruction of justice and fabricating evidence as a result. The fake tickets were likely a smokescreen for skipped shifts.

Toronto's chief planner Jennifer Keesmaat says Toronto needs more mid-rise apartment buildings in all of its neighbourhoods rather than a cluster of extra tall condos in the downtown core only. In the latest in a series of articles from the Toronto Star, Keesmaat says 5-10 storey buildings are key to the city's success. Do you agree?

A Saint John man is angry with Air Canada over a Christmastime incident that resulted in his13-year-old son being left alone at Pearson for six hours. The airline put the plane's other passengers in a hotel for the night when after flight was turned back due to bad weather.

The Toronto Taxpayers' Coalition, a group advocating for a downtown casino to fund subway expansion, had its Twitter account suspended yesterday, possibly for faking a verification mark on its page. Metro's Jessica Smith noticed yesterday that a blue check mark reserved for major corporations and celebrities appeared on the group's Twitter account shortly before the micro-blogging site suspended access.

IN BRIEF:

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

Photo: "Jesus Geese" by DdotG/blogTO Flickr pool.

Breakout Toronto Bands: Tre Mission

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toronto tre missionBreakout Toronto Bands features local artists that we think you should give a listen to.

Who are they?

Tre Mission is a 21 year old Toronto MC burning up the U.K.'s 'Grime' scene - think fast rhymes over equally fierce electro-dub beats. Although somewhat of an indie sensation across the pond (with multiple Youtube freestyle videos racking up hundreds of thousands of views), he's managed to lay low in the hip-hop identity crisis capital of the world: Toronto.

I caught up with Tre recently, and he told me about how he started rapping at age 6 in Don Mills, after hearing the Beastie Boys' "Intergalactic," then improvising over instrumental bonus tracks. Tre's been making music ever since, posting freestyles and tracks to U.K. hip hop forums like GRM Daily, where he raised enough eyebrows to release his first mix tape (featuring the ridiculous "When I come thru"), at just 19.

Since then he's consistently found the bulk of his success overseas. These days Tre finds he has a second life, where he's both celebrated by music critics and grime pioneers alike, and often targeted by haters for his out-of-place (Canadian, eh) accent. If anything, the controversy only seems to fuel Tre's drive, and the pace of his video and track releases has yet to slow.

They sound like...

Tre articulates laser sharp rhymes over dark and cavernous, yet often frenetic beats, with the obligatory 8-bit Nintendo sound effect to further the space-out vibe of a grime beat. What sets Tre apart is a balanced lyrical approach that has him flipping seamlessly between bravado and introspection. From rhyming about money, girls, and hiding weed from the cops over a driving bass beat in "Maxin Everything," to the insecurity-laden steel drum confessional of "Hilroy," it's this delicate straddling of street-cred and self-indulgence that makes Tre Mission's music intriguing.

It's obvious that Tre stands apart from the crop of local up-and-coming rappers, and it's his view that what's burdening the city's rap scene with unoriginality (aside from a few notablepioneers) is street hip hop's inability to accept creating music for the sake of creating music. Tre notes how many talented Toronto rappers never escape the cycle of street bravado, and all the danger that comes with it, saying "it's too bad some people don't know when to stop and say 'I'm going to do music now.'" Considering the rap/gang affiliation with this summer's Eaton Centre shooting, his theory is especially resonant.


Hear them / see them

You can check out a track from Tre's debut album, Malmaison, above. Tre has only had a handful of live performances in the city since his appearance at this year's NXNE hip hop showcase, but he's working on a live band set-up to bring the richest stage adaptation of his tracks possible.

This Week in Fashion: Ford Models and Ports 1961 leave Toronto, Silkscreening 101, eLUXE and Headmistress sales

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toronto fashion eventsNEWS

At the end of this month, Ford Models is closing its Toronto offices (the agency's only Canadian location), based on a decision by its New York higher-ups. Though the powerhouse company brought so much to the Canadian fashion industry - including more than 250 talented models, some of which were featured throughout Toronto Fashion Week - it is the smallest of Ford's markets. This unexplained move immediately sparked a frenzy amongst other agencies to sign the city's best talent. An official statement (hopefully explaining Ford's motives) will be released later this week.

Miu Miu, a brand I like to call Prada's super hip baby sister, is leasing space on the ground floor of Holt Renfrew (50 Bloor St W). The shop-in-a-shop will be the brand's first Canadian boutique, and will carry its quirky clothing and accessories. According to Retail Insider, the new store to open early next month.

Ports 1961 in Yorkville (151 Bloor St W, Unit 101) - a trendy fashion empire born in Toronto and nurtured in other parts of the world - is shutting its doors to focus on distributing to The Room at The Bay, Harry Rosen, and the like. The too-small space will close at the end of the month, leaving their Montreal location the only one in Canada. On the bright side, they'll be offering extreme discounts on all of their merchandise from now until they (sort of) bid Toronto farewell.

EVENTS/PARTIES

This week, Uniiverse is offering the opportunity for Torontonians to discover new hobbies via Rookie of the New Year - a series of five introductory workshops taught by renowned experts. Though class for suspension yoga and 3D printing has come and gone, Silkscreening 101 is still open to all eager/confused design rookies. Taught by Peach Berserk's Kingi Carpenter, the workshop will be held tomorrow (January 17) at 81 Shaw Street for $49 in advance, and includes all supplies.

Eclectic bazaar 101 Markets is setting up at 3030 Dundas Street West once again this Sunday (January 20), as it does the third Sunday of every month. As always, an assortment of vendors will be ready to offer vintage pieces, original art prints, handmade doodads, and edible delicacies. To find "everything you didn't get this holiday," stop by from 10:30 am until 5 pm.

SALES

eLUXE is giving customers a chance to browse and buy their typically virtual designer products by having a two-day warehouse sale tomorrow (January 17) and Friday (January 18). Find garments by designers like Pink Tartan and Rebecca Taylor for at least 50% off the regular price at 355 Adelaide Street West from noon to 7 pm.

Headmistress, a local brand offering handmade headdresses ranging from floral crowns to extravagant feather headbands, is having an end-of-season sale right in their very own studio (521 Queen St W, Suite 200). Drop by from 3 pm until 8 pm on Friday (January 18) or from noon until 6 pm on Saturday (January 19) to snag a fall/winter 2012 piece at up to 75% off.

Photo courtesy of Ports 1961

Is this the smallest espresso bar in Toronto?

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espresso bar torontoLooks like Sam James Coffee Pocket might have a bit of competition, at least when it comes to minimal square footage. This Bloordale espresso bar is just over 100 square feet, packing espresso, teas, and a selection of sweet treats into one seriously tiny space. So if you're looking for a place to pull out your laptop and sip your latte into the afternoon — look elsewhere.

Read my profile of Haven Espresso Bar in the cafes section.


The 2012 Photos of the Year: Round Three

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Photo Toronto ContestAs the new year begins, we look back at the best photos from 2012 in our second edition of the photos of the year. Each of the photo of the week winners from 2012 will compete against each other for the grand prize. As is the case with our weekly contests, the photo of the year will be sponsored by Posterjack, and the winners will be decided by by our readers. The following prizes are up for grabs:

  • 1st Place - 36x48 Metal Print ($400 value)
  • 2nd Place - 24x36 Acrylic Print ($200 value)
  • 3rd Place - 16x24 Canvas Print ($100 value)

The contest will take place over four rounds composed of 13 photos, one for each week of the year. The three photos with the most votes from each round will move on to the final round, which will feature 12 photos and ultimately decide the top three photos of the year. This poll will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on January 20th.

For those photographers whose images are featured below, please feel free to give us a little information about your shot — i.e. where and when it was taken — in the comments section. Who knows? Maybe your description will sway voters in your favour!

Lead photo by jonathan.mastrella.

2.
TorontoPhoto by URBANE

3.
TorontoPhoto by jtinphotos

4.
TorontoPhoto by Crustina

5.
TorontoPhoto by darkwaders

6.
Toronto heartPhoto by Richard Gottardo

7.
Toronto StreetcarPhoto by Michael Mitchener

8.
CNE TorontoPhoto by ptngoc2612

9.
TorontoPhoto by MrEllis

10.
TorontoPhoto by Eliyas J

11.
Sunrise TorontoPhoto by Vincent McMillen

12.
Sunrise TorontoPhoto by DMVPhotography

13.
Raccoon TorontoPhoto by bukharov


Condo of the Week: 993 Queen West

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993 queen st west toronto condoCheck out this condo at the Centre for Social Innovation in the Annex! Oops, I mean the Candy Factory Lofts across from Trinity Bellwoods Park. Heh. Though you can see how I might get confused, right? Designed by Karen Sealy, this two-bedroom condo has a bit of an industrial-chic-meets-country-cabin feel, complete with huge arched windows so everyone can see you in your industrial-chic-meets-country-cabin condo. And with a price tag that's actually under $1,000,000 (which may become somewhat of a rarity for a Candy Factory two-bedroom), this unit, obviously, is a home for the everyman. Solidarity, workers — this one's for you.

toronto condoSPECS:

Address: 993 Queen Street West, Loft 104
Price: $839,000
Size: 1,600 sq ft
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Parking Spaces: 1
Monthly Maintenance: $624.18
Building Amenities: Rooftop terrace, guest suite, concierge, fitness centre, party room

candy factory lofts toronto condoNOTABLE FEATURES:

  • Historic wooden beams
  • Sunken living room
  • Glass railings
  • Gas fireplace with stone mantle
  • Six-piece bathroom (two showers) with limestone counters
  • Built-in office space
  • Stainless steel appliances and kitchen island
  • Central air (despite ceiling fans)

candy factory lofts torontoGOOD FOR:

Snagging a prime sunning spot in Trinity Bellwoods Park (though it's up to you to convey that aloof sense of, "Oh, I just stumbled upon here..."). Good for entertaining, cohabitation (see two showers, above), bragging. Bonuses include natural light, room for yoga and yerba mate party, and lots of space for storage.

MOVE ON IF:

You hate wood walls that don't go up to the ceiling, or living amongst a sea of wayfarer glasses. You expect a little land for your $800,000; or at the very least, a second toilet.

candy factory lofts torontoINVESTMENT POTENTIAL:

Remember when Candy Factory lofts were selling for $200,000 - $300,000? Ah, the good old days of 2008...

Additional photos:993 queen st west loft993 queen st west loft993 queen st west condocandy factory lofts torontocandy factory lofts torontoIf you had the dough, would you buy this condo? Let us know where you stand in the comments below.

Does Toronto finally get how this wine bar thing works?

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wine bar dundas westGood news! It would appear that Toronto is slowly picking up on the difference between a wine bar and a restaurant with lots of by-the-glass wine options. Opened in December, this smallish space on Dundas West makes good on its designation with a locally focused list of 30 or so wines and a tapas-style food menu. You won't mistake it for a restaurant — and that's a good thing.

Read more in my review of Archive Wine Bar in the bars section.

Street Style: 15 looks from Queen West

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toronto january street styleThe city has been enjoying an unusually mild winter (knock on wood), meaning sunglasses, spring coats, and rolled-up sleeves in a variety of bright hues have been de rigueur on Toronto streets. We hit the pavement on Queen West to snap some casual weekend (and not-entirely-suitable-for-winter) looks.

Check out the warm weather looks in the Style section.

The colour of night

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