The best tasting menus in Toronto are offered at restaurants eager to please diners and/or to experiment on an adventurous and trusting audience. For diners it's a decision-free way to eat that relinquishes control to the kitchen allowing for surprises and delights along the way.

While this list only includes permanent establishments, there are plenty of ongoing tasting menu series as well; notably The Group of 7 Chefs monthly dinners, a weekly vegetarian tasting menu dubbed The Green Glas Affair at Glas Wine Bar and family-style BBQ platters served Sunday nights at Barque Smokehouse. There's also a new east-side dinner series from an outfit called The East End Dinner Club.

Here is a list of the best tasting menus in Toronto.

Think of ALIAS, directed by Michelle Latimer, as musical activism, bringing Toronto's hip-hop scene into sharp focus for the uninitiated. The documentary, which premiered last night at Hot Docs, came into development during the infamous "summer of the gun" in 2007. ALIAS is partly a corrective against the negative publicity of Toronto African-Canadian communities and rappers. But it's also a very personal look into complicated lives beset with obstacles and empowered by ambition.

I sat down with Latimer and singer/rapper Keon Love, one of Latimer's subjects. Latimer, a short film and documentary director from Northern Ontario, was first drawn to the idea of a doc on the lives of Toronto rappers by the arrest of Alias Donmillion in 2002 for firing a gun into the air at Caribana. Alias was at the top of his career, having won the MMVA award and punching close to the kind of international recognition that rarely comes Toronto's way. It took a while to build the kind of trust between her and Alias and his contemporaries (including Alkatraz and Trench) to get an intimate perspective, far beyond your typical posterized entertainment special.

From hustling drugs to playing shows, from hand washing sneaker laces to shooting music videos at the Beaches, ALIAS follows its artists around with little judgment and a lot of access. Some of the artists, like Donmillion, are from east GTA, but not as East as Scarborough - they call it the "Middle East".

"Just for being around the artist, you get people vouching for you," says Latimer. "It took me a couple of years to get to them because I built cred, went to shows." Love agrees with Raekwon's comparison of Toronto to New York in terms of similar hip-hop vibes - with an equally strong dose of multicultural flavours, including reggae, traditional African, and even Bhangra Punjabi music. "Different parts of the world in one" is how Love describes Toronto style.

Love is a female rapper in a pretty exclusively-male environment. "I don't think it's lonely, I think sometimes it's more frustrating than lonely because I'm a woman. I always get the 'oh you're just a girl or 'she's a girl, let me try and take advantage." But she says you have to "go through the grind", and is currently hard at work getting her debut album Love Chronicles out for the summer.

All of Latimer's artists have worked with Mr. Knia (short for Know-it-all), a producer and very recently student of Osgoode Law School. Knia is exceptionally involved in his client's lives, the connective tissue holding the small but tenacious group together. "He's definitely an advocate for the community," says Keon, "Anyone he knows, he'll vouch for them." He is such a frequent presence at municipal courts (usually as co-sponsor for his artists' bail) that all the lawyers know him by name.

Knia's support network aside, Toronto hip-hop, and Toronto music in general, is not an especially tight-knit world. "I've been to Montreal," says Keon when I ask her about local GTA support, "And I've been to Montreal promoting music from Toronto...They're definitely more homegrown [in Montreal]. In Toronto I find it's very competitive. Everyone wants to be the one from Toronto."

The one from Toronto is, at least for the last few years, Drake. There was no way I was not going to ask Latimer and Love about the Drake Issue. "I'm not gonna diss Drake," says Love, diplomatically but also firmly, "A lot of people have negative things to say. At this point, I don't think we can sit here and be like 'Drake, Drake, Drake'. The world embraced him, and then Toronto more or less embraced him. So would Toronto embrace him if the world didn't embrace him? We have to ask ourselves that question."

Latimer and Love have high hopes for the doc and the publicity it will give hungry rappers looking to put their city and their art on the map.

ALIAS is playing Sunday, April 28 at 1:00 PM at Scotiabank 3, and Saturday, May 4 at 8:45 PM at Scotiabank 4.

Photo by Alain Brouard in the blogTO Flickr pool

OK, "hidden" might be pushing it a bit, but this multi-purpose art space isn't exactly conspicuous either. Housed in an old industrial building on Dufferin north of Queen, the gallery has already garnered a reputation for late night parties and its commitment to fostering the careers of up and coming artists.

Read more in my profile of Brockton Collective in the galleries section.

Classified brought his East Coast flavour to Toronto this weekend and was more than well received. Playing two sold-out shows at The Opera House, Classified kept the energy high with a superb mix of tracks from as far back as 1996's What Happened and, of course, from his latest self-titled album, which was released in January.

Even if you only occasionally listen to the radio, you've likely heard Classified's latest single "Inner Ninja," the upbeat, bounce-inducing first song from Classified. The song features a catchy chorus by fellow East Coast artist David Myles, who joined Classified on stage looking dapper in a suit and tie. Just one week ago, Classified's "Inner Ninja" won him a Juno for "Rap Recording Artist of the Year." The award called for some celebration and on Saturday night — his final show on a six-week tour — he handed out beer to fans in the front row and toasted his success with a proud performance of "The Maritimes."

Classified's self-titled album is filled with cheery beats and clever rhymes, proving with each record, he only gets better. "Pay Day" is the ultimate anthem for 9-5ers who celebrate every other Friday. "New School/Old School," which features opener Kayo, equally honors the hip hop of the past and the present. With appearances by Raekwon, Skratch Bastid, and Kardinal Offishall (among others), the album is sharp and showcases Classified's artistic strength and his ability to produce fantastic music.

Midway through the set, Classified decided to have some fun with his fans, playing a game inspired by "Pay Day." He called a fan onto the stage — the first fan to tweet "@Classified #payday" — and had his DJ spin a custom-made video version of the Wheel of Fortune. The prizes included a backstage pass, a body autograph, $200 cash, the opportunity to sing a song on stage, and $500 off merchandise (to name a few).

The winner, known on Twitter as @stk, won a photo on stage -- womp womp. The prize was made better when Classified invited @stk to stage dive into the crowd...twice. @stk's second jump involved a rock star-worthy frontflip and the crowd went wild. Even with the less-than-stellar "Pay Day" prize, I'm pretty sure @stk had the time of his life.

If it isn't clear already, Classified is humbly approachable. He treats his fans like his friends. Perhaps it's because he hasn't reached — nor has he wanted to reach — a level of fame like that found in fellow Canadian rapper Drake. He has said, "Rap, to me, is not about money, it's about working your ass off. I keep growing and I've been lucky, but I've worked damn hard to get to this spot."

With his strong work ethic, relatability, patriotism, and unpretentious vivacity, Classified serves as an awesome representative of Canadian music and Canadian values. Nearly 20 years into the music business, he continues to make impassioned albums and to impress fans old and new.

Additional Photos

Photos by Brian Morton

This week in theatre rounds up the most noteworthy live theatre playing right now in Toronto. It includes just-opened shows as well as productions that are about to close.

The Book of Mormon / Princess of Wales / 8:00pm/2:00pm / $59-$100+
The smash hit musical Book of Mormon finally opens in Toronto to an eager audience of fans looking to take in the satiric religious fare from the revered comic duo Trey Parker and Matt Stone. It follows two Mormon missionaries who are sent to Uganda to help those struggling to find the light. The show amassed nine Tony awards and wide-sweeping critical acclaim on its way to becoming one of those special musicals that only comes along once a decade or so. The production is already sold out at Mirvish, but there is a lottery for extra tickets.

Salome / COC - Four Seasons / 7:30pm/2:00pm / $45-$100+
Atom Egoyan directs Salome at the Canadian Opera Company, which was adapted from an Oscar Wilde play by Richard Strauss. The opera's overt eroticism was a bold departure from conventional form when it premiered in 1905, but it was nevertheless successful. Egoyan's direction draws the best out of Wilde's original interpretation of the biblical story and Strauss' compositions, all the while giving Salome more agency.

The Playwright Project - Sam Shepard / Various Venues / 8:00pm / $15
A collection of theatre companies spread throughout seven different neighbourhoods in the city produce the work of Sam Shepard, one of our most celebrated contemporary playwrights. This inspired rotation of plays, from a number of the same companies who participated in The Tennessee Project, presents a cross section of Shepard's one acts. Plays include, Angel City, Saving Fats, Geography of a Horse Dreamer, Fool for Love, Cowboy Mouth, When the World Was Green, and The Unseen Hand.

Life x 3 / Unit 102 Theatre / 8:00pm/2:00pm / $20-$25
When a work colleague and his wife show up a day early for a dinner party, the hosting couple scrambles to pull together a respectable little shindig. As one can expect, it all goes downhill in the three versions of the evening dramatized in Life x 3. Playwright Yasmina Reza (Art, God of Carnage) is a master at infusing contemporary, living room banter with dark and suggestive undertones.

The Biographer/ Videofag / 8:00pm/2:00pm / $15-$23
Playwright Daniel Karasik and director Alan Dilworth offer a mysterious and poetic story about a father at an abandoned seaside carnival looking for his daughter who has disappeared. Karasik (The Crossing Guard & In Full Light, Haunted) is a CBC Literary Award winner and is an up and coming young voice on the scene. His newest play considers the ways in which we attempt to redeem ourselves in the face of guilt and grief.

Photo by Sigma in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Toronto events on April 29th, 2013

MUSIC | Sara Bareilles at The Phoenix
Singer, songwriter, and pianist, Sara Bareilles, hits The Phoenix tonight as part of her "Brave Enough" tour. Bareilles's first hit single, Love Song, brought her poppy, piano-driven sound into the public eye and onto the Billboard 100, as did her presence on "The Sing Off" as a judge. Her latest album, The Blessed Unrest, was just released digitally, and the first single, Brave, co-written with Jack Antonoff, explores a slightly different kind of sound, but carries on with Bareilles' soulful approach and tight, pop-oriented songwriting.
Phoenix Concert Theatre (410 Sherbourne Street) 8PM $35

BOOKS & LIT | Michael Crummey reading
Canadian author and poet Michael Crummey reads from his latest book of poetry, Under the Keel, and also offers a special preview of a new novel he has in the works, set in Newfoundland. Crummey, hailing originally from Eastern Canada, has received many accolades for his work, including the Bronwen Wallace Memorial Award, the Writer's Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador Book Award for Poetry, nominations for the Milton Acorn People's Poetry Award, the Journey Prize, and several others. Having dinner and hearing Crummey read and talk is a great way to celebrate National Poetry Month!
Pangaea Restaurant (1212 Bay Street) 6PM

MUSIC | Elvis Monday
In case you've arrived late to this particular party, you likely already know that Elvis Monday is TO's longest running underground music showcase, and has been going strong since the early '90s, prior to setting up shop at The Drake Hotel Underground. This special Monday night event has never had a cover, and has seen early performances from the likes of Peaches, Beck, The Cowboy Junkies, By Divine Right, and others. It's a great way to keep your "rock" level up, which usually takes a strong dip after the weekend. Tonight, Jesse And His Havoc, Rory Lavelle, Stacey Y Band, and others take the stage.
The Drake Hotel (1150 Queen Street West) 9PM

LECTURE | MoMondays @ The Pilot
MoMondays is a new twist on the "open mic" concept, and instead of music or comedy, you get six to eight professional speakers sharing stories and insights to inspire, inform, and of course 'motivate' you. This also promises to be a great networking opportunity for attendees. Tonight, Monica and Graham Burwise talk "relationships", Karen Grant talks about "corporate women" post lay-off, Paul Barry discusses "leadership", Gail Scott on "forgiving", Adrian Davis tells his story about overcoming his past, and more. Event founder, Michael Neray, hosts tonight's edition of MoMondays.
The Pilot (22 Cumberland Street) 6PM $15

Also Of Note

• Candlelight Vigil 2013
• An Evening of Poetry with Honey Novick & Bill Bissett
• END OF THE YEAR POOL PARTY

For more Toronto event suggestions, check out these posts:

• Toronto Food Events
• This week in fashion
• This week in Theatre
• This week in film

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.

Photo courtesy of MoMondays Facebook page.

The ongoing war of words between the Ford brothers and TTC Chair Karen Stintz ratcheted up a notch Sunday when the pair spent a majority of their weekly radio show slamming transit taxes. Doug Ford, on the phone from Florida, said "I don't trust her as far as I could throw her," labelling her "deceitful" and "nothing but a liar." Should he apologize?

The prospect of converting the Scarborough RT to subway reared its head this weekend when Coun. Karen Stintz suggested bundling the idea, popular with Rob Ford, in with the debate on new transit taxes, possibly in the hope of winning the mayor over. Switching to subway would involve altering the current agreement with Metrolinx. Should the aging RT become part of the Bloor-Danforth line?

A former player on Rob Ford's Don Bosco Eagles football team has died after a shooting in Scarborough. 20-year-old Kwado "Kojo" Mensah was found near Grace Hartman Housing Co-op at Morningside and Old Finch. Ford called Mensah a "truly a very nice, polite, young man" on his Sunday radio show. "I love you, kiddo," he added.

Leaside alums including Prime Minister Stephen Harper celebrated the community's 100th anniversary on the weekend. It was a century ago on Saturday that the area - now part of Toronto - was officially incorporated as a town. Premier Kathleen Wynne, whose constituency covers Leaside, was also present at the gala inside a self-storage facility.

A stickler for the rules isn't happy with restaurants on the Esplanade. Several eateries, including Bier Markt, were told to hang their patio flower boxes on the inside of the guard railing, not the outside, to prevent infringing on city property. Failing to comply could have resulted in a steep fine and even loss of their liquor license.

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to be a TTC bus driver, read this Metro story. Vomit, masturbation, feces, used tampons, and abuse are just some of the treats drivers have to handle on a daily basis working for Toronto's transit system. Do the harsh realities of the work justify the $30 an hour rate of pay?

Finally, three books looted from the town of York during the War of 1812 have been returned to the Toronto Reference Library, more than 200 years overdue. Americans captured the city during the Battle of York in 1813, raiding homes and the burning the town's government buildings. If the books had been checked out instead of being swiped from the town's only library, the overdue fine would be $29,220 using current figures.

FROM THE WEEKEND

• This Week in Theatre
• Classified sells out the Opera House...twice
• Hidden art space hosts eclectic events & young artists
• Toronto hip hop scene in the spotlight at Hot Docs
• The Best Tasting Menus in Toronto
• The catastrophic explosion that defined the War of 1812
• Maylee Todd gets real sexual at album release party
• 5 shops to seek out in Yorkville

IN BRIEF:

• Police make an arrest in Parkdale bar stabbing [Toronto Star]
• Downtown Toronto becomes sea of saffron as thousands celebrate Sikh New Year [Toronto Star]
• Maple Leafs to face Boston Bruins in playoffs [CTV News]
• Yankees beat Dickey, Blue Jays for 4-game sweep [CBC]

*An earlier version of this post confused two separate murders in an item about Rob Ford's radio show. The mistake has been corrected.

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Image: Nilfisk/blogTO Flickr pool.

This Week in Music rounds up the latest news, releases and concerts coming to Toronto.

IN THE NEWS

Uproar Festival coming to Molson Amphitheatre

Toronto fans of heavy metal and hard rock may have felt a little left out last year when the Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival didn't make a stop in the city (in fact, it didn't make a single stop outside of the U.S.). This year, the tour will once again be mostly U.S.-based, but luckily for us Torontonians, it'll make its one Canadian stop at the Molson Amphitheatre. It's a pretty stacked lineup, too - alongside headliners Alice in Chains, you'll see Jane's Addiction, Coheed and Cambria, Danko Jones, Circa Survive, and a lot more. Check out the full details here.

Bob Dylan returns to Toronto

As arguably the greatest songwriter of all time, Bob Dylan, is revered everywhere he goes (even if his vocal cords have seen better days). The aging artist is currently touring, and as the summer rolls in, he's not slowing down. He and his band are, in fact, the headliners of the AmericanaramA Festival of Music Tour, which kicks off at the end of June. There is but one Canadian date, and wouldn't you know it? It's right here in Toronto at the Molson Ampihtheatre on July 15. Dylan will receive support from Wilco, My Morning Jacket, and the Richard Thompson Electric Trio. This promises to be one of the better shows this summer. Full details can be found at the man's official site.

THIS WEEK'S HOT TICKETS

FRIDAY MAY 3 / THE LUMINEERS / SOUND ACADEMY / 11 POLSON / $41.25 - $52.50 / ALL AGES

The Lumineers are one of the biggest bands in the world right now. "Ho Hey," the lead single off of the band's self-titled debut, has become something of an anthem (seriously, the song gets played everywhere you go). It's folky, it's fun, it's light, and it makes you feel good. And, really, isn't that what music is all about? If you don't have tickets for this one, you're out of luck - it's sold out. You Won't will open.

FRIDAY MAY 3 / KINGSFOIL / MOD CLUB / 722 COLLEGE / $10 / ALL AGES

If you can't find a reasonably priced ticket for the Lumineers' show, why not drop by the Mod Club? Kingsfoil, out of Pennsylvania, will be taking the stage alongside Acres of Lions and local punk-rockers Thunderhawks. Fans of Malcolm in the Middle will definitely want to drop in - Frankie Muniz is Kingsfoil's drummer.

WHAT WE GOT UP TO LAST WEEK

• Classified sells out the Opera House...twice
• Maylee Todd gets real sexual at album release party
• Jim James brings his spiritual sideshow to Toronto
• Killing Joke get the crowd rowdy at Lee's Palace
• Breakout Toronto Bands: The C'mons
• Maylee Todd is about to explode (someone tell her ego)
• The art of concert posters is alive and well in Toronto

Photo of Wilco courtesy of NRK P3 on Flickr.

With the weather finally starting to turn (goodbye winter jacket and gloves), it was time to hit the streets to spot some Spring styles. See if you can guess where the photos were taken.

View and rate all the looks in our Style section.

Looking for a spot to hang on the East Danforth? You could do a lot worse than to soak up the jovial vibe at this newish spot and take in the comfortable, kitch-laden surroundings. In addition to a broad selection of libations, there's tapas-like bites and a house piano player taking requests.

Read my profile of Sauce on the Danforth in the restaurant section.

Toronto concerts worth knowing about in March, 2013.

OK, Erin didn't write this so if you came here for decent jokes, find her via Eat This, her classy soup kitchen.

Y'all are really lucky, though, because bands are getting into their warm-weather-happy-times tour schedules, and while NXNE isn't until June (and so far looks to be dis-a-pointing compared to Halifax's Obey fest) May is bumpin. Bumpin. Meaning I found some legit shows to hype for you, including Toronto Thaw 3, which will set the month on fire before we even notice it's here.

In case you care, pop punkers, the New Found Glory show on May 18th has been cancelled. Better news is D'Angelo has been rescheduled for May 31st.

HOT TICKETS

TORONTO THAW THREE / MAY 1 - 4 / VARIOUS VENUES / ALL SHOWS $10 EACH
Four nights and over twenty bands, artists and DJs celebrate things thawing in Toronto. Maybe it's a dead squirrel by the curb where you unlock your bike in the morning; maybe it's... your heart.

Playing are a bunch of bands with bad ass names: Tarantula X, SINS, Mass Horns, Hussy, Black Paradise, Violent Future, LICE, DJ Kontravoid, S.H.I.T., Hassler, and Spearhead, as well as acts with more mom friendly names: Slim Twig (depending how your mom interprets it), Absolutely Free, Beliefs, Soupcans, Young Mother (your mom might have some tips for her!), Das Rad, Absolut, Biblical, Elsa, and DJ's Aaron Levin and Josh V, who judging by their names seem like guys your mom might like. Venues and line ups are on Toronto Thaw's Facebook event and on their poster.

TITUS ANDRONICUS / MAY 2 / LEE'S PALACE / $18.50
This band from NYC rock out with guitars and lyrics of above average intelligence. I lived with someone who listened to them way too much in 2010, but I still can respect and dig their sound, and believe they will deliver tomorrow at Lee's.

PETRA GLYNT + FIN TOUR KICK OFF / MAY 2 / DOUBLE DOUBLE LAND / $7
Visual artists Alex Mackenzie and Rebecca Fin Simonetti perform together sonically and otherwise as Wet Nurse, but this spring's east coast Wet Nurse tour will see them playing separate sets: both artists and gearing up to release their debut albums. If you find the phrase peace can come only through confrontation with life's brutality and the psychedelic mundane appealing, then this is for you.

Fin investigates how reality is really psychedelic and teaches girls-only audio tutorials around Toronto, while one of blogTO's editors thinks Petra Glynt might be the next Grimes - and it isn't me. I think Petra Glynt is...Petra Glynt.

The night also features music by Jax Deluca (Buffalo), hand painted films and sound by Pat Cain (Buffalo), and visuals by Brady Bothwell.

WHITE RING / MAY 4 / NOCTURNE / $12
This NYC experimental / trance / noise duo is so mysterious. What are they doing right now? Probably something Satanic, or cuddling a dog. Contradictions are key to these brilliant, scroungy weirdos: when vocalist Malia whispers, sings and screams over desperate, distorted abstractions of house music and gun shots, nothing gets kids dancing with more joy. They're dirtier yet softer than Crystal Castles, and it's about time they made it to Toronto.

HugsNotDrugs and Some Minor Noise are opening, and I'll be doing some sound art if you come early enough, which you won't because you'll be doing something Satanic (to your makeup) or hanging out with your dog.

GOLD PANDA / MAY 8 / THE HORSESHOE / $15
Gold Panda good! Dancing fun.

MAKAIKAT DAN SINGA / MAY 14 / THE GARRISON / $10
All around psychedelic guy Arrington de Dionyso double times as a visual artist and a musician, and while he's consistently exploring interesting territory with both, my personal belief that his public love of noise patterns can help free the bodies and spirits of Western music fans from the tyranny of the male plaid paradigm makes him a folk hero. Noise patterns! Down with plaid.

Dionyso hits Toronto this time with his trance punk band Malaikat dan Singa, in support of their new release Open the Crown on K Records. The album is the bands' first release to feature English as well as Indonesian vocals. Single "I Create in a Broken System", for an avant dance track, actually reminds me of Pavement, but in a way that's fresh and unique, which really, how can that be possible, but it does. "Open the Crown" and I Feel the Quickening" are spookier and kinda ride a Liars vibe. This band take a far out idea and make something real with it.

OXBOW / MAY 18 / THE GARRISON / $12
One of if now the most exciting shows of May. Watch this video where Oxbow talk about only being able to tour 2 weeks each year, making people cry, getting the power cut on them at shows, and how they don't make any money, ever.

The San Francisco noise / avant jazz / blues / classical band is fronted by writer and amateur fighter Eugene Robinson, and their sound is comparable to everything from hardcore punk to Xiu Xiu to The Birthday Party to that confusing happy-sad feeling that makes me want to break things by hugging them.

COLIN STETSON / MAY 19 / THE GREAT HALL / $13.50
Colin Stetson is really good at bass sax. If you haven't witnessed how good he is at bass sax, you should check out this guy and his bass sax skills. He's also one of the cooler acts who have made the Polaris shortlist, and tours as a member of bands that many people like such as Arcade Fire, Bell Orchestre, and Bon Iver.

MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS / MAY 23 / ECHO BEACH / $28.50 - 38.50
Marina and the Diamonds do the pop with bite thing, and while I find their music pretty surface this show gets points for being at Echo Beach, which is a lovely spot despite people who turn around to glare at every airplane that passes over head. Opening is Charli XCX, who has a really nice, smooth sound. Could be a romantic night.

PICASTRO / MAY 25 / THE WHITE HOUSE / $7
Psychfolk gloomers Picastro play around Toronto a fair amount but this show is special as the line up is delicate and focused yet has enough variety to keep fans awake. Also playing are Khora, a drone artist signed to Constellation, and Clara Engel, who recently appeared as one of eight vocalists on Aidan Baker's 2013 water spirits centric album Already Drowning. It's going to be a gentle one.

D'ANGELO / MAY 31 / SOUND ACADEMY / $72.50 - 92.50
After postponing his original Toronto date, Richmond Virginia R&B artist D'Angelo will touch down in Toronto at the end of May, and this is One Artist Dietitians And Therapists Are Furious About, because he'll get you sweating your troubles away.

BRAD PAISLEY / MAY 31 / MOLSEN AMPHITHEATER / $29.50 - $79.50
Just kidding, lol. Probably could have talked about another artist in this spot. Something to think about.
NOTE: Do you want to photograph/interview people outside the Brad Paisley concert for blogTO? Get in touch.

OTHER NOTEWORTHY CONCERTS

THE LUMINEERS / MAY 2 & 3 / SOUND ACADEMY / $?
3 INCHES OF BLOOD + GOATWHORE / MAY 3 / THE OPERA HOUSE / $20
THIS IS HELL / MAY 3 / PARTS & LABOUR / $8
BILLY BRAGG / MAY 3 / DANFORTH MUSIC HALL $32.50
PROSUMER / MAY 4 / BLK BOX / $20
JAMES BLAKE / MAY 4 / DANFORTH MUSIC HALL / $25
PURITY RING / MAY 5 / DANFORTH MUSIC HALL $20
PURE X / MAY 7 / THE SILVER DOLLAR ROOM / $12.50
DAUGHTER / MAY 7 / THE GREAT HALL / $16.50
BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB / MAY 9 / KOOL HAUS / $25
HIM / MAY 9 / DANFORTH MUSIC HALL / $36.50 - 42.50
FEAST IN THE EAST 25 / MAY 10 / POLYHAUS / $7
LIGHTS / MAY 10 / WINTER GARDEN THEATRE / $35.33
THE PRESETS AND DRAGONETTE / MAY 10 / DANFORTH MUSIC HALL / $25
THE BREEDERS / MAY 11 / THE DANFORTH MUSIC HALL $22.50
FOALS / MAY 11 / KOOL HAUS / $24
DOLDRUMS / MAY 11 / THE HORSESHOE / $10
FAUN FABLES / MAY 13 / DOUBLE DOUBLE LAND / $10
PARAMORE / MAY 13 / SOUND ACADEMY / $35 - $45
THE KILLERS / MAY 15 / AIR CANADA CENTER $24.50 - $65
FLYING LOTUS / MAY 15 / SOUND ACADEMY / $22.50
VAMPIRE WEEKEND / MAY 16 / SONY CENTER $33.50 - $44.50
METZ / MAY 17 / LEE'S PALACE / $15
THE THERMALS / MAY 21 / THE HORSESHOE / $15
FIELDED / MAY 21 / HANDLEBAR / $5
THE SHINS / MAY 22 / SOUND ACADEMY / $34.50 - $44.50
ANTI-FLAG / MAY 23 / HARD LUCK / $16
TOMMY FOUR SEVEN / MAY 24 / HAPPY ENDINGS
FALL OUT BOY / MAY 24 / SOUND ACADEMY / $35
THE ROLLING STONES / MAY 25 / AIR CANADA CENTER / $224 - $6845 or $466.50 to $624
CLOUD BECOMES YOUR HAND / MAY 26 / HOLY OAK / $6
THE STRANGLERS / MAY 31 / DANFORTH MUSIC HALL /
HOODED FANG / MAY 31 / THE HORSESHOE / $15
AME / MAY 31 / TBA (SECRET WAREHOUSE)
CANNIBAL CORPSE / MAY 31 / PHOENIX / $26.50

Photo of Oxbow by Katja Ogrin.

The best comedy clubs in Toronto are were Yuk Yuk's, Second City, and Absolute Comedy. For years, that statement rang true, but not anymore. In recent years, comedy producers have been popping up all over the place, leveraging the infrastructure of small to mid-size venues and doing everything from handing out flyers to negotiating food and drink specials to build their brand. The result is that comedians and comedy-goers in Toronto are now exquisitely spoiled when it comes to the immense selection at their fingertips.

Here's the list of the best comedy clubs in Toronto.

Looking to get your burger fix but don't want to break the bank? This new spot near College and Dufferin serves burgers loaded with toppings, from your standard lettuce and tomatoes to the more unconventional asparagus.

Read my review of TAT Burger in the restaurants section.

Toronto sports bars are about to get very busy with bandwagon-jumping Maple Leafs fans eager to cheer on the Blue and White as they embark on their first playoff action in nine years. It probably isn't the greatest news that the Leafs will face the Boston Bruins in round one, but hope springs eternal 'round these parts, so don't expect the enthusiasm level to be diminished on account of the team's poor record against their opponent over the last few years. Given the scarcity and expense of playoff tickets, those looking for a communal viewing experience will want to head to local bars to take in the action. But which ones? Here are five places to get the most out of your playoff watching experience. Let's hope it lasts more than one round.

Real Sports
If you can get in, this'll be the next best thing to being there. The MLSE-owned sports bar will be packed with rabid fans, has countless TVs (including an absolutely massive one behind the bar), and is right next door to the ACC so you can get the parade started after the Leafs win their first game.

Sports Centre Cafe
The last time I was in the Sports Centre Cafe the Leafs were in the playoffs. I'm not sure I'd recommend the place on your average night (alas, I'm not much of a UFC fan), but the bar gets positively electric during post season play that features the Leafs.

Wayne Gretzky's
If you can get over that high stick on Doug Gilmour back in 1993, Wayne Gretzky's hockey-first atmosphere is just the right pitch for playoff games. You can expect a feverishly loyal fan base, a surprisingly decent beer selection, and more than a couple American tourists rooting for the opposition.

Hoops Sports Bar
It might not compete with Real Sports in terms of television size, but for sheer number Hoops takes the prize. They've even got a few embedded in the floor, which you'll probably want to stomp when Tyler Seguin scores.

The Wheat Sheaf
One of Toronto's oldest bars (or the oldest, depending on who you talk to), the Wheat Sheaf doesn't have the dizzying array of TVs that some of the others on the list do, but the pro-Leafs vibe is contagious and that makes up for less than perfect sight-lines. Besides, sometimes the whole sports bar thing can be too much.

OTHER OPTIONS

• Scallywags
• The Loose Moose
• Sox Sports Saloon
• Main Event
• Shoeless Joe's

Photo by bigdaddyhame in the blogTO Flickr pool

The top lingerie stores in Toronto go beyond the mass-market offerings at La Senza, Victoria's Secret and La Vie en Rose. True, these are popular lingerie stores for Canadian women but where in Toronto can you find boutiques with famous European brands like La Perla or local Canadian designers?

Here are my top 10 lingerie stores in Toronto.

Secrets from your Sister
Don't let the name fool you, this store is quite different from another famous "secret". The "fit mavens" will happily answer all of your questions, and ensure your selections are THE perfect fit for your body. A bra fitting can take up to 45 minutes, and a wide range of sizes -up to K cup- are available. Look out for fab UK brand Lascivious, the sexy German Fraulein Kink, and Toronto's own Fortnight Lingerie at their two locations.

Tryst Lingerie
A Queen Street favourite with a sister location on Eglinton West, this lingerie store occasionally turns into a party! For your ladies only events like bridal showers, or birthday, private shopping parties are available. Just in case you haven't heard, this is THE place to go for shape wear. Spanx are just the beginning. Slips, thigh control shorts, and padded underwear to um...enhance your behind are all available at Tryst.

Nearly Naked Lingerie
Wondering where to find flirty, vintage looking (not actually used! Ew!), pin-up girl style intimates? Did anyone say Princess Tam-Tam?! For local and eco-friendly underthings, try something from Yes World Boutique. Bra sizes range from in 29-44, and cups A-I, and the nylons rival the selection at American Apparel.

Bra Bar
Perhaps one of the most well decorated shops in Toronto. Stepping into Bra Bar is what I imagine to be like Bridgette Bardot's dressing room. Beautiful wooden drawers and floors, soft pink walls and pops of hot pink where appropriate; it is a hyper feminine atmosphere for selecting classy intimates. Fashion bras are the favourite here, but sports and maternity are also available.

Avec Plaisir
Exclusive, luxurious, and French. Avec Plaisir is a fabulous addition to any Yorkville shopping trip, especially if you are looking for sophisticated and dramatic pieces to add to your boudoir. Here you'll find detail rich corsets, feather topped robes, and statement pieces, boasting big names like Jean Paul Gautier, Eres, and La Perla Black Label.

Change
Another Queen Street West pick, this bright Scandinavian chain offers some fresh looks at great prices. Over 90 bra sizes are available, all in trendy prints and colours with panties to match. Swimwear is available too! Think the H&M of lingerie shops. A 10% off Club Change card is free with purchase, and with regular sales you can't go wrong.

Linea Intima
With 7 locations, Linea Intima is reaching out even beyond the GTA. Linea Intima offers unique services, with a focus on European brands. Services include bridal registry (perfect bachelorette or wedding shower gifts!), wardrobe consultation, and even a breast prostheses fitting service for women following a mastectomy. Their website emphasizes "this is one of the most important services we provide". Owner Liliana has even be featured on talk shows like Steven and Chris.

Sophia's Lingerie
The K cups at Secret's From Your Sister just won't cut it? Head over to Sophia's on the Danforth where the cups go up to L. A long-time favourite in Greektown, don't be fooled by the no frills interior. Sophia's bras range from basic at $30 - to chic designer labels at $300, and have been featured in many newspaper and magazine articles.

Beestung Lingerie de Femme
Sheer, lacy, and just the right amount frou-frou. This North York boutique welcomes you with soft warm light and feminine pieces in soft colours. After all, intimate apparel should be inviting. There is a wonderful selection of sleepwear, such as silk robes and rompers. Just in time for spring, Beestung is offering a wide range of bralettes and demibras for ladies with a smaller set in sheer pastels. Stella McCartney pieces are available here too!

Agent Provocateur
Splurge alert! This boutique situated inside Holt Renfrew is guaranteed to blow the budget with designs from the avant-guard French brand. This exquisite label is not for the faint of heart, and you won't find a sports bra here. Classics like dreamy bridal sets with white ruffles, to clingy black silk cut-out bodysuits, and fashion forward lime green neon knickers warrant a special occasion.

Writing by Natalie Famula. Photo by EyeEdiction Photography in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Photo by Ben Roffelsen in the blogTO Flickr pool

Toronto events on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

FASHION | TFI New Labels 2013
Presented by Target Canada, the Toronto Fashion Incubator New Labels event is a fashion show, cocktail reception and dinner all rolled into one evening. The gala, which will raised funds for the TFI, a non-profit that supports small business entrepreneurs in the fashion industry, will present a runway show of the new labels that the TFI helped launch with prizes for up-and-coming designers to be won, such as $25,000 cash from philanthropist Suzanne Rogers, a feature in FLARE and a chance to design a collection for Target. Can't afford to attend the dinner but interested in seeing what young names are carving out names for themselves in Toronto fashion? Buy a ticket to the runway show for $50 (TFI members) or $75 (non-members).
The Carlu (444 Yonge Street) 8PM $50-$250

MUSIC | Kirty's "Run River Run" Video Release Party
Kirty, possibly Toronto's most adorable pop folk musician, celebrates the release of her new music video "Run River Run" with a party at El Mocambo tonight. With a solid performance background that spans nationwide for the last three years, Kirty's album All I Really Know was released in October 2012 and with a grant from MuchFACT, she created this underwater music video to accompany her first single. Raven Shields will kick off the evening with a performance, which will be followed by a screening of the video and Kirty will hit the stage around 10PM to play a set. This is a pay-what-you-can event--be generous!
El Mocambo (464 Spadina Avenue) 9PM PWYC

PHOTOGRAPHY | Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival - Janieta Eyre: Constructing Mythologies
The Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival may not start until tomorrow but Janieta Eyre is getting a head start with the opening of Constructing Mythologies this afternoon. Opening at U of T's Art Centre, Eyre's collection of photographs challenge traditional notions of femininity through the very iconography and images that construct these ideas. Examining five stages of womanhood, from youth to motherhood, Eyre reimagines beauty and sexuality on her own terms. The exhibit is a curated product of four Masters of Museum Studies students and will remain on display until the end of June.
University of Toronto Art Centre (15 King's College Circle) 12PM Free

MUSIC | Hana Bajric
Local jazz and pop rock musician Hana Bajric performs her first acoustic concert at the new location of Placebo Space. Performing samples of her new music with a newly-released single to come, Bajric will be accompanied by guitarist Vanja Andrin on several of her original songs and some covers. This is a small show so RSVP on the Facebook event page to avoid disappointment.
Placebo Space (2877 Lake Shore Boulevard West) 8PM $10

ALSO OF NOTE:

• Riverdale Historical Society: April Event

For more Toronto event suggestions, check out these posts:

• Toronto Food Events
• This week in fashion
• This week in Theatre
• This week in film
• This week in music
• Toronto Concerts, May 2013

Photo from TFI's Facebook page

A group of Scarborough city councillors say they will back new transit taxes if the city agrees to make an extension of the Bloor-Danforth line a priority. Councillors Michael Thompson and Michelle Berardinetti met with Rob Ford yesterday and say he's considering supporting the motion. Berardinetti told the Star 7 of 10 east-end councillors agree with the idea to turn the SRT into subway. Should agreeing to new revenue tools be tied to specific projects?

City staff want Toronto to take over the ailing BIXI bike program before it defaults on its city-backed $3.9 million start-up loan. The company told the city it's just months from being unable to make its payments. Toronto's various options are discussed in a confidential report that circulated at the last executive committee meeting and was leaked to the Toronto Star yesterday. If the city lets BIXI fail it could sell its bikes and other assets for between $800,000 to $1.2 million.

Calorie and sodium levels could be coming to a burger joint near you. Toronto's Board of Health voted 9-2 yesterday to ask Queen's Park to enact a law requiring all chain restaurants to label their menus with nutritional information. If the province doesn't act by the fall then the city could go ahead an pass the law itself. Should restaurants with 10 or more outlets label their menus?

Kids and teenagers are borrowing fewer books from Toronto's library system, possibly because of a recent increase in fines for overdue material. The latest report from the Toronto Public Library also found overall borrowing - adjusted for the 11 day strike - is down by about 1%. Overdue adult books are now charged at the same rate regardless of the age of the borrower.

Toronto is one of the top 5 food truck scenes in North America according to the Travel and Escape channel website. The city ranks beside New York, Vancouver, Austin, and Portland for its mobile culinary prowess. Now if we could just got the things organized properly. Oh, and I couldn't mention food trucks without a shameless plug for our beautiful (and free) eats finder app.

Finally, Rob Ford is making headlines in Arlington, Virginia for his anti-streetcar stance. There, County Board member Libby Garvey used a Ford quote ("I hate those damn streetcars - they are a pain in the rear end") during a recent discussion of the county's own "ongoing streetcar saga." Chris Zimmerman, another Arlington County Board member, noted that our mayor is "somewhat alone" in his opposition.

IN BRIEF:

• Power struggle at Toronto Humane Society [National Post]
• GTA schools bring home international robotics competition title [Toronto Star]
• Toronto Zoo staff ratify contract deal [CBC]
• 1 man dead after east-end stabbing [CBC]

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Image: Lisa on the Run/blogTO Flickr pool.