This newish vegan restaurant aims to prove that vegan food is anything but dull. Expect to find everything from pub-style grub to a long list of desserts here.

Check out my profile on Cosmic Treats in the restaurants section.

The best French bakeries in Toronto showcase time-honoured techniques and high-quality ingredients to create some of the city's finest desserts and most crave-worthy carbs. Look no further when trying to locate fresh baguettes, flakey croissants and artful pastries.

Here are the best French bakeries in Toronto.

Having a craving for noodles but want to try something different than the usual ramen spot? This hole in the wall restaurant is making waves for its Shaanxi-style cuisine starring fresh made noodles as well as unique offerings like Chinese hamburgers.

Read my profile of Artisan Noodle in the restaurants section.

Year after year, Fashion Art Toronto (FAT) rolls around and shakes up the scene just when we think we've seen enough for the season (kudos to Toronto Fashion Week). Running from April 12 to 16, runway shows, live performances, short films and art exhibits will animate the Daniel's Spectrum (585 Dundas St. East) with conceptual art and fashion.

Now in its 11th year, |FAT| seems to be taking its annual themes to new levels. DRESS CODES will explore the connections (and disconnections) between fashion and identity. Tickets are $40 for one day and $120 for a full week pass. The photo and art exhibits are free!

Here are 5 things to look forward to at FAT this year.

Runway Shows
Over 50 runway shows will take place, showcasing collections from both Canadian and international designers. From established to emerging, FAT's lineup features the wear-able, the experimental, and the avant-garde. I'm particularly excited to see what Evan Biddell, Feyanki Law, L'uomo Strano, and Oscar Mendoza have in store.

Performances
Fashion shows won't be the only thing to hit the runway - energetic performances will also take the stage. Musical and dance performances will be scattered throughout the week. Pastel Supernova will show us her burlesque moves, Mister Miguel will belt out his new single Boy Toy, and NvS will merge corporeal mime, bellydancing and traditional Afro-carribbean dance.

Fashion on Film
Short films are a significant part of FAT's programming. Every year, projections from filmmakers and fashion designers alike dazzle attendees with striking visuals and sometimes provocative messages. Since this year's theme covers identity, the expectations are high for truly stimulating imagery.

Photo Exhibit
Quite possibly my favourite part of FAT, the fashion photography displayed outside the runway room every year is consistently wonderful. This time around, work by Sophia Baboolal, Michele Taras and more will decorate the space (you can expect original and eccentric images).

Art Installations
Also presented just outside the runway room, FAT's multi-media art installations are quite the sight to see. Many of this year's pieces explore new technologies, like Raw Finery Studio x Electric Runway x Izzie Colpitts-Campbell's Mobius - a headband that reads the wearer's brain activity to illuminate a dress.

View the full FAT schedule on their website.

Photo by Peter Jung Photography in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Have a hankering for marshmallow, graham cracker and chocolate? You're in luck. Some of Toronto's best bake shops, ice cream parlours and restaurants have made some epic creations to satisfy your cravings for s'mores. From lattes to pancakes, these sweet treats will have you screaming for more.

Here's a round-up of epic s'mores offerings you can eat in Toronto right now.

Bake Shoppe
S'mores bars are a staple at this Little Italy bake shop. These morsels of deliciousness get toasted to order and can also be layered with peanut butter.

Sweet Jesus
S'mores takes many forms at this soft serve parlour. If ice cream ain't your thing opt for the S'mores Latte which is complete with roasted marshmallows on top.

Chimney Stax
One of Toronto's chimney trucks has also gotten in on the s'mores craze. Graham cracker, marshmallow fluff and chocolate fudge are loaded into a Hungarian pastry.

WaffleU
If you love waffles then this Vaughan eatery is for you. They specialize in Liège waffles and their It's Been a Long Day creation features roasted marshmallows and Nutella.

Sweet Esc
Ever had s'mores toast? Now you can at this Markham dessert cafe. Sliced toasted bread gets perfectly coated with chocolate, roasted marshmallows, graham cracker and a chocolate drizzle.

Lisa Marie
If you visit this Queen St. restaurant for brunch you'll be able to get your hands on these flapjacks. Pancakes are stacked high and topped with roasted marshmallows, graham cracker crumbs and chocolate.

The Rolling Pin
While the The Rolling Pin may best be known for their doughnuts they certainly do make a mean macaron. A special at the shop is their s'mores macaron which comes complete with torched marshmallow on top.

What did I miss? Add your favourite s'mores treat in the comments.

Photos by @sweetjesus4life, @theeverydayfoodie, @waffleu, @bakeshoppeto, @musteatmore, @fidelgastros, and @therollingpinto.

The strangest places to spend a night in Toronto are quirky more than they are scary, but they do underscore that it's possible to shake up the routine if you're looking to take a vacation without leaving home. From castle-like heritage mansions to floating hotels, there's a host of uncanny accommodations spread across the city.

These are the strangest places to spend a night in Toronto.

Hav-A-Nap Motel
Those looking to get truly retro should head to the Hav-A-Nap motel, one of a handful of mid-century relics on Kingston Rd. in Scarborough. Yes, it's a bit rundown, but few places can provide this type of time warp to the 1960s. It's also been the site of countless film and photography shoots. There's real character here if you want to see it. $75+

The Boatel
Toronto's quirkiest hotel actually floats, and there are few better ways no better way to get up close and personal with the waterfront than by spending a night on it. Located near the foot of Spadina Avenue, the Boatel is touristy to be sure, but the novelty of ship life might be worth the expense. $250

Heritage House at De La Salle College
If you've ever dreamed of life as a noble, one way to enact the fantasy is by renting the castle-like Heritage House on the campus of De La Salle College near St. Clair and Avenue Rd. This property used to be on Airbnb but is now available for rental via the college itself. The 16-room home will cost you - its last listed rental rates were $2,000 a night, though single rooms have been offered in the past.

Art Lovers Rock'nRoll Apartment
Even hardcore David Bowie fans might find it a bit strange to spend the night in a room that's a tribute to the ruler of glam. In fact, this entire apartment borders on the bizarre with its art-adorned walls, bright colours, and general eclecticism. It won't be to everyone's taste, but if you like kitsch, this fits the bill. $148

Toronto Island B&B
Staying at a BnB isn't at all strange, but when your room is located on a mostly undeveloped island in the shadow of a monstrous city, the experience is far from ordinary. Add to that the fact that many of these accommodations are quirky and quaint in their own right, and you have the recipe for a memorable night. $120

What did I miss? Add your suggests for strange Toronto accommodations in the comments.

Photos in order by Derek Flack, the Boatel, Lunaticdesire, Airbnb, Nottawa B & B.

The $1750 apartment in Toronto is overwhelmingly made up of one-bedroom condo units along the waterfront and places like King West. For this amount of money, you're going to get something nice, but the challenge becomes finding something unique. So many apartments in this range are nearly identical to one other, but if you look carefully, there are less cookie-cutter spaces available.

This is what a $1750 a month apartment looks like in Toronto.

$1750 overlooking the SkyDome (Rogers Centre)
The perfect abode for the Blue Jays fan, this 39th storey unit hovers above the ballpark in the CityPlace community. The apartment is a spacious 600 square feet, but there's no balcony from which to hear home run celebrations. On the bright side, the building is stacked with amenities.

$1725 at Maple Leaf Quay
This pleasant apartment/condo is right on the water, but lacks the highly desirable south-facing view. That said, the highlight of these units is the solarium off of the bedroom that can be used as an office or reading room. If there was a perfect example of what you can get for $1750 in a newish condo, this is it.

$1750 for a live/work loft near Queen and Carlaw
There are, of course, more interesting spaces that condos available for rent if you have $1750 to spend each month. Take this loft-space near Queen and Carlaw, for example. It's 800 square feet, with only a small section devoted to the kitchen and washroom. This is a real loft that can be configured in so many ways depending on the needs of the renter. Basketball net, anyone?

$1745 at King and Shaw
There's not much to dislike about this one bedroom in the DNA Condos near King and Shaw. Unlike condo rentals in the price bracket just below this, the finishing touches are considerably more polished, and you'll typically get some extra space via the inclusion of a den, which is the case here.

$1725 for two bedrooms near Yonge and Eglinton.
If it's size that you're after, older buildings still make an appearance at this price point. With this unit, you can enjoy the centrality of Yonge and Eglinton with two bedrooms. You will, however, give up the slick modern interior of the newer one bedroom condo units that tend to saturate the $1750 rental market.

$1750 for a basement in the Annex
You might think that $1750 would get you out of the basement category, but not so. This is Toronto, after all. Still, the prospective renter(s) of this unit won't be short on overall space. It's listed with four bedrooms (two of which are small), which means you could probably stuff quite a few people in here. On the whole, the apartment is quite nice, but note that the ceiling height is just above six feet.

Would you shell out $1750 for any of these units? Let us know in the comments.

The sports bar is an evolving concept in Toronto. Once dominated by sprawling pubs with satellite TVs and cover charges, the new breed are a mix of bars, pubs and restaurants that have other amenities besides just a big screen. The places on this list may not have hundreds of TV screens or even identify as a sports bar, but they're all decent spots to settle in to watch Bautista and the boys do their thing.

Here's a round-up of new bars, pubs and restaurants to watch Blue Jays games in Toronto.

Round the Horn
This newish Roncy bar is a good place to catch the game on the west side. Local craft beer brands dominate the menu, and baseball-approved snacks like popcorn and hotdogs are plentiful.

Dominion Pub & Kitchen
The newest incarnation of this Corktown mainstay is filled with tufted leather sofas, big screens and enough brews on tap to keep any sports fan happy.

Cactus Club
This restaurant in the Financial District has plenty of seats around the bar to catch the game and imbibe in beer, wine, cocktails and a menu overseen by celeb chef Rob Feenie.

Two Headed Dog
This Little India pub is equipped with all the game day essentials: big screens, craft brews and a menu stacked with comfort food.

Point Bar
The Little Italy sports bar in the space that was once home to Snakes & Lagers serves up food and drinks with a French twist. The Jays compete with Euro soccer for attention here.

Photo of Round the Horn by Jesse Milns.

While it may not feel like spring yet in Toronto that shouldn't stop you from grabbing a pint, can, bottle or growler of craft beer. Many of our city's breweries and brewpubs are releasing delicious-sounding offerings this season, so you better get sipping soon.

Here are 10 new beers for you to try this spring in Toronto.

Ace Hill Pilsner, 4.9%
Ace Hill Beer Company Inc. launched earlier this year with a pilsner and a mission to give back 1 per cent of its sales to clean water-related causes. You can find its cleanly designed cans at a slew of local spots, including 416 Snack Bar, Bar Raval and the Danforth Music Hall.

Wrigley Oat Pale Ale, 5.5%
Toronto's baseball-themed Left Field Brewery comes up with new beers each season. Its latest, the Wrigley Oat Pale Ale, is named after the famous Chicago stadium and its adorable canine mascot.

Maple Trunk, 5.5%
Spring is maple syrup season in Canada, so what better way to celebrate than with Junction Craft Brewing's new maple amber ale? This beer features plenty of real maple syrup from Nogo Farms in Restoule, Ontario so head to the Junction to try it out.

Rhizome - Mango/Amarillo, 7%
Folly Brewpub debuted its latest Rhizome series beer at the Society of Beer Drinking Ladies' festival. Brewer Chris Conway says this farmhouse ale is made with amarillo hops as well as sweet mango puree. It'll start appearing on tap at Folly in mid-April.

Buck 10, 7.8%
By the beginning of May, Landsdowne Brewery will start serving up Buck 10. Deaglan Kernohan-Wallingford describes it having bread or biscuit-like malt flavours, a citrusy and pine-like hoppy aroma and a solid bitterness for balance. He says it's like big IPA or a double IPA meets an American amber ale.

West Coast Style IPA, 6.6%
Toronto's Mill Street Brewery, which is now under the Labatt banner, has released a hoppy new IPA. It's available now at the Mill Street Brew Pub, Bier Markt and the LCBO.

Hop Cone Syndrome, 8.5%
Head to Rainhard Brewing at 100 Symes Rd. in the Stockyards to try its newest beer Hop Cone Syndrome. Rainhard brewed this double IPA to highlight a fresh crop of hops, so you can truly celebrate the spring season with this brand new brew.

Brett Lime, 6.5%
Burdock Brewery's lime saison is brewed in conjunction with Escarpment Laboratories. It's available in 750-millilitre bottles as well as on tap and features Florida key lime juice and a blend of five-plus Brettanomyces strains.

Jelly King, 5.3%
Grab a glass of Jelly King on the patio of this Ossington brewpub. The dry-hopped sour is currently available on tap and should appear in the bottle shop soon.

Food Truck Beer, 4.2%
Henderson Brewery will open up on May 16 at 128A Sterling Rd. in the Junction Triangle area. When it does it hopes to start serving up what it's calling its Food Truck Beer, a simple and light blonde ale that's supposed to go well with summery food truck food.

Photo via Ace Hill on Instagram.

Brunch in The Annex can satisfy a broad range of cravings. Whether you're in need of a hangover remedy - like breakfast poutine - or you're searching for something a bit more sophisticated, such as gravlax-topped latkes or French charcuterie, this neighbourhood that has it all.

Here are my picks for where to brunch in The Annex.

Rose & Sons
The menu at Rose & Sons changes frequently, though recent brunch features have included fried chicken and cornbread, ricotta pancakes and spicy braised lamb with soft scrambled eggs and chickpea salad.

Fresh
There are plenty of vegetarian brunch options at this meat-free eatery at Bloor and Spadina. Start the day with fluffy banana nut pancakes and brunch burritos stuffed with scrambled tofu, veggies and faux cheese sauce.

Grapefruit Moon
Morning poutine is just one of the items on the menu at this Bathurst St. stalwart. There's also eggs Benedict and weekly variations of fancy French toast smothered in toppings like apple strudel or figs and sherry-poached grapes.

Harvest Kitchen
The farm-to-table menu at this Harbord St. spot features corn 'n' millet pancakes, kale Bennies, and a power breakfasts packed with baked eggs, beans, pico de gallo and guac' along with a house-baked English muffin and either bacon or smoked tofu.

Insomnia
There's lots to like at this student fave including one of its seven variations on eggs Benny, citrus-laced French toast, huevos rancheros and a menu of brunch-time cocktails. Skip the coffee in favour of something stronger like the Rye & Shine, which blends Earl Grey-infused rye with lavender bitters and black pepper.

Rasa
Wake up with doughnuts before moving on to heartier brunch options at this subterranean restaurant on Harbord. Highlights include pastrami-cured salmon on grilled sourdough with creamed kale and poached eggs, and a sticky bun-inspired dish dressed with cream cheese, pralines and candied bacon.

Universal Grill
Upscale comfort food is where this Dupont diner excels. The brunch menu boasts buttermilk pancakes with raspberry compote, cheesy scrambled eggs with spuds and toast and potato latkes topped with gravlax, sour cream and capers.

Bar Begonia
Start with an order of apple cinnamon beignets during breakfast served daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anthony Rose's French restaurant also offers up a selection of classic dishes including pain perdu, omelettes and croque monsieur sandwiches .

Harbord House
This two-storey haunt on Harbord Street serves brunch on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Highlights include the crab cake Benedict, corned-beef hash and ultra-filling two egg breakfasts served with peameal bacon, sausage, baked beans, toast and house-made strawberry jam.

Chadwick's
Finnish-style pancakes with honey ricotta, brisket hash, sticky buns and build-you-own-Benny options are best enjoyed with a Bloody Mary or a mimosa at this casual brunch destination on Dupont.

What did I miss? Add your favourite Annex brunch spots in the comments.

Photo of Rose & Sons by Jesse Milns.

As another school year passes, another graduating class says an easy goodbye to essays, projects and exams. While these things won't be missed, there are numerous perks of the student life that are more difficult to bid farewell to.

Here are 10 things that Toronto students miss after they graduate.

Discounts on the TTC
Dishing out $112 a month for a student Metropass pass is already hard enough. The realization that an adult metro pass is $141, meaning an extra $29 a month ($348 a year), is one I have yet to come to terms with.

Working out in elite gyms without a monthly bill
Although a gym membership is definitely included in tuition and not free, sometimes it can feel that way without the monthly bill on your VISA. Going from working out in fully stacked (and historic) gyms like U of T's Hart House or Ryerson's Mattamy Athletic Centre to a commercial gym with monthly fees just stings.

Discounted groceries and meals
Every Toronto student knows that Tuesday (a.k.a. student discount day at Metro) is the day to stock up on groceries. Might as well save your dollars while you still can by checking out student deals at Bulk Barn and restaurants like Fresh and Salad King.

Cheap(er) clothes
Retail therapy is all that more effective for students, because post-graduation you'll no longer get a discount at clothing stores like Topshop/Topman and Club Monaco. It's also sucks to lose it at places like Henry's and Curry's.

Extracurricular activities without the extra coin
Checking out popular Toronto cultural spots like the ROM, the AGO, or even going to see a movie are made a little easier when you're a student given the discounted rates. Before you toss out your student card, hit up a few of these spots while you can still do so on the cheap.

Getting into bars for free
No one likes to fork over $20 cover for the opportunity to dance and drink watered down vodka soda. For this reason, one must take full advantage of bars like The Dance Cave or Gracie's, which wave cover on certain nights with the flash of a student card.

Free WiFi at hotspots throughout the city
If you're a Ryerson student, the free WiFi that stretches out through Yonge and Dundas Square is probably something you've grown accustomed to. Ditto for U of T students around downtown campus. Wherever you're a student in Toronto, you know where to use your credentials for a free internet connection.

Campus food prices vs. Toronto restaurant prices
While the food in your school's food court might not be anything special, campus prices ($5-10) are a whole lot easier to swallow compared to a standard off-campus meal, which you can count on being over $10.

A valid excuse to wear sweatpants through city streets
Living on campus was my main validation for wearing sweat pants in Dundas Square, and this will surely be missed. You can always tell who lives by campus (hints: pajamas, last night's hair, and maybe even Uggs) versus those who commuted two hours to get to school.

Drinking on the cheap at Toronto dive bars because you're a (poor) student
There's no better excuse to get drunk every weekday than cheap drink deals at student dive bars. Sneaky Dee's, Einstein's, The Lab, Imperial Pub and the Maddy come to mind quickly, after having a few (hundred) of these nights myself over the past four years.

What did I miss? Add in what you miss about being a Toronto student in the comments.

Photo by Derek Flack.

Found in an historic bank building, this popular neighbourhood restaurant is where both carnivores and vegans can agree to go for tasty and healthy meals.

Read my profile on The Beet in the cafes section.

The top mall restaurants in Toronto are a lot more appetizing today than they were five years ago. The city is seeing more and more quality dining options in shopping centres that go far beyond typical food court chains. If you're out shopping and don't want to leave the mall to eat, there's usually an enticing option or two to choose from.

Here are my picks for the top mall restaurants in Toronto.

Jamie's Italian - Yorkdale
Jamie Oliver and King Street Food Co.'s collaboration has as a rustic feel and offers a wide range of Italian classics such as antipasti platters, margherita pizza, prawn linguine, and homemade pasta.

Beaumont Kitchen - Sherway Gardens
This restaurant adjacent to Sherway Garden's Saks Fifth Avenue showcases Canadian ingredients with a menu ranging from turkey meatballs to PB&J stuffed French toast.

Pearl Bayview - Bayview Village
Known for its all-day dim sum, the eatery is a popular spot to dine in or take out if you're in the mood for Chinese cuisine.

Fabbrica - Shops at Don Mills
Mark McEwan's Italian eatery hits the spot with its classic wood-fire pizza or grilled skirt steak. Some menu items are a bit pricey, but the service and quality make it a worthwhile treat.

Trattoria Mercatto - Eaton Centre
The friendly staff and the diverse menu makes this a good mall stop if you're shopping with family or friends - or just in the mood for something Italian. The rustic interior and long tables will make you forget you're in a mall.

Sun's Kitchen - Pacific Mall
This food court stalwart serves up some of the best noodles in town. Popular items include the peanut-laden dan dan noodles and pan-fried dumplings.

Congee Queen - Centerpoint Mall
North York's Centerpoint Mall isn't exactly the best place to update your wardrobe, but if you find yourself there, Congee Queen is the place kill your hunger with hearty portions of Chinese favourites like the seafood-filled House Super Congee or the fried bean curd.

Tropical Joe's - Gerrard Square
This food court favourite is well known for its jerk poutine and stuffed patties, but also serves hearty stews, delicious roti, and pudgy pork sandwiches (all for under 10 bucks).

Tekka Sushi - Fairview Mall
Venture just outside the mall to this nearby all-you-can-eat sushi joint that's big on value. If you're not that hungry, you can always order from the a la carte menu.

Szechaun Szechuan - Vaughan Mills
Szechuan Szechuan was once a favourite lunch location for Bay St. brokers at First Canadian Place, but now it holds down the fort at Vaughan Mills, where crowds of hungry shoppers feast on dishes like General Tso's Chicken, Szechuan Shrimp, and Crispy Ginger Beef. The menu is as big as the portions.

What did I miss? Add your suggestions in the comments.

Writing by Nicole Gibillini. Photo of Jamie's Italian by Hector Vasquez.

Where should you eat in Toronto if you're feeling peckish and are looking for more than just a snack after seeing a show at one of our city's many live theatre venues?

Here's a number of notable Toronto restaurants that are ready to shine.

Alumnae Theatre
Betty's on King Street East isn't fancy, but its expansive late-night menu offers everything from steaming bowls of Vietnamese dumpling soup to tandoori chicken satay skewers and customizable pizza.

Berkeley Street Theatre
Cocina Economica is open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, setting the stage for a large night feast of shrimp and scallop ceviche and slow-roasted meats with piles of corn tortillas and sides of salsa, rice and beans.

Buddies in Bad Times
At The Captain's Boil, Asian-Cajun seafood boils in a bag are a spectacle in their own right. This Yonge Street establishment is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Ed Mirvish Theatre
If you've had enough drama for one evening and are searching for something casual and laid back, try Sabai Sabai. The Thai kitchen and bar is open until 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre Centre
The Chase is open to midnight on Saturday and until 11 p.m. on every other day (closed on Sundays). This upscale restaurant serves memorable meals starring chilled seafood platters, peppercorn encrusted duck confit and pasta dishes paired with king crab.

Factory Theatre
Gusto 101 on Portland is open until 1 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday, leaving ample time for you to have a full Italian meal after the final act. Here, dishes like pumpkin agnolotti and prosciutto topped pizza steal the show.

Four Seasons Centre
Find the upscale sushi bar Ja Bistro open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. The prima donna here is the aburi-style sushi, which hogs the limelight as it's prepared with a blowtorch.

Massey Hall
Spread out in a plush booth at The Carbon Bar after just being confided to cramped theatre-style seats. The dining room is open until 11 p.m. and serves up pit master platters, pork ssäm and duck tacos, but don't rush yourself because the bar is open late.

Princess of Wales
Get a post-curtain reservation up until 10:30 p.m. at Figo. The elegant Italian restaurant on John Street will end your evening on a high note with plates of honey truffle ricotta and crostini, bucatini with wild boar ragu and wood-fired pizzas topped with soppressata.

Roy Thomson Hall
Taco and tequila bar El Caballito is open until 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, making it a convenient spot to chow down on tortillas topped with chicken tinga, cochinita pibil or spicy shrimp.

Tarragon Theatre
Bar Begonia on Dupont offers French bistro fare, featuring duck rillettes, whitefish bouillabaisse and foie gras parfaits until 11 p.m. nightly. Get your order in and savour your selections with cocktails until last call.

The Theatre Centre
Limelight-stealing wood oven-fired pizzas, steak tartare and bulgogi short ribs are all on the menu at The Good Son. The West Queen West restaurant is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Theatre Passe Muraille
La Palette is a cozy French bistro that's perfect for when you're looking for somewhere with a little romantic subtext. Open until midnight, you can expect an ensemble of classic fare, including steak frites, beef tartare and cassoulet.

Young Centre for the Performing Arts
El Catrin is an upscale Mexican spot, open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. Head here after the show lets out for ceviche, tacos and meat and seafood selections from the parrilla (grill).

Photo of the Good Son by Jesse Milns.

Places to watch the sunset with sweeping views of Toronto in the foreground aren't quite as plentiful as you might think. Sure there are excellent vantage points for take in the splendour of the skyline, but for this particular activity you need a well-positioned west-facing perch. It also helps if your immediate surroundings are nice enough to compel you to stick around for a while.

Here are my picks for the top places to catch the sunset in Toronto.

Polson Pier
You might not want to run into Drake while snapping pics here, but this is surely the best vantage point in Toronto to see the sun go down on the city. If you head south along the boardwalk, you'll even find a few benches.

Hanlan's Point
This west-facing beach is the perfect spot to camp out as the sun goes down. Your view is mostly of Etobicoke and Mississauga, but the combination of the diminished skyline and the sandy beach is ideal for sunset hunters. Remember, you might see more than the sun setting, though.

Riverdale Park
What is already one of the best views of the city only gets better when the sun sets behind the skyline. I remember riding my bike up Broadview a few years back and seeing the sky so intensely pink that I almost crashed. The benches at the top of the hill are the best viewing spots.

Grenadier Pond (High Park)
Head to the east side of Grenadier Pond for a tranquil sunset-viewing spot. If you want an elevated view, you can climb up the hill behind you and look upon the park and the lake all at once.

Sunnyside Bridge
Sunnyside itself doesn't really face the right way to catch the full splendour of the sunset, but the view from the bridge that spans the Gardiner and Lake Shore Blvd. is a photographer's dream, as the sun dips below the gently pulsing highway.

Leslie Street Spit
You can catch good sunset views near the beginning of the Spit overlooking the marina, but the best vantage point comes when you trek all the way to the end, when you look northwest over Toronto and the Islands. It's stunning.

Marilyn Bell Park
Marilyn Bell Park provides some dramatic sights of the the sunset's effect over the lake, but you're not looking right at it. If, on the other hand, you head to the western edge of the park, there's a small view area pointed at Etobicoke (and beyond) which provides the angle that you need.

Canoe Restaurant
You'll have to pay a pretty penny for the privilege, but there aren't many places that provide a better view of the sunset over Toronto than Canoe's 54th floor dining room (the CN Tower is probably one of its only easy-to-access rivals). I love grabbing a drink at the bar in lieu of shelling out too much for the view, but the best seats are (unsurprisingly) on the west side of the restaurant.

Downsview Park
This relatively flat park offers unobstructed views of the sunset in a quiet setting. This isn't the place to capture a great photograph of the sun and skyline, but it is removed enough that you can enjoy the moment without much by way of interruption.

Sugar Beach
You have to be careful where you sit at Sugar Beach if you want to catch the best part of the sunset. The neighbouring Redpath factory blocks out much of the west-facing view. But if you head to the southern-most tip of the beach, you can snag a lovely view of the sun as it sets over the Toronto harbour.

What did I miss? Add your suggestions in the comments.

Photo by Kat Northern Lights Man in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Toronto's Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood is rapidly changing thanks to an influx of high-end condos. These towers are bringing with them a slew of new businesses, making the area a much more desirable place to live, especially for those who don't want to settle farther downtown.

One long-standing Yonge and Eglinton strip plaza, however, will soon disappear to make way for the 29-storey Whitehaus Condominiums, which Lifetime Developments and current landlord Knightstone Capital are building.

This mini-mall, at Yonge Street and Helendale Avenue, was built in the early 1980s. It's now home to a smattering of stores and restaurants, including Korean Cowboy and 28-year-old jewelry store Hollywood Diamond.

Many of the former and longtime tenants, like the vegan restaurant Kale and Mai Thai, have already closed up shop.

Hollywood Diamond, which has been at the same spot since 1988, will be moving across the street to 2368 Yonge Street at the end of June.

Korean Cowboy will be staying open for as long as possible. "We're looking for a spot to move to," says owner Sam Lee. Tentatively, he has to move out by June 30. He's now looking for a new location, and would ideally like to move to either the Annex or North York.

"We knew it was coming and the landlord's always been forthcoming about the whole deal," notes Lee, who knew he'd have to move when he signed his initial lease.

The plaza looks like quite the ghost town now, despite being located near one of the city's busiest intersections; it'll be anything but come 2019. Residential units in the Whitehaus Condo are already 94 per cent sold out Lifetime Developments VP Brian Brown tells me.

He says construction should start this fall. The tower will include 70,000 square feet of commercial space in a three-storey podium, though Brown can't confirm who'll be moving in just yet. "There's no information we can release on that at this stage," he says.

Though it likely won't be small, locally owned stores and restaurants. Along with a concourse and three ground-floor tenants, there will likely be a restaurant - with a Yonge Street-facing terrace - on the third floor.

Will you miss this Yonge and Eglinton strip plaza? Let us know in the comments.

Photos by Jesse Milns.

Latin American brunch restaurants in Toronto will provide you with a hearty morning mid-day meal. Get your fill of steak and eggs with sides of rice and beans, or opt instead for filling cornbread, loaded scrambled egg dishes and fried plantains.

Here are my picks for the top places to grab a Latin American-style brunch in Toronto.

Mata Petisco Bar
This Brazilian restaurant in Parkdale offers a South American-style brunch on weekends featuring açai granola bowls and a paçoca (peanut candy) and Nutella rabanada, which is similar to French toast. Those who prefer savoury flavours can grab the picanha acebolada with top sirloin, onions, cassava frites and a fried egg.

Mi Tierra Restaurant
Colombian dishes are the focus at this St. Clair West restaurant that opens at noon on weekends. The menu boasts bandeja paisa, a platter of grilled beef with beans, sausage, maduro (fried plantain), chicharron and rice topped with a fried egg.

Lula Lounge
The Sunday brunch buffet at this Latin hub includes a selection of food that varies slightly from week to week. It's been known to include scrambled eggs, sausages, potatoes, stews, rice and beans, fresh fruits and desserts. Arrive early for dance lessons, which start at noon followed by live music.

La Cubana
This casual Cuban eatery has locations on Roncesvalles and on Ossington. Its brunch menu boasts chorizo empanadas with poached eggs and pickled raisins, chimichurri steak and eggs and pineapple glazed pork belly served with sunny-side up eggs.

El Arepazo
While not exactly brunch, arepas are well suited to a mid-day meal and on weekends, they're available starting at 11 a.m. at this Kensington Market eatery. Grab a savoury one or choose something sweeter, like mandocas, freshly fried plantain doughnuts served with shredded cheese and butter.

Photo via @lacubana_to on Instagram.

Free events in Toronto this week will save you from breaking into your beloved childhood piggy bank. If your funds are being reserved for necessities (groceries, rent, vodka) take advantage of these cost-free events to stay social. There's everything from art exhibits to colouring parties.

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

Grindhouse NIghts: Texas Terror Two-Fer (April 14)
On Thursday head to Sneaky Dee's to catch two flicks for the price of none. This week, the bar is screening Race with the Devil and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. If you've got a couple bucks to spare, the bar will serving their regular roster of cheap beverages, so feel free to DIY your own drinking game.

Images Festival (April 14-23)
Toronto's annual experimental film and media event the Images Festival returns to Toronto on April 14. As per usual, the fest will boast a ton of short screenings, installations, performances, art exhibits and more at local galleries - some of which don't cost a dime. such as free artist talks, exhibitions, master classes and more.

TGIF Adult Colouring (April 15)
Instead of spending Friday getting turnt, hit up the Gladstone Melody Bar for a colouring party. If you've got a few bucks to spare, grab a drink at the bar - colouring inside the lines is overrated anyway.

Bellwoods Flea (April 16)
This Saturday, the Bellwoods Flea celebrates spring with a host of art, fashion, food and more from its vendors. If you don't have the cash to support a full-blown shopping spree, you can still spend the day watching classic flicks and dancing. Entry is free and you can bring your dog.

Spring Fling Toronto 2016 (April 16)
The snow might be done for good (fingers crossed), so now's the time to start embracing the outdoors. Trek to High Park to join the Ontario Cosplay Community at its Spring Fling. The event already has over 1k RSVPS (and 4K interested) so expect a big turn out.

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

Photo via Images Festival on Facebook.

Cheap patio furniture in Toronto is tough to find outside of Box stores like Canadian Tire and Home Depot which tend to have offerings that leave something to be desired in the design department. Fortunately, there are a handful of shops around the city that carry stylish outdoor furniture that won't completely break the bank.

Here are my picks for the top places to buy cheap patio furniture in Toronto.

Modani
Five-piece patio sets start at $540 at Modani, though you can sometimes do better than that during off-season sales. Chairs start at $149 in a variety of styles, all of which show off contemporary design that's far nicer than the price might indicate.

Moss Danforth
Head here for colourful three-piece patio sets that start at $129. If you have a bit more to spend, there's a wide selection of furniture crafted out of acacia, wicker, and metal that's still less expensive than you'll find at other patio specialists around the city.

Cabana Coast
Cast aluminium patio furniture starts at around $150 at Cabana Coast. It goes up to $1500+ of course, but those on the lookout for more affordable options should target their basic lines, which feature pared down pieces good for those who want to outfit an outdoor space without having to save up for the entire winter.

Wicker Park
Wicker Park is a good spot to target for significant discounts on patio furniture that's on the more expensive side when its marked at full price. You should, however, be able to find a selection of three-piece sets in the $500 range even in the absence of a discount.

Urban Barn
This chain of furnishing shops has a wider selection of outdoor accents than it does furniture, but its patio sets are smart-looking and reasonably priced. The three-piece teak set at $329 would be an excellent way to outfit a balcony.

DOT Furniture
DOT has a huge selection of patio furniture to choose from, a decent portion of which falls in the affordable range. Those looking to outfit a small terrace or condo balcony should take a look at their bistro sets, which feature tables and chairs that range between $59 and $129 each.

InsideOut
You could spend a lot of money on the larger sets at InsideOut, but once again, there are deals to be had on the bistro sets on offer. Made from teak and cast aluminium, these tables and chairs are classic in style and highly durable.

West Elm
West Elm has a great selection of patio furniture for under $400. Instead of buying pre-packaged three-piece sets, you can purchase each piece separately to assemble the outdoor set-up that makes the most sense for your space.

IKEA
It should come as little surprise that IKEA is an excellent source for stylish but affordable patio furniture. Chairs start for as little as $15, but the best feature of IKEA's lineup is the variety of price points. Three-piece sets range between $109 and $239, but larger sets can also be had starting at $249. Get them early in the season as by summer they tend to sell out.

The Bay
If you shop at the right time you can score some big discounts on patio furniture at Canada's iconic retailer. Chairs, lounges and dining sets are just some of what's on offer from their Home Studio and Glucksteinhome collections.

What did I miss? Add your suggestions for cheap patio furniture in the comments.

Photo of Modani by Jesse Milns.

Toronto has some excellent hiking options, but those willing to drive about an hour out of the city are treated to some of the most spectacular trails in the country. From sweeping vistas to sublime rock faces to hidden waterfalls, these hikes offer memorable scenery and significant fitness challenges.

Here are 5 epic hiking trails near Toronto.

Rattlesnake Point
The trails at Rattlesnake point near Milton line the top of the Niagara Escarpment and offer breathtaking views of the country below all the way down to Lake Ontario. There's over 12km to explore, the most challenging of which is a 7.2km hike to Crawford Lake Conservation Area.

Dundas Peak
The trails around Dundas Peak afford access to some of Hamilton's most stunning waterfalls. Highlights include Webster and Tews Falls, both of which are some of the highest in the area. Beyond the waterfalls, there are awe-inspiring views of the gorge below.

Bruce Trail
This massive trail system stretches over 800km along the Niagara Escarpment with its closest access point to Toronto located just outside of Milton near the Kelso Conservation Area (itself a good place to hike). The scenery here is sublime, ranging from lush forest to rocky gorges and sweeping lake vistas.

Ganaraska Trail
This is another epic trail that clocks in at roughly 400km from end to end. Starting in Port Hope and connecting with the Bruce Trail near Glen Huron, only expert hikers should try to brave the more remote sections of this trail. Those looking to soak up some scenery and to break a sweat can confine themselves to the trails that loop around the Ganaraska Forest Centre.

Elora Gorge
Snaking around the Elora Gorge Conservation area, this 10km trail encounters waterfalls, sweeping views of the gorge, and ample opportunities to explore the Grand River. This is a great place to spend an entire day, pausing to hang around by the river's shore to eat lunch and cool down with a swim.

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

Photo of Dundas Peak by Mr Walkzac in the blogTO Flickr pool