A good dancefloor is hard to find. If you're not into big club settings, it can be a challenge to hunt down a fun, easy-breezy place to get down on it. No lines, no fuss, just a postage stamp-sized surface to do a little more than nod your head on the spot.

Here's a list of small bars in the city that encourage tight, sweaty dance parties in their spaces.

The Beaver (1192 Queen St W)
This west end staple has something to dance to almost every day of the week. The Beaver is one of the final specs of original cool left on West Queen West and the dance floor, awkwardly found three stairs up from the main floor, is the size of your bachelor apartment. But who cares! There's a disco ball, and some of the greatest small-bar dance nights in the city.

Bambi's (1265 Dundas St W)
Crawl down the super steep stairs intro the wonderfully cavernous bar on Dundas West and you'll stumble into a tiny, dark, but effortlessly sexy dance floor. The DJ is cornered right beside the bar, but the sound system is hype, the (techno, deep house) DJs are high-quality and thanks to the extreme low lighting, it's easy to forget that you're dancing in something the size of a boiler room.

The Piston (937 Bloor St W)
Home of A Digital Needle's Beam Me Up party, the Piston hosts a ton of live music shows and dance parties with one of the more sizeable small-bar dance floors in the city. Tucked away from the main area, it feels a bit like slinking into your creepy uncle's grotto, but without the uncle, creepiness or cave water.

Holy Oak (1241 Blor St W)
From the street, the Holy Oak might seem like your grandma's closet, but step inside and you'll discover it's a full walk-in! This spot has become an expert at throwing a fantastic dance party in its cozy space. Holy Oak gets top marks for musical diversity. Funk nights, dreamy dance music and oddball lounge tunes are played on the regular.

WAYLA (996 Queen St E)
Probably the east end's most lively dancefloor, WAYLA is a crazy cute bar with a deceptive front entrance, eventually leading to the back with a full-out glass DJ booth and seductive little dancefloor. A person has to head directly through whatever dance party is happening to get to the adorable back patio, so forced interaction happens a lot. And that's a good thing.

The Ossington (61 Ossington Ave.)
Walk into the Ossington and you walk directly onto the dancefloor. It's just part of the space, which helps the loose, house party vibe of this Ossingston spot. Loads of monthlies and special guests help pack this place with a special makeout spot in the back.

The Black Eagle (457 Church St)
Yes this is a gay leather bar. Yes there is often gay porn playing on the screens throughout the place. Yes there is a sex maze on the second floor. But beyond all this, the all-inclusive dirty bird has the Village's best dance floor. They have a nutso sound system, lighting and budgets to bring DJs like Horse Meat Disco, In Flagranti, Eli Escobar and Dinamo Azari.

The Steady (1051 Bloor St W)
A tropical tiki-treat on Bloor West. Business in the front, party in the back. Equipped with a island-vibe DJ booth, The Steady throws many monthly dance parties in its slightly legion-esque vibe dance zone. It's small, dark, and gets very hot, which makes for a better place to dance like no one is watching.

Clinton's (693 Bloor St W)
Shake, Rattle & Roll, Get Lo, Fuck It and the odd Choir! Choir! Choir! rehearsal make clinton's a prime dance spot. This is one of the most energetic little D floors in the city with maybe the best sense of humour. People go to Clinton's to drink heavily and dance with both hands in the air and jump.

Handlebar (159 Augusta Ave)
Kensington market's best-kept live music venue also has some fantastic music nights, and a dancefloor a little bigger than your kitchen. If your kitchen was dark all the time and only had booze in it. This tight corner of a boogie space is filled to the brim with vinyl nights, Tropical Thursdays, '60s rock Fuzz Nuggs and synth night on Sundays.

Did I miss your favourite small bar dance floor? Be sure to post your dance party on our events page by filling outthis easy form.

Toronto sports fans are a loyal bunch and now we finally have a few teams to actually be proud of! Last October, we faithfully watched the Blue Jays and now we get to follow the Raptors as they make their way through the NBA playoffs.

And while the Raptors are currently down two games against the Cleveland Cavaliers, many of us are still flocking to local sports bars and watering holes to cheer them on.

"It's great for business, it's fantastic," says Harrison Mazis who own Duffy's Tavern in Bloordale Village. If you head there, you can expect to see the Raptor on all of Duffy's 15 screens.

Hurricanes in Bloorcourt is also filled to the brim on game nights. "It has been controlled chaos for the last three," says Denisha, who's worked at Hurricanes for the past 11 years. Although she does admit it's been a bit quieter during this series.

For an alternative to the typical sports bar scene, you can always head to the Drake Underground to catch a game. Music programmer Iain MacNeil can't show each match at the West Queen West hotel - the subterranean space is primarily a music venue - but he's screening as many as he can.

He lives in the area and knows it's nearly impossible to get a seat at a place like the Dog & Bear, unless you show up more than an hour before tip off, of course. So, he's created another space for fans to hang out.

"I wouldn't say that we've been as busy as we were during the Blue Jays," says Jason Oosthuizen from The Grover, a pub in the Upper Beaches. But it's still super packed, nonetheless, he notes. Although he doesn't see his bar getting too packed this weekend, likely because the Raptors are down two games in the series and The Grover's a bit far removed from the lake.

Regardless of where you choose to watch game three, let's hope #WeTheOther pulls through to turn this series around.

Photo by Ronny Yip via the blogTO Flickr pool.

This new bakery puts an innovative twist on regular croissants and scones by adding enticing flavours like guava, dulce de leche and Earl Grey to them while also offering traditional Brazilian treats like brigadeiros and pão de queijo. Did I mention they do a tasty weekend brunch as well? Yes, this place pretty much has it all.

Read my profile of Sugar Loaf in the bakeries section.

Free events in Toronto this week celebrate Barbados' 50th year of independence, the first Pedestrian Sunday in Kensington, and the annual exploration of mostly hidden places that is Doors Open. Here's what to get up to in Toronto if you've had to crack your penny bank.

Barbados on the water (May 27-29)
Think of this as a giant, free, dance party down by the water. Soca, spice and soul is how the Harbourfront Centre is helping to celebrate Barbados' 50th year of independence where you'll be able to catch DJs, live music, visual art, a fish fry and theatre. Basically, loads of amazing food, music and art from the islands.

Evergreen Anniversary Celebration (May 28)
For the early weekend risers, head down into the valley and help celebrate 25 years of the Evergreen Brick Works. Taking place from 9am-1pm, there will be vendors, live music, and an interactive mural project.

Doors Open (May 28-29)
One of Toronto's coolest events for urban explorers happens to be free! Head to the official website to map your own adventure.

Kensington Market Art Fair (May 29)
It's the first Pedestrian Sunday of the year! The third annual Kensington Market Art Fair (KMAF) also gets underway with local artists showing off their paintings, drawing, illustration, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and more.

Christie Pits art crawl (May 29)
Local art, food, drinks and live music are all on offer at this hill-y art crawl. I bought a bunch of very cool plant and seeds last year and most of them are actually still alive! I challenge you to do the same.

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

Photo of Pedestrian Sunday by Anna Sakin from the bloTO Flickr pool.

There's no shortage of caves to explore within a few hours drive of Toronto. The Canadian Shield north of the city has many dark gems to explore where you'll see fossils, hidden bodies of water, and rock formations that dazzle you as much as they might inspire the occasional bit of trepidation.

Here are my picks for epic caves to visit near Toronto.

Bonnechere Caves
Probably the most dramatic cave system in Southern Ontario, here you can can take in thousands of years of geological history, complete with ample fossils and water-hewn rock formations. You'll need to take a guided tour here, but remember to bring a camera with a solid flash because the visuals are stunning.

Eramosa Karst
One of the closest cave systems to Toronto, it'll take around an hour to get to this geological wonderland near Hamilton. There aren't really the deep caverns that you'll find elsewhere in the province here, but there are so many nooks and crannies that it's a great way to spend a day exploring the time-worn terrain that also features streams and waterfalls.

Scenic Caves Adventures
It's not just about the caves here at the top of Blue Mountain. You can also zip line and check out the gorgeous suspension bridge. But, on the hottest of days, it's the underground attraction that draws visitors here. The deepest cavern clocks in at 70 feet, but the general accessibility of the underground spaces is what makes this site so popular.

Hell Holes
Almost anyone who pulls off the 401 at Napanee grins at the sign for Hell Holes, which lie just north of the small town just to the west of Kingston. These aren't the deepest caves - the lowest comes in at under 30 feet - but they're nice and wide, which is ideal for anyone worried about the claustrophobia that comes with being surrounded by bedrock.

Warsaw Caves
Roughly two hours from Toronto, this cave system near Peterborough has seven distinct areas to spelunk, which are all the more alluring for the fact that you can explore them without a designated tour guide. These are what you might call family-friendly caves with no terrain that will pose a major challenge for modestly fit individuals.

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

Photo by Jeff L in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Night markets in Toronto are rare, but beautiful and delicious things. They usually appear for one night in a parking lot, or, if we're lucky, for a full weekend. They're often the place to try things you've never put in your mouth before or those unheralded dishes you remember from growing up. Show up with an appetite, some cash and a buddy/date, and make a night of it.

Here are seven Toronto night markets that should be on your radar for 2016.

Midnight MRKT
June 10, 8pm-1am
This is the final event of the season from this more intimate night market group. This one takes place at 2nd Floor Events (461 King St. West) and features DJs, local retailers, food vendors and cocktails. Admission is $5 at the door, and it's cash only inside.

The Stop Night Market
June 14-15, 7pm-11pm
This fundraiser event in support of The Stop Community Food Centre in the barren parking lot at 181 Sterling Road is populated by 70 chefs, 20 local beverage vendors, and 35 one-of-a-kind food carts created by local designers each night. Tickets are on sale now, and online only for $100. Here are the top 40 eats from last year's sold-out night.

TO Food Fest
July 9-10
TO Food Fest starts at noon both of its days, but on July 9 this market is open until midnight. It's happening at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Scarborough (5183 Sheppard Avenue East) and it's free ($2 donation at the entrance if you're so inclined). There will be chefs and vendors all over the place. Here's a look at last year's event.

Night it up
July 15-17, Various times
This one's in Markham (at the Civic Centre), but it's modelled after night markets in Taiwan and Hong Kong, so it's one of the most popular and vibrant of the year. The weekend event will be packed with Asian street foods, food trucks, game booths, merchandise vendors and live performances. Check out highlights from last year's event.

Junction Night Market
July 16, 7pm-11pm
Local food, craft beer, cider and wine are highlights at this west end night spot. This is a most community minded affair (a.k.a. less lineups, more relaxed vibe) and all the proceeds go to help members of our community gain access to fresh and healthy food through local food programs.

T&T Waterfront night market
July 22-24, various hours
Located in the Cherry Street parking lot outside T&T Supermarket, this weekend gathering is not only delicious, but one of the most scenic. The view of the city from the east side waterfront spot in unbeatable. Lifestyle vendors, street food and multi-stage entertainment are planned for this one. Here's a photo gallery of last year's event.

What did I miss? Add your suggestions for Toronto night markets in the comments.

Photo of the 2014 Waterfront Night Market by Jesse Milns.

Buffalo could have been a contender. Before the Rust Belt took its collective beating starting in the 1950s, our closest major American city boasted a population of roughly 580,000. That's only about a hundred grand less than Toronto's at the time (which didn't include surrounding municipalities like Scarborough and Etobicoke).

Even without looking at the demographics, you can tell that the two cities were far more closely stacked in the mid century merely by looking at their skylines, which were remarkably similar until the black steel of the TD Centre rose above Toronto in 1967, a sign of the city's prosperity at a time when Buffalo was starting to encounter great difficulty.

In as much as major change can ever be attributed to a single factor, the key date in the changing fates of these two cites is the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959. The argument goes that this development made the Erie Canal largely irrelevant, thus tearing the heart out of industry in Buffalo and Upstate New York.

The story is actually more complicated than that given that the popularity of the rail system had already diminished the importance of the canal, but you might think of the Seaway as the final nail in the coffin of an economic model that had already begun to endanger the well being of cities like Buffalo.

In fact, Buffalo's population had already started to decline in the early '50s after reaching its peak at the beginning of the decade. Much of this trend can be attributed to the rise of the suburbs, a time when outlying areas like Amherst and Cheektowaga drew more and more automobile-owning families away from Buffalo proper.

This is a familiar story, but you get the sense that there's been a sort of collective amnesia when it comes to what a vibrant city Buffalo was for the first half of the 20th century.

This is a city that boasts some of the most impressive architecture on the continent, from the Guaranty Building (1896) to Frank Lloyd Wright's dazzling Martin House (1905) to the masterpiece that is Buffalo City Hall (1931).

There are beautiful early 20th century buildings spread all over this city, but they only tell part of the story. When industry was booming, so too was the cultural scene.

When Buffalo was one of the largest cities in the U.S., people from Toronto would make the trip to soak up the City of Light, which boasted a major theatre district, grand hotels, and major cultural institutions like the Albright-Knox.

Many of these cultural icons remain. From Frederick L. Olmstead's park system to Shea's Buffalo and the restored Hotel Lafayette. The problem with Buffalo today is that there's far fewer people to enjoy these places. Tour the city today and you'll notice the beauty that remains, but also the startling absence of pedestrians on the street. The place has been thinned out.

From its peak in 1950, Buffalo's population has declined by more than 50 per cent. Over this same period, Toronto's urban population has remained remarkably resilient. Despite an exodus to the suburbs in the 1970s (the decade when Buffalo also experienced its worst population losses), the old City of Toronto regained its footing in the 1990s and has never looked back.

Toronto's economy wasn't as tied to industry as Buffalo's, which allowed it to weather various threats to its urban core far better than its southern counterpart. Yet, looking at photos of downtown areas in the 1970s and '80s, the city looks surprisingly similar to Buffalo today: a mix of parking lots and beautiful old buildings.

Can Buffalo recover in a way that Toronto never really had to?

The signs are there. While New York State is investing enormous amounts into the city, the hints of change are closer to ground level, where entrepreneurs are taking chances on small businesses like breweries, restaurants, and loft housing developments.

Old buildings are being restored and adapted. Once neglected neighbourhoods are attracting risk takers who are committed to the city's resurgence.

Buffalo is a city with great bones. While it may not rival Toronto like it once did, it might slowly claw its way back onto our radar.

Photos via Vintage Buffalo, the Toronto Archives, Michael B. Stuart, and Derek Flack.

The best sliders in Toronto might be small, but they're big on flavour. These diminutive burgers include classic beef patties seared on a flattop to mini takes on the classic Big Mac. They're all so good you'll likely want two... or three or four.

Here is the list of the best sliders in Toronto.

Victoria Day Monday events in Toronto show no sign of a sleepy statutory holiday. The Electric Island concert and picnic series launches at Hanlan's Point, and with the crazy, summer-like weather predicted for that day, it's the perfect way to party into the early days of summer. Good luck with that recovery day you had planned...

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

• Electric Island 2016 opener (Hanlan's Point, Toronto Island)
• Hogtown Talks (Hermann & Audrey)
• Dirty Drag Race with Acid Betty (Black Eagle)
• Brewer's Backyard: Queen Victoria's Secret (Evergreen Brickworks)
• A Challenge to Artists (Lab TO)
• Tom Waits Appreciation Congregation live (Linsmore Tavern)
• D&D Live: Terror at Queen's Park (Bad Dog Comedy Theatre)

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

Photo via the Electric Island Facebook page.

Once a fixture on John just north of Queen, this longstanding Toronto bike shop has moved to a new location right beside a busy bike lane. A do-it-all store for commuter cyclists, it remains a bustling spot for repairs, accessories and new city bikes.

Find out more in my profile of the new Urbane Cyclist.

Inside Out, Toronto's LGBT film festival, is always one of the city's best fests for giving viewers a hefty mix of world premieres, local features and good parties. The 2016 edition, which runs Thursday May 26 to June 5, is set to top all past festivals with an impressive lineup of films and fiestas.

Here's a can't-miss list for the 2016 Inside Out Film Festival.

PREMIERES

Paris 05:59: Theo & Hugo (May 27)
The Canadian premiere of French directors Olivier Ducastel and Jacques Martineau's latest film is getting a lot of buzz thanks to the 18-minute opening hardcore sex scene inside a sex club. It's a date movie for a new generation.

Hurricane Bianca (June 3)
Rupaul's Drag Race queen, clown and comedian Bianca Del Rio has been touring the planet since she won Season 7 of the hit drag competition show. This documentary film follows that crazy period. She'll be in attendance at the premiere and the after party.

Two soft things, two hard things (June 3)
A world premiere and fascinating look at the preparations for Nunavut's LGBTQ Pride celebration from local filmmakers Mark Kenneth Woods and Michael Yerxa.

FREE EVENTS

Every year Inside Out lets young folks 24 and under, and seniors 65 and older, watch any matinee film screenings before 6 p.m. for free. This year there are a bunch of cool off-site screenings as well, and a many of them are free and at the AGO. Be sure to check out the New Visions screenings , and a tribute to the films of Melissa Levin.

There's also the Bravo Fact pitch competition, where five teams of two pitch for their lives... and also $50,000 to make a film. There's a panel of judges and it's moderated by Richard Kraus. It's live and it's always super fun.

SHORTS PROGRAM (various dates)

Scared Fabulous (May 30) is a mixed shorts evening of thrillers and killers. OK, mostly serial killers. One from Australia, one from Spain and another with a Russian twist. Do not miss local Blake Mawson's PYOTR495 - it's getting lots of buzz.

Local Heroes (June 3) is always my favourite night of the whole festival. Nine short films from local filmmakers on the giant TIFF screen. This one usually sells out, so get tickets early. The who's who of gay Toronto is usually in attendance and the screening itself is a party.

PARTIES

These are the three parties I wouldn't miss. They go above and beyond a regular film festival after party.

• Opening Night (May 26)
• Local Heroes First Thursday takeover (May 30)
• Transplanetarium after party (June 4)

Still from 05:59: Théo et Hugo

In February we found out that a new food truck would be hitting the streets of Toronto and bringing stuffed chicken wings curbside. Now that food truck season is in full swing the Fully Loaded T.O food truck is finally here to fulfill all of our chicken wing needs.

If you're anything like me you've probably been wondering, what is a stuffed chicken wing? Take what you know and love about chicken wings and picture biting into one and having your mouth filled with more than just chicken and sauce.

So far I have tried the Poppin' Jalapeño version. It's a chicken wing stuffed with jalapeño cheese and then they topped with a tangy ranch sauce. Think jalapeño popper meets chicken wing. It's spicy, crispy, creamy and meaty all at the same time.

This isn't the only stuffed wing on the menu. The truck boasts a rotating menu of wings and stuffs them with everything from mac and cheese to Greek lemon potatoes to kimchi fried rice.

While chicken wings may be the star here, the truck also serves up a buttermilk breaded chicken sandwich. Chicken gets fried to perfection and topped with a creamy apple slaw to give a nice contrast of textures and flavours.

Additional items also include regular fries that get dusted in their signature seasoning and garlic parm fries.

To find out where Fully Loaded T.O will be next check the Toronto Food Trucks website or download the Food Trucks app for iPhone or Android.

Photos by Hector Vasquez.

A trip to the Scarborough Bluffs is one of many Toronto residents' rituals each summer. There's so much to do in and around the beach here, most people tend to stay for much of the day, which means eating and drinking needs to be accounted for. You could bring a picnic, but if you prefer someone else to do the cooking, there are lots of options.

Here are seven places to eat and drink near the Scarborough Bluffs.

Pizza L'Amore
Widely considered the best pizza in south Scarborough, Pizza L'Amore is one of the easiest ways to fill up on good eats when hitting up the Bluffs. There's only a small counter for dining-in, but smart folks know to grab a pie and bring it to Cathedral Bluffs Park overlooking the lake and beach below, where you can eat in peace. The bacon bruschetta pizza is a house specialty.

King's Garden Sushi and Wok
There's no shortage of sushi joints in and around the Bluffs, but not all are created equal. King's Garden Sushi and Wok is a bustling Izakaya in a Scarborough strip mall that blows nearby spots out of the water with its fresh ingredients and friendly service. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's charming and inviting when you sit down.

Seraphia
Seraphia is a hole in the wall in Cliffcrest Plaza near the Scarborough Bluffs. The restaurant serves primarily Mediterranean food, but there's also some diner staples like burgers. Both receive rave reviews from locals who note that everything is homemade and thankfully not drowned in grease.

Old Stone Cottage
If the Bluffs have taken you out of a city state of mind, this cottage-style pub will keep you thinking country thoughts. The fare is standard pub grub, but the Arthur wings are a real standout (they're grilled, not fried).

Phoenix Pan Cuisine
Phoenix Pan Asian Cuisine is one of those places that you might not seek out, but the minute that you've tried the food you'll likely remain a fan for a long time. This isn't a fancy place, but you'll get good Hakka, Chinese, and Thai classics here. The $5.95 lunch special of a soup, spring roll and a main is a great deal.

Duckworth's Fish & Chips
Duckworths Fish & Chips on Kingston Rd. should not be mistaken for its nominal counterpart on the Danforth, but fortunately both have a sterling reputation for excellent deep fried halibut and crispy chips. This one has been around since the mid 1950s, and while the interior hasn't been updated over that time, this just makes it all the more appealing.

Working Dog Saloon
With a better beer list than the Stone Cottage Pub and a quirky canine theme, the Working Dog Saloon tends to attract a younger crowd. After a day in the sun, might I recommend the yellow snow ice cream?

What did I miss? Add your favourite places to eat and drink near the Scarborough Bluffs.

With contributions from Ed Conroy. Photo of Working Dog Saloon by Jesse Milns.

Etobicoke as some of the finest parks in Toronto thanks to the Humber River, which gently snakes down from the top of the city to its mouth at Lake Ontario. Along the way, there's a wealth of parkland dotted with hiking and bike trails, lush valleys, and sports fields. Along the waterfront itself, there's also a variety of green space where you can soak up stunning views of the skyline.

Here are my picks for the top parks in Etobicoke.

Centennial Park
One of the best and biggest parks in the city, there's an astonishing array of amenities at Centennial. From the sprawling conservatory to the ski hill and a pro-level BMX course, this is a park that combines sporting activities with natural beauty in a way the few can rival in Toronto.

Colonel Sam Smith Park
There are few better destinations for a picnic in Toronto. Mosey down towards the water and find a little shade to set up a lunch spread with the skyline lurking peacefully in the background. The park is a designated bird sanctuary and boasts one of the city's best skating trails in the winter.

Humber Arboretum
Those looking to immerse themselves in natural beauty would do well to pay a visit to the Humber Arboretum, one of the most beautiful and underrated green spaces in Toronto. This isn't a park to play sports, but for leisurely strolls around the pond and various trails that are surrounded by stands of various flowers.

Etienne Brule Park
Home to mysterious rock sculptures in the summer and an array of fish species that attract anglers, this park is all about the Humber River. Located just north of the Old Mill, the marshy waters of the lower Humber make for an idyllic setting for a casual hike or a lazy weekend picnic. There's also a baseball diamond for those looking for more structured recreation.

Humber Bay Park East
Part of a complex of parks that hug the mouth of the Humber River, the eastern portion is my favourite for its views of Toronto and central bodies of water. The best bet is to ride your bike along the waterfront trail before exploring the off-trail portions of the park on foot. This is a place to escape the bustle of the city that's only a few kilometres away from the Financial District.

What did I miss? Add your favourite Etobicoke parks in the comments.

Photo of the Humber Arboretum by EACTN Photographers.

Today in Toronto Wolf Parade start their residency at Lee's Palace. Who does residencies anymore? I love this. They'll be playing old favourites and new stuff. There are a few more activities to ease you into your short work week. Check them out below.

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

• Barate Kid Toronto 2 (Miss Thing's)
• Wolf Parade residency (Lee's Palace)
• Comedy Underground (Drake Underground)
• Matthew House Presents... Emmanuel Jal (Bloor Hot Docs Cinema)

In an earlier version of this post we stated at the Gladstone Boozaar Night Market was happening tonight. That's false, it's actually happening Tuesday, May 31. Sorry about that everybody.

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

Photo of Wolf Parade by Susan Moss in the blogTO Flickr pool.

This week on DineSafe there are no closures to report though city health inspectors dinged a couple repeat offenders with conditional passes. Ali Baba's in Parkdale and Spence's Bakery on Eglinton West are no strangers this list.

See which other restaurants got yellow cards this week.

Ali Baba's Middle Eastern Cuisine (1430 Queen Street West)
Inspected on: May 19, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 3)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Green Papaya (2401 Yonge Street)
Inspected on: May 17, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.

Ka Chi (585 Bloor Street West)
Inspected on: May 17, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 3, Significant: 2)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Kim Vietnamese (546 Dundas Street West)
Inspected on: May 18, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 2, Significant: 2)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Lim Ga Ne (686 Bloor Street West)
Inspected on: May 18, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 2, Significant: 1)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Spence's Bakery (1539 Eglinton Avenue West)
Inspected on: May 19, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 2 (Significant: 1, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Fail to protect food from contamination or adulteration.

Sweet O'Clock (5461 Yonge Street)
Inspected on: May 18, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 2 (Minor: 2, Significant: 6)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Note: The above businesses each received infractions from DineSafe as originally reported on the DineSafe site. This does not imply that any of these businesses have not subsequently corrected the issue and received a passing grade by DineSafe inspectors. For the latest status for each of the mentioned businesses, including details on any subsequent inspections, please be sure to check the DineSafe site.

841 Richmond Street West is a three-storey townhouse, just west of Bathurst, priced at $1,299,000. Another slick urban development by Core Architects, this complex was designed as a modern interpretation of a traditional Victorian semi, featuring a contemporary glass facade and nine private residences.

If you swoon over marble and white walls, this is the space for you. At 2,000 square feet, the unit was completely gutted, replacing the bland kitchen to a minimalist living area with dark flooring and a floating staircase. There's a rooftop deck and a one-car garage that provides bike storage and direct access to the unit.

As for neighbourhood, Trinity Bellwoods is always lively. Whether it's the park, a boom of new developments, new bike lanes, or indie retailers moving in, the area offers a unique urban vibe.

SPECS

• Address: 841 Richmond Street West
• Price: $1,299,000
• Lot Size: 13 x 44 FT
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 3
• Parking: 1
• Taxes: $4,934
• Walk Score: 88
• Listing agent: Vito Anthony Casella, Homelife
• Listing ID: C3497984

NOTABLE FEATURES

• Approx. 2,000 square feet
• Three storeys
• Floating staircase
• Backyard
• Rooftop terrace

GOOD FOR

A move-in ready townhouse, renovated top-to-bottom. The unit comes pre-inspected and, really, there's little to do besides unpack and throw one hell of a house warming party.

MOVE ON IF

You have a large family or need a home office. With only two bedrooms, those who work remotely or those with young kids will likely need a private work space or large playroom to hide the clutter.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
Would you live here? 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.

Monday kicked off the fourth season of Electric Island, a summer concert series on the Toronto Islands taking place every long weekend until September. The Victoria Day edition featured headliners Job Jobse, DJ Tennis, Jamie Jones, and Sven Vath, as well as a variety of vendors and food trucks.

Upon arrival at Hanlan's Point, after a journey through the ferry system that can only be described as the water travel equivalent of the Stanford Prison Experiment, I was surprised to see how the island had transformed.

Of course, there were tons of people, many waiting in some sort of line (Electric Island tip #1: be prepared to wait in lots of lines). There was a huge stage for the performers, as well as stands for vendors and space for food trucks. But it was so much more than this, hanks to the design expertise of Pao Lopez.

There were mirrored prisms hung from trees and the stage was gorgeously decorated, elevating the area from normal Toronto Island to beautiful music festival.

"Every year we seem to grow and add new pieces and try and create a better experience. That's ultimately the goal. Right now, we've got some new decor elements, pieces like that give people a little bit extra," Electric Island partner and CODA co-owner Joel Smye told me.

Another surprising win was the food situation. Electric Island had a number of food trucks on hand to feed hungry dancers, and the offerings were excellent. The macho nachos ($12) from 50 Pesos were a big hit (Electric Island tip #2: bring more cash than you think you need. The line for the ATM will be long, and you will want to try every single food truck.)

Like the food (but less surprising), the music was also excellent. Though most Electric Islanders seemed especially psyched for Sven Vath or Jamie Jones, all of the artists commanded the crowd in their own unique way, which made for an exciting vibe that carried throughout the day.

The fun vibe definitely extended to the many concert-goers, who were a diverse bunch. Age-wise, there were attendees whose default Selena is Gomez to those who hear the name and think celebrity murder. In terms of attire, there were gentlemen in mesh tanks, women in bikinis, and one couple in unicorn onesies.

Though music festivals can sometimes be perceived as drug-filled (thanks Woodstock '69) or wild (thanks Woodstock '99), Electric Island really was neither. People were mostly laid-back and just enjoying the music, with the one exception of a gentleman who approached me and asked for "pills" without specifying what kind.

I assumed he wasn't looking for acetaminophen and declined to offer him my purse-Tylenol in case I needed it for the ferry home. (Electric Island tip #3: always bring Tylenol. You will need it for the ferry ride home.)

Though I'm not a consistent music festival attendee, Electric Island was a nice way of enjoying live music in a relaxed setting. Smye agrees. "If you haven't been to a dance music party, this is a great place to start. It's not overly wild, it's not out of control, it's just a nice day in a park. It would be tough to have a bad time here."

Photos by Hector Vasquez.

Toronto's animals are back at it again. Like the infamous High Park peacock before them, two capybara have broken out of their enclosure at the west end zoo. Police think the rodents are now wandering around High Park.

It's unclear how the runaway capybara orchestrated their prison break, but as the National Post reports, a police car is on site to "monitor the situation" as staff from the High Park Zoo search for the two escapees.

Capybara are native to South America and are considered to be the world's largest rodent. But don't worry, they're not dangerous. Even still, if you spot them (they're way bigger than squirrels and have reddish-brown fur), you should call the Toronto Police's 11 Division at 416-808-1100.

ADVISORY
High Park Zoo - 2 Capybara have escaped their pens and are in the park. If seen please call @TPS11Div 4168081100 ^cb

— Toronto Police OPS (@TPSOperations) May 24, 2016

Two #capybara have escaped @HighParkZoo in #Toronto. Anyone assisting the search must read 'Capyboppy' by Bill Peet. pic.twitter.com/taYVTIfHPP

— Everett Martin (@EverettMartin) May 24, 2016

#Toronto you disappoint me...where is my escaped #capybara twitter account!!!

— ChristinaR (@crobins72ca) May 24, 2016

A video posted by deziwedge (@deziwedge) on Apr 8, 2016 at 1:54am PDT

This is a capybara, but not one of Toronto's.

Photo via Friends of the High Park Zoo on Facebook.

With temperatures finally hitting the 20s in Toronto and everyone in their twenties hitting the park, this past weekend kicked off summer in Trinity Bellwoods. For the uninitiated, Bellwoods is a warm weather hotspot where young Torontonians congregate to break free of condo living by sunbathing, drinking, and playing frisbee in a natural setting.

It's exactly how I imagine a Canadian Coachella to be (from someone whose only knowledge of Coachella is from pictures of Vanessa Hudgens' Coachella outfits) but with less DJs and more djembes. I ventured out to Trinity Bellwoods on Sunday to see how the park-goers were celebrating the beautiful Victoria Day long weekend.

Upon arrival, Trinity Bellwoods was absolutely packed. With blankets, bike trailers, and a few elaborate set-ups, Trinity Bellwoods looked a bit like a shantytown made up exclusively of people who shop at vintage shops and Urban Outfitters.

Meanwhile, it smelled like your older brother's room when he was a teen (a vague mix of weed, hot dogs, and burgeoning sexuality). Fortunately the floral notes were from actual trees blossoming and not Febreze.

The park played host to a few different events. Sunday was the first edition of the weekly Trinity Bellwoods Drum Circle that hits the park every summer. Drummers of all experience levels came out to drop a beat, and dancers ranging from toddler to Rob Lowe showed off their moves.

Sunday was also the Third Annual Trinity Bellwoods Bed-In, a celebration inspired by John Lennon and Yoko Ono's non-violent protests of the late 1960s. This relaxed event started off with morning yoga and ended with live music featuring various talented musicians.

"The overall vision behind the bed in is to simply have a day of peace," said Bed-In organizer, Kate Rowlands. "All I want is for people to leave with a smile on their face...It's a place for people to come hang out with their friends, hopefully meet new people, dance around, make art, make music, and just be!"

As I made my way through the park, there were tons of different people doing different things. They ranged from the usual (people playing frisbee) to the artistic (people engaging in shibari) to maximum level Trinity Bellwoods (a couple discussing the ethical implications of putting their dog on an all-raw diet).

The people enjoying the park varied hugely. There was a man in business clothes with a clear bag packed with Cumbrae steaks grooving to the drum circle. There was a group of friends celebrating an engagement picnic. There was a dude who was definitely on 'shrooms and trying to hide it while his dance moves gave it away.

As I left, I passed by a flexible yogi doing intricate poses, a person in a dinosaur onesie walking casually down the path, and couple of young gentleman shotgunning beers. It was just another weekend in Trinity Bellwoods Park.

Photos by Hector Vasquez.