Toronto's central waterfront is in the midst of profound change. Ever since Captain John sailed off into the sunset, the development projects have come fast and furious.

One of the cornerstones of the transformation is surely the LCBO lands at Queens Quay and Cooper St., which will be home to a slick new headquarters for the provincial booze agency as well as a series of soaring condo towers designed by architectsAllicance. 

While the design for the condos is still in the early stages, the B+H- designed office tower has been refined a number of times, including recently. Given that the project has already broken ground, the latest renderings, dug up by Urban Toronto, give a good sense of what it'll look like.

The view of the new tower from across Queens Quay. Image via B+H Architects.

The upper portion of the tower is elegant and reserved in its design, but the podium should really help to animate the street, particularly given the presence of a new 25,000 square foot flagship LCBO here.

There's a green roof on the third floor, which serves as a reminder that the plan is to achieve LEED Platinum certification for the 25-storey structure. All told, there will be 763,000 square feet of commercial space on offer here. 

Office towers aren't always something to get excited about, but this one — complete with a palace of booze — looks like it'll push the transformation of the waterfront in the right direction when it opens in 2021. 

Toronto's Queen Live Fresh Food Market is an interesting, albeit kind of depressing place to eat.  

The multi-stalled independent food court has a prime location on a street that's regularly packed with shoppers, tourists and nearby office workers, and yet nothing seems able to survive there but mice.

Once home to the bustling St. Patrick's Market, the building itself was erected in 1912 after an even older market, built in 1854, burned down.

Still, at more than 100 years old, 238 Queen St West is considered a historic building and was, in fact, designated a heritage site in 1975.

Image via City of Toronto Archives

The mostly-vacant market was reinvented as a "healthy food hub" in 2011, but little seems to have changed in terms of businesses sticking around.

Now, the place is a straight up ghost town.

The Queen Live food court near Queen and John is now almost totally abandoned #Torontopic.twitter.com/stkpge5ZHP

— blogTO (@blogTO) February 2, 2018

Out of about a dozen different food stalls, only one holds a functioning restaurant right now.

The popular Japanese street food joint Gushi is alone in an otherwise abandoned food court at Queen near John, right across from the old MuchMusic building, in one of the busiest parts of town.

Gone is Dance Mac...

Gone is the BakeryHaus...

Meli Baklava & Chocolate Bar...

And those are only the stalls that still have signage. RIP to the Jerk Joint, Panino Cowboy and Kal & Mooy, too.

People are discussing the Queen Live Fresh Food Market at length on Reddit today and putting forward many theories about why it can't hold tenants.

Some say it never quite recovered from last year's mouse infestation. Others point to rising commercial rent prices, poorly-priced food and strict zoning rules.

Whatever the reason, it seems like a bad idea to open a restaurant here. But don't let me stop you – they've got plenty of space for bakers and butchers, as noted in the picture above.

The best Pakistani restaurants in Toronto are often lumped in with our favourite Indian restaurants, but of course have a cuisine unique to the specific country of Pakistan to offer. Though it’s still based on a lot of curries, stews and rice dishes, the vibrancy of nihari, karahi, Pakistani kebabs and much more is a whole other world to discover.

Here are the best Pakistani restaurants in Toronto.

Never judge a book by its cover, and never judge a house by its facade. This narrow semi/row-style house on Sullivan St. near Grange Park doesn't look like much to walk by, but recent renovations have turned it into a modern gem, which just sold for nearly $2 million. 

An all-glass extension at the back does wonders to inject the ground floor with natural light, while an open concept layout ensures that the narrow footprint never actually feels confined. 

Too look at it from the street, you wouldn't imagine that it features such a large master with a walk-in closet. The rest of the bedrooms are less impressive, but they're more than adequate for a family who wants to live downtown. 

As is often the case, the basement is a major addition here. With the dining room at the front of the house and a living room off the kitchen, the main TV-watching area is pushed downstairs. But given how nicely finished it is, the design just works. 

The Essentials

• Address: 12 Sullivan St.
• Type: Semi-detached
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 3
• Lot size: 19 x 140 feet
• Hit the market at: $1,795,000
• Sold for: $1.8 million

Why it sold for what it did

There aren't really deals in the Toronto housing market, but snagging this house at the asking price strikes me as a great purchase. I'm not the only one who thinks it could have gone for above asking given the interior and location. 

Was it worth it?

I've already given away my answer. I like this house. I think the renovation effort was superb and that $1.8 was a good price to pick it up for. If only my savings weren't so thin...

The best and worst Winners store locations in Toronto differ in small but important ways. Selection, accessibility, and whether the store is prone to overcrowding are the main criteria to help you decide whether or not, like the Winners slogan says, you should go.

Here are my picks for the best and worst Winners locations in Toronto.

Best
 

College Park

Centrally located and always well stocked, this Winners can get busy, especially around holidays, but has the real estate to accommodate the masses. They’ve got a sizeable men’s section and usually have an abundance of items in every section, from purses to shoes.

Leaside

If you’re looking for deals on designer merchandise, this Winners location on Laird has a section dedicated to the latest fashion from trendy labels. Prices can run up at this two-floored store but it’s still a bargain compared to original retail prices.

Yorkville

This Winners is coupled with a HomeSense and carries an above-average selection of furniture and homeware. Their clothing section is pretty good too, and they’ve got deals on some designer clothes as well.

North York

Sandwiched between a Paramount and a Chuck-E-Cheese, this Winners feels like the perfect spot for parents who desperately need some alone time after dropping their kids off at a party. Lots of parking and a spacious design are conducive to long browsing for deals.

Worst
 

Cedarbrae Mall

Noticeably smaller than other locations you may have visited, this Scarborough store is dwarfed by the giant Canadian Tire adjacent to it in the mall. The store has a pretty drab appearance plus a limited selection of clothing, especially when it comes to menswear.

Front Street East

Located just a stone’s throw away from a handful of bespoke stores catering to the Financial District crowd, this Winners has decided to disguise its understocked interior by adopting a boutique facade. While you might see some things for your home here, the chances of finding any real Winners-worthy clothing gems are unlikely.

Yonge and Dundas

Even though it’s centrally located in one of Toronto’s busiest shopping areas, this Winners fails to provide a seamless shopping experience. Tight quarters and disorganized aisles make it tough to navigate. You’re also out of luck if you’re looking for home stuff – they don’t have that.

Dufferin Mall

Everyone seems to have a love-hate relationship with this mall, and while it certainly has its loveable quirks, shopping at this Winners sort of reminds you why the Likely General made this sweater.

Breweries where you can buy growlers in Toronto know how handy these big beer jugs are. In fact, even the LCBO and The Beer Store have started carrying them. Grab a growler and take your favourite brewski home to drink quickly with friends.

Here are my picks for the top breweries to buy growlers in Toronto.

Rorschach Brewing

Growlers from this brewery in Leslieville are $16 with a $4 deposit. They’ve got 16 beers on tap like the God Spot provisional saison and Master Status IPA that you can bring home; for refills its $12.

Henderson Brewing

Take some of this Junction Triangle brewery’s flagship beer home in a growler for $15 with a $5 deposit. Their Henderson’s Best is most popular, though they have an IPA-ish Union Pearson Ale on offer as well.

Junction Craft Brewing

This brewery is only open Thursday to Sunday, but thanks to growlers their list of ales and IPAs can be brought home for your enjoyment all the other days of the week. Growlers require a $10 deposit plus an average cost of $15 for the brew.

Saulter Street Brewery

If you don't want to break your arm carrying beer home, come to this Riverside brewery and pick up a howler for $5.50. You can take some of their signature Czech-style pilsner chez you for half the size and half the price of a standard growler.

Halo Brewery

You’ll want to take some beer home from this brewery’s fragrant selection of fruity and flowery drafts. Located in the Junction Triangle, Halo sells growlers for a one-time fee of $5 plus $10 to $14, depending on which beer you want imbibe.

Muddy York Brewing Co.

This East York brewery looks small but it's  got a mighty selection. Their Gaslight Helles lager is one of their best sellers, though they have popular IPAs too. Take some with you for $12 to $15, plus an $8 deposit for the growler.

Indie Alehouse

Growlers here are pre-filled with beers that rotate daily at $20 a fill plus a $4 deposit. If you plan on coming back often, the better deal is to join Indie’s Growler Club for $100 annual fee; you can choose which beer you want bottled, the growler cost is included and it’s around $15 per refill.

Rainhard Brewing

This Stockyards brewery has small batch brews like the Lazy Bones IPA that you can take home for anywhere between $15 and $19, plus a $5 deposit.

Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery

Nestled in a gastropub in Liberty Village, this massive brewery's beers are meant to be paired with Liberty's hearty meals. But if you really can't stick around for the food, the 32-ounce howlers cost $11 and are $7 to refill for home enjoyment.

Eastbound Brewing Company

While they don’t offer growlers per say, this Riverside brewery does offers offer crowlers, a.k.a. 950 ml cans that can be sealed onsite for $9. Its much smaller than a growler but still worthy of consideration since they can be filled up with any tap beers and last a couple of weeks.

Healthy takeout restaurants in Toronto cater to those who are always on the run and need fast food, but not the burger and fries variety. Rather than giving in to the wiles of greasy joints, pop by one of these restaurants for some quick clean eats instead.

Here are my picks for the top healthy takeout options in Toronto by neighbourhood.

Annex

Fresh has a comprehensive menu of salads, green smoothies and immunity drinks that you can order to go. While lines can get long during rush hours, their bowls of basmati rice or soba noodles with a choice of protein are filling and worth the wait.

Bloorcourt

With a menu that’s dairy, egg, and sometimes gluten-free, Bloomer's has more than just salads. They do fried tempeh wings, pulled jackfruit sandwiches with onion rings and sides like kimchi fries – enough said.

Veghed on Dundas West has quinoa boxes with a selection of healthy toppings. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Dundas West

For a meal that’s completely organic and non-GMO, Veghed is your spot. Run by chef Ren Mercer, its healthy menu will satisfy your cravings. Pick up a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich and some gluten-free double chocolate fudge brownies for home.

Etobicoke

It’s not just juices and smoothies at The Fix and Co., though beverages like the choco-mint chai will really perk up your morning. They’ve also got daily soups and power bowls like a tempeh shawarma bowl and greens including a gluten-free kale Caesar salad.

Financial District

Kupfert and Kim is an extremely popular lunch destination. The line gets long at the Brookfield and First Canadian Place locations, so if you’re in a rush you can always order one of their Oaxaca brown rice bowls through Foodora and have it delivered straight to you.

The Junction

The Beet has a huge organic menu for healthy eaters. Grab a black bean, avocado and cheese Buenos Dias wrap and pair it with a house salad for some tasty takeout.

Farmr serves up healthy meat and vegetarian meals across the street from the St. Lawrence Market. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Kensington

There’s a handful of great healthy options in this area, but Hibiscus takes the cake with its famous 42-ingredient salad and its all-organic, vegan and gluten-free menu. 

King East

For simple but hearty dishes, head to Farmr next to the St. Lawrence Market and get a plate of hay roasted chicken with chimichurri sauce and mashed potatoes with veggies. This pretty space may tempt you to hang out a bit longer but their dishes are good for takeout too.

King West

Just like its four other locations in and around the Financial District, this iQ Food Co. closer to Bathurst has salad boxes that look deceptively small but will fill you right up. Chia pudding cups are available to go, as is their famous avocado toast.

Chicken salad sandwiches from Fruitful Market make for a nutritious lunch. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Leslieville

A good place to pick up some breakfast before work, Fruitful Market has healthy chicken salad sandwiches and fresh-baked muffins ready to be eaten in the office as well as a hot table at dinner with both meat and vegetarian options.

Liberty Village

Garden Gangsters offers dairy-free smoothies and organic juices, plus breakfast bites like avocado toast and bowls packed with nutritious veggies and protein for lunch and dinner.

Skip your way over to Queen West for Hopscotch's wraps made daily. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Queen West

Borne of a university project developed by brother duo Aiden and Wyatt Bootj, Hopscotch is all about convenient healthy eats. Just like their Financial District location, they carry bowls, wraps and salads are the main fare here.

Riverside

About to head into the Opera House? Grab some a fresh juice from Pulp Kitchen next door to get you energized and a whole wheat wrap to hold you down before the event.

Roncesvalles

There’s a number of healthy options in this area but The Simple Kitchen does salads and boxes as well as gluten-free sandwiches. They also have a cheap bone broth that will be your saving grace as you dash around in the city.

Scarborough

Ital Vital has been providing a healthy alternative to Scarborough for years. Their vegetarian West Indian food and vegan chocolate cheesecake will make your day.

Mary Be Kitchen does healthy takeout just steps from Yonge and St. Clair. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

West Queen West

There’s something about Bolt’s menu that makes you want to eat healthy. Their chocolate smoothies are creamy and nutritious, and they have affordable protein bowls that will satisfy your hunger pangs.

Yonge & Bloor

A hole in the wall right next to one of Bloor’s side street entrances, Salad House makes custom salads with your choice of chicken breasts, smoked salmon, and a wide selection of dressings. They’ve also got a nice selection of ready-made salad you can take to go.

Yonge & College

Walking distance from Ryerson, Suup is a vegan spot under the Aura condo that offers burritos, smoothies and salads with housemade dressings. Naturally, they also have a list of gluten-free soups.

Yonge & Dundas

You wouldn’t expect anything from the food court to be too healthy, but the Urban Herbivore in the Urban Eatery at Eaton Centre has lots of healthy fare along with some very tasty vegan muffins.

There are lots of healthy to-go options at Koek Koek at Yonge and Eglinton. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Yonge & Eglinton

A big selection of ready-made breakfasts and salads makes Koek Koek a go-to spot for a healthy takeout meal. Plus they carry unique snacks like bread with beet spread and goat cheese if you’re feeling bored of those super common rice bowls.

Yonge & St. Clair

Expect to have a hearty meal at Mary Be Kitchen, with hormone-free proteins and gluten-free sides. Everything you need throughout the day can be found here, from stews to full plates and coffee.

Yorkville

Sorelle and Co. has a pristine interior that screams healthy and wealthy. Their prices are pretty average, though, and they have a menu consisting of vegan pizza and donuts that will give you the sugar rush you need for the day.

The pros of booze delivery in Toronto have yet to outweigh its biggest con, and that is that you can get your alcohol cheaper and faster if you just go to the store yourself. 

Despite this, more Toronto-based booze delivery apps have been springing up on our smartphones over the last few years.

It's an opportune time for developers to cash out, given that the services offered by Ontario providers have proven less than satisfactory. There's nothing more sobering than having to wait at least three business days for your alcohol.

Shopping from the comfort of your couch just got even easier. We now have next business day delivery!https://t.co/YUVDfaQSyOpic.twitter.com/R1I4OJ2lTH

— LCBO (@LCBO) January 22, 2018

The LCBO has admittedly improved its booze arrival times since first rolling out its very slow and very expensive home-delivery service, but minimum orders are still $50 plus shipping charges. Plus, its new next-day service comes with an extra fee of $5. 

While not as expensive, the Beer Store also has a minimum fee of $20 with a $10 delivery charge, which only seems worth it if you're ordering kegs.

These exorbitant prices are what make apps like Boozer and more recently, Runner, so attractive. Their services include same-day alcohol deliveries – within the hour for Boozer – and no minimum orders.

An additional positive is that these apps have tracking capabilities for spying fiendishly on your delivery guy while you await your booze.

But let's not pretend that these app delivery transactions are anywhere near affordable. The array of surcharges, taxes, tips and delivery fees will surely set you back more than the price of a token or drive to the LCBO ever could. 

And then there's the setback of markups. Boozer has a general increased price of 15 percent on all its products, so an Ace Hill Pilsner that usually costs $2.95 at the Beer Store will $3.39 through the app. Now tack on a 15 percent surcharge and $10 delivery charge.

Same with Runner; a bottle of Nurtrl Vodka usually $38.45 at LCBO will set you back $42.30 instead – about 10 percent more, plus $10 to $15 in delivery fees.

A post shared by Boozer (@boozer.delivery) on Nov 23, 2017 at 9:56am PST

And yet another problem: at least for now, both of these apps are only compatible with iOS which means it's inaccessible to 50 percent of smartphone owners who use Androids. 

Throw in early cut-off times (none of these apps deliver past 11 p.m.) and limited delivery zones, and it seems that there's a ways to go before booze delivery will feel like a viable option for anyone capable of heading to a store. 

There still are some pros, though. If you're stuck planning a social gathering and need to tidy and cook instead of shopping for booze at an LCBO location, the speedy delivery options might make the added costs worth your while.

Ditto if you just can't stand leaving the house in -25 temperatures. Having more delivery options is great, but here's hoping that more booze apps will eventually equal less sobering prices.

The oldest diners in Toronto aren’t just retro for stylish reasons. All these joints have been around for at least half a century, making them certified OGs of Toronto’s dining scene. Watch and learn, young grasshopper, these are the real purveyors of old-school cool.

Here are the oldest diners in Toronto.

The Senator 

Just a short walk from the Eaton Centre, this classy diner is a much-needed reprieve from the incessant 21st century screens at Dundas Square. Slide into one of their booths to transport yourself back to 1929 – when it all began – and gorge on their comfort food.

The Tulip

Also founded in 1929, this Leslieville institution does cheap hearty eats and a classic lean steak and potatoes that some people adore. They've had a few years of practice, so it makes sense. 

Gale’s

For more than 80 years, this snack bar has seen Leslieville transform from a barren sea of warehouses to an area catering to film buffs and artists. Still, despite this and decades of inflation, the Chan family still insists on a menu price cap of $3 – bless their hearts. 

Lakeview

Open 24-hours, this diner has been going strong since 1932. Renovations in 2008 plus incredibly cheap daily drink specials make this diner one of the most comfy and reliable spots to hang on Dundas West.

The red booths and bar stools at George Street Diner are retro restaurant staples. Photo by Hector Vasquez

George Street Diner

This spot on King East has been serving the city classic Irish breakfasts since 1941. A scene from the rom-com The F Word was filmed here, making use of the diner's plushy red booths and old school appeal. 

Avenue Diner

Located steps from Yorkville near the corner lovingly dubbed Av and Dav, this place has been around since 1944. They've got tons of photos featuring celebrities enjoying their standard eggs and burgers dish, which you can still order to this day.

The Bus Terminal Diner opened all the way back in 1948. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Bus Terminal Diner

Opened in 1948, this is one of the oldest restaurants on the Danforth. It looked like it would be lost when it closed in 2016, but it was saved by a long time patron Tim Dutaud and his restaurateur partner Kevin Wallace. The interior has been refreshed but it still retains all its retro charm. 

Times Square Diner

With black-and-white checkered tiles, plushy red bar stools and turquoise walls, this place is the definition of retro. It's been in North York since 1950 and has since changed hands, though its menu still consists of diner classics like milkshakes and hot dogs.

The long counter at Mars Food is still a great place to gobble up some eggs. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Mars Food

This narrow little diner in Little Italy was established in 1951. Their all day breakfasts are greasy, just as they should be, and they still hold their own as one of the best morning-after spots in the area, despite relatively newer brunch spots like Aunties and Uncles.

Patrician Grill

Run by the Papas family since its inception in 1953, this King East diner is a certified classic with deep booths, meat loaves on Fridays, and an iconic neon sign that dates all the way back to the diner's beginnings. 

The Amazing Ted's Diner is like a time warp in the best possible way. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

The Amazing Ted’s Diner

This place started as Ted's Variety and Coffee Shop in 1954 but now it's just regular ol' Ted. This Scarborough diner serves three-egg specials with pancakes and even has a shrine dedicated to bacon. That's what I call timeless. 

Vesta Lunch

No tables here, just bar stools and an open kitchen that lets you watch as the chef assembles your steak and eggs. Vesta's been in the Annex since 1955 and is a true greasy spoon.

After renovations, Donlands Diner still new but in an old school way. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Donlands Diner

The state of affairs at this diner had started to go downhill well after its opening in 1955, but thankfully 2016 saw a major overhaul that changed the game. This reliable diner in East York now has a shiny new retro feel.

The Wexford

You can't live in or around Scarborough and never have gone to this restaurant on Lawrence. It's served the area since 1958 and has kitschy figurines, egg breakfasts and home-squeezed orange juice so good it even made a movie cameo.

Coach House

This diner has been around since 1960, located discretely on a corner by Yonge and Wellesley. It's interior has an old-fashioned, family-run feel, and breakfasts run all day here. 

Chinese restaurant chains in Toronto have blown up over the last few years as successful businesses from China plant roots around the city. From hot pot to Peking duck and dim sum, we're lucky enough to experience some of China's most popular signature dishes without having to leave the city.

Here are my picks for the top Chinese restaurant chains in Toronto.

Green Tea Restaurant

With over 50 locations in China, this southern Chinese restaurant has solidified its presence in First Markham Place with Hangzhou-style dishes of tofu with preserved egg and Dongpo pork. 

The plating is off the charts at QJD Peking Duck. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

QJD Peking Duck

This Peking duck chain opened its doors in Markham to much anticipation, seeing as it's already been operating globally since 1864. The artistic arrangements of roasted duck meat are an Instagram favourite, but prepare to dig deep into those wallets. 

Dessert Kitchen

As the name suggests, this chain originally from Hong Kong serves up more than 100 different desserts as well as adorable teddy bear lattes.

A trio of broths at ChongQing Liuyishou. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

ChongQing Liuyishou Hot Pot

We only have one of these restaurants in Richmond Hill, but China has over 600. People come here for AYCE hot pot, where you can get up to three different soup base flavours going in the same pot.  

Dagu Rice Noodle

This noodle restaurant is a mammoth in China, with over 400 locations all over the country. Their tasty pork bone soup broths are a popular base at their Yonge and Dundas location, and you can spruce up your signature rice noodles with DIY side dishes like ox tongue. 

It's always busy at the Chinatown location of Morals Village. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Morals Village

Head to the Chinatown location of this international hot pot chain for a more modern feel, or go to its Markham spot for a fancier experience. 

Yin Ji Chang Fen

Markham is the first place for this chain to expand outside of China – don't we feel special. Rice noodle rolls are the specialty here but Cantonese favourites in general are plentiful here.

You get a grill and a pot at the same table at Han Shi Fang. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Han Shi Fang

This Beijing-based hot pot chain has hundreds of restaurants in China. They're popular in Scarborough for providing both a grill and a pot on the same table so you can barbecue and boil your food at the same time. 

Yu Garden

Named after one of the most popular landmarks in Shanghai, this chain prides itself in being the founder of steamed dim sum. Their xialongbaos are supposed to be some of the best in the world, and now you just have to travel to Richmond Hill to try them. 

Chine Hot Pot

Another All-You-Can-Eat transplant from China, this chain has all the accoutrements of your standard hot pot place. Their Chinatown spot includes a sauce station, big meat selection and tasty sides.

The top international grocery stores in Toronto are truly a blessing. Where else can we find things like authentic porchetta, proper challa, or adobo goods in a can? Grocery stores like these are one of the best reasons to love this city.

Asian

T&T's five locations have always served as one-stop shops for Asian Canadians. It was doing so well, Loblaws acquired it in 2009, and it’s since become a little more accessible for non-Chinese speaking buyers looking for Asian groceries and houseware goods.

Balkans

Head to the family-run Mrakovic Deli in Etobicoke for their amazing selection of Eastern European meats and find rare items like stelja (smoked sheep) and ajvar (red pepper relish).

Caribbean

The best thing about Aunt Elsie's in Scarborough is that it's both a hot counter and a grocery store. Boxes of Allan's spicy beef patties, Caribbean hot sauce and bottles of coconut water straight from Jamaica are all available here, plus phenomenal ready -to-eat jerk chicken.

Ethiopian

For berbere and all your other favourite Ethiopian spices, head to Desta Market on the Danforth. Everything you need for your Ethiopian meal from injera to ready-made misir wot are available here for good prices.

Aunt Elsie's provides both groceries and Caribbean hot foods to go. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Filipino

You can’t beat Seafood City, a small but jam-packed grocery store in Mississauga delivering everything Pinoy. It also has a food court area at the front for you to nom on some fried chicken or ube shakes mid-grocery haul.

French

Get your baguettes at Douce France at Yonge and Eglinton. Everything in this store is organized by region in France, and they have a delicious assortment of croissants and other baked goods – some gluten-free – for you to try.

German

The pretzels at Dimpflmeier Bakery are top sellers at this cash-only Etobicoke store. A family-run bakery, they make their German baked goods with natural Terra Cotta spring water, not that yucky Toronto H20.

Greek

Kostas is primarily a meat market in Scarborough but it also has imported cheeses from Greece like feta and kefalotyri as well as tons of authentic goods like marinated octopus and souvlaki.

Indian

In-store blended spices at Trupti are ground in a variety of ways to achieve the best flavours, which is what makes this Thorncliffe Park store smell so damn good.

Israeli

Nortown Foods on Eglinton West has been providing the neighbourhood with potato latkes and matzah balls for over 50 years.

Adonis in Scarborough is the go to grocery store for Middle Eastern products. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Italian

A family-run butcher shop, Eddystone Meats is located in North York and has long been a go-to for Italian immigrant families. They’ve got tons of frozen pastas, sauces and soft drinks from Italy, but are most famous for their Abruzzi-style porchetta sold by the pound.

Japanese

For anything Nippon, J-Town in Markham is a must, so it makes sense that they’d have the best grocery store for Japanese foods. Heisei Mart is located in the complex and carries all your favourite Japanese candies, packaged foods and sodas.

Korean

With several locations around the city, Galleria is one of the most well-known Korean grocery stores in Toronto. They’ll often have sales on items like kimchi and spicy rice cakes, plus you’ll definitely be able to find your favourite hot pepper paste brands here.

Latin American

Located in Kensington Market, Perola's Supermarket is small but boasts a very diverse selection of authentic ingredients like dried chilis and hot sauces. They also serve pupusas and tacos, though wait times for those can stretch on forever due to big take-out orders.

Middle Eastern

Adonis is really the heavyweight champ when it comes to Middle Eastern products. This massive Scarborough grocery store is always packed with families during weekends. It even has a little bread factory in the middle of the store that runs all day.

Pakistani

The premier spot for Pakistani, Indian, and other Asian products, Iqbals in Thorncliffe Park has a reputation for being an exceptionally good halal butcher shop. Parking here can get messy but worth it for the meats.

Persian goods are for sale at Iranian supermarket Khorak in North York. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Persian

Rare imported products from Iran can be found at Khorak, a.k.a. Super Khorak, in North York. They offer all the Persian staples like flatbreads, halal meats, and cheeses.

Polish

With two locations in Mississauga and a couple more around the GTA, Starsky has proved itself to be a certified mainstay in the Polish community. Sausages here are aplenty, and popular Polish pickle brands can be found, sometimes in bulk.

Portuguese

Tavora in Corso Italia has evolved from a small mom-and-pop shop to a chain of markets that include a deli counter with chouricos, a favourite portuguese-style sausage, and black forest hams.

Russian

A massive grocery store by Dufferin and Finch, Yummy Market has an abundance of goods from all over Eastern Europe, including an on-site bakery. Groceries here include tvorog cheese, cured meats and a wide range of pickles.

Turkish

Located at Lawrence and Dufferin, Marche Instabul is chock full of Turkish goodies like candy and other houseware utensils like traditional coffee pots for brewing your coffee grinds. They also have hookahs for the nargile lovers.

Sushi party trays in Toronto are always crowd pleasers. While many sushi restaurants in Toronto have set or customizable trays perfect for small and large groups, a special few stand out with their premium selection, consistently fresh offering or cheap prices. 

Here are some good spots for sushi party trays in Toronto.

Japango

In the heart of Little Tokyo, this popular spot's go-to party tray order comes with an assortment of maki and sushi, with prices ranging from $65 to $110. An extra $20 will upgrade your order to the deluxe version.

Taro's Fish 

This seafood mainstay is located in a North York plaza right next to one of the TTC's least used subway stations and a short walk from Ikea. Call 45 minutes ahead to grab a tray for four people ($70) that comes with an assortment of nigiri and rolls. There's also the deluxe version ($90) or a platter for two ($60).

Sushi Mugen

This Leslieville spot has 70-piece trays of maki for $49.95. A bigger platter of 96 maki plus sushi will set you back $99.95. In the mood for something more creative? Get an omakase platter (minimum $50) and have the chef surprise you with a mixed tray of edibles. 

Ai Sushi

It's best to order by phone from this restaurant with locations in Markham and Richmond Hill. They get inundated with orders for trays which range from just 16 pieces to 100 at really affordable prices. Their assortment of 80 sashimi pieces and sushi rolls for $50 is one of their best deals. 

Boku Sushi

Two specialty party trays from this Distillery District restaurant include the Matsu tray ($150) which has 74 pieces of mixed maki, sashimi and nigiri. The combo is basically set, but if you call in they might be able to adjust to your preference. Their smaller Ume tray is $95.

Sushi Bong 

Rolls from this Yonge and Finch favourite are some of the fattest you've ever seen. You can grab trays from anywhere between $20.35 to $82.30; the latter includes 25 pieces of sashimi, 45 nigiri and 52 pieces of specialty rolls like their crab and salmon Moon River roll. 

D & Y Sushi

Platters at this Junction spot top off at 60 pieces ($69), with an assortment of the regular goods. This Junction restaurant allows you to pick your maki – they have a huge selection of veggie roll options – while the sushi and sashimi options stay fixed.

Sushi Legend

This AYCE restaurant near Finch and Leslie has a big variety of mixed trays plus the option to take out basically everything else on their menu like sushi pizzas. They've got platters consisting solely of sashimi, like a 95-piece order for $55 that includes fish like mackerel, salmon, and surf clam. 

Sushi Karu

In Oakwood Village, this take-out spot has two types of party trays that each come in three different sizes. Large 72-piece trays of rolls are $80; for platters that come with boy sushi and rolls, the largest is $80.

Kumo Sushi

This South Etobicoke restaurant really cuts down on your decision-making time by serving just two types of platters. One is made up of strictly rolls ($65) while the other comes with a mix  ($85) of sushi and specialty rolls like their spicy tuna Godzilla.

The top Chinese restaurants in Scarborough really know how to wok it up. Impressive, considering the vicious competition they face in an area where Chinese businesses abound. Each of them has their own style and price range, and most importantly, they’re consistent.

Here are my picks for the top Chinese restaurants in Scarborough.

Chung Moi

This restaurant sits in a plaza on Eglinton East and has been serving up Hakka dishes for over 20 years. Indian-Chinese favourites here include their chilli chicken and a masala fried rice which you’ll struggle to top elsewhere.

Sam Woo BBQ

Located in the Bamburgh Circle Plaza next to a giant grocery store, this restaurant has long been a pit stop for group meals and get togethers in Scarborough. Traditional peking ducks and pork is a staple meal, but any of their set course meals will satisfy too.

Asian Legend (Scarborough)

Despite being a chain restaurant, Asian Legend is well-loved by the community. Something about this brand’s interior design makes all of their restaurants extra loud, but the hustle and bustle is well-worth the consistent quality of their traditional Northern cuisine.

Mr. Congee

The exterior of this restaurant is pretty sad, but it has a simple congee that goes well with their abundance of fresh toppings. Head to Bridlewood Mall and try a bowl of their soothing congee.

Maple Yip

When you see neon window signs and lucky cat statues, you know it’s going to be good. This restaurant on Sheppard right off of Midland serves some of the most authentic Cantonese food around. Try their sweet and sour pork and dishes of chicken stuffed with sticky rice.

Fishman Lobster Clubhouse

A mecca for lobster lovers, this restaurant knows its strength and plays it well. As with most seafood, it can get pricey here, but in return you’ll get bulking plates of all your favourite crustaceans. Dig in as the other lobsters watch from the confines of their tanks, you savage.

Very Fair

Besides having a great name, this restaurant is perfect for big group banquets. Very Fair has set meals for up to ten people including 11-dish dinners that include suckling pig platters and steamed seasonal fish.

Perfect Chinese Restaurant

The most important thing about this place is that it’s open 24 hours, which means you can enjoy their pork buns during daytime dimsum and also pig out on their delicious soft shell crab in the wee hours of the night.

Potman Hotpot

Unlike most hot pot restaurants, Potman doesn't have an AYCE menu. Instead, you orrder a la carte in assorted platters of meat and veggies. They also offer premium American and Japanese wagyu beef.

Hakka Legend

Many Hakka loyalists swear by this restaurant. It has four locations, with two in Scarborough. Both the spots on Warden and Ellesmere serve up Manchurian-style dishes and fun plates called the Sizzling Bollywood Chicken. 

Free events in Toronto this week include skating parties, Black History Month lectures, no cover music shows, film screenings, and more. The best way to get through the thick of winter is by getting out there and enjoying the city. 

Valentine's Day in Toronto is when restaurants rolls out special menus so you can make February 14 a memorable meal. No matter how you feel about it, you may not be able to control the fact that on Valentine's Day you’ll be surrounded by hearts, kissy faces and x’s and oh’s. At least you get to choose  where to eat.

Here are my picks for restaurants for Valentine’s Day dinner in Toronto in 2018. Make sure to book early.

Mad Crush Wine Bar

Wine lovers will have a ball poring over the extensive, impressive, and conversational wine list at this breathtaking Little Italy restaurant with a skylight, plush booths and a sophisticated fusion menu.

Boralia

This Ossington spot will be presenting a special 4-course Valentine’s prix fixe menu instead of their usual dishes at $75 a person. Options include lobster on brioche, venison crudo, wagyu and smoked sockeye salmon.

Dandylion

Jaw-droppingly intricate dishes are served at this intimate restaurant on West Queen West. Though Valentine’s is a good excuse to get a little dressed up and splurge, anyone would probably be happy to have a date here any night.

Uncle Mikey’s

If you’re more into mapo tofu and beer than champagne and oysters, this Dundas West hangout is the place for you. They also have sake flights if you want to up your game a little bit as you munch on snacks of onigiri, gizzards, and noodles, all for some of the most reasonable prices in the area.

Omai

Japanese food fans will love lingering over sake and successive orders of temaki and delicately plated snacks at this Baldwin Village hideout. Seating is highly communal so there are no nooks or crannies for canoodling, but the ambience is dim and sexy.

Bar Sybanne

Though you may not be able to afford a romantic getaway to a faraway land, a dinner at this Ossington spot serving Mediterranean, Moroccan and Mid-Eastern small plates along with flirty cocktails and wine may be more within reach.

The Comrade

For good ambience without pretension and excellent food, head to this Riverside mainstay. If you and your lover enjoy people watching, pull up a chair to the bar at the front window and snack on conservas, oysters, and one of the city’s best burgers while sipping cocktails and watching the world go by.

Montgomery’s

A special prix fixe menu will be available for $65 a person at this low-lit hyper-local West Queen West restaurant on Valentine’s night featuring their house sourdough, dry-aged shoulder steak, maitake mushrooms and griddled squid, along with exclusive wines and bubbly.

Broadview Hotel

Toronto’s hottest new boutique hotel in Riverside is the place to go all out for your Valentine’s celebration, including staying the night. They’re offering a special late checkout time, morning snack, in-room mimosa kit, credit for the cafe bar, champagne and oysters and special dishes at ground floor restaurant The Civic.

Barans

Rose, bubbly and wildly colourful shooters accompany the epic Turkish feasts served at this spacious restaurant in Scarborough. Watch your kebabs being cooked on an open grill, order all the mezzes you can handle and clink glasses.

Doug Ford is officially back in action on the campaign trail – this time at the provincial level – and so, too, is his biggest fan/hater (fanater?) Michael Dunbar Jr.

The former city councillor and brother of late former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford launched his bid to the lead the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario this weekend with a rally that wasn't in his mom's basement.

More than 1,500 people are said to have attended the event at Toronto's Congress Centre on Saturday night, many of them with signs to show their support for Ford's bid.

People don't know whether to boo or applaud this intervention. And here comes security. pic.twitter.com/fvaXVG0w8o

— Jonathan Goldsbie (@goldsbie) February 4, 2018

One of said sign carriers was the man on Twitter who goes by Michael Dunbar Jr. – a prankster, of sorts, who made headlines during Toronto's 2014 mayoral election by mocking Ford's liberal use of the word "folks."

Dunbar Jr. and a group of his fellow fake superfans were seen front and centre at Ford's rally on Saturday holding up a collection of letters that spelled out  "FOLKS."

Ford, who entered the room to "Eye of the Tiger" from Rocky and left to Twisted Sister's "We're not gonna take it," did not acknowledge the "disingenuous" signs, but one of his campaign staffers took note.

Does anyone know who this lady is? She stole our flyers from our hands (as you can see) and body-checked one of us. She said she was pro-Ford but obviously she's not. Would love to speak with 22 Division about a potential Theft Under and Assault investigation. #fordnation#onpolipic.twitter.com/dSycmUgaeC

— Michael Dunbar Jr. (The Folks Guy) (@michaeldunbarjr) February 4, 2018

Dunbar Jr. and others on Twitter report that someone working for Ford had confiscated some flyers from the group following Ford's speech.

The flyers, which looked just like any other campaign flyer but with every word replaced by "folks," were consistent with the rest of Dunbar Jr.'s satirical pro-Ford campaign.

You can find an exact replica of Doug Ford's campaign website right now at folksfolksfolks.com but, again, every word has been replaced by "folks."

Thank you @SueAnnLevy, for taking one of our flyers from us at Doug's rally. Together, we can elect @fordnation and introduce an educational curriculum that places an emphasis on the word(s) that really matter. pic.twitter.com/VmyHos015e

— Michael Dunbar Jr. (The Folks Guy) (@michaeldunbarjr) February 4, 2018

Should Ford win the race for leader of the provincial PC Party (and then the election,) expect a long strong stretch of folksy fun aimed at Ontario's Premier.

Other candidates who've thrown their hat in the ring so far include Caroline Mulroney, PC candidate in York-Simcoe, and former Ontario PC leadership candidate Christine Elliot.

The best kitchen supply stores in Toronto are where to go to get that one piece of specialty equipment you can’t stop obsessing about, replace that old appliance you’ve had and loved forever, or just to nerd out on all the cool gizmos you can find at the great supply stores in this city.

Here are the best kitchen supply stores in Toronto.

Restaurants from some of the most popular food chains in Toronto got in trouble with city health inspectors last week. Both a Tim Hortons and McDonald's landed yellow cards upon inspection, the latter of which for failing to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated. Yuck.

Find out which other Toronto spots got busted this week on DineSafe.

Tim Hortons (1801 Eglinton Ave. West)

• Inspected on: January 29, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 1 (Significant: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Caldense Bakery (337 Symington Ave.)

• Inspected on: January 30, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 1, Significant: 3, Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.

Crave Healthy Habits (145 King St. West)

• Inspected on: January 30, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 2 (Significant: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Pizza Flora (167 Roncesvalles Ave.)

• Inspected on: January 30, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 3, Significant: 3)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

What A Bagel (3515 Bathurst St.)

• Inspected on: January 30, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1, Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.

Windsor Arms (18 St. Thomas St.)

• Inspected on: January 30, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.

McDonald's (1800 Sheppard Ave. East)

• Inspected on: January 31, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 2, Crucial: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated and employee failed to wash hands when required.

Mika Fresh (2889 Dufferin St.)

• Inspected on: January 31, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 6 (Significant: 2, Crucial: 4)
• Crucial infractions include: Employee failed to wash hands when required, operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/ adulterated, operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 60C or hotter and operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 4C or colder.

Note: The above businesses each received infractions from DineSafe as originally reported on the DineSafe site. This does not imply that any of these businesses have not subsequently corrected the issue and received a passing grade by DineSafe inspectors. For the latest status for each of the mentioned businesses, including details on any subsequent inspections, please be sure to check the DineSafe site.

If you were getting excited about the balmy temperatures in Toronto this weekend, there's bad news on the horizon. Weather Network forecasters predict that, despite a few warm periods, an early spring isn't in the cards.

What's far more likely is that we'll get more of the same cyclical weather that we've experienced thus far — brutal cold snaps followed by brief periods of respite.

On Sunday night, for instance, temperatures dropped 10 degrees, from above-zero right back down to -10. Forecasters are now predicting snowsqualls on Wednesday. There will be gusty winds, heavy snowfall around the GTA, and even white-outs.

Slick roads & walkways this morning as temperatures took a 10+ degree drop in southern Ontario overnight. Snow squalls today, widespread snow on Wednesday & Friday and a messy weekend system. Get ready for difficult travel this week. Details here: https://t.co/EXsT1ZZ6UX#onstormpic.twitter.com/aShNm3FSTn

— The Weather Network (@weathernetwork) February 5, 2018

It’s tempting to confuse this past weekend’s initial warming trend as an early sign that spring is around the corner, but even Canada’s most trusted groundhogs couldn't seem to agree on the end of winter this year.

Meteorologists predict yet another warm period coming in mid-February, but even then it won't be time to put away your parka. The change in the weather isn't expected to last long.

"We can already see a couple of trends in the global pattern that signal a return to a colder pattern before the end of February and likely continuing deep into March," notes Weather Network meteorologist Doug Gillham. 

Well, I’ll be going back into hibernation then.

Events this week in Toronto include treats for the ears, eyes, and bellies. Music fans have can't-miss concerts to catch, style savants can up their game at Toronto Fashion Week shows, and food and drink lovers can sneak in a last Winterlicious meal before hitting up a massive outdoor craft beer festival.