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Weekend events in Toronto February 9-11 2018

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Events in Toronto this weekend include plenty of craft beer, skating opportunities, and ways to party the winter away. The extreme cold will give us a break over the next few days, so it's a good one to get outside — beer in hand or otherwise. 

Events you might want to check out:

Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival (February 10 @ Roundhouse Park)
Craft beer, food trucks, campfires and DJs await at the Roundhouse’s cheap winter beer festival in February. Tokens sell for $1, then drinks are only one for a half or two for a full pint!
Manifesto DJ Skate Night (February 10 @ Harbourfront Centre)
One of Canada's biggest celebrations of hip hop culture and beyond, brings its festival-style sounds and vibe to to the Natrel Rink for this free to attend live music and skate party.
Teleport to the Caribbean (February 9 @ The Bentway)
At this week's Beats and Bents skate party, escape the deep freeze and teleport to the Caribbean for a mix of reggae, dancehall, soca, and other scorching hot beats curated by DJ Money Jane.
20 Years of Harry Potter (February 10 @ Estonian House)
Grab your cloaks, brooms and wands, then head to the Estonian House to relive the magic of the Harry Potter world. There'll be vendors selling wizardly crafts, photobooths, tarot reading and magic shows.
My Bloody Valentine Burlesque Party (February 10 @ Meltdown eSports Bar)
Horror themed burlesque, themed drinks, cosplaying, trivia, and more await at this bloody Valentine's party.
Go Global Expo (February 10 @ Toronto Reference Library)
Think you might need a break from Toronto? Explore the possibility of working, volunteering, or studying overseas in over 100 countries at this free exhibition.
Eliza Skinner (February 10 @ Comedy Bar)
The stand-up artist returns to Toronto for the first time since 2016 with shows all weekend at the Comedy Bar. She's performed the Late Show, Adam Ruins Everything, @Midnight, and more.
Winter Palace Ball (February 9 @ Palais Royale)
Palais Royale hosts a masquerade fundraiser gala with two live bands, a silent auction, dinner service, and a full night of dancing. Proceeds go to children's programs at Ruskoka Camp.
A Taylor Swift Dance Party (February 9 @ Adelaide Hall)
Are you ready for it? The queen of pop and duchess of country herself is one of the biggest pop music icons of the generation, so Adelaide Hall is celebrating her reputation with a big dance party.
Monster Hunters' Meeting (February 9 @ Meltdown eSports Bar)
Monster Hunter Worlds has become one of 2018's biggest video games, and Toronto's gaming community wants to party and talk shop at this e-sports bar loaded with drinks, music, and consoles.
BRNS (February 9 @ REBEL)
Belgium alternative indie outfit BRNS bring their unique sound all the way to Canada for an all ages show at Rebel.
Tokio Hotel (February 9 @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre)
The German rock band made waves around 2009, and have still been pumping out records since. They tour their latest, 2017's Dream Machine, at the Phoenix this weekend.
Awolnation (February 10 @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre)
The American rock group behind the massive hit "Sail" just dropped a brand new record for 2018, and are touring the new songs this Saturday here in Toronto.
Marilyn Manson (February 11 @ REBEL)
The '90s superstar and ongoing multimedia creator is in town playing music from his decades long career, including songs from 2017's Heaven Upside Down.
Cheese Garden New Store Opening (February 9-11 @ Cheese Garden Japanese Cheesecake (Midland))
To celebrate the opening of Cheese Garden's newest location, the first 50 customers on Feb. 9th, 10th and 11th will get a free mini Shiroi Valentine Cheesecake with any pastry purchase.
Vegan Market Social (February 9-10 @ Urban Acorn Market)
There's a new food and cocktail series called the Market Social, a pop-up at Urban Acorn Market dedicated to celebrating a love of food, cocktails, and their ability to bring strangers together.
Big News Breakfast Pop-Up (February 11 @ Left Field Brewery)
Nothing beats breakfast with beer. Pop by this pop-up for breakfast sandwiches made with the freshest veggies, herbs, meats, and cheeses, paired with the brewery's array of drink options.
Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair (February 10 @ Gladstone Ballroom)
This is a one-of-a-kind fair of knits, crafts, zines, and more inspired by erotic objects and emotions celebrates DIY sex and romantic culture. Just in time for Valentine's Day!
LoveLocal Pop-Up Market (February 10 @ Studio by the Nooks)
Shop local art from passionate artisans from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., before a special Valentine's social with cocktails and snacks from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m..
Toronto Flower Market Valentine's Day Pop-Up (February 10 @ Sleepover by thisopenspace)
Celebrate all the people and ways you love with custom arrangements of locally grown blooms. This market is a great spot for last minute Valentine's shoppers like me.
Indigenous Valentine's Craft & Flea Market (February 10 @ Native Canadian Centre of Toronto)
Over 30 authentic Indigenous vendors present crafts and food to guarantee you'll have the perfect gift for February 14th, whether you celebrate Valentine's, Galentine's, Bromance, or any other type of love.
The Love Market (February 11 @ Gladstone Hotel)
Whether you're engaged, falling in love, or have a complicated relationship with your cat, this market has something for you. Vendors specialize in jewellery, lingerie, flowers, photography, and more.
Machines (February 9-15 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
Rahul Jain's award-winning debut feature captures the dark reality of fast fashion, taking you through a garment factory in India. It's been called a moving portrait of human labour.
Spettacolo (February 9 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
Award-winning filmmaker Jeff Malmberg and Christina Shellen present a documentary about a picturesque Italian town where townspeople confront their issues by turning them into a play.

Chinese dumpling chain Wu Jian Dao opening first Toronto location

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Is it just me, or do popular Chineserestaurantchains seem really keen on Toronto lately?

Not that anyone is complaining! We'll take all the delicious food we can get, up to and including all the dumplings one can fit into a human stomach from Wu Jian Dao.

Wu Jian Dao Shanghai Dumpling will be opening up its first ever international location in Toronto this spring, according to the company's new Canadian Facebook page.

The brand, which has 75 locations in major cities across China, specializes in authentic Shanghai pan-fried dumplings, though it also serves various noodle dishes, among other things.

You'll find the very first Wu Jian Dao outside of China at 29 St. Joseph Street in Toronto when it opens, just northeast of Bay and Wellesley, not to far from Wellesley station.

We don't have a specific opening date just yet, but hungry Torontonians are encouraged to sign up online for notifications ahead of the restaurant's launch.

Condo of the week: 375 Sorauren Avenue

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This townhouse at the bottom of a boutique condo near Roncesvalles is an understated example of the perfect home for a small family in Toronto. Alas, these days that comes with a $1.2 million price tag

375 soruaren avenue torontoAs steep as that is considering it's a 2 + 1 bedroom, the prices of detached homes in the surrounding area will make that number seem paltry. Toronto real estate is depressingly expensive if you're on the outside looking in. 

375 soruaren avenue torontoSo, someone who's be priced out of the detached market might set their eyes on a space like this. It might not be as spacious, but it doesn't feel cramped as many townhouses do. Someone even managed to put a piano in there without compromising the space. 

375 soruaren avenue torontoThe upstairs is less airy, but the master bedroom offers as much space as you actually need in a sleeping area, plus there's a huge set of windows overlooking the street. In a pinch, you could even get a third sleeping space together in the den, particularly for a younger child.

375 souraren avenue torontoHoused at the bottom of 383 Sorauren, one of the benefits here is access to the amenities of the larger condo space. There's a beautiful gym and large gathering area, but the maintenance fees remain mostly in check at $675 a month. 

375 soruaren avenue torontoCompared to the semi-detached houses across the street, I'd pick this townhouse any day.

375 soruaren avenue torontoSpecs
375 soruaren avenue torontoGood For

Someone who loves the area but can't afford a detached home. Alternately, a family who's grown out of a smaller condo but doesn't need a ton of living space.

375 soruaren avenue torontoMove On If

You need a yard. There's a nice little terrace at the front of this unit, but there's very little privacy and certainly no lawn.

375 soruaren avenue toronto375 soruaren avenue toronto375 soruaren avenue toronto

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

Fans react to Toronto Raptors trade at deadline

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The Toronto Raptors are reportedly finalizing a deal to trade 4th year forward Bruno Caboclo to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for second year shooting guard Malachi Richardson – and local NBA fans have mixed feelings about it.

Once hailed as the Brazilian Kevin Durant, Caboclo has proven somewhat of a disappointment among some Raps fans in recent years. I mean, he's barely played at all.

The fact that Caboclo is being traded comes as welcome news to those who believe that, as ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla famously put it in 2014, he's still "two years away from being two years away."

The 22-year-old baller has been in only 25 games for the Raptors since he was drafted four years ago, starting just one time and averaging 1.1 points over his career.

Richardson, on the other hand, has played 47 games for the Kings in two seasons with an average of 3.5 points per game.

But it's not gaining Richardson that fans are happy about, it's losing Caboclo – and freeing up around $1 million that could be put toward a buyout candidate.

While he didn't exactly sing for the Raptors during his time in Toronto, Caboclo does have a lot of local fans.

He always has (or maybe people just really like chanting the name "Bruno," I don't know.)

Many are pointing out today, in light of the trade, that Caboclo killed it in the G-League. He played 34 times for the Raptors 905 team this season, averaging 14.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

Some believe that the athlete still holds promise with his massive 7'7" wingspan and 6'9" frame. 

Sadly for Caboclo and the Torontonians who love him, the time for banking on potential has passed.

"It is hard not to be a little disappointed that this is the end of the glorious Caboclo experiment," writes Raptors Republic blogger Blake Murphy.

"Drafted out of nowhere at No. 20 overall in 2014, Caboclo has been a complete original over four NBA years, a prospect so raw no other team would have dared to have him on the roster."

"Caboclo was the prototype of what a modern, multi-position 3-and-D player might be built like, just without any of the actual tools or software required installed yet," he continued.

"Whatever the case, it's the end of a grand experiment for now, and it’s worth pouring one out for."

Nathan Phillips Square is getting a curling rink

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Have you ever been walking around downtown Toronto, and thought to yourself, "man, I wish I could curl right now"?  Well, you're in luck. The Toronto Curling Association and Toronto Parks and Rec are teaming up to put an outdoor curling rink in Nathan Phillips Square.

The free rink will open Friday February 23 and be up until Sunday February 25. Those dates coincide with the PyeongChang Olympic bronze and gold medal curling finals.

Nathan Phillips Square has hosted other pop-up sporting venues in the past. During the Invictus Games last year, for instance, the area in front of city hall hosted two tennis courts

So, if you feel like getting your own little taste of Olympic glory, or you've just always wanted to try a quirky but beloved Canadian pastime, this curling rink could be worth a visit. 

This is how to follow Toronto's Olympic athletes on Instagram

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Toronto has an incredible mix of athletes participating at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang Olympic Stadium, but given the time differences, it'll be hard to keep track of them all during the Games. But that's not the case if you follow them on Instagram! Follow along as these wonderful ambassadors bid for glory this year. 

Here's a roundup of Toronto area athletes to follow on Instagram during the Winter Olympics.

Candace Crawford - Alpine Skiing

23-year-old Candace Crawford is an Alpine skier who got her start racing at age seven, on the slopes of the Niagara Escarpment in Ontario. She’s super close with her family, who are also all skiers, so you can expect a lot of photos of intense slaloming.

Calynn Irwin - Snowboarding 

The rebel in her skiing family, Irwin was determined to pick up snowboarding. She started at age eight and by age 16 she was competing at the 2005 World Cup. Amid photos of Calynn shredding, you’ll also see some amazing travel shots.

Wojtek Wolski- Hockey 

Wolski learned how to skate on a frozen tennis court and eventually made his NHL debut with the Avalanche in the 2005-06 season. Now he's living the Olympic dream. Expect to see lots of hockey bros shots and adorable pics of his young family.

Phylicia George - Bobsleigh 

You may recognize Phylicia George as the track and field star who competed in London and Rio. This year, she'll become a dual season Olympian, as she makes her bobsledding debut at PyeongChang. Need workout motivation? Just look at her gym pics.

Jesse Lumsden - Bobsleigh 

Jesse Lumsden is another double-threat — he’s a retired CFL player, turned full-time bobsledder. Jesse got into bobsledding as a way to cross-train for football, and took off from there. You can expect a lot of cute Team Canada pics, and #FTB selfies with the men’s bobsled team.  

Sarah Nurse - Women's Hockey

This star hockey player comes from a family of athletes. In 2015, she won gold as a member of the Women’s National Development Team. In between pics of her out on the ice, her feed shows off lighter moments with her friends.

A post shared by Sarah Nurse (@nursey16) on

Dave Greszczyszyn - Skeleton 

Dave was Canada’s top ranked male skeleton athlete at the 2015, 2016 and 2017 World Championships. This part-time substitute teacher from Brampton posts photos of high intensity skeleton races in between travel shots of snow-covered landscapes.

Brianne Jenner - Women’s Hockey

Jenner started playing hockey at age three, growing up to score the first goal of Canada’s gold medal-winning game at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. When she isn’t capturing life with Team Canada, she’s posting wholesome family pics.

Gabrielle Daleman - Figure Skating 

Making her Olympic debut in 2014 at just 16 years old, Daleman is also a three time national champion. The photogenic figure skater (who has over 38K followers) posts a mix of impressive workout pics, gravity-defying jumps, and regular selfies for good measure.

Natalie Spooner - Women's Hockey

Natalie Spooner won gold as a member of the Canadian women’s hockey team at Sochi in 2014. She’s also a bit of a TV celebrity, since winning runner-up on Season 2 of The Amazing Race Canada. You can catch her TV and public speaking appearances on her Instagram feed.

Patrick Chan - Figure Skating  

Two-time silver medallist Patrick Chan made his Olympic debut in the Vancouver 2010 games at just 19 years old. His 78.8K Instagram followers attest to his household name status.  Patrick posts loads of pics from his world travels, which are invariably beautiful.

A post shared by Patrick Chan (@pchan31) on

There are still massive lineups at the Cheesecake Factory

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Toronto is now two-and-a-half months into its post-Cheesecake Factory era and people are still lined up at Yorkdale Mall, sometimes for hours on end, just hoping to get a table.

The situation is better than it was in November, when the American restaurant chain first launched in our home and native land, but you're still going to wait if you want to check out that wild dessert menu – with one brilliant exception.

"Look out for the next snow warning," joked a PR representative for Yorkdale Shopping Centre on the phone today. "There are fewer lineups when the weather gets bad."

Indeed, for what might be the first time ever, diners were actually able to walk right into the restaurant and sit down last night. The fact that it was extremely cold and advisory-prompting miserable outside was no coincidence.

The Yorkdale PR rep confirmed that last night's rare, line-free Cheesecake Factory experience was not typical. More likely, it was a weather-related fluke – but a telling one.

People love the Cheesecake Factory, but most of them love staying warm even more. Thus, if you're dying to hit this place up and really can't stand the idea of waiting in line, keep your eye on the forecasted lows throughout the next two months.

If you're not down to brave the cold, I don't blame you. There's still some good news on the lineup front, either way.

Many Cheesecake Factory customers are only waiting around 30 minutes these days, which is way better than the estimated three or four hours we were hearing about in December.

The dinner rush hour is still pretty intense, however, by most reports. Don't expect to roll up on a Friday night at 7 p.m. and waltz right in (unless there's a blizzard in full effect.)

You'll likely still wait a few hours on weekends, when the mall fills up with tourists and such – but that's kind of the case with any big chain.

Some lines just can't be avoided in a city the size of ours.

Toronto Food Events: Giro d'Italia, Very Canadian Whisky Tasting, Brewer's Backyard

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Upcoming food events in Toronto include plenty of craft beer fests along with wine and spirit tastings, plus a celebration of Italian food, and a ramen challenge. Then, of course, there's Valentine's Day. We've rounded up a list of those special events here.

Events you might want to check out:

Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival (February 10 @ Roundhouse Park)
Sample the wares of 40 different Ontario craft breweries at this one-day outdoor winter festival that will also include a bunch of local food vendors. Get there early, because the first 500 guests will receive a free toque. How Canadian, eh.
Suite 114 Valentine's Cocktail Class (February 10 @ Suite 114)
Enjoy a special pre-Valentine's Day cocktail-making class at this hidden, speakeasy-themed cocktail bar. Learn to make three different drinks, and then be sure to taste them all afterwards (always the best part).
A Very Canadian Whisky Tasting (February 13 @ SpiritHouse)
Check out this whisky tasting, featuring four notable Canadian whiskies, plus a Smoked Maple & Pecan Old Fashioned, with tasting guide Spencer Gooderham, whose family legacy in whisky dates back seven generations (the family name can still be seen in the city’s historic Distillery District).
Mega Hot & Sour Ramen Challenge (February 13 @ KINTON RAMEN)
It's that time again, when Kinton Ramen challenges ramen fiends to finish a ginormous bowl, this time a Hot & Sour broth with tons of extras, in 15 minutes or less.
Giro d'Italia (February 15-25 @ Multiple Venues)
Try some of the city's best Italian as 16 restaurants celebrate the cuisine of 16 regions in italy by offering special $49 prix-fixe dinner menus.
Sip Sake (February 16 @ iYellow Wine Cave)
Learn all about Japanese rice wine with a tutorial and structured tasting led by one of Ontario's best sake brand ambassadors. Cheese and charcuterie pairings are from The Cheese Boutique.
Brewer's Backyard Winter Warmers (February 19 @ Evergreen Brick Works)
Spend Family Day at this kickoff event for The Brewer's Backyard, with a lineup of breweries that include 5 Paddles, Junction Craft Brewing, Great Lakes Brewery, Beau's, Black Oak and Shacklands. There will also be food from Delight Bite, Los Vietnamita, Arepa Republic and Heirloom.
Cheese & Beer Pairing Night (February 20 @ Kensington Brewing Company)
Forget about cheese and wine—this event is all about the wonderful world of cheese and beer! A collaboration between Good Cheese and Kensington Brewing Company, this guided tasting will include a welcome beer plus four beer and cheese pairings.
Chocolat with Chocolate Pairing by CXBO (February 22 @ Revue Cinema)
Part of The Revue's Food in Film series, this much-loved film starring Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp and Judi Dench will feature a sure-to-be-delectable chocolate pairing by CXBO (Chocolates by Brandon Olsen).
Speed Rack Canada National Qualifiers (February 25 @ Enercare Centre)
Support your favourite bartender for the national qualifiers in this all-female speed-bartending competition that raises money for breast cancer research and prevention.

Major snowfall coming to Toronto this weekend

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More snow is on the way for Toronto as we head into the weekend, jeopardizing any plans you had of driving somewhere Friday night.

Environment Canada warns of poor road conditions during this evening's commute on account of accumulating snow and reduced visibility.

Snowfall amounts, in total, are expected to be "fairly modest," according to the federal weather agency, but again the timing is problematic. Between 4 and 10 centimetres could fall across the city before the afternoon commute.

The snow is expected to taper off later this evening, but motorists should still "plan extra time to reach their destination due to poor winter driving conditions."

We can expect a break from the snow on Saturday morning, but it will return in the afternoon and evening with a forecasted total of 3 to 6 cm accumulating in the region.

A "more significant period of snow" is expected on Sunday, according to The Weather Network, but – and here's the silver lining – it won't be crazy cold next week.

The short break from extreme cold temperatures we were promised should be coming to fruition by Monday, when meteorologists predict a high of -3 C. Wednesday is expected to be sunny and (relatively) warm at 1 C. 

Don't get used to it, though. Temperatures are expected to plummet, once again, just in time for the Family Day long weekend.

Win a $400 Tiger of Sweden gift card

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This February, Tiger of Sweden is bringing its famous sample and end-of-season sale back. And now you can win a shopping spree to the event. We've teamed up with Tiger of Sweden to give readers a chance to win a $400 gift card.

Sold! Newly built mini mansion goes for $3 million in Toronto

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If you rewind through Google Streetview back a decade, you'll see the relics of mid-century Modernist architecture scattered all over the former suburb of Etobicoke. Skip back to today, and they're slowly being replaced by newly built homes.

11 ballantyne crescent torontoThese new houses are typically bigger, but in some sense they carry on the architectural tradition by further deviating from classical home design. You can easily pick them out: they're boxy, and they tend to feature huge windows and high ceilings on the main floor. 

11 ballantyne crescent torontoThis new build near Kipling and Eglinton is light-filled space that makes ample use of the big lot. I call it a mini-mansion because it comes just shy of the stature required to use the term without a qualifier, but it's downright huge compared to many downtown homes.

11 ballantyne crescent torontoI'm not in love with the combination of stone and wood on the exterior, but the interior is just stunning. The enormous family room / kitchen combo is one of the nicest I've seen, and each of the bedrooms are well above average size. Multiple en suites is a nice touch as well. 

11 ballantyne crescent torontoThe Essentials
11 ballantyne crescent torontoWhy it sold for what it did

This one came in just below asking price. If you put this house a bit closer to the core, you'd watch both the asking and closing prices climb, but give the westerly location, $3 million for a dream home is entirely fitting in today's market.

11 ballantyne crescent torontoWas it worth it?

Really the only draw back here is accessibility and transit, but a low Walk Score won't bother someone who plans to drive most of the time. Add in the fact that the area is blessed with lots of proximate green space, and you can imagine the buyers are very happy people.

11 ballantyne crescent toronto11 ballantyne crescent toronto11 ballantyne crescent toronto11 ballantyne crescent toronto11 ballantyne crescent toronto11 ballantyne crescent toronto11 ballantyne crescent toronto11 ballantyne crescent toronto11 ballantyne crescent toronto11 ballantyne crescent toronto11 ballantyne crescent toronto11 ballantyne crescent toronto11 ballantyne crescent toronto

The Best Afghan Restaurants in Toronto

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The best Afghan restaurants in Toronto tend to be all about the kabobs, but of course there are many other rich offerings at these places to try, like Qabuli rice, spicy chaplee patties and fried or grilled seafood and meats, usually accompanied by salad and thicker, less chewy naan than the Indian variety.

Here are the best Afghan restaurants in Toronto.

3 - Bamiyan Kabob

Meat is marinated for 24 hours at this place and everything is prepared fresh, which is why kabob lovers flock to this chain with multiple Toronto locations. The menu of combo dinners and wraps is simple, but kabob options include kofta, tikka, filet mignon and lamb chop.
4 - Naan & Kabob

This Afghan mini-chain with two Scarborough locations serves some of the best kabobs in the city in a pleasant modern environment. Kabob options include paneer and tandoori chicken, and all are grilled using special equipment with more heat and less excess smokiness.
5 - Kandahar Kabab (Thorncliffe)

Don’t sleep on the house sauces at this Afghan spot in Thorncliffe Park. A spicy hot sauce and creamy white sauce top the Kandahar Fries, but of course they go amazing with the generous double kabob meals here.
8 - Afghan Cuisine

In Thorncliffe Park, this humble place puts out kabobs and stews like karahi with beef, chicken tandoori, and beef seekh options, as well as dishes like lamb shank and bolani potato patties. They also do Afghan wings.
11 - Baghlan Kabob and Bakery

Get spicy beef or chicken chaplee patties served on burger buns in this fast-food-like Afghan restaurant in Rexdale. They also bake their own bread here and do large format kabob feasts.
6 - Kabul Express

Alakat style pan fry dishes such as chicken and lamb keema and even trotters and brain are available at this Yonge and Dundas mainstay. Of course there’s also the usual chicken breast and lots of paneer and veggies if you want to avoid meat entirely.
10 - Alanoor Afghan Kabob

A menu of grilled kabobs with options like chicken tikka, beef kofta, and even salmon is available at this Scarborough joint. They also do fried white fish and spicy beef or veggie chaplee.
7 - Pamier Kabob

Dozens of kabob options including fish kabobs and mixed kabob combos for two can be found at this spot near Adelaide and Spadina.
9 - Mazar Kabob

Qubali rice pilaf is served up alongside lamb chops and a big range of kabobs including chicken tandoor, chicken breast, chicken kofta and filet mignon at this Etobicoke restaurant.

Italian chain Dal Moro's Fresh Pasta opening first Toronto location

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The Venetian food gurus behind Dal Moro's Fresh Pasta To Go just announced that their unique brand of "rigorously Italian" cuisine is coming to North America in the form of a permanent restaurant, right here in Toronto.

"Dear friends," wrote the Venice-based brand on its Facebook page Friday. "Dal Moro's Fresh Pasta To Go is opening its first-ever North American location in Toronto, Canada!"

A new Instagram account dedicated to the restaurant also unleashed a series of photos this morning, presumably to get locals excited about eating fresh pomodoro, boscaiola, and nero di seppia (squid ink) pasta sauce.

Photos from their locations in Venice also flood social media.

A post shared by @niixmii on

Dal Moro's first-ever international restaurant will be located on Yonge Street, just north of Wellesley, though an opening date has yet to be announced.

Expect plenty of fresh-made spaghetti, penne, linguine and gnocchi, cooked "very carefully" based on the restaurant's "standards, exact timing and procedures."

Someone created Valentine's Day cards for TTC subway stations

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One of the greatest joys of riding the TTC is that naughty, gleeful feeling one gets when words like "Coxwell" and "Spadina" are blasted over the PA system.

Hehehe, Coxwell.

It's been hilarious since Grade 6 and it will always be hilarious. Don't even try to convince me otherwise.

TTC valentines cards

What better way to say "Happy Valentine's Day" than by giving your sweetheart some of those same nostalgic giggles? Diamonds are forever, but Spadina rhymes with vagina – and that's worth celebrating all year round.

TTC valentines cardsThe Button Machine, a local clothing and accessories brand known for its cute "Turonno" shirts, has released a line of TTC-themed greeting cards that pay homage to both love and our favourite subway stations.

The $6, satin-coated cards are all blank inside, but their covers feature a perfect blend of pink, hearts and public transit puns.

TTC valentines cards

"If you're in Toronto, get your TLC greeting card orders in today and you’ll receive them by early next week, just time to take your special someone on a fancy date!" wrote the Toronto-centric brand on Instagram Friday morning. "To the @thedirtyduff, perhaps? If you’re feeling fancy, you can go all out and take them to Swiss Chalet."

Every card comes with an envelope and features a TTC parody logo that reads "TLC" – as in either "tender loving care" or "T-Boz, Left Eye, & Chilli." 

TTC valentines cards

Here are a few of my favourites:

TTC valentine's cardsTTC valentine's cardsTTC valentine's cardsTTC valentine's cardsValentine's Day is next Wednesday, in case you need to be reminded. Here are some gift ideas, restaurant suggestions and things to do on February14th, plus an extra special pro-tip from The Button Machine via Instagram:

"Hit up Manchu Wok at 8:45 when the end of day special hits the $4.99 mark!"

Now that's how you keep the love fires burning.

Bud Light Dreams releases its 2018 lineup

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While summer may be a ways off for Toronto, there's finally some music festival news to get us all excited for the warmer months ahead.

If you've been waiting to see Armin van Burren, Kaskade, Galantis and a slew of other electronic artists, then you should probably check out the Bud Light Dreams lineup for this year, which was released earlier today.

The annual two day EDM event will be taking over the East Island at Ontario Place the weekend of June 23 and 24. Similar to last year, the festival will be 19+ and feature three stages and plenty of neon outfits.

Pre-sale tickets go on sale on February 12 at 10 a.m., while the general sale starts on February 13 at 10 a.m.


Starbucks opening its first Reserve coffee bar in Toronto

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Toronto is the latest city to get a Starbucks Reserve Bar. The 3,200 square foot space is due to open in just over at week at CF Shops at Don Mills. It'll be at least twice the size of a regular Starbucks store and serve the brand's most exclusive coffees — hence the name. 

What's reserve coffee you may ask?

According to the Starbucks Reserve website, these coffees are the “most exalted, most sought-after, small lot coffees” hand picked by a Starbucks buyer “who spends the bulk of her time in the far flung coffee origins.”

You get the idea. High quality, rare coffee, that you’re not going to get at your average Starbucks location.  

Last year, Shanghai got its first Starbucks Reserve Roastery, which generated quite a buzz. The space was 30,000 square feet and looked much more like an upscale food hall than a cafe. 

Alas, Toronto isn't going to get something quite so outlandish, but fans of Starbucks still have something to be excited about. 

The company calls their Reserve locations “theatres” for coffee. If the crowds in Toronto are anything like those at the Shanghai opening, it looks like they’ve got a captive audience.

The official opening date in Toronto is February 17. 

Toronto just got a 24 hour junk food delivery service

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When was the last time you wanted – nay, needed – a chocolate bar and some ketchup chips at 3 a.m.? How about a can of sugar free Red Bull? Pop tarts? Pizza? Nerds?

If you can find it at a convenience store, you can probably get it from FryDayBox – only you won't have to leave the house, you can order whenever you want to, and you'll have it in your mouth within roughly half an hour.

Launched just one week ago, the new Toronto-based delivery service is already popping up on Instagram as customers show off their custom snack hauls.

"FrydayBox is a very unique concept," wrote one fan on the brand's  Facebook page. "Much needed in Toronto where everything closes too soon and where the prices are too high."

Indeed, the prices aren't as bad as you might expect. You'll pay $1.60 for a normal chocolate bar, like a Twix or Crunchie, right now, and a bag of mini Rolo bites is actually even cheaper than it is at my local Metro store.

The real sell here, though, is that you can get fresh-cooked dinner food (think chicken nuggets and Jalepeno poppers) plus all of the candy, chips, cookies, ice cream, nuts, jerkies, dips, drinks and even home essentials like Tylenol and iPhone chargers all in one box. On one order. In 35 minutes or less.

It's like home grocery delivery but for 7/11. Home 7/11 delivery!

A post shared by Carmen (@ccarmen__) on

To use the service, you have to be in the FryDayBox delivery zone– which, right now, runs from Lakeshore up to St. Clair and from Keele to Bathurst. 

If you live anywhere in or around Trinity Bellwoods, Little Italy, Liberty Village, Parkdale, Dufferin Grove, the Junction Triangle, Wychood or Roncesvalles, you're good.

All you need to do is register online via FryDayBox's website, Ubereats or Foodora, create a box of goodies, and wait for it to arrive. I love 2018.

The 5 most romantic small towns to visit near Toronto

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Ontario is covered in picturesque small towns perfect for weekend getaways, but there's a small group of these destinations that really dial up the charm for those looking to escape with a significant other. From quaint architecture to cute restaurants, these are places to experience as a pair.

Here are my picks for the most romantic small towns near Toronto.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Not only is the main drag here one of the prettiest in the province, there's loads of places to savour local wine and food (Treadwell, Blackhouse, and the Cannery come to mind). Add in lots of vintage hotels and you have the recipe for an indulgent and romantic escape.

Elora

Elora is known for its stunning gorge, and the David Street Bridge overlooking it. Try the walking trail that starts at the Elora Mill, and has lookouts over the frozen Elora Gorge Falls. Take shelter at the Flying Leap, a Victorian B&B with a very homey vibe ($120+ per night).

Paris

Located where the Grand River meets the Nith River, this picturesque town is all cobblestone and quaint old buildings downtown. Pay a visit to the Wincey Mills historic market by day before heading to a light show at Penman’s Dam. The Arlington Hotel is a deal at $129 a night.

Port Hope

This little town on the banks of the Ganaraska River is known for its many vintage and antique shops. You and your better half can catch a live show or movie at the beautiful Capitol Theatre before spending the night at the newly revamped Hotel Carlyle. The pubs are nice here, too.

Cambridge/Galt

The old town of Galt is part of the municipality of Cambridge. The quaint little historic district boasts a collection of 19th century buildings along the Grand River that'll shuttle you to Europe. Get dinner at the beautiful Cambridge Mill or splurge on a night at Langdon Hall.

Toronto skyscraper's off-limits observation deck to reopen to the public

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One upon a time, before liability was a household word, people could ride all the way to the top of Toronto's historic Commerce Court North building and look out over the city in open air.

More than 200,000 people visited the attraction atop what was then called the Canadian Bank of Commerce Building between 1931 and 1956, many of them paying just 25 cents for the pleasure.

Standing on the observation deck next to those stately 24-foot stone heads, one could see a huge swath of Toronto and its surrounding area from the sky.

Commerce Court North

An old ad for the observation deck. Image via the CIBC archives.

The view is a lot different today, of course, thanks to an explosion of condo and office towers downtown – but you couldn't know that first hand without having gained rare access to the space, which closed to the public in the 1970s.

Sad? Don't be – you might still get a chance to visit the observation deck at 25 King West, a whopping 426 feet above the street in one of Toronto's only remaining Art Deco towers.

As reported last month, QuadReal Property Group has submitted a zoning by-law amendment asking the city for permission to "re-imagine" and "transform" the historic Commerce Court complex.

The Commerce Court North building itself, opened in 1931 during the Great Depression, will remain in place. So will its observation deck – and when the entire development project is finished, we might actually be able to check it out.

The Globe and Mail reported this week that architects working on the Commerce Court redevelopment "are planning to reopen" the observation deck on top of the tower.

Nothing is set in stone at this point, but if everything is built according to current plans, Toronto will eventually have a brand new, 298.14-metre-tall, mixed-use office and retail building and soaring atrium at Commerce Court.

Maybe, if we're lucky, the public will also have a new spot take in our city's exceptional views. 

How to spend a night out in Kensington Market

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A visit to Kensington Market might conjure the image of a sunny day and a patio (during the summer, at least), but that laid back vibe also defines the neighbourhood’s nightlife. You can have a great night out here with little effort or funds, which is an ideal combination for anyone looking to skip the downtown club scene.

Here are my picks for places to hit during a night out in Kensington Market.

To Drink

Cold Tea

Cold Tea is a hidden bar that was recently revamped to include a glossy interior and South American-Japanese fusion menu. You’ll find it down a corridor of an easily-missed mall on Kensington Ave. The front door is unmarked, but the regular lineup and bouncer are giveaways.

kensington brewing company

For beer flights, it's hard to beat Kensington Brewing Co. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Kensington Brewing Co.

Kensington Brewing Company is a new spot, opened in August 2017. The brewery offers craft beer ranging from wheat beer brewed with watermelon, to dark chocolate stout. Since I’m not a beer expert, I order their flights: a tasting palette of four half-pints for only 9 bucks.

Eden Hall 

The staff here actually want to talk to you, the drink deals are amazing, and you might even see a dog or two running around (don’t worry, they belong to the owner). Eden Hall is the club Apt. 200 should be — like your friend’s house party, but with better music.

Supermarket 

Supermarket transitions from a resto-bar during the week to a club on the weekend. If you’ve got a guitar and the chords to Wonderwall, hit this place up on a Sunday night: it’s home to one of Toronto’s busiest open mics. Keep an eye on its calendar for a range of other events.

el rey toronto

Mezcal lovers need look no further than El Rey. Photo by Jesse Milns.

El Rey

El Rey offers nine different Mezcal options, and a selection of cocktails that you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere, such as, the Scotch/Mezcal-based “Scottish Hula Dancer.” This is the kind of place you want to Instagram, if not for the drinks than the terracotta decor.

Ronnie’s Local

A night in Ronnie’s reminds me of one spent in a suburban basement: wood-panelled walls, mismatched decor, a crowd ranging in ages, and string lights to set the mood. Ronnie’s is warm, homey, and cheap, which is good if you’re looking to sit down and catch up with friends.

trinity common toronto

The sprawling Trinity Common is great for big groups. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Trinity Common

Trinity Common is one of the largest bars in the area, with warehouse-style ceilings, a 100-seat dining area, plus dance floor and DJ stage. The drink menu consists mostly of craft beer, but this is the place to be if your group exceeds 10 people, and those people feel like dancing.

Thirsty & Miserable 

If you’re comfortable sitting shoulder to shoulder with the other patrons of this genuinely grungy bar, do it. Punk rock memorabilia adorns the walls, and the menu boasts an ever-expanding selection of craft beer ranging from $5.00 to $8.50 a pint.

Poetry Jazz Cafe

This is surely Kensington’s classiest club. The space is cozy, and the cocktail-based menu is full of homages to jazz greats like Miles Davis. Be ready to admire a live act, sip wine you’re not sure how to pronounce, and pay a minimum $10 cover. Poetry is a spot for refined tastes.

To Eat (After Drinking)

Ozzy's Burgers

Few things satisfy late night hunger pangs better than an enormous burger, which is exactly what you'll find at this spot on Nassau St. If burgers aren't your thing, there's also steak sandwiches. Everything is halal here, too.  

mare pizza

There's nothing like a classic slice to kill a hangover. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Mare Pizzeria

Mare Pizzeria is usually bumping past 11 p.m. Its official hours are 10 a.m. until 12 a.m., but they tend to stay open as long as there’s business (sometimes until 6 a.m. on weekends night. With $3.50 slices on offer, Mare is the most logical end-of-night destination.

Fresca Pizza

If Mare is closed, however, I head to Fresca at College and Spadina, just outside of Kensington. It's open until 2 a.m. on the weekend. With its own $3.50 slices, Fresca is everything a drunk food stop needs to be: hot, fresh, and close by.   

Pho Xe Lua

Open Thursdays until 3 a.m., Fridays and Saturdays until 6 a.m., and always bustling with students, Pho Xe Lua is a Vietnamese spot where Kensington meets Chinatown on Spadina Ave. One goi cuon plate (self-rolled Vietnamese spring rolls) can feed four people for $12, easily.  

rol san toronto

Just a short walk to Spadina, Rol San is a staple late night eat for Kensington partiers. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Rol San

This all-day dim sum spot at Spadina and Baldwin is open until 2 a.m. If you’re able to stay seated in a restaurant after you’ve had a few, Rol San is worth a visit. Its dumpling dishes range from $2-$4 each. If drunk dumplings are not already a thing, they should be.

Pho Pasteur

Open 24 hours all week, Pho Pasteur is another go-to Vietnamese spot for those have incurred an appetite at nearby bars. With generous portions and boisterous crowds after last call on weekends, it's an ideal late night eat destination.

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