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Demolition is now underway at Honest Ed's

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Honest Ed's ghostly presence at Bathurst and Bloor streets is soon to come to an end. Demolition efforts have now begun at the sprawling retail complex, which closed at the end of last year.

honest eds demolition

The sign at the corner of Bloor and Markham streets has already been removed for preservation efforts. Photo by Derek Flack.

It had been relatively quiet at the site after signs from the Markham St. facade were stripped earlier this year, but activity has heated up in the last week as hoarding has gone up along Bloor St. sealing off the old retail windows.

honest eds demolition

Demolition has begun at the rear of the building. Photo by Derek Flack.

The real action, however, is in the back. Amidst a parade of dump trucks and work vehicles, the rear wall of the store is starting to come down in earnest. Right now, there are two sizeable holes cut out on the second and third floors, but you can bet they'll make quick progress here.

honest eds demolition

The shelled out interior of Honest Ed's. Photo by Derek Flack.

Meanwhile, the interior has been stripped entirely bare. Honest Ed's always had a ramshackle feel about it, but now that the veneer has been stripped back, it's easy to see how cobbled together the whole place was.

honest eds demolition

Aluminum panels are being installed around the old ground-level window displays. Photo by Derek Flack.

As far as a timeline goes, a construction worker on site said that he expected the front portion of the building to come down in "about a month's time." For now, the lower portion of the building will be encased in metal as they clear it from the inside out. 

honest eds demolition

These Drake-inspired signs ring a more ominous tone now that demolition is underway. Photo by Derek Flack.

There are many signs still come down on three sides of the building, though there's no word that they'll be preserved. The three remaining mega-signs are said to be damaged beyond repair, though the one that's already been stripped with find new life on Victoria St.

When it comes to the rest of the building, the Drake-inspired posters that cover its exterior say it best: if you're reading this, it's too late.


Multiple subway closures in effect on the TTC this weekend

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Another weekend, another set of TTC subway closures. There are no less than three upcoming service advisories to have on your radar in the coming days. 

There will be no subway service between Sheppard West and Wilson stations on November 4 and 5 due to signal upgrades. All trains on Line 1 will turn back southbound at Wilson Station. Shuttle buses will operate between these stations.

TTC Subway Closure

In addition to this closure, subway service between Sheppard West and St. George stations will start at 12 p.m. on November 4 due to signal upgrades. All trains on Line 1 will turn back southbound at St George Station during the closure.

Shuttle buses will operate between Sheppard West and Lawrence West stations. Customers are encouraged to use existing east-west bus/streetcar routes to the Yonge portion of Line 1 or north-south bus routes to Line 2. 

Customers travelling on Line 2 who wish to travel northbound should transfer at Yonge-Bloor Station. There is no shuttle bus service from St. George Station.

TTC Subway Closure

All subway service will resume normal operation on Monday morning. The next scheduled closure will halt weekend service on Line 1 between St. Clair and Lawrence stations on November 11 and 12 due to track work.

It's also important to note that trains on Line 1 will be bypassing Queen Station both ways starting at 11 p.m. each evening until late November due to fare gate construction. Service will resume at the regularly scheduled time each morning.

Toronto is getting an epic 100 foot Christmas tree this year

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The holiday spirit is about to bubble up in Toronto. Way up, in fact. Massive Christmas trees will rise across the city this month with the biggest of the bunch coming to the CF Toronto Eaton Centre in mid November.

As was the case last year, it'll rise a whopping 100 feet in the air, covering three levels of Toronto's downtown mall. This thing is so tall, it's hard to fit it in the frame of a camera. 

In celebration of the gigantic tree's arrival in Toronto, the Eaton Centre will host an unveiling ceremony on November 16 at 6 p.m. that'll feature a performance by Choir! Choir! Choir! and more Instagram snaps than you can fathom. 

The following day, a 50 foot version will be officially unveiled at the CF Shops and Don Mills, the mall's first tree of this stature. It too will get the Choir! Choir! Choir! treatment.

Elsewhere around town, the Toronto Christmas Market's 50 foot tree has already gone up in the Distillery District, though it won't be officially lit until the event gets underway November 16. And later this month, the city's official tree will rise 70 feet at Nathan Phillips Square.

Don’t take your phone to Chris Rock’s Toronto show

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Chris Rock's stop in Toronto for his Total Blackout Tour is the comedy event of the month, but you can bet a lot of people are going to be surprised at what happens to their phones when they arrive at the ACC. 

While many performers plead with audiences to keep their phones away during shows, Rock is one of a growing number of artists who have implemented a total ban on such devices at their shows via what's known as a Yondr pouch

Dave Chappelle was one of the first to employ the technology, which functions by locking audience members' phones in a small pouch that they keep on hand but aren't able to open unless in a designated area. 

Chappelle used the pouches at his shows at the Danforth Music Hall and for his impromptu Juke Joint at 99 Sudbury in 2016, but those venues pale in comparison to the size of the ACC. Expect thousands of these pouches at the gates to Rock's show on November 11. 

Here's the official policy for the Toronto leg of the Blackout Tour:

"Upon arrival, all phones and smart watches will be secured in Yondr pouches that will be unlocked at the end of the show. Guests maintain possession of their phones throughout the night, and if needed, may access their phones at designated Yondr unlocking stations in the lobby.

All guests are encouraged to print their tickets in advance to ensure a smooth entry process. Anyone caught with a cellphone in the venue will be immediately ejected. We appreciate your cooperation in creating a phone-free viewing experience."

As much as the policy might come as a surprise to local attendees, it's been in place throughout the tour, which has been underway throughout 2017. 

Not everyone loves the strict policy, but there's been positive reaction to the ban on phones at Rock's shows as well. It's probably best to consider the policy with an open mind because it looks like Yondr pouches are only gaining in popularity. 

Toronto's newest coffee shop is also a laundromat

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Toronto is home to so many quirky business concepts that sometimes it's surprising to realize that not everything under the sun has made its way to this fair city. Case in point: the coffee shop laundromat. 

While cafe-laundromat hybrids have gained popularity in the US, the trend hasn't taken hold in Toronto just yet. That could be about to change, though. 

The soon-to-open Laundry and Lattes at Dufferin and Wallace is set to marry an espresso bar with a laundromat. It used to be your average neighourhood coin op, but the front of the space will soon function as a third wave indie cafe. 

Local places like Yummi Cafe Laundromat and the now defunct Eco Laundry Room and Cafe have waded into this territory before, but what sets Laundry and Lattes apart is that the cafe component won't be secondary.

On the contrary, it's sure to cater to folks merely looking for a caffeine fix rather than freshly washed clothes.

There's still plenty of work to be done to renovate the existing laundromat at 1152 Dufferin Street, but a peek in the window reveals a wooden espresso bar coming along very nicely. 

There's no official launch date for Laundry and Lattes yet, but I'm told that an opening can be expected in about a month. 

Rental of the week: 552 Indian Road

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There are plenty of luxury apartments in Toronto, but few match the refinement and character of this High Park rental. One of two units in a renovated old house on Indian Rd., it's as big as it is beautiful.

552 indian road torontoThe design isn't without its quirky features — take the long kitchen, for instance — but it somehow works to create a light-filled space that looks entirely unique. 

552 indian road torontoI'm particularly fond of the master bedroom, which doubles as a sort of family room with a fireplace and TV. Despite the spaciousness of the apartment as a whole, this feels cosy in the best possible way.

552 indian road torontoBut, of course, it's the rooftop deck that steals the show here. It's over 1,000 square feet and features a hot tub and barbecue nook. I'd take this over a condo balcony any day of the week. Most penthouses don't have terraces this nice. 

552 indian road torontoSpecs
  • Address: 552 Indian Rd. - Upper
  • Rent: $6,500
  • Furnished? Yes
  • Utilities: Unspecified
  • Air conditioning? Yes
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Bathrooms: 2
  • Parking: Yes
  • Laundry? In suite
  • Outdoor space? Rooftop patio
  • Pet friendly? Dogs only
552 indian road torontoGood For

Someone with exquisite taste and some serious coin to spend on an apartment. Furnished apartments are often characterless hotel room clones, but this one is a gem.

552 indian road torontoMove On If

You fancy yourself to be such a fine interior decorator that you'd never consider occupying a space outfitted by someone else. 

552 indian road toronto552 indian road toronto

11 things to do in Toronto today

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Today in Toronto you can celebrate the Day of the Dead at the AGO, hit up a huge party at TIFF, or score a deal on shoes.  The weekend is almost upon us, so get out there and live it up.

Events you might want to check out:

TIFF Boombox (November 2 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox)
Get ready to live forever at boombox, a building-wide, multi-sensory, Fame-inspired adventure at TIFF Bell Lightbox.
Janet Jackson (November 2 @ Air Canada Centre)
Janet's well-received State of the World tour is back on track after being postponed and will at last make its way to Toronto.
Annie Leibovitz Book Signing (November 2 @ Indigo Bay & Bloor)
One of the most influential photographers of our time, Annie Leibovitz visits Indigo to discuss the photographs found in her new book Annie Leibovitz: Portraits 2005-2016.
Hudson's Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue Unveil Holiday Windows (November 2 @ Saks Toronto)
Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue will unveil their always-iconic holiday window display. Following a performance by Pentatonix, guests are invited inside to enjoy a photo booth, ornament painting, and more.
Museum of the Macabre (November 2 @ AGO - Art Gallery of Ontario)
On the official Day of the Dead, explore the AGO as you've never seen it before as part of the AGO's November First Thursday.
HomeFest (November 2-4 @ International Centre)
This three day trade show focuses on upping your quality of home life, giving attendees opportunities to learn from chefs and industry experts in areas like food and entertainment alike.
Night Skies Over Turtle Island: Indigenous Perspectives on the Cosmos (November 2 @ JJR Macleod Auditorium, University of Toronto)
Explore the night sky via U of T's telescopes and a live planetarium presentation, as well as a panel speaking on how the indigenous peoples of North America view the night sky.
Baker Shoe Company Warehouse Sale (November 2 @ Baker Shoe Company's Warehouse)
The semi annual footwear sale offers deals ranging from 50% to 95% off regular pricing. With over 30 brands you're sure to find fall footwear that'll actually have you looking forward to chilly weather.
Yas Kween: Ethnic Funny Women (November 2 @ Bad Dog Comedy Theatre)
Celebrate a night of funny with an all star line up of talented women of colour.
Pop Art Pop Up (November 2 @ Twist Gallery)
A dynamic group of Toronto artists are bringing the Pop Art movement of the 1960's into the contemporary moment with unique artistic reflections on mass media, popular culture and consumerism.
Matt and Ben (November 2-4 @ The Commons Theatre)
Don't miss this all-women production of Matt and Ben, a play written by Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers, about young struggling actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck discovering the script to Good Will Hunting.

American sushi chain Kona Grill opening first Toronto location

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The list of foreign restaurant brands expanding into Toronto this year continues to grow with the impending arrival of "upscale casual" sushi and grill chain, Kona Grill.

Known for its specialty cocktails and elaborate sushi menu, the Arizona-based restaurant chain currently has more than 40 locations across the U.S.

The company announced earlier this year that it had signed a "letter of intent" to develop a Kona Grill in Toronto, marking its first-ever foray into the Canadian market.

While we have yet to see an opening date, we now have an address (and an Instagram account) for what will surely be a first-rate first date spot.

Kona Grill will be opening "soon" at 6210 Hwy 7 in Vaughan. We'll let you know exactly how soon when that information drops.


Win a $100 Cafe Landwer gift card

Toronto Restaurant Openings: Roywoods, Boodle Fight, Love Mondays

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Toronto restaurant openings highlights the latest food news in Toronto and gives a preview of what's coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.

Open now
Recently reviewed
Opening soon
  • Yorkdale will also be adding a new location of Village Juicery on Wednesday, November 8, with exclusive gifts for the first 100 customers.
  • Love Mondays, a new vegan restaurant by the same team behind Calii Love, is set to open in early 2018 at 318 Richmond St. W. (at Widmer).
  • Schnitzel Hub will be replacing the shuttered Za Pizzeria at 402 Bloor St. W. in the Annex very soon.
  • As previously reported, coffee brand Balzac’s will be opening a new cafe in the Powerhouse Building in Davenport Village. It's now set to open at the start of next month.
  • Born-in-Toronto veggie/vegan chain Fresh will be opening another location, this time with a bar menu featuring healthy-ish cocktails, at 47 Front St. E. (west of Church) in the summer of 2018.
  • Chef of India is taking over what was formerly a location of Milagro at 3187 Yonge St. (north of Lawrence).

Have you seen restaurants opening or closing in your neighbourhood? Email tips to editors@blogto.com

One of Toronto's nicest new condos just went bust

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Like so many other Toronto neighbourhoods, the Junction Triangle is growing and changing– which, while exciting, makes it prone to some growing pains.

Castlepoint Numa just announced the cancellation of its Museum Flats condo development at 158 Sterling Road, part of the much-hyped "Lower JCT" project.

Local design lovers are disappointed that the sweet-looking building, designed by architectsAlliance, won't come to fruition. Early buyers, on the other hand, are livid after sinking so much money – and time – into the project pre-construction.

About 150 people bought units in the 10 storey Museum Flats building (stylized Museum FLTS,) some of them for well over $1 million. In January of this year, Castlepoint noted on its Lower JCT blog that the entire building was nearly sold-out.

Now, the developer says that it has not"obtained the necessary approvals and a building permit."

"Despite our team’s best efforts and the expenditure of millions of dollars to launch this phase, lengthy delays in the approval process have made it now impossible to finance this building," reads a post on its website. "To those who purchased a unit, we are truly sorry."

But some buyers aren't buying the excuse.

"It seems that the true reason may be that this project is suddenly in a hot neighbourhood," wrote one purchaser on the Junction Triangle Community Group Facebook Page, suggesting that Castlepoint Numa would "would rather cancel, blame someone else, and re-launch for 30% more down the road."

Early buyers received notice of the cancellation on Friday, according to Museum Flats (almost) resident Anthony De Sa.

"Money and nominal interested was returned," he told us by email. "Very disappointed. No clear explanation was given. This is the second time this has happened to me [with Castlepoint.]"

Castlepoint Numa says that remains "committed to the Lower Junction" and will advance construction on two other buildings within the project; the West Towns and the Auto Building. Both are scheduled for completion this spring.

Weekend events in Toronto November 3-5 2017

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This weekend in Toronto the world's first IMAX theatre re-opens after five years, a new film festival hits the TIFF Bell Lightbox, and one of Canada's biggest bands is in town for two nights you won't want to miss.

Events you might want to check out:

Cinesphere Opening Weekend (November 3-5 @ Ontario Place)
The Cinesphere is back! Head down to Ontario Place as programming resumes at this iconic cinema with screenings of Dunkirk and Beauty and the Beast.
Arcade Fire (November 3 @ Air Canada Centre)
Whether you loved or hated their latest record, no one can deny that Arcade Fire put on one of the best live shows in Canadian music. Joining them is the equally large band, Broken Social Scene.
The Royal Winter Fair (November 3-12 @ Enercare Centre)
Kind of like the Ex of the fall, the Royal Winter Fair is a tradition that takes Torontonians inside the world of farming, grooming, pageant shows, baby animals, and yummy food.
Day of the Dead (November 4-5 @ Harbourfront Centre)
Day of the Dead celebrates the life of people and their memories, achievements and impact through contemporary art, food and music.
Yorkville Village Arts Festival (November 3-8 @ Yorkville Village)
The fourth annual Arts Festival will showcase over 50 original art pieces by 28 OCAD students and recent graduates. You'll find VR displays, live painting, meet the artists panels, and more.
InnovateTO150 (November 3 @ Design Exchange)
In honour of Canada's 150th birthday, the City of Toronto is collaborating with its universities to showcase the next generation of change-makers, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
FNL: Valhalla (November 3 @ Royal Ontario Museum)
What do we really know about Vikings? Explore the myths and stereotypes of this ancient culture at one of the fanciest and lively places to be this Friday night.
Just For Laughs Presents The Alternative Comedy Tour (November 4 @ Sony Centre for the Performing Arts)
An evening of off-beat hilarity awaits, featuring Silicon Valley and Deadpool star TJ Miller, Flight of the Conchords' Rhys Darby, and more.
Pop-up Shop: Joao Paulo Guedes, Hendrixroe, Merchant Sons (November 4 @ At Merchant Sons store)
Three incredible Canadian brands under one roof for one day only. Find deals on menswear, womenswear, home supplies, and more.
That Night In Toronto: An Ode to Gord Fundraiser (November 4 @ Junction Art Crossing)
As an ode to Gord Downie and everything he stood for, the Artery community is putting on a showcase honoring the late singer-activist, with all proceeds going towards brain cancer research foundations.
Canadian Beatbox Championships (November 4 @ Lee's Palace)
the Level Up Canadian Beatbox Championship goes down at Lee's Palace this Saturday, featuring fierce competitors from Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia.
Lil Yachty (November 5 @ REBEL)
The American rapper has been continually gaining momentum since 2015 and with no plan of stopping anytime soon, he hits Toronto for "One Night" only.
Free Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches and Poutine (November 3 @ Philthy Philly’s)
Philthy Philly's is giving away 100 free Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and 100 free poutines to the first people in line at their new Yonge location starting at 6 PM.
Toronto Luxury Chocolate Show (November 4-5 @ Toronto Public Library - Toronto Reference Library, Salons)
The 7th Toronto International Luxury Chocolate Show will bring hourly demonstrations and free samples of diverse, fine artisan and imported chocolate products, as well as purchasable treats to take home.
Syrian Refugee Community Dinner (November 3 @ Paintbox Catering & Bistro)
Six Syrian refugees present an open buffet, bringing the beautiful delicacy of Syrian cuisine to Toronto. The event looks to help the Refugees better integrate into Canadian society and Toronto community.
Partake Brewing Launch Party (November 5 @ 3030 Dundas West)
Come find out why some craft beer writers are saying this draft non-alcoholic beer (yep, you read that right), is giving other beers a legitimate run for their money.
Black Star (November 3 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox)
In collaboration with the British Film Institute, TIFF presents Black Star, an expansive retrospective celebrating 100 years of Black excellence in cinema.
Brazil Film Festival (November 3-5 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox)
The eleventh annual Brazil Film Fest is returning to Toronto and features twelve recent national productions never before seen in Toronto.
Found Footage Festival (November 3 @ The Royal Cinema - Toronto)
Hundreds of hours of VHS footage is meticulously curated into a night of outrageous clips screened with commentary on stage.
Tomorrow: Free Screening (November 5 @ Artscape Wychwood Barns)
The 9th Annual EcoFair at the Barns presents a free screening of Tomorrow: Travel the World of Sustainable Solution, which explores the contemporary collapse of many of the planet's ecosystems.
Women in Spirit: The Art of Indigenous Artist Wabimeguil (November 3-11 @ Artusiasm Art Gallery)
Wabimeguil has worked with vivid colours and forms for over 30 years and will be holding her first ever solo exhibition in Toronto, “Women in Spirit."
Stereo: A Glasses-Less 3D Exhibit - Opening Reception (November 4 @ Hashtag Gallery)
This new exhibit hits Toronto November 4th and boasts mind bending glasses-free 3D to create an immersive experience that can quite literally only be seen in person.
iAM: An Exhibition on Reconciliation Opening Party (November 3 @ Daniel Spectrum building)
Over 20 artists and the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto unite to recognize Canada's complicated history with the Indigenous community through photos and recorded stories.
Benefit Show for D-Beatstro (November 5 @ D-Beatstro)
The community-driven venue has confessed to some financial difficulties, so bands from across town are hosting an all ages benefit show to keep the asset to Toronto's music scene up and running. Bands include HEX, the Jims, Cheap Smokes, and more.

Toronto's stunning new sky bridge is now open

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One of Toronto's most eagerly anticipated infrastructure projects is finally complete.

The dazzling, helix-like sky bridge at the Eaton Centre opened to the public this morning after a brief event with Mayor John Tory and representatives from Cadillac Fairview and Hudson's Bay.

eaton centre sky bridgeThe good news is that this thing looks as good on the inside as it does on the outside. Walking through it is like being transported to a set from Star Trek, complete with clean lines and radiant lighting. 

eaton centre skybridgeGet ready for local Instagram feeds to explode with photos taken here. It's not a huge structure, but it's so polished that it's sure to attract lots of attention from pretty much everyone passing by.

eaton centre sky bridgeThe way that the bridge rises and falls between the two buildings is particularly apparent when you reach the middle and are suspended between the two buildings with a perfect view of Queen St.

eaton centre sky bridgeConstruction on the bridge started back in May on nearby James St., and since then the bridge has been in the public eye. Once it was in place between the buildings, it already looked like a winner, but it wasn't until this morning that it was confirmed. 

eaton centre sky bridgeHats of to architects WilkinsonEyre and Zeidler for designing a worthy successor to what was already a Toronto landmark.

Racist signs surface at University of Toronto campus

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What started as a 4Chan prank is growing legs of its own this week as problematic posters pop up on school campuses around North America.

"It's Okay to Be White," read the simple black and white signs.

That's it. There is no context, no URL, no hashtag – nothing to connect the signs to any sort of larger movement, though most people agree that the posters meant to play up racial tensions.

Racist signs Toronto

Students at the University of Toronto report that these signs were pasted all over St. George Street on Wednesday between Bloor and the Galbraith Building.

They've also been spotted on The University of Alberta's Native Studies building, around Harvard in Cambridge, Mass., and at schools in Ohio, Maryland and Louisiana (among others.)

Signs like the one above can be traced back to an Oct. 31 thread on the notoriously inflammatory message board 4Chan.

"Game plan (if you haven't seen it already)" reads the original post, found on the "politically incorrect" sub-forum.

Readers are asked to print out uniform signs from a provided website, put on a silly costume ("nobody will think twice because it's halloween") and put the signs up on campuses across the world.

"The next morning, the media goes completely berserk," the plan reads. "Normies tune in to see what's going on, see the posters saying 'it's okay to be white' and the media & leftists frothing at the mouth."

Their eventual goal?: "The credibility of far left campuses and media gets nuked, massive victory for the right in the culture war."

Suffice to say the stunt didn't play out as the group had hoped it would.

Shortly after news of the signs started to spread, a Cleveland-based alternative news website linked the 4Chan pranksters to the controversial posters.

Signs with the same message bearing different fonts have since started appearing on some campuses, indicating that there might be some copycats trying to further the project.

Despite this, many students have been quick to tell them (and the world) what they think of the message.

The posters are now being ripped down seemingly faster than most people can get pictures of them.

U of T's signs were too sticky to rip off, which is consistent with many Toronto hydro pole signs. Fortunately, someone has taken the liberty of covering them with black paint.

8 notable Toronto businesses that closed in October

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Toronto businesses that closed in October encompassed both longtime fixtures in the city (that will hopefully live on as different incarnations of themselves) and slightly less established places that will still be missed. 

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

House of Lords

Despite promises of property tax relief for small businesses along Yonge St., the longstanding Yonge St. hair salon packed up shop in early October.

Ashdale Brunch and Espresso

Having opened a little over two years ago in brunch-heavy Leslieville, this Queen East cafe closed with no warning or explanation.

Belmonte Raw

Another Leslieville spot – a shop specializing in cold-pressed juices –also shuttered last month (along with its second location in the Financial District's PATH), after nine years in business.

The Green Room

This beloved hidden hangout in the Annex has lived many lives, and it lives on again where Crown and Tiger once was on College St. in Little Italy, but the funky back-alley space it once occupied deserves its own proper RIP.

Kaiju

The one highlight of the depressing subterranean Shops at Aura at Yonge & Gerrard closed at the end of October. But there's still hope for fans of this popular mom-and-pop fast-food stall's made-from-scratch Japanese curry – it's currently looking for a new location.

Milestones (John & Richmond)

After 18 years in the Entertainment District, this chain restaurant at John & Richmond shut its doors so as not to compete with its sibling location at Yonge & Dundas.

The Rectory Cafe

A classic place to drink and dine on Toronto Island, the Rectory boasted a lovely lakeside patio. Its owners decided not to renew their lease and had their final day of service on October 15. The business was put up for sale, so there's still a good chance it will be reincarnated in some form next year.

The Steady

This Miami-inspired, queer-friendly bar and vegan brunch joint in Bloorcourt opened in 2013 and closed on Halloween. The space has since been sold to an unknown buyer.


The best pumpkins spotted this Halloween in Toronto

Massive Harry Potter festival being planned near Toronto

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Attention Potterheads of Toronto: the wildly popular Harry Potter-themed festival that nobody could score tickets to last month is coming back for another round... next September.

It may still be 10 months away, but it's worth putting the 2018 Festival of Wizardry on your calendar now. Last year, the event sold out almost immediately, much like the Festival of Thrones, which was also produced by Transfigured Town.

"Prepare your wands and dust off your broomsticks for this annual spellbinding event," reads the event's description. "Festival of Wizardry 2018 will have all the things you loved from 2017 with some amazing additions."

Those additions, according to Transfigured Town, include more sets, more props, more classes, bigger prizes, workshops, camping, "virtual wizardry," Quidditch and LARPing.

Tickets are not yet available, but that's probably a good thing because it means you still have a chance to score some. We can tell you when it's going to happen though: September 20-23, 2018. 

Now go forth and do your wizard stuff, Harry Potter fans. Muggle Hufflepuff Slytherin Hogwarts Muggle!

That time when Ben Kerr was the king of Toronto buskers

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If you spent any quality time in the downtown core of Toronto in the 1980s, 90s or early 2000s, you surely remember the legend that is Ben Kerr.

A reedy elder sporting a ragged Blue Jays hat and weather-beaten guitar busking from his favoured spot outside the Bay at Yonge and Bloor, Ben’s blend of folksy American songbook and Eastern Canadiana could instantly brighten the darkest of days.

“Make a wish, it could be your lucky day” was his favourite refrain to those passing by.

The lore of Ben Kerr is stout: originally from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, he moved west to Toronto and played guitar in Yorkville clubs alongside Gordon Lightfoot, Steppenwolf and Joni Mitchell, as well as penning songs for Neil Young and John Turner in the 1960s.

While working for the Toronto Harbour Commission in the 1970s, he grew irritated at cigarette smokers in the office and became a fierce advocate of banning it in the workplace, even recording and releasing a song entitled “Fire on one end, Fool on the other”:

It’s nigh impossible to imagine now, but during that era offices (and everywhere else, for that matter) were engulfed in plumes of blue cigarette smoke. People generally puffed away on cigarettes like chimneys, and it was socially accepted they could do it anywhere they pleased.

The fact Ben Kerr railed against it cast him as an outsider, a madman who wanted others to be free from second hand smoke.

In 1981, Ben walked from Toronto to Los Angeles, Forrest Gump style, to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking in the office, a journey that ended with appearances on Richard Simmons exercise series and The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

Along the way he was profiled by numerous local US television stations, and even appeared in a music video by criminally underrated New Wave band Trees - “Shock of the New” (that’s him at the beginning with his trademark gas mask)

After his epic anti-smoking trek, Ben returned to Toronto and took to busking and recording new material. In 1985 he ran for Mayor of Toronto, an exercise which he repeated every municipal election up until the early 2000s.

His platform was to be the first singing mayor and to “take Toronto to the world, in song”. He called himself “The Fringe Candidate” and unsurprisingly wrote a ditty about that too.

Perhaps most famously, Ben espoused a homespun Cayenne pepper cocktail which he claimed not only cured-all but also amplified sexual prowess (earning him the moniker of “King of Cayenne”).

Of his many twangy songs, “The Cayenne Pepper Song” remains a fan favourite. He even self-published a book – The Cayenne Pepper Does it All, and would sell it along with Cayenne recipes and best-of cassette tapes whenever he busked.

One of the stranger detours in a life full of strange detours was Ben’s appearance in the 1987 horror-film Beyond the Seventh Door.

Shot in Toronto on an apparent spaghetti string budget, the film featured chain-smoking cult actor Lazar Rockwood as an ex-con looking to rob his ex-girlfriend’s boss’s booby trapped castle (Casa Loma!), and featured Ben Kerr in a cameo appearance as a corpse central to the plot and commanding a tonne of creepy screen time.

This infamous “bottom-shelf VHS classic” was also a sleazy staple of Citytv’s Late Great Movies in the early 90s, and has finally been released on DVD by the splendid boffins at Intervision, with bonus features including a short appreciation of Ben Kerr by his good friend/campaign manager Jaymz Bee, and yours truly.

The following year Ben appeared in director B.D. Benedikt’s follow up Brooklyn Nights also starring Lazar Rockwood and again shot in Toronto. This time thankfully Ben’s character was alive and well and belting out in the opening scene.

Ben Kerr passed away in 2005 at the age of 75. In 2007, Toronto City Council approved a motion to name a laneway near his house at Jones Avenue and Danforth in his honour and in 2008, Ben Kerr Lane was officially unveiled.

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Ben Kerr Lane runs off of Donlands Ave. Photo by HiMY SYeD.

Not only was Ben ahead of the curve on the issue of non-smokers rights, his insights into politics were quite prophetic as well.

Upon being termed a “joke” candidate because he had no political experience, Ben would often point to Ronald Reagan, or Jesse Ventura, as examples of entertainers who transitioned onto the political stage, suggesting they understood how to play the media better than stuffy bureaucrats.

Little did we realize at the time, it was truly a golden age of eccentric Toronto street characters. From Crad Kilodney to Sarko“BELIEVE in the Lord!” to Rockin’ Rick Donaldson and the late great Ben Kerr.

Ben’s positive vibes were contagious. Crowds could always be found gathered around his spot at Yonge and Bloor come rain, snow or shine.

He was a proper old-school busker, rarely absent from the streets, a towering inspiration to younger street performers, and revered by the chalkers who would mark his territory.

That spot outside the Bay at Yonge and Bloor has never been the same since “The King of Cayenne” strummed his final song.

Special thanks to Mike Tutt.

Ed Conroy's Retrontario plumbs the seedy depths of Toronto flea markets, flooded basements, thrift shops and garage sales, mining old VHS and Betamax tapes that less than often contain incredible moments of history that were accidentally recorded but somehow survived the ravages of time. You can find more amazing discoveries at www.retrontario.com.

People just can't stop trespassing on the TTC

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"Train service has been suspended on Line 1" is one of the worst things a TTC passenger can hear (alongside "train service has been suspended on Line 2" and "Hey, blondie...")

Subway shutdowns = commuter chaos = thousands of late people all over the city.

Passengers get frustrated when they don't know why they're stuck on a cramped subway train for who knows how long – but they get really mad when it's because of a "trespasser at track level."

There have been nearly 50 major service disruptions due to trespassing since the beginning of this year alone, the latest one being today.

It happened five times in January, five times in February, three times in March... actually, it's happened every single month this year, up to seven times in some cases (August.) 

Who keeps going into the subway tunnels and shutting down our city? Are they looking for ghosts? Are they looking for Master Splinter? Why does this keep happening? How?

With the exception of those who have mental health problems, it's largely people who drop their belongings down into the tracks and try to retrieve them, according to the TTC.

Jumping into the potential path of a speeding train for keys or a phone might seem dumb, but it's not the dumbest.

A total of 16 people actually tried crossing the tracks last year to get to the opposite subway platform, risking certain death with 600 volts of electricity running through the live power rail.

And of course, there are the thrill seekers, who don't seem to mind costing local businesses countless amounts of money in lost productivity because hey, it's okay, they're cool on YouTube.

Those caught trespassing on TTC grounds can face several steep fines for acts including "failure to comply with posted sign," "project body beyond platform edge or platform safety markings," and "interference with ordinary enjoyment of transit system."

If they're lucky, they'll get a $425 fee for "unauthorized crossing or entering upon subway track" – as opposed to "death by electrocution."

Condo of the week: 290 Adelaide Street West

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Fans of minimalist contemporary condo designs will surely like this recently listed unit at the Bond Condos. It has a magazine-worthy feel about it on account of the 15 foot ceilings and wall of glass that faces a sprawling private terrace.

290 adelaide west torontoThe space looks narrower than it is on account of the long couch that runs the entire length of the wall in the living room, which was almost certainly custom built for the unit. 

290 adelaide west torontoThe main living space gives the impression that the master bedroom will also be grandly spacious, so it's a bit of a letdown to see that it's a relatively pedestrian space. Don't get me wrong, it's still nice — but the rest of the condo sets up some major expectations. 

290 adelaide west torontoThere's nothing negative to say about the huge outdoor space, though. At over 1,100 square feet, it's well equipped for all manner of dinner or cocktails parties. It's also completely private for all your sunbathing needs.

290 adelaide west torontoSpecs
  • Address: #701 - 290 Adelaide St. W
  • Price: $1,595,000
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Bathrooms: 2
  • Parking: 2
  • Walk Score: 100
  • Transit Score: 100
  • Maintenance Fees: $711.04
  • Listing agent: Rosanne Ruth Agasee
  • Listing ID: C3949113
290 adelaide west torontoGood For

Someone who's desperate to impress with their living space. This place is a total show stopper when you enter the living room, but it's not quite as luxurious as it might first appear. 

290 adelaide west torontoMove On If

You want a condo that could accommodate the arrival of kids. This place is better suited a young power couple who like the entertain or empty nesters who will enjoy the more polished aspects of the interior.

290 adelaide west toronto290 adelaide west toronto290 adelaide west toronto290 adelaide west toronto

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

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