If you have $2500 to spend on monthly rent in Toronto, you're bound to find a nice apartment. This is rather elite territory as far as rentals go, given that many who are able to afford such places could likely also invest in buying a condo. That said, there are a variety of scenarios that would lead one to rent in this price range, and the units of offer speak to this diversity.

This what kind of an apartment $2500 gets you in Toronto.

$2500 at Sherbourne and Wellesley
Located on Bleecker St., this unit is speaks to the types of perks you get when paying this much in rent. It's been recently renovated and is tastefully designed, but more importantly it's huge -- four bedrooms, two bathrooms huge. If you're looking to split rent with friends, this type of apartment could be very attractive.

$2480 for a two-bedroom near the AGO
More central condo units will cost you more, so if you're looking to live within steps of St. Patrick Station, your $2480 will only buy you two bedrooms. At 840 square feet, this place is hardly small, though. Plus you get a balcony and condo amenities.

$2400 for a townhouse in the Annex
Not everyone fancies a condo unit in a skyscraper. At this price point, one can also rent newer townhouse-style apartments in attractive neighbourhoods like the Annex. This particular one features stainless steel appliances, a private deck, and in suite laundry.

$2550 to watch the planes come and go at Billy Bishop
A view of the lake is well within reach for those with more than a couple grand to throw at rent. This until is less than remarkable interior-wise (a cookie-cutter condo if there ever was one), but hovering about the Toronto harbour would be damn nice.

$2400 for a two bedroom semi-detached at Avenue and Davenport
This apartment promises privacy, new decor, and a great location on a quiet street. You'll also get a fireplace, a deck for outdoor space, and your own laundry facilities. Two bedrooms is more than enough space for most renters in this city.

$2500 for a semi-detached house in Don Mills
If you're willing to leave the core, $2500 will buy you a whole lot of space in Toronto. This four-bedroom in Don Mills still feels new, and boasts all the features and amenities that you'd expect of such a property, including a backyard and a garage. It's also almost 2,200 square feet, which would easily accommodate a small family.

What do you think? Would you spend $2500 on any of these places?

Brunch options abound on St. Clair West, where restaurants, bakeries and cafes scramble for attention. Whether craving something classic like oatmeal or bacon and eggs, or indulging in waffles, breakfast burgers and griddle cakes, there's something for everyone on this stretch spanning from Avenue Road to Corso Italia.

Here are my picks for the top brunch spots on St. Clair West.

Stockyards
Brunch is served Sundays at this smokehouse and features indulgent dishes including brisket tostadas, fried chicken and waffles, griddle cakes, and biscuits with sausage gravy.

Emma's Country Kitchen
Classic two-egg breakfasts, Bennies, quiche and wild blueberry pancakes are all on the menu at this cozy kitchen on St. Clair West. For those recovering from a night of too much drinking, there's also a "hangover help[ing] burger, while those looking for a big bowl of comfort can try the apple pie-inspired baked oatmeal.

Starving Artist
If waffles are your jam, then this place is for you. Find this all-day brunch destination bustling every day of the week as diners fill up on cinnamon raisin waffles and potato waffles loaded with bacon, cheese, and sour cream.

BOOM Breakfast & Co.
For an expansive menu of classic brunch foods, head to this specialist at St. Clair and Glenholme. Whether craving sweet or salty eats, this place can satisfy with a selection of eggy standards, sandwiches, waffles, pancakes and more.

Dave's
Dave's does brunch on Saturdays from noon until 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The menu featuring cheese eggs, breakfast sandwiches and build-your-own omelettes is priced at $10 or $15 including a Caesar.

De Soto's
Brunch at this neighbourhood eatery features selection like spinach frittatas, Bennies and eggs baked in a tomato, bacon and mushroom ragu. If you're not especially starving, opt for an espresso with the pane e Nutella, simply fresh bread slathered with chocolate hazelnut spread. There's also live music.

Baker & Scone
In addition to the fresh fluffy scones at this bakery cafe, find morning foods such as yogurt parfaits, tarts, tartines and cheddar, dill and chive scones with an egg baked inside.

Pain Perdu
Kickstart your weekend with a knob of baguette with butter and jam at this boulangerie. Heartier options include slices of quiche and thick slabs of French toast loaded with fresh fruit and creme anglaise.

CocoaLatte
This charming gelato bar is also home to a week-round breakfast menu, served until noon on weekdays and until 2 p.m. on weekends. On the menu you'll find omelettes, breakfast sandwiches, waffles and crepes.

Sunnyside Grill
The Corso Italia location from this chain of breakfast grills is home an all-day menu encompassing any and every type of breakfast craving. Look forward to spicy omelettes studded with cheddar and jalapeno, Belgian waffles, egg-topped banquet burgers and more.

What did I miss? Add your favourite brunch spot on St. Clair to the comments.

Photo of Starving Artist by Jesse Milns.

Poutineville may seem like an unlikely destination for a party, until you remember it used to be Annex Live and Measure. And for the next few weeks, this poutine palace at 296 Bruswick Ave. will become Salon Électroma, Toronto's latest nightlife destination.

Trevor Steinberg, who runs Acid Reign Productions, is the mastermind behind this transformation. He also works as a cook at Poutineville. "I sent in a business proposal to the owner and kind of offered to make it into a venue one night a week," he says.

Last weekend marked Salon Électroma's sold-out debut and round two is this Saturday night from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m.

Steinberg, who used to have a DJ residency at Velvet Underground (before it closed and reopened), has been throwing parties for years. For Salon Électroma, he's been reaching out to various local promoters and production groups to bring in a diverse range of DJs and producers for each event.

Tonight will focus mainly on drum and bass and turntablism; Field Trip Designs is bringing in JFB from Brighton, U.K. as the headliner. The next two weeks will be centred around trance and electronic-house music, respectively.

Right now, however Salon Électroma is open on a trial basis, but Steinberg has events planned until the end of March. Hopefully, these parties will return for good.

And if you are craving poutine on a Salon Électroma night, the kitchen is still open for takeout.

The top free events in Toronto will save you from scrounging for change in your sofa. If you're in the mood for an art exhibition, but don't have enough cash to get into the AGO, go to the Beaches to scope out the newly-installed Winter Stations. On Sunday, save your dollars and head to Bloor Hot Docs to see the Oscars on the big screen, free of charge, instead of throwing your own soiree.

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

Winter Stations (Feb. 15-Mar. 20)
Into checking out some outdoor art? Head to Winter Stations. The annual competition has turned several lifeguard stations in the Beaches into works of art until March 20. They look especially good now that there's snow on the beach.

Jamaican Patty Day Celebration (Feb. 22)
Hit up the Drake on Monday if you're a fan of beef patties. While there are plenty of budget-friendly places to pick up a patty in the city, why not head to a jam all about them to celebrate their big day? Join Ivy Knight and a bevy of like-minded foodies to eat, drink and be merry.

That's How I Remember It Live (Feb. 24)
If you're a podcast junkie, head to The Ossington on Wednesday night to watch Mike, Raul, John and Sharjil turn an audience-suggested flick into a fully improvised radio play. The shows regular cast will be there, plus a few surprise guests.

Music Bingo (Feb. 24)
Head to the Gladstone Melody Bar this Wednesday to show off your knowledge on everything from Mariah Carey to Marilyn Manson. Singing along is not required, but strongly encouraged. There will also be drink specials, if you've got a few extra bucks to spare.

Bloor Broadcast: 88TH Academy Awards (Feb. 28)
Oscar night is swiftly approaching, so it's time to hash some plans for Hollywood's big evening. If you feel the need to ditch your PJ's, dress to the nines and head to the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema for a free screening. Took too long to get a ticket? Try The Royal, where Drunk Feminist Films is hosting its cost-free Academy Awards jam on Sunday, as well.

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

Photo by BruceK in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Continuing to keep things east of Yonge, this popular local coffee house has created a trilogy with this latest (and possibly last) location at Jarvis and Charles. Expertly made espresso-based drinks, friendly staff and amusing decor (including a hermit's nook) guarantee this sequel to the sequel will be a hit.

Read my profile of Rooster Coffee House in the cafes section.

The top vegan mac and cheese in Toronto will help dairy-free city-dwellers from caving into their cheddar cravings. If you ask any vegan what's the hardest food they've had to give up, the answer is usually cheese. Well, fear not Toronto vegans, you can still stick to your ethical/healthful diet and dig into some gooey goodness at these eateries.

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

Hogtown Vegan
If you're on the hunt for meatless, dairy-free comfort food, Hogtown Vegan is a go-to. The Bloorcourt eatery serves up a pretty standard rendition of the dish, involving noodles coated with a faux cheese sauce and topped with breadcrumbs. If you're feeling ultra-indulgent, opt for the "Southern Combo" which pairs the dish with soy chicken strips and sautéed collard greens.

Feel Good Guru
While it's very easy to turn the dish into a 100% indulgent affair (I mean, come on, it's a plate stacked with carbs), Feel Good Guru has managed to put a healthier twist on it. The Queen and Tecumseth restaurant's take on the old and faithful is a gluten-free brown rice penne and steamed broccoli mixture coated with a house-made cashew "cheese" sauce and topped with walnut "parmesan."

Bobbie Sue's
Bobbie Sue's has taken locally-made favourite NONA vegan sauce and paired it with classic elbow macaroni to create one hell of a realistic mac n' cheese. This option is perfect if you're on the go - the noodles are pre-cooked, making your meal a cinch to put together for the chefs. The Ossington shop also offers gluten-free noodles, for all you wheatless diners.

Bloomer's
This Bloorcourt bakery/restaurant hybrid has a menu stacked with solid alternatives to traditional comfort fare. Among its best dishes is the mac and cheese, which involves a cheddar-esque sauce, broccoli and - if you're willing to shell out an extra $2 - faux bacon bits.

The Beet
Dining with company that still loves themselves a sharp cheddar now and again? This Junction spot makes for the perfect compromise. It serves a mac and cheese made with rice and quinoa macaroni as well as a vegan-friendly version. Both are topped with gluten free breadcrumbs, hemp hearts and pickled jalapeños.

What did I miss? Add your favourite for vegan mac and cheese in the comments.

Photo of Bobbie Sue's by Jesse Milns.

All diners in Toronto are old school, but only some are truly old. While plenty of newcomers try to channel that retro style, this batch of all-day breakfast purveyors and Greek grills are bonafide OGs.

These are the oldest diners in Toronto.

The Senator
This family style diner on Victoria Street first opened in 1929 as the Busy Bee Diner. The restaurant claims to be Toronto's oldest operating restaurant but didn't take its current name until 1948. In the years since, the place has been refurbished, but ownership has kept its Toronto Refrigeration Fixture Company fixtures in tact. It's still a go-to for comfort food.

The Lakeview
The neighbourhood institution on Dundas West was overhauled in 2008 but dates back to 1932. Open 24-hours, you'll find the tables populated with stacks of pancakes, burgers and mac 'n' cheese balls at pretty much all hours.

Fran's
Buffalo, New York-native Francis (Fran) Deck opened the first Fran's in 1940 as a 10-stool diner situated at Yonge and St. Clair. Deck's claim to fame is the Banquet Burger - that blissful combination of burger, cheese and bacon - which he claims to have created in the 1940's and appears on today's menus loaded with peameal bacon, melted cheddar and a bourbon maple syrup spread.

Avenue Diner
The diner at Av and Dav proudly boasts that it's been in business since 1944. Inside you'll find decades worth of autographed photos from celebrities that have passed through, likely enjoying the very same plate of eggs and burgers served to this day.

Bus Terminal Diner
This east Toronto institution has been kicking it old school since 1948 and to this day retains its colourful kitschy interior replete with chrome details and plymold booths. The menu stays true to short order staples including all day breakfast, old fashioned burgers, and souvlaki.

Times Square Diner
The current operators took over just before the turn of the last century, but this Wilson Heights diner has been around since the 1950s. Inside is full of retro charm and is teeming with bygone relics like in-booth jukebox players and original Hamilton Beach milkshake blenders.

Mars Food
This diner on College Street first opened in 1951 though ownership has changed hands throughout the years. It's known for fast-filling fare, and you'll find the cook here slinging bacon and eggs and corned beef hash at all hours.

The Amazing Ted's Diner
This diner on Old Kingston Road in Scarborough isn't just '50s-styled, it's been in business for over 60 years. Founded by Ted Petkoff in 1954 as Ted's Variety and Coffee Shop, it's received a bit of a face-lift, but still preserves its nostalgic charm. The menu sticks to familiar fare and specialties include three-egg breakfasts and triple decker sandwiches.

Vesta Lunch
Open since 1955, the classic 24-hour diner at the corner of Bathurst and Dupont looks like it could be plucked right out of an Edward Hopper painting. The menu is a bit of time capsule featuring hot open faced sandwiches, breakfasts, burgers, and blue plate specials.

Avenue Open Kitchen
The old man on the phone tells me Avenue Open Kitchen has been around since the the '60s but won't elaborate on the exact year. I don't blame him, he's probably really busy. The tiny diner on Camden just off Spadina is as popular as ever, with local office workers and regulars piling in for all-day breakfast, julienne salads, hot sandwiches and burgers.

Jim's Restaurant
It was 1964... or maybe '65 (not even the owners remember) when this Leslieville restaurant first opened its doors. It's been a neighbourhood fixture ever since, though speculation has it that it's not long for this world. Fill up on pancakes and souvlaki dinners while you can.

Patrician Grill
Opened in 1967 by Louie and Helen Papas, this King East grill has been in the family ever since. Prices have risen with inflation, but little else has changed. The iconic (and original) neon sign still marks the entrance and the interior boasts cozy and deep booths. House specialties include the meatloaf (served Fridays only), classic grilled liver and onion dinners with home-style rice pudding for dessert.

Did I miss any? Share your diner nostalgia in the comments.

Photo of Mars Food by Jesse Milns.

It was another record breaking weekend in Toronto as temperatures touched 12.5 degrees Celsius yesterday at Pearson Airport. According to the CBC this breaks a previous high for the warmest February 20 set back in 1994.

Torontonians were pretty much giddy about being able to shed their winter coats, hats and scarves yesterday (today wasn't too shabby either). The Corner Place, a pub at Front and Jarvis, opened its patio for the occasion and it was overflowing with patrons basking in the unseasonal warmth and sunshine for most of the afternoon.

This weekend's record follows record breaking highs set earlier this winter including on February 3 when temperatures hit 15.5 Celsius making it the warmest February day in Toronto history.

Photo by E Biswah in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Today in Toronto head to the Danforth Music Hall for one of the top concerts of the month. Best Coast and Wavves have teamed up and are hitting the venue for their Summer Is Forever II tour. If you missed out on tickets for that show, Eleanor Friedberger and The Queers are also hitting the stage this evening.

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

• Best Coast and Wavves: Summer Is Forever II Tour (Danforth Music Hall)
• Eleanor Friedberger (Drake Underground)
• Fun Palace Radio Variety Show (Burdock)
• Northwood Pop-Up: Chef Kahle Flaherty from The Passenger (Northwood)
• The Queers with Plan 37 & the Cola Heads (Horseshoe Tavern)

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

Photo of Best Coast.

The 29 Dufferin is surely the most notorious bus route in Toronto. While the 501 streetcar is perhaps the source of more rider angst, no other route conjures the word "suffering" more readily than the 29. From pot holes to short turns to packs of bunched buses, the ride up and down Dufferin has often been likened to a transit horror show.

Here are 10 signs you've suffered on the Dufferin 29.

1. You can't really fathom how any major street in Toronto could be as pothole-strewn and bumpy as Dufferin is south of Bloor Street.

2. Waiting for the northbound bus at Bloor in the freezing cold incites a particularly cruel and envious rage at those warming themselves in the station on the west side heading south.

3. It made your week when the TTC announced it would run articulated (bendy) buses on the route in 2014, and you can't imagine how bad things would be without them.

4. You've been stuck at least once on a packed bus that couldn't make it up the Davenport hill in a major snowstorm.

5. You refuse to believe statistics that indicate the Dufferin 29 isn't the busiest route in the city.

6. It's taken you 10 minutes to get from Sylvan Avenue to Dufferin Station during afternoon rush hour, despite the fact that the distance between the two is about 500 metres.

7. You've missed a bus by a minute only to wait in the cold for what seems like ages for a pack of three to arrive all bunched next to one another.

8. You've been short-turned at College St. after just getting on the bus at Bloor.

9. The ride southbound seems so much more bearable after you pass Dufferin Mall, when the crowd thins out and you can finally breathe.

10. Even on a good day, you always refer to the route as the Sufferin' Dufferin.

What did I miss? Share your Dufferin 29 experiences in the comments.

Photo by OrionV in the blogTO Flickr pool.

The Toronto Vintage Clothing show is coming up the first weekend of March and we're giving away tickets. You'll have the chance to check out retro clothing, designer handbags, jewelry and more. You'll also have access to the Toronto Antique & Vintage Market, where you'll find a ton of preloved homeware pieces and furniture.

Get all the contest details here.

On September 16, Toronto's first ever Nordstrom will open up at the Eaton Centre, taking over the old Sears space.

Along with selling luxurious goods, the 220,000 square foot store, as Retail Insider reports, will include three concept eateries - Ebar cafe, the Habitat lounge and a restaurant called Bistro Verde.

It'll also include a department called SPACE, which will feature up-and-coming and emerging designers. And of course - like most upscale department stores - this Nordstrom will offer services such as personal stylists, alterations and free wifi.

According to Retail Insider, the Eaton Centre location will be Nordstrom's fifth ever flagship store. The brand will open its doors at Yorkdale on October 21 and at Sherway Gardens some time in 2017. For bargain hunters, Nordstrom Rack will arrive in Toronto in 2018.

Image via Nordstrom.

Have you ever paused for just a moment when reaching for that token or Metropass and thought about the cost of public transit in Toronto? You've been to other cities, travelled on their subways or streetcars, and probably noticed some price differences. And you've no doubt grimaced whenever fares increase, thinking it's not right to charge riders even more.

But is that really the case? Where does Toronto sit relative to its peers when it comes to passing through the turnstiles?

It's a tricky subject comparing cities and their transit fares -- see the detailed notes in the appendix -- but one worth studying nonetheless. Cities with bus and rail systems have long shared some commonalities, after all, and many face similar challenges today.

I've tackled this topic before and found TTC prices to be the highest in the US or Canada, by at least some measures, every time. Is that still true today?

Let's start with an updated look at the Adult Cash Fare (interactive chart). A century ago this was the only way to pay, but these days it's increasingly rare as most systems have shifted frequent riders over to smartcards or multiple trip discounts, which we will call the Multiple Trip/Smartcard fare.

The above chart shows that although its base fare is still on the high side (especially if in Canadian dollars), if a transfer is involved, the well-integrated TTC now appears to be less expensive than a large number of cities. Offering a discount for Presto and tokenusers is a nice and increasingly rare touch.

Almost every transit system offers a reduced fare for children and seniors. There are too many complexities to ages, heights and other qualifications to easily compare children's fares, but it should be noted that the TTC's new kids-under-12 ride free policy is unique and by far the most generous on the continent.

The discounted Senior Fare (interactive chart) is a little easier to compare between cities, and here Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Miami lead in making transit completely free for their senior citizens. Perhaps unexpectedly, Canadian cities are uniformly hostile to seniors, charging them the highest prices to ride.

Toronto can take some solace in being the least expensive Canadian city for seniors, but south of the border most cities hover around $1 or less for elderly transit users.

Perhaps the most important form of fare for transit-oriented residents and commuters, and the easiest to compare, is the Monthly Pass (interactive chart). Toronto has for several years now had the most expensive monthly transit pass of any city, and 2016 finds this unchanged -- if one does not convert from Canadian dollars.

If you believe in the Law of One Price and convert the Metropass cost to USD, Toronto still sits in an upper tier with Chicago, Pittsburgh, Denver, Portland, Sacramento. Miami and New York then take over the top spots.

Another way to look at the cost of the monthly pass, free of currency matters, is the Trip Index (interactive chart). First included in the 2014 study, this ratio of the cost of the monthy pass divided by the multiple-trip/smartcard fare represents the number of pay-as-you-go trips you would need to take in order to justify buying a monthly pass.

Unfortunately Toronto still punishes its transit riders in this regard, requiring a stunning 49 trips to make a monthly pass pay for itself -- that's twice a day, every workday, plus five trips on weekends, and no holidays or days off. Putatively transit-friendly New York is just behind at a trip index of 48, while most other cities stay at or below the magic 44-trip cutoff.

It's almost as if the TTC doesn't want people in walkable, transit-dense Toronto to get passes.

So is Toronto still the most expensive city in North America for transit? The answer in 2016 is, like a Scarborough subway plan, increasingly muddled. It's hard not to argue that the TTC is making some progress overall when it comes to fares. Price increases in other cities have begun to catch up.

The new children's policy was a pleasant surprise from a mayor who, while not perfect, is certainly an improvement on his predecessor. More changes may be coming.

But as of this moment adult and senior fares remain frustratingly high compared to most other cities, and as a matter of policy the continued poor value of the TTC's monthly Metropass is disturbing. One could certainly still argue that Toronto riders are doing more than their part, a belief borne out by the TTC's astronomical farebox recovery ratio.

Toronto's transit fares may not be quite as bad as they first seem but they are clearly no bargain -- something to think about that the next time you pass through the turnstiles.

APPENDIX

Comparing transit fares between cities is a complicated task. The attached appendix is designed to clarify the criteria at work and account for the various challenges posed by different fare structures.

Read the appendix here.

Writing by Larry Green.

Photos by Akib and Jason Cook.

Winter Brewfest took place over the weekend at the Enercare Centre and while the beer festival had a successful run in Ottawa earlier this month, Toronto beer drinkers seemingly saw the glass half empty... er, more like three-quarters empty. Reviews posted to the event's Facebook page were almost unanimously negative.

The pitiful pours might have been an issue of optics; the 16 ounce sample mugs looked especially sad at just four-ounces full. The cost also left a bitter taste for most attendees who seemed unsatisfied to shell out an average of four tokens ($1 each) for a quarter pint.

One thing that did impress was the promise of 50-plus brewers in attendance from across Ontario, Quebec and beyond. Unfortunately, the pre-printed postcards outlining the brews on offer weren't accurate as I'm told that many had sold out on the first night and that new "surprise" brews had been subbed in.

That was ridiculous expensive for what you got. Not impressed at all. Bleeding people dry isn't going to sell your event #brewfestToronto

— Kelly McReavy (@mcreavy_kelly) February 20, 2016

Off to an interesting start to #brewfestToronto where it seems to be 1oz = $1 - seems a little pricey for a tasting event

— amanda (@manda084) February 19, 2016

One bar was devoted exclusively to Quebec brands, another was all about Ontario, while another dealt in a potpourri of brands. Ordering was a chaotic process and there was little no time for chit- chat with beer makers.

Aside from beer, other attractions included a DJ, a carnival game and food trucks. It seemed like a well thought out event, though lacking in execution.

So looks like Winter Brewfest was uh...well the words I've been hearing have been "expensive" and "poorly run".

— Robin LeBlanc (@TheThirstyWench) February 22, 2016

I wanted to like it. I really did. But Winter @BrewfestToronto suffered from too little space, too much money, and not enough #craftbeer.

— The Sublime Imbiber (@SublimeImbibing) February 22, 2016

Very disappointed with @BrewfestToronto . Ran out of half their beer by 9 pm , staff was unknowledgeable and the samples were inconsistent

— Gavin Halford (@Gav_uhyeah) February 22, 2016

Drake usually makes headlines in Toronto, but many local fans were even more ecstatic than usual after learning that he and Rihanna shot part of their "Work" video right here in the 6ix at The Real Jerk at Carlaw and Gerrard.

Now, after posing a short teaser on Friday, the "Work" video is finally out.

And it's actually a double feature with not one, but two music videos shot by Director X and Tim Erem, respectively.

"Work" is the first single off of Rihanna's new album Anti.

Downtown Toronto's hot pot scene keeps getting better thanks to the latest addition - a global chain based out of China.

Read my profile of Chine Hot Pot in the restaurants section.

At the beginning of February, The Eagles of Death Metal announced a Canadian tour alongside Death From Above 1979. While they were scheduled to play London and Hamilton, it was looking like they were going to bypass Toronto altogether. Not so.

This afternoon, the band posted to Facebook saying it'd be at the Opera House on May 7 as part of the Canadian Music Week (CMW) showcase with local groups The Beaches and Dearly Beloved.

Tickets go on sale Friday, February 26 at 10:00 a.m. This year, Canadian Music Week runs from May 2 to 8.

The Eagles of Death Metal are currently touring in Europe and played a show in Paris on February 16, three months after the November 2015 attack at the Bataclan Concert Hall.

Photo via Eagles of Death Metal on Facebook.

Rock Lobster is saying goodbye to Ossington Avenue as chef Matt Dean Pettit gets ready to close down his restaurant's first bricks-and-mortar location on March 1, 2016.

But, Pettit isn't bidding Toronto adieu. Instead, he's working on a new upscale fast casual concept that'll still focus on sustainable seafood; it's called Matty's Seafood Co. "The smaller foot print will allow us to open in a wider range of markets including office buildings, universities and food courts," says Pettit in a news release.

Matty's Seafood Co. will feature popular Rock Lobster dishes. "We have taken the best elements of the Rock Lobster Food Co. and repackaged it into a format that will allow us to better expand across the country and the USA," says Pettit about his new eatery, which potential franchisees can buy into later this year.

Pettit also has a line of food seafood dishes - including lobster mac-and-cheese - available Sobeys. In 2015, he shut down his Leslieville-area Rock Lobster outpost. And, it's still unclear what's happening with Rock Lobster's Queen West location. While Pettit confirms he hasn't sold it, we'll have to wait and see whether it remains as is.

Photo by Morris Lum.

Hopefully you enjoyed Toronto's unseasonably warm weather this past weekend because it looks like it'll be feeling more like winter later this week.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for the City of Toronto today, noting that a "major storm system" is expected to hit us on Wednesday and Thursday.

This storm system, which is moving up from the southern United States, may bring with it rain, snow and possibly freezing rain and ice pellets.

Environment Canada will continue to track the storm, so check for updates to see how this potentially messy winter storm develops.

Photo via Hamish Grant in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Toronto's Sugar Beach will be getting even more saccharine in March as it transforms into a Québec-style cabane à sucre (that's sugar shack) for one weekend only.

On March 12 and 13, you won't have to drive out of the city to head out on your own sugaring off field trip. Instead, head towards Lake Ontario to get your maple syrup fix.

Along with chugging tasting maple syrup, you'll have the chance to hear performances from musicians, including Stef Paquette, Mélanie Brulée and Amélies et les Singes Blues. Choir!Choir!Choir! will also be hosting a sing-a-long on Saturday, March 12.

Waterfront Toronto is hosting this event and it'll be offering a shuttle between Sugar Beach, the Distillery District and Union Station all weekend long.

If you're looking for something to cut through all the sweetness, you can also expect to see local food trucks on site.

Photo via Martyn in the blogTO Flickr pool.