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This Week on DineSafe: Fugo Desserts, Messini, Cadillac Lounge, Miss Thing's

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This week on DineSafe there's the first red card to report in a while. A Chinese takeout restaurant in North York was shut down by city health inspectors for a number of significant and crucial violations. 

See which other restaurants got in trouble with the food police this week on DineSafe.

Cool Runnings (146 Main St.)
  • Inspected on: April 24, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 3, Significant: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Fugo Desserts (205 Dundas St. West)
  • Inspected on: April 24, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 2 (Significant: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Messini (445 Danforth Ave.)
  • Inspected on: April 24, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 3, Significant: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
The Cadillac Lounge (1296 Queen St. West)
  • Inspected on: April 25, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Churrasco of St. Clair (679 St. Clair Ave. West)
  • Inspected on: April 25, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 1, Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to maintain hazardous foods.
House of Lancaster (1215 Bloor St. West)
  • Inspected on: April 25, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 2, Significant: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Lee's Oriental Takeout (2007 Finch Ave. West)
  • Inspected on: April 26, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Red (Closed)
  • Number of infractions: 6 (Significant: 4, Crucial: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operate food premise maintained in manner permitting health hazard and offering for sale hazardous foods at internal temperature between 4 C and 60 C.
Miss Thing's (1279 Queen St. West)
  • Inspected on: April 26, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 2, Significant: 4, Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.

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.


The top 10 new restaurant openings in Toronto for April

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Toronto's newest crop of restaurants bring us Korean fried and jerk chicken, unreal Moroccan tagines, Anishaabe cuisine, brewpubs and tacos.

Here are my picks for the top restaurants that opened in Toronto in April.

Atlas

From the owners of Cava and Chabrol comes an elegant Moroccan restaurant at the sleepy end of Dupont. French influences and technique come through in the Moroccan style of cuisine, from sardine kefta to goat tagine.

Chimac

Serving a menu of Korean fried chicken at Queen and Bathurst, this boozy late night spot will likely soon become a favourite of eaters and drinkers in the area. Offerings include cheesy chicken as well as faves like poutine along with soju cocktails and beers.

AF1 Caribbean Canteen

The restaurateur behind Dirty Bird is going back to his roots with this canteen-style restaurant in a notorious dead spot at the corner of Clinton and College. Go for the fatally spicy jerk chicken and pork, Golden Patty baked goods, and powerful rum punch.

NishDish

This new  restaurant is serving up Anishaabe cuisine in the spot where Tacos El Asador used to be. There's breakfasts, soups, salads, and mains using proteins like elk and venison. 

Juan Gonzalez Taqueria

On West Queen West, this brand spanking new spot with a chic, clean style is serving up tacos along with their own agua fresca including lemon, coconut and mango flavours as well as horchata.

Estia

A fish-based restaurant centred on entire bone-in meals cooked over charcoal and hardwood, the latest offering from the Ink restaurant group also has an impressive spirits menu and a selection of house-made cheeses, breads, meats and pastas.

Mexitaco

Now located at Victoria Park and St. Clair East, this taco place already has a loyal following. Classic antojitos, tacos, quesadillas and tostadas with fish or shrimp ceviche along with sizzling fajitas, grilled asados and flour tortilla burritos are all part of the smorgasbord here.

Rorschach Brewing

Based out of a creaky century-old mansion that’s been refurbished to become a Leslieville brewery pouring a half dozen of their own hop forward and saison style beers with plans to start serving up to ten more. They also have a globally inspired menu featuring sopes, fish tacos, cevapi and croquettes, as well as a sunny rooftop patio.

GB Hand-Pulled Noodles

Freshly made Lanzhou-style noodles available in two types are what to eat at this central spot on Edward near Ryerson. If you’re on the hunt for good beef noodles and big portions, look no further.

Eastbound Brewing

Near Queen and Broadview, this brewpub is already booming, serving a menu of bar eats like ricotta gnudi, pretzels, salads and sandwiches. They’re compensating for the lack of their own offerings currently with a selection of guest taps.

Huge lineups for Toronto's new Anishnawbe restaurant

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Toronto's new Anishnawbe restaurant NishDish had its grand opening this weekend and attracted long lineups before it opened its doors at Bloor and Clinton.

NishDish, from chef Johl Whiteduck Ringuette, is now up and running in the former Tacos El Asador space (the popular El Salvadorian spot has since moved to bigger digs across the street). 

The grand opening event kicked off on Friday with an outdoor celebration with community leaders and Elders as well as musical performances.

Nishdish opening #nativeamerican #nativenation #Toronto #gta #nishdish #cider #bartoofficial #canada

A post shared by Bar To (@centaurus16) on

For more than a decade chef Whiteduck Ringuette has been operating NishDish catering, but now he's expanded to open a First Nations owned and operated food emporium. He and his team will continue to offer catering as well.

NishDish, at at 690 Bloor St. W., is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

The Silver Dollar Room closes after epic final show

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On a rainy sunday night at the dead end of April, the Silver Dollar Room at the corner of Spadina and College in Toronto held its last ever show. It was a night of beers, cheers, a few tears, and of course, lots and lots of moshing, especially during the headlining Metz set.

The show had been announced relatively quietly, an event ending weeks of activity that included CMW, most notably a three-day block of shows at the Dollar all featuring American band Japanese Breakfast from the 20th - 22nd. Zoobombs also headlined a show that week.

Silver Dollar last final show Toronto

The consensus seemed to be that the show on the Dollar’s last ever Friday, also featuring a local Juno-nominated act, Dilly Dally, along with Darlene Shrugg and Frigs, was the one to be at. The Facebook event for Sunday’s last ever show simply described it with the words “The final show of The Silver Dollar Room…”

silver dollar torontoThe event page was soon plagued with requests for “1 ticket. I'll give you whatever you want.” An additional block of tickets went on sale around 5:30 p.m. the night of the show with a two-ticket limit per buyer for desperate latecomers.

Silver Dollar last final show Toronto

Tickets cost around $25, and I heard the whole range of opinions on this from that being so cheap for the last show at a legendary fifty-year-old club to that being too expensive to even attend. Whatever the thoughts of those in the crowd that night, by around 9 p.m. the place was already packed.

Silver Dollar last final show Toronto

The trend of the past weeks was followed with a night of local acts, starting with New Fries, a band I named a breakout act for 2017, their erratic sound and yelling vocals setting the mood. They were followed by Fake Palms off popular local label Buzz Records.

Silver Dollar last final show Toronto

Between Japanese Breakfast, Dilly Dally, New Fries and Fake Palms, there was one optimistic trend amidst this relative tragedy: the gender balance was much more equal than many shows I’ve been to, and I applaud longtime iconic booker Dan Burke for that.

Silver Dollar last final show Toronto

Because of this, when all-male three-piece Metz took the stage, it felt almost like going back in time in many ways.

The last time I had seen them was at a loft party on Sterling Road over five years ago. They shut off every light in the bar, making me feel like I was going down a rabbit hole back to that time, when the Dollar closing seemed preposterous.

Silver Dollar last final show Toronto

As other lights came up, the band was lit eerily from underneath rather than washed out in the usual hot pink and bright teal the stage is always bathed in. A mosh pit immediately formed, and I and many others were soon ousted from hard-won spots in the name of rock.

Silver Dollar last final show Toronto

Crowd surfing also started almost instantly, and I definitely tasted shoe that last night as fans went sailing over the audience. At one point, the lead singer took the iconic circular Silver Dollar sign down from behind the stage and passed it to the crowd, and hands clamoured for just a touch, our own personal holy relic.

Silver Dollar last final show Toronto

Dan Burke was urged onto the stage by the band, asked to say a few words, and all they could get out of the infamously mumbly firecracker of a booker was that it wasn’t about him, it was about the bands.

And then, he got on the Silver Dollar sign and surfed it on wave after wave of willing hands for minutes on end, and although we heard what he said, it was clear he also always has been and always will be a true rock star.

Silver Dollar last final show Toronto

It’s hard not to get emotional as I write this. There’s something that clicks when you realize that the place where so many of us have had so many life-changing, once-in-a-blue-moon experiences is somewhere you’ll never return to, and that the proprietor you so admire is someone you may never work with or even see again.

Silver Dollar last final show TorontoIt's especially saddening that this closure seems to be the cherry on top of a spate of recent venue losses, including The Hoxton, Soybomb. Like Hugh's Room it may reopen, but most bet it will become some sort of abominable student pub.

Silver Dollar last final show TorontoAt the end of the show, my ears ringing, deafened as if they’d been stuffed with cotton,  waiting for a friend outside the bathroom that was by now beyond disrepair, I chatted with a young girl attending to her bloody nose but grinning from ear to ear.

Silver Dollar last final show Toronto

The Silver Dollar Room always destroyed us and was destroyed in the most beautiful, nitty gritty, truly Torontonian way. As it crumbles into entropy like so much in this city, we know the place will always stay that way in our hearts no matter what replaces it.

According to one Facebook commenter on the event the next day, her final night here was the best she'd ever had. 

silver dollar toronto

The top 13 markets and pop-ups in Toronto this May

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Markets and pop-ups in Toronto this May will help you usher in spring with bushels of flowers and lots of yummy food. You can head to a giant artisan market by the water, party in Parkdale or drop in to a motorcycle garage.

Events you might want to check out:

Inland Spring Pop-up (May 5 @ Queen Richmond Centre West)
Shop over 70 fashion and accessory brands at this two-day, boutique-style pop-up. This is a celebration of made-in-Canada culture and design. Admission is free.
SLM Pop-up Shop (May 6-20 @ Yorkville Village)
Founded by a mother-daughter trio, this Toronto-based brand specializes in perfectly designed pants for men and women.
Summer Saturday Artisan Market (May 6 @ Bell Tower: coffee and community)
Shop for local and handmade goods while you enjoy coffee, pastries, and juice in this fully accessible space.
Revel Pop-up (May 7 @ The Beaver)
The Revel food duo pops up inside of the Beaver to serve their now-famous wings. There will also be drink specials and karaoke after you're done eating.
Veggielicious Pop-up (May 7 @ Artscape Sandbox)
Celebrate the launch of Veggielicious with dozens of vendors sampling and selling vegan goodies, accessories, apparel and health and beauty products.
AltMFG pop-up shop (May 9-20 @ Xpace Cultural Centre)
Hosted by Xpace in support of TDSB Alternative School Emerging Artists & Designers, this pop-up is packed with products designed by high school students.
Mystery Bag Weekend Pop Up Shop (May 11-14 @ Milk Glass)
Come view, try on, and shop the latest spring collections with exclusive one-off pieces and special pop-up deals. DJ Nino Brown will be spinning the night away.
Blossom and Bloom Mother's Day Market (May 12-14 @ Union Station)
Just in time for Mother's Day, this flower market inside Union Station includes all kinds of flower vendors, workshops, art installations and live music.
Spring Artisans' Market (May 12 @ SickKids Atrium, Garden Terrace)
The SickKids' Atrium will once again be taken over by local artisans, many of whom are Etsy and One-of-a-Kind show regulars. Expect jewelry, clothing, homewares, candles and way more.
Moto Market (May 13 @ Moto Revere DIY Moto Garage)
This is a motorcycle ride-in, BBQ, parts and gear moto flea and vendors market. It's also the DIY motorcycle garage's one year anniversary party and there'll be raffles and prizes.
Spring into Parkdale Sidewalk Festival & Night Market (May 13 @ Parkdale Village)
Party in Parkdale, all day and into the night at this market and sidewalk party complete with food vendors, shopping and live entertainment.
Waterfront Artisan Market (May 20 - October 7 @ HTO Park, 339 Queens Quay West)
Toronto’s waterfront comes back to life every Saturday until October 7 with this open-air market featuring a mix of 75 local, up-and-coming artisans, crafters, chefs and bakers.
Black Owned Summer Pop-Up Market (May 21 @ Daniels Spectrum)
This pop-up market features products and services by black-owned businesses. There will also be music, performances and giveaways.

The 5 cheapest neighbourhoods to buy a home in Toronto

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While real estate in Toronto might be off the charts at the moment, a new map of the city compares prices by neighbourhood and reveals the most affordable areas in the city.

Rental companies Sky View Suites and Extended Stay Suites compiled sales data on detached and semi-detached houses as well as condos over the past six months.

real estate toronto

If you check out the map they created online, you can scroll over neighbourhoods to compare different price points across the city.

According to the map, which features a sampling of some centrally located Toronto neighbourhoods, these are cheapest area by price:

  • Regent Park
  • Weston-Pelham Park
  • Moss Park
  • Waterfront Communities
  • Kensington Market-Chinatown

Remember, these data sets include both houses and condos. As for the most expensive neighbourhoods by price, these should come at no surprise. They include Forest Hill, Lawrence Park and Rosedale.

For reference, here's what an average price home looks like throughout the city.

This is the most expensive condo in Toronto right now

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If you've ever wondered what pure luxury looks like in Toronto, the recently listed $36 million west penthouse at the Four Seasons will give you a glimpse. This palace in the sky is outfitted with every amenity and feature you could imagine.

four seasons penthouse torontoThe condo is up for sale as the result of the high profile divorce between Sarah Pursglove and Robert Oesterlund, who acquired the unbuilt space for $28 million back in 2011.

four seasons penthouse torontoThough the buyers weren't known at the time, it was widely reported as the most expensive condo in the country. It's only increased in value since completion, and is likely to set another record when it closes.

four seasons penthouse torontoYou could spend a while listing off all the opulent features here, so let's just consider the ones that really standout.

four seasons penthouse torontoFirst off, the penthouse takes up the entire top floor of the 55 storey tower, so the views of the city are virtually unparalleled. There are four balconies to soak up the skyline, but it's the in-suite sauna that takes the cake.

four seasons penthouse torontoThe master bedroom has his and hers en-suites, plus two enormous walk-in closets.

four seasons penthouse torontoThere are also multiple living rooms and dining spaces, a gorgeous wood library, and a home automation system that Pursglove told Bloomberg is worth $1 million. 

four seasons penthouse torontoAlas, this space seems to underscore the old adage that money can't buy you happiness. Pursglove and Oesterlund never took residence in the space before separating and then went to battle over who would keep the condo.

four seasons penthouse torontoIn the end, Pursglove became the sole owner, but only to sell it off to someone else.

Free outdoor concerts return to Yonge-Dundas Square this summer

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You'll soon be able to take your lunch break outside again, so why not pass that eatable hour with some free live music?

Yonge-Dundas Square has announced its Lunchtime Live! series for summer 2017. It launches May 15 with a show from Alberta's Command Sisters. The series continues every Monday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. until Jun 12. 

Lunchtime Live! then takes a hiatus for most of the summer to make room for other programming, but returns from September 4 to October 2. 

Here's a rundown of the shows. 

Yonge-Dundas Square will also host Indie Fridays starting June 24 until September 2, and free City Cinema every Tuesday from June 27 to August 29. Programming for these two event series hasn't been announced yet.


There's a huge butter tart festival near Toronto next month

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If the idea of 150,000 ooey, gooey butter tarts makes you salivate, you should probably consider heading to the annual Ontario Butter Tart Festival and Contest on June 10.

Thousands upon thousands of butter tarts from more than 50 vendors should make your two hour drive to Midland (it's located on Georgian Bay) worth the trip.

Along with stuffing your face with sickly sweet and delicious goodies, you can opt to take part in the Butter Tart Trot 5K, 10K or half marathon.

Or, you can just walk around and eat. Along with tarts galore, there will be food trucks on site as well as live music.

And if all this talk of butter tarts is getting you hungry, there are plenty of places in Toronto to satisfy your cravings right now. 

This might be the strangest thing ever seen on the TTC

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The TTC can be a strange and wonderful place sometimes. From raccoons to pants-less crowds, many of us have seem something out of the ordinary on a subway, bus, or streetcar.

But the latest incident might take the cake (er, roll). That's because on April 28, a Twitter user by the name of Craig Calhoun posted a photo of a man appearing to ride the bus with a huge tub of Taco Bell cinnabon frosting.

According to Calhoun, this all went down on the 47 Landsdowne southbound bus route and the man in question got off at St. Clair.

I'm sure many of us have questions about this, like was that massive drum actually filled with frosting? And why was he transporting it on the bus?

While you mull that over, here's how people around the world reacted to icing man.

15 beautiful photos of Toronto from April

Underground explosion rocks downtown Toronto

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Smoke could be seen billowing around Scotiabank Plaza at 20 King St. W. late this afternoon and many reported hearing multiple bangs at around 5 p.m.

According to CBC News, the explosion happened in a hydro vault and is being investigated as a hydro issue. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.

King Street is shut down between Bay and Yonge, parts of Front and Adelaide streets are also closed. 

Subway trains are bypassing King station and the 504 and 514 streetcars are running on Queen between Spadina and Church.

Those in the area captured some pretty dramatic footage of this ongoing incident, so here's what the Financial District looks like today at rush hour.

5 things to do in Toronto today

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Today in Toronto you can immerse yourself in music with four different concerts spanning a variety of genres. You can also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the time the Leafs actually won the Stanley Cup.

Events you might want to check out:

Radiant Baby (May 2 @ Smiling Buddha)
See Radiant Baby with special guests Nyssa and No Frills for a triple-bill night of music at one of the city's coolest venues.
1967 The Last Good Spring (May 2 @ The SPORT Gallery)
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the last time the Leafs won the Stanley Cup. Take part in a discussion with hockey insiders and see some rare film footage.
Screaming Females (May 2 @ The Garrison)
Don't miss this rare appearance from New Jersey indie rock trio Screaming Females. Did you know vocalist/guitarist Marissa Paternoster was named the 77th greatest guitarist of all time by Spin magazine? Find out why tonight.
Track Could Bend (May 2 @ The Steady Cafe & Bar)
Experience an unforgettable night of experimental and dreamy pop music from local heroes Sandro Peri, Allison Cameron, Josh Cole, Nicole Rampersaud and more.
Nebyu Yohannes (May 2 @ The Tranzac)
This Toronto trombonist, composer and arranger sounds like nothing else in the city right now. His music style is intense, raw, beautiful and honest.
Contact Photography Festival (April 28 - May 31 @ Various locations)
Throughout the month of May, Contact takes over the city with more than 200 photography exhibitions and events all across Toronto.
Hot Docs (April 27 - May 7 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, TIFF Bell Lightbox, Isabel Bader Theatre, and Hart House)
North America’s largest documentary festival will present 200-plus films from across the globe at cinemas all over the city.

13 restaurants for Mother's Day Brunch in Toronto

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Mother's Day brunch in Toronto is almost a ritual this time of year. On Sunday May 14 many local restaurants will be serving everyone's favourite weekend meal and some are even rolling out special menus.

Here's where to go for Mother's Day brunch in Toronto this year.

Maple Leaf Tavern

On Mother's Day the Leslieville restaurant will be serving a prix fixe brunch between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m for $35. They'll also be giving out carnations to all the moms who dine in.

Ricarda's

This Peter and Richmond St. restaurant is doing a Jazz Brunch on Mother's Day. From 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., dig into their buffet of fresh seafood, hearty salads, made-to-order pasta and much more, all to the sound of smooth live jazz.

Bombay Street Food

Indian comfort food is what's on the menu at this Bay St. restaurant. On Mother's Day they'll be offering a prix fixe brunch for $35 a person during two seatings, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tickets are available online

Lisa Marie

The West Queen West restaurant will be serving up there regular menu this Mother's Day along with a few surprise specials that have yet to be announced.

Momofuku Daisho

Celebrate Mother's Day at Momofuku's third floor restaurant. This year they'll be cooking up specials inspired by dishes their moms made them when they were young including corn arepas and rice bowls. 

Colette

Found inside the Thompson Hotel, this French restaurant will be serving up a special brunch buffet for Mother's Day. For $75 a person indulge in decadent offerings of fresh seafood, charcuterie boards and seasonal salads.

Annette Food Market

Join the Junction restaurant on May 14 for a special Mother's Day brunch between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are available online for both large and small groups.

The Drake Hotel

Treat the special lady in your life to Mother's Day at the Drake Hotel's cafe. The prix fixe menu for $38 is available starting at 9 a.m. and includes menu offerings of blueberry scones, granola and spring quiche.

Nota Bene

The Queen St. fixture will be cooking up something special for Mother's Day. Brunch will take place between 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and for $65 per person you'll have a feast of classic brunch staples and a choice of a main course. Be sure to call in advance for a reservation.

Maman

The French cafe in the Financial District will be hosting a very special brunch on May 14. For $50 you'll get a starter, main, dessert and drink. There's only 26 seats available so be sure to book ahead.

Thoroughbred 

The multi-level restaurant on Richmond is celebrating Mother's Day with a Low Tea brunch. Served from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the restaurant show moms love with complementary Mom-osas upon arrival. Reservations can be made online or by email.

The Chase Fish & Oyster

The seafood-centric destination near Yonge and Queen hosts Mother's Day brunch from 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The a la carte menu features highlights like buckwheat and apple Pancakes, king crab omelettes and shrimp avocado toast.

F'amelia

Spend the day in Cabbagetown on Mother's Day with a visit to this Italian restaurant. For the special day they have a prix fixe lunch menu for $39 that include a variety of salads, pizza and pasta.

Cinco de Mayo events in Toronto for 2017

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Cinco de Mayo events in Toronto mostly go down on May 5 and revolve around tequila, Mariachi and tacos. But you'll also find lucha libre, dancing and specially curated menus to help you celebrate Mexican culture in bars and restaurants across the city. 

Events you might want to check out:

Cinco De Mercy (May 4 @ Early Mercy)
There's no cover all night at this fiesta featuring a live Mariachi band, $5 Sol beers and a special menu.
Cinco de Mayo with Chef Donnie Masterton (May 5 @ Drake One Fifty)
Guest chef Donnie Masterton of critically-acclaimed The Restaurant in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico creates a special $75 all-in menu for Cinco de Mayo.
Cinco de Macho (May 5 @ Macho Radio Bar)
This Tex Mex joint will offer complimentary frozen margaritas from 5 to 6 p.m. Then throughout the night, folks can enjoy snacks, $5 Don Julio Tequila, $5 Dos Equis and over 30 tequilas to choose from.
Milagro Cantinas Cinco De Mayo (May 5 @ Milagro Cantinas)
The Milagro Cantinas will have a handful of tequila specials on the big day and well as $59 cantina food platters. 
Cinco de Mayo at El Catrin (May 5 @ El Catrin)
This Distillery District cantina is having a party starting at 7 p.m. There will be beer and tequila samplings, a photo booth and a live Mariachi band.
El Pocho Cinco de Mayo cocktail party (May 5 @ El Pocho)
This Mexican restaurant near Dupont and Bathurst is having a cocktail party to celebrate. From 5 to 11 p.m., cocktails will be $7 and there will be $3 shots of tequila. Good thing it's a Friday!
Cinco de Mayo fiesta (May 5 @ Erotico Lounge)
Church Street's major Cinco de Mayo party happens at a dance club, located inside a strip club. There will be tequila specials, eight drag shows, dancers, giveaways and DJ Sumation. 
Cinco De Mayo at EFS (May 5 @ EFS)
This is a festive night out with with complimentary tequila shots and dancing as well.
Superkick'd presents Lucha Madness - A Cinco De Mayo Party! (May 5 @ Superkick'd Pro Wrestling Rock Show & Training Centre)
Make sure to get tickets in advance to this party because capacity is limited. You'll see some famous Superkick'd lucha stars and some new faces as well as food, music and lots and lots of booze.
El Local Loco Fest (May 5 @ El Loco Local)
Soak up music from a Mariachi band from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. and finish off the night dancing to DJ LQ starting at 9 p.m.
La Carnita Cinco de Mayo (May 5 @ Various locations)
Celebrate El Cinco with special cocktails including, one with habanero-watermelon margaritas and Mexican mules, in addition to $5 shots of Tromba and extended hours from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.
CincoFest 2017 (May 6 @ Various locations)
Toronto's Cinco De Mayo bar hop features a lot of tequila and starts at either the brand new Baro or El Caballito. Tickets are $25 and include two drinks and some festive swag.
Cinco de Mayo at SteamWhistle (May 5 @ Steamwhistle Brewing)
There will be: Margaritas, Mexican eats, a DJ, photo station, tequila and more freshly brewed Pilsner than you can shake a Pinata at for this massive, annual Cinco de Mayo bash.   
Cinco de Mayo at Striker (May 5 @ Striker Sports Bar)
1 Tequila, 2 Tequila, 3 Tequila, more! It's a night of tequila shots, margaritas, Striker’s knock-out nachos and chicken quesadillas! It's also the NBA Playoffs, so expect game three of the Raptors - Cavaliers series at this sports bar celebration.

The 10 most famous clothing stores in Toronto

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The most famous clothing stores are often old standbys for fashion lovers. Locals seek out these sartorial institutions and visitors often head to these spots while shopping our city for the first time because they're all distinctly Toronto.

Here are my picks for the most famous clothing stores in Toronto.

Black Market Vintage

It's always fun to head down the stores to this huge vintage emporium on Queen West. The deals are pretty much outstanding, and you can spend hours searching through all the quirky merch on offer here.

Courage My Love

As one of Toronto's most beloved vintage stores, this Kensington shop surprises shoppers on each and every visit. You can find everything from Luchador mask to beads and 1960s-era dresses here, so it's hard to leave empty handed.

Get Outside

Amidst all the changes happening on Queen West, this shoe store at Queen and Spadina (they also have a location on Yonge St.) has stuck around and it still offers a huge range of sneakers from all your favourite brands, including Vans, Converse and Adidas.

Gotstyle

At its Distillery District location, Gotstyle sells clothing for both men and women, but this spot is probably best known for its selection of upscale menswear. It's a favourite amongst local celebs. 

Nomad

This casual menswear shop on West Queen West carries a variety of local as well as international brands. You can also find accessories and grooming products here to keep yourself looking awesome at all times.

Over the Rainbow

For a nice pair of jeans, look no further than this Yorkville boutique that's been around since 1975. Over the Rainbow carries lots of high-end denim brands for both men and women, as well as other types of apparel and accessories.

OVO Store

Of course, Drake opened his first storefront in Toronto. It sells our most famous rappers' streetwear line, which includes lots of owl-emblazoned hats, sweatshirts and jackets

Peace Collective

You can find Toronto Vs. Everybody shirts all around the city, but why not grab one at Peace Collective's flagship store on Ossington? You can also grab an over-the-top milkshake to snack on while you shop.

Sporting Life

This local chain has locations all across the GTA and it's the place to go for higher end sports equipment. You can also find luxurious outerwear here, including brand such as Canada Goose. 

Tom's Place

If you need a quality suit on a budget, check out this long-standing Kensington Market establishment run by Tom Mihalik, who has been working in the market since he was 12. The store's deceivingly massive.

The top 10 places to work or study in Toronto

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The top places to work or study in Toronto are a mix of the peaceful and the stimulating. The city's libraries and coffee shops, in particular, are popular draws for people looking to get away from the distractions of home.

Here are my picks for the top places to work or study in Toronto.

Toronto Reference Library

This monolith of knowledge at Yonge and Bloor is, essentially, the entire city's study hall. At five massive floors, there are plenty of places to pull up a chair and finish off that term paper.

Charidise

This Baldwin Village restaurant is massive, boasting two floors with a capacity for three hundred. The huge space is dynamic enough to accommodate many different needs, especially those of nearby U of T students.

Robarts Library

University of Toronto kids are the ones who frequent this library most. It's important to note, the basement and first floor tend to be noisier due to socializing students; it's quieter in the upper floors, where big tables in the corners of the stacks offer some nice views.

Gerstein Science Information Centre

While Robarts is the first study suggestion out of many U of T students' mouths, Gerstein, tucked further south into the university campus, is a close second. The atmosphere is surprisingly stately, with some cushy armchairs, grand-looking tables and chairs, and lovely natural lighting.

Page One Cafe

This cafe and cocktail bar on Mutual St. is favourite among Ryerson faculty and students alike. There's plenty of seating, a chill vibe and lots of nourishment to keep the energy up.

5 Elements Espresso

The Italian-inspired cafe in Yorkville offers two floors of study-friendly space. There's a mix of solo seating and large tables, so it's great for tackling everything from essays to group work.

Istanbul Cafe

The Turkish cafe offers a warm and inviting environment to sit back and relax while you get your work done. The space has ample seating that are conductive for independent work or group projects.

Student Learning Centre

Even the New York Times praised the newish Ryerson Student Learning Centre. The slick building features lots of study space, including The Beach, a tropical themed, open area on the sixth floor. You might want to head here early to grab a space and hit the books.

Krave Coffee

The St. Clair West cafe has quickly become a fan favourite for working and studying. Its two-person tables are ideal for solo caffeine-fuelled cram sessions.

Merchants of Green Coffee

The Riverside coffee experts go beyond schooling you in the realms of beans. They offer visitors a warm and cozy work space whether you want to camp out on the couch or work by the bar. 

One of Toronto's most iconic concert halls is reopening this summer

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We're only four (and a bit) months into to 2017, but it already feels like we lost a bunch of music venues this year. Just this last weekend, we said goodbye to the historic Silver Dollar Room.

But one iconic spot is gearing up to reopen this summer. The Masonic Temple, now known as the Concert Hall, at Yonge and Davenport will play host to multiple shows as part of the TD Toronto Jazz Festival.

Acts such as Led Zeppelin, Pearl Jam and David Bowie have all played the Masonic Temple and now Randy Bachman will relaunch it on June 23. This concert is part of a series of shows happening at this venue during the last week of June.

Along with these performances, various stages around Yorkville will play host to more than 100 free concerts throughout the Toronto Jazz Festival. Full programming details should be out early next month.

Just a few years ago, it looked like the Masonic Temple would never reopen as a music venue. But in just over month, it'll be a concert hall once again. 

9 notable Toronto businesses that closed in April

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Toronto businesses that closed in April included some real heartbreakers. From classic venues like the Silver Dollar to big chains like HMV, some of these places will at least live on as fond memories.

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

The Beaconsfield

After over 13 years as a local party spot and watering hole, this West Queen West fave shut down abruptly, with the building having been sold.

Clockwork Coffee

Along with Rose City Kitchen and Smash Juice Bar, this cafe on Toronto Street that focused on pour-overs closed up shop last month after having switched up management last year.

Flaming Bull

Fizzling out after only a year in the Annex, the first North American outpost of this Taiwanese restaurant chain just didn't catch on.

HMV

It was the end of an era on April 14, after the flagship Toronto location of this monumental music chain closed at 333 Yonge St. (all Canadian locations closed at the end of the month). The silver lining is that Sunrise Records is taking over most of the shuttered shops.

NAO Steakhouse

This Yorkville steakhouse has transformed into a Mediterranean concept called Estia.

Pho Rex

As pretty much the only place to get a bowl of Vietnamese pho in the 'hood (plus Thai dishes), there's a bit of a hole for that now in Koreatown.

Pizza Thick (Leslieville)

Regina-style pizza took a hit when this shop had to close up its Leslieville location last month. East enders craving the stuff will have to venture over to its sole outpost (for now?) at 536 Queen St. W., where it shares a space with Death in Venice Gelato.

The Silver Dollar Room

Toronto's music scene has taken some real hard hits lately, and the closing of this historic venue is just another brutal blow. At least it went out with a banging final show.

Sky Blue Sky Sandwich Company

Wilco fans and sandwich lovers alike are mourning the loss of this beloved shop. Its website claims both locations are "closed for renovation until April 24, 2017," but the original Koreatown joint has a non-payment of rent notice and a For Lease sign posted on it.

The top 35 sports bars in Toronto by neighbourhood

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Toronto sports bars provide a reminder that even though you might have your own big screen at home, there's nothing quite like catching the game in the company of fellow fans raucously cheering on the home team alongside a stellar selection of beer and snacks.

Here are my picks for the top sports bars in Toronto by neighbourhood.

Annex

The Duke of York is your average pub complete with TVs, beer and pub grub. While it might not be as sports obsessed as some, this place draws a crowd for big games especially in World Cup years when you want to cheer on England.

Avenue & Lawrence

Keep track of the score from the bar or get rowdy in the billiards lounge at Safari. A massive big screen will ensure you won't miss a thing, while the bar is known to offer beer and food specials.

Bayview & Leaside

HD TVs and draught beers make McSorley's Saloon a top notch spot in this neighbourhood to root on the Leafs, Raptors or Jays.

Beaches

The Gull and Firkin celebrates all sports and even hosts its own Hockey Nights in Canada. Find drink specials on offer daily plus a menu of pub grub standards.

Bloor West Village

Shakey's was originally founded by the Leafs' number 16, Mike Walton, a.k.a Shakey, and while the bar has changed ownership, it's still a mecca for sports fans.

Bloordale Village

Duffy's Tavern can be counted on to be showing a different sport on each of its four flat-screens above the bar - just note that sound might be barely audible over the jukebox.

Bloorcourt

Hurricanes is a solid spot to catch the game made even more attractive by the lineup of reasonably priced beers and all star platters of nachos and wings.

Church Wellesley Village

Toronto's only gay sports bar, Striker Sport Bar can be found in the village. They managed to transform a Hasty Market into a sports mecca filled with dozens of HD screens, a great soundsystem and strong cocktails.

Corktown

The Banknote now has a location that resides on Adelaide East. Cheer on your favourite sports team while eating and standard pub food and sip on brews.

Danforth

Find multiple TVs scattered about the interior of the Brass Taps. The pizza pub hosts parties for big games, and if you need to stretch before the 7th inning, head to the pool tables in the back.

The Contender Toronto

Photo by Jesse Milns at The Contender.

Dundas West

While many other bars in the area are stiff competition, The Contender comes out swinging. The bar covers all of the bases with dozens of screens, memorabilia, pub eats and solid list of craft beers.

East York

High fives all around for Rally Sports Bar and Smokehouse on O'Connor where they claim to show every major sporting event, be it NFL, UEFA, NHL, NBA, MLB, UFC, or boxing. The 7000 square foot sports bar features dozens of HD TVs and a menu of slow cooked barbecue and beers.

Eglinton West

Watch live major league sport and even some US college games at the Thirsty Fox Pub while sipping on PBR spiked with a shot of Jager.

Real Sports Toronto

Photo by Hector Vasquez at Real Sports.

Financial District

Real Sports is a sprawling 25,000 square foot MLSE-owned arena featuring 200 HD televisions and over 100 tap beers. This place is batting a thousand on the menu too, whether you're craving chicken wings or nachos.

Harbourfront

Rows of TVs and a wide selection of draft, cask, seasonal, and even bottles from the cellar make Amsterdam Brewhouse a top destination to catch the game. The view ain't too bad either.

High Park

The Bar with No Name isn't exactly a sports bar - in fact it caters to a diverse range of interests from Magic the Gathering to Karaoke - but when the Jays are winning everyone's a fan, so count on this place for cold ones and sound-on action.

Junction

Shoxs keeps sports fans pumped with 15 beers on tap, 17 TVs, three pool tables, and NFL and NHL pools and drafts.

Junction Triangle

Boo Radley's is the local pub of choice in the neighbourhood. Catch a baseball or hockey game and indulge in traditional pub grub.

King East

Watch the game on the big screen at Pacific Junction Hotel, where buckets of beer and tacos are known to go on special when sports fans are out in full force.

King West

Wayne Gretzky's hockey-first atmosphere is just the right pitch for playoff games. Expect to be surrounded by a feverishly loyal fan base, and more than a few American tourists rooting for the opposite team.

craft brasserie

TVs and beer aren't in short supply at the Craft Brasserie. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Leslieville

Find the big screen TV at The Queen's Head Pub screening live sports events and the kitchen to serve up an array of wings, poutines, and comfort foods.

Liberty Village

Crowd around the bar at The Craft Brasserie for a front row view of the game as well as easy access to the 120 craft beers on tap.

Little Italy

The Monarch Tavern is a neighbour mainstay where sports fans congregate to catch a game. Expect craft beer on tap, 30+ selections of bourbon and pub fare.

Mount Pleasant 

Red Lantern has been a staple of the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood since 1969. The pub regular plays sports games ranging from the NFL to NCAA to UFC.

Parkdale

Duggan's Brewery does more than just great beer. The local brewery also boats a number of TV screens so you can sip on the pint and cheer on your favourite team. 

Queen West

The Ballroom is a one-stop shop for sports-related entertainment of all kinds, whether that be bowling or taking in major league game action. There are TVs all over the place (even by the bowling lanes), so it's impossible to miss a touchdown or a goal.

Riverside

KT Bar is from the owners behind Aft Kitchen & Bar. The east side sports bar stands for Kid's Table, boasts a bunch of TV screens and serves a menu of drinks and a snacks.

Roncesvalles Village

The Dizzy televises NHL, NFL, CFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, BPL, NCAA and Champions League games. The bar is home to a line up of draught beers and whiskeys.

Grover Pub Toronto

Photo by Hector Vasquez at The Grover.

University of Toronto

O'Grady's on College is an Irish pub that's extremely popular with the U of T crowd. If you're looking to take a break from your cram session you can catch the latest sports games here.

Upper Beaches

The revamped pub The Grover is in top form this season. Grab a seat at the bar for a front row seat of all the action.

Vaughan

Catch the game at WEGZ Stadium Bar, the big rowdy emporium filled with wall-to-wall TVs screening every sports network. The extensive menu of pub fare features Buffalo chicken nachos and baby back ribs, plus the usual line-up of Canadian beers on draught.

West Queen West

Slide into a big booth at The Dog & Bear, where there's eight televisions and a 70 inch projection screen broadcasting all Leafs, Raptors, Jays and EPL games.

Yonge & College

Duke's Refresher isn't a dedicated sports bar, but they've got an ample supply of TVs - and if you can gather 50 fellow fans, you can book a party for the big game in the upper level "Nose Bleed Lounge." The menu features over 40 beers on tap and apps like tacos and nachos.

Yonge & Eglinton

Root on the Jays, Leafs, Raptors, and premium rugby and GAA games at the Rose & Crown. Score some pretty decent pub foods including all day breakfasts while you're there.

Yonge & St. Clair

Scallywags is the place to watch international sports events range from soccer and rugby to NFL and MLB games.

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