After years of speculation and discussion, beer has finally landed in a select group of Ontario, and Toronto-area, grocery stores today.

However, don't expect a massive selection. The beer is limited to two end-aisles. One carries major brands such as Corona, Heineken, Budweiser and Canadian. The other stocks craft beer like Amsterdam, Steam Whistle and Lake of Bays Brewing Company.

At the Leslieville Loblaws, for instance, you'll be able to purchase beer from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Sunday hours are limited from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Today, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne made a quick stop at the Leslieville Loblaws and picked up a six-pack of Collective Arts Rhyme and Reason.

Remember, you can buy only six-packs, as well as individual cans and bottle, from supermarkets. Up to 60 Ontario grocery stores are expected to starting selling beer before the end of the year; 25 such stores will be in the GTA.

276 Forest Hill Road is a four bedroom, six bathroom estate in a private enclave near Spadina Road and Eglinton. First-time buyers might want to shy away from this exclusive listing -- it's going for $6,799,000.

The Art Deco architecture and striking facade is not so common in the Forest Hill neighbourhood, where streets are lined with custom built mansions and Tudor-style homes. This property has been on the market for awhile, seeing a significant price drop in recent months.

The interior at 100 feet wide is spacious with the main foyer resembling an art gallery and a curved staircase to the second level. The current style is a bit retro but could be modernized with a few personal touches to make it your own.

The landscaped backyard offers an urban oasis featuring lush green trees, an outdoor pool and cabanas. Thanks to a milder winter (we hope), barbecue season and backyard parties might arrive earlier this year.

SPECS

• Address: 276 Forest Hill Road
• Price: $6,799,000
• Lot Size: 100 x 120 FT
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 6
• Parking: 4
• Taxes: $30,533
• Walk Score: 57
• Listing Agent: Cathy Gilda Kwinter, Forest Hill

NOTABLE FEATURES

• Approx. 5,500+ square feet
• Fireplace
• Walk-in closest
• Master with heated floors
• Double garage
• Landscaped backyard and outdoor pool

GOOD FOR

A large family or a very wealthy couple. Like the upscale Bridle Path or Yorkville neighbourhoods, Forest Hill has its share of affluent home buyers belonging to the Toronto billionaire club. The almost $6.8 million estate attracts the elite and it's ideal for a homebody who enjoys weekends by the pool and summertime soirees.

MOVE ON IF

You need an ultra modern dwelling. The interior is a throw-back to the '90s with carpeted floors upstairs and banquette seating --charming as it is-- for an eat-in kitchen. Unless you love excessive tile flooring and checkerboard bathrooms, a few minor upgrades might be warranted.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
What do you think of this property? Let us know in the comments.

Thanks to Bosley Real Estate Ltd, Brokerage for sponsoring our House of the Week. All content and editorial selected and written by blogTO.

There's sad news for milk and cookie lovers in Toronto today. Moo Milk Bar, the much-loved local purveyor of nostalgic snack food, is shutting its doors for good at the end of the week.

This morning, the business posted photos on its social media accounts to announce that it would be closing down, likely on Friday. As of now, it's not taking orders or doing delivery; it's walk-in only.

This Beaches mainstay, well-known for its Cowgirl cookies and flavoured milk, is often compared to the Momofuku Milk Bar, though Moo arrived first.

Here's the full statement Moo Milk Bar posted on its Instagram and Facebook page: "We are very sorry to inform you that we'll be closing the doors to Moo Milk Bar. Even in this sad time, there are still many people to thank. Thank you to our employees who have worked their butts off. Thank you all out there for being such incredible customers."

"A special thank you to those who wrote good (and bad) reviews. We appreciate every one of you. Moo will remain open this week until we sell out (likely by Friday). We have a limited offering of flavours and products. We'll be unable to take orders and send out deliveries, so get your bum over here! Thank you all again and look for us in the future!'

Will you miss Moo Milk Bar? Let us know in the comments.

Toronto's been talking about this idea of becoming a "music city" for quite a while already. But now, city hall wants to hear from all of us at it begins to pen its formal music strategy.

The Toronto Music Advisory Council, in conjunction with the City of Toronto, is inviting all Torontonians to take a quick survey regarding our existing (and potential) music scene.

"As City Hall works to help build Toronto's music sector, we need you to tell us where we should focus our efforts," said Mayor John Tory in a news release.

"Our residents deserve a vibrant music scene, which can help make Toronto attractive to visitors and drive economic growth, job creation and investment in our city."

The survey touches on many pain points, such as the bylaws surrounding the music industry that tend to hamper venues from opening or functioning at full capacity, something which virtually killed the burgeoning live scene on Geary Avenue. And it also asks after our city's status as a "music destination."

The city is getting ready to create its music strategy, of which you can read an early draft right here.

What would you do to help Toronto's music scene flourish? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Matt Forsythe

Toronto was popping bottles this morning in celebration of the fact that some supermarkets now stock beer However, only seven stores in Toronto proper will actually carry your favourite brews.

As of today, 58 Ontario grocery stores sell six-packs. Yet, none of these are located in Toronto's downtown core. If you live in Leslieville, North York or Etobicoke, you should count yourself lucky because you can now grab beer along with your produce and other essential household items.

To make it easier for you to shop this holiday season, here's a handy map to guide you towards all the beer-friendly supermarkets in and around Toronto.

Of course, you can still buy beer at the LCBO, The Beer Store and these bottle shops operated by local craft brewers.

There's big news brewing for Toronto hockey fans. Multiple outlets are reporting that the 2017 Winter Classic could be on its way to BMO Field. While there's been no official confirmation, it seems fitting that Toronto would host the marquee event during the team's 100th anniversary celebrations.

If there's any reason to doubt the speculation that Toronto will host the annual outdoor game, it surrounds the capacity of BMO Field, which is below that of other stadiums that have hosted the game in the past. At present, BMO's capacity tops out at around 35,000, but apparently temporary seating can be used to significantly bolster that number (by as much as 10,000).

Given that the news is yet to be confirmed, it's unclear who the Leafs opponent will be should the game be a reality. It seems a shame if it was anyone other than the Montreal Canadians, but you can bet that at a minimum it'll be an Original Six team.

Let's keep our fingers crossed in the meantime.

Photo via the Toronto Maple Leafs Facebook page.

If you're feeling extra thirsty at a Toronto-area Starbucks, you may soon be able to grab a glass a wine or a bottle of beer along with your iced venti caramel macchiato.

Starbucks Canada has filed liquor license applications for three of its Toronto stores: Bloor & Thompson, 446 Spadina Road and 1740 Avenue Road. Starbucks also appears to have a submitted an application for a new store at 109 Princes' Boulevard on the CNE grounds.

As CBC News reports, the company has confirmed it's working towards piloting its Starbuck Evening program here.

Members of the public have until December 27 (December 20 for the 109 Princes' Blvd.) to give their feedback to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regarding these liquor license applications.

Roadies have a new winter playground in Toronto in the form of an indoor cycling gym that allows users to dispense with spinning machines in favour of their own bikes. Targeted towards enthusiast cyclists looking to stay fit and rehab injuries in the off season, this is a place where form and fit are key factors in helping cyclists to get the most out of their training.

Read my review of The Cycling Gym in the fitness section.

New Year's Eve parties in Toronto include everything from swanky hotel soirees to good, old-fashioned house parties. While slipping into sequinned apparel may be fun for some, it's definitely not for everyone. Luckily, the city is filled with bashes that will help you ring in the new year in style - no matter what your style may be.

Here are my picks for New Year's Eve parties and events in Toronto.

See also:The top 27 restaurants for New Year's dinner in Toronto

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTIES: EVENT SPACES, HOTELS, CONCERT HALLS + ALTERNATIVE VENUES

Majestic New Years Eve 2016 | Fairmont Royal York | 6:30 p.m. | $50-$120
If you're looking for a truly luxurious way to kick off 2016, head to the Fairmont Royal York. The hotel is hosting one of the largest parties in the city, with around 3000 people expected to attend. The event will fill three rooms with musicians, live cabaret shows and more. If you feel like throwing down some extra cash, you can head to the venue early for a three course meal.

Cirque New Year's Eve | 99 Sudbury | 10 p.m. | $30
99 Sudbury is one of the most popular event venues in the city, so it's no surprise that it's going all out for New Year's. The annual end of year soiree has a reputation for being anything but ordinary and features everything from confetti cannons to LED light shows. The soundtrack for the evening will be house, hip-hop, mashup & top 40 - so expect to sing along to 2015's greatest hits.

NYE | 159 Manning | 10 p.m. | $10-$15
Purchasing a $200 outfit and spending half a pay cheque on bottle service is not for everyone. For those who like a more laid-back atmosphere, try the annual 159 Manning house party. You may be sipping on PBR instead of champagne when the clock strikes midnight, but there's no shame in that.

Down-town Abbey | Gladstone Hotel | 7 p.m. | $57.53
The Gladstone reigns supreme when it comes to theme parties, and their New Year's bash is no exception. You'll find costume-clad guests, themed cocktails, and Edwardian-inspired characters wandering the venue. You won't have to worry about the soundtrack being too stuffy, it will feature everything from 20s jazz classics to hits spun by DJ Carmelinda, DJ Joe Blow and Kaleb Roberston.

FIVE + : A NYE EXPERIENCE | Secret Warehouse Location | 8 p.m. | $32.40-$53.60
Want to go off the beaten trail? FIVE+ takes place in a yet-to-be-revealed Queen West warehouse and has all the makings of stellar bash. A culinary marketplace, curated art, meditation sessions and live music are all on tap for the evening.

Royale Gala New Year's Eve 2016 | Palais Royale | 9 p.m. | $40-$60
Want to get dolled up and spend the evening dancing to the top pop hits of 2015? Grab a ticket for this event. You'll spend the evening looking out onto Lake Ontario, sipping champagne and counting down to 2016 in style.

• A Big Sound New Year's | Mod Club | 9 p.m. | $30-$40
• New Year's Eve Comedy Extravaganza | Massey Hall | 7:30 p.m. | $39.50-$69.50
• Magic NYE | Sound Academy | 9 p.m. | $30-$40
• All That Glitters | Drake Hotel | 6:00 p.m. | $45
• NYE Black and White Ball 2015 | Trump Hotel | 8 p.m. | $56
• The Dude's New Year's: The Big Lebowski | Bloor Hot Docs Cinema | 9:30 p.m. | $21
• Subspace New Year's Eve | The Opera House | 10 p.m. | $30-$100
• Elliott Brood NYE with Greylands | Lee's Palace | 8 p.m. | $25
• Magic NYE | Sound Academy | 9 p.m. | $30-$40
• Soul in Motion | Adelaide Hall | 10 p.m. | $20
• Champagne Showers | The Gates | 9 p.m. | $20
• MyNextRace.com Midnite Run and Party | 121 East Liberty Street | 11 p.m. | $55-$95
• A Wavelength New Year's Eve | Markham House City Building Lab | 8 p.m. | $19.50
• Count Down in Down Town | InterContinental Toronto Centre| 5 p.m. | $TBA
• Minutes to Midnight | Hilton Hotel | 9:30 p.m. | $40
• Great Balls of Fire New Year's Eve Gala | Famous PEOPLE Players | 7:30 p.m. | $124.95
• New Year's Eve | Second City | 7 p.m. | $55-$65
• New Years Eve Cocktail Cruise | Mariposa Cruises | 8:30 p.m. | $69.95-$124.95
• New Year's Eve Swing & Blues Double Deck Ball | Dovercourt House | 8 p.m. | $40-$45
• NYE Yoga Celebration | Kula Yoga Studios | 10:30 p.m. | $45
• New Year's Eve 2016 | Nathan Phillips Square | 8 p.m. | No Cover
• New Year's Eve White Party | The Phoenix | 10 p.m. | $35
• Arcadian NYE 2016 | Arcadian Court | 10 p.m. | $55
• New Year's Eve Skating Party | Harbourfront Centre | 8 p.m. | No Cover
• Dwayne Gretzky New Year's Eve 2016 | Danforth Music Hall | 9 p.m. | $30-$35

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTIES: BARS + RESTAURANTS

It's All Downhill From Here | Track & Field | 9 p.m. | $24.99
Track & Field is hosting its very first New Year's bash and is expecting things to get wild. Forget about awkward small talk and cocktail attire, here you'll be playing lawn games with craft beer in hand (priced modestly at $5 for the evening).

New Year's Houseparty w/ Happy Boy Tona + Teo Nio + Jayem Kayem | Apt. 200 | 10 p.m. | $TBA
Apt. 200 offers the house party vibe without the hungover post-party clean-up. The space, decorated like the apartment you've always wanted, is the ideal spot for those not able to commit to red carpet-worthy attire but who want to do more than just Netflix and chill. The night's soundtrack will be crafted by Happy Boy Tona, Teo Nio and Jayem Kayem.

Much Music VJ Legend Master T does New Year's | The Smiling Buddha | 9 p.m. | $20-$25
This isn't your average Much Music Video Dance Party. Head to the Smiling Buddha on NYE for a bash hosted by Much Music alum, Master T. He'll be taking requests and selecting the evening's music and videos, so you can expect the best of the best (he did host Rap City and Da Mix, after all).

• Hooded Fang w: Petra Glynt, Jooj feat. Sook-Yin Lee, DJs Denz & more | Silver Dollar | 9 p.m. | $10
• Shindig! Soulful NYE 2016 | The Piston | 9 p.m. | $20
• NYE with The Sadies | The Horseshoe Tavern | 8:30 p.m. | $27.50
• Musical Countdown to 2016 | King Rustic | 7 p.m. | No Cover
• Back In The Day 90's New Year's Eve | Revival | 10 p.m. | $30
• Pat Lock with Cyclist | Black Eagle | 10 p.m. | $10
• FCB NYE2016 Jake & The Blue Midnights | Fat City Blues | 6 p.m. | $20-$70
• Lovestruck! | Round | 10 p.m. | $10
• New Year's Eve Party Featuring Trainwreck | Linsmore Tavern | 8 p.m. | $15-$25
• James Bond New Year's Party | H-Bar | 10 p.m. | $25
• HIRUT Happy New Year's Comedy HOOT | Hirut | 8:30 p.m. | $5-$20
• All That Glitters | Drake One Fifty | 5:30 p.m. | $75-$125
• New Year's Eve Dinner | Loka | 6 p.m. | $75
• New Year's Eve Dinner Dance Toronto 2016 | Royale Fine Dining Banquet | 7 p.m. | $80
• New Year's Eve Toronto | Pearl King | 8 p.m. | $25-$50
• New Year Eve with Barry Harris | Wayla Bar | 10 p.m. | $10-$15
• NYE 2016 | Firkin on King | 10 p.m. | No Cover
• NYE 2016 | Firkin on Harbour | 9 p.m. | No Cover
• NYE 2016 Anti-Prohibition | Amsterdam BrewHouse | 10 p.m. | $35
• NYE with Dayglo Abortions | Coalition: T.O. | 8 p.m. | $15-$20
• Stiletto Flats | Old Nick | 9 p.m. | No Cover
• Rock N Roll New Year's Eve Bash | Drums N Flats | 9 p.m. | $10
• New Year's Eve 2016 with DJ Blush | Stones Place | 9 p.m. | $20
• Torontos Best Singles New Year's Gala | Houston Avenue Bar and Grill | 9 p.m. | $65
• Colette Midnight Secret Society NYE 2016 | Colette Grand Cafe | 9 p.m. | $100-$200
• A Night in Shanghai | Roll Play | 9 p.m. | $25-$30
• New Year's Eve with The Dreamboats | Junction City Music Hall | 9 p.m. | $15-$20
• LOCAL New Year's Party with Matty Powell | The Local | 9 p.m. | $TBA
• Grooveyard's New Year's Eve Funk Bash | The Rex | 8 p.m. | $54.99-$64.99
• It's Not U It's Me New Year's Eve Takeover | SPiN | 10 p.m. | $30
• HUNGAMA 2016 | Hard Rock Cafe | 9:30 p.m. | $35
• Millenium New Year's Eve | Studio Bar | 9 p.m. | $20
• New Year's Eve with Jack de Keyzer & Jerome Godboo | Monarchs Pub | 9 p.m. | $40
• Bovine New Year's Eve Party | Bovine Sex Club | 9 p.m. | $15
• New Year's Eve at Sneaky Dee's | Sneaky Dee's | 9 p.m. | $10
• New Year's Eve | Grossman's Tavern | 8 p.m. | $20-$25
• NYE '16 | Thoroughbred | 9:30 p.m. | $10
• Ring In 2016 with Bangs and Blush | Clinton's Tavern | 9 p.m. | $25
• Masque 2016 | The Office Pub | 7 p.m. | $15
• New Year's Eve ft. Galaxy Far, Far Away | Bad Dog Comedy Theatre | 8 p.m. | $30
• Supermarket NYE | Supermarket | 9:30 p.m. | $18.08
• CHRONOLOGIC NYE 2016 | The Garrison | 9:30 p.m. | $25
• New Year's Eve Party | The Boat | 10 p.m. | $TBA
• Grace O'Malley's Great Canadian New Year's Eve Party | Grace O'Malley's | All Day | $TBA
• New Year's Eve | Dundas Video | 9 p.m. | No Cover
• NYE 2016 | America | 10 p.m. | $50
• New Years, Fam: A Hip-Hop Soiree | Hard Luck Bar | 9 p.m. | $10
• FREE NYE | Nightowl | 6 p.m. | $TBA
• NYE 2016 | Parcae | 7 p.m. | $90
• Kick off 2016 Electric Circus-Style | Carbon Bar | 4 p.m. | $59-$79

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTIES: CLUBS

New Beers Eve '16 | Mascot Brewery/Odd Thomas | 10 p.m. | $20-$25
If you find the term 'club' intimidating, this is the venue for your NYE escapades. Mascot Brewery and Odd Thomas specialize in beer as opposed to vodka cranberries and the crowd is more plaid shirts than little black dresses.

Bonobo | The Hoxton | 10 p.m. | $TBA
Get your fill of EDM by heading to The Hoxton this New Year's Eve. Bonobo, Jeff Button and The Kount will all be taking the stage. Expect the regular roster of drinks and shenanigans.

• Barcode NYE 2015 | La Vie Complex | 10 p.m. | $35
• Countdown NYE | The Liberty Grand | 9 p.m. | $40
• NYE Hollywood Glam | The Addisons | 8 p.m. | $20
• COUNTDOWN: 2016 Toronto New Year's Eve Club/Pub Crawl | Cube | 8 p.m. | $25-$65
• Midnight Kiss NYE 2016 | Early Mercy | 10 p.m. | $40
• Prestige at Gossip | Gossip Nightclub | 9:30 p.m. | $30
• Wayward Ball | Wayward | 9 p.m. | $30
• Chus & Ceballos and friends | NEST | 8 p.m. | $55-$80
• Dom Perignon Presents NYE 2016 | Lost And Found | 10 p.m. | $40
• A Cristal Evening | EFS | 9 p.m. | $35.70
• New Year's Eve Moulin Rouge Theme Party | Tattoo | 10 p.m. | $TBA
• CHEERS NYE 2016 | FORTY2 | 10 p.m. | $25
• New Year's Eve | Orchid | 9 p.m. | $35.70
• Enchante NYE | Maison Mercer | 9 p.m. | $35.40
• Circa 1926 NYE | The Everleigh | 9 p.m. | $35.40
• UNITE NYE | Uniun | 9 p.m. | $40
• Wildflower NYE2016 | Wildflower | 9 p.m. | $40-$50
• New Years Eve 2016 | Bar 244 | 10 p.m. | $20
• New Year's Eve 2016 Cottage Get-Away | Citizen | 10 p.m. | $40-$85
• Miss Universe Canada 2016 NYE Gala | Muzik | 9 p.m. | $30
• New Years 2016 Toronto | Cake | 10 p.m. | $20
• New Year's Eve | Rock 'N' Horse Saloon | 9 p.m. | $15-$25
• Another New Year's Eve Party | Same | 10 p.m. | $29.75
• Midnight in Versailles | Brassaii | 8 p.m. | $40-$160
• CC New Year's Eve | CC Lounge | 9 p.m. | $133.11
• TOAST | Door Three | 9:30 p.m. | $32.40
• Day One | Parlour | 10 p.m. | $25-$30
• Shine NYE | Luxy | 10 p.m. | $35

What did I miss? Add where you'll be partying on NYE to the comments.

Photo via Bonobo.

Today in Toronto it's time to get a little charitable. Head to the Rivoli for a night a hip-hop performances and philanthropy. The venue is hosting a Hip Hop Food Drive where you can get in for $5 with a non-perishable donation. If you've still got time to kill, a few of the top holiday shows are happening this evening.

For more events, click on over to our events section.

• Against the Grain's Messiah (Massey Hall)
• The MUFF Society TO: Ghost World (Carlton Cinema)
• Tafelmusik: Handel's Messiah (Koerner Hall)
• Bring Ya Eh Game Presents Hip Hop Food Drive (Rivoli)
• Bay Adelaide Centre Holiday Market (Bay Adelaide Centre Arnell Plaza)
• Henry Taylor Band, Jade Mya and Evan MacDonald (Horseshoe Tavern)

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events section.

Photo of Against the Grain's Messiah

Long a destination for civilized games of billiards and pool, this second floor bar on a quiet downtown street has been brought back to life by its former staff, who were inundated with calls to bring the Charlotte Room back. They didn't do exactly that but a visit to the new spot reveals that the character of the place has been left very much intact.

Read more in my review of Roxy Bar in the bars section.

The top things to do by the lake this winter in Toronto will have you heading to the beach in sub-zero temperatures. While tanning and swimsuit-clad volleyball are pretty much out of the question, the waterfront still has a lot to offer during the coldest months of the year, with everything from DJ Skate Nights to art installations.

Here's a round-up of things to do by the lake in Toronto this winter.

Winter Stations
If you spent October 1st fawning over outdoor exhibitions at Nuit Blanche, Winter Stations will be right up your alley. The competition will turn up to 13 life guard stations in the Beaches into works of art from February 13 until March 20. If you want a taste of what's to come, check out the installations from last year in our gallery.

DJ Skate Nights
While the city has no shortage of ice rinks, not all are party-ready. On December 19th the Harbourfront Centre will bring back its DJ Skate Night series, inviting everyone to sharpen their skating skills while a roster of local and international DJs do their thing. The lineup this winter includes Jester & Kid Kut, John Kong, DJ medicineman and more.

Winter Surfing
Though riding waves seems like something only Californians do in the wintertime, Toronto has its fair share of cold water surfing enthusiasts. Why? Because winter storms offer some of the best conditions for the sport. While you'll have to suit up in a neoprene wetsuit to enjoy yourself, you can expect some pretty gnarly waves when the weather starts acting up.

Cross Country Skiing
The days of beach bashes at Hanlan's Point are long gone, but that doesn't mean you should forgo a trip to the islands this season. Strap on a pair of cross country skis and enjoy a trek on one of the many trails - you'll get in a bit of a workout and the view is absolutely stellar.

Driving Range
If you want to work on your swing in the winter, head to the driving range at The Docks. It's open year-round and offers 75 hitting stations where you can work on improving your skills with a driver. The facility also has an 18-hole mini golf course for those who are more into putting.

What did I miss? Add more things to do by the lake to the comments.

Photo by Natta Summerky.

Toronto will soon be home to Canada's third Gyu-Kaku, a popular yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant with more than 600 locations around the world.

When it opens, Gyu-Kaku will call 81 Church Street home. The chain lets diners cook their own meat, fish and vegetables over charcoal grills situated at each table. Popular menu items include a 21-day aged Angus skirt steak with a miso marinade and garlic shrimp.

Along with the various meat options, the restaurant serves up a myriad of appetizers, soup, sushi and noodles.

Are you excited for the opening of Gyu-Kaku in Toronto? Let us know in the comments.

The mac and cheese you'll find at Toronto restaurants is an upgrade on the classic Canadian comfort food. Find it on pub menus as the main event, as a staple side at barbecue joints, and jazzed up with all sorts of flourishes at dedicated mac and cheese specialists.

Here are my picks for the top mac and cheese in Toronto by neighbourhood.

ANNEX
Colby, gruyere and cheddar cheese combine at the Victory Cafe for this mac 'n cheese ($12.95) loaded with caramelized onions and sun-dried tomatoes. Garlic bread and a choice of Caesar or garden salad are included on the side.

BLOORCOURT
Bloomer's vegan Mac & Cheesy ($8) is an oven-baked pasta dish tossed with dairy-free cheese sauce and specked with broccoli. Add on faux bacon bits for $2 more.

BLOOR WEST VILLAGE
The chef's macaroni and cheese ($18) at the Kennedy Public House features noodles in an asiago cream sauce laced with porcini, button, cremini and fried shiitake mushrooms. Lemon thyme crumbs finish it off along with a drizzle of truffle oil.

CABBAGETOWN
The Mad Mac ($14) at Stout Irish Pub is an ultra cheesy dish loaded with asiago and smoked cheddar bechamel and served with house-made ketchup.

THE DANFORTH
Mac 'n Cheese at Factory Girl forgoes the typical noodle in favour of fresh rigatoni in alfredo sauce with mushrooms, diced tomatoes, mozzarella and cheddar cheese for $15.19. Have it with spicy Italian sausage to for $18.19.

DUNDAS WEST
Rhum Corner serves macaroni au gratin ($7), a hearty bowl of gooey, cheesy noodles encrusted with a breadcrumb topping for added crunch.

ETOBICOKE
Every item on the menu at Refinery Public House is priced at $6.95, and the baked mac and cheese is no exception. The basic three cheese mac can be upgraded with maple bacon (+$1.95) or beef brisket (+$2.95) and is served with garlic toast.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT
The Gabardine dishes out tubular noodles ($17) tossed in cheesy bechamel sauce and topped with breadcrumbs. Upgrade with chunks of smoked ham for $2 more.

THE JUNCTION
Six types of mac and cheese are among the cheesy comfort foods on offer at Cut The Cheese. Go classic ($6.75) with a version made with aged cheddar and a pinch of herbs, or try a souped up version like the Southern Comfort ($11.25) with buttermilk fried popcorn chicken over noodles in an Emmental cheese sauce specked with roasted bell peppers, sautéed corn and banana peppers.

KENSINGTON MARKET
Smoked cheddar mac and cheese at Trinity Common features elbows in smoked cheddar mornay sauce with scallions and fine herbs baked in a spiced parmesan crumb crust.

KING EAST
Betty's is all about personalized mac and cheese served in a piping hot skillet. Start with a base of noodles and cheese ($11.95), then add as you like bacon (+$1.50), peameal (+$1.50), jalapenos (+$1.50), ham (+$1), sautéed mushrooms or onion (+$1), chili (+$4), chicken (+$4), steak (+$6) or spicy pulled pork (+$3.50).

KING WEST
The double mac 'n' cheese ($12.75) at the Thompson Diner is laced with truffle oil and served in a heavy cast-iron skillet that sizzles as it arrives to the table.

KOREATOWN
The four cheese mac 'n cheese ($15) at White Brick Kitchen is paired with oven dried tomatoes and served with a side of garlic toast.

LESLIEVILLE
Satisfy nostalgic cravings at Brooklyn Tavern where the mac and cheese ($10) is made with aged cheddar and optional bacon (+$2).

LIBERTY VILLAGE
To go with the 120 craft beers on tap, Craft Brasserie offers a menu loaded with comfort foods. Mac n' cheese here takes the form of baked orecchiette ($16.50) served in a brown butter cheese sauce that's loaded with green peas, chorizo, and candied bacon.

LITTLE ITALY
Get cozy with the baked mac and cheese ($14) at The Caledonian. The Scottish pub employs a more-the-merrier, four-cheese philosophy, making their mac with stilton, aged cheddar. gruyere, and chèvre with roasted garlic and grape tomatoes.

NORTH YORK
United Bakers Dairy does the gooey, cheesy comfort food as an app ($9.99) and as a dinner ($12.99) with a side of Caesar salad and a bagel.

OSSINGTON
Bobbie Sue's is a mac 'n cheese centric spot where the menu bills an abundance of options. The classic ($5.30/$8.40) starts with a five cheese blend, while the Camp Mac ($7/$12) has yellow mustard mixed in along with sliced all-beef hot dog.

PARKDALE
The notorious macaroni and cheese ($8) at Parts & Labour is pure, delicious junk food. The sauce is all American cheese and it's encrusted with bright orange Cheetos.

QUEEN WEST
Load up on carbs at the The Fifth Pub with its mac and cheese ($14) featuring garganelli pasta in an earthy artichoke béchamel with smoked pork hock, spinach, and appenzeller cheese.

RIVERSIDE
Prohibition does a pretty deluxe take on mac and cheese ($17.95), featuring artisanal pasta in a blend of prized cheeses including gruyère, organic Canadian cheddar, L'Ermite Bleu, and Boschetto al Tartufo under a jalapeño-cheddar biscuit crust. If that's not indulgent enough, the dish is finished with black truffles, fresh herbs, truffle oil and optional smoked pork belly (+$3).

RONCESVALLES VILLAGE
Cardinal Rule does baked mac ($10) with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, smoked povolone, old cheddar and swiss. Add on bacon or tofu for $2, and sundrided tomatoes for $1.

ROSEDALE
Ol' Macki's Back ($12.95) at the Rebel House is a macaroni and cheese casserole that features plum tomatoes and green onions in a cheddar cream sauce. A choice of house-baked cornbread, house salad or kettle fries comes on the side.

SCARBOROUGH
The Bacon Mac and Cheese ($12.99) at Olde Stone Cottage Pub is not your typical Kraft Dinner. It boasts noodles in a creamy cheese sauce with bacon, onions and a golden panko crust.

ST. CLAIR WEST
Dave's mac and cheese ($15) starts with house-made pumpkin ricotta gnocchi that's then tossed in gorgonzola cream sauce and topped with bread crumbs, parmesan and crispy sage.

WEST QUEEN WEST
Bacon mac 'n cheese ($6) is among the soulful (and very worthwhile) sides at the Harlem Underground. Get yours as an accompaniment to hearty plates of Southern fried chicken or Jerk beef meatloaf.

YONGE & BLOOR
7 West serves up mac 'n cheese 24/7. Get classic style ($11.95/$13.95) made with aged cheddar and parmesan, or kick it up a notch with jalapenos for $1, or add ham (+$3) or bacon (+$3).

YONGE & DUNDAS
The Senator has Macaroni & Cheese on the menu for $12.95. The dish comprises elbow noodles with a mix of cheeses topped with breadcrumbs and parm, and served with salad on the side.

YONGE & EGLINTON
Big People Mac 'n Cheese ($15) at Uncle Betty's features elbow macaroni in a homemade white cheddar sauce studded with crispy pancetta, crowned with crispy breadcrumbs topping and finished with truffle oil.

YONGE & LAWRENCE
The Mac and Cheese ($15) specked with house cured bacon at Scratch Kitchen> arrives to the table in a sizzling cast-iron skillet and is served with house-baked focaccia on the side.

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

Lead photo from Bobbie Sue's.

Instead of shoving your lousy and disappointing Christmas gifts under your bed or hiding them at the back of your closet, you can exchange them for sweet, sweet candy this year in Toronto.

That's because Skittles (yes, the rainbow-coloured confection) is opening a pawn shop in the old Fluevog Shoes store at 242 Queen Street West.

"Skittles pawnbrokers will be on-site at the Skittles Holiday Pawn Shop ready to make sweet deals based on the estimated Skittles value of your unwanted gifts," reads a news release.

You can trade in your unwanted junk from December 26 to December 30 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m - the first 150 candy enthusiasts in line on December 28 will also get a chance to meet YouTuber IISuperwomanII (Lilly Singh). And in the spirit of the Yuletide season, Skittles will be donating all gifts in good condition to charity.

This axe throwing facility shakes things up with an intimate space and some very loud music to keep things interesting in between hurling sessions. The vibe is casual and upbeat, you can bring your own booze and snacks, and on the night that I visited people with a range of abilities all seemed to be having a blast.

Read my review of Bad Axe Throwing in the fitness section.

Toronto's Lemon. has released nary a five-song set, yet has managed to grab major attention on Soundcloud, already racking up over 100k listens of her most popular song posted to the site. Clearly something has resonated about her chill-out, too cool for you R&B sound.

A mix of the colloquial twang of Aimee Mann and the atmospheric groove of FKA twigs, these tunes are impressive in their restrained (but crystal-clear) mood, laid over sparse, but intensely melodic production, which features Tay Lewis on three of the five tracks.

I talked to Lemon. (real name Victoria) about how this project came about, her writing process, and what's next for the Toronto-based singer, writer and producer. Originally from London (Ontario) but transplanted to Toronto four years ago, Lemon. is a recent graduate of The Remix Project, a course-based institute with locations in Toronto and Chicago.

The program has quickly made a name for itself as an incubator for young R&B artists, with previous graduate WondaGurl having gone on to produce for Drake and Jay-Z.

At The Remix Project Lemon. linked up with Tay Lewis, an established producer in Toronto's underground rap scene who has made beats with SeT and Dillan Ponders.

Lewis's fingerprints are all over Lemon.'s early songs. But that's not to say she isn't talented in the studio herself. She produced the first two tracks in her set herself, both of which definitely pop (especially her uncanny cover of Smells Like Teen Spirit). This vocals-first style really pays off, with songs structured around what seems like a single thought.

Lemon.'s tracks are some of the strongest R&B songs I've heard coming out of Toronto this year. With a relaxed feeling and razor-precise production, her haunting lyrics of past loves float through the music effortlessly, never for a minute sounding like a lamentation of mistakes, but rather like a celebration.

It's hard to believe, but Lemon. has played just one live show so far (the graduation show for The Remix Project), but she's still in the studio working on her next batch of songs, which you can bet will be ones to watch out for. Stay tuned to her work by following along on Soundcloud.

Do you think Lemon. will be Toronto's next R&B star? Let us know in the comments.

You won't find this circus under a big top. Rather, the First Annual Something Strange Circus Sideshow Festival will unfold at the Mod Club.

Local mentalist Mysterion is putting on a weekend-long festival that's more similar to American Horror Story: Freak Show than the wholesome Shrine Circus or Cirque du Soleil. And, he's hosting it with J. Tithonus Pednaud, who's behind The Human Marvels website. The two regularly hold shows under the Something Strange banner. But, this is their largest event to date.

"It's the biggest sideshow expo in the history of the country," says Mysterion, describing the event. To boost the nostalgia factor, he's bringing in vintage circus banners from Coney Island.

These will help transform the Mod Club on January 23. The Little Italy venue will play host to Vaudevillian show of sorts that'll include acts from both Toronto and abroad. Expect to see former WWE wrestler Sinn Bodhi, The Monsters of Schlock, The Tinderbox Circus Sideshow as well as a contortionist, a sword swallower and a myriad of showgirls and burlesque performers.

Mysterion notes that there will also be an educational component to the evening because James Taylor, the creator of Shocked and Amazed magazine, will be giving a lecture.

Along with the performances, you can view select pieces from Mysterion's own Museum of Oddities. And, you'll be able to shop for curiosities at the festival's marketplace.

The following day, you can attend what Mysterion calls a "gross-out" brunch at Round in Kensington Market.

Tickets for both events are on sale now and run from $25 to $50.

Image via Facebook.

Toronto's waterfront is pretty dreary place in the wintertime, but last year, a new design competition popped up to animate our beaches by transforming four empty lifeguard stations into interactive public art installations.

Winter Stations - run by RAW Design, Ferris + Associates and Curio - is returning this year and it's growing. For 2016, it hopes to include up to 13 lifeguard stations in its exhibition that's slated to run from February 13 until March 20 along the Balmy, Kew and Ashbridges Bay beaches.

And, it shouldn't have a problem dressing up 13 stations because the design competition has received 378 entries from 49 different countries. Each one is tied to the theme Freeze/Thaw, a play on Toronto's unpredictable winter weather.

"Our hope is that the creativity and playfulness in the selected designs will draw people outdoors and inspire people to look at the spaces around us from different perspectives," said Ted Merrick from Ferris + Associates in a news release.

Jurors will announced the winners on January 11. Teams from Ryerson University, the University of Toronto, OCADU and Laurentian University are slated to makeover four lifeguard stands.

To help fund this year's expanding exhibition, Winter Stations will be launching an Indiegogo crowd-funding campaign.

See all the submissions here.

Remember when the food options at Toronto's Union Station sucked? That's starting to change thanks to all-day Egg McMuffins, a stellar summer market, Pilot Coffee and now, a brand new Thai restaurant.

Bangkok Buri, the incoming fast-casual eatery, is slated to open at Union Station in the new year. There are three additional locations in the works as well.

Crave It Restaurant Group (the company that operates The Burger's Priest) is developing Bangkok Buri along with Monte Wan, who owns Khao San Road and Nana.

According to the Ontario Restaurant News, Wan will be creating the menu, which will likely include red and green curries and pad thai among other dishes.

With this new addition, it's looking like Union Station is becoming an actual destination and not just a crowded thoroughfare.