The best bao in Toronto is characterized more than anything else by some of the fluffiest, softest, lighter-than-air steamed buns in the entire city, but fillings like schnitzel, tofu, pulled pork, bulgogi and even Nutella give these tiny sandwiches big flavour.

Here is the best bao in Toronto.

How did Toronto's first legal cannabis store end up within a 15 minute walking radius of three elementary schools, two preschools, several parks, a kids’ martial arts studio and a tutoring centre for Grades K through 12?

Kathleen Wynne has no idea, but she's eager to find out – as are school board officials and other people in the area who find the location choice both illogical and weird.

The forthcoming Ontario Cannabis Store at 2480 Gerrard Street East is one of four that were announced in a press release on Wednesday. The other three are in Kingston, Guelph and Thunder Bay.

Here’s the location for the first provincially run cannabis store in Toronto: 2480 Gerrard St East, near the corner of Victoria Park Ave. #onpoli#OCSpic.twitter.com/1StaqaB6ZC

— Kamil Karamali (@KamilKaramali) April 11, 2018

Given the LCBO's stated mandate of "minimizing proximity to primary and secondary schools," a lot of people were surprised by where they decided to put Toronto's first pot shop.

Who's doing Ontario Cannabis' store leases? I'm snickering a bit here. https://t.co/9yEMf62Qku

— Craig Patterson (@RI_EIC) April 13, 2018

The Toronto District School Board told CBC News this week that it wasn't consulted about the location, and that some parents have already complained to local trustees.

"To me this is a bit like the Wild West," said school board chair Robin Pilkey. "They don't know how it's going to run out, so I think caution in the beginning would have been a good idea."

My cousin's school is across the street from a LCBO and a Beer Store. How is that okay and this is not? Alcohol is more harmful than marijuana.

— L Leighton (@scrumdidlly) April 13, 2018

As it stands, the new marijuana shop near Toronto's Upper Beaches neighbourhood will open in the same plaza as PRO Martial Arts, a Kumon Math & Reading Centre and several fast food joints.

Why wouldn’t you put your business close to the best customers?😀

— Jeff Hodgkinson (@HodgkinsonJeff) April 13, 2018

It will be a six minute walk from Blantyre Public School and 5 minutes by bike from both the Broad View French Montessori School and Crescent Town Elementary School.

Infamous 24 hour spot Galaxy Donuts in The Junction is calling it quits.

Thamo and Vasuki Radhakrishnan opened up the cafe 21 years ago after moving to Canada from Sri Lanka. Now in their 60s, the couple say they're ready to slow down.

"It's been very stressful," said Vasuki in an interview with The Star this week. "Every day, you have to come here, wake up at 4:30 a.m."

There's also the challenge of keeping a small business afloat in The Junction, where rents are rising steadily and franchises are pushing out mom and pop shops all over the hood.

In a prime spot at the corner of Dundas and Keele, Galaxy Donuts has persevered as the area has transformed from aging mom and pop shops to more modern newcomers and chains like A&W and Subway across the street.

The Duke Condos is also under construction just down the street.

Many local residents might tell you it just didn't fit in anymore. 

Before I moved to Toronto 16 years ago, I remember my friend warning me to stay away from Galaxy Donuts. I guess Coffee Time became the new Galaxy Donut since then. 😮

— Pearl Chen (@PearlChen) February 2, 2018

The donut and coffee shop at 369 Keele Street will remain open until April 28, and while there's no word yet on what the space will become, it'll likely be a much glossier establishment.

Metrolinx and the Province of Ontario just took a huge step forward in their creation of Toronto's new Finch West LRT– an 11 kilometre light rail transit line that promises to make getting around the city (or the northwest end of it, at least) easier than ever before.

As a resident of #North_York (Keele & Finch,) the new subway station is a blessing. Finch West LRT sounds good on paper but I hope city planners have kept traffic in mind.
Not looking forward to the construction.

— Kuldip Bhogal (@2015SHOdriver) April 12, 2018

The $1.2 billion project, scheduled for completion in 2022, will link the TTC's Finch West Subway Station to a below-grade terminus at Humber College, with 16 surface stops in between.

The Finch West LRT station map.

"It brings new stations and stops, connecting northwest Toronto to the subway and to transit services from York Region, Peel Region and everywhere in between," writes Metrolinx on its website. "It's going to change the way you live in Toronto."

The regional transit authority announced on Thursday with Infrastructure Ontario that it had selected its "preferred proponent" to build the project: Mosaic Transit Group.

Mosaic Transit Group selected as preferred proponent to design, build, finance and maintain the Finch West LRT project. https://t.co/70lYeVzPAm@Metrolinx@FinchWestLRT#FinchWestpic.twitter.com/qjrCV3I9MQ

— Infrastructure ON (@InfraOntario) April 12, 2018

What this means is that they can now move forward with making the thing actually happen.

Mosaic, a consortium led by ACS Infrastructure Canada Inc., Aecon Construction Group Inc., and CRH Canada Group Inc., will design, build, finance and maintain the Finch West LRT.

Get across Finch in a pinch. 11 km of new rapid transit is now under construction: https://t.co/sjvv0vjUEapic.twitter.com/PB0xAta0uT

— Finch West LRT (@FinchWestLRT) April 4, 2018

They'll begin construction on the project sometime this year, but preliminary work started last year. 

A rendering of one of the stops along the Finch West LRT.

More recently, Enbridge has been "relocating natural gas pipelines along the Finch West LRT route" in preparation for the project. Access to the Humber River Recreational Trail from Finch Ave. will be closed to accommodate this work until at least June.

Toronto is starting to get serious about finally doing things to support the city's vibrant nightlife scene. 

The Economic Development Committee met today to discuss a report that recommends moving forward with plans to develop an infrastructure to support Toronto's nighttime economy, considered to be whatever happens between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The report is based on a study conducted by the committee last month that surveyed residents, local businesses and representatives from the arts and culture sectors.

One idea that's been loosely floated is the idea of a Night Mayor, or someone who would serve as a point of contact between the various nightlife stakeholders and the city. This is an idea that actually dates back to 2016.

As part of a study of Toronto’s night-time economy, staff asked stakeholders whether Toronto should have a “Night Mayor” as other cities do. No one liked the idea, in part because it sounds like “nightmare.” https://t.co/9BK87ITfDspic.twitter.com/xgOguI2Xmr

— Matt Elliott (@GraphicMatt) April 6, 2018

Also up for consideration is the oft-teased extension of drinking hours from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m.

There seems to now be some appetite at City Hall to crunch some numbers and see what can be done.

They're going to take into account transit services, noise concerns, security and brighter street lighting as all things that need to be considered and addressed as part of any proposed changes.

Based on today's meeting, an update is likely coming sometime in 2019.

Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist, international bestselling author, and every celebrity's favourite celebrity Malala Yousafzai is in Toronto. Right now.

Hanging out with @Malala. pic.twitter.com/if0NMgeTmg

— Yasin Osman (@yescene) April 12, 2018

The 20-year-old Pakistani advocate for girls' education is perhaps one of the most celebrated young women of her generation, sparking as much hype with her message as Justin Bieber once did with his little hair swoop thing.

Now a student at Oxford Univeristy, Yousafzai first came into the public eye after being shot in the head by a Taliban gunman for speaking out against female oppression.

In room full of high school students from across Toronto, collectively fan-girling over being in same room with education & human rights advocate @Malala. Thanks @RULeadLab creating a space to bring hungry-for-change-makers together. #addgirlschangetheworldpic.twitter.com/1xRpSlJOpS

— Paris Semansky (@ParisSemansky) April 12, 2018

She was just 15 at the time, but changed the world with her brave act of defiance, remarkable recovery, and the global movement she's since built to secure every girl's right to quality education.

Thousands gathered at Toronto's Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex on Thursday evening for an event dedicated to empowering women and girls, hosted by Islamic Relief Canada.

The event featured Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, also a noted advocate for the cause, in conversation with Yousafzai on stage.

We are so honoured to be here tonight with @Malala and Sophie Trudeau here in Toronto discussing Malalas recent visit back home after 6 years "it was like the air was hugging me." pic.twitter.com/iObxxgJoG6

— IslamicRelief Canada (@IRCanada) April 12, 2018

On Friday, in between meeting politicians, accepting awards and other important things, Yousafzai took the time to answer questions from Canadians on Twitter.

.@kateincanada#AskMalalapic.twitter.com/1dkY1DCJID

— Malala (@Malala) April 13, 2018

It was during the Q&A that we learned her favourite show is currently The Big Bang Theory. 

"Malala, if you find yourself in Los Angeles, please join us at a Big Bang taping," tweeted the show's executive producer within ten minutes of her original tweet.

An honour and pleasure to meet and work with @Malala this afternoon on a Twitter Q&A. She discussed everything from opportunities in tech to drinking tea to de-stress. Full recap here: https://t.co/GM979nGCvn#AskMalalapic.twitter.com/4RrkMCcQlY

— Jennifer Hollett (@jenniferhollett) April 13, 2018

Friday afternoon saw the young activist thrill thousands more by speaking at a conference called The Art of Leadership for Women.

To say today was inspirational hearing @Malala is an understatement.... incredible day with incredible TD women at the Art of Leadership for Women in Toronto! #change#womeninleadership#diversity#inclusionpic.twitter.com/90jAmVwdrY

— Sarah D (@MissJacobs) April 13, 2018

That event took place at Toronto's Metro Convention Centre, where Yousafzai was greeted with a standing ovation.

A standing ovation welcome to @Malala at #TheArtOf Leadership for Women here in #Toronto, what an honour to be here today. pic.twitter.com/IcGK4cNCiz

— Oksana Andreiuk (@TechieOksana) April 13, 2018

She also graciously met and took photos with many fans ahead of yesterday's event, today's event, and during other appearances she made during her trip to The 6ix.

Honoured to meet @Malala. Thank you for inspiring me to advocate for women’s rights and girls education. Your work through @MalalaFund@IRCanada is incredible❤️🧕🏽📝 And thank you for being such a fan of @thebreadwinnermovie 💗👍🏽
Enjoy the books & movie❤️❤️ #girlpowerpic.twitter.com/rhleUtxYny

— Saara Chaudry (@SaaraChaudry) April 13, 2018

One can only hope that Malala and Drake meet up for a photo while she's here so that the whole world knows she was in Toronto this week.

It's been just about two months now since the TTC removed all streetcars from both the 505 Dundas and 506 Carlton routes, and the people of Toronto have some thoughts.

The transit agency announced earlier this year that it would be moving the streetcars from Dundas and Carlton down to busier routes, like King Street's, to make up for a lack of newer, more reliable vehicles.

Not enough has been written about both College & Dundas loosing streetcars for a year because of Bombardier. Wretched jerking buses. Only upside is they’re a bit more frequent. pic.twitter.com/DTabYrLj0k

— Shawn Micallef (@shawnmicallef) March 27, 2018

Buses will be running along both routes instead until "at least 2019," officials say, or until Bombardier finally sends Toronto the streetcars it owes us.

College Street has been noticeably quieter since February 19, when the replacement program went into effect, and some local residents are loving it.

Why didn’t the city use busses in king st to experiment with reducing time for traffic? Busses are running on college and the gridlock that normally exists when streetcars are present is gone?

— CPM (@PaulatCPM) April 9, 2018

"Have you taken transit on College recently?" tweeted one fan. "It's superfast since they sent all the streetcars to #kingstreetpilot and replaced them with buses."

@jerryagar1010 Please do a piece on how bad streetcars are for traffic. College St doesn’t have them right now and traffic is a dream with buses and cars freely flowing. My commute has been reduced by ten minutes! The streetcar is perhaps the biggest sham forced upon this city.

— Jason C (@basebawler) April 12, 2018

Others – especially those who commute by transit every day – are desperate for the College streetcars to return.

And this is Tuesday on the 506 EB route (Clinton/College).

THIS is what an underfunded/mismanaged public transit system looks like when running replacement busses instead of larger streetcars. We deserve better. @ttcriders#TTC#topolipic.twitter.com/emMyiUZInt

— Rose D'souza (@thewaywardrose) March 27, 2018

"Research suggests the Bombardier buses running along College and Dundas - replacements for the looooooong delayed new Bombardier streetcars - are deliberately designed to antagonize riders," joked one Twitter user this week.

"It's another francophone plot to stealthily undermine the morale of a majority anglo city."

Why do people smell worse on crowded buses than they do on streetcars? I want my college streetcars back!! #TTC#streetcarsarethebetterway

— Kendra Splock (@sharpasahawke) March 1, 2018

"Really not thrilled about the buses that have now replaced streetcars on Dundas St. for the next year because of aging fleet / delayed delivery of new streetcars," wrote another. "Buses + tracks + parked cars on a busy x-town bike route with no bike lane is bad news."

@TTChelps really hating the fact that the college and Dundas streetcars were replaced with busses:( there’s literally no space on these busses and they fill up way too fast.

— ♡TAT♡ (@peachytat) March 1, 2018

One thing everybody can agree on is that Bombardier needs to step its game up – and that we've all been saying that for way too long.

A Toronto area burger joint is paying homage to Mexico's most famous drug lord this week with the release of something it calls the "El Chopo."

Inspired by the product that Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán is best known exporting, the new 8oz hamburger at Kookoo’s Kitchen has a lot going on: Double patties, double cheese, chocolate chip brioche buns, mushrooms, onions and proprietary "cock sauce."

There's also a Scarface-style mountain of icing sugar on top of and around the burger itself.

How much cock sauce would you consume for something like this on a plate?

A post shared by Kookoos kitchen™🍁✌️🍔 (@kookooskitchen1) on Apr 13, 2018 at 12:18pm PDT

Kookoo's Kitchen shared three separate photos of its latest creation on Instagram Friday afternoon, styled to the nines with a mirror, a straight razor, a rolled up piece of paper and a ketchup-bloodied napkin.

No actual drugs will be sold with the burger, of course – that would be highly illegal and, according to the restaurant, it retails for $15.

You can definitely get Kookoo's delivered in many parts of the city, but something tells me lines will be involved either way.

Events in Toronto today mean there's no excuse to stay inside. Smoke's is giving away free poutine and there's a big Raptor's tailgate party. March for Science is on and lots of art worth checking out.

If you're a coffee fan, you've likely heard inklings of the new coffee cancer warning labels being adopted in California. 

Sort of like the warnings on cigarette packs (minus the nausea-inducing visuals of deteriorating teeth), labels that outline the possible cancerous effects of coffee are now legally required on coffee products in the Sunshine State, according to a judge's recent ruling.

Since there's nothing like a reminder of your own mortality to completely ruin a morning cup of joe, it's not surprising that many coffee and health experts around North America are calling the science behind this recent ruling unfounded. 

Still, it seems some damage has already been done, with the coffee cancer scare making its way from the West Coast all the way to The 6ix. 

Coffee purveyor Adam Pesce, Director of Coffee at Reunion Island, says his Roncesvalles cafe has had confused customers walking in to question the negative health effects of coffee in the past weeks since California's ruling.

"It’s kind of ludicrous," says Adam, calling the studies leading up to the verdict "very flawed." 

As a former member of the Coffee Association of Canada, Adam says that many Canadian coffee experts don't agree with the decision and have been following the progress of California's case for years.

The good news: "There’s no concern that it’s coming to Canada," he says. The bad news: the threat of small businesses losing customers to misinformation is real, because "news knows no borders." 

While no Toronto cafes claim to have lost any business since the verdict, it's obvious that the cancer-related discussions surrounding coffee can be a real turn-off for people who might usually opt for dark roasts over alternatives like green tea. 

Paige Entwistle – the executive assistant of Canada's coffee association – says California's decision muddies the narrative about coffee and cancer in Canada, despite the fact that coffee "may even help protect against some types of cancer." 

"Unfortunately, inappropriate labelling requirements can confuse consumers, at a time when the public needs clear and accurate information about health," she says via e-mail. 

Right now, it seems the only remedy to this newfound concern rests on both consumers and cafes to get educated about acrylamide, the naturally-occurring carcinogen that's produced during the bean roasting process, albeit at low levels. 

It especially falls on the shoulders of managers and baristas, says Adam, who will likely find themselves on the frontline of customers' questions.

David Thompson, the owner of the Scarborough-based roastery Dark City Coffee, says it's "shameful" that people should put a "dark gloom" on the act of drinking coffee when there are way more carcinogens in foods like french fries.

"People drink alcohol, people eat fries, people barbecue; they know that nothing is perfect," he says. 

After doing some research, you'll likely find that dumping your single-origin locally-roasted coffee beans in the compost bin won't be the ultimate remedy to all your health concerns. 

As far as David is concerned, "If you consume everything in moderation, it's not an issue." 

The restaurants to eat fondue in Toronto are where you want to go in order to consume melted cheese and chocolate, fancily. Gather around a bubbling bowl of ooey goodness and dip your heart out.

Here are my picks for the top restaurants to eat fondue in Toronto.

Chocolate Fondue

Cacao 70

Chocoholics already know this spot as the go-to for anything chocolate related. Head to their original Toronto spot in the Distillery, York, Queen West or the STC for matcha and earl grey chocolate fondues, served in singles or doubles under $15.

Art Square Cafe

Combine art and melty chocolate at this Baldwin Village cafe, just a hop across the street from the AGO. They have a fondue bowl for two ($22) that comes served with fresh fruits and crepes for dipping.

Cosmic Treats

It's possible to enjoy decadent fondue while eating vegan at the same time. This playful vegetarian Kensington restaurant does chocolate fondue for duos ($13.75) that includes marshmallows, cookies, and bananas, plus the option to go nut free.

J’Adore Hot Pot

A Chinese hot pot spot isn't necessarily what comes top of mind when thinking of melty chocolate, but this Markham restaurant serves a bowl of fondue for $5.99 that’s sizeable enough for frugal sharing and comes with fresh fruits.

Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill

It’s not as fancy as a bowl right on your table, but chocolate fondue at this Dundas restaurant is unlimited, so there isn't much to complain about. As with all AYCE restaurants, leave room for dessert and binge on fruits at this big fondue fountain.

Cheese Fondue

BeerBistro

This fancy Financial District pub does a cheese and lager fondue: a gooey bowl of aged cheddar and emmental cheese with Hacker-Pschorr Edelhell for $17.

Otto’s Bierhalle

It’s everything German at this pub restaurant on West Queen West, so accompany your pint of Hofbrau lager with a bowl of three cheese fondue and classic German pretzels for $18.

Barberians Steak House

As one of the best steakhouses in the city, this Yonge and Dundas place isn't cheap. A special menu after 10 p.m. offers a cheese fondue for two ($62) for the post-theatre crowd. They also have beef fondue bourguignon for $105, if you feel like melty meat.  

Bier Markt

For $16 you can get a bubbling bowl of three different cheeses mixed with ale, served with bacon pieces and their “Everything” pretzels at this King West hangout as well as at their Don Mills location.

Carens Rosedale

Known for their excellent offerings of wine and cheese, this restaurant has two options of dinner fondue bowls for $26: a classic bowl plus a blue and brie cheese mix.

Moroccan restaurant in Toronto are definitely far and few between. The restaurants that do serve this cuisine, however, serve up hearty meals full of flavourful favourites: expect dishes like slow-cooked tagines and couscous.

Here's a round-up of Moroccan restaurants in Toronto.

Atlas

Influenced by French and Spanish cooking, the Moroccan food at this airy Annex restaurant is brought to you by the same folks behind Cava and Chabrol. Standouts are the whitefish tagine and the harcha, a flatbread that goes deliciously with eggplant zaalouk.

Morocco House

This spot on Brown's Line serves up shakshuka plus Moroccan-style subs and kebabs in a simple but cozy atmosphere that’s part dine-in, part takeout, with a wall mural that will really make you feel like you’re in Morocco.

Bar Sybanne

The presentation at this Ossington restaurant is phenomenal, and while they don’t serve Moroccan food exclusively, Mediterranean dishes like their eggplant dip served in intricate patterns on decorative plates will give you all the flavours of the Moroccan cuisine.

The Sultan’s Tent

A four-course Moroccan meal coupled with some live belly dancing, what could be more fun than that. This King East restaurant has been in the game for a while and is absolutely worth a visit at least once.

We all know the different kinds of transfers on the TTC: there’s the time stamped ones you get from the subway stations machines, and a similar transfer you get from the new streetcars.

But no transfer is more enigmatic and more flimsy than the classic bus and old streetcar transfers, which have long intrigued riders with their patterns of seemingly arbitrary numbers, letters, and colour schemes.

Luckily for you it’s really not that complicated (how else would bus drivers be able to call BS on faulty transfers at a glance), and the features are pretty easy to decipher once you've learned them.

Colour

From purple to green and everything in between, the colour of these transfers changes daily, varying randomly but staying consistent across the entire TTC system.

Removable “Night” Strip

At the top of the transfer is a flap of paper that says “Night”. This flap of paper can be removed or kept on, depending on the time it was issued: anytime between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m. constitutes as an evening trip.

Bus Route

Whether you’re taking the 505, the 511, or just got off the 504, the bus route on which you received the transfer will be clearly stated directly below the “Night” strip.

Day of Year

Centrally located on the transfer, the bolded three-digit number is really the focal point of this whole thing and is actually the most confusing.

It indicates which day of the year it is (out of 365 days) and actually represents which TTC service day it is as opposed to real calendar date.

Serial Number

Below the cheerful statement of appreciation from the TTC is the serial number, which differs per individual transfer. While its unknown whether or not anyone has ever had to track down a specific transfer, this series of five digit numbers is just a security measure.

Bus Route

This list of stops is pretty explanatory, but the small numbers to the right of them are kind of neat.

You’ll notice the first stop will always have the number 00 next to it, right? Meanwhile the stop below might say something like 15, and the one after that 30.

These numbers indicate the average amount of time it takes to get to that stop from the main station, meaning in this case, it would take an average of 15 minutes to get to that second stop and 30 minutes to the one after that from the station - pretty handy.

Up or Down

If you move to the side of the transfer, you’ll see the letters “U” and “D” alternating along its edge. These indicate whether the bus is travelling towards the station (“up”) or away from it (“down”).

Emergency

Just above the line where the date is printed for a second time, you’ll see the letter “E” embedded on the right. Used during emergencies where riders have to disembark the bus, drivers can punch a hole here or in the "SPC" square, though I’ve never seen anyone do it before.

Time of issue

Moving to the bottom half of the transfer, you’ll see numbers extending from 5 to 5. Your driver will rip along the time which your transfer was issued, making another small rip further along the edge to indicate how many minutes past the hour exactly: 10, 20, 30, etc.

Fare zones

Running along the right side of the transfer are squares that say “paid to” or “zone 3”. Ignore these: they're just relics from when the TTC was Metro Toronto and the system had different fares for different areas of the city.

A quick scenario: you're taking photos with your DSLR in front of a public building and a security guard comes outside to tell you that's not allowed, what do you do? 

The right answer is you leave the premises – that is, unless you're taking the photo from a sidewalk, in which case you have every right to keep snapping pics. 

With the proliferation of cameras on nearly all our devices, the laws surrounding photography in public spaces is becoming an increasingly important thing to familiarize yourself with, especially if being a commercial photographer is your full-time job. 

Sometimes it can be confusing, but most times it's just about using your common sense.

While Canada's laws surrounding photography are pretty lax, it's always better to treat every situation with discretion. Encounters with law enforcement and security are never fun – even when you're in the right – and can lead to some uncomfortable interactions. 

Getting to know Toronto's commercial photography by-laws will help you navigate the legality of your photo ops, as will a basic brush-up of your Criminal Code knowledge.

If you don't have time to go through all that right now, here are some quick guidelines to follow for some common photography scenarios.

Public property

You're allowed to take photos anywhere in and from Toronto's public spaces (sidewalks, parks, streets, etc.) under the following conditions: 

• You can't be in the middle of doing something illegal while you photograph, like jaywalking , breaking and entering (we see you rooftoppers), or interfering with a crime scene.
• You can't shoot commercially on City of Toronto property, meaning no paid wedding photography or photoshoots in the park unless you have a permit from the city. While law enforcement will rarely stop a commercial shoot from happening on the sidewalk, they might put an end to a paid photo gig in High Park.
• Taking photos of private property from public spaces is allowed even if the owners forbid you from photographing their property; that only counts if you're shooting on their grounds.  
• If there's a sign that explicitly states that a law prohibits photography there, you can't shoot. And even if there is no sign, you still might be stopped from photographing – and that's allowed. 

Photographing people in public spaces

According to our laws, photographers are basically allowed to take photos of whoever and whatever they want in public areas, including activities, police officers, and even children, without consent. 

Restrooms, dressing rooms, and medical facilities, however, are examples of places which carry a reasonable expectation of privacy. Taking photos of people here can get you charged with Criminal Voyeurism – not a great charge to have on your legal records. 

Same goes for the TTC: you're not breaking any city or transit laws by taking and even posting pictures of strangers on your public Instagram account (unless it's commercial, in which case you can submit a request for a permit).

But that doesn't mean you get to throw common decency to the wind: if you want to post a picture of someone taking a nap on line 2 on your satirical Toronto transit IG page, don't be an ass – have the courtesy to ask first. 

Photographing music festivals and events

If the event is public, you can photograph it, regardless if it's on private property or if there's paid admittance. However, event organizers can tell you to stop taking pictures, in which case you should comply unless you want to get booted out of the event. 

Things event organizers and private parties aren't allowed to do: 

• Force you to provide your identity or reason for photographing: only law enforcement can do that.
• Confiscate your photography equipment.
• Force you to delete your photos.
• Unless they were witness to a serious crime that you committed, they cannot detain you against your will.

Photographing in malls or restaurants

Unlike regular private properties, these spaces are also open to the public. That means you're legally allowed to photograph until a security guard or manager approaches you to stop.

Tip: Keep your DSLR discrete the minute you enter the building to prolong the grace period for as long as possible. 

Places to get fresh pasta in Toronto are culinary go-tos for those who don't want to eat dry, frozen or mass-produced pasta but also don't know how to make their own from scratch. 

Here are my picks for the places to go for fresh pasta in Toronto that you can then cook at home. 

Famiglia Baldassarre

Everyone's been clambering to Geary to get a taste of the pasta from Leandro Baldassarre, formerly a chef at the Italian Michelin-starred restaurant Del Pascatore. Get packs of freshly made long egg pastas and stuffed pastas made from imported Italian flour here.

Alimentari

This gourmet market on Roncey makes fresh pastas (they've supplied to places like Ardo and Sanagan's Meat locker) including perfect squares of ravioli which come straight from the kitchen in the back to the front of the store. 

Plant YYZ

This plant-based grocery store makes pasta fresh at their Vaughan facility before bringing the goods over to their Junction storefront. Try their vegetarian-friendly beet bucatini and pair it with a housemade sauce, like the Ontario mushroom bolognese.

Amano

This restaurant in Union Station serves up pasta made from scratch right before your eyes. Using Canadian flour, you can try their fresh goods on the spot or bring containers of pasta like orecchiette home. 

McEwan Foods

The pasta sold at this gourmet food store by celebrity chef Mark McEwan is made fresh at Mark's restaurant, Fabbrica, just around the corner at Shops at Don Mills. Popular orders are the 350 grams packages of whole wheat linguine and flavoured pastas.

Queen’s Pasta

It may not look like much from the outside but this Etobicoke kitchen makes Italian food fresh on the daily, from sweet red pepper fettuccini to mini agnolotti at 200 pieces per kilo. 

Pasta Pantry

Have your fresh fettuccine cut up right before your eyes at this store right by Davisville station. This little spot offers stuffed butternut squash pastas and delicious pasta sheets for making lasagna at home; for any questions, the owner Carlo will be more than happy to assist. 

Pasta Mia

While not cheap and certainly not the only pasta spot in the area, this stall in St. Lawrence Market provides sheets of fresh pasta that come in flavours like basil, lemon pepper, and spinach that are cut to order and cooked at home. 

Continental Noodles

With over 50 shapes and fillings, this longtime manufacturer by Jane and Lawrence uses semolina to make pasta that comes in all shapes, sizes, and even gluten-free. They also provide all the products at Pasta Goodness, the grocery store on Marlee. 

Via Mercanti

The grocery version of its restaurant counterpart Pizzeria Via Mercanti, this Kensington Market spot sells fresh pasta at $1.49 per 100 grams. Grab some of their housemade pomodoro sauce and you have yourself a dinner. 

The top restaurants in South Core set the stage for the power lunches, business breakfasts, and happy hours. They’re also where sports fans flock come game time and the places tourists continue to make memories after long days of sight seeing.

Here are my picks for the top restaurants in South Core.

Harbour Eats

This food hall by national chain Mercatino houses a panini station, coffee and wine bar, sushi made to order and an international chef’s table where the menu changes every day. All this, plus awesome views of the blossoming neighbourhood.

e11even

To this day I can’t pass this place by without thinking of stopping in for some very expensive but very good candied bacon. They also create specialty cask cocktails, and a gorgeous mirror allows views of the bustling kitchen. A classier alternative to a sports bar before or after a game.

Real Sports Bar

This multi-level space has an imposing wall of TVs, but also happens to serve a great burger and English-pub-inspired faves like gravy-slathered sandwiches, made using ethically sourced ingredients.

Miku

This isn’t just any sushi joint like the ones that dot this area. Known for their aburi, the nigiri here are works of art.

Harbour Sixty

Serving some of the fanciest steak dinners in the city, this is the place to splurge on foie gras, lobster, caviar and Porterhouses that top out at $160. If you’re looking for impressive and splashy, look no further.

Taverna Mercatto

If Italian is your thing, head to this restaurant for elegant pizza, pasta and seafood dishes.

The Miller Tavern

With a classic comforting tavern vibe, this go-to near offices and the ACC is ready for your whole group with burgers and lighter dishes like salmon, cod, Thai steak salads and lobster Cobb salads.

Amano

Fresh pasta cranked out by hand throughout the day can now be enjoyed, of all places, underground at Union Station. Gone are the days of scarfing down a muffin on the way to the train: enjoy some civilized crudo and a glass of Lambrusco in a distinctly un-basement-like atmosphere.

Union Chicken

Despite its name, the first location of this spot is actually at Sherway Gardens. The fried chicken spot has come home to roost in South Core however, serving birds with waffles and in sandwiches, all accompanied by Southern-style cocktails.

Kupfert & Kim

Healthy eats have their place at this restaurant chain. Expect lots of green, healthy boxes and gluten free waffles. Find it inside the Waterpark Place food court.

Barber shops in Toronto will get you lined up, faded, and looking fresh. If your current go-to just isn’t cutting it, maybe it’s time to move on to one of these spots and form a new barber bond.  

Here are my picks for top barber shops in Toronto by neighbourhood.

Annex

Head to Mancave for a mix of old school and modern. Get yourself a full experience of pampering from head to hands with a wash and cut, hand massage, hand wax and facial.

Bloorcourt

Get a classic shave at the in the retro swivelly chairs at Hollow Ground Barber. There’s nothing like a hot towel on your face to soothe the pores after a pro shave. They also do quick trims and full head shaves; expect lines.

Cabbagetown

Play a round of pool with your buddies while you each wait your turn in the barber’s chair at this spacious location of Hastings for a hair-day hangout.

Church Wellesley Village

For the days when you don’t have time to play around, Ho’s Place is the spot to get affordable, efficient cuts by no-nonsense folks who know what they’re doing.

CityPlace

With humble beginnings in his friends’ basements to shaping the multimillion dollar scalp of Kyle Lowry, In The Cut owner Justin Radam is undoubtedly the go-to barber in the CityPlace towers.

Town Barber on Dundas West is one of the city's most popular barber shop. They also have a location near Queen and Beaconsfield. Photo by Ryan Bolton.

Danforth East

Prince Cut Kings, run by Justin “Prince” Picones, has made quite a name for itself with ex-clientele like Drake and The Weeknd – pretty impressive considering it’s a one-man operation running out of Red9ine Tattoo.

Dundas West

Grab a meal from neighbouring Lakeview Restaurant before heading to the pros at Town Barber to take advantage of post-meal sleepies with a relaxing cut or shave.

Etobicoke

Cluttered head to toe with all the accoutrements of a retro barbershop, The Nite Owl is a tiny space run by Brian Hurson, a barber whose own facial hair will assure you your beard is in the right hands.

Financial District

Located in Commerce Court, Taylor & Colt is almost more of a spa than a barbershop; they offer grooming services from hair styling to laser hair removal.

Forest Hill

You can’t go more old school than Forest Hill Barbershop. This hair institution has been open since 1931 (they even host their own golf tournament) serving generations of regulars and locals with classic cuts.

Harbord Village

If you’ve got long hair, Glassbox is the place for you. These barbers will work with your lengthy tresses in a super airy space, pool table included.

Junction

With checkered floors, an old school till and, of course, an eponymous mounted stag’s head on the wall, Stag Head is a Junction favourite and shaves a pretty mean fade too.

Kensington Market

Probably one of the most popular barber shops in Toronto, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll encounter a walk-in lineup at Crow’s Nest, but a cut at this place is well worth the wait.

Koreatown

Getting a haircut at Gus the Other Barber is sort of like having your hair done in the middle of a soccer stadium, mid-game. Let your eyes wander over the plethora of soccer memorabilia as you get a trim at this decades-old Greek institution.

Getting a trim and cut at Nite Owl in Etobicoke is like a blast from the past. Photo by Morris Lum. 

Leslieville

Little London’s second location on Gerrard East does cuts for all ages. Word is spreading and the location is getting busier, so guarantee yourself a spot with an appointment.

Liberty Village

Expect professional, consistent hair jobs from the folks at the Village Barbershop. It’s a slim pickins area for go-to affordable barbers, so these guys easily take the cake for best cut.

Little Italy

The folks at Blood and Bandages operate out of a super cozy spot filled with manly yet homey little knick knacks. They also make their own water-soluble paste and pomade that you won’t find anywhere else.

Mount Pleasant

With several locations around the city, Mankind is a series of grooming studios that was one of the first to put Toronto men onto the joys of urban salon-ing, offering everything from skin care to massages.

North York

The owner of I Barbieri, Anthony Del Maestro, has his roots in the salon industry, and his process is more detail-oriented than other quick cuts; a good thing, because you never want to sacrifice quality for trendiness.

Parkdale

Adding drinks to any spa-eque experience is never a bad idea, hence the reason why Rod, Gun and Barbers is so great. Just like their first Junction location, you can get packages that come with a cut, cigar, and a beer from their bar.

Queen West

Cuts and shaves are more expensive at Original Grooming Experts, but their “Hangover Treatment” is actually a perfect weekend morning steal, with a paraffin hand wax, hot towel and wash with conditioning.

Roncesvalles

After seeing the amalgamation of auto decor and barbershop motifs, you’ll realize why the name Driven Barber is actually so funny. This space offers services seven days a week including beard treatments and colouring.

The vibe at Roncey's Driven Barber is barbershop meets car parts store. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Upper Beaches

Cut N Run is a great shop, from its super affordable prices to its barbers and community vibe. It should be noted that they have Wutang symbol-shaped mirrors, which pretty much shoots them straight to the top of the best barber shop list, IMO.

West Queen West

Just around the corner from Trinity Bellwoods, Garrison’s is where you want to go for a relaxing cut and a nice chat. 

Yonge and Dundas

Follow the crown symbol to find Throne, the undisputed go-to right now for lineups and fades of all levels. These guys are the hottest spot for trendy cuts.

Yorkville

There’s no shortage of competition in this area for hair spots, but Axe & Hachet fuses salon quality with the barber shop vibe. Head here if you’re looking for a professional job without feeling too uppity.

Free events in Toronto this week means you can catch chefs thrown down for the title of curry champ, stories being told by the fireside and a big Earth Day festival - all without spending a dime.

Car sharing in Toronto has a leg up on traditional car rentals in a few ways. First, you can usually find a car anytime of the day – even if it's just for an hour or two – and second, you pay for the time used as opposed to a flat rate. 

Of course in some cases, buying a car or renting can be the cheapest option in the long run. But for those who don't need a car on the daily and want to avoid surprise delays on the TTC, car sharing might be the best option for you.

Here's a roundup of car sharing services in Toronto. 

Zipcar

One of the first companies to bring car sharing to the city, Zipcar is one of the largest services in the world. Use the app to book a car and use the card key provided to unlock it. The yearly membership is $70 plus a $30 application fee; hourly rates are around $9.25.

Turo

This San Francisco-based company is kind of like the Airbnb of cars. Boasting the most cars available in Canada, Turo is a peer-to-peer service, meaning you can make some extra dough by renting out your car, and users can find vehicles (Porsche, anyone?) at varying prices. 

Maven

You'll only drive General Motors cars with this company, since it's a GM subsidiary. They're the newest addition to the city, so there's no membership fees, and hourly rates start low (for now) at $9 per hour. They've also got a tiny fleet, with just under 100 cars available.

Enterprise CarShare

This traditional rental service was smart to hop on the car share wagon, with tons of vehicle locations around the city. Formerly AutoShare, they have three different memberships that range from $45 a year to $200 month; the simplest plan offers an hourly rate starting at $9.25. 

Car2Go

This company only extends as north as Eglinton, and they've only got three car types: Smart cars, sedans, or hatchbacks. Good thing is you can park it anywhere within their "home area" when you're done, and they don't have membership fees. Hourly rates range from $15 to $19.

Events in Toronto today might be derailed by the snow and ice storm but if you're brave enough to get outside there's a poetry slam, all-day-party and more to keep your entertained.