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Vortex Records to close after nearly 40 years

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VortexOne of Toronto's oldest record stores is set to close in the new year, as Vortex Records announced yesterday that owner Bert Myers is retiring. The shop, currently in operation out of a second floor space near Yonge and Eglinton, has been in business for nearly 40 years, at one time boasting a variety of locations around the city.

The last remaining outpost has occupied its upstairs digs since the late '80s. I recall buying a copy of The Joshua Tree on vinyl up there when I was in high school after getting my first record player. Through the '90s many of the kids from North Toronto and Northern Secondary would hit the shop for grunge-era CDs. It was always a rather welcoming place.

Even as Myers' retirement is cited as the primary reason for the closure, one would be remiss not to note the massive development going on immediately to the south of Vortex. Much of the block that the record shop occupies has been vacated for the construction of a new condo, and the remaining two storey retail seems destined to be replaced sometime soon.

It's certainly a shame. While a retailer who's been in the business so long has every right to a happy retirement, the city will miss this uptown destination for vinyl, not to mention the obvious passion for music that Myers' showed off every time a customer engaged him in conversation.

Vortex will be open through the holidays with increasing discounts on its stock as the new year and its ultimate closure near. Here's how the discount trajectory breaks down: Dec 11 - 13: 35% off vinyl and CDS, Dec 14 - 19: 45% off vinyl and CDs, Dec 20 - 23: 50% off vinyl and CDs. Details regarding the post-Christmas sale will go online on December 24.


Skating legal on Grenadier Pond for first time since 2001

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grenadier pondFor the first time in what seems like forever, it'll be legal to skate on Grenadier Pond in High Park.

Yesterday, as the Toronto Star reports, city councillors voted to implement a daily ice testing program for the natural rink. The city will also be placing coloured flags around the pond to warn skaters about when it's unsafe to hop on the ice.

City Council approved $25,000 in yearly funding for the project. However, as the Star notes, city staff say there will likely be only five to ten safe skating days all winter.

Do you think it's a good idea to allow skating on Grenadier Pond? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Roger Cullman in the blogTO Flickr pool.

The Best Tapas In Toronto

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tapas torontoThe best tapas in Toronto refers to a style of dining more than merely to a regional cuisine. Embracing the Spanish penchant for single sized nibbles and sharing spreads of small plates, these restaurants are all about the tapas experience regardless of the fact that their menus are rooted in Thai, Indonesian, Latin, or Southern American cuisines.

Here is the best tapas in Toronto.

Someone made a parody video of Toronto's taxi protest

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uber parody video torontoThe most dramatic moment of Wednesday's taxi protest in Toronto has already made it to YouTube in the form of a parody video. Posted yesterday afternoon, it's already amassed 80,000 views with its clever dig at the cab driver who was dragged some 50 feet by an Uber driver trying to escape a volatile situation.

While one can't help but think at how dire things might have gone for Suntharesan Kanagasabai, given that he was unharmed in the incident, the melee seems like it's fair game for the parody treatment, if only to dramatize just how wild the tension between official cabs and UberX has become in Toronto.

Posted by Peter Miller, this video dreams up a new app called - you guessed it - Uber Drag. The fake promotional video touts the apps numerous benefits, like "no opening doors, no awkward interactions with the driver...you just grab on and go."

Yup, sounds about right!

10 holiday gift ideas for Drake fans in Toronto

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drake giftsHoliday gifts for Drake fans will have your recipient stocking up on more than OVO-branded merch. Though Drake's brand of streetwear definitely won't disappoint any lover of our 6 God, they'll probably be receiving their fair share without your help. If you've got a really big team and they need some really nice things, this is the gift guide for you.

Here are 10 holiday gift ideas for the Drake lover on your list.

Hotline Bling Prayer Candles
If you have a friend who considers the 6 God his/her lord and saviour, grab them one of these to add to their shrine. Each prayer candle features Saint Drizzy rocking a Coachella-worthy flower crown, dressed in the chicest of pastel robes.

Drake's Newest Albums
Music-wise, 2015 was pretty much the year of Drake. He nearly topped the Billboard charts (before Adele swooped in) and raked in a few Grammy noms as well. If you have a pal who's prone to only downloading singles, give them the gift of a a full album - or two; If You're Reading This It's Too Late and What a Time to be Alive (his collab with Future) were both released this year.

Don't Drake and Drive
If your friend can get a little reckless on the road when Energy comes on, they should be aware that Drake-ing and driving is known to be hazardous. Pick this sweater up from the Untitled & Co. boutique on Queen West as a reminder. Bonus: it's a cozy alternative to plain crew necks for the winter months ahead.

drake gift ideasChampagne Papi Necklace
Do you know a loyal follower of Drake's Instagram? You know, the kind that probably DMs him in the hopes that he will call them on their cellphone? This is the gift for that person. Your recipient will be able to keep Drake close to their heart with this stylish piece of bling featuring his personal Insta handle.

Drake Face T-Shirt
For die hard fans who already have their wardrobes stacked with sweatpants, beanies, and bombers from Drake's own brand, grab a shirt that they won't be able to order from OVO. You'll want to jump on ordering this one ASAP, as it ships from China.

drake gift ideasDrake Sugar Cookies
Looking for an affordable option that you don't have to place an express online order for? Opt for a Drake sugar cookie or two from Bake Shoppe. The Little Italy bakery crafts cookies with Drizzy's mug etched in icing. Amp up the gift by adding a few confectionary friends, like Snoop, Biggie and/or Tupac.

Degrassi: The Next Generation
Give your friend a trip down memory lane this holiday season by gifting them a Degrassi: TNG box set. None of the episodes are available on Netflix, so this is one of the few ways to see young Aubrey flex his acting muscles.

drake gift ideasAubrey Graham T-Shirt
Any Pavement fans out there? Yup, this clever t-shirt plays off of that old bit of Stephen Malkmus merch, but adds a layer of intrigue by using Drizzy's given name, which it's possible a few people actually don't know (but like really, where have you been?). Big points for the '90s indie music references.

Gift certificate to Fring's
If you know a fan who probably wouldn't be caught dead lighting a Drake themed prayer candle or wearing his face on their chest, buy them dinner at his restaurant instead. The King West eatery serves up elevated comfort food (think truffle fries and fancy toasts) and has a Drake-oriented soundtrack, making it perfect for someone who wants to feel like a member of his entourage.

Drake gift ideasDrake Hotline Bling Phone Case
Pick this up for the friend who took time out of their schedule to dance in the ACC's Hotline Bling Box, spent hours watching Hotline Bling Vine compilations and/or went as a call centre worker for Halloween. Drizzy's iconic dance moves are immortalized on the case, making it much better than your average Otterbox.

stellaThanks to Stella Artois for sponsoring our 2015 gift guide. The Stella Artois Holiday 750 ml bottle is the perfect gift to celebrate the Holiday season.

What did I miss? Add your Drizzy-esque gift suggestions to the comments.

Norm is Canada's most valuable Tweeter

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norm twitterIt was the year of @Norm, with the Ward 40 Toronto city councillor gaining international attention for his dad-joke friendly Twitter feed and tendency to defend Drake against bullies.

It should come as no surprise then that Twitter users voted Norm Kelly as Canada's Most Valuable Tweeter. Yes, #MVTCanada2015 (not to be confused with MTV Canada) is a thing.

Twitter Canada pitted 16 Canadian superstars against each other in a round robin-style tournament. Users would then vote to determine who would move on in the bracket.

Norm Kelly beat out Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the final round, sweeping the competition with a whopping 34,019 votes.

Do you think @Norm is Canada's MVT? Let us know in the comments.

Image via Twitter.

Toronto getting a Sports Innovation Hub

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sports innovation hubToronto's Ryerson University is well known for the DMZ, one of Canada's largest incubators for businesses and tech startups. Now, the university's Ted Rogers School of Management (TRSM) is launching the Sports Innovation Hub (SPIN), for what else but sports-related ventures.

"This new hub will provide exciting opportunities for our students to engage with some of North America's leading sport industry experts to push the boundaries in sport innovation," said the TRSM's dean Steven Murphy in a news release.

Beyond simply acting as an incubator, SPIN will host a number of events including hackathons and demo days.

And, it joins Ryerson's zone-based learning approach. Along with the DMZ, the centrally located university has a variety of specialized zones, including the Fashion Zone, the Transmedia Zone and the SocialVentures Zone.

Photo by dtstuff9 in the blogTO Flickr pool.

The top 10 food events in Toronto for winter 2016

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food events toronto 2016Food events in Toronto during the winter aren't quite as plentiful as in the summer months but there's still some delicious fun to be had. Look forward to chef battles, cheese tastings, chef talks and collaborative dinners.

Here are my top picks for the season.

See also:The top 5 beer events in Toronto this winter.

Evergreen Winter Village Local Food Court - Weekends until the end of the year
To accompany ice skating, holiday markets, and guided hikes, the Evergreen Brick Works has brought on local chefs to whip up seasonal specialties every weekend until December 27. Visitors can look forward to vendors like Heirloom, Original Chimneys, J.K. Frites, and more cooking out of food trucks and shipping container kitchens.

TOCA's Cheese Cave Event Series - monthly starting Jan. 9
Taking place once a month until March, this cheese tasting experience highlights local and international cheeses paired with wines, scotch or craft beer selections. Tickets are $45 per person.

Table Talks - Tuesdays starting January
The Depanneur launches an informal culinary salon in the new year. Taking place every Tuesday at 7 p.m., drop in to these free events to partake in intimate talks with a local food personality with optional dinners priced around $12.

Staff Meal - weekly starting Jan. 11
Parcae kicks off this weekly winter chef series taking place every Monday until March. Guest chefs from cities across Canada and the U.S. will offer collaborative menus with Toronto's local talent.

Monogram Dinner by Design 2016 - Jan. 19 to Jan 24
The Design Exchange (234 Bay Street) hosts a diverse cast of designers, artists, and personalities this January to create three-dimensional dining installations. Tickets for the gala dinner in support of Casey House and the Design Exchange cost $500, while the early bird tickets for the cocktail party are $100 before December 31.

UCC Chef Battle - Jan. 21
The Underground Chef Company kicks off a new season of competitive cook-offs in January. Location is TBA, but the first competition will see chef Terry Port of Prohibition pitted against chef Harrison Hennick of Omaw.

Winter Fiesta - Jan. 25
Warm up with an evening of drinks and treats at Reforma 35 (35 Baldwin Street). The evening kicks off with a vertical tequila tasting led by Andres Marques and hands on guac and ceviche making with chef Marcos Sanchez followed by a fiesta of January flavours.

Winterlicious - Jan. 29 to Feb. 11
The annual prix fixe program is back offering the opportunity to enjoy three course menus from over 200 participating Toronto restaurants and culinary events including intimate chef dinners, classes, demos and more.

Year of the Monkey - Feb. 1
Ring in the Chinese New Year at Kanpai. The Tawainese snack bar will celebrates the year of the Monkey with a selection of eats that reflect prosperity, health and good luck.

Food on Film - monthly beginning Mar. 2
Back for its fifth season, TIFF's Food on Film subscription series will bring together chefs, food experts and film lovers for monthly screenings featuring culinary cinema and conversation. Executive vice-president of the James Beard Foundation, Mitchell Davis kicks off the season with a discussion on The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover. Full programming schedule TBA.

What did I miss? Add your most-anticipated winter food events to the comments.

Photo of Reforma by Jesse Milns.


Toronto set a record high temperature today

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toronto record temperatureWith the sun shining today in Toronto, it's hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner. And, if you've been chained to your desk all afternoon, you may not have noticed that it sure is hot unusually warm outside.

Yes, as CityNews reports, temperatures at Toronto's Pearson Airport hit 14 C on this mid-December day. You won't be needing a parka until at least next weekend because the weather is expected to stay reasonably balmy for a little while longer.

Since Environment Canada hasn't weighed in yet, this record still remains unofficial. That said, the previous record of 13.2 C was set back in 1979 and we seem to have a bit of a cushion over that.

Enjoy it while it lasts, Toronto!

Photo by James Anok in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Toronto getting a massive indoor winter beer festival

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winter brewfest torontoIf the thought of drinking beer outside in February gives you the shivers, you'll be happy to hear you won't need to brave the cold in order to attend Toronto's newest winter beer festival.

The appropriately named Winter Brewfest will unfold over two days, on February 19 and 20, at the Enercare Centre inside Exhibition Place. Based on its location, it looks like it's going to be quite a big festival.

Winter Brewfest originated as Festibière de Gatineau five years ago and debuted in its current incarnation in Ottawa last February.

For the Toronto edition, it'll feature more than 35 Ontario craft breweries as well as six from Quebec. The festival will also include cask beer, food trucks and local DJs. Tickets are on sale now for $15.

From from the Ottawa Winter Brewfest.

10 cocktails to drink in Toronto this winter

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winter cocktails torontoWith El Niňo ensuring a mild winter in Toronto, seasonal cocktails haven't taken quite as dramatic a turn as they often do. Hot Toddy variations or delicious brandy Blazers have yet to become a fixture on bar menus, but there has been an excellent array of tasty drinks. Some are light aperitif cocktails, while others delve into more traditional wintry flavours like maple and walnut.

Here are my picks for must-try cocktails this winter in Toronto.

Boralia - North of Vermont
Lower Ossington's Boralia is a fabulous little space. With dishes ripped straight from pioneer times, the cocktails play with the Canadiana theme too. This one is inspired by those maple snow cones you can make in late winter. Shaking Buffalo Trace bourbon with Cynar, maple whiskey liqueur and black walnut bitters, the whole concoction is served over crushed ice.

winter cocktails torontoLittle Sister - Third One Down
Davisville's Little Sister has an outstanding new cocktail bar upstairs from the main restaurant which worth a visit. There's loads of great drinks, but I was particularly enthralled by the Third One Down, with Earl Grey-infused Bushmills, Averna, Campari and lemon. It's garnished with a pretty little dehydrated plum.

winter cocktails torontoTrack & Field - Tis the Whatever
Jesse Borg has been serving up all manner of funky drinks since Toronto's premier lawn games 'n' cocktails joint opened last year. This one mixes up a mulled vermouth with Buffalo Trace bourbon, lemon juice, demerara syrup and Fernet Branca. It's garnished with a sprig of thyme.

winter cocktails torontoMontauk - Mick Jager
Recently under new ownership with Mike Young at the helm, Montauk has slowly evolved from fun party spot with good cocktails into a well-stocked cocktail bar with great cocktails. Some are on the serious side, but the Mick Jager is a happy balance. Wiser's Deluxe Rye is shaken up with Jagermeister, Capo Capo bitter aperitif and Peychaud's bitters with lemon juice, mint, and simple syrup.

winter cocktails torontoByblos - Smoked Manhattan
This smoked Manhattan from Clayton Cooper at Byblos is a delicate treasure. Using a lightly-smoked Bulleit bourbon and a house blend of sweet vermouth, it's mixed in large batches to ensure consistency, and served on tap with both an orange peel twist and a cherry.

winter cocktails torontoFigo - Punch Americano
On a lighter note, Figo, the gorgeous new addition to the INK/Icon Legacy empire, serves up decanters of its Punch Americano for four people at a time. Mixing white rum and white wine with Cocchi aromatized wine, white cranberry juice, fresh lemon, and bitters, it's a fantastic aperitivo.

winter cocktails torontoGoods and Provisions - Hand in Glove
Goods and Provisions' Smiths-inspired Hand in Glove cocktail really throws down some seasonal flavours. Hickory-smoked Jameson is shaken hard with 10 year old port, walnut syrup, lemon juice, orange bitters and egg white. Enjoy responsibly with your Girlfriend.

winter cocktails torontoMiss Thing's - Butter Rum
Robin Wynne has taken over the bar from the outgoing Reed Pettit at Parkdale's tropical haven, and the drinks have already taken on some of his signature twists. Mixing a brown butter-infused rum with spiced pear cider and chamomile syrup, Robin adds his house Kola bitters and toasted coconut sugar to create a warming cold drink that's both smooth and spiced at the same time.

winter cocktails torontoParlor - Smoked Manhattan
The second smoked Manhattan on this list (they seem to be everywhere these days). This one is for those who like their smoke up-front and centre. The glass is dramatically smoked with torched maple chips before the mixture of Crown Royal, Dolin Rouge vermouth, and walnut bitters is added. The cherry garnish is house-infused with port for added depth.

winter cocktails torontoThe Comrade - Parallel Line
Riverside's The Comrade has a spicy answer to beating the winter blues, stirring Bulleit bourbon with Cynar, and a homemade red chili cola syrup. The combination of bitterness and heat make this a lovely cold-day sipper.

What did I miss? Add your favourite winter cocktails in the comments.

The top 10 concerts in Toronto for winter 2016

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toronto concerts winterEnjoying a concert in Toronto is undoubtedly one of the best ways to spend a cold winter evening. Not only can you count on most local venues to be hot and sweaty, but the sense of community you'll feel by temporarily ending your hibernation should help bolster your mood through to spring.

Here are my picks for the top concerts this winter in Toronto.

Stars (Dec. 17, 18, 19, The Phoenix)
If you're looking to kick off your holidays with an upbeat gathering that's not of the family variety, look no further than not one but three nights of sparkling indie-rock from these Canadian music staples. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of their acclaimed third album Set Yourself On Fire, they'll play the album in full, along with other "Christmas-themed surprises" on the 19th.

Dwayne Gretzky (Dec. 31, Danforth Music Hall)
Few bands party quite like this Toronto cover supergroup - so, instead of freezing in line for a club or overeating cartons of Chinese food this New Year's Eve, unhang your dancing shoes and hit the Danforth for a raucous night of Heart, Springsteen, Queen, The Beatles and every other classic needed to end the year off right.

Hamilton Leithauser and Paul Maroon (Jan. 20, Dakota Tavern)
Following last year's announcement of The Walkmen's "extreme hiatus" (tear), your best shot at reliving those triumphant shows is through the band's formidable frontman, Hamilton Leithauser and guitarist Paul Maroon's new side project, Leithauser Maroon. They'll will be gifting fans a majestic debut LP titled Dear God next year, and this is a chance to hear that material early.

The Knocks (Jan. 22, The Mod Club)
Electro-pop duo The Knocks have geared up their game with three memorable EPs, and in January will finally release their debut full-length, titled 55. The star-studded release is set to feature collaborations with Carly Rae Jepsen, Wyclef Jean and Cam'ron, to name a few, so you can bet tickets won't last long after that drops.

Neon Indian (Jan. 30, Lee's Palace)
After a four-year hiatus, Neon Indian's Alan Palomo recently released his highly anticipated, oh-so-danceable third album VEGA INTL. Night School. There's no time like the dead of winter to catch a live dose of retro-laced electro-pop, and just in case you missed his recent show at Lee's, this is your second shot to get your groove on.

Bruce Springsteen (Feb. 2, ACC)
What convincing does one need to go see The Boss, one of the greatest performers of all-time? His age-defying presence will dominate the ACC as part of The River Tour on February 2, and, in my experience, there's no better way to spend an evening than with the E-Street Boys.

St. Lucia (Feb 15, The Phoenix)
South African-born, New York-based musician Jean-Philip Grobler promises one of the most electric synth-pop sets out there, and with a new album titled Matter ready for release in January, this will be a bundle of new live cuts you won't want to miss.

Ty Segall (March 4, Danforth Music Hall)
On what will be the heels of his upcoming ninth (!) album, out January 2, 28 year-old lo-fi rocker Ty Segall will bring his psychedelic, fuzzed-out jams through Toronto in March. Expect big riffs and a lot of sweat.

Keys n Krates (March 25, Danforth Music Hall)
Known for their energetic live blend of instrumentation and turntable trickery, Toronto electronic trio Keys n Krates will spin their big, eclectic (think trap, chart toppers, grime and hip-hop-blended) bangers in late March. By catching this homecoming show, you'll be ending the winter on a wild note.

Metric and Death Cab for Cutie (March 23, ACC)
For what might be one of the biggest indie-rock sing-along live shows of the year, Death Cab for Cutie and Metric have teamed up to co-headline The ACC (and several other tour stops in 2016). While Metric will be four dates into their Lights on The Horizon Tour, DCFC will be continuing to promote their Grammy-nominated album, Kintsagi.

*Other great Toronto concerts this winter that are, unfortunately, sold out: Zeds Dead (Dec. 19), The Basement Revue (Dec. 22), Majical Cloudz (Jan 15), Alessia Cara (Jan. 17) Matt Corby (Jan. 29), Basia Bulat (Feb. 19), Troye Sivan (Feb. 26), Jason Isbell (Feb. 29), Beach House (Mar. 5 and 6), Oh Wonder (Mar. 23)

What did I miss? Add your suggestions for Toronto's top winter concerts in the comments.

Photo of Metric by Brian Morton

The top 5 winter hiking trails in Toronto

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winter hikes torontoWinter hiking trails in Toronto are not the same as places you might choose to go snowshoeing. On the contrary, if you're going to be out exploring in your boots, it's important to select trails that are known to be low on the snow accumulation scale. Fortunately, this city is blessed with plenty options that won't force you to trudge through three feet of powder.

Here are my picks for the top winter hiking trails in Toronto.

Sun Valley Loop (Crothers Woods)
Much of the Don Valley is a beautiful place to hike for three seasons of the year (careful of the mud during spring, though), but once the snow has fallen, I find the double-track loop around Sun Valley the perfect destination. The terrain is gorgeous but not overly challenging, and if it's not too slippery, you can branch off to the various ridge trails of Crothers' Woods.

High Park Trails
High Park is another trail network that comes into its own in the winter. At other times of the year, one can find more challenging and visually interesting routes elsewhere (save for spring during Cherry Blossoms season), but the trails along the west side of the park are ideal in the snow. Take the ravine route off of West Rd. for a short backwoods experience, otherwise meander down to Grenadier Pond.

Leslie Street Spit
While you will likely be pounded by strong winds during parts of this walk/hike, Tommy Thompson Park is majestic in the winter, complete with wild ice formations that build up along the shore. On a miserable day, the landscape can feel almost lunar, but that's rather compelling if you can believe it. Bonus: you might walk for a few kilometres without seeing another soul.

Cedarvale Ravine and the Belt Line
Too many people know about Cedarvale Ravine to characterize it as a hidden gem, but it's still under-appreciated for both its beauty and walkability. Should you feel ambitious after exploring here, you can always walk a few blocks and hook up with the Belt Line Trail, which is also a beauty in the winter -- there's a lovely tree canopy, and it's easy to walk.

Moore Park Ravine and Don Valley Brick Works
Probably one of the nicest winter hikes one could do in Toronto is to walk south from the top of Moore Park Ravine down to the Brick Works. It's an easy downhill jaunt (at least on your way out), the ravine is majestic when snow-covered, and you can warm up with coffee/hot chocolate once you get to the Brick Works. After you've regained feeling in your extremities, you can explore the old quarry.

What did I miss? Add your favourite winter hiking trails in the comments.

Photo by Tony Mo in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Toronto gets a new smoothie bar and vegetarian eatery

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Grow OpIt may sound like a marijuana haven, but this friendly new spot actually serves up refreshing smoothies, juices and healthy eats like açaí bowls, salads and sandwiches (hemp milk and hemp seeds are used, however). Be sure to try the flavoured kombucha on tap.

Read my profile of The Grow Op in the restaurants section.

The top 10 ways to stay warm this winter in Toronto

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stay warm toronto winterThe top ways to stay warm in Toronto this winter will allow you to fight the cold with more than just countless layers of clothing. Though the city saw a pretty mild November and early December - some would even brand it as warm - the temperature will surely drop soon. If you don't feel like spending now until March in a snowsuit, there are alternatives.

Here are 10 ways to stay warm this winter in Toronto.

DRINKS

S'mores latte from Sweet Jesus
If you think Sweet Jesus' only talent is making extra-indulgent soft serve, you would be wrong. Now that the cold weather is setting in, you can enjoy their newest creations: decadent hot drinks that will make you forget about basic lattes and mochas. If you're jonesing for something that will bring you back to the days of waterfront bonfires, the s'mores latte is bound to do the trick.

Creme Brulée capuccino from Quantum Coffee
Tired of the ultra-sweet, artificial caramel brulée lattes served up at Starbucks? You may want to take a trip to this King West cafe. The creme brulee lattes served up here are much more impressive. Instead of being capped with froth, these babies are kept warm under a carmelized surface. The best part? You actually get to crack them like real creme brulée.

Cacao 70s drinking chocolate
Toronto has more than a few options for amazing hot chocolate, but if you want to try something even more decadent head to Cacao 70. The Montreal chain serves up drinking chocolate (AKA almost pure melted chocolate) that will satisfy your sweet tooth for days. Bonus: they have dairy-free options, so the vegans and lactose-intolerant aren't left out.

Jalapeno Death Shots at The Lockhart
Those who have seen the Harry Potter movies know that Harry, Ron and Hermione enjoy a good butter beer from time to time. And while there's beer on the menu here, what you really want to go for in the frigid cold is a jalapeno death shot. True, it's probably not on any beverage list in the Harry Potter-verse, but it will chase the cold away faster than you can say quidditch.

FOOD

Hot Pot from Little Pig
You'll find few things more satisfying in the winter than a steaming hot bowl of brothy soup. Head to Little Pig in Scarborough to DIY some hot pot with options like chinese sausage, AAA certified Angus beef, and a variety of veggies.

Shio Veggie Ramen from Kyouka
The Beaches' lone ramen outpost brings a touch of warmth to the area, even when the lake is covered with ice. If you prefer salty over sweet eats, the restaurant's shio veggie ramen is the way to go. It's made with a medley of broths plus onions, bean sprouts, green onions, spinach, cabbage, wood ear mushrooms and chili paste.

Soup Shoppe Seasonal Soups
If you prefer creamier creations, Soup Shoppe should be your go-to come winter. You'll find the ever-changing menu of this Dundas West spot stacked with comforting favourites like clam chowder. There are normally a few international offerings like shrimp sinigang and Thai chicken stew as well.

ACTIVITIES

Pursuit OCR Obstacle Course
When it starts to snow, workout options like outdoor stair climbing and hill running go out the window. For those who don't want to invest in a costly gym membership or are just in the market for a little something different, Pursuit OCR is worth visiting. The indoor obstacle course will have you working up a sweat climbing tire walls, jumping into ball pits, and swinging across monkey bars.

Scotch and Shave at Rod, Gun and Barbers
For all the gents looking for a way to stay warm, try the Scotch and Shave at Rod, Gun and Barbers. The Junction-based men's manicuring shop will whip your beard - your most coveted weapon against the cold - into shape and give you a glass of whisky to get you through the dark and stormy nights of winter.

H2O Float Spa
Float your cares away in a warm, womb-like pod at H2O Float Spa. If you've had enough of snow and sleet, trade it in for some steaming hot salt water and a day of relaxation. Sure it may be pricier than picking up a hot chocolate, but sometimes you just have to treat yourself.

What did I miss? Add your tips for ways to escape the cold in the comments.

Photo of Quantum Coffee's Brulée capuccino.


The 10 biggest restaurant flops in Toronto from 2015

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restaurant flops torontoThe Toronto restaurant landscape continued to evolve in 2015, but the picture isn't always as rosy as it might be painted. While many recent openings look to have promising futures, there are also plenty of restaurants that opened to lots of buzz only to flame out before ever really gaining steam.

Here's round-up of some of the biggest restaurant flops in Toronto this year.

Ronnie B's Southern Kitchen
The first casualty of the year belongs to this Southern kitchen in Cabbagetown. The restaurant opened in September 2014 but was closed a mere four months later.

Oh! Original Hot Dogs
Maybe it was because they introduced themselves to the neighbourhood by shoving hot dogs through a glory hole? No one is mourning this loss now that Burger's Priest has promptly replaced it.

Buster Rhino's
Opened in April, closed by November, the smokehouse still operates successful outposts in the suburbs but couldn't kick it in downtown Toronto for some reason.

Baju
The smokehouse inside the Monarch Tavern fizzled out this fall when PorkNinjas pit master Jason Rees moved on to Wenona Lodge - likely saving them from the same fate at the eight hands of the octo-dog.

Citta
The Italian restaurant at CityPlace opened in January but quietly shuttered this fall. Its website reads that it's closed until spring for renovations but representatives at INK Entertainment confirm that they'll be "bringing a new dynamic and fun concept" to the space.

Del Ray
The So-Cal cantina opened early in 2015 but barely lasted six months. Loka, the new crowdfunded restaurant from chef Dave Mottershall, opened in its place in November.

Blackbird Bistro
After a slow transition from cafe to bistro, this Bloorcourt establishment (formerly the Rustic Owl) announced its relaunch in February, but it had already gone south by November.

Le Neuf Cafe
The Parisian Cafe still operates its original location on Clarence Square but the outpost in Kensington Market that opened in January 2015 was shuttered before summer kicked off.

The Vegan Duchess
The fast-casual vegan outfit at Yonge & Eglinton opened in February but closed up shop by October. The company has since transitioned into a raw vegan catering, juice cleanse and meal delivery service.

Lupara Table & Market
This restaurant opened and closed so fast, it was barely a bleep on my radar. This is after taking over the Queen and Dufferin address of the similarly short-lived Crepe and Co..

Honourable mentions go to the following: House Maison, Sense Appeal, Bywoods, One Love Kitchen, Sushi Kujira, Pain Perdu Bistro, Stixx Flare Kitchen.

What did I miss? Add more flops to the comments below.

Photo of Citta by Jesse Milns.

The top 5 real estate developers in Toronto

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real estate developers torontoToronto has a complicated relationship with its real estate developers. So often they are criticized for ushering in a wave of bland glass-box architecture since the condo boom began in earnest back in the 1990s. But amidst the city's anonymous residential towers, there are examples of bold architecture and historical adaptation that result from developers with a vision that extends beyond the ordinary.

Here are my picks for the top real estate developers in Toronto.

Diamond Corp
Diamond and Corp have recently completed one of the best street-level heritage revitalization projects in the form of FIVE St. Joseph. Many developers could take a page out of how this development marries new and old. The developer also handled the original designs for the 592 Sherbourne and is behind the Garrision Point project just east of Liberty Village.

real estate developers torontoUrban Capital
Urban Capital's River City project is one of the most exciting and innovative developments ever to land in Toronto. Designed by Saucier + Perrotte, each phase of the project has brought a bold vision to the West Don Lands, though RC3 (currently under construction) is surely the most stunning. If only all condos in Toronto revealed a commitment to such architectural vision.

real estate developers torontoDaniels Corporation
Daniels has been around for over 30 years in Toronto, but in the last decade it has made a name for itself with strong community outreach and development via the Regent Park Revitalization, a project which notably also relies on top notch architecture firms Diamond and Schmitt and Hariri Pontarini. Also from Daniels is the upcoming City of the Arts complex in Bayside.

real estate developers torontoStreetcar
Streetcar has only recently come into its own as far as high quality design goes, most notably with the redevelopment of the Broadview Hotel, which could garner the company major bragging rights if the renovations/development go according to plans. Streetcar has doubled down on the neighbourhood with the nearby Riverside Square, which will surely house many of the hotel's future customers.

real estate developers torontoWoodcliffe
What to say about Woodcliffe other than that the company is the city's leading light when it comes to heritage preservation. The stunning Scrivner Square LCBO flagship at the former North Toronto Railway Station would never have happened without founder Paul Oberman. The revamped Market St. is another example of Woodcliffe's vision for a Toronto that remains in touch with its past.

What Toronto real estate developer would you put on this list? Let us know in the comments.

Lead photo by Vik Pahwa.

The top 35 chicken wings in Toronto by neighbourhood

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chicken wings torontoChicken wings in Toronto run the gamut from conventional pub grub offerings to sticky Asian-inspired styles. From fried Buffalo wings and gochujang-spiced Korean varieties to smokehouse specialties and tandoori baked flavours, this quintessential finger food is as diverse as the city itself.

Here are my picks for the top chicken wings in Toronto by neighbourhood.

ANNEX
Mr. Tonkatsu deals in crispy Japanese karaage chicken wings ($12) as well as saucy styles ($14) painted with sweet or spicy sauces.

AVENUE & LAWRENCE
Drums & Flats is a dedicated wing joint that offers the choice of just drumettes, just flats, or mixed. You can order them wet, dry, or double dipped in over a dozen flavours including mango jerk and Ragin' Cajun.

BAYVIEW & LEASIDE
Authentic Buffalo wings ranging from mild to Armageddon are the specialty at Duff's. Order a single flavour by the pound for $11.50 with celery and dill dipping sauce on the side.

BABY POINT
Marky's BBQ Smokehouse serves up tender smoked wings ($11) with house-made BBQ sauces including mild, spicy, and Carolina Gold.

chicken wings torontoBALDWIN VILLAGE
Move over blue cheese, Ramyun wings ($5.45 for 3pcs, $11.45 for 7pcs) at Mo'Ramyun are best dipped in garlic mayo and gochujang. The unique riff on Korean fried chicken are encased in crispy noodles and deep fried to a golden hue.

BEACHES
Hog Wings at Hogtown Smoke start with organic chicken wings seasoned with a spicy rub. They smoke for two hours in the wood fired pit then take a bath in the deep fryer before being painted in a choice of sauce. Each order sells for $16 per pound and comes with house-made chipotle ranch dip.

BLOORCOURT
Get your wing fix at Hurricane's Roadhouse where a pound of wings ($11) can be had grilled or fried and tossed in a choice of 10 sauces including Cane's sweet heat, honey garlic or jerk.

CABBAGETOWN
Crispy chicken wings ($12.38) coated in a spicy Cajun rub are the house specialty at Peter's Cajun Creole.

CLUB DISTRICT
Scorpion Wings ($14) add variety to the taco-centric menu at La Carnita. Confit wings here are deep fried 'til crisp then tossed in a fiery chili sauce.

THE DANFORTH
15 bucks buys a plate of big, juicy chicken drummies at Auld Spot Pub. Have them sauced in classic Buffalo style or opt for honey hot, BBQ or scotch bonnet flavours.

DISTILLERY DISTRICT
Mill Street Brew Pub recommends a pint of 100th Meridian Organic Amber Lager to go with its wings ($14). Order hot chili garlic, honey garlic, jerk BBQ or Korean BBQ style wings served with pickled carrots and celery with tzatziki on the side.

chicken wings torontoDUNDAS WEST
The Dyno wings at Hanmoto aren't your typical chicken wings. An order of these features goyza filling stuffed into a de-bonned wing that's deep fried and finished with a drizzle of Kewpie mayo and a sprinkling of nori, cilantro and hot peppers.

EAST YORK
La Famiglia Pizza is the type of pizzeria that everyone outside the delivery zone should be envious of. Not only does this joint offer pizzas, pastas, hot subs and garlic knots, but the wings are lustful. 10 pieces with celery and blue cheese are $10 and available in classic sauces or Italian style with a garlic parm coating.

ETOBICOKE
Crispy, pub-style wings at Orwell's are big, juicy, and as spicy as you want them. Go on wing nights to take advantage of cheap specials that see wings sold for as little as $0.69 each.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT
Real Sports serves up massive and flavourful flappers by the half dozen for $14.75 in 10 flavours including Thai sweet chili, spicy jerk, and garlic parmesan.

JUNCTION
Indie Ale House does wings ($13) in three styles; an ultra hot papaya habanero, spiced maple liquorice, and an Italian inspired style seasoned with peperoncini, parm and oregano.

chicken wings torontoKENSINGTON MARKET
Deep fried wings at The Dirty Bird come in flavours like dry & dirty, Buffalo, sticky honey garlic, and tear inducing jerk BBQ. Order them by the pound ($12), half pound ($6), or piled on top a maple buttered waffle with a choice of side ($14).

KING WEST
Get your wet naps ready at the Wheat Sheaf because the specially seasoned wings served 10 per order for $12 demands that you roll-up your sleeves and dive right in. Customary carrots, celery and blue cheese dip are included while the selection of sauces ranges from mild to suicide.

KOREATOWN
Crispy breaded wings dominate on the menu at Clinton's Tavern where a pound will set you back just $10.25. Sauces on the side include varying degrees of hot sauce plus unique options like sweet chipotle mustard or the house-made honey garlic sauce.

LITTLE ITALY
All-you-can-eat wings are on offer every Wednesday at Night Owl for $15. Devour as many as you can within the two hour time limit in flavours like General Tso and sweet hoisin.

MARKHAM
Blazing fire chicken wings are the thing to get at Home of Hot Taste. The Korean fried chicken joint sells a pound for $15 or two pounds for $27.50.

NORTH YORK
Bistro on Avenue is a precursor to the St. Louis chain of chicken joints and best known for its textbook perfect Buffalo wings. An order with fries and the signature sauce comes to $12.

chicken wings torontoOSSINGTON
Hawker Bar slings wings by the pound ($12) or half pound ($7) glazed in sweet and sticky chili soy glaze that pleasingly packs just a touch of heat.

PARKDALE
The menu at Duggan's advertises chicken wings ($13) four ways: jerk fried, lemon pepper, Cajun, and sweet n' hot. Have 'em accompanied by classic blue cheese dip or herb aioli (+$1).

QUEEN WEST
Bar Hop Brewco serves up apple wood smoked wings drenched in sweet and spicy honey chipotle sauce and finished with fresh tomatoes, scallions and Quebec blue cheese.

chicken wings torontoRIVERSIDE
Aft Kitchen & Bar
brines wings ($14) then smokes them low and slow before flash frying them for added crunch. House BBQ sauce adds a final hit of smoky flavour. Each order includes a pile of frites.

RONCESVALLES
Barque Smokehouse bills three styles of plump, pit-smoked wings including dry rub, sweet heat and chipotle. Order each flavour by the pound for $12.

ROSEDALE
Almost two dozen unique flavours of giant wings served baked or fried are on the menu at the Crown & Dragon. Standouts include the baked tandoori spiced Bollywood and the sticky and sweet classic Coke glaze over fried wings. Visit Tuesdays and Thursdays for half price wings from 5 p.m. to close.

SCARBOROUGH
Jumbo wings at the Tara Inn are so big they're sold in fives ($7.95), sevens ($10.50) and 10s ($10.50). Choose from over a dozen flavours including classic pub styles, tandoori, and sesame Sriracha.

chicken wings torontoST. CLAIR WEST
For a fish and chip joint, Fresco's serves up some pretty stellar wings. A half pound with any side (deep fried pickles included) and a dip (blue cheese, ranch, or chipotle) costs just $10 and comes in a choice of flavours including my personal fave, smoked lime tequila.

ST. LAWRENCE MARKET
The Jersey Giant is a Toronto institution where orders of flats and drumettes fly out of the kitchen. A pound for $12 can be had smothered in a classic array of sauces as well as chipotle BBQ and hot honey garlic.

WEST QUEEN WEST
Jumbo grilled wings ($10.50) at Squirly's boast crispy skins and tender meat. Mild, medium, or hot flavours are the only options, and each order is lightened up with the inclusion of a salad (garden, Caesar, or seven grain).

YONGE & DUNDAS
Meaty slow smoked wings coated in dry rub seasoning at Lou Dawg's are sold by the pound for $11. Have them au naturel or tossed in one of the finger licking house BBQ sauces.

YONGE & EGLINTON
K-Wings at Korean Cowboy are served ten per order with fries for $15. Choose sauces that vary in degree of spiciness ranging from mild soy glaze and spicy butter to the hottest flavour dubbed Tomorrow's Regret.

YORKVILLE
The Pilot slings wings by the pound for $12 with veggie sticks and ranch dip supplied on the side to offer reprieve from spicy flavours like kamikaze and red vindaloo curry.

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

Lead photo from La Carnita

The top 5 free events in Toronto: December 14-20 2015

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free events toronto decemberThe top free events in Toronto will have you marathoning classic Christmas movies. Home Alone, Gremlins, Elf and more will return to the big screen just in time for the holiday season. If you've already gotten your fill of festive events, there's a zine fair and storytelling night that won't cost you a dime.

Here's a roundup of free events in Toronto this week.

Fireside Tales: December Edition (December 15)
Fireside Tales has moved inside of Comedy Bar for the season. This week, the event will bring some of the city's top storytellers out to discuss religion and belief systems. The lineup includes Jen Sakato, Tamara Junkin, Christel Bartelse, Lori Lane Murphy, Robby Hoffman and more.

Xpace Holiday Zine & Maker Fair (December 19)
On December 19th, zine makers and fanatics will flock to the Xpace Cultural Centre on Lansdowne. The event is perfect for window shoppers, as there will be vendors hocking everything from comics to crafts. If you can't drop any cash, DJ Grandmother Willow will be spinning music all day long, so you can dance your heart out instead.

Gremlins (December 19)
This Saturday, the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema is hosting a free screening of Gremlins. If you're not into 1980's horror-comedies with amazingly sub-par special effects, the cinema has a few other free films on tap this weekend. It's showing Elf on the 19th as well as Love, Actually and The Muppet Christmas Carol on the 20th.

Home Alone (December 19)
If you're closer to Carlton Cinema, catch Home Alone on the big screen this Saturday. The movie begin's at 11:00 a.m., so this is a good post-brunch option for early risers. If you have a few bucks to spare, the theatre is asking for donations for the Santa Claus Fund.

Trinity Bellwoods Flea (December 19)
Do a little shopping this Saturday at the Trinity Bellwoods Flea. If you have a couple extra bucks to spare, $5 champagne mimosas will be served - so you can get a bit boozy while you browse. The soundtrack will be 80s and 90s Christmas classics.

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

Photo via OCAD

5 ways to wear your Toronto Raptors pride

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Since 95Toronto Raptors gear will let you bid farewell to your Tulo jerseys and Osuna Matata tees while still showing off some local pride with your wardrobe. Whether you want to declare your love for Lowry or give a shout out to the entire team, you've got lots of options.

Here's a roundup of my favourite Raptors clothing you can buy in Toronto right now.

The Lineup Tee (Since 95)
Give a nod to some of the team's strongest players (past and present) with this simple graphic tee. The shirt spotlights Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, Terrence Ross, Amir Johnson, Jonas Valančiūnas and honorary team member, Drake. If you want a blast from the past opt for the purple and white heritage edition.

Raptors OVOMen's Satin Jacket (Raptors OVO Mitchell & Ness)
Suit up in this satin jacket if you want to outdo everyone wearing basic cotton tees in the stands. Mind you, if you plan on throwing back your fair share of beverages at the game you may want to keep this one in the closet - it costs nearly $400 and would require a good dry clean after some beer spills.

Lowry JerseyLowry Swingman Jersey (Adidas)
If you take style cues from Drake, a jersey is the way to go. Instead of rocking the 6, bump it up to 7 to show some love for Kyle Lowry. If the point guard isn't your player of choice, you can always check out the stock at the NBA store, but unfortunately it won't be black and gold.

Waves416 Snapback (Waves Apparel)
You don't need to wear a jersey or sport the players' names to get in on the fandom. This hat boldly declares your love for the team without a logo in sight. If you're looking for something more winter-appropriate, try this black and red Turrono toque.

CasetifyToronto Raptors Classic Snap Case (Casetify)
If you're not one to buy big ticket merch and don't like boldly declaring your love for the team, this will be right up your alley. The clear case features a raptors claw with the players' names plus slogans, dates and more. You can order it for iPhones 4s, 5s and 6s, or for your iPod Touch (sorry, Android users).

What did I miss? Add your favourite piece of Raptors gear to the comments.

Photo of the Since 95 Lineup Tee by since95official.

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