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

• Camp Throwback hosted by George Brown College (200 King Street East) channels summer camp with a grown-up twist on Tuesday, November 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join the fun on the St. James Patio (Building A) for a DIY hot chocolate buffet, BBQ'd hot dogs, and other classic bonfire activities.
• The Shangri-La Hotel (188 University Avenue) and Palettera team up to present Fete Chinoise on Saturday, November 14 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $48 for the celebration of Chinese culture featuring nine installation spaces showcasing modern interpretations of cultural traditions with a choice of high tea or late night snack food and beverage pairings.
• The Carbon Bar (99 Queen Street East) goes wild for one night only on Tuesday, November 17. For $69 per person enjoy a bountiful four-course game menu; add on a flight of Jack Daniels for $10.
• Luma (330 King Street West) hosts a Megalomaniac Winemaker Dinner on Wednesday, November 18. Tickets are $85 for the multi-course menu with Megalomaniac wine pairings. Menu features include charred octopus, clams casino, and roasted venison.

UPCOMING

• Seats are still available for Samasama on Monday, November 23 at Pai (18 Duncan Street). The collaborative Kamayan feast from Nuit Regular (Pai), Craig Wong (Patois), Rudy Boquila (Kalsada Filipino Street Food), Steve Gonzales (Valdez), Johnne Phinehas (Saffron Spice Kitchen), and Rossy Earle (Supicucu) runs for $100.
• Pukka (778 St. Clair Avenue West) hosts Alternative Italy - Amazing Wines From Off The Beaten Track on Monday, November 30 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person for an evening of Indian food paired with wines selected by sommelier Peter Boyd.

Photo of Pai by Jesse Milns

1975 was a big year in Toronto. Along with the beginnings of a massive population surge, the skyline was in the midst of profound transformation. While the CN Tower is surely the most famous structure to be added to the city during this decade, one shouldn't underestimate the importance of First Canadian Place, which was built at the same time.

In the astonishing photo above, both appear at the same height (a trick of perspective), topped with cranes jutting out into the sky. Even as City Hall, the TD Centre, and Commerce Court had modernized Toronto's downtown architecture, to see these two icons in the midst of realization is rather remarkable.

There is more than an architectural moment captured in these images. With the Bank of Montreal as the chief tenant at First Canadian Place, one has a concrete (or marble, as the case may be) example of the exodus out of Montreal that proved a boon for Toronto in a whole variety of ways.

Tens of thousands anglophones left Montreal for Toronto on account of the political climate in the province, a population shift that ultimately propelled Toronto to its status as the biggest city in the country. Back in the early 1960s, Toronto was a sleepy place, with a skyline that was still dominated by the Royal York Hotel. By the time the '80s rolled around, a massive transformation had taken place.

There was an undeniable optimism that greeted the construction of these towering structures. It was a sign that Toronto was getting better, becoming more important, and cautiously entering the territory of global metropolis (a title will still seem to have ample anxiety about).

Just think about walking west on Front or Wellington towards Church St. to see the old Flatiron Building flanked by two soaring new towers that seemed to scream Toronto is the place to be.

Lead photo by srv007 on Flickr, second photo via the Toronto Archives.

With everything from Twin Peaks to Gilmore Girls to Star Trek to Reboot and The X-Files ramping up production for splashy televisual comebacks, isn't it about time some classic Toronto TV shows were given a new lease on life?

Rebooted, re-imagined or just plain picking up where they left off, these shows might benefit from a modern make-over, and could even serve as a warm and fuzzy nostalgic boon to Canadian SVOD operators like Crave TV and Shomi who should at the very least be celebrating local TV legacies amidst the litany of glossy U.S. imports that clog most of their output.

Here are 10 Toronto TV shows that deserve to make a comeback.

The Littlest Hobo
So obviously a certified bread winner it defies explanation as to why it hasn't happened already. The premise is simple - a dog (preferably a German Shepherd) wanders from location to location, helping out those in need. While it's a safe bet that original star London has long ago passed onto the great dog kennel in the sky, there are no doubt countless trained canines who would love a shot at TV fame.

Electric Circus
Toronto's most infamous live dance party was easy to shoot, cheap to produce, and a vibrant showcase for local dance music (whether it be hip-hop, R'n'B or sleazy euro house). Record labels still desperately desire outlets to get their songs played, and few have ever lost money on the voyeuristic appetite of the viewer. As the old EC commercials used to say, "Sometimes I think, F*** it I just wanna dance."

Seeing Things
The CBC's creepy proto The Dead Zone chronicled the adventures of balding schlub Louie Ciccone (played to the hilt by Louis Del Grande), a low-rent crime reporter for Toronto tabloid The Gazette was also a clairvoyant gleaning helpful imagery from crime scenes. A middle aged guy dabbling in the supernatural, who lives at home with his aging parents? Prime Generation X by way of The X-Files fodder.

Hangin' In
This mostly forgotten Toronto sit-com was set in a dysfunctional youth counselling centre and addressed "controversial" subjects like birth control, teen suicide, homosexuality, and racism, all of which are still topical and ripe for the self-aware sit-com treatment a la Modern Family.

More Tears
The so-called "difficult second album" syndrome affected Ken Finkleman's brilliant 1998 follow-up to his critical darling The Newsroom. More Tears ran for a mere three episodes and a single 90 minute TV movie on CBC in which it pummelled the faux compassionate kabuki inherent in news media. It was a decade (at least) ahead of its time and perhaps too cynical for the softer '90s.

Strange But True
The Mad as a box of frogs anthology series profiled weird stories based on supposedly true tales that ranged from the supernatural (UFOs, Ghosts, Bigfoot) to the mundane (parking tickets, missed connections), but always played it straight. Co-produced with the Brits, this is exactly the kind of old-school, offbeat fodder missing from all the po-faced "mystery" shows that currently pollute the genre.

The Joke's On Us
The joke is indeed on us for not making more TV shows based around Toronto's eclectic comedy scene. This old relic used a rotating group of comedians (a dolly mixture of washed-up Borscht belt players like Marty Allen and Jack Carter beside young whipper snappers) to begin telling a joke, while a contestant would try and guess the punchline. Lots of groan worthy stuff of course, but more hits than misses.

Night Walk
Created simply as late night filler to burn off hours worth of CRTC mandated Canadian content, Night Walk (and its brethren Night Ride and Night Moves) have attained true cult status as definitive Toronto Polaroids of the year in which they were made - 1985. No reason why shooting POV while cruising around downtown T.O accompanied by smooth jazz (circa 2015) could not pull off the same trick.

Science International aka What Will They Think of Next?
This aspirational "floating heads" science show probably helped push countless young minds towards a career in the field thanks to its breathless reporting on way out-there Sci-Fi concepts. Owing more to The Jetsons than Omni, a series in this mould could shine some hopeful light on the future of mankind as opposed to the constant drumbeat of doom and gloom we are currently drowning in.

The Polka Dot Door
The most prolific kid's show of all time in Canada, which at its peak was sold to more countries around the world than Sesame Street (which still runs strong) and birthed the greatest kids TV mascot of all time in Polkaroo, lies dormant. Are you kidding me? The brand remains a household name: trusted, robust and contained in a formula as ripe now as it was when Polka Dot Door was terminated in the early 1990s.

Would you prefer Ready or Not was resurrected? Or would you like to see Wojek rise again? Let us know which Toronto TV show you would most like to see come back in the comments.

Ed Conroy's Retrontario plumbs the seedy depths of Toronto flea markets, flooded basements, thrift shops and garage sales, mining old VHS and Betamax tapes that less than often contain incredible moments of history that were accidentally recorded but somehow survived the ravages of time. You can find more amazing stories and discoveries at www.retrontario.com.

Santa Claus Parade road closures will affect numerous streets in Toronto this Sunday, November 15. While the closures don't get underway until 8 a.m. police will be removing cars parked along the route as early as 6 a.m.

Road closures start at 8 a.m. with Bloor Street closed from Ossington to Christie, followed by Christie to Bathurst at 10 a.m., and Bathurst to Bay Street at 10:45 a.m.

Avenue Road/Queen's Park Circle will be closed from from Davenport to College as of 10:45 a.m. University will be shut down between College and Dundas by 11 a.m., and from Dundas to Front at 11:15 a.m.

Meanwhile, Wellington will be closed from University to Jarvis at 11: 30 a.m. throughout the duration of the parade, while Front will be closed from Bay to Jarvis Street at 11:45 a.m.

Arriving to the parade early is a virtual necessity, but at least there will be some extra entertainment in the form of The Holly Jolly Fun Run, which takes place along the route about 45 minutes before the parade.

The parade runs until roughly 4 p.m., after which time the closures will be lifted. For more info, check out the their website.

TTC CLOSURES

While the subway will be at full service for the Santa Claus Parade, it's worth noting that Line 1 will be closed between St. George and St. Clair West stations on Saturday, November 14 due to track work.

ONGOING CLOSURES

Over and above the special closures this weekend, construction projects across Toronto result in numerous other road restrictions across the city. For a comprehensive list of such closures, you can consult the official map maintained by the City of Toronto (also available as a PDF.)

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

No less than five Toronto galleries have emigrated to the area around Dupont and Lansdowne as part of a reconfiguration of the city's art scene, which has left former gallery hotbeds like West Queen West and Ossington only sparsely dotted with art spaces these days.

The exodus actually began over five years ago when Mercer Union moved to Bloor and Lansdowne, but was further solidified when Jessica Bradley opened up near Davenport and Old Weston Rd. in 2012. She has since closed her gallery, but not before ushering in a migratory wave that witnessed the rise of the Junction Triangle as destination number one for contemporary commercial art spaces in Toronto.

Dupont is the latest iteration of this northwesterly trend, but it's important to note that places like Daniel Faria opened up on St. Helen's three years ago. This arts scene has been brewing for a long time, indeed. And it's only bolstered by the presence of Clint Roenisch and Gallery TPW.

Dupont is the next big thing, but let's get one thing straight: it ain't the next Ossington. While you could conceivably do a gallery hop to check out all the activity that's popped up here, as a whole, these art spaces are rather spread out. The street lacks the unified character that defines the short stretch of Ossington between Queen and Dundas.

And maybe that's a good thing. When one thinks about it now, the gallery boom on Ossington was ultimately short-lived. Angell Gallery opened at the height of it back in 2010 and was gone just five years later. The sense one gets on Dupont, however, is that the scene will have more staying power, even as condo pressure mounts at places like the Galleria Mall.

Here are six new galleries to check out on Dupont St.

Angell Gallery
There was initially some concern/curiosity about a possible drop off in foot traffic with the ove to Dupont, but gallery coordinator Rob Echlin happily notes that the hard-to-spot location has not proven a detraction to visitors. In fact, with ample parking in front of the gallery, a particular demographic of clients is now more happy to visit the space. Definitely worth the tag "destination space."

Cooper Cole
Cooper Cole is the most easterly of the new galleries, but with Neubacher Shor now open as a middle point, the new stretch of art spaces is mostly linked. While I was always fond of the old Dundas West space, the new iteration is friendly to the more serious installation-based work that Cole now shows and allows for more creative exhibitions.

Erin Stump Projects
Now in its third Toronto iteration, having first opened on West Queen West before moving north to Dundas and now to Dupont, Erin Stump has found a great space in what is becoming a busier and busier stretch of Dupont. Unlike the other recent transplants, Stump has a classic storefront space, but it rather miraculously opens up into a huge back space far bigger than before.

p | m Gallery
Located on the third floor of the Clock Factory Building at Dupont and Campbell, p | m Gallery is only open on Fridays and Saturdays (as well as by appointment). It's perhaps the best example of a gallery that's divorced itself from the notion that pedestrian traffic sells art. It doesn't. This is more of a destination gallery now -- one that's sure to see lots of activity thanks to this gallery new community.

Neubacher Shor Contemporary
Neubacher Shor Contemporary occupies a spot on Emerson just off Dupont that I've always thought should be some sort of art/cultural space. Located on the dead end northern side of Dupont beside the Shell gas station, the gallery is housed in a detached warehouse style building that's as unassuming as it gets. Inside, however, you'll see some of the best young talent in Canada.

Autumn Gallery
Autumn is the newest member of the Dupont scene, occupying a storefront space just west of Erin Stump near Franklin Ave. Part studio, part publication, part gallery, Autumn is a hub for the arts that will be most welcome in a neighbourhood that's now teeming with galleries and working artists in the mostly affordable housing that surrounds the area.

What's your favourite new Dupont transplant? Let us know in the comments.

This new knife throwing facility offers expert instruction, weekly league nights, and private lessons. It's the only club in Toronto that is recognized by the International Knife Throwers Hall of Fame, and it's obvious why. This place takes knife throwing seriously, but all in the name of good fun.

Find out more in my review of TKTO (Toronto Knife Throwing).

The best cheeseburgers in Toronto aren't typically of the fast food variety, though they'll still satisfy cravings for that basic trio of beef, cheese, and a bun. Gooey cheese melted over a patty is essential, but the precise kind of cheese hardly matters, so long as it's present to add that extra layer of deliciousness atop your burger.

Here are the best cheeseburgers in Toronto.

Thanks to Hellmann's Burger Route for sponsoring this post.

If you find yourself eating Nutella by the spoonful there's now a more refined way to indulge your cravings for this beloved spread. That's because Toronto is now home to Canada's first ever Nutella Cafe.

Located inside the Sobeys Urban Fresh store at 22 Fort York Boulevard, this heavily branded cafe is truly a shrine to chocolatey hazelnut goodness.

Naturally, there's a made-to-order crepe station where you can choose from options such as strawberry obanana and Nutella ($5.99), strawberries and Nutella ($5.99) and mixed berries and Nutella ($6.99).

If you're looking for something to eat on the run, check out the pastry case filled Nutella-infused treats like bombe ($3.49), danishes ($3.99) and flaky aragosta ($3.99). For a shot of nostalgia, go for an artisanal Belgian loaf. Despite the fancy name, it's basically a jazzed-up Nutella sandwich.

To off-set the richness from all the baked goods, the cafe offers espresso beverages, all of which are rather affordable; lattes, cappuccinos and americanos are only $2 each. Drip coffee, tea and hot chocolate (made with Compliments, Sobeys house brand) are $1. I try a latte. While not mind-blowing, it's definitely very drinkable.

Notably missing, however, are Nutella-infused drinks. Aficionados know you can find these at other cafes scattered throughout the city (check out Little Nicky's Coffee, The Black Canary Espresso Bar or Cafe Con Leche if you're interested).

With a few small tables tucked into the corner, the Nutella Cafe is more of a grab-and-go spot. It's open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, giving you plenty of time to treat yourself.

Photos by Jesse Milns.

With basketball season in full swing, you can now show your love for the Toronto Raptors and the team's brand ambassador (yes, it's Drake) simultaneously thanks to the new OVO x Toronto Raptors x Mitchell & Ness clothing line that went on sale at noon today.

If you're reading this, it's not too late to get your hands on one of the many jacket ($349 and $399) t-shirts ($64.99) and hats ($64.99) that make up the collection.

Drake sported the Raptor's new uniforms on stage at his OVO Fest this past summer. But this new line is in collaboration with the Raptors, OVO and the American company Mitchell & Ness.

You can buy it at Real Sports, the OVO Store on Dundas West or online.

What do you think of this new line? Let us know in the comments.

The latest restaurant from Hanif Harij and Charles Khabouth is a premium, but somewhat casual Italian-inspired restaurant where the bar focuses on cocktails with plenty of vermouth while the kitchen makes pizza crust sandwiches into an addictive lunch.

Read my profile of Figo in the restaurant section.

Toronto's ravine system provides city-dwellers with an urban oasis that's not often explored. But on Sunday, a small group of Torontonians will run a day-long marathon through these expansive green spaces.

Organizer Amish Morrell, who's the editor of C Magazine, says these runs aren't competitive. "It's not a race at all, it's really an adventure."

Morrell notes that his friend and performance artist Henri Fabergé started doing conceptual running routes a few years ago. Together, along with artist Jon McCurley, they ran from Kipling to Kennedy (35 kilometres above ground).

About a year ago, Morrell mapped out a marathon route through Toronto ravines - areas that he regularly explores and runs through. He even cross-country skies the ravines in the wintertime. "A lot of this kind of evolved out of finding different ways of moving through the city," he says.

For Sunday, he's planned a 55 kilometre trek between the Black Creek, Finch Hydro Corridor and Don River sections of the ravine. "I would say 90 per cent of it is trail in the ravines and about 50 per cent of that is totally kind of secret, clandestine paths," though Morrell stresses that the event may not be for everyone.

"It's a pretty DIY, kind of punk event," he says. Anyone who decides to join needs to be well-prepared with proper equipment and supplies - a detailed list can be found on the Epic Ravine Marathon Facebook page.

And, don't expect a timed race. "Our motivations are more about exploration, curiosity, discovering places and learning things about them," says Morrell. He knows the distance may be daunting and expects many of those who join his small group will tag along for the first 10 to 15 kilometres.

Morrell says that while most of the route is accessible via the TTC, being the in the ravines provides an alternate way to view Toronto. "It totally shifts and transforms your experience of the city."

Photo by Kevin McBride in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Cooking classes in Toronto can be both instructional and recreational, offering a chance to sharpen what ought to be an every day skill and socialize at the same time. While there are plenty of cooking classes to be found throughout the GTA, sometimes you just want to spice it up (please excuse the pun.

Here are my picks for the top new cooking classes in Toronto.

Dish Cooking Studio
This recreational cooking studio has been around for years, but has newly opened a space in Little Italy that offers the opportunity to cook, eat and shop all in one place. Three-hour classes are often marketed as date-worthy and take 12 to 24 participants at a time through menus based on themes like the Spanish Snack Bar, Everyday Italian, or Christmas in the South.

The Edible Story
Interactive classes hosted by this cooking studio on Richmond Street East take students through the process of whipping up a whole meal, from appetizer and main course, to side dish and dessert. Classes are capped at 10 to maintain intimacy, and guests are greeted on arrival with an amuse bouche, provided with a take-home recipe booklet and set up at a fully equipped work station.

Pitchfork Company
This cooking school on Gerrard Street East offers multi-week courses and one-off workshops for kids, teens, and adults. Youth will find classes on cooking fundamentals, reimagining junk food, and pastry making, while adults can take part in hands-on workshops led by experts on subjects like pasta-making, vegan appetizers, and dumplings.

The Spice Lab
Learn to cook Indian or Thai via private instruction and intimate group sessions (up to five people at a time) held at a Liberty Village studio or in your own home. Each class aims to arm home cooks with all the fundamentals and cover four or five dishes per class. Recent menus have covered vegetable and meat curries, as well as tea-time delicacies.

Foodies on Foot
This company has been around since 2012 but only launched its Prep School cooking classes this past year. The upcoming course calendar features a class devoted to the art of pizza and pasta dough, plus a chili-centric menu that'll get home cooks in shape for Super Bowl Sunday.

What did I miss? Add your favourite new cooking class in the comments.

Photo via the Edible Story's Facebook Page

Underground house music has blossomed in Toronto over the years. Artists hailing from this city combine and experiment like no other, and have helped our scene to mature and grow into one of the world's most renowned. Follow me on a trip of sounds and beats from the underground, "where your body begins to tremble, and your hands become just a little nimble."

Here are my picks for the top underground house DJs in Toronto.

Nathan Barato
Nathan Barato describes his genre as "Fo to da Flo." He never fails to perform an eccentric set, and knows how to throw a party with his underground house and tech house beats.

DJ Sneak
DJ Sneak is the house gangster of Toronto. His inspiration and passion for underground house stemmed from Chicago, the city where house music originated.

Art Department
Once a collaborative effort, today Art Department consists of the sole force of Jonny White. Regardless, he continues to pump up the crowd with brilliant sounds.

Daniel Dubb
Daneil Dubb has mastered the craft of underground house music in the club as well as the studio. His tireless work ethic and his thirst for success has granted him the title of house music purist.

Jeff Button
Jeff Button started off as a promoter in Toronto and almost overnight turned into a hot Toronto underground house DJ. He is the proud owner of the podcast DigDeep and holds residency at Coda in Toronto.

Carlo Lio
Toronto native Carlo Lio has the ability to express raw emotion and passion with his music. He speaks to people on so many levels and transforms the observer into a dancer with his communication through his beats.

Jonathan Rosa
Jonathan Rosa holds residency at two of Toronto's hottest underground nightclubs: Coda and Comfort Zone. This is a DJ that'll surely make you tear up the dancefloor while he tears up the decks.

Coleco
This dynamic duo has a flare for house slightly different than the rest of the DJs on the list. They incorporate electronic and pop into their beats, giving the underground house genre a pinch of charm.

D-Unity
D-Unity is a self-taught underground house veteran. He has releases on some of the world's largest labels, such as Universal Music and is known worldwide for his prolific techno productions.

The Junkies
Toronto-born tech duo call The Junkies have a style that ranges from deep, soulful house to techno and everything in between. They're currently killing the scene with their distinct "New School Tech."

What did I miss? Add your suggestions for underground house DJ's in Toronto in the comments.

Photo from Jonathan Rosa on Facebook.

Originally opened in Switzerland, this new and rather hidden record shop at College and Dovercourt brings the city hard-to-find vinyl at prices that are surprisingly not outrageous. The jazz and soul collections in particular will draw the attention of collectors.

Read my review of Quixotic Sounds in the the services section.

New stores and restaurants on the Danforth offer everything from Mediterranean fare to impressive vinyl collections. With new life in the heart of Greektown as well as east to Main, the neighbourhood continues to diversify as new businesses open, now boasting one of the most eclectic retail mixes in the city.

Here are my picks for the top new stores and restaurants on the Danforth.

Time Capsule Cafe
While Snakes and Lattes may reign supreme, the east side is sparking up some competition with its new board game cafe. The roster of games features Loaded Questions, Cranium, Headbandz, Clue, chess, and many more. On the menu you'll find pub fare and shareable snacks, but unfortunately no booze.

The Great Canadian Sox Co. Pop-Up Outlet
Just west of Danforth and Donlands you'll find The Great Canadian Sox Co. Pop-Up Outlet. The shop stocks socks (say that three times) for every occasion, be it outdoor sports, formal events, or trekking through the tundra at -30 below. The outlet will be around for a few months, but if you don't make it in time, there are always the two permanent East York locations.

Absolute Bakery and Cafe
If you've got a sweet tooth, Absolute Bakery and Cafe is where to go. The confectionary boutique sells indulgent treats that will help to satisfy your sweet tooth. On the menu you'll find everything from challah to roti. This is the bakery's second location in the city; the first remains open in Cabbagetown.

Kops Records
Kops Records is a familiar name to the city's music lovers. There are locations on both Queen West and in the Annex that are well known for stocking excellent selections of records and music memorabilia. They've brought all that to the east with the added bonus of an increased stock of rarities.

Red Castle
At Danforth and Carlaw you'll find this new Mediterranean eatery serving up everything from falafel to shawarma poutine. Most meals ring in under $15, making it a more affordable option than some of the more pricey eateries in the neighbourhood.

Forth Avenue Kitchen & Bar
This cozy, chic eatery is a welcome addition to the East Danforth restaurant scene. The menu has a mix of Italian fare and pub grub, boasting dishes like orecchiette with garlic and parmesan and sticky short ribs. It also has a kids menu with all meals under $10 for those dining with children.

Magic Oven
Magic Oven has recently shuttered its Pape and Danforth location and moved closer to Coxwell. The restaurant offers plant-based eats like pizza with daiya, plus dozens of other options for vegetarians and carnivores. Gluten free substitutions are also available.

Press Books, Coffee and Vinyl
This new shop is more inviting than your average Chapters location and less crowded than a Starbucks. Here you can rifle through an expansive collection of preloved books, records, and DVDs while you enjoy a piping hot caffeinated beverage. They also serve up homemade scones and cookies, if you're feeling a little peckish.

The Shore Leave
Other than the loosely tiki themed Bill Hicks, tiki bars are (for now) a foreign concept on the east side. Luckily, The Shore Leave has stepped in to fill the void. The bar boasts Polynesian decor and drinks served in pineapples, plus a seemingly out of place (but very much appreciated) menu of charcuterie and cheese boards.

The Friendly Greek
The Friendly Greek has found a new home closer to Logan (a few blocks West of the original). The menu remains the same, flaunting all the Greek staples like saganaki, gyro, and souvlaki, but the space is certainly an upgrade.

What did I miss? Add your favourite new Danforth store or restaurant to the comments.

The soaring Aura condo tower at Yonge and Gerrard - Canada's tallest - is a place of extremes. While the mall at the base of the building is already half abandoned, the penthouse units at the top of the building, sitting some 80 storeys high, are the very definition of prestige and luxury.

There are three penthouse units at the top of Aura, and though none of them will compete for the most expensive in the city - that distinction goes to the Four Seasons in Yorkville - the largest of the condos (#7910) runs at over $3 million for roughly 3,000 square feet of space.

Life at the top of Aura starts at $2.4 million for the "smallest" of the suites, which isn't really ridiculous when you consider the competition at other recent skyscrapers. There's not much to criticize about how the units have been staged for our delectation; they're understated and tasteful, and boast truly astounding views of Toronto.

If you regularly wonder how the other half lives, this would be a reasonable example. Besides the units themselves, there's certainly the brag-worthy quality of the building height. And if you're worried about that icicle-like lighting keeping you up at night, not to worry - it's technologically advanced enough not to illuminate the units. How nice for would-be buyers.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

What do you think of the penthouse suites at Aura? Are they worth dreaming about? Let us know in the comments.

Photos by Matt Forsythe.

The best pet grooming and daycare spots in Toronto offer plenty of options to four-legged lovers. Whether you're heading out on vacation, need a dog sitter for a day, or just want to treat your canine friend to a bit of pampering, these are the places to go.

Here are the best pet grooming and daycare spots in Toronto.

DAYCARE AND GROOMING

The Canine Social Company
The Canine Social Company offers daycare and boarding services that will keep your dog feeling loved no matter how long you're leaving for. As a plus, the daycare is completely cage-free so you don't need to worry about your four-legged friend being cooped up all day. The shop also has a "spaw" where your dog can be treated to everything from a simple bath and brush to a full grooming session.

Woof & Shloof
Your canine companion will be in good hands at Woof & Shloof. The St. Clair West spot offers play by the hour, half day, or full day dog daycare where your pet will get all the TLC it deserves. The grooming centre does nail trimming, shampooing, detangling, and breed-specific grooming.

UrbanDog
This indoor-outdoor doggy daycare is akin to a pet resort. Your dog will have the chance to mix and mingle with other pooches on site, ravage the toy selection, and play in splash pools (weather permitting). If you're ever curious as to how your dog is holding up without you, you can check the live webcam feed on the UrbanDog website. The shop also offers a full menu of grooming services.

It's a Dog's Life
It's a Dog's Life is a 2,000 square foot, air conditioned facility where your dog can play and nap to his or her heart's content. It offers both daycare and boarding services, so whether you're leaving your dog for a weekday or two weeks, they've got you covered. The shop also does grooming, with baths, blow-dries, brushing and nail clipping on the menu.

Woof!
If you live or work near Bloorcourt, Woof! is where to drop your dog for the day. The facility has everything your dog could ever want or need: toys, beds, and a fenced outdoor space. They also do daily dog walks and curbside drop off and pick up. If your pooch is in need of a makeover, the shop offers everything from speedy nail clipping to full pampering sessions.

Uberdog
Uberdog has pulled out all the stops with its facilities. It offers daily daycare at the Leslieville and midtown locations. If you're going away for longer than a day, you can opt to leave your pooch at the midtown location or treat them to their own vacation at the Urbandog Ranch in Baltimore, Ontario. There's also a spa at the midtown location and the ranch, offering a full list of grooming services.

Fetch
This Dundas West shop is much more than a retail destination. It offers daycare and overnight boarding services, where your four-legged friend will be treated to walks in local parks and the freedom to run around the 15,000 square foot grounds owned by Fetch. The grooming centre offers everything from baths to dog hairstyling.

Tailwaggers
Tailwaggers offers full day, half day and two hour daycare sessions, making it ideal if you need a short term option. During its stay, your dog will be treated to toys, treats and free rein over the 2,400 square foot space. If your pooch needs some primping and pampering, there's a spa on site.

Doggieland
Doggieland has three locations in the GTA (North Toronto, Bloor West, and Vaughan) where you can take your dog to be cared for or groomed. Both Toronto locations offer daycare pick up and delivery services within a 4km range, making it hassle-free. The grooming service menu here is more lengthy than others, including facials and dental care.

Pet Social
Pet Social has two locations in the city, both near the Harbourfont. The facilities do both daycare and boarding, so whether you just need your pooch looked after for a day or you plan on doing a little jet setting, they won't be without care. It also has a grooming centre, offering everything from pawdicures to head to tail grooming sessions.

Dogee Spa
If your dog needs daycare, boarding, or grooming in the Rosedale area, try Dogee Spa. It has three options when it comes to grooming: bath and brush, bath tidy, and full groom. They also offer a chauffeur service that will get your pooch to and from the shop without any hassle.

GROOMING

Timmie Doggie Outfitters
Timmie Doggie Outfitters will groom your pet to perfection. There are two locations, one in Leslieville and another on West Queen West, offering everything you could need to get your pooch prepared for prestigious events like Woofstock. The service menu here features de-matting, pawdicures, medicated baths, and more.

SPAW Boutique
SPAW Boutique offers grooming services for both canines and felines, making life exponentially easier if you own both. The shop offers all the standard services (nail clipping, bathing, styling, etc.), plus a few more adventurous options like nail polish and top knots with bows.

Happy Tails
The professionally trained groomers at Happy Tails can makeover both cats and dogs. The grooming service list here is short and sweet, focusing on styling, hair cutting and shampooing. Staff have experience working with many breeds, so your animal will be in competent hands.

Pawfect Spa
This Rosedale groomery will take your pet's look from drab to fab. It offers a bevy of a la carte services, like nail clipping and pet hair colouring, as well as full grooming packages. The shop also has pet pick up and drop off services, if you don't have the time to do it yourself.

Cosmopawlitan
If your animal is looking (or smelling) a little worse for wear, Cosmopawlitan can get that under control. The Harbourfront shop offers a list of grooming services that will help fix your pet's ragged 'do and have them looking ready for the Westminster Kennel Club show. The menu includes hair cuts, bath and blowdries, nail trimming, hair colouring, and more.

My Dog Spot
My Dog Spot is a Pape Village groomery that caters to canine companions of all sizes. The shop has an a la carte menu which flaunts coat-specific services like bang trims as well as nail clipping, ear cleaning and brushing. It also has full groom options and bath and tidy packages available.

Paws in the Bath
Paws in the Bath has an extensive list of stand alone services and full grooming packages for dogs. The shop can get your pet's nails, coat, and teeth in order, so you won't have to battle plaque, overgrown claws, or matted hair at home. There's also a DIY wash station, where you can clean your pooch yourself.

Tailspin Dog Spa
Whether your dog is suffering from a few mattes or having a really bad hair day, the groomers at Tailspin Dog Spa can help. The shop offers both single services and full packages that will take your four legged friend's fur from a tangled mess to silky smooth. If hair is not the issue, they also offers nail and ear maintenance.

The Groomery
This Corktown shop offers a bevy of grooming services suitable for all dog breeds. The shop does full grooming packages, bath and brushes, nail trimming and more. The staff refuses to rush in an effort to get your dog's 'do just right, so reserve three or four hours for the appointment.

The Dog Market
It should come as no surprise that The Beaches has a top notch groomery, considering it has one of the highest pet populations in the city. At The Dog Market your four legged friend will be pampered from head to tail. The service menu includes everything from teeth cleaning to hypoallergenic treatments, as well as full grooming packages.

Planet Dog
Planet Dog is an Upper Beaches retail store/groomery hybrid. Beyond its shelves of stylish petwear and raw food options, you'll find a groomery fit to makeover any canine companion. The shop offers a quick and easy bath and towel dry service and full grooming packages.

Sit Stay Dog Emporium
Sit Stay Dog Emporium has one groomer, Melanie, who has been perfecting her craft for over a decade (so you know your pet is in good hands). The shop offers all the standard grooming options, and you can inquire about pricing online.

DAYCARE ONLY

Unleashed in the City
Unleashed in the City offers doggy playcare and overnight boarding services on Ossington. Playcare here is like school, featuring field trips, socialization, and bit of learning. Your pooch will get tons of snuggles and love from the staff and have all the room they need to get their energy out. Boarding is kennel-free and has all the advantages of playcare.

A Leg Up
Whether you need to drop off your dog for a day or a week, A Leg Up has a service that fits the bill. They offer daycare services, where your dog will have the chance to socialize, play, and sleep all day. Alternatively, if you need to board your companion, you can leave them at the facility or hire an employee to stay at your home for the duration of your trip.

What did I miss? Add your favourite pet grooming and/or daycare spot to the comments.

Photo by Jason Cook in the blogTO Flickr pool.

In the wake of the devastating terrorist attacks in Paris, The Consul General of France in Toronto, Marc Trouyet, will be holding a silent vigil today at 2 p.m. in Nathan Phillips Square. Along with the Consul General, Mayor John Tory will also address the crowd.

As tragic news continued to filter in from Paris last night, the CN Tower and Toronto sign, as well as other buildings around the city, were flooded with red, white and blue lights to show solidarity with those in France.

The people of Toronto stand with Paris and offer our solidarity and support at this heartbreaking time.

— John Tory (@JohnTory) November 13, 2015

Vigils are planned for cities around the world today, including in Vancouver and last night, many gathered to lay candles outside the French Consulate in Montreal.

Photos by Top Podolec and Scott Rogers in the blogTO Flickr pool.

With the Toronto sign glowing red, white and blue, hundreds gathered in Nathan Phillips Square this afternoon for a moving vigil following the Paris attacks. Some came draped in French and Canadian flags and many others held signs, flowers and candles.

The Consul General of France, Marc Trouyet, addressed the crowd, thanking Toronto for its continued solidarity.

"Yesterday's attack in Paris took so many lives and tore at the soul of one of the world's great cities in one of the world's great countries," said Mayor John Tory, as he expressed Toronto's condolences and support.

"Our hearts and our prayers go out to the victims, to those who died and to those who were wounded, and to their loved ones, and to all of the people of Paris and to all of the citizens of France," he later continued.

The vigil ended with a moment of silence and afterward, the crowd began to sing La Marseillaise, the French national anthem.

Representatives from the provincial and federal governments, including Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett and Ontario's NDP leader Andrea Horwath, were also in attendance, along with city councillors Paula Fletcher and Ana Bailão.

Photo by Mariam Magsi in the blogTO Flickr pool.

The top free events in Toronto this week will have you heading to film festivals. Both the European Union Film Festival and Regent Park Film Festival offer free general admission to the public. If you want to get in on the festive spirit, the Toronto Christmas Market kicks off on Friday. Expect to find carollers, choirs, and plenty of places to window shop.

Here's what to do if you just invested in a new iPad.

European Union Film Festival (November 14-28)
The European Union Film Festival is in full swing and offering free general admission tickets to all its shows. The lineup this week includes The Enemy Within, Wild Life, and The Keeper of Lost Causes. If you want to reserve tickets early, you can opt to pay a $10 fee.

Dave Bookman's Nu Music Nite (November 17)
Shoeless Monday may have been cancelled this week at the Horseshoe, but you can still get your fill of free indie music on Tuesday. Parlour Tricks, Step Echo, Goodnight Sunrise, and Glory Glory will take the stage.

Regent Park Film Festival (November 18-21)
The Daniels Spectrum will be taken over by the Regent Park Film Festival starting on the 18th. At the event, you'll see local and international independent flicks that relate to our inner-city communities. Peppered between the films are a few workshops and discussions. See the detailed schedule here.

Toronto Christmas Market (November 20-December 20)
The European inspired Christmas market is returning to the Distillery District for another year on November 20th. If you don't have any cash to spare, get into the festive spirit by watching carollers and window shop. Go on Friday if you want to get in free, otherwise you'll be paying the $5 weekend entry fee.

North York Really Really Free Market (November 21)
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. You may stumble on a treasure or two worth way more than nothing.

Have a free event you'd like to plug? Submit it to our Toronto events calendar using this form.

Photo of Parlour Tricks by Dustin Winter.