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Czech style brewery opening soon in Toronto

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Toronto's newest craft brewery will make its debut next month with Riverside Pilsner, an amber Pilsner it named in honour of the neighbourhood it calls home.

Saulter Street Brewery,  located a 1-31 Saulter St., just south of Queen in Riverside, will open next month.

John Sterling started working on his brewery in October 2016. He has a background in finance, and after selling his business, he thought this would would be a worthy project to take on.

He brought Peter Kufeldt on board as his brewmaster and the two decided to make a Pilsner (a Czech-style of beer) as their debut brew. 

Sterling, who lives in the Beaches, was looking for an east side location and stumbled upon his current space. His horological branding pays homage to Riverside and its history, specifically the clock mounted on the Queen/Saulter library and Eldon Garnet's three-part Time & A Clock installation. 

"There's more and more coming," he says about the area. "But there's still not a lot in the east end," he continues, noting that most craft breweries are on the city's west side. 

But more and more breweries seem to be opening in the east, along with Left Field and Muddy York, there's Eastbound Brewing, Radical RoadRorschach and Godspeed is on the way. And of course, Riverside itself might become even more of a destination once the revamped Broadview Hotel opens up. 


Toronto food events: The Stop's Night Market, Taste of Toronto, Taco Fest

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Toronto Food Events rounds up the most delicious festivals, pop-ups, wine maker dinners, supper clubs and other food related happenings in Toronto this week and next. You can find us here every Friday morning.

Events you might want to check out:

BBQ Eats Festival (June 9-11 @ Ontario Place)
Celebrate the diverse range of BBQ-related traditions from countries around the world and eat up!
Grilled Cheese Challenge (June 10 @ Etobicoke)
If you think you make the best grilled cheese in the GTA, sign up to compete at this challenge.
Ontario Craft Beer Week (June 10-17 @ Various locations)
Try all sorts of craft beer from breweries across Ontario at various events happening around the city.
Session Craft Beer Festival (June 10 @ Yonge-Dundas Square)
There will be more than 100 beers on offer as well as food and music.
Foodalicious (June 10 @ Downsview Park)
This brand new food truck event also features a family friendly activities and a beer garden for bigger kids.
Sour v.s Bitter (June 10 @ Birreria Volo)
Do you prefer sour or bitter beer? Decide for yourself with the 28 beers on tap, including 14 bitter, hoppy ales and 14 sour, acidic ales as well as a ton of rare bottle pours.
Cask Festival & Pig Roast (June 11 @ Crafty Coyote)
Head to this pig roast that'll also feature 30 casks of craft beer. Cover is $5 and all proceeds go to Sick Kids Hospital.
Revel Food Patio Pop-up! (June 11 - August 6 @ Beaver Cafe)
Revel Food will be on the Beaver's patio grilling up food all summer long! After you eat, head inside and do some karaoke.
Taste of Russia (June 11 @ Mel Lastman Square)
Restaurant owners, caterers and food vendors will gather in North York, along with music and various performances.
The Stop's Night Market (June 13 @ 181 Sterling Rd)
This all-you-can-eat fundraiser with snacks and drinks from top Toronto restaurants is expensive, but all the money goes towards to the Stop Community Food Centre.
Food Truck Tuesday (June 13 @ Folly Brewpub)
The Arepa Republic will be at this brewpub to serve up some summertime eats.
Taste of Toronto (June 15-18 @ The Garrison Common at Fort York)
Taste of Toronto is back to take over this historic site with food from some of the city's top chefs.
Cakes Cove Open House (June 15 @ Cakes Cove)
Visit this bakery with a comic book bent and enjoy some free cake.
Craft Beer Passport Launch Party! (June 15 @ StudioBar)
The Craft Beer Passport is back to offer $2 pints at bars and breweries across the city. Celebrate its return at this mini beer fest.
Beach BBQ & Brews (June 16-18 @ Woodbine Park)
Fill up on ribs and wash 'em down with lots of beer at this Father's Day festival.
Taco Fest (June 16-18 @ Ontario Place)
This Mexican food fest takes over Ontario Place, letting you munch on tacos al fresco.
Wine & Spirit Festival Toronto (June 16 @ Queens Quay)
This boozy festival will take over Sugar Beach for two nights, so head down to the water and drink up.
GLB Charity BBQ (June 17 @ Great Lakes Brewery)
Admission is free to the 15th annual Great Lakes Brewery BBQ that supports a charity chosen by GLB.
Charity Strawberry Festival (June 17 @ Baby Point Gates BIA)
Seventeen businesses in Baby Point will offer strawberry-flavoured treats for $2 in support of SickKids.
Father's Day BBQ (June 17 @ Rainhard Brewing Co.)
Rainhard and Shacklands beer will be on offer at this outdoor event, which will also feature casks and food from The Sausage Party, Oakwood Hardware and Young Animal.
Top Chef Mexico Dinner (June 19 @ Los Colibris)
Four contestants from Top Chef Mexico will joins Los Colibris' chef Elia Herrera for this collaborative dinner.

U of T ranked the top university in Canada

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The University of Toronto has been ranked the top university in Canada, shocking no one as it continues to dominate both at home and around the world.

The latest QS World University Rankings were released yesterday, and U of T placed 31st in the world, just one spot ahead of Montreal's McGill University.

MIT, Stanford and Harvard took the top three positions, respectively.

The Best Health Food Stores in Toronto

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The Best health food stores in Toronto aren’t just for purchasing staples. They provide their communities with the best quality foods and ingredients, from alfalfa to yerba mate, carob to gingko, stevia, dulse, and even non-edible products so not only what goes in but on your body is all natural.

Here are the best health food stores in Toronto.

3 - Essence of Life

In the heart of Kensington Market, this fully stocked shop consistently bustles with customers eager for their organic cereals, dairy, frozen foods as well as beauty and baby products. Even better? They probably have the best prices in town.
6 - Noah's Natural Foods

This long time Toronto stalwart in the local health food scene has five locations around the city and over 35 years of serving the community with every supplement under the sun as well as groceries and body care items. The Annex location even has a little cafe inside serving freshly prepared meals.
10 - Wholesome Market

This Beaches shop is the place to go in the neighbourhood for organics and products from popular brands like Annie’s, Sunflower Kitchen and Earthbound Farms. They also have a good frozen foods section and reasonable prices.
11 - Tutti Frutti

This other smaller but busy shop in Kensington Market just a few doors up the street from Essence of Life carries a wide range of groceries, bulk items, personal care products, supplements, spices, herbs and baby products.
5 - Healthy Planet (Danforth)

Locations throughout Toronto, including one on the Danforth just down the street from the Big Carrot, have all the bases covered when it comes to organic, natural, and healthy, with beauty, grocery, and many other departments loaded up with great products.
4 - Big Carrot

This Danforth superstore has everything you could possibly want or imagine in a health food store: produce, juice bar, a grab-and-go section, bulk, and even a pharmacy. It's such a hub the multi-store "Carrot Common" has been built around it.
9 - Naturally Yours

In First Canadian Place lies this refuge for health nuts. It’s been around forever and is a draw for its hot food table as well as freshly baked scones and muffins. Theres also all the health food essentials like products from Bob’s Red Mill.
7 - Herbs & Nutrition

This large Bloor and Bathurst store sells a large variety of packaged and fresh health food products at prices that are generally a bit cheaper than Noahs. They also have a good selection of bulk food like nuts and freshly ground peanut butter.
8 - Qi Natural Foods

This family-owned shop with locations on Queen West and Roncesvalles provides purity-seeking customers with bread, pasta and other dry goods, frozen foods, milk, eggs, prepared food, bulk items and beauty products.

Barry's Bootcamp is coming to Toronto

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American fitness clubs with cult-like followings are slowly infiltrating Toronto. And now, another specialty studio is getting ready to jump squat across the border. 

Barry's Bootcamp, as Retail Insider reports, will open in Toronto later this year at the base of the Picasso condo at 318 Richmond St. W., along with its juice and smoothie shop, the Fuel Bar.

A typical class at Barry's involves 25 minutes of cardio on a treadmill and then 25 minutes of strength training on the floor - there are also double floor classes if you hate running.

Barry's bills its workouts as the best in the world and claims you can burn 1,000 calories per class - naturally, it's a favourite of the Hollywood crowd. One class at Barry's in New York costs $36.

Earlier this year, Toronto got its first SoulCycle - a popular American spinning studio - and we're also home to a couple of high-end Equinox gyms.

Toronto has a slew of home-grown bootcamp studios, if you want to try them out before flocking to Barry's.

The top 10 beer festivals in Toronto this summer

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Beer festivals in Toronto this summer pour out into parks, forests, giant patios and hotels during the warmest months of the year. Find new and returning events showcasing the latest and greatest Ontario craft brews.

Events you might want to check out:

Toronto Craft Beer Festival (June 23 @ Ontario Place)
Sip local craft brews as you stare out at Lake Ontario. This fest gives you that opportunity with all kinds of beer, cider, food and activities.
Brew & BBQ (June 24 @ Canada's Wonderland)
Surround yourself with suds and barbecue as well as roller coasters to wash it all down. This beer festival is free with park admission.
Brewer's Backyard: Lester P. Beerson Day (July 1 @ Evergreen Brickworks)
Learn about, try and meet the people behind some of the best new beers in Ontario all while surrounded by peaceful forest trails at the Brickworks.
Off-The-Island Lady Beer Fest (July 8 @ Henderson Brewing Co)
Lady Beer Fest relocated its planned Island retreat to Henderson's Brewing where it'll not only take over the entire brewery, but the parking lot too.
Summer Craft Beer Festival (July 13 @ Liberty Village Market Galleria)
This is a pay-as-you-go beer fest with no tokens or strange sanctioned zones. Head here straight after work to drink up.
12 Beers of Summer (July 28 @ Gladstone Hotel)
Hawaiian shirts and tropical gear are encouraged as you guzzle beer from 12 local breweries. Your ticket includes an all-you-can-taste snack menu.
Toronto's Festival of Beer (July 28-30 @ Bandshell Park; Exhibition Place)
This over-the-top summer sampling event returns to Bandshell Park at Exhibition Place with live music and over 300 types of beer.
Roundhouse Craft Beer Fest (August 11-13 @ Steam Whistle Pilsner)
There will be over 40 breweries, three bands per day, food trucks and human-sized beer pong at this downtown event.
Leslieville Beerfest (August 26 @ Dundas Street East)
This festival shuts down Dundas, from Logan to Carlaw, for a neighbourhood street party.
Toronto Beer Week (September 15-23 @ Multiple Venues)
TBW isn't just a single festival, but rather a collective series of 100-plus events over nine days at venues across Toronto. Stay tuned for the lineup.

Watch the Oakland A’s mascot troll the Toronto Blue Jays

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Major League Baseball mascots are feeling pretty salty these days. Just days after Mr. Met got in trouble for flipping off fans, the Oakland Athletic's mascot Stomper was caught on camera making fun of the Toronto Blue Jays.

While the Jays were stretching in the outfield before a game at the Oakland Alameda Coliseum a couple of days ago, as USA Today's For The Win blog reports, Stomper moseyed on over to Jose Bautista, stared him down and proceeded to execute a near-perfect bat flip.

Thankfully, the MLB posted the footage so we can all enjoy this little piece of baseball tomfoolery. 

Joey Bats wowed Toronto with his bat flip back in 2015, and since then, this sport meme has made its way to jeopardy and even to an epic corn maze in New Brunswick.

Bautista has controversially brought his signature move back this season, but onlookers haven't been quite as pleased to see it. He did, however, take Stomper's antics in good humour.

Hidden waterfall is a natural wonder one hour from Toronto

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If there's an ultimate day trip from Toronto, it might just be to visit Hamilton's many waterfalls. The city boasts over a hundred scenic cascades thanks to its position along the Niagara Escarpment.

It's hard to pick favourites, but those seeking the thrill of a hidden gem would do well to check out Tiffany Falls in Ancaster. Tucked away off an arterial road that runs alongside the escarpment, it's easy to miss the anonymous parking lot that leads to this beautiful cataract.

Tiffany Falls might not be the tallest waterfall in Hamilton (that honour goes to Tew's Falls) at 21 metres, but surrounded by thick forest and rocky crags, it looks every bit like the quintessential natural setting. If you had to paint the perfect waterfall, it would likely look just like this.

Part of what makes its so special is what surrounds it. The conservation area is home to tree species like Eastern Hemlock, Sugar Maple, Red Oak, Black Walnut and White Elm as well as wildlife like the Northern Ringneck Snake and the Louisiana Waterthrush.

A post shared by Emilie (@emilie_cgm) on

You'll see at least some of this on the scenic trail that twists its way to the falls across streams and through thick woods. This is one of those scenarios where getting there is half the fun.

It's remarkable to think that this natural sanctuary is only a few hundred metres from a major highway and under an hour drive from the dense urban infrastructure of downtown Toronto. Head here on a weekday and you might event have the whole place to yourself. 

Coming from the 403, exit at Main Street West and head west. Make a left when you come to Osler Drive and continue until Main becomes Wilson Street East. Once you see Harper's Garden Centre on your right, keep a look out for the parking lot on your left near the top of the hill. 

If you're making the trip out to Tiffany Falls, be sure to also check out the nearby Shaver, Washboard, Sherman and Canterbury Falls, which are all in the immediate proximity and stunning in their own right. 


Popular Baldwin St. restaurant consumed by fire

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Toronto fire crews are battling a large blaze that broke out at restaurant on Baldwin Street at around 1:30 p.m. this afternoon.

Baldwin Street is currently blocked off at McCaul as emergency personnel fight what's now been upgraded to a five alarm fire at Ryus Noodle Bar, the popular ramen joint at 33 Baldwin St. At least 30 trucks are on scene.

No injuries have been reported thus far but black smoke continues to rise over the strip of restaurants that's usually busy and packed with with patio dwellers during warm afternoons. 

There are lots of road closures across Toronto this weekend

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As summer warmth descends on Toronto, weekend road closures become commonplace to accommodate various events across the city. This weekend is particularly busy with a series of festivals, celebrations and running events, so plan ahead to avoid delays.

A series of lane closures will take place on Saturday, June 10 from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. for the Ride to Conquer Cancer. The roads affected will be in the area bounded by Burnhamthorpe Road in the north, The West Mall in the west, Kipling Avenue in the east and Lake Shore Boulevard in the south.

The eastbound lanes of Lake Shore Boulevard will remain open. The event will begin at Exhibition Place at 8:30 a.m. Expect delays in the area.

Lansdowne Avenue, from Bloor Street to College Street, will be closed in both directions on Saturday, June 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Portugal Day celebrations.

The Run for Women will close Queen's Park Crescent from College Street to Bloor Street on Saturday, June 10 from 7 to 11:30 a.m. A number of smaller roads in the area will also be closed to accommodate this event. 

Bloor Street, from Bathurst Street to Spadina Avenue, will be closed on Sunday, June 11 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the Annex Family Festival

The Toronto Challenge Run takes over the northbound lanes of University Avenue, from Queen Street to College Street and Queens Park Vircle from College Street to Bloor Street on Sunday, June 11 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. 

Full Strawberry Moon to rise over Toronto tonight

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Toronto hasn't been treated to the same quality of lunar events we witnessed in 2016, but tonight marks a good date to look skyward. At approximately 8:57 p.m., the full Strawberry Moon will take its place in the east-southeast sky. 

This one will be the opposite of a supermoon. Since it's at its furthest point from the Earth this year, some astronomers call this a mini-moon.

Still, if you make a point of watching it crest above the horizon, it'll look abnormally large thanks to what's known as the moon illusion. It'll also likely have a pinkish hue, though that has nothing to do with its name.

The Strawberry Moon references the growing season and the time when the eponymous fruit ripens, rather than any visual characteristics. It's easy to forget this when dust and various particles make the moon appear a pinkish orange as it hangs low on the horizon. 

Tonight's moonrise might not be a historic event, but there's an extra bit of celestial allure on offer as well. Provided clear skies continue, Saturn should be easily visible to the lower right of the moon. It's nearing the point at which it'll shine its brightest all year. 

As for spots to stargaze, your best bet is somewhere that has a clear east-facing view. That means the various parks around Humber Bay would make for an ideal place to take a stroll this evening.

Toronto struggles to open city beaches in time for summer

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Toronto might finally be heating up, but the wet weather we received earlier this spring is still having a major impact on the city.

Local beaches, which usually open this week, remain flooded with water. This means the city of Toronto has to wait before all of our beaches are fully operational, and that might not until July.

"All 11 city-managed swimming beaches have been impacted by flooding and high water levels. There are many beaches with large sections that remain underwater,"said a rep from the city in an email statement.

"City staff continue to monitor water levels and beach conditions closely, however, beach operations are not expected to be fully in place until Canada Day."

toronto public beach

This is what Hanlan's Point looks like right now. Photo by George Hornaday.

Sure, our beaches are mostly accessible (though the Toronto Region Conservation Authority warns against visiting the Scarborough Bluffs and the surrounding shoreline), but swimming beaches need to be maintained, supervised, and have their water tested in order to be considered operational.

Currently, water is being tested at all beaches, but most have limited supervision and maintenance. You can check the status of your favourite beach here. All four beaches on the Toronto Islands remain completely closed for the time being. 

New skyscraper sure to cause controversy in midtown Toronto

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A condo controversy could unfold in a midtown Toronto neighbourhood that's currently feeling significant development pressure.

As Urban Toronto reports, Developers Diamond Corp. and Tricon Capital have just put forward a proposal to bring a 26 storey rental tower to the heart of Summerhill across from the flagship LCBO at Scrivener Square. 

scrivener square

Looking east at Scrivener Square. Image via City of Toronto development application.

Designed by Denmark's COBE Architects, the tower and surrounding complex, which includes an additional eight storey building, looks stunning in the initial renderings, but it remains to be seen if the neighbourhood will push back against the height of the proposal.

scrivener court

The high-end retail shops on Yonge would retain their presence as the new buildings rise around them. Image via City of Toronto development application.

This isn't the first proposal for high-rise residential near this site. Shortly after Woodcliffe Corp. revamped the North Toronto Railway Station, it also proposed a 38-storey tower on Price Street back in 2006. The project never got off the ground after significant community pushback.

scrivener court

View of the streetside square that would occupy what is currently an empty lawn. Image via City of Toronto development application.

Things look a little different this time around. Diamond and Tricon purchased the surrounding properties— commonly referred to as the Five Thieves — and envision an integrated development with significant public realm upgrades, including a public square and a pedestrian galleria.

scriviner court

Pedestrian galleria leading to the Summerhil LCBO. Image via City of Toronto development application.

Will the quality of the architecture and the additional retail options mollify neighbourhood residents? They didn't last time, but the city has changed over the last decade and density isn't as scary a concept. Still, this would be far taller than any other building in the vicinity.

The smart money is on this proposal getting knocked down in height over the course of the planning and consultation process. While 26 storeys isn't so high in the wider context of the city, for Summerhill this building might as well be a giant red flag. 

Sold! Rundown-looking semi goes for $200K over asking

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Toronto's housing market might be in the midst of transition, but there are still plenty of homes selling for over asking even as properties flood the market and sales figures start to cool off.

108 carlaw avenue torontoAs a sales tactic, under-pricing seems like a dubious strategy right now, so perhaps there's something more going with this intriguing property at 108 Carlaw Ave.

108 carlaw avenue torontoFor one thing, it doesn't look like much from the outside. As part of a ramshackle row of early 20th century houses on a section of the street that still shows off its industrial roots, this property is far nicer and more spacious than you'd think from a first look.

108 carlaw avenue torontoRenovation efforts have dramatically improved the kitchen and living areas, and the bedroom setup is quite good given the third floor space, which won't work for super tall people, but otherwise does the job. 

108 carlaw avenueThe obvious drawback here is outdoor space. It's a small lot, so there's not much of a yard. But, hey, there is a small deck area that's perfect for barbecuing and outdoor meals, so this is not a complete loss.

108 carlaw avenueThe Essentials
  • Address: 108 Carlaw Ave.
  • Type: Semi-detached
  • Bedrooms: 3 + 1
  • Bathrooms: 2
  • Lot size: 15 x 62.42 feet
  • Hit the market at: $599,900
  • Time on market: 4 days
  • Sold for: $805,000
108 carlaw avenueWhy it sold for what it did

This house would have been an absolute steal at $600K. This section of Carlaw isn't the most aesthetically pleasing, but the neighbourhood is on the rise and the interior of this home is nothing to turn your nose up at. $800K sounds about right.

108 carlaw avenueWas it worth it?

The strength of the real estate market over the last few years has surely jaded me, but this seems like it's still a good value even at $200K over asking. There's a lot of house here once you get by the facade.

108 carlaw avenue108 carlaw avenue108 carlaw avenue

The top 10 stores to buy a sofa in Toronto

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Stores to buy a sofa in Toronto offer options that balance style, comfort and functionality. As the epicentre of the home, a sofa is arguably the most important piece of furniture you'll buy. Thankfully, there's no shortage of options when shopping for the perfect one.

Here are my picks for the top stores to buy a sofa in Toronto.

Black Rooster Decor

Get a personal shopper and decorator when you walk into this Leslieville store. The sofa selection, while pricey, is beautiful and would bring any living room to the next level. 

CB2

CB2 offers fun and functional modern pieces catering to the condo crowd. There's a wide variety of contemporary styles for big and small spaces and budgets.

Elte Market

This is the more affordable sister store to Elte and it's frequented by designers and home owners alike. The huge, urban loft-like showroom has a lot of options on display.

EQ3

This Winnipeg-based company with stores on King East and Liberty Village offers affordable sofas in a wide variety of configurations and fabrics.

Jalice

This Ave and Dav furniture store is filled with high-end, creative pieces. From modern to classic, it has all kinds of shapes and colours, with a focus on solid craftsmanship, with pieces mainly from Italy, Denmark, Sweden and Germany.

Montauk Sofa

This King East furniture shop specializes in large, ultra comfortable sofas made well with good quality fabrics. If you need to fill a big fancy space, this is your store. Everything is made in its Montreal factory.

Pavilion

The modern furniture at this store near Queen and Gladstone is designed and mostly made in Canada. There are a selection of sofas and sectionals scaled to fit city-living.

Shelter

The 20,000 square foot showroom in the Castlefield Design District is filled with an eclectic mix of modern sofas at affordable price points. Just don't get fooled by their limited time no-tax sales which seem to be ongoing.

Stylegarage

This Ossington favourite offers its own made-to-order line, as well as ready-to-go options from its sister brand Gus. On the custom side, it offers a wide selection of modular, re-configurable pieces and hundreds of leather and fabric options to choose from.

West Elm

The only West Elm location in Ontario is nestled in Liberty Village and has a moderately priced sofa selection mostly inspired by mid-century design.


The top 10 Polish bakeries in Toronto

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Polish bakeries in Toronto deal in a hearty array of home-style goodies. Often these spots boast prepared goods, meats, and cheeses, while the specialties are crusty breads like rye and sourdough along with traditional pastries like paczki, bubka and poppy-seed roll cakes.

Here are my picks for the top Polish bakeries in Toronto.

Benna's Bakery & Deli

This Polish store and bakery in Roncesvalles Village has aisles upon aisles of European goodies along with a deli counter serving up sausages and a bakery section with fresh made pastries and cakes. 

Chicago Bakery & Deli

This Roncesvalles Village bakeshop and deli has some super cheap baked goods including danishes, kaisers and donuts. 

Starsky

The massive Mississauga supermarket draws customers from across the GTA for its wide selection of Polish baked goods that includes paczki and pierniki. Breads, kneaded by hand, are baked fresh onsite.

Anna's Bakery & Deli

Custard filled paczki, danishes and babka are displayed in the window at this old school bakery in Bloor West Villlage. Let the pastries beckon you inside, where you'll find loaves of multi-grain and rye just begging to be sandwiched with European cold cuts and cheeses.

Universal Bakery

Like a bar mleczny (milk bar), this Etobicoke bakery cafe stocks superbly fresh rye breads, baked goods and deli items. Have a sandwich made up at the counter, pick up some perogi or enjoy a slice of sernik, a Polish cheesecake, on the front patio.

Nova European Deli

This Woodbridge store stocks the full lineup of authentic Polish baked goods, including light and dark ryes, sourdoughs, multigrain breads, wasa crisps, apple danishes, cookies, cakes and festive pastries.

Fine Bakery & Deli

Traditional Polish breads and sandwiches star at this bakery in Etobicoke. Good luck leaving without something sweet - sugar-dusted pastries filled with custard are hard to ignore.

Polka European Deli

This shop in Scarborough draws customers for a wide variety of Polish favourites. Find an ample selection of hearty crusted breads, decorated cakes and cream and rich pastries that are deliciously heavy on eggs and cream.

Jaswoj Bakery & Deli

Two outlets in Mississauga are packed with an exceptional variety of European delicacies including traditional breads, buns and cakes like makowiec, a sweet poppy seed-swirled viennoiserie.

Yummy Market

This Russian grocer in North York has no shortage of Polish products in the bakery aisle. Sure, the two countries have a storied past, but breaking bread - say, a hearty loaf of rye - is an easy way to find common ground.

The evolution of the TTC subway map

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The Toronto subway map might not be as iconic as London's or as comprehensive as New York City's, but it has its own charms.

From day one, the TTC has (mostly) stuck to its policy of naming its stations after roads, excluding "avenue," "road," and other suffixes, or landmarks artfully distilled into a single word: "Museum," "Osgoode," "Union."

Trivia lovers: Main Street is the only station named for a road to retain its suffix. The change was made during construction of the Bloor-Danforth line for clarity, lest some hapless soul think it was the nexus of the subway system.

toronto subway map

The first Toronto subway map, shown at the top of the page, borrowed heavily from London Underground, mimicking its style and famous Johnston font. The creator of the famous lettering, the eponymous Edward Johnston, taught Eric Gill, whose own iconic Gill Sans typeface is often confused for the (officially) unnamed TTC font.

In 1963, with the arrival of the University line, Toronto's first subway expansion, the map was altered and the famous U shape was born, making St. George briefly a terminal station. Things really began to catch fire three years later, in 1966, when the original Bloor-Danforth line brought the first east-west addition to the Toronto subway.

toronto subway map

The Bloor-Danforth line wasn't always marked in green. Early on-board subway maps used red for the Yonge-University line - matching the original red Gloucester trains - from Eglinton to St. George and yellow for subway from Keele to Woodbine, the original kick-off points.

toronto subway map

The Bloor-Danforth line appears to have gone green with its first expansion, which took trains to Islington and Warden - into Etobicoke and Scarborough - in 1968.

By this time the TTC subway had settled on the now-familiar black background design for its rapid transit map. A minor tweak a short time later would remove the gentle curve north after Main Street station in favour of an angular hockey stick sweep.

toronto subway mapWhile the overarching design of the subway map become standardized during this period, there was an intriguing supplemental map that arose which is worth mentioning.

It's no secret that there is a bona fide abandoned platform beneath Bay station. Lower Bay, as it's come to be known, was built along with a complex (and very expensive) track intersection north of Museum with the idea of running trains directly downtown via Union station from the Bloor-Danforth line.

In fact, that's how the subway ran for about six months in 1966: a passenger waiting at any station could catch a train to any other station without having to change. The system had its downsides, however, particularly for users of Bay station, and was permanently nixed a short time later. 

toronto subway map

The rapid pace of transit expansion continued in the The 1970s. The Yonge-University line was extended to York Mills, then Finch, and the Spadina line opened in 1978, the legacy of a bitter and protracted battle against running a highway from Eglinton down Spadina Avenue.

Minor additions to the subway map appeared with the addition of Kipling and Kennedy stations in 1981, bringing the Bloor-Danforth line to its present state. Plans to run the west end of the track down to Sherway Gardens and possibly to Mississauga would later fizzle.

toronto subway map

The first new splash of colour to the two-toned map came with the Scarborough RT in 1985, which heralded a slowing of Toronto's once frenetic rapid transit building.

Over the next 18 years - more than the time it had taken to dig out tracks under University Avenue and complete and expand the Bloor-Danforth line - the TTC would add only two more stations, North York Centre in 1987 and Downsview in 1996, which resulted in only minor tweaks to the wayfinding material.

(More trivia: North York Centre station is something of an oddity because it was installed between Finch and Sheppard long after the line had opened. The unusually thick support columns between the north and southbound tracks hint at the station's origins as a section of cut-and-cover tunnel.)

toronto subway map

Finally in 2002 the controversial Sheppard line opened. Originally intended to link Sheppard and Downsview (the latter built partially in anticipation of the new subway) and continue east to Scarborough Centre, the line was eventually completed to an abbreviated design.

Ridership on Sheppard is still drastically lower - less than 10% of the rest of the system.

toronto subway map

And now we move into a new era, one with numbered lines and a rainbow of underground transit. The Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension already appears on subway route maps in anticipation of its scheduled opening in December 2017, but there's lots more to come in the next decade.

future ttc mapAt a minimum, we'll see the addition of the Crosstown LRT, though the one-stop Scarborough Subway Extension and the Finch West LRT should ideally on the map by 2025 (ideally being the operative word). 

Here's to more rapid transit joining the TTC's 59-year-old map very soon.

10 stores for bathing suits and swimwear in Toronto

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Swimwear stores in Toronto let you get beach ready with a variety of bathing suits and summery accessories. Whether you're looking for a string bikini, trendy one piece or something to swim laps you can find everything you need at these stores.

Here are my picks for the top stores to find a bathing suit in Toronto.

Team Aquatic 

If you're looking to work out in the water or just prefer a sportier suit, visit this store with multiple locations, including in Scarborough, that's serious about swimming.

Nordstrom

As a department store, Nordstrom carries a range of bikinis, one pieces and suits for men from a variety of different brands. But it's the on-trend bathers, with ruffles, cut outs and bold prints that'll make you swoon.

Boathouse

If you're looking for cheap and cheerful swimwear, peek into this big box store near Yonge and Dundas. It features lots of options at a decent price point.

Sporting Life

While Sporting Life's multiple Toronto locations carry lots of athletic styles, they also offer suits that are more suitable for lounging around in, rather than swimming lengths.

Loversland

Bathing suits for men and women at this boutique on Ossington might be a little on the pricey side, but you can find bikinis, one pieces and swim trunks here in a rainbow of colours.

Out on the Street

This men's clothing store on Church Street sells speedos and briefs a slew of colours, patterns and price points.

Sport Chek

You can find Sport Chek at most malls in Toronto selling swimwear for men and women. There are lots of brands and styles on offer here. 

Lost and Found

If you want to grab yourself a Bather brand pair of swim trunks, you should probably head to this menswear boutique on Ossington. It's one of the few stores in the city to carry this line.

Lumiere de Baia

For Brazilian beachware, look no further than this store at Queen and Bathurst that specializes in bikinis. Sets cost about $100 and there are lots of mix and match options here.

Black Daffodil

If you're looking to the past, visit this store with locations near Bloor and Bathurst and the Junction for a vintage-inspired one piece or bikini.

The top 22 ice cream sandwiches in Toronto by neighbourhood

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Ice cream sandwiches in Toronto make the perfect summer treat and lucky for us the city has loads of places that make them. From your basic cookie sandwiches to more creative offerings, chances are there's an ice cream sandwich out there with your name on it.

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

Annex

At Dirty Bird you can indulge in three types of waffle ice cream sandwiches including one topped with peanut butter and jelly and another stuffed with sweet potato ice cream and candied pecans.

Avenue & Lawrence

Vegan and gluten-free ice cream sandwich fans can rejoice at Rosie's Eatery on Avenue Road.

Beaches

Ed's Real Scoop now sells ice cream sandwiches in a variety of flavours.

Dundas West

Cookie Martinez will sell you ginger cookies with vanilla ice cream, peanut butter cookies with chocolate ice cream or vegan cookies with coconut ice cream out of their shipping container at Market 707.

East York

Lickadee Split is the quintessential mom and pop ice cream shop that boasts a menu of classic summer treats including ice cream sandwiches.

SanRemo Bakery Toronto

Donut ice cream sandwiches are must-try at SanRemo Bakery. Photo by Hector Vasquez. 

Etobicoke

SanRemo Bakery stuffs donuts with a generous scoop of gelato. They them get popped in a panini press and drizzled with Nutella.

Kensington Market

Salted caramel ice cream sandwiches are the thing to get at Sweet Olenka's

King West

Churro ice cream sandwich are actually available year round at El Caballito.

Koreatown

Old school malt shop Bean and Baker does made to order sandwiches where Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream gets paired with a cookie and toppings.

Little Italy

Rosen's Cinnamon Buns slices their cinnamon buns in half and fill them with vanilla ice cream. 

Markham

Old Firehall Confectionery lets you choose your cookie before filling them with Kawartha Dairy ice cream.

North York

Nana Shake does a vegan soft serve sandwich with double chocolate cookies from their secret menu.

Bang Bang Toronto

You can get ice cream on a variety of different baked goods at Bang Bang. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Ossington

You might have to wait in line at Bang Bang but it will be worth it for their made from scratch ice cream sandwiches using cookies, cinnamon buns, macarons and puffs.

Parkdale

Glory Hole Doughnuts lets you pick any donut that isn't stuffed and have it filled to the nines with vanilla soft serve.

Queen West

Death in Venice serves up their unique gelato between two crispy halva wafers.

Roncesvalles Village

The Chocolateria makes cookie ice cream sandwiches with their freshly baked cookies.

Scarborough

Lamanna's Bakery scoops gelato between brioche buns. 

Booyah Toronto

Freshly baked cookies get a serving of two scoops of ice cream at Booyah. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

St. Clair West

Booyah offers ice cream sandwiches in two sizes (full or half). All are fully customizable with a variety of freshly baked cookies and a scoop of Kawartha Dairy ice cream.

Upper Beaches

Over the Moon Bakeshop loads their ice cream sandwiches with Ed's Real Scoop ice cream. 

Yonge & Eglinton

Short & Sweet Bakeshop does ice cream sandwiches with toppings like cookie dough, cherry blasters and roasted marshmallow. 

Yonge & Lawrence

The Burger's Priest steps outside the box with their Vatican on Ice which is vanilla ice cream between two buttery grilled cheese sandwiches.

Yorkville

Summer's Ice Cream's cookie ice cream sandwiches get rimmed with things like nuts and sprinkles. 

The top 5 quarries and swimming holes near Toronto

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The top quarries and swimming holes near Toronto offer the ultimate summer cool-down experience. A day at the beach is great, but the novelty of swimming in a massive human-made pit is worth shaking up the routine once in a while, and it's perhaps even more interesting when a swimming hole has been carved out by nature.

Here are my picks for the top quarries and swimming holes near Toronto.

Elora Quarry

Elora is about an hour's drive away, from Toronto making it a very busy place come summertime. The scenery is remarkable here, as the landscape appears both natural and artificial all at once. A beach area has been carved out on the south side of the quarry, though there are also rocks you can swim out to for the purposes of sunbathing.

St. Mary's Quarry

This former limestone quarry is considered Canada's largest freshwater swimming pool. There's a grassy area that serves as a beach, but the floating dock also sees lots of action as swimmers head there to take a plunge off the waterslide into the cool dark waters. There's also a nearby snack bar known as the Tiki Hut.

Grotto at Bruce Peninsula

Surely the most gorgeous place to swim in Ontario (if not the country), this grotto at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula requires a short hike to access, but it's completely worth the effort. Once there, you can swim in the wonderfully blue water enclosed by rock faces that have formed through thousands of years of erosion. Note well, the water is cold!

Innerkip Quarry / Trout Lake

A great place to get your feet wet scuba diving, the former Innerkip Quarry has been stocked with a series of sunken wrecks to explore in its 30 foot deep waters. It's also a nice place to go for a swim on a sweltering day when you want to get out of the city. 

Kelso Conservation Area

Kelso Lake is a human-made reservoir that helps to control flooding of the nearby Sixteen Mile Creek. It's also a popular place to swim as its relatively small size leads to warm water temperatures throughout the season. There's a sandy beach and picnic areas on one end of the lake, which is also a destination for Stand Up Paddling thanks to calm waters.

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