Kathi Roll Express is Toronto's newest food truck bringing together the tastiest traditions of Mexican and Indian food. Their signature item is the kathi roll, a kind of soft authentic Indian wrap baked right in the truck.

The food truck takes its name from what was once their brick-and-mortar business. The truck can now be spotted around town by the huge pictures of Indian film stars plastered on the side.

Every meal is totally customizable. You can get a burrito, taco or rice bowl, then choose a protein from chicken tikka, lamb kebab or paneer tikka and flavoured sauce from mint, butter, or spicy piri piri.

They also do Indian tacos ($6 or 2 for $10) also using tortillas they make themselves.

They’re served uniquely with egg cooked right on top of the tortilla that gives extra creaminess and protein.

A lamb kebab filling gives this even more flavourful uniqueness, the meat spiced and gamey.

The chicken tikka filling is nice and spicy but flavourful and the egg helps hold everything together, making these tacos one of the easier, quicker options.

All tacos are topped with spiced onions and a slaw salad for some crunch.

Aside from the kathi rolls their other must-try item is their butter chicken burritos ($10). It’s like an Indian butter chicken meal all wrapped up, bringing together the components of rice, bread and super spicy chicken in a creamy sauce.

The kathi rolls ($11) are a bit less of a handful than the burrito, though an abundance of sauce is super drippy. This roll filled with chicken tikka does not mess around with the heat level either.

The street food coming out of this truck can be made milder if you like, but if you’re looking to blow your head off with some authentic heat this is a good find.

The fusion of these two delightfully messy handheld cuisines works great, making this one of the best new food trucks in Toronto this summer.

Toronto has a long history of ambitious urban planning projects that never got off the ground. From inner city expressways to new subway lines to massively tall towers, thinking big has never really been an issue. Getting such projects built, on the other hand, is something we've struggled with — for better or worse.

These are my picks for the top unbuilt projects that would have changed the face of Toronto. 

Spadina Expressway

Proposed: 1949
Fizzled: 1971
Why it wasn't meant to be: Although a portion did get built between Wilson Heights and Eglinton Avenue (Allen Road), urban theorists and activists, including Jane Jacobs, fiercely opposed the plan. It initially appeared as though their efforts to kill the expressway were in vain, but with the election of Bill Davis as Ontario Premier in 1971, fate shifted. 

Ballet Opera

Proposed: 1984
Fizzled: 1990
Why it wasn't meant to be: Designed, if not built, by Moshe Safdie, the proposed building at Bay and Wellesley was would have been epic. But, despite securing both the land and a $65-millon building grant from the province in 1988, when Bob Rae and the New democrats took power in 1990, the funding was cut and the project died.

Eaton Centre Towers

Proposed: 1965
Fizzled: 1967
Why it wasn't meant to be: In 1966 city council had approved Eaton's plans to develop a massive retail centre around Queen and Bay that would see the demolition of all but the clock tower of Old City Hall, but the two parties could never come to terms on the cost/value of the site, which led the latter to pull the plug on the project rather unexpectedly.

Eglinton West Subway Line

Proposed: 1994
Fizzled: 1995
Why it wasn't meant to be: Although work began on Allen Station (which would have existed below Eglinton West) in 1994, when Mike Harris took over from Bob Rae as premier of Ontario in 1995, the project was terminated. This one has a bit of a happy ending with the rise of the Crosstown LRT, which could be complete by 2021.

Harbour City

Proposed: 1968
Fizzled: 1972
Why it wasn't meant to be:Harbour City would have been a canal-style city out in the harbour attached to the mainland by ring road with entrance/exits at Bathurst and Strachan. Although the project had its high-profile proponents (e.g. Jane Jacobs) ultimately concerns over the the environmental impact of the development led to its demise.

Project Toronto

Proposed: 1968
Fizzled: 1968
Why it wasn't meant to be: Buckminster Fuller's plan to build a waterfront university that would feature a 20-storey pyramid and "Pro-To-Cities" built in the inner harbour, would have profoundly changed this city's downtown core. With plans for Metro Centre arising at the same time, however, Project Toronto never really went anywhere.

Metro Centre

Proposed: 1968
Fizzled: 1975
Why it wasn't meant to be: Metro Centre remains the biggest project that never came to be in Toronto. Had it happened, Union Station would have been demolished, the CBC would have got a huge tower, and Line 1 would have been extended south. There are many reasons why Metro Centre never came to be, but the desire to save Union Station was key.

Queen Street Subway

Proposed: 1942
Fizzled: 1980 (but there's always the dream of a relief line)
Why it wasn't meant to be: The Queen Street Subway came very close to happening on more than one occasion, but was eventually killed when it became clear that passenger demand was greater along Bloor and the Danforth.

Cambrai Avenue and Vimy Circle

Proposed: 1911
Fizzled: 1930
Why it wasn't meant to be: Part of larger plans to ease traffic congestion and alter the street map of Toronto, both Vimy Circle and Cambrai (once set to called Federal) Avenue would have given Toronto two magnificent boulevards, but ultimately Toronto killed the projects, which were part of a question on the municipal ballot in 1930. 

John Maryon Tower

Proposed: 1971
Fizzled: Late 1970s
Why it wasn't meant to be: At the outset of the 70s, Eaton's wanted to build the tallest skyscraper in the world, one that would have stretched to a whopping 503 metres (the CN Tower is 553 metres). The plan was to redevelop the company's land at Yonge and College, but the ambitious project never got off the ground before financial troubles nixed it.

Hiking trails in Toronto exemplify the city's quaint and somewhat hyperbolic slogan, "a city within a park." Thanks to our robust ravine system, we're blessed with a smattering of hiking options without having to leave the city, but there are also amazing destinations less than an hour's drive away.

Here are my picks for awesome hiking trails in and around Toronto.

In the City

Cedar Trail

Cedar Trail is a longer trail in the Rouge River Valley. This just over two kilometre trail runs parallel to the Little Rouge Creek and crosses through various ecosystems, including wetlands and meadows. This is a challenging with varying gradations, some of which are steep and awkward.

Mast Trail

Mast Trail, formerly a logging route where lumber was sent to Europe for ship building, is a 200 year-old trail through mature forest and a lush fern floor. It's also just over two kilometres, covering challenging terrain between the Rouge River and the Little Rouge Creek.

Highland Creek Trail

Colonel Danforth Park's Highland Creek Trail follows its namesake through a valley as it flows towards Lake Ontario. This 11 kilometre trail has paved, soil-compacted grass and gravel sections. It's a beautiful park for a relaxing stroll or a bike ride, but has the distance and features necessary to make for a challenging hike.

Bluffer's Park

Unlike the crowded, volleyball and boardwalk beaches further west, this park provides stunning views of bluffs formed by the Wisconsin Glacier some 12,000 years ago. Once you stray to the east, away from the washrooms and parking lots, you won't encounter anything but shoreline and cliff-face until Pickering.

Don Valley Trails

The Don Valley offers 11 kilometres of trails through steep-sided green spaces deep in the city. There are narrow ravines and wide-open spaces, offering a variety of environments to hike across and through. The area around Crothers Woods in particular is an inner city hiker's dream.

High Park

The numerous trails that line this natural sanctuary are an ideal place for a relaxing walk to escape the feeling of downtown. Since one-third of the park is left in its natural state, with rare plant species and the original oak savannah that once covered much of the Toronto, there's plenty to explore away from the trail.

The West Humber Trail

Toronto's last major river valley, the Humber, like the Don and Rouge river systems, does not disappoint the avid hiker. The West Humber Trail offers up six kilometres of both paved and hard-packed trails leading to some significant features in the city's west end, including the Humber Arboretum and the Humberwod Centre.

The suspension bridge is just one of the amazing sights at Belfountain Conservation Area. Photo by James Gillard.

Near Toronto

Dundas Peak

The trails around Dundas Peak offer views of some of Hamilton's most stunning waterfalls, but the ultimate highlight might just be the lookout that juts out over the valley and makes for some incredible photo opportunities.  Make sure to check out Webster and Tews Falls along the way to the lookout over Spencer Gorge.

Mount Nemo

While Rattlesnake point is a more popular destination, the nearby Mount Nemo might just have more to offer. The hiking trails here overlap with the Bruce Trail and lead to an amazing lookout that offers a view of the Toronto skyline way off in the distance. It's incredible.

Belfountain Conservation Area

The trails at this conservation area along the West Credit River aren't particularly challenging, but what makes the area epic is the pure beauty of the natural landscape. From the picturesque suspension bridge to the views across the gorge below, there's lots to fall in love with here.

Outdoor film screenings, solar eclipse viewing parties, street festivals and the Critical Mass bike ride are all things to this week that won't put a dent in your wallet.

One of Toronto's most popular poutine joints was embroiled in turmoil today after staff walked out of the flagship location on Queen. 

A note posted to the front door of Poutini's seemed directed more at the owner than disappointed customers. It read in part "We have walked out as part of the right to refuse unsafe work conditions."

Someone that goes by the handle @entirepizza went further suggesting there were serious issues with the workplace.

we stuck it to the man and walked out of our fucked up workplace. we refuse unsafe work! #poutini's

— †damnit† (@entirepizza) August 19, 2017

According to Owen Jacobson on Twitter, staff decided to stage a walkout due to worker safety issues, safety problems and pay issues. He also claimed the owner has since fired all staff and is in the process of re-hiring so they can re-open.

In response, the owner fired everyone involved and is hiring new staff. No sign any issues will be resolved: expect newbies to get screwed.

— Owen Jacobson (@derspiny) August 20, 2017

Poutini's has yet to respond to the developments. We will update this post once we know more details.

It's that time of year again. We're opening the poll to 10 new best of categories including tacos, brewpubs, Filipino restaurants, Middle Eastern restaurants, cappuccinos and more. Voting ends on Tuesday August 21 at 1 p.m.

Take the poll here

Toronto's first ever Halo Halo Festival is one of the super summery things happening in Toronto this week. There are also several of this month's most exciting concerts going down, as well as Fake Prom, and the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ fest at Ontario Place. 

Toronto's late night poutine purveyor Poutini's was embroiled in turmoil this past weekend. They also managed to get a conditional pass from city health inspectors during the week. Other DineSafe highlights include the closures of Ghandi Roti and El Rinconcito Mexicano.

Learn what other Toronto joints got busted this week on DineSafe.

Pho Linh (1156 College St.)

• Inspected on: August 14, 2017
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 2, Significant: 4)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Asada Mexican Grill (809 St. Clair West)

• Inspected on: August 15, 2017
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 3, Significant: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Gandhi Roti (554 Queen St. West)

• Inspected on: August 15, 2017
• Inspection finding: Red (Closed)
• Number of infractions: 6 (Significant: 4, Crucial: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: Employee failed to wash hands when required and operator failed to prevent an insect infestation.

Szechuan Gourmet (1033 Steeles Ave. West)

• Inspected on: August 15, 2017
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 12 (Minor: 3, Significant: 6, Crucial: 3)
• Crucial infractions include: Employee failed to wash hands when required, operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/ adulterated and operator failed to maintain hazardous foods.

El Rinconcito Mexicano (636 Church St.)

• Inspected on: August 16, 2017
• Inspection finding: Red (Closed)
• Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 2, Significant: 2, Crucial: 3)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to prevent gross unsanitary conditions, failed to protect food from contamination or adulteration and operator failed to maintain hazardous foods.

Nadege Patisserie (3401 Dufferin St.)

• Inspected on: August 17, 2017
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1, Crucial: )
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to maintain hazardous foods.

Poutini's (1112 Queen St. West)

• Inspected on: August 17, 2017
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 3, Significant: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Commisso Bros (33 Eddystone Ave.)

• Inspected on: August 18, 2017
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 2 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

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

Toronto's Union Station has been under construction for what seems like forever, but that's because it's more than a renovation; it's a full reconstruction of one of the city's most beautiful and historic buildings.

The extensive work has many wondering what's going on behind all the temporary walls and paths many of us have been walking through each day?

Now, thanks to a new show at the recently relocated Stephen Bulger Gallery, we get to take a peek behind the veil and it's dramatic, to say the least. 

Larry Towell: Union Station, on display at the gallery from September 9 to October 14, captures the historic transformation of one of the city's busiest transportation hubs from 2013 to 2015 in photos. 

Towell originally had an exhibit planned during the Contact Photography Festival in 2015, but it didn't end up happening. 

The world-renowned photo journalist was given special permission to shoot what has been going on far underground as pedestrians moved back and forth everyday to their next train. 

According to a release, 900 tonnes of earth were removed by nearly 450 trucks over the course of the shoot. Construction on Union Station started in 2009 and is expected to be completed in 2018 with a new glass atrium, expanded shopping area, and more train concourses. 

Excitement over the latest high-flying Cirque du Soleil show has been building since its Toronto debut was announced several months ago. Now the big top is officially back and circus fans will finally get to see Volta starting September 7th. 

No slacking off here! See what happens when @redbulltv athlete Alex meets #CirqueduSoleil artist Dina for #VOLTA: https://t.co/XucYPYYfTL. pic.twitter.com/xS85ikP67Z

— Cirque du Soleil (@Cirque) August 16, 2017

Based around a character who loses touch with reality and floats away from earth, Volta will feature mind-blowing stunts and lots of action sports (spoiler alert: there are a lot of BMX bikes involved), but also a state-of-the-art multimedia component.

With an original score from M83, this is Cirque's 41st production, which runs in Toronto until November 12. Tickets are available now. 

World-renowned chef and occasional reality TV star Susur Lee is under fire this week for allegedly forcing staff at three of his restaurants to pay for common serving mistakes, like spilling drinks and order errors, with their tip money.

Bartenders and servers at Lee, Fring’s, and the recently-closed Bent told CBC News that when they would pick up their tip envelopes from work, they routinely saw numbers written on them to denote how much had been taken out for “IOUs.”

For one employee, this amounted to over $100 of deductions in just one week.

"It was pretty laughable to show to my other server and bartender friends to show how little money I was making for how much I was working," former Fring’s bartender Dylan Turner told the CBC.

TFW YOU'RE IN THE TIP POOL WITH KAI AND LEVI.

A post shared by chefgrantsoto (@chefgrantsoto) on Aug 10, 2017 at 1:59pm PDT

Rumours of the company’s tip-deduction policy started swirling over a week ago when the satirical, Toronto-based Instagram account, @ChefGrantSoto, shared some private messages he’d received from Lee’s employees.

“Basically any mistake an employee makes throughout all of the restaurants is paid in full price to the Lee’s,” wrote one anonymous staffer in a text message to Soto. “Someone walks out on a $400 bill? That’s an IOU. You accidentally drop a bottle of wine? That’s an IOU.”

“I watched a teenager accidentally spill a cup of coffee on a lady and the lady was told we would cover her bill,” the employee continued. “This young runner had to pay $300 out of his tips due to an IOU. He was just a kid.”

Once the influential Instagram account started sharing messages like these, more and more people came forward with their stories.

Screenshot of one of the many messages received by @ChefGrantSoto outlining the IOU and tip policy at Lee's restaurants. 

“IOU’s are super illegal,” wrote one person who wanted to keep their name private. “I don’t know how they can get away with taking money from employees.”

According to the Ministry of Labour’s website, they can’t.

“As of June 10, 2016, an employer generally cannot withhold, make deductions from, or make an employee return his or her tips and other gratuities except as permitted by the ESA,” reads a document related to the Employment Standards Act.

“An employer is also prohibited from making deductions, etc., from his or her employees’ tips and other gratuities,” it continues, “for such things as spillage, breakage, losses or damage.”

When asked about the allegations last week, Susur Lee Restaurant Group public relations coordinator Kelsea Knowles told CBC News that the IOU policy was no longer in effect.

Knowles did not say when the policy was discontinued, but according to messages from people claiming to be current employees posted by Soto, it was just last weekend – after stories about the IOU and tip policy started surfacing on social media.

After months of debate over how grey is too grey, Toronto Police have revealed their newly-designed signature cop cruisers – and they're not completely grey!

Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders unveiled the new look for the force's fleet of Ford Tauruses in a press conference Monday morning, telling reporters that about 550 of the newly-designed cop cars will be on the road within five years.

Torontonians can expect to start seeing the new cruisers around in November of this year.

New police cars for toronto @CityNews@TorontoPolicepic.twitter.com/SgQlX0OuNe

— DanielB (@focusthatcamera) August 21, 2017

The cruiser's exterior, designed by students at Ryerson University, doesn't bear any of its predecessor's red white and blue graphics. It's still significantly brighter, however, than the "stealth-grey" cruisers that had Toronto in a tizzy last fall.

The car appears to be somewhat of a hybrid between the city's old red, white and blue design, which has been around since 2006, and the controversial monochrome grey cars rolled out (and then stopped from rolling out) in November of 2016. 

New Toronto cop car design. We call it, “Slap a white door on the grey cars we already bought and hope it’s enough.” pic.twitter.com/NSo2h4h7aX

— Joshua Hind (@joshuahind) August 21, 2017

A news released issued by TPS on Monday credits the public for helping to determine what the new design would look like.

"A 14-question survey was released to the public and the membership for three weeks," reads the release. "In total, 18,559 responses were received. That’s more than any other survey conducted by the Service."

The 2017 Canadian National Exhibition is in full swing this week and, as per usual, pictures of fun food and farm animals are dominating Instagram.

It's safe to say that the CNE is one of Toronto's most-photographed annual events. There's just so much to see. So much to Snap.

A post shared by blogTO (@blogto) on Aug 18, 2017 at 8:31pm PDT

Nevertheless, event organizers saw fit to install "a new selfie hotspot" within the selfie hotspot that is The Ex this year: An 8-foot-tall CNE sign modelled after the illuminated TORONTO sign at Nathan Phillips Square.

A post shared by Juste💋🍻 (@simply.free) on Aug 20, 2017 at 8:39pm PDT

Complete with a giant maple leaf, added to commemorate Canada’s 150th according to The Ex, the sign is proving quite popular amongst attendees.

A post shared by Jen R Castillo (@jensbucketlist) on Aug 20, 2017 at 11:32pm PDT

It makes a great background for selfies with friends (and more-than-friends)

A post shared by Rupi Multani (@rupimultani) on Aug 20, 2017 at 8:33pm PDT

It makes for cute family photos and solo shots, too.

A post shared by onlywhaticansee (@fabby73ch) on Aug 20, 2017 at 2:25pm PDT

It even looks kind of cool from the back.

A post shared by Leonardo Dell'Anno (@usual_suspect_guy) on Aug 18, 2017 at 6:04pm PDT

The CNE sign will be illuminated on the west end of the Exhibition grounds near the Princess Margaret Fountain for the duration of the fair.

What if every single team in the NBA had the same mascot? And what if that mascot was the league's best mascot, the Toronto raptor?

Wonder no more, Raps fans – Graphic Designer John Mong has graciously answered the question that nobody thought to ask with his vector design series "RAPTORS VS NBA."

The Toronto Raptors version of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Mong, who is based in Toronto, redesigned the primary logos for all 30 of the NBA's current teams, and the NBA itself, about one year ago.

It wasn't until this weekend, however, that his logo series blew up online after surfacing on Reddit.

The Toronto Raptors version of the Charlotte Hornets.

"Raptors for every team" reads a post linking to Mong's work on the highly active NBA subreddit. It's now been upvoted more than 26,000 times in just two days.

The Toronto Raptors version of the Orlando Magic.

The Toronto Raptors version of the  Washington Wizards.

The Toronto Raptors version of the  Portland Trailblazers.

The Toronto Raptors version of the Miami Heat.

The Toronto Raptors version of the Sacramento Kings.

The Toronto Raptors version of the Indiana Pacers.

The Toronto Raptors version of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Raptors version of the NBA logo.

As promised, Toronto saw its first major solar eclipse since 1979 on Monday afternoon.

It was aight.

With coverage estimated to have been around 75%, the 'Great American Eclipse' wasn't as intense for Canadians as it was for our friends to the south, where many in the U.S. witnessed a total eclipse.

Still, the much-hyped astronomical event drew thousands of curious people outdoors at 2:30 p.m., some of them with DIY pinhole viewers, some of them with special eclipse glasses, and most of them with smartphones. 

Nathan Phillips Square is a #Toronto#SolarEclipse viewing hotspot. #solareclipse2017#eclipse h pic.twitter.com/OuRBnbBSPN

— David Rider (@dmrider) August 21, 2017

The partial eclipse seen in Toronto wasn't enough to make our day look like night, but the skies did take on an eerie dimness in much of the city throughout the event.

Hey Toronto, it's getting darker outside. Go for a walk, look at the shadows! #SolarEclipse2017pic.twitter.com/y8oXir7QWJ

— Luke Andrews (@attaboy) August 21, 2017

Those with the proper equipment to view and capture an eclipse on camera were happy to share their footage on Twitter.

The View from The Six... specifically The University of Toronto's Observatory Telescope, looking at the #SolarEclipse2017#UofTpic.twitter.com/4l0QipLRQ2

— Prof. Chirag Variawa (@ChiragVariawa) August 21, 2017

Some were kind enough to let their neighbours take a peek in real life as well. 
 

special thanks to the Toronto Amateur Astronomer who let us view sunspots through his solar scope! #SolarEclipse2017#BlackoutAtGreenPondpic.twitter.com/HnYWysGL9a

— Allan Johnson (@allanbjohnson) August 21, 2017

For others, the event servedas a social occasion. Viewing parties were held in Trinity Bellwoods Park, at The CNE, and at dozens of local businesses, connecting like-minded science fans in and around the eclipse's path.

Viewing the solar eclipse at G Adventures Base Camp Toronto. #IsAnyOneEvenWorking#gadventures#gadvlife#Eclipse2017pic.twitter.com/ksE0j5fCc9

— Liz Lulu (@G_lizlulu) August 21, 2017

If you missed today's partial eclipse, fear not – you'll have another chance in 2024, according to NASA. After that, our region is predicted to be eclipse-free until 2099.

Trying to capture #SolarEclipse2017 in #Toronto. iPhone7 lenses almost got toasted. pic.twitter.com/leD1sbIQZy

— Gissalle (@Gissalle) August 21, 2017

Putting work on pause! Everyone is out in the financial district in downtown #Toronto, waiting for #SolarEclipse2017pic.twitter.com/AgPTvYsV6w

— TorontoDiary.ca (@TOdiary) August 21, 2017
 

Hospital staff using an old X-ray film to see #SolarEclipse2017@NatGeo in #Torontopic.twitter.com/ln3fsFBobE

— Nigil Haroon (@NigilHaroon) August 21, 2017

When #Toronto is all sold out of eclipse glasses but you know how to DIY. Stay safe everyone! 😎#SolarEclipse2017#EclipseGlassespic.twitter.com/rlmOo1YmHt

— BAASS ERP & CRM (@baassbiz) August 21, 2017

I find the crescent-shaped shadows fascinating! #solareclipse2017#Torontopic.twitter.com/hGOYkVH7ks

— My Kind Of Mom-Kelly (@dancingvalentin) August 21, 2017

Watched the #SolarEclipse2017 through a homemade camera obscura! North of the line of totality, Toronto got a sweet 76% 🌙pic.twitter.com/1dHr5xcKrJ

— Ive (@ivevelikova) August 21, 2017

It looks like one of Toronto's most popular poutine purveyors is back in business. Days after workers walked out of Poutini's Queen St. location, staff and ownership met today to try to resolve the issues.

In a note recently posted to the restaurant's Facebook page, Poutini's owners Fred and Nick Laliberte explained how they met with staff today to hear their views and try to address their concerns.

According to the note, they've now reached an "amicable resolution" and "staff who walked out will be keeping their jobs."

Reaction to the news of the weekend walkout had been harsh and swift with many calling for a boycott of the restaurant.

Wow never buying anything from poutinis again

— Burp Nifkin (@JamminGames) August 21, 2017

Poutini's opened in Toronto back in 2009 before proper cheese curds and gravy were known around these parts. Since then it has expanded to a location on King West and thrived as Toronto's appetite for poutine has known no bounds.

Buffalo is having a moment. Once a city known for the decline of its industrial might and the exodus of its citizens to the suburbs, the talk these days is more likely to be about the newest hotel, brewery, or bar that's just opened. 

It's a remarkable transformation to keep track of from afar because yearly visits reveal a resurgent spirit that's increasingly palpable. Last time I spent a weekend in Buffalo, for instance, I was impressed by its rising food scene, but this is only the tip of the iceberg. 

Looking across the Canalside district. Photo by Christopher Behrend.

Putting a finger on what exactly gives this place so much energy and purpose right now is tough to do given all the variables at work, but one thing that's surely fuelling Buffalo's resurgence is its desire to celebrate its past. 

Signs of this were on full display when the Canalside district was born about a decade ago. A number of original elements from the Erie Canal were excavated and restored as part of plans to revitalize the city's waterfront, and now the area is brimming with recreational activity. 

The old Commercial Slip is a centrepiece at Canalside. Photo by Derek Flack.

On a hot summer weekend, the waterfront is full of people on kayaks and water bikes, the tiki boat is touring folks around the inner harbour, and there's a huge rib festival beside the boardwalk. It's a busy place.

You can even take a short ride on the bike ferry to the outer harbour, which opens up miles and miles of Lake Erie shoreline to explore by bike. There's still a few silos along the river, but for the most part this area has become a huge swath of parkland that feels like a legitimate escape from the city.

The desire to showcase old Buffalo goes well beyond the action surrounding the old terminus of the Erie Canal, though. From immaculate hotels in historic buildings to former industrial sites adapted for use as urban playgrounds, there's a ton to see and do.

The Richardson Olmstead Campus has been revitalized with the opening of Hotel Henry. Photo courtesy of Hotel Henry.

The most stunning addition to Buffalo this year is surely Hotel Henry, the glorious urban resort that's risen from the imposing Richardson Olmstead Campus, a former insane asylum that sat abandoned for decades following its closure in the 1970s. 

Inside the hallways of Hotel Henry. Photo by Derek Flack.

The scope of the restoration of this landmark building is amazing given its age (it was built in 1870) and the state that it was in prior to preservation and adaptive re-use efforts. It's now a cultural hub that's home to the hotel but also a restaurant, lounge, and soon the Lipsey Buffalo Architecture Center.

With the success of enLIGHTen Buffalo this year, you can expect lots more events at the Richardson Olmstead Campus. Photo courtesy of Hotel Henry.

The nearly $100 million project has brought new life the area, which also includes the Burchfield Penny Arts Center. By way of formal introduction to the city, an incredible light show and outdoor concert from the Buffalo Philharmonic was held at the end of July. It was a huge success, and bodes well for future events here.

A Mediterranean plate and brussel sprouts are two snacks to try at the Terrace at Delaware Park. Photo by Derek Flack.

If you're staying up here, I'd suggest taking a stroll over to the recently opened Terrace at Delware Park for a drink or dinner if the hotel restaurant's booked up. Situated right beside the Albright Knox and overlooking Hoyt Lake, it's a picturesque spot for a casual bite.

The revolving bar at the Curtiss Hotel. Photo by Derek Flack.

As beautiful as Hotel Henry and its surroundings are, people visiting this city who want to stay downtown also have a newly restored historic building to spend the night. The Curtiss Hotel is Buffalo's latest gem of an adaptive reuse project, and it's been packed since opening its doors in July. 

Inside the Chez Ami, the upscale French bistro at the Curtiss Hotel. Photo by Derek Flack. 

Located in the Harlow C. Curtiss Building, which dates back to 1913, the hotel is home to a showpiece revolving bar, which leads into the 200-seat Chez Ami restaurant. If you're looking for an upscale dinner in Buffalo, it'd be tough to go wrong here. 

Salmon on a bed of mussels. The menu at the Chez Ami is upscale bistro fare. Photo by Derek Flack.

The food and the decor here are refined but not over-the-top. Even with a host of other nearby options on Ellicott St., you'll probably want to eat at the hotel because it's such a hive of activity. 

Relaxing at the beer garden and patio at RiverWorks. Photo by Derek Flack.

Once you've checked into one of Buffalo's buzz-worthy hotels and got some sun at Canalside, you'll want to pay a visit to RiverWorks, which is a different kind of adaptive re-use project altogether.

Could there be a more natural sports activity at a grain elevator than rock climbing? Photo by Derek Flack.

While the Buffalo River of old was a place filled with hulking freighters, now you'll see an array of kayaks, canoes, and pleasure craft coming to and from this entertainment hub, which features everything from a roller rink to a beer garden to a rock climbing wall up an old grain elevator. 

The old industrial architecture makes a great footprint for the RiverWorks beer garden. Photo by Derek Flack.

We tend to intuitively understand that places like this have great potential as entertainment and recreation zones, but here's one that makes good on the promise. Combined with the nearby Silo City site, you have two excellent examples of how to breathe new life into gritty industrial sites. 

Don't let the unassuming exterior fool you. This place rules. Photo by Derek Flack.

Depending on how active you've been at RiverWorks, it might be time to eat. Fortunately, one of Buffalo's best new bars is located pretty much right around the corner. Ballyhoo is a place I wish we had in Toronto. 

Ballyhoo is pretty much the perfect chill bar. Good food, drinks, and people. Photo by Derek Flack.

The food menu is composed exclusively of various takes on sausages and sides, which references the blue collar roots of the area in which it's located, which is right beside the still-active General Mills plant. 

A spread of links and sides at Ballyhoo. Photo by Derek Flack.

On the drinks side, you can keep it cheap with a $3 Genesee Cream Ale or get a bit more serious with the cocktail selection. But the best part of this place is vibe, from the 70s classics on the speakers to the friendly manner of the bartenders. 

Buffalo City Hall as seen from an Open Air Autobus tour. Photo by Derek Flack.

After getting fuelled up, one of the best ways to chill out while your food digests is by taking a Buffalo Architecture Tour. The city has a sterling reputation for its historic buildings, but there's so much to see that it's quite nice to be shuttled around by a knowledgeable guide.

The amazing terra cotta facade of the Guaranty Building is one of the sights on the Open Air Autobus tour. Photo by Derek Flack.

There are various tours on offer, which focus on the city's most important buildings as well as its picturesque parks system. I'd recommend the Whirlwind Tour, which will teach you a ton about the city's architectural legacy in under two hours. Remember to bring sunscreen!

After resting up at your hotel, I'd recommend heading off campus for dinner and drinks. As bustling as the Chez Ami might be, one of the city's must-hit spots has to be the Dapper Goose, which is actually located to the north in Black Rock.  

Owned and operated by the affable Keith Raimondi, this restaurant exudes confidence in the quality of food and service on offer. The menu is playful with dishes ranging from cheese plates to Korean Fried Chicken, while the cocktails are second to none. 

I love the simple design of the interior here, which draws attention to the wood bar and tin ceiling, but the garden-like patio is absolutely worth checking out, especially the intimate garage space that's covered from the elements. 

If you're not exhausted from exploring, there's plenty of options for a nightcap in Allentown. I did some bar hopping the last time I was in town, and would recommend Buffalo Proper, Nietzsche's, Allen Street Hardware, and Pausa Art House. If you're going to go super late, there's always the Old Pink.

Breadhive is a co-op bakery that's won the hearts of Buffalo. Photo by Derek Flack.

Those staying for a weekend in Buffalo, will probably have about a half day to spend exploring on Sunday before heading back to avoid traffic at the border and on the QEW. That means there's probably enough time for a breakfast snack and a full brunch plus some sightseeing.

Breakfast bagels at Breadhive to fuel a quick day of exploring. Photo by Derek Flack.

To start the day, I'd hit up Breadhive for a quick breakfast sandwich. This is one of those cool Buffalo start-up businesses that's quickly drawn a locally following. It operates as a co-op, so the employees are exceptionally friendly and engaged, while the food is top notch. 

You don't need to attend the annual Garden Walk to see some amazing front yards in Buffalo's Elmwood Village. Photo by Derek Flack.

When I visited Buffalo this summer, the annual Garden Walk event was taking place. Basically you can go exploring all incredible backyards around some of the city's oldest and architecturally significant neighbourhoods. 

The privately owned Heath House is one of a number of architectural sights in Elmwood Village. Photo by Derek Flack.

As cool as getting the behind the scenes peek afforded by the event, the thing that struck me is how nice it was to explore Elmwood Village. The landscaping and architecture here puts Toronto to shame, and you might even seek out a Frank Lloyd Wright design like Heath House if you've already hit up the Darwin Martin House.

The patio at Betty's is a great brunch destination. Photo by Derek Flack.

You've got to get one more meal into your system before heading out of town, and if you've been exploring Elmwood Village, I'd head to Betty's for a classic brunch. If you can snag a spot on the patio, then you're made in the shade (literally).

This is uncomplicated brunch fare with a bit of flare in the form of the various hashes on offer. There's plenty of vegetarian options on offer as well as lighter fare like quiche and omelettes in case you don't want to fell bloated before getting behind the wheel. 

Inside the gorgeous Parkside Candy shop. Photo by Derek Flack. 

Before heading to the border, make sure to pick up a little Buffalo souvenir at the beautifully ornate Parkside Candy, a chocolate shop that's been in continuous operation since 1927. The room is so pretty you might even want to stay for a while and grab a coffee or ice cream.

This is a nice final stop on a whirlwind tour of the new Buffalo partially because it's a testament to the fortitude of the city. It can't have been easy to keep this shop open through the tough decades, and yet it remains a symbol of endurance and beauty, two things Buffalo knows well. 

Summer might be winding down, but there's still time to knock a few items off your bucket list. If watching a movie under the stars is on your to-do list, you can hit up the Open Roof Festival tonight. There's also a host of concerts to check out. 

Non-fiction storytelling is taking podcasts and Netflix series by storm, but for cinephiles there will always be our long-running love for feature-length documentaries. This year’s TIFF crop once again offers stories that will entice documentary and non-fiction lovers alike.

Here are my picks for the documentaries to check out at TIFF 2017.

The Carter Effect

Who in Toronto doesn’t remember the Vince Carter years when the city was alive with Raptors fever for the first time? With The Carter Effect, director Sean Menard offers the irresistible chance to be reminded of how Vinsanity impacted not just Toronto, but all of Canada.

Cocaine Prison

We don’t always get the chance to see the human faces of the international drug trade in the places where the drugs come from. Cocaine Prison offers just that, with director Violeta Ayala shining a light on a cocaine field worker, a drug mule, and his sister in Bolovia. 

Ex Libris – The New York Public Library

Frederick Wiseman has explored an eclectic mix of places: a college (At Berkley), a New York neighborhood (In Jackson Heights), and a museum (National Gallery). His latest will be cinematic catnip for book lovers: a behind-the-scenes peek at the New York Public Library.

Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars

Every year TIFF’s doc selections are a treasure trove for music lovers. This year, audiences will get a look at one of the greatest guitar players in the history of rock n’ roll: Eric Clapton. If you're a rock fan, you can't miss this one. 

The Final Year

If you want to remiss about the Obama Presidency, or better understand how international relations work, be sure to check out The Final Year, which looks at the last year of Obama’s diplomacy team thanks to the full access director Greg Baker received.

Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami

Sophie Fiennes inventively captured the larger-than-life eccentric philosopher Slavoj Zizek with The Pervert’s Guide to Ideology, so it will be thrilling to see how she docuented the even-larger-than-life model, singer, and actress Grace Jones over the course of a decade.

The Judge

The story of Judge Kholoud Al-Faqih, the first ever member of the Sharia judiciary in the Middle East, is what documentaries were made for: the chance to get to know a trail blazing individual and learning about their impact on their community - in this case, Islamic law.

Of Sheep and Men

Set in Algeria, this doc is the story of two men. One is a 16-year-old training his sheep to become a fighting champion; the other is a middle-aged man looking to survive by selling sheep. Documentaries about those looking to rise above always make for powerful stuff. 

Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood

It’s not TIFF without at least one movie about the movies, so we get: Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood. This documentary promises its share of dirty secrets through Scotty Bowers, who arranged sexual encounters for some of the biggest stars of Golden Age Hollywood.

Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!

Sequels may not be common in documentaries, but considering the success of Super Size Me, it’s surprising one didn’t come along sooner. This time Morgan Spurlock is taking on the chicken industry and its ties to the fast food business, with a twist: he tries to open one himself.

If you've been looking for the superlative solar eclipse shot from Toronto, you can stop now. Local cinematographer Jon Simo captured an amazing image of the moon-covered sun passing by the CN Tower when the eclipse was approaching its peak in our area. 

While the moment happened in an instant, actually getting the shot took a whole lot of work. Learning the back story will probably make you feel a bit better about the crappy phone pics that you took. 

Here's how he recounted the process on social media:

"I shot this with a bit of luck and a lot of planning. Using Google Earth, I was able to remotely walk around Toronto in advance to select a good location where the sun would intersect with the CN Tower."

After finding my location, I scouted it in advance and took some test photos in order to dial in my exposure so I'd be ready for the event during the actual eclipse.

I used a tripod for this shot and had to comp together the sun and the tower after the fact, as exposing both at the same time is impossible."

The other factor in this incredible shot is the extremely long lens that Simo used, which creates the enlarged effect of the eclipse. That's not how it looked for many of us who peered up yesterday, but I'm grateful to get this up close vantage point.