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Toronto's newest coffee shop is also a cocktail bar

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page one cafeIt's a trend that's taken over Toronto cafes - the coffee and cocktail lounge. This latest edition caters to students and profs, and anyone looking for a slick but homey spot to imbibe in.

Read my review of Page One in the cafes section.


The best late night souvlaki and gyros in Toronto

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souvlaki torontoThe best late night souvlaki and gyros in Toronto are the perfect way to cap off an evening out on the town. Not only are these spit-roasted delicacies light on your wallet, but they're also filled with bold flavours, fire-licked meats, garlic sauce, chopped salad and sometimes fries or feta.

Here is the list of the best late night souvlaki and gyros in Toronto.

10 ridiculously spicy meals in Toronto

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spicy food torontoThe spiciest meals in Toronto will take you on a culinary adventure from hot wings and burgers to Szechuan hot pots and piping hot curries. These maximum strength meals span the Scoville scale and will test even the bravest of heat seekers.

Here are my picks for some of the spiciest meals in Toronto.

Very Spicy Soup
This ominous-sounding soup at Emperor Hot Pot is swimming with fiery Szechuan peppercorns. At this spice level, the name is still an understatement and will likely be one of the spiciest broths you've ever had.

Armageddon Wings
These apocalyptic-sounding wings are Duff's spiciest and they come coated in a vinegary habanero and scotch bonnet-based sauce. At the College Street location, you've got to eat 47 (plus one) wings to to be immortalized on the Wall of Pain; the top score currently stands at 52.

Phall Curry
The Bristol in West Queen West describes this dish as an "insanely spicy, hallucination inducing curry". Order it with chicken, lamb or go meat-free to feel the burn of naga jolokia ghost peppers.

Kerala Chili Beef Fry Sandwich
At the Indian Street Food Co., an unbridled enthusiasm for heat is best demonstrated by this spicy sandwich loaded with morsels of chili laced beef. Alleviate your taste buds with sides of mango chutney and slaw, or punish yourself further with a couple fresh green chilis if you dare.

Lamprais
The Sri Lankan staple at Hopper Hut is available in meat, seafood or veg varieties. Look forward to the heat from curry and fiendishly hot pickled papaya achar wrapped and steamed in a colossal banana leaf along with mustard flavoured eggplant, rice and a hard boiled egg.

Blazing Fire Chicken
Fried chicken painted in a fiery red gochujang glaze at Home of Hot Taste might just bring a tear to your eye. At first taste, the intensity is tolerable but the heat builds the more you eat. I'd advise soothing your taste buds with fried rice or a swig of beer.

The Cracker Jack Burger
The Works serves up a peppercorn encrusted patty loaded with banana peppers, jack cheese and the house "hotter than hell" sauce - this burger is not recommended for those with timid taste buds.

20-chili curry
"Thai spicy" has a reputation for being next level and Salad King on Yonge Street is more than happy to oblige. Ramp up the green curry (already spiked with green chilis) or the phud thai with up to 20 sweat-inducing chilis.

Keywot
Rendez-Vous doses its tongue-lashing Ethiopian beef stew with berbere, a blend of chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and spices. Mop it all up with Injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread that barely tempers the heat.

ROYAL pepper fish
There's a reason this dish is in all caps on the menu at Royal Chinese Seafood, a hidden Indian-style Hakka Chinese joint located off McNicoll Avenue. It's among a handful of scorching selections marked by menacing double chili peppers.

What did I miss? Add you favourite spicy foods in the comments.

Lead photo by Hector Vasquez.

Toronto nightclub more fun than dinner at Red Lobster

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dance club torontoThe hanging net from the ceiling may look out of place but there's no denying this Toronto nightclub is more fun than a dinner date at Red Lobster.

Read my review of TOika in the bars section.

Popular pizza joint opening location in Little India

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Pizzeria Via Mercanti TorontoIf you're craving Neapolitan-style pizza in Toronto, you're in luck because our city is dotted with restaurants that make it extremely well. And now one pizza joint is expanding its empire by crossing over Yonge Street to open a new location in Little India.

Pizzeria Via Mercanti, which has outposts at 188 Augusta Ave. and 87 Elm St., will soon pop up at 1499 Gerrard St.

This casual eatery obviously excels in pizza, but also serves up a selection of other scrumptious dishes, including pasta, panini and delicious bocconcini di pizza (pizza balls).

Details about the east side location are sparse but the windows are papered up teasing that an opening could be coming later this spring.

Photo by Marni Wolf.

10 epic stuffed French toast in Toronto

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stuffed french toastStuffed French toast is a staple at many of Toronto's best brunch restaurants. If you aren't already impressed with plain 'ol French toast these joints take it to the next level by stuffing eggy bread with everything from peameal bacon to cheesecake.

Here are are my picks for the most epic French toast offerings you can eat in Toronto right now.

YAYA
This cozy brunch spot in Leslieville serves up a killer French toast. ACE challah bread is stuffed to the brim with mascarpone cheese, vanilla bean-laced ricotta, and lemon-lime zest. Maple syrup and fresh fruit is served on the side.

Beaumont Kitchen
If you may think Beaumont Kitchen is just a dinner spot to visit after you shop at Saks Fifth Avenue at CF Sherway you're sadly mistaken. They also serve up one mean brunch and the pb&j stuffed french toast is a must try.

Old School
With a name like Don't Even Go There French Toast you know it's going to be good. Cheesecake stuffed egg bread is rolled in toasted coconut and topped with vanilla whipped cream and an orange honey drizzle.

Uncle Betty's
The stuffed French toast at this local diner is worth the trek north. Brioche bread is stuffed with ricotta and blueberries and is served with fresh fruit and maple syrup on the side.

Cardinal Rule
Feeling adventurous? Try the Hawaiian stuffed french toast at this Roncesvalles joint. Egg bread is stuffed with peameal bacon (veg bacon also available), provolone cheese, coconut rum and a raisin pineapple chutney.

Le Select Bistro
Satisfy your sweet tooth with an order of the Pain Dore Aux Pommes. French toast is stuffed with apples and cranberries and topped with maple syrup.

Insomnia
The Heaven On Earth at this Annex eatery will hit all the right notes. French toast is stuffed with berries, cream cheese and topped with honey and maple syrup. Sweet enough for you?

Cool Hand of a Girl
The weekend brunch offerings at this Junction restaurant are always changing. Specials have included everything from French toast stuffed with homemade pecan pie to one stuffed sauteed spiced plantain and sweetened sour cream.

Prohibition
Head to Riverside to get your hands on the Stuffed French Toast Bake. This French toast is filled with cinnamon mascarpone and topped with maple syrup.

Saving Grace
The French toast at this Dundas West spot takes a savoury approach. Here, it comes stuffed with gruyere cheese, caramelized apples and roasted red onions.

Add your favourite stuffed French toast in the comments.

Photo of Yaya by Hector Vasquez.

5 ways to celebrate Grilled Cheese Month in Toronto

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Grilled Cheese Burger TorontoIf you didn't already know, April marks National Grilled Cheese Month in Toronto. While this may not be a real holiday it certainly does sound delicious and is worth celebrating - sorry bikini bod you're going to have to wait.

Here are five cheesy ways to celebrate National Grilled Cheese Month in Toronto.

Eat a burger with grilled cheese sandwiches as buns
Grilled cheese buns on burgers are hardly an odd topping nowadays and can be found on the menus of tons of Toronto joints. This includes Scarborough institution Shamrock Burgers who serves up what they have coined the Double Decker Grilled Cheese. Open wide as the burgers features a behemoth 8oz patty with bacon stacked between grilled cheese sandwiches.

Visit one of Toronto's best grilled cheese restaurants for epic monthly specials
For the month of April, Cut The Cheese will be offering three specials - one per week on the dates of April 8, 15 and 22. While the specials remain under wraps fried jerk chicken and waffles have been hinted *wink wink*.

Up your own grilled cheese game
A visit to Toronto's best cheese shop, Cheese Boutique, will result in one epic dairy filled outing. Explore the 1,000 square feet space and stock up on items that will take your grilled cheese to the next level.

Visit Toronto's newest grilled cheese restaurant
OM Grilled Cheese opened this past fall and has restored Kensington Market's faith in nostalgic, gooey pressed cheese sandwiches. Sample epic menu items like The Lord Cheesus loaded with cheddar, brie, brick, havarti and mozzarella and the Wine Country which is stuffed with guava jam, pickled onions, grapes and serrano ham.

Tour the city on the hunt for the best grilled cheese sandwich
A whole month is ample opportunity for you to tour Toronto's top grilled cheese destinations by neighbourhood. Try everything from the Jack'd Up Grilled Cheese from Hogtown Smoke in The Beaches to Little Kay's Favourite Grilled Cheese Sandwich from Mildred's Temple Kitchen in Liberty Village.

How will you be celebrating grilled cheese month? Let us know in the comments.

Vote for 10 new best of categories

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bikesToday we're opening up voting in our latest Best Of poll. Now you can have your say in 10 categories including Greek bakeries, lattees, bike stores, Taiwanese restaurants and more.

Take the best of poll here

Voting in the poll ends at noon on Saturday April 2.


Today in Toronto: Brunswick House Closing Party, Architextures, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

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today in torontoToday in Toronto head to The Brunswick House for one of its final closing parties (don't worry, if you can't make it out tonight there's bashes every evening up until Sunday). If you're not into slamming pints and/or vodka soda, head to Bloor Hot Docs Cinema for a classier evening featuring a wine tasting and film screening.

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 the Brunswick House by Jesse Milns.

Toronto Restaurant Openings: Almighty Bao, Oretta, Pizzeria Via Mercanti, b.good, Grasshopper

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bgood torontoToronto 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

  • Oretta, a new restaurant helmed by chef Christian Fontolan, is coming soon to 633 King St. W.
  • Pizzeria Via Mercanti is headed east. A new location is in the works at 1499 Gerard St. E.
  • Vegan eatery Grasshopper is expanding to The Junction. The new outpost will take over 3080 Dundas St. W. where Littlefish used to be.

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

Photo of b.good by Jesse Milns.

11 must-see concerts in Toronto this April

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iggy pop torontoThe top Toronto concerts this April offer an exciting grab bag of Billboard chart-toppers and underrated local bands, all of whom will pair nicely with the arrival of spring. Even the honourable mentions run a wide gamut this month.

Everything from fuzzy indie-pop (Moon King, Teen, Bleached) to guttural metal (Tau Cross, Iron Maiden, the Decibel Tour) is represented on the calendar. For old-timers, there's some stuff from the 90s you'd almost forgotten (The Dandy Warhols, Filter and Orgy), and whoa, one of The Who's much-rescheduled 50th anniversary shows might actually go down here.

Aside from those, here are my picks for the top shows coming to town in April.

Kool Keith (April 2, House of Vans)
Far be it for me to throw free PR at yet another pop-up skatepark's #branded fun, but since the House of Vans is closing up their Toronto tenure with a DJ legend, it merits a callout. Kool Keith plays (for free! bless you, rich sneaker companies) with Tommy Kruise and Bambii.

O-Town (April 3, Lee's Palace)
This ongoing reunion is a sign that the boy-band nostalgia trip has gone too far, but people of a certain age and reality-show upbringing will understand the intrigue of an O-Town concert listing in 2016. I almost disregarded it after learning of Ashley Parker-Angel's absence, but reconsidered; "Liquid Dreams" is just that hilarious.

Savages (April 4, Danforth Music Hall)
Mercury Prize-nominated outfit Savages have held fast to their brand of post-punk intensity with sophomore release Adore Life, an album that revels in the messy, flawed nature of love. Catch one of their only Canadian dates during an extensive North American tour.

Autolux (April 7, Lee's Palace)
Underrated L.A. trio Autolux may seem like the latest in the endless shoegaze reunion train, but the band never really broke up - six-year breaks between albums just seems to be their natural rhythm. Pussy's Dead comes out a week before this show at Lee's.

Junior Boys and Jesse Lanza (April 9, Phoenix)
Electro pair Junior Boys just returned with their first LP in roughly five years. Big Black Coat builds on their ever-evolving experimental sounds, though with a gloomier outlook. Fellow Hamiltonian Jessy Lanza, who'll put her own new album out in May, opens.

Iggy Pop (April 9, Sony Centre)
The punk legend's surprise garage-influenced collab with Josh Homme, Post Pop Depression, is hitting the road, with all the studio contributors (Homme, Dean Fertita and Matt Helders) in tow.

Smashing Pumpkins and Liz Phair (April 12, Massey Hall)
Billy Corgan's path to maturity is littered with unsatisfactory roller coaster rides, endless mystic tea-shop jams and so much literal wrestling, but could this simple, stripped-down acoustic tour be a sign he's entered "aging gracefully" mode? "In Plainsong" also brings Liz Phair along for a night of 90s alt-rock reflection.

Rihanna (April 13-14, ACC)
The queen of NSFW Instagrams, insanely anticipated album releases and sweaty grinds on Drake has finally embarked on the Anti World Tour. Rihanna will unfortunately not be joined by our boy The Weeknd as previously expected, but Travis Scott is still set to open.

Melvins, Napalm Death and Melt-Banana (April 19, Opera House)
The month's top prospect for ear-shattering mayhem features three of the best current purveyors of noise: longstanding sludge crew the Melvins, Brit grindcore legends Napalm Death and Japanese experimentalists Melt-Banana.

Hervana (April 20, Burdock)
Toronto's all-female Nirvana cover band is paying homage to the iconic grunge band's MTV Unplugged album, playing the whole thing from start-to-finish in the fittingly intimate environment of Burdock.

CATL (April 21, Horseshoe Tavern)
Arguably one of Toronto's funnest live acts right now, CATL are always worth checking out when they come back home for a show, even when they've only subtly teased new material. They'll host NYC's Daddy Long Legs on this run, kindred spirits in lo-fi punk blues.

What did I miss? Leave your suggestions for April's top concerts in the comments.

Photo of Iggy Pop by Frank Yang in the blogTO Flickr pool.

This is the most ticketed parking spot in Toronto

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parking torontoBright yellow parking tickets are a common site on windshields across Toronto. Naturally, the city generates quite a bit of cash from these infractions, so which spots racked up the most money this past year?

That's what data scientist David Brait wanted to find out. He analyzed the city's 2015 parking data (which is all readily available online) and discovered one such location. According to his research, 410 College St. generated most maximum fine tickets (796 at $450 each) for a yearly total of $358,200.

And this isn't an anomaly, writes Brait. In 2014 and 2013, 410 College garnered the city $401,850 and $291,150, respectively.

Other hot spots across Toronto include 18 Grenville St. ($153,900), 35 Balmuto St. ($146,700) and 60 Murray St. ($129,150).

And your parking-related woes aren't over just yet because starting today, the city is increasing its fines for four different infractions. If you get caught double parking, blocking a sidewalk, stopping in a TTC zone or parking in a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane, you'll now face a $150 ticket.

Condo of the week: 71 Simcoe Street

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71 Simcoe StreetA penthouse suite at 71 Simcoe Street only looks like a chic industrial loft. In actuality, the high-rise was built in the early '90s, even as it features a Victorian main lobby. The sprawling two bedroom unit in question is ultra sleek, if already slightly dated in terms of decor.

Boasting concrete walls, steel beams, and a peaked ceiling in the master bedroom, this penthouse is listed for $2,500,000. This was one of the nicest condos in Toronto when it was first built, though I suspect not everyone will love the amount of concrete on display today.

71 Simcoe StreetThe penthouse, which spans the entire 26th floor of the building, has seen a price drop in recent months. Previously listed for $2.8 million, the owners hope to entice potential buyers with a 10 per cent decrease, two parking spots, and a prime location if you work downtown.

71 Simcoe StreetSPECS

71 Simcoe StreetNOTABLE FEATURES

  • Concrete walls
  • Multi-coloured chef's kitchen
  • Bedroom with peaked roof and skylight
  • Spiral shower with glass blocks
  • Terrace and rooftop patio

71 Simcoe StreetGOOD FOR

Red carpet events. The building is situated in the heart of the Entertainment District, across the street from Roy Thompson Hall and the TIFF Lightbox. You're bound to rub elbows with celebs during festival season.

71 Simcoe StreetMOVE ON IF

You own a dog or cat or an IKEA monkey. Pet owners will have to find another home for Fluffy -- sadly, no feline friends are permitted.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
71 Simcoe Street71 Simcoe Street71 Simcoe Street71 Simcoe Street71 Simcoe Street71 Simcoe StreetWorth the asking? Have your say in the comments.

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

Should Toronto make distracted walking illegal?

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distracted walking torontoNew Jersey is the latest American state that's taking "distracted walking" seriously enough to introduce a bill that would ban using your phone while walking, unless it's hands-free.

In Toronto, distracted walking is perfectly legal, and it's rare to see someone without their phone in hand while walking down the street. Imagine getting hit with a $50 fine or having to sit in a jail cell for 15 days because you were busy checking out Norm Kelly's latest tweets.

Okay, the jail time would never happen, but those penalties - which are the same as those for jaywalking - are what New Jersey citizens would be looking at if the bill passes.

We already have laws against jaywalking (fines can reach $110), smoking in public areas (e.g. on patios) and most recently, vaping in public. These rules were put in place because of health and safety concerns, but is a similar danger to the public interest at hand when it comes to walking and texting?

As both a victim and perpetrator of distracted walking (and as someone who is directionally challenged and constantly using my phone for directions), I vote no. That said, the idea got me curious as to what other think about such an idea.

We reached out on social media to see what the consensus was out there. Have a look at the results below and let us know where you stand in the comments.

Photo by Chris Smart in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Stream all Toronto Blue Jays games online without cable

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Toronto Blue JaysHow are you planning to watch the Toronto Blue Jays dominate this year? With the Jays home opener scheduled for April 8, you'll be happy to note that you can catch their entire 162 game season online thanks to a new streaming service from Sportsnet.

Sportsnet NOW launches tomorrow, April 1. Like Netflix (or Shomi, I guess) for Canadian sports fans, it's a direct-to-consumer service, meaning you don't need a Rogers cable or mobile plan to access it.

For $24.99 per month, it's includes content from Sportsnet's six channels, all of which will be available online and on your smartphone or tablet.

This is especially useful for cord-cutters who already rely on various streaming services instead of traditional cable plans.

Photo by Henry Chan via the blogTO Flickr pool.


Toronto gets its first vegan soft serve ice cream parlour

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nanashakeNanashake, a 100% dairy-free ice cream parlour has moved into 4750 Yonge Street (just south of Sheppard), so summer just got a lot sweeter for Toronto's dairy-free community.

While a few parlours in the city have coconut and/or soy based options up for grabs, this joint relies solely on bananas for its soft-serve treats. Flavours include original, chocolate, strawberry, spiced date, rosey pistachio, coffee, and mint chocolate. It also sells "Nana Pops" which resemble paletas.

Now you can save the bucks you'd spend on a Vitamix or Yonanas machine for festival tickets.

Will you be trying Nanashake? let us know in the comments.

Photo by Nanashake on Instagram.

Weekend events in Toronto April 1-3 2016

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weekend events torontoWeekend events in Toronto will fill your schedule with concerts, beer fests and trips to pop-up shops. Good news: it looks like we've managed to ditch the sleet and snow for good now, so you probably won't have to put your winter jacket to use (though there may be a little rain).

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

MUSIC

Soundtrack Of The City (March 31-April 3)
Spring festival season kicks off today with the local-focused Soundtrack Of The City. 60-plus bands play over four days at several clubs on Queen St., all within walking distance of one another. It's a great way to discover new bands you may not have heard of: $25 gets you a wristband covering every show in the festival, or it's only $10 per concert.

Pusha T (April 2)
Pusha T is hitting the Danforth Music Hall this Friday to perform his latest and greatest. As with all highly anticipated concerts tickets sold out in a flash, so you'll have to turn to StubHub if you want to see him live.

O-Town (April 3)
Throwback to the early 2000s and hit up Lee's Palace to rediscover your love for American boy bands. Fingers crossed that All Or Nothing is on the setlist.

Iron Maiden (April 3)
If pop hits aren't your jam, Iron Maiden is hitting the ACC for The Book of Souls World Tour. Expect a healthy dose of head-banging and thrashing. There are still a few tickets left, but you'll want to scoop them up ASAP.

FILM

Canadian Film Fest (March 30-April 2)
The Canadian Film Fest kicked off on Wednesday and is running up until Saturday evening. As per usual, the fest showcases a roster of features and shorts from homegrown rising cinematic talents. If you want to plan your weekend early, check out the schedule here.

Human Rights Watch Film Festival (March 30-April 2)
The Human Rights Watch Film Festival has taken over the TIFF Bell Lightbox and is showing films that "bring to life human rights abuses through storytelling in a way that challenges each individual to empathize and demand justice for all people". Check out all the festival details here.

FOOD & DRINK

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.

ENTERTAINMENT

House of Vans (March 16-April 2)
Regardless of if your a skateboarding fanatic, live music lover or are just really into the Damn, Daniel phenomenon, you'll probably want to hit up the House of Vans. This weekend, catch Most Things Haven't Worked Out, a new film by Devin Guiney, or head to the closing concert this Saturday - Kool Keith, Tommy Kruise and Bambii will be playing.

April Fools: An Evening of Comedy at Massey Hall Hosted by Gilbert Gottfried (April 1)
After you've spent the day playing practical jokes on your coworkers and friends, head to Massy Hall for an evening of lols. Gilbert Gottfried is hosting a comedy show featuring Nikki Payne, Zabrina Chevannes, Jeff Elliott, Darren Frost, Mayce Galoni, Matt O'Brien and Richard Ryder.

Pillow Fight Toronto 2016 (April 2)
You may want to schedule laundry day before April 2, because the massive annual pillow fight hits Nathan Phillips Square this Saturday. More than 2.4 thousand people have RSVP'd so you can bet on quite the showdown - bring your finest cotton-filled weapon and prepare yourself for a battle royale.

The Toronto Storytelling Festival (April 1-10)
This weekend you can catch storytelling events at Glad Day Bookshop, Innis College, Dufferin St. Clair Library, Bata Shoe Museum and more for the annual Toronto Storytelling Festival. There's also a kickoff party at The Centre for Social Innovation Annex on Saturday, if you want to get a little boozy.

NSYNC vs BACKSTREET : A Dance Party (April 2)
Backstreet's back, alright - and NYSNC is coming along for the ride. Unfortunately, neither boy band will be at Studio Bar in the flesh, but you'll get to dance to all your favourite pop songs with a host of other fangirls and fanboys. Remember to brush up on the groups' most memorable choreography.

POP-UP SHOPS

P.O.P Pop-Up Shop (April 1-3)
At the beginning of April the P.O.P Pop-Up Shop will take over a spot in Mirvish Village, selling a bevy of paintings, jewellery, bags, soaps, candles and more. If you want to party while you shop, head there on April 1st for the opening night bash.

La Playa Pop-Up Shop (April 1-30)
La Playa Pop-Up Shop will help you prepare for the impending days of beach bumming and rooftop tanning. Melmira is bringing high-end designer beachwear pieces from its home at Yonge and Lawrence to 12 Ossington Avenue for a month-long pop-up running seven days a week. Expect to find labels like Cool Change and Josa at 40% off.

The Bespoke Pop-Up Shop (April 2-3)
Head to Love & Greed on the first weekend of April to up your menswear game. While the store is already known to stock some pretty stellar duds, it's about to get even more fashionable. Toronto-based designer Tre Paul will be hosting a Bespoke Pop-Up Shop for one weekend only, so save your dollars.

Ice Cream Pop-Up Shop (April 3)
In the market for some brand new bling? OCADU Material Art and Design students are hosting an event showcasing their jewelry and textile creations. In keeping with the iced-out theme, there will also be vegan ice cream making and tasting activities.

Old Book and Paper Show (April 3)
Hit up Artscape Wychwood Barns this Sunday to check out (and/or purchase) old paper, ephemera and vintage books. You'll be able to get your hands on vintage concert and movie posters, photography, brochures, sewing patterns, postcards, prints, maps, magazines and more.

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 Matt Forsythe. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Toronto has a film festival all about viral cat videos

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Lil BUBThe Just For Cats Video Festival is returning to the TIFF Bell Lightbox on April 14 with a brand new roster of furry feline flicks to laugh, cringe and cry over.

Making this year even more special, Lil BUB will be in attendance. For those unaware of the famous feline's work, she's garnered more than one million Instagram followers, is the star of a storybook, sells a host of merch with her face on it, and even has her own LP (making her more successful than the average Torontonian.)

However, if you want to get within an inch of her, you'll have to ball out for a VIP ticket (they're $100, while GA tickets run for $22.75). With purchase of said ticket, you'll get to meet, pet and take a photo with Lil BUB, receive a signed photo print and get reserved seating in the cinema. All proceeds of the VIP Tickets benefit CFHS and the TIFF Pocket Fund, so don't feel guilty about ponying up the cash.

Will you be getting tickets? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Lil BUB via Instagram

5 easy hikes to get you excited for spring in Toronto

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hikes torontoSpring hikes in Toronto must be chosen carefully. Trails are typically at their muddiest early in the season, which is no fun for anyone. The ideal spring hike is done on a path that drains well or features a hard enough surface that wet conditions won't make it un-passable. Throw in a good view, and you have a great way to spend an afternoon.

Here are 5 hikes that'll help you welcome spring in Toronto.

Sun Valley - 1.3 kilometres
This path loops around the lower section of Crothers Woods, but is far less challenging than some of the other ravine-based trails in the area. Here you'll feel like you've escaped the city entirely as the valley vegetation comes to life. Later in the season, head towards Redway Rd. and the various ridge trails. The trailhead is located at #1115 Bayview Avenue across from Nesbitt Dr.

Moore Park Ravine - 3 kilometres
This is an easy and wide mixed-use trail that follows Mud Creek from North Rosedale to the Don Valley. As the leaves fill in on the trees, a natural canopy envelops the path, which makes the it feel far more secluded than it really is. Heading southeast from the trailhead at Moore Ave., it's slightly downhill almost all the way to the Brick Works, where you can explore the old quarry.

High Park - West Ravine - 6 kilometres
There are short trails and hiking opportunities all over High Park, but its the ravine on the west side of the park that's the most rewarding. Here you you get away from the sports fields and playgrounds in favour of wooded paths that lead down to Grenadier Pond. If you're feeling energetic, you can continue south to explore Sunnyside. Enter the ravine off of West Rd. just south of the playground.

Bluffer's Park - 5 kilometres
The trails that line the top of the Bluffs should be avoided in early spring as they are actually quite dangerous, but the lower trails that head east from Bluffer's Park are wonderful at this time of year. Early in the season, the Bluff's look incredibly stark, but as vegetation returns, the area fills with natural activity that's invigorating to witness. Start at the foot of Brimley Rd.

Wilket Creek Park to Edwards Gardens 6.4 kilometres
This is a majestic spring hike/walk in the ravine that travels alongside Leslie St. north of Eglinton. The trail itself is quite scenic with a number of bridges that cross the various tributaries of the Don, but Edwards Gardens is the real jewel here, especially at the end of April and into May when the places erupts with flowers and other plant life.

What did I miss? Add your favourite spring hikes in the comments.

Photo by Katrin Shumakov on Flickr.

The top 20 dumplings in Toronto by type

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dumplings TorontoThere's an entire world of dumplings waiting to be discovered in Toronto. From slippery steamed varieties to crispy deep-fried delicacies, here's a cross-cultural array of doughy pockets that are ready for you to devour.

Accra
Haitian snack bar Rhum Corner is the place to go to find these deep-fried malanga fritters, which come served with slaw and a tangy mayo.

Bao
You can find steamed bun sandwiches stuffed with fried chicken or pork belly on menus citywide. Banh Mi Boys and Mean Bao are two popular bao spots, though they're hardly alone.

Coxinhas
Teardrop-shaped croquettes are big in Brazil and they're also a menu favourite at Parkdale's Mata Petisco Bar, which serves deep-fried minced chicken dumplings alongside malagueta pepper aioli.

Gnudi
Truffle gnudi at Rasa are pillows of perfection, especially when paired with walnut pesto and a medley of local mushrooms.

Gyoza
Deep-fried pork dumplings make an excellent side to a piping hot bowl of ramen at Kinton. Although you can also find these Japanese dumplings at almost every other sushi bar and ramen house in town.

Dumplings TorontoHar Gow
No dim sum experience would be complete without an order of these pleated shrimp dumplings. You'll find them streaming out of the kitchens in steamer baskets at places such as Kwan and Rol San.

Jamaican Fried Dumpling
The Real Jerk makes golden, deep-fried dumplings with flour, water, butter and milk and pairs them with ox tail gravy, for dipping purposes, of course.

Jiaozi
Mother's Dumplings should be top of mind if you're seeking out a broad selection of Chinese dumplings. Among the many varieties, you'll find these boiled, then pan-fried little pockets packed with pork and dill or pork and bok choi.

Mandu
Satisfy your cravings for Korean dumplings at Cho Sun Ok where bite-sized pockets of pork are available steamed or fried with a soy dipping sauce. Song Cooks' pork, zucchini and chive mandu are also noteworthy.

Manti
Find these Turkish dumplings on the menu at Anatolia. Here, they come filled with seasoned ground beef and are topped with garlicky yogurt, mint, clarified butter and a dash of paprika.

Momos
Fill up on Tibetan dumplings in Parkdale, a.k.a Little Tibet. Loga's Corner both steams and fries these doughy beef or veggie dumplings. When indulging, nibble off a corner to release some steam and then devour the rest in a few bites.

dumplings TorontoKhinkali
Georgian-style pouches of minced meat are standouts on the menu at the The Ossington Stop. Among a late night menu of sloppy sandwiches, these $2.50 pockets are a treasure if you're looking to snack on something comforting and cheap.

Kreplach
You can find ground meat and potato-filled Jewish soup dumplings swimming in soothing bowls of steaming chicken broth at the New Yorker Deli.

Papa Rellena
Cuban potato puffs stuffed with picadillo or a medley of mushrooms and vegetables are a menu favourite at Julie's Cuban.

Pelmeni
Pravda Vodka Bar doles out these plump pillows stuffed with veal in a wild mushroom broth with sour cream and chives.

dumplings TorontoPierogi
Dumplings filled with beef or potato and cottage cheese are among the traditional offerings at Hasting's Snack Bar. For adventurous riffs, head to the Saucy Pierogi where the rotating menu features pierogi stuffed with foodstuffs like kimchi, sauerkraut and mushrooms, jerk chicken and pulled pork.

Siu Mai
A must-have when visiting dim sum parlours like Dim Sum King are these open-faced dumplings, which traditionally reveal a mix of pork and mushroom popping out of a thin wrapper.

Tortellini
The iconic Italian pasta is a standard at red sauce restaurants and are a common sight in supermarkets. Find an elevated offering at Cafe Bar Pasta where the hand-pinched pasta rings come filled with white truffle pecorino and are topped with silky pecorino broth.

Wontons
Jim Chai Kee tops our list of best wonton soup in Toronto. This accolade can be credited to the massive and delicious shrimp wontons on the menu.

Xiao Long Bao
These delicate soup dumpling are a dim sum staple. Find them at the eponymous Xiao Long Bao where favourites come packed with crab meat and pork.

Photos by Jesse Milns and Hector Vasquez.

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