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Indoor fishing returns to Toronto this weekend

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indoor fishing torontoEvery year, Toronto's Scadding Court Community Centre drains its chlorinated swimming pool and fills it with tap water and thousands of rainbow trout to create an indoor, urban fishing hole.

And the annual Gone Fishin' event returns this Saturday, June 11, to give Torontonians a chance to fish without ever leaving the downtown core. Yet, this event is about more than simply bringing the county to the city.

"We work in a very low income community," says Alina Chatterjee, Scadding Court's senior director of redevelopment and innovations. "A lot of our interest is making sure kids get exposed to regular life experiences and that's kind of our mission. If we can't take kids to a lake, we try to replicate that."

Scadding Court opens the pool to the public and to local school groups. For $5 (includes one trout), anyone can try their hand at fishing. If you participate, you can even get your fish cleaned and cooked on site.

While Gone Fishin' has grown enormously popular. Not everyone's pleased with this early-summer tradition.

Indoor FishingPeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), for instance, has previously tried to ban the event. "A couple of years ago, they started a petition against what we do at Scadding Court," says Chatterjee. "And we ended developing a relationship with them and inviting them to join us as partners."

While PETA declined this partnership, it now participates by handing out vegan food and by filling the Scadding Court's wading pool with plastic fish as a meat-free alternative.

"We've welcomed them into our space in a non-confrontational, non-aggressive way," says Chatterjee.

The two organizations may not see eye-to-eye, but they're both working to educate the city about the food we eat.

The Gone Fishin' Project runs Saturday, June 11 until Saturday, June 19. The pool is open 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. More info and prices on the Scadding Court website.


Friends cafe in Toronto canceled and asking for money

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central perkSorry, but this is the one with all of the disappointment: Toronto won't be getting its own Friends-themed cafe - a.k.a Central Perk - this summer after all. Instead, Josh Botticelli, who was behind this wildly popular scheme, cancelled his Facebook event and is now using the crowd-funding platform GoFundMe to recoup his costs.

According to CTV News, Botticelli had to scrap his plan because Warner Bros., which owns the Friends rights, said it would be a trademark violation.

"We submitted a 20 page proposal on creating an authorized version under their control in order to keep the event alive," writes Botticelli on his GoFundMe page.

"I spoke with the VP of their promotions department in California and they expressed that Toronto would not be a viable option at this time due to their being a lack of a significant sponsor. Under these circumstances, it is with sadness that I must cancel the parody central perk event this summer."

Botticelli says he sunk a lot of money into his project. That's why he's now trying to get some of it back with a crowd-funding campaign he launched on April 30. So far, two people have donated a total of $25. He hopes to raise $2,000 and wants to try to bring Central Perk to Toronto for 2017.

For now though, you might just say that he and these plans are on a break.

Landlord locks out Caplansky's on College Street

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caplanskysIf you're craving Beyonce-approved smoked meat, a knish or latke poutine in Toronto, you may have a little problem. That's because the original Caplansky's Deli on College Street is closed, for now at least.

It all came as a complete surprise to owner Zane Caplansky. He got a call from his alarm company at around midnight, so he went to investigate. "I found a locksmith there changing the locks and the notices that I put up on Instagram were up on the door," he says.

According to the notice to tenant, Caplansky's lease has been terminated for "failing to effect repairs not authorized by the landlord."

Caplansky closed Toronto"I got no notice of this, I got no warning of this," says Caplansky, who notes that he's not even sure what "failing to effect repairs not authorized by the landlord" means. He contacted his lawyer and is trying to get this before a court as soon as he can.

"I'm going to fight it."

Photo by William Kimber in the blogTO Flickr pool

The top 10 free events at Luminato 2016

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luminato festivalThe top free events at Luminato 2016 will let you take in the majesty that is the Hearn Generating Station, including the world's largest mirror ball. Just by heading down to the former power plant, you can take in all sorts of free programming. While the big-ticket parties and performances might steal the show, these events will steal your heart.

Here are my picks for the top free events to check out at Luminato 2016.

B.A.S.E. Aerial Services (June 10 - 11)
BASE jumpers from Team FX will be leaping off The Hearn's 215 metre smokestack 10 times during the first two days of the festival. You can watch this happen from pretty much anywhere outside the power plant.

Trove (June 10 - 26)
What are the 50 most important objects, works of art - and maybe even ideas - in Toronto? And how can we bring them to the public? This exhibit tries to answer that question with 3D images created by photographer Scott McFarland.

YTB Gallery Exhibition (June 10 - 26)
Younger Than Beyonce artist-run centre provide opportunities for artists under 33. This visual and immersive art show focuses on creating survival tactics in a dystopian world. Fun, futuristic stuff from an up-and-coming local gallery.

The Hearn Trail (June 10 - 26)
You can finally explore the grounds surrounding the old Toronto power plant that's been closed since 1995. Ignore all the parties and performances for a minute and take a walking tour of the Hearn site mapped by Luminato Festival's Nicole Hurtubise in collaboration with Six Nations playwright Falen Johnson and Spacing editor Shawn Micallef.

New Canadian Stage (June 10 - 26)
The Biergarten outside the Hearn will host live music from fresh Canadian talent. It's co-curated with Slaight Music. You can buy Mill Street beer and eat Parts & Labour food, but officially, you don't have a spend a thing while taking in nightly shows from folks like Emma Lee, Liam Titcomb, Turkwaz, and lots more.

The Coating Project (June 10 - 26)
A video portrait project from the Dietrich Group, which includes lots of naked bodies, will be running throughout the festival inside the Hearn.

Apocalypsis CD Listening Party (June 16)
Stand in the dark and hear the legendary musical project by Canadian composer R. Murray Schafer on the massive sound system inside The Hearn. This was one of the largest performance events Canada has ever seen when recorded back in 2015. The listening party will be a tidal wave of sound.

Iftar at the Hearn (June 22)
To help welcome Syrian newcomers to the city, Luminato is throwing an Iftar dinner, traditionally served at sunset to break the daily fast during the month of Ramadan. Communities from across the city will gather to eat and drink traditional Syrian and Middle Eastern food with lots of entertainment.

Regent Park School of Music (June 25)
This is a live music show with a big heart and brains. The show includes students from the Parkdale Nonsense Orchestra, the Regent Park Wind Ensemble and more, performing and celebrating the results and "power of community music education."

Art, culture and place-making in the city (June 26)
This will be a discussion about transforming cool spaces in your city with a top notch panel of speakers. Karen Brooks Hopkins from the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Aga Khan founding director Henry Kim among them.

Photo of the Hearn by Jesse Milns.

Today in Toronto: Festival of Clowns, Vibe Arts Fest, Twin Peaks Comedy, Freedom Party, Cheryl Pope

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Festival of Clowns TorontoToday in Toronto you can take in the hilarious and/or terrifying Festival of Clowns, a Twin Peaks comedy show, and some scantily clad firefighters. I'm not sure if there's a full moon coming up, but for a Wednesday, things are getting pretty weird and wild.

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

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

Photo of 2016 Festival of Clowns by Jeremy Gilbert from the blogTO Flickr pool.

Every item is 2 bucks at this quirky Japanese store

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Ichiban LivingIf you've ever imagined what a Japanese dollar store might look like, wonder no more. This quirky design shop carries everything from cups and bowls to stationary and storage solutions. And every item in the store is $2 taxes included!

Read my profile of Ichiban Living in the design section.

The top 12 events at Luminato 2016

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luminato 2016Some of the events at Luminato 2016 are next level. The 17-day arts and culture behemoth officially sets its roots down in The Hearn Generating Station this week. There are a ton of free shows to check out, but the ticketed shows will also be a feast for your ears, eyes, mouth, nose and mind. I'm not kidding, all your senses are covered this year from June 10 to June 26.

Here are my picks for the top shows and events at Luminato this year.

Opening Party (June 9)
The opening party to end all opening parties this summer in Toronto, Luminato opens with a big bang. This is a ticketed event with lots of drinking, DJs, and parkour demos, but most importantly it's a chance to get into the building and roam around before everything really pops off the next night.

Le Pavillon (June 10-26)
A Parisian-style bistro in the control room of a former power plant? Stranger things have been conceived, but few as intriguing as this in Toronto's dining scene. Frédéric Morin (Joe Beef) and John Bil (Honest Weight) bring classic French cuisine to the Hearn for two weeks. Tickets are sold out, but there are seats available daily for those willing to line up.

Situation Rooms (June 10 - 26)
I'm just going to use the official description for this one: "Equipped with an iPad mini and headphones, an audience of 20 follows a range of real-life characters: an Israeli soldier, a Swiss weapons manufacturer, a Pakistani lawyer or a Mexican drug cartel administrator, with the help of a screen used to augment reality."

Unsound (June 10 - 11)
Last year Unsound "set the bar for future music fests in Toronto." So to say there's excitement about this one is an understatement. Check out the exciting list of performers or don't. Just get to this thrilling blend of sound and technology like your party-life depends on it.

Epic Night At The Hearn (June 11)
Choir! Choir! Choir! never stand still or shut up. And we love it. This time around Nobu Adilman and Daveed Goldman take over the Hearn to teach, sing and record an emotional rendition of Rufus Wainwright's cover of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah.

Monumental (June 14 - 15)
Nine contemporary dancers move to a live show from Vancouver's The Holy Body Tattoo and Montreal's rarely-spotted-in-real-life Godspeed You! Black Emperor for this wild dance show. It all happens on something that resembles a miniature cityscape.

The James Play Trilogy (June 16 - 26)
Hailed as "Scotland's answer to the Game of Thrones," this massive theatrical trilogy will take place in the brand new 1200 seat theatre inside The Hearn. This is three plays about three Scottish kings in the 15th Century. I picture a lot of yelling drinking from goblets. You can see them together (you can save money by buying a package) or see them individually throughout the fest.

Yes Yes Y'all X Dudebox (June 17)
One of the city's most queer and inclusive dance jams teams up with party master Dudebox for a hip hop, dancehall, reggae jam, which will most likely be the sweatiest party of the festival. Yes Yes Y'all DJs will spin alongside special guests Bambii and Skratch Bastid.

Post Apocalypse Dance Party (June 18)
Toronto's freshest new gallery, Younger Than Beyonce, throws a great big dance party. Filled with "art rebels," DJs and a monstrous post-apocalyptic, postmodern, end-of-the-world-but-I-still-have-to-party dance space, this event will feel like a Canadian Mad Max (but with way more water for hydration).

Rufus does Judy (June 23 - 24)
Rufus recreates the legendary 1961 Judy Garland Carnegie Hall show from start to finish. Originally hailed as the "greatest night in show business," Wainwright takes the stage with an orchestra and a fancy suit and sings for over two-hours. His version of the show at Carnegie Hall has in itself become legendary.

Doggie Show (June 24)
Who the hell gave the wonderfully disgusting House of Filth drag queens free reign at Luminato? A brilliant person, that's who. Doggie Show is part costume contest, part dance party, hosted by the queens Jal's BATHSALTS project, described as "Electric Circus on bad street drugs."

66 Wheels (June 25)
One of the planet's most innovative DJs, and a national treasure, Kid Koala presents 26 bikes, 14 turntables and six snacks. It's a bike tour of Koala's fave spots in the city, set to music that begins at Bellwoods and ends at The Hearn where folks can kick back and take part in his Music To Draw To event.

Check out Luminato's official site for all their event listings and have fun!

Photo by James Anok in the blogTO Flickr pool.

You can now eat churro ice cream cones in Toronto

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churro conesThe game of cones is heating up in Toronto. And now that summer is coming, we have another deep-fried delicacy to try. Yes, I'm talking churro cones.

Churro cone TorontoThe churro cone - or a massive, ice cream-filled churro - is the natural successor to the doughnut cone. It's currently ruling local news feeds, until another frozen treat comes along and slays it.

Churro cone TorontoBut you'll probably have to wait to get your hands on one of these made-for-Instagram treats from Pancho's Bakery in Kensington Market. And the line might be long and full of terrors.

churro conesBut don't fret because Pancho's is rolling out churro cones to all of its Toronto locations.

Churro cone TorontoEach churro cone comes stuffed with vanilla ice cream and can be topped with dolce de leche and coconut shavings.

Churro cone TorontoSince they aren't the easiest things to eat, the cones come tucked safely into a cup because dropping one of these guys would be a shame.

Photos by Jesse Milns.


The top 5 poke in Toronto right now

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poke TorontoPoke is a common delicacy in Hawaii but it's soon to make a big splash here in Toronto too with a number of poke focused restaurants slated to openlater this summer. Until that time, the snackable raw fish dish is available at a number of select Toronto restaurants.

Here's where to get your poke fix in Toronto right now.

Shameful Tiki Room
This Polynesian cocktail bar does ahi tuna poke bowls and mixes the supple fish with honeydew melon, Thai chilis, crushed almonds, mint and cilantro in a hibiscus and sesame oil dressing.

Miss Thing's
Do the Hoki Poke at this tiki bar in Parkdale and enjoy raw ahi tuna in a sesame soy dressing paired with avocado and served on bibb lettuce.

Big Crow
Anthony Rose's outdoor mess hall on Dupont does poke with salmon. The bowl of raw fish is served over a pile of chips and comes dressed with chili, ginger and soy and it's sprinkled with furikake and topped with peanuts.

Seven Lives
Poke and chips is a new addition to the menu at this Kensington Market taqueria. Here the generous helping of salmon sashimi salad is served with crispy tortilla chips and guacamole.

Sushi Mugen
Customize your poke how you like it at this sushi bar in Leslieville. The choices start with a choice of fish dressed with ginger, sesame and cucumber over white rice, brown rice or lettuce. Optional mix-ins include pickled ginger, chili oil, Sriracha, carrots, tomatoes, cabbage and jalapeños.

Photo from Seven Lives by Jesse Milns.

Somehow Beck Taxi got this for its Google listing

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Beck taxi TorontoToronto's most prominent cab company, Beck Taxi, isn't having the best year (or few years, to be more accurate). While its bright orange cars are easy to spot on Toronto streets, many use their smartphones to secure an Uber instead of hailing a car curb-side.

This ride-sharing-related beef hit a fever pitch in December when many Beck Taxi drivers participated in the hours-long protest, which shut down parts of Queen Street.

And to add to its 6ix-related woes, now when you Google Beck Taxi (at least on Safari), as Redditor JoanOfArctic pointed out, a photo of a car crash pops up.

Google seems to determine which photos populate this search field, but it seems like an unfortunate coincidence that this is the one that pops up for Beck.

The top 19 room escape games in Toronto by neighbourhood

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escape room games torontoEscape room games have taken Toronto by storm. With so many different themes, variations, and options, they've grown into a must-try experience. The best escape games stand out from the tired trapped-in-a-room-with-a-lockbox scenario by combining mysterious settings with well-written stories and difficult-but-solvable clues. When it all works, the adrenalin rush is fantastic.

Here are my picks for the top escape room games in Toronto by neighbourhood as well as a smattering of options outside of the city.

CHINATOWN
With four different rooms, Escape Zone is a solid choice if you're going with a group of friends that want to get competitive. Word to the wise, the staff gives hints if you're really stuck (but don't tell the other group!). If Escape Zone is booked, check out Mystery Room.

DANFORTH EAST
Looking Glass Adventures is a family-friendly escape room, with kid-appropriate puzzles for little ones and special child-sized prices for diaper-drained bank accounts. The fun for everyone makes summer vacation a little easier with the added benefit of not having to listen to Let It Go over and over again.

DAVENPORT VILLAGE
The Great Escape has rooms with intriguing themes that range from theatrical (The Da Vinci Code) to lifelike (The Hangover). For added excitement, TGE offers the option of playing while fully costumed with themed wear from Theatrix Costume House.

NORTH YORK
AT Escape bills itself as Toronto's most realistic escape game, which is both creepy and intriguing. They incorporate unusual aspects into the puzzles and have thoughtfully designed and well-decorated rooms. If you can't book there, Escape Games is also a solid bet, with interesting, immersive games.

QUEEN WEST
With a price break for booking online as well as the occasional listing in deal websites and a bonus for checking in on social media while there, Lost Canada is a great pick for those looking for a good deal.

SCARBOROUGH
Escape Mission incorporates technology into its games to keep the puzzles new and exciting. The five rooms include themes like dragons and Call of Duty, appealing heavily towards the teen boy in all of us.

ST. CLAIR WEST
Escape Casa Loma takes a fun storyline and adds integrated characters and the novelty of being in a historical building to make an exciting game that represents exactly what Canada's been trying to do for so many years (escape the monarchy).

WEST QUEEN WEST
The Maci Bookout of escape games, Real Escape Game was one of the first escape rooms to hit Toronto and remains one of the best. Each new game is consistently engaging, with high-quality puzzles and stories.

YONGE AND DUNDAS
Roundabout uses high-tech props and intricate sets to create a convincing, realistic vibe to complement each room's theme. It's definitely your best bet if you're looking for a full immersive experience. Another good option in the area is Captive Escape Rooms.

YONGE AND WELLESLEY
In addition to multiple escape rooms, Riddle Room has an attached cafe that offers board and video games in addition to food and drink. With free use of the games if you've already done the escape room, this is ideal if you're looking to make a full day out of competing with your loved ones.

OUTSIDE OF TORONTO

BRAMPTON
Perplexity is known for having fun puzzles, unique themes and including the use of technology in their escape rooms, making it an ideal pick if you're looking for something with more of a wow factor.

BRANTFORD
Escape Key has just two rooms, but both are well-executed ideas with exciting games. On top of that, Escape Key has a public leaderboard for escape artists who need more than just the ticking clock to motivate them to escape.

BURLINGTON
Exit Strategy has three different escape rooms, currently modelled after Wentworth Miller's best role (Prison Break) and the Brady Bunch's best episode (Tiki Curse). As a bonus, kids are welcome to join in the fun (though the puzzles tend to be more Mike Brady level than Cindy or Bobby).

MARKHAM
With eight rooms, ESC-IT is the best option if you have a huge group, like a well-attended bachelor party. They have fun, well-produced games and offer a discount if you pay in cash. If ESC-IT is full, Mr. Escape Room is another option in the area. It's not quite as slick as ESC-IT but they tend to show up in group deals if you need to escape on a budget.

MISSISSAUGA
Not only does DeCode have multiple themed rooms, but they regularly host special events (like their facility wide escape) and partner with charities (like the United Way) to give back to the community. If you can't get in there, other Mississauga picks include Escape the House, an escape experience that boasts live props, and PANI.Q, a three room venue that has discounts on Tuesdays.

OAKVILLE
Though technically just by leaving Toronto to visit this escape game you've escaped from the 6, Oakville's Escape from the 6 is known for its high-quality games and the staff offers unlimited hints if you're really stuck.

RICHMOND HILL
In addition to their five rooms with escape games ranging from 45-60 minutes, Freeing Canada has a large lounge with free board games and popcorn to decompress after the adrenaline wears off and the hunger sets in.

UNIONVILLE
Xscaper hosts a few different games with unique themes based on movies and time periods. It also rates each game as to the "fear factor" and the physical, mathematical, scientific and logic skills needed to escape, so participants can pick the game suited to their strengths.

WHITBY
Located in Whitby, Durham Escape Rooms has three games ranked from easiest to most difficult. Durham Escape Rooms tend to have deals going on through their social media, so follow them on Twitter and ask about promos before booking to score a discount.

What did I miss? Leave your picks in the comments.

Photo via Escape Casa Loma.

The Best Microbrewery in Toronto

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microbrewery torontoThe best microbreweries in Toronto pour sessional and experimental suds, one off varieties and innovative new brews. While this list used to be pretty short, Toronto's craft beer scene is thriving and new brewers are popping up every which way.

Here are the best microbreweries in Toronto.

The top 15 bands to catch at NXNE 2016

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nxne 2016NXNE returns to Toronto for its 22nd edition on June 13 for five days featuring everything from music and comedy to film screenings and gaming. The festival's landscape continues to change, with more of a focus on technology this year. Yonge-Dundas Square will no longer play host to marquee free concerts, though it will remain a festival hub for gaming events.

The primary outdoor concerts have been relocated to the Port Lands. Festival-goers can purchase a two-day ticket that gives them access to all shows taking place on the new outdoor stage. Tickets to club shows at indoor venues across the city must be made individually. There are no all-access passes available this year.

Despite the major changes and a compression in size, there's still an impressive lineup at this year's NXNE, and much curiosity regarding the festival's new outdoor stage.

Here are my picks for the top shows to catch at NXNE 2016.

Eagulls, The Horseshoe Tavern, June 13
Kicking off the first night of NXNE's club shows is a post-punk group coming straight out of the UK. After releasing their sophomore album Ullages at the beginning of May, the band is bringing their atmospheric tunes to the Horseshoe Tavern for a night that's sure to set a mood for the rest of this year's NXNE festivities.

MSTRKRFT, The Horseshoe Tavern, June 14
This electronic music duo consisting of Jesse Keeler from Death From Above 1979 and Alex Puodziukas of Girlsareshort are back with a vengeance. This time they're getting set to release their follow-up to 2009's Fist of God. Their return to the scene has long been anticipated with an already sold-out show at the Horseshoe.

King Khan & the Shrines, The Horseshoe Tavern, June 16
If you're in search of some psychedelic goodness to get you grooving, this Montreal-based band is your ticket to ride. With their eccentric outfits and lead singer King Khan's out of this world energy, this one is sure to be mind-opening.

SATE, Bovine Sex Club, June 16
From blues, to soul, to heavy rock n' roll. This Toronto band led by Sadiah Baba Talibah is capable of bringing the house down with their bluesy riffs while simultaneously creating a dance floor with their pop-centric songs. With their new album RedBlue&Black dropping soon, SATE is set to take over the Bovine Sex Club.

Kamasi Washington, Danforth Music Hall, June 17
With the help of Flying Lotus's Brainfeeder Records, Kamasi Washington and company are helping to front a new wave of Jazz. By pushing the boundaries and influencing Kendrick Lamar's highly-acclaimed 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly, Washington's saxophone prowess will dazzle the crowd assembled at the Danforth Music Hall.

Cold Specks, Lee's Palace, June 17
Many of the highlights for this year's NXNE festival will be brought to you by local artists, including this beautiful songstress known as Cold Specks. After releasing her debut album back in 2012, she has enchanted us with her beautiful powerful voice, which we can expect again at Lee's Palace, with support from Canadian synth-pop band DIANA.

Bry Webb, Adelaide Hall, June 17
Best known as the lead singer of Canadian alt-rock band the Constantines, Bry Webb has been focused on his solo career as of late, and is set to perform songs by classic rock band The Replacements with the help of The Tims at Adelaide Hall. While Webb has been making the rounds performing solo, this will be a rare group concert experience.

Prozzak, Phoenix Concert Theatre, June 18
Early 2000s pop duo sensation Prozzak is back (yes, you read that correctly). Toronto natives Jay Lavine and James Bryan McCollum are bringing the animated best friends Simon and Milo back to life for a headlining show at the Phoenix Concert Theatre. You remember them from their hit songs "Sucks to be you" and "Strange Disease." Once you see them, the nostalgia will kick right in.

Schoolboy Q, Port Lands Stage, June 17-18
Member of Kendrick Lamar's Top Dawg Entertainment, Schoolboy Q is everything a rap superstar should be. The charisma and energy in his music and on stage is uncanny. This will be one of NXNE's biggest highlights this year.

Father John Misty, Port Lands Stage, June 17-18
The next big headliner on this year's Port Lands stage is none other than the ego-centric Father John Misty. With a stage presence unlike any other, his folk songs of love and despair are a pure spectacle that only he can deliver. If you're lucky enough to find yourself in the front row, there's even a chance that he will personally serenade you.

Daniel Caesar, Port Lands Stage, June 17-18
Coming off of a sold-out show at the Mod Club in April, Daniel Caesar is beginning to cement himself as one of Toronto's hottest rising R&B singers. With his gospel background, Caesar's live performances are picturesque and will be a must-see on this year's Port Lands stage.

Born Ruffians, Port Lands Stage, June 17-18
These indie rock darlings from Midland, Ontario are completely familiar with the Toronto crowd. As they continuously grace us with their pop-induced rock songs, Born Ruffians are a treat to see every single time. You can expect them to perform tunes from their newly released album Ruff, as well as some of their past hits.

Highs, Port Lands Stage, June 17-18
Riding the alt-pop wave, there's a reason why this Toronto band will stand out from the rest. Their recently released debut album Dazzle Camouflage is jam packed with colourful tunes that are nothing like you've heard before. They're sure to receive a warm welcome from their hometown crowd.

Shamir, Port Lands Stage, June 17-18
Similar to some of the other acts that are scheduled to perform on NXNE's Port Lands stage, Shamir is a young indie pop artist who's progressively making himself known. After releasing his debut album Ratchet, his infectious disco-infused tunes have become more and more popular. Listen to his recent single, "On the Regular" and you'll know what I'm talking about.

Mick Jenkins, Port Lands Stage, June 17-18
Chicago rapper Mick Jenkins has flown under the radar ever since the release of his 2014 mixtape The Water[s]. While his peers Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa are already reaching rap stardom, Jenkins has been continuously crafting solid work under the radar. He's a hidden gem that deserves your attention.

For set times and NXNE 2016's full lineup, head to the official website.

Did I miss your favourite band? Share your picks in the comments.

Photo of Father John Misty by Matt Forsythe.

Where to eat a bacon sandwich in Toronto

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Rashers TorontoThis new all-bacon eatery might just make the best bacon sandwich you've ever had. Think Carousel has the market cornered on peameal? Think again.

Read my profile of Rashers in the restaurants section.

Toronto getting a sushi burrito pop-up for the summer

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sushi burritoFood hybrids aren't going anywhere, so buckle up and get ready for summer '16, also known as the summer of the sushi burrito.

Along with an insanely popular sushi burrito food truck and a mini-chain of sushi burrito storefronts, Toronto's getting a sushi burrito and poke pop-up shop located right in the Financial District.

Fish'D, from the folks behind EDO, will start serving up tuna, salmon and shrimp burritos as well as salmon and tuna poke starting on June 13 in The Podium at the Bay Adelaide Centre. It'll be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for all of your lunch, dinner and mid-day snacking needs.

This pop-up will stick around until August 5, but in the meantime, it's looking for a more permanent home.

EDO isn't new to the sushi burrito and poke bowl game. The Forest Hill sushi spot apparently began serving them at numerous private events, including at Justin Bieber's dad's engagement party. Now you know.

Photo from SUSHITTO On the Road by Hassan Mohamud.


Where to watch Euro 2016 in Toronto

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euro 2016 torontoWhere should you watch UEFA Euro in Toronto? It comes down to which bars and pubs will be open for the early games, but also where your allegiances lie. The 2016 tournament is in France and it starts on Friday, June 10. All those daytime games means you might have to take a *cough cough* sick day.

Here's where to play hooky while cheering on your favourite team.

Albania

Austria

Czech Republic

England

France

Germany

Hungary

Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland

Italy

Poland

Portugal

Spain

Ukraine

  • Trident Banquet Hall - 145 Evans Avenue, showing games on June 16 and 21

Neutral Territory

Photo from Scott Snider in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Today in Toronto: Luminato Opening Party, Food Truck Challenge, God Made Me Funky, Japanese Film Fest

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Luminato opening partyToday in Toronto the big day is finally here! I'm dying my hair for summer! I'm so nervous, thanks for supporting me. Oh yeah, and it's also the opening night of Luminato at the Hearn Generating Station. We've been telling you about the festival all week and everything is now ready to go. Things start with a slight bang tonight, then an even bigger bang on Friday until June 26.

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.

City of Toronto wants to throw free Tragically Hip show

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tragically hip free concertCount yourself lucky if you managed to get tickets to one of the Tragically Hip's Toronto shows this summer. Since many were unsuccessful, Toronto Councillor Josh Colle wants to throw a free concert at Downsview Park in North York, reports the Toronto Star.

Colle, who's apparently a huge Tragically Hip fan, already reached out to York Centre MP Michael Levitt (Downsview's a national park) as well as Live Nation and Eggplant Entertainment, according to the Star.

And Toronto's not the only city in the GTA working on a free concert - one in Mississauga might also materialize.

Mississauga Councillor Nando Iannicca brought up the idea at a council meeting yesterday. He wants to hold his city's free Hip show at Celebration Square, which has capacity for 30,000 people.

Downsview, on the other hand, can host hundreds of thousands of concert goers.

Both of these proposed shows would let local fans honour Gord Downie and the Hip's contribution to Canadian music.

Photo by Brian Morton

Condo of the week: 263 Mutual Street

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263 Mutual Street263 Mutual Street is a three-level townhouse offered at $1,149,000. The multi-residential complex near Carlton and Jarvis Street was a redevelopment of the old Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) headquarters, a project by Toronto's architectsAlliance helping to revitalize the overlooked east-side neighbourhood.

263 Mutual StreetAt 2,200 square feet, the unit feels quite spacious, designed around a floating staircase and industrial-chic concrete walls. There are two bedrooms, three bathrooms, an open concept den, and additional closets and custom built-ins.

263 Mutual StreetThere's also plenty of green space which you won't get in a traditional condo. The main level has a private fenced-in back patio, and the third floor balcony can be accessed through the master bedroom. Also included is underground parking and a small basement.

263 Mutual StreetSPECS

263 Mutual StreetNOTABLE FEATURES

  • Three storeys
  • Skylight
  • Floating glass staircase
  • Concrete walls
  • Balcony
  • Back patio

263 Mutual StreetGOOD FOR

Leg room. This three level townhouse is huge with oversized bedrooms, large closets and plenty of secret sunbathing spots. In today's condo market, $1.1 million barely buys you two bedroom, closer to Yonge Street.

263 Mutual StreetMOVE ON IF

You don't love the neighbourhood? The area around Carlton and Jarvis still has a dubious reputation, even with redevelopment like these townhomes and the sprawling Maple Leaf Gardens Loblaws down the block.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
263 Mutual Street263 Mutual Street263 Mutual Street263 Mutual Street263 Mutual Street263 Mutual Street263 Mutual Street263 Mutual Street263 Mutual StreetWould you buy this pad? 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.

Toronto Restaurant Openings: The Edmund Burke, The Greater Good, Aish Tanoor, Pho Vistro, Fugo Desserts

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Fugo desserts torontoToronto Restaurant Openings highlights the latest restaurant openings and closings in Toronto and also gives a preview of what's coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.

OPEN NOW

  • The Edmund Burke at 107 Danforth Ave. is now open. It serves pub food and pints in the evening and a hearty brunch menu on the weekend.
  • The Greater Good, from the same folks behind Get Well, is now open at 229 Geary Ave., where Kitch used to be.
  • Aish Tanoor, a kosher Israeli restaurant, is now open at 994 Eglinton Ave. W. It serves up shawarma, skewers, salads and more.
  • Indian restaurant Feast Of Dilli recently opened at 378 Brown's Line.

RECENTLY REVIEWED

OPENING SOON

  • Pho Vistro is in the works at 259 Queen St. E.
  • Fugo Desserts is coming to 205 Dundas St. W. Look forward to frozen treats like the Crispy Comb, a fresh honeycomb ice cream dessert from southeast Asia.
  • Bubble tea chain ShareTea now boasts a location at 635 Bloor St. W. in Koreatown.
  • La Sala is taking over the Brussels Bistro space at 1975A Queen St. E. in The Beach(es).

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

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