Could you eat an 18-inch-long banana split in 20 minutes? Do you actually want to?

If you answered yes, that's brave — like Leonardo DiCaprio when he sacrificed his own life for Kate Winslet in the 1997 hit film Titanic (I promise this is relevant).

Hollywood Cone is offering customers the chance to eat its massive Titanic Split, which is regularly $25, for free – but only if they complete the entire dessert in 20 minutes or less.

A post shared by Hollywood Cone (@hollywoodcone) on Jul 16, 2017 at 1:56pm PDT

That's over 5 pounds of ice cream, toppings, and bananas down the hole in about the same amount of time as it takes to watch one episode of a sitcom on Netflix.

If you do succeed, please feel free to stand outside and scream "I'm the king of the world!" You've earned it.

Events in Toronto today include a momentous occasion for the Toronto Maple Leafs, a free concert at Roy Thompson Hall, a Vaudeville style variety show, plus a huge art competition and party. The holidays are around the corner, so it's the perfect time to get out to play.

The most romantic new restaurants in Toronto have all the ingredients needed to make for a perfect date night: close quarters, candlelight, soft music, and of course incredible, sensual, beautiful food. You might even find yourself staring at your plate more often than your date...just don’t let them catch you!

Here are my picks for the most romantic new restaurants in Toronto.

Mad Crush Wine Bar

Like a good relationship, this Little Italy restaurant and bar may not look like much at first but as you delve into it there’s more than meets the eye. Celebrate with a bottle from one of Toronto’s most fun wine lists and nosh on fine cheeses and upscale bistro fare that incorporates Asian elements, say with a squash wasabi and unagi pâté.

The Civic

A high-ceilinged, plush environment and an itemized menu and old-timey drinks list recall the 1800’s origins of this building. There might even be a little lingering sexiness leftover from its past as a strip club. I firmly believe dismantling a whole roasted chicken as a couple is one of the more sensual activities two people can do together in public.

Copetin

Dim lighting sets the mood for sexy cocktails, snacks or dinners at this King East establishment from Masterchef Canada judge Claudio Aprile. There are prix fixe menus if you want to ball a lot and free tapas with the purchase of drinks from 4 - 6 if you can only ball a little, and they also have gift cards to keep the fun times going.

Grey Gardens

Pretty decor, an open kitchen, flickering candles, and a cozy amount of space all add up to make this Kensington restaurant super romantic. It’s perfect for both couples who want to sip wine and watch their pasta order being made by hand before their eyes and those who enjoy knocking back a few Coors Light with chips and dip.

Gare de l’Est

Pretty much nothing is more romantic than fancy French food, and this Leslieville restaurant has it in spades with dishes like pork cassoulet, French onion soup, moules frites and a stellar steak hache. Make an evening of it by seeing a play at Streetcar Crowsnest in the same building.

The restaurant and retail chains that came to Toronto in 2017 are all about the way we bring the world to this city. Japanese ramen, Parisian macarons, giant fried chicken, Greek coffee, luxe workout gear, perfume and eyewear now need not come at the extra cost of purchasing a plane ticket.

Here are some notable restaurant and retail chains that came to Toronto this year.

Restaurants

Cheesecake Factory

The lineups to get into the only Canadian outpost of the U.S. chain in Yorkdale mall are so long they've inspired memes. The only thing that might be longer is the menu, which boasts page after page of fusion comforts of epic proportions. If you’re going to spend all that time waiting to get in, make sure you save room for the amazing cheesecake.

Ladurée

This cafe feels like it was transplanted directly from the streets of Paris right into Yorkdale. Shades of teal and pink, dainty tea sets, macaron towers and servers outfitted in cutesy uniforms are something out of a little girl’s fantasy, but with origins going all the way back to 1862, there’s real French technique to back it up.

Konjiki

Ramen fans in Toronto have been salivating to get a taste of the elevated noodle soup at this chain from Japan.

There were long lineups at Laduree when it opened its first Toronto location at Yorkdale. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Pablo Cheese Tart

Ooey gooey molten cheese tarts in three flavours (original, matcha and chocolate) imprinted with an eye-popping logo to rival Uncle Tetsu are the specialty at this chain from Japan with a location near Bay and Dundas.

Kiss the Tiramisu

This Korean chain has a small stand in Kensington Market where they sell their tiramisu soft serve creations of mascarpone, cheese sauce, coffee sauce, ice cream, cookies and cocoa powder.

Guschlbauer

The Austrian cheese buns from this chain have become wildly popular in Asia, and now Toronto has our very shop right near Bloor and Yonge. The squishy stuffed buns that barely fit in your mouth come in flavours like mango, ube, chocolate and strawberry.

Cheers Cut

Speaking of food that can hardly fit in your mouth, Toronto has a new spot for huge fried chicken in a food hall on Yonge near Gerrard. Get XXL chicken spicy or stuffed with cheese, and don’t forget the sauce and plastic gloves.

Toronto was introduced to James Cheese Back Ribs when they opened their first Canadian location in Chinatown. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Saryo

This Japanese dessert chain now has a North York location where they offer their picture-perfect soft serve, cakes and specialties like matcha ice cream topped with burnt marshmallow.

James Cheese Back Ribs

So wrong but oh so right, spicy ribs are wrapped in molten stretchy cheese at this Chinatown location of the Korean chain. Fill up on other fried snacks, pints and cocktails too.

Monga

Gigantic fried chicken is topped with spicy powder and seaweed at this Chinese import at Bloor and Yonge. Crispy on the outside, with steamy and juicy breast meat on the inside, it’s handheld chicken at its finest.

QJD Peking Duck

Peking duck is even artfully arranged into the shape of a rose at this upscale Chinese chain that has a Toronto location in Markham. It took them long enough: the place has been open in Beijing since 1864.

It's all about the noodle bowls at Dagu Rice Noodle. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Dagu Rice Noodle

This Chinese chain specializing in, you guessed it, rice noodle soup opened up a Bay and Dundas location this year. Their pork bone broth is expertly prepared, and you can get their soups in a range of styles.

Craft Beer Market

This locally focused chain started out west, but we now have our very own megapub with over a hundred taps right here in the Financial District.

Dazzling Cafe

North York now has a location of this twee Taiwanese chain where the chairs have bunny ears and they serve pretty toasts, desserts and drinks.

Coffee Island

Greek coffee is specially prepared in an ibriq heated with sand at this new haven for coffee nerds with a location in the Yonge and Wellesley area. They sell a ton of specialty coffee equipment, and you can even design your own blend.

Toronto couldn't wait to get a taste of the Halal Guys when they opened their first Toronto restaurant on Yonge St. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Latea Era

Teas “crowned” with a thick fluffy cheese foam topping can be found in Scarborough at this cafe with origins in Foshan, China.

Halal Guys

Lines form quickly at the Yonge and Wellesley location of this chain that started out as a humble food cart in New York. The smell of shawarma alone is enough to draw customers into this place, but beware their fiery hot sauce!

Cafe Landwer

This Israeli chain opened up a spot in Richmond Hill this year, where they serve brunch, lunch and dinner that combines North American and Israeli influences with items like shakshuka, rugalach and cheesecake.

Green Tea Restaurants

There are over 50 of these in China, so we are definitely in for a treat with the opening of a Markham location of this Chinese chain that does Hangzhou-style dishes inspired by traditional market eats.

RYU arrived in Toronto via the west coast and specializes in practical and stylish athletic wear. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Retail Stores

RYU

High-end athletic equipment comes to us from the west at the Queen West location of this shop. Some of the most practical and stylish duffels and backpacks can be found here along with apparel that transitions from the gym to the streets effortlessly.

Hunter

Weather changes at a moment's notice in Toronto, so thank goodness we now have Hunter in Yorkdale mall to provide us with premium wellies and brollies to jump puddles in style.

Le Labo

The West Queen West outpost of the high end NYC perfumer is the first in Canada. All the most coveted unisex scents are available in perfumes, lotions, soaps, candles and other industrial-chic products made by hand.

Toronto now smells even better thanks to Le Labo's first solo storefront in the city. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Filson

The first Toronto location of this Seattle outerwear store is on West Queen West. They have men’s and women’s apparel, luggage and bags, as well as hunting, fishing and camping gear.

Illesteva

The West Queen West flagship represents this eyewear brand designed in NYC and manufactured in Italy. It's a must visit if you're changing up your optical frames or balling out on a new pair of sunnies for a getaway.

Burton

Ossington now has a flagship location of this high end snowboarding store where they host product knowledge sessions with wine and cheese socials afterwards.

Lyft has officially come to Toronto, but – as with any launch of such magnitude – it wasn't as simple as flipping a switch.

The city's newest ride-hailing app was activated within the GTA exactly one week ago today, during a release event that saw Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman take the first-ever Lyft ride in Canada.

Local car service users were thrilled to finally have a viable alternative to Uber, Lyft's biggest competitor, and many of them still are.

An unfortunate technicality, however, is making some of those 50,000 Torontonians who downloaded the appbefore it launched in Canada feel slighted, if not duped.

. @lyft What the heck? I'm your biggest fan and literally invited ALL of my friends to register for Lyft the first day you launched in Toronto. I am rewarded with this X20. Obviously I am only going to have been a US rider before yesterday. Support not answering. #lyfttopic.twitter.com/2NAsRfj21K

— Fred Ngo (@fredngo) December 13, 2017

Like many app-based companies, Lyft rewards existing users for referring their friends to the service.

Every time someone enters a specific user's Lyft referral code, that user should receive a $10 ride credit, added automatically to their account.

After the service launched in Canada last week, local Lyft users started discovering that this wasn't exactly true. You see, if you already have a U.S. Lyft account, you won't get credit for referring someone in Canada to the service. 

@AskLyft why do you keep telling me that I can't get referral bonuses because I'm not in Canada? What more do you need than a Canadian phone number and a Canadian credit card with a Canadian billing address? At least @Uber_Canada 's customer service is prompt and responsive.

— N.C. Biswas (@ncbiswas) December 13, 2017

Instead, you'll get an email that reads:

"It looks like your recent referral is riding with Lyft outside the country where you ride. Our referral program only supports bonuses for riders you refer in the country where you ride, so you won't earn a referral bonus this time (sorry!)"

@AskLyft I've shared my referral link with several friends and have gotten the attached email in return. So far I think I haven't received credit for 5 friends who have joined Lyft because of me. Can you fix this? #lyfttoronto#lyftpic.twitter.com/TtKY9KCTFT

— Danial Shaikh (@dnlshkh) December 13, 2017

Some of the people reporting this error message online do, in fact, have active U.S. Lyft accounts, but a lot of Torontonians are saying they've never even used the service stateside.

As it turns out, you couldn't actually register for the service as a Canadian until it officially launched here – though nobody realized that this was the case.

People in Toronto who, after learning of Lyft's impending expansion, signed up for the app early were all registered as Americans.

@lyft I still won’t be using your service, since you so ungraciously won’t credit me $10, but you happily do the rest of TO! My crime; getting on the Lyft bandwagon eons before you hit Canada!

— Dan Post (@dannyboybaby) December 14, 2017

New Toronto Lyft users have been trying to "switch over" their accounts to the right country, but many are complaining that this doesn't seem possible.

Some are also saying that Lyft customer service hasn't been much help – though it should be noted that the company has been incredibly responsive on Twitter, encouraging all complainants to DM their account for further assistance.

I tried contacting you via app, explained everything, and they don’t understand. @AskLyft

— Kevin McLaughlin (@voilakevin) December 12, 2017

When asked about the referral bonus problem, a Lyft spokesperson explained that the company is working on a solution.

"Prior to being live in Canada, many people in Canada who signed up for Lyft did so with a U.S. Lyft account," said a Lyft spokesperson. "We are in the process of fixing this so that people who live in Canada are re-attributed to having Canadian Lyft accounts and can refer friends."

"People with U.S. accounts aren't able to refer those in Canada," she further explained. "We are, though, seeing many referrals between passengers with Canadian accounts." 

One of France's leading fitness chains has announced that it'll soon be opening a North American location in Toronto– because which trendyforeigncompany doesn't want to start an international expansion here these days?

Founded in 2002, Keep Cool has expanded from its roots in Avignon, France to open more than 100 gyms across the country with approximately 170,000 members.

Toronto's Keep Cool location will be at 530 Yonge Street, just south of Wellesley, and is promised to feature a bike studio, an elliptical studio, a studio gym, seven learning classrooms and more. 

We don't have an opening date for the Toronto gym aside from "coming soon," but it looks like it could be a pretty fun place to work out.

The company's motto is literally "Le Sport Bonheur," or "Sports Happiness," and its corporate account regularly tweets out GIFs and screengrabs from TV shows like The Simpsons and American Dad.

La calorie, dénominateur commun de la perte de poids, du régime et de l'activité physique : https://t.co/LeX44wdRfOpic.twitter.com/gJoxhaTWg1

— Keep Cool (@KeepCoolDG) October 26, 2017

Tres bien!

Although the TTC streetcar takes the cake as far as Toronto transit icons go, our buses also have plenty of cachet when it comes to local nostalgia. There's just something about the ritual of commuting that breeds powerful connections to our collective past.

Bus transit in Toronto dates back to the early 1920s, when the city was serviced by a diverse fleet operated by the Toronto Transportation Commission.

We even had a few double-deckers cruising around town back then, though their time in service wasn't anything like what the city would witness with the GM "New Look" fishbowl buses that rolled along Toronto streets from 1959 all the way to 2011. 

It's sometimes easy to forget given the state of the fleet today, but the city also once boasted an array of trolley buses.

Trolley buses could be seen on Toronto streets in some capacity between 1922 and 1993, but it was in the 60s and 70s that they were a particularly common sight. These vehicles made use of existing streetcar infrastructure when the TTC reduced the footprint of the rail network.

The last trolley bus to run on city streets was the 6 Bay. 

Since then, our streets have witnessed a slew of buses from companies like Orion/Ontario Bus Industries, Nova, and Flyer/New Flyer Industries. Many of them blend in our memory, but the fleet has always been diverse.

For more on the history of TTC buses, make sure to check out the Transit Toronto archives and photo galleries, which are a tremendous resource for local transit history, including the array of buses that have slowly and steadily served this city over the years. 

Behold, what TTC buses used to look like back in the day.

Fifth Avenue double-decker bus.

AEC 404 double-decker. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Trolley bus by J Packard. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Fifth Avenue J-type bus. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Fifth Avenue single deck model. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Fifth Avenue single-deck variation. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Loading into the Humberside  bus 1923. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Orange Day celebrations on a double-decker in 1926. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Yellow Coach model Z. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Yellow Coach model X. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Fifth Avenue Coach in 1927. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Studebaker Bus No. 29 in 1927. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Mack Bus in 1928. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Trolley bus on Ossington Ave.

Crowds board a coach in the 1950s. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

The Christmas bus in 1957. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Getting painted in 1958. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

A new bus ready to roll on Eglinton Ave. in 1958. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

A mighty GM Fishbowl at Rosedale Station. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

Rear view of GM New Look bus. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

A Brill Coach services the Junction 40 bus route in 1968. Photo by David Wilson. 

A GM New Look passes through the Glen Echo Loop in 1968. Photo by David Wilson. 

A trolley bus pulls through the Earlscourt Loop in 1968. Photo by David Wilson.A trolley bus and PCC streetcar pass each other on Oakwood Rd. in 1968. Photo by David Wilson. 

TTC livery on a New Look Bus at Bathurst Station in 1970. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

A GM New Look TTC bus wears the red and cream livery in the early 1980s. Photo by Frank Denardo.

Toronto Flyer Trolley Bus pulling into Ossington Station in 1987. Photo by Steve Morgan.

And here's one that's travelling along Weston Rd. Photo by Steve Morgan.

Articulated bus at Yonge and Wellesley in the 1990s via Transit Toronto.

Riding the TTC can be a challenge for anyone, but it's especially strenuous for those carrying precious cargo – like a bag filled with electronics, or a small human in one's belly.

Pregnant women, like seniors, people using mobility devices and people with disabilities, have reserved seating on all TTC vehicles, in the blue chairs.

If every blue chair on the bus, subway or streetcar is occupied, it's only common courtesy for able-bodied individuals to stand and surrender their regular seats for those who actually need to sit.

Streetcar driver just announced over the speaker "someone to get out of their seat" for a pregnant woman and it was the best #TTC#Toronto

— Kelsey Rutherford (@kjruther) September 21, 2017

There are signs all over the place to remind TTC passengers of the blue seat rules, and people who violate them can be fined up to $235.00.

Regular seats are a little bit trickier, though. Passengers are trusted to use their own judgment when it comes to moving (or not moving) for a pregnant woman. When they make the wrong call – and it seems like a lot of people do - it's not a good look.

Disgusted by the man who cussed out a women who requested a seat for a pregnant lady standing next to her on the #ttc this morning. Even more shocked by all the people sitting down who didn’t offer their seat... unbelievable Toronto.

— monicaa__ (@Monhanna__) December 18, 2017

Yesterday, a TTC passenger reported seeing someone cuss out a fellow passenger for requesting that he move to accommodate a pregnant person.

Last week, someone on Twitter said that she – at six months pregnant – was pushed by another woman on the streetcar who simply wanted to sit down.

To the woman on the packed King streetcar who pushed me aside at 6 months pregnant so that she could sit down instead of me: may you have a wonderful day. I hope you enjoyed the ride. #karma#TTC#courtesy

— Gabriela Gonzalez (@GabrielaGS_) December 13, 2017

There are dozens of similar social media complaints to be found from Torontonians in recent months – and tons more from all over the world.

In an effort to spark more civility among its riders, Tokyo's transit authority just rolled out an app to help pregnant women find seats on the subway.

Pregnant passengers in London can order "Baby on Board" badges to wear while expecting, and Korea's "pink light" campaign gives pregnant woman special sensors to activate lights on reserved seats when they board subway trains.

The is nothing worse than starting your day with 200 ignorant people on a streetcar who would not get up for a pregnant woman! #TTC #509

— Elena SC (@Elena_SCs) November 28, 2017

Toronto already has the blue chair program, but TTC spokesperson Stuart Green says there's even more to come in terms of making transit more accessible – and riders more civil.

The TTC has been working with an advisory committee to develop a program similar to London's, in which people who need seats can easily let others know by wearing a badge or button.

"The priority seating is there for people who need it," said Green. "That includes people with what we would call visible and invisible disabilities."

This is what they look like @anne_theriaultpic.twitter.com/qsplbqhau0

— Mags L Halliday (@magslhalliday) November 28, 2017

Someone who has really bad vertigo, for instance, might need to sit down on the subway to avoid getting sick, but you wouldn't know it to look at them. 

Similarly, a woman in her first trimester may not look pregnant yet, but could be dealing with nausea, vertigo and a host of other physical issues that make standing on the bus uncomfortable or even dangerous.

The new program will be introduced sometime in 2018, and "will help people self identity in terms of needing a seat," says Green.

In the meantime, "common courtesy dictates the use of those seats" – so be courteous, Toronto.

The new Nations Experience grocery store / arcade / VR centre / indoor playground in The Stockyards has been hailed as everything from "inspiring" to "the best supermarket I've ever met." 

But not everyone in the surrounding neighbourhood is thrilled about how the business operates.

More than 300 local residents have now signed a petition calling on Nations to stop selling food in styrofoam and plastic.

Started just yesterday, the petition reads:

"Nations is serving all of their food in styrofoam containers and or non‐recyclable plastic. They are also selling produce on styrofoam trays and wrapped in plastic. This kind of waste creation is beyond excessive and is not welcome in our neighbourhood."

Sign the petition & #retweet& tell @NationsFoods Supermarket to Stop serving food in styrofoam and non-recyclable plastic!!! #ToPoli#ClimateChange#wastehttps://t.co/shj0bBKi5g

— Julia Bailey Fenton (@jewlzbailey) December 18, 2017

The petition was created by Stockyards resident Leila Canon-Ahern after her first visit to the supermarket, which took over the site of Toronto's first purpose-built Target location last month.

"Friends and neighbours, I need your help," wrote Canon-Ahern in a neighbourhood Facebook group on Monday. "I recently visited our new neighbour at Stockyards, Nations Fresh Food Supermarket. As I have heard echoed by many of you, I was appalled by their excessive use of styrofoam."

Along with a link to the petition, she included a powerful letter, addressed to Nations, with the post.

"All of your produce in the grocery section sitting on styrofoam trays and wrapped in plastic. And to top it off, there wasn’t a recycling bin anywhere in sight," reads a portion of Canon-Ahern's letter. 

This image was included in the body of Leila Canon-Ahern's letter to Nations Supermarket. 

"What the what? I felt heartbroken and sick," the letter continues. "I mean, in this day and age, when the oceans are full of plastic and the earth is being scorched by wildfires due to drought and rising temperatures...

"Polar bears are starving from melting ice caps. How can you not assume some sort of corporate social responsibility?" she asked, "Particularly when your store features huge banners that tout statements like  'think globally eat locally.'"

Canon-Ahern's Facebook post is lighting up with comments from other locals, and people beyond The Stockyards, who support the cause (and want Nations to change its ways).

I live near this grocery store and it's a great concept but I don't accept the waste created by their packaging. Please sign this petition! Nations Fresh Food Supermarket: Stop serving food in styrofoam and plastic https://t.co/oHduQNynhc

— Angie (@travellingbelle) December 18, 2017

"So glad you did this! I’ve been wanting to do the same! Will definitely hop on board with this," wrote one commenter.

" I refuse to return to the store until they make better choices," wrote another. "I couldn't find a single recycling bin."

Others are arguing that, while the amount of packaging isn't cool, it is common in many Asian markets – either for hygiene, presentation or freshness.

"It's sad but you will see this throughout most of Asia in supermarkets," wrote someone else in the Facebook thread.

"Almost all produce is sold packaged rather than loose. I think culturally they value packaging as it makes it the product look more expensive. I was gifted a box of peanuts once and the peanuts were wrapped in 10 layers of packaging."

Nations Supermarket has not yet responded to multiple requests for comment on the petition and use of plastic at its Stockyards store. 

A whole new crop of gigantic letters popped up in Toronto this week as a display of city pride – this time along the waterfront (or, should I say, a different part of the waterfront.)

Toronto's newest mega-sign reads "#TOwaterfront" and can be found right now at HTO Park.

"Anyone looking for the perfect selfie has another spot to choose from this winter as Shore Land Arts unveil their latest creation," reads a news release from the Waterfront BIA announcing the "over 50-ft long magenta #TOwaterfront sign – to rival the version that stands in Nathan Philips Square.

Made entirely of reclaimed wood from Toronto Island parks, the 7-foot-tall sign was created by Thelia Sanders Shelton and Julie Ryan of Shore Land Arts – the same artists behind both the Humber Bay Park driftwood sign and its reclining companion "El Corazon."

The #TOwaterfront sign was commissioned as part of The Waterfront BIA's ambitious winter programming schedule, which includes the Icebreakers public art exhibition in January and February.

It was installed today and will stay in place until Spring of 2018.

Winter concerts in Toronto feature stadium-filling international pop stars as well as up and coming local acts garnering lots of attention. From Lana Del Ray to Lido Pimienta to Demi Lovato, here are my picks for must-see concerts to warm you up this season. 

Here's a nice counterpoint to all those boxy and minimalist new homes that are built in Toronto these days. Located at 226 Heath St. East in Moore Park, this custom build doesn't depart too dramatically from the design of the older homes in the neighbourhood.

Fortunately, it also doesn't look like the designers were trying too hard to produce a replica of a turn of the century home, either. On the contrary, this is just a tasteful addition to an area that's well known for its steep real estate prices.

What do you get for your $3 million here? Aside from location, two traits establish the high value of this home: 1) lots of square footage and 2) luxury finishes. With four bedrooms and a giant open-concept basement, there's living space to spare here.

High ceilings, gas fireplaces, upscale appliances, and multiple en suites are just a few of the luxury offerings this property boasts. It certainly won't be mistaken for a true mansion, but this house has everything you could ever really need in a residence.

Specs

• Address: 226 Heath St. East
• Price: $2,995,000
• Lot Size: 30 x 120 feet
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 5
• Parking: 3
• Walk Score: 63
• Transit Score: 84
• Listing agent: Cailey Heaps Estrin
• Listing ID: C4001981

Good For

An established Toronto family who wants to maintain proximity to downtown but also needs a generous amount of living space. That doesn't come cheap in this city, but there are plenty of buyers looking for this package.

Move On If

If walkability is a priority, then this house might be a pass. The trip to the subway isn't so bad (about 10 min), but aside from other houses and various green spaces, there's nothing around. 

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

You no longer have to go to the Canadian National Exhibition to get your fill of fried foods and carnival rides in Toronto. Thanks to Destiny Asian Fusion, you can get both delivered right to your table. Well, sort of.

A post shared by Cateyes and Chai🍵 By Akshita (@cateyesandchai) on Dec 17, 2017 at 11:29pm PST

The restaurant's newest feature is dubbed the Ferris Wheel Snack Basket, which is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. A miniature Ferris wheel is filled with fried goodies like french fries, popcorn chicken, fish balls, and chicken wings.

A post shared by 周林语 (@zhou.linyu) on Dec 13, 2017 at 4:58pm PST

If you want this wheel of fried goodness on its own, it'll cost $18.99, but when you purchase four or more items from their signature platter menu, it comes included with the meal.

A post shared by Eat around the world (@toronto520) on Nov 30, 2017 at 11:59am PST

Photos of the unique menu item are flooding Instagram feeds because we collectively just can't resist food presentations like this. And, hey, it's finally socially acceptable to play with your food, so that's worth celebrating (I think?).

The Ferris wheel promotion runs until December 31.

Toronto had a big year for raw, direct-from-the-streets viral video content. People around the city pulled out their phones en masse throughout 2017 to catch dozens of moments you probably wouldn't believe without seeing, from jaw-dropping fights to four-legged criminals and beyond. 

Here are my favourite viral videos from Toronto in 2017.

The Pizza Pizza fight video

An intense but ridiculous late night brawl broke among 10 or so intoxicated people at a Pizza Pizza near Queen and Broadview this summer. Lucky for the world, it was captured on camera and shared very widely. 

Squirrel steals chocolate bars from convenience store

A tiny bandit was caught on camera in January of 2017 robbing a west-end convenience store. Like so many mischievous Toronto animals before it, the black squirrel went viral after his adorable crime spree, which resulted in the loss of an estimated 40 chocolate bars.

Driver reverses on the Gardiner

Many people were legitimately horrified after watching video footage of a motorist driving backwards, very slowly, into oncoming west-bound traffic on one of Toronto's biggest freeways. It was the middle of the night, but still. That's a dangerous (and illegal) move. 

The No Frills parking lot brawl

Things got wild outside a No Frills store in Scarborough this July when an argument over a parking space escalated into a full-on fist fight. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured.

Prince Harry and the popcorn-stealing Toddler

According to YouTube, the most-viewed video to come out of Toronto this year was footage from the Invictus Games. It features the handsome Prince Harry inadvertently sharing his popcorn with a little girl.

The TTC mop water fight video

This short clip of a young women getting TTC mop bucket water dumped over her head on a subway platform in Scarborough was the talk of the town back in September thanks to a share from World Star Hip Hop.

The Views Are Different Here

A City of Toronto tourism video was released to widespread praise in March of 2017, mostly because of how well it captured our city's beauty and coolness. The campaign promoted Toronto as vibrant urban centre – not a hokey Canadian stereotype – and for this, it went viral.

The robot dancing cop

Last February, a Durham Regional Police Service officer proved that he can both fight crime and dance like a pro after responding to a call about a suspected gang fight at UOIT in Oshawa. The resulting dance battle was viewed over a million times in just a few days on Facebook.

Disgruntled woman blocks a TTC bus

Last month, a woman made headlines by walking in front of two Toronto buses to protest TTC overcrowding during an extreme cold weather alert. The woman was filmed by a passenger on one of the buses, which were forced to drive very slowly behind the protestor.

Ceiling raccoon at Pearson Airport

Oh hi there, little friend. A baby raccoon sparked a cellphone paparazzi swarm this May when he peeked out of a ceiling in the baggage claim area of Pearson. The only thing that could've made the scene better is if it happened ahead of a Porter flight. Get it? 

A post shared by Emily DeVries (@emjdevries) on May 6, 2017 at 10:45am PDT

This spring, a huge plot of unused land at Front and Bathurst streets will be transformed into "an experience of curated discovery" through the use of shipping containers.

New images have been released for the forthcoming Stackt Shipping Container Market, giving Toronto a more thorough preview of the much-hyped project than ever before.

One of the renderings even includes New York style bloggers (and seemingly popular render people) Joshua Kissi and Travis Gumbs – just like Brooklyn's recent park proposal that featured Jimmy Brooks from Degrassi!

While the elements of this highly touted new space are still a bit mysterious, earlier concept drawings showed a brewery, an outdoor cinema and retail and studio space. Other possibilities include fitness and event space as well as social enterprises.

According to the project's website, organizers currently plan to offer food and drink options, a market, space for art and artists, as well as "experiences," which are described as "intimate and interactive moments that raise the bar for entertainment."

Bring it on. The shipping container market is slated to open by next summer. 

Today in Toronto you can laugh, cry, and think all in 60 seconds or less, thanks to a unique film festival. You'll also be able to drink beer on the cheap at one of the city's most welcoming bars. Bring on the holidays!

Free events on New Year's Eve allow Toronto to end 2017 on a high note without having to start 2018 with an empty wallet. While there are plenty of parties that will take your money, these ones don't cost a cent and might even feature fireworks, music and live magic.

New Chinese restaurants in Toronto are all about diversity. Ranging from humble establishments to over-the-top grandeur, and hailing from one Chinese region to the next, variety is the name of the game here.

Here are my picks for the top Chinese restaurants that opened in Toronto this year.

Dagu Rice Noodle

It's impossible to miss the hype surrounding the arrival of this large Chinese rice noodles chain. Now with three locations including one at Bay and Dundas, this place is where you can get your fix of delicious rice noodle soups. Also don't overlook heir delicious side dishes like the Salty Crispy Chicken.

Mabu Generation

This always-popular Markham restaurant serves up an extensive menu of modern Taiwanese cuisine and individual sized hot pots. I especially love their Taiwanese Style Chicken Soup in Sesame Oil and their Cheese Pork Rib on Rice.

Yin Ji Chang Fen

Simplicity is key at this Markham destination, a small unassuming restaurant that's actually part of a large Chinese chain from Guangzhou. They specialize in chang fen (rice rolls) here, making each one using a special technique that renders them thin yet perfectly chewy.

Potman Hotpot

This Scarborough hotpot restaurant specializes in individual hotpot dining with high-end ingredients like US Premium Wagyu and top-grade Japanese Wagyu beef.

QJD Peking Duck Restaurant

This Markham restaurant, part of a massive chain in China with a 150 year history, is famous for their opulent Premium Peking Duck Set where they carve the Peking duck at the table into elaborate floral arrangements.

Loblaws‌ is giving away free groceries after its parent companies admitted to participating in what they called an "industry-wide price-fixing arrangement involving certain packaged bread products."

What this means is that you probably spent more on bread than you should have between 2001 and 2015 – and not just at Loblaws.

The Competition Bureau has also reportedly searched the offices of Metro Inc., Sobeys Inc., Canada Bread and Walmart Canada as part of its ongoing investigation into the nearly 15-year-long suspected price-fixing conspiracy. 

It turns out Loblaws was part of a price-fixing scheme? To inflate bread prices? For more than 14 years? So now everyone gets a $25 gift card? Is this real life? https://t.co/nnMQVkBlzkpic.twitter.com/bICNQEdQxN

— CSI Toronto (@csiTO) December 20, 2017

In attempt to make amends, Loblaws is offering a $25 gift card that can be used at any of their grocery stores across Canada.

"This conduct should never have happened," Galen Weston said during a recent conference call. "The gift card is a direct acknowledgment of that to our customers. We hope that they'll see it as a meaningful amount that demonstrates our commitment to keeping their trust and confidence."

It took 15 YEARS for #Loblaws to notice involvement in fixing bread prices, & the authorities noticed nothing. And now, all "cooperating" avoid prosecution? #justicepic.twitter.com/QinWgckKmK

— Beverly Akerman (@Beverly_Akerman) December 20, 2017

You'll be able to register for a gift card between January 8 and May 8 of 2018, but can currently go to this web site to request a notification for when registration opens.

All you need to do to get a card is declare that you purchased certain bread products at an eligible Loblaws store before March of 2015, and that you're the age of majority in your province.

Loblaws expects three million to six million Canadians to redeem the offer, which will cost the company an estimated $75 million to $150 million.

Toronto transit riders are, for the most part, loving all six of the brand new subway stations on Line 1.

From Downsview Park to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, each of the Toronto-York Spadina Subway extension stops boast beautiful public art, free WiFi, state-of-the art green features, and tons of highly impressive design elements.

But only one of those stations – the last one on the line – has a public washroom.

Why no WC at brand new stations?
Why appearance had higher priority than basic function??

.@JoshColle
.@JohnTory
.@StevenDelDuca
.@Kathleen_Wynne

Answer pls.

— tomoh (@QQ_ZZZ) December 18, 2017

Accessibility advocates, among others, are speaking out this week to ask why, with a budget of $2.6 billion, the TTC didn't build more places for its passengers to take care of business along Line 1.

"If the stations were being built from the ground up you would have thought there would have been an opportunity to put in washrooms," said Rasheed Clarke of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada to The Star.

For people with chronic gastrointestinal or other health conditions, accessible washrooms aren't just a luxury, they're a necessity – and there are currently only 11 TTC washrooms across the entire network.

It is absurd that every Subway restaurant has public bathrooms but the entirety of the #ttc has like 4

— Sam Edwards (@sameyouknow) October 30, 2017

York University professor Chris Robinson, a union steward for the faculty disability caucus, called the oversight "a failure to respond to the way the world has changed."

"I would have been happy if they made it more functional and less architecturally brilliant, by making sure they had washrooms in stations," he said of the new York University Station. "That seems to me would have been a reasonable use of public money."

A lot of TTC riders seem to agree, and have been saying so on Twitter for many years.

no bathroom at york mills so after 50min wait i have to pee and have a 50 min ride ahead.I hope i piss on your seats @ttc@TTChelps

— Chanelle (@ChanelleBeautii) September 22, 2017

When asked about the lack of washrooms, TTC spokesperson Stuart Green told The Toronto Star that it's because of "a long-standing TTC policy."

Washrooms have traditionally only been installed at the ends of subway lines, save for the bathroom at Bloor-Yonge station.

"Any reconsideration of the policy would have to come from the board at which time we could cost out retrofits," said Green.

— TTC Customer Service (@TTChelps) July 7, 2017

For now, it looks like Toronto transit riders will just have to deal – or find another way to get around.