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New Toronto restaurant serves up a Sicilian feast

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Ardo TorontoThis newly opened restaurant from an ex-Nodo chef is serving up traditional Sicilian fare. In addition to the usual pizza and pasta dishes, look forward to a spotlight on regional faves like seafood, couscous and cannoli.

Read my profile of Ardo in the restaurants section.


The top 10 buildings to see at Doors Open Toronto 2016

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Doors Open TorontoDoors Open Toronto, the annual peek at the city's typically hidden spaces, takes place on May 28 and 29 this year with a host of new buildings to explore. There are over 130 structures on the roster this year, ranging from old favourites like Osgoode Hall and the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant to novel offerings like the recently completed TTC Leslie Barns.

Here are my picks for the top buildings to see at Doors Open Toronto in 2016.

TTC Leslie Barns
The TTC might still be waiting for loads of its new low-floor streetcars, but you can get a look at the new state-of-the-art maintenance facility that was built to accommodate them. This is the first time the public will get a look inside this new building.

OCADU Sharp Centre for Design
It's one of the city's most iconic buildings, but how many people outside of OCADU students have actually been inside the the Sharp Centre for Design. One of the knocks against the building is that the interior looks like a high school. Find out for yourself this year, the first the building has participated in Doors Open.

Queen Richmond CentreQueen Richmond Centre
The atrium of the Queen Richmond Centre is always open to the public, but for Doors Open visitors will get a behind the scene look at the tenant spaces and how the historical building has been fused with the modern structure.

Billy Bishop Airport
The best part about this tour of the Island Airport is that visitors will get a behind-the-scenes look at the transportation hub, including an up-close view of the tarmac and maintenance facilities. You can also have a look at the still newish tunnel that passes beneath the Western Gap to connect the Island to the mainland.

Ryerson Student Learning CentreRyerson Student Learning Centre
Get a look at the upper floors of the Ryerson Student Learning Centre, which are normally reserved for students. 45 minute guided tours will be offered throughout each day of the festival.

Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
Designed by Peter Dickinson in the 1960s as the O'Keefe Centre, this building has aged remarkably well despite numerous name changes. If you haven't caught a show here, check out the venue and learn about how the L Tower has been integrated above it.

pan am sports centre torontoToronto Pan Am Sports Centre
One of the crown jewels in the legacy projects from the Pan Am Games, the Sports Centre in Scarborough is a remarkable facility that's home to a number of national sports organizations. One hour tours will showcase the various venues housed within the building.

U of T Centre for Aerospace Studies
You'll have to register in advance to go on a guided tour of this secure building, but if you're even remotely curious about aeronautics and the exploration of space, this is a rare chance to get a look inside one of the world's preeminent research facilities.

Bergeron CentreYork University Bergeron Centre
One of the most gorgeous buildings completed in Toronto recently, the Bergeron Centre joins Doors Open for the first time, where visitors will get a chance to explore the inner workings of the building known as "the Cloud."

High Level Pumping Station
The High Level Pumping Station isn't new to Doors Open this year, but I highly recommend it if you haven't paid a visit before. It's always less busy that the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, and the early 20th century interior and machinery is wonderfully photogenic.

doors open torontoCONTEST

Submit your photos of this year's Doors Open Toronto and you could win one of 3 gift certificates for Henry's Canada:

  • 1st place: $300 gift certificate
  • 2nd place: $150 gift certificate
  • 3rd place: $50 gift certificate

Just tag your photos of Doors Open Toronto with #blogtodot16 on Instagram to enter the contest. The deadline to submit photos is May 30 at 11:59 pm.

We will select our 10 favourite photos from those submitted and then the public will have a chance to vote for their favourite between May 31 to June 7, 2016.

Note: all photos must be of a 2016 Doors Open Toronto venue and taken on May 28 or 29, 2016.

For more information on Doors Open Toronto, check out the City's main website, which includes additional maps, information about photography, and open/close times.

Top photo courtesy of the TTC.

Much loved Montreal design shop lands in Toronto

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VdeVThis popular Montral design shop has earned a loyal following for its quirky collection of home furnishings and fixtures, the vast majority of which are priced at 100 bucks or less. After four years on St. Laurent, owner Fanny Vergnolle de Villers decided it was time to enter the Toronto market.

Ready my review of VdeV in the design stores section.

19 illustrators worth keeping an eye on in Toronto

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Toronto illustratorIllustrators are the ultra-trendy artists you want to know about in this city. You name it, from dad hats, t-shirts, pins, tattoo designs, logos, album covers, murals and fashion editorial, we searched the endless loop of Instagram to find the illustrators that people in Toronto are talking about.

Here's a round-up of Toronto illustrators to keep an eye on.

Milan Rakocevic
Well known for his commercial work, Milan Rakocevic keeps it casual and fun on his various social media feeds with quirky and minimalist icons and wallpapers, including local imagery. This playfulness belies the clout of his resume, which boasts major clients in Canada and beyond.

Laura Gulshani
Her work has graced the pages of Canadian Living, The Kit, Herringbone Magazine and more. Laura Gulshani is a name that's becoming well known in the world of fashion illustration.

Emily May Rose
You may have seen her work at the Spring Into Parkdale edition of the Parkdale Flea at Northern Contemporary Gallery. Pulling inspiration from the city's wildlife, Rose is well-known for her gangs of bandit racoons, smoking squirrels and fox paparazzi. Her t-shirts are pretty cool, too.

Jessica FortnerJessica Fortner
Get lost in Fortner's intricate illustrations of gardens, flowers, mazes and animals. With notable editorial work featured in The New York Times, Canadian Living, plus album covers and advertorial work with brands like Converse, Fortner is an expert in editorial, advertising, and children's book illustration.

Ilona Fiddy
Most know her by No Cent Jokes, but she's so-so-so much more. A highly skilled illustrator, photographer and all-around creative guru, there's no shortage of top 10 lists to shout her out on.

Allison Burda and Cameron Gee
Here illustrations are retro, sultry and cheeky, which make Allison is a trendsetter in the Toronto illustration scene. Paired with Cameron Gee, other illustrators can't help but follow in the footsteps as they blaze a trail with their hairy babes, party pooper cats, and dog butts.

Ness LeeNess Lee
Vanessa Lee is an OCADU grad and top illustrator with a playful portfolio of sumo wrestlers, lovers, noodles and contemporary culture. Published in Lucky Peach, BUST, and Maisonneuve, Ness is one of Toronto's claims to illustrated fame.

Kendra Yee
Flip through recent Rookie yearbooks and you'll see a neon storyboard of cultural commentary that will make you feel all the feels. Get lost on her website and flashback to early Internet nostalgia.

Lucas GordonLucas Gordon
Meet the mastermind behind the Picasso Bulls, the greatest team that never existed. But that doesn't matter; Lucas has an impressive roster of logos that will make you feel ultra-relevant in pop culture swag. Look out for more of his illustrations on Sidewalk Hustle.

Madison van Rijn
From Bar Fancy to Holt Renfrew, there's no shortage of name drops to include in Madison van Rijn's fully-loaded illustration portfolio. Just follow her on Instagram and see for yourself.

toronto illustratorsMegan Stulberg
She's a gluten-free girlfriend with illustrations that will make you wish you live in a magical world of flamingos, pineapples and avocados. Adorable, bright and eye-catching, if you're looking for illustrated vegan food porn, start following this woman.

Rap Game Jane
Hannah is a Parkdale illustrator that jumped on the scene after her solo exhibition at Community54. Building street credibility with her one-of-a-kind hip hop, wasted youth, and trap queen illustrations, she's got a natural-born swag that's endearing.

Sam Nolan
If there's one way to illustrate Toronto in one Saturday night scene, it's one big bangin' orgy. Sam Nolan does just that, with relatable illustrations that explore sexual orientation and identity.

Jenn Kitagawa
If you read Monica Heisey's first book I Can't Believe It's Not Better, you'll recognize Kitagawa's illustrated book cover. Kitagawa has also designed pieces for Long Winter Toronto, Market Collective and more.

Big SisBIG SIS
Stained period-stained panties look pretty damn cool when they're BIG SIS illustrated. Commemorating the panties we've loved and lost, it's hard not to fall in love with this illustrator's giftable goodies and snarky comments. You go girl.

Rachel Joanis
Spot her recent illustration work in Mary Young's new SS16 collection. A Fashion and Communications student at Ryerson, Joanis has a graphic style that's hyper-realistic and topical; Kardashians, melting popsicles and runway fashion are all included.

Kitty ChanKitty Chan
Shop Kitty Chan for a neat selection of exclusive pop culture illustrations (Drake), cards, plus experience in e-commerce, photography, and marketing. Don't get it twisted; this woman is a one-stop shop if you're looking for branding help.

Pui Yan Fong
If you visit the new Michael Jordan store, you'll see a wall covered in mid-flight basketball players drawn by Pui Yan Fong. Originally from Hong Kong, this artist puts an original spin on sports.

Andrew "Rewfoe" Foerster
Look no further for animated monsters, dancing cartoons and running pregnancy tests, Rewfoe is the creative mastermind with a client roster including Ted Education, School of Life and World Vision.

Who did we miss? Share the Toronto illustrators you're excited about in the comments.

Top image by Milan Rakocevic.

Someone is trying to save the lost relics of the TTC

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lost ttc relicsDid you know that the TTC once operated double decker buses? If you answered "no" to that question, it's likely because Toronto has done a poor job of commemorating its transit history. To its credit, the TTC does run vintage streetcars in the summer, but the Commission just doesn't have enough cash to showcase its rich history.

vintage ttc streetcarThat hasn't stopped local enthusiasts from trying to do our transit history justice. Case in point. Trevor Parkins-Sciberras, who you might know as a Lego-builder extraordinaire, is trying to rescue eight antique TTC vehicles from long term storage at a museum in Ottawa.

vintage ttc streetcar"These eight vehicles once belonged to the TTC, which featured in parades during the 1920s to the 1950s, Parkins-Sciberras explains. "In the 1960s they were shipped out to a museum Ottawa, where they are currently in storage and not available for viewing."

vintage ttc streetcarThey aren't exactly insignificant vehicles, either. The collection includes Toronto first horse-drawn streetcar, a carriage sleigh, an electric streetcar from 1892, and a double decker bus amongst others. While none of them have seen the light of day for years, they're a crucial part of our early transit story.

vintage ttc streetcarA petition is in place to gather support for the rescue mission, which is in its earliest stages. Eventually Parkins-Sciberras hopes to launch "a crowd sourcing campaign to fund the money to move them," with the eventual goal of having them "recommissioned for tours around Toronto."

That sounds like something people would get excited about.

Today in Toronto: Beyonce, Back to the Rack, Darcy's, Blackcat Artspace, Bring Your Own Vinyl, DesiFest

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Beyonce TorontoToday in Toronto, Beyonce drops by for a visit and shows off her Formation Tour. Rumour has it she's here for two days though and wants to experience the city. So keep your eyes open for her and Jay on the run somewhere downtown. If Club Monaco-clad indie rockers are more up your alley, the Darcy's are sure to oblige you.

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

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

Photo by Beyonce on Instagram.

Toronto's gelato food truck is opening a storefront

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bar apeToronto's popular three-wheel gelato truck Bar Ape is expanding its reach by opening up a retail location.

Instead of searching city streets for James Carnavale's eye-catching Piaggio Ape vehicle to score a gourmet gelato bar, you'll now be able to grab one any time (during opening hours) at 283 Rushton Road.

Along with these gelato bars (or gelato-on-a-stick), you'll be able to try Bar Ape's new gelato soft serve. On Instagram, Carnavale's been teasing delicious-sounding flavours such as blueberry sorbetto with sweet milk.

The Bar Ape store opens this Friday at 2 p.m. It looks like it's going to an epic ice cream-filled season up in the 6ix.

Photo via Toronto Food Trucks.

Toronto is getting an indoor ski and snowboard hill

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indoor skiingToronto may have shortcomings when it comes to skiing and snowboarding options, but we've still got our fair share of hills. Now, we'll get one more thanks to Axis Freestyle Academy, an indoor training facility for both skiers and snowboarders.

The 20,000 square-foot facility will be located near the Vaughan Mills shopping centre and will include a dry slope with modular features, including ramps and rails.

Co-founder Simon Chang tells me this makes it suitable for both newbies and experts. "We can remove all features from the slope to allow for beginners to learn the absolute basics of riding before facing the elements on the hills," he says via email.

Along with the dry slope, Axis will feature a 4,000 square-foot trampoline area, which will naturally include foam pits.

Axis will serve as a training facility for ski and snowboard enthusiasts looking to up their game during the off season. It'll also offer lessons for athletes at all skill levels as well as open gym sessions.

If you're not familiar with the concept of indoor skiing, check out the video below.

The space is about 50 percent complete. Chang hopes he and his team will be ready to open late June.

Photo of Ski Dubai.


The top 10 cheap eats for lunch on King West

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cheap eats king westCheap lunch on King West can be found at both longstanding staples and new spots. These eateries serve food ranging from health conscious offerings to gluttonous options that'll keep you more then full until dinner.

Here are my picks for the top cheap eats for lunch on King West.

Fried chicken sandwich at Porchetta & Co.
While the name may lead you to believe there are only porchetta sandwiches on the menu, that's far from true. This joint serves up one hell of fried chicken sandwich that you're going to want to sink your teeth into. Keep an eye on their Instagram, as they feature a new special each week.

The hot table at Craft Kitchen
If you're looking for a tasty lunch Italian-style, Craft Kitchen's hot table will hit the spot. Offerings change daily so make sure you check them out online to see what's on the menu for the day.

Wilbur MexicanaTacos at Wilbur Mexicana
This Mexican joint is perfect to visit when you're hankering for a taco and want it fast. After ordering at the counter, tacos are delivered to your table at warp speed. Tacos are available in chicken tinga, carne asada, pork, bulgogi, mushroom, grilled avocado or baja fish. Pro tip - don't skimp at the salsa bar.

Sandwiches at Nook
This cozy King West cafe offers up an array of sandwiches that will tickle your fancy. From pesto chicken sandwiches to tuna melts, these will keep you charged up for the day ahead.

Poutini's House of PoutinePoutine at Poutini's House of Poutine
The second outpost of the city's best poutine joint can be found at King & Portland. Here you can order poutine topped with everything from pulled pork to bacon and maple syrup.

Pizza at Forno Cultra
The pizza found at this Italian bakery is covered with a ton of toppings and a pitch-perfect crust (not too thin and not too thick). Enjoy slices topped with everything from zucchini to mushrooms and red onions.

Bac Ky PhoPho at Bac Ky
Pho is naturally a staple at this Vietnamese restaurant. Order up a bowl in either beef, chicken or vegetable and luxuriate in the silky broth.

Empanadas at La Merceria
This adorable espresso bar is located at Adelaide and Portland. While coffee and sweets may be the focus, don't pass up the chance to get your hands on one of their empanadas. Each empanada is served with a side of chimichurri.

the one that got awayFish and chips at The One That Got Away
The fish and chips is a must-try at this fast casual eatery. Choose between haddock, arctic char, cod, halibut or pickerel alongside a mountain of crisp fries beside your catch.

Burritos at Fat Bastard Burrito
If you plan on visiting this burrito joint on your lunch break prepare to get stuffed. Burritos are available in 'Lil, Big and Huge and even the Lil is more than substantial. Choose your size then pick your choice of meat, veggies and toppings.

What did I miss? Add your favourite King West cheap eats in the comments.

Photos by Taralyn Marshall, Jesse Milns and Hector Vasquez.

Hookah ban in Toronto not a done deal yet

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shisha bars torontoHookah might be banned in Toronto, but many bars are still offering these water pipes to customers, reports the Toronto Star.

After Toronto's medical officer David McKeown released a report seeking to prohibit hookah from local businesses, city council voted last fall to ban them from Toronto establishments and this new bylaw came into effect on April 1 of this year.

According to the Star, however, the city licensing office is holding off ticketing businesses until July 1.

And, as the Toronto Star reports, four hookah bar owners in Scarborough are heading to court in June to dispute this bylaw.

"Our argument is that the [City of Toronto] act does not give the city the power to pass a bylaw that prohibits my clients from operating a lawful business anywhere in the city of Toronto. We say the bylaw puts them out of business," said the lounge owners' lawyer Ryan Zigler to the Star.

Do you still smoke hookah at Toronto bars? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Jesse Milns.

The Best Sports Bars in Toronto

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sports bars torontoThe best sports bars in Toronto are loud and rowdy places to catch the game with fellow fans. They run the gamut from massive, modern behemoths to cozier neighbourhood spots, but they all stream games with the sound on and feature an average beer selection and concessions that'll make even ticket holders envious.

Here are the best sports bars in Toronto.

Caplansky empire expands with new midtown location

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caplanskys torontoSmoked meat sandwiches, latke poutine and turkey Reubens are about to become a lot more commonplace now that Zane Caplansky has set his sights on global deli domination. The fast casual outpost in Yorkville is the first of many locations slated to roll out across Canada.

Read my profile of Caplansky's (Yorkville) in the restaurants section.

Union Juice suddenly shuts down

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Union JuiceJuice, grain boxes and smoothie bowls are all the rage on Instagram thanks to a number of eateries that dole out these aesthetically pleasing snacks. But is Toronto's juice bubble beginning to burst? It has for one local business.

Union Juice, which cranked out smoothies, paninis and healthy breakfasts, shuttered its two locations over the past few weeks. With a small outpost in the Annex and larger one at Adelaide and John (right next to Sweet Jesus), the mini-chain previously hinted at expansion before unplugging its blenders for good.

"We decided not to put any more money into the business and closed it down," says Jesper Wahlberg from Union Juice via email. "For most people, a juice or a smoothie is a treat that some might indulge in one or twice a week, not daily," he notes, when asked about what it's like to run a juice business in Toronto.

A notice posted to the door of the John Street location says the store owes more than $9,000 in rent. This prime retail location undoubtedly came with a hefty price tag and it seems like the nearby condo dwellers weren't ready to shell out $8 for their daily green juice or smoothie.

Although if you live in the area, there are plenty of other establishments where you can satiate your cravings for kale, protein balls and açai bowls.

Photo by Jesse Milns.

Where to eat authentic Malaysian food in Toronto

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Gourmet MalaysiaFor those in the know, this restaurant in the epicentre of Malaysian cuisine in the Toronto area. While they also serve Singaporean and Indonesian dishes, it's all about the coconut milk here.

Ready my profile of Gourmet Malaysia in the restaurants section.

The top 10 outdoor adventures in Toronto this summer

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outdoor adventures torontoToronto is a city blessed by the idea of the outdoor adventure, the urban retreat, the nature spot. Name a city better equipped to facilitate a nature escape. You can't. From the Don to the Humber, this is a place uniquely blessed by ravines, streams, and everything between.

Here are my picks for the top outdoor adventures in Toronto this summer.

Paddle to the Island
This is perhaps the most iconic of Toronto adventures, and while it might seem simple, you'll need to do some planning. Rent a canoe or kayak and head out from east end of the harbour with a backpack full of food for lunch on the Island before paddling home to the mainland.

Climb up Rattlesnake Point
Located just outside of Toronto, Rattlesnake Point is one of the best places to climb in the province. Head here on a weekday (it's too busy otherwise) to make an attempt at traversing the full rock-face, which will take a whole lot of effort and skill.

Mountain biking the length of the Don River
Anyone can ride along the Don trails, but if you want a true Toronto adventure, try to trace the length of the river on a bike. You'll have to spend some time plotting out the route, and you'll inevitably hit the road at some parts, but you can ride mostly on trails all the way from the waterfront to Bayview and Steeles.

Hike from Bluffer's Park to Rouge Beach
Everyone loves a trip to the Scarborough Bluffs, but if you want to make an adventure out of one of Toronto's most amazing geological features, you can try to hike them all the way to Glen Rouge Beach. You'll have to do some beach-walking, but this is a gorgeous journey.

Fish in the Humber River
Toronto's waterways are rich with salmon, perch, and that most scary, non-winning of fish that is carp. If you're feeling adventurous, start at the mouth of the Humber River and hike north while casting a line in the waterway. Something will surely bite if you're patient enough.

Le Tour de Toronto
Want a Toronto adventure that'll really test your mettle? Try to hit every one of the city's toughest climbs in a single ride. Too tough? Spread the hills out over a few rides. The best time to do this in mid July when the European peloton is slogging it out in the Alps.

Urban river kayaking
Yes, you can do this. Rent a canoe or kayak from Paddle Toronto and head down the Humber river before arriving underneath the Toronto skyline. The current gets nasty after the Arch Bridge, but the view is worth the effort.

Urban Scavenger Hunt
If you want to experience the city with a new set of eyes, try an urban scavenger hunt. It'll test your knowledge of Toronto and your problem solving skills, all the while forcing you to explore the city that you already call home.

Tracing Toronto's concrete river
You're a person who like nature and concrete. This controlled watershed is the quintessence of the relationship between city and nature, and you can (legally) follow its hard shores as Black Creek snakes south of Eglinton.

Walking the end of the Earth at the Leslie Street Spit
There's no preparation required to tour the Leslie Street Spit aside from packing a good lunch, but you can spend a whole day here exploring its nooks and crannies in a way that most visitors never bother to. Venture off the central path to find the residue of bricks worn by 40 years of waves, rare bird species, and the tender balance between development and nature.

treetopThanks to Treetop Trekking for sponsoring this post.

Photo by Piotr Halka in the blogTO Flickr pool.


Today in Toronto: Mykki Blanco, The Vaccines, Lil Uzi Vert, Spooky Bitch, Moby, My Millennial Life

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mykki blancoToday in Toronto there's art, dance and DesiFest ... but more importantly there's Mykki Blanco at the new Velvet Underground. He's a pretty amazing performer who defies gender and musical genres. It'll be dark, dance-y and definitely entertaining.

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

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

Photo courtesy of Mykki Blanco.

What it was like at the Raptors game 5 in Cleveland

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raptors game 5Game five of the Conference Finals went down last night in Cleveland. Coming off two big wins in Toronto, the Raptors had everyone guessing whether it would be a third straight victory or if the Cavs would continue the home court dominance that's marked the best of seven series so far.

We joined about 50 fans from Toronto on a day trip south of the border to find the answer. We arrived at Pearson for a mid-afternoon chartered flight courtesy of Air Canada as part of their #NorthSidePride contest they've been running every series this playoffs.

PK subbanFans entered via radio and online for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the game. One of the winners was Ashley who submitted this video via YouTube and was rewarded with two tickets to the game and VIP treatment to Cleveland and back including a quick meet and greet with PK Subban before the flight down.

northsideprideWe all piled into the plane for the quick trip across the lake to the shores of Lake Erie. The plane was decked out with roses and Raptors t-shirts and We the North flags were handed out that would later be paraded through downtown Cleveland.

air canada raptorsWe landed at the Burke Lakefront Airport which is basically Cleveland's version of Billy Bishop. It's only a short bus ride from here to Quicken Loans Arena which is nestled right next to Progressive Field (home of the Cleveland Indians) and in the heart of the historic downtown area where, incidentally, they happen to be currently shooting the latest installment of the Fast and the Furious franchise.

raptors clevelandAs we approached the arena there were Cavs fans everywhere. We were roundly jeered as we walked down East 4th Street but you could sense the nervousness. One local told me "the Cavs better win" with a tone of trepidation of what might be if the Raptors continued their recent dominance.

cleveland fanfestAround Quicken Loans Arena there was a huge FanFest. It was different than Jurassic Park - not meant to be a place to gather and watch the game but instead a pre-game party zone with live music, basketball courts and food trucks.

raptors fanAside from our crew we spotted more than a handful of Raptors fans in the sea of yellow.

Superfan Nav BhatiaSuperfan Nav Bhatia was there - he hasn't missed a Raptors home game in 21 years - and other fans recognized him and eagerly posed for photos.

cleveland all inInside the arena the seats were decked with yellow t-shirts that read Wine & Gold as well as rally towels.

toronto raptors fansWe could see why a road game here would be hostile territory for the Raptors - we were easily drowned out by the 20,000 plus fans who have gone All In for a 2016 title.

raptors cavaliersThe game started innocently enough - Scola hit a three and the Raptors jumped to a 7-6 lead but by the end of the first quarter the Cavs had gone on a run, were up by 18 and never looked back. The game seemed over before the buzzer signaled it was halftime.

drake scoreboardWhoever was responsible for programming the graphics on the HD video screens on the center-hung scoreboard had some fun with them. Images of Bieber, Nickelback and Drake (young and bearded versions) were flashed intermittently throughout the game alternately causing laughter or a rain of boos.

cleveland raptorsUp by 40 in the third quarter, the Cavs had turned the contest into a certified blowout and some of the entertainment during the time-outs became more captivating than the game itself.

empty seats cavaliers gameBy the fourth quarter the coaches had emptied their benches and fans were flocking to the exits.

raptors cleveland game 5We all had to swallow a bit of pride but only for a night. With the series shifting back to Toronto on Friday night for game six Lowry, DeRozan and co. will be back in friendly territory. And when the series gets pushed to a winner take all game seven back in Cleveland on Sunday, anything can happen, right?

Photos by Jesse Milns.

Toronto Restaurant Openings: El Pocho, Jinya, Plaltito Filipino Soul Food, The Greater Good, Love Chix

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North of Brooklyn PizzaToronto Restaurant Openings highlights the latest restaurant openings and closings in Toronto and also previews what's coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.

OPEN NOW

  • El Pocho Antojitos Bar has replaced Scoop & Bean at 2 Follis Ave. and is now serving up snack foods like tacos and deep-fried avocados.
  • Greta Solomon's is now open at 1118 Queen St. E. in Leslieville.
  • Japanese chain Jinya Ramen Bar is doling out big bowls of ramen at 399 Church St.
  • Sweat & Soda, a new cafe serving up breakfast bowls, baked goods and healthy boxed lunches is now open at 1091 Queen St. E.
  • Japanese-fusion sandwich shop Teara Lab opens this Friday, May 27 at 181 College St.
  • Triple A Bar's third outpost is now open at 598 Gerrard St. E., in the former Mr. Ciao space.
  • RECENTLY REVIEWED

    OPENING SOON

    • Belfast Love, the first Toronto location for Vancouver's the Donnelly Group, opens to the public on Thursday, June 2 at 548 King St. W.
    • Plaltito Filipino Soul Food will soon replace the short-lived Reforma at 35 Baldwin Street. Expect the new spot to open in early June and offer a small plates menu of Filipino favourites as well as brunch.
    • The Greater Good, a new bar from the crew behind The Get Well, is going in at 229 Geary Ave. in the former Kitch space. It'll come with its own North of Brooklyn pizza counter.
    • SOMA is opening a new chocolate factory at 77 Brock Ave. This one will do tours and tastings too.
    • Al Pastor, a new take out taqueria is coming to 2932 Dundas St. W. in the Junction.
    • Love Chix, a fast casual spot serving up roasted chicken, porchetta, brunch and other comforting farem is aiming for a mid-June opening at 1588 Dupont St., where the Farmer's Daughter used to be.
    • Curry Love, a new spot for Thai, looks poised to open any day now at 370 College St.

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

    Photo by Derek Flack.

Condo of the week: 33 Harbour Square

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33 Harbour SquareThis waterfront condo at 33 Harbour Square is a little slice of summertime paradise. At $1.8 million, the two-storey penthouse features two bedrooms, three bathrooms and, most importantly, a panoramic view of Lake Ontario.

33 Harbour SquareThe elegant suite resembles an upscale townhouse, spanning 2,000 square feet of space. The main floor features a combination living and dining area, and a cozy metal-framed fireplace. There's plenty of storage, along with a walk-in closest in the master bedroom and a spacious balcony to cap the night (or day) with bubbly from the built-in wine rack.

33 Harbour SquareThere are no shortages of waterfront condos right now. The Harbourfront neighbourhood is in high demand for its scenic views and proximity to the newly revitalized Queens Quay strip. If you love summer festivals and a quick trip to the Island, you'll never need to leave the area.

33 Harbour SquareSPECS

33 Harbour SquareNOTABLE FEATURES

  • Two storeys
  • Built-in wine storage
  • Master with walk-in closest
  • Balcony
  • Indoor swimming pool

33 Harbour SquareGOOD FOR

A solid workout. This building offers some great amenities like a massive fitness studio that could double as a GoodLife, an indoor swimming pool, squash courts and residence-only shuttle buses. Even better, take your workout outdoors for yoga or a jog on the pier.

33 Harbour SquareMOVE ON IF

You don't want to share your neighbourhood with every tourist in the city. Harbourfront is a great destination but you'll likely pay tourist prices for that ice cream cone.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
33 Harbour Square33 Harbour Square33 Harbour Square33 Harbour Square33 Harbour Square33 Harbour SquareLike this waterfront condo? 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.

The 5 worst roads in Toronto

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Toronto constructionIt's easy to complain about driving in Toronto thanks to traffic, construction and of course, massive potholes. But today we actually have something to kvetch about because the Canadian Automotive Association (CAA) released its annual worst roads list.

So what's the worst road in the city? Apparently it's Bayview Avenue - it's also the eighth worst road in the province, according to CAA.

While our streets may not win any prizes any time soon, only two out of Ontario's 10 worst roads are in the GTA.

And now, with all due respect, here are the five worst roads in Toronto:

  • Bayview Avenue
  • Dufferin Street
  • Lawrence Avenue East
  • Markham Road
  • Scarlett Road

Photo by SteveC123! via the blogTO Flickr pool.

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