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Street Style: 20 looks from Toronto Fashion Week


The top weekend events in Toronto: October 23-25 2015

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weekend events torontoThe top weekend events in Toronto will have your schedule jam-packed from Friday to Sunday. Cask Days, one of the most well-loved beer events in the city, is returning for its 11th year, bringing hoppy beverages from 150 breweries to the Brick Works for three days. If you're not into beer, or have misplaced your ID, head to Dufferin Grove Park for Night of Dread to get pumped for Halloween.

For more events this weekend click on over to our Events section.

FESTIVALS

PS Kensington (October 25)
Head to Kensington Market for the final installment of Pedestrian Sundays (until next year, that is). As per usual, you'll find a host of street performers, food on sticks, dancing in the streets and the Kensington Art Fair.

MUSIC

Not Dead Yet (October 22-25)
Toronto's punk festival is back for another year, running from October 22-25. The event will bring hardcore acts, like Boston Strangler and Title Fight, to venues across the city. Check the NDY2015 Facebook page for the schedule and list of participating venues.

Zedd: True Colors Tour (October 24)
Didn't get your EDM fixb at the disastrous Disclosure show? Zedd, Dillon Francis, and Alex Metric will be taking to the stage at the Ricoh Coliseum this Saturday.

ENTERTAINMENT

Friday Night Live (October 23)
The theme for this week's FNL is C'est Fashion (appropriate, since it's Toronto Fashion Week). Aside from DJs and food trucks, you'll find on-site grooming stations, fashion trivia games, and more style-themed events.

Lightsaber Battle Toronto (October 24)
If you can't wait until the new Star Wars movie premieres later this year, you can awaken the force earlier thanks to a showdown that'll pit Jedi versus Sith for an epic-sounding lightsaber battle happening in the nearby galaxy of Toronto. Grab your glowing weapon and head to Nathan Phillips Square, or if you have the funds, you can buy one there.

Night of Dread (October 24)
If you can't wait for Halloween night to indulge in some costume-clad fun, Clay & Paper Theatre is throwing its annual bash a week in advance. The dress code is simple: black, white and dreadful. After partygoers parade around the streets in costume, there will be a bonfire, food, and live music by The Shuffle Demons.

FOOD & DRINK

Pancakes & Booze Art Show (October 23)
Breakfast food and booze are a match made in heaven. Top that with an art show and you've got all the makings of a good time. Want to get in on the action? Head to the Opera House on October 23rd. Remember it's AYCE, so even if you go on an empty stomach you'll be satisfied.

Feast in the East (October 24)
Feast in the East, the monthly east side food, music and installation series, is heading to the Anchored Social Club. The Acorn, Phedre, and Blunt Chunks will be providing the musical soundtrack for the evening and Charlotte Langley will be serving up a free falafel dinner.

Cask Days (October 23-25)
Cask Days is bringing beer lovers to the Evergreen Brick Works from Friday to Sunday. 150 beers from around the world will be available to attendees, including numerous rare offerings. This year you'll be able to snack on eats from a bevy of Toronto restaurants, including WVRST, 416 Snackbar, and Bar Volo.

TECH

Buffer Festival (October 23-25)
The Buffer Festival is like TIFF but for YouTube. The event showcases international video content from YouTube's finest creators through theatrical screenings and gives fans the opportunity to meet some of their favourites. Also look forward to a red carpet gala event and free meetups prior to screenings.

ARTS

Feature Art Fair (October 22-25)
This contemporary art fair is much smaller than the sprawling Art Toronto, which also happens this weekend. With 30 galleries participating, you can expect to see representation from numerous Toronto spots including Clint Roenisch, Erin Stump Projects, Katzman Contemporary and Stephen Bulger Gallery.

International Festival of Authors (October 22-November 1)
The 36th annual International Festival of Authors will take over the Harbourfront Centre for an eleven day stint. The event will feature readings, interviews, lectures, round table discussions, public book signings and a few special events.

Art Toronto (October 23-26)
Art Toronto takes over the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for one weekend each year to present modern and contemporary art from around the world. For the 2015 edition, it's spotlighting Latin America with a curated section of galleries and projects from Mexico as well as South and Central America.

RUNNING

TO Women's Run (October 24)
The third event in this running series ends with a 8K or 5K in Sunnybrook Park. Water stations are 'manned' by TO's finest firefighters, so leave the fanny pack at home and come thirsty.

Mad Dog Scramble (October 25)
This run combines some challenging trail paths as you navigate the creeks around Sunnybrook Park. You will get muddy on this 8K run, so leave the new Nikes at home and show off your trail game.

Monster Dash (October 25)
Sport your best costume for this family-friendly race around Leaside. The spooky race kicks off at night, with 5K, 10K and a one mile kid's races. Naturally, there are prizes for the best costumes.

SHOPPING

Everything to do with Sex Show (October 23-25)
Get in the mood by attending the Everything to do with Sex Show at the Enercare Centre. The event includes burlesque stage shows, seminars, live erotic art performances, a kinky playroom, vendors and more.

Gadsden's Toronto Vintage Clothing Show (October 25)
Spend your Saturday perusing racks of vintage goods at Wychwood Barns. If you're looking to revamp your winter wardrobe, clothing, jewellery and fashion accessories will all be up for sale. Or, if you want to switch up your home decor, a few vendors will be selling textiles, linens, fabrics and quilts.

JOB HUNTING

Toronto Startup Job Fair (October 23)
On the hunt for new job? The Toronto Startup Job Fair is in town this Saturday, connecting job seekers with - you guessed it - startups within the city. If you want to kick start a new career, or are a recent grad, this is a great place to look.

For more events this weekend click on over to our Events section. Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit it for free using this form.

With contributions from Libby Roach, Maria Vanta, Ben Johnson, and Amy Grief.

Photo of Night of Dread.

Uproar over art hanging at popular Toronto cafe

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i deal coffeeA group of Torontonians are taking to social media to denounce I Deal Coffee's curatorial decisions. Many are unhappy because the cafe's Kensington Market location is displaying artwork by Gregory Alan Elliott, a Toronto-based artists and illustrator accused of harassing feminist activists Steph Guthrie and Heather Reilly on Twitter.

Elliott was charged with three counts of criminal harassment and is currently waiting for the verdict in his trial.

Now, many are using Twitter and Facebook to speak directly to I Deal Coffee in order to share their disappointment and outrage over its choice to showcase Elliott's work. Being the internet, this has led to rather nasty arguments across both social media platforms.

On Monday, I Deal Coffee addressed the issue. Here's the full statement from its Facebook page:

This is in reference to the artwork at our 84 Nassau St. i deal coffee location;

With all the love in our hearts we like to thank you for voicing your concerns.
i deal coffee in no way, substance or form, endorses stalking or harassment.

As a small local, independently owned roaster cafe, we like to support local artists by showing their work. If any of the content of the art on the walls is considered harmful, we would remove it immediately.

The context of this show is that Greg is a local artist, with a bright history of illustration, design and street art in the Toronto area. His trial has concluded, is awaiting judgement on January 22 and he is innocent until proven guilty. If he had been considered a threat to public safety, he would be in jail as a result of these charges. Since we specialize in making the best cup of coffee with a smile, we will leave it to the judges to decide who has committed a crime and what their sentences or reparations to society will be.

We do not politically align with MRAs but do agree that citizens must have an unalienable right to their beliefs. We have no reason to believe the artist is an MRA, or pushing this agenda in any way through their art as it hangs in the cafe.

What do you think about I Deal's decision to highlight Elliott's artwork? Let us know in the comments.

10 Toronto restaurants with great music playlists

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restaurant music torontoMusic at Toronto restaurants can be a huge part of a meal. If you've ever eaten at a place where the music is mediocre, or worse - no music - was playing, you know how it puts a damper on the experience. Along with lighting, decor, service and, of course, the food - many Toronto restaurants' expertly curated soundtracks are one of the main reasons patrons return.

Here are my picks for Toronto restaurants with great playlists.

La Carnita
Now boasting three bustling locations (College St., Queen East and John St.), La Carnita's Mexican street fare is matched with one of the best hip-hop soundtracks in town. Whether the classics (Ghostface Killah, A Tribe Called Quest) or more contemporary rhymes (Chance, The Rapper, Childish Gambino), you're guaranteed to find just as much flavour in the tunes as you will on your plate.

The Drake Hotel
"We want our patrons to experience both new and familiar music," says Nathan Stein, The Drake's head of music programming. Whether you choose to dine in the cafe, lounge or Sky Yard, this West Queen West mainstay will have you grooving to a blend of classic soul, progressive indie and upbeat synth-pop. Don't forget the Drake Underground, home to live shows with a focus on local acts.

Bar Volo
In this cozy Yonge and Wellesley craft beer bar, you can expect owners Julian and Tomas Morana and their roster of DJs to start the day with laidback soul, jazz and funk before transitioning into a mostly trip-hop soundtrack that complements the dimly lit space and extensive beer list. "We showcase styles of music that wouldn't be commonly heard in a typical craft beer bar," says Julian.

Parts & Labour
Before heading underground to The Shop for P&L's Saturday night hip-hop dance party, the laid back, communal-dining style brunch and dinner spot is set to a mix of new wave, post-punk and indie/alternative. "We have a little something for everyone," says P&L's music programmer, Scott Wade. "But we always stay true to the overall vibe of the space."

Fat Pasha
"Fat Pasha was really born out of a place to put all my Grateful Dead posters," says owner Anthony Rose about the restaurant that brings Middle Eastern-influenced flare to an otherwise quiet stretch of Dupont. While the colourful decor and diverse, shareable plates are what get you through the door, it's likely that the modern R&B and retro hits will keep you after your meal for dessert and more cocktails.

Grand Electric
Parkdale staple Grand Electric limits their selections to the "hip-hop golden age" (late 80s to mid-90s), which lives in the personal music libraries of co-owners Ian McGrenaghan and Colin Tooke. To the masterminds behind one of the city's most popular taco joints, "hip-hop and Mexican feels like a natural combination."

Betty's
Inside one of King Street East's quirkiest haunts, you'll find both an endless flow of eclectic beer and music selections. While you sink into one of the worn-in couches beneath a packed wall of vintage memorabilia, you'll sample everything from Fleetwood Mac, Wu Tang Clan and Joey Bada$$ all the way to Guppy Ranks and Nina Simone.

Kanpai
This cool Cabbagetown joint not only serves up old school hip-hop on their speakers - they serve it up on the menu, too. Hand-crafted cocktails and Taiwanese street dishes like "Edamame Said Knock You Out" and "Piggie Smalls" (to name a few) are nods to beat-heavy songs that "ignite a memory for the customer," according to co-owner Trevor Lui.

Wallflower
This homey Dundas West restaurant and bar is as laid back as laid back gets - allowing the staff on duty to curate the music for their loyal neighbourhood patrons. Whatever they're choosing is working; over a few glasses of wine, you could find yourself swaying to dusty jazz and old country before discovering your new favourite indie rock band.

People's Eatery
The brains behind 416 Snack Bar are also to thank for this Chinatown hot spot, where the soundtrack is as much of a cultural fusion as the menu. Whether it's Leon Bridges' smooth soul, stomping Steely Dan or Madlibs' Shades of Blue album, co-owner Adrian Ravinsky says they "always try to keep it funky, no matter what."

What did I miss? Add your suggestions for Toronto restaurants that play great music in the comments.

Writing by Jess Huddleston / Photo of La Carnita Queen East by Jesse Milns

The Ugly Christmas sweater joins the Jays bandwagon

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ugly sweater blue jaysWith the Toronto Blue Jays inching ever closer to the World Series (let's go Blue Jays!), many of us are thinking about how we can keep warm while still showcasing our hometown pride. Since the Roots' leather Blue Jays jacket is a little on in the pricey side - it rings in at $592 - there are plenty of other cheaper, and more festive, options available online.

Yes, there are a number of Blue Jays ugly Christmas sweaters floating around the internet. For around 50 bucks, you can grab one featuring snowflakes, baseballs, maple leafs and Christmas trees. Another one from Clarks Toys includes a delightful flying reindeer pattern.

If you want to shop local while supporting Toronto's winningest team (as of late), your best bet would be RetroFestive.ca. RetroFestive's offerings are available online as well as at the Union Station holiday market and the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery. Both markets open next month.

Would you rock a Blue Jays ugly Christmas sweater? Let us know in the comments.

Enzo Pizzabar closes and moves to Mexico

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enzo pizzabarToronto's Enzo Pizzabar has shuttered its West Queen West shop, joining the exodus of restaurants that are vacating the neighbourhood at the moment.

Rather than a victim of soaring rent, however, owner Ryan Menchella tells us that an American hospitality group bought his business, including his recipes and all assets related to the Enzo Pizzabar brand.

While Enzo's Queen Street outpost is deadpool, the US company will soon be opening locations in both Los Angeles and in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

Menchella isn't exiting the Toronto restaurant scene for good. Rather, he says he's working on a new project that'll be inside an undisclosed Toronto hotel. You can read the full note ownership has posted about the purchase/closure below.

enzo pizzabarWill you miss Enzo's and its "Big Mac" Americano pizza? Let us know in the comments.

Coffee and clothes mix at Kit and Ace Toronto flagship

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kit and aceThe Yorkville incarnation of this stylish lifestyle brand for the "creative class" goes all out, with a "technical atelier" and its own hip cafe in addition to a harvest table for hosting supper clubs, a lounge area and a gallery wall featuring local artists. This is clearly where the beautiful people (who can afford this casual-luxe clothing) hang.

Read my profile of Kit and Ace and Sorry Coffee Co. in the fashion section.

Toronto Food Events: Pop Up Paladar, Westend Max, Junction Pumpkin Fest, Porridge for Parkinson's

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bacardi paladarToronto Food Events rounds up the most delicious events, festivals, pop-ups, winemaker dinners, supper clubs and other food related happenings in Toronto this week and next. You can find us here every Friday morning.

THIS WEEK

  • Chef Matty Matheson (Parts & Labour) and Miami chef, Eileen Andrade (Finka Tap & Table) team up for the Bacardi Pop up Paladar, a rum-fuelled evening inspired by old world Havana. Tickets are $75 for the family style feast complete with live Latin music and dancing happening at Cold Tea Bar (60 Kensington Ave) on Wednesday, October 28 and Thursday, October 29.
  • Peter and Chris Neal, authors of the cookbook, Goodness: Recipes & Stories are doing a meet-and-greet and book signing at Summerhill Market on Sunday, October 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Friday, October 30 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Fifty per cent of sales from this book being donated to Community Food Centres Canada.
  • Cafe Bar Pasta (1588 Dundas St. West) hosts Chef Brent Maxwell of East Thirty Six for a collaborative dinner on Thursday, October 29. Book a table now to enjoy the Westend Max menu offered for one night only featuring dishes from $10 to $30.
  • The final week of Bun Month at Momofuku Daisho (190 University Ave.) will feature a bao loaded with butifarra with roasted pine nut, garlic mayo, white onion jam and fried shishito peppers from Michael Caballo of Edulis. The final bun will be available from October 26 until the end of the month during brunch and lunch.
  • Sommelier Factory is now in session with a six week introductory course already underway. Level II classes kick off on Wednesday, October 28 with two-hour classes offered at noon and 6:30 p.m. at Thoroughbred (304 Richmond St.). Classes range from $450 to $480.

UPCOMING

  • The Junction Pumpkin Fest promises an afternoon of treats and activities at The Junction train platform and surrounding area on October 31 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Look forward to pumpkin spiced baked goods, lattes, roti, mac and cheese and more from participating local businesses.
  • Porridge for Parkinson's at Vaughan Estate (2075 Bayview Ave.) will take place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 8. The fundraiser event in support of the Parkinson Society Canada is breakfast-themed featuring food from chefs Jamie Kennedy, Donna Doohee (Mildred's Temple Kitchen); Martin Kroupie (Pangea), Sandra Katsiou (Baker and Scone), and more. Tickets are $125.

bacardi paladarThanks to Bacardi for sponsoring this post.

Know of other upcoming food events? Add them to the comments.


Toronto IKEA stores now sell bulk candy

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ikea candyA trip to IKEA isn't complete without a $1 breakfast and a slice of lingonberry pie. But now there's even more than a cheap meal to look forward to when you decide to schlep out to one of Toronto's IKEA locations. That's because the Swedish furniture store now sells "pick-and-mix" bulk candy.

This candy shop concept comes from the Scandinavian Lördagsgodis, or Saturday candy, tradition wherein children were allowed to get a bag of treats from their local store, notes a company news release.

Both Toronto locations currently offer 48 types of imported confections including chocolate, gummies, sours, marshmallows and liquorice. It'll cost you $1.99 per 100 grams.

Will you pick up candy on your next trip to IKEA? Let us know in the comments.

The Best Nut-Free Bakeries in Toronto

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nut free bakery torontoThe best nut-free bakeries in Toronto are lifesavers when it comes to children's birthday parties and events where you're trying not to kill your guests. On a day to day basis, these are excellent resources for the allergy-afflicted to find a sweet treat without the risk of cross contamination from trace elements.

These are the best nut-free bakeries in Toronto.

5 things we wish the TTC had

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ttcTorontonians love to hate on the TTC. From complaints about crowded rush hour subway trains and streetcars to untimely signal delays and incomprehensible transfers, the TTC is a much-maligned service in this city. Yet, many of us maintain a soft-spot for the red rocket and hold out hope for sunnier transit days ahead.

Here are the 5 things we wish the TTC had.

Wi-Fi
Toronto's downtown stations already have free Wi-Fi. And TConnect says all TTC stations will get wireless internet by 2017. While Wi-Fi on subway platforms is great (especially if your train is delayed), we're still stressfully stuck in the Dark Ages once the train starts to move - unless you have Wind Mobile that is.

Automatic Payment
This is one wish that'll soon be granted. That's because the TTC is rolling out the Presto system to all streetcars, buses and subway stations. By some time in 2016, you won't have to fiddle with tokens or loose change, instead, you'll be able to tap-and-pay on any TTC route.

Downtown Relief Line
We've been pining for a downtown Relief Line for years. And if you've ever been to Bloor-Yonge station at rush hour, you'll know why. While the TTC is currently looking at the feasibility of creating such a line, we're hoping that the Liberal win brings with it enough transit money to finally build one.

Time-Based Transfers
Last year, the TTC finally implemented a time-based transfer pilot program along the 512 St. Clair streercar route. The rest of us, on the other hand, are stuck in transfer limbo, unsure of how to use the flimsy slips of paper that line our coat pockets and the bottom of our bags.

24-hour subway service
Many of us would settle for a subway that runs later than last call (and opens earlier than 9:00 a.m. on Sunday), but hey, we can still dream about one that operates 24/7.

When compiling our wish list, we also asked our Twitter followers about what they'd want to see added to the TTC. Here's what they had to say.

Photo by Jason Cook in the blogTO Flickr pool.

The top 10 folk songs about Toronto

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folk songs torontoToronto has a rich history of folk music, so it's no wonder that so many songs have been inspired by the city. From the smokey cafes of 1960s Yorkville to the Cameron House and Tranzac Club where a new wave of folk artists grace the stages, Toronto's love of folk music is mutual as musicians find inspiration from the city's cast of characters, commuter chaos, and the endless possibilities it offers.

These are my picks for the top folk songs about Toronto.

Great Lake Swimmers, "I Will Never See The Sun"
"I will never see the sun, Spadina, St. George, Bay, and Yonge." Inspired by frontman Tony Dekker's daily eastbound commute on Line 2 (or Bloor-Danforth), Dekker and the rest of the Great Lake Swimmers perfectly capture just how depressing it can be to ride the TTC everyday.

Gordon Lightfoot, "On Yonge Street"
In one of the most romanticized homages to a street ever, Canadian folk legend Gordon Lightfoot looks at the longest street in the world a little differently than most. "On Yonge Street," Lightfoot sees children playing, couples meeting, and maintains "everyone you pass seems to want to say hello" - which is highly unlikely.

Cold Specks, "Elephant Head"
Walking through the downtown core, Al Spx (Cold Specks) is hopeful for a prosperous future. In the haunting "Elephant Head," from her 2012 record I Predict A Graceful Expulsion, Spx lifts her mighty voice high above the "frantic city" and the streets of "Bathurst, Spadina, St. George and Bay."

Whitehorse, "Boss Man"
In 2013 folk-rockers Whitehorse paid tribute to Rob Ford in their clever and infectious single "Boss Man." Never mentioning Ford by name, Whitehorse do name "the Star man," reference brotherly love, and top their track off with this lyrical gem: "Smoke, smoke, smoke - smoke 'em if you got 'em. Drive the Escalade to the low, low bottom."

Neil Young, "Ambulance Blues"
Neil Young reflects on the end of the hippie era and the old folky days in Toronto in his "Ambulance Blues." Referencing Yorkville cafe the Riverboat and Isabella Street, where he lived for a short time, Young sings of "keepin' jive alive" in T.O., which he always does when he rolls through town.

Jean Leloup, "Balade à Toronto"
Particularly poignant when driving along the 401 to Toronto, Francophone star Jean Leloup takes a trip to the city taking in the beauty of the the stars, Lake Ontario, and his passenger.

Bruce Cockburn, "Coldest Night of the Year"
Toronto gets cold in the winter! Although some Canadians may refute that statement, Bruce Cockburn obviously agrees. With a serious case of S.A.D., Cockburn, now that "the sun is lurking just behind the Scarborough horizon," dreams of some company on a cold Toronto night.

The Good Lovelies, "Backyard"
Like many Torontoians, The Good Lovelies have some hesitations about celebrating their city. Amidst a buoyant, foot-stomping, folk soundscape, The Good Lovelies take listeners on a bike ride on Harbord Street, up Bathurst to St. Clair in a futile search for cleaner air. Before the song ends though, they finally admit that the city will always be home.

Shawn William Clarke, "Tranzac Club"
One of Toronto's burgeoning folk stars, Shawn William Clarke shares an endearing love story of two concert photographers that all begins in line at the Tranzac Club. This is a cute romance that folk-loving Torontonians surely dream of.

Blue Rodeo, "Western Skies"
Like the Great Lake Swimmers, Blue Rodeo have come complaints about the TTC. Eager to get out of the city, Jim Cuddy and co. long to chase after shooting stars and be back in the Rocky Mountains rather than "waiting for this dumb 503 TTC" or "sitting in some bar on Queen Street." And hey, who can blame them.

Did I miss any folk songs? Add your suggestions in the comments.

Writing by Laura Stanley / photo of Great Lake Swimmers by Randall Vasquez in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Chocolate factories in Toronto

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chocolate factories torontoToronto chocolate factories are quite secretive; you just might need a golden ticket to get in. Some house massive operations, which churn out the brand name treats that fill grocery store shelves. But the city is also home to smaller, locally run shops that make delicious (and now world-renowned) treats to satisfy even the most voracious of chocoholics.

Nestlé Canada, 72 Sterling Road
Located on the still-industial Sterling Road, Nestlé Canada creates some of Canada's most iconic confections, such as Smarties and Coffee Crisp bars. A few years back, the Nestlé plant made headlines after it tried to stop a developer from building a mixed-use tower nearby. And, it'll soon get an artsy new neighbour: MOCCA (the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art).

Cadbury, 277 Gladstone Avenue
The Cadbury factory on Gladstone, between College and Dundas, is rather notorious for its intoxicatingly sweet smell. That's because it's responsible for creating all of Cadbury's Canadian products, including Caramilk, Dairy Milk and Mr. Big. And yes, you can also rest assured that you're buying local whenever you pick up a Cream Egg or a package of Mini Eggs.

SOMA Chocolatemakers, 35 Golden Avenue
This Toronto-based company is known for its high-quality, craft-chocolate and it can now say it makes one of the best dark chocolate bars in the world. It whips up many of its confections out of its small, west side factory. It doesn't, however, open this rather secret space up for tours. But you can still watch SOMA chocolatiers create magic at the Distillery store.

Sweet Olenka's, 21 Jutland Road
Sweet Olenka's has a factory and store in Etobicoke. It makes all of its ice creams and chocolates at this location, meaning there's now one more way for you to indulge in your craving for freshly made truffles and ice cream sammies.

Did we miss any chocolate factories? Let us know in the comments.

The Chipotle of pizza joints has arrived in Toronto

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Blaze Pizza TorontoThis American pizza chain affiliated with LeBron James lets customers run down an assembly line of toppings to personalize their own pies and have them flash-fired in just three minutes. The selection of toppings is impressive, the crust is light and crisp, and did I mention the price point? Any combo of toppings on personal sized pizza costs just $10.45.

Read my profile of Blaze Pizza in the restaurants section.

5 reasons to check out Art Toronto 2015

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Art TorontoArt Toronto is back at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. It's celebrating its 16th year as Canada's biggest international fair dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Fittingly, it brings out some of the most notable galleries from Canada and from around the world.

While this year's fair appears a tad scaled back from previous iterations, there's still a dizzying amount of art to see; you're sure to find something that moves you. If you want to see even more contemporary art this weekend, you can also check out the separate Feature Art Fair happening simultaneously at the Joey & Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre.

Here are five reasons to check out Art Toronto, even if you're just window shopping.

Art TorontoThe Art
Evan Penny's Homage to Holbein is striking and rather creepy. Find it at the TrépanierBaer Gallery booth. Wander through the show and find local heavyweights as well as newer contemporary galleries as well as non-commercial "Projects" such as Tammy Salzl's immersive piece The Cleansing and Stéphane Gilot's video installation The Small Pentagonal Chamber.

Art TorontoPeople watching
One of the best parts about a big, fancy art fair is the people it attracts. Yes, Art Toronto makes for some awesome people watching. Of course there are the notable Toronto collectors willing shell out thousands of dollars for a new piece artwork, but there are also a ton of other creative types in attendance. Their outfits might be just as inspiring as the pieces hanging on the walls.

Art TorontoMeet your favourite artist
Acclaimed Toronto artist Edward Burtynsky was at Art Toronto's opening gala and many artists make an appearance at the fair. There's nothing quite like hearing about a piece of artwork from the person who created it, and it's pretty exciting to see younger, emerging artists speak about their work with potential buyers.

Art TorontoExplore international galleries
Familiar names such as Olga Korper Gallery and LE Gallery at this fair, but you'll also get to see what those from outside Toronto have to offer. Take a peek into New York's Muriel Guépin Gallery and Frankfurt's Anita Beckers Gallery. And, don't miss FOCUS: Latin America galleries, including Bogota's Galeria Baobab, Lima's Revolver Galeria and Santiago's Yael Rosenblut Gallery.

Art TorontoArt speak!
Your brain might feel numb after spending hours looking at art in a (mostly) windowless convention hall, so why not take break by sitting in on a lecture or a panel? All of the art talks (the PLATFORM Speak Series) are included with the price of admission, so go get your money's worth and expand your mind thanks to artists, curators and educators from both Canada and around the world.

Art TorontoArt Toronto runs until Monday, October 26. Tickets are $18, $15 for students or $45 for a multi-day pass.


10 things to do on Devil's Night in Toronto

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devils night torontoDevil's Night in Toronto adds an extra day of celebration to the Halloweekend. Whether you're looking to give your costume a trial run before the big day or just want to attend as many events as possible, there's more than a few options to keep you busy.

Here's what to do on October 30 in Toronto this year.

Solve a murder mystery at the Addison's
If you're a fan of Clue - the movie or the game - The Addisons is where to be on Devil's Night. The lounge-meets-club is throwing the ultimate murder mystery party, where you and your fellow attendees will attempt to solve the case by tracking down clues. If you aren't a super-sleuth, spend your evening indulging in food by The Food Dudes and perfecting your character acting.

Watch zombies wrestle
Humans, Zombies and Luchadores will duke it out in a "survival of the fittest" style battle on October 30th at Lithuanian House. You won't have to put hours of effort into a costume if you plan on attending; everyone's eyes will be glued to the fighters anyway.

Dress up as Jose Bautista
One of the most popular costumes this Halloween will undoubtedly be the sassiest bat thrower that MLB has ever seen, Jose Bautista. On the 30th, The Derby is encouraging you to don some Jays gear and scribble on a beard (or shave accordingly). They'll be awarding the night's best Bautista a prize. Need more costume inspiration than the man himself? Look no further than Mini-Bautista.

Be part of a freak show
If you couldn't bear to watch American Horror Story: Freak Show, you probably want to steer clear of 99 Sudbury the night before Halloween. The venue will be hosting a carnival themed bash, complete with all the weird and wonderful performers you could ask for.

Listen to famous bands do cover songs
Want to see the B-52's, Backstreet Boys, and The Strokes perform at the same party? Well, unfortunately, that's not gonna happen. But Lee's Palace is offering the next best thing; they've enlisted over 15 bands and musicians to play cover songs all evening long.

Watch the Simpsons
Double Double Land is throwing a pre-Halloween bash complete with DJs, artwork, and everyone's favourite cartoon family, The Simpsons. Costumes are optional, but if you've got a Marge wig or Homer ensemble, you'll fit right in.

Get frightened
If you'd rather avoid typical haunted houses, Artscape Youngplace is throwing an event that covers all the bases on the night before Halloween. Select rooms will be haunted, while others will host hypnotists, feature art installations, have dance floors, or something equally entertaining.

Get drunk at a brewery
Steam Whistle Brewing is kicking its Halloween festivities off a day early, with a full blown costume party at the Brewery. If you can't make it out on Devil's night, or you want to do the event twice, there will be a second party on Halloween.

Do the Rocky Horror Picture show
One of the most well-loved Halloween traditions is dressing up and watching the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Put on your finest pair of fishnets, slap on a full face of makeup and head to the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema to be a part of the whole song and dance.

See a play
If you want to skip wading through crowds of riled up party-goers, spend the eve of Halloween watching plays at Wychwood Barns. In keeping with the spooky theme of the holiday, the performances will feature thrilling and chilling elements. Can't make it out on Devil's Night? There will also be shows on the 31st and 1st.

What did I miss? Add how will you be celebrating Devil's Night? Let us know in the comments.

Photo via Steam Whistle's Facebook page

The Best Sex Shops in Toronto

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sex shops torontoThe best sex shops in Toronto are entertaining, educational, and extremely sex-positive. Whether you're a seasoned veteran looking to talk shop about vegan lubes or a newly sexually-awakened person who just found out that deep throat is more than just the 1970s version of Edward Snowden, there's a shopping experience waiting to be had.

These are the best sex shops in Toronto.

How to celebrate Day of the Dead in Toronto

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day of the dead torontoDay of the Day events in Toronto continue on after you've packed away your Halloween costume. Leave the fanfare behind and celebrate your lost loved ones while taking part in this annual Mexican tradition that typically takes place between October 31 and November 2. These celebrations are anything but somber, so get ready to taste so authentic Mexican food and drink, hear some live music, and dance the day (or night) away.

Here's where to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Toronto.

Royal Ontario Museum (October 30)
One of the first Day of the Dead celebrations to hit the city is being hosted by the ROM. Here you'll get some historic background on the Day of the Dead, provided by Chloe Sayer, a Research Associate in the Department of World Cultures at the ROM. If you want to stick around for a more lively celebration, Friday Night Live happens the same evening.

The Kingston Social (October 30)
Head to the Kingston Social on October 30th for a day of sugar skull crafting. If arts and crafts aren't your thing, there will also be food, music, and dancing.

Wychwood Barns (October 31)
Wychwood Barns will be hosting its Day of the Dead party on the same day as Halloween (it kicks off at 4 p.m., so you won't have to pick favourites). The event will feature an Aztec dance ceremony, traditional Mexican food, music, arts and crafts, performances, workshops, and more.

Evergreen Brick Works (November 1)
If you can muster up the strength to leave your bed the morning after Halloween, head to the Evergreen Brick Works for a Day of the Dead celebration. The event will feature live Latin music and dance, plus a ton of traditional food and drink.

The Holy Oak (November 1)
The Holy Oak is celebrating life and death at its Viva la Vida! Viva la Muerte! event. The evening's soundtrack will be performed by Alec Dempster with Tlacuatzin Son Huasteco from Veracruz. If you're a fan of traditional Mexican fare, tamales and pan de muerto will be up for sale, with proceeds going to Schools Welcome Refugees.

El Catrin (November 2)
If you want to liven up your day of the day Festivities, head to El Catrin on November 2nd. Canada's top flair bartenders will be going head to head, there will be free tequila samples, and you can you can get yourself some of the best Mexican food Toronto has to offer.

Harbourfront Centre (November 7)
The Harbourfront Centre will celebrate Day of the Dead on November 7th. Bringing Mexican traditions to Toronto, there will be performances by Mariachi Los Gallos, calavera decorating, displays of Mexican folk art and more.

What did I miss? Add where you'll be celebrating Day of the Dead to the comments. Photo by Shayne Gray in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Toronto fans react to Blue Jays' playoff elimination

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blue jays eliminatedToronto fans are likely still in mourning after last night's stunning 4-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals. At least it's a bitter sweet moment because we still have a rather momentous season to look back on. Let's not forget that we made the playoffs for the first time in 22 years. And, we added a new banner to our lineup when we became the American League East champions.

Yesterday started off on a sour note after Mike Moustakas's controversial second-inning home run. It seemed like all was lost until the top of the eighth inning. That's when Jose Bautista tied up the score with his second home run of the game.

After a stressful rain delay, the Royals pulled ahead and eventually clinched the ALCS. They're now headed to the World Series against the New York Mets.

Naturally, Torontonians experienced a roller coaster of emotions. Many questioned Moustakas's home run; others were enraged when Fox Sports flashed a Royals vs. Mets promo before the end of the game. We compiled some of the best fans reactions and you can read all of them below.

Now that our baseball season is over, it's time to turn our attention to Toronto's other blue-and-white-clad team.

Photo by Sue Holland in the blogTO Flickr pool

The 10 most Instagrammable cafes in Toronto

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Reunion IslandThe most Instagrammable cafes in Toronto will fill up your feed with more than just latte art. These coffee hubs boast enviable decor, crafting the perfect ambiance to enjoy with your double shot morning brew. Whether you're in the market for an aesthetically pleasing study destination, or just want to make your profile better looking than it's ever been, these will do the trick.

Here are my picks for the most Instagrammable cafes in Toronto.

Reunion Island
Reunion Island on Roncesvalles gets a lot of Instagram love for its flooring. If you want to boldly boast your affinity for caffeine on your profile, take a picture of your beverage looking down at the tiling - it spells out coffee in black and white.

BalzacsBalzac's Distillery
Though all Balzac's locations have Instagram potential, the Distillery District location is by far the most aesthetically pleasing. With exposed brick walls and a massive chandelier, this coffee shop gives off more Harry Potter vibes than The Lockhart. The seating area gets a ton of natural light; so if you go at the right time of day, you won't have to lie when using the #nofilter hashtag.

FIKAFIKA cafe
At FIKA, the star of the show is the book wall. Plastered with hundreds of open books, it makes for the perfect selfie backdrop. Even if you aren't a bookworm, a couple snaps here might trick your followers into thinking otherwise (add a few literary hashtags for extra believability).

DineenDineen
If you scroll through Dineen's location tag on Instagram, you'll notice that people are fond of snapping two things: the latte art and the floor. If you want to get the money shot here, order yourself a fancy caffeinated beverage and make sure your wearing photo-worthy footwear.

Sam JamesSam James Ossington
Devoid of furniture aside from the coffee bar and a series of steps for sitting, Sam James has got simplicity down to a science. To get the ideal picture here, grab yourself a latte and a newspaper and sit against the mammoth pixellated photocopy mural.

De MelloDe Mello Palheta
De Mello Palheta's look is eclectic, to say the least. The shop is a smorgasbord of whimsical, mismatched decor and can cause even the most focused individual to go into sensory overload. People love to snap the open umbrellas stuck to the ceiling, but the colourfully spray-painted walls and tables also have a ton of photo potential.

Early BirdEarly Bird
If you like to maintain a minimalistic feed and think the colourful walls of De Mello Palheta would ruin your aesthetic, Early Bird is for you. The all white coffee shop has just enough decorative accents to keep things interesting while still being pretty bare bones.

SorrySorry Coffee Co.
Located inside the Bloor Street Kit & Ace you'll find Sorry Coffee Co. Like the store, the cafe keeps things minimal and trend-forward. Its colour palette is dominated by black and white, but has a few accents of copper that'll make it pop on your feed. This location does double-duty for your Instagram, as you'll also be able to get a few snaps of the always charming boutique.

GoatGoat Coffee Co.
There are a few things at Goat Coffee Co. worth Instagramming, but the most popular by far is the giant "GRAZE" sign that rests above its booths. If you like the look of lit up text, the next stop on your coffee tour should be Hula Girl, which boasts a similar "BUTTER COFFEE" sign.

OdinOdin
To get the perfect shot of Odin you'll need to stand way back from the coffee bar. The beauty of this ultra-modern cafe is the wooden shelving that bleeds up onto the ceiling, so be sure to get it in your shot.

What did I miss? Add your pick for the city's most instagrammable cafe in the comments.

Photos (in order) by chermycloset, ozols, lovejemel, icingandglitter, danielleblack, lucylarkin, samishome, abhishekdekate, s_tose4ka, ryesq.

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