You now longer have to hunt down a food truck or travel to Ottawa for your favourite Canadian treat, as BeaverTails now has a permanent location in Toronto. Head down to Pier 6 if you're craving one of their famous pastries.
Read my profile of BeaverTails in the bakery section.
He may never be commemorated with a statue or have a park named after him, but Rob Ford, who died today, left as much of a mark on Toronto as Allan Lamport, Nathan Phillips or Mel Lastman.
His death after a long bout with cancer is a sad end to a troubled public career that began sixteen years ago with his election to council from Etobicoke, where his family loomed large.
The youngest son of a self-made man and one-term MPP, he made himself known as soon as he was elected to city council in 2000 with the outraged tone of his speeches to council and his obsession with cutting government budgets.
To those who took him seriously, it was obvious that Ford had ambitions to run for mayor one day, but not even his supporters could predict how handily he'd win when he did.
There were howls on the evening of October 25, 2010, when new digital balloting revealed Ford's clear majority just eight minutes after the polls closed - of triumph from his fans and of outrage from his opponents. Those howls wouldn't die down over the course of the next four years.
To say that Rob Ford's term as mayor of the city of Toronto was divisive is an understatement.
Just as his election revealed a deeply polarized city, roughly divided along the borders of the old city and its recently amalgamated suburbs, Ford's drive to reduce city expenditures at all costs provoked heated arguments inside and outside council chambers about just what a municipal government should and shouldn't pay for.
Those debates had been going on for decades, and they might have remained relatively polite if not for Mayor Ford's brash, even boorish personality, which seemed to amplify the rhetoric and encourage his supporters and detractors to be as hyperbolic as the mayor himself.
It might have been a tumultuous, even agonizing term in office, but there's no doubt that Rob Ford's mayoralty encouraged civic engagement on a level rarely seen in municipal politics here.
From occupying the hallway outside his office door to sending delegations to protest at council meetings to attending Ford Fest to filling Nathan Phillips Square with chalked messages covering every inch of concrete, the citizenry probably knew more about what was going on at City Hall during the Ford regime than during any other administration.
Similarly, when his personal life began loudly spiralling out of control in the latter half of his time in office, Toronto suddenly had an international profile unprecedented in the city's two hundred year history.
That newfound reputation might have been sordid and even insalubrious, and his supporters might have greeted each new day with a wince at every sordid new revelation in a barrage of scandal, but the "Crazy Town" era of Toronto politics was a necessary and even secretly thrilling antidote to the city's reputation as a place of merely competent governance and historically certified dullness.
The first of Ford's cancer diagnoses took him out of a mayoral race that probably would have seen him win re-election, in spite of everything that happened in the previous four years, and Toronto voters can confidently say that they have firsthand experience with the sort of intensely polarized politics that seems to gone nationwide south of the border.
At least ten books have been written about Rob Ford so far; it's hard to imagine the same thing happening to any of his predecessors - or his successors.
What can't be denied, no matter where you stood with Rob Ford, is that the man truly loved his city. Eschewing windy and winceworthy rhetoric about "world class" status, Ford looked back to the mid-'70s encomium that dubbed Toronto "the City that Works," a far less boastful self-image that celebrated civic competence over glamour.
It was Rob Ford's tragedy that his oversized and troubled personality got in the way of his pursuit of this humble ideal.
Hamantaschen are usually enjoyed during the holiday of Purim and you can find them at Jewish bakeries throughout Toronto. While the etymology of the word hamantasch can be as varied as its spelling, many believe that the triangular pastries commemorate the defeat of Haman, a biblical villain from the Book of Esther who wore a three-cornered hat (hence the three-cornered cookies).
Here are my picks for the top hamantaschen in Toronto.
Grodzinski Bakery
Find an abundance of gift baskets (mishloach manot) and Purim-themed sweets at this kosher bakery, which has locations in Thornhill and North York. In addition to traditional fillings like poppy seed and prune, you'll find triangle-shaped cookies in flavours like apple, blueberry, cherry, date, chocolate chip, lemon and strawberry. Each cookie costs only $1.
My Zaidy's Bakery
This kosher bakery on Bathurst Street, just north of Steeles, boasts a broad selection of pocket cookies, including a unique black forest-inspired version with chocolate dough and cherry filling. Large hamantaschen sell for $2.95, while small ones are only 85 cents each.
Phipps Bakery Cafe
Located in the Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood, Phipps is well stocked with this Purim sweet. Find big triangular cookies for $2.99 each in flavours such as apricot, poppy seed and prune.
Harbord Bakery
This Harbord Village institution has been selling Jewish-style baked goods since 1945. You'll find a traditional assortment of hamantaschen here in flavours like prune, apricot, poppy seed, apple, and raspberry.
Kiva's
The popular bagelria celebrates Purim with hamantaschen, which come stuffed with either prunes, raspberries, apricots or chocolate. Enjoy large triangles for $2.50 each or pick up an assorted pack for $7.99.
Bagel World
Stock up at one of Bagel World's four GTA locations where big cookies sell for $3 each and an assortment of mini pastries come in packages priced between $5.99 and $7.49. Flavours include prune, cherry, poppy seed and apple.
What A Bagel
Hamantaschen are available year-round from this chain of bagel bakeries. The large size costs $2, while the small ones sell for just $1. Expect to find flavours like poppy seed, prune, cherry, chocolate and apple.
Photo from Phipps on Instagram.
Slow-roasted chicken and porchetta are the stars of this newly opened take-out joint. You'll find sandwiches, salads and loaded baked potatoes on the menu, which will satisfy cravings for home-style roast suppers.
Read my profile of Carver in the restaurants section.
Conrad Black's opulent Toronto mansion hit the market last month, but it didn't quite fetch its $21.8 million listing price.
Instead, the Bridle Path-area estate - which features a luxe-looking library, an indoor pool and lots of land - sold for $16.5 million. An auction for the 23,000 square-foot property was called off at the last minute after a pre-emptive bidder snatched it up.
Black, however, won't be moving out of 26 Park Lane Circle. "It was sold with a leaseback and potential buy-back," he said to the National Post last week.
Photo by Vincenzo Pistritto.
Toronto's getting another Chipotle and this one is slated to open up right in the heart of the Annex at 501 Bloor St. West - if you're not familiar with the area, that's the site of the old Book City store.
This isn't altogether surprising considering the Annex is changing rather rapidly right now. A Rexall drug store, for instance, is replacing The Brunswick House, and at the end of this year, Honest Ed's will dim its lights for good.
With its proximity to the University of Toronto, this Chipotle will probably prove extremely popular. The American chain, however, hasn't been having the best year, but as Last Week Tonight host John Oliver indicates, no one seems to care.
Today in Toronto the One of a Kind Show is back for its spring edition. Head to the Enercare Centre at the Ex to shop for local and handmade goods from over 450 vendors. If you'd rather avoid massive convention halls, get your shop on at the Gladstone's Boozar instead. You'll get to rifle through vintage treasures while sipping on cocktails.
For more events, click on over to our events section.
Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events section.
Photo of last spring/s One of a Kind show by Jesse Milns.
Easter brunch in Toronto is the perfect excuse to indulge. These festive long weekend menus boast mimosas, buffets and spring-time specials that are best enjoyed with friends and family.
Here's a selection of restaurants that will be serving Easter brunch in Toronto this year.
Globe
Reserve a table at this bistro on The Danforth on Sunday. There will be a $29 three-course prix fixe menu for adults, while kids under 12 can enjoy a $10 menu that includes treats from the Easter bunny.
The Drake Hotel
Those looking for brunch on Easter Monday can count on this West Queen West hotel. Served from 11 a.m., the menu will be available in the corner cafe and at the Sky Yard. Expect classic brunch dishes, including blueberry scones, chicken and waffles and a mushroom and kale Benny.
Daisho
Momofuku's second floor restaurant debuts a bagel feast on Saturday, March 26. The large format brunch menu will feature fresh bagels, lamb sausage, scrambled eggs and smoked trout and is meant to feed a table of four (or more) for $25 per person.
Cafe Boulud
Celebrate the long weekend at this posh Yorkville spot that'll serve an indulgent three-course brunch on Easter Sunday and Monday. Priced at $75 per person, the prix fixe menu will include options such as tarte flambee, lemon ricotta hotcakes, omelette a l'espagnole, prawn paella and rotisserie chicken and waffles.
Chase Fish & Oyster
The seafood-centric restaurant in the Financial District launches its first ever brunch service on Easter Sunday. Among the standouts on the new menu are a salmon pastrami platter with creme fraiche, caviar and bagels plus a selection from the raw bar including oysters, lobster and prawns.
Lisa Marie
The Queen Street restaurant will be serving brunch on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. Look forward to the usual menu of double pancake pork burgers and lamb shank hash plus a festive s'mores pancake specked with mini eggs.
Montecito
Reservations are recommended for the farm-to-table brunch buffet available Easter Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., which is priced at $39 per person, $19.50 for kids 6 to 12 and free for those 5 and under. Expect to find food stations devoted to roasted meats, a fresh seafood bar, custom omelettes and pancakes, and an array of fresh baked goods and desserts.
Windup
This Trinidadian eatery on College Street will be open for brunch on Easter Sunday and Monday. The a la carte menu will feature oxtail Benedicts, spiced rum soaked French toast and cornmeal waffles with jerk chicken.
Miku
This Japanese restaurant on the waterfront will serve Easter brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.. The three-course set meal, priced at $45, will include options like chicken nanban eggs Benedict and yuzu caramel crepes. Mimosas for $5 and a kids menu for $15 sweeten the deal.
Beaumont Kitchen
Sherway Gardens might be closed Good Friday and Easter Sunday, but the O&B restaurant adjacent to Saks is open for brunch from Friday through to Easter Monday. The a la carte menu will feature PB&J stuffed French toast, beef brisket hash and avocado toast.
Photo by the Drake Hotel on Flickr.
The top cafes for studying in Toronto let you hit the books outside of your school's library, which can make for a refreshing change of scenery. If you're finding the campus stacks less than inspiring, it may be time to adopt a new study hub. These places typically allow for long stays, have plenty of places to plug in, and allow you to remain plied with caffeine.
Here are my picks for the top cafes for studying in Toronto by neighbourhood.
ANNEX
Located a few short blocks from U of T's campus, The Common makes for an excellent alternative to Robarts. Instead of dimly-lit stacks and Brutalist architecture, you'll find a bright and inviting study sanctuary equipped to fit your caffeine and WiFi needs.
BEACHES
Don't feel like schlepping your books from the east side to a downtown library? I feel you. The Remarkable Bean has a low-key atmosphere and a roster of coffee beverages and snacks that will help you power through essay writing.
BLOORCOURT
Looking for a place that feels like home? Head to Field Trip Cafe. It boasts hanging Edison bulbs and a plenty of chic wooden accents - so chances are it's actually more inviting than your own apartment. There's plenty of space to lay out your books and Apple products, so don't fear overpacking.
CORKTOWN
ODIN looks nothing like a library in the best possible way: it's bright, airy and impeccably designed. Also working in its favour are the large tables that are perfect for study groups.
DANFORTH EAST
Red Rocket is an institution on the east side. It serves good coffee and baked goods and offers both table and chair seating - making it conducive for those who want to study in pairs or fly solo.
DISTILLERY DISTRICT
The Distillery District is home to the most aesthetically-pleasing of all the city's Balzac's locations. With exposed brick walls and a massive chandelier, this coffee shop gives off some serious Hogwarts vibes. Sadly, you'll probably be studying for STATS101 instead of Defence Against the Dark Arts.
DUNDAS WEST
If the fluorescent lights and cavernous nature of libraries are too much for you too handle, head to the Tampered Press. The cafe has plenty of natural light during the day and a comfy, homey feel that'll keep you from going stir crazy.
JUNCTION
The Good Neighbour has plenty of different sized tables, making it ideal for group cram sessions, essay writing and everything in between. The space boasts exposed brick walls and even a gas fireplace, perfect for cozying up with the books on cold days.
KENSINGTON MARKET
At Cafe Pamenar you'll find everything you need for a successful study sesh: plenty of table space, inexpensive beverages, and an atmosphere that won't have you questioning you decision to invest in a post-secondary education.
KING EAST
If you've gotten your fill of croissants this exam season, head to Neo Coffee Bar for something a little different. The cafe serves up Japanese pastries that will satisfy your sweet tooth and distract you from study stress (if only for a few mere moments). It's also equipped with pedestal tables, communal tables, and a couple spacious booths, making it work for groups of all sizes.
KING WEST
Quantum Coffee is a streamlined King West spot that offers few distractions (decor elements are minimal) and ample space for studying. Head to the large back room if you're with a group or are touting a bounty of books.
LEASIDE
In Leaside, Lit Espresso is where to go to hit the books. Skip taking a seat at the barista bar and head to one of the more spacious tables in the cafe - they're large enough to fit you and all your academic journals.
LESLIEVILLE
Tango Palace Coffee Company has an edge on many Leslieville cafes: it isn't flush with strollers (nixing the chance of toddlers accidentally bumping your latte onto your laptop) and it's open until 11 p.m. for those who need to cram for an exam.
LITTLE INDIA
If you're in need of some creative inspiration, Flying Pony may be your ideal study spot. The space doubles as a gallery, showcasing pieces from emerging and mid-career artists.
LITTLE ITALY
Manic Coffee is a favourite of U of T students. It serves up all the heavily caffeinated beverages and house-made baked goods you'll need to make it through those dreaded 20-page papers.
OSSINGTON
I Deal Coffee's Ossington location offers a sweet refuge from libraries for students living in the Ossington area. It has an unpretentious feel, a smattering of seats and free WiFi.
PAPE VILLAGE
Planning on posting up for more than a few hours? Goat Coffee Co. may be your saving grace. Aside from having a mix of bar seating, two-person tables, and large communal spaces, it also has a full menu of sandwiches and salads for when you're in need of some fuel.
PARKDALE
If your coping mechanism for academic stress is eating a bounty of sugar, try the Tempered Room. The cafe/bakery has a display case filled with Instagrammable treats that'll help you get through the final months of school and large tables fit for group sessions.
QUEEN WEST
Another option for those in need of a sweet escape from the stacks is Constantinople Bakery. It has a homey vibe and enough seating that you'll likely find a table.
RIVERSIDE
Dark Horse Espresso is the answer to all your prayers: it's bright, it's big and it serves a mean latte. Whether you're tackling your thesis paper alone or are working on a group presentation, it has space (and coffee) for you.
RONCESVALLES VILLAGE
After you've taken the necessary Instagram of Reunion Island's tile flooring, grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and head for the tables. The bright white cafe is sure to keep you awake even when you're working with the driest data.
ROSEDALE
Boxcar Social offers a rustic-chic alternative to bland study cubicles. It is also fully licensed, meaning that you can aid your study woes with a little bit of booze - hey, it may even help with your exam prep.
SCARBOROUGH
While the Scarborough Civic Centre Library may be one of the city's nicer branches, if you hail from the east end, The Birchcliff is your best bet. You'll find gourmet coffee, upscale design, and plenty of seating.
ST. CLAIR WEST
Krave Coffee has quickly become a fan favourite for working and studying on St. Clair West. Its two-person tables are ideal for solo caffeine-fuelled cram sessions.
WEST QUEEN WEST
R Squared Cafe has been serving overworked students for years, making it a tried and true option. The space is dominated by two-person tables, so it's best for taking on a project alone or with a partner.
YONGE & COLLGE
Located in close proximity to both Ryerson and U of T's campuses, Coffee Public is a welcome retreat from school for students of both universities. The space is bright and makes for the perfect essay-writing spot. There aren't large tables, so if you're with a group, you're best to head elsewhere.
YONGE & DUNDAS
It should come as no surprise that Balzac's appears twice on this list. This location, situated in the heart of Ryerson's campus, is a welcome alternative to the bustling Starbucks and Tim Horton's kiosks and cafes that dominate the area.
YONGE & EGLINTON
de Mello Palheta Coffee Roasters is open until 9 p.m., making it an option for those of us who aren't early birds. It offers a mix of bar and table seating and boasts decor that's little bit quirkier than your average coffee shop.
YONGE & ST. CLAIR
9 Bars offers a cozy place to hole up with your textbooks. There's comfy seating, a menu stacked with sandwiches and plenty of caffeinated beverages to aid you in your studies.
YORKVILLE
5 Elements Espresso is an Italian-inspired cafe in Yorkville that offers two floors of study-friendly space. There's a mix of solo seating and large tables, so it's conducive for tackling everything from essays to group work.
What did I miss? Add your picks to the comments.
The best pork bone soup in Toronto is an example of comfort food at its finest. Tuck into a bowl of gamjatang on a cold day or hit up a 24-hour haunt to feel its soothing effects.
Here's where to find the best pork bone soup in Toronto.
Top photo by Kim Yokota in the blogTO Flickr pool.
Black Lives Matter Toronto has spent the past three nights outside police headquarters, and the protest doesn't show any signs of slowing down.
A group of Torontonians initially gathered in Nathan Phillips Square on Sunday to protest against the SIU's decision not to press charges against the police officer who fatally shot 45-year-old father of five Andrew Loku last July.
On Monday, the peaceful protest moved to Toronto Police Headquarters at 40 College St and it remains in place, even after police put out their fires and dismantled their tents that same night.
With signs, artwork and music, the protest continues to force those passing by to confront racism in Toronto as well as in cities across North America. Earlier today, the group responded to the Province of Ontario's new carding regulations, which come into effect on January 1, 2017, and spoke to Monday night's confrontation with the police.
When I stopped by yesterday, spirits remained high as people of all ages gathered together in solidarity.
"It's been like nothing I've ever seen before," says Pascale Diverlus, one of the founders of Black Lives Matter Toronto. "The support has been overwhelming. Folks have been coming and dropping by and literally sitting with us, singing with us, chanting with us, dropping off food, checking in with us, bringing us medicine.
It's been so, so, so good to see and it really just reaffirms that what we're doing is right, what we're doing is correct and there are people who are behind us 100 percent of the way."
Along with seeking justice for Andrew Loku, the Black Lives Matter Toronto protest will likely continue until Mayor John Tory and Police Chief Mark Saunders meet their demands, which includes having the city rethink its decision to cut down Afrofest to one day instead of two.
You can follow the protest using #BLMTOtentcity.
Photos by Hector Vasquez.
Toronto's most adorable Instagram account Dogs I'd Like to Pet isn't the only place to get your doggy fix. Countless Torontonians have done us all a favour and created accounts dedicated to their four legged friends.
Here are some of my favourite Toronto pups to follow on Instagram.
Remix the Miniature Schnauzer
@remixthedog
Bruce the Labrador Retriever
@brucethehandsome
Maska the Siberian Husky
@maska_the_husky
Winston the French Bulldog
@winstonweekly
Moose the Pug
@itsmoosethepug
Mayumi the Shikoku
@mayumitheshikoku
Dobby the Border Terrier
@thatdogdobby
Jack the Blue Heeler and Dogue de Bordeaux mix
@banditojack
Logan the Toy Poodle
@loganslook
Dean the Basset Hound
@deanthebasset
Mumford the Puli
@mynameismumford
Kimchi the Corgi
@kimchithecorgi
Sam the Lab Shepherd Akita
@samthemutt
Archer the Cockapoo
@archerpoo
Norman the Miniature Schnauzer
@lildogbigcity
Who did I miss? Add your favourite Toronto dog on Instagram in the comments.
The top beer events in Toronto for spring are a great way to embrace the warm(er) temperatures with a brew in hand. The will be plenty of opportunities in the upcoming months to celebrate the season in the most festive way possible - by getting a little tipsy indoors and out.
Here are my picks for beer events in Toronto this spring.
Brewer's Backyard: Great Friday (March 25)
Usher in the new season of beer events by heading to the Evergreen Brick Works on March 25. Brewer's Backyard promises to turn Good Friday into "Great Friday" by dolling out beers from Junction, Nita, Wellington, Whitewater and StoneHammer. If you need to sober up a little, stop by a food truck - feasTO, Heirloom and Eva's Original Chimneys will all be on site.
Canada's First All Ladies Craft Beer Festival (April 1)
Canada's first female-centric craft beer festival is hitting the Evergreen Brick Works on April 1. The Society of Beer Drinking Ladies - who are known for putting on monthly bevies for broads in Toronto - is hosting the event and promising a night of bonfires, beats and plenty of booze.
Cameron's Cask Night (April 1)
If you want to get in on Cameron's Cask Night, you'll have to make the trek to Oakville - but for craft beer lovers, the journey is well worth it. The brewery is bringing in Wellington, Black Oak, Trafalgar and Orange Snail to share their brews and serving beverages from its own casks.
Ontario Brewing Awards (April 28)
The the industry-heavy OBAs celebrate the best in the business, awarding the province's top brewers with trophies and, of course, bragging rights. The event also gives out awards for libations like wine and whisky - if your interests go beyond ales, lagers and pilsners.
North American Craft Beer Experience (May 5)
For those who want a glimpse of what's on offer outside of Ontario, head to the North American Craft Beer Experience. For one evening only it will fill Airship 37 with beverages crafted by independent breweries from across Canada and the U.S. Confirmed breweries include: Arch Brewing Co., Cheshire Valley Brewing Co., Collective Arts Brewing and Grow A Pear Cider (among others).
Brewers Plate (May 18)
The Brewers Plate is making its grand return on May 18 and bringing with it a roster of drool-worthy beers and eats. Ten chefs and ten brewers have teamed up to craft a killer menu - and good news, you've got unlimited access to it all (providing you splurge on a $95 ticket). Proceeds go to War Child Canada, so don't feel too bad about ponying up the cash.
Ontario Craft Beer Week (June 10-19)
Ontario Craft Beer Week offers countless craft brews at venues across the city over a 10-day stint. If you want to celebrate the occasion in a more festive way than throwing back a lager at a pub, head to one of the many events hosted in its honour (the schedule is still TBA).
Session Craft Beer Festival (June 11)
Appropriately, one of the city's most beloved beer events rolls into town during Ontario Craft Beer Week. The fest brings over 100 different beers, food vendors and performers to Dundas Square for an all-out bash. This year's event will have an all-ladies session, hosted by the Society of Beer Drinking Ladies, for the gals who missed out on (or couldn't get enough of) April's fest.
Toronto Craft Beer Festival (June 17-19)
TCBF happens a few mere days before the summer solstice, helping you close out the season in style. You'll get to try to sample food, ciders and beers from favourites like Cameron's Brewing and Church Key Brewing Co. Aside from food and drink, the event will have plenty of activities and live music performances.
Beach BBQ and Brews (June 17-19)
Overlapping the Toronto Craft Beer Festival is Beach BBQ and Brews, so you may want to invest in a bottle of Tylenol before the weekend kicks off. The fest, hosted by boom 97.3, will feature BBQ competitions, live entertainment and, of course, plenty of beer.
What did I miss? Add more beer events to the comments.
Photo of a previous Craft Beer Fest by Jesse Milns.
One husband-and-wife team decided to turn their popular Somali food blog into a bricks-and-mortar restaurant - and Torontonians should be happy they did. Go here for traditional Somali dishes along with kebabs, shawarma, espresso and a variety of sweets.
Read my profile of Xawaash in the restaurants section.
A major ice storm is forecast for Toronto tomorrow, with accumulations forecast as high as 5 to 10mm before the freezing rain subsides. Worse still, the slipperiest conditions are expected to greet the morning commute, as the freezing rain is due to begin around dawn on Thursday.
Joy of joys. Throw in wind gusts of 50kph and you have a recipe for downed branches and possible power outages.
Prior to that, the picture isn't a whole lot rosier. Toronto can expect a mix of snow and ice pellets this evening before the worst weather moves in overnight. If there's any good news in the forecast, it's that rising temperatures tomorrow afternoon promise an end to the icy weather for the afternoon commute.
No one's predicting that this will be on par with the 2013 ice storm that crippled the city, but the Weather Network warns that travel conditions tomorrow could be "treacherous." That sounds adequately alarming to me.
Happy spring, Toronto.
Photo by Ben Roffelsen in the blogTO Flickr pool.
Prince is coming to Toronto and fans won't have to wait for more than a couple of days. In a surprise announcement earlier this evening, the Sony Centre announced a Prince concert for this Friday March 25.
There will be two shows - 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets will go on sale tomorrow (March 24) at 10 a.m. from the Sony Centre box office, via their web site or by calling 1.855.872.7669. Snagging a seat won't be easy - or cheap. Tickets run from $125 to $325.
Prince last graced our city last May when he captivated fans with sold out back to back shows. This time around he'll be here on his Piano and Microphone tour.
According to a Sony Centre press release, "the repertoire will be culled from Prince's vast 39-album catalogue and each performance will have a unique set-list that evolves in real time, song-to-song. Fans should expect to witness special interpretations of well-known hits alongside rarely performed B-sides and new, never-before-heard material."
Photo by Cindy Ord / NPG Records
Today in Toronto Ginuwine is headed to the Danforth Music Hall for his first live show in Toronto in five years. You probably want to prepare for the show by mastering Channing Tatum's infamous routine to "Pony" from Magic Mike XXL (it's not just for the gents, Jenna Dewan Tatum did it too). If you're not into the throwback, head to the House of Vans for an art exhibition.
For more events, click on over to our events section.
Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events section.
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
RECENTLY REVIEWED
OPENING SOON
Have you seen restaurants opening or closing in your neighbourhood? Email tips to liora@blogto.com
Photo of Royal Meats by Jesse Milns.
This two bedroom, one bathroom loft located in the Merchandise Building is on the market for $609,900. This loft at 155 Dalhousie Street is one of 600 contemporary loft units in a building that was once a retailers' warehouse but was converted by Cresford Developments into innovative spaces in the late '90s.
With high ceilings and polished concrete floors throughout, the has an obvious industrial vibe. The layout is pretty standard with the kitchen and living room connected in an open concept, the second bedroom directly off of the kitchen and a long, narrow hallway leading to the master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom.
Notably, theres a wide variety of amenities available in the building ,including a fully equipped gym, sauna, spa, games room, and a rooftop patio complete with a swimming pool and BBQ.
The space, at about 1185 square feet, is perfect for a couple or young family. At just over 600K with two bedrooms, the unit is approachable for a wide variety of buyers, if not the Ryerson students who attend class within minutes of this building.
SPECS
NOTABLE FEATURES
GOOD FOR
Someone who hates public transportation. Located in the heart of downtown, it's within walking distance to basically every amenity you'll need. There is even a Metro in the bottom of the building, so you literally do not even have to leave the building for groceries.
MOVE ON IF
You don't love density. This building is not only located minutes away from Dundas Square, but is also right beside Ryerson's residence buildings. If you're not up for the possibility of some late-night noise, this spot isn't for you.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
Would you live here? Let us know in the comments.
Plant-based eaters, rejoice! Doomie's Home Cookin', a hot spot for LA-based vegans, is coming to Toronto this spring.
When papered-up shop touting a sign reading "What Vegans Eat" popped up in Parkdale (1263 Queen Street West, to be exact), many a plant-based Torontonian got excited - and for good reason. While restaurants like Porter House and Hogtown Vegan work in our favour, the city is definitely more hospitable to omnivores.
The restaurant will serve up comfort food similar to the fare found at Apiecalypse Now! and Cosmic Treats - so brace yourself for a new roster of indulgent alternatives to grain bowls and salads.
The LA-menu, which will most likely appear at the Toronto outpost, is comprised of carb-heavy, gluttonous eats like jalapeño poppers, burgers, bacon cheese fries and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches (all vegan, of course).
A few lucky Torontonians have already gotten a taste of what's to come. At last summer's Vegan Food Fest the restaurant had a dedicated tent and was dolling out the festival's most popular offering: the vegan big mac.
Until the grand opening (the date is still TBA) you'll have to get by with the Fat Mac Pizza, if you're in search of McDonalds-esque meal option.
Photo via Doomie's Home Cookin' on Facebook.
Will you be trying Doomie's? Let us know in the comments.
