Weekend events in Toronto give you lots of opportunities to walk around with your pals and catch up. Halloween is a distant memory, and although there's still the two-day Day of the Dead celebration at Harbourfront Centre, most of the other events are pretty chill. Concerts, and of course a small dance party, await you.

Here are my top picks for events in Toronto this weekend.

BIG EVENTS

MuchMusic Retro Mixtape book launch (Nov. 4, The Royal)
Take a look inside the wild early tears of MuchMusic with ex-VJ Christopher Ward and his new book Is This Live? He'll deliver a full-on dose of pop cultural nostalgia from the 1980s and 90s, or when the Canadian music scene changed forever.

National Woman's Show (Nov. 4, Convention Centre)
Need a good day out with the girls? This massive show might be for you. Over 450 exhibitors will scatter the giant room. This year the show is celebrating 15 years of fun with fashion and food shows, travel giveaways and loads of shopping.

Craft Ontario Craft Show (Nov. 4-6, Daniels Spectrum)
This three-day craft and design show features over 40 craftspeople. It's a great way to support the local arts and crafts community and get some great gift giving ideas.

Day of the Dead (Nov. 5-6, Harbourfront Centre)
There are a few Day of the Dead events happening in November, but this one is the only multi-day extravaganza that features Post Mortem Puppet Theatre, Amor Eterno: A Tribute to Juan Gabriel and the Viva Mexico Mariachi band.

FOOD AND DRINK

Dudes and Dukes (Nov. 5, Mod Club)
This is a one night only folk music fest and feast put on by the Food Dudes. Union Duke provides the soundtrack while one of Toronto's most popular catering companies serves a massive menu of thematic eats and signature cocktails. There will also be art installations inside what's typically a concert and club venue.

Luxury Chocolate Show (Nov. 5, Roy Thompson Hall)
A chocolate consumer show? Yes please. This one-day event features a chocolate marketplace, demos, interactive features, contests, tastings, sampling, chocolate making classes, chocolate painting and more.

FILM

Brazil Film Fest (Nov. 4-6, TIFF)
This sunny, tropical film fest will keep you warm while showcasing a ton of award winning films. All of them will have subtitles and will give insight into a fascinating culture. Check out what's playing via the site's ticketing page.

Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival (Nov. 4-12, AGO)
Canada's original festival devoted to movies about mental health and recovery moves into a new frontier of public awareness toward the mysteries of the human mind. It all happens at the AGO alongside talks, workshops and forums.

Syria Film Festival (Nov. 4-6, Isabel Bader Theater)
The second annual Syria Film Fest features stories of Syrian refugees and their attempts to find safety and a new life in various corners of the world. It includes films from Canada, Jordan, Turkey, Germany, and South Africa. It takes place at the Isabel Bader Theatre and Jackman Hall at the AGO.

Political Advertisement IX 1952-2016 (Nov. 6, The Power Plant)
This is a great way to prep yourself for the big American election night on Tuesday. There are viewing parties all over the city, but this screening will give you an interesting anthology of the manipulative marketing techniques in US politics.

MUSIC

Danny Brown (Nov. 4, The Phoenix)
Detroit hip hop prince Danny Brown comes to town and you'd better listen. His latest album, string of mixtapes and latest single "Really Doe" have gotten him a lot of respect lately.

More Toronto concerts:

• Monarchy (Nov. 4, The Drake Underground)
• Giraffage (Nov. 4, The Hoxton)
• The Arkells (sold out!) (Nov. 4-5, Massey Hall)
• Primal Scream (Nov. 4, Danforth Music Hall)
• Anna Lunoe (Nov. 5, The Hoxton)
• Inuit throat singing showcase (Nov. 5, The Music Gallery)
• Lapsley (Nov. 6, Danforth Music Hall)
• Pet Shop Boys (Nov. 6, Sony Centre)

DANCING

Evening Standard (Nov. 4, Bambi's)
Most dance parties this weekend are on the smaller side, which we kind of love. But it means you have to get there a bit early to make sure you get in. Case in point with this one thrown by the Members Only boys. Andrs are the special guests at this underground house music fiesta.

More Toronto parties:

• Wedding Night 2 Year Anniversary (Nov. 4, The Piston)
• Tapette - 4th annual Celine Dion dance party (Nov. 4, The Gladstone)
• Wind up: UK dancehall, grime (Nov. 4, Adelaide Hall)
• Brown Rice Dance Party (Nov. 5, Glad Day)
• DJ Vice (Nov. 5, Rebel)
• With It (Nov. 5, The Piston)
• Low key fire RnB night (Nov. 6, The Libertine)

OTHER EVENTS THIS WEEKEND

• Astronomy On Tap Anniversary edition (Nov. 4, The Great Hall)
• Home and Lifestyle Expo (Nov. 4-6, Toronto Congress Centre)
• FNL: Country (Nov. 4, The ROM)
• Really Really free Market (Nov. 5, Campbell Park)
• Dane Cook (Nov. 5, Sony Centre)
• Lucha Libre (Nov. 6, Lee's Palace)
• Eco Fair (Nov. 6, Wychwood Barns)

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events section and have a great weekend!

Photo of the Arkells by Hector Vasquez.

The Union Station Holiday Market returns to Toronto better than ever thanks to a newly renovated space inside the massive transit hub. This is always one of the city's busiest holiday pop-ups.

Now in its third year, the market arrives for 12 days between December 5 to 16, and admission is free.

20 local businesses, designers, artisans and gourmet food vendors will sell goods out of their custom booths at this vibrant little market everyday, which includes folks like MoRoCo Chocolate, Lee's Provisions and Yo Sox.

You'll notice the festive booths displayed in the newly renovated Oak Room on the main floor, west of Front Street entrances, ready to help with your one-stop commuter or lunchtime shopping.

Photo by Andrew Williamson.

It's not Christmas without Mariah Carey's smash 1994 hit "All I Want for Christmas Is You." And when the Hudson's Bay flagship at Queen and Yonge reveals its holiday window display today, Carey will be on hand to usher in the most wonderful time of the year.

But if you're not interested in the Yuletide festivities, and really on the 501 to travel across the city, this event might have you saying bah humbug tonight.

That's because the Queen streetcar route won't run between Yonge and Bay from 5:30 to 8 p.m. this evening.

According to the TTC, "501 Queen streetcars will divert in both directions via Church Street, King Street and Shaw Street."

REMINDER: 501 Queen will divert from approx. 5:30-8 pm today for the "HBC Holiday Window Reveal" at Yonge. Details: https://t.co/FNiO3WoLcI

— Brad Ross (@bradTTC) November 3, 2016

The 501 and 503 shuttle buses will also be diverting as follows:

• Eastbound: East on King Street, south on Strachan Avenue, west on Douro Street, north on Shaw Street, east on Queen Street, south on University Avenue, west on Adelaide Street, north on Church Street, east on Queen Street to Jarvis Street.
• Westbound: South on Jarvis Street, west on King Street, north on York Street, west on Queen Street, south on Shaw Street

Photo via Facebook.

If you've got nothing better to do around dinnertime tonight, you might as well check out the free Mariah Carey concert and holiday window reveal happening outside of Hudson's Bay/Saks at Queen and Yonge. While it won't cost you a dime to stand outside and watch, Carey's making heaps of money from this show.

According to TMZ, Carey's getting around $1 million to perform two songs, including "All I Want for Christmas Is You" - more like, all I want for Christmas is a million dollar pay day.

This massive window reveal will apparently also feature fireworks. It's even shutting down part of Queen Street and is diverting the 501 between Yonge and Bay.

Photo via Facebook.

Big, glossy underwear ads are a pretty common sight in the city and on our public transit system. But put a half naked man up there and you'll hear a very different story.

This is what Yuk Yuk's comedy club and the TTC are all worked up about. Yuk Yuk's latest campaign shows a naked man wearing a skimpy gold pouch covering his genitals doing every day things like playing volleyball, holding an umbrella, wrestling with a skeleton mask and shivering in a hideous Christmas sweater.

The TTC banned the ad because the imagery falls under clause 14 of the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards, which includes "unacceptable depictions or portrayals."

It's pretty tame because of the nature of the message, which states, "Looking for the best comedy in the city? We've got you covered!" Get it?! But the TTC disagrees. In speaking to the Toronto Star, TTC spokesperson Brad Ross claims the man in the ad is unrelated to the product, versus a lingerie ad where the woman is wearing the product.

Kyra Williams, vice-president of operations, for Yuk Yuk's is having none of it and is continuing to shoot back at what she claims are double standards enforced by the TTC.

According to Williams, the Yuk Yuk's team is creating something new, and less naked, so that the ads for their new season can run on subway cars.

Do you think the TTC was right to reject the ad? Let us know in the comments.

Does Toronto ever look more beautiful than early in the morning? You know, that brief period when the low-lying sun bathes everything in soft light and mist rises from the lake and our many ravines. So often we're pre-occupied with our morning commute that we fail to notice just how gorgeous mornings can be, but pausing for a moment can be rewarding.

Here are 21 stunning photos of Toronto in the early morning.

Photo by Hamish Grant

Photo by Bruce K

Photo by Phil Marion

Photo by Taku

Photo by Ben Roffelsen

Photo by Brian Rome

Photo by Francisco Silva

Photo by Hamish Grant

Photo by Frogyprod

Photo by Greg David

Photo by Michael Ishlove

Photo by Ben Roffelsen

Photo by picturenarrative

Photo by Rob P

Photo by Timothy Corbin

Photo by Vincent McMillen

Photo by Yu-Lin Chan

Photo by Greg David

Photo by Jason Cook

Photo by Ernie Kwong Photography

Lead photo by Richard Gottardo.

All-you-can-eat poutine certainly sounds enticing. But really, how many plates of fries, gravy and cheese curds can you actually eat? (Don't take that as a personal challenge, please.)

Perhaps it's not surprising then that Poutineville closed down its only Toronto location at 296 Brunswick Ave. in the Annex, beside late night hot spots, like the Lab and the Green Room.

Apparently, a new snack bar is going to replace this poutine emporium. This incoming eatery, called Tilt, will focus on fun and games.

According to a post on the Food and Wine Industry Career Navigator Facebook group, "Tilt is a new Toronto Snackery, Bar, and Arcade that is located in the heart of the Annex. Comprising a historically significant collection of games from all eras, an excellent craft beer and spirits selection as well as a smart, food oriented take on classic midway and snack bar favourites."

Photo by Jesse Milns.

Cheap steak in Toronto can be tricky culinary ground. Everyone wants a deal, but there's no point in paying for tough meat. Fortunately, there are a number of places around town that offer quality steak dinners for under $25. The cuts range from flank to New York strips, but this often depends on your proximity to downtown. In any case, there are deals to be had if you know where to look.

Here are 12 wonderfully cheap and delicious steaks on offer in Toronto.

Zet's Diner
You'd be hard pressed to find a better steak dinner for the price than at this airport diner. The 10oz New York strip loin ($18.95) is well marbled and comes with heaping sides and garlic bread.

Jules Bistro
This classic French bistro-style steak frites comes in at $17.95 and features a flavourful cut of flank steak served with herbed fries and ratatouille. The serving size is modest, but there's just the right amount of beef to wash down with your glass of Cotes du Rhone.

Aft Kitchen & Bar
Aft has a great deal on its steak frites, offering a 12oz herb-infused sous-vide flank steak for $22 that comes with a refreshing red chimichurri dressing. This thing is packed with flavour and comes served the only way it should be: medium rare.

Midfield Wine Bar
Midfield's steak is a fantastic deal for $17. The hanger cut has a deep beefy flavour and comes with whey brine and collard greens. You can get the order for two for $26.

Le Paradis
What's one way to prepare a cheaper cut of beef? Slice it thinly and cover it in sauce. The Bavette aux Echalotes ($21) is a beef flank grilled with a shallot demi glace. It comes served with frites.

Master Steaks
This Mississauga spot is probably not the best place for a romantic date. It is, however, a steak lover's paradise. There's an array of cuts on offer, from a 16oz Delmonico to rib eyes and, of course, strip loins. A 10oz dinner will get you in comfortably under $25 and leave you stuffed.

The Tulip
Often the subject of mixed reviews, the key with Tulip is to go in with appropriate expectations. The 12oz sirloin ($23.95) is juicy and filling, but not the top of the heap as far as grill-worthy cuts go. If you like a leaner steak, this is for you.

The Purple Onion
The Purple Onion is like the west side version of the Tulip, but given its modest fanfare over the years, the prices have stayed lower. You can get a 10oz sirloin for $16.95, but my money is on the 10oz New York strip at $19.95, which comes with mashed potatoes and garlic bread.

House on Parliament
House on Parliament does a lovely throwback peppercorn steak and fries that's a good value at $24 given that it's a 10oz strip loin on the plate. Add shallot and herb butter and a watercress salad, and you have the recipe for a hearty meal.

Martins
This restaurant might be better known for its Portuguese chicken, but it also does an excellent steak with a fried egg (a typical Portuguese preparation) starting at $21. The thinly sliced chip-like fries make for a novel take on steak frites.

Rio 40
Brazilian-style steak is not to be missed if you're a fan of beef. At Rio 40, there are a wide range of options between $18-23, starting with either a grilled rump steak or a New York strip and sides like grilled pineapple, grilled shrimp, rice, and beans.

The Abbot Pub & Fare
For $25, you can partake in the Abbot's picture perfect pub staple: steak and chips. This is a 9oz Canadian Angus strip loin with fantastic yukon gold fries that rivals versions priced much higher around town.

Did I miss any good spots for cheap steak? Let us know in the comments.

Lead photo from Zet's Diner.

Toronto condos take a fair bit of criticism for being bland glass boxes, but a recent ranking of the world's best new skyscrapers has showered accolades upon the city's ICE II condo, the taller of two towers that make up the ICE development on York Street.

The Emporis Skyscraper Awards highlight the top 10 buildings over 100 metres in height built in a given year. ICE II just snuck into the rankings in tenth place. Still, it's in lofty company (no pun intended). Emporis editors considered over 300 buildings for this year's award, which looked back on buildings completed in 2015.

China's Shanghai Tower took top spot, while Russia's Evolution Tower and Italy's Il Dritto rounded out the top three.

Aside from its height at 67 storeys, the most noteworthy feature of this architectsAlliance-designed building is its Swiss cheese-like roof structure, which attracted Toronto photographers even before the building was complete. The massive slab of concrete with circular cut-outs is most stunning from above, but also adds a dramatic feature to the city's skyline.

Are you a fan of Toronto's ICE condos? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by tomms

Living in a big city can pose some challenges when it comes to etiquette. With so many people crammed into relatively limited space, it's particularly important that everyone tacitly agree to certain common sense rules about how to behave for the greater good of the city. Alas, too often these rules are forgotten and city life is dragged down by a few rotten apples.

For a primer on how to avoid this fate, here are 10 easy ways to be a good Toronto resident.

1. Walk left, stand right. You may no longer find the signs on the TTC, but this is basic escalator etiquette that respects the fact some people are in a rush while others happy to cruise to their destinations.

2. While we're on the subject of the TTC, please make sure to take off your backpack, only take up one seat, and never rush the doors to enter a train before everyone has gotten off.

3. Support your local brewery. Toronto's craft beer scene might seem like an unstoppable industry at times, but it's tough to compete with the big conglomerates. Buying from local breweries is the best way to ensure that we continue to see interesting beer made here.

4. The good Toronto resident will also support the city's music and arts scenes by going to concerts, comedy shows, and buying the work of local artists if it's feasible. You'd be amazed how inexpensive it can be to do so. Oh, and remember, it's okay to dance at live shows! Let's ditch our wallflower reputation.

5. Be nice, clear your ice. One of Toronto's best-ever ad campaigns is as true today as it has ever been.

6. On the subject of sidewalks, let's remember never to ride our bikes on these. This is only acceptable behaviour if you're under 10 years old.

7. Don't be a stranger to city hall. Voting in every municipal election is an obvious requirement to be a good Toronto citizen, but you can also weigh in on an array of municipal issues that shape our city between elections.

8. Get to know more than just your neighbourhood. Toronto's diversity is often touted as its greatest strength, but the only way to experience this is by exploring areas of the city that might be unfamiliar. How else is it possible to truly know the city?

9. Take an old fashioned taxi once in a while. Uber has changed the way that we travel across the city, but if we don't use our existing taxicabs, they're bound to disappear.

10. Use your green bin. This can pose a challenge for some apartment and condo residents, but for those who live in houses and buildings with street-side garbage pick-up, there's no excuse for not sorting your garbage.

What did I miss? Add your suggestions for how to be a good Toronto resident in the comments.

Photo by A Great Capture in the blogTO Flickr pool.

This Toronto fitness studio is home to the WaterFlywheel - a rowing machine that has a unique cylinder of water that's meant to mimic the resistance of a paddle against water.

Read my profile of Nucleo Fitness in the fitness section.

Boiled seafood in a bag has been one of the big local food trends this year. Now there's another restaurant in Toronto where you can get in on the finger-lickin' action.

Read my profile of The Boil Bar in the restaurants section.

Toronto Food Events rounds up the most delicious festivals, pop-ups, winemaker dinners, supper clubs and other food related happenings in Toronto this week and next. You can find us here every Friday morning.

THIS WEEK

• The Craft Beer Awards are tonight at the Enercare Centre.
• Grab free pizza at the Rustico on King pop-up pizzeria (363 King St. W.) starting today until Nov. 11.
• The Society of Beer Drinking Ladies biggest bevy yet, the Canada's All Ladies Beer Festival is tomorrow at Wychwood Barns.
• Dudes & Dukes, a night of food and music hosted by the Food Dudes and folk band Union Duke, is at the Mod Club tomorrow night. Tickets are $30.
• The first Unforked Salon, an evening of food and conversation, starts at Banu this Sunday. Along with hearing from a speaker, $60 gets you a three-course meal.
• On Nov. 8, join George Brown College event planning students at The Trump Trump Taco Bowl US election night party at 300 Adelaide St. E. Tacos will be $6 each.
• Toronto Poke Week runs from Nov. 7 to 13. You can get $5 poke bowls at select restaurants.
• Get a team together and join the pizza-making competition at Queen Margherita Pizza on Nov. 9
• The Evening at the Market event at St. Lawrence Market is on Nov. 10. Tickets are $75.
• The Taste of Iceland showcase starts on Nov. 10 and runs until Nov. 13. There's a special menu at Jump for you to try.
• Head to the Tabasco Hawker Market at Artscape Wychwood Barns on Nov. 10 for a night of food, drinks and fun.
• The Ontario Cider Awards are on Nov. 10 at the Enercare Centre.

UPCOMING


• The first ever Bartender Atlas Tour runs from Nov. 13 to 16 with lots of boozy festivities.
• NoshFest, Toronto's first Jewish food festival, is on Nov. 13 at Wychwood Barns and will feature restaurants like Caplansky's and Schmaltz Appetizing as well as a few strictly kosher vendors.
• Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario (ICCO) and Centennial College and present CENTITALIA: Gusto Cultura to educate Toronto about authentic Italian cuisine. This multi-faceted event runs from Nov. 14 to 18.
• The annual Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown is at the Fermenting Cellar on Nov. 15. If you love chowder, this is the night for you.
• Try some wine, booze and tasty treats at the Gourmet Food and Wine Expo, which runs from Nov. 17 to 20 at the Convention Centre.
• Start off the holiday season with the Mill St. Brewpub Festive Brewmaster's Dinner
  on Nov. 17. The meal will set you back about $70.
• Uncork Untap Unwind is a new fundraising event in support of West Park. There will be lots of celebrity chefs at this affair on Nov. 17 at the Fermenting Cellar.
• If you love veal, head to Peter Pan on Nov. 24 for a meaty meal dubbed Keeping it Veal.

  Know of a Toronto food event coming up? Email editors@blogto.com.

  Photo of Big Tuna by Hector Vasquez.

Toronto residents are used to waiting in line. That's why no one seemed to mind standing around in front of Hudson's Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue for more than two and half hours before Mariah Carey graced the stage for a free show.

The so-called Queen of Christmas was in town to help the department stores unveil their holiday window displays - which, if you're wondering, feature local and woodland creatures, such as squirrels and raccoons.

Carey's performance diverted the Queen streetcar yesterday evening as thousands gathered in front of the Bay prior to the show. She was supposed to start singing at around 7 p.m., but as per usual, she was late.

Before she came out, clad in a red and hot pink Anna Maier gown, the crowd chanted her name, willing her on to the stage. Eventually, it was show time. But instead of Mariah, we first had to hear from Hudson's Bay execs and Mayor John Tory - some audience members weren't too pleased.

Finally, it was Mariah time and she performed two Yuletide hits, including "All I Want for Christmas Is You." The show finished with fireworks and lots of white, snow-like confetti. The window displays seemed almost like an afterthought.

Here's how die-hard fans and detractors reacted to the whole evening.

Photo by George Pimentel.

Metrolinx, the provincial transit authority in charge of numerous infrastructure projects around Toronto, has put Bombardier on notice that it plans to cancel a $770 million contract for LRVs to operate on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT route. The statement of intent follows a series of delays and manufacturing issues Bombardier has experienced in delivering a prototype model.

The Canadian transit and aerospace manufacturer has also failed to deliver the TTC its new low floor streetcars in a timely fashion, delays that surely play a role in Metrolinx's concern that the company won't be able to supply the Crosstown with vehicles in time for its launch.

For its part, Bombardier characterizes the notice of cancellation a normal part of the contractural process, and notes that manufacturing of LRV for the Crosstown isn't scheduled to begin until 2018 for the anticipated 2021 opening of the line. The line will require 76 vehicles on its opening date.

Metrolinx's notice to terminate the contract doesn't mean that it will ultimately follow through, but it does apply significant pressure on Bombardier, particularly given that the bidding for the contract to supply the Finch LRT line with vehicles has been opened up to other transit manufactures.

The question now is whether or not Bombardier can respond in such a way that restores confidence in its ability to fulfill the contract.

Photo by Radagast.

Toronto food trucks are continuing to bring the city some of the most innovative culinary offerings around. Eva's Original Chimney's introduced the doughnut cone, SUSHITTO On the Road kicked off the sushi burrito trend, and now farm-to-table food truck Heirloom is bringing us the next big thing.

Starting today, Heirloom will be offering up a new snack, cheesecake on a stick. However, this isn't your average cheesecake. They are introducing four epic creations to their menu.

• Coconut cream pie with caramel
• PB & J with organic peanut butter and homemade jam
• The Elvis Presley with peanut butter and a torched banana
• The ball park with caramel popcorn and salted pretzels

These morsels of deliciousness will be available at their truck at the Royal Winter Fair from November 4 to 13. Can't make it? Don't fret the truck will also be stationed at Evergreen Brickworks and Nathan Phillips Square this winter.

They also will be on the menu at their brand new bricks and mortar location opening early April 2017 in Toronto's west side.

Photo via Heirloom.

You might know him from The Late Late Show and his series Carpool Karaoke in which he drives around and sings popular songs with celebrities, such as Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears and First Lady Michelle Obama. Or perhaps you caught him at this year's Tony Awards when he opened the show with a touching, Hamilton-inspired number.

Regardless, Britain's James Corden is a funny guy and he's coming to the Toronto-area to headline Trillium Health Partners Foundation's fifth annual Laugh Out Loud fundraising gala.

The event's happening in Mississauga on Saturday, February 25, 2017. "As Mississauga gears up for a British invasion, I'm honoured to be a part of this year's Laugh Out Loud," says Corden in a news release. "I look forward to a brilliant night in support of a great cause."

If you want to attend, it's going to cost you. Individual tickets start at $500.

Photo via @j_corden.

The best cheap eats in Scarborough let you take advantage of one of the most diverse (and delicious) culinary scenes in the world. From Afghan-style feasts to old-school hamburger joints, the east end is filled with places where you can dine for around $10 or less.

Here are the best cheap eats in Scarborough.

There's a whole bunch of great places to watch the US presidential election results this Tuesday, November 8, but there's only one party truly celebrating the glory of Trump with an appropriate food tie-in.

It's the Trump Trump Taco Bowl, and it's happening in the George Brown College in the Atrium at the Hospitality Building at 300 Adelaide St. E., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on election day.

In honour of wildly buzzed election and its controversial candidate, the fundraising party will feature $6 house-made tacos, a Trump piñata, raffles prizes, a silent auction, Trump swag, and photo ops. A Donald-inspired beatboxing performance is also on the docket.

All of the money raised will support an upcoming George Brown event in the new year.

Photo via the party's Facebook page.

The $2.5 million house in Toronto represents a benchmark price point. Those who are able to spend this much on a home don't have to confine themselves to basic considerations like space and neighbourhood, but instead, can start to get particular about architectural details, ravine plots and luxury amenities. In short, this is the dividing point for how the other half lives.

Here's what a $2.5 million house looks like in Toronto.

$2,450,000 in Don Mills
This ultra modern home in Don Mills features everything from radiant floor heating to a custom Downsview kitchen, all packaged together in a minimalist design that will make contemporary architecture fans swoon. At four bedrooms and five bathrooms, no one will be complaining about space, either.

$2,449,000 in Birchcliff
You're buying the plot of land with this one. Fallingbrook Drive is one of the nicer streets in Toronto, particularly on the northeast side of the street, which backs onto the Toronto Hunt Club. The house itself isn't as dated as the exterior photos indicate, but a potential buyer will likely have major renovation plans in mind.

$2,498,689 near Avenue Road and Wilson Avenue
Located in the Armour Heights neighbourhood, this contemporary cube-like home has only three bedrooms and three bathrooms, but the attention to detail in the design is superb. It won't attract buyers looking for something classic, but the modern space features floating staircases, a double-sided gas fireplace and top of the line kitchen appliances. The corner lot adds space to the backyard.

$2,450,000 on The Kingsway
Notice a trend forming? Yup, at $2.5 million there are a host of recent builds on the market. This one features a unique exterior design that spills over into the interior with plenty of light cast on the main stairway and floor-to-ceiling windows in a number of rooms. You'll also get a wine cellar, built-in speakers and a sprawling open concept kitchen/dining room.

$2,500,000 near Dufferin and Davenport
Here's a quirky one. Part residential and part warehouse space, this house could serve as the ultimate investment property or as the world's greatest personal workshop. The living space is already divided into apartments, however, so it's unlikely that someone will want to undertake the work to combine them. Nevertheless, it's an intriguing find in a neighbourhood that's on the rise.

Would you buy any of these houses if you had the coin? Let us know in the comments.