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This Week on DineSafe: Old School, Leslieville Pumps, Saving Grace, Noble Coffee Co.

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This week on DineSafe I can happily announce that there are no restaurant closures to report. Some of the city's most well known brunch destinations were, however, busted with yellow cards.

See which other local joints got in trouble with city health inspectors this week.

Port Union Bakery (287 Port Union Rd.)
  • Inspected on: May 2, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 2 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Noble Coffee Co. (1421 Bloor St. West)
  • Inspected on: May 3, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 3 (Significant: 3)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Spring Sushi (10 Dundas St. East)
  • Inspected on: May 3, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 3)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Leslieville Pumps (929 Queen St. East)
  • Inspected on: May 4, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 2, Significant: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Old School (800 Dundas St. West)
  • Inspected on: May 4, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Pariwar (1732 Lawrence Ave. East)
  • Inspected on: May 4, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 12 (Minor: 5, Significant: 7)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Saving Grace (907 Dundas St. West)
  • Inspected on: May 4, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 3, Significant: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Time Capsule Cafe (2183 Danforth Ave.)
  • Inspected on: May 4, 2017
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 2, Significant: 3, 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.


Not everyone is loving Downsview station's new name

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We don't deal with change too well in Toronto, especially when it comes to renaming local landmarks, stadiums, concert venues or even TTC stations.

Yesterday, Downsview officially became Sheppard West. The current Line 1 terminal station needed a new name before the Spadina Extension opens at the end of the year.

The long-awaited extension will include Downsview Park station - a new stop at Downsview Park. This name change reportedly cost the TTC $800,000.

Much of the signage has already switched over and the new subway maps have already started appearing on trains - perhaps you saw one this weekend.

Of course, not everyone's pleased with the change, and some of us will likely find it difficult to add Sheppard West station to our local lexicon.

The Best Hakka Restaurants in Toronto

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The best Hakka restaurants in Toronto serve up spicy food that's delicious and satisfying. The term Hakka refers to an ethnic group within China although it's often used in reference to a specific type of cuisine that blends Chinese cooking techniques with garam masala and other Indian spices. 

Here are the best Hakka restaurants in Toronto.

1 - Federick Restaurant (Markham)

This restaurant with two locations in Toronto has been around for over 20 years. It's the place purists go to get their Hakka fix. My personal favourite is the awesomely-named Federick's Delicious Garlic Shrimp but don't miss the vegetable pakoras.
7 - Hakka Legend

This mini chain has four locations in Toronto serving up a long list of spicy food for lunch and inner. Make sure to get the Steam Fish Fillet with Manchurian Sauce for something not too greasy but packing lots of flavour.
3 - Lotus Garden

This Danforth East destination makes great pakoras and chili chicken but don't miss the Bombay Beef. While it may lack the traditional gravy-laden approach predominant in Hakka cuisine it more than makes up for it with its pronounced flavours.
6 - Spicy Dragon

With locations in Scarborough and Pickering, this restaurant offers one of the best value lunch specials around (at around $6) and the Spicy Dragon Fish is a crispy-spicy delight. Service can sometimes be hit-or-miss though.
8 - Hakka Wow

There's lots to love at this Little India restaurant including the stunningly crunchy and delicious Crispy Beef, as well as the amply-sauced up hot garlic chicken pakoras.
2 - Lin Garden

Shoehorned into a Scarborough strip mall, this long-standing Hakka favourite serves up delicious lunch specials and many signature dishes like the Crispy Beef Kam Bien and some excellent Manchurian fish.
4 - Hakka Garden

Come for legit Hakka cuisine in East York. Crowd favourites here include chili paneer and fried Hakka garlic shrimp.
5 - Everest Hakka House

This Mimico favourite makes a great crispy ginger beef and a fish with honey ginger sauce that's unique and tough to beat. They also have a sweet little patio.
9 - Yueh Tung

This old Chinatown favourite serves up all kinds of Hakka food including a thick gravy-laden child chicken. The delicious Keu Nguk (Hakka braised pork belly) is one of a very few authentic non-Indian Hakka dishes available in the city.

Toronto's revamped waterfront concert venue opens next week

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The first major outdoor concert of the season is kind of like a giant green light to Torontonians, giving everyone the go ahead to get out there and have fun again.

Now that the Budweiser Stage (RIP Molson Amphitheatre) has been officially renamed and renovated, it's time for the season's first show, and then an endless onslaught of summer music gatherings.

Future, Migos, Tory Lanez and Kodak Black kick off the season with the Nobody's Safe Tour on Tuesday, May 16. Some other major musical come to the revamped venue include John Legend, Lady Antebellum, The Arkells, Iron Maiden and John Mayer

In addition to the endless list of shows, which run into early fall, the venue is getting a few upgrades including more concession stands, new food offerings, artwork and cashless payment options.

Of course, despite improvements and the lineup, some Torontonians are still not too pleased about the new name.

The top 27 bars in Toronto by neighbourhood

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Toronto has no shortage of great bars. Whether filled with pinball machines, brewing equipment, retro toys, exotic ingredients, VHS tapes or just some of the happiest drinkers in the city, everything about these bars screams Toronto fun.

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

Annex

The flashing lights and careening sounds of retro arcade games, some several decades old, draw huge crowds into pub/gaming hall Tilt on weekend nights. Sometimes it’s so busy you have to forgo your chance at playing at all, but you can console yourself with simple beers and bar food with a surprising number of vegetarian options.

Bloorcourt

At mysterious watering hole Civil Liberties, often known to locals as “pineapple bar” for the pineapple emblem outside in place of any sort of real sign save an awning that reads “this must be the place,” unique ingredients from an apothecary-like bar can be turned into a custom concoction to suit almost any mood.

Bloordale

Popular bar 3 Speed has a cute patio, serves brunch and a bar menu of charcuterie and tasteful but still reasonably priced mains, all in a cushy, intimate atmosphere.

Church Wellesley

Woody's is a lively bar that may be a little NSFW, but it's a welcome break at the end of the work day if a little explicit video playing in the background of your cocktail hour is your cup of tea.

only cafe toronto

The taps at the Only Cafe on Danforth East. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Danforth East

The cozy yet accommodating The Only Cafe with colourful signage is known for their craft beer selection and the live shows thrown here regularly. You can also get coffee here if caffeine is more your style of buzz.

Dundas West

From local celeb chef Jen Agg comes Cocktail Bar, right across from her spot Black Hoof. Small snacks and upscale tipples can be found here. The only thing this eccentric bar doesn’t serve is vodka.

East Chinatown

Farside is a quirky collection of all the favourite things of the owners behind Handlebar in Kensington, designed to be an artists’ hangout that looks kinda like their own living room. Take in DJ sets or VHS film parties as you sip on quirkily named cocktails and munch on kimchi or “birthday cakes.”

High Park

Laidback spot Bar with No Name appears to have one of the most obscure hip names ever, but it takes on a Tolkien edge once you realize they host Magic the Gathering tournaments.

hole in the wall toronto

The narrow confines of Hole in the Wall in the Junction. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Junction

Hole in the Wall really earns its name with barely enough room to squeeze between patrons in the ultra-narrow, high-ceilinged space, and has a huge menu of brown liquors, rotating taps featuring local beers, killer bar food like Asian calamari, and brunch.

Junction Triangle

The Gaslight is great place to be a regular, slinging local craft beer, fun seasonal cocktails, and creative bar snacks like broccoli poutine, homemade chips and dip, as well as charcuterie and curries. There’s a lovely back patio hidden behind here.

Kensington

Cold Tea is hidden in Kensington’s weird mall, named for the Toronto adolescent tradition of ordering teapots of beer late at night in adjacent Chinatown.

King West

The Addisons Residence is meant to evoke the feeling of a house party at your rich friend’s place while their parents are on vacay, oozing luxury, calm, wealth, and pure entertainment. The “backyard” features cabanas, and four-dollar drink specials reign throughout the week.

clintons toronto

A night out at Clinton's in Koreatown. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Koreatown

Clinton’s, a Bloor stalwart, is perhaps best known as being the host of Choir! Choir! Choir! events. They have regular DJ nights too, and serve typical pub fare like burgers, onion rings and poutine with plenty of vegetarian versions.

Leslieville

There’s a bar on Queen East named for the bartender from The Shining: Lloyd’s. Not nearly as creepy as the bar in the movie, this warm space serves small snacks like hot dogs and patty sandwiches along with their affordable drinks.

Little India

Eulalie’s may have a difficult to pronounce name but it’s a standby in this neighbourhood open til two, serving constantly rotating draft beer, local cans and bottles, and great snacks like lamb fries.

Little Italy

Subterranean bar Track & Field is the unlikely place where you’ll find unique lawn games in this part of the city. Do something fun and physical while you’re downing beers and you’re sure to have a night to remember.

Ossington

Tiny bar Sweaty Betty’s is well known for being crowded with more enthusiastic imbibers than it almost can handle. Beer is the order of the day in this spot which is steps from both bus and streetcar stops making it ideal for end-of-night transpo.

pretty ugly toronto

The bar is well stocked at Pretty Ugly in Parkdale. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Parkdale

Dried flower garnishes and delicious vermouth in the back, teeny mezcaleria in the front: Pretty Ugly is two-faced in the best way possible, Gremlins figurines poking out from nooks of this darkened room.

Queen West

BarChef brags that they have 5000 ounces of bitters behind their bar. This dim spot is the perfect place to while away the night over drinks in this trendy area.

Riverside

After-dinner drinks can be had at Hi-Lo Bar in this neighbourhood, where they serve craft beer, and also have movie screenings and restaurant pop-ups.

Roncesvalles

Brewing their own beer in a hip space lush with hanging plants, clean light wood and white paint, Bandit Brewery is serving flights and pints of their own suds along with snacks like deep fried cheese curds.

clocktower bar

Cocktails are the thing to get at Cocktail Bar in Rosedale. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Rosedale

Clocktower Bar befits this classy neighbourhood, an upscale cocktail bar offering from the people behind chic cafe/bar Boxcar Social.

St. Clair West

Newcomer to the brewery scene Shacklands took up residence near Rainhard in an industrial area, and not only is jam packed with great Belgian-style beer but also a piano, pinball machine and tons of retro toys.

West Queen West

From the moment you hear the name Apt 200, you feel like you’re being invited to an exclusive house party in Montreal, and that’s the vibe this bar exudes.

Yonge & Eglinton

Located under La Carnita, Good Fortune has a speakeasy vibe and a buzzing atmosphere, serving food until midnight.

Yonge & St. Clair 

Raiders is an eSports bar: that means that instead of getting shoved by overzealous sports fans, here you can zone out with a brew and some pub snacks and be your own virtual quarterback.

Yorkville

The more energetic crowd are proud to call the multiple-storey bar The Pilot home on busy nights, ordering buckets of Corona and shots of tequila on the spacious rooftop patio with plenty of seating.

Toronto cafe will serve coffee in an ice cream cone

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Ditch your cups, plates and bowls because Toronto's going cone crazy. You can already find pizza, sushidoughnut and other over-the-top ice cream cones in the city, but there's a new conical creation coming to town, and this one is caffeinated. 

Coffee in a Cone will make its Toronto debut at Balzac's Liberty Village cafe on May 11. Touted as the most Instagrammed coffee in the world, this product comes to Toronto from South Africa.

Balzac's is marketing its latest menu offering as an eco-friendly product that'll keep takeaway cups away from landfills. But frankly, Coffee in a Cone just sounds like a decadent treat.

It features a chocolate-lined waffle cone that's apparently leak-proof for up to 10 minutes. You can get your cone filled with a shot of espresso, a machiatto, hot chocolate or cold brew. But whatever you get, you better drink it quickly. 

What Toronto looks like from its lost observation deck

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Between 1931 and the mid 1960s, the most spectacular place to view Toronto was from the 32nd floor observation deck at what we now call Commerce Court North. This was the tallest building in the city until Mies van der Rohe's TD Centre supplanted it in 1967.

commerce court observation deck

Looking down at King and Bay streets. Photo by Derek Flack.

Constructed at the outset of the Great Depression, the Canadian Bank of Commerce Building (as it was called then) was a meant to be a testament to the sturdiness of the national banking system and the economy in general. It was also a wildly popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. 

commerce court observation deck

One of the giant sculpted heads that line the observation deck, which represent courage, observation, foresight, and enterprise. Photo by Derek Flack.

While the Pearson and Darling-designed building has many remarkable features—including the opulent gold-plated ceiling in the banking hall—it was the observation deck that captured the city's imagination. Between 1931 and 1956, over 200,000 people paid a visit to this perch.

commerce court observation deck

Peeking in between Brookfield Place and Commerce Court West. Photo by Derek Flack.

It cost 25 cents to make the trek to the top back in the day. Upon arrival, visitors could see the mist of Niagara Falls rising across Lake Ontario provided the weather was clear. That's not to mention the panoramic view of Toronto the observation deck afforded. 

commerce court observation deck

Brochure for the observation deck in the 1930s. Image courtesy of the CIBC Archives.

I was lucky enough to get a look at the observation deck thanks to Unseen Toronto, a television project about the city's hidden and off-limits spaces. It's still a thrilling place to visit, but much has changed since its heyday. 

Today the sight of the city from 426 feet near King and Bay streets is rather different. Where once a person walking around the deck could see for more than 50 kilometres in every direction, modern skyscrapers now block significant chunks of the view. 

commerce court observation deck

The corridor of tall towers that presently line King Street, including Commerce Court West, the TD Centre, and First Canadian Place. Photo by Derek Flack.

It's these taller towers that are partially to blame for the loss of public access to this observation deck. Almost all of Toronto's modern buildings had observation areas, and they got progressively taller as each new one arrived on the scene.

commerce court observation deck

Looking directly south from Commerce Court North to Brookfield Place. Photo by Derek Flack.

The allure of an observation deck is often tied directly to its status as the tallest perch in the city. By the time the CN Tower opened in 1976, it signalled an end for its predecessors, which ceased to be as popular as they once were. 

commerce court observation deck

One of the few unobstructed views from Commerce Court North, looking towards the Port Lands, though this too is bound to fill in. Photo by Derek Flack.

The observation deck at Commerce Court North closed at some point in the late 1970s, and hasn't been opened to the public again due to liability concerns. If the will was strong enough, it could probably be reopened, but given how much the city has changed, the view just isn't the same. 

The 35 most iconic photos you can take in Toronto


Historic building on Toronto's waterfront to be redeveloped and restored

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One of Toronto's most recognizable buildings throughout much of the 20th century has just sold for $96 million.

The Harbour Commission Building, which used to jut out into Lake Ontario, was offloaded by Ports Toronto to Oxford Properties and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.

You know what that means. It's located in the midst of the rapidly rising South Core neighbourhood, so you can probably expect some form of mixed used development to eventually be proposed for the site. 

The good news coming out of the sale is that the historic building will be restored and subsequently maintained as part of any new project around or atop the existing structure. 

While the lower part of the building is currently occupied by Harbour 60 Steakhouse, the upper levels have been home to Ports Toronto offices and are rarely seen outside of an appearance at Doors Open. Redevelopment could conceivably improve the building's accessibility.

As far as Ports Toronto goes, the reason for the sale is pretty obvious. The organization has a self-sustaining mandate for its operation of the harbour, infrastructure projects, and various environmental and marine safety programs, so sitting on such a valuable property wasn't realistic.

Pride Toronto's city funding is safe for now

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Pride Month kicks off in just a few weeks, and one of the annual festival's major grants doesn't look like it's in danger after today's Economic Development Committee meeting.

City councillors on the committee voted unanimously in favour of giving Pride Toronto its annual $260,000 grant, reports the Toronto Star.

Mayor John Tory released a statement this morning saying he supports pride and wants to maintain its city funding. He also noted that Pride's Executive Director Olivia Nuamah and Police Chief Mark Saunders are working together and discussing the issue of police inclusion at Pride 2017.

Earlier this year at its annual general meeting, Pride voted to accept all of Black Lives Matter Toronto's demands, including banning police and police floats from the parade.

Since then, a group of city councillors said they'd support a motion pushing to withhold Pride's funding. As well, the Toronto Police Association, the union that represents our local police, called on council to cut Pride's funding since the festival excluded some city employees.

Last night, according to CBC News, Pride Toronto said police could participate in the parade as civilians without uniforms, guns or cruisers. 

Regarding Pride Toronto's $260,000 grant, the Economic Development Committee's decision is still subject to approval from city council. The next council meeting is May 24. 

Toronto plans new streetcar network for East Waterfront

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As we hear more and more about plans to redevelop the Port Lands, one of the features that's received less attention than the many condos to come is the transit network that will be put in place to serve the area.

Right now, this is one of the city's most under-served spots for transit, as anyone who's taken the TTC to Rebel (née the Sound Academy) knows. Once the area is transformed, however, it'll be much easier for everyone to get to places like the Leslie Street Spit and Cherry Beach.

While we're looking at a decade and beyond to get these plans into place, a revitalized Port Lands might feature dedicated streetcar lines along Cherry St. to the Ship Channel, across Commissioners St. and south to the Hearn via an extension of Broadview Ave.

Port Lands transit toronto

The proposed transit network for the Port Lands. Map via Waterfront Toronto.

An extended Broadview isn't the only new street the area would be home to. To ensure better access to the Port Lands, Cherry St. would be re-routed to dispense with the complicated intersection at Lake Shore that currently exists.

Bayview Ave. would also be extended south, wrapping around Corktown Common before ending at Unwin Ave. Finally, Caroline St. would be lengthened to Commissioners St. to provide an access point between Carlaw Ave. and Leslie St. 

port lands toronto

New north/south access points for the Port Lands. Map via Waterfront Toronto.

All of these moves would radically open up the Port Lands. They would also place the Hearn as a natural centrepiece of the neighbourhood with a dedicated streetcar loop at its door. How exactly this site is reimagined is anyone's guess right now, but big things could be in store.

Providing better in/out access to this area is a bit of a no-brainer, but the key will also be transit connections that offer access from a variety of different points surrounding the area.  

There are two keys to this portion of the plan coming together. Redevelopment efforts at East Harbour (i.e the Unilever site) call for the creation of a transit hub that would connect a relief line, SmartTrack, and existing streetcar connections. 

east harbour transit hub toronto

The East Harbour Transit Hub. Rendering via First Gulf.

If and when this comes together, the extension of Broadview Ave. with a streetcar ROW would offer fast access to the Port Lands. It would also tie these two burgeoning neighbourhoods together, which could be huge given that East Harbour will be a giant office and retail complex.

Also crucial is the East Bayfront LRT. This has been in the works for ages without any progress beyond the environmental assessment, which was approved in 2010. With so much development planned along Queens Quay to the Port Lands, rapid transit is required along this corridor.  

port lands plans toronto

The proposed street grid for the redeveloped Port Lands. Map via Waterfront Toronto.

It's easy to get excited by master plans for new transit networks, but Toronto knows what it's like to wait in vain for the promised infrastructure. Will that be the case for the Eastern Waterfront? Don't count on it.

You can't redevelop the Port Lands at the scale that's been envisioned without new and robust transit options. So while it might take a long time to pull everything together, the will to re-envision this area from both developers and planners promises progress in the years to come. 

7 things to do in Toronto today

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There are a lot of good concerts happening today in Toronto. See French producer and electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre who brings his sound and lights to the city, Ryan Adams who brings his signature guitar sound, and Real Estate who bring the reverb. 

Events you might want to check out:

Tinder Tales Live (May 9 @ Gladstone Melody Bar)
Comedians, storytellers, and people who have never been on stage before share their outrageous Tinder and online dating stories.
Jean-Michel Jarre (May 9 @ Sony Centre for the Performing Arts)
The legendary French electronic music composer and producer brings his dance music spectacle to the city. Think Daft Punk meets Kraftwerk meets your blown mind.
Ryan Adams & Band (May 9 @ Massey Hall)
Ryan Adams is touring his record Prisoner this year with a full band. If you're up for some heart-breaking pop, folk and rock, and maybe a Taylor Swift cover, get to this show.
Real Estate (May 9 @ The Danforth Music Hall)
Frankie Cosmos opens for these New Jersey indie rockers who are on their first tour since changing lead guitarists. They have a new reverb-heavy album they're touring in support of, which is perfect for this venue.
Broad City Pub Quiz (May 9 @ Beaver Cafe)
This is a quiz night for everyone's favourite yas kweens! Win prizes, laugh with your team of five friends and roll into the rest of your week.
Crispy Minis Lounge (May 9 @ Metro Centre PATH ( located by the 225 King Street West Escalators))
Check out the Crispy Minis Lounge in the PATH for a snack break and try some classic and new flavours and then get back to work energized.
Contact Photography Festival (April 28 - May 31 @ Various locations)
This city-wide photography festival continues to invade Toronto with brilliant shows like Humans of Inglenook - the Inglenook Community High School portrait series at the Nook Space Art Gallery.

5 things you didn't know were underground in Toronto

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There's more underground in Toronto than just the PATH, the subway, and the sewers. In fact, there's everything from solid gold to rotting garbage hidden beneath our feet; you just have to look for the clues.

For urban explorers and believers in urban legend, the subterranean world is a happy hunting ground. Abandoned subway stations and disused tunnels make for great photographs, and even better stories (who can forget the one about the secret alien city)?

Here are 5 real things you didn't know were underground in Toronto.

A massive Hydro station

Toronto Hydro's underground infrastructure made headlines after an explosion in a vault near King and Yonge, but the spot where that took place is tiny compared to the new Copeland Station buried under Roundhouse Park, which will fuel much of Toronto's downtown power needs when it's fully up and running.

Gold bullion

Far below Scotia Plaza, in what is the deepest excavated basement in the city, lies a high security bullion vault, the only of its kind in Canada. Few people outside the bank are sure quite how much precious metal is stored down there, though we know that ScotiaMocatta, the bank's gold bullion division, accepts deposits at Scotia Plaza

Reservoirs

Sir. Winston Churchill Park hides a secret beneath its massive lawn, one that's on display now as its massive water reservoir is reconstructed. Along with the nearby Rosehill Reservoir, these sprawling tanks supply a large portion of downtown with clean, crisp drinking water. There are a total of 10 underground reservoirs in Toronto.

Enwave tunnels

District heating company Enwave uses a network of tunnels beneath city streets (and the lake) to provide heating to buildings in the downtown core and as far north as Queen's Park. Many of the most recent tunnels, excavated and bored in secrecy, date from between 1998 and 2004. Check out Michael Cook's site Vanishing Point for photos

Private bowling alleys

Back in the days when churches doubled as community centres, many congregations set up theatres, gyms, and bowling alleys for the enjoyment of parishioners. Eastminster United Church on the Danforth has its own basement bowling alley that dates from 1924, so too does Knox Presbyterian Church at Spadina and Harbord. 

Writing by Chris Bateman and Derek Flack.

More Toronto supermarkets getting beer and cider

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More booze is coming to Toronto grocery stores, just in time for the Canada long weekend, announced the government of Ontario today.

Beer and cider will land in 76 more supermarkets across the province by June 30. That'll bring the total number of stores authorized to sell beer and cider to 130, including 70 that can also sell wine. Eventually, 450 supermarkets in Ontario will get to stock their shelves with beer and cider.

As the provincial government writes, these 76 new stores came out on top in the LCBO's competitive bidding process. Beer first started appearing in local grocery stores back in December 2015.

Here are the 12 additional Toronto supermarkets that'll have beer and cider starting at the end of next month. A handful of them are located right downtown.

  • Fortinos, 330 Queens Plate Dr.
  • Loblaws, 650 Dupont St.
  • Loblaws, 396 St. Clair Ave. W.
  • Loblaws , 60 Carlton St. (Maple Leaf Gardens)
  • Longo's, 15 York St. (Maple Leaf Square)
  • Metro, 89 Gould St.
  • Metro, 100 Lynn William St.
  • Metro, 735 College St.
  • Sobeys, 147 Laird Dr.
  • Sobeys, 81 St. Clair Ave. E.
  • Walmart Supercentre, 799 Milner Ave.
  • Walmart Supercentre, 1900 Eglinton Ave. E.

Farmers' markets in Toronto by day of the week

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Farmers' markets in Toronto take place throughout the week, so you have no excuse not to head out to your nearest park or Green P to find some local produce.

Here's a breakdown of farmers' markets in Toronto by day of the week.

MONDAY

Sorauren Farmers' Market

50 Wabash Ave., 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
This farmers' markets runs all year long in the park straddling Parkdale and Roncesvalles. When you visit, you'll find all sorts of produce, prepared food and other goodies.

TUESDAY

Cabbagetown Farmers' Market 

West Riverdale Park, 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Head to the market in this east side park and stock up on fresh, seasonal produce and lots of locally produced foodstuffs.

Trinity Bellwoods Farmers' Market

Trinity Bellwoods Park, 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Take an after work stroll through this popular park and visit the farmers' market, which focuses on organic and sustainable food, in the northwest corner by Dundas and Crawford. 

Davisville Village Farmers' Market

June Rowlands Park, 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
This small market in midtown turns six this year and along with selling fresh produce and prepared food, it features free musical performances and sometimes, even free fitness classes.

East York Farmers' Market

East York Civic Centre, 8 a.m until 2 p.m.
Those who live and work near the East York Civic Centre can grab a fresh food feast at lunchtime, so move over unhealthy take out!

Stonegate Farmers' Market

194 Park Lawn Rd., 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.
On Tuesday evening, the parking lot of the St. James Anglican Church fills up with vendors and entertainers who bring fresh produce and music to this Etobicoke community.

Toronto Botanical Gardens Farmers' Market

Toronto Botanical Gardens, 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Walk through the gardens and then shop for fruits and veggies as well as prepared food and in the summertime, VQA wine.

farmers markets toronto

The Nathan Phillips Square farmers' market. Photo by Natta Summerky.

WEDNESDAY

Nathan Phillips Square Farmers' Market

Nathan Phillips Square, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
For those who work in and around the Financial District, this is the perfect spot to pick up a healthy lunch or fresh produce if you can't get to the grocery store until the weekend. There are usually food trucks on site too.

Fairmount Farmers' Market

Greenwood Park, 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
This small market has moved to Greenwood Park for the season. Expect a selection of farm fresh meat and produce as well as a handful of local vendors with cheese, honey and prepared food.

Bloor/Borden MyMarket

Parking lot at Bloor and Lippincott, 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
It's easy to shop local in the Annex on Wednesday evenings thanks to this MyMarket-run farmers' market that pops up weekly in a small parking lot in the warmer months.

Montgomery's Inn Farmers' Market

4709 Dundas St. W., 2 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Tours of this 1840s inn, which operates as a city-run museum, are free on market Wednesdays. Best of all, markets at Montgomery's run all year long, although they're outside only in the summertime.

Ryerson University Farmers' Market

Gould Street, 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Summer school students and those craving greens around Yonge-Dundas Square will be happy to know that there's a farmers' market every Wednesday right in the heart of the Ryerson campus.

Annette Village Farmers' Market

680 Annette St., 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Find VQA wines, artisan goods and prepared food from vendors like Maizal, When The Pig Came Home and Parkdale Sausage at this market in Baby Point.

UTSC Farmers' Market

University of Toronto Scarborough, 2:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.
If you're tired of hitting up the caf or Timmies, staff, students and community members can visit the farmers' market that pops up on campus weekly from the end of May right until the beginning of October.

Yorkville Village Farmers' Market

136 Yorkville Ave., 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Since it's in Yorkville, this outdoor pop-up is billed as a "high-end farmers' and artisan market," whatever that means. I guess you can expect even shinier apples and more upscale treats than your regular, run-of-the-mill market.

farmers markets toronto

Fresh tomatoes at the North York Farmers' Market. Photo by Jesse Milns.

THURSDAY

Dufferin Grove Farmers' Market

Dufferin Grove Park, 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Don't worry about dates, because this popular farmers' market runs all year round. At its summertime peak, you can find up to 30 vendors here as well as wood-fired pizza straight from the outdoor community oven.

Metro Hall Farmers' Market

Metro Hall, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Those who work around King West get a new lunch place, with live entertainment, on Thursdays. This is also a great opportunity to stock up on healthy snacks if you ever feel peckish during the day. 

East Lynn Farmers' Market

East Lynn Park, 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Find fresh veggies, fruit and locally sourced meat and prepared food as well as wine and live entertainment at this popular community market on Danforth East.

North York Farmers' Market

Mel Lastman Square, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
This is one of the few markets in the north end of the city, so take advantage of the opportunity to buy produce directly from farmers and don't forget to fill your reusable bags with local honey and baked goods too. 

FRIDAY

Sherway Farmers' Market

1536 The Queensway, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Go shopping and afterwards, check out the farmers' market for fresh produce, eggs, honey and prepared food at this market in Etobicoke.

farmers markets toronto

Fresh produce at the Humber Bay Shores farmers' market. Photo by Jesse Milns.

SATURDAY

Stop Farmers' Market at Wychwood Barns

Artscape Wychwood Barns, 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Visit this beautiful space on Christie just south of St. Clair West to shop for food year round. Depending on the week, this market attracts up to 1,500 visitors thanks to the assortment of farmers and vendors on site.

Junction Farmers' Market

2960 Dundas St. W., 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Head to the Junction Train Platform to find all sorts of vendors, including Manning Canning, Tawse Winery and Mnandi Pies at this popular market.

Evergreen Brick Works Farmers' Market

550 Bayview Ave., 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
In the summer months, the Brick Works farmers' market opens at 8 a.m. You can find all sorts of vendors at this market including a large selection of meals made fresh on site.

St. Lawrence Market Farmers' Market

St. Lawrence Market., 5 a.m. until 3 p.m.
While the north market's under construction, visit the weekly farmers' market in the big tent at 125 The Esplanade just south of the market building. Come early because the good stuff sells fast.

Humber Bay Shores Farmers' Market

Humber Bay Park West, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Get fresh food and amazing skyline views at this west end market, featuring hyper local vendors, such as the Cheese Boutique.

Weston Farmers' Market

GO Parking Lot at 1865 Weston Rd., 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.
This market has been around for nearly 40 years and it runs from May to October every year. There's lots to eat here, including fruit, veggies and treats from CCs Creations and World of Cake Decorating.

Withrow Park Farmers' Market

Withrow Park, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
A sizeable number of local vendors and farmers from around the Golden Horseshoe come to this Danforth-area market that also feature kids' activities and crafts each weekend. There's also a knife sharpener on site.

SUNDAY

The Leslieville Farmers' Market

JonathanAshbridgePark, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m,
Expect lots of food, music and entertainment at this popular east side Farmers' Market that makes it worth it to get up early on Sundays.

Liberty Village Farmers' Market

Green P Hanna Street, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
See the Green P on Hanna Street get transformed into a bustling farmers' market each week, giving the condo dwellers in Liberty a chance to shop locally.


Creepy clown-filled house now for sale near Toronto

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The new It movie might be coming out soon, but this house in Brantford will keep you on your toes until then, but only if you have coulrophobia, a fear of clowns.

That's because a 748-square-foot bungalow in Brantford hit the market for $239,900 and immediately the wonderful folks on the internet realized it was filled with clowns.

clown house torontoEach and every room appears decked out with figurines, dolls and pictures, which could be creepy or whimsical, depending on your feelings about clowns.

However, as Vice reports, there's nothing nefarious going on here. 

clown house torontoAccording their report, the husband and wife who own the house started buying clowns instead of drinks to help stop the husband from overindulging when they went out.

clown house torontoApparently they've collected 1,500 clowns over 25 years, the vast majority of which line the walls and furniture of the home. Little did they know it, but thanks to the clowns they've received more buzz than they could've imagined for their listing.

clown house torontoIn case you were wondering, the clowns are not for sale with the property, though they do make for instantly memorable real estate photos.

Google planning a high-tech neighbourhood in Toronto

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Toronto's waterfront is undergoing lots of development, but there's still plenty of opportunity to reshape the areas located right by the lake.

Bloomberg reports that Alphabet Inc's (Google's parent company) urban innovation arm Sidewalk Labs responded to Waterfront Toronto's request for proposal to build up Quayside, a new 12-acre community on the city's eastern waterfront, just south of Parliament Street. 

In March, Quayside announced it was looking for an innovation and funding partner to bring this "globally significant" project to life.

According to the RFP, "the aim is to establish Quayside as a testbed for emerging technologies, materials and processes that will address these challenges and advance solutions that can be replicated in cities worldwide."

In a speech at the Smart Cities NYC conference last week, Dan Doctorof, Sidewalk Labs' CEO, said his company was looking to develop a  "large-scale district," writes Bloomberg.

Sidewalk Labs works to create technological solutions to urban problems. "We’re pursuing a large-scale district that can serve as a living laboratory for urban technology — a testbed for coordinated solutions, a foundation for people to build on, and a vision for other cities to follow," reads its website. 

Apparently, Sidewalk Labs was considering other cities, including Denver and Detroit, but Toronto seems to make sense now because our tech scene just keeps growing.

10 quirky things you might not know about Toronto

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Every city has features that remain obscure. Be it lost subway stations, hidden passageways, or bits of little known history that still shape our street grid, there are "secrets" lurking all across our urban milieu. Some of these are even wide out in the open, hiding in plain view as it were.

Here are 10 quirky things you might not know about Toronto.

Transformer Houses

That quaint-looking house with the high fence in the back and no mailbox, yeah that's not really a house. Scattered across Toronto, there's a host of hidden transformers, many of which are located in nondescript residential houses.

Dundas St. was stitched together

In the early 20th century, the city lacked a main east-west thoroughfare between College and Queen streets, which was causing major problems for traffic flow. The solution? To rename and connect a series of smaller streets into one roadway, which is the Dundas St. we know today. 

queen lower stationLower Queen Station

Most people know about Lower Bay Station, but there's also the shell of a subway station under Queen. Before the Bloor-Danforth subway was built, the plan had been to build a Queen streetcar subway line, and prior to that project being shelved, part of a station was carved out near City Hall.

Bicycle Actuated Signals

Ever noticed three white dots embedded in the pavement at an intersection and wondered what they're for? They detect the presence of a bicycle and tell the light to change at intersections where the signals are set to remain on green until a vehicle arrives at the cross street.

Crawford Street Bridge Toronto

There's a bridge buried under Trinity Bellwoods

 Head south on Crawford Street from Dundas, and you notice that the road narrows considerably for a section of about 25 metres or so. Underneath this stretch lies the old Crawford Street Bridge, which spanned Garrison Creek until the 1960s when it was filled in with earth from the Bloor-Danforth subway line.

Imperial Plaza could have been City Hall

Now an adapted condo complex, the former Imperial Oil building near Avenue and St. Clair might instead have been located at 100 Queen St. W. if a group of architecture firms got its way in 1955. Instead, the city decided to have a design competition, which was won by Viljo Revell.

20130415-HalfHouse-Front-Close.jpgToronto has a house that's been sawed in half

You could walk by it 20 times and not notice, but once you do, it looks like an optical illusion. Half of this house at 54 1/2 St. Patrick Street was sold to a developer, while the other half has remained to this day.

The Bloor Viaduct starts at Sherbourne

Opened in fall of 1918, the bridge system that makes up the Bloor Viaduct actually consists of three parts: the iconic section that spans the Don Valley, the smaller western section that runs above Rosedale Valley, and the section between Sherbourne and Parliament, which is built on fill.

Wychwood ParkToronto has private streets

Toronto is home to some 250 private streets and laneways, which residents maintain on their own dime. Some are gated like the half-hidden community of Wychwood Park, while others lack much by way of obvious markers.

The subway was once designated a nuclear fallout shelter

Back at the height of the Cold War, TTC subway tunnels were seriously considered for use as a possible fallout shelter in the event of an attack on Toronto or neighbouring cities like Detroit or Buffalo. Now that's a recipe for a post-apocalyptic horror movie if I've ever seen one.

The top 30 sandwiches in Toronto by neighbourhood

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The top sandwiches in Toronto display an astounding variety, offering everything from classic childhood favourites like grilled cheese and BLTs to those with more sophisticated ingredients and flavours.

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

Annex

Solid sandwiches can be found at a variety of places in this neighbourhood but if you're hankering for a panini Rapido will serve you up one with eggplant, chicken, veal or prosciutto.

Beaches

Tori's Bakeshop is home to scrumptious veggie BLTs, daiya grilled cheeses and, country vegetable pate with pickles, sauerkraut and mustard on rye buns.

Bayview & Leaside

Proper tuna melts with cheddar and tomato are among the nostalgic classics on the menu at the Millwood Melt. Get one with a side of tomato soup and pickles.

Bloordale Village

Brock Sandwich is a local favourite for chicken piri piri on a bun, as well as shrimp and giant squid po'boys.

Cabbagetown

El Charro is a Mexican street food spot on Parliament where you can fill up on the pambazo, a sandwich made with traditional antojito bread dipped in spicy guajillo sauce.

Castlefield Design District

This is the only Ace Bakery in the city with a cafe attached to it and they make a mean Chicken Waldorf.  It's a Waldorf salad in sandwich form; chicken salad mixed with walnuts and all the fixings on incredibly fresh bread. 

famo sandwich

The Six sandwich from Famo in Corktown. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Corktown

Famo Sandwiches takes the time to carve each sandwich they make to order. A must try is their lamb. 

Danforth

An always bustling neighbourhood spot in Greektown, Mocha Mocha has an ultra fresh and made to order sandwich list, including a spicy chick-pea-guacamole.  

Dundas West

California Sandwiches has been a Toronto institution since 1967, especially this original location on Claremont. Don't leave here without ordering their famous veal sandwich.

East York

Located on Coxwell avenue, Knuckle Sandwich specializes in massive sandwiches including buttermilk fried chicken and a beer braised brisket.

Etobicoke

Hot Italian sandwiches at SanRemo are okay, but the real star at this Etobicoke bakery is the giant slab sandwiches built on whole loaves layered with cold cuts and crispy fried onions.

Financial District

Quick, easy and super fresh are what you'll find at Green Box on University Avenue near Richmond. They have a new sandwich special every day, and it fits perfectly into a box with a side salad to go. 

when the pig came home

The beef cheek sandwich is one to get at The Pig Came Home in the Junction. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Junction 

When The Pig Came Home is one sandwich shop giving Montreal delis a run for their money. Fill up on everything from smoked meat to porchetta sandwiches.

Junction Triangle

Known for their hearty Italian sandwiches, Nonna's Place serves classic, fresh-sliced-pan-fried eggplant and veal sammies. They close at 4 and are never open on weekends, so plan accordingly.

Kensington Market

Torteria San Cosme is a Mexican restaurant on Baldwin Ave that doesn't do tacos. Instead they make nine different sandwiches constructed with custom-made pan teleras from the neighbouring Blackbird Baking Co..

King West

Porchetta & Co. at King and Portland is famous for their wild fried chicken sandwich specials as well as their porchetta. 

Leslieville

The east side is home to excellent options served between sliced bread. Don't miss hidden away Completo for its churrasco sandwiches loaded with avocado and hot sauce.

Liberty Village

The lunch hour hero in Liberty Village is Merci Mon Ami where baguettes are packed with things like prosciutto, roast beef, chicken souvlaki or eggplant parm.

pg cluck

PG Cluck in Little Italy will serve you fried chicken in a donut. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Little Italy

Tucked away on College Street, PG Cluck's teeny weeny sandwich shop specializes in Nashville-style Hot Chicken creations. Their towering fried chicken is also a wonder. 

North York

A combination butcher, supermarket and restaurant, Globe Meats is lunch royalty in the area serving porchetta and pulled pork sandwiches on local bread.

Ossington

Satisfy cravings for bacon sandwiches at Rashers on Ossington. Whether it's morning or lunch this sandwich shop has lots of great and meaty options.

Parkdale

If you're on the hunt for a Philly cheesesteak in Toronto, Kitson and Co. is one of your best bets. They load theirs with prime rib, grilled onions, melted provolone, Cheez Whiz and house-pickled jalapenos.

Queen West

They might be known for the some of the city's best cookies, but Le Gourmand's poached salmon, pancetta, roast beef and curry chicken served on fresh baguettes will have people visiting your desk wondering where you just came from.

Rosedale

Don't be deterred by the line-up that snakes out the door at lunch hour - it moves fast anyway and it's only a testament to the greatness of Black Camel sandwich shop. Pulled pork, brisket and BLTs are among the house specialties.

Scarborough

Focaccia layered with deli meats and veal or meatballs on a bun from the well stocked Italian hot table at Agincourt Bakery are exceptional examples of the fresh, home-style foods made with love at this longstanding lunch destination.

dantes inferno

The panini at Dante's Inferno. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

St. Clair West

If you make it past the pizza at Dante's Inferno Paninoteco, try their fresh panini. Get the marinated pork belly delight called Belly of the Beast. 

St. Lawrence Market

Follow your nose down the stairs to Mustachio's, a legend in the market and in the world of enormous Toronto sandwiches. 

West Queen West

West Queen West has seen a recent surge of sandwich purveyors but for me Sud Forno is the winner with a line up of sandwiches on fresh house-made bread.

Yonge & Dundas

TLP is home to a superbly tasty steak sandwich loaded on a bun with cremini mushrooms, peppers and garlic butter.

Yonge & Eglinton

Boar is a popular pick in this neighbourhood thanks to a solid roster of veal, chicken and meatball sandwiches.

Toronto School Board just banned Netflix and Instagram

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It looks like Netflix and school will never be a thing, at least in Toronto. That's because the Toronto District School Board blocked Wi-Fi access to Netflix, Snapchat and Instagram until June 30. 

According to a TDSB news release, these three platforms were overwhelming the school board's network.

"These sites account for more than 20% of our daily network activity and, on our older, slower network, make many necessary operational tasks, such as attendance, registration and report cards, nearly impossible to complete," reads a note on the TDSB's website.

"We are working on a more permanent solution that will include providing all TDSB schools with newer and faster network access. Work will start soon and continue throughout the summer. We expect an improvement for September and that regular wi-fi access will resume," it continues.

The TDSB apparently also showed off its fierce Twitter game today too. Good thing that app's not banned.

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