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This might be the coldest week of the year in Toronto

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It's time to bundle up, Toronto. While we've gotten off relatively lightly so far this winter, the city is about to enter one of the coldest stretches of the year, as is typical at the outset of February

The temperature is currently -10C in Toronto, with a windchill factor of -14C, which is just shy of what would normally precipitate an extreme cold weather alert. It'll warm up on Tuesday and Wednesday before dropping back to -12C and -14C with the windchill on Thursday and Friday. 

toronto cold

Nighttime temperatures will hover around the -10C mark without factoring in the windchill throughout most of the week. 

We've only experienced one significant cold snap so far in January, when temperatures dipped below the -15C mark, but it was short lived, lasting for only a couple of days. Forecasters predict a longer cold spell this week.

But, before we complain too much, it's worth noting that the expected temperatures are actually just seasonal. It'll feel cold on account of the mild January, but these values are normal for this time of year. 


This Week on DineSafe: Ali Baba's, China Gourmet, Roywoods, What A Bagel

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This week on DineSafe popular restaurant China Gourmet got nailed for a staggering ten infractions including failure to wash hands. Ali Baba's also made a return appearance while Anh Dao got busted for a second time this month.

See which other restaurants got dinged by DineSafe police this week.

Anh Dao (383 Spadina Ave.)
  • Inspected on: January 23, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 2 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Great Lakes Brewery (30 Queen Elizabeth Blvd.)
  • Inspected on: January 23, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 3, Significant: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Roywoods (121 Fort York Blvd.)
  • Inspected on: January 23, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 1, Crucial: 3)
  • Crucial infractions include: Employee failure to wash hands when required, operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated and Operator fail to maintain hazardous foods.
China Gourmet (877 York Mills Rd.)
  • Inspected on: January 25, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 10 (Minor: 1, Significant: 7, Crucial: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to wash hands when required and failure to protect food from contamination or adulteration.
Ali Baba's (1283 Bloor St. West)
  • Inspected on: January 26, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 4, Significant: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Coffee Public (800 Bay St.)
  • Inspected on: January 26, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 1 (Significant: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Greenhouse Juice Co. (417 Spadina Rd.)
  • Inspected on: January 26, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
What A Bagel (3515 Bathurst St.)
  • Inspected on: January 26, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 3 (Significant: 3)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A

Note: The above businesses each received infractions from DineSafe as originally reported on the DineSafe site. This does not imply that any of these businesses have not subsequently corrected the issue and received a passing grade by DineSafe inspectors. For the latest status for each of the mentioned businesses, including details on any subsequent inspections, please be sure to check the DineSafe site.

Another anti-Trump protest planned in Toronto this weekend

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As hundreds gather at the US Consulate in Toronto today to demonstrate against President Donald Trump's new immigration policy, another major protest is planned for this weekend.

It'll take place on February 4 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

National Days of Action against Islamophobia and White Supremacy is a response to "xenophobic anti-Black, Islamophobic, anti-refugee racist and sexist policies...going into effect" under Trump's presidency, though the scope of the protest also includes Canadian immigration laws.

Unlike today's demonstration, organizers of the weekend event (also at the US Consulate) have a list of demands, which range from the official condemnation of Trump's executive order on immigration to the ending of indefinite immigration detention in Canada. 

Organizers of the Toronto event call for demonstrations across the country on February 4.

Shoes.com is bankrupt and going out of business

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Toronto lost a cheap footware option last Friday as shoes.com announced they're closing up their physical shop and shutting down their online stores.

Better known as shoeMe.ca in Canada, the Vancouver online retailer opened a pop-up in Toronto in 2015  before settling into a permanent store last year on Queen West near Spadina.

SHOES.com, OnlineShoes.com and ShoeME.ca, which were created by the same guy who founded clearlycontacts.ca, all went offline last Friday and the company says they will be assigning bankruptcy for most if not all of the companies.

According to a company press release, employees will be paid until the end of this month and some staff will stay on to shut down operations.

Torontonians join global movement to delete Uber app

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Uber was the subject of significant backlash this weekend after it offered users rides out of JFK Airport during an hour-long freeze of service from the New York Taxi Workers Alliance as part of protests against US President Donald Trump's executive order on immigration.

An impromptu social media campaign organized around the #DeleteUber hashtag quickly went viral, with users sharing screenshots of them removing the app from their phones, including many in Toronto who weren't mollified by Uber's attempts at damage control.

Criticism related to Uber CEO Travis Kalanick's decision to serve on Trump's economic advisory group also resurfaced in the wake of what many characterized as the company's "strikebreaking."

Kalanick released an internal email on Facebook outlining actions Uber would take to support its employees during the ban and promising to address the issue when he meets with the president next week.

Local participants in the action against Uber pleaded for its rival Lyft to start service in Toronto, something the company has toyed with in the past.

For its part, Lyft issued a statement condemning Trump's executive order and announced that it would donate $1 million to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Huge crowd protests Trump outside US Consulate in Toronto

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Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Toronto today to protest Trump's immigration policies. Crowds began to gather around 8 a.m. this morning outside the shuttered US Consulate before marching to City Hall and then returning to University Avenue to continue the demonstration.

The peaceful protest was hastily organized over the weekend in the wake of Trump's executive order on immigration. A large contingent of local police turned up to do crowd control, but they mostly weren't needed as demonstrators waved signs, sang chants and listened to speeches.

The Best Candy Stores in Toronto

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The best candy stores in Toronto satisfy the inner child. Whether it’s a rare treat you haven’t been able to find since childhood, exotic flavours only available in other countries, or confections you’ve only ever heard of and have been hunting ever since, these sweets shops have it all.

Here are the best candy stores in Toronto.

11 - Squish (The Bay)

With over 100 flavours of gummies, this candy store that’s been inserting itself into Canadian malls is an undeniable heavy hitter. The gummies even come in wacky custom shapes and themes.
9 - Ding Dong Grocery

Move aside, Britain, it’s time for the Asian snacks, available at this store in Pacific Mall. Pick up all your flavours of Pocky, as well as imported drinks and bulk snacks.
8 - Uncle John's Candy Shack

On Mount Pleasant, this place specializes in the British side of all things sweet, gummy, crunchy, chewy and fizzy. Don’t fill up on candy alone, though, as they also stock English groceries like meat pies.
5 - Sweet Addictions Candy

At Dundas and Ossington, this candy store is stocked with two soda fridges, an entire pez section, and wacky flavours of chips. There’s even a wish list at the cash if you don’t see what you're looking for.
4 - Johnvince Foods

The king of bulk stores, this North York shop is a destination for cheap and sugary goodness. This is the land of endless plastic bins filled with candy galore.
6 - Sweet Temptations

This somewhat hidden gem in the Financial District is not to be passed up with its German and U.K. imports as well as childhood favourites like Garbage Can-dy and Pop Rocks.
7 - Sweet Thrills

Noticeable on Roncesvalles for its zany sign, in addition to providing a plethora of candy they also appeal to our inner child by hosting games of Pokemon or Magic the Gathering.
10 - The Nutty Chocolatier (Beaches)

This old fashioned shop in the Beaches specializes in truffles and Belgian chocolate but there's plenty of candy including British imports here as well.
3 - The Candy Bar

This College Street spot is a fan favourite, essential for all those with a sweet tooth in Toronto. The shop is small but exceedingly cheerful, stocking a variety of bon bons along with hard to find British candies and other rarities.

Trespasser causes complete chaos on TTC

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If you thought taking the subway over your lunch break was a good idea, you were sadly mistaken today. Just after 12 p.m., subway service on Line 2 was halted due to a trespasser at track level, which has been an ongoing issue for the TTC.

At 12:11 p.m. @TTCNotices sent out a Tweet stating, "Service suspended both ways at Yonge Station on Line 2, with a power off situation due to a trespasser at track level."

This was then quickly followed up by "Train service turning back at Ossington and Chester Stations due to a trespasser at track level at Yonge Station," which is when things started to get hairy at the terminal stations, where people were packed onto the platforms like sardines.

The delay only lasted about 20 minutes, but it was enough to cause plenty of confusion at platform level, especially at Ossington. There were questions about shuttle buses, alternate routes, and how long the delay would be, but very few answers until it was suddenly over.

Perhaps the biggest question was why someone was running around at track level in the first place.


Toronto vigils planned in wake of Quebec City mosque attack

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Sunday night's deadly attack on a Quebec City mosque has left Toronto's Muslim community and many others in shock. Groups across the city have planned peaceful vigils to show support for the victims, their families, and the community at large in the wake of the tragedy.

Three major vigils are happening tonight and Toronto sign will also be dimmed in tribute.

Vigils are planned for tonight at the University of Toronto, another at Coxwell and Gerrard, and another at Ryerson University on Gould Street. The latter was organized by Omar Falasteen, an electrical engineering student at the school, simply because he felt he had to.

"I want to show that even though we all come from different backgrounds, ethnicities, etc ... we all have a core belief and are united no matter what happens," Falasteen says.

"A lot of black Muslims a and Jewish people have reached out about how inclusive and empowering they felt because of the event."

Falasteen, together with a big team of students from different religious backgrounds and communities, are making tonight's vigil happen, and it seems to be growing by the hour.

The First Lutheran Church will be handing out hot chocolate and opening its doors for anyone who needs to warm up during or after the vigil.

Representatives from Muslim, Jewish and Christian groups will also be on hand, and organizers are hoping to confirm a speech from the President of Ryerson. 

5 TTC hacks that'll make your commute easier

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It's worth knowing a few TTC hacks even if it makes your commute just a little bit better. We already know how frustrating Toronto's transit system can be, so why not take every measure possible to ensure that you have a comfortable trip? 

Here are five hacks to remember the next time you're on the TTC.

Change lines at Spadina instead of St. George

Conventional logic dictates that when traveling south on Spadina then west on Line 2 (or the opposite), it's faster to change at St. George. It generally isn't. Plus, by taking the walkway you avoid what is one of the TTC's busiest stations and decrease the chance of a train delay by scraping off an extra stop. 

Walk the wrong way to improve your commute

If you tend to board buses or streetcars at a busy stop (particularly one that's near a subway entrance), do yourself a favour and walk one stop in the wrong direction while waiting for your vehicle. By the time you re-arrive, it's likely that you'll get a seat while everyone else has to jam in.

Avoid boarding at Union when heading north on Line 1

Given the proximity of King and St. Andrew to Union, it's often possible to enter the subway at one of these two stations instead without going much out of the way. You then travel through Union on the train, everyone gets out, you sit down, and revel in how nice it is to have seat.

Board busy trains last at key subway stations

At the height of the morning and afternoon rush, holding out hope for a seat can be foolish. If you're boarding at a station where the doors are going to open on the other side of the train at upcoming stops, try to enter last so you can lean against the glass (not the door). This works at St. George (westbound), Yonge (eastbound), Eglinton (southbound), etc.

Get TTC service alerts sent you by email

Subscribe to My TTC e-services to get notices about service delays sent to you by email. The best part is that you can filter the alerts sent your way by day of the week, route type (streetcar vs. bus), and subway line. These alerts are quick to set up, and might save you major time one day.

7 things to do in Toronto today

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Today in Toronto will be a treat for anyone who loves the arts. Kevin Garrett performs at the Drake Underground, there's a free film screening at TIFF, a magic show, and a bring your own vinyl music hangout. It's also The Central's last day ever celebration. 

Events you might want to check out:

Kevin Garrett (January 31 - February 1 @ The Drake Hotel)
Counting artists like Beyoncé, Sam Smith, and Katy Perry among his most loyal supporters, Kevin Garrett is one guy not be missed, especially in the close confines of the Drake Underground.
The Central's Last Day Ever Blow Out (January 31 - February 1 @ The Central)
After 10 years the legendary Mirvish Village bar is saying goodbye with a bang. Every hour starting at 8 p.m. staff will be rotating and there'll also be bands and surprises throughout the night.
Magic Night (January 31 @ The Lockhart)
Magician Dan Trommater returns this week and goes table to table for front row magic that'll impress even the deepest of nonbelievers. Everything starts at 7 p.m., and there's no cover.
Tuesday Drawing Club (January 31 - February 1 @ The Beaver)
Bring a sketch book and drink a beer at this night of free drawing with a guest appearance by a drag queen as the main model for the night.
Underground: The Funnel Experiment (January 31 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox)
This is a free screening of a documentary about one of the country's best-kept underground film societies who remapped fringe practice in Toronto.
True Stories Toronto (January 31 @ Garrison)
True Stories Toronto is a simple idea: each storyteller is given the task of telling their personal story without notes in less than 10 minutes, and of course every story must be true.
Bring Your Own Vinyl (January 31 @ Glad Day Bookshop)
Bring Your Own Vinyl is a monthly music night at Glad Day hosted by James Fowler where DJ Chicket spins. With any purchase of a drink, food or a book, you get to put your fave album into the rotation. Indie Queens is this month's theme.

Drake selling his $20 million LA mansion just a prank

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Here's a bit of fake news that won't make you worried that the apocalypse is imminent. The mountain of stories published yesterday about Drake selling his lavish LA mansion for $20 million were all based on a prank.

Drizzy is keeping his Hidden Hills theme park of a home, at least presumably until his palatial Bridle Path estate is complete. But, hey, would it even be that bizarre if he kept both to brag about?

In any case, according to TMZ the story goes that some random dude posing as Drake's manager posted the house for sale on Zillow, and a real estate agent inquired about representing the luxurious property.

That agent then put the property on the MLS as an active listing (mistakenly, he claims), which sparked a media frenzy that included publications like the LA Times.

A number of the stories about the prank are claiming that Drake got punked, but it seems more accurate to say that it was journalists who got duped.

Average price of Toronto home expected to increase by $100K this year

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The Toronto real estate market just keeps rolling like a runaway train. Coming off a record-setting 2016, more of the same is in store this year.

According to the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB), the average price of a Toronto home is expected to increase from approximately $730,000 to $825,000 over the course of 2017. The rate of increase could be even higher for detached homes, for which supply is extremely low.

TREB also forecasts that the number of homes sold this year will be between 104,500 and 115,500, which is around the same as 2016 (113,133). This number would be much higher if inventory wasn't at its lowest point since 2000, which curbs sales based on availability.

The top 8 markets and pop-ups in Toronto this February

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The top markets and pop-ups in Toronto this February get big points for variety. There's a Sailor Moon maid cafe pop-up at Dundas West's OFFSITE, a night market, tattoo pop-up, and something special for anyone thinking of getting hitched.

Events you might want to check out:

Workhorse Toronto Pop-Up Shop (February 2 @ Speakeasy Tattoo)
Attention tattoo artists and shop owners, Workhorse Irons, a tattoo equipment company, is doing a one-day pop-up in Toronto inside Speakeasy Tattoo. They'll be selling their full tattoo machine lineup, shop supplies, clip cords, power supplies, arm rests, aprons, Black Stallion ink and more.
Miracle Romance Sailor Moon Pop-up (February 3-12 @ OFFSITE Concept Space)
What better way to take your mind off of the woes of the world with a Sailor Moon Maid Cafe Miracle Romance pop-up? Indulge in yummy sailor scouts-themed petite cakes, desserts and drinks from 3-10 p.m.
Irish & Scottish Pop-Up (February 8 @ Farmhouse Tavern)
Farmhouse Tavern chefs Daniel Holloway and Eoin Ramsbottom have collaborated on a special Irish and Scottish dinner pop-event inside the Harbord Street restaurant. It's dubbed The Giant's Causeway and tickets are $100 for the exclusive foodie event.
Gladstone Love Night Market (February 8 @ Gladstone Hotel)
Get all your Valentine's or Palentine's Day shopping done in one shot at this market packed with local handmade products, artisans, designers, collectables, snacks, and a bar in the next room to keep you refreshed. Admission is free.
The Local Night Market (February 16 @ The Den)
Clothing, jewellery, home decor, bath, beauty, and food are brought together at this local night market inside The Den at Bathurst and College. There's also a bar, DJs, and the chance to hang out and network with local makers.
Dats Hot Mang (February 16 @ Churchill Bar)
From the folks who brought you Lamesa and Lasa, this is a spicy food lovers dream pop-up and a chance to try the brand new mango hot sauce. Food is $5 a plate, and hot sauce is $10 a jar.
Black Owned Pop-Up Market (February 19 @ Centre for Social Innovation)
The Black Owned event is a pop-up market in celebration of Black History Month that will feature black owned businesses, performances, music and refreshments. Admission is free, and it's a great chance to check out some up and coming vendors in the city.
The Wedding Co. Market (February 26 @ Artscape Wychwood Barns)
The Wedding Co. Market is a cozy winter marketplace for Toronto couples looking to be inspired by local industry members who are passionate about their craft and who take pride in offering exceptional service. It's a wedding show for those who like to keep it local and easy breezy.

House of the week: 154 Albany Avenue

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The Annex is know for its stately Victorian-era homes far more than contemporary architectural marvels, but this recently listed house on Albany is a noteworthy exception. Designed in collaboration with architect Luc Bouliane, it's a stunning property that makes its mark in a sea of older homes.

154 Albaby Avenue TorontoListed at $2.5 million, the three bedroom detached house has a number of features to match its hyper modern exterior, including light switches and temperature controls that can be adjusted using an iPad. 

154 Albaby Avenue TorontoWhile the exterior suggests the possibility of a minimalist space, that's not really the idea here. The design is clean, but there's plenty of wood and clever lighting fixtures to ensure that rooms feel warm and inviting. 

154 Albaby Avenue TorontoSpecs
  • Address: 154 Albany Ave.
  • Price: $2,500,000
  • Lot Size: 40 x 53.44 feet
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 5
  • Parking: 1
  • Walk Score: 93
  • Transit Score: 97
  • Listing agent: Kate Watson
  • Listing ID: C3691455
154 Albaby Avenue TorontoNoteworthy Features
  • 40 foot wide lot
  • Oak floors
  • Solid oak open tread stairs throughout
  • Legend light switches compatible with you iPad
  • Heat and air-conditioning is also compatible with an iPad
  • LED lighting throughout the home
  • Leicht Brand kitchen cupboards
  • Cabria quartz countertops
154 Albaby Avenue TorontoGood For

There's a lot to like about this house. It'll be most appealing to buyers with deep pockets but a sense of appreciation for the walkability of the Annex neighbourhood and its proximity to the cultural life of U of T. 

154 Albaby Avenue TorontoMove On If

You're not a fan of contemporary architecture. There's a premium for the design of this home, which puts it on the high end for three bedroom properties, even if the area is highly desirable.

154 Albaby Avenue Toronto154 Albaby Avenue Toronto

154 Albaby Avenue Toronto154 Albany Avenue Toronto

154 Albaby Avenue Toronto154 Albaby Avenue Toronto154 Albaby Avenue Toronto

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


15 bars & pubs for watching Super Bowl 2017 in Toronto

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The Super Bowl will be screening at every sports bar in Toronto come game time this Sunday February 5 so it's easy not to miss. Kickoff is 6:30 p.m. but get there early if you want to catch all the pre-game chatter about the Falcons and Pats.

Here's a round-up of some places to watch the Super Bowl in Toronto.

Events you might want to check out:

Round the Horn Super Sunday (February 5 @ Round the Horn)
The Roncesvalles sports bar celebrates Super Bowl Sunday with wings, brats, chilli, veggie quesadillas, craft beer specials and games. One of coolest spots to catch the game in the Polish part of town. 
Superbowl at The Contender (February 5 @ The Contender)
Expect prizes, giveaways and games all day long at this west end Super Bowl party. The Contender features dozens of screens (there's not a spot in the house where you can't see one) and dozens of craft beers on tap.
Super Bowl Party (February 5 @ Bar Homestand)
Bar Homestand is giving away tons of prizes on Super Bowl Sunday, offering food and drink specials all night long. There'll be $25 beer buckets, $6 Coronas but get there on time to get a guaranteed seat.
The Dock Ellis Super Bowl Sunday (February 5 @ The Dock Ellis)
Enjoy two floors with big TV's with sound, and a special super stacked hoagie with a super side bowl of chili for $12 tax in. Upgrade to a foot long for $18. There are also $5.50 tall cans of Woodhouse and the doors open at Noon.
Super Bowl Sunday at Striker Sports Bar (February 5 @ Striker Sports Bar)
Watch the big game at Toronto's only all inclusive LGBTQ sports bar. They won't be turning down the volume during Gaga's halftime show and they'll be playing Gaga hits once the game is over.
Williams Landing Super Sunday (February 5 @ William's Landing)
The Super Bowl party to be at in Liberty Village. The pre-game starts at 4pm but the Super Sunday really kicks in when the all you can eat pig roast with all the trimmings for $25. They'll also have games, prizes and giveaways. 
Wayne's Gretsky's Super Bowl Party (February 5 @ Wayne' Gretsky's)
Wayne Gretsky's Annual Super Bowl Party in the Second City Studio is $25 in advance or $30 at the door and includes entry into a raffle and access to their all you can eat buffet.
Dominon Super Bowl Sunday (February 5 @ The Dominon Pub)
Watch the 2017 Super Bowl with the fine folks at the Dominion Pub and Kitchen. There'll be a complimentary chilli bar, BBQ, games and a chance to win  big prizes. 
Superbowl Tailgating BBQ Party (February 5 @ Hemingway's)
This Super Bowl Sunday party includes a Falcons or Pats NFL Jersey draw, chicken ribs on the RoofTop Patio BBQ, Bud Light giveaways and so, so many big screens.
Gaga for Football! (February 5 @ The Lodge)
The Toronto Gay Football League (TGFL) hosts a Super Bowl party in the Village with a focus on Gaga's halftime show. Kick off is at 6:30pm, but get there early for a chance to win door prizes and show off your knowledge at football trivia.
Super Bowl Party 2017 (February 5 @ Dublin Calling)
Complimentary Coors Light upon entry to this Super Bowl bash, a touchdown platter of table snacks, swag giveaways and changes to win all kinds of beer-related prizes. You'll also be surrounded by 11 big screens.
Annual Office Bowl (February 5 @ The Office Pub)
The John Street bar celebrates their 6th year of Super Bowl partying with a $40 ticket that gets you three domestic drinks and all you can eat buffet. There are also 30 HD screens, three floors, three bars and a halftime burlesque show.
Super Bowl #51 with the Budweiser Girls (February 5 @ The Duke Live.com)
The Bud Girls help host this Super Bowl party alongside 10 TV, including two theatre size screens and a free buffet at halftime. They're also giving away an NFL fridge and drinks are $5 all day.
Annual Big Game Party (February 5 @ The Addisons Residence)
The tailgate party starts at 3 p.m. with kickoff at 6:30. Tickets include food by The Good Son, party snacks, raffles and the game shown on an HD projector along with 10 HD TV's around the house.
Super Bowl Sunday (February 5 @ Graffiti's Bar and Grill)
Muder mike will be behind the bar taking care of beverage needs with cheap shooter specials and they'll be dishing out free chilli dogs. Superbowl squares will definitely be available at this cozy Super Bowl Sunday gathering.

Goodbye party at Honest Ed's is going to be epic

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Toronto is still pretty bummed about Honest Ed's closing for good, but when news came of a massive farewell party it felt like there was a bit of a silver lining.

Now the lineup and details of the four-day goodbye weekend have been released and the once huge discount store is being transformed into a multi-room fun palace of free and ticketed events.

From February 23-26 you can check out an immersive art maze along with a brew from the Collective Arts Brewery, a free Town Hall for All: Community Hub featuring theatre, comedy, discussions and ice cream, a food, flea and farmers market, and the Bargain Bash official, mini-music festival, goodbye dance party on Feb. 25.

Prices for the Bargain Bash farewell party on the Saturday night will set you back $24.69.

Mirvish Village might be saved in Honest Ed's redevelopment

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It's the last day for Mirvish Village in Toronto. Most business owners have already packed up shop, but the deadline to vacate the premises is January 31, a date that'll be marked with a farewell bash at one of Markham St.'s longstanding bars. 

But perhaps there's reason to be optimistic about the future of the neighbourhood as the redevelopment process begins in earnest. Recent updates to the development application filed with the city reveal a wider scope of heritage preservation, additional green space, and slightly lower density.

mirvish village redevelopmentWhen the original heritage report (PDF) was prepared for the redevelopment of Honest Ed's and Mirvish Village, none of the buildings in the area were on the city's historical register. Following recommendations from a separate study titled "Better Bathurst" compiled by DTAH Architects, 27 buildings on the site were added.

mirvish village redevelopmentOf these, current plans (PDF) call for the preservation of 23 historic buildings. Westbank, the developer of the site, always planned to preserve some of the heritage properties, but the number has grown through each stage of the project.

The majority of new properties marked for preservation were added in a May 2016 revision to the plans, but the latest iteration also includes buildings at the south end of the site (742 and 744 Bathurst St.). 

mirvish village redevelopmentWhile it'll be surrounded by far increased density with as many as 47 new buildings added to the overall site (many of them rental apartments), much of the historical character of Mirvish Village will remain. So too, perhaps, will some of the vibe.

You can't re-create a neighbourhood that formed as a series of compromises and accidents, but Westbank does envision a street filled with restaurants and small shops that could even be closed to traffic in the summer. 

It's unlikely that the eclectic mix of tenants will return to the street once the rent for commercial space surrounded by thousands of nearby renters goes through the roof, but it looks like Mirvish Village might still be a place with historical character and a distinct identity. 

16 ways to celebrate Nutella Day in Toronto

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Nutella Day goes down this Sunday February 5. It's the one day of the year where consuming copious amounts of chocolate-hazelnut spread is not only welcomed but encouraged. Luckily for us there are plenty of Toronto bakeries, cafes and restaurants who can help us mark the occasion.

Here's where to satisfy your cravings for chocolate-hazelnut spread on Nutella Day in Toronto.

Cafe Con Leche

The cafe in the Junction Triangle will be serving up Nutella lattes as usual plus they're bringing back their Nutella cookies for the day.

CocoaLatte

The gelato bar and cafe on St. Clair West will be offering up an array of Nutella-spiked specialties including gelato, crepes, waffles, croissants, cookies, lattes and hot chocolate. 

Fugo Desserts

While ice cream may be their speciality this dessert spot located in Toronto's Little Tokyo will have Nutella hot drinks on offer all day.

G For Gelato

The gelato bar, cafe and pizzeria found at Adelaide and Jarvis will be celebrating with offerings of Nutella pizza, brownies and gelato.

Glory Hole Doughnuts

The Parkdale doughnut shop will be dishing out Nutella Bombs as their special doughnut of the day. It's a yeast risen doughnut filled with Nutella cream, topped with hazelnut glaze and finished with a chocolate drizzle and cinnamon.

Holy Chuck Burgers

One of Toronto's top burger purveyors will be celebrating the special day with 10% off all Nutella menu items. This includes funnel cakes, lollipops, doughnuts, milkshakes, fries and their Nutella topped burger.

Jelly Modern Doughnuts

This doughnut shop on College will be serving up Nutella doughnuts all weekend long.

Lamanna's Bakery

If you find yourself in Scarborough on Nutella Day make sure to visit this popular Italian bakery. Nutella doughnuts, cupcakes, cakes and pastries will be all be available along with a few surprise offerings.

Lisa Marie

The West Queen West restaurant will be serving up their delectable s'mores pancakes all day on Sunday. Yes, this means you can have breakfast for dinner.

Nutella Cafe

The devoted Nutella Cafe inside the Sobeys Urban Fresh at CityPlace is a must-visit for Nutella-centric celebrations. Expect to find a wide variety of pastries, buttery croissants, made-to-order crepes and more.

SanRemo Bakery

The Italian bakery in Etobicoke celebrates Nutella Day with an assortment of baked goods and lattes. Expect to find the bakeshop stocked with Nutella pizza, Nutella dipped doughnuts and Nutella filled lobster tails.

The Rolling Pin 

The bakery at Yonge and Lawrence is pulling out all the stops for World Nutella Day and serving up a ton of chocolate-hazelnut desserts. Look forward to Nutella cheesecakes, s'mores bars, doughnuts, cinnamon buns and more.

Tre Mari Bakery

The bakery in Corso Italia promises a full day packed with delicious Italian Nutella desserts. Fill up on PB & J Nutella cookies, banana Nutella muffins, sfoglia, doughnuts and cannoli. 

Tripl3 Baked

The Markham bakeshop will be celebrating a day early as they're closed on Sundays. Expect an assortment of Nutella filled meringue cookies, cookie dough bars, cupcakes, mini cheesecakes all available on February 4.

Von Doughnuts

Nutella crunch doughnuts will be available at the Danforth bakery. These will be loaded with a Nutella crunch filling, Nutella butter cream topping and finished with a chocolate hazelnut tuile.

WaffleU

The popular waffle shop in Maple will be dishing out Nutella, Kinder Surprise and Bueno topped liege waffles along with a Nutella milkshake to help you wash it down.

Developer sets date for demolition of Honest Ed's

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With Honest Ed's officially a thing of the past, the eulogies have given way to news about the future of Mirvish Village and the sprawling site at Bathurst and Bloor previously occupied by the outlandish discount retailer

In addition to revealing that it had earmarked additional historical buildings for preservation as part of updated plans for the site, developer Westbank has also given the first indication of the timeline for the demolition of Honest Ed's itself.

The project's head architect Gregory Henriquez told the CBC that if all goes according to plan, the demolition process will begin in June. While it's been a Toronto icon since its installation in 1984, the dazzling sign will not be preserved.

Being composed of thousands upon thousands of incandescent light bulbs, Henriquez told Matt Galloway that it's just not environmentally sustainable.  

If you somehow haven't managed to take a photo of the sign yet, it's time to get cracking. For a last look inside the building, there's also a huge farewell party planned next month.

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