This understated bakery is slowly gaining a reputation as a destination for authentic Lebanese baked goods. Go here for cheap and great spinach, cheese and meat pies.

Read my profile of Challal Bakery in the bakery section.

The Toronto Star shut down its Vaughan-area printing plant on July 2 as it began outsourcing to Transcontinental Printing. Now, much of the equipment inside the plant is up for auction.

On Tuesday, September 20, there will be a live auction at the site of the now-shuttered Woodbridge plant, which will be followed by an online version on Wednesday, September 21.

This massive sale is being facilitated by TCL Asset Group Inc., along with Maynards, and BidItUp, and it includes a slew of printing presses and other related equipment as well as office furniture and pieces from the facility's fitness centre.

According to promotional material, the entire auction will be conducted using US funds.

Photo by Jason Blacquiere in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Ever gotten your hair cut, been to a bar, or chilled at a cafe and thought...there's just something missing? Namely, all those other things? Well, now you can get a new look, a drink and eat Japanese pizza all in one spot.

Read my profile of Initium in the cafes section.

Thanks to multiple delays, Toronto's slowly getting the fleet of 204 new streetcars it ordered from Bombardier. However, as the Toronto Star reports today, in its contract, the city has the option to order an extra 60 streetcars from the Quebec-based company for $361 million.

This would help bolster our streetcar fleet, but the paper has learned that the city is considering ditching this option because of the ongoing problems with the existing order with Bombardier. And, thanks to federal funding, the TTC could more quickly buy busses from another company.

That said, there are questions as to the merits of running buses on streetcar routes. Busses, for instance, hold fewer passengers than streetcars and the city would likely have to build another garage to hold the new busses.

The city has until Bombardier delivers its 60th streetcar to decide what to do. According to the Star, that should happen next fall.

And if you need a refresher about the ongoing new streetcar drama, remember, we were supposed to have 73 new streetcars by the end of 2015. So far, we've received only 23. Bombardier, however, says it'll deliver the rest of them by the end of 2019.

Photo by dtstuff9 in the blogTO Flickr pool.

While only their voices appear in the film, a number of big stars hit the red carpet yesterday for the world premiere of the animated movie Sing. A huge throng of fans had their camera phones ready as Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Hudson touched down outside the Princess of Wales theatre on King West.

Check out all the red carpet action in this photo gallery from Sing at TIFF.

Toronto's very first Junk Food Festival took place this past weekend and it was a smorgasbord of deep-fried delicacies, sweet treats, and even glow-in-the-dark desserts. It wasn't kind on the arteries, but it sure tasted good.

See all the junk food you missed out on in this photo gallery.

Toronto and Vancouver are two of Canada's biggest cities, and also the countries two hottest real estate markets. But according to an economist at TD Bank, the Toronto market is now out-scorching Vancouver's.

As TD Bank's Diana Petramala says in the Globe and Mail, the average price of a home in Toronto is up 18 per cent since last year and we hit record sales in August. "Toronto's appreciation in average home prices since early 2015 has now exceeded Vancouver's," she writes.

Thanks in part to a new land-transfer tax on non-resident buyers, she notes, housing prices in Vancouver a beginning to drop a bit.

But Toronto's are staying strong, for now. However, she says that we can't expect this trend to last forever. Our red hot market might start to cool some time next year when currently under-construction projects increase the city's real estate supply and mortgage rates are adjusted following longer term bond yields in U.S. markets.

Photo by Nick Kernick in the blogTO Flickr pool.

We're about halfway through TIFF, and that means over the course of dozens of screenings some movies have already risen above, and below, the pack. Audiences have started to weigh in on what movies will be remembered as the year's best, and what movies they wish they could get their time back for.

Here are the best and worst movies at TIFF 2016 so far.

THE BEST

Arrival
Denis Villeneuve's latest finds earth hosting a possible alien invasion, and a linguist (Amy Adams) has to learn their language to determine if they come in peace or not.

ARRIVAL just floored me. Hauntingly nerdy, but also emotional & beautiful. Sci-fi fans will flip for this. In my top 5 of the year #tiff16

— ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) September 9, 2016

ARRIVAL: God I love this movie. Thrilling, emotional, ingenious, beautiful. This is what I'm here for. #TIFF16

— Jason Bailey (@jasondashbailey) September 9, 2016

I walked out of Arrival in a bit of a daze; that's how good it was. It was Interstellar-esque & it's my fave film I've seen so far #TIFF16

— Amelia Howell (@cinemeIia) September 9, 2016

Toni Erdmann
An ambitious career woman working in Bucharest finds herself the victim of a surprise visit from her prankster father.

I didn't know what exactly to expect from a highly buzzed about 3 hour long German comedy. But boy did Toni Erdmann deliver. #TIFF16

— Nicky Odujirin (@NickyOdujirin) September 9, 2016

#ToniErdmann was absolute magic, one of the greatest couple of hours in the cinema I've spent. #TIFF16

— Jack (@JackCox) September 9, 2016

TONI ERDMANN: The best movie of the festival and the year. #tiff16

— تینا (@tinahassannia) September 8, 2016

Manchester By the Sea
When Lee's (Casey Affleck) brother, Joe, dies and names him the guardian of his son, Lee has to come to term with his new responsibilities, as well as the past that haunts him as he returns to his hometown.

Deeply, deeply grateful for MANCHESTER BY THE SEA. Hard to start #TIFF16 with the bar set so high.

— Grace Wang (@etherielmusings) September 8, 2016

Manchester by the Sea is so so so good. Casey Affleck deserves the Oscar. Should I give up now and end on a high note?!? #TIFF16

— Lauren Grant (@laurenmgrant) September 8, 2016

Moonlight
A look at a young black man in Florida, coming to terms with growing up, his sexuality, and the challenging environments he is born into and wants to escape.

MOONLIGHT: jenkins goes for the fleeting touches, feelings, details, and the power they have to create & destroy us. truly stunning. #TIFF16

— josh lewis (@thejoshl) September 11, 2016

I'm still feeling my feelings about MOONLIGHT. So exquisitely crafted. Best film I've seen at #TIFF16 yet.

— Adam B. Vary (@adambvary) September 11, 2016

Window Horses (The Poetic Persian Epiphany of Rosie Ming
A young Canadian poet gets invited to a festival in Iran, and ends up learning not just a lot about the craft she's committed to (her own and Iranian poetry) but about her own history and life as well.

First #TIFF16 film to trigger gentle tears was Ann Marie Fleming's Window Horses. I wanted so much to have a film like this when I was a kid

— J. Lam (@zengarden17) September 11, 2016

WINDOW HORSES: Canadian animation best in the world #tiff16#6wordreviews

— Matti Price (@mattmovies) September 9, 2016

Weirdos
Versatile Canadian director Bruce McDonald tackles a road movie, with this story about two East Coast teens in the 1970s who hit the pavement along with the help of, yes really, the ghost of Andy Warhol.

Fave #TIFF16 film so far: Bruce McDonald's #Weirdos Bravo @JuliaSarahStone@DylanAuthors@allanhawco@TheMollyParkerpic.twitter.com/3oTSZr9W6t

— Dana Lafarga (@DanaLafarga) September 11, 2016

Dug the eclectic auteur McDonald's #Weirdos - an iconically Canadian road trip comedy with an approachable warm charm #TIFF16#CanadianFilm

— John Fink (@FinkJohnJ) September 11, 2016

Highlight of #TIFF16 so far for me has been the movie #Weirdos by @BruceRMcDonald Sweet, touching, great music & beautifully shot!

— Lise Lareau (@cmgveep) September 10, 2016

Lion
The real story about a young Indian boy who is separated from his family, is adopted by Australian parents, and eventually uses Google Earth to try and find his way back home and to his birth mother.

LION: Touching, gorgeous drama about identity & family. Got me right in the feels. Dev Patel is wonderful! #TIFF16pic.twitter.com/Pg88ASKLkN

— Alicia Malone (@aliciamalone) September 11, 2016

Still thinking about last night's Lion premiere. An extraordinary (true) story of one boy's search for home. You must see it! #TIFF16

— Ashley C. Bartlett (@QuaintrelleByAB) September 11, 2016

Lion is THE film thats going to keep winning #spotlight#TIFF16#Lionpic.twitter.com/gxTZoWJsEu

— Jacinta Kuznetsov (@cintakuzy) September 11, 2016

THE WORST

American Pastoral
An adaptation of Philip Roth's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about an all-American couple in the 1960s whose daughter turns to rebellion which begins to tear the family apart.

AMERICAN PASTORAL is the most tone-deaf movie I've seen in a long time. #TIFF16

— Lou Lumenick (@LouLumenick) September 10, 2016

Not a good morning at #TIFF16 for me. #AmericanPastoral was not good. Skip it if you can.

— Leesah Sea (@LeesahSea) September 10, 2016

American Pastoral: Beautiful direction by Ewan McGregor, but the film loses what little momentum it has well before the halfway mark #TIFF16

— Amelia Howell (@cinemeIia) September 10, 2016

(Re)Assignment
A psychiatrist seeks revenge on a man who murdered her brother by turning the killer into a woman - one who then looks to exact her own revenge.

(Re)Assignment: easily the worst of the fest so far. If you're looking for a Walter Hill film, stay far away. #TIFF16

— Z. W. Lewis (@zeewillew) September 11, 2016

The old Walter Hill of THE DRIVER would have red-penned 90% of the dialogue of (re)ASSIGNMENT and dumped it on a rookie. Disaster. #TIFF16

— Joshua Rothkopf (@joshrothkopf) September 11, 2016

The Michelle Rodriguez sex-change thriller (RE)ASSIGNMENT may be 2016's biggest what-were-they-thinking fiasco. Holy moly. #TIFF16

— Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) September 11, 2016

Interchange
The story of a photographer who witnesses a terrible crime, and gets involved in a case that may involve the supernatural.

INTERCHANGE: Among the most purely inept films I've ever seen, like D-WARS without the funny bits. #TIFF16

— Max B. O'Connell (@thefilmtemple) September 11, 2016

#TIFF16: 'Interchange' is a real tedious watch. Plot feels like a Malaysian in-joke. Contrived performances and a terrible CGI were-toucan.

— Dan Poorman (@Dan_Poorman) September 11, 2016

INTERCHANGE: Feels like the guy who made Birdemic somehow got reasonable funding to hire a semi-competent production team. #TIFF16

— James at #TIFF16 (@JamesEditsFilms) September 10, 2016

What have been the best and worst movies you've seen so far at TIFF 2016? Let us know in the comments.

Film stills from Arrival and American Pastoral

The best cocktails in Toronto are a testament to the city's robust cocktail culture. The most popular places tend to respect the classics, offering slight tweaks on drinks like the Manhattan, Negroni and Sazerac. Look closely enough and you'll also find novel concoctions that show off the creativity and skill of our city's talented bartenders.

Here is where you can find the best cocktails in Toronto.

Sometimes it's fun to play tourist in your own city. Visiting spots that are mainly thought to exist for visitors can teach you something new about the place you call home. Sometimes these places make great date spots or venues to get silly at with a group of friends. You know that saying, don't knock it 'till you try it?

Here's my list of super touristy things you must do in Toronto.

Catch the view from the CN tower
There is no view as majestic and all-encompassing as from the top of the CN Tower. Though it became famous for other reasons thanks to Drake this past year, heading up the 147 floor, 457 metre high landmark gives even locals a view of their hometown like they've never seen it before. It'll cost you about $35 to get up to the top but you'll want to spend more to do the Edgewalk.

Visit the Toronto Islands
Hop on the 15 minute ferry ride or a water taxi and escape the city for a hot minute on the Toronto Islands. They have their own music festival, amusement park, lagoons, beaches, bike paths, restaurants, boardwalks, a maze and frisbee golf! Add to this some of the most dramatic views of the skyline, and you're in heaven.

Dive inside Ripley's Aquarium
Visiting Ripley's Aquarium has quickly become a must-do activity in the city. They've really done an amazing job of creating a world where visitors feel like they're living underwater for a few hours. With lots of Canadian wildlife featured, this is wonderful watery weirdness that's captivating for all ages. Plus, if it's good enough for Drake and Rihanna.....

Catch a Raptors, Blue Jays or Leafs game
Toronto sports teams aren't the greatest in the world, but hey, they're not the worst either! That being said, this city really loves their teams and have come to worship the players that comprise them. A Raptors game at the ACC is electrifying, and there' nothing more Toronto than a Jays game inside the Rogers Centre or a good ol' hockey game at the ACC.

Take in some art at the AGO
Not only is this one of the city's most interesting and gorgeous buildings, it's the best spot to see a major art show. The AGO brings in major exhibits from all over the globe, and it's easy to spend an afternoon touring the rooms and spaces of the building. Don't forget their First Thursday parties to experience the building and its contents in a whole new (wine-fuelled) way.

Step inside the giant crystal at the ROM
One of the city's most stunning or hideous structures (depending on who you ask) is the Crystal which makes up a large part of the ROM. They've got dinosaurs and bring in massive touring exhibits that make a visit worth the price of admission alone. But it's the building itself that's the true spectacle and a must-visit for any local or tourist.

Walk around Kensington Market
Make a morning, day or evening of hanging out in Kensington Market, and make sure you do it on an empty stomach. With a staggering amount of affordable restaurants with food from around the world, second hand clothing shops, cute cafes and some fantastic grocery shopping options, this 'hood is a one stop culture shop and a fantastic snapshot of Toronto.

Eat your way through St. Lawrence Market
Visiting the city's largest indoor food market is the most fun grocery trip you'll ever have in Toronto. If you're not a cook, then just go there for the prepared food. There are so many fun things to eat, with a variety of sitting spots to enjoy. Carousel Bakery's peameal bacon on a soft bun ($6.45) is the most iconic sandwich in town.

Take a City Bus Tour
Climb aboard the big red double decker bus and see the city from dozens of new angles you didn't even know existed. Visit places you typically don't give a second thought to while walking by and get loads of super fun historical info about the downtown core, its buildings and neighbourhoods. Pretend you're not local and take it all in.

Go deep woods at The Brick Works
You'll need a car or an adventurous cycling spirit to get to this beautiful nature spot deep in the Don Valley. The Brick Works is a gorgeous reclaimed space complete with ponds, hiking trails, a bike shop, bakery and a host of one-off events and mini-festivals. Immerse yourself in the abandoned warehouse space or in the tranquil woods surrounding the area.

Escape the city in the midst of downtown at Allan Gardens
One of my fave spots downtown to escape the noise and air of the city is this massive conservatory in Allan Gardens Park, one of the city's oldest. It's fun to visit all year long (especially in the winter when it becomes a tropical oasis) thanks to the team who decorate it for every event and holiday throughout the year. Bonus: it's always free.

Visit Graffiti Alley
Toronto's Graffiti Alley is one of the most instagrammed spots in the city. Running just south of Queen West from Portland to Spadina, it features some of our city's coolest, most colourful street art and is definitely worth a walk through on your way to or from shopping on Queen West.

Get lost in High Park
Sprawling over 400 acres, one of Toronto's oldest and largest parks is worth a visit. You can literally get lost in here with all its trails, parks, ponds and restaurants. From waterfront views, to forest trails, zoo, community gardens, massive dog off-leash zones and of course, cherry blossoms, the park also has the #1 makeout spot in Toronto.

Go back in time at the Distillery District
Toronto's restored Distillery District features the continent's best-preserved collection of Victorian Industrial Architecture. It's a stunning backdrop for the local restaurants, design stores, bars, cafes and art galleries and one of the most popular spots in the city to get hitched. It's worth a walk around, any season of the year, and usually very romo.

Experience the wonder of Aga Khan
Completed in 2014, Fumihiko Maki's Aga Khan museum is a white granite jewel near the DVP and Eglinton. It's one of the most stunning buildings in Toronto both inside and out. The shows keep getting better, the restaurant is good and you'll have endless angles to help create beautiful Faceook and Instagram profile pics.

See a big big show at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre
This is one of the best spots in the city to see live theatre. The building on Yonge Street just north of Queen, is a historic wonder and is always open for tours. You'll feel like you're stepping back into Victorian times as you enter the place.

Go shopping at Yorkdale Mall
One of the best high end malls in the city, Yorkdale is the one I'd recommend if you're acting (or actually are) like a tourist. It's enormous, it has loads of stores many malls don't have, and it's TTC-accessible. Get your suburban housewife, DILF or bored teen on and walk around the maze of shops and snack spots for hours.

Did I miss your favourite, super-tourist-y thing to do in Toronto? Let us know what it is in the comments.

Photos by Robert Snache, bukharov, Andrew Williamson, and Marty Pinker.

Today in Toronto TIFF is still in full gear with screenings and events galore, but there's a plenty of other stuff to do as well. There's a massive volleyball tournament at Polson Pier that you can attend for free! Keep pretending like summer isn't ending and watch hundreds of players, bump, set and smash.

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

• TIFF 2016
• Swatch Beach Volleyball FIVB World Tour Finals (Polson Pier)
• John Legend and Mark Duplass (Hot Docs Cinema)
• The Specials (Danforth Music Hall)
• Good Vibrations: Escape to LA with the Drake (Drake One Fifty)
• Free Arthouse Cinema screenings (The Fox Theatre)
• STIFF VII: Stiffer Things queer TIFF party (Handlebar)
• Sammy Adams (Mod Club)
• Steven Tyler - Out on a Limb tour (Sony Centre)
• Neil Michael Hagerty & The Howling Hex (The Garrison)

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

Photo of John Legend via Facebook.

Most Chinatown restaurants simply focus on the food, with little attention paid to details like mood lighting and ambiance. That all changes here where Northern Chinese cuisine is paired with modern design and booths perfect for couples or small groups.

Read my profile of 98 Aroma in the restaurants section.

One of Toronto's newest restaurants might sound like a pot shop but instead it's a sleek, minimalist space that lets the food take the spotlight. The menu boasts duck for two as well as one of the best tasting beef tartare I've had in a while.

Read my profile of Canis in the restaurants section.

This modern four-bedroom detached home is up for grabs on a private cul-de-sac nestled between the Nordheimer ravine and Casa Loma. While $4.5-million may seem like a lot, prices continue to soar in Toronto - and houses continue to sell. And few are as nice as this one.

The big draw here is the location. With a ravine and a park in your already private backyard, you may feel like you've scored an oasis within close proximity to downtown. The private street boasts prominent Toronto history, once owned by Sir John Craig Eaton and Lady Eaton, and divided into lots and renamed Ardwold Gate in the 1930's after Eaton's death.

If history and privacy doesn't intrigue you, the master bedroom may. The large ensuite bathroom, custom walk-in closet and private patio with views of the CN tower offer a pretty nice getaway from the rest of the house.

SPECS

• Address: 75 Ardwold Gate
• Price: $4,500,000
• Lot Size: 66.00x102.00 FT
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 4
• Parking: 4
• Taxes: $23,355/year
• Walk Score: 50
• Listing agent: Janet Marlene Lindsay
• Listing ID: C3478934

NOTABLE FEATURES

• 800 square feet master bedroom
• Situated on a private cul-de-sac
• Private rooftop terrace off of master bedroom
• Sun-filled rooms
• Unique finishes including Canadian stacked-slate and Brazilian Teak

GOOD FOR

Someone who is looking to share a history lesson while entertaining guests. While the house itself may be a newer build, the land it sits on is of Eaton family heritage - which to some may qualify as bragging rights.

MOVE ON IF

You'd prefer to spend $4.5-million and score a larger kitchen. There's little counter space here to practise your culinary skills.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
What do you think about this $4.5-million house? Let us know 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.

It was unofficially Ryan Gosling Day in Toronto yesterday as our homegrown Hollywood star made an appearance on King Street for the screening of the much-anticipated flickLa La Land. The massive crowd waiting for his arrival went nuts and he more than obliged with a selfie or two.

Check out all the Ryan Gosling action and more in this photo gallery.

Once again, Metropolis Magazine has named Toronto one of the liveable cities in the world. This year, however, the New York-based publication ranked us number nine (behind Melbourne), whereas last year, we took the top spot.

It's unclear why we dropped in the rankings, but Metropolis mentioned the incoming Under Gardiner park, our new LRT lines and bike lanes, and dedication to creating a more pedestrian-friendly streetscape as positives.

Toronto is the only Canadian city on the list, and the highest ranked city in North America. Here's the full list of Metropolis Magazine's most liveable cities:

• Copenhegan
• Berlin
• Helsinki
• Singapore
• Vienna
• Tokyo
• Oslo
• Melbourne
• Toronto
• Portland

Photo by chrisd666 via the blogTO Flickr pool.

Another video has popped up on YouTube showing a TTC bus driver holding a cellphone while driving.

Texting and driving is illegal in Ontario, as is holding a mobile phone while operating a vehicle. If you're caught, it could cost you $490 and three demerit points. According to Metro, the TTC is currently investigating this incident.

While this video might be alarming for some (especially those who were on the bus at the time), Metro reports that at the TTC, complaints about texting and driving are down. So far, the transit commission has received 83 such complaints this year - in 2015 it got 133, which is still peanuts to the 597 complaints that came in back in 2010.

Is this progress? Or is one incident too many when it comes to texting and driving? Let us know in the comments.

The Waterworks building at Richmond and Augusta is one of those historical properties that might not have fared so well if it was proposed for redevelopment a generation ago in Toronto. Today, on the other hand, the city's track record on adaptive redevelopment and mixed use buildings is far stronger than it once was.

Case in point, plans have finally come together to redevelop the former industrial building, and while condos will be a part of it, the project is one of the most diverse we've seen. In addition to the YMCA that area Councillor Joe Cressy has pushed for at the site, there will also be ground-level retail, a sprawling public hall, rooftop garden, and space reserved for Eva's Initiatives for Homeless Youth.

Of the residential component, Artscape will control 15 suites for low-income housing alongside the rest of the condo units, which are being developed by MOD Developments and Woodcliffe Landmark Properties. The condos will rise 11 storeys above the existing heritage building, the exterior of which will be maintained in addition to the great hall.

Diamond Schmitt Architects will handle the design of the new structure, while Cecconi Simone is responsible for the interior space. Interestingly, each of the 299 residential units in the building will be unique, another departure from standard condo design in this city.

The term mixed use tends to get thrown around in Toronto a bit too easily, but this is a solid example of how to build in the city's densest areas. The addition of the YMCA is already a major boon to the area, but the other elements also ensure that the development will have a lively public element that so few condos possess in Toronto.

St. Andrew's Playground will also be expanded 25 per cent as part of the redevelopment plans. The great hall will open onto this outdoor space, engaging the building with the community.

That the whole project comes with a strong heritage component is more than just a bonus; it's a reminder that sites like these teem with potential if you can get the right players to reimagine them. The Waterworks isn't the most stunning historical site in Toronto, but its Art Deco-styled architecture is worth preserving, and will likely be better appreciated when the building is reanimated.

What do you think of the plans? Let us know in the comments.

Food trends this summer in Toronto included more than a few ice cream-related obsessions, not to mention innovative new ways to eat raw fish. There was also a candy floss revival, futuristic latte art and BBQ so good it was almost guaranteed to sell out each day.

The are the food trends that dominated Toronto in the summer of 2016.

Poke
This summer has felt like a race to see which devoted poke eatery would open first, and what a close race it was with contenders like Big Tuna Poke Bar, Hoki Poke, Pokito, Poke Guys, North Poke and Calii Love.

Sushi Burritos
These massive maki rolls first popped up on food trucks, such as Sushito and from vendors like Fish'd By Edo. You can now find sushi burritos at poke shops in addition to places like Rolltation and the incoming Su&Bu.

Over-the-Top Ice Cream
Lineups at Sweet Jesus are as long as ever, Montreal's La Diperie made the Danforth its Toronto home base, while Booyah got creative with ice cream tacos. Chimney, or doughnet cones, and churro cones proved equally popular.

Epic Milkshakes
As if you haven't consumed enough frozen dairy this summer, this trend is still on the rise. While there's nothing new about milkshakes per se, places like Initium, Peace Treats and the incoming Hollywood Cone are topping shakes with delicious (and ridiculous) garnishes.

Thai Rolled Ice Cream
We started seeing this cold treat at outdoor markets early in the season before Arctic Bites, Frosty Roll, QQ Thai Ice Cream and Nice Pan all set up permanent store fronts.

Cotton Candy in Cocktails and Coffees
Remember when cotton candy existed solely at carnivals? Not so anymore. Cotton candy grew up this summer and picked up some very adult habits... like drinking coffee and boozing. You can find this spun sugar treat sweetening hot drinks at Light Cafe and CutiePie Cupcakes, and drowning itself in alcohol at Good Fortune.

Next Level Latte Art
Flowers and leaves don't impress Torontonians anymore. Toronto's top baristas upped the ante this summer with the addition of new-fangled technology at places like Fountain and Initium that'll custom print any image on your milky foam.

Rainbow Everything
There are plenty of ways to taste the rainbow in Toronto. Psychadelic bagels and even ooey gooey grilled cheese sandwiches embraced food colouring this summer.

Bugs!
Lauded as an eco-friendly source of animal protein, insects have slowly started popping up on menus in Toronto, even if diners have gotten over the yuck factor yet. Death in Venice does gelato studded with chocolate, crisp crickets and meal worms, while CNE vendor Bug Bistro showed off the versatility of insects by topping hot dogs with crispy mustard crickets and blending meal worms into milkshakes.

Lining up for BBQ
Smokehouses like Adamson's and J&J Bar-B-Que are giving Torontonians good reason to queue up at the 'que. Texas-style brisket that literally melts in your mouth, turkey so moist you'll want make out with it and plump sausages that snap are among the very good reasons to wait for your lunch.

Did I miss a food trend from the summer? Let us know in the comments.

Photos by Hector Vasquez and Jesse Milns.

Summer in Toronto is prime time for restaurant openings, and 2016 was no exception. From fast-casual Filipino, BBQ and delis to fancy poolside establishments, here's a new crop of restaurants to try before the weather cools and you go into hibernation.

These are my picks for the top new restaurants in Toronto.

Lena
Argentinian food is the focus at the new O&B restaurant inside Saks. Chef Anthony Walsh pays tribute to his mother-in-law with a menu that features family recipes. Find comfort food, like pollo dona aurora, pan di miga and patatas bravas, on the menu.

Lasa
The Lamesa team opened this kitchen on St. Clair that's dishing out Filipino dishes, like adobo, kare kare, lechon kawali and silog in a casual setting.

Lavelle
This rooftop, poolside restaurant made a big splash this summer with its luxurious setting and refined menu from chef Romain Avril. Brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert are all available. Must tries include the tuna tartare and seafood platters.

J&J Bar-B-Que
Central Texas-style BBQ is the specialty at Kensington Market's new smokehouse. The menu of pit-smoked delicacies includes snappy sausages, drool-worthy brisket, ribs, monstrous beef ribs and more.

Her Father's Cider
This cider house in Harbord Village is so much more than just a bar. Sure the rotating taps pouring local craft cider are impressive, but so too are the offerings from the kitchen. These include lobster salad, fried chicken and mini raclette.

98 Aroma
Among the many restaurants in Chinatown is this new one serving northern Chinese food, including garlicky stir fried cauliflower, pan fried pork buns and garlic shrimp.

Three Hands
Go here for the death mango wings and octopus salad but stay here for the good vibes and libations. This Dundas West bar that replaced the much-loved Henhouse is a welcome new addition for late night food and cocktails.

Canis
Reserve a table four for to tackle the whole 15-dish menu, featuring highlights like beef tartare sprinkled with magic dehydrated kale dust and crispy roasted duck for two.

Piano Piano
Acclaimed chef Victor Barry switched his focus this year when he closed the ultra-fancy Splendido to open this approachable Italian joint. Find pizza, pasta and family-style feasts on the menu.

When The Pig Came Home
I'm still dreaming about the sandwich I ate at this European delicatessen in the Junction. The menu bills porchetta and peameal, but the standout sandwich is easily the hand-carved, Montreal smoked beef cheeks, a major upgrade on the classic deli meat.

Photo of Lena by Jesse Milns.