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Drake just showed off his swanky Toronto condo

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Can you figure out which building Drake is living in right now?

No seriously. That’s a real question – and it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out the answer if you follow @champagnepapi on Instagram.

The beloved 6ix God graced his followers last night with three, 15-second-long Instagram Stories showing off his current local digs.

“I just came home to my new temporary spot until my house is built,” says Drake in the first video, referencing to his under-construction Bridle Path mansion. “But it’s still my home for now and I’m very inspired, very excited, you know."

There doesn't appear to be much furniture in the space yet, but Drizzy's art game is on point.

Framed works featuring Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger hang on the walls alongside what appears to be a genuine Damien Hirst print and a neon sign that reads "Less Drake, More Tupac."

In the last video, Drake reveals what might be the most Drake-like thing in his entire condo: The views

"And for the grande finale," he says, panning to the CN tower. "How fitting."

For a split second, we can also spot Ripley's aquarium directly beneath the building. This means that his temporary condo is just steps away from where he took that selfie with Rihanna last summer.


A-list stars coming to Toronto for TIFF 2017

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If you weren't impressed by the big-name films premiering at TIFF this year, then maybe the avalanche of celebrities will.

TIFF released the names of the movie stars descending upon our city from September 7-17 and it's a who's who of A-listers so be sure to have your phone or camera ready at all times. 

Here are some of the A-List stars coming to Toronto for TIFF 2017.

  • Christian Bale
  • Javier Bardem
  • Gael Garcia Bernal
  • Jamie Bell
  • Halle Berry
  • Jason Biggs
  • Mary J Blige
  • Steve Buscemi
  • Louis C.K.
  • Steve Carrell
  • Jim Carey
  • George Clooney
  • Daniel Craig
  • Penelope Cruz
  • Matt Damon
  • Eminem
  • Idris Elba
  • Collin Farrell
  • James Franco
  • Jake Gyllenhaal
  • Kevin Hart
  • Angelina Jolie
  • Grace Jones
  • Nicole Kidman
  • Brie Larson
  • Jennifer Lawrence
  • John Malkovich
  • Don McKellar
  • Helen Mirren
  • Julianne Moore
  • Ellen Page
  • Ben Stiller
  • Emma Stone
  • Luke Wilson
  • Kate Winslet
  • Kristen Wiig
  • Evan Rachel Wood

Also announced today, TIFF will once again be running its In Conversation With... Program. This year's crop of speakers will include Javier Bardem, Gael Garcia Bernal, Angelina Jolie and Helen Mirren.

Toronto brunch favourite Lady Marmalade is leaving Leslieville

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One of Toronto's most popular brunch spots will soon be saying goodbye to Leslieville. Lady Marmalade, which has been a fixture on Queen East since it opened in 2009, announced today they'll be moving to a new home next spring.

According to a news release, the new location at 265 Broadview Avenue in East Chinatown will be a "bright and airy dining space, walled with greenery and washed in natural light."

Hopefully it'll also be a bigger space so those lineups get shorter and that they keep their excellent eggs benedicts on the menu.

Music and fashion icon Grace Jones coming to Toronto

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Every year TIFF's list of movie stars flying into the city makes headlines, but not often does a celebrity announcement stop the presses, halt traffic and the earth from turning on its axis. 

Such is the case at this year's film festival with the appearance of legendary music and fashion icon Grace Jones.

She'll be in town promoting the world premiere of, Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami, the much-buzzed about documentary about her life on and off the stage on September 7 at 9:30 p.m.

Directed by SophieFiennes (yup, that's Joseph and Ralph's sister) who spoke to TIFF about the film, the doc was filmed over a decade and follows the star's everyday life, interspersed with live footage from her unforgettable 2016 tour.

Don't expect any sit-down interview or archival footage in this unconventional tale. 

Jones has graced planet earth with her role as May Day in the James Bond film A View to a Kill, and new wave club hits like "Pull up to the Bumper" and "Slave to the Rhythm."

She unapologetically made a career pushing the lines of fashion, art, music, and gender. 

Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami will screen September 7, 8, 12 and 15 and tickets go on sale to the public September 4.

Toronto businesses worried about cancelled TTC program

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In just a few weeks, the TTC will officially nix its time-based transfer program along St. Clair West after more than a decade of piloting the idea – unless a local BIA succeeds in getting its way.

The program, introduced in 2005 to relieve construction woes, allows passengers to jump on and off public transit anywhere along the 512 St. Clair route for a period of two hours, so long as they have a transfer.

As of Sept. 3, this will no longer be the case. The 512 line will soon operate just like every other route in the city, meaning that fares are only valid for one trip, in one direction, and without re-boarding privileges.

This, say members of the Regal Heights Village Business Improvement Area, will potentially lead to a "decline in business and activity in our area."

The BIA started a Change.org petition last week asking the TTC and "appropriate government sectors" to reconsider their disposal of the program.

"This service has not only been a benefit to the businesses along St. Clair Avenue West," the petition reads, "but a huge benefit to the community at large."

Just over 200 people, out of a total 500 needed, have signed to show their support as of press time. Some signatories are leaving personal messages about their concerns.

"As a senior living on a fixed income, the short term transfer really helps me to take full advantage of all the shopping stops..." writes one local resident.

"I use the transfer at least 4 times a week now, but perhaps won't be shopping as much when I have to pay for each ride back and forth."

Many others on Change.org and elsewhere online are recommending that the program be expanded, as opposed to discontinued.

"This should be implemented system wide," reads another petition comment. "It's a great way to stimulate the economy across the city."

The top 20 patios for brunch in Toronto

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Brunch in Toronto is even better on a patio, especially one with a picturesque settings in which you can break your fast in some of the most delicious ways. Full English breakfasts and BBQ brunches reign supreme on these prime patios where tables are more highly prized than the last sip of a tequila Caesar.

Here are my picks for the top patios for brunch in Toronto.

Farmhouse Tavern

This spot gets the sleepy Junction Triangle booming for brunch service, featuring their “Smoker” caesar garnished with an oyster. This corner patio is a darling spot to watch the neighbourhood go by.

Drake Commissary

This industrial patio on Sterling that backs up against Henderson Brewing is a chill place to enjoy a smoked fish platter, some avocado on toast, an epic breakfast sandwich and three types of caesars.

Barque Toronto

Eat BBQ favourites as you take in the sunshine on the Barque Smokehouse patio. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Barque Smokehouse

This Roncesvalles patio may be relatively humble, but the flavours served up here are bold. The duck pancakes have been televised, and bourbon flows all hours of the day.

Aunties and Uncles

This small cafe in Little Italy draws you in with its charm and keeps you there with its French toast, granola and breakfast pockets, not to mention its quaint outdoor space that’s perfect for College Street people watching.

Smith Toronto

Brunch gets intimate on the Smith patio. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Smith

The side space at this Village spot is a tight squeeze but that just makes it all the more romantic. All the twinkly lights, brick walls, and upscale ice cream you could ever hope for.

Bonjour Brioche

This is one of the most highly coveted brunch patios on Queen East, and it’s no surprise due to the quality of their nominal brioche and other French baked goods like baguette as well as legendary eggs benny.

School Toronto

Stay cool and shady on the School patio as you're brunching. Photo by Jesse Milns.

School

If you don’t mind going back to school on the weekends, you’ll be happy at this educationally-themed patio in Liberty Village that gives upgrades to typical brunch meals and cocktails, serving cinnamon pecan pancakes and French toast rolled in Rice Krispies.

Mitzi’s Cafe

Brunch-goers flock to this colourful and artsy cafe with a chill, small patio on weekends. Classic breakfasts on a short menu are the order of the day here, but everything is scrumptious.

Beast Toronto

Stuff your face with gluttonous brunch offerings on the Beast sidewalk patio. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Beast

This classy patio on Tecumseth is the only place in Toronto to get the famous Beastwich sandwich served here. Simple plants are all that’s needed to accent the space.

Mildred’s Temple Kitchen

The boho patio here in Liberty Village is the ultimate spot to snag not only brunch but “b’lunch” too. Pancakes, scones, and giant skillets with pulled pork are ripe for the Instagramming.

Chadwicks Toronto

Escape the hustle and bustle of Toronto on Chadwick's backyard patio. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Chadwick’s

There’s plenty of privacy on this Howland Avenue patio with high-backed wooden seating and tall wooden fences, so you can enjoy a diner-style brunch without someone else’s elbow in your food.

Luna Cafe

This cozy cafe on Dovercourt boasts a lovely patio where muffins and veggie-packed breakfasts are available for the wolfing down.

Okay Okay Toronto

Yellow, orange and white chairs fill the Okay Okay patio. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Okay Okay

This Leslieville standby is known for its colourful chairs and bright mural, and the often family-filled spot serves bottomless coffee.

La Cubana

Serving up brunch with a Cuban twist that includes tostones, authentic egg sandwiches and more, the outside is as cute as in at their patio at their Roncesvalles location.

Queen and Beaver Toronto

Brunch and a pint are match made in heaven on the Queen and Beaver patio. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Queen and Beaver

Overlook buzzing Elm Street from this rooftop hideaway where you can nestle in amongst umbrellas and tree branches with your favourite pint and a sturdy English meal to start the day.

The County General

This West Queen West spot now just has a few chairs and tables along the side of their joint, but the fried chicken is still fantastic here, and they won’t bat an eye at a morning draft beer or bourbon, though they do great caesars and mimosas.

Grapefruit Moon Toronto

Brunch on the Grapefruit Moon patio is always a family affair. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Grapefruit Moon

This patio on Bathurst is dreamy and cute, with ample bike-locking space on the quiet street and even a $5 “Bike Rider’s Special” of fruit salad and toast.

Bodega Henriette

An adorable corner spot in the hushed Upper Beaches neighbourhood, this place is a jack of all trades serving breakfast, coffee and cocktails every day. Chow down on a mountainous veggie and egg sandwich or order an espresso cocktail in the open air.

Figo Toronto

Italian brunch tastes even better on the sun drenched patio at Figo. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Figo

On busy Adelaide West, this bumpin’ patio is the place to see and be seen first thing on the weekend: everyone knows, hustlers don’t wait until Saturday night. White tables and chairs along with jungle plants ensure your food pics and selfies will be drooled over.

The Anne Boleyn

Near powerhouse Queen and Peter, this place serves brunch starting as early as 7:30 on the weekends on its gigantic patio that looks out on a metropolitan intersection. Full English breakfasts, mushrooms on toast and pints are just some of the standards on offer.

Trinidadian food trike bringing doubles around Toronto

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Some foods are too delicious not to quit your job for and base your entire life around immediately.

For 23-year-old Lucas Boers of Toronto, that food is doubles: A Trinidadian street snack that pairs freshly-fried flatbread with saucy, spiced-up chickpeas to make heaven in your mouth.


Boers is the man behind Manipura Doubles, also known as Doubles Food Trike, Toronto's latest mobile food offering of note.

"After I first tasted them on Ariapita Ave in Port of Spain, Trinidad, I fell in love," he tells us. "I fell in love with them because they hit all the flavours I look for in one bite: spicy, sweet, savoury and acidic."

So, with 10 years of cooking and some food truck experience already under his belt, he decided to start his own business earlier this year.

You may have seen him since, surrounded by hungry park goers in Trinity Bellwoods park, serving the office lunchtime rush at David Pecault Square, or cruising around Caribana with his food-toting tricycle.


He isn't the first chef to serve doubles in our fair city, but Boers is the only one serving them around the city from a tricycle.

And, while we've seen some critical comments about the fact that Boers isn't Trini, reception to the business has been great in both Toronto and Trinidad

"People are loving the food and have given great feedback about my pepper sauce and chutneys," Boers told us, noting that the trike itself is also popular among customers "because it's environmentally friendly, which is a strong focus of my business."


Boers, who was born in Toronto, says he's struggled to educate some Torontonians about what doubles are – but he's careful to ensure that they know its Trinidadian food.

"I'm thankful for the friendship and mentoring my Trini friend has given me through this process," he told us. "I work to do Trinidad and Tobago proud for their amazing cuisine and culture."

Toronto is shutting down King St. for an epic rap battle

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TIFF will once again shut down a major part of King West this year for Festival Street, with the added bonus of a headlining rap battle with the star of Eminem's new movie. 

For one weekend from September 7-10, King Street West between Peter Street and University Avenue will be temporarily transformed into a pedestrian promenade with music and performances.

In celebration of Bodied, the Eminem-produced film opening the annual Midnight Madness program on September 7, Toronto rapper Alex Larsen (Kid Twist) will take the stage for a showdown with battle rapper Madness.

The Slaight Music Stage also makes a return with shows every day, as well as other pop-up performances, virtual reality experiences, and music videos and film screenings.  The street will also have extended patios and food trucks.


Paramount is opening its first Toronto butcher shop

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Meat lovers of Yonge & Eglinton, rejoice! You're about to get the first (and so far only) Paramount Butcher Shop in Toronto.

Consider the rest of the city jealous, but grateful that we no longer have to visit Mississauga for the company's widely-coveted cuts of beef, lamb, goat, poultry and veal.

Paramount, which already owns successful butcher shops in Lebanon and The U.S., announced earlier this month on Facebook that it would be opening its second Canadian outpost.  

We don't yet have a date for when the shop will be open, but we do have an address via the company's website: 2313 Yonge Street, right beside one of their Paramount Fine Foods restaurant locations.

Keep an eye on the forthcoming downtown Toronto location's website for that "coming soon" sign to disappear.

House of the week: 40 Ellis Park Road

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Toronto's home to plenty of pretty streets, of which the steeply sloped Ellis Park Rd. is surely one. Winding alongside High Park, the undulating terrain in the area often makes for stunning outdoor spaces that show off the dramatic landscape. 

40 Ellis Park RoadWhile many homes have stunning views of the park below, that's not the only way to capitalize on the topography. This house at 40 Ellis Park Rd., for example, has a bowl-like backyard that looks like a secret garden. 

40 Ellis Park RoadThe quirky but beautiful outdoor space matches up with the rest of the house, which has loads of character even if the decor is a tad outdated. It doesn't need a renovation, but I'd imagine that a new kitchen would dramatically improve the look of the first floor. 

40 Ellis Park RoadI'm not so sure about the towering column of glass block windows, but I'm sure it casts nice light through home. In any case, a new owner could pluck away at a few updates to give this place some contemporary polish to go along with excellent location.

40 Ellis Park RoadSpecs

Address: 40 Ellis Park Rd.
Price: $1,799,000
Lot Size: 40.14 x 127.75 feet
Bedrooms: 3 + 2
Bathrooms: 3
Parking: 2
Walk Score: 58
Transit Score: 87
Listing agent: Vivian Eyolfson
Listing ID: W3890042

40 Ellis Park RoadGood For

Someone with a flare for the mystical who likes to spend time out doors. If you've ever wanted to invite someone to a secret garden, this is the house for you.

40 Ellis Park RoadMove On If 

You value walk-ability. If there's a knock against this area, it's the lack of super-close amenities. If you don't mind a little stroll, however, Bloor St. can be reached in just over 10 minutes.

40 Ellis Park Road40 Ellis Park Road40 Ellis Park Road40 Ellis Park Road40 Ellis Park Road40 Ellis Park Road

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

Toronto just got a butter sculpture of Justin Trudeau snuggling pandas

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A tender moment between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and two Toronto Zoo panda cubs has been immortalized in butter for all to enjoy at the CNE this year... or at least until the butter melts.

The recently finished sculpture is meant to look like the photo of Trudeau and baby pandas Jia Panpan & Jia Yueyue that went viral in 2016.

That photo, tweeted by the PM himself, attracted media attention from around the world, further cementing Trudeau's status as an international heart throb

The dairy-based version of the picture seems equally unforgettable, but perhaps for different reasons.

Butter sculpting is an annual tradition at the Canadian National Exhibition, and we've seen these works of art make headlines before, though this year's theme of "Wild in the 6" seems specifically designed for viral opportunities.

According to a press release, it's inspired by "infamous Toronto animals that have gone viral, from the PM’s photo op with the baby pandas to the elusive High Park capybaras."

Artists David Salazar, OlenkaKleban, Laird Henderson and Bailey Henderson will continue to work on all of the sculptures collaboratively until the end of the fair.

Locals can go see Butter Trudeau and friends in person by finding the giant glass refrigerator in the CNE's Heritage Court.

Someone is taking their dog to Toronto's most touristy attractions

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An adventurous little dog has embarked on a journey to see Toronto as a tourist would (like, if that tourist were 10 inches tall and chased squirrels.)

Meet Edie the Pug, a pretty little thing from the 6ix who loves fancy scarves, human attention, and mugging for the camera. According to her Twitter bio, she is also a "Model/ Event Promoter/Pet Blogger/Ambassador."

Clearly, she's a busy pup, but Edie doesn't let her dogly duties slow her down when it comes to exploring the city.

The black pug and her "humom" Kelly have been working their way through our list of 17 super touristy things you  must do in Toronto, and so far, they've managed to hit eight of the recommended attractions.

The duo started at The CN Tower last week, when Edie posted a photo with the question: "How many pugs high do you think the CN Tower is?"


Next, they hit The ROM.

A few days later, Edie went to St. Lawrence Market, which she described as "farm fresh yummy."

Day four brought the doggie and her owner to High Park, where squirrels abound.

The Aga Kahn Museum was next. Edie tweeted that it is "the most beautiful,serene place in TO."

She's since been to the Distillery District, Evergreen BrickWorks, and, of course, the Rogers Centre during a Jays game. 

You can follow Edie's Twitter account to keep up with her journey and see which tourist attraction she visits next.

Spoiler: It'll almost definitely be one of the places on this list.

8 things to do in Toronto today

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The Ex keeps on trucking today in Toronto with a non-stop lineup of shows, parades, food, and rides to keep you entertained until 11 p.m. Kendrick Lamar and Sza are also in town for their sold-out shows, and there's a free outdoor screening of Space Jam in a park.

Events you might want to check out:

Kendrick Lamar The Damn Tour (August 23 @ Air Canada Centre)
YG and Dram join Kung Fu Kenny for his second Toronto stop this summer.
Sza (August 23 @ Rebel)
Smino and Ravyn Lenae open for Sza, the woman who may have released one of the best albums of the year. She sold out the Phoenix so quickly they moved this show to Rebel and it sold out there as well. 
Space Jam (August 23 @ Regent Park )
The final Under the Stars screening in Regent Park is throwback classic Space Jam. Get there early for a good spot and a game of giant chess.
Nunavut Music Week (August 23 @ Roy Thomson Hall )
The Jerry Cans, Riit and The Trade-Offs kick off Nunavut music week outside Roy Thomson Hall. If you've ever wondered what Inuktitut alt-country, throat singing, and reggae sound like at once, check out this free show.
Find Your Quiet The Relax Edition (August 23 @ Tokyo Smoke Queen West)
An hour-long PWYC meditation and wellness workshop in Trinity Bellwoods. Bring your own mat, towel or blanket and meet at the Tokyo Smoke store at 11:45 a.m. for the walk over to the grass.
Etsy Marketplace (August 23 @ Evergreen brick works)
A one-of-a-kind pop up market down in the valley. Check out unique handmade goods and connect with the local artisans who make and sell them alongside food and drink vendors.
Le Ride cycling documentary Toronto (August 23 @ Cineplex Yonge-Dundas and VIP)
A one night only screening of Phil Keoghan's (The Amazing Race) documentary chronicling re-riding the 1928 Tour course on antique bikes of the time.
CNE 2017 (August 18 - September 4 @ Canadian National Exhibition)
A trampoline wall, the famous Super Dogs show, a Caribana parade, and legendary reggae singer Marcia Griffiths are only a few things you can to at the Ex today.

The top 10 foreign films to see at TIFF 2017

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There’s undoubtedly a temptation to go into TIFF wanting to check out the next Moonlight or La La Land, but for many film buffs the real appeal of the festival is seizing the chance to see foreign films from all over the world – ones you might not get the chance to see again.

Here are my picks for the foreign films I'm most excited to see.

Ana, mon amour

Romanian director Calin Peter Netzer’s Ana, mon amour comes into the festival with a pre-approved pedigree, having won the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. But what makes it especially appealing is its focus on a form of mental illness that’s rarely portrayed in film: panic attacks.

Catch the Wind

Movies about people starting their lives over in new places can often be remarkably poignant, which is why Catch the Windis something to look forward to. Here the “fresh starter” is a French factory worker named Edit who moves to Tangiers to keep her job. 

The Day After

Hong Sangsoo films are always a welcome annual TIFF tradition. The Day Aftersees him exploring a beloved preoccupation: identity play. This time we get philandering publishing manager who has a new assistant, whom his wife suspects of being a former lover of his. 

Faces Places

On paper, Faces Placespremise seems simple: famed French director Agnès Varda visits French villages with street artist JR, who then turns photos of the people they counter into huge murals. But even a short glimpse of the trailer makes clear this is will be a can't-miss delight.

The Guardians

When World War I descended on Europe, it not only impacted the men who served, but the mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters they left behind. French film The Guardians promises a welcome look at those who found themselves having to pick up the work left by men.

Happy End

It’s been five years since Austrian auteur Michael Haneke has made a film, so that alone makes Happy End a must-see. Even if, undoubtedly, it will be uncomfortable and unsettling like most Haneke films – this time with his acerbic eye trained on a bourgeois European family. 

Manhunt

Since retreating from Hollywood action filmmaking in 2003, John Woo has shied away from shootouts and chase scene. That’s why Manhunt, a remake of a 1970s Japanese thriller about a framed man framed looking to clear his name, is so exciting. It promises a return of the slow-motion gunfight-loving John Woo we've all missed. 

Sheikh Jackson

It’s hard to pass up this Egyptian film's inventive concept: an Islamic cleric’s life is thrown into turmoil when he hears that Michael Jackson—whom he was obsessed with in his teens—has died. It should prove a relatable exploration of how what we love can define who we are.

Thelma

Norway’s Joachim Trier’s work represents powerful depictions of existential angst (especially among twentysomethings). Thelma looks to explore similar territory with one tantalizing difference: the young person in question is a woman realizing she has dangerous supernatural powers.

The Third Murder

When a director swerves into new territory, it’s hard not to want to see the result. That applies to The Third Murderby Hirokazu Kore-eda (Still Walking, Nobody Knows), an almost 1990s-era John Grisham-like legal thriller about an attorney who believes his client, who confessed to a killing, may be actually innocent. 

The Best Tacos in Toronto

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The best tacos in Toronto are the food of the masses. Toronto’s Mexican scene has exploded in recent years, diners having evolved away from hard shell Taco Bells and into the alluring arms of the soft shell tortilla and more sophisticated fillings like tongue, cheek, belly and all manner of veggies.

Here are the best tacos in Toronto.

4 - La Carnita (Queen East)

A mini taco empire with locations on John, Eglinton, College, and more, this place consistently pleases crowds with its chorizo, beef tongue, cod, tuna, and cotija tacos. Could it be possible the boozy drinks also served have anything to do with the craze?
3 - Seven Lives

This small spot in Kensington Market shakes things up with the Gobernador, a smoked tuna, shrimp and cheese taco unlike any found most other places, as well as spicy shrimp with cheese, spicy octopus, and mushroom and cactus tacos, all adequately enveloped in two tortillas.
6 - Campechano

This cute spot near King West is the place to go for tacos with just a touch of class (and of course, a sweet patio). Beer marinated sirloin cap, ribeye, and European seabass round out a menu of tacos you just might be tempted to eat with your pinkies up.
7 - Tacos 101

Cactus, marinated chicken, fish, al pastor, and carnitas are the sole simple offerings at this Dundas East taco joint, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t made with care and attention to detail, using fresh ingredients and dressing each with a fresh made avocado puree.
5 - Grand Electric

The refuge of hungover taco lovers on weekends, the deliciousness level of these tacos basically demands you stuff your belly with as many as possible while you have the luxury of a table in this often packed, loud Parkdale space that boasts a pretty patio. You can't go wrong with choices like beef cheek, baja fish, spicy chicken, carnitas, mushroom, cauliflower (so good) and shrimp.
8 - Al Pastor

This Junction spot has taken the community by storm, fulfilling a serious need for fast tacos. Of course they do the classic al pastor, their version full of flavour due to a rich marinade of achiote, garlic, onion, pineapple, orange, and much more. Flank steak, brisket, chicken and cheese and chorizo make up other options.
9 - Itacate

This humble spot on St. Clair West may not look like much, but when you reach the front of the line that packs the narrow, cramped space, you’ll know why you waited. The most tender beef tongue tacos, authentic al pastor cooked before your eyes and sure, veggie tacos too are served with simple accompaniments. House traditional, thin guacamole and hot sauce bring the heat.
10 - King's Tacos

Tacos at this St. Clair West establishment come in orders of four, so no need to dawdle over mixing and matching. There are a fair range of choices too, from barbacoa, lengua (tongue), and carne asada to carnitas and pastor.
11 - El Caballito

This popular King West spot attached to more upscale Los Colibris makes tacos its specialty. El Patio out back serves them in the open air out of a stationed truck and stall, in a range of flavours from spicy, saucy brisket to shrimp, pulled pork, and chicken. Rolls of paper towel at every table are a sign you’re about to get messy.

DuEast is Toronto's newest neighbourhood

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Regent Park has seen a lot of change over the past decade thanks to major investments by the city, private corporations, and citizens of Toronto.

From public housing development to thriving, multi-use, mixed-income success story, we’re starting to get a clear picture of the neighbourhood’s new vibe after almost 20 years of revitalization efforts.

It’s a very impressive picture, and it's been attracting awards and attention from far beyond the city’s borders.

Does all the hype warrant a cutesy, hashtaggable nickname for Regent Park? Like Blansdowne or Roncy or Av & Dav?

Probably not, but a local developer has come up with a pretty good one if residents are so inclined to use it: DuEast.

‘DuEast Condos’ is the latest condo project within Phase 3 of the city’s Regent Park Revitalization master plan.

Currently in pre-construction, the condos are being built by The Daniels Corporation, one of the neighbourhood’s most accomplished revitalization developers.

The buildings will be located Dundas and Sumach St, right in the heart of Regent Park, just steps away from the new Regent Park Aquatic Centre and Regent Park Athletic Grounds. Sales on the condos, which range from studio-sized to 3 bedroom suites, are slated to start this fall.

“Why DuEast?” reads a website for prospective buyers, pointing to the neighbourhood’s sustainability, lush green spaces, and “array of cultural events.”

“At this condo project development you will not only find a home,” the site reads. “You’ll find a community where you can truly love where you live.

Marketing materials for the new DuEast condo development bill the neighbourhood as a 'vibrant and bustling' community. Photo by The Daniels Corporation.

While “DuEast” as a nickname is pretty much just “DuWest” but for opposite side of Dundas, the two neighbourhoods have little else in common.

Dundas West is known for its sexy dive bars, hot restaurants and vintage boutiques. DuEast, on the other hand, appears to be more along the lines of other newly-developed, condo-heavy hoods like Liberty Village or King West, where you can find almost anything you need within minutes of home.

The DuEast website boasts that its condos will be located within “steps” of a Loblaw’s, Shopper’s Drug Mart, Rogers, RBC, Tim Horton’s and also more “eclectic” local businesses like Sumach Espresso and Paintbox Bistro.

Daniels also promotes the Regent Park community heavily in its marketing materials, and nowhere does it explicitly say it’s trying to rename the hood.

Still, “DuEast” sounds like the kind of name that could stick, whether intentional or not. Stranger things have happened.

Prices of bachelor apartment rentals in Toronto are soaring

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Finding a reasonably priced apartment in Toronto has never been more difficult. While there's been lots of chatter about the climbing costs of one and two bedroom units over the last year, it's actually the smallest apartments that are rising the most in price. 

According to Padmapper's real-time rental stats, bachelor apartments have climbed a whopping 15 percent since last month to reach a median price of $1,499. By contrast, one bedrooms rose a more modest five percent to reach $1,950.

You don't have to be too old to remember a time when you could snatch up a really solid studio apartment for $750 in Toronto. Alas, gone are the days when sacrificing on size would deliver you with a cheap housing option.

Two bedroom units in Toronto appear to be more controlled in their price fluctuations. Right now, Padmapper has them at $2,550, which is only slightly up from last month. I guess it's time to find a roommate.

Rental of the week: 117 Robert Street

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The rental market in Toronto might be depressing for most apartment hunters, but every once in a while it's interesting to take a peek at the places that people swimming in money are looking at. It's a different world out there.

117 Robert StreetThis three bedroom unit at 117 Robert St. might not be as nice as Drake's temporary pad, but it's about as pimp as most rentals get in this city. 

117 Robert StreetThe furnishings, which come with the space, might be a touch sparse, but there's no denying the slick minimalism of this Annex area home. While it boasts a Victorian exterior, the inside is all about clean open spaces. 

117 Robert StreetParticularly nice is the second floor area, which includes the main living/TV-watching space as well as a large loft bedroom, all of which sits underneath the beautiful wood beams of the exposed roof. 

If that wasn't enough luxury in an apartment rental, the outdoor space is to die for. Despite a lack of patio furniture, you can just imagine what a cool place the second floor terrace would be to hang out and have dinner.

117 Robert StreetSpecs
  • Address: 117 Robert St.
  • Apartment type: Semi-detached house
  • Rent: $6,500
  • Utilities: Not specfied
  • Air conditioning? Yes
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 3
  • Parking: Yes
  • Laundry? In-suite
  • Outdoor space? Deck
  • Pet friendly? Unspecified
117 Robert StreetGood For

Ex-pat workers getting help with their rental costs. Millionaires awaiting their Bridle Path mansions to be completed.

117 Robert StreetMove On If

You like a cosier design. While the wood beams warm up the main living space here, the overall design is certainly contemporary and minimal.

117 Robert Street117 Robert Street117 Robert Street117 Robert Street

Map charts Toronto condo prices by TTC subway stop

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When it comes to Toronto condo prices, location really is everything. Sure, buying any unit in the city is going to be expensive, but when you see how prices vary based on the TTC subway map, it's obvious that Line 1 reigns supreme. 

Toronto realtor Davelle Morrison recently put together this map of condo prices by TTC stop, which reveals the area around Summerhill Station as the most expensive place in the city. It's followed closely by Museum, Bay, Bloor-Yonge, and Rosedale as other high cost areas.

condo prices ttc stop toronto

On the flip side, the most reasonable condo prices in Toronto can be found in less dense areas of the city like Scarborough and the eastern portion of North York, which includes stations like Wilson, Sheppard West, and Lawrence West.

Also interesting are the TTC stops that yield no data. The map charts condo prices within 0.3 kilometres of each station, which means that there are plenty of blank entries because there just aren't condos within the radius under examination. 

When you think about it, that's kind of troubling in terms of Line 2. There are too many stations that lack the kind of density that urban planners laud as key to successful city building. 

There will be multiple TTC subway closures this weekend

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As the weekend approaches, it's time to prepare for another TTC subway closure. This time significant sections of Line 2 and Line 3 will be closed on Saturday and Sunday.

There will be no subway service between St. George and Broadview stations on August 26 due to bridge work on the Prince Edward Viaduct. Shuttle buses will operate between these stations during the closure.

TTC Subway Closure

There will also be no subway service on Line 3 between McCowan and Kennedy stations on August 27 due to life extension, track, and infrastructure work. Shuttle buses will operate between Scarborough Centre and Kennedy stations during this closure.

TTC Subway Closure

Regular subway service will resume on Monday. The next scheduled closure will halt weekend service one Line 1 between Sheppard West and Lawrence West stations on September 9 and 10.

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