Going for a serene walk through Kariya Park, you’ll find it incredibly hard to believe that you’re in the middle of bustling Mississauga, and only a minute away from Square One Shopping Centre. This stunning Japanese garden has a way of quickly fading away the outside world.

A post shared by ♡ (@enracu_) on Feb 8, 2018 at 7:03am PST

Kariya Park officially opened in 1992, celebrating the 11 year anniversary of the twin-city relationship between Mississauga and Kariya, Japan.

A post shared by Yuki Sugio (@yukkii58) on Nov 9, 2017 at 6:12am PST

The park design was a joint effort between city planners, as the esthetic aimed to be authentically Japanese in character and style.

A post shared by Sandhya Chiyyarath (@sandhyadcc) on Nov 10, 2017 at 2:39pm PST

Upon entrance into the park, you will notice a plaque that commemorates the friendship between the two cities. When observed up close, a photo collage of the citizens from Mississauga and Kariya are clearly visible, but from far away, the collage forms a single image depicting the Mando Matsuri– a festival in Kariya.

A post shared by M a r i a✖️M a l y s h (@mashka_malysh) on Mar 30, 2018 at 12:11pm PDT

The city of Mississauga has described Kariya Park as "a Japanese garden that is sensitive to aesthetic, rhythm and balance. It delights the senses and challenges the soul – a majestic enigma."

A post shared by Lucia Li (@luciaxli) on Apr 1, 2018 at 9:02pm PDT

One highlight of the park is the Japanese style Pavilion, which is broken into two sections representing Mississauga and Kariya, with a Friendship Bell located in the middle.

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On the flipside, the Mississauga Park located in central Kariya, pays homage to a number of iconic Canadian elements, including an enormous maple leaf art piece, eight rocks with Native petroglyphs, a replica of the Mississauga Civic Centre and a sculpture of a bear in a canoe.

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The park is home to a number of plant species including rhododendrons, pines, gingko and sweetgum trees, and most notable are the abundant cherry trees that bloom in late April.

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Kariya Park is open to the public seven days a week, 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., through the entrance on Kariya Drive.

Where is spring? What is this cold, fluffy garbage? Who's in charge of the weather, and why do they hate Toronto so much?

People around the city are, for the most part, sad as heck today that winter seems to have gone and come back for the third (or is it fourth now?) time this season so far.

A post shared by HW.You (@100ya) on Apr 6, 2018 at 9:23am PDT

With an average high of 9.1 C, it's rare for April 6 to see snow, let alone a full-out winter storm. 

And yet...

still cold and snowy April #universityoftoronto #toronto #canada

A post shared by Jin-Ha Hwang (@jinha0912) on Apr 6, 2018 at 9:20am PDT

High winds and heavy rains are to be expected in April, but it straight up looks like December out there today.

It's a depressing scene, even for those who actually kind of like winter weather a little bit.

It’s April and it’s still snowing😭😭😭😭

A post shared by AsAp-gang (@asap_dreamliners_) on Apr 6, 2018 at 9:16am PDT

"It's not charming in April," as one local put it on Twitter."It's now Mother Nature's dandruff."

"We have had 3 winters in Southern Ontario this year," wrote someone else. "Today in Toronto we have light snow and temperature hovering around -2C and it's April."

#Snow in April

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Wet snow is expected to clear up early this afternoon in the GTA, but more is set to fall just in time for the Friday evening commute.

"Another burst of snow is expected as the cold front crosses the region," reports the Weather Network.

Bands of lake-effect snow will redevelop on Friday evening, according to meteorologists, resulting in dangerous driving conditions "as wind gusts over 60 km/h will produce whiteouts."

Spring 🇨🇦

A post shared by Jenn Lerner (@jenn_lerner) on Apr 6, 2018 at 9:22am PDT

"Are we on a repeat cycle here?" asked The Weather Network's Doug Gillham this morning. "The threat for lake effect flurries will continue into Saturday with a brisk north wind adding a noticeable wind chill."

"In fact, according to temperatures this weekend will be more typical of late February and early March than what they should be for early April."

Go home #winter you’re drunk #snowinapril #toronto #yyz #viewsfromthe6ix #canada🇨🇦 #canadianweatherproblems

A post shared by Diana L (@mercurystar) on Apr 6, 2018 at 9:15am PDT

Jamaica, anybody?

The condo market is absolutely booming in Toronto right now, but a great deal of the people buying these units have no intentions of making them into a home.

At least not for themselves.

A report released on Friday by the market analysis firm Urbanation, in conjunction with CIBC, shows that roughly 80 per cent of all new homes sold in the GTA last year were condos.

Of these new condos, no less than 48 per cent were purchased by what the report calls "rental investors" – people who purchase units for the sole purpose of renting them out.

In general, the report states that these investors tend to be between the ages of 40 and 60, with discretionary wealth, and "often approach condo investing as part of their retirement savings strategy or as a plan to help their children get into the market."

Urbanation and CBC conducted a focus group with some of the area's top condo investment condo brokers in an effort to learn more about these buyers and their motivations.

Wow...48% of the new condos sold in the Greater Toronto Area in 2017 were to investors. But wait it gets better.... pic.twitter.com/n69Q7Uf6Uw

— FCFYield (@FCFYield) April 6, 2018

All of the brokers agreed that "local immigrants represent a significant share of investors," according to the report, while international buyers represented less than 10 per cent of their collective clientele.

From CIBC/Urbanation report: investors now account for about half of all #condo purchases in the Greater #Toronto Area, based on data on 2017 closings:#housing#RealEstate#condos#cdneconpic.twitter.com/dYo1HsngxD

— Don Curren (@dbcurren) April 6, 2018

I guess Ontario's new foreign buyers tax is working as it's meant to. Either that, or big money investors from elsewhere in the world have moved on to more stable markets.

Few things can bring the people of Toronto together like a funny fake Facebook event.

Making fun of the Dufferin Mall is one of those things. Making jokes about Nickelback – the Dufferin Mall of rock music – is another.

This should explain why more than 1,000 people have expressed interest in attending an event called "Nickelback Live at Dufferin Mall" next month, on a Saturday night, no less, without the promise of Avril Lavigne.

The event listing itself is obviously fake, but only to those who understand how Nickelback and the Dirty Duff (#MallsWithWifi) factor into the culture of Torontonian millennials.

The key to a good turkey stuffing this holiday season is heading to Dufferin Mall men’s room & putting grapes under the @dyson hand dryer until they have turned to raisins. Then go home and make the stuffing & toss the raisins because no one likes raisins. 🍇 @g_m0neyyyyyy #thedirtyduff

A post shared by The Mall With It All. (@thedirtyduff) on Dec 21, 2017 at 3:43pm PST

At least a few of the people who've clicked "attending" on Facebook seem to believe that Chad Kroeger and his glorious mane of ramen noodles will actually be performing in Toronto on May 12.

The band's official tour schedule says otherwise. Nickelback has concerts booked in the U.K. on both the 11th and 13th, making it very unlikely that the band will even be in Canada on the 12th. 

Furthermore, the Dufferin Mall doesn't host concerts. It's not even open on Saturdays past 9 p.m. 

Hardcore fans may hold out hope, but most people who've joined the event on Facebook are using it as a forum to do what people who join Facebook events like this (aka cool people) do best.

"Dufferin Grove lawn tickets selling for 1k," wrote someone in the event's discussion section.

"Will they be rocking loud enough to fuel my squats at 24hr fitness?" wrote someone else.

Others are making jokes about Tupac opening for Nickelback, or Sugar Ray doing a pre-show at Taco Bell, "where they belong."

The comments are genuinely hilarious and very much worth a scroll-through.

On the off chance that Nickelback does drop in for a surprise appearance, you can look for them in the parking lot in front of Walmart.

Like I said, the mall will be closed – and there's always something entertaining going on in front of the Dufferin Mall Walmart.

It hasn't been easy for businesses along Eglinton Avenue as the Crosstown gets built, so today the city announced plans to help out the many stores along the street.

Mayor John Tory was among those who outlined ways the city intends to curb the disruption caused by construction and encourage us all to visit businesses along the affected area.

The initiatives include a $6 discount code for Green P parking between Jane Street and Don Mills Road, a cleaning blitz and a $100,000 investment in programming that will help promote local businesses.

The Eglinton Crosstown is the largest transit project in Canada & bringing a project of this scale to a busy Toronto artery does impact the people & businesses who use the street. This morning I visited some businesses & I heard first-hand their concerns about the construction. pic.twitter.com/0qhyElqkZn

— John Tory (@JohnTory) April 6, 2018

Metrolinx has agreed to lend a hand by funding more activities and community events set to take place across the various neighbourhood pockets.

Naturally, the city has also initiated a good ol' study to monitor the situation and develop recommendations for further improvement.

Construction for the Crosstown has had Eglinton carved up like a turkey since it began a few years back while Metrolinx installs a series of huge mines underneath the street.

When it's done, the 25-stop rail system spanning between Mount Dennis and Kennedy will have a profound impact on transportation in the city.

If all goes well, construction should be complete by 2021.

Be still your fried chicken and spaghetti-loving hearts, Toronto: You'll soon have two different locations of the wildly popular Filipino fast food chain Jollibee to choose from within driving distance.

The Mississauga-based general contracting firm BUILD IT By Design confirmed via email this week that they had officially started working on the GTA's second Jollibee restaurant.

Construction photo taken this week at Jollibee inside Seafood City. Photo courtesy BUILD IT by Design.

Construction on the new store, which will be located inside Seafood City Supermarket, is expected to be complete by the end of June. It usually takes about a week or two to open a store after everything is complete, according to BUILD IT By Design.

"We have been getting many calls to our office due to our signage being on the window," said a rep for the construction company. "People wanting to know it will open."

The answer to that is "probably sometime in July." Lineups are expected to start forming any minute now.

Events in Toronto today are meant to give you life after a long week. It's party time at Assembly Hall while break dancers from all over Canada are in to show off their stuff. There's also a screening of The Room to tear you apart.

The giant foods you can eat in Toronto are monstrosities of nature, and oddly that makes us want to eat them more. It's not likely you'll be able to eat these in their entirety, but as they say, go big or go home – with a doggie bag, of course.

Here are some giant foods you can eat in Toronto.

Giant pizza slice at Lamanna’s Bakery

Ever the fan of doing outrageous things with pizzas (like topping a pizza with littler pizzas), this Scarborough bakery does slices five times bigger than the average. At 24 inches, this thing is a weeks-worth of meals.

Huge donut at The Rolling Pin

Festive donuts the size of cakes will change the way you celebrate birthdays forever. This bakery at Avenue and Lawrence stuffs their 10-inch donut cakes with sweets like chocolate custard and lets you customize messages with every donut pun you can think of.

Massive banana Split at Hollywood Cone

Some things are too garish to even imagine eating, yet West Queen West’s most indulgent ice cream shop seems to have no bounds. Their 18-inch banana split that weighs over five pounds comes in four different flavours like Oreo and Reese Wheresmyspoon.

Big cannoli at The Big Cannoli

As perhaps the most meta dessert ever, this Vaughan bakery stuffs a huge cannoli with up to 40 other little cannolis. They come in flavours like like traditional ricotta and pistachio and weigh about the same as an average newborn baby – 7 pounds.

Whopping soup dumplings at Yu Garden

They may seem comparatively smaller than everything else on this list but in relation to the size of a regular dumpling, the steamed buns from this Richmond Hill spot are huge. Use the straw to drink the soup inside and leave the shell untouched – they’re not really for eating anyway.

The most fun bars in Toronto are a blast – not only because you're slowly getting drunker and drunker, but also because these places have forms of entertainment beyond the regular libations. 

Here are my picks for the most fun bars in Toronto. 

Tilt

After moving from their original location in the Annex, the city's favourite arcade bar is now back in action on Dundas West with an even bigger space. Games are totally free once you pay the $5 cover.

Bangarang

Cocktails and obscure games are what's happening at this Little Italy bar. There are three tabletop games that are great for drinking games, plus Japanese billiards, Cornhole and a giant version of Rebound. 

SPiN

Play ping pong at this underground King West spot in a 12,000 square-foot-space with 12 tables, and 2 bars with drinks which you unfortunately can not play beer pong with. 

Ballroom

While not solely a bowling alley, the lanes are definitely the draw of this huge bar in the Entertainment District. They also have ping pong tables on the second floor and giant TVs to watch the game in between turns. 

Track and Field

Who knew we'd approach an era when lawn games could be played indoors. With sand and fake turf, you can feel like a classy fella on the bocce court, but in a basement and drunk. 

Rock N Horse Saloon

Mechanical bull – enough said. This Entertainment District bar will make you feel like you're drinking in a salooon, with a cowboy-themed menu and barstools made of real horseback saddles. 

Nightowl

Pair some very strong cocktails named after Toronto's streets with arcade games in a space that's decked out with cool murals. They also have occasional live music to the soundtrack of you getting slowly drunk off their boozy signature floats. 

May

This little community hub on Dundas West has it all, from karaoke to mini-pong, pinball, pool, and an assortment of evening events like open mics and of course your standard Russian merengue dance classes.

Dundas Video

If old video games are your steez, this low-key bar on Dundas West should be your go-to destination. This spot revels in nostalgia, with a library of old video games and VHS tapes full of 80s classics. 

The Rec Room

This massive playground by the Rogers Centre has nearly one hundred arcade games to crazy in, lots of cocktails, wine and beer on tap. It's still a classy spot filled with blinking lights; upstairs on the patio you'll find an amazing view of the CN Tower.

The most popular places in Etobicoke are destinations that are indulgent, practical or make for an entertaining night out. 

Here are my picks for the most popular places in Etobicoke. 

Ikea

Everyone needs to make a trip to the Swedish retailer now and again. As you can guess, this location on the Queensway is no different than every other store; expect your usual Scandinavian chairs and a surprisingly decent restaurant. 

Costco

Aside from the fact that everything in bulk comes cheaper, you can spend an entire day here at this mammoth warehouse on Queen Elizabeth Blvd. sampling cheese and Mary's crackers. Stock up on the city's cheapest gas while you're there.

Farm Boy

It's been a 35-year evolution for this grocery chain, from a small market in Cornwall to multiple massive locations in Ontario. This one on Brown's Line opened to much fanfare – I'd come just for the automated monkey swinging on the vine if nothing else. 

Sherway Gardens

Malls are always the go-to hangout spots when the area is slim pickins, but this spot in particular always seems to stock the sizes and styles that have sold out at other store locations in the city. 

SanRemo

This bakery mainstay has been on Royal York Road for more than 40 years and features an Italian hot table and espresso bar. They've also got gelato, which makes it a perfect pit stop in the summer to reward yourself before hauling groceries to your car. 

Tom’s Dairy Freeze

Every year, this longstanding ice cream drive-in on the Queensway marks the beginning of spring by opening its doors and offering up its classic burgers, fries, milkshakes and soft serve cones. 

Cineplex Cinemas Queensway VIP

You know you're winning when you can upgrade as simple of an experience as movie-watching with a full steak dinner and a drink. There aren't as many VIP locations in the city as we'd like so make sure to take advantage of vicinity.  

Apache Burger

Like Johnny's in the east, this burger spot is one of the best old school joints in the city. With a following that's been lining up since 1969, Apache inspires loyalty with its no frills hearty cheese burger and homemade onion rings. 

Cheese Boutique

Located on Ripley Avenue, this spot is deceptively not just about fromage – it carries much, much more than that. Peruse gourmet ingredients and fresh produce along with prepared meals of pizza, desserts, and cups of espresso to top everything off. 

Humber Bay Park

This beautiful park extends out into the water with some peninsula-like action that makes it an ideal place for a scenic picnic after a hike around the park. There's a farmers' market in the summer and the bridge is one of the most picturesque spots in town.

The top hair salons in Toronto will get your hair right, with expert hairdressers who've made a name for themselves after years of styling experience. Make sure to get the do for you: hair grows back, but the wait time between ugly hair cuts can seem like forever.

Here are my picks for the top hair salons in Toronto by neighbourhood.

Beaches

This spacious location of Parlour is from Tyler Moore and Franz David, formerly of Coupe Bizarre. They also have a location on Ossington, both offering eco-friendly products and gender neutral pricing.

Bloorcourt

The storefront of its eponymous hair styling veteran, Trevor Odho Studio’s simple interior houses one of the most consistent stylists in the industry. If an experienced hair cutter is what you’re looking for, this salon is where you want to go.

Bloordale

Cowlick is a salon but that does killer dye jobs in a small but cozy space. It's also the place to go if you’re looking for adventurous buzz cuts and shaved sides with bobs.

Bloor West Village

Keep it classy at the elegant Holdengrace: just across from High Park, this sleek salon is where to get your hair and nails done while sipping on a foamy cappuccino.

Good Day in Kensington provides cuts and dyes that are always on-trend. Photo by Jesse Milns. 

Brockton Village

With a little patio behind the shop, Salon Soap is the epitome of laid back cool. Expect a chill haircut from this boutique salon that wins extra points for being dog friendly.

Corktown

With a 20-plus year following, celebrity stylist Billy Angst’s Angst Salon feels oddly placed in Corktown, but expect nothing but simplicity: no products for sale here, just straight up professional cuts.

Danforth

Named after two popular hair styles, Bob + Paige has been a highly popular spot for years. White brick and vintage decor make this rustic spot a cozy place to get any kind of cut you’re looking for.

Distillery

McManus and Campbell dominates this area as the only salon in the vicinity. Co-Owner Sharon McManus has dyed hair for movie sets like Chicago and both she and Anelise Campbell are both former employees of the late and great John Steinberg.

Dundas West

Lebel & Crowe originally opened up on Queen but moved after finding some prime real estate in an area already flush with salons. Get a cut while admiring the abundance of vased flowers in this sunny space.

Entertainment District

It’s all about fashion at Brennen Demelo Studio, an always buzzing studio on Adelaide. Expect your stylist to know the trends that are all the rage right now and to treat your hair like it’s the next in-vogue accessory.

Harbord Village

Trying something adventurous? Experiment at Palm Sunday, a quirky shop which specializes in experimental cuts and dye jobs, plus some hilarious votive candles with unexpected celebrities’ faces for sale. 

Lone & Co has a roster of unique hairstylists to execute any style you're looking for. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Junction

The Barber’s Daughter has a full list of services, from full and partial highlights to blowdrys and formal set and styles. Head over if you’ve got a high maintenance head of hair.

Junction Triangle

It's small but Hive and Hawk is great for professional cuts and a space that can usually accommodate walk-ins, despite only having a few chairs in the salon.

Leslieville

Untitled, the more mature version of its now shuttered counterpart Flaunt Boutique, is a salon that stocks hair products and offers espressos to keep you from getting too sleepy in the stylist’s chair.

Kensington

Descend down a small flight of steps into the checkered interior of Good Day and emerge with something on trend and stylish. For exciting dye jobs and fun cuts for pretty affordable prices, this salon is the move.

King East

Just a hop and skip from St. Lawrence Market, Navigate Salon’s interior of exposed ducts and concrete floors has been a reliable favourite for years.

King West

Both a hair salon and a photo studio at the same time, Studio Fontana is a modern space that houses exceptionally skilled professionals who will get your hair photoshoot ready.

Ossington

Seat yourself on one of the vintage theatre seats at Lola Salon for a decently priced cut and a selection of Italian hair products that are cruelty-free, with the name of the farmer and farm from which its ingredients were sourced right on the label.

Parkdale

Formerly named Leesa Berry Haircutting after its owner, Klute Hair has made a name for itself in the neighbourhood. It's a pricier salon, charging by the time spent, but the exposed brick spot is relaxing and they serve cappuccinos.

Palm Sunday does adventurous cuts and dye jobs for the experimental types. Photo by James Lee. 

Queen West

June Croken and her eponymous hair salon get booked months in advance – not a surprising wait time for someone described as a “hair architect”.

Riverdale

With a dream team of stylists, Lone & Co. nearly guarantees a cutter who will fulfill all your hairdressing needs. Gender pricing isn’t a thing here, and stylists pick their own rates, so pricing will vary.

Roncesvalles

Grateful Head has become synonymous with hair salons in the city. With another location on Dundas West, this brand is the archetype of an edgy, urban hair salon, skull decor and tatted hairdressers included.

St. Clair West

Cuts at Modern Edge are really quite inexpensive compared to other salons, and they’ve become a popular spot for both men and women to get a fresh chop in a simple setting.

Rosedale

Civello is the luxurious, regal flagship of this haircutting brand. Cutting hair since 1989, Its three floors of Moroccan-themed decor consist of two cutting areas, a spa, a private salon and waxing rooms.

Yorkville

This neighbourhood is basically the hair salon mecca of Toronto, but Greg May has emerged as the upscale go-to where the famed hairdresser – best known for his textured bobs – charges a pretty penny for a go at your tresses. 

The top breakfast restaurants in Scarborough are where to go for a morning pick-me-up any day of the week. Casual and affordable, you’ll be sure to find your brekky favourites here.

Here are my picks for the top 10 breakfast restaurants in Toronto.

Gingerman

This old school diner serves breakfast plates and a famous best Western sandwich out of a humble strip mall on Victoria Park. They’ve also got a fully functioning bar, in case you feel the urge to throw one back in the a.m.

Amazing Ted’s

An absolute classic off Old Kingston Road, Ted’s has been around since 1954 with oldschool breakfast plates of pancakes eggs and bacon. Another type of bacon you’ll find there is Kevin: there’s a photo of of the Footloose celeb in the bacon shrine.

Markham Station

You can’t be from Scarborough and not know this spot which, deceptively, is not in Markham and is open 365 days a year. Located in a plaza in the far ends of Sheppard, this spacious restaurant is best known for their all-day breakfasts which run for just $6.99.

Terry’s

They’re known for huge portions of Greek food, but their lesser-known breakfast menu can sometimes be slept on. Head to this Ellesmere spot if you just can’t decide between breakfast or lunch; most days they’re only open until around 3 p.m.

Sunny Up

This spot has simple all day breakfasts plus a menu of Greek, Italian, and the occasional Indian dish. Visit this restaurant on Kingston Road if greasy meals in red booths are your thing.

Phoenix

This Hong Kong chain on Warden has locations over the North ends of Toronto plus one downtown. Breakfast lasts from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and includes popular eats like pineapple buns with sliced butter and syrupy french toasts.

Wexford Restaurant

For half a century this Scarborough staple has been feeding us freshly squeezed OJ in its kitschy little diner, gaining a loyal following on to the extent of making a little cameo in an award-winning movie about its Lawrence East plaza.

Ming’s Noodle Cafe

Parking may be a little tight here, but this Chinese diner on Kennedy plays host to a big morning crowd looking to get their Hong Kong breakfast fix. Expect breakfast deals like omelets and sandwiches with sides of Hong Kong milk tea.

Wimpy’s Diner

There are tons of Wimpy’s around the city but this one on Kingston Road is special somehow. A friendly atmosphere of 50s style decor makes it a happy spot to spend the morning while chowing down on a breakfast plate.

Sammy's Family Restaurant

Super affordable with friendly vibes, this little mom and pop shop has your usual plated breakfast favourites, served in a comfortable diner on McCowan road. 

It's a fact: Toronto loves butter tarts. I mean, it's hard not to love these gooey national treasures. With sweet, runny fillings and perfectly textured pastry shells, these palm-sized bites – conceived in Ontario in the early 1900s – are the quintessential Canadian treat. 

But our city's love of them is nearing obsession, case and point the steady increase of events dedicated to celebrating this delectable pastry over the last few years.

First off, there's the recurring Ontario's Best Butter Tart Festival: a free street extravaganza happening in June that draws hundreds of pastry lovers from Toronto to Midland for a big butter tart party.

Then there's the Drake's epic cook-off for the best butter tart that took place last July, and Bowmanville's first annual butter tart festival which happened just last month. There's even a 365-day-round butter tart tour across Ontario, map included.

We have a local butter tart-flavoured beer, for gooey's sake – introduced last summer to the LCBO and the CNE by Sawdust City.

With competitions for top tart accolades happening monthly, it's clear the city's butter tart industry is officially in A-game mode. And though few bakeries concentrate solely on these pastries alone, they often end up being their stores' biggest cash cows.

"The butter tarts are our best sellers by a long shot," says Andrea Mut, whose East Chinatown bakery Andrea's Gerrard Street Bakery makes one of the best tarts in the city.

Let them eat tarts. All the butter tarts. Best in the city.

A post shared by Ron C (@thestro81) on Jan 21, 2017 at 11:31am PST

While her bakery certainly isn't a one trick pony, with confectioneries like cookies and cheesecakes up for sale alongside its butter tarts, they're still her strongest product. She sells twice the amount of butter tarts as lemon tarts, her second most popular flavour. 

As to why Torontonians seem to have such a soft spot for them, Andrea attributes the little eats as being as nostalgic as they are sweet.

omg I learned in Toronto that butter tarts are a.thing so in that song when he says."does he like butter tarts" they're REAL

— caroline (@hatwell) July 9, 2016

"A lot of people associate it with childhood," she says. Her own recipe is a take on her grandmother's: a plain butter tart in a shallow ring, sans her grandma's corn syrup filling. 

"Everybody has their own style they gravitate towards," says Andrea. "Whatever your grew up with." 

If you flee to Toronto, lemme know. I'll hook you up with butter tarts & Nanaimo Bars and where to sign up for the marathons.

— The Asian Pear (@TheAsianPear) February 28, 2017

But not everybody was born and raised steeped in Canadian traditions, hence not all bakers have fond childhood memories of matriarchal-baked butter tarts stored away in the bank. 

Regardless, these pastries are evidently the kind of recipes that give leeway for people of all backgrounds to experiment with. 

The miso butter tart at DaanGo Cake Lab.

Masterchef contestant Christopher Siu has introduced an entirely new type of butter tart to the game with his hit Scarborough bakery, DaanGo Cake Lab, which specializes in Asian desserts. 

Fusing his Markham-raised, Chinese background with an inherently Canadian treat, Siu brings us a miso butter tart – an incredible creation that doesn't sound like it could work but, in true Toronto fashion, does. 

Miso butter tarts have arrived in #Torontohttps://t.co/C88y2ifb1spic.twitter.com/7WvV3qe0Go

— blogTO (@blogTO) February 14, 2018

"The beauty behind the butter tart is that it combines very simple ingredients that everybody has access to," he says.

"It's almost like a blank canvas just asking for people to get creative with." 

While flavours like bacon butter tarts and maple ice wine butter tarts (yes, those exist) have certainly strayed from Ontario's traditional recipes of yore, they're still recipes comprised of distinctly Canadian ingredients. 

Last year, forty-six people died on the street, in Toronto, and you prattle on about butter tarts? UN-EFFING-BELIEVABLE

— GYFHAS (@GYFHAS_) July 28, 2017

By adding miso to the butter instead of salt and opting for maltose instead of corn syrup – a common move in Chinese cooking – DaanGo's delicious tarts blow the traditional debate of raisins-or-no-raisins right out of the water.

@AirCanada Hi there! I'm flying from Toronto to sfo today. Can I bring my butter tarts through security?

— lisa m (@nikipu) July 20, 2017

Of course, the tarts here aren't the bakery's most popular treat, because what can outsell Vietnamese coffee-flavoured Totoro macarons in a box?

Crap. I just realized I forgot to seek out butter tarts in Toronto last week. 😭

— Justin Dolske (@dolske) February 26, 2018

But Siu's recipe shows us all the potential that butter tarts have to offer. It's extra enticing when a delicious treat that is so thoroughly Canadian shows promise of a cultural past and future. Maybe that's why we love them so much. 

After 13 years of selling irreverent gizmos, gadget and games to the upscale neighbourhood of Yorkville, the gift store Rolo will be closing its doors at the end of the month for good. 

Lesser known by its full name The Realm of Ludicrous Objects, the cluttered little space on Bellair Street has long been the misfit in a neighbourhood better known for its exorbitant price points than its sense of humour. 

Give this weather a big #finger, with our #umbrella. This and many other umbrellas in the heart of #toronto's #yorkville #rolo

A post shared by Rowley Ocampo (@rolo_store) on Mar 26, 2015 at 2:23pm PDT

From selling small items like gigantic flasks and kitschy shot glasses to arbitrarily utilitarian objects like four-in-one axes, the store has never taken itself too seriously.

Even now, in its last phase, things at the shop are still light-hearted and flush with F-bombs.

"The ruder the better, that's how we were known," says the store's gregarious helmsman and owner, Rowley Ocampo. 

According to Rowley, it was "the perfect storm" of factors that led to the store's closure, from congestion and traffic from nearby condo construction to raised parking prices by $3 – all which deterred customers from entering his shop. 

"My customers have always been grandparents," says Rowley. "Mature individuals who have a good sense of humour, who want to spoil their grandchildren and friends with humour." 

With the advent of online shopping, fewer and fewer customers began dropping by the store.

On top of that, the second-floor property is only reachable via stairs, making its knick knacks completely inaccessible for a large segment of Yorkville's population.

“Yorkville used to have little gems, little stores that were unique to the area," he says. Now, he says, only businesses like the luxuriously priced streetwear brand Off White are the types of stores to succeed in the neighbourhood. 

"I still love this area," he says. "But Yorkville is changing." 

Events in Toronto today make it hard to stay inside with a huge at crawl going down and cheap ice cream at Hollywood Cone. There's also a big flower show and a performance by Phillip Phillips.

Japanese brunch in Toronto is a great way to switch things up on the weekend. Order regular pancakes with an Asian twist, replace homefries with korokke, and level up your coffee with a matcha latte instead.

Here are my picks for the top Japanese brunch in Toronto. 

Isabella’s

Sticky rice mochi pancakes at this Beaches spot are served in true yoshoku fashion (Western-inspired Japanese cooking), coming in flavours like nutella banana and mixed berry. Omelettes are doused in sauce and laid out over your choice of chicken, beef, or veggie fried rice.

Hanabusa

This beautiful brunch spot in Kensington market does the fluffiest souffle pancakes around. Topped with fruits and whipped cream, stacks of three come in flavours like custard, matcha, or sandwiching bacon and eggs with hollandaise sauce. 

J’s Apron

Fusing Italian and Japanese eats, this Harbord Village restaurant does a stellar eggs Benny with Hawaiian pulled pork. If you really want to stray from typical brunch fare, order the J's Osaka, which is six pieces of fresh, pressed sushi. 

Eative

This Kensington cafe rolls up a unique Japanese omelette that you won't find elsewhere. Thin layers of egg are wrapped around bacon, cheddar, veggies, sour cream and sriracha to create the brunch food you didn't know you needed. 

NextDoor

The okonomoyaki is exactly as fun as it sounds: bacon and egg pancakes are decked out with Japanese BBQ sauce, kewpie mayo and nori for a totally unique experience. This Markham restaurant also has poke bowls to sub for your boring ol' servings of oatmeal. 

Free events in Toronto this week are about the stories of the people who call this city home, expressed through art and spoken word. There's also a free ice cream giveaway courtesy of Ben and Jerry's.

A woman is on the lam after allegedly pocketing a rock from the Yoko Ono exhibit at the Gardinder Museum worth $17,5o0 USD. 

Female sought in Theft Over $5000 investigation. Mon. Mar. 12, at 5:35 p.m., at the Gardiner Museum located at 111 Queen’s Park. She allegedly stole a rock on display of an art exhibit. Last seen walking south on Queen’s Park. #GO601628 if seen pls call 416-808-5200 ^gl pic.twitter.com/uzoQ38AZ9S

— Toronto Police OPS (@TPSOperations) April 7, 2018

Toronto Police tweeted out a photo of the woman last night, asking the public for their help to catch the thief who stole the rock from the installation nearly a month ago on March 12. 

Toronto has its flaws but every once in a while capybaras go on the run from the zoo or an old lady steals a $17,000 rock from Yoko Ono and on those days it's all worth it.

— Josh (@JoshMLabelle) April 7, 2018

Last seen walking south on Queen's Park, the elderly lady (presumed between the age of 55-60) was filmed wearing a black cloche hat and a red scarf looking very sketchy indeed. 

Toronto police representative Gary Long told The Star that she "just picked it up and walked away with it." 

According to the museum, the river rock – which has the phrase "Love Yourself" scrawled onto it by Ono with what looks like permanent marker – was part of an interactive showing. 

I find it kinda hilarious that someone in Toronto stole a rock that yoko ono wrote on. A rock

— RJ Shpak (@Theshpaker) April 8, 2018

"Visitors are invited to pick up a stone and hold it, concentrating on the word, and then placing the stone upon the pile of other stones in the center of the room," says theGardiner's description of the installation.

Clearly this lady misunderstood the part where it said "the center of the room" and misread it as "your backyard" instead. 

The exhibition continues until June 3, but without this one rock, it might just not be the same. 

Toronto's favourite destination for black on black ice cream is making big moves, just in time for summer. 

The popular ice creamery iHalo Krunch just announced that it will be moving to a new location just a few stores down from its current one across from Trinity Bellwoods. 

According to the owner Charlene D'Aoust, the new spot at 831 Queen Street West will replace the bag store YNOT and offer new ice cream flavours, cone options, and a seating area, which the previous location didn't have. 

Not only that, they'll also be opening a second spot to buy their famously Instagrammable charcoal ice cream – a feat, considering they only just opened last summer.

Where and when exactly this new location is opening have yet to be announced, though it will be sometime this summer.

After playing host to countless massive lineups (ah, the Toronto memories) the original location will be closing on May 7. Having been forced to serve ice cream through the frigid winter at the behest of the public, it's safe to say the store had a good run. 

But round two of the charcoal ice cream madness is jut around the corner: iHalo's flagship shop opens sometime this May, so get those phones ready. 

Restaurants near the Toronto airport give you much cheaper and better options that the food inside. When hunger strikes before or after a flight these spots are reliable options a short drive away.

Here are my picks for the top restaurants near the Toronto airport. 

Chaska Indian Street Food Obsession

If you're looking for some halal bites, look no further than this spot serving Indian street food just seven minutes-drive from Pearson. Grab snacks like samosa sliders and well-priced traditional roti rolls that are fancier than usual. 

The Mission Eatery

Located right on Airport Road, this understated little cafeteria is hidden in the Airway Centre building so it may be hard to spot. Finding it is totally worth it, though, with decently affordable lunch and breakfast specials like simple wraps, salads and quick sandwiches. 

Zet’s Restaurant

If you've been hankering for an unnecessarily gargantuan burger to knock you out before or after a flight, this Greek diner on Airport Road is your spot. Their Zetinator includes six patties, three slices of cheese and six slices of bacon. Cash only at this 24-hour restaurant. 

Mrakovic Deli

Head to this Eastern European grocery store less than a ten-minute drive on Wellesworth Drive. The hot table serves up mixed grill platters with Sarajevo-style burgers, fresh sausages and cevapi, which is minced beef and lamb rolled together for a hearty, meaty meal. 

Burrito Caliente Latin Grill

Far from the downtown core, this plaza spot is a major contender for top burrito in the area with their one-sized wrap, with a following as loyal as Burrito Boyz' or Big Fat Burrito. Located right next to Centennial Park, Burrito Caliente is less than ten minutes away from Pearson. 

Dang! Vietnamese

This long-running Vietnamese restaurant holds a large property, with an interior that changes from a daytime eatery to a chic bar when the sun sets. Head here from the airport on a Friday or Saturday and you'll be treated to live music or a karoake night.

Palmyra Mediterranean House

Sitting in the same plaza as Burrito Caliente, this Mediterranean takeout restaurant is the perfect spot for something quick and filling, with plates of shawarma, kebabs and shawarmas for cheap. 

Desi Spice

The buffet here is definitely a culinary bang for your buck: hop on the 427 and an AYCE Indian lunch feast for just $10. This restaurant on Woodbine Downs also has a really good selection of veggie curries plus they have naan made fresh to order. 

Sweet India

This Indian restaurant has been on Airport Road for over 30 years, serving cheap Indian eats and some of the best vegetarian samosas around, using a traditional recipe that comes with a crunch and tamarind sauce. 

Samara Kitchen

This restaurant serves authentic Indonesian eats like mie goreng noodles and beef rendang in a very industrial area. Beware: this spot is tiny, so it's easy to miss and seating is limited, but any wait is worth it.