Quantcast
Channel: blogTO
Viewing all 47899 articles
Browse latest View live

What to know about the College and Spadina computer stores

0
0

Computer stores have dotted the blocks near College and Spadina long before the invention of tablets and smart phones. This small stretch of 600 metres is still home to a handful of repair shops, mostly independent, with competitive prices if you know where to look.

Across the street from the electronic chain Tech Source on the northwest corner, one of the newer additions and most official on the stretch is Jump Plus. Located on the northeast corner just past the Rexall, it’s the only Apple Premium Reseller in Canada.

college and spadina computers toronto

The inside of Jump Plus is modelled after the official Apple store. Photo by Tanya Mok.

What that means is that this store is one tier above being Apple certified. Visiting this store for any repair is basically like making an appointment at a Genius Bar; the interior – planned out by Apple designers – is basically a carbon copy of the original stores.

Since the Eaton Centre’s Apple store is usually packed for days, Jump Plus remains a decent option for everything from screen repair to issues covered by your original warranty. Just make sure to book your service appointment in advance as they usually don't accommodate walk-ins.

college and spadina computers toronto

The signage outside Modcom Computers is typical for the stores that dot this stretch of College St. Photo by Tanya Mok.

A few stores down is Modcom, an independent computer store that’s been in the area for around 14 years. They specialize in Mac repairs, especially catering to the students from U of T for common mishaps like water damage.

college and spadina computers toronto

The no frills interior of Modcom Computers. Photo by Tanya Mok.

Of course service costs depend on the extent of wreckage but generally prices start upwards from $100. They also sell refurbished laptops as low as $110 and have a handy student discount.

college and spadina computers toronto

CJ Laptop Service  Centre does repairs for MAC and PCs. Photo by Tanya Mok.

A few shops down is CJ Laptop Service Centre, a 13-year old store that offers used Dell computers and Apple parts. The business started off with a Markham location called C Jay Computers before opening up its second spot on Spadina.

You can get everything from keyboards, AC adaptors and a Macbook Pro battery for $65, six month exchange warranty included.

college and spadina computers toronto

Canada Computers doesn't like sunlight, preferring to cover its windows with ads promoting what's within. Photo by Tanya Mok.

Cross over to the north side of the street and you’ll see the hard-to-miss Canada Computers store. This tech megabrand has two locations on this street alone: they’re basically the godfathers of this IT stretch.

college and spadina computers toronto

Inside Canada Computers. Photo by Tanya Mok.

This location closer to Spadina caters to everything computer related while its second store a little further west concentrates more on home entertainment systems. You can find prices of their stock online and save yourself some work prior to your visit.

Staff at Canada Computers are super knowledgeable (is there such a thing as too knowledgeable?) and they offer everything from computer fixes to electronics and circuits parts for the home builder, with prices and weekly deals that definitely rival Best Buy and Amazon.

college and spadina computers toronto

Hi Tech Direct specialized in data recovery and iPhone repair. Photo by Tanya Mok.

Head a tiny bit west past Fresca Pizza and you’ll hit Hi Tech Direct, which has been around for seven years and offer repairs on any Apple products, cell phones, and data recovery or backup.

college and spadina computers toronto

A list of services and prices offered by Hi Tech Direct. Photo by Tanya  Mok.

The store is incredibly sparse but don't let that fool you: prices here are pretty reasonable and they also do cell phone unlocking while selling basics like hard drives and chargers. 

college and spadina computers toronto

The inside of iTech Mobile is one of the nicer ones on College St. Photo by Tanya Mok.

Further on the same side of the street iTech Mobile, which only specializes in phone repairs. They've got a huge selection of phone cases for all types of models, averaging around $19, and extra little gadgets and dangly things to make your phone more fun. 

college and spadina computers toronto

IX Tech is one of the newer stores on College St. Photo by Tanya Mok.

Next to Hopper Coffee and the patio of Free Times Cafe is another new addition, 6ix Tech. The technicians offer all types of services here, from cracked LCD phone screens to computer parts replacements and water damaged tablets. 

college and spadina computers toronto

A retro Street Fighter 2 arcade machine sits inside 6ix Tech on College St. Photo by Tanya Mok.

They've also got a charging station in the store and a soon-to-be-working arcade machine that will have tons of games to pass the hour while technicians take a look at your device. 

college and spadina computers toronto

Creatron Inc. specializes in all sorts of computer parts. Photo by Tanya Mok.

And across the street, Creatron Inc.'s only location outside of Scarborough provides all the parts needed to complete your arduino board. Instead of heading to Ebay, hobbyists can buy LEDs and Rasberry Pis without having to wait for long ship times.

Despite the competitive prices, many of these stores at College and Spadina have a symbiotic relationship: you'll sometimes see technicians running to their neighbours for parts they don't have.

If you can't find a fix for your tech-related problem on this stretch, you likely won't find it anywhere else. 

college and spadina computers toronto


Toronto really hates the outrageous cost to drive on the Highway 407 ETR

0
0

The Highway 407 ETR is freaking expensive. There's no getting around it. The highway is notorious for charging interest fees on the low and never letting old debts slide – ever. 

Just this month, a man in Brampton received a bill of almost $30,000 for fees on a transponder he hadn't used in a decade.

Another man living in Lindsay racked up $43,000 in 2014 from interest charges and penalties over a ten year period.

How that kind of charging system is even allowed is still a mystery (though the selling-off of the highway to the private sector  in 1999 probably has something to do with it). Either way, Toronto drivers are getting weary of the 407.

With prices like these, it seems spending the money on a flight to somewhere outside Ontario might be more worthwhile than a drive around the GTA.

"It's rude," says Mark Healy, an investment consultant and former King City resident who's been using the 407 for years. "It's downright rude." 

Healy says he was shocked when he saw a charge on his ETR bill for $34.84 last month.

highway 407 etr toronto

Surge pricing saw an added $5 to Mark Healy's one-way trip from Oakville to Markham during rush hour. 

The one-way trip, which was from Neyagawa Boulevard in Oakville to Kennedy Road, encompassed a distance of 70 kilometres.

But because it was during rush hour (between 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.) prices surged by $5, a tactic which Marks calls "insult pricing".

"I'm never going to use the 407 unless it's an emergency," he says. 

In response to the complaint Healy submitted to the 407 website, the highway's customer operations replied,"Drivers of 407 ETR save both time and money by driving at a safe and consistent speed."

"...most customers agree that the savings they experience (faster/reliable travel times, using less fuel and reduced repairs and maintenance costs), offsets some, most or even all their toll costs." 

highway 407 etr toronto

Prices to drive on the 407 have gotten more expensive since February 1, especially  during rush hours.

Since February 1, certain 407 fees have increased on an average of five cents, presumably to offset expenditures on the new addition to Highway 407, including the new 412 and the upcoming Highway 418. 

Monthly transponder leases have gone up from $3.90 to $3.95, and light vehicles driving without a transponder are now being charged $4.15 instead of $4.10 per trip. 

That might not seem like a lot, but those nickels add up. Plus, per kilometre trips have also gotten more expensive. Heading eastbound in zone 1 during rush hour once cost around 42 cents per kilometre; now it costs about 47 cents. 

If you travel around 12 km a day during rush hour (from Ninth street to Kennedy, for example), that's an extra 60 cents daily, which ultimately ends up being an added $144 per year. 

As for whether it's going to get better any time soon, it's best not to keep your hopes up. Highway 407 will remain privatized for another 80 years – as per the lease signed in 1999 – meaning we'll be subject to however much the owners want to charge us until 2098. 

It's bad enough that ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft already charge surge prices – it sucks that a major highway that's already atrociously expensive does it too. 

10 things to do in Toronto today

0
0

Events in Toronto today include the vigil for the victim's of the van attack, the opening of Canada's Wonderland and ongoing screenings at Hot Docs.

Events you might want to check out:

City of Toronto Vigil for Victims of Van Attack (April 29 @ Mel Lastman Square)
The city is honouring the victims of the April 23 van attack with a vigil in Mel Lastman Square.
Opening Day at Canada’s Wonderland (April 29 @ Canada's Wonderland)
This year there are two all-new rides to look forward to: Lumberjack and Flying Canoes.
Veg Spring Market (April 29 @ Artscape Wychwood Barns)
Big names in vegetarian, vegan and plant-based goods come together to celebrate spring.
Annual Spring Yard Sale (April 29 @ Dundas and Carlaw)
The neighbourhood surrounding Dundas Street and Carlaw Avenue is having a collective de-clutter, where they're selling their stuff and having a big community barbecue.
Twins (April 29 @ The Baby G)
Synthy vibes mixed with EBM, wave, weirdo-pop from TWINS, Gel Set and Toronto's own Joel Eel and Kaade.
The Yacoubian Building (April 29 @ Aga Khan Museum)
Director Marwan Hamed's 2006 film explores this epic dubbed “the most expensive Egyptian movie ever made.”
Zeca & The Hydroponic Lizards (April 29 @ The Local)
Mixing the Brazilian movements Tropicália and Clube da Esquina with classic rock, the quirky Zeca & The Hydroponic Lizards hit the stage in Toronto.
The Speakeasy 1.6 (April 29 @ Monarch Tavern)
This big showcase includes comedians, musicians, poets, storytellers, performers and artists showing off the best of their stuff.
True Crime Trivia (April 29 @ I'll Be Seeing You)
Test your true crime knowledge at this trivia night.
Hot Docs (April 26 - May 6 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
This year's Hot Docs will see over 200 documentaries from Canada and around the world showcased, including many female-driven films.

5 movies to watch at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival

0
0

The Toronto Jewish Film Festival kicks off its 2018 season on May 3 with features, documentaries and shorts by Jewish filmmakers from all over the world. This year's theme is 'it's complicated', and indeed, each work offers a nuanced and complex take.

Here are some of the top films to check out during the festival.

Juda

If you're a fan of either Snatch or Buffy the Vampire Slayer (or both, why not?), Juda is your film. Director Meni Yaesh tells the story of Juda, Ben Haim's get rich quick scheme which goes totally awry after he ends up turning into a vampire.

Outdoors

Marriage is a challenging subject to capture, but director Asaf Saban, using the surrounding landscape, gives an honest portrait of domestic life and the difficulties all relationships face.

The Ancient Law

A precursor to the famous "The Jazz Singer", this 1923 silent film gets new life with a digital restoration, and added musical accompaniment, as it tells the story of Jewish life in 19th century Germany.

The Museum

Winner of the festival's top prize, this film follows the daily goings-on at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem over a year-and-a-half period. Nearly everyone becomes a star in their own right, from the singing security guard to the museum's many visitors.

Future ’38

Nurse Jackie's Betty Gilpin gets gussied up to star in this screwball comedy set in 1938 Hollywood. Using the wonders of time travel, she travels 80 years into the future in the hopes of capturing a nuclear weapon that will stop the Nazis.

The top 5 free events in Toronto this week

0
0

Spend some time this week not spending anything at the many free events going on in Toronto. Have some fun–for free–at a photo exhibit and a dog show. There's also a tea frappe giveaway and a totally free market.

Events you might want to check out:

50x50 (May 1-30 @ George Brown College's Waterfront Campus)
George Brown College is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a photo exhibit that looks at immigrants whose lives have been shaped by education.
Free Tea Frappes (May 4 @ Plentea Tea Bar)
Plentea is launching its line of new tea frappes and giving out one per customer between noon and 3 p.m.
May Really Really Free Market (May 5 @ Campbell Park)
Don't even think about bringing money to the May edition of this totally free, no swapping, no spending market.
Park and Bark Dog Show (May 5 @ Yonge St at Davisville Parking Lot)
Yes, dogs. This community puppy party will feature dog and human food and drinks, samples, exhibitions and a show.
The Uncanny Valley Portraits (May 1-31 @ Only One Gallery)
Wax figures including Mike Tyson, Justin Bieber and Stephen Colbert prove to be a source of intrigue for photographer Peter Andrew Lusztyk as he explores the eeriness and feelings of revulsion among observers. Official opening night reception is May 4 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The top 10 events in Toronto this May

0
0

Events in Toronto this May include Electric Island returning home to Hanlan's Point, the inaugural Beanstock Coffee Festival and musicians flocking to the city for Canadian Music Week.

Events you might want to check out:

The Trolley (May 5 @ Cinesphere)
Toronto's own TTC streetcar takes the spotlight in filmmaker Stephen Low's exploration of trolleys from all over the world.
The Flood (May 5 @ Fairland Supermarket)
The abandoned Fairland Supermarket in Kensington gets a new life with a wild fantasy party featuring the fire-spewing giant dragon Heavy Meta.
Canadian Music Week (May 7-13 @ Multiple Venues)
Artists from all over Canada and beyond come to Toronto for a week long festival of performances at venues all over the city.
Kpop Con (May 18-20 @ Metro Toronto Convention Centre)
It's a huge gathering of all things Kpop with performances from Amber J. Liu and A.C.E, to name a few.
Electric Island (May 20 - September 3 @ Hanlan's Point)
Electric Island returns to the Islands after last year's flooding with Archie Hamilton, Green Velvet, Yoko0 and more headlining the EDM festival.
Inside Out (May 24 - June 3 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox)
Toronto's LGBT community comes together in celebration of the best queer films from Canada and around the world.
Anime North (May 25-27 @ Toronto Congress Center)
One of North America's biggest anime conventions celebrates anime, manga, music, games and all things Japanese culture.
CBC Music Festival (May 26 @ RBC Echo Beach)
All-Canadian talent takes the stage with July Talk, A Tribe Called Red and Charlotte Day Wilson headlining this one-day music event.
Beanstock Coffee Festival (May 26-27 @ Harbourfront Centre)
It's the first Toronto edition of the Beanstock Coffee Festival, with 24 roasters pouring different brews over two days in an abandoned warehouse along the waterfront.
Power Ball XX (May 31 @ Power Plant)
This annual art party and fundraiser is celebrating its 20th year with a carnivalesque mashup of art, edibles, waggishness and tomfoolery.

10 places to get a coffee education in Toronto

0
0

Whether you want to open your own coffee shop, be a barista or just be able to impress your friends with your latte art and lingo, there are plenty of ways to learn more about the finer aspects of everyone's favourite morning beverage.

Here's a round-up of places to get a coffee education in Toronto.

Canadian Barista & Coffee Academy

The Academy has been around since 2001, offering intensive sessions like barista levels I, II and III ($279 each), "Bean to Cup" ($279) and "Opening a Coffee Business" ($795).

Merchants of Green Coffee

MGC hosts four workshops at their café just east of the DVP: "Green Beans 101", "The Art of Roasting", "The Alchemy of Brewing" and "Cupping & Tasting" ($50 each). 

The Espresso Institute of North America Inc.

This espresso training studio and coffee lab is run out of owner Ezra Braves coffee shop Ezra's Pound, but they also do home visits. All classes are custom, so pricing varies, and conducted by industry pros. 

Pilot Coffee Roasters

One of Toronto's top roasters, Pilot offers two barista training courses: Level One ($150)–the "Espresso Lab"–which teaches the basics, and Level Two ($150) called "Latte Art."

Bicerin Coffee Lab

Bicerin Coffee Lab regularly offers certification courses–with designations from the Specialty Coffee Association–and coffee workshops. There are also options to take private and group classes.

Mercury Espresso Bar

For baristas with big dreams, Mercury Espresso Bar in Leslieville offers an intensive, one-on-one nine-session course ($750). Covering everything from the basics to the minute details of crafting espresso drinks, this training is for the Rocky Balboas of coffee.

Zuccarini

Zuccarini makes espresso machines, so when it comes to operating one they really know what they're doing. They offer their "Commercial Barista Training" ($150) and Home Barista Training" ($75) courses.

Bartender One

BartenderOne offers their three hour "Buena Barista" course ($79) where students are taught about the coffee regions of the world  and learn techniques to pull that perfect shot of espresso.

M Square Coffee

This coffee hub in the Path offers "Brew Camp" where, instead of using espresso machines, they invite students to come in for a training session using either an aeropress or a clever coffee dripper. 

Port 1 Café and Gelateria

Just outside of Toronto, this café offers their "Basic Barista Training Workshop" ($120) which teaches the fundamentals of crafting espresso and espresso-based drinks. You'll learn everything from proper milk steaming techniques to dosing, grooming and tamping.

7 schools to take flying lessons in Toronto

0
0

Flying lessons in Toronto will provide you a direct airpath to your PPL – a Private Pilot License. Book a hangar tour at any of these schools to see if it’s the right one for you.

Aside from hourly costs, fuel surcharges, wait times on the ground and proximity to practice areas, remember that vibing with your instructor and the school itself is just as important. 

Here’s a roundup of schools in and around Toronto where you can take flying lessons.

School of Avaiation

Seneca College has a School of Aviation that offers several programs. Based out of the Peterborough Airport, you can practice in a single engine Cessna 172 before moving to the twin-engine Beechcraft Baron. Already licensed? There's also a multi-crew training program.

Canadian Flyers

This small private, uncontrolled airfield in the Markham Airport only has one short, 2,000-foot runway. That’s not a bad thing, though, since having its own practice runway means saving time traveling to and from another area. Plus we all know short runways make good pilots.

Island Air Flight School & Charters

Train with commercial pilots at the only flight school running out of Billy Bishop airport on the Island. You can get a private pilot license flying a two-seater Cessna 150 and a four-seater Cessna 172 in Claremont,  about 10 minutes' flight away.

Toronto Airways Flight Training

This company has been in the industry for over 50 years, amalgamating with its sister school Canadian Flight Academy to provide 24 planes in their training fleet, the majority of which are the Cessna 172S. Classes recently switched over to Oshawa Executive Airport from Buttonville.

Durham Flight Centre

This flight school based out of Oshawa Executive Airport offers two types of PPL packages: 5-hour and 10-hour sessions in a Cessna 152. You can also upgrade to a Cessna 172 for an extra $100 or $200. With a small fleet, this school is definitely one of the most affordable on the list.

Brampton Flight Centre

This school is over 70 years old and has a solid reputation in the flight training business. Based out of Brampton Airport, the runways here are slim at just 40 meters wide which is good for practicing. Just know there's an annual membership fee paid to the Brampton Flying Club.

Barrie Flying Centre

The most popular class here is the introductory course, flying out of Springwater Airpark. You get a great view of Georgian Bay and Collingwood, and you can get your Pilot Permit flying the school's super sleek Light Sport Aircrafts.


Toronto sushi restaurants the latest targets in use of black plastic

0
0

In the wake of the mass revelation that black plastic can't be recycled, restaurants and cafes in Toronto have begun making moves to go plastic-free.

Over 80 restaurants in the city have decided to go straw-less, and a handful of cafes have begun using recyclable coffee cup lids instead of the black plastic kind.

But other purveyors of black plastic in the industry have yet to make the jump to more eco-friendly packaging.

Japanese restaurants serving party trays of sashimi and California rolls to-go use black plastic containers on the regular but it seems none have caught on to the trend of switching over to recyclable packaging. 

Several sushi businesses in Toronto (who asked not to be named) stated they had no idea that their takeout boxes were ending up in the landfill. 

According to Sean Akiyama, who's parents run the seafood market and sushi takeout spot Taro's Fish, the black plastic takeout containers are industry standard. 

"I didn't know it was not recyclable," he says. And while a switch over to biodegradable packaging might be on the horizon, some of the onus also rests on the customers who buy their sushi to go.  

"Most of the customers are just throwing them in the trash, so even if you did make it recyclable it wouldn't really help," he says. 

On top of that, many sushi tray suppliers don't even offer biodegradable options.

Tray Solutions Inc., an independent wholesaler on Pharmacy Avenue, has been supplying restaurants with takeout containers for nearly six years and only deals in plastic. 

According to owner Daniel Ahn, biodegradable sushi trays are 40 percent more expensive than the regular black plastic kind – a cost which his "tiny independent business" can't swallow. 

"Small business owners want to keep it simple and they don't want to take any risks," he says. Eco-friendly boxes made of paper or bamboo are also much heavier than cheap black plastic, which Daniel says can be a problem for storage. 

And though Tray Solutions does offer some clear plastic options that can be recycled, he says larger suppliers like Nishimoto are better positioned to stock both plastic and biodegradable options. 

The American distributor of Japanese supplies MTC Kitchen, for example, offers packaging that's better better for the environment, but for a pretty penny. 

MTC's site sells one pack of 50 black plastic trays for $10.92 CAD, however, for the same quantity of boxes made of recyclable wheat straw fibre, it costs $13.36. 

In a city with well over a hundred Japanese takeout spots, that extra toonie and change can be the ultimate deal-breaker for small restaurants trying to break even.

Unless businesses start seeing public demand for it, details like recyclability will likely continue to fall to the wayside where money is concerned. 

"Some [environmentally] conscious owners may not care about the cost," says Daniel. But as of right now, he says, most businesses do.  

The top 5 new art galleries in Toronto

0
0

The top new art galleries in Toronto are places to celebrate because there are never enough inclusive venues to showcase Toronto talent. Whether you're looking for inspiration or just want to check out what the city has to offer, these venues should be on your must-visit list. 

Here are my picks for the top new art galleries in Toronto.

Gallery 181

This contemporary gallery across from Moss Park, curated by HGTV star Danielle Nicholas Bryk, showcases the latest in street art – like works by Instagram star PhoebeNewYork – photography, paintings and sketches.

ILLEgallery

Post-urban art is the main focus at this Junction gallery; expect art along the vein of Canadian graffiti legend Case MacKeen and the acclaimed street artist Elicser.

Zwig Collection 

Created in memory of the Zwig couple – who were avid sailors and art lovers – this gallery showcases work from the Epic Condos on West Queen West. Its inaugural exhibition showcased a variety from the couple's collection, from Inuit art to 20th century European sculptures. 

Margin of Eras Gallery

This Parkdale gallery focuses on displaying artwork from artists between the ages of 15 and 29, all of whom live and express from the margins of society. If you’re looking for new talent, check out their latest showings, or drop by for an activist meeting. 

Withrow Common

Located on the CNE grounds, this spacious new gallery sits in an old office space on the Queen Elizabeth Building grounds. A hulking 6,082 square-foot venue, Withrow Common also acts as an event space.

Toronto chefs are checking out of the restaurant industry

0
0

Being a chef at a restaurant isn't easy. Long hours spent on your feet are physically draining, and all-day shifts don't leave you much time to spend outside of the kitchen. 

It's why Matthew Duffy, a seasoned cook and baker based in Toronto, decided to ditch the restaurants and become an independent chef. 

Once a sous chef at Cafe Boulud, Duffy is no stranger to high-pressure environments. Like most people in the kitchen, he's fallen victim to the intensive lifestyle required of those in the hospitality industry – something he calls "a young person's game." 

"You get so busy you don't eat," he says. 

But after some life-altering experiences that included an intense hand surgery three years ago, Matthew decided he needed to make a change. 

"All I had done for my adult life since I finished university was work myself to the bone," he says. "It's about the longevity of your life." 

After deciding to leave the restaurant life behind him, Duffy started his own business and dove headfirst into running private events, cooking for clients and prepping food on his own time. 

As a self-described "sourdough bread fanatic", he also started his own subscription-based service, baking loaves of bread from ancient grains for subscribers weekly and delivering it to their doors.

"It's a little more satisfying, a little more rewarding," he says of the switch. With a newborn baby, Duffy says he now better manages his hours, adjusting accordingly to his family's needs. 

Now, he's become an expert of sorts on becoming a rogue chef (he'll be giving a talk on it at Drake Commissary next month). It seems as though the shift from a restaurant chef to a private chef is becoming increasingly trendy.

According to Duffy, more chefs are now bringing the cooking process home, making money through private events where "you get paid very well to do the job." 

And with the advent of social media, advertising your own projects has never been easier.

Pop-up events like k.dinners, run by Ken Yau of Scaramouche and Fat Duck, gain traction through online platforms like Facebook and Instagram. 

Since this form of self-advertising costs next to nothing, chefs have more time and capital to choose their own menu, price points, and locations, often charging premium per person for seven-or-more-course meals.

But just as working as a restaurant chef is for the young bloods, becoming an independent chef is something best attempted when you've had more than a few years of cooking at a reputable restaurant under your belt. 

Charging $100 per person for one dinner makes more sense when you've worked at The Four Seasons than when the only cooking experience you have is culinary class at the local college. 

"It's all about developing a reputation with people," says Duffy. "That's what helps you out down the road."

By amassing a client base for your future dinners, you're ensuring your 'independent' title doesn't just mean 'unemployed' three months after you've left your old job. 

At the end of the day, the food industry remains a collaborative experience, regardless of whether you're in the restaurant kitchen or not. 

Orfus Road is Toronto's outlet store wonderland

0
0

Orfus Road is Toronto’s mecca of outlet stores, slashed prices and BOGO sales. All dispersed along a 600-metre stretch, no discount is too high at the stores on this busy street. 

While it only takes about 12 minutes to walk the length of it, you can spend hours on Orfus Road, and many people have made a weekend tradition of perusing the heaps of clothes offered here with family and friends.

orfus road torontoContained between Dufferin and Caledonia Roads, the street’s proximity to Yorkdale (just a two minute drive away) only makes its bargains seem so much more appealing.orfus road torontoThe stretch, though still the same in essence, has changed a bit over the years to accommodate more trendy food spots for shoppers. Newer restaurants like Burger’s Priest on the northeast corner of Dufferin provide a source of sustenance pre-or-post-shopping.

orfus road torontoThere are also more food options at the plaza further west, with restaurants like the popular Korean mainstay Seoul House, the Chinese joint Noodle King, and Orfus Wrap and Grill– where you can chow on shawarma and halal beef burgers – right across the street. 

orfus road torontoIn that same plaza you’ll also find the head Toronto office of the popular Japanese cheesecake company Uncle Tetsu, and walking further down you’ll encounter Marche Istanbul, the Turkish grocery store full of hard-to-find condiments and snacks.

orfus road torontoA warm little market with a surprisingly large selection, Marche Istanbul stocks everything from olives to jams, to traditional Turkish teapots too, as well as a good variety of biscuits and snacks. 

orfus road torontoAcross the street, you’ll see the sleek entrance of Grande Cheese Factory Outlet, a huge Italian superstore next to the Dollarama that’s been selling Italian favourites like antipasto and olive oil for over a quarter of a century.

orfus road torontoImmediately upon walking in you’ll be greeted by a waft of pungent cheese: they have over 40 types of cheese here that come in all shapes and sizes, from mini bocconcini to giant parmesan wheels.

orfus road blogtoContinue walking west down Orfus and you’ll begin to notice the slow increase in 50 percent off signs and mannequins, indicating that you've arrived at the street's core. 

orfus road torontoAt the 39 Orfus Road plaza, longtime go-tos like Jessica Nail, the ultimate nail salon and supplies store, Nygard and Nine West outlets attract people looking to find some deals on brand names.

orfus road torontoFor a quick reprieve from looking at cheap shoes and sweaters, Party City offers everything party-related and specializes in bundles of helium balloons. From streamers, plastic cups and plates to themed costume stuff – you name it, this massive store has it all.

orfus road torontoA more recent addition to the street, Orfus’ Uncle Tetsu storefront might be the least busy of all its locations. It’s still crowded though, and on a weekend you can expect to see the interior of the cheesecake shop looking pretty packed.

The next plaza continues to offer more outlets: Le Chateau, Ardene, Ducati Shoes and Gadgets' windows are all flooded with on-sale signs.

orfus road torontoThe Designer Fragrances Depot is a real doozey. Essentially just heaps of clothes and merchandise, it feels less like shopping here and more like sorting through a landfill – but the prices are so low it might just be worth it.

orfus road torontoIf you're actually able to dig through the chaos find something you like, it’ll likely be under $5. The best bargains here are probably the nail polish – $1 each – or the small collection of cosmetics at the front.

orfus road torontoHeading further toward Caledonia you’ll start to see an influx of kids and their parents running – likely with some balloons from Party City – toward Rinx, the premiere local spot for kids' birthday parties. 

orfus road torontoWith roller skating, laser tag, bowling and bumper cars available all in one place, this playh0use is guaranteed to make some lasting memories. 

orfus road torontoHot dog stands and ice cream trucks are an essential part of the Orfus experience; you'll see crowds of walkers looking for sustenance from them throughout the day.

orfus road toronto

If browsing through the Stitches and Bluenotes outlets has you feeling weak, you can grab a hot dog from the handful of stands that are sure to be lining the street on weekends.orfus road torontoThe last destination business on Orfus Road is Stryke Target Range, another fairly new facility that’s kind of like Rinx but for adults.

orfus road torontoGroups come to this 10,000 square foot space to hurl axes, shoot arrows and throw knives at targets with their friends. Big plus: they also serve liquor and pub food.orfus road torontoIt's not hard to see the beginnings of change on Orfus Road, with closing sign sales on old stores along the stretch and lease signs dotting the lawns. It's unlikely, however, that any new businesses moving in will be anything other than discount-type stores.

Developers should know that anyone arriving to Orfus Road comes with the intention of snagging cheap deals. If that's your M-O, it's unlikely you'll leave the street empty handed. 
orfus road toronto

15 things to do in Toronto this week

0
0

Events in Toronto this week see a big party at Ripley's and the premiere of a film featuring TTC streetcars. There's a lot of free stuff going on.

Events you might want to check out:

Sheila Heti's Motherhood Book Launch (April 30 @ Gladstone Ballroom)
Celebrate the launch of the long anticipated novel that paints a daring, funny and poignant portrait about the desire and duty to procreate.
The Story Collider (April 30 @ Burdock)
Come out for a night of true, personal stories about the defining moments in science featuring Jennifer Chan, Jennifer Colbourne, George Kourounis, Anthony Morgan and Olivia Shortt.
Fireside Tales (May 1 @ Dufferin Grove Park)
Take advantage of the warmer weather at Toronto's coziest storytelling show. Hosts Rhiannon Archer and Helder Brum bring together some of the city's best storytellers around a fire with hot cocoa and marshmallows.
Panda Bear (May 2 @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre)
After putting out his latest vinyl-only EP in January, Animal Collective’s sample-loving co-founder has hit the road solo, bringing fellow experimental AC member, Geologist, along for the ride.
SheDot Festival (May 3-6 @ Multiple Venues)
Female comedians showcase their stuff with stand-up, sketch, improv, storytelling, workshops and expert panels.
Toronto Jewish Film Festival (May 3-13 @ Multiple Venues)
Celebrating its 26th year, this festival showcases the best in Jewish film at theatres across the city.
Mom at Scrap Metal (May 3 - June 16 @ Scrap Metal)
The lines between family and muse become blurred with Charlie Engman’s photographic project focused solely on his mother. Opening reception is May 3 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
GradEx (May 3-6 @ OCAD University)
Catch young artists before they make their way out into the creative world with showings across the school's galleries.
Stars on Ice (May 4 @ Air Canada Centre)
See Olympic gold medalists and three-time World Ice Dance Champions Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir, Olympic Silver Medalist Patrick Chan, 2017 World Silver Medalist Kaetlyn Osmond and more.
Cosplay Bash (May 4 @ Ripley's Aquarium of Canada)
In honour of Star Wars Day, Ripley's is throwing a huge cosplay party with music and drinks.
The Trolley (May 5 @ Cinesphere)
Toronto's own TTC streetcar takes the spotlight in filmmaker Stephen Low's exploration of trolleys from around the world.
Feast in the East (May 5 @ The Jam Factory)
This recurring east side event series features music, food and art installations.
The Flood (May 5 @ Fairland Supermarket)
The abandoned Fairland Supermarket in Kensington gets a new life with a fantasy party featuring the fire-spewing giant dragon Heavy Meta.
QS World MBA Tour (May 6 @ DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown)
If you've been thinking about going back to school, this event features representatives from top schools and info on how to earn a Masters or PhD.
Hot Docs (April 26 - May 6 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
This year's Hot Docs will see over 200 documentaries from Canada and around the world showcased, including many female-driven films.

The top 10 markets and pop-ups in Toronto this May

0
0

The top markets and pop-ups this month usher spring in with the first Toronto Flower Market of the season and the Spring Into Parkdale Sidewalk Festival & Night Market.

Events you might want to check out:

Wear Your World UT Exhibit (May 2-5 @ Queen Street West and McCaul)
This pop-up from UNIQLO features close to one thousand graphic tees from the 2018 UT collection.
Stray and Wander x Cobalt Swim Pop-Up (May 7-24 @ 38 Ossington Ave)
Luxury goods designer Stray & Wander is teaming up with Cobalt Swim at this pop-up sale to get you ready for summer.
Buy Good. Feel Good. Expo (May 10-13 @ Enercare Centre)
Ethical, sustainable and locally-sourced products will be available from a huge selection of vendors.
Spring into Parkdale (May 12 @ Parkdale Village)
Queen West gets taken over by a sprawling festival and night market stretched out between Roncesvalles and Dufferin streets.
Blossom and Bloom (May 12-14 @ Union Station)
Union Station is set to be transformed into a floral paradise with live music, art installations and interactive workshops for Mother's Day.
Toronto Flower Market (May 12 - October 20 @ CAMH)
This spring favourite kicks off the season, featuring locally grown flowers from fields and greenhouses around the city.
Leslieville Flea (May 13 @ The Broadview Hotel)
Local vendors bring in a curated selection of vintage and handcrafted items, plus drinks and a casual barbecue.
Pop-Up at the Barns (May 19 - October 6 @ Artscape Wychwood Barns)
The first community market of the season will feature dozens of artisans, food, activities and entertainment.
Lift Cannabis Expo (May 25-27 @ Metro Toronto Convention Centre)
Exhibitors and industry speakers will be on hand to present on all things cannabis.
Trinity Bellwoods Flea (May 27 @ The Great Hall)
Vendors are taking up shop inside and outside of the Great Hall with goods and treats from a wide variety of makers.

Wild video shows stolen Porsche ramming Toronto police cruiser

0
0

Toronto Police say that a man was taken into custody this weekend after allegedly ramming a stolen car it into a TPS vehicle and then fleeing the scene on foot — and it was all captured on camera.

Footage shot by an eye witness and later uploaded to Instagram shows a white Porsche convertible driving on the shoulder of Toronto's Gardiner Expressway near the Dufferin Street bridge around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Officers had already been pursuing the vehicle, according to Const. Allyson Douglas-Cook, when it smashed into the side of a cleverly-maneuvered police SUV.

The driver, clad in a red Supreme hoodie, immediately opened the luxury car's door, prompting police to block him in with a sharp turn of their cruiser.

Somehow, the driver still managed to shimmy his way out of the car and run from police — though not for very long.

Douglas-Cook told CP24 that officers were able to catch up with the suspect after a "short foot chase" and take him into custody.

The man was arrested, though no specific details about what he is charged with have been released. Fortunately, nobody was injured as a result of the incident.


The Best Pide in Toronto

0
0

The best pide in Toronto brings a Turkish classic to Canada. Whether ultra-thin, crispy square slices or cheesy oblongs, pide is yet another delicious carb delivery vehicle done right in this city.

Here's the best pide in Toronto.

11 - Kebab 49

This casual joint near Kipling and Dundas does six types of side including a classic Turkish sausage one on thin crust dough.
8 - Pasha's Authentic Turkish Cuisine

The pide at this Thorncliffe Park destination comes in many varieties including spinach, sausage and Black Sea style with seasoned ground veal, onion and mozzarella.
9 - Best Istanbul

A dizzying assortment of 18 pide are available at this restaurant near Keele and Wilson including one that lets your try slices from an assortment of their best sellers.
10 - Sofra Istanbul

Near Steeles and Jane, this restaurant does eight types of side including the Konya-style topped with ground beef, onions, herbs and feta.
4 - Mr. Pide

Get the classic Turkish sausage and egg or spinach feta cheese pide at this Danforth spot, or opt for the Karisik, a combo of their best selling toppings.
5 - Mustafa

This classic spot near Dufferin and Wilson is designed to look like an actual Turkish cave. Get thin pide slices topped with crumbly, crispy meat.
6 - Byblos

This fancy restaurant in the Entertainment District is where to go for upscale pide with toppings like chanterelle mushrooms, roasted garlic, fontina, marjoram and sumac onions.
3 - Pizza Pide

This Leslieville joint has been doing pide right for over 15 years. Though flatbreads vary in shape and size from round to oval to square slices with various levels of bread coverage, they’re all tasty and halal.
7 - Dino's Wood Burning Pizza

This neighbourhood favourite on the Queensway serves up seven types of side including a gyro version with mozzarella, lamb and beef strips.

Thousands attend Toronto vigil for van attack victims

0
0

Sunday marked a somber occasion for the people of Toronto as thousands gathered in memory of those killed during last Monday's tragic van attack near Yonge and Finch.

The attack, which saw a white rental plow into pedestrians along a stretch of sidewalk in north Toronto, resulted in 10 deaths and 15 injuries.

Toronto Strong vigilThe 10 victims who were killed last week are: Anne Marie D'Amico, 30, Dorothy Sewell, 80, Renuka Amarasingha, 45, Munir Najjar, 85, Chul Min (Eddie) Kang, 45, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Forsyth, 94, Sohe Chung, 22, Andrea Bradden, 33, Geraldine Brady, 83, Ji Hun Kim, 22.

Toronto Strong vigilSuspect Alek Minassian, 25, was apprehended by police shortly after the April 23 incident and remains in police custody. He was charged on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after the attack, with 10 counts of first degree murder of 13 of attempted murder.

Toronto Strong vigilPeople from around the world have been expressing their condolences and showing support for the victims and their families en masse since last Monday.

Nearly 2 million has now been raised through the city's #TorontoStrong fund, with hundreds of thousands more coming in from individual and group GoFundMe campaigns.

Toronto Strong vigil

Dreary weather did nothing to stop locals from attending yesterday's vigil at Mel Lastman Square, which is close to where the attack took place.

Among them were Toronto Mayor John Tory, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne.

Toronto Strong vigilA wide variety of speakers took the stage to share words of hope and comfort with the vigil's attendees, including Toronto's poet laureate Anne Michaels.

Religious leaders who spoke to the crowd include Dr. Bhante Saranapala, Deputy Abbot of the West End Buddhist Temple & Meditation Centre, Yael Splansky, Senior Rabbi of Holy Blossom Temple,  and Toronto Police Service Hindu chaplain Pandit Suraj Persad.

Toronto Strong vigilSeveral choirs, including the Toronto Children's Concert Choir (below), were also on hand to sing in honour of those affected by last week's attack.

Toronto Strong vigil

A joint high school choir composed of students from Earl Haig and Cardinal Carter (below) performed the national anthem, while church choirs performed hymns like "Amazing Grace" and "Instrument of Peace."Toronto Strong vigil

Moving into the evening, candles were lit for each of the victims.

Toronto Strong vigilIndividual mourners lit candles of their own near where the attack took place.

Toronto Strong vigil

Many brought flowers with them to the vigil and laid them in the same location.

toronto strong vigilThe candles and flowers were placed around a large shrine comprised signs with messages like "Love for all, Hatred for none" and "Toronto Strong."

Toronto Strong vigil

Some more personal signs contained individual messages from classrooms, church groups and individual supporters.

Toronto Strong vigil

Hundreds of flower bouquets filled a tribute area near Mel Lastman Square on Sunday night, where they will presumably remain for quite some time.Toronto Strong vigil

This Week on DineSafe: Ali Baba's, Spiced Indian Bistro, One Pear, Hooters, Second Cup

0
0

This week on DineSafe, Toronto health inspectors shut down an Indian restaurant in Corktown. The restaurant managed to rack up an alarming nine infractions including failing to prevent an insect infestation.

See what other local establishments got busted by city health inspectors this week on DineSafe.

Ali Baba's (2246 Bloor St. West)
  • Inspected on: April 23, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 2, Significant: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Bagel Time (582 Danforth Ave.)
  • Inspected on: April 24, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 2)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Bar Hop Brewco (137 Peter St.)
  • Inspected on: April 24, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 1, Significant: 4, Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.
Commisso Brothers (8 Kincort St.)
  • Inspected on: April 24, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 2 (Minor: 1, Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.
Don Don Izakaya (130 Dundas St. West)
  • Inspected on: April 24, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 3)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
One Pear (201 Dundas St. West)
  • Inspected on: April 24, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 2, Significant: 3, Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 4C (40F) or colder.
Spice Indian Bistro (320 Richmond St. East)
  • Inspected on: April 24, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Red (Closed)
  • Number of infractions: 9 (Minor: 3, Significant: 3, Crucial: 3)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to prevent an insect infestation, operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 4C (40F) or colder and operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.
Second Cup (3008A Bloor St. West)
  • Inspected on: April 25, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 2 (Significant: 1, Crucial: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 4C (40F) or colder.
Hooters (280 Adelaide St. West)
  • Inspected on: April 27, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 3 (Significant: 3)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A
Thai Elephant (813 Queen St. West)
  • Inspected on: April 27, 2018
  • Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
  • Number of infractions: 2 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1)
  • Crucial infractions include: N/A

Note: The above businesses each received infractions from DineSafe as originally reported on the DineSafe site. This does not imply that any of these businesses have not subsequently corrected the issue and received a passing grade by DineSafe inspectors. For the latest status for each of the mentioned businesses, including details on any subsequent inspections, please be sure to check the DineSafe site.

Man trashing bathroom at popular Toronto restaurant caught on video

0
0

A local restaurant patron is getting his 15 seconds of fame this week for destroying a bathroom door with one hand.

Restauranteur Grant van Gameren, who owns Bar Isabel, Bar Raval, El Rey, Harry's Charbroiled and Pretty Ugly, among others, posted some shocking security camera footage to his personal Instagram account on Sunday.

"When a BRO shows up early for his reservation but can't understand why his table's not ready," reads van Gameren's caption. "#restolife #justanothersaturdaynight #itscoolbro #weneededanewdooranyways #worldstar."

The short black and white clip shows a jacked young man in a fitted long sleeve t-shirt entering a bathroom at the popular College Street restaurant Bar Isabel.

He immediately slams the door behind him and then kicks it so hard that it flies off the hinges and spins around multiple times before crashing to the ground.

I mean, if this were filmed for some sort of action video, it would actually be kind of cool. But it wasn't. The video is just evidence of someone destroying private property.

Hundreds of people have commented on the video since van Gameren posted it, most of them to decry the kicker's behaviour and suggest that he is experiencing negative side effects from steroids, cocaine, creatine, alcohol or having undersized genitals (none of which has been proven.)

Fans of Bar Isabel are angry about the incident, but van Gameren is taking it all in stride.

"Honestly, just another day in the restaurant business," he said by email. "If it's not this, then it's someone that skips out on the bill, tells a host to f*ck off or drives a car through the front of your restaurant."

The chef went on to praise his staff and managers for remaining calm and cool.

"They removed the problem and dealt with the mess quickly," he said, "but most importantly, offered his date the opportunity to continue dining with us because no one should be around someone when they are that aggressive."

Nobody was hurt in the incident and the door has been temporarily fixed, according to van Gameren, "so that our guests can once again pee in privacy."

The top 5 gyms and fitness clubs for women in Toronto

0
0

Gyms for women in Toronto are for all the empowered women who sometimes just want a place to call their own when lifting weights, doing squats and flowing through a Vinyasa.

Here are my picks for the top gyms for women in Toronto.

Move Fitness

This boutique fitness gym in Leslieville offers strength, conditioning, and HIIT classes along with entertaining choreographed dance classes. Owner Kelly Taphouse, a former fitness model, is also a fit mom who makes daycare a priority here.

Elle Fitness

Known for its Bodies By Elle bootcamp class, this King West gym offers a challenging and extreme workout. Don’t let the pink boxing gloves and walls fool you; this gym will push you, hard. Elle Fitness offers classes like Hard Ass, Bikini Boot Camp, and Hottie Body Boxing.

Goodlife Fitness Women’s Club

This popular fitness chain has six women’s-only gyms across the GTA, including in Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, and on Toronto Street near the Financial District. The workout schedule consists of classes like SoulBody Barre, Body Combat and Body Flow. 

Verity

This 57,000-square-foot private club near Queen and Church includes a member's lounge, pool, infrared sauna, and studios for spinning, Pilates and yoga.

Toronto Newsgirls Boxing Club

This spot near Gerrard and Carlaw has been around since 1995. After getting tired of boxing at predominantly male gyms, founder Savoy Howe opened a space of her own that felt safe and positive for women. 

Viewing all 47899 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images