You're probably familiar with Bento Sushi if you've ever been in a rush and wanted something quick but healthy that wasn't salad. Now the Toronto sushi chain that makes fresh, pre-packed sushi has been sold.

British sushi chain YO! Sushi recently acquired Bento's 600 branches, both in Canada and the US, including stands in grocery stores like Loblaws, Sobey's, and Metro for a hefty $100 million.

Pretty transformational deal just announced by @YOSushi to buy Bento, the 2nd biggest sushi chain in North America. Makes the enlarged group one of the biggest sushi companies outside Japan 🍣

— Alys Key (@alys_key) November 20, 2017

The sale signifies huge success for Bento, which started in Toronto in 1996 and has steadily grown over the past two decades. Bento remains a staple in many a food court; the practical choice for young people between KD again and spending money at an actual restaurant.

my university diet consists of fries from the dining hall, bento sushi, and blue powerade

— emily (@my_paracosm) November 20, 2017

YO! Sushi got its start one year later, in 1997, as a store-front sushi chain in London. Now it's seeking to take on the lucrative North American causal dining market that rightly assumes we're all too busy to cook.

You go, Bento!

The grace period is officially over for drivers who "misunderstand" King Street's new traffic signs – and Toronto Police aren't shy about letting them know it.

As of today, anyone caught blasting through intersections (or violating any other rule under the King Street Pilot Project) will face fines starting at $110 with the possibility of two demerit points.

That was a quick $220 dollars. The only way this pilot will work is if there is accountability. #KingStreetPilotpic.twitter.com/J7mzfELMGp

— Justin (@producerjustin) November 20, 2017

Police say they've issued thousands of warnings since the changes came into effect last Monday but, for the most part, downtown Toronto appears to be running a lot more smoothly – at least for the estimated 65,000 people who commute by streetcar every day.

Former city councillor and current mayoral candidate Doug Ford is not one of said commuters.

Heading downtown to King & Church to talk about the King street car ban disaster. Have a look at this mess! #KingStreetPilot#Torontopic.twitter.com/3MnstQliXt

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) November 20, 2017

Ford, the brother of late, former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, has launched a petition in which he calls the King Street Pilot project a "reckless plan."

"While some claim this will make King Street a transit priority zone, what it’s really about is making it a car exclusion zone," the petition reads.

Doug Ford is now calling tickets that are issued on King Street as “Tory Tickets”. @fordnation

— Kris Pangilinan (@KrisReports) November 20, 2017

In a vlog-style video posted to Twitter on Monday, Ford laments that he's in bumper-to-bumper traffic on Richmond Street due to King's new rules.

Streets running parallel to King, namely Adelaide, Queen, Wellington and Front were similarly jammed at the time (10:31 a.m.), according to Ford.

"This is a disaster, this is a war on the car," he says to the camera as he films himself driving forward. "Folks this has to come to an end." 

@johnhowe123#KingStreetPilot Do you think having King St empty 50% of the time is good transportation planning when other nearby streets remain clogged? What do you think of this alternative plan, one dedicated streetcar lane in loop, etc. See pic pic.twitter.com/NUtvAQToUj

— Peggy Moulder (@PeggyMoulder) November 20, 2017

Ford isn't alone in his criticism of the pilot project, especially now that tickets are being issued.

What was being hailed last week as a success story by commuters is now being panned as a disaster (er... even more so) by motorists.

#KingStreetPilot is a waste of @TPSOperations& @cityoftoronto resources. Police officers driving up and down king is tax payer $ not well spent. #ridiculous#TaxScam

— Meredith M (@mrsmeredithm) November 20, 2017

Still, many others are defending the pilot project using facts, history and logic.

"Richmond/Adelaide has always been like this. King and Queen, even worse," wrote House of Commons staffer Dominic Stewart in response to Ford's video.

"Bottom line - trying to accommodate vehicles in downtown Toronto is not sustainable. Making transit a priority, and increasing its effectiveness, is the solution."

The Wexford Heights shopping plaza is best known around Toronto as home to an iconic greasy spoon restaurant with really good eggs.

In Los Angeles, on the other hand, it's synonymous with one of this year's hottest indie films.

Toronto filmmaker Joyce Wong's award-winning movie, Wexford Plaza, has been raking in praise since its premiere at Slamdance earlier this year.

The Scarborough-based movie has since been showcased at major film festivals in Cannes, Torino, Atlanta, New Orleans, Vancouver and San Diego, among others – but not until next month will it finally open for public screenings in The GTA.

We're opening theatrically Dec 1st in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Whitby & Ottawa for a week long run! At the Carlton Cinema in Toronto and @LandmarkCinemas nationwide. Save the date! More details TBA pic.twitter.com/I0kdVYPXx0

— Wexford Plaza (@wexfordplaza) November 17, 2017

"It's our homecoming!" reads an announcement from the filmmakers. "Wexford Plaza opens theatrically in Canada on Friday Dec 1st for a week long run at Imagine Cinemas Carlton in Toronto and Landmark Cinemas in Vancouver, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Whitby and Edmonton!"

The film is described as a "slice-of-life offbeat comedy" about a lonely female security guard working at a Scarborough strip mall. 

"This is Scarborough, Ontario, where nothing ever happens," wrote  programmers at the St. John's International Women's Film Festival of Wong's film. "But the people who inhabit that world have hopes and dreams, just like the rest of us."

The real-life Wexford Plaza doesn't have security guards, to the best of my knowledge, but the film wasn't actually shot at the Lawrence and Warden strip mall – just inspired by it.

How closely does it nail the Scarborough aesthetic? We'll have to find out when the film starts screening here in December.

Like Beauty and The Beast's Belle, you can spend some time this holiday season poking around an enchanted, snow-covered castle at night.

But don't go into the West Wing. IT'S FORBIDDEN! 

Casa Loma is celebrating 150 years of Canadian Christmas this year by hosting a wide range of activities and performances including one by famed illusionist entertainer, Professor Wick, and ice skating performers Glisse on Ice.

The evening event, called Casa Loma Canadian Winter Nights, will run from 5 to 9 p.m. every evening between December 18 and January 7 excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.

This photo from a winter wedding at Casa Loma shows how dazzling the castle looks when surrounded by sparkling snow. (Image vis casaloma.ca)

Like last year, Casa Loma is promising a dazzling lighting display in the gardens, wintery holiday mascots, live carollers, Santa and plenty of hot chocolate, savory and sweet treats.

Winterland Nights at Casa Loma 😊#Winter #beautiful #casaloma #Winterwonderland #Toronto #christmastree

A post shared by Michael Rantisi (@michael_rantisi) on Dec 8, 2016 at 9:58am PST

A series of daytime events called 150 Years of Canadian Christmas at Casa Loma will run from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day between December 1 and January 7 (excluding Christmas Day.)

"These spectacles of illusions and wonder will amaze audiences young and old alike," says the description for that part of the event series. "Guests will be surrounded by holiday magic throughout the castle which will be resplendent with holiday décor."

If this year's Christmas castle is even half as cool as Casa Loma's 2017 haunted Halloween castle, it will be resplendent indeed. Resplendent, I say. Simply resplendent.

Today is a landmark day for dessert lovers in Toronto, thanks to the grand opening of the city's first Cheesecake Factory. It's also sure to be a great evening for music and film fans, with a celebration of Canadian music videos and a free film screening at TIFF. 

Holiday craft shows are officially here and will be in Toronto all season long to simplify your gift giving needs. Whether you're looking for more prolific markets like those hosted in the Distillery District and Nathan Phillips Square or more underground pop-ups like Pink Xmas and the Bad Girls Market, this holly jolly list should have you covered. 

Fogo, Twillingate, Pearson Airport – all around the turnstile!

On Monday evening, the delay of a WestJet flight by only 30 minutes resulted in what CBC describes as a "Newfoundland kitchen party" within Toronto’s international airport.

I knew East Coasters could get down, but I had no idea they got down like that.

It started when one of the passengers, who was waiting to get from Toronto to St. John, broke out his accordion.

That passenger, Sheldon Thornhill, was quickly joined by another man playing the guitar, Sean Sullivan.

Newfoundlanders, Labradorians and perhaps even some Torontonians joined in for an impromptu singalong of what sounded like East Coast folk songs, based on what I learned in Grade 5 music class.

The songs included Grey Foggy Day, Sweet Forget Me Not, Music and Friends and Capelin Time, according to CBC News.

A woman named Michelle Sacrey Philpott broadcast the action via Facebook Live while she was waiting for the flight. They've since been viewed tens to hundreds of thousands of times each.

If the bearded mermaids had been at Pearson Airport, it would have been the most widely shared story in Newfoundland and Labrador history.

— James McLeod (@TelegramJames) November 21, 2017

It has not yet been confirmed if anyone busted out "I's The B'y" during this airport singalong, but it's the only Newfoundland song I know so... Hip yer partner, WestJet passengers!

The Shuter Street and Victoria Street location of Frans is currently closed due to a kitchen fire that broke out late last night.

A customer reported that smoke was seen coming from the kitchen before everyone was evacuated and fire services were called.

@fransrestaurant@CP24 Fire! Was eating dinner an hour ago at the Shuter St location when the kitchen went up in fire and smoke - restaurant seemed to shake. Approx 12:20 AM. Everyone screaming and running out, black smoke streaming out for blocks. What happened? #frans#fire

— Meanlife (@EnjoyYrMeanlife) November 21, 2017

Signs have appeared on the doors that read "closed until further notice" and "closed".

Frans remains temporarily closed until further notice. Photo courtesy of Lisa Power.

The fire was apparently due to grease in the exhaust ducts.

There is no word yet on when the restaurant will reopen.

Toronto's historic Kodak 9 building, built in 1939 when film photography was still the rage, is now one significant step closer to becoming a transit hub.

But it wasn't without a ton of effort (3,000 tonnes, to be specific.)

As part of of construction on the new Eglinton Crosstown LRT line, Metrolinx picked up and moved the entire building about 200 feet from its original location last year.

She's moving! 8 inches per minute #Weston #Toronto #Metrolinx

A post shared by Zoriana Z (@ptc555) on Aug 25, 2016 at 6:48am PDT

The goal was to preserve the abandoned structure so that it could be incorporated into the design of a new transit terminal called Mount Dennis Station, which will serve as a connection point between the LRT, the TTC, the GO Transit Kitchener line and UP Express.

It took workers just over a year to lay a new foundation for the station, but the relocation project has now come full term (which might come as disappointing news to urban explorers.)

On Nov. 13, the last remaining building from Toronto's Kodak Campus was returned to where it once stood at 3500 Eglinton Avenue West. Kodak 9 is now officially a structural component of the future Mount Dennis Station. 

Here's what the second "big move" looked like, courtesy of the Eglinton Crosstown project.

The city-designated "Heritage Interest Building" is slated to become a secondary entrance for the new Mount Dennis transit hub, joined to the main entrance at Weston Road and Eglinton by a tunnel.

We won't get to experience any of this for ourselves, of course, until the Crosstown starts running in 2021.

Still, when it does open, Metrolinx promises that the former Kodak 9 building "will accommodate transit and non-transit related functions" and that it will "not require entrance into the fare paid area."

Things aren't exactly roses rights now at colleges across Ontario after students started back today after a strike that saw them out of classes for over a month.

With only weeks remaining in the term, many students who decided to return to class were disappointed to discover things were not exactly as they remembered.

How I feel about returning to school after #COLLEGESTRIKE#ontariocollegestrike#ontariocolleges#conestogapic.twitter.com/suT5ompIY9

— 🦄Nicky🦄 (@Supervixen1983) November 21, 2017

Colleges across Ontario were forced to resume classes this week after government legislation brought an end to the strike, a move that received both praise and criticism.

I'm very disappointed with #Ontario legislators. Students & Faculty want to be back in class but not like this. 86% of #OPSEU members voted against the deal, instead of helping negotiate - #Wynne forced them back #ontariocollegestrike

— Alice Quinn (@TheAliceQuinn) November 21, 2017

It doesn't seem to be a great situation for anyone, and while students were offered the option to receive a $500 reimbursement if they decided not to go back, but apparently even that's not as easy as it seems.

Absolute bs that students have to apply for up to $500 reimbursement. 500,000 students were effected. 500,000 students should be getting a refund. No criteria to meet, no applications. #OntarioCollegeStrike

— Fayeoncé (@FayeCera) November 21, 2017

The strike began last month over pay and employment issues that saw roughly 12,000 faulty and staff across 24 colleges walk out.

The #ontariocollegestrike is over, pending some uncomfortable legislation for teachers, and students having their semesters this year thrown into disarray. I don’t know how to react.

— SPLICE KNIGHT (@SpliceKnight) November 21, 2017

Last Friday, the union and colleges sat down for a negation, but no agreement was reached. Now it seems that some profs didn't even bother showing up.

As if that the first day after the #OntarioCollegeStrike the school parking lot is closed and my professor doesn't show up... Good

— Nick Molinaro (@Molzie97) November 21, 2017

Then the government stepped in, passing a bill that put an end to the strike and offered students the option to continue with their courses or receive a refund, the latter of which has not been well received so far.

Offering a full tuition refund to those who drop out, what about those of us who don't have that option? What if we want to stick it out? We're screwed for the money we spent? Get it together! @Kathleen_Wynne#ontariocollegestrike

— Amber-Leigh (@RatInACage2011) November 21, 2017

Many students are back in class, seemingly stuck between a rock and a hard place, with tensions made worse due to the lack of resolution on behalf of staff and the colleges.

me trying to avoid angry people at school today #ontariocollegestrikepic.twitter.com/m9KvELTbbb

— Raychel Davis (@_DavisRaychel) November 21, 2017

It's difficult to say what will happen next, but at least the holidays are something we can all look forward to.

Cookies are truly the gift that keep on giving. And in the case of popular local bakery cafe Le Gourmand, it just teamed up with Sick Kids to give Toronto its first milk and cookies food truck.

The Cookies for Santa fundraiser officially launched this past weekend just in time for the Santa Clause Parade to help raise money for Sick Kids Hospital.

We are so honored and happy to be part of such a great fundraising initiative. The "Cookies for Santa" truck will be parked outside Sick kids Hospital today and through the month of December. Get your Le Gourmand cookie fix and support a great cause at the same time. #cookiesforsanta #sickkids #cookies #yummy

A post shared by legourmand (@legourmand) on Nov 19, 2017 at 6:46am PST

Le Gourmand is known for their delicious chocolate chip cookies that can be paired with a refreshing glass of milk provided by Sheldon Creek Diary; a nod to the Christmas tradition of leaving cookies for Santa. Best of all, it's all donation based and for a good cause.

The Cookies for Santa truck will be parked outside of Sick Kids on University Avenue beginning December and staying for the month.

It's always intriguing to check in on what's being listed at (or near) the $1 million price point in Toronto's housing market. Every few months, the quality of house available at this number shifts, though the most obvious differences can be witnessed if you go back two or three years. 

Here we have an ultra-cute row house near Christie Pits that's listed at $1,049,000. As far as condo alternatives go, it has lots going for it including three bedrooms, a half-finished basement, and a decent outdoor space. Exposed brick adds to the overall charm.

For all the historical character on offer here, though, there are a few drawbacks. The kitchen is tiny. Ditto for the master bedroom. And the two washrooms are nothing to write home about. A new condo will always trump a house like this in the slickness/amenities department. 

The lack of a parking spot is also a notch against this property, though a permit is a safe bet given the location. With Christie Station just seconds away, this is also the type of home that would work from someone who doesn't want to be car-dependent. 

For many, the idea of owning a row house in a rapidly modernizing city like Toronto has considerable allure. Clinton Place is also hyper-quiet, with a laneway-type vibe that also offers a novel urban experience. At just over $1 million, I doubt this one will sit on the market for too long.

Specs

• Address: 14 Clinton Place
• Price: $1,049,000
• Lot Size: 18.75 x 48.84 feet
• Bedrooms: 3 + 1
• Bathrooms: 2
• Parking: No
• Walk Score: 92
• Transit Score: 97
• Listing agent: Heather Hadden
• Listing ID: C3985438

Good For

A young couple or family who wants a bricks and mortar house rather than a condo, but who also desires proximity to the subway and a neighbourhood with a vibrant commercial strip.

Move On If

You've always wanted a chef's kitchen. While the cooking area here is pretty, it's not practical for making elaborate feasts or for someone who plans to spend lots of time experimenting on new techniques. 

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

The CEO of the TTC, Andy Byford, will be stepping down and leaving Toronto for the Big Apple. The city's transit boss will depart after just over five years with the commission.

Statement by Andy Byford, he is speaking at 11:30 @CityNewspic.twitter.com/ZDh4fdMyKT

— Cynthia Mulligan (@CityCynthia) November 21, 2017

Mayor John Tory also issued a statement thanking Byford for his years of service.

The CBC reports Byford will be leaving to work for New York Transit by mid-December to take on what he calls "arguably the toughest job in transit right now."

My friend and boss, Andy Byford, is leaving the #TTC to be president and CEO of New York City Transit. So proud and gutted at the same time.

— Brad Ross (@bradTTC) November 21, 2017

During his time with the TTC, Byford sought to modernize the transit system. 

He worked to launch the King Street Pilot project now underway and will stay on the job just in time to open the TTC's new subway extension.

Deputy CEO Rick Leary is set to take over for Byford beginning December 22.

Canada's first Cheesecake Factory is officially open for business as of 11:30 a.m. this morning, and it looks like a solid 99 per cent of GTA residents have shown up to celebrate the occasion.

Kidding. Yorkdale is big, but not big enough to hold a 6 million seat restaurant – even if it looks like there are that many people waiting in line right now.

Can you say #lineups for days? 😂 #cheesecakefactory opens in #the6 #yorkdale

A post shared by Jennifer (@missbusyjc) on Nov 21, 2017 at 8:44am PST

Food lovers started lining up hours ahead of the chain's launch in Toronto this morning, all of them vying for a chance to be among the first public Cheesecake Factory guests in Canada.

A post shared by FOOD AROUND THE 🌍 (@foodiearoundtheworld1) on Nov 21, 2017 at 8:43am PST

The American restaurant chain, which has been praised by 6ix God Drake, is known for its huge portion sizes, insane 250-item menu, and its more than 50 dreamy, over-the-top dessert creations. 

Love cheesecake? So do I! 🍰😋 Now officially open! #cheesecakefactory

A post shared by Alexander Truong (@alexacer) on Nov 21, 2017 at 7:03am PST

In Yorkdale, the restaurant is sprawled across 10,400 square feet of space, which includes two covered patios – but that's not nearly enough for room for everyone who wants to eat there, right now, at this very moment in time.

Opening day for #TheCheesecakeFactory at #Yorkdale. This is the lineup.

A post shared by Nada K. (@mizz.nada) on Nov 21, 2017 at 8:21am PST

Someone on Twitter said that he saw someone sell their spot in line for the first sitting at Yorkdale's Cheesecake Factory for $300 (and an OVO lanyard, which might mean he's joking.)

"Apparently there are 3 sets of lineups," wrote another hopeful diner. "There's about 100 ppl in our line. We're lineup number 2. Get here quick!"

Proud to declare Canada's first Cheesecake Factory now open!!!!!!!

A post shared by Schram Schendorf (@instabram92) on Nov 21, 2017 at 8:43am PST

We've been unable to reach the Cheesecake Factory at Yorkdale by phone to find out how long the wait time is (their lines are busy, as are their staff I bet.)

In the meantime, those interested in flossing their affinity for chain restaurants on Instagram can go stand in front of the store for pictures.

Just when it looked like Ontario Place couldn't possibly get any cooler, the provincial government is moving forward with plans for a gigantic "flexible green space" on Toronto's waterfront.

Called Celebration Common, the proposed 20-acre venue on the East Island of Ontario Place would be used for "open-air cultural activities, festivals, community events and recreation in downtown Toronto."

The public space will be about the size of 14 football fields, according to a press release, and connect the new Trillium Park and William G. Davis Trail, the recently reopened Cinesphere, and Ontario Place's West Island through a system of pedestrian and bike trails.

It's all part of the government's master plan for transforming Ontario Place into "a vibrant, public, year-round waterfront destination" (which, some might say, they've already done– or come pretty close to doing.)

This isn't the first time we've heard about the possibility of Celebration Common, but the province is only just now issuing a request for proposals to find planning and design consultants. This means it might be a while before we see plans for the space come to fruition.

When it does open, Ontario Place board Chair Penny Lipsett says that she wants visitors to experience the grounds "as if it were their own backyard, every season."

Can do, Mrs. Lipsett! I don't even have a backyard, so this will be easy.

Even though Stroman and the gang have the winter off, the Dome won't be empty in January as the Jays just announced the inaugural Toronto Blue Jays Winter Fest at the Rogers Centre.

This year marks the first time the Rogers Centre will host a winter festival that's both kid and adult friendly in celebration of the team's loyal following.

We're excited to announce the launch of Winter Fest - a new, one-day event celebrating #BlueJays fans - which will be held at Rogers Centre on January 20! Additionally, we're proud to return to Vancouver for Winter Tour on January 12 and 13! For full details and ticketing info, head to bluejays.com/winter or click the link in the bio.

A post shared by Toronto Blue Jays (@bluejays) on Nov 21, 2017 at 10:35am PST

The public will have the opportunity to play games and meet Jays players, prospects, and alumni throughout the day.

Other festivities include spring training activities, autograph signing, performances, a Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame exhibit, Jays Care Foundation garage sale, gaming and VR activities, and a tour of the ballpark.

It would definitely be cool to check out the behind the scenes of the Rogers Centre on the tour, like the media room and clubhouse.

Prices start at $20 for non-member/season ticket holder adults and $5 for youth (ages 2-14) and seniors. The first 15,000 guests will receive an exclusive winter hat upon entrance.

The one day only event is happening all day on January 20. 

Virtual reality in Toronto is booming. Replacing escape rooms as the perfect date activity for couples who have nothing left to talk about, the best VR spots have lots of choices, a cool vibe, and most importantly, the ability to escape the garbage fire of a world we live in, even if just for a little while.

Here's a round-up of virtual reality gaming centres in Toronto.

Rec Room- The Void

At $24 for a twelve minute game, this is the priciest option, but it’s also an incredible experience. The Void takes VR to the next level with vibrations, wind, temperature changes, and even smells that coordinate with the game you’re playing. The hyper-realistic game is everything they imagined the future would be like in the 1950s.

LevelUp Virtual Reality Arcade

Located near Yonge and Dundas, LevelUp is an incredible deal at $19 per hour (if you’re a member, $29 per hour if not). LevelUp also has one of the biggest collections of games, with over 50 to choose from.

Virtual Sting

Richmond Hill’s only VR lounge, Virtual Sting is $24.99 an hour. They also offer a membership program where members pay $60 for one month (or $99 for three months) to get up to ten hours of VR per month which can mean paying as little as $3.33 an hour for VR.

Raiders eSports Bar

This massive sports bar has a VR component in addition to their esports offerings. Near Yonge and St. Clair, Raiders’ VR starts at $40 for 50 minutes. This is the best choice if you’re looking to dip your toes into VR but still want to have some classic DotA around just in case.

VR Zone

This VR lounge in Thornhill charges $28.99 for 50 minutes, and boasts a state of the art custom carbon fiber wire management system, which eliminates the admittedly annoying wire dragging that you can get from wired headsets. This place is ideal for the VR connaisseurs that notice those kinds of details.

CTRL-V

Despite being a chain (the business equivalent of having your boyfriend “write you a poem” he previously wrote for his past two girlfriends), the Mississauga location of this VR lounge is a great choice for VR in the GTA. It’s 25.99 per hour and has special events like as charity fundraisers for children’s hospitals.

House of VR

This Queen West VR lounge is all about the cool, futuristic vibe with cool furniture and slick decor. At $50 per hour, it’s not cheap but as one of the few VR lounges with a liquor license, it’s worth it if you want a night of escaping reality both virtually and alcoholically.

VRPlayin

Little Italy’s VR lounge starts at $29 per hour, and is priced based on the time of day. They also have a great selection of games which is sortable by genre on their website so you can come fully prepared.

DiVRge

This Yonge and Eglinton spot starts at $29.95 per hour and boasts top of the line hardware. They have a pretty good collection of games as well as a party room if you’re looking to celebrate a birthday or bachelor party or even just your newfound addiction to VR.

Reboot Reality

This Mississauga VR lounge has a decent selection of various types of games. Billing itself as Mississauga’s first VR lounge, Reboot Reality is $30 for 50 minutes, with $5 off if you check in to Facebook.

ViRal Arcade

This space-themed spot in Mississauga has a wide variety of games at $35 for an hour of VR play.

Toronto VR Games

Located in Kensington Market, this VR spot is $28.25 per hour. Also acting as an internet cafe, Toronto VR Games is best if you’re looking for a low-key, no-frills VR experience.

IMAX VR

With centres in three other cities, The Scotiabank Theatre near John and Richmond is the first Canadian location of IMAX’s state-of-the-art VR experience. Games are priced at $12 and up for games that start at seven minutes in length, and already have massive followings in the other locations.

Events in Toronto today include a free BBQ in Liberty Village, an after hours holiday shopping market, and a can't miss show by one of the biggest rappers in the world. 

In a rental market like Toronto, it always seems like if you just had $200 or $300 more to drop a month, everything would be different. The perfect apartment is perpetually just a tad out of reach. I bet that's the feeling someone with a $2,500 budget will have when seeing this unit.

Plenty of people looking for live/work scenarios or growing families will contemplate dropping $2,500 on rent even if it delays the possibility of condo/home ownership, but just a little more can put you into a newly renovated space with a beautiful kitchen and huge walk-in closet.

I like this apartment a lot, and think it's one of the few two bedroom units verging on the luxury designation that's not wildly over-priced. Yes, it's a lot to spend — but it's a light-filled, renovated space with plenty of room to work with (910 square feet to be exact).

Area-wise, the walk and transit scores are good if not great (80 and 81, respectively), but the proximity to Hillcrest Park is nice, and Davenport Village is just a short walk away. Off-street parking is also a bonus. 

There are three units in this building. The top two are $2,700 and $2,800 and share the same listing photos, which suggests that they share the same layout. The lower unit comes in at $1,800. These are all above average prices, but they're very nicely finished by apartment standards.

Specs

• Address: 1032 Davenport Rd.
• Apartment type: In-house unit
• Rent: $2,700
• Furnished? No
• Utilities: Included
• Air conditioning? Not specified 
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 1
• Parking: Yes
• Laundry? Unspecified
• Outdoor space? Deck
• Pet friendly? Unspecified 

Good For

Someone who isn't in the position to put a down payment together but wants a nice apartment with ample space. The upper units here are nicer than many condos. 

Move On If

You want to be closer to a subway. Ossington and Davenport isn't too bad for transit, but you're going to be taking the bus if your riding the TTC. 

Drama is afoot at a popular downtown lunch spot as former employees allege they're owed almost $5,000 in unpaid wages.

Green Republic Food Co at University and Dundas has come under fire for allegedly having not paid several workers on time.

City News spoke with the former employees and reported that two claims have been filed with the Ministry of Labour for back wages owed to employees, while a spokesperson for Green Republic claims that they have been paid.

#Toronto restaurant Green Republic Food Co. owes thousands in unpaid wages, former employees claim 😲💰https://t.co/9RxqI2extk#cdnpoli#bcpoli#vanpoli#topoli#onpoli#vancouver#LuxuryCity#livingwage#paydaypic.twitter.com/alnrRpxXYW

— Homeless Quatchi🇨🇦 (@HomelessQuatchi) November 22, 2017

The restaurant opened earlier this year and has quickly become a favourite for salads, sandwiches, coffee and other lunch fare.

Accusations of unpaid or mishandled wages have become a disturbing trend in Toronto's restaurant industry in recent months, with well known restaurateur Susur Lee among those accused of not paying their employees properly.

One of the former employees, Simon Cheung, told City News that only just recently a quarter of what was owed to him was paid, but that the restaurant still needs to pay him around $2,000.