With competition TV shows and live theatre hitting an all-time high, the Canadian Opera Company joined the ranks of Tyra Banks, Simon Cowell, and Rupaul yesterday to crown Canada's Next Opera Star.

The COC's 3rd annual event posits itself as a classy fundraiser but had the audience on the edge of their seats, blouses matted in sweat and shellacked french tips chewed to a bloody pulp by the end of the show.

The event pitted eight finalists, chosen from 120 prospective stars, against each other. Each potential star, outfitted by The Bay, performed one piece accompanied by the Canadian Opera Company orchestra while former contestants Karine Boucher and Charles Sy acted as the Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman of the competition.

The stars were evaluated by a panel of judges including Alexander Neef (the General Direction of the COC) and Roberto Mauro (Director of Music and Artistic Administration) for three cash prizes and the coveted title.

The audience also voted for an Audience Choice Award recipient using cool real-time technology reminiscent of the Ask the Audience lifeline from Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Though opera sounds like something reserved for bourgeoisie or at least, someone who speaks any language other than autocorrect-mangled English, it was extremely engaging and exciting.

During each piece, I felt the type of chills I had previously thought were exclusively reserved for Selena Gomez songs. Later, during the judges deliberation, the audience was treated to amazing surprise performances by Canadian Opera Company superstars Andrew Haji and Joyce El-Khoury.

In the end, no one could come close to Torontonian Emily D'Angelo's breathtaking performance of Contro Un Cor from The Barber of Seville. She won the title of Canada's Next Opera Star, as well as the Audience Choice Award. BC native Lauren Eberwein placed second and Montrealer Bruno Roy took third.

Canada's Next Opera Star is the Canadian Opera Company's biggest fundraiser of the season. All funds raised directly benefit the Canadian Opera Company's Ensemble Studio.

Photo of Lauren Eberwein courtesy the COC.

Drake is always watching Toronto, right? The rap star isn't Big Brother, but he may be omniscient, at least according to a mysterious new billboard that cropped up yesterday over the Gardiner Expressway.

Pictures of the "6 God Is Watching" sign appeared on the @RapGlobe Twitter account earlier today and Drake himself Instagrammed it this evening. What does it mean? Well, no one can say for sure yet.

Paul Seaman, a representative from the advertising company Clear Channel Outdoor, told Torontoist, "It's obviously a promotional thing for Drake." He didn't elaborate further.

In his Instagram caption Drake wrote, "Be home soon." I guess we'll have to wait until then.

What do you think the billboard means? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Rap Globe on Twitter.

As international retailer H&M gears up to release its latest designer collaboration with Balmain tomorrow, Toronto fashion lovers are already lining up in the hopes of snagging a piece (or two) from this coveted collection.

H&M x Balmain will be available at three Toronto locations: the CF Eaton Centre, Yorkdale and 15 Bloor Street West. Naturally, there are already lineups at all of them. In an effort to stay organized, H&M will hand out colour-coded wristbands to those waiting and they'll then bring in 30 shoppers at a time for 10 minute periods.

I walk over to the Eaton Centre just before noon today. The modest lineup is well hidden on the mall's second level, but as I chat with eager fashionistas, it starts to swell.

Many come equipped with lawn chairs. However, they may not get to use them; mall security is forbidding anyone from sitting down until after regular business hours. Although, no one seems dissuaded by this.

"I don't have class for the rest of the day," says Ryerson business management student Niki Patel. "I have a midterm this weekend so I'm like, 'I might as well just stay in line and wait and study.'" She's there with fellow student Sarv Dhillon and they both plan to spend the night in the mall.

One woman, who's seventh in line, showed up this morning around 5 a.m. She took two personal days off work and is prepared to stand all night if she needs to.

Wes Sung is fifth. He arrived yesterday morning; this University of Toronto life sciences student is a designer launch veteran. He remembers braving freezing cold temperatures for last year's H&M x Alexander Wang collection and is happy he'll be waiting inside tonight.

He sees H&M's collaborations as a way to get high-quality, designer items at an accessible price-point - to him, that's what makes the lineup worth it. When he finally gets his pick tomorrow morning, he's hoping to snag a Balmain jumpsuit . "No one's going to have the courage to wear the jumpsuit out," he says. "So I would like to rock it."

H&M x Balmain goes on sale tomorrow at 8 a.m. Balmain's creative director Olivier Rousteing designed a heavily marketed collection, whose ads featured models Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Jourdan Dunn. The line includes an array of sequinned, metallic and jewel-toned items such as dresses with plunging necklines, leather jackets and more than one jumpsuit.

Twitter-famous Toronto City Councillor Norm Kelly already has one hip hop feud behind him. And apparently, #6Dad can also beatbox, or at least he tries to in a short promotional video for the annual Canadian Beatbox Championships happening this Friday at Lee's Palace.

Kelly joins one of Canada's most famous beatboxers Scott Jackson for a lesson in this vocal art. The result? Well, you can see it for yourself below.

The Ward 40 councillor won't be competing in Friday's competition, but 16 of our country's top beatboxers will be. And they'll all be vying to represent Canada at the World Beatbox Battle in Berlin.

Many of us whined about the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, but there were a few upsides to the summer event, like the the numerous legacy project we'll get to enjoy for years to come. While the Toronto Sign in an obvious example, you might not be aware of some of the other ones. Take the BMX Supercross track at Centennial Park, for instance.

The online architecture and design magazine designboom calls the track "an object in a landscape and a landscape in its own right."

The striking concrete and steel structure, designed by Toronto-based firm Kleinfeldt Mychajlowycz Architects Inc., is the only track in Canada certified by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

As Toronto's Designlines magazine notes, it includes two start ramps - at 5 and 10 metres each - a 517 metre dirt road and a complex underground drainage system; after it rains, the track can dry within half an hour.

What do you think of the BMX Supercross track? Let us know in the comments.

Eating healthy and dining out are two things that don't always work in tandem. This newly opened, cafeteria-style eatery is poised to change all that, offering a place to fuel up on nutrient-rich foods at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Read my profile of Impact Kitchen in the restaurants section.

TTC subway closures have become a regular weekend event in 2015, with major shutdowns scheduled at least once a month. Now, as the year draws to a close, these closures will be an almost weekly occurrence as there are four major shutdowns scheduled over the next five weeks.

There will be a reprieve for much of December, but November weekends are going to be a bit of a mess if you rely on the TTC. There will of course be shuttles operating to cover the various closures, but it's best to be prepared well in advance to navigate the service interruptions.

Here's a list of remaining TTC subway closures for 2015.

November 7 to 8
Line 2 Bloor-Danforth - Keele to St George weekend closure from November 7 to 8 due to track work. No subway service on Line 2 between Keele and St George stations.

November 14
Line 1 Yonge-University - St George to St Clair West subway closure on November 14 due to track work. No subway service on Line 1 between St George and St Clair West stations.

November 21 to 22
Line 2 Bloor-Danforth - Keele to St George weekend closure from November 21 to 22 due to track work. No subway service on Line 2 between Keele and St George stations.

December 5 to 6
Line 2 Bloor-Danforth - Keele to St George weekend closure from December 5 to 6 due to track work. No subway service on Line 2 between Keele and St George stations.

Ongoing
Line 1 Yonge-University - Eglinton to Finch early closures. Train service ends early from Sunday to Friday between Eglinton and Finch stations.

Check out the TTC's website for further information about subway closures and other service delays.

Photo by Kim Yokota in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Weekend events in Toronto have you kicking off the month at some of this season's top film festivals. If you're not a film buff, there's plenty of other ways to keep busy; Day of the Dead festivities will be taking over the Harbourfront Centre, Beatboxers will face off at Lee's Palace, and a few markets are popping up just in time for holiday shopping.

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

MOVIES

Reel Asian Film Festival (November 5-15)
Canada's largest pan-Asian film festival returns to Toronto for its 19th year. The festival screens local and international features and shorts that focus on different aspects of the Asia diaspora. At the fest you'll be able to catch Driving With Selvi, Siti, and many more.

Toronto South African Film Festival (November 7-8)
Back for its second year, the Toronto South African Film Fest will takeover Bloor Hot Docs Cinema for a two-day stint. Aside from the flicks, there will be Q&As with directors and a gala cocktail reception on Saturday evening.

International Diaspora Film Festival (November 6-8)
The three-day fest will include works from both established and emerging filmmakers that focus on migration, immigration, and cultural diversity. This year's lineup includes The President, The Paradise Suite, Fifi Howls from Happiness, and more.

Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival (November 6-14)
The Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival returns to the TIFF Bell Lightbox for its 23rd edition. Over the course of nine days, the fest will show almost 40 short and feature films that delve into the facts and mythologies surrounding mental illness and addiction. There will also a a multi-media installation exhibition, if you prefer galleries over theatres (or want to take on both).

MUSIC

TWiMFeST (November 4-8)
Kick off November by spending the first weekend attending TWiMFeST shows. The indie music fest is spread across the city, with shows at venues like the Horseshoe Tavern, Cameron House, and Gladstone Hotel. Check out the full lineup on the official web site.

Canadian Beatbox Championships (November 6)
The country's finest vocal percussionists will throw down in Toronto this weekend. Lee's Palace will host the event and a world class judging panel will be on the scene to determine the best beatboxer in the nation. You can get your tickets here.

Good Music Pop-Up Grand Opening (November 7)
Good Music may have shut down on Queen West, but it's reopening - at least until the end of January - at 1611 Dundas Street West. The pop-up shop will be selling thousands of Rock, Jazz, Blues, Folk, International, House, Reggae, Soul and R&B vinyls at reasonable prices. If you want to get a taste of what's in store, check out its Instagram.

ART

Struck Contemporary: the Neil Young Series (November 6-February 10)
If you're a Neil Young fan, you're in luck. STRUCK Contemporary will be showcasing Jenice Heo's the NEIL YOUNG SERIES and other new works up until mid-February. A huge bonus, the exhibit is free to peruse, so you won't have to spend any of your hard earned cash.

PARTIES

#FNLROM Tribute (November 6)
Head to the ROM on Friday for another installment of Friday Night Live. See some of the city's top DJs and musicians perform, partake in gallery activies, and snack on eats from Fidel Gastro's, feasTO, Mustache Burger and more.

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

SPORTS

ISU World Cup Short Track Speed Skating (November 6-8)
Over 150 speed skaters from across the globe will flock to the Mastercard Centre this weekend to compete. This is the the second International Skating Union World Cup short track event this season and the first that Toronto has ever hosted.

FESTIVALS

The Royal Winter Fair (November 6-15)
The Royal Winter Fair is back for another year, bringing with it a bevy of food and animal-based entertainment. If you're into all things agricultural, head to Exhibition place to catch horse shows, rabbit competitions, and more.

MARKETS

Really Really Free Market (November 7)
Everything is up for grabs at the Really Really Free Market; no strings attached. Do some "spring" cleaning of your own and donate all your excess bits and bobs.

Urban Collective Pop-Up Market (November 8)
Start your holiday shopping early at the Pre-Holiday Pop-Up Market by Toronto Urban Collective. The event will feature goods from local artists, craft-makers, photographers, designers, and more. There will also be DJs on the scene, so feel free to get your dance on mid-shop.

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.

Photo of FNL ROM by Jae Yang in the blogTO Flickr pool.

A former owner of Bay Street's Gabardine has opened up a gorgeous spot across from The Royal Cinema on College St., serving up coffee, craft beer and cocktails, along with house-made Scandinavian snacks that are not only tasty but also lovely to look at.

Read my profile of The Walton in the cafes section.

Toronto's newest craft beer company seems to be taking a cue from Drake (our #6God) as it brings its inaugural Revivale brew to various downtown restaurants and bars.

With its clean branding and gold-accented bottles and taps, Lost Craft Beer is marketing itself as "4 the 6." It'll even have a clothing line to accompany its beer.

Founder Shehan De Silva launched Lost Craft Beer on October 28 during a Raptors home opener party at E11even. De Silva tells me via email that he and his team are currently working out of the Cool Beer Brewing Company; he hopes to move his company into its own Scarborough-based brewery soon.

Revivale, Lost's signature brew, is based on a Kölsch-style beer. It's currently available on-tap at Lisa Marie and in cans at restaurants such as Taverna Mercatto, Nuit Social and the aforementioned E11even. While this brand isn't in LCBOs and Beer Stores yet, De Silva is hoping to get there by early next year.

Photo from @lostcraftbeer.

$4.5 million buys you a two bedroom, three bathroom gallery-style condo near Yonge and Summerhill. Technically, the fourth floor suite at 9 Jackes Avenue is a two-plus-one with the option to convert the large den into another bedroom. The owner is Bob Harding, the vice-chair of the Art Gallery of Ontario and an art collector as seen throughout the home.

The space which takes up the entire floor, was renovated and redesigned a few years back by architect Mark Stringer and designer Doug Gill. Much like the AGO, the reno was meticulously planned to accommodate the extensive art collection with an open floor plan and expansive walls for displaying paintings and sculptures.

Another highlight are the multiple rooms for entertaining. Unobstructed interior sight lines from front to back, and the modern chef's kitchen is a social destination for cooking. There's two private elevators and the "porno room" seems like a pleasurable place to entertain (seriously, check out that flashy living room art).

SPECS

• Address: #401 - 9 Jackes Avenue
• Price: $4,450,000
• Square feet: 3,300
• Bedrooms: 2+1
• Bathrooms: 3
• Parking: 3
• Taxes: $19,170
• Maintenance fee: 2,937/monthly
• Walk Score: 94

NOTABLE FEATURES

• 9 foot ceilings
• Fireplace
• Built-in closest
• Two elevators
• South-facing terrace
• Storage locker

GOOD FOR

Parking. While you rarely need to drive in this walkable neighbourhood, the suite includes three car parking and an oversized storage locker. There's also an option to purchase a fourth spot, if you have visitors or need extra room for displaying your Back to the Future DeLorean.

MOVE ON IF

You need two storeys. While spacious like a mini bungalow in the sky, the unit is contained to only one floor and two large bedrooms. The monthly fees are more than most rentals at $2,937, and if maintenance is required in a smaller building like this one, there might not be enough dough in the reserve fund.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Thanks to Point2Homes for sponsoring this post.

Guu Toronto is no more. But, don't fret. Your favourite Izakaya spot isn't going anywhere, it's just getting a name change because Kitanoya Marketing Corp. (which owns the name Guu) and Kinka Family Inc. are parting ways.

The three existing Guu Toronto restaurants are now Kinka Izakaya. This came into effect on November 1. Kinka, if you're wondering, means golden flower. And, Kinka Family Inc. also runs Kinton Ramen, JaBistro and Kintori Yakitori.

The six Vancouver Guu locations will remain unchanged. To make matters confusing, however, Kitanoya will open a new Guu Toronto sometime in 2016.

Restaurant-related breakups and feuds are common in Toronto. We reached out to Kinka for comment and have yet to hear back. Kitanoya refused to elaborate beyond what it posted on its website. We will update this post if and when we learn more.

Parkdale restaurant Porzia is the latest Toronto restaurant to go deadpool. Without warning, chef Basilio Pesce posted a bittersweet note on Instagram announcing that he was closing his Italian eatery today.

Here's the chef's full statement:

--

It is with heavy hearts to announce that we have served our last meal in our home known to you all as Porzia. It's been a amazing journey over the last 4 years. We've met some unbelievable people and had the opportunity to collaborate with some very talented chefs from across the country.

It's time to close this chapter and move on to what's next. We would like to thank the community and our Parkdale neighbours and our guests came through the space to eat and hang out, open doors and most importantly, invite us into their lives.

Lastly, the biggest component of this story is our staff, all who have come and gone, who have grown to be our best friends and our family. There are no words to express our gratitude for their undying commitment in making Porzia a home to now a much larger family. A sincere thank you and all of our love. This is not goodbye.

Will you miss Porzia? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Morris Lum

Toronto 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

• Tickets are now available for an Evening at the Market in support FoodShare Toronto. Taking place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, November 12 at the historic St. Lawrence Market, this meandering feast costs $75 and includes food and drink presented by chefs and merchants.
• A Taste of Iceland is on from November 12 to 15 at Luma (330 King St. West) offering a four-course Icelandic menu ($75) from Ylfa Helgadóttir (Kopar) in collaboration with chefs Michael Wilson and Anthony Walsh.
• Take part in a Hands-on Butchering Workshop presented by Carnivora and Stock in Trade (1272 Danforth Avenue) on Sunday, November 8 at 7 p.m. For $55, participants will each get a whole chicken which they will learn to truss and cut, plus watch a demonstration on butchering rabbit.

UPCOMING

• The Depanneur (1033 College St.) hosts Végételiene - A Vegan French Dinner Party by Emily Zimmerman in part of their Supper Club series on Saturday, November 14. Tickets are $40 for the multi course menu featuring oyster (mushrooms) on the half-shell, meatless bouillabaisse and soufflé.
• The 21st annual Gourmet Food & Wine Expo takes place November 19 to 22 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (255 Front Street). The Expo will offer over 1,500 wines, beers, spirits and gourmet food.
• U-Feast presents Flavours of the Greek Islands hosted by celebrity chef Christine Cushing on Wednesday, November 25 at George (111 Queen Street East). The five-course menu offered for $120 with wine pairings will feature dishes like shellfish kavatelli and Mastika brûlée.

Photo of Stock in Trade

When last we wrote about the future of the World's Biggest Bookstore site, the widely publicized plan was to erect a restaurant row at 20 Edward St. As it happens, it was a short-lived plan. Back in late January, a zoning amendment application was submitted to the city, one which called for a 35 storey mixed-use development.

There will still be retail at grade, but the scale of the units suggests that restaurants won't be the plan (think big name corporate retail). If food is part of the plan at 20 Edward St., it will likely be at the underground level. The development also calls for 242 parking spaces and 610 spots for bikes.

It's basically exactly what we thought would replace the World's Biggest Bookstore. Community consultations back in April highlighted some problems with the project, but initial concerns related to the height of the structure and its intrusion on the helicopter flight path to Sick Kids Hospital were not the main point of contention.

There are issues with how this development will handle moving traffic in and out of the underground parking garage via the narrow laneway that runs north and west of the site. Nevertheless, Lifetime is already marketing the site despite the hiccups surrounding its current design.

There's no completion date for 20 Edward St. at present, though the betting is good that the problems cited with the current design will be overcome. If and when they are, it will put a cap on a very typical Toronto story. Iconic business gives way to condo project, one which actually works quite well for the area.

What do you think of the current plans for the World's Biggest Bookstore site?

Renderings via Lifetime Developments/architectsAlliance

Movember is in full swing in Toronto, so it's time to whip your facial hair into shape in support of cancer research. Aside from grooming, this month also brings plenty of fundraisers to Toronto where you can do good while having a good time. As a plus, the ladies can join in, even without a stache in sight.

Here are my picks for the top Movember events in Toronto this year.

Mid Movember Mighty Moustache Mayhem (November 18)
If you manage to turn your stubble into something truly fabulous by middle of the month, head to The Only on November 18th. Sawdust City Brewing Company is hosting a massive tap takeover at the Danforth East bar, and the man with the best moustache will have a beer brewed in his honour and his 'stache featured on the can.

Suits & Staches (November 20)
Toronto's most stylish Movember gala returns on November 20th. This one really goes all out, so you'll want to get suited and booted if you plan on attending. The night will boast an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, a luxury silent auction, and live music by The St. Royals and Amanda Toms.

Mo Trivia Night (November 26)
Get competitive on November 26th at Mo Trivia Night at The Cadillac Lounge. Whether you've managed to turn your facial hair into a work of art or are still rocking a clean-shaven visage, feel free to take part. Last years categories included Who's Beard is this?, Sports Nicknames, and Sitcom Jingles. If you want to be a contender for the Mo Cup start brushing up now.

Additional Events

• Rogers OutRank 3rd Annual Trivia Night (November 11)
• Father Daughter Ball (November 14)
• Movember Challenge Karaoke 2015 #MoChaKaTO (November 19)
• North MOVEment Mo's Pilates Karma Class (November 23)
• Tinder Tales in Support of Movember (November 24)
• MOvember TV/Film Industry Showcase & Networking Night (November 24)
• Off The Boat Showcase in Support of Movember (November 27)
• Bob's Movember Moustache Party (November 27)
• The Northern Beard Company 1 Year Anniversary/Movember Competition (November 28

What did I miss? Add more Movember events to the comments.

Photo by Aida DaSliva in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Holiday craft shows and pop-ups in Toronto will get you out of the mall for your gift shopping. Whether you're looking to get your loved one something unique or are stuck trying to nail a secret Santa present, these limited-time-only outposts will help you get the job done right.

Here's where to get your gifts this year if you're not up for the crowds at the Eaton Centre.

CRAFT SHOWS AND MARKETS

Toronto Christmas Market (November 20-December 20)
The European inspired Christmas market is returning to the Distillery District for another year on November 20th. As per usual, the streets will be filled with vendors selling local handcrafted goods and one of a kind trinkets and treasures. If you're not in the mood to shop, you can get into the festive spirit by watching carollers and sipping on mulled wine.

Union Station Holiday Market (November 30-December 20)
Union Station is exceedingly hectic around the holidays (for obvious reasons), so this market may not be everyone's cup of tea. For those that thrive in crowds, head to Toronto's transportation hub to see what local artisans have up for sale. If you're still on the fence, you can get a taste of what it'll be like by checking out our gallery from last year.

401 Artisans Marketplace (December 11-15)
If you're on the prowl for something truly unique, 401 Richmond's Artisan Marketplace is probably your best bet. The art-centric space will host 30 vendors, selling everything from eco-conscious skincare to Japanese inspired pottery. If you don't manage to find anything at the market, you can always try out Swipe, Musideum, and the Spacing Store, which are all under the same roof.

City of Craft (December 11-13)
If you like craft shows, this one blows most others out of the water. On the second weekend of December 30 craft vendors will take over The Theatre Centre, selling all the things you never knew you needed. There will also be craft-based installations and free workshops, if you need a break from spending.

Vendor Queens (December 14, December 21)
Vendor Queens is much more than your average market. The event, taking place at the Evergreen Brick Works, features live music all day, skating, live sculpture, portraiture, confessional shadow plays, and more, making shopping only a part of the experience. Even if you leave empty handed, you'll probably have a blast.

POP-UPS

Craft Ontario Holiday Pop-Up Shop (November 5-December 24)
Craft Ontario's pop-up boutique is your one stop shop for gifts and will be open right up until Christmas (in case you need to do any last minute buying). The store, located at 990 Queen Street, features handmade pieces from 48 makers and designers. You'll find the space filled with household items, jewellery, ceramics, textiles and more.

Pre-Holiday Pop-Up Market by Toronto Urban Collective (November 8)
Want to jump start your holiday shopping early? This one-day-only pop-up at 99 Sudbury will feature goods from local artists, craft-makers, photographers, designers, and more. There will also be DJs on the scene, so feel free to get your dance on mid-shop.

YYZ Imports Pop-Up Shop (November 21)
Looking for something stylish that's not off a Zara rack for your fashion-forward friends? YYZ Imports and Joao Paulo Guedes will be bringing their best pieces to 974 Bloor Street West for a day-long pop-up.

Graven Feather Winter Pop-Up (December 4th-20th)
Graven Feather will be filled with wares made by local artists for the majority of December. What's for sale? Everything from upcycled fabric bags made by Kelly Mullan to Paperhouse Studio stationary. On the 20th, the pop-up shop will convert into a market, and artists will be onsite selling even more goods.

ADDITIONAL MARKETS, CRAFT SHOWS,\ AND POP-UPS

• Artisans' Holiday Market at SickKids (November 6)
• The Toronto Etsy Street Team Present A Crafty Intervention (November 7-8)
• Bellwoods Flea (November 14)
• Pegasus Christmas Sale (November 19-21)
• Indigenous and Ingenious Art Show and Sale (November 21)
• 21st Swansea Craft Sale (November 21)
• NYSC Holiday Bazaar (November 21)
• Deck the Halls Miniature Arts & Craft Show (November 21)
• Walnut Studios Holiday Art Sale and Party (November 21)
• Roncy Yule Market (November 21-22, December 19-20)
• 30 Craft Market at May Cafe (November 22)
• One Of A Kind Show (November 26-December 6)
• The Leslieville Flea Holiday Market (November 29)
• The Sassy Little Craft Show (November 29)
• Firsthand Fair (December 5)
• Santa in the Junction (December 5)
• The Bit Bazaar (December 5-6)
• Mondo Bazaar (December 5-6)
• The Artisan Gift Fair (December 5-6, 12-13, 19-20)
• MidnightMRKT's Midday Market (December 6)
• Toronto Etsy Street Team Christmas Marketplace (December 12
• Annex Flea (December 12-13)
• Toronto Young Designers Holiday 2015 (December 13)
• Winter Folk Fair 2015 (December 13)
• The Sacred Lifestyle Holiday Market (December 13)
• The Wooden Sky's Annual Holiday Show (December 14)
• 30 Craft Market at Steelworkers Hall (December 19)

What did I miss? Add additional holiday craft shows and pop ups to the comments.

Photo by Andrew Williamson

Thanks to the geography of the areas surrounding Toronto, ours is a city that boasts striking views from over 50 kilometres away in multiple directions. The iconic CN Tower-anchored skyline can be viewed from various points across Lake Ontario but also the Niagara Escarpment to the northwest.

It's tough to pick a favourite angle, though it's worth noting that the view from Grimsby offers a rather remarkable example of the Earth's curvature, where the bottom half of the Rogers Centre exists out of view (if you climb up the escarpment, it mostly comes back).

Naturally the type of lens one uses to capture the distant skyline determines the perspective it's shown in. Telephoto lenses visually compress space, so with a little foreground and a central object that's far away, one can create the illusion that Toronto is much closer than it really is.

But really the key to all of these photos, whether zoomed in or out, is the CN Tower. Naturally it's the most recognizable structure in any skyline photo of Toronto, but when one is shooting from 50+ kilometres away, the unmistakable shape of the Tower never fails to pull the photo together by proving a focal point. In the absence of this landmark, we'd hardly know what we were looking at.

PHOTOS

Toronto from the Niagara Escarpment near St. Catharines.

Toronto from from Caledon by Iain Bell.

Toronto from Vineland by Derek Flack.

Toronto from Caledon by John Church.

Toronto from Grimbsy by ethervizion.

Toronto from Grimbsy (closer view) by Stephen Hutchinson.

Lead photo of Toronto from Beamsville by Karen Maraj.

In many places outside of Toronto, and North America in general, tipping is a rather foreign concept. While many of us regularly debate over tipping etiquette, one Toronto restaurant is cutting the practice altogether.

The Indian Street Food Company, formerly Amaya Indian Room's Bayview outpost, is going tip-free, reports CBC Toronto. In an industry with a high turnover rate, owner Hemant Bhagwani wants to keep his back-of-house staff.

To do this, as CBC notes, he'll charge a 12 per cent administration fee on each bill. He'll also use 10 per cent of his revenue to pay his employees higher wages. "Instead of paying minimum wage, we create a pool and it goes into their wages, depending upon the positions, how many hours they're working," says Bhagwani to CBC.

This is undoubtedly a bold move, especially at a time when many are starting to talk about restaurant wages and the quality of life for those working in the food and beverage industry.

What do you think of this no-tipping policy? Let us know in the comment.

Photo via Facebook.

In today's ode to Norm Kelly, we bring you a line of Drake-inspired t-shirts that'll let you show off your love for #6Dad this holiday season.

Yesterday, @norm tweeted out a photo featuring three black t-shirts that are guaranteed to become a wardrobe staple for anyone and everyone who loves the 6. Emblazoned with cheeky phrases such as "We The Norm," and "Norm x Drake," these shirts make a bold statement while also supporting two Toronto-based charities.

According to the We The Norm website, all net proceeds will go towards the SickKids Foundation or the Covenant House, an organization Kelly already supports.

Each tee costs $20 and comes in sizes small to extra-large.

Have we reached peak @norm? Let us know in the comments.