Victoria Day long weekend events in Toronto will keep you up all day and night, so you won't have to sleep until Monday. There's no need to feel like you're stuck in the city with the amount of fun stuff going on both inside and out this May Two-Four weekend.

Check out our roundup post for information on Victoria Day fireworks celebrations this year.

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

FOOD

Rib Fest at Yonge and Dundas (May 20-21)
Did you know May is BBQ month? Yonge and Dundas will be taken over by the hungery masses for Rib Fest, which will feature some of the best ribs teams from across Canada.

Toast! pop-up at the Distillery District
This highly hyped pop-up continues this week and will be serving up options like birthday cake batter slathered on chocolate sour dough and green goddess goat cheese on pumpkin seed rye from Saturday, May 21 through to Monday, May 23 at 45 Mill St.

CULTURE

Arcade (May 19-20)
A collection of miniature performances, theatres, and cinemas about the forgotten and displaced parts of Toronto's urban landscape at the Bata Shoe Museum.

Franco-Fierté Fundraiser and launch event (May 19)
Yours truly DJ Phil V and Yung Bambi DJ the French Pride fundraiser and launch party with a special performance from Jezebel Bardot.

Operanation (May 19)
DJ Armand and Dragonette entertain at the year's biggest opera party.

Circus Sessions (May 20-21)
Witness and participate in the two-night performance of Circus Sessions where artists will share exciting new ideas, discoveries, collaborations. France's Adel Node-Langlois will also be presenting an original work.

Echo Beach spring market (May 21)
The Junction Flea Market heads down to the water for one day only.

North American Indigenous Cultural Festival (May 21-22)
The 1st annual festival of its kind, and it all goes down at Downsview Park. Expects lots of food, artisans, live music, and cultural programming.

Trinity Bellwoods drum circle opening circle (May 22)
It's been four years, and it's still going strong -- the open drum circle goes down 12-6 p.m.

MUSIC

Breakbot (May 19)
The French pop smooth operator visits Velvet Underground.

Continuum live band Karaoke (May 19)
Continuum Contemporary Music is teaming up with Univox & Florivox Choirs for a night of live karaoke in the Junction.

Manifesto X Wavelength (May 20)
Two of Toronto's most groundbreaking, community-based arts organizations team up for a night of boundary-busting music and visuals.

Fiddles at Fort York (May 21)
From 10 a.m. 5:30 p.m. players of bowed string instruments from different traditions teach workshops and perform a concert, leading up to our community "Around-the-World Jam" at 2:30pm.

Four Tet and Ben Ufo (May 21)
Get ready for DJ sets from two electronic masters at Coda.

Selena Gomez at the ACC (May 22)
Justin Bieber's ex performs at the ACC. I really do love "Can't keep my hands to myself" (as does everyone else, apparently).

Phon.o at Bambi's (May 22)
Berlin-based DJ and producer PHON.O comes to Toronto to provide the soundtrack for a grimey holiday weekend dance party, including local support from BSMNT.

FILM

8th annual Canadian Sport Film Festival (May 20-22)
From Rio to Toronto and around the world,the 8th annual Canadian Sport Film Festival (CSFF) gives audiences an even closer look at the sports they love, the teams they follow and the social issues that often surround them. All happening at TIFF.

Punk Singer (May 19)
Take a rousing tour of music, feminism, pop culture and the riot grrl movement through the life and work of Kathleen Hanna, lead singer of the punk band Bikini Kill and dance-punk trio Le Tigre.

World Goth Day (May 21)
Celebrate this darkest of days with a screening of Interview with a Vampire.

Scream Queens: A League of their Own (May 22)
Mystery Science Theatre Drunk History Elvira x lots of booze. Get ready to experience movies like never before. Allysin Chaynes hosts.

Bollywood Classics (May 22)
Mughal-e-Azam screens at the Aga Khan Museum.

DANCING

These are the choice dance parties for the long weekend. My favourite would be
Boy Problems - A Carly Rae Jepsen queer dance party on Saturday, May 21. The most underrated album of last year gets the dancefloor attention it deserves with this one-off, west side dance party.

• Regrettro (May 20)
• La Rumba Buena (May 20)
• Turn back time, '80s video dance party (May 20)
• L!V!NG (May 21)
• Balls deep disco (May 21)
• A Britney Spears dance party (May 21)
• Danny Tenaglia (May 22)

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.

Thanks to the Northern Heat Rib Series for sponsoring this post

Photo by S2Murray from the blogTO Flickr pool.

This newly opened craft brewery from two former home brewers sells a couple of sour, fruit-infused beers that'll be perfect for patio season and the upcoming Victoria Day long weekend.

Read my full profile of Halo Brewery in the bars sections.

The $2250 apartment in Toronto is a strange beast. There's no shortage of lovely units out there, but it's also possible to get played with rentals that tout lots of space but don't offer much when it comes to aesthetics. Spend a couple hundred bucks more and you might get both, but if you're paying just above the two grand mark, there's still trade-offs.

This is what a $2250 a month apartment looks like in Toronto.

$2300 at St. George and Bloor
If you have more than $2000 to spend on monthly rent, you can afford to get choosy about the area you live in. This unit is a case in point, but it's worth noting that you're only getting one bedroom plus den, and half of your living space is in the basement. On the plus side, there's a nice balcony.

$2250 at Clinton and Bloor
This price point will certainly buy you space, if that's what you're after. This three-bedroom apartment doesn't feature the most stunning interior design, but it's hard to argue against the ratio between space and neighbourhood. There is some outdoor space that tenants have access to, but it's not much of a yard.

$2250 at Bathurst and Sheppard
Should you be looking north of the 401, $2250 a month buys you envy-worthy space. This condo unit on Sheppard is nearly 1000 square feet, but the best part might be the 375 square foot balcony/terrace. There's also stainless steel appliances and all the amenities that someone is paying condo fees on.

$2250 at Bay and Gerrard
Plenty of people would scoff at forking over this much rent for a one bedroom when one could be investing in real estate, but the fact remains that this place has some serious pimp-appeal. This isn't a new building, but the unit itself is as pretty as contemporary rentals come at this price-point.

$2300 near Dufferin and Rogers
It's not all apartment buildings and condos that you might be after when spending a couple of grand on an apartment - a significant part of the rental market in this price range is small homes. This one has its up and downs (the basement is part of the living space), but it could really work for a family living in Toronto on a temporary basis.

$2300 at Dupont and Bathurst
In some way, this is the quintessential $2250 apartment in Toronto (even if it's listed at $2300). You get two bedrooms if you move off the main drags, but you also gain laminate floors, high ceilings, and a huge bathroom. It's nice to be able to pay this, but it must always be weighed against buying a place.

Toronto Food Events rounds up the most delicious events, festivals, pop-ups, winemaker dinners, supper clubs and other food related happenings in Toronto this week and next. You can find us here every Friday morning.

THIS WEEK

• Kick off the long weekend at Rib Fest & BBQ Bash at Dundas Square. The party is on today and tomorrow, May 20 and 21, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Admission is free.
• The Toast! pop-up in the Distillery District at 45 Mill St. continues this week from Saturday, May 21 through to Monday, May 23.
• The Toronto Picnic Club presents Charcuterie & Fireworks on Monday, May 23 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Balmy Beach Park (2 Silver Birch Ave). Expect a furnished outdoor setting and a catered spread from Sandy Aleksander featuring charcuterie, cheese, fruit, antipasto, bread and snacks.
• Dave Mottershall from Loka joins the fun at Momofuku bun month happening at Daisho . Pop in from May 23 to 29 for his pig mack bao with pancetta, iceberg lettuce and secret sauce.
• Aroma Espresso Bar locations across Ontario celebrate Free Smoothie Day on May 25. The free giveaway runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will include flavours like mango, mixed berry and kale.

UPCOMING

• Mac 'N Cheese Festival is coming to Ontario Place from June 3 to 5. VIP Express Line tickets are available now from $25 and offer early access, an express line for tokens and food vendors and meet-and-greets with celebrity chefs.
• The Depanneur hosts a Nawabi Dastarkhan supper club by Abeda Oturkar on Saturday, June 4. Book a seat ($50) for a smorgasbord of dishes including lamb dum pukht biryani, chicken reshmi kabab, buraini bademjan and more.

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

Photo by Jesse Milns.

The best oysters in Toronto celebrate the refreshing energy of the sea. What Toronto lacks in coastlines, it makes up for with a bounty of oyster-obsessed proprietors dedicated to sourcing (and sometimes even farming) the sweetest, plumpest varieties from both near and far.

Here are the best oysters in Toronto.

What's open and closed on Victoria Day 2016 in Toronto.

GENERAL

Closed

• Government offices and banks
• Libraries
• No mail delivery

TRANSIT

• The TTC will operate holiday service schedules with a start time of 6 a.m.

FOOD

Closed

• Major chains and grocery stores, like No Frills, Fresh Co., Loblaws, Sobeys, Metro, T&T, Arz Fine Foods, Galleria Supermarket, and Whole Foods will be closed with few confirmed exceptions listed below.

Open

• Loblaws (60 Carlton St.) - 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Pusateri's (57 Yorkville Ave.) - 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; (Bayview Village, 2901 Bayview Ave.) - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; (Sherway Gardens, 25 The West Mall) - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Metro (444 Yonge St.) - from 9 a.m.
• Sobey's Urban Fresh (777 Bay St., Suite 427) - 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• T&T Supermarket (7070 Warden Avenue) - 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.; (9255 Woodbine Ave.) 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Whole Foods Yorkville (87 Avenue Rd.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Fresh & Wild (69 Spadina Ave.) - 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; (2294 Bloor St. W.) - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Galleria Supermarket (7040 Yonge St.) - 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• Bloor Street Market (55 Bloor St. W.) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Rabba Fine Food (various locations) - open 24 hours
• Food Depot (155 Dupont St. at Davenport) - open 24 hours
• Bloor Superfresh (384 Bloor St. W.). - open 24 hours
• Kitchen Table (10 Queens Quay West) - 6 a.m. to 12 a.m., (389 Spadina Rd.) - 7 a.m. to 12 a.m., (595 Bay St., at Atrium on Bay) - 8 a.m to 12 a.m., (705 King St. W.) - 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.

DRINK

Closed

• LCBO stores will be closed, though select cottage-area outlets that normally close at 6 p.m. may launch extended hours on Friday and Saturday nights.
• The Beer Store will be closed.

Open

• For a complete list of indie bottle shops in Toronto, see this directory. Holiday hours are provided where applicable, but we advise calling ahead to confirm.

MALLS

Open

• Eaton Centre (220 Yonge St.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Square One Shopping Centre (100 City Centre Dr.) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Vaughan Mills (1 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Vaughan) - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Pacific Mall (4300 Steeles Ave. E.) - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Closed

• Yorkdale
• Sherway Gardens
• Fairview Mall
• Scarborough Town Centre
• Bayview Village

ATTRACTIONS

Closed

• The Art Gallery of Ontario

Open

• The Ontario Science Centre (770 Don Mills Rd.) - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen's Park) - 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Canada's Wonderland (9580 Jane St.) - open all weekend from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Ripley's Aquarium of Canada - 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• The Toronto Zoo - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Movie theatres are open citywide.

FIREWORKS

For fireworks-related info, check out this post.

Did I miss anything? Add it to the comments below.

Photo by Yana and Denis in the blogTO Flickr pool.

It's finally summer in the city! You won't have to worry about layering up in Toronto during the Victoria Day long weekend because it's going to be sunny and warm this May 2-4.

According to Environment Canada, you can expect to see temperatures in the low 20s on Saturday and Sunday. But get excited because by Monday it's supposed to be 28 C. It'll still cool down at night, of course.

This warm weather means you can finally head outside and explore areas in and around the city. Go on a hike! Climb a cliff! Eat an ice cream taco! Or simply bask in the sunshine on a patio.

How will you enjoy this long weekend weather? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by PictureNarrative via the blogTO Flickr pool.

The streetcar saga continues in Toronto. Although this time, it's more of a good news story. That's because Bombardier is making moves to get our city its new streetcars faster, reports the Toronto Star today.

The Montreal-based company is undergoing some internal shuffles. It'll use Thunder Bay plant, for instance, to focus on building Toronto's streetcars. It'll move some of its other lines of production - like work on Metrolinx's light rail trains - to Kingston, notes the Star.

According to the Star, it'll be adding an additional assembly line for TTC vehicles at one of its plants. It'll also be sending welders to its facility in Sahagun, Mexico to iron out the kinks that led to previous delays and problems.

By the end of this year, Bombardier should be sending us 16 new streetcars, along with 40 in 2017, 76 in 2018 and 57 in 2019.

Photo by BruceK via the blogTO Flickr pool.

If you've ever walked or driven by the Gardiner Expressway when it's closed for construction, you might have wondered what exactly it is that requires the shutdown of a major artery in Toronto. Most of the time, the highway just looks like it's been abandoned with nary a work crew in sight.

Fortunately, that's not actually the case. While there aren't thousands of maintenance workers dotting the expressway during a closure, a significant amount of work does indeed get done when the Gardiner is closed. To quell some of the curiosity that you might have about the process, the city has made a slick little video detailing what exactly gets done.

Tropical cocktails, a hand picked selection of mezcal and Mexican bar snacks are on the menu at this newly opened cantina from the chef behind Bar Isabel. Best of all is the glorious patio where patrons can knock back a couple Mexploitation cocktails with chicharron sandwiches in the sun.

Read my profile of El Rey in the restaurants section.

Here's a scene that you never want to see when you're driving in Toronto. Captured on a dash cam, this video tracks an erratic driver on Eglinton Avenue who swerves across the road before ultimately slamming into another vehicle at Don Mills Rd.

It's dramatic to watch the events unfold, particularly in terms of the reactions that come from the couple in the trailing vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was ultimately charged with Impaired Driving at the scene of the collision, though fortunately no one was seriously injured.

Not all LCBO locations are created equally, and those looking for interesting wine and spirits in Toronto have likely been let down by the selection at their local store on more than one occasion. There are, however, a few shrines to high quality booze spread across the city where the Vintages sections are stocked full of hard-to-find bottles and smaller batch producers.

These are the LCBO stores with the best Vintages sections in Toronto.

Scrivener Square
Often referred to as the Summerhill LCBO, this is the flagship location and has the widest selection of wine and booze in the province. It's also the most beautiful. Located in the former North Toronto Train Station, buying wine here is as dignified as it gets in these parts. Look for excellent selections of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Super Tuscans, Champagne, and whiskey.

Queens Quay
A close second to Summerhill in terms of selection, Queens Quay has a nicer tasting bar and gorgeous two-sided glass display case where first growth Bordeaux and wines like Ornellaia and Screaming Eagle are housed for customers to drool over. I've always had great luck with the Italian and Rhone sections here, but the stock is solid across pretty much all the most popular regions.

Bayview Village
Uptown wine buyers know that Bayview Village is the pinnacle when it comes to LCBO locations. The Vintages section here is downright huge, and the tasting bar is often busy with discerning patrons swishing and sucking away at the latest new releases (no spitting, please). Trophy wines from Bordeaux are well supplied here.

Manulife Centre
Tucked away in the basement of the Manulife Centre at Bloor and Bay streets, this is essentially Yorkville's LCBO, and has the stock to appeal to well-monied buyers. Priority is given to Old World wines (unsurprisingly), and you'll even find a decent selection of magnums here. If there's a drawback, it's that the section isn't quite as spacious as some of the others on this list.

Leaside
The Leaside LCBO was relocated to a new space in 2013, and is now one of the biggest stores in the province. The space makes for a sprawling Vintages section with a tasting bar, excellent new release stock, and a solid whiskey selection. At any given time there are between 850 and 1,000 different wines and spirits on offer here.

Photo courtesy of the LCBO.

If you didn't manage to snag tickets to OVO Fest or the Summer Sixteen tour this summer don't fret. Drake has just made Toronto fans very happy by releasing two more dates to his tour in Toronto.

Drizzy will be returning this fall with Future on October 8 and 9 at the ACC. While these shows won't overlap with the seventh annual OVO Fest fans shouldn't be too disappointed as he's known to bring out a few special guests to many of his home town shows.

Tickets go on sale on Thursday May 26 at 10 a.m.

Photo via Drake on Instagram.

If you're not into rich desserts, munch on tropically-flavoured treats, vegan soft serve, made-in-house paletas and refreshing, cold horchata instead. The new outpost from the folks behind Seven Lives has you covered all summer long.

Read my profile of Seven Lives Paleteria in the restaurants section.

Are you fleeing Toronto and heading north to cottage country? Please take me with you. Depending on the traffic, you could be relaxing lakeside in no time. If you get hungry in the area or en route, there are plenty of options besides gas station meals, including iconic burger joints and craft breweries with hot pizza ovens.

Here's where to grab a bite on the way and in and round cottage country.

Near Muskoka

Weber's
The legendary burger joint on Hwy. 11 holds sentimental value for generations of Toronto cottage-goers. You'll find long lineups during peak season, but many won't be deterred; the flame-broiled burgers are tradition.

R Cottage (3385 Muskoka St., Washago)
This quaint little spot embraces all the warm, fuzzy vibes you'd want while on vacation. The menu features comfort foods like maple bacon wrapped meatloaf, chicken and rib dinners, s'mores milkshakes and giant butter tarts.

Grand Electric Muskoka (2 James Bartleman Way, Unit 6, Port Carling)
The waterfront taqueria is open noon until 10 p.m., Fridays through Sunday during the summer months. If you've made it this far, you're likely almost at your destination, but this place is a serene spot-over for bourbonade and tacos.

Near Simcoe County

Ground Burger (352 Doug Duncan Dr., Newmarket)
If hunger pangs hit you before you make it out of the 'burbs, head to Newmarket to pick up a burger for the road. You can call in your order from the 404, which means you can grab your Cajun-crusted patty with blue cheese and bacon salsa without delay.

Creemore Kitchen, (134 Mill Street, Creemore)
Roast beef sandwiches topped with braised onions and burrata and beer battered fish on a bun are just a few of the menu favourites at this Simcoe Country restaurant, which serves up hyper-local fare.

Bicycle Cafe (14 Sydenham St., Flesherton)
This charming country kitchen and live music venue serves up daytime fare, including brunch dishes and sandwiches. Find an eclectic range of beer-friendly comfort foods including dumplings and stews in the evening.

Near Parry Sound

Whatta Pizza (7 Allan Cres., Seguin Falls)
Make a quick detour off the 400 onto the 141 for a quick bite at this pizza joint where the menu offers an assortment of classic pies along with salads, wings and cheesy garlic-filled dough balls.

Near Kawartha Lakes

Dr. J's BBQ & Brews (282 Aylmer St., Peterborough)
Before heading into the rugged wilderness, stop over in Peterborough to fill up on smoked duck wings and Redneck Nachos loaded with smoked pulled pork chili, cheese and all the other essential toppings.

Near Haliburton

Boshkung Brewing Co. (9201 Hwy 118, Minden Hills)
Pizza and beer are what you should order at this brewery on Mirror Lake. Get yourself a pie dressed with double-smoked bacon, mushrooms and roasted chicken for the road while stocking up on Campfire Smoked Rye Ale or an assortment of house brews in a tasting flight.

Smokin' Jake's BBQ Shack ( 10752 County Rd. 503, Gooderham)
This BBQ joint operates out of an Airstream 20 minutes from Haliburton. It serves up cherry wood-smoked ribs, wings and jerk chicken along with poutine and corn bread spiked with spicy jalapenos.

Photo by @jeffblay via Instagram.

Add your favourite cottage country pit stops in the comments.

Ossington is a hub of activity in the evenings, but that doesn't mean you can't score a seriously delicious brunch on this street the next day. From all-you-can-eat tavern breakfasts to inventive egg Benedicts with kimchi and pork belly, here's where to eat brunch on Ossington.

The Saint
Devilled eggs, doughnuts, duck confit scramble and Bendicts built on cheddar biscuits are among the indulgent brunch options at this tavern. Need a little hangover helper to wash it all down? Try the Red Rooster, which features tomato juice, beer and a raw egg.

Union
Freshly shucked oysters, three-egg omelettes, polenta gratin topped with poached eggs and flat top breakfasts have all made appearances on the seasonal daytime menu at Union. Stop by for brunch on weekends between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Te
At this tea-themed Asian fusion snack bar, the brunch menu pops up on weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find kimchi and pork belly Benedicts, Taiwanese fried chicken and egg waffles and stuffed pancakes with cinnamon and brown sugar on offer.

Dakota Tavern
The bluegrass brunch held on weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. features a family-style feast for a set price. The all-you-can-eat options include scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausages, breakfast potatoes, fruit salad and your choice of coffee or tea.

La Cubana
This Cuban eatery on Ossington doesn't do the same big brunch plates as its sister spot on Roncesvalles. Even still, it's a worthwhile spot where you can grab cafe con leche, egg-topped breakfast sandwiches and yuca frita until 4 p.m. on the weekend.

Photo of The Saint by Jesse Milns.

High Park is one of Toronto's most valuable gifts - literally. It was bequeathed by John George Howard, the city's official surveyor and civil engineer, in 1876 and has functioned as public park since then. It's the second largest park in Toronto behind the Rouge (which spills into Markham), and one of the most special places in the city.

Perhaps the defining feature of High Park is its diversity. You have the calm beauty of Grenadier Pond and numerous ravine-based hiking trails, but also playgrounds, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and restaurant The park is about more than a natural escape: it's functional and loaded with amenities that draw all sorts of different users.

This is Toronto's outdoor playground, and has been for well over a century. Look back at archival photos of the area, and you'll see people enjoying the now-lost mineral baths or well-dressed folk playing badminton. In the winter, there were once elaborate toboggan runs, and skating has been an annual tradition at the pond.

The cherry trees that line West Rd. and slope down to the pond get all sorts of attention, but even in a year when they don't reach peak bloom, the landscape and gardens here has restorative power. It might be difficult to find seclusion here, but the sight of other people soaking in the atmosphere has always made it better for me rather than acted as a deterrent.

One of my favourite rituals is to ride my bike through the park early on a Saturday morning from the Bloor Street entrance down to the Queensway before looping back along the shores of Grenadier Pond to watch the mist rising over the water as the swans silently glide along as if hovering above glass.

The view to the northwest across the water is one of my favourite in the city, mostly because it's possible to forget that one is in Toronto altogether. Early in the morning, you could be convince you were staring at a northern lake, an observation that's given more credence by the occasional site of people fishing for things like largemouth bass and yellow perch.

Lest I forget the zoo, I should say that even in the absence of a certain exoticism on the park of the animals, the awe that one experiences in standing a foot from an Emu or a bison that weighs nearly a ton is actually quite profound, and a reason why I still make a point to visit year after year.

Can you imagine Toronto without High Park? It's our mecca for respite and recreation, and even if we take it for granted from time to time, I suspect there's a collective intuition that realizes just how important this pace is to our health and happiness as a city.

Photos by Marcus Mitanis, Julie Terekh, George Hornaday, 416Pictures, Rob Hyndman, George Hornaday, Gerald Lau.

New bars and restaurants are popping up all along College Street. These new eateries and watering holes make visiting Little Italy that much more exciting. From sashimi bars to burger joints, these are the new spots to visit on College.

Here's a round-up of some of the newest restaurants and bars on College Street.

My Drunk Uncle's Pub
This new pub has replaced what was once the Rancho Relaxo and Old Laurel spot. The student-friendly establishment is decorated to the nines with rock icons and features classic pub fare like burgers, wings and chicken and waffles.

Northern Chinese Cuisine
The name says it all. Here you'll discover a huge selection of Northern Chinese cuisine. This tiny eatery focuses on homemade dumplings, noodles and buns. However, they do have a variety of beef and chicken dishes as well.

Underground Kitchen
Toronto Chef Debu Saha's latest venture can be found inside the popular hangout for U of T students, Crown and Tiger Bar. This divey spot is now home to Underground Kitchen and features an extensive menu of traditional Indian fare.

Burgatory
Here's another story of a food truck turned restaurant. Similar to offerings you can eat on their food truck this eatery that replaced Hey Meatball serves up a stacked menu of sinful inspired burgers.

The Tiffin Box
At the corner of College and Markham you'll discover this new Indian take-out spot. This is the second outpost of The Tiffin Box and similar to its other location in the Annex it serves a variety of South Indian cuisine such as dosa, curries and lassi.

Cafeteria
The seventh member of the Playa Cabana family of restaurants serves up scratch-made tortillas plus an array of non-taco meals including a soft shell crab salad and steak Tampiquena.

Hacienda Las Americas
This kitschy spot on College is where to get your fill of more traditional Mexican eats. Sombreros and Mexican flags decorate the walls, and on the menu you'll find chips and guacamole, burritos, quesadillas, tacos ribs and even Mexican desserts.

Spiceman Mexicana
Even more Mexican has arrived on College courtesy of Spiceman Mexicana. Tequilla, tacos and ceviche are served up quickly at this casual restaurant at the corner of College and Clinton..

Istanbul Shawarma
If you're looking to grab a quick bite a shawarma or falafel near College and Bathurst, this is your new spot. Sandwiches and plates of shawarma, soulvaki, falafel and gyros are all on the menu.

Krazy Corean
This fusion spot takes Korean staples and Westernizes them on their tapas style menu. Some of their most eclectic menu items include kimchi pizza, French style ramen and smoked duck salad.

Kasai Grill House
The Korean BBQ experience has finally come to Little Italy. Here you can grill a variety of different meats and veggies right at your table. Also on the menu is some appetizers and sushi.

Eskada
The bar that replaced Crawford does theme nights like Latin Thursdays and has a ton of drink deals. There's usually no cover charge.

Shio
If you're a fan of raw fish, this sushi joint near College and Ossington is where you can get your fill of blowtorched sushi sets as well as an array of hot and cold small plates.

What did I miss? Add your favourite new joint on College St. in the comments.

Photo of Cafeteria by Jesse Milns.

Yongehurst Distillery is the latest addition to Toronto's collection of alcohol producers that the west side's thirsty denizens can reach with little more than a short walk. With the impending arrival of Bellwoods Brewery's second location around the corner, the long-whispered rumours that Geary Avenue is set to become the city's newest hotspot have some added credence.

The brainchild of long-time friends Rocco Panacci and John-Paul Sacco, Yongehurst opens its doors every weekend to sell its inaugural product, the straight-from-the still white Harbour Rum, advertised as Toronto's first ever small batch rum.

Using organic molasses from Paraguay, and a wild yeast strain from Ontario russet apples, the pair have developed a double distillation method that insists on a discriminatory selection of the hearts of each batch, ensuring that the rum they produce is fantastically smooth.

It's grassy and herbaceous in a way that reminds of rhum agricole or even cachaça, minus the heady funk, making this ideal for cocktail use. You can expect Toronto's bartenders to get creative with it in the coming months.

They've also sourced barrels from Four Roses in Kentucky for aging their rum. A sneaky advance tasting shows a great deal of promise, although it will likely be a few years before we see the results of this particular process. While rum is all that's currently available for sale ($29.50 for a 375ml bottle), they've already got a triple sec liqueur and an amaro in the pipeline.

As with Niagara's Dillon's Distillery, Yongehurst uses a European-made hybrid still that can operate either as a column or pot still, depending on the variety of spirit they're producing. They've assured me that we can expect a wide range of products. If the quality of the rum is anything to go by, there's a lot to look forward to.

If you're keen to pick up some of the rum, or just want to see what's going on, the distillery is open Friday afternoons from 4-8, Saturdays 12-6 and Sundays from 12-5. It's located at 346 Westmoreland Avenue. Once there, you can try samples and see the (currently embryonic) distillery floor - they have plans to develop a visitor experience, construction for which is currently underway.

Photos by Hector Vasquez.

This companion spot located right next to the original Boxcar Social is the perfect complement to the cafe/bar, providing the option for expertly crafted cocktails if you're not in the mood for coffee, beer, wine or whisky but crave something like a Tequila Old Fashioned or a Jalapeno Mint Margarita instead.

Read my profile of Clocktower Bar in the bars section.