Quantcast
Channel: blogTO
Viewing all 47899 articles
Browse latest View live

A glowing cabin is about to be built on Toronto's waterfront

0
0

Step aside, giant rubber duck– Toronto is getting a series of new waterfront visitors to gawk at, including another oversized animal. And these ones will be sticking around for more than a weekend.

The Waterfront BIA's second annual Ice Breakers exhibition is set to bring five winter-specific art installations to Queens Quay this January, where they will stay for more than a month.

Located along the waterfront between York and Spadina, each of the winning art pieces were inspired by the stars in support of 2018's theme, "constellation."

icebreakers 2018Hence the big bear, created by Calgary's Tanya Goertzen to represent Ursa Major (the "Great Beat" constellation).

Ice Breakers 2018The sculpture depicted in the rendering above, called 'Black Bamboo,' will be composed of 90 painted bamboo poles and visitors will be welcome to climb it.

Ice Breakers 2018'Winter FanFare' by Thena Tak is described as a "series of rotating fan-sculptures that collectively form a circulation playscape for winter exploration."

Ice Breakers 2018Another piece called 'Root Cabin' by Winnipeg artists Liz Wreford and Peter Sampson will feature coloured cuts of wood surrounded by weathered tree roots.

Ice Breakers 2018'Ensemble' looks like it will be one of the most interactive exhibition pieces. Designed by João Araújo Sousa and Joana Correia Silva, "the installation is inspired by wind chimes, which visitors can touch to create beautiful abstract compositions and ever-changing soundscapes."

Take that, Lake Ontario! Humans can do loud things with wind, too.

Ice Breakers, developed in partnership with PortsToronto and produced by Winter Stations, will run from January 19 to February 25, coinciding with the debut of the fourth annual Winter Stations competition in The Beaches on Family Day.


The evolution of the Toronto skyline since 1957

Two items make up 28% of Toronto's future capital budget

0
0

Today's city council budget committee meeting didn't reveal too many surprises, but I'm sure more than a few people will do a double take when they look at the city's long term spending plans.

A staggering 28 per cent of Toronto's 10 year capital budget could be taken up by the Scarborough Subway Extension and Mayor John Tory's SmartTrack plan.

Of the $25.7 billion dollars outlined in the 2018-2027 Tax Supported and Capital Budget Plan, a total of $7.4 billion is allocated to these transit infrastructure projects. That's a lot of spending on transit, but the question is whether it's good spending.

The Scarborough Subway Extension has become a contentious issue that has been criticized by transit advocacy groups and has resulted in tensions amongst city council members. 

The budget also outlines other ways the city's tax dollars are to be spent over the next decade, including $5.1 billion on transportation services like roads maintenance and repairs, and $524 million for various Waterfront Revitalization projects.

But the two projects alone exceed the entirety of the TTC's allocated funds of $6.3 billion.

Many items were absent from the budget proposal today, including the much-anticipated TTC timed transfers supposedly set to be rolled out next year.

The budget is yet to be finalized and city council will revisit the matter next month.

Road closures to watch out for in Toronto this weekend

0
0

Another weekend, another set of road closures to expect in Toronto. This time holiday festivities will be taking over Etobicoke streets causing closures on both Saturday and Sunday. This weekend will also see multiple TTC subway closures. 

Here's what you need to know to get around the city this weekend.

Etobicoke Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade

Lake Shore Blvd. West from Dwight Ave. to Thirty Sixth St.will be closed on December 2 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for the holiday parade. 

North Etobicoke Santa Claus Parade

Albion Rd. from Thistle Down Blvd. to Finch Ave.West will be closed on December 3 from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for the holiday parade. 

TTC Subway Closure

There will be no subway service between Sheppard West and Lawrence West stations on December 3 due to signal upgrades.

In addition to the service disruption, Osgoode Station will be closed all weekend due to fare gate construction at the station. 

For additional information regarding road closures and restrictions in Toronto, visit this website.

Weekend events in Toronto December 1-3 2017

0
0

Weekend events in Toronto include the arrival of a number of holiday markets, like the food and craft-filled Winter Village at the Brick Works. Besides seasonal affairs, music fans have LCD Soundsystem to look forward to and party-goers have their work cut out for them. 

Events you might want to check out:

Sounds of the Season (December 1 @ Canadian Broadcasting Centre)
CBC's annual charity drive brings you live performances by Serena Ryder, Shawn Hook and Whitehorse, plus the chance to meet your favourite CBC broadcast personalities.
Evergreen's Winter Village (December 2-31 @ Evergreen Brick Works)
Experience the magic of winter at Evergreen’s Winter Village with campfires, nature walks, and other outdoor activities. There's also food truck eats and shopping ops at the Etsy market.
Toronto Art Crawl (December 3 @ Toronto Art Crawl)
Held once again at Toronto's iconic Great Hall, Toronto Art Crawl's 4th annual Christmas Market features 95 artists and designers, interactive activities, food vendors and more across four floors of shopping.
Indigenous Artisan Marketplace (December 1-3 @ Native Canadian Centre of Toronto)
Over 40 local vendors bring out traditional and contemporary Indigenous paintings, moccasins, beadwork, clothing, jewelery, and more.
150 Years of Canadian Christmas at Casa Loma (December 1 - January 7 @ Casa Loma)
Casa Loma is celebrating the tail end of Canada 150 with a wide range of activities and performances. Get lost in the castle's holiday decor and snap photos of its 40ft tall tree.
Body Percussion Festival (December 1-3 @ Harbourfront Centre Theatre)
Experience professional and community based groups exhibit a range of percussion forms created solely through the body, including throat singing, beatbox, sword dance, belly dance and more.
Light Up the Beach (December 1 @ Leuty Avenue)
More than 80,000 LED bulbs on 20,000 linear feet of wire are hung, making the boardwalk an incredible winter destination. Arrive before 7 p.m. to ensure you catch the lights come on!
Toronto Toy, Record & Video Game Show (December 3 @ Toronto Plaza Hotel)
Indulge your inner kid and explore 75 tables worth of new and vintage toys and video games. This year also marks the addition of vinyl records and tapes to the show.
Death From Above (December 1 @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre)
Canadian rock duo Death From Above had a major comeback this year, and are playing music from their 2017 release Outrage! Is Now.
Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy (December 2 @ Sony Centre for the Performing Arts)
Thirty years of iconic video game music come to life with an orchestra and chorus at this homage to the music of Final Fantasy. One of the game's original composers will even be in attendance!
LCD Soundsystem (December 3 @ Air Canada Centre)
The American rock and electronic legends LCD Soundsystem play a huge show at the Air Canada Centre in support of their 2017 album, American Dream.
The Elwins (December 3 @ Mod Club Theatre)
The Elwins celebrate the release of their career launching record Beauty Community at the Mod Club with special guests Jukebox the Ghost.
Toronto Loves Taylor Swift (December 3 @ Round Venue)
A live art and music tribute to the Queen of contemporary pop goes down this Sunday, involving a listening party for Reputation, as well as a ton of Toronto artists covering Swift hits.
Rave in the Cave (December 1 @ CineCycle)
Climb out of your cave and into theirs, where you'll find art installations, music, dancing, food and drinks. Psychedelic beats will be provided by DJ Soft Drink and DJ Maggy.
Body Love Ball (December 2 @ The 519)
Featuring live music, a pink carpet, a candy room and more, dance your heart out at this diverse and inclusive fundraiser in support of LGBTQ youth, families, and allies.
Goth Tub Time Machine (December 2 @ Nocturne)
This dark retro party is beach themed and even feature a real hot tub to soak in while DJs spin tunes from The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, Joy Divison, and the like.
Barcode Saturdays (December 2 @ Orchid Nightclub)
Two different floors with two entirely different sounds. This weekend Illegal Alien and DJ Griff take charge of DJ duty, spinning tons of hip hop, reggae, and trap.
The Bad Dog Holiday Party (December 2 @ Bad Dog Theatre Company)
The comedy theatre company is hosting a holiday spectacular, with a light hearted awards show at the beginning followed by a dance party stretching late into the night.
Hop Chow: Craft Beer & Food Pairing Festival (December 2 @ 99 Sudbury)
Not your average festival, Hop Chow will offer beer and food lovers artfully curated pairings from Toronto’s most innovative purveyors. A delicious menu of bites and brews awaits.
Christmas in the Valley (December 2 @ Miller Lash House)
Hosted in a historic house, watch Maple Taffy be made, sip warm apple cider, or check out the smoked meat food truck, all while 30 + local artists showcasing their works.
Tennessee Tavern Pierogi Eating Contest (December 3 @ Tennessee Tavern)
Witness some of Torontos biggest eaters take down a mountain of pierogies or join in on the all-you-can-eat fun for only $5.95!
December Really Really Free Market (December 2 @ Campbell Park)
Everything is free. No money, no swapping. Each attendee is allowed one large shopping bag, or two bags for families, and can take any items they please. After 3pm there's no limit!
Kensington Market Craft Fair (December 2 @ Saint Stephens in the Fields)
Kensington Market's first craft fair offers a curated indoor art and craft show focusing on unique products like ceramics, jewelry, furniture, paintings, and more.
Shop Local Holiday Market (December 2 @ STUDIO by the Nooks)
Join the Nooks in shopping local for handmade, artisan, one-of-a-kind and good-to-go gifts.
Black Owned Holiday Pop-Up Market (December 3 @ Wychwood Barns)
This pop-up market features unique products and services from business owners within the black community. Swing by for great music, food, performances, and giveaways.
The Bloody Mary Film Festival (November 30 - December 1 @ Imagine Carlton Cinema)
Putting a spotlight on female-identifying Canadian filmmakers in genre films, Bloody Mary is back for a second year of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy features.
Coming To America Screening with Kardinal Offishall (December 3 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox)
The laughs come thick and fast in Eddie Murphy's culture-clash comedy. Toronto hip hop legend Kardinal Offishall will even be introducing the film.
Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas (December 3 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
The Toronto Premiere of Larry Weinstein's offbeat, fun, and intelligent film about how Jews redefined the Christmas season.
Holiday Fair in Nathan Phillips Square (December 1-23 @ Nathan Phillips Square)
Back for its second year, Holiday Fair in Nathan Phillips Square celebrates the season with an enchanting artisan market, food, live entertainment and more.

Someone fixed a dangerous Toronto intersection with a bunch of leaves

0
0

If Toronto's famous stair-building senior citizen taught the world anything (who am I kidding? He taught us everything), it's that the quickest way to fix a neighbourhood problem is a little bit of DIY.

Artist and community organizer Dave Meslin knows this well. He literally wrote the book on civic engagement in Toronto, and is widely known for his unique brand of creative activism.

Last week, he decided to take action against a problem in his own community of Regal Heights. But unlike 73-year-old handyman Adi Astl, who caught the city's ire by building an actual staircase in a public park, Meslin and his neighbours did something completely temporary (and thus pretty unimpeachable).

Using only sidewalk chalk and fallen leaves, Meslin and his neighbours temporarily "fixed" a dangerous intersection near Regal Road and Springmount, taking special care to maintain all existing road widths at a city-approved 28 feet.

"We revealed a surplus surface area of 2,000 square feet which could be transformed into a parkette, new sidewalks, and much shorter/safer crossings," wrote Meslin in a Facebook post about the project. 

That post, uploaded yesterday, is spreading like wildfire around the city right now as fans of the project praise the group of neighbours for their ingenuity and "wonderful use of tactical urbanism," among other things.

Will city workers sweep away the leaf-and-chalk crosswalk as word of its existence spreads? Maybe.

That said, it could call enough attention to the dangerous intersection for Toronto to fix it permanently. It worked for Astl, and the leaves do seem to be alleviating traffic woes in the neighbourhood.

"Saw this walking our dog the other night and yes - actually saw cars stopping!!!" wrote one woman on Twitter. "It is a strange corner."

In a separate reply to someone else on Twitter, Meslin said similarly that, while the intersection actually has three stop signs, no one knew where to stop before the leaves and chalk were in place.

"With our white lines, I finally saw people stopping for the 1st time," he wrote. "It was safer than ever."

The epic Toronto Light Festival is coming back this winter

0
0

One of the most epic things to hit Toronto last winter is coming back in less than two months for a second round.

Do you want a dope Facebook cover photo with massive glowing angel wings like mine? Then make sure to visit the Distillery District in January.

The Toronto Light Festival will return mid-month to give us all something to do during the darkest part of winter. 

Details have yet to be released about this year's lineup of artists, but the festival is tentatively scheduled to run every night from 5:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. between January 19 and March 4.

Not to be confused with the Toronto Lights Festival, which launched thousands of lanterns into the sky this autumn, the Toronto Light Festival is a massive, months-long exhibition of light art that takes over the Distillery District.

A post shared by Justin L. (@justjpgs) on

Organizers describe it as a "visual journey and imaginative cerebral adventure" designed to "entertain and inspire."

A post shared by David Banh (@dave_banh) on

"During the cold, dark days of winter, city residents will be drawn out of their traditional indoor habitats to experience Toronto in a way they never have before," reads the festival's website.

"Winter sucks, and we simply want to make winter not suck so much."

It's run by the same group behind the Distillery District's crazy popular Toronto Christmas Market, so you know it's going to be packed.

If you haven't experienced the Toronto Light Festival for yourself, you only have to wait six weeks to do so.  

Someone hacked into a road sign on Bayview Avenue

0
0

For about two hours earlier this week, drivers on a northern stretch of Bayview Avenue got quite the wake-up message.

An electronic construction sign had been "altered" overnight to include "inappropriate language" on Monday morning, according to The Regional Municipality of York.

The sign, facing south-bound traffic near St. John's Sideroad in Aurora, should have read "ST. JOHN’S SDRD CLOSED."

Instead, it said "FUCK THEM ALL."

York Region officials apologized at the time, pledging to investigate the incident.

"The language on the signage does not reflect York Region values and is not acceptable," said corporate communications director Patrick Casey to YorkRegion.com. "We apologize to residents and travellers in the area who saw this."

Casey said that York Region staff removed the profane language from the sign after it was discovered.

York Region has since revealed the results of its sign investigation, explaining on YorkRegion.com that has five electronic signs in the area – all of which can be altered remotely through password-protected modem access.

"Overnight, the signs were remotely hacked and three signs were turned off and a message on a fourth sign altered to include inappropriate language," said Casey.

"Our investigation continues to ensure steps are taken to improve online security."


Union Station is about to unveil its new restaurants

0
0

Eating at Union Station is about to get a lot better. This Monday, the much anticipated new restaurants at Toronto's main train terminal will finally open their doors.

Union Chicken and Danish Pastry House will both be opening at Union Station on Monday along with another outpost for Pilot Coffee and a new Italian restaurant, Amano, from the same people behind Union Chicken.

The hoarding is down @eat.amano and the pasta making has begun!!! Opening weekend here we come!!!!

A post shared by Adam T (@madamimadam.t) on

Peace Collective and Naked Beauty Bar are also opening in the revamped space.

Loaded Perogi, Greenhouse Juice Co., and WVRST's second location will open in Union Station on dates not yet announced.

Condo of the week: 715 Kingston Road

0
0

Kingston Road is a site of lots of development right now, stretching from Woodbine Ave. all the way to the Birch Cliff neighbourhood and beyond. Given its easterly location, however, the majority of projects here have added what you'd call gentle density to the street.

715 Kingston Road TorontoSuch a planning rationale really works along this stretch, and the townhouses at 715 Kingston Rd. are a testament to that. Prices on residential streets in the Beaches are out of reach for most people, but a unit like this one offers a more attainable way into the area.

715 Kingston Road TorontoIt also offers an element of convenience that some will find appealing. A few hundred dollars in maintenance fees doesn't seem so bad when you know you won't have to put in a lot of your time on repairs and upkeep. 

715 Kingston Road TorontoListed at $1,o49,000, we're not talking about a starter condo, though. Located, as it is, right beside Glen Stewart Ravine, a three storey space isn't going to come cheap, especially given the feature set.

715 Kingston Road TorontoWhile you won't have a backyard, the rooftop patio is about as nice as outdoor spaces come in this price range. The interior is also noteworthy for its floor-to-ceiling windows, upscale appliances, and generally polished finishes.

715 Kingston Road TorontoWell designed townhouses almost invariably strike me as excellent living options in a city like Toronto, where being on a main street like Kingston Rd. has plenty of benefits and not too many cons. 

715 Kingston Road TorontoSpecs
715 Kingston Road TorontoGood For

Someone who's wants to live in the Beaches area but doesn't quite have the coin to by a semi or detached house. Alternately, I see this as a great spot for empty nesters looking to downsize.

715 Kingston Road TorontoMove On If

You'd rather live in a downtown condo. You can still stretch a million bucks pretty far in a mid- to large-sized condo, so if a central location is high on the priority list, this one won't appeal. 

715 Kingston Road Toronto715 Kingston Road Toronto

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

Yorkdale could be getting a boutique hotel

0
0

Yorkdale may not be Canada's largest mall (anymore) but it has emerged in recent years as one of the world's top spots to shop, boasting the highest sales per unit area of any other shopping centre in the country.

Maybe it has something to do with Fashion Santa. Maybe it's because Drake shoots music videos there. More likely, it has something to do with last year's massive $331 million expansion and all the world-class luxury brands that have recently moved in.

Whatever the case, Yorkdale has become much more than a shopping centre slash movie theatre location – it has a Cheesecake Factory now! – and it's going to get way, way bigger over the next two decades.

Yorkdale MallTorontonians will get a better idea of what developers have in mind for the mall's future tonight during a city-run meeting for area residents.

Residents first learned about the existence of three conceptual  "Block Master Plan" options earlier this year when a development application was submitted to the city of Toronto. 

Each of the three proposals would bring seven new residential buildings, six office buildings and an eight storey boutique hotel to the site.

This means that, should one of the plans be approved as is, people could be living at Yorkdale someday. Tourists could also be coming in from out of town specifically to sleep at the shopping centre's own boutique hotel.

Currently, the mall only partners with existing local hotels to offer special packages.

Yorkdale Mall expansionTo accomplish this, Yorkdale's owners are asking that zoning by-laws in the area be amended to allow them to develop the mall's north and west parking lots.

They also want the entire site included in the Dufferin Street Secondary Plan, which guides the growth and urban intensification along part of this north-south thoroughfare.

The shopping centre would open up onto Dufferin, under these plans, and include new public spaces, make the mall much friendlier to pedestrian traffic.

Of course, this is all still quite a ways off. Public consultations are only just beginning and, according to CBC News, the process of getting feedback alone is expected to take at least a year.

Toronto food events: Free Taiwanese Chicken, Vegan Market, I Heart Beer Festival

0
0

December's shaping up to be a good month for Toronto food and drink fans, what with events like the I Heart Beer Festival and the Foodie Holiday Market. Folks looking to chow down this weekend can also nab free Taiwanese fried chicken and/or insanely cheap pierogi in Parkdale.  

Events you might want to check out:

Free Taiwanese Fried Chicken (December 1-7 @ Cheers Cut)
This newly opened Taiwanese chicken spot is celebrating its grand opening by giving away 50 of their deep-fried chicken filets to the first 50 customers each day from December 1 to 7.
Christmas in the Valley (December 2 @ Miller Lash House)
Hosted in a historic house, watch Maple Taffy be made, sip warm apple cider, or check out the smoked meat food truck, all while 30 + local artists showcasing their works.
Evergreen's Winter Village (December 2-31 @ Evergreen Brick Works)
Experience the magic of winter at Evergreen’s Winter Village with campfires, nature walks, and other outdoor activities. There's also food truck eats and shopping ops at the Etsy market.
Hop Chow (December 2 @ 99 Sudbury)
Hop Chow will offer beer and food lovers artfully curated pairings from Toronto’s most innovative purveyors. A delicious menu of bites and brews awaits.
Tennessee Tavern Pierogi Eating Contest (December 3 @ Tennessee Tavern)
Witness some of Torontos biggest eaters take down a mountain of pierogies or join in on the all-you-can-eat fun for only $5.95!
I Heart Beer Holiday Festival (December 9 @ Queen Elizabeth Building)
Take out your ugly Christmas Sweater to sip beer, cider and spirits alongside Santa Claus while snacking from some of the many food trucks on site.
Withrow's Winter Market (December 15-16 @ Crow's Theatre)
Locally handcrafted goods, artisanal foods and local farmers, this winter market affords you the perfect opportunity to find tasty holiday treats to bring to any holiday party.
Hope for the Holidays: A Canadian-Syrian Fundraiser (December 15 @ Ralph Thornton Community Centre)
Syrian foods and sounds are the stars of this elegant night dedicated to inviting Canadians new and old to celebrate Syrian culture.
Foodie Holiday Market (December 16-17 @ Toronto Botanical Garden)
Toronto's Botanical Gardens plays host to over 40 emerging and established artisan food makers, sumptuous sample treats, and even more food-focused vendors.
Beer & Chocolate Pop-Up (December 16 @ LCBO Pop-Up Shop)
Nickel Brook Brewing partners with Soul Chocolate and the LCBO Pop-Up Store for a delicious workshop, pairing three barrel-aged beers with some of Toronto’s own Soul Chocolates.
Toronto Vegan Winter Market (December 17 @ Lithuanian House)
Back with a new, larger location, even more food and fun from a curated selection of vegan-friendly local businesses await.
Ramen Heads (December 22-31 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
Osamu Tomita, one of the most revered ramen chefs in Japan, takes viewers on a tour of the best ramen shops in his country in this new feature heading to Hot Docs.
12 Beers of the Holidays (December 22 @ Gladstone Hotel)
12 local breweries are getting into the festive spirit by bringing you an all-you-can-taste beer drinking extravaganza. This one tends to sell out, so be sure to nab tickets before they're gone.

Gregg Zaun fired from Sportsnet over workplace misconduct allegations

0
0

Former Blue Jays catcher Gregg Zaun has been terminated from his position as an MLB analyst at Sportsnet following complains of "inappropriate behaviour and comments" in the workplace.

No details have been announced regarding the nature of these allegations, but Rogers Communications said in an announcement on Thursday that multiple complains had been investigated before Zaun's contract was terminated.

"The type of behaviour completely contradicts our standards and our core values," said Rogers Media president Rick Brace when announcing the news. 

"We believe in a professional workplace where all employees feel comfortable and respected," he continued. "We are grateful to our employees who spoke with us and we will take every measure to protect their privacy."

Zaun, 46, will no longer be delivering opinion and analysis during Blue Jays games on any Sportsnet properties, including the radio station Sportsnet 590, "effective immediately."

The top 10 new restaurant openings in Toronto for November

0
0

New restaurants in Toronto bring us inspiration from around the globe. Fried bites from the Netherlands, spicy Korean rice cakes, pizza pies from Nova Scotia, cheesecake from the States and tapas from Spain can all now be feasted upon in Toronto.

Here are my picks for the top restaurants that opened in Toronto last month.

Campo Food Hall

Encompassing a bakery, juice and smoothie bar, salad station, Drake general store, and a tapas, bar and full dining area, this is the new King West lunchtime juggernaut. Get a refreshing glass of sweet vermouth Labora Cola while elegantly munching dorado and tuna, or just pick up something quickly and be out the door.

Borrel

This new Dutch snack bar on the Danforth has everything a hangout in the Netherlands would serve: bitterballen (deep-fried meat balls), kaasouffle (a Febo favourite), poffertjes (mini pancakes), and of course all the beer, wine, and Dutch eggnog you could ask for to wash everything down.

Kay Pacha

This Peruvian joint on St. Clair West breathes fresh life into an area where the same restaurants often hold court for years, bringing flair to authentic dishes like tamales and yuca frita while also serving exquisite ceviches, skewers and cocktails.

Yeah Yeahs Pizza

The Clocktower Bar space across the street from Summerhill station has done a 180 and turned into a pizza joint, a transplant of a Nova Scotia project by the founder of Anchored Coffee. Pairing no-nonsense pies with great beer, wine, and Nintendo, this place also puts out killer garlic fingers with donair sauce.

The Civic

The long-awaited restaurant within Riverside’s Broadview Hotel is finally open. Still run by John Sinopoli who’s been doing the food upstairs on the roof and downstairs at the ground floor bar this whole time, the menu is a precious collection of cod croquettes, duck confit and organic heritage chicken.

Go Topoki

You may have never seen Korean street food like at this North York spot. Topoki is a mix of mostly rice cakes and some fish cakes traditionally served in a neon red spicy sauce. They also serve cream sauce, bulgogi and other varieties, as well as shaved ice bingsoo.

Mary Be Kitchen

This Yonge and St. Clair lunch winner aims to provide busy folks with the food they’d prepare for themselves if they only had the time (or willpower). Build your own plate of mains like grilled salmon, tofu and chicken and sides such as sweet potato, mac n’ cheese or cauliflower and pair with house agua fresca, wine or beer on tap.

Cheesecake Factory

The long-awaited Yorkdale location of this U.S. mega-chain is now open. The menu is the same collection of fusion hits as at every Factory, with items like Tex Mex Egg Rolls, Everything Pizza, Truffle Honey Chicken and of course dozens of varieties of cheesecake including birthday, red velvet, oreo and the ever-popular strawberry.

Hogtown Vegan

This vegan comfort/soul food spot now has a new location in a corner spot on College. Famous for their brunches, unchicken and waffles, and pulled “pork” sandwiches, they’ll also have a bangin’ patio come springtime.

Beiruti

Some of the most elegant Middle Eastern food in Toronto can now be found up in North York. Kebabs galore along with the most exquisite hot and cold mezzes and tons of other specialty dishes are on the menu here.

Sold! Annex reno shows how to flip a house in Toronto

0
0

The Annex is filled with stately old homes that boast tons of character, but the real value of these dwellings is really unlocked when they get interior makeovers. Such is the case at 462 Brunswick Avenue, which recently sold to the tune of $2.67 million.

462 Brunswick Avenue TorontoIt was mostly unremarkable when it was on the market about a year ago, but a major renovation has transformed it into a contemporary dream home with old bones that keeps the exterior inline with its neighbours and the rest of the neighbourhood. 

462 Brunswick Avenue TorontoI haven't found interior photos from before the renovations, but even the Google Streetview from May 2016 suggests that the property was in need of a little TLC. Once the makeover was complete, the house was listed just shy of $3 million and snapped up almost right away.

462 Brunswick Avenue TorontoAccording MongoHouse, the previous list price in September 2016 was roughly $1.25 million, which would make this an ideal flip job. Take a house on a highly desirable street and give it a total makeover before re-listing it at double what is was last on the market for.

462 Brunswick Avenue TorontoIn any case, few would argue that the current property was overvalued. A 4  + 1 bedroom with a stunning open concept interior in the heart of the Annex is going to go for big bucks.

462 Brunswick Avenue TorontoIf there's any complaint to be made about the house it's that the outdoor space is minimal. I'm not sure if that's a huge problem when your house is directly across the street from a park, though. 

462 Brunswick Avenue TorontoThe Essentials
  • Address: 462 Brunswick Ave.
  • Type: Detached house 
  • Bedrooms: 4 + 1
  • Bathrooms: 4
  • Lot size: 29.2 x 75 feet
  • Realtor: Maggie Lind
  • Hit the market at: $2,700,000
  • Sold for: $2,670,000
462 Brunswick Avenue TorontoWhy it sold for what it did

Location, size, and a brand new interior. While the house was a bit worn down before, its new layout and design is gush-worthy.

462 Brunswick Avenue TorontoWas it worth it?

Yes. It sold quickly for just a hair under asking. With the right house and designer, the buy-renovate-sell strategy really works. 

462 Brunswick Avenue Toronto462 Brunswick Avenue Toronto462 Brunswick Avenue Toronto462 Brunswick Avenue Toronto462 Brunswick Avenue Toronto462 Brunswick Avenue Toronto462 Brunswick Avenue Toronto462 Brunswick Avenue Toronto462 Brunswick Avenue Toronto462 Brunswick Avenue Toronto462 Brunswick Avenue Toronto


The Best Charcuterie Plates in Toronto

0
0

The best charcuterie plates in Toronto brings together some of the finest meats, cheeses, pickles, pates, terrines, and other delicacies available in the city. Gather around a board, platter, or plate of these savoury nibbles best paired with a bottle of wine, cocktail or beer and take your time indulging.

Here’s the best charcuterie in Toronto.

7 - Nota Bene

The $27 charcuterie board at this restaurant near Osgoode station might include artisanal house sausage, prosciutto or salami on any given day, served with pickled veg.
4 - Richmond Station

A selection of pantry meats and preserves goes for $15 for a selection of 3, $25 for 6 and $35 for nine tasty, fatty, sliced meat morsels, but you’ll have to add $13 for cheese at this swanky spot in the Financial District.
9 - Indie Alehouse

A rotating daily selection of cured meats goes for $21 at this Junction brewpub, and you can grab a single cheese for $8 or three for $21. Accompaniments might include crostini, mustard, or olives.
3 - Black Hoof

This Dundas West mainstay isn’t afraid to serve hog’s head, sweetbreads served Nashville style with hot sauce, pork liver, beef tongue, or horse tartare. The charcuterie plate ($22) is a great way of sampling the day’s selections of cheeses and meats, or starting an epic carnivorous meal.
5 - Skin + Bones

House charcuterie comes with simple but elegant accompaniments of pickles, dijon, and crostini at this Leslieville restaurant.
6 - Drake Commissary

Meats are air dried, smoked and pressed in-house at this Junction Triangle extension of the Drake brand. A hulking board is laden with meats, applewood smoked Perth ham, terrine, and a duck liver pate with grape accompanied by house sourdough.
8 - Cote de Boeuf

This cozy Ossington butcher shop that also offers dine-in service does locally sourced, traditionally butchered meats. Where better to eat house and imported charcuterie than where you shop for it? You might even want to book their private butcher’s table room for the opportunity to try some.
10 - Nuit Social

Social boards are highly versatile for mixing and matching at this West Queen West spot, with options for selections of meats, cheeses and olives at varying price ranges. Choose between Ontario venison salami, Austrian speck, Italian coppa and taleggio, and a wide range of olives from Greece, Italy, Morocco and France.
11 - Northern Maverick

Beer isn’t the only thing made on site at this brewpub near King and Bathurst. Soft and smoky potted whitefish is a standout on the charcuterie board among n’duja, duck prosciutto, prosciuttini, Mennonite salumi and a selection of artisanal cheeses mainly sourced from Quebec.

Sam the Record Man turntable signs now back in the open

0
0

Just as one of Toronto's foremost symbols of days gone by comes down, another rises from the ashes. The iconic Sam the Record Man sign is finally back at Yonge and Dundas Square.

One half of the enormous Sam the Record Man turntables was installed at the top of 277 Victoria St. this morning with the other one expected to go up this weekend when they will both tower above Yonge-Dundas Square.

The spinning discs of the Sam's sign were an integral part of the Yonge Street landscape from the 1970s until they were taken down as part of the demolition of the record shop for what would eventually become the Ryerson Student Centre.

Stumbled across an old friend tonight. #samtherecordman

A post shared by @musicfor18magicians on

While the new location has had its fair share of detractors — isn't that just a little too high in the air? — there's plenty of excitement to see the restored sign resurface.

A post shared by Sean Marshall (@sean_yyz) on

After Sam's closed in 2007, Ryerson became responsible for persevering the historic sign, though there were plenty of moments when it seemed as though it would never return to public view. 

After some hubbub between the city and Ryerson that went on for some time, the university entrusted the work of restoring the sign to a team of experts from Sunset Neon who preserved as much of the original as they could.

Ten years after it was first removed, we'll get to re-experience the giant sign's warm, neon glow shining down over the city's busiest street.

An official unveiling for the sign is planned in the coming days, though Ryerson has yet to reveal the details. Expect the big discs to shine bright very soon!

Toronto has already anointed its replacement for Gregg Zaun

0
0

Toronto sports analyst Gregg Zaun joins Matt Lauer, Charlie Rose and Mark Evan Halperin today on the growing list of men in media who've recently been fired over workplace misconduct allegations.

Rogers announced late Thursday evening that the former Blue Jays catcher would no longer be providing MLB commentary for Sportsnet following complaints of "inappropriate behaviour and comments." 

Reaction among Jays fans has been mixed, but, for the most part, they already seem to have moved on.

Not too long after the news of Zaun's termination broke, another former Blue Jays catcher started trending on Twitter across the country: Jp Arencibia.

Without even throwing his hat into the ring, Arencibia has fast emerged as the runaway fan favourite to replace Zaun on Blue Jays central.

Fans have been pleading with the 31-year-old Cuban American athlete on Twitter to return to Toronto for the gig.

Arencibia lived in the city between 2010-2013 while he was on the Blue Jays, and built up a loyal fan base during that time even though he had his moments of despair.

Some are even speculating that he already has the job, despite there being no evidence to suggest that Sportsnet has even started looking for Zaun's replacement.

Arenbcibia has gracefully responded to the rumours and queries on Twitter, writing "Thanks for the love fans. I care for Jays, Toronto and Canada very very deeply. Only want the best for it."

As if that's not going to make Toronto even thirstier for him to move back.

What a $2,000 apartment looks like in Toronto right now

0
0

Not too fancy, not too gross, the "average" one bedroom apartment in Toronto will cost you about $2,000 a month to rent (or so say the statistics). Fortunately, there's a bit of wiggle room in that price range. You can find space, location and luxury – just maybe not all three at once.

Here's what a $2,000 apartment looks like in Toronto right now.

$1995 for French doors in Bloor West Village

Toronto apartments

Located in a charming South Kingsway / Bloor West Village area low-rise, this sunny one bedroom is close to both High Park and the Humber River, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Highlights include skylights, 10 foot slanted ceilings, and lots of closet space.

$1995 for a corner suite by the lake
Apartments in Toronto

This place isn't exactly spacious, but it's got a sick wraparound balcony and decent views of the lake and city. More importantly, it's connected to the PATH. You could literally spend all winter inside if you work downtown!

$2,000 for two bedrooms in Little Italy

Apartments in TorontoDon't let the suburban-looking exterior fool you – this 2 bedroom apartment on the second floor of a house is located just off College, between Ossington and Bathurst, in one of the city's most popular areas to eat, party, shop and hang out. 

$1,975 for a Junction Triangle townhouse

apartments in torontoLove condos, hate heights? This lower-lever townhouse near Dupont and Lansdowne is as small as your average skybox (just 620 square feet) but it's in a cool, highly-coveted neighbourhood. Oh, it's also got two bathrooms (hello!), a walk-in closet (hello again!), and indoor parking.

$2,000 for a private terrace in CityPlace

Apartments in TorontoThis unit falls smack dab in the middle of CityPlace, which can be a good or a bad thing, depending on who you are. Either way, this place is pretty sweet, with beautiful hardwood floors, tons of closet space, access to a rooftop pool and its own, sizeable, private terrace.

Historic Toronto theatre renamed after Canadian Automobile Association

0
0

A century old live theatre venue on Yonge Street has been renamed this week to reflect a new "multi-faceted marketing partnership" between Mirvish Productions and CAA South Central Ontario.

Meet The CAA Theatre, formerly known as The Panasonic.

Originally built in 1911 as a private residence, the theatre at 651 Yonge has led many different lives over the past decade.

It became a cinema in 1919, and remained that way (albeit with many different names) until it was converted into a live production theatre in 1993. It's been The Panasonic since 2005.

As of today, The CAA theatre is up and running, new signage and all.

The Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet will be the first show to run at the rebranded venue, debuting with an all-Canadian cast in just a few weeks.

Mirvish's new partnership with the Canadian Automobile Association also includes special benefits for CAA members at Mirvish theatres and branded lounges within the Royal Alexandra and Princess of Wales theatres.   

This isn't a joke, by the way, just in case you were wondering. 

Viewing all 47899 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images