If you head up the grand staircase to the second floor of the Hearn Generation Station, you'll find Le Pavillon, a fancy French restaurant inside the old power plant's control room.

It features a few tables scattered between various pieces of antiquated equipment as well as comforting accents, such as lamps, plants and peonies.

The approach kind of works in opposition to the venue, Fred Morin tells me. He's the co-owner of Joe Beef in Montreal and worked with Honest Weight's John Bil to bring the control room back to life.

They didn't move anything around, but rather they worked around the machinery to create a restaurant that honours the original Le Pavillon from the 1939 World's Fair in New York.

At this iteration, the various knobs, dials and spare pieces of graph paper still pepper the sci-fi-esque space. It's hard to believe how well it's come together, and what future possibilities the space promises.

Instead of matching the venue with some sort of industrial-style food, he and Bil went the opposite route. They're serving a seafood-heavy, classic French menu."It tastes like the food I had in cooking school, it tastes like the food I had in France," says Morin.

Tickets ($100) to Le Pavillon sold out quickly, but there's still space at the bar for walk-ups - just expect to wait in line if you decide to drop by. And this bar area might just be the most exciting place to sit. It's right in the centre of the room and Morin describes it as theatrical - which clearly fits into the Luminato Festival.

The menu available here is different than the set menu reserved for ticket holders. On Saturday night you could get a raw seafood plate for two featuring freshly shucked oysters, litteneck clams, mussels, scallops and shrimp.

There was also an elaborate caviar service (topping out at $120 per ounce), a medley of raw vegetables and shrimp served with a house-made aioli, spears of white asparagus, ham and duck dishes and lobster salad served in the shell.

Meanwhile, dessert included a cheese plate, chocolate mouse and fresh orange slices, all of which topped off this indulgent French dining experience.

Morin and Bil have also recruited some famous friends from the local restaurant industry to help staff the restaurant pro-bono. Restaurateur and Black Hoof owner Jen Agg served as the host on Saturday night, working the lineup of walk-ins clamouring for a seat at the bar. Daniel Boulud might make an appearance later this week.

As the multi-faceted Luminato Festival marks its tenth anniversary, it's bringing most of its programming to the Hearn. And it's fitting the festival's spotlighting food in a massive way this year, especially since many consider it one of our city's most celebrated art forms right now.

But this temporary restaurant is going above and beyond your typical buzz-worthy pop-up to serve an involved menu. "It's a very abundant and opulent meal," says Morin.

Don't expect Le Pavillon to stick around though - it'll disappear once Luminato wraps up on June 26 and the control room will sit empty once more.

Photos by Hector Vasquez.

Bestival took over Toronto's Woodbine Park this past weekend, transforming it into a circus filled with music, wild costumes and special effects. And unlike last year's event on the Island, it wasn't a mission to get to the venue. Instead, I hopped on the TTC to spend a weekend frolicking in the Beaches.

With the ubiquitous I heart Bestival sign looming in the background, crowds of people descended upon the usually peaceful neighbourhood and embraced the festival's 2016 theme: summer of love.

With a make-shift commune, an inflatable plastic church and a costume parade (and plenty of booze at the plethora of bars), it was easy to get groovy.

But while the fest stayed on theme visually, music-wise, it was nothing like the 1960s. The EDM-heavy lineup attracted a big crowd on Saturday and despite the sweltering heat, the park was packed, especially around the Big Top tent for producers such as Thugli, Madeon and Porter Robinson.

As I sat on the hill watching Odesza, I noticed a plume of smoke waft up through the trees. I had a momentary freak out until I realized it was just the Bollywood Stage heating up with its crazy pyrotechnics.

Back on the main stage, Tame Impala closed out day one, playing their psychedelic rock as the sun set behind them.

Day two dawned much cooler than the first. Perhaps that's why the festival seemed noticeably emptier. There were fewer lineups at all of the bars and getting in through the general admissions area was a cinch. Yet, the festival spirit remained intact. As I walked around, I stopped to watch the vegetable olympics and followed a roving bunch of unicorns.

On the main stage, Daughter kept things mellow, but the crowd went nuts when they brought out their 2013 hit "Youth." Grimes was up next and it was impossible to stand still (even little kids were going nuts) as she and her crew dancers put on an energetic performance. Finally, The Cure wrapped up the festival with a two-and-a-half-hour set.

Bestival surprised me. I wasn't too enthusiastic about the lineup (with a few exceptions) going in, but the whole weekend-long extravaganza was just a lot of fun - and a lot less douchey than anticipated. Along with the music, there was a good selection of food, plenty of activities and lots of green space and shade where I could just plunk down and enjoy the atmosphere.

Hopefully Bestival stays on the mainland next year; I'd say the trip on the crowded 501 was worth it.

Photos by Jesse Milns.

Of all the music festivals in Toronto, none matches Bestival for the sheer spectacle of it all, and that certainly includes the outfits and costumes that people wear. From the cute to the bizarre, Bestival is all over the place when it comes to style, and that's what makes it so fun.

Name: Kevin
Occupation: Event Coordinator
Style: Deer team 6

Name: Sara
Occupation: Filtration Operator
Style: Boho animal chic

Name: Dave
Occupation: Kegger Extraordinaire
Style: Bowie-esque

Name: Mitchell
Occupation: Nurse
Style: Weird

Name: Boris
Occupation: CEO of a vape company
Style: Happy like a mother f*cker

Name: AJ
Occupation: Paralegal
Style: Soft shell

Name: Micah
Occupation: Visual Merchandiser
Style: R&Bestival

Name: Miranda
Occupation: Performance Artist
Style: Festival boho

Name: Ryan
Occupation: Performance Artist
Style: Hippie love child

Name: Nicole
Occupation: Business Student
Style: Boho gypsy

Name: Alison
Occupation: Student
Style: Angelic glittery

Name: Anthony
Occupation: Plant Manager
Style: The Devil

Name: Camille
Occupation: Founder of Top Collective
Style: '70s Italian hippie

Name: Nina
Occupation: Evolutionary Biologist
Style: Warrior huntress

Name: Cory
Occupation: Stagehand
Style: Festival casual

Name: Grant
Occupation: Urban Planner
Style: Festival-bowie

Name: Ramin
Occupation: Accountant
Style: Hippie

Name: Jon
Occupation: Artist
Style: Adult Caillou

Name: Axl
Occupation: Sales Advisor
Style: Vintage festival

Name: Rhett
Occupation: Photographer
Style: Circus-y with a hat

Who had the best look? Let us know in the comments.

Photos by Jesse Milns.

Toronto Taste returned to Corus Quay yesterday and the Second Harvest fundraiser was, as always, a feast for the eyes, ears and tastebuds. Now in its 26th year, the all-you-can-eat event brought together a who's who of Toronto's top chefs, bakers and drink purveyors.

Check out 33 highlights from Toronto Taste in this photo gallery.

The best coffee roasters in Toronto know how to keep caffeine fiends happy, with knowledgeably and responsibly sourced beans that are expertly roasted locally. These aromatic goods can be found in better indie coffee shops around town touting hometown pride, although most of these roasters also have cafes of their own, where everything is prepared exactly the way they intended it to be - perfect.

Here are the best coffee roasters in Toronto.

Cut Coffee
Sam James, a.k.a. Toronto's coffee king, is the man behind these lovingly roasted beans used in all his eponymous shops around town. Bags of these seasonal single-origin beans and espresso blends (decaf, too) can be purchased at each outpost, and trust me, once you've tried the stuff, you'll want a bag (or 10).

Pilot Coffee
A beloved coffee brand and bean-provider-of-choice at many an indie cafe around the city (it's well known for its Big Bro espresso blend), Pilot offers two-bags-per-month subscriptions for true addicts. It also has its own coffee shops: Te Aro in Leslieville, Crafted on Ossington, a kiosk at Union Station and a state-of-the-art tasting bar at its roastery in the east end.

Propeller Coffee
This roaster, affiliated with the Crema cafes, is relatively newer to the coffee bean scene and was named 2016 Micro-Roaster of the Year by Roast Magazine. The roastery, housed in a former metal factory, is located in the Junction Triangle and doubles as a cafe and event space.

Hale Coffee
Another roaster that's now found in the Junction Triangle, Hale's wares can be consumed at the pour-over-centric Clockwork in the Financial District, Crosstown at Yonge & Eg, Cafe Moi in Yorkville or in your own home through its online shop, where beans are roasted per order.

De Mello Palheta
In addition to its eponymous cafe near Yonge & Eg, these select beans (roasted at the back of the shop) are used to make coffee at some of the finer java establishments in the 6ix, including Neo Coffee Bar, Sorry Coffee Co. and Tokyo Smoke. A couple of Melbourne-trained brothers are the masterminds behind this brand named after a Portuguese coffee purveyor.

Social Coffee
With espresso names like People's Liberation and Farmer's Collective, it's not surprising that Richmond Hill-based roaster Social Coffee & Tea Co. is serious about its socially conscious coffee. It's also serious about meticulously roasting and cupping its beans to ensure the highest quality, of which you can judge for yourself atthevariouscafesitsupplies.

Classic Gourmet/Rufino Espresso
If you visit enough coffee establishments around this city, there is a 100% chance you will encounter John Rufino's Classic Gourmet Rufino Espresso, as it's the go-to bean for many here (thesearejustafewdropsinthebucket). It's been around since 1974, and it's known for its environmentally friendlier custom roasting technology.

Dark City Coffee
Scarborough-based Dark City is one of the GTA's top roasters. Founder and owner David Thompson (who was also involved in the founding of The Coffee Tree) started it up back in 1987, and it's got its customer service plan perfected: weekday phone orders of freshly roasted bags are delivered to your door the next day. Spots like Cherry Bomb, Extra Butter and D-Beatstro also use its beans.

Pig Iron
Founded by Joe Angellotti, who also co-owns the Lit Espresso Bars with his sister Nicole, this roastery in Mississauga is named after the vintage Probat roaster that was shipped over from Barcelona by way of Oklahoma. Pig Iron offers a no-frills selection of beans that include a couple of single origins, its Steel Wheel espresso blend and Decaf Wolf.

Reunion Island
This long-time Toronto roaster recently went through a refreshing rebrand and opened up its own flagship cafe on Roncesvalles. With over two decades of roasting experience, this Oakville-based roaster is passionate about its offerings, with a focus on sustainability.

Photo of Pilot Coffee Roasters by Jesse Milns.

Today in Toronto a very special film festival takes over The Theatre Centre on Queen West. The Female Eye Film Festival runs from June 14 - 19 and features a slew of fantastic content. Also, full disclosure, I've listed the MSTRKRFT show at the Horseshoe tonight, but be warned it's very sold out. I'd check the internet or get there super early if you want to try and get in.

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

• Female Eye Film Festival (The Theatre Centre)
• Human Rights Panel: Trans rights for a new generation (The 519)
• MSTRKRFT (The Horseshoe)
• Summer Soire with Alec Baldwin (TIFF Bell Lightbox)
• Luminato presents Monumental (Hearn Generation Station)
• Movie for a cause: Ethiopia Drought Relief (No One Writes to the Colonel)

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

Photo of Monumental at Luminato by Yannick Grandmont.

Toronto's newest bubble tea shop is also the first Canadian outpost of a Taiwanese bubble tea chain. Go here to find a lodge-like interior and top notch drinks built around scratch-made tapioca.

Read more in my profile of The Alley in the cafes section.

This week on DineSafe there are no closures to report, though city health inspectors handed out conditional passes to a lot of big names. Cold press juice bar the Village Juicery makes the list for insufficient hand-washing sinks.

See which other eateries are sporting yellow DineSafe cards in their windows this week.

Burger Shoppe Quality Meats (210 Ossington Avenue)
Inspected on: June 6, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 2, Significant: 2)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Village Juicery (2409 Yonge Street)
Inspected on: June 6, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 2 (Significant: 2)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Come & Get It (676 Queen Street West)
Inspected on: June 7, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Maintain hazardous foods at internal temperature between 4 C and 60 C.

Barn Restaurant (598 Queen Street West)
Inspected on: June 8, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 2, Significant: 1, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4C (40F) or colder.

Crown Princess (1033 Bay Street)
Inspected on: June 8, 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.

Cardinal Rule (5 Roncesvalles Avenue)
Inspected on: June 9, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 1, Significant: 4)
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.

Kanye West fans rejoice! Yeezus is finally making his triumphant return to Toronto after his controversial Pan Am Games closing ceremony performance.

After much speculation Kanye has finally released the tour dates behind his album The Life of Pablo. The Saint Pablo Tour kicks off August 25 and Yeezy will be stopping in Toronto on August 30 at the ACC.

Tickets go on sale to public on June 18 at 10 a.m. on dreaded Ticketmaster. Get ready to fight off those bots to try to get some.

Photo by Shaheen Karolia in the blogTO Flickr pool.

35 Misty Crescent is a bit of Feng Shui eye candy near the Bridle Path. Built in 2007 on a huge lot, the modern home was outfitted with eco-friendly materials, large windows and expansive rooms. There are three bedrooms (plus two additional rooms), six bathrooms and ample parking for yourself and guests.

At 5,200 square feet, the house is sprawling and filled with natural sunlight. The indoor and outdoor spaces blend seamlessly as one. The living room, which is located on the same elevation as the back deck, allows for one giant room, and there's even a cabana for additional privacy and sunbathing.

The second level is similarly gorgeous, boasting high ceilings and more natural light. The bedrooms offer built-in closets for the fashionista and multiple reading nooks overlook a courtyard. Other notables include an exercise and media room and Drake as your neighbour.

So what's the asking? This property is listed for $5,200,000.

SPECS

• Address: 35 Misty Crescent
• Price: $5,200,000
• Lot Size: 90 x 179 FT
• Bedrooms: 3+2
• Bathrooms: 6
• Parking: 5
• Taxes: $18,661
• Walk Score: 46
• Listing agent: Janine Sheeres, Harvey Kalles
• Listing ID: C3511734

NOTABLE FEATURES

• Approx. 5,200 square feet
• Skylights
• Wine cellar
• Exercise room
• Second floor terrace
• Landscaped yard with oversized sliding glass door
• Cabana
• Home automation system

GOOD FOR

Those who love to cook will enjoy the gadgets and amenities of this modern eat-in kitchen. Features like double sinks, twin ovens, custom cabinetry, and a built-in expresso machine makes for a very usable and inviting area.

MOVE ON IF

This home would be perfect in California or another hot climate that savours the sunshine longer than Toronto. Sadly, that fabulous retractable wall will likely remain closed all winter long.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
If you had the dough, would buy this home? 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.

There's a new outdoor option for lunch this summer. The Toronto Market Company has launched a weekday food court-like market at 150 York Street. It's on now until August 5. The outdoor enclave is licensed too, so along with vendors slinging sushi burritos and lobster rolls, you can grab a beer to wash it all down.

Here's what to eat at the Front Street Foods Market at Adelaide Place.

Toronto's condo boom has transformed King West into a thriving neighbourhood filled with people. That's why the city thinks the concrete-filled area needs more green space. And as CBC News reports, city staff are looking to create a new park somewhere between the borders of Bathurst, University, Front and Queen.

According to CBC, staff from the parks, forestry and recreation department along with the planning and real estate department are trying to secure an undisclosed piece of land for the project. Although they haven't approached the owner about selling just yet.

As Councillor Joe Cressy tells CBC, it appears that the park will be funded via Section 37 of the province's Planning Act. Basically, condo developers can do things such as build taller towers if they set aside cash to pay for entities such as public parks or artwork.

Photo by Marcanadian in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Outdoor art fairs in Toronto this summer are open-air venues that showcase painters, photographers, jewellers and other local artists. From Bloorcourt to Bellwoods, Nathan Phillips Square to Cabbagetown, art fairs and crawls peacefully take over parks and neighbourhoods with plenty of original work to help you decorate your home.

Here's a rundown of outdoor art fairs in Toronto this summer.

No. 9 photography exhibit and fundraiser (every Saturday and Sunday in June)
The No. 9 Art Sale and Fundraiser happens every weekend in June at the Evergreen Brick Works from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Browse the grounds and check out photography from five documentary photographers. Check the official site for more information on the sale and the No. 9 project.

Kensington Market Art Fair (Every last sunday from June 26- October 30)
The curated art fair happens alongside every Pedestrian Sunday until October from 12-7 p.m. Wade your way through the crowds to 77 Nassau Street and check out dozens professional and student art works.

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition (July 8-10)
This outdoor art fair is sort of the beast of all outdoor art fairs in TO. From July 8 to 10 Nathan Phillips Square is invaded by booths and packed with all kinds of artwork from some of the city's best. This fair has been going since 1961, and was the first-ever outdoor event held at the Square and now boasts over 350 artists' works.

Entertainment District Art Crawl (July 18)
Art in the Entertainment District? This art crawl might be confusing at first, but know this: it happens for one day only from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. at David Pecaut Square. Admission is free and there are over 60 artists showing their stuff, plus food trucks and DJs all day.

Bloorcourt Arts and Crafts Fair (August 27)
Local residents and small businesses all pitch in to create this street side, community art fair. From 12-10 p.m. at Bloor St. W. from Dufferin St. to Montrose Ave. there's a ton of local crafts, clothing, jewelry and artwork.

Distillery Fall Fine Arts and Craft Show (September 2-5)
Admission is free to this arts and crafts show on the cobblestone lanes of the Distillery District. From 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Labour Day Weekend, check out a dizzying amount of artisan works from across Ontario. You can bet there will also be loads of food and drink options.

Cabbagetown Arts & Crafts (September 10-11)
This arts and crafts show features works from 180 Ontario and Quebec artists and happens at the same time as Cabbagetown Festival and Riverdale Farm Fall Festival. It's like a festival of festivals! The art sale all goes down at 375 Sumach Street between Winchester and Carlton.

Danforth East Arts Fair (September 17-18)
Just off the hot streets in the lovely East Lynn Park (south side of the Danforth between Coxwell and Woodbine) is the Danforth East Arts Fair. Dozens of artists and hundreds of neighbours stroll their way into the outdoor local art mecca. The artist and entertainment list has yet to be released for 2016, but check back on their official site for announcements.

Queen West Art Crawl (Oct 1-2)
This is technically a fall fair but is hands down my favourite in the city. When the weather cooperates (y'all know how those puddles can get in Bellwoods), it's just the most laid back and unique art crawl we've got. The food vendors are always delicious and the art just seems to be a bit edgier. Grab a coffee from the new Sam James location or White Squirrel and walk it out.

Did I miss an outdoor art fair in your community? Let us know in the comments.

Photo of the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition by Chung Ho Leung from the blogTO Flickr pool.

The chef behind Rose & Sons, Fat Pasha and Bar Begonia has opened a new fried chicken joint next to one of Toronto's best picnic destinations.

Read my profile of Big Crow but Little in the restaurants section.

While Kensington Market is home to some great cheap eats, it's also a great place to satisfy your sweet tooth. From vegan treats to epic ice cream sandwiches, these shops have desserts down to a science.

Here are my picks for the top summertime treats in Kensington Market.

Paletas at Wrestlers
This Mexican cafe offers a rotating menu of paletas that can also be dipped in chocolate and coated in toppings like coconut flakes, peanuts, granola or Rice Krispies.

Filipino sundaes at Tito Ron's
This is a sundae like you've never had before. First jackfruit and ube ice cream get scooped into a cup. Then it's served with deep fried spring rolls stuffed with plantain and ube, drizzled in a condensed milk mango sauce, sprinkled with crunched up plantain chips and then finally topped off with ube cookies. Yum!

Churro cones at Pancho's Bakery
If you've never had a Pancho's Bakery churro, you're seriously missing out. Now the shop is taking them to the next level by shaping them into cones and filling them with ice cream. Warning - expect to wait in line to get your hands on one.

Crepes at Millie Creperie
Japanese crepes are a menu staple at this Toronto creperie. These differ from classic French crepes in the sense that they are a little sweeter and a little crispier. Crepes here are stuffed with everything from green tea ice cream to Nutella and bananas.

Dole Whip floats at Seven Lives Paleteria
This is a nod to the famous Disneyland dessert. Creamy dairy-free pineapple-flavoured Dole Whip soft serve gets topped with pineapple juice, a maraschino cherry and a cocktail umbrella.

Ice cream sandwiches at The Dirty Bird
While chicken and waffles may be the star at this local eatery, don't pass up the chance to taste one of their waffle ice cream sandwiches. Their PB&G sandwich is slathered with peanut butter then loaded with a scoop of Ed's Real Scoop sweet cream ice cream and doused with grape jelly.

Frozen yogurt at Grk Ygrt
Have a hankering for froyo? This is your one stop shop. Choose from eight different combos or select some of the 10 different toppings to make your own mix.

Sundaes at Cosmic Treats
Ever had a vegan sundae before? Now you can thanks to Cosmic Treats. This vegan eatery serves up a cookies and cream sundae that consists of a cashew-based ice-cream, chocolate sauce, cookie crumbles and a cherry on top.

Ice cream bars at Sweet Olenka's
One of three Sweet Olenka locations in the city, this Kensington Market ice cream parlour and sweets shop is where to go for a wide selection of ice cream bars. Good luck figuring out what to order first.

Gelato at Dolce Gelato
This popular gelateria is here to cool you down as you're walking around the market. The shop boasts over 60 gelato flavours including tiramisu, mango, mint and chocolate pomegranate to name a few.

What did I miss? Share your favourite Kensington Market dessert in the comments.

Photos by Jesse Milns, Hector Vasquez and Miranda Whist.

Toronto doesn't have as much kitsch as it once did, but those looking for a dose of sentimentality rooted in tacky design can still seek it out at a few places across the city. A notoriously difficult word to define, kitsch can be identified based on a certain nostalgic feeling it inspires. Kitschy things are fun and easy in the same way that we imagine our childhoods were.

Here's were to seek out kitsch in Toronto.

ARCHITECTURE

Honest Ed's is Toronto's palace of kitsch, from the blazing 23,000 light bulbs that illuminate its exterior sign to the bins of "fancy panties" and Elvis busts. Soak it up while you can, as the store is closing for good at the end of the year.

The loss of the Sam the Record Man sign was a hit for kitsch lovers in Toronto, but there's still a few examples of garish neon to gawk at in this city. The strip clubs still take the cake in this regard, with Filmores and Zanzibar at the top of the list, though I'd be remiss not to mention places like the El Mocambo and The Goof.

As far as smaller buildings go, the ultimate destination has to be the so-called doll house on Bertmount St. in Leslieville. This is kitsch in a nutshell. It's outlandish and tacky, but also fun - and you always wonder if the home owner realizes how gaudy it is.

Other places worth driving by include the House of Parashos on Shaw St., the elephant house on Yarmouth Rd., and the wood cake house on Clinton St.

The motel strip on Kingston Rd. is more sad than it is outlandish these days, but the Hav A Nap and Avon still hint at the quirky mid century design principles that once made these places shimmering roadside beacons that promised rest and relaxation.

RESTAURANTS

If you really want to soak up some kitsch in Toronto, having dinner at a few restaurants scattered around the city is one of your best bets. Barberian's Steakhouse has one of the kitschiest rooms in Toronto, seemingly unchanged since it opened in 1959. From the cheesy oil paintings to the tacky wallpaper, it's heaven if you're into this sort of thing.

If forced to choose, however, I would have to pick The Steak Pit as the pinnacle of kitschy dining in Toronto. At Barberian's you can tell that they're playing it up, which gives the place a bit of a touristy vibe, but the neon-adorned Steak Pit is a true throwback, right down to the homemade Catalina salad dressing, old cigarette machine, table lamps, and patterned carpet.

If you like your kitsch with a European flare, then Joso's is your spot. The seafood spot draws a deep-pocketed crowd, but the interior sports a boob-theme and is covered in busts, paintings, and folk art that you'd expect to find at an eccentric person's home (or on the cover of a Drake album).

Some will argue that old school diners are havens for kitsch, though I tend to think most of Toronto's spots like The Senator are too subdued for the designation. Full of retro charm, but not always kitschy. A notable exception would be The Amazing Ted's Diner in Scarborough. The shrine to bacon behind the cash register is marvellously tacky, as are the vintage signs throughout the space.

BARS

Toronto has plenty of bars that you might characterize as pseudo-kitschy, including the Drake Hotel, which reproduces a mid-century Canadiana that recalls Douglas Coupland's art work. For my money, I prefer places that seem more genuinely thrown together with kitschy objects found at thrift stores.

Swan Dive fits the bill in this regard with its board games, B-films, and vintage popcorn machine. Nearby Black Dice also has a nice kitschy vibe with its rockabilly theme and retro jukebox. Ditto for the Communist's Daughter.

Leslieville's Bill Hicks Bar is a kitsch paradise with its vinyl-covered walls, Xmas lights, and hodgepodge furniture. And what would a list of kitschy bars be without mention of the Boat in Kensington Market?

Last but not least, the rise of the tiki bar in Toronto has injected a dose of much needed kitsch into the city's nightlife. Shameful Tiki Room and The Shore Leave are two of the best in the kitsch department.

SHOPPING

If you're looking to create your own kitsch palace, you could do worse than starting at Toronto's ample selection of thrift stores or the city's many flea markets, but there are also places that have done the hard work for you.

BYOB and Cocktail Emporium are both excellent places for kitschy bar accessories and stemware, while the Toronto Designers Market has a decent selection of kitschy pieces mixed in with more tasteful offerings.

The Monkey's Paw is without a doubt the best place in Toronto to find quirky and obscure book titles, and the Bibliomat book dispenser is kitsch in a nutshell.

Did I miss any kitschy treasures? Add your suggestions in the comments.

Photos by Marvin Espk, Arron Barberian, Jesse Milns, and Hector Vasquez.

The top summer running events in Toronto offer a perfect midpoint between spring and fall's intense training schedule - summer season races typically tap out at around 10K - but for those who can take the heat, dial up the distance and don't forget the SPF!

Here's my list of the top running events in Toronto this summer.

Toronto Waterfront 10K - Saturday, June 25th
This run, formerly known as the Yonge Street 10K, kicks off at University and Queen before meandering down to a CNE finish. The course is mostly flat or downhill, so breaking records will be a real possibility.

Pride and Remembrance Run - Saturday, July 2nd
This rainbow-filled race is one of the best fun-runs of the season, heading through the Village before heading to Queen's Park for a lap before finishing back at Church and Wellesley.

Battlefrog Toronto - Saturday, July 2nd
This American OCR-style run is the first race to take place outside on the U.S. Designed by Navy SEALS, the route is 8K up to infinity, with 'xtreme' runners tasked with running until they can't.

Toronto Carnival Run - Saturday, July 23rd
The inaugural 5K Carnival Run takes place a week before the big party, with runners taking over the Martin Goodman Trail in support of the Simunye Foundation.

TO Women's Run- Race Two - Saturday, August 27th
The second installment of three races, this event boasts 5K and 10K routes that weave through shady Sunnybrook Park. Toronto's finest firefighters will man the water stations and keep runners well-hydrated.

B&O Yorkville Run - Sunday, September 11th
Fancy pants runners will unite to hijack the streets of Yorkville for a fast, furious and flat 5K with flashy prizes and white gloved waiters at the finish.

Toronto Island Run - Sunday, September 11th
Toronto's Longboat Roadrunners take over the Island for this 10 and 5K race, with free photos, medals, shirts and ferry tickets for all participants. Funds raised go to local children's charities.

Toronto 10 Miler - Saturday, September 17th
Cherry Beach is the scenic start to this 10 mile, 5K and half marathon race, with the waterfront keeping you company as you navigate the Leslie Street Spit.

Terry Fox Run - Sunday, September 18th
Held annually throughout the city (and the world) this do-gooder family-friendly run has no flashy medals or prizes; the real reward is giving back to this cancer-fighting charity.

Oasis Zoo Run - Saturday September 24th
This popular run sells out every year, packing humans into the zoo for a 5K or 10K route, with runners and their cheer squads hanging out for the day post-race.

Writing by Libby Roach

Photo via the Toronto Pride and Remembrance Run's Facebook page.

Today in Toronto Macklemore rolls through town. If that's not your style, there's also a couple remounts that you should take note of. The Panacea comedy troupe is relaunching their sketch comedy show, F# It!, which was successful in its first iteration. There's also a remounting of Cinderalla as Cind-ah-rella, with the classic tale taking place in modern day Africa.

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

• Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (Echo Beach)
• Monumental Pre-show Talk (Side room at The Hearn)
• Showtunes Karaoke (The Second City)
• Get School'd: How To Become Insta-Famous (The Gladstone)
• CIND-AH-RELLA! (Robert Gill Theatre)
• But I'm a Cheerleader screening (Carlton Cinema)
• Panacea remounts: F#ck It! (Bad Dog Theatre Company)
• Free Talk introducing new AGO director Stephan Jost (AGO)

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

Photo of Echo Beach by Steve Lawler from the blogTO Flickr pool.

The top art shows in Toronto this summer are like a great, big, choose your own adventure book, showing off artists' works, neighbourhoods and city spaces in ways you haven't thought about them before. Or maybe you have, in which case, you're way ahead of the curve, bravo.

Here are my picks for the top art shows in Toronto this summer.

Tape condition: Degraded (June 16 - September 18, CLGA)
VHS, queer porn and digital histories are explored in this immersive exhibit at the Canadian Lesbian & Gay Archives. Hidden behind a false wall that references the archive's attempts to protect the porn collection from police raids in the 1980s, there will be a working Digital Transfer station. There are also talks, events and parties all summer around the show.

Party Room III (June 16 - 30, Milk Glass Co.)
The always colourful, adorable and alien Milk Glass Co. on Dundas West celebrates surviving four years with a group show. Painters, photographers, and installation artists will fill the space, keeping a positive party vibe all month.

Love Letter to the Great Lakes (June 20 - 25, various locations)
17 murals will be painted on donated wall spaces at Ossington, Queen/Spadina and the Lower Don. Work from the artists will be on display on the same dates at Rally Ossington. There are tons of other events centred around the Love Letter project worth checking out.

The Super Trash Show (June 24 - 26, Super Wonder Gallery)
This short-run show (so hurry out and see it while you can!) is inspired by "low-brow trash culture." In the spirit of my favourite filthy human being John Waters, works take cues from bike gangs, bingo loving people, tattoo culture and bad pop culture. There will be a life-size trailer park built in the middle of the gallery.

Nuit Rose (June 25, various locations)
A one-night-only queer art extravaganza with a theme called Night Shift featuring a light parade, a Bruce LaBruce party, photography exhibits and more. Events go down along West Queen West and the Village, with the hours described as 7 p.m. - late. Check out their official website for more details.

Frans Erhard Walther: Call to Action (June 25 - September 5, Power Plant)
The first Canadian solo exhibit from the German artist is a collection of his works dating back to the 1950's that examine the relationship between "space, object and the human body." There will be many large objects in large rooms, leaving large spaces for you to think about everything.

The Idea of North: Paintings Lauren Harris, curated by Steve Martin (July 1 - September 18, AGO)
Lawren Harris was one of the founding members of The Group of Seven. This show was curated (a collection of her best landscape work from the 1920's to the 1930's) by comedian, actor, musician and author Steve Martin (who is a mega-fan and art collector).

Angell Gallery group show (July 9 - August 20, Angell Gallery)
This is the gallery's summer group exhibition, which is a kind of celebration of their classic, current and new artists' works. It's a great way to see what Angell is all about and check out some fresh, and exciting works. Check out their list of artists to get a preview.

Art Blast (July 16 - 31, various locations)
Taking place over three weekends in July, Art Blast is a free, self-guided city-wide open studio tour. Visit artist studios and more traditional galleries and discover art worlds you had no idea even existed. The best way to navigate this one is to head to the website, or the opening night bash at the ArtScape Whychwood Barns to get a preview and meet many of the artists.

Making Connections (July 15 - September 3, Urban Space Gallery)
Curated by Toronto's Park People collective, this exhibit runs until September 3 and shows off proposed strategies for creating a networks of parks and shared spaces that connect our streets, laneways, schoolyards and more.

Did I miss an important show? Make it number 11, 12 or 13 and post your thoughts in the comments!

Photo of the Franx Erhard Walther exhibit from the Power Plant Facebook page.

It may be well known for its gelato but this Toronto ice cream parlour has just rolled out some of the most delicious soft serve in town - just don't expect a vanilla-chocolate swirl. Instead, go here for flavours like jasmine tea, almond tofu, tangy yogurt and passion fruit.

Read my profile of Kekou Gelato in the restaurants section.