Jollibee will finally open the doors to its first ever Toronto location in Scarborough at the early hour of 7 a.m. this Sunday. Known for their crispy fried chicken and lovable mascot, the restaurant's opening has been highly anticipated.

The restaurant is anticipating lineups starting the night before based on past openings. Why? The first customer in line will receive a free Jollibee doll and a one-year supply of Jolly Crispy chicken.

Everyone else will be treated to welcome remarks and a countdown to the opening with balloons, confetti, and festive music before they finally enter Toronto's very own Jollibee for the first time.

Find the soon-to-open Jollibee at 15 William Kitchen Road.

One of Toronto's longest-standing roti restaurants is about to celebrate 35 years of being in business, which in itself is pretty cool.

Cooler, though, is what The Roti Hut is doing to thank loyal customers and members of the Scarborough community: They're rebooting a menu from 1982, complete with 35-year-old prices.

The family-run Scarborough roti joint announced the news today in advance of its official anniversary on May 19, noting that "even we were surprised at how low prices were."

"In 1982, we were one of few Caribbean restaurants in the GTA, Pierre Trudeau was PM, and minimum wage was $3.50," says Vinesh Beharry. "We thought it would be a nice gesture to our loyal customers and any new ones - paying homage to just how far we've come."

According to a preview of the May 19 menu, customers will be able to get doubles for $0.75, beef or goat roti for $3.25, potato balls for $0.45 and Grace coconut water for just $0.75. 

It's a well known fact that The Roti Hut's portions are huge, so you might actually be paying less than $5 for more than a few meals.

You can view the full menu for May 19, prices included, on The Roti Hut's website right now. Prepare to be stunned.

Shady past, glorious future. That's the tagline of a swanky new boutique hotel in downtown Toronto that bills itself as "a one of a kind destination with a distinctively creative soul."

The Anndore House, located at 15 Charles Street between Yonge and Church, used to be The Anndore Hotel & Apartments – a 10-storey brick building that dates back to the 1950's.

#TBT Bedsitting

A post shared by The Anndore House (@theanndorehouse) on Dec 14, 2017 at 12:13pm PST

Once a reputed haven for "Toronto’s most eccentric personalities and famous faces," the Anndore has been totally revamped with 113 luxurious rooms, open air terraces, a barber shop and amenities that include everything from rainforest showers to iPod compatible vinyl record players.

Most exciting for many of us is the hotel's new, Mediterranean-style restaurant called Constantine by chef Craig Harding, of La Palma and Campagnolo.

A post shared by Halo Public Relations (@haloprgroup) on Aug 17, 2017 at 8:12am PDT

"Celebrating the diverse, stimulating and primal cuisine of distinct regions of the Mediterranean, Constantine aims to cultivate an intimate and inviting atmosphere that will be a gathering place for local residents and guests of The Anndore House," reads the hotel's website. 

"As well as a destination spot for anyone looking for a generous dining experience full of the familiar and exotic."

Nope, this isn't an April Fools' joke. There's really going to be a TTC subway closure on Line 1 this long weekend in Toronto.

There will be no subway service between Finch West and Wilson stations on March 30 to April 1 due to signal upgrades. Shuttle buses will operate between these stations for the duration of the closure.

Regular scheduled service will resume on Monday morning. The next scheduled closure will halt weekend service on Line 2 between Kipling and Jane stations on April 14 and 15 due to track work.

Say goodbye to the random parking lot at Queen Street West and Soho, if you can even remember what it looked like. 

Construction is now well underway on the new Mountain Equipment Co-op store in downtown Toronto, right between Lush Cosmetics and The Black Bull, where once stood the famous Queen West Hug Me Tree.

An opening date has yet to be announced, but we do know that this place is meant to replace the store's existing downtown location at 400 King Street West.

Image via Urban Toronto Forum contributor Avenue/Urban Toronto.

That store, opened in 1998, is about 42,000 square feet. The new store on Queen will be similar in size, at 40,000 square feet, but the hope is that it'll have some badass new features – like the rock-climbing wall at one of its Vancouver locations.

MEC's new Queen West location will also have three levels of parking below it, as well as a daycare, a green roof and office space atop the primary retail store.

Urban Toronto reports that MEC intends to have the new store built by the end of 2018, but with construction finally just beginning in January, it could be tight.

MEC previously opened a Toronto store near Sheppard and Bayview in 2016.

For the first time ever, the TTC will be hosting a live concert on the platform of one of its ghost subway stations: Lower Bay. 

The abandoned station – which has been out of service since 1966 – will be transformed into a music venue on May 11 as part of Canadian Music Week. 

While the headliner for the show has yet to be announced, the lineup will include local art-rock band Deliluh, music from Toronto industrial techno producer E-Saggila and a performance from Scarborough-based rapper Tyriqueordie. 

The brainchild of veteran concert promoter Dan Burke and musician Kyle Knapp, the 19+ event is sponsored by TTC and Exclaim! magazine.

The performers – who will be dramatically framed by two open-door TTC trains – will be a rare and welcome aural alternative to the ding of closing train doors or music blasting from someone's headphones during rush hour.

Advance tickets for the event are now sold out but more will go on sale once the headliner is announced.

Events in Toronto today are packed with a lot of musical talent like Mat Kearney, EDEN, and Son Lux. It's also the first day for the One of a Kind Show and Sale.

The listing describes this place as “a perfect hotel alternative” and it certainly does have hotel vibes.

Located inside River City lofts the place has some hard loft features like the concrete columns which give the place a bit more character than a hotel room, but at $11K a month, a hotel might be cheaper.

That being said this penthouse is pretty stunning. With lofty ceilings and huge windows that look out over the city of Toronto, it’s hard not be impressed by this place.

The suite comes furnished, and while it’s tastefully decorated it definitely isn’t cozy. The place is very hard and austere with all that concrete, steel and glass so it might be hard to make yourself at home.

The kitchen is sleek and modern with stainless steel appliances, shiny cabinets, and granite countertops.

The apartment has two large bedrooms and two spa-like bathrooms.

There’s also lots of outdoor space with the rooftop deck that has an outdoor bar and great view of the city.

All that being said this place doesn’t even have room service so is it really worth it?

Specs

• Address: 51 Trolley Cres.
• Apartment type: Apartment
• Rent: $11,000 / month
• Listing agent: Toronto Luxury Rentals
• Furnished? Yes
• Utilities: Included
• Air conditioning? Yes
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 2
• Parking: 1
• Laundry? In suite
• Outdoor space? Rooftop deck
• Pet friendly? No

Good For

A wealthy corporate executive. I imagine a Mr. Grey type staying here while he sorts out the Toronto branch of his company or something to that effect. For this guy, this place is a bargain considering he normally stays at the Ritz.

Move On If

You don’t want to pay a year's worth of rent in a single month. This place only has a one-month minimum stay and at $11K I don’t think anyone sane would spend more than that living here no matter how pretty it is.

Free events in Toronto this April will definitely get you out and about around the city. There'll be a bunch of people yelling "wow" in front of the CN Tower, an Earth Day Festival, and a huge pillow fight at City Hall.

The best cheeseburgers in Toronto are some of the best you’ll ever have. Smashed flat, piled high, spicy, old school or just plain epic, when it comes to the greatest cheeseburger styles we don’t have to choose in this city.

Here are the best cheeseburgers in Toronto.

Canada's most iconic coffee brand thinks that some extreme store makeovers will help bolster its flagging sales and catch up to competitors like Starbucks and McDonald's.

Customers beg to differ.

Tim Hortons announced this week that will be spending roughly $700 million over the next four years to renovate half the stores in its Canadian network.

@TimHortons save the $700 mil on renovations and instead event a cup lid that doesn’t leak and burn your friggin lips off. The millions you could save.

— Spel chek doesnt werc (@WilVfc) March 28, 2018

The re-designed restaurants will boast lighter, more natural looking exteriors, according to The Canadian Press.

Inside, they'll feature couches and other types of open-concept seating arrangements with maple wood tables, portraits of NHL player Tim Horton, and lots of electrical outlets for people to charge electronic devices.

Tim Hortons will reveal a new look with more contemporary seating options. Image: Tim Hortons.

The renderings look okay, but neither franchisees nor coffee drinkers are confident that a new look will do much to help business. 

@TimHortons - what’s the point in renovating your stores when there’s absolutely no effort by your staff to clean them? Your lobbies are dirty and your washrooms are almost unusable. @TimHortons#TimHortons

— Pat (@PearlJamPat) March 28, 2018

Franchise owners have been asked to shell out as much as $450,000 per location as part of the larger renovation program, according to an association representing about half of all store owners.

With relations already strained between franchisees, employees and Restaurant Brands International (the company that owns Tim Hortons,) the request has not been well-received.

"This is just one more in the string of ill-conceived programs," wrote the the Great White North Franchisee Association in a letter on Tuesday, "brought forward by a group of executives who do not understand foodservice, franchise operations or marketing."

Tim’s plans to renovate 100s of stores to look like this pic.twitter.com/zxHwDv6auW

— Halifax ReTales (@HalifaxReTales) March 28, 2018

What's more is that decor doesn't seem to be the company's most-pressing problem, at least in terms of customer satisfaction.

"Maybe Tim Hortons should worry more about their leaking coffee cups and underpaid employees then a 700 million renovation?" wrote one customer on Twitter this morning as news of the impending makeovers spread. 

"Here's an idea Tim Hortons," wrote somebody else. "Why not focus on improving the quality and consistency of your shitty products?... If you honestly believe a makeover is gonna help you, you're screwed."

@TimHortons it's not your decor that is keeping me away it's that everything you make is now dripping in some kind if wet sugar coating. Someone needs to pump the brakes on that trend. Just gross.

— Mark A (@MJA1690) March 28, 2018

The Tim Hortons look is expected to be rolled out across "a majority of restaurants in Canada" by 2021, according to a press release from the company.

"Together with our restaurant owners, we're focused on taking Tim Hortons to new heights," said brand president Alex Macedo in a statement.

"From revitalizing the restaurant experience and evolving our menu offerings to developing creative campaigns that make all of our guests proud to call their local Tim Hortons home."

What's open and closed Good Friday 2018 in Toronto will help you sort out the day ahead. Whether you need to find a new outfit before the Easter long weekend, want to pick up groceries or simply looking for something fun to do let this be your guide.

Here's what's open and closed this Good Friday in Toronto.

General
 

Closed

• Municipal buildings
• Banks
• Libraries
• Canada Post office

Open

• The TTC will operate on a holiday service schedule

The Saks Food Hall location at the Eaton Centre will be open on Good Friday. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Food
 

Closed

• It's worth calling ahead to restaurants before heading out.
• Most major grocery chains will be closed on Good Friday with a few confirmed exceptions listed below.

Open

• Fresh & Wild (2294 Bloor St. West) - 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Fresh & Wild (69 Spadina Ave.) - 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Galleria Supermarket (7040 Yonge St.) - 24 hours
• Galleria Supermarket (865 York Mills Rd.) - 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• Galleria Supermarket (558 Yonge St.) - 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• Galleria Supermarket (351 Bloor St. West) - 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• Loblaws (60 Carlton St.) - 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Pusateri's (1539 Avenue Rd.) - 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Pusateri's (2901 Bayview Ave.) - 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Pusateri's (57 Yorkville Ave.) - 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Rabba (various locations) - 24 hours
• Saks Food Hall (176 Yonge St.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• The Food Depot (115 Dupont St.) - 24 hours
• The Kitchen Table (10 Queens Quay West) - 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• The Kitchen Table (389 Spadina Rd.) - 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• The Kitchen Table (595 Bay St.) - 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• The Kitchen Table (705 King St. West) - 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
• Whole Foods (87 Avenue Rd.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Bloor Street Market (55 Bloor St. West) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Popbox MicroMrkt (725 Dovercourt Rd.) - 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Metro (444 Yonge St.) - 8 a.m to 11 p.m.
• Sukoshi Mart (160 Baldwin St.) - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Mrakovic Deli (44 Wellesworth Dr.) - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• T&T (1 Promenade Cir) - 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• T&T (7070 Warden Ave) - 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• T&T (715 Central Parkway W.) - 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• T&T (222 Cherry St.) - 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• T&T (9625 Yonge St.) - 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• T&T (9255 Woodbine Ave.) - 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• T&T (8339 Kennedy Rd.) - 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Kostas Meat Market (259 Ellesmere Rd.) - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Heisei Mart (3160 Steeles Ave. E.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Perola Supermarket (247 Augusta Ave) - 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Fish and chip shops will be in their element on this customary fish-eating day. Check out our best of list for where to go.

Indie bottle shops across the city will be open on Good Friday. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Drink
 

Closed

• LCBO
• Beer Store

Open

• For a complete list of indie bottle shops in Toronto, see this directory. Holiday hours are provided where applicable but we advise calling ahead to confirm.

Shop till you drop on Good Friday at Toronto's Yorkville Village. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Malls
 

Closed

• Bayview Village Shops
• CF Fairview Mall
• CF Sherway Gardens
• Dufferin Mall
• Scarborough Town Centre
• Square One Shopping Centre
• Vaughan Mills
• Yorkdale Shopping Centre

Open

• CF Markville (5000 Hwy 7) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• CF Toronto Eaton Centre (220 Yonge St.) - 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Hillcrest Mall (9350 Yonge St.) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Pacific Mall (4300 Steeles Ave. E.) - 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Promenade (1 Promenade Cir.) - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Toronto Premium Outlets (13850 Steeles Ave. W.) - 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Yorkville Village (55 Avenue Rd.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The AGO will be one of many attractions open on Good Friday. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Attractions
 

Closed

• Canada's Wonderland

Open

• Aga Khan Museum (77 Wynford Dr.) - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W.) - 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• CN Tower (301 Front St. W.) - 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Gardiner Museum (111 Queens Park) - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Hockey Hall of Fame (30 Yonge St.) - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Movie Theatres
• Ontario Science Centre (770 Don Mills Rd.) - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Ripley's Aquarium of Canada (288 Bremner Blvd.) - 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queens Park) - 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Toronto Zoo (2000 Meadowvale Rd.) - 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Did you know that black plastic – as in the material used for takeout containers at pretty much every grocery store – can't be recycled in Toronto?

It's not the plastic itself that's problematic; it's that black doesn't reflect enough light for optical scanners to identify recycling codes, making it difficult to sort these types of containers properly.

That hasn't stopped people from tossing them in the blue box, however, mostly on account of ignorance.

There are 2 reasons the City doesn't accept black plastic in the Blue Bin: it can't be properly sorted at the recycling facility and there is no market to sell it. All black plastic should be put in the garbage. Find out what items go where at toronto/ca/wastewizard pic.twitter.com/mpuzPh0Qen

— City of Toronto (@TorontoComms) March 28, 2018

In an effort to cut down on the amount of black plastic ending up in the wrong place, the City of Toronto has been reminding citizens online that black microwave trays and takeout containers belong in the garbage.

One of such reminders went out this morning from the city's official Twitter account with a link to its "waste wizard" tool, rekindling a debate that's been rearing its head every few months or so for years.

People are always quick to ask one thing when they find out about the black plastic rule: If it can't be recycled, why hasn't it been banned?

If that’s the case perhaps we need to ban the use of black plastic?! There is enough plastic pollution in land fills now. Toronto is Canada’s largest city so why are we leading the way when it comes to fighting plastic pollution? #DoBetter

— Hugh Sturdy (@SturdyHugh) March 28, 2018

"Why are we allowing businesses to use black plastic? The city needs to step up and regulate industry," reads one of many responses to the city's tweet this morning.

Pls @eatflock, consider switching to white ♻️ recyclable plastic utensils. Black plastic is non recyclable!#Torontopic.twitter.com/jDt2kBAz7P

— IOANA MEDIA (@ioanamedia) May 24, 2016

"Why is this plastic even allowed?" asked someone else in response to another tweet about black plastic from yesterday. "There are so many recyclable plastics, I can't see any excuse for this."

Elsewhere, people have been pointing out that it's a bit misleading to put recycling codes on the bottom of black plastic containers – especially those that are manufactured right in Toronto.

Lots of that plastic made in Toronto too. Pass carrot/stick regs to encourage them to pick a different colour. pic.twitter.com/LFZCb6SulK

— Richard Switzer (@rswitzer) March 28, 2018

Some people have been taking aim at specific establishments in recent months, encouraging them to phase out the material.

Stores like Costco, Longo's, Swiss Chalet and Boston Pizza have all been called out by customers recently for selling food in black plastic containers.

@costcocanada You should review the use of black plastic in areas where it cannot be recycled...like Toronto. pic.twitter.com/2te9z1og5G

— Emily (@E5ive) January 4, 2018

Plastic pollution is a huge problem worldwide, and one that consumers are paying more and more attention to thanks to the efforts of environmentalists and campaigns like Refuse The Straw.

The world currently produces 20 times more plastic than it did in 1964 and, according to the World Economic Forum, that's expected to double again in the next 20 years.

By 2050, experts predict that there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish.

If the City of #Toronto can't/won't #recycle black plastic food containers, then it should ban their use by grocery stores & takeout restaurants. Let's go back to aluminum containers, which can be recycled. #TOpoli

— Marla Waltman (@marlawd) January 17, 2018

The City of Toronto's official 311 contact centre did reply to one person last week after he called for a ban on black plastic, writing that "this would be a request for the Provincial or Federal governments."

"Municipalities cannot force manufacturers to stop using the product," continued the message.

"City staff have, however, been asked to report on options 'including, but not limited to, municipal fees and prohibitions' to reduce usage, or increase recycling, of many unrecyclable items, including black plastics."

What started as a simple protest in downtown Toronto is becoming an international news story this week as more and more people learn of the chef who cut up a deer leg in front of some angry vegans.

Michel Hunter, who co-owns Antler on Dundas West, has become an internet hero of sorts since we first published a story about his bold counter-protest on Monday.

While some have decried the chef for "taunting" vegans, the vast majority of readers have been praising his peaceful, yet impactful method of fighting back against a group of animal rights activists who'd been haranguing Antler's customers for months.

Thousands upon thousands of people have been commenting on the story across Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, YouTube and elsewhere in recent days – many of them to express interest in eating at Antler.

"I'd never heard of Antler but after this, I'm really tempted to go," wrote one local on Facebook. "I've always wanted to find a place that serves a variety of game meat... thanks vegan protestors for telling me about this fine establishment."

"I'm going to make reservations ASAP," said someone else, echoing a comment made by dozens of others (including American actor and comedian Patton Oswalt) 

Next time I’m in Toronto I’m dining at Antler. https://t.co/ymcOOu6bSk

— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) March 27, 2018

Antler was already well-known in Toronto for its focus on foraged, seasonal and wild foods that are native to Canada, such as bison, boar, rabbit, duck and deer. 

Going viral may have boosted business to the point where getting a table could prove tricky some days.

Trying to book a reservation through the restaurant's website proves that there are, indeed, a lot of dining slots with wait lists over the next few weeks.

This just makes me want to fly to Toronto, go to Antler, sit in the exact same window seat, and eat venison and drink bourbon. Well played, restaurant co-owner. 🥩🥃👏👏👏https://t.co/9iimb0Y5XF

— Keith Monaghan (@keithmonaghan) March 28, 2018

"The number of media inquiries has been immense but all pretty supportive of our position," said a representative for the restaurant today. "For us, the protest was really not unique to Antler as similar events happen all over the city on a regular basis."

"Antler has always and will continue to respect the vegan diet and we have several dishes on our menu that showcase that. These have been on our menu since we opened in 2015."

Hunter and the staff at Antler say they're reeling back a bit in terms of doing any more press right now, "simply because we are very focused on our guests and ensuring that their dining experience is not further disrupted."

Proving that there's always more room for brunch, downtown Toronto is about to get another option as Cafe Landwer is opening up a new location later this summer.

Originally established in 1919, it's still going strong and serving up authentic Israeli-style dishes including its signature brunch specials and decadent desserts at its first Toronto location in Thornhill.

A post shared by Cafe Landwer (@cafelandwer) on Jan 19, 2018 at 7:19am PST

The new location won't be dinky, either. It's set to seat 85 and offer the same extensive menu we're used to.

An exact opening date has yet to be confirmed, but you can expect brunch at 165 University Avenue to begin sometime in late July or early August.

Is there anything Drake can't do, inspire, or make look cool?

The Grammy-winning Canadian music artist and entrepreneur is being hailed this week as a vegetarian idol after casually confirming on Twitch that he "doesn't eat meat anymore."

Previous to this, he'd hinted on Instagram that he might have gone vegan – though he has yet to publicly speak about his reasons for doing so.

Whatever the case, this is huge news for the veg community. First Beyoncé and now Drake? PETA was so stoked on the news last week that they sent our boy a vegan gift basket (along with an actual passion fruit and a plea to cut ties with Canada Goose.)

Now the 6ix God is being celebrated in his home town, too, with a series of billboards proclaiming him a "Kale God."

Ummmmm Does this mean the “kale god” is replacing the “6 god”?? @Drake#thesix#the6ix new #Toronto@Metrolink#billboardpic.twitter.com/VKNE6V4EEE

— Nicole Verkindt (@nicoleverkindt) March 27, 2018

As it turns out, Toronto's very own Freshii is behind the signs.

The health-conscious, fast-casual restaurant chain explained by email that they "took out billboards across the city" to applaud Drake's recent decision to ditch meat.

"Drake, we hear you've gone meatless. HYFR," reads a microsite launched in conjunction with the billboards.

Vegans are taking over. @Drake, welcome to the club. #the6ix#vegan#kalegodpic.twitter.com/dnZ6vHVVLe

— Ryan Adams (@Ryan_Adams) March 27, 2018

"Giving up butter chicken and Sotto Sotto black angus steak isn't easy, even with all the pineapple pizza in the world," continues the message. "Nobody becomes a kale god overnight."

Freshii's lead nutritionist then offers Drake a number of lyric-laden tips to help him make the transition smoothly. 

"The entire Freshii team is behind you," the site concludes, "passionate from (only a few) miles away."

So, to those who've been wondering if the billboards mean Drake's about to drop a new album... well, no – or at least not one that's called "Kale God." 

In the spirit of strike while the iron's hot, animal rights activists are gearing up for yet another protest in front of Antler on Dundas West this weekend.

"We're gathering for a peaceful demonstration outside this restaurant that still thinks killing animals can be humane," reads a Facebook event created today by Toronto Animal Rights March. 

"Previous protests have garnered massive media attention, let's build on the momentum!"

The demonstration is scheduled to take place this Saturday from 7:15 p.m. until 8:45 p.m. outside the restaurant at 1454 Dundas Street West.

A post shared by Maria (@mashuvashu) on Mar 7, 2018 at 8:40pm PST

Given how much of a frenzy was generated by the last Antler protest – or rather, by co-owner Michael Hunter's knife-happy reaction to it– it's likely that this will be a busier-than-usual demonstration.

It might not get the kind of attention vegan activists are looking for, though. Reservations have actually been soaring at Antler since video footage of last week's incident went viral, and Hunter is winning praise from around the world right now.

Still, their message is strong and clear: "Please join us," reads the Facebook event, "to let everyone know that no animal wants to be killed and eaten."

Whether you're with the activists, against them, or don't give a what either way, you've likely thought about what they believe sometime over the past few days – and that's kind of what protesting is meant to do. They're raising a ton of awareness.

Events in Toronto today will see the beginning of the Blue Jays season and the retiring of Roy Halladay's number. Lorde is also dropping by for the night, and there's a live reading of Corner Gas featuring the cast.

Toronto restaurant openings highlights the latest food news in Toronto and gives a preview of what's coming soon. Find us here every Thursday morning.

Open now

• Hana Sushi, a conveyor-belt sushi spot with a sushi monorail, is now open at 21 Grenville St. by Yonge & College.
• Bay Burger can be found at (surprise, surprise) 770 Bay St. (just north of College).
• Hurry Curry now has a location at Ryerson (shared with Tacorrito) at 106 Mutual St.
• El Chapo, whose slogan seems to be "tacos with attitude," is now open at 36 Toronto St. in the Financial District.
• Mexican street food spot El Charro has opened a second location at 788 Broadview Ave. just north of the Danforth.
• Sanagan's Meat Locker now has a second location, this one at 1513 Gerrard St. E. (at Coxwell).
• GoGo Chicken Pot, an AYCE Hong Kong-style hot pot restaurant, has made its debut at 10610 Bayview Ave. in Richmond Hill.
• Another AYCE place, Shinta, is also now open and serving Wagyu beef at 280 West Beaver Creek Rd. in Richmond Hill.

Recently reviewed

• Apiecalypse Now! (Pape)
• Tilt
• Yu Garden
• Chocosol
• Gold Standard
• Henrietta Lane
• FK
• Mum's the Word

Opening soon

• Fox & John’s Pub & Restaurant will be replacing what was previously Kennedy Public House at 2199 Bloor St. W. in Bloor West Village.
• Golden Bubbles, a Hong Kong-style bubble waffle dessert shop from Ottawa is set to open two locations here soon, with one at 3276 Midland Ave. in Scarborough and another at 11000 Yonge St. in Richmond Hill.
• The Parlour, a popular pizza lounge in Vancouver, will be opening a location here at 642 King St. W. (just east of Bathurst) this summer.

Closed

• The Christie, a cafe that replaced Scout and Cash (and was The Bristol Yard before that) is no more.

Have you seen restaurants opening or closing in your neighbourhood? Email tips to editors@blogto.com.

If you find it hard to drive anywhere near the Rogers Centre during baseball season, I've got some good news: You don't have to anymore.

In fact, you won't even be allowed to – not unless you've got approval from the cops.

The Toronto Police Service confirmed this week that, starting today, roads near some of the city's biggest sporting venues will be closed off to traffic during Blue Jays home games and other major events downtown.

Concrete barriers have also been installed outside the Rogers centre to protect vulnerable (and sometimes drunk) pedestrians going to and coming from games by foot.

Concrete barriers installed outside @RogersCentre will not only impact sports fans but residents who live near the stadium as they will need to obtain special access cards in order to bypass the roadblocks https://t.co/eKRZeg5n6Apic.twitter.com/IF2oUbkmuU

— CityNews Toronto (@CityNews) March 29, 2018

It's all in the name of public safety, according to police spokesperson Meaghan Gray.

"Any residents in the area — or businesses — have been provided with parking passes for their residence," said Gray to CBC News on Wednesday. "... any of those road closures that are in place won't impact those people, who are just looking to go to and from their home."

Road closures which will be in effect before, during and after every Blue Jays home game this season to anyone who hasn't obtained a "security plan parking pass" from police, and no end date to the program has been announced.

The Boys of Summer are Back! Toronto Blue Jays Opening Day. Pedestrian and Vehicle traffic will increase in the area of the Rogers Centre this afternoon so plan your trips accordingly. Also New Security Measures for the 2018 Season are in place so be prepared for road closures. pic.twitter.com/S6NWvqbpg4

— John Wood (@JediCop_TPS) March 29, 2018

The closure area runs east/west from Bay Street to Spadina Avenue, and north/south from Front Street to Queen's Quay, but is broken down into three different "zones."

A different pass is needed to access each of the blocked off zones. Driving past the Rogers Centre, the Metro Convention Centre and the Air Canada Centre by car, for example, would require three different security passes.

If you live or work in the area, you may want to consider checking with your boss or building management to see if a pass is available right now.

The Blue Jays play their first home game of the season at the Rogers Centre this afternoon.