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New Toronto app lets you order doctors to your home

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hippo appOn-demand services are a dime a dozen in Toronto. From bigwigs like Uber and Foodora to local startups, such as Rover and Eden, there are plenty of smartphone-based apps that help make daily life in the city a little more manageable.

The newest entrant, however, is looking to the past for inspiration. "HippoMD is all about bringing the traditional doctor's house call to the 21st century," says app co-founder Adrienne Ng. HippoMD, which launched in beta two weeks ago, is currently available in the App Store for iOS users. It's not out fro Android just yet.

"It's on-demand doctors," explains Ng. "You select your location and then you request a doctor. And then you get periodic updates about when the doctor's going to arrive based on who's ahead of you in the queue."

Since house calls are covered by OHIP, the app is free to use if you have a health card. HippoMD's still working on its business model, but it's considering running itself like a walk-in clinic.

It employs a small group of family and emergency room doctors right now who'll provide feedback throughout the beta testing period.

The app's icon is particularly striking. Hippo, of course, is a play on the Hippocratic oath, but it also lets the founding team have fun with its branding by using an adorable hippopotamus as its mascot.

Ng started this new venture along with two doctors. "Our goal is really to make healthcare more accessible and convenient for everyone," she says. They also want to help divert non-emergent patients away from our city's already crowded ERs.

Right now, HippoMD's available in midtown from Wilson/York Mills to Dupont between Bathurst and Bayview. Ng tells me they hope to expand their service area in the near future.

Similar apps, such as Heal and Pager, are already on the market in the United States. And here at home, the Toronto-based iamsick.ca also tries to make healthcare more convenient. It tells you which clinics and pharmacies are open on weekends and holidays, lets you book appointments online and offers a virtual waiting room for added convenience.

Right now, HippoMD, lets you request doctors between 4 and 8 p.m. on weekdays and from noon to 4 p.m. on weekends.

Photo via @myhippomd.


What kind of condo does $1.5 million get you in Toronto?

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million dollar condo torontoThe $1.5 million condo in Toronto is less common than you might think. Once you get well over a million bucks, the listings in this city tend to be concentrated in the most attractive neighbourhoods. Up and coming areas awash in new development tend not to feature in this price range. That's partially why some of these units lack a little bit of wow factor. You're paying for location.

Here's what a $1.5 million looks like in Toronto.

$1,549,000 near Dovercourt and Bloor
Certainly one of the most jaw-dropping condos in Toronto, this converted church on Westmoreland near Bloor teems with exposed brick and novel design features. The unit isn't huge, but with two bedrooms and three bathrooms, it's certainly not a closet. Maintenance fees are a reasonable $475 a month.

million dollar condo toronto$1,549,000 in Cabbagetown
$1.5 million is a lot to fork out for a condo, but this particular unit features two distinct apartments and so can be rented out to help pay down the mortgage. Its layout would also work well for empty-nesters who still plan on hosting their kids for overnight visits. There's four bedrooms in total, two of which are located in the finished basement. Maintenance fees are $1506.60 a month.

million dollar condo toronto$1,550,000 at Humber Bay Shores
One of Toronto's oldest condos is still one of its nicest. Palace Pier was built way back in 1977 and paved the way for the redevelopment of Humber Bay Shores. This three bedroom unit shows why it's a luxurious destination with sweeping views of the skyline and Lake Ontario. The maintenance fees are killer, though. You'll be paying $2,898.56 a month to live here.

million dollar condo toronto$1,579,000 near Charles and Church
The nice thing about having a million and a half to throw and a condo is that you can afford units with enough space to have fancy toys like a billiards table. This 1,450 square foot three bedroom penthouse features a number of luxury features from high ceilings to a built-in wine fridge, and the building is well regarded for its design. Maintenance fees are 1,066.44 a month.

million dollar condo toronto$1,599,990 near King and Sherbourne
One of the nice things about this bracket of condos is that many of them eschew the cookie cutter designs that are more common at lower price points. This split-level penthouse boasts 1,860 square feet of indoor space plus an ample terrace. The concrete ceilings won't be to everyone's taste but this one checks off most of the boxes for a contemporary loft. Maintenance fees are $1,012.91.

Would you buy any of these units if you were in the market? Let us know in the comments.

The top 5 paletas in Toronto

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paletas torontoPaletas are just one of the frozen treats melting hearts in Toronto this summer. The Mexican-style ice pops often feature fresh fruit and embrace seasonal ingredients in their prime. Although the flavours can get complex and even a little crazy, especially when they include chili powder or candy coating.

Here are my picks for the top paletas in Toronto.

Wrestlers
The spin-off shop from La Tortilleria is slinging out Mexican ice pops in flavours like cajeta, pina colada, kiwi-lime, coffee, rice pudding, mango and more. Make the icy treat extra indulgent by having dipped in chocolate and rolled through your choice of toppings, like coconut flakes, Rice Krispies or peanuts.

Seven Lives Paleteria
This Mexican ice cream shop is across the street from the popular Kensington Market taqueria. They have the same owner and this dessert spot serves up tropical popsicles in a rainbow of colours and flavours. Expect to find mango tajin, prickly pear, strawberry daiquiri and hibiscus Chamoy.

Loco Paletas
Hitting the streets in tricked out trikes, this peddle-powered fleet of popsicle purveyors might just pop up in a park or at a street festival near you. On board, you'll find at least half a dozen seasonal flavours, such as strawberry lemonade, strawberry passion fruit habanero and ginger beer peach and lime.

Sweet Jesus
This ice cream shop boasts three locations, but they might be best known for their over-the-top soft serve creations. For something a little lighter, opt for a Mexican popsicle in a rotating roster of flavours, like key lime pie, chocolate peanut butter, strawberry rhubarb and London Fog.

El Patio
Is it a cocktail or a paleta? Ice pops take a bath in Cava at El Caballito. Look forward to flavours like Frutos Rojos-Hibiscus featuring berries and hibiscus, as well as Chamoy peach flavoured with peach, lime and tajin.

Photo of Wrestlers by Hector Vasquez.

Toronto's newest dim sum restaurant is a winner

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Kwan TorontoThis dim sum spot isn't trying to be trendy and it's not falling into the Instagram trap. The menu sticks to the basics and aims to revive the classics with fresh, quality ingredients.

Read my profile of the second location of Kwan in the restaurants section.

10 new food truck eats to try right now in Toronto

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Mommas Boy TorontoStreet food is having a moment in Toronto. This season has seen a whole slew of new food trucks hit the scene. From classic Italian lasagna to sushi burritos, this food truck season has brought with it some super delicious eats.

Here are my picks for new truck eats to try this summer in Toronto.

Mac and cheese from Momma's Boy
If you're on the hunt for comfort food as good as your mother's head to this truck. An order of their ooey gooey mac and cheese will hit the spot.

Baro TorontoChoripan from Baro
Che isn't the only truck dishing out choripan. Baro can be seen at some of Toronto's biggest events serving up this Argentinean sandwich.

50 Pesos TorontoTacos from 50 Pesos
After winning Food Truck Face-Off on Food Network, 50 Pesos can been seen all over Ontario dishing out some tasty tacos. Indulge in offerings filled with everything from black beans to chicken.

Sushi Burritos TorontoSushi burritos from SUSHITTO On the Road
Sushi burritos are all the rage this summer and SUSHITTO On the Road were one of the firsts to bring it to the city. Prepare to get stuffed with giant rolls filled with shrimp, crab, chicken and a variety of vegetables.

Fully Loaded TOStuffed chicken wings from Fully Loaded T.O
This Toronto wing truck is stuffing their deep fried chicken wings with mac and cheese, jalapeño popper mix and even Greek-style potatoes.

The Flyin GnoshChaat from The Flyin G'nosh
Toronto's newest food trailer specializes in Indian and Asian street food. Their summer chaat is a must-try when you visit.

I Love Lasagna TorontoClassic lasagna from I Love Lasagna
You can now enjoy an Italian classic dish right from a food truck. I Love Lasagna serves up their classic lasagna filled with veal, beef bolognese, mozzarella and parmigiano.

The Vegan ExtremistCurry tacos from The Vegan Extremist
Vegans, rejoice! You finally have your very own food truck and guess what!? They're slinging tacos filled with delicious curry.

Sweet Joanna TorontoWaffles from Sweet Joanna
There's a new waffle truck in town. Get freshly baked waffles loaded with toppings like Nutella, ice cream, fruits and custards.

FeedThe6Halo halo from Feedthe6
You can now get popular Filipino dessert halo halo from one of Toronto's most eclectic food trucks. It's the perfect summertime treat.

To find out where food trucks will be each day visit Toronto Food Trucks or download the Food Trucks app for iPhone or Android.

What did I miss? Add your favourite new food truck eat in the comments.

Photos by Hector Vasquez and Jesse Milns.

A love letter to the Scarborough Bluffs

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scarborough bluffsToronto has plenty of beautiful places, but nothing compares to the Scarborough Bluffs for the sheer majesty of the landscape. Take a hike across the top of the Bluffs in Cudia Park on a summer morning, and you might just think you were looking down on a tropical paradise on account of the cerulean waters of Lake Ontario.

scarborough bluffsIt tends to get lost in all the fun that we collectively have on the beach, but the Bluffs are a geological marvel that extend nearly 15 kilometres in length. While they seem to look the same today as they do in archival photos, they're actually slowing eroding, leaving sand deposits behind that once formed the peninsula that's now the Toronto Islands.

scarborough bluffsThere's a lesson about the passage of time and our minuscule life spans in that bit of trivia, and there's combination of calm and dread that accompanies this thought while gazing out at the lake from the 90 metre perch provided by the Bluffs. You wouldn't be alone in contemplating your mortality from this spot.

scarborough bluffsPeople have been coming to the Bluffs for hundreds of years. The name, in fact, dates back to Elizabeth Simcoe, who referenced the town in North Yorkshire, England when bestowing a title upon the area all the way back in 1793. The Simcoes considered having a summer house near the Bluffs to enjoy the bold shoreline, and from this the name for the surrounding city was coined.

scarborough bluffsPerhaps the most remarkable thing about the Scarborough Bluffs is the number of times that you can visit and still find new areas to explore. As much as Bluffer's Beach is the centre of all the action, it's parks like Cudia, Cathedral Bluffs, and Scarborough Heights where you can absorb the splendour of it all in relative tranquility.

scarborough bluffsPart of what sustains our fascination with the Bluffs is how strangely mutable they are. I'm not referring to erosion here, but the manner in which the sandy cliffs change character with the seasons. To visit in the winer or late spring, you might imagine that you'd stumbled upon a lunar landscape, while in the summer there's an unmistakable lushness that as beautiful as it is calming.

scarborough bluffsIf ever you tire of Toronto, plan a trip out the Bluffs on weekday morning in the summer. It's hard to explain, but there's a serenity that surrounds this artifact from the ice age. Time seems to slow down here. After a few hours, your faith in the city will be restored and your spirit renewed.

Photos by b.ma.n., dtstuff9, Jagmeet Singh, Isko-Hee, Gillian Barfoot, Gail Edwin Aguiar.

The top 5 free events in Toronto: August 8-14 2016

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Corktown Common TorontoFree events in Toronto this week take you out of this world and around the world, all without the need for tap, cash or coins. Soundscapes, a new free outdoor movie in a new park and a massive celebration of Africa will make you feel like you've been far away without leaving the city.

Here are my top picks for very free things to do this week.

Birth and Death Frequencies (August 8)
You know what there aren't enough of for free during the week? Dance parties. Well this event won't help that problem, but it sounds damn cool. It's a component from John Oswald's site-specific sound installation for the Crystal at the Royal Ontario Museum. Soundscapes to take your mind away on a lazy summer evening.

Movies in the Common (August 11)
BYOB (that's b for blanket) to this screening of Apollo 13 in the Corktown Commons! Yup, it's the newish park in the West Don Lands near the Canary District. Pre-show happenings start at 6 p.m. (that's food, a bootcamp, yoga) and the movie starts at sundown (8:45 p.m.ish).

Habari Africa Arts Festival (August 12-14)
Celebrate global African culture all weekend at the Harbourfront. Performing artist will show off sound of Congolese rumba, makossa, pantsula, afro-pop, South African jazz, traditional and contemporary sounds of West Africa, and so so so many more. There will also be vendors, visual art, and food.

Entertainment District art crawl (August 12)
Smack in the middle of downtown, there's this art crawl at David Pecaut Square. 60 artists, DJs and food trucks will scatter the area while you browse. It's free because you don't have to buy anything, you just have to move your legs around the area to see what's good.

York-Eglinton Street Festival (August 14)
The Caribbean, Italian, Portuguese, and Latin communities of Eglinton West join forces to through a mega-street party. From Marlee Avenue to Dufferin Street, catch dozens of bands belting out their best in so many genres. Grab something cold and stroll for free.

Did I miss an amazing free event this week? Let us all know about in the comments.

Photo of the Corktown Commons by Randy Hoffmann from the blogTO flickr pool.

What Humber Bay Shores looked like before the condos

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humber bay shores historySlowly but surely, Humber Bay Shores is becoming a bonafide neighbourhood. There's an annual street festival, weekly farmers' market, and enough restaurants and retail that a sense of community has been forged where only a few years ago it seemed like the area was all shoreline and condos.

We're accustomed to speaking at length about the massive changes that have transformed downtown neighbourhoods like Liberty Village, West Queen West, Harbourfront, and Yonge Street, but the foot of the Humber is every bit as compelling an example of rapid urban redevelopment.

The area was an early recreational draw for its position on the lake. Crowe's Beach was a popular spot for locals, and the cottages, hotels and restaurants around Humber Bay supported a small but significant tourist trade. This was the entrance to Toronto at the time, but more than just a stopping point.

Notably, the first tourist camps (precursors to the motel) in Toronto arose here. On the other side of the city, Kingston Road's early tourist scene was more closely tied to the rise of the automobile, and so developed later. Humber Bay featured these low cost and amenity camps as early as the 1910s.

The area's history as a motel strip grew out of this, and by the 1950s much of the area between Park Lawn Avenue and the mouth of the river was lined with motor courts that backed right onto the shoreline. Tons of postcards and other ephemera from the following 20 years attest to just how popular and robustly populated the strip was back then.

humber bay shores historyIt's worth remembering that beyond the lake and the view, Humber Bay had a major attraction at the time in the form of the Palace Pier. Originally planned on a grander scale, the pier was nevertheless a destination sport from the time it opened in 1941 to the day that it burned down in January 1963.

The site of the pier didn't cease to be interesting in the years that followed. In 1978 the future of the area was foretold when construction wrapped on the Palace Pier Tower, the area's first condominium, which takes its name from the old entertainment venue. A second tower was added to the complex in 1991, which helped to kickstart further development in the area.

It wasn't until the early 2000s, however, that redevelopment kicked into high gear. In 2004 the Voyager condos started the push from Palace Pier westward, and the motels started to fall like dominoes. By 2012 nothing of the old strip remained save for the old postcards.

In the years that have followed, the condos have continued to come at almost alarming rate. The city doesn't yet know how to provide adequate public transit options to all the new residents of the area, but slowly the new vertical neighbourhood builds an identity as distinct from downtown Toronto but not entirely from its own past.

humber bay shores historyEarly tourist camp at Humber Bay 1914.

humber bay shores historyCrowe's Beach in 1926

humber bay shores historyHumber Tourism Office (1930s-50s).

humber bay shores historyPalace Pier under construction in 1931.

humber bay shores historyNote the "Welcome to Toronto" sign that greet those approaching the Humber River.

humber bay shores historyThe TTC's Humber Loop, where streetcars pass from the Queensway to the Lake Shore. A contemporary view would be lined with condos in the background.

humber bay shores historyThe Dutch Sister Restaurant and Motel, which later became Casa Mendoza.

humber bay shores historyHillcrest Motel postcard. See here for a view of the motel in 2007.

humber bay shores historyLooking east from Park Lawn in 1966. The Esso station is still on the corner.

humber bay shores historyThe Lake Shore motel strip in the early 1980s.

humber bay shores historyDitto.

humber bay shores historyAn areal aerial shot of Humber Bay in the late 1980s.

humber bay shores historyThe Humber Bay Arch Bridge being installed in the early 1990s

humber bay shores historyLake Shore Blvd. looking east in the 1990s.

humber bay shores historyMr. Christies factory in the 1990s.

humber bay shores historyEarly condos appear on Lake Shore Blvd.

humber bay shores historyThe Casa Mendoza begins to be demolished.

humber bay shores historyA similar fate befalls another motel along the strip in and around 2012.

humber bay shores historyThe past and the present of Humber Bay as the Beach Motel gives way to condos.

humber bay shores historyThe Nautilus at Waterview condo towers above the remains of the Beach Motel in January 2012.

humber bay shores historyA view of Humber Bay 2012.

Photos via the Toronto Archives, Chuckman's Nostalgia, and Martin Reis, and George Socka.


The top 21 prepared food in Toronto by neighbourhood

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prepared food torontoPrepared food and meals in Toronto are a blessing whether you're gearing up for a picnic or are just too tired to cook after a long day at work. Leave the prep work to the professionals and stock up on complete meals that require minimal effort.

Here's where to find the best prepared food in Toronto by neighbourhood.

ANNEX
Chabichou is primarily a cheese shop, but in addition to hunks of brie the store stocks a freezer with ready-to-reheat meals, including soups, stews, and mac 'n cheese.

BEACHES
The selection at Meat on the Beach is always in flux, but expect an array of rotisserie-cooked meats, salads and sides as well as entrées that just need to be reheated.

BLOORCOURT
Popbox MicroMrkt is like an upmarket bodega where display cases are filled with fresh baked goods, sandwiches, salads, dips and assorted snacks.

CABBAGETOWN
The Scullery carries an assortment of salads, soups and wholesome entrées that would make even Ottolenghi drool.

THE DANFORTH
The vegetarian deli counter at The Big Carrot is an excellent source for ready-to-eat fare. The organic salads, grains and pastas sold by weight are perfect for nights when you don't want to cook.

veghedDUNDAS WEST
Vegetarian take out counter Veghed will whip you up something fresh in a pinch. It's also stocked with a few pantry staples and ready-to-reheat soup in flavours like smoked squash and wild mushroom that just need to be reheated.

ETOBICOKE
There's so much more than just cheese at the Cheese Boutique. The retail store on Ripley carries a variety of cold salads, side dishes, pizzas and mains.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT
McEwan in the PATH is like a beacon for time-crunched crowds. It has self-serve hot table and an abundance of salads, sushi and sandwiches that make for quick and easy meals.

urban acorn torontoJUNCTION TRIANGLE
Urban Acorn Market has dubbed itself a "flexitarian pantry" and its sells easy meals for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans. Find an ever changing array of seasonal dishes, including bake-at-home croissants, chilled soups and vac-packed entrées that just need to be popped in the oven.

KENSINGTON MARKET
Via Mercanti Food Shop is the retail outlet from the same folks behind the pizzeria across the street. The store has Italian specialties like pizza dough, fresh pastas, sauces, pre-cooked sausages, panini and antipasto.

LESLIEVILLE
Eadrey Foods offers a weekly menu of prepared foods so locals never get board. The wide variety of pre-made options includes selections like pot pies, trays of lasagna, curries, chicken fingers, soups, salads and more.

LIBERTY VILLAGE
Prepared food from Bespoke Butchers follows the seasons. Find the shop stocked with salads and sandwiches in the summer. In the colder months, look forward to pot pies, cabbage rolls and tourtiere.

NORTH YORK
Yummy Market is a massive Eastern European grocer where salads, smoked fish and hot table selections are just a small sampling of the prepared foods in store.

dundas park kitchenRONCESVALLES
Dundas Park Kitchen offers roasted chicken in time for dinner hour on weekdays in addition to various ready-made salads, soups and desserts.

ROSEDALE
A freezer full of lasagna, boeuf bourguignon, and Thai green curry chicken are just some of the time-saving entrées available at All The Best Fine Foods.

SCARBOROUGH
Adonis is a Middle Eastern supermarket that offers an impressive selection of prepared foods. Throw pre-packaged salads and savoury pastries into your cart or order roasted chicken, pizza and kebabs at the hot counter.

ST. CLAIR WEST
Roast offers a rotating lineup of chef-prepared meals in store every day. The selection may vary, but expect to find options like shepherd's pie, meatballs, lasagna, risotto, chicken parmesan, stews and sides ranging from garlic mashed potatoes to green bean salad.

prepared foods torontoUPPER BEACHES
Courage Foods is a neighbourhood gem where you'll find grocery staples along with homestyle crockpot dinners, curries, stews, soups and other hearty comfort foods freshly prepared in the kitchen onsite.

WEST QUEEN WEST
Cumbrae's in West Queen West offers meals in every stage of preparation. Find marinated meats ready for the grill, vacuum-sealed packages of bolognese, beef stew and lasagna that just need to be reheated, and fresh ready-to-eat salads, sides and sandwiches.

prepared foods torontoYONGE & EGLINTON
Uptown Brie carries a broad selection of ready-to-eat fare. Find sandwiches and salads, roasted chicken breasts and Wisey's pies stocked along with cheese, baguettes and pantry goods.

YORKVILLE
Whether you're craving sushi or finger sandwiches, salads or comfort foods, Pusateri's has got a gourmet version ready to take home. Mac 'n cheese here gets laced with truffle, while classic salads like the Waldorf get updated with quinoa. The selection is dizzying.

What did I miss? Share your favourite stores for prepared foods in the comments.

Lead photo by Cumbrae's by Jesse Milns.

Toronto gets a huge Mediterranean restaurant & bakery

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Ricardas TorontoThis massive new bakery, cafe and restaurant opens each morning with coffee, pastries and grab-and-go salads and sandwiches. The dining room keeps pace with seafood, pasta and flatbread.

Read my profile of Ricarda's in the restaurants section.

The top 5 new backyard patios in Toronto

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patios torontoThe top new backyard patios in Toronto offer sweet refuge from the city's hectic streets. If you're on the hunt for a summer spot with a touch more privacy than the average sidewalk terrace, these hidden gems are worth trying to snag a spot at.

Here are my picks for the top new backyard patios in Toronto.

Addison's Residence
This mock Beverly Hills home has a chic backyard patio fit for the most upscale of bashes. It's decorated to the nines with hanging lights, outdoor sofas, astroturf, fire pits and just about everything else you could ever want at your own crib.

patios torontoClocktower Bar
Clocktower Bar's patio is pretty bare bones. It has simple wooden tables, a few hanging lights, and a some heaters for good measure.

patios torontoThe Walton
The Walton flaunts a dreamy little backyard space complete with hanging white lanterns, fairy light-covered trees and a healthy dose of greenery.

Greater GoodThe Greater Good
The backyard patio at The Greater Good is a stellar option if you're on the hunt for pizza and draught beer (there's a rotating selection of slices courtesy of North of Brooklyn pizza). The decor is wood-heavy with strings of fairy lights for added charm.

Bar ReynaBar Reyna
Bar Reyna is decked out with potted plants, minimalist murals and a healthy dose of wood. Of course, if you can't snag a spot out back you can always post up on the sidewalk patio.

strongbowThanks to Strongbow for sponsoring our 2016 Patio Guide

What did I miss? Add your favourite new backyard patio in the comments.

This might be Toronto's most enduring dance party ever

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chronologic torontoThere is only one party in the city of Toronto that no matter what month you attend, no matter what hour you get there, and no matter what type of music you're loving at the moment, you'll love the song that's playing when you walk in the room.

That party is Chronologic and yup, they literally play songs from every musical era starting from 1890 to whatever was released this afternoon.

Toronto's Matt Cully and Louis Calabro, also known as the Goin' Steady DJs, are the masterminds behind the time travelling dance bash and their baby turns nine this year.

"For the first 20 minutes or so we play classical music," Cully says. "We play Mahler, Beethoven, Wagner, Mozart, Bach ... the big numbers and often times it's stuff from movies that people know. When some people come early they'll dance to "Swan Lake" 'cause it's a waltz. But we very quickly move into blues and jazz and big band swing music, then by 10:45 we're into the '50s and '60s."

Cully and Calabro, best buds having met after moving into a self-described "hell hole" of an apartment while attending U of T, have become experts and keeping people moving consistently for four hours once a month, but that's because they've been curating dancefloor soundtracks for a hell of a long time.

Chronologic DJs Toronto"Our first party in 2005 at The Boat was called Goin' Steady and it was music from the '50 and '60s old rock and roll, Motown, weird stuff from around the world," Cully recounts. "It was a theme night pretty much and was heavily curated and we were more like selectors of rare records from that period but also fun stuff that people like to dance to."

This is how the two became the Going' Steady DJs, a term they lifted from old magazine ads they used to cut out to make party flyers.

"At the end of the day, any party is really about guys and girls, or guys and guys or girls and girls or whoever getting together and getting loose," Cully says. "There's a real romantic element to it. So Goin' Steady seemed to fit at the time, it was raunchier than the 1950's for sure, but still under the pretence of this good, wholesome sock hop kind of thing."

That party eventually moved to the Gladstone and lasted nearly 10 years before Cully, a musician in his own right playing with Bruce Peninsula and himself as Eons, and Calabro decided to switch things up.

"We just really wanted to play music from different periods," he says. "After playing stuff from just [the 50's and 60's], it was just like, man, I really wish I could play that new Beyonce song because it's killer.

"So basically we thought, how can we apply this curatorial spirit to every decade? That's where we got the idea to go through every decade and by the time everyone is wasted at 1:30 we're into modern stuff that everyone knows. When you're doing a four hour DJ set it coincides with the perfect ramp up of a party.

"In a vague way it's like how we're all moving through time together, and so by the time you get to your favourite era, whatever it is, you're super excited to hear this decade of music."

Now in its ninth year at The Garrison, the party continues to attract different crowds and keeps that musical momentum building to the end of the night.

It's like eating the most delicious dinner, but all the while quietly being so excited for the even yummier dessert. Strike that, it's more like an all-night dessert buffet! The greatest hits of all time, from all time.

So how does it still work after nearly 10 years of decade hopping? Not to boil a party down to a science but, it's consistency.

"Many people would see our party as an institution that is dependable to have a good night," Cully the crate digger says. "We're a populist party. We don't see ourselves as artists necessarily, in the sense that you want to go see me perform my set.

"It's more, this is a night you're going to go to and dance your ass off every time and is inclusive, which has been important for us, forever. To be inclusive and to appeal to the widest range of people who love this kind of music."

Mutating out of Toronto's early 2000's indie rock scene, having thrown parties in Chinese restaurant and in the back of pizza places means they can appreciate the evolution of their institution, and they have no plans to lift the needle anytime soon.

"Right now we have people coming who are 19 and 25," Cully says. "Whereas the people who were coming in the beginning probably have kids now, it just keeps turning over and becoming a new thing for more people."

Photos courtesy Chronologic

5 must-try ice cream sandwiches in Toronto

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Bake Shoppe TorontoSummer sixteen has truly been the summer of frozen treats. Among the crazy creations to indulge in this summer are number of ice cream sandwiches. Many of Toronto's top eateries, food trucks and ice cream purveyors are taking their frozen sandwiches to the next level with out of this world toppings and ingredients.

Here are my picks of where to go for some must-try ice cream sandwiches in Toronto.

Bake Shoppe
This Little Italy bakery is taking their homemade pop tarts to the next level by sandwiching some ice cream in the middle. Choose your pop tart, choose your ice cream and dig in.

Kanto by Tito FlipsKanto by Tita Flips
This stand at Markert 707 on Dundas West is now dishing out a new special, ube ice cream sandwiches. Freshly baked pandesal buns get topped with ube ice cream and rice crispies.

Bake Three FiftyBake Three Fifty
This Toronto food truck is a bakery on wheels. Among the baked good offerings is their customizable ice cream sandwiches. Select your cookie and ice cream and load it up with toppings ranging from cookie dough to gummy bears.

Millie Patisserie TorontoMillie Patisserie & Creamery
French-inspired pastries with Asian flavours are the star at this King West shop. Among the tasty desserts is their cream puff sandwiches which get filled with your choice of gelato.

The Dirty Bird TorontoThe Dirty Bird
Chicken and waffles ain't the only thing on the menu here. This fried chicken spot also serves up waffle ice cream sandwiches which are loaded with everything from peanut butter and jelly to sweet potato ice cream and candied pecans.

What did I miss? Add your favourite ice cream sandwich in the comments.

Photos by Hector Vasquez and Jesse Milns.

Today in Toronto: The Fall Of Troy, Kyle Craft, Zakk Wylde, My Best Fiend screening, TechTO

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ratio torontoToday in Toronto is a great day to get out in the city and see some live music. There's a handful of shows ranging from the hardcore to the experimental. There's also some comedy and some Werner Herzog weirdness to soak up. Happy Monday!

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.

Lead photo of Ratio

Former child soldier now serving superfood in Toronto

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Jal Gua TorontoA former child soldier in South Sudan has been winning over customers with an organic cafe in Toronto. Go here for a healthy meal rich in superfood and antioxidants.

Read my profile of Jal Gua in the restaurants section.


This Week on DineSafe: Aroma, Japas, The Green Grind, Spadina Garden, Sakura, Bocca, Bukhara Grill

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dinesafeThis week on DineSafe, city inspectors shut down Bukhara Grill in Bloor West Village for failure to prevent an insect infestation. Sakura in the Annex received a conditional pass after racking up right infractions ranging from minor to crucial.

See which other restaurants landed on DineSafe this week.

Aroma Espresso Bar (55 Charles St. W.)
Inspected on: August 2, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 4 (Significant: 4)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Bukhara Grill (2241 Bloor St. W.)
Inspected on: August 2, 2016
Inspection finding: Red (Closed)
Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 1, Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to prevent an insect infestation.

Japas (692 Bloor St. W.)
Inspected on: August 2, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 2)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

The Green Grind (567 College St.)
Inspected on: August 2, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 2 (Significant: 2)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Sakura (394 Bloor St. W.)
Inspected on: August 2, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 8 (Minor: 2, Significant: 5, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Fail to protect food from contamination or adulteration.

Bocca (26 Baldwin St.)
Inspected on: August 3, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 2 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Spadina Garden (116 Dundas St. W.)
Inspected on: August 3, 2016
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 3)
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.

Extreme ice cream cones coming to the CNE this year

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Eva's Original Chimneys TorontoThe Canadian National Exhibition is right around the corner and I couldn't be more excited. Each year I eagerly await for the outrageous food that will be dreamed up. While the official line-up of CNE eats this year hasn't been released quite yet some tempting offerings have emerged.

This year from August 26 to 28 you can dig into one of the most extreme ice cream cones to hit the CNE grounds. Eva's Original Chimneys, Toronto's infamous doughnut cone purveyor, will be serving up a limited time cone dubbed the EX­-TREME Cone during this season's Food Truck Frenzy.

The freshly baked chimney cone will come stuffed with soft serve, toffee, apple and salted pretzel crumble before being topped off with more crumble, crunchy caramel corn, salted caramel and a big 'ol pretzel. This is what carnival dreams are made of.

Photo courtesy Eva's Original Chimneys.

Toronto is getting a new beer festival and block party

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leslieville beer festivalToronto beer drinkers have a lot to be thankful for in 2016. Along with an influx of new breweries, there are also plenty of boozy festivals popping up, including a new one in Leslieville.

The inaugural Leslieville Beer Fest is happening on Saturday, August 27 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. This block party will take over Dundas Street East from Logan to Carlaw and will feature a slew of breweries, including Muddy York Brewing Co., Collective Arts Brewery, Sweetgrass Brewing Co., as well as the neighbourhood's incoming Radical Road Brewing Co.

This festival will also feature local restaurants because you don't want to be drinking on an empty stomach.

Tickets are currently on sale for $20 and each one includes a commemorative glass as well as three tasting tokens.

Photo by Jesse Milns.

TIME proves that it rules Toronto's one day music fests

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Time Festival TorontoAs multi-day music fests have become more and more popular in Toronto, TIME remains a refreshing one-day affair at Fort York that does most things right. With sunny skies, a solid musical lineup, and a host of food trucks, conditions were pretty much ideal to soak up the performances of Run The Jewels, Broods, Kehlani, and Joey Bada$$ (amongst others).

Check out all the action from TIME Festival 2016 in this photo gallery.

New restaurant serves up skewers and noodle bowls

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Little Master TorontoThis new restaurant serves up Shaanxi-style food, which is native to northwestern China and less common in Toronto that other regional cuisines. Here you'll find a host of skewers as well as lamb dishes and noodle dishes.

Read my profile of Little Master in the restaurants section.

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