If you're gearing up for November 4, when you can try to buy tickets to The Weeknd's Toronto concert on May 26, 2017, you should probably get ready to see Abel Tesfaye all around town.

Sure, this music superstar is already a local legend, but the Grammy Award winner and Academy Award nominee will be at the front of H&M's new menswear collection.

As the Canadian Press reports, the new line's called Spring Icons Selected by the Weeknd. And yes, the Weeknd chose some of the pieces featured in this collection.

There's no word yet on when the line's coming out, but it'll likely be some time this winter in time for spring 2017.

Photo via The Weeknd on Facebook.

Ever wonder what $2 million could land you outside the bustle of dowtown Toronto'? This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home situated just shy of Royal York and Eglinton is a beautifully designed, mid-century split-level home worthy of a Mad Men episode.

The simple yet elegant entrance sets the tone for the entire home. The stone pillars and wooden panels greet you into a vaulted entrance, with a large wooden door to welcome you inside. These design details are carried throughout the home, and the simple, unassuming black fireplaces (there's four of them) add to the effortless appeal of the decor.

The terracotta tiling throughout the main floor, wooden paneling in the family room, and carpeted stairs may have once have been covered up, but is a refreshing change from the ultra modern renovations we're seeing across the city. With tree views from every room and large emphasis on natural beauty, there's no denying the appeal of this mid-century design.

SPECS

• Address: 16 Ripplewood Road
• Price: $2,050,000
• Lot Size: 85.00x157.00 FT
• Bedrooms: 3+1
• Bathrooms: 2
• Parking: 6
• Taxes: n/a
• Walk Score: 16
• Listing agent: Alex Brott, Heather Hadden
• Listing ID: W3643356

NOTABLE FEATURES

• High, vaulted ceilings
• Four fireplaces
• Mature tree-lined property
• Unique brick and wood details throughout
• Large, floor-to-ceiling windows

GOOD FOR

A homeowner looking to distance themselves from the frenzy of downtown (plus its prices) and nestle into nature. Location, lot and large bright windows are key here. This abode also comes with great character, which is perfect for those seeking something different from the typical modern renovations we often see in Toronto neighbourhoods.

MOVE ON IF

You're not keen on trading in a central location and convenience for a generous lot and mature trees. While transit is available, you're going to want a car to get around in this area.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
Would you live in this mid-century home? 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.

Toronto's been feeling particularly toasty lately. Other than a few flakes of snow last week (we're still in denial about it, okay), for better or for worse, we've been having a gloriously warm fall.

But alas, the good times are coming to an end. By the middle of the month, it'll seem a lot more like winter. That shouldn't come as a surprise, of course, but given that it's 15 degrees out right now, it might be a shock to the system.

"While we expect temperatures to drop during November, there are signs that the decline will be more profound than usual for parts of the Prairies, Ontario and Quebec. During mid to late November, we expect a pattern change which will bring several rounds of below seasonal temperatures to this region," reports the Weather Network.

According to the Weather Network, temperatures will start to plunge some time between November 10 and 17.

And when it gets colder, we might be in for some snowy weather because, "When arctic air does arrive, the contrast in temperature between the lakes and the air crossing the lakes will be greater than what we typically see, and this will help to enhance the threat for substantial lake effect snow squalls in the traditional snow belt areas."

Take advantage of the next few days and get outside while you still can.

Photo by Ben Roffelsen Photography via the blogTO Flickr pool.

The photos of the month in Toronto for October underscore just what a fascinating place this city is to be in the fall. The Jays electrified us with their Wild Card and ALDS victories, the sun aligned with perfectly with our cross streets, and our ample tree inventory lit up in brilliant colour. It was a superb time to be a photographer out on the street capturing it all.

These are my picks for the top photos from the blogTO Flickr pool last month.

Today in Toronto there are three concerts of note for three totally different crowds, though the headlining show is definitely Alessia Cara, who is taking over Massey Hall. Toronto's pop princess for the past year is long overdue for a big hometown bash. If you can't handle a mid-week concert, there's some other low-key fun happening to get you out of the house on hump day.

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

• Dia De Los Muertos (El Catrin)
• Alessia Cara w/ Ruth B (Massey Hall)
• Roisin Murphy (The Phoenix)
• Trek Talks: Lawrence Krauss on Star Trek and Science (TIFF Bell Lightbox)
• Culture Club (Rebel)
• 90 minutes of yoga for $10 (The Attic)
• Reia Sample Sale (Reia Studio)

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

Photo of Alessia Cara by Hector Vasquez.

Toronto has a new destination for Japanese street food including takoyaki and fried chicken, and with meals served on healthy purple rice, this is one way to feel far less guilty about eating fried food.

Read my profile of the new Gushi Food in the restaurants section.

With tantalizing hot sauce, classic rice and potatoes and their famous chicken all for some of the most reasonable prices around, there's much to love about this family run Portuguese restaurant.

Read my profile of St. Matthew's BBQ Chicken in the restaurants section.

In what is very quickly becoming a major November 1st tradition in Toronto, pumpkin parades took place in parks across the city last night as a last hurrah for all the creative carving done in the lead-up to Halloween. But as these various pumpkin death marches multiply, it's still the Sorauren Park parade that gets the gold gourd.

Sorauren was the first pumpkin parade back in 2004, but it's a trend that quickly caught on with well over 30 post-Halloween lantern displays now all over Toronto.

Sorauren's event had over 2,000 pumpkins on display with hundreds of people slowly walking in procession to take a look at the lit up pieces of art on both sides of the park's pathways.

Pumpkins lined up didn't quite make it all the way around the park, which was the goal, but they'll have no problem reaching that goal by next year.

Cameras and phones were flashing all night as people tried to capture the art and beauty of some of the amazing carvings. A few trends this year were white pumpkins, huge pumpkins, as well as Raptors- and Raccoon-themed pumpkins.

There were only a few Trumpkins in what quickly became known as the political pumpkin zone at the south end of the park.

Hundreds of kids roamed the trails and grassy field in the middle of the park waiting for the 9:30 p.m. pumpkin dumpster toss, when everyone helped throw the gourds in the giant compost bins provided by the city.

Check out more photos below!
Photos by Hamish Grant.

The best pizza slice in Toronto is there for you when you've got a hankering for pizza, but not an entire pie. From classics like Margherita and pepperoni to new-fangled versions that include Spam as a topping or, on the polar opposite end of the spectrum, completely vegan offerings, there's something for every taste.

Here is where to find the best pizza slice in Toronto.

Over the course of October (a.k.a. the 31 spookiest days of the year), Toronto restaurateurs really let their cauldrons bubble. We got new destinations in this city for barbecue, Asian and Indian fusion, not to mention a new kick-ass wine bar serving up whole pizza pies.

Here are my picks for the top restaurant openings in Toronto for October.

Smoke Signals
This new barbecue joint on Dundas West isn't reinventing the wheel, but they're offering supberb preparations of brisket, sausage, and ribs. Sides like mac n' cheese and Frito pie are so good that they refuse to take a back seat. They even have a pulled jackfruit sandwich for herbivores.

Superpoint
A cool new place to stuff a whole pizza into your mouth, this new restaurant on Ossington also has an unbelievable biodynamic/natural wine bar, high end cocktail program and tall boys if none of that is your deal. If you're not the biggest pizza fan either, never fear: they've got way more than that with carpaccio, spring rolls, and Italian standards like pasta and salads.

Ji
From the owners of Pukka on St. Clair West comes Ji, in the same Indian vein and barely a stone's throw away but already popular for its creative fusion of pub food and Indian cuisine. Try a macaroni makhani, naanchos, or a foot long lamb kebab sandwich here.

Brothers
Brothers just opened above Bay subway station, and in this cute little storybook location they serve up some intensely simple food with the subtlest of Mediterranean influences. Sip a finely curated Rosato or Reisling as you munch on a rotating menu of delicate fish, lamb and other dishes, from steelhead trout to Hungarian sausage.

Jackpot Chicken Rice
A new venture from the team at Patois, this place is zeroing in on that restaurant's Asian roots with Chinese chicken as the specialty, and don't miss your opportunity to get it poached with soft skin. Some fusion and Caribbean elements are still present as well.

Sabai Sabai
Technically just a new location and not a new restaurant, but Sabai Sabai has really rolled with the Toronto real estate punches and upped its game, now resting at Bloor and Yonge in a subterranean space that still feels cozy. They've refined some items like the beef salad, but mainly continue to put out some of the best khao soi and curry in the city.

Dolly's
Dolly's is a brand spanking new Filipino place at Bloor and Lansdowne, picking up where Whippoorwill left off, but in service to the community only. Whereas the Whip did burgers and beers with a little elevated flair, this place is run by the folks over at Playa Cabana and features a mojito bar.

Cadillac Jenkins
Cadillac Jenkins is up a flight of stairs near Queen and Shaw, and they serve up little Jamaican-inspired snacks in their bar atmosphere like patties and a jerk chicken sandwich, along with sharing plates and colourful cocktails.

Harry's
Harry's has been open for a long time as one of Parkdale's favourite late night diners, but where it was previously run by three brothers, it's now operated by Grant van Gameren and his co-conspirator Nate Young. Their pared-down menu still has all the brunch, burgers and booze you love, crafted with a watchful eye for sticking to the traditions of Harry's.

Bravo Restaurant
Bravo is a new place on Dundas West with a hearty burger-centric menu and a laid-back vibe, but they also class it up a notch by offering fresh oysters (buck-a-shuck nights are on the way). This is a new casual spot to kick back with a beer and a big salad or a 100% Canadian beef burger.

Did I miss a restaurant you're excited about? Let us know in the comments.

Photo of Jackpot Chicken Rice by Hector Vasquez.

Some Toronto-area grocery stores got wine on their shelves last week. This initiative came after beer and cider popped up in supermarkets last year, signalling how the LCBO was expanding beyond its bricks-and-mortar stores.

Earlier this year, it launched its e-commerce site, but the initiative has failed to attract much interest from customers.

According to the Toronto Star, the LCBO gets only 80 online orders per day. To put that in perspective, "online sales to date represent about 10 per cent of what the liquor agency loses annually to theft," writes the Star.

On orders of $50 or more, you can choose to get your booze delivered for an $12 in about three days. Or, if you don't mind waiting one to four weeks, you can pick up your package in-store and avoid the delivery fee.

The LCBO's trying to improve up its online ordering system and catalogue and is looking to implement a same-day delivery service. It's also hoping the holiday season helps beef up online sales.

The top parties in Toronto for November are a breath of fresh, crisp air after all that Halloween ghoulishness in October. This month's coolest parties range from ultra-fun fundraisers to a handful of the best dance parties the city has seen in months. Impressive out of town guests and local heroes will make you forget summer was even a thing.

Here are my picks for the top 10 parties in Toronto for November 2016.

Evening Standard (Nov. 4, Bambi's)
This monthly dance party from our favourite local party starters Members Only is a do-not-miss for dance music lovers. Andrs is the guest of honour.

Art Attack! (Nov. 10, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre)
The art party at Buddies is always a wild time. Step inside the main theatre and witness a saucy live action auction like you've never experienced before. Find work from 25 of the most exciting Canadian contemporary artists, a silent auction and cheaper options inside the Rock Hudson Memorial Tuck Shop. There's also a very active bar and dance floor.

FNL ROM: Wild (Nov. 18, The ROM)
It's always fun to be able to walk all over the ROM with a cocktail and snack in hand. This edition of the always busy weekly party features Parallels, Sophie Jones, Violets and Viruses and access to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit.

Miss Kittin (Nov. 12, Nest)
When a party is presented by Toronto's Box Of Kittens, you just go. In this case, it's a double green light because of Montreal electronic goddess Princess Kitten. She's spinning alongside Mike Gibbs, Jamie Kidd and Miz Megs inside a club with one of the best sound systems in the city. This is one of those 5 a.m. type deals, so wear good dancing shoes.

CLGA Electric Circus Gala (Nov. 12, GLGA)
Every year, the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives holds a big fundraising gala. For 2016, it's Electric Circus-themed and original host Monika Deol will be the MC, leading the night into a live dance party with DJs Das Hussy and Phil V. So much 90s realness in one night.

Cashmere Cat (Nov.18, The Hoxton)
This DJ set from Norway's Cashmere Cat and the UK's Sophie on one bill is a double assault on your ears, brain, heart and body. There could be no better pairing of dance music producers in one place. Cashmere has worked with Ariana Grande and Sophie works with Diplo and this party works with your life.

Seth Troxler and Matthew Dear (Nov.19, Coda)
The techno and house party of the month is here with Seth Troxler and Matthew Dear's pairing on the B2B tour. Coda is home to another one of the city's greatest sound systems and with these two masters behind the decks, it may not only be the best party of the month, but one of the greatest all year. Don't miss this night.

All Vinyl Everything (Nov. 19, Miss Thing's)
No laptops, no Serato, just some quality turntables and vinyl for this dance party at Miss Thing's in Parkdale. DJ Agile, Mista Jiggz and Mensa help ring in three years of this music-lover's dance bash with special guest Max B. You can grab Hawaiian delicacies in the restaurant before dancing the night away in the back.

re: Public (Nov.25, District 28)
The NXT City party happens in a really great warehouse space in the east side and gathers more than 800 city building enthusiasts, experts and admirers in one spot. There will be music, drinks, art installations and samplings from some of Toronto's hottest restaurants.

Rude (Nov. 25, Geary Lane)
This is a brand new party up on Geary Lane that blasts dancehall, reggae, Afro-beats, soca, hip hop, pop, synth-pop and reggaeton. The all female DJ lineup includes Debby Friday, Ace Dillinger, Chiclet and Myst with artwork from Kent Monkman and Kiley May. It's a big queer, femme dance party where everyone is welcome. Except a-holes.

What did I miss? Let us know in the comments so we can all party even more together.

Photo via the ROM.

A number of notable Toronto businesses closed this past October, including a few well-known restaurants and watering holes. It's sad to see the Hideout close up shop on Queen West, even though the street's a construction mess right now, and the Harbord Room will definitely leave a hamburger-shaped hole in the Annex.

Here are 11 notable Toronto businesses that closed in October.

The Harbord Room
The Harbord Room served its last hamburger and carefully crafted cocktail this past Saturday night. The beloved eatery closed its doors on October 29. Two of the co-owners Cory Vitiello and Chris Shiki now run local mini chain Flock.

Hideout
This watering hole, music venue and dance party destination closed its doors at the end of October. It looks like a Taco Bell might replace it.

The Bristol
It's out with the British-style pub food and in with a German-inspired beer hall at the base of the Great Hall. The Bristol may have shut down, but its replacement looks pretty exciting.

Good Music
The number of record stores in Toronto is dwindling, especially after Good Music closed its doors this month. It apparently sold its stock to the 25-year-old Rotate This.

Far Niente
Far Niente, along with Four and Petit Four, closed this month. These three spots in the Financial District will leave a hole at 187 Bay St.

Oats & Ivy
Oats & Ivy started out as a delivery service and graduated to a storefront in Liberty Village. Unfortunately, the bricks and mortar location, known for its fresh lunches, closed on October 14.

Dantes
The feud between Dantes and its original owners, who now run Paoletti's, has come to an end, the Toronto Star reported earlier this month.

Shio
This sashimi and tapas bar at College and Ossington quietly closed down. Southern Accent will be moving in when it has to leave its Mirvish Village location.

Bar Volo
We're still not over the fact that the original Bar Volo closed at the very beginning of October. Thankfully, we have Birreria Volo to tide us over until the new Bar Volo emerges on Church Street.

Chelo & Co
This Persian joint near Trinity Bellwoods on West Queen West shut down. Since then, Sammich has opened up on this trendy street.

Backwoods Smokehouse
This meaty restaurant took over the old Red Sauce space. However, like its predecessor, it wasn't able to hang on in this tricky location just north of College Street. Now, Doma's replaced it.

What did I miss? Let us know in the comments.

Photo of the Hideout by Laurence.

Fall colours have peaked in Toronto, and over the coming weeks we will be left with heaps of leaves to sweep from our lawns and gardens. But what a magnificent show it has been. You'll still find some bright foliage at places like High Park and the Don Valley, but the best of the season has already been snapped by the city's intrepid photographers.

Have a look bellow at how beautiful Toronto is in the fall.

Photo of the fall skyline by Chris Kim

Photo of the Scarborough Bluffs by Cyclonic Niloy

Photo near Dundas Peak by Jarrett

Photo of early leaf fall by Bruce Christie

Photo of tall trees by Cyrill Leung

Photo of the Don Valley by kotsy

Photo of the DVP by David Dang

Photo of an early morning canoe ride by Michael Mitchener

Photo of Highland Creek by ossington

Photo of the Superior Court of Canada by A Great Capture

Photo of Sherwood Park by imuhar

Photo of fall train tracks by Cyclonic Nilloy

Photo of Centennial College by Kayo Pereira

Photo of Dundas Peak by Nicoli OZ Matthews

Photo of High Park by Benson Kua

Photo of the Rouge Valley by ossington

Lead photo of the Don Valley Brick Works by elsquirrel.

Who doesn't love an ooey, gooey forkful of mac and cheese, especially now that the weather's starting to turn sour? While Toronto has its very own mac and cheese festival in the summer, as well as plenty of restaurants serving this nostalgic dish, the University of Toronto's getting its very own cheesy competition.

The University of Toronto's Mac N' Cheese Smackdown is happening tomorrow from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Willcocks Commons on the St. George Campus.

U of T Food Services organized the event and it'll pit campus chefs against one another as they attempt to whip up the ultimate mac and cheese. Students, staff and community members can try all of the tasty creations for just $5.

If you're thinking of going, you should probably arrive hungry.

Photo by Jesse Milns.

At this hidden restaurant, orders are shouted back to the kitchen, hungry people line up all afternoon, and a smoker steadily pumps out some of the best jerk chicken the city has to offer.

Read my profile of The Jerk Joint in the restaurants section.

You know that feeling when you've been swiping right or left for too long? When you really haven't interacted with another human other than via text in days? It's time for you to put away that screen and get to a house party, and thanks to the organizers of this unique, intimate seven-day festival, you can.

The third annual Festival Of House Culture, happening from November 20 to 27, is like a giant string of house parties all over the city to help you get out of your place and into someone else's.

It's basically a week of music, arts, workshops, conversations and food all in private houses instead of at bars or commercial spaces.

There are over 30 events planned this year, and some highlights include concerts by Swamperella, Hotcha!, and guitar hero Maneli Jamal, as well as an international vegetarian potluck, a knitting party with live piano by Marcel Aucoin and a photography show.

There's no better way to socialize than in someone's living room or kitchen with records playing in the background, crafts in one room and a flute quintet in the other. Check out the official website for the robust schedule and go chill with some neighbours.

Photo by Aaron Reis.

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

OPEN NOW

• Doma, a French-inspired Korean restaurant, has replaced Backwoods Smokehouse in Little Italy and is now open for dinner at 50 Clinton St.
• Now with more seating space and an expanded menu, long-time Koreatown fave Tacos El Asador finally moved across the street last weekend to slightly larger digs at 689 Bloor St. W.
• MoTo Coffee and Snack Bar is serving up Italian snacks and hip drinks (third-wave coffee, cocktails, wine, cider and Ontario craft beers) at 1321 Dundas St. W. in the space formerly occupied by vegan pub Porter House and before that, Brockton General.
• Sweet Addictions Candy Co., a new candy shop selling unique sweets, sodas, chocolates, chips and cereals from all around the world, can be found in what was previously The Lakeview Storehouse, at 1134 Dundas St. W., right beside The Lakeview.

RECENTLY REVIEWED

• Ji
• Bravo Restaurant
• Brothers
• Potbelly Sandwich Shop
• Gushi Food (Queen St.)
• Superpoint
• St. Matthews BBQ Chicken
• Sampaguita Village
• The Stockyards Smokehouse & Larder
• The Jerk Joint

OPENING SOON

• White Lily Diner, a soon-to-be licensed, American-inspired diner with all-day breakfast and comfort food with a farm-to-table focus from former Electric Mud BBQ chef Ben Denham and his partner Ashley Lloyd, is soft opening this Saturday at 678 Queen St. E. in Riverside.
• The Green Wood, a casual dining restaurant that will serve brunch, is set to open later this month in the space beneath Queen Margherita Pizza in Leslieville at 1402 Queen St. E. Prior ventures here have failed (Crate, Rakia Bar), but hopefully this one will stick.
• Vaughan-based gluten/soy/sesame/nut/preservative-free vegan bakery and cafe Sorelle and Co. will be making its downtown debut at the Saks Food Hall by Pusateri's at 176 Yonge St. (at Queen St. W.) on Nov. 10.
• Loaded Pierogi should be opening its third location soon, taking over a shuttered Coffee Time at 839 Queen St. W.
• Tocino Boys is transitioning from a Filipino street food pop-up at the back of The Midpoint to a bigger space in La Porte at 214 Ossington, and should be starting up dinner service and weekend late-night eats very soon.
• If you still haven't had your fill of poke yet, Poke Wrap will be serving up "fast & fresh poke rolls & bowls" by the Ryerson campus soon at 354 Yonge St.

CLOSED

• Mideastro's Yorkville location at 27 Yorkville Ave. is no more.

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

Photo of Tacos El Asador via tofoodgal on Instagram.

Want to buy a house in Toronto? Good luck. Our local real estate market is still a hot one, and as the Toronto Real Estate Board reports, in October 2016, realtors in the GTA made a record of 9,768 sales, a figure that's up 10 per cent since October 2015.

But what's even more striking is that the average price of a detached house in Toronto is now sitting just over $1.3 million. Year over year, that number is up almost 22 per cent.

According to TREB, it's a seller's market since demand for homes still far outweighs the supply of properties on the market. "New listings were up slightly in October compared to last year, but not nearly enough to offset the strong sales growth," said TREB's director of market analysis Jason Mercer.

"This meant that seller's market conditions continued to prevail as buyers of all home types experienced intense competition in the marketplace. Until we experience sustained relief in the supply of listings, the potential for strong annual rates of price growth will persist, especially in the low-rise market segments."

Photo by GTA Tours.

If you're enamoured with the idea of hanging out by an infinity pool on the regular, you could have endless access by purchasing Penthouse One at the Fashion House condo. This 2,091 square foot unit boasts luxurious details, such as a Caesarstone Island and a marble backsplash in a kitchen built for entertaining.

The currently unobstructed east-facing view yields a gorgeous snapshot of the CN tower, and the private 982 square foot terrace is a great place to view it. The open-concept floor plan, floor-to-ceiling windows and ultra modern kitchen lend a perfect backdrop to entertain guests before a night out on King West.

While the rooftop infinity pool isn't your own private space, it's still a stunning escape to grab some rays and decompress. The amenities in this building are top notch, with a gym, rooftop deck, BBQ's and a media room, but only a few people have such easy access as the owners of this suite.

SPECS

• Address: 560 King Street West, PH#1
• Price: $2,488,000
• Square Feet: 2,091 sf. Penthouse + 982 sf. terrace
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 3
• Parking: 2
• Taxes: $10,683/year
• Maintenance Fee: $1,495.90/month
• Walk Score: 99
• Listing agent: Richard Silver and Sherille Marion Layton
• Listing ID: C3641337

NOTABLE FEATURES

• 2,091 square feet
• 10 foot ceilings
• Home automated audio/video and blinds system
• Infinity rooftop pool
• Private 982 square feet terrace with access from each room

GOOD FOR

A socialite looking to be in the middle of the King West restaurant and nightlife scene. With an array of bars and nightclubs within the block, you'll save money on Ubers for your nights out.

MOVE ON IF

King West's hustle and bustle is a bit too much for you. With some of Toronto's most well-known restaurants and nightclubs at your doorstep, you may not want to leave your abode on a Saturday night - unless you're planning on joining the party.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
Thanks to Bosley Real Estate Ltd, Brokerage for sponsoring our House of the Week. All content and editorial selected and written by blogTO.

Is this penthouse worth the asking price? Let us know in the comments.