Toronto's once abandoned Hearn Generating Station is getting a new life in June. That's because the Luminato Festival is hosting all of its ticketed programming at this decommissioned Port Lands power plant.

So, what can you expect to see? The 10-year-old arts extravaganza announced its first three projects today. And those who experienced the inaugural Unsound Festival last year will be happy to note that it's returning to the Hearn for 2016.

Unsound, imported from Poland, will unfold over two nights on June 10 and 11. Tickets cost $25 and are on sale now.

The Hearn will also be getting a new 1,200-seat theatre for The James Plays about the Stewart Kings. This trilogy from the National Theatre of Scotland will be making its North American debut. Together, these three plays are more than 11 hours long; you can see them each individually or binge watch them in a single day.

Along with The James Plays, Rimini Protokoll's Situation Room will also appear in North America for the very first time during Luminato.

As its name suggests, this production from Germany (by Helgard Haug, Stefan Kaegi, and Daniel Wetzel) is inspired by the now-famous photos that emerged when President Obama - and other high ranking officials - learned American forces had killed Osama Bin Laden.

For this show, each audience member gets an iPad mini and headphones, allowing them to physically follow 10 different characters that are all based on real people involved in the global arms trade.

If you choose to this immersive production, you'll travel through a variety of realistic sets, which contain more than 4,000 props.

Luminato runs from June 10 to 26, 2016.

Photo of the Situation Room.

Today in Toronto it's time to get your fill of indie music. Long Road Act, Downturns, Bad Reed and Bicyclops are all playing sets tonight at the Smiling Buddha for the low price of $5. If your being even more fiscally responsible - AKA your don't have a dollar to spare and your rent is probably late - head to the Gladstone Melody Bar for a free party complete with live music.

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

• Gladstone Hotel x Collective Arts Brewing Collab Party (Gladstone Melody Bar)
• Howl's Moving Castle on the Big Screen (Bloor Hot Docs Cinema)
• Last Thursdays Presents: TRUTH OR DARE (Gladstone Hotel)
• Long Road Act, Downturns, Bad Reed, Bicyclops (Smiling Buddha)
• Paint (Horseshoe Tavern)
• Best of Under 5min. Shorts Festival (Carlton Cinemas)
• The 90s Party (The Addisons)
• Architextures: FORTH (Round)

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

Photo by Jesse Milns.

Toronto Restaurant Openings highlights the latest restaurant openings and closings in Toronto and also gives a preview of what's coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.

OPEN NOW

• Cafetería, the newest member of the Mas Playa family of Mexican restaurants is set to open this weekend at 974 College Street.
• The Cloak has opened in the basement level of Marben at 488 Wellington Street West. The new addition is part of Marben's ever-evolving identity and taps the talents of beverage director, Tao Zrafi (Taology) to oversee the extensive handcrafted cocktail program accompanied by nibbles and music.
• Wonder Chicken, a new spot for Taiwanese food has opened at 96 Harbord Street where Tik Talk Cafe used to be.
• Custom cake shop and bakery, The CakeSmith celebrated its grand opening this week at 2325 Bloor Street West.
• Sugar Loaf, a new artisanal bakery and cafe is now open at 729 Queen Street East.
• Basso at 320 Queen Street East is open and serving up Italian standards.

RECENTLY REVIEWED

• Qin Tang Taste
• Ro House
• Jatujak
• Dominion Pub & Kitchen

OPENING SOON

• The recently shuttered Splendido at 88 Harbord Street is getting a flowery facelift and is soon to become Piano Piano.
• The Belfast Love, a new public house that pays tribute to the Irish is set to replace Zoe's Bakery & Cafe at 548 King Street West.
• New watering hole, the Clocktower Bar is coming to 1210 Yonge Street near Summerhill.

CLOSED

• No more pickles on a stick in Kensington Market! Thomas Lavers Cannery & Deli is closing up shop on January 31 to refocus their efforts on their ginger beer.
• 90 Second Pizzeria at 259 Queen Street West has closed making that stretch of Queen more barren than ever.

Have you seen restaurants opening or closing in your neighbourhood? Email tips to liora@blogto.com

Bars for a Tinder date in Toronto cater to those fishing for a hook up as well as more serious daters. If you swiped right on a guy or gal and want to impress them, there's more than a few new watering holes you can use to charm your way into their heart (or bedroom).

Here are my picks for the top new bars for a Tinder date in Toronto.

Apt. 200
Though a handful of Tinder users are more than happy to skip the song and dance of a real date and head straight for the hookup, you'll probably have to buy your newest conquest a drink before they head home with you. If you want to get those apartment vibes away from your actual apartment, head to this West Queen West spot for a Cosmo; there's even a bed in the back if you're feeling frisky.

Shameful Tiki Room
Not all people can surprise their date with a destination vacation right off the bat and, let's be honest, you probably don't have the cash for that, anyway. Fortunately, you can still indulge in some Polynesian-themed fun at this Parkdale tiki bar. If your conversation falls flat, just order one of their massive drink bowls and it should be smooth sailing from there.

Boxcar Social Riverside
If you frequent or live in the east, you know that most of its bars are pretty low-key. This means you're probably going to have to get to know your Tinder match (cue the screams). Boxcar Social's outpost in Riverside caters to those who are probably looking for more than a one night stand - the menu is free of Jägerbombs and will probably win you brownie points for that reason alone.

Dundas Video
Dundas Video is the ultimate no fuss, no muss option. The place doesn't have flashy decor, insane beverages or a dress code - which is ideal for the average Tinder user. If you just want to have a beer (and they have pretty much all of them) and chat outside of the app, it won't disappoint.

The Lowdown
Located in Kensington Market below Torito you'll find a dimly lit cantina that will help do your profile picture justice. If the night seems like it's going in the right direction, head upstairs and enjoy a little tapas. Or, if he or she is a total dud, opt to stay downstairs for a live show - if you need an escape you may be able to shimmy away during a more lively set (but try not to be a jerk, if possible).

Bar Fancy
Bar Fancy isn't actually that fancy, but your date doesn't need to know that (the name of the laid back West Queen West joint may encourage your date to put their best foot forward). The minimalistic space puts conversation at the forefront, so brace yourself for a night involving more than just a shameless make out sesh.

The Lockhart
So you matched with your date because of a mutual interest in Harry Potter? Good for you, you're probably meant to be. If you feel the need to test your date's knowledge of all things Potter, take them to this Dundas West haunt. Possible conversation starters: "is the bartender a muggle?, "does "The Shacklebolt" drink accurately represent its namesake?" and "Would Harry, Ron and Hermione go here?"

Loveless
I understand anyone's apprehension toward going somewhere with the name like Loveless for a first date, but trust me, this cafe-meets-bar is a solid option. It's casual, boasts a decent cocktail list and has a patio, making it ideal for summer outings. Word to the wise: skip bringing militant vegans/animal rights activists here, there are a few taxidermied birds which may throw them off.

The 47
Tinder users are notorious for only interacting late at night, which makes dining a close to impossible feat. If you're looking to wine and dine your date, this Bloordale bar may be your best bet. It serves food until 2 a.m. and has all the brews, wines, and cocktails you need to impress a new love interest. It's also pretty dark, making it a favourite of those who may have gone a little wild with Facetune.

Civil Liberties
Want to get close to your date ASAP? Head to Civil Liberties. The Bloorcourt spot doesn't have much by way of seating, so the two of you can cozy up by the bar. If the flames aren't flying after a few cocktails, say your goodbyes and make a quick escape to Ossington station (it's just around the corner).

What did I miss? Add your favourite spot for a Tinder date to the comments.

Photo of Apt. 200 by Jesse Milns.

Weekend events in Toronto will please the city's beer aficionados and foodies. There's the The Society of Beer Drinking Ladies Bevy on Friday and Steam Whistle's Roundhouse Craft Beer Festival on Saturday - both ideal if you're looking for an interesting new lager or ale. If you're more into dining than downing pints, Winterlicious kicks off this Friday so try your best to get a reservation.

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

MUSIC

Class of 2015 #6 & #7 (Jan. 29-30)
The Silver Dollar's annual music honour roll series is coming to a close this weekend, but there are still two shows left on tap. On Friday catch The Dreamboats, King Creep, Tough Age, The Mercy Now and Billy Moon. If you want to see even more bands, you can catch Goodbye Honolulu, Convoys, Dirty Safes and more on Saturday.

Smiling Buddha's 1.5-Year Anniversary (Jan 29)
The long-held dive on the outskirts of Little Italy has chosen an odd midpoint to celebrate their 2014 reinvention to a buzz-band hub, but I certainly won't complain with alumni such as Odonis Odonis, New Fries, Greys and Mimico performing.

Neon Indian (Jan. 30)
Alan Palomo's 80s-washed synth nostalgia is fun on record and even better coupled with his live energy. The band's closing out current tour for VEGA INTL. Night School, a seedier take on chillwave, at Lee's.

Long Winter: Galleria (Jan. 30)
On January 30, the Galleria Mall will be transformed into an event venue for Long Winter. TEENANGER, The Highest Order, VCR, New Fries and more will be playing sets. As per usual, there will be installations by local artists - including Andrew Lamb, Laura Dawe and Jonathan Carrol and Ben Macarthy - scattered about.

FOOD & DRINK

The Society of Beer Drinking Ladies Bevy (Jan. 29)
The location of the next Bevy has yet to be announced (it's always a secret), but if you're a fan of hoppy beverages don't wait to get your ticket (even if it's far, it'll be worth the trek). The event is a chance for beer-loving ladies to congregate and mingle over one-off beers brewed just for the occasion.

Winterlicious (Jan. 29-Feb. 11)
Cap off the month by indulging in some of the finest food the city has to offer. In case you've been living in a cave for the past 13 years, Winterlicious extends to over 200 local restaurants and offers expertly tailored three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. Reservations begin January 14th, so start planning your dining destinations ASAP.

Roundhouse Craft Beer Festival (Jan. 30)
Steam Whistle's annual outdoor beer festival will takeover Roundhouse Park on Saturday, January 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for this frosty beer event are $20 in advance or $25 at the gates.

A Taste of Holland (Jan. 31)
Get your fill of Dutch eats at Hitch on Sunday. The Leslieville bar is serving up traditional comfort food accompanied by plenty of alcohol.

ENTERTAINMENT

DJ Skate Nights: Flow Skate (Jan. 30)
Head to the Harbourfront Centre on the night of the 30th for another DJ Skate Night. The music for this week's installment will be brought to you by DJ P-Plus . You may not be downing shots on the dance floor, but it's much more cost effective and probably just as fun.

TECH

Toronto Global Game Jam (Jan. 29-31)
The Global Game Jam is an international game-making event that is held every year in January. Over the course of a weekend participants are challenged to create a game from scratch based on a theme that is only revealed at the kickoff on Friday evening.

ART

Winter 2016 Opening Party at The Power Plant (Jan. 29)
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery is kicking off the winter season on Saturday by throwing a bash filled with music, drinks and, of course, an art exhibition. Look forward to seeing pieces by Carlos Amorales, Patrick Bernatchez and more.

Dialogue & Duration Performance Art Festival/Symposium (Jan. 29-31)
Katzman Contemporary is dedicating January to three performance art events. To cap off the month, the gallery hosts a weekend festival and symposium featuring work by various artists, including a 24-hour video performance streamed between Canada and cities around the world.

Song Dong's Communal Courtyard (Jan. 30-July 17)
Multidisciplinary artist Song Dong will convert the AGO's Signy Eaton Gallery into a maze made up of 100 vintage Chinese wardrobe doors. This immersive installation is inspired by Beijing's communal living spaces and is supposed evoke a sense of our "contemporary urban experience." If you want to be one of the first to see it, head to the gallery on Saturday.

SPORTS

The Coldest Day of the Year Ride (Jan. 30)
Since the winter weather rolled in, many Toronto cyclists have traded in their bikes for alternative (warmer) means of transportation. Well, it's time to break out your trusty metal steed on Sunday as The Coldest Day of the Year Ride is returning. Hundreds of cyclists will meet at Sherbourne Common for a 5K ride. Attendees will be hitting up a local tavern post-ride to warm up, so bring a few bucks.

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

With contributions by Lioria Ipsum, Rose Behar, Shazia Khan and Amy Grief.

Photo by Jesse Milns.

Chinese New Year (and the more widely celebrated Lunar New Year) commences on February 8 this year and as always, the celebrations are synonymous with good food and good times. The most popular restaurants in the GTA barely need to advertise, they've been accepting pre-orders for special dishes and emailing out set menus for weeks.

While slipping the host a big fat red pocket might lessen the wait for a table, there are several special menus on offer and reservations are accepted.

Here's where to celebrate Chinese New Year in Toronto this year.

Luckee
Celebrate CNY at Susur Lee's restaurant at the Soho Metropolitan Hotel where three prix fixe menus featuring dim sum, duck, whole sea bass and more on offer between February 2 and February 21. Opt for a six course menu priced at $88, eight courses for $138, or a 'special' 8 course menu priced at $168 featuring Lobster Yi Mein.

R&D
The modern Chinese restaurant on Spadina is running eight specials representing the lucky number between the Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day (from February 8 to the 14). Highlights include crispy Sichuan pigs ears, Buddha's Delight soup, steamed whole snapper and Niangao, a New Year's cake with caramel, cinnamon and almond ice cream.

Kanpai
The Taiwanese snack bar in Cabbagetown rings in the Year of the Monkey with a multi-course menu on February 1. Highlights include the Double Happiness Fish Fry (a whole wok-fried lake trout) and the Pot of Gold (a simmering pot of slow-cooked pork shank). Tickets are $65 and must be bought in advance.

Shangri-La Hotel
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with High Tea in the lobby at the Shangri-La. The two week celebration kicks off on February 8 with a traditional Lion Dance, while a menu of dumplings, rice rolls, matcha and red bean cakes, sesame balls and more will be offered until February 21 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Adults can partake for $44 per guest while children are priced at $25.

The Drake Hotel
The weekly 86'd Monday at The Drake will be a Chinese New Year edition on February 8 at 8 p.m.. The event is free to attend and will feature a competitive cook-off, classic dim sum, fun fortune cookies and free samples of Tsingtao Beer.

Drake One Fifty
Chef Jon Pong's Year of the Monkey Feast takes place on February 8. Celebrate the first night of Chinese New Year with a menu featuring fried rice with salt cod, duck confit, sizzling black bean lobster Chow Mein, roast suckling pig and mango pudding and banana fritters for dessert. Order a la carte or opt for a family style menu priced at $45 per person.

The Gaslight
The Bloor Street bar celebrates the Year of the Monkey on Monday, February 8 with an evening of East meets West culinary treats, boozy Bubble tea concoctions and $5 Woodhouse Lager tall cans.

Keung Kee
The chain of Hong Kong eateries is offering 30% off its signature special chicken for orders placed before February 6, for pick up on February 7. Those that want to dine-in will find special set menus on offer too.

Dragon Pearl Buffet
The all your can eat buffet restaurant near York Mills and Leslie is a hub of festivities over the Chinese New Year. Look forward to plenty of dishes that represent prosperity including the longevity noodles, the Lion Dance and live performances.

Casa Imperial
Bring the whole fam' to this restaurant on Steeles near Warden where groups of ten can take advantage of the Happiness Meal, a multitude of courses featuring BBQ suckling pig with jellyfish, stuffed king oyster mushrooms, and sautéed lobster. The meal is priced at $1298 or $798 if you bring cash.

Perfect Chinese Restaurant
The 24-hour restaurant in Scarborough isn't running any special promotions, but you'll still find plenty of celebratory dishes to ring in the Lunar New Year. Look forward to dim sum, suckling pig, and whole fish presentations.

Gourmet Malaysia
This large family restaurant celebrates the Lunar New Year with a special set menu. Priced at $398, the feast will feed 10 to 12 guests an abundance of seafood dishes including lobster, abolone and more.

Chung King
The Mandarian and Szechuan specialist near Pacific Mall is sure to be a hot spot for CNY celebrations. The restaurant is famous for its peking roasted duck and also offers set menus for groups of six, eight, or ten ($138 to $268).

Asian Legend
This large restaurant chain boasts locations downtown as well as in Scarborough, Markham and North York that have become staple destinations for Chinese New Year celebrations. Not advertised online (they'll email it upon request) are set menus for big groups starting at $288 for a feast of peking duck, lobster and more.

What did I miss? Add more restaurants to the comments.

Photo of Luckee by Jesse Milns.

There's more trouble brewing in Kensington Market with former employees at My Market Bakery claiming they're owed thousands of dollars in unpaid wages.

Milo Jones, who worked at the local store as a baker, alleges he's out around $2,000. He started back in June when the bakery was under different ownership. "It was a good job," says. "He [the previous owner] paid me on time, it was all on the books. There wasn't anything weird about it."

However, according to Jones, the workplace environment started to change when Gary Rogers took over the business in the third week of October and told his staff he was going to close-up shop.

From there, Jones alleges Rogers started firing off employees. Jones stayed on until mid-December and by that time, he says he was working alongside just one other baker.

As Global News reports today, Jones, as well as at least three other former employees claim they're missing some of their wages.

Oliver Buck is one such employee and as Global writes, he has already filed a complaint with the Ministry of Labour. Jones has not.

Since leaving My Market Bakery, Jones has ceased all contact with Rogers and has gotten another job at a popular Toronto bakery in a different part of the city.

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

• Winterlicious kicks off today, Friday, January 29 and will run until February 11. Restaurants participating in the annual prix fixe event will offer three-course prix fixe lunch menus (priced at $18, $23 or $28) and dinner menus (priced at $25, $35 or $45) and we've selected some of the most promising dining destinations right here.
• The Winter Craft Beer Festival at Roundhouse Park is on this Saturday, January 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Advance tickets are sold out but there will be a limited number at the gate.
• The pop-up Cantina by Campbell's hosted by Rock Lobster's chef Matt Dean Pettit kicks off on Monday, February 1 and will run until February 22 at 501 Queen West. Look forward to four original soups served up at lunch and dinner for free.
• La Poutine Week is back from February 1 to 7 and 16 Toronto restaurants (including Let's Be Frank, Tesla Cafe and The Hogtown Cure) will be offering up their own takes on fries, curds and gravy for the occasion.
• The Depanneur (1033 College Street) launches its new Table Talks series on Tuesday Feburary 2. Admission is $20 including dinner starting at 6 p.m. followed by a talk by Darcy Higgins of Food Forward & Building Roots at 7 p.m.The subject du jour will be the challenges and rewards of bringing food to the people while dinner will feature Tourtière Montréalaise complete with soup or salad, and coffee or tea.

UPCOMING

• The Depanneur (1033 College Street) hosts a 7 Curries & Ti-Puri by Vanesha Khadaroo on Saturday, February 6. Ticket are $50 for the menu featuring Giraumon Fricasser, Kutchou, Grois Pois Masala and more along with puffed fried flatbreads for scooping.
• The George Brown College Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts hosts Chef Roary MacPherson of the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland for the next instalment of its Trending NOW Dinners happening on Wednesday, February 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The multi-course menu is priced at $85 per person.
• Umbrella Beach, a grass-roots arts and courtesans collective is starting a regular farmers market on Saturdays starting February 13. Taking place (indoors for now) at 160 Bartley Drive, expect to find vendors hawking high energy yogurts, srpouts, cold pressed juices, wildcrafted salves and tinctures, and more.
• The 9th annual Mad for Marmalade presented by the Aga Kahn Museum and Fort York National Historic Site takes place on February 20, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. The theme this year is Citrus in the Persian Kitchen and will feature citrus themed workshops, a marmalade competition, lunch, guest speakers, tastings and marketplace. Admission is $50.

Know of a Toronto food event coming up? Email liora@blogto.com

Photo of the Tesla Cafe

The best animal hospital in Toronto is there to help out when your pet's in a pinch. At these facilities you'll find expert veterinarians, low-stress environments and prices that won't have you taking out another mortgage on your home.

Here are the best animal hospitals in Toronto.

Dundas West Animal Hospital
This Dundas West clinic takes the cake for best animal hospital in the city due to its extensive list of on-site services. It offers all the necessary medical, surgical and dental check-ups and procedures, as well as ultrasounds, pain management and stem cell therapy. If you're looking to add a feline to your family there's also a cat adoption centre under the same roof.

Queen West Animal Hospital
If you call Queen West home, this should be your go-to for pet care. The hospital has a lengthy medical service list including everything from spaying and neutering to cardiology. Aside from medical and surgical work, the clinic also offers puppy training and cat adoption.

Leslieville Animal Hospital
East enders can skip the trip downtown in favour of heading to the Leslieville Animal Hospital. Located right near the corner of Queen and Jones, getting your pet here is an easy feat by streetcar. Its service list is stacked with all the staple medical and surgical procedures plus welcome additions like puppy and kitten wellness plans and nutritional counselling.

Bloor Animal Hospital
This Bloor West Village is open from dawn until dusk (well, 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on weeknights) making it one of the most accommodating animal hospitals in the city. Its staff can handle everything from wellness exams to more serious surgical procedures. It also offers boarding and adoption, if you need to drop off you four-legged friend for a while or want pick up a new one

Veterinary Emergency Clinic
If your pet needs medical attention ASAP and/or a more serious procedure, this Rosedale clinic is your best bet. It offers ophthalmology, neurology, oncology and many other services you can't get at the average veterinary office. Operating like your average human hospital, emergency and critical care services are available 24/7.

Bathurst Dupont Animal Hospital
The Annex's canines and cats are in good hands at this hospital. It has a reputation for having kind and caring staff (Dr. Koroknai seems to be a fan favourite) as well as decent pricing. It offers all the standard medical and surgical procedures plus homeopathy (for those wary of modern medicine).

Roncesvalles Animal Hospital
Looking for a new veterinarian in Roncesvalles Village? This clinic has proven to be the best in the far west. It offers dental care, emergency services, surgery, radiology and more. If you're pet needs pampering or a staycation, this animal hospital also offers grooming and boarding.

Bickford Park Animal Hospital
Bickford Park Animal Hospital offers just about every procedure in the book. Whether your four-legged friend is in need of some dermatological help or a serious non-elective surgery, the staff at this Bloorcourt office can help. Bonus: It's located right across the street from Christie Pits, so getting there by subway is a cinch.

Front Street Animal Hospital
Just south of King West you'll find the Front Street Animal Hospital, a favourite of downtown dog and cat owners. Its service list includes microchipping, puppy and kitten care, laser therapy and more. The clinic also has a grooming centre where you can treat pet to a wash and blow-dry, trim or nail clipping.

Photo by enfys photography in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Toronto concerts this month are full of exciting comebacks and anniversaries, plus the first whispers of music festival madness that will surely engulf the city like a fiery wave of flower crowns the minute ice begins to thaw.

Aside from Wavelength and The Long Winter returning, there's Somewhere There, an annual collection of Toronto's creative experimental artists at The Tranzac, and Winterfolk, the three-day blues and roots fest that takes over a stretch of the Danforth. Also check out Long Winter offshoot INsulator, a unique audio-visual experience planned to take place in a maze-like setup.

Elsewhere, look out for a great batch of death metal (Decapitated, Cannibal Corpse) and punk royalty (The Queers, Nina Hagen). Stuff of the classic-rock persuasion includes The Sheepdogs, The Besnard Lakes and Wolfmother, the latter of which I was so sure had broken up, but I was probably thinking of Jet. The Dirty Nil, Classified and Blue Rodeo shows are also afoot.

Here are my top picks for concerts this February.

Bruce Springsteen (February 2, ACC)
If you really really really love The River, what a time to be alive. Not only has the album been reissued as a massive boxed set, but The Boss is also taking the E Street Band on tour in its honour. It's sold out of course, but the StubHub offerings are at least more reasonable than Dave Chappelle's.

Wet (February 3, The Garrison)
Brooklyn trio Wet made a big splash (ha) with their 2013 EP, instantly joining the new school of slick sensi-pop that the likes of CHVRCHES and The XX have turned mainstream. Ready for the big time, their major-label debut is out as of January 29.

Jazz Cartier (February 5, Phoenix)
The rising-star Toronto rapper has been cryptically teasing new material and dropping the occasional surprise track here and there as of late. Though not indicative of a full tour, this pit stop at the Phoenix could be more revealing about his impending 2016 release.

TR/ST (February 12, Velvet Underground)
Apparently I'm the only person concerned that the Velvet Underground's surprise rebirth is being helmed by the same guys responsible for this and this, but I'm willing to put my pessimism aside for what's overall still happy news. Especially since one of our all-time fave goths, TR/ST, is headlining.

Neon Windbreaker (February 12, Smiling Buddha)
Hometown noiseniks Neon Windbreaker are unfortunately calling it quits after seven years, likely to focus on their numerous other projects (one member plays in Dilly Dally; another heads up label We Are Busy Bodies). This Smiling Buddha gig will be their last.

Wavelength 16 (February 12-14, The Garrison/Markham House City Building Lab)
The annual fest takes over Valentine's Day weekend once again with another round of cool and eclectic names. Calvin Love, Duchess Says, Steve Lambke, Foxes in Fiction and many more are slated to play.

The Long Winter (February 19, The Great Hall)
This month's edition of the popular art+music series features another heap of musical talent, with performances by The Wooden Sky, For Esmé, DATU and more.

Jennylee (February 21, Horseshoe Tavern)
Warpaint's inventive bassist recently struck out on her own with right on!, an album that douses her driving hooks in a darker, more gothic vibe. She's taking the new material on a modest tour including a night at the 'Shoe.

Wavves and Best Coast (February 22, Danforth Music Hall)
The longstanding power couple of sunny Polaroid indie rock have teamed up yet again. Wavves and Best Coast just minted a 7-inch split and are hitting the road together accordingly with the "Summer is Forever II" tour, a wonderfully optimistic title to bring to Canada in the middle of February.

Glassjaw (February 24, Opera House)
Hardcore fans had given up all hope of ever hearing a real followup to Worship and Tribute, but then these sneaks decided to mess with us all, dropping a brand new song out of nowhere and booking a swath of North American dates. Could it be? Do we dare dream of a new LP? Dudes, what are you up to?

Idée Fixe's 5th Anniversary (February 25-26, Horseshoe Tavern)
This T.O.-based record label celebrates a milestone over two nights, with past and present roster turning out to perform. On night one, Jennifer Castle, Fiver, Alex Lukashevsky and Bry Webb take turns fronting the house band, while night two offers The Highest Order, Bart and more.

Inertia XX (February 27, Opera House)
Speaking of milestones, concert promoter Noel Peters (the man behind Inertia Entertainment) is marking an impressive 20 years of bringing Toronto the loudest and heaviest bands. The bash is fittingly at the Opera House, headlined by Scarborough metal icons Sacrifice, plus Macabre, Goatwhore and Panzerfaust.

What did I miss? Leave your top concert suggestions in the comments.

Photo via Jazz Cartier on Instagram.

Will Toronto city council finally make a concrete decision regarding the oft-discussed Scarborough subway? Let's hope so.

Yesterday, as Metro Toronto reports, Mayor John Tory and the Executive Committee voted in favour of having city staff study and report back on the new transit plan that chief planner Jennifer Keesmaat released last week.

In this updated plan, the Scarborough subway runs right from Kennedy Station to the Scarborough Town Centre, saving the city around $1 billion - enough to build a 17-stop LRT that connects the incoming Eglinton Crosstown to the University of Toronto's Scarborough campus.

Are you in favour of the one-stop plan? Let us know in the comments.

Condo marketing is a hyperbolic art that helps make all new projects look like paradise. And sometimes, incoming developments don't live up to the hype.

That's what happened at Six50King, a condo building located at King and Bathurst. Now, as CBC News reports today, Freed Developments is up against a $6.5 million lawsuit after it decided not to use Munge Leung Design Associates (now Studio Munge), even though it previously advertised that the notable interior design firm would be working on the project.

Some owners, as the Toronto Star previously reported, bought pre-construction units back in 2007 but didn't learn about Munge Leung's apparent lack of involvement until June 2014.

As the Star wrote back in April, none of the allegations against Freed have been proven in court.

According to CBC, Freed said in its statement of defence that it decided not to use Munge Leung after its Six50King brochures were already printed and that it never made any promises to include the design studio in its new development.

Freed also told CBC that new buyers had to sign agreements, which noted that the developer could make changes to the building's design.

Is it fair for condo developers to renege on their marketing promises? Let us know in the comments.

Toronto now has a workshop dedicated exclusively to using hand tools for woodworking. Come here if you're looking to work with your hands and feel like you've accomplished something - without the aid of technology or power tools.

Find out more in my profile of the Unplugged Woodshop in the design section.

It's that time of year again. Winterlicious is back, running from January 29 through February 11. The popular prix fixe program features more than 200 of Toronto's top restaurants and allows diners to indulge in lunch and dinner options at price points lower than the usual.

If you're planning on dining out this year make sure to submit your food photos to our photo challenge using the hashtag #blogtolicious on Instagram. We'll be selecting our ten 10 favourite photos and then let you vote for three lucky winners. Prizes for the top three vote getters will receive prizes from the following Toronto restaurants.

• 1st place: $200 gift certificate from Scaddabush Italian Kitchen and Bar
• 2nd place: $100 gift certificate from from The Badali Bar and Cucina.
• 3rd place: $50 gift certificate from from Linda Modern Thai.

The entry deadline is 11:59 p.m. February 14 2016.

For more on Winterlicious see the City of Toronto web site.

Photo via Harlem Restaurant.

Winterlicious is an excellent opportunity to woo that special someone. Take advantage of the prix fixe festival to ask out your crush; save on the entrees; splurge on the vino. It's a simple recipe for love, that with any luck, will lead to a second date.

Here are my picks for the top Winterlicious restaurants for a first date.

Bar Buca
Book a table at the intimate Italian restaurant on King West to get to know your new love interest over dinner. During Winterlicious each guest is treated to two selections from the appetizer course and two desserts which means a couple can sample the majority of the menu for $25 per head. Highlights on the menu include the testa (crispy pig's head) and ammazza fegato (Tuscan offal sausage).

Los Colibris
Channel your inner Latin lover at this Mexican restaurant on King West where the $35 Winterlicious dinner menu features enticing dishes like ceviche tostadas, tilapia in Veracruz sauce, and coffee flavoured flan.

Pukka
The Indian restaurant on St. Clair is the perfect place for a hot date. The atmosphere is cozy, the wine list is extensive and the $25 prix fixe dinner menu offered during Winterlicious will heat things up further with options like the chilli-tamarind glazed Chicken 65, Butter Chicken and Chili Chocolate Torte.

Nuit Social
Let this wine bar on West Queen West seduce both you and your dining companion with a $25 dinner menu featuring roasted chestnut soup, crispy fried artichoke hearts, squash potato gnocchi and red wine braised beef cheeks.

Frank Restaurant
Make a good first impression by pairing dinner with a little art appreciation. The $35 dinner menu offered at the AGO's restaurant opens with options like beet carpaccio and maple duck ham followed by entrees like sea bream with Creole shrimp and grits and stout-braised short rib accompanied by pierogi.

Thanks to Zantac for sponsoring this post.

Will you be dining out during WInterlicious? Add your photos to our Photo Challenge using the hashtag #blogtolicious.

Photo of Los Colibris by Jesse Milns.

The area south of The Drake Hotel is already condo-central. And now a new one might be moving in to 99 Sudbury, a building already home to a popular event space and gym.

According to a rezoning application submitted to the city of Toronto in 2014, the redevelopment proposal is looking to add a 26-storey tower to the site. A boutique hotel, with 101 guest suites, would make up the first six floors; the remaining 20 would be filled with 190 residential units.

As not to abandon its recent roots, the mixed-use building would include an event space - don't expect an after-hours club here.

Yet, according to an Inside Toronto report, area residents aren't too pleased with this new development because of its height.

What do you think of this proposal for 99 Sudbury? Let us know in the comments.

For a few years now, Toronto's Hazelton Lanes has been slated for a rather massive transformation. And that all starts with its name change. Yes, the 40-year-old mall is now Yorkville Village, as Retail Insider wrote yesterday.

As we previously reported, this is all part of landlord First Capital Realty's plan to transform the area around Avenue Road and Yorkville Avenue.

First Capital already owns 80-100, 102-104, 106-108, and 136-138 Yorkville Avenue. And as Retail Insider notes, the company will see Chanel move into a 8,400 square-foot space at 98 Yorkville Ave. (the current home of Teatro Verde) in 2017.

What do you think of the name change? Let us know in the comments.

Image via First Capital Realty.

This burger shop has been a mainstay since the '70s and while classic chargrilled patties are the core of the business, they've also indulged in recent trends. Expect to find monstrous creations made up of burgers topped with two types of bacon, pulled pork and poutine.

Read my profile of Shamrock Burgers in the restaurants section.

If you've ever been on the TTC during rush hour, you know how badly Toronto needs a downtown relief line. And according to the Globe and Mail, we might finally be getting this oft-discussed subway extension.

As the Globe reports today, city staff briefed Toronto city councillors on the possibility of creating a subway route under Queen Street to take a load off the over-crowded Yonge-University-Spadina Line.

Staff are looking at six possible routes, which all run from either Pape or Broadview Stations towards the city's downtown core.

Though, the Globe writes, the preferred route would go from Nathan Phillips Square to Pape Station with stops at Sherbourne, Sumach, Broadview and near Gerrard Square.

Of course, this plan is still in its infancy and has a long way to go before it becomes reality.

Photo by MrDanMofo in the blogTO Flickr pool.

The historic St. Lawrence Market isn't just one of the most famous markets in Toronto; it's among the best in the world. Both tourists and locals will agree that it's a worthy dining destination, and while the array of raw and seasonal ingredients for sale is impressive, there's so many tempting things to eat on the spot that the only dilemma is where to start.

Here are my picks of what to eat at St. Lawrence Market.

SANDWICHES

Veal Sandwiches
Uno Mustachio makes one of the city's best veal sandwiches ($7.85) best had with a few slices of fried eggplant ($8.85) slathered with tomato sauce and loaded with complimentary sweet or hot peppers, onions and mushrooms. Via @robgentilebuca

Bacon Sandwiches
Carousel Bakery's peameal bacon on a soft bun ($6.45) is obviously the most iconic sandwich in town and first timers should consider it an obligation to eat. Those that have been there and done that might want to give Carnicero's a chance; their crispy skinned, roasted side bacon is a seductive sight and they'll carve it to order then pile it onto a bun for $8.

Lobster Rolls
The chaotic ritual of lining up at Buster's Sea Cove and then waiting for your order is worth all the commotion. The sandwich is on-point featuring barely dress lobster salad nestled into a buttery split-top bun. Via @jachiu0722

Green Wraps
While it's true that most of the market is one big sausage fest, non-meating folk are not forgotten. Cruda Cafe deals in raw vegan foods including wraps loaded with vegan pate, avocado, sprouts and seasonal veg. Via @thehealthalchemist

CHEAP SNACKS
Pierogi
European Delight is well-stocked with cheap eats, but if you're grazing your way from stall to stall, try the pierogi sold by the dozen for $4. Via @chuonthisblog

Mustard Sticks
Rather than hovering over the free pretzel sticks and mustard samples, round the corner at Kozlik's to find puffy baked breadsticks smothered in cheese and mustard. Sold for $4 each or three for $10. Via @kozliksmustard

Oysters
If all the seafood is making you drool, shell out for a few just shucked oysters at Domenic's Fish Market for an instant fix. Via @veryevey

Apple Fritters
When grazing your way from vendor to vendor, stop by Yianni's Kitchen for rounds of battered and deep fried apples sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Priced at just 60 cents each.

Cheese-Stuffed Hot Peppers
Among the varied assortment of bulk olives, pickles and dips available at Scheffler's Deli, the cheese stuffed peppers are a personal fave. Occasionally you'll get one that packs some serious heat, but more often they're quite mild and balanced by the creamy, salty cheese stuffed inside. Via @angelaxxu

BAKED GOODS
Bagels
If you're looking for a fresh, chewy, wood fired bagels between Spadina and The Beach(es) then St. Urbain at St. Lawrence Market is the place to go. Go early to get them warm. Via @dreasfooddiary

Portuguese Custard Tarts
Pasteis de nata aren't exclusive to St. Lawrence Market (on the contrary, they're quite common across the city), and yet a stop over at Churrasco of St. Lawrence seems like an essential check on any St. Lawrence Market bucket list. Via @rkim92

Share your favourite things to eat at St. Lawrence Market in the comments section.

Lead photo by @chowstagram