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The ACC just got a slick new pub and viewing lounge

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acc bar torontoIf you can manage to snag a ticket to a Leafs game to see Auston Matthews play, you can also pay a visit to the newest addition to Toronto's Air Canada Centre: the Draught Deck, a beer-friendly pub and viewing lounge.

In a news release, it's described as, "a new fan-centric destination that combines a sports bar and in-game viewing experience at the arena for both Maple Leafs and Raptors games."

It's located on the 300 level and includes two bowl-facing suites, a bar and will feature music from both bands and a DJ both before and after games. While you might not want to hang around here during play, it certainly will make pre-games and intermissions a whole lot cooler.

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment and Molson Coors Canada announced a 10 year renewal of their beer partnership today as well as this new pub.

Photo via MLSE.


House of the week: 128 Collier Street

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128 Collier StreetThis three-bedroom, three-bathroom semi-detached home in South Rosedale could be yours for $2,999,000. The hefty price-tag comes at no surprise given its location, nestled amongst multi-million dollar mansions and the Rosedale Valley Ravine in its backyard.

128 Collier StreetThe home is filled with textures, which is an interesting break from the one-toned modern white homes and condos we've grown accustomed to. Though the coffered ceilings and extensive wainscotting may not be for everyone, it gives the home an air of sophistication. It's certainly not for minimalists.

128 Collier StreetWhile the house isn't massive, good use is made of its space, with built in closets, a walk-in closet in the master bedroom, and unique bench seating in the living room.

128 Collier StreetSPECS

  • Address: 128 Collier Street
  • Price: $2,999,000
  • Lot Size: 19.83x85.00 FT
  • Bedrooms: 4
  • Bathrooms: 4
  • Parking: Seller has several parking spots nearby*
  • Taxes: $9,366.34
  • Walk Score: 100
  • Listing agent: Voula Gekas
  • Listing ID: C3639217

128 Collier StreetNOTABLE FEATURES

  • Stained glass windows
  • Coffered ceilings
  • Large walk-in closet with built in cabinetry
  • Wainscoting throughout
  • Fireplace
  • Situated next to the Rosedale ravine

128 Collier StreetGOOD FOR

Someone that's looking to ditch their car and explore the city on foot. With a ravine in your backyard and plenty of shopping just down the street, you'll be able to accomplish most of life's necessities without wheels.

128 Collier StreetMOVE ON IF

You have - or plan to build - a car collection. While the listing specifies the seller has parking available, there's no permanent driveway or garage to house a vehicle.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
128 collier st toronto128 Collier Street128 collier st toronto128 collier st toronto128 Collier Street128 collier st torontoIs this home worth the asking price? Have your say in the comments.

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

Waterloo students want to reinvent travel between Toronto and Montreal

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2016117-hyploop.jpgThe Hyperloop is one of the most groundbreaking transportation concepts to surface in the last few years, and a university near Toronto hopes to design one of its first iterations, as the push to bring this futuristic technology to realization increases from Elon Musk's SpaceX company, the contemporary force behind the idea.

A team of University of Waterloo students has made it into the second round of an international competition headed by SpaceX that aims to realize a Hyperloop system. Of the over 1,200 entrants, Waterloo is one of only 22 that remain.

waterloo hyperloopDubbed the Waterloop, this version is the world's first functional pneumatic Hyperloop levitation system, where the pod floats a few millimetres above the ground in the vacuum-sealed tube. This despite weighing over 200 kilograms.

At the speeds they're initially aiming for (550kph), a trip to Montreal from Toronto would take under an hour. But that's just for the prototype. The aim of Hyperloop technology is to reach speeds of up to 1,200kph when it's all said and done.

waterloo hyperloopThere's still a long way to go before that happens, but there's an immensely important test coming up for the Waterloo team in Janurary, when it will demo its pod in an underground tunnel at the SpaceX site in California.

If that goes well, the team would be able to proceed with development for an even longer test next summer.

Photos via the Waterloop project.

Today in Toronto: Nick Carter, Fireworks Festival, Indie Horror Fest, Musical Bingo, Choir! Choir! Choir!

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nick carter torontoToday in Toronto many people are suffering from a US election hangover. If you're unhappy about the outcome, why not turn back the clock and check out everyone's favourite Backstreet Boy, Nick Carter. Amy Schumer was supposed to be at the ACC tonight, but she postponed her show. In any case, it seems like the kind of day to get out and have some good, distracting, fun.

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.

Photo via @nickcarter.

Toronto gets a destination for Indonesian street food

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satay sateDespite the city's culinary diversity, Indonesian food isn't something that's particularly plentiful in Toronto. So it's a good thing that this tiny, mostly take-out joint, is serving some of the most authentic Indonesian street food this side of Jakarta.

Read my profile of Satay Sate in the restaurants section.

Take a look inside Toronto's new Filipino mojito bar

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dollys torontoToronto has a new Filipino mojito bar and panciteria. This spot is brought to you by Dave Sidhu and his Playa Cabana team, and boozy mojitos along with classic Filipino dishes (some with house-made pancit, or noodles) and a killer soundtrack of nostalgic R&B and hip-hop tunes await.

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

The Best Portuguese Restaurants in Toronto

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Portuguese Restaurants TorontoThe best Portuguese restaurants in Toronto serve some of the most flavour-packed food in our fair city thanks in part to our large, lively, and welcoming Portuguese community. From classic churrasqueira chicken with addictive hot sauce and filling rice and potatoes around to imported Portuguese wines and seafood, these places cover the range of fine and casual dining.

Here are the best Portuguese restaurants in Toronto.

New street to ease traffic pain in Liberty Village

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new street liberty villageOne of Toronto's most congested neighbourhoods for traffic might get some much needed relief as plans for a new street in Liberty Village have received support from city staff. A recommendation to add the street to the city's Official Plan goes to a vote at Toronto and East York Community Council on November 15, where it is expected to pass.

According to the report, the new street is proposed as an "east-west pedestrian, cycling, and vehicle connection between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue, linking to several existing north-south streets in Liberty Village. [It] comprises two lanes of vehicular travel, a sidewalk on the north side, a multi-use pedestrian and cycling path on the south side, and associated public realm improvements."

Plans for the new thoroughfare have been around for a long time, going all the way back to a proposed extension to Front St., which was ultimately shot down in part due to funding issues and concerns expressed by Parkdale residents worried about traffic dispersing at Dufferin St.

liberty village new streetIn place of that major project, what's merely referred to as "New Street" would address some of the problems organic to Liberty Village by offering residents a new way to enter and exit the neighbourhood. It would also add cycling infrastructure that would help to connect routes from the west with the new Fort York bridge and Richmond/Adelaide lanes.

An environmental assessment has already been completed, and the project already has city council approval. The street must, however, be added to the Official Plan "in order to secure necessary lands and, potentially, the construction of portions of the New Street through redevelopment of abutting properties," explains the city report.

That means relief is still a long ways off for the neighbourhood, but with municipal support for the street strong, it's likely to become a reality in the years ahead.

Photo by Mary Crandall.


Toronto's getting a stunning new library

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new toronto libraryWhat does Toronto always need more of? Libraries. And it feels like everyone could use an escape into a good book right now, even though many are comparing recent world events to a certain dystopian YA fiction series. But to take your mind off all that, the Toronto Public Library system will open a stunning new building next year.

The Albion branch is getting a brand new home. The revamped branch is right next door to the existing library at 1515 Albion Rd., which will remain open during construction.

new toronto libraryWith a colourful facade, the new library - designed by architectural firm Perkins+Will - will also include a Digital Innovation Hub with a 3D printer, a KidsStop Early Literacy Centre and lots of quiet study spaces.

new toronto libraryAccording to the TPL website, it should open some time in 2017. There are also a number of TPL branches slated for renovations, including the Wychwood Branch.

Photos via Perkins+Will.

Toronto pizzeria correctly predicted Trump victory

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trump winsIf you stayed up until the wee hours of the morning, staring at your screen in horror, you probably hoped to wake up to find it was all a dream. Could Donald Trump really be the US president-elect? Apparently so.

And while the polls down south couldn't predict this outcome, North of Brooklyn Pizzeria's voting challenge got it right.

The local mini-chain put out two new pizzas: the Donald and The Hillary. Based on whichever pizza had the best sales, one dual citizen would cast his vote for that presidential candidate.

The Donald, with American Pepperoni, sausage, orange cheese and jalapenos, came out on top. Perhaps, like Trump, it'll become a permanent fixture for the next four years.

How to mark Remembrance Day in Toronto for 2016

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Remembrance Day Toronto 2016Toronto marks Remembrance Day with a number of beautiful ceremonies to honour fallen soldiers and veterans. Wherever you are in the city, take a moment at 11 a.m. and pause to pay tribute to all victims of war.

Here are the places to mark Remembrance Day in Toronto on November 11.

MAJOR CEREMONIES

EAST SIDE CEREMONIES

WEST SIDE CEREMONIES

NORTH TORONTO CEREMONIES

Photo by PLTam in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Stunning new student centre coming to York University

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York University Student CentreLong considered the bleakest academic campus in the city (if not the country), York University is steadily shedding this troubling reputation as it's reshaped with buildings of the highest architectural merit. Now, it has another gem to boast about as work gets under way on a stunning new student centre.

While the gorgeous recently completed Bergeron Centre served as an exclamation point on a decade's worth of mostly design-oriented construction at the northwestern Toronto campus, the university isn't slowing down with its expansion plans. The latest addition will dramatically improved the student facilities on campus with a new social hub and modern study centre.

York University Student CentreThe predominantly glass structure will be home to study and lounge spaces, musical studios, a large-scale event space, and offices for various student clubs. The current student centre at York is recognized mostly for its status as a fast food court and lacks the type of amenities promised by the new complex.

York University Student CentreArchitects CannonDesign worked closely with students to craft a space that would conform to their desires. The resulting interior design aims to be defined by its communal lounge spaces, something which the campus has never had enough of.

York University Student CentreAs a commuter school, many students can't go back to a residence between classes. Having comfortable spaces to study is crucial. The glass design is also a key feature, which is meant to keep the building open to the campus at large, a design principle largely absent from early buildings at the university.

The new student centre isn't expected until 2018, shortly after the Spadina Subway Extension is supposed to open. With an improved campus and subway access, York might be set to enjoy significantly increased interest from prospective Toronto university students

Renderings via CannonDesign.

10 dazzling holiday lighting ceremonies in Toronto

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holiday lights torontoHoliday lighting ceremonies in Toronto include massive Christmas trees and gorgeous illuminated boardwalks. There's a ceremonies happening all over the city, and Santa will show up at most of them (he's a busy guy!). Many feature live entertainment, refreshments and all-around jolly, festive vibes.

Here are 10 holiday lighting ceremonies in and around Toronto to get you in the festive spirit.

12 Trees of Christmas (Nov. 12, Gardiner Museum)
The 27th annual event at Toronto's textile museum asks designers and artists to reimagine Christmas trees both aesthetically and conceptually. You can see them all inside the museum, along with a 40-foot tree located in the front plaza.

Illuminite (Nov. 19, Yonge-Dundas Square)
This intersection is already pretty bright, but the Illuminate events is about to make it even brighter with this holiday spectacle starting at 5:30 p.m. Take in a show from Toronto's Ride the Tiger, followed by a tree lighting ceremony and performance from the St. Michael's Choir.

Cavalcade of Lights (Nov. 19, Yonge Street, Rosedale)
This neighbourhood gets its very own Cavalcade of Lights starting at 2 p.m. with live music, food, drinks, horse and carriage rides, a special drinks lounge and an appearance from the jolly guy in the red suit.

Holiday Magic (Nov. 19, Yorkville Village)
Special guest Shawn Desman and Heist invade Yorkville from 5 to 6:30 p.m. to help unveil the Christmas light spectacular at Cumberland and Bellair Streets. Expect a big stage and warm drinks for a $2 donation. Otherwise, this lighting ceremony is totally free.

Light up the Square (Nov. 19, Mississauga Celebration Square)
The Holiday Street Market starts at noon, but the real fun begins at 5 p.m. with the lighting of the square. Expect performances from the Culture Dance Pak, Stella Rio and music from DJ Adverb who'll help build up to the official Christmas tree lighting ceremony with Mayor Crombie.

Winter Festival of Lights (Nov. 19-Jan. 31, Niagara Falls)
The Winter Festival of Lights runs throughout the entire holiday season, but it all kicks off at the opening ceremonies on November 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. Head to the Falls to see the whole extravaganza come to life and let your Christmas spirit soar.

Light up The Beach (Nov. 25, Leuty Ave.)
The Beaches boardwalk will be illuminated by 80,000 bulbs, imagine that. If you want to watch the magic happen, arrive on the boardwalk at the foot of Leuty Avenue at, or before, 7 p.m. Santa will also be there with a bunch of special guests.

Festival of Lights (Nov. 25, Main Street Markham)
This festival of lights invites folks to check out the newly renovated Main Street to enjoy a free horse and buggy ride and to watch some jugglers, fire artists and stilt-walking elves. There will also be live entertainment, strolling carollers, a visit from Santa and the tree lighting ceremony followed by fireworks at 8 p.m.

Cavalcade of Lights (Nov. 26, Nathan Phillips Square)
If you thought fireworks were impressive, head to City Hall to see a bunch of lights illuminate the sky and the downtown core. It's a fun, annual tradition with a tree lighting, live shows, and okay fine, fireworks as well. There's also a skating party with music under a sheet of twinkling lights.

Christmas tree lighting (Dec. 2, Scarborough Civic Centre)
Scarborough's biggest tree lighting event happens from 7 to 9 p.m., with free refreshments, ice skating, choir performances, an appearance from Santa and a massive tree lighting moment with Councillor Chin Lee thrown in somewhere. Dress warm, bring your own camera and watch the skies light up.

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

Photo by Sue Holland via the blogTO Flickr pool.

A huge Harry Potter concert is coming to Toronto

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harry potter concertIs there anything more epic than the opening of John Williams' "Hedwig's Theme" (otherwise known as the Harry Potter music)? Probably. But to a Potterhead, it's downright magical.

Now you can celebrate your love for all things Potter at the Sony Centre thanks to two shows that pair the Toronto Symphony Orchestra with the Harry Potter movies.

First up, of course, is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. This screening is on June 27 and the pre-sale is happening right now.

On October 12, 2017, the series continues with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. For the second time, the TSO, conducted by Justin Freer, will play John Williams' score alongside the film.

But you better start rubbing your galleons together because these shows aren't cheap. Pre-sale tickets for the June 27 show look like they start at $175.

The TSO is no stranger to accompanying epic movies. Over Halloween, for instance, they wowed audiences with the music of Danny Elfman - he scored many of Tim Burton's films. Later this year, the TSO will bring Howard Shore's score to life at the sold-out The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring in concert.

Photo via Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Snoop Dogg wants to move to Toronto after Trump win

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snoop dogg torontoNumerous celebrities said they'd move to Canada if Donald Trump won the American presidential election. Well, he did, and now we'll have to wait and see who actually makes their way to the Great White North.

While many of these celebs were vague about where they'd settle, it looks like Snoop Dogg has his eyes set on Toronto.

Snoop posted a photo of the Toronto skyline to Instagram last night, writing "My new home. @champagnepapi I need the hookup on some property. Nefew fuck this shit I'm going to the. 6ix."


Last night, Citizenship and Immigration Canada's website crashed and Google searches around the terms "How to move to Canada" and "Canadian citizenship" spiked as the election results rolled in.

You can't make this stuff up.


What Honest Ed's used to look like back in the day

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Honest Eds HistoryHonest Ed's will close its doors forever on December 31, 2016. While this date has been known for some time, for many the news hasn't really set in that the iconic retailer at Bloor and Bathurst will be no more in less than two months. It has been a fixture in this city since 1948.

While tributes like the one at Bathurst Station will help to keep the store in Toronto's thoughts, they can't fill the gap that will be left when someone from the neighbourhood goes looking for a deal on small appliances or long underwear. Yes, there are other shops, but the size and diversity of Honest Ed's stock made it a community staple, right down to its annual turkey giveaways.

Honest Eds HistoryMuch will be missed about the place, including the quirky building itself. This is Toronto's palace of kitsch, a remaining bit of ostentatiousness in a city where the streetscape is steadily being sanitized. It was never in good taste, but as the years wore on, this quality actually become more endearing as the neighbourhood and city changed around it.

Honest Eds HistoryIt's always been a gaudy place, but the most recognizable aspect of the store, its massive light bulb-strewn sign, is not as old as some might imagine. It dates back to 1984 when the store expanded east from what is now referred to as Honest Ed's Alley.

Honest Eds HistoryThis was the last in a series of expansions that took the store from its humble roots as a small space at 581 Bloor St. West called The Sports Bar in 1943 to a full sized discount department store that occupied a number of city blocks.

Honest Eds HistoryOver that period, the sign and facade changed many times, though the loud, lowbrow aesthetic has remained since the days of Ed and Annie Mirvish's first shop back in the mid 1940s. One reason why many of us connect with this kitschiness is that we remember a Toronto that was more overtly working class in its makeup and appearance.

Honest Eds HistoryHonest Ed's might have cultivated a circus-like atmosphere, but it always felt real. So many of us remember being taken on shopping trips to the store as children. I recall hating them, but the place left an imprint on me.

Honest Eds HistoryIt's difficult to memorialize a place like Honest Ed's without enacting a hopeless nostalgia that would turn its nose up at Toronto's growth over the last half century (a very foolish thing to do), but something important will certainly be lost when it closes its doors.

Honest Eds HistoryThe store was unique. It wasn't a chain with locations elsewhere. It was undeniably a part of Toronto, and it grew up with the city, giving back not just little things like turkeys but also Mirvish Village and a cultural enterprise that lives on today. These are things worth remembering when the lights go dim.

Photos via the Toronto Public Library, the Toronto Archives, Russell Lazar, and Cairlinn, Roadside Architecture, and Chuckman's Nostalgia.

Rent designer dresses for cheap at new Toronto studio

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Studio Fitzroy TorontoWith the holiday season coming up, there are plenty of parties to go to, but with all sorts of gifts to buy and Ubers to request throw the snow and rain, it might be best not to splurge on a permanent purchase. Former pop-up queens have started a dress rental boutique to cater to all your last minute outfit needs.

Read my profile of Studio Fitzroy in the fashion section.

Toronto Restaurant Openings: Sunshine Wholesome Market, The Cups, Maezo, Boil Bar, Cafe Landwer

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toronto restaurant openingsToronto 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

  • Playa Cabana's Dave Sidhu not only recently debuted Dolly's, but he and his partner Ashley Jeige-Sidhu have also taken over Sunshine Wholesome Market at 942 College St. (by Dovercourt). The completely renovated shop reopened yesterday, offering all-organic produce, salads and smoothies, along with gluten-free sandwiches.
  • The Cups, a Korean cafe that already has a location in Thornhill, has opened a second spot at 5418 Yonge St. in North York. Both cafes feature Hawaiian musubi, "cup bab" (a big "cup" of rice with savoury toppings), shaved ice desserts and a tantalizing menu of lattes that include taro, black sesame or red bean as flavours.
  • Maëzo has taken over what was formerly The Rum Exchange at 67 Richmond St. W. This restaurant and bar serves up a fusion of Indian, Italian and Canadian cuisines, with dishes like masala macaroni, "naanza" (naan + pizza) and gulab jamun cheesecake.

RECENTLY REVIEWED

OPENING SOON

CLOSED

OTHER NEWS

  • Superpoint, the new pizza and pasta joint on Ossington, is now doing take-out slices for $5 a pop.

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

Photo of the Boil Bar by Hector Vasquez.

Toronto shrine to sports history now has a coffee bar

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sport gallery torontoWhen Wayne Parrish acquired the rights to the archives for Sport magazine, he displayed the prints and vintage covers in a gallery along with fine art sports photography. Now under the direction of daughter Cayleigh, they've expanded to offer a ton of retro-inspired apparel featuring the best old logos of all your favourite team, and now have a coffee sports bar.

Read my profile of Sport Gallery in the galleries section.

Uproar after deadmau5 says he'll only tour blue states

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Deadmau5Before election night, a slew of celebrities threatened to move to Canada if Donald Trump won the US presidency. Snoop Dogg even asked Drake for help finding a place to stay in Toronto.

deadmau5, from the Toronto-area, however, took a different approach. When the election results were rolling in, the Canadian EDM artist tweeted out his new tour schedule - it was a map showing only blue states. The tweet looks like it's since been deleted.

Not everyone was pleased with deadmau5's little joke, especially those in Arizona where he's supposed to play Decadence NYE. And the mau5 had to clarity, saying he would indeed play his brand of party music in both red and blue states.

Photo of deadmau5 by Jesse Milns

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