The best spas in Toronto lay you down gently into the lap of luxury. A couple are women-only, but most cater to all genders and relaxation needs including massages, facials, body treatments and soothing pools of all kinds.

Here are the best spas in Toronto.

Along with breaking single-day temperature records near the end of the month, this February was officially declared the warmest on record in Toronto. The average temperature of 3.48 C beat out the previous record of 3.39 C set in 1998.

While February started seasonably cold, a string of warm days to close out the month secured its spot in history, even if its a dubious distinction.

Environment Canada's senior climatologist David Phillips wouldn't attribute the warm month to climate change in an interview with the CBC, but he did note that the lack of consistency in our local weather could be a troubling sign. 

February 2015, for instance, was the coldest month on record in Toronto. Environmental experts tend to cite such dramatic shifts as possible evidence of changing climate patterns. 

The warmth hasn't let up as we've entered March. Today's temperature has already beaten the previous record for the first of the month set back in 2000.

It won't last long, though. Come early Thursday morning, temperatures are expected to plummet to -7 C. It'll then stay around seasonal through the weekend. 

Toronto's newest summer festival combines two of the city's favourite pastimes: eating and listening to music outside.

The Big Feastival, which originated in the U.K., also has some serious name recognition thanks to its celebrity founders Jamie Oliver and Blur bassist Alex James. 

From August 18 to 20, the Big Feastival will take over Burl's Creek Event Grounds in Oro-Medonte, about an hour north of the city.

This three-day, family-friendly, camping event released its lineup today and it includes well-known local chefs and artists. 

The headliners include Weezer and Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals. The Strumbellas, Basia Bulat, Choir! Choir! Choir!, De La Soul, Dwayne Gretzky, Magic!, Tom Chaplin, Wintersleep and Fred Penner are also on tap.

On the food side, chefs such as Chuck Hughes, Rob Gentile and Vikram Vij will also make an appearance.

Tickets go on sale today. A three-day pass for adults is going for $220 (including service fees). 

The top warehouse sales this spring will help make the winter-to-spring transition a little easier. The most exciting sale this season is the huge Frank + Oak event, but there's also the North Face sale and a Kitchen Stuff Plus blowout. Happy shopping.

February was a good time to be a photographer in Toronto. From ice storms to dense fog cover to an extremely dramatic fire, the month was brimming with opportunities for stunning views of our city.

Take a look at this gallery of some of the best Toronto photos from the past month

That most blessed of occasions takes place this week and next when a host of Toronto bars extend last call until 4 a.m. The impetus is Toronto Men's and Women's Fashion Week, which run back to back starting March 7th, but the you don't have to be a sartorialist to drink all night long. 

The window for extended last call stretches from March 3 to the 15, but not every bar is authorized to serve until 4 a.m. each night during this period. The dates tend to be clustered around this weekend and next, so do make sure to confirm before planning your debauchery.

These are the bars with extended 4am last call in Toronto this week and next.

• Bloke & 4th (March 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12)
• Brassaii (March 3, 4 and 8)
• Early Mercy (March 3, 4, 9 and 10)
• EFS (March 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 15)
• The Everleigh (March 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 14)
• Maison Mercer (March 4, 10 and 11)
• Same Nightclub (March 3, 4 and 10)
• Thompson Toronto (March 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11 and 12)
• Wildflower (March 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11 and 12)
• Wayward (March 3, 4, 10 and 11)

Note: As always, this list reflects establishments that are licenced to sell booze until 4am. They don't have to exercise that right, so call ahead to confirm, particularly early in the week.

The area around Yonge and Eglinton continues to heat up as another popular Toronto spot gets ready to move into the neighbourhood.

Prohibition Gastrohouse, a long-standing bar and restaurant in Riverside - announced its plans to open a second location at 40 Eglinton Avenue East. 

It'll be neighbours with Fresh's Eglinton location and just down the street from the La Carnita, Sweet Jesus and Good Fortune bar complex. 

While Prohibition hasn't revealed its opening date just yet, it'll definitely be a welcome addition to this booming intersection once it moves in. 

Toronto got really excited when Ricky Gervais announced he was coming this summer. We got so excited, in fact, that his two nights at Massey Hallsold out in minutes. 

Awesome! @rickygervais added a 3rd show in Toronto. Except I already "had" to buy Platinum tix. #WorthIt#IHope#Humanity

— Lauren Ferris (@SoulOfTwit) February 28, 2017

Gervais took to Twitter yesterday to say he added a third show to his Humanity World Tour in Toronto, and the internet was very happy once again.

@rickygervais The one time you come to Toronto. I'm back in England for home visit. Next time, consult me please. Can you come back in Aug?!

— Kandy Boulden (@K4ndyB) March 1, 2017

Gervais's  Humanity Tour is his first in seven years. It's also his first ever stand up tour in Canada. He'll take over Massey Hall on July 14, 15 and 16.

@rickygervais any plans to take #humanity to @Netflix? I've failed miserably at getting tickets to your Toronto show.

— Geoff Evans (@TheGeoffEvans) March 1, 2017

The third date is bound to sell out, so make sure your fingers are hovering above the clicker on Friday at 10 a.m. for tickets. Maybe it'll be easier to find seats for these popular shows once the government tackles ticket-related problems later this year.

@rickygervais just told my wife you were donating Toronto platinum ticket profits to Happily Ever Esther and she started crying with joy

— Jesse Langevin (@jesselangevin) February 28, 2017

A heritage battle is brewing in Liberty Village as preservationists fight to prevent the loss of a series of historic buildings currently slated for demolition as part of slick new office development at 58 Atlantic Ave. 

Those for saving the buildings argue that despite their current state, they remain important examples of Liberty Village's industrial roots and should be saved to maintain the character of the historical neighbourhood. 

Those for demolition — namely the developer — make the case that the structures have been altered so heavily that they're no longer worth saving.

It's a complicated case, to be sure. The proposed new building would make a fine addition to Liberty Village, particularly as it saves part of the existing complex of heritage structures. 

The counterpoint is, why should the addition of a stucco facade preclude the attached buildings from protection?

The city did, in fact, add the linked group of buildings at 58 Atlantic Ave. to the Heritage Register last year, but that doesn't ensure that they won't be torn down as part of the new development, which only calls for the retention of 25 Liberty St. 

Once home to the Ontario Wind Engine and Pump Company, archival photos reveal that the site is far more integrated than it appears with the stucco exterior. It's also one of the oldest remaining industrial buildings in a neighbourhood with a rich history of manufacturing. 

Still, as they appear now, the stucco-covered buildings don't add much. The owner of the complex isn't compelled to restore the original facade just because it's now on the Heritage Inventory. 

The architect tasked with designing the new office complex, Sweeny & Co., did an admirable job blending heritage elements into the Queen Richmond Centre, and imagines something similar here, but that won't mollify heritage critics.

A petition has been set up to oppose demolition of the various buildings grouped under the address 58 Atlantic Ave. It has gained a bit of momentum since being started a week ago, but it'll likely take additional will at the municipal level to ultimately save these turn of the century buildings.

Today in Toronto we settle into March with the AGO's First Thursday Party starring D'bi.young Anitafrika, a dance party at Apt. 200, and a great big country music show from Eric Church.

It's the leaning house of Leslieville. But luckily, no one was injured last night when strong winds blew over a home under construction on Toronto's east side.

High winds last night almost toppled this house under construction on Leslie no injuries pic.twitter.com/AgujzApysj

— Toronto Fire Service (@Toronto_Fire) March 2, 2017

As CBC News reports, emergency crews responded to calls about a swaying house late last night and those in adjacent properties voluntarily evacuated their homes as a precautionary measure.

It's unclear whether or not neighbouring houses sustained any damage.

Structural Collapse: Leslie St south of Queen St. House under construction leaning to one side. NB road closed except TTC. SB open. pic.twitter.com/fVL5BgzBO4

— Tony Smyth (@LateNightCam) March 2, 2017

Nearby residents started posting photos and commentary on Facebook about the house last night. Some remarked that it was a sign of shoddy construction and a reminder not to contract out your work to the lowest bid.

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

Open now

• Junked Food Co., inventor of the smash bag and other bonkers junk food items, has vacated its original location on Dundas West and moved into P&L Burger's former digs at 507 Queen St. W.
• Potbelly Sandwich has opened its second Toronto location across from the ROM at 180 Bloor St. W.
• In addition to its College St. and  St. Clair West outposts, waffle joint Starving Artist has added a new addition at 505 Mount Pleasant Rd. in Davisville.
• Strange Love Coffee is now serving up bonbons, pastries and Pilot Coffee at 101 Spadina Ave. (at Adelaide).
• Union Chicken, a poultry-themed restaurant from folks who have been involved with spots like The Carbon Bar and Grand Electric, has made its debut at CF Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke, and a second location will soon follow at Union Station.
• North York can now enjoy poke bowls at Poke Eats in the same building where Allwyn's Bakery opened its second location, at 4750 Yonge St. south of Sheppard. Same with juice bar Whale Juice & Blends.
• Sandwich and burger shop ASAP City has quickly become a mini-chain, opening two new locations: one in Scarborough at 1801 Lawrence Ave. E. and the other replacing Dac Biet Burger at 213 Church St.

Recently reviewed

• The Guksu and Noodle
• Los Chicos Brasa
• Reverie at Weldon Park

Opening soon

• Riverside will be getting a new wine bar in the form of Chez Nous, which looks to be opening tomorrow in the recently shuttered County General space at 798 Queen St. E.
• Liberty Village will be getting poke as well—Ono Poke Bar should be opening soon at 100 Western Battery Rd.

Closed

• It was fun while it lasted, but it's game over for Good Game at Yonge and Eglinton.

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

Toronto businesses that closed in February were a mix of old and new school. From a beloved community hangout to a popular barbecue joint, there were quite a few surprises.

Here are the most notable Toronto businesses that closed in February.

Coyote Willie

After 28 years in business, this Tex-Mex diner in Riverside finally closed up shop.

Dac Biet Burger

Some were heartbroken to learn that this Vietnamese burger joint on Church St. by Dundas St. E. shuttered. Its pho and banh mi burgers will be missed.

Dolce 21

This dessert shop known for its cotton candy soft serve and Maltesers and Ferrero Rocher shakes inside Markham's Pacific Mall has served its final sugar rush.

Hey Meatball

Leslieville's was the last location standing of chef Rodney Bowers's meatball and pasta mini-chain, and now it's papered up and looks to be under renovations for a new concept.

Holy Oak

A huge rent hike forced this beloved Bloordale community venue and hangout to close in February, but hopefully it'll find a new location soon and live on.

College Street Bar

Following sexual assault and forcible confinement charges to owner Gavin MacMillan, the bar has been shut down until at least May by Toronto Municipal Licensing and Standards with the cooperation of MacMillan. 

Hopgood’s Foodliner

Geoff Hopgood decided to bid his Maritimes-inspired restaurant adieu in February, after five years on Roncesvalles. Fans will be happy to hear that it sounds like he has something else in the works.

Janie Jones

Chef Davy Love's British pub and brunch spot at Gerrard & Jones sadly didn't manage to make it past the six-month mark. 

J&J Bar-b-que

Food would regularly sell out at this Kensington Market smokehouse, so it was surprising to discover that this popular place closed with intentions to reopen as the polar opposite of itself—a raw vegan eatery.

Stelvio

Specializing in northern Italian cuisine from the Lombardia region of Italy, this Queen West restaurant recently opened a location in Milan and has temporarily shuttered this one with the intention of reopening with a brand new look and menu in April. Alla prossima?

International Women's Day events in Toronto are a beautiful reflection of the diverse and powerful women who live in this city. There's a massive march downtown as well as thought-provoking panels, film screenings, and concerts. 

Weekend events in Toronto include a protest, a vintage market, a film festival and Men's Fashion Week. But it's the string of concerts happening that will really raise your eyebrows. Everyone from Ariana Grande to Sting will keep you happy until Monday rolls around.

Pop-ups and markets in Toronto this March include the return of the Green Market, another Bunz Trading flea and also a huge vintage showcase, all alongside a few food and luxurious shopping options.

As mighty, multicultural and massive as Toronto is, we still seem to have a hard time selling our city to visitors. One creative Toronto designer has made light of just that problem with a simple t-shirt.

Eric Matthews' Pushy City T apologizes for telling people to visit our city, which is just so Toronto, isn't it? It's like the quirkier cousin to the official Honest Ed's merch from Toronto for Everyone.

The brilliance doesn't end there, Matthews, a local artist based in Leslieville, lauched his own e-commerce site called Honest Goods TO this week after people repeatedly stopped him on the street asking where they could buy their own version of the shirt.

The site also features "Been there, Dundas" shirts, mugs and a Trump-themed baseball hat. A 12-pack of baby raccoons is also jokingly promised with every purchase. 

All the merch is designed and printed in Toronto. Note well that Honest Ed's-themed items (there are also more general neighbourhood shirts) are available for a limited time only.

Benvenuto Place is an intriguing building. Originally built as an apartment building in the 1950s, its eventual life as an upscale condo was perhaps always hinted at in the stately design of noted Toronto architect Peter Dickinson. 

For decades, the building has been best known as the home of Scaramouche restaurant, but since the mid 2000s, it's also played host to a collection of condos that feature stunning views of the skyline over the treetops of the Rathnelly neighbourhood below.

While the bones of the building might date back to the mid-century, each of the units shows off contemporary design features from Bryon Patton & Associates. If you're not a fan of glass condos, this could a good option.

As for this suite, there's lots to like even if there's nothing to knock your socks off. Both bedrooms have an en suite (plus there's a third washroom for guests), the kitchen is slick, and there are two parking spots. 

The only downfall is that being a ground floor unit, there's no view across the city. 

Specs

• Address: #108 1 Benvenuto Place
• Price: $1,429,000
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 3
• Parking: 2
• Walk Score: 78
• Transit Score: 88
• Maintenance Fees: $1112.22
• Listing agent: David Batori
• Listing ID: C3706606

Good For

This condo will appeal to people who like the midtown location (you'll probably need a car) and the architectural legacy of the building. While Avenue Road is busy traffic-wise, the area around Benvenuto Place is quiet, and there's a lovely tree-lined terrace to enjoy in the summer.

Move On If

You prefer to be in the heart of the action. The low-ish Walk Score only tells part of the story. Outside of Scaramouche, this condo is just far enough of a walk from St. Clair, Dupont, and Yonge to make it feel a bit isolated in terms of street life.

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

One Toronto restaurant is giving the term farm-to-table new meaning.

That's because every week, Maizal co-owner Ivan Wadgymar takes a trip up the 400 to the Cavaleiro eco-agro farm in Schomberg to drop off his restaurant's food waste and to pick up corn and other produce.

Maizal's not new, nor is its zero-waste policy. “We’re not good advertisers,” jokes Wadgymar, who posted about his eco-friendly initiative on Instagram yesterday.

Wadgymar took environmental studies at York University and likes to bring the concept of closing the food gap to life.

A post shared by maizal (@maizaltoronto) on Feb 2, 2017 at 7:31pm PST

Food scraps and leftovers don't go in the garbage, or even the green bin, at Maizal. Instead, Wadgymar brings them to the farm where they're transformed into compost or fed to the animals on site.

Customers and staff have both responded well and in the summertime, some even join Wadgymar on his trips to Schomberg.

Other restaurants in Toronto also curb food waste, though this is a particularly noteworthy strategy deserving of kudos.

A number of Toronto's neighbourhoods are in the midst of major transformations thanks to the onslaught of condo construction that continues to reshape the city's skyline.

Areas like Yorkville, Lower Yonge Street, and the waterfront get a lot of attention, but they're far from alone.

Development pressure has, for instance, ramped up in High Park. In addition to a completed development on Bloor Street, directly across from the park, a slew of other proposals would see the residential neighbourhood to the north fill up with high rises.

With numerous apartment blocks dating back to the late 1960s and 70s, tall buildings are not foreign to these residential streets.

But after an initial surge of activity in conjunction with the arrival of the Bloor-Danforth subway line, the area between Bloor and Dupont streets has been mostly unchanged.

That won't last much longer, which is a concern for local residents. 

The High Park Village development, for instance, proposes filling in spaces between existing apartment buildings with three new condo towers and one mid-rise building, thus vastly increasing the density of the area.

There's also the Grenadier Square project on the table, though it's still early in the application process. It would replace a series of townhouses along Quebec and High Park avenues with two 30-storey condo towers. 

Residents have formed the High Park Park Community Alliance in response to the development pressure. Its mission is to "protect existing open space" and to "oppose exorbitant intensification and unprecedented density increases in a stable family-oriented community."

Transformations like this one are always complicated. Some, of course, will characterize the efforts of these residents as NIMBYism, given the neighbourhood's proximity to a subway station and existing high-rise structures. 

Others will be sympathetic to the cause. It's certainly not the worst thing to have a wider public dialogue when major changes are proposed for a neighbourhood.

With so much development in the works across the city, the stakes are high to get it right.