Students and staff at the University of Toronto have the good fortune of being located in the midst of varied downtown deliciousness. Students need not stray too far for a snack between classes, with many quality options right beside their lecture halls.

Here are my picks for some of the top restaurants and cafés near the downtown University of Toronto campus.

Innis Café

Smoothie aficionados gravitate toward Innis Café on campus, where smoothies and juices are made fresh to order. Innis is known for its really friendly staff, who work quickly to make your sandwich or salad so you don't miss a second of that enthralling microeconomics lecture.

MeeT You 177

MeeT You 177 on College is good to go for both bubble tea and Chinese food, it's also just mere minutes from U of T. They've got food favourites like Kung Pao chicken, dumplings and beef with vegetables. Wash it all down with a milk tea before class. 

Gyubee

Missed a few meals cramming for exams? Head to this all-you-can-eat Japanese barbecue joint on Bloor Street near St. George station. Here you'll find a huge range of meats, veggies and even gluten-free options, all cooked over a smokeless gas grill.

The Clubhouse Sandwich Shop 

The Clubhouse is stacked with sandwich options. Stop by for a quick soup snack or take a hearty pork sandwich to go when you're running between buildings for back-to-back lectures. 

Café Reznikoff

Here you can grab a slushie, becoming the insurmountable envy of all your classmates. In the summertime, that is. Located on the ground floor of a residence building, Reznikoff is one U of T spot with lots of grab-and-go options, like salads, pastries, coffee, and wraps.

Croutons

Croutons is a Middle Eastern grab and go salad spot on Spadina that does delivery. If you're looking for something a bit heartier, they also serve donair and falafel.

Sid's Café

If old reliables are your thing you'll like Sid's in the Sidney Smith building for its staples, like Gourmet Burger House, Sambal and Tortillas. There's also a Tim Hortons so you can be sure that your coffee needs are met. 

Galleria Supermarket (Bloor)

Galleria Supermarket has a variety of grab and go Asian snacks and meals on hand, as well as grocery items for reasonable prices if you're looking to stock up for a long night of studying. 

One Hour

Everything tastes better with a generous recline, and One Hour certainly has the seating to deliver. Lots of communal tables, movable bean bag chairs and free Wi Fi make it an ideal spot for individual or group study, with various teas, desserts, and noodle soups for fuel. 

Green Grotto

This Bay Street food and bubble tea place serves up both full meals and snacks to keep you going no matter what schedule you're on. They're open until midnight and you'll often find people huddled in the booths with laptops open. 

Brewhaha

When you're looking for a change of pace and want somewhere to sit back, relax and have a few brews, check out Brewhaha on Prince Arthur Avenue. They've got craft beers to suit every palette and a simple menu of bar food to munch on.  

Einstein Cafe and Pub

Einstein's is one of U of T's go-to after-exam spots. Be it proximity, the charming underground vibe, or utterly fantastic wings, students seem to swarm this College Street pub for post-lecture snacks and drinks. 

Magic Noodle

This noodle spot on Harbord Street serves fresh, hand-pulled noodles in both soups and stir-frys. They're open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day, so if you find yourself staying late on campus, swing by for a hearty meal to refresh your mind. 

Diabolos' Coffee Bar

In the Junior Common Room (the 'JCR', to those in the know) of University College ('UC', ibid.) lies Diabolos', a quaint little café that offers fair trade coffee, tea, and snacks. Student-owned and operated, Diablos has freshly baked muffins, vegan treats and, uh, butter chicken.

Almond Butterfly

This cute bakery on Harbord Street is the place to go for gluten-free goods. They've also got coffee, breakfast sandwiches and lunch melts that you can pick up to go along with your sugar boost. 

After 13 years, it seems 214 Augusta Avenue has finally hit its stride.

The food court with a house-like exterior and crowded entrance has re-emerged once more as the hotspot for Latin American foods in Kensington Market and I'm hoping this time it retains like that for good. 

The entrance to 214 Augusta can get cramped, with two slim entrances leading into the building. 

What began as a single-vendor building over a decade ago, now plays host to six businesses — some old, some OG — mostly specializing in Mexican cuisine.

Pico de Gallo is one of the newer businesses to join 214 Augusta. 

It hasn't always been strictly Latin favourites here. Alongside the tacos and quesadillas, 214 Augusta has been home to other international fare like Korean at Kim's a la Cart and Kensington's first Persian restaurant, Ashpazkhoune. 

All six stalls at 214 Augusta serve Mexican and Latin American cuisine. 

Those businesses, along with a handful of other Latin joints, didn't last long. Sitting in a small section dubbed as the Latin American quarter on Augusta Avenue, the international concept proved too broad for the food court's cramped little spaces. 

La Chilaca Taqueria has the classic Mexican soda Jarritos in lime, mandarin, and pineapple flavours. 

According to Enoc Ramirez, who co-runs El Gordo Fine Foods with his cousin Alfonso Segovia (owner of Segovia Meat Market next door), 214 Augusta has found its strength in keeping the food options here regional, or at least continental. 

Casamiento fuses El Salvadoran and Mexican cuisine with its signature pupusadillas. 

"We experimented with a lot of different cultures," he says. "But everyone loves Mexican." 

For the past few months the food court — which is actually more of a food corridor — has been busier than ever. Equipped with a non-compete rule, vendors here are flourishing by serving what they cook best in a symbiotic space. 

The food court at 214 Augusta is more of a food corridor, consisting of one narrow walkway lined with stalls. 

Head here on a weekend, says Enoc, and you'll find the place packed to the walls with customers travelling from all around the city to try 214 Augusta's cheap Latin eats. 

The empanadas at El Gordo come with over ten options of fillings. 

El Gordo Fine Foods

There was a time when El Gordo was the only vendor selling out of 214 Augusta — until the empanada house got lonely and decided to open its doors to other businesses 11 years ago. 

The single offering at Gordo's is the Chilean empanada ($4 each), handmade and stuffed with 11 options ranging from classics like beer and cheese to more experimental takes like beef with olives and boiled egg; find them up the small flight of steps.

Apparently, the gift of empanada-making runs in the family: Alfonso's brother Leonardo also flips the Chilean snack out of his own store Jumbo Empanadas, just across the street. 

At Pancho's, churros are twisted into cones, coming with one or two scoops of ice cream and toppings. 

Pancho's Bakery

Making it through the five year hump, the purveyors of churros make a killing here with storefront real estate right by the window. 

To this day you'll see Pancho behind the counter, where he and longtime staff Victor serve up freshly fried churros: the crispy, sweet sticks of dough stuffed with your choice of fillings like dulce de leche or chocolate are three for $5. 

These churros have made their way into the hands of Prime Minister Trudeau and the president of Germany. They can also be skillfully twisted into magical shapes like loops or cones topped with ice cream.  

Traditional Mayan food is rare to find in Toronto, but Ko'ox Hana has a whole menu of it at 214 Augusta. 

Ko'ox Hana

Pork is a staple in Mayan diet, hence why much of the menu at the food court's other frontal stall consists of grilled pork, which is pulled. 

Here Lucy Novelo and her family specialize in Mayan home-cooked meals (one of few to do so in the city) like Pac Chuc, pork marinated in orange sauce.

They also serve classic Mexican breakfasts like Chilaquiles Verdes, crispy tortilla chips doused in green tomatillo sauce. 

Tacos at La Chilaca Taqueria come in a box with lime wedges and are made fresh to order. 

La Chilaca Taqueria

Hailing from León, 22-year old Augustine Morales brings a taste of his hometown to Kensington with a menu of burritos and tacos, most notably the chilaca taco ($5), a green pepper served on flour tortilla.

Stuffed with cheese and your choice of meat, the chilaca isn't too spicy for anyone looking to try something new. Couple it with a bottle of your favourite Jarritos flavour and you have an ultimate takeaway snack. 

The ceviche at Pico de Gallo comes with fish, scallops, and pico de gallo sauce. Add shrimp for an extra $1. 

Pico de Gallo

Perhaps the hippest option in this food court, this stall has more bowled foods than its counterparts. Traditional Mexican street foods like esquites (corn salad) and bowls of beans, rice and protein are available here, as are tortas and tostadas.

The standout here, however, might be the ceviche: the last thing you'd expect to be delicious in a crammed food court. For $10 you get a bowl of delicious seafood and chips that surpasses other restaurant offerings. 

The pupusadilla has the shell of a Mexican quesadilla and the fillings of an El Salvadoran pupusa, 

Casamiento

The final stall closest to the back, this corner business is doing something no one else is doing at 214 Augusta, or in the city, for that matter. 

Fusing two Latin American staples together, chef Rene Rordriguez takes a leap by using the shell of the Mexican quesadilla (handmade from Ontario corn) and fills it with the common stuffings of an El Salvadoran pupusa. 

It's super simple and not as complicated or risky as it sounds, coming  served on a tray with salsa and a side of curtido, the Central American pickled relish side. 

214 Augusta has seating in the back of the building plus a sink to wash your hands post-meal. 

It's not a food court without some seating options, so 214 Augusta has generously provided patrons with three tables in the back for an ultra casual nook to eat if you don't want to take it outside. There's also a sink available here, since you'll inevitably be eating with your hands. 

The real move, however, is to take your meal to the back patio, if weather permits. Eating off of green plastic cloth-covered tables, surrounded by street art, 214 Augusta's patio is definitely one of those urban gems you'll keep going back to once you've discovered it 

Events in Toronto this week include outdoor activities and musical performances happening all over the city as a part of  Canadian Music Week. Street festival season officially arrives with Spring into Parkdale. There's plenty of free stuff going on, too.

Southwestern Ontario was rocked this weekend by a powerful wind storm that saw homes, businesses, vehicles and street furniture destroyed by gusts of up to 110 kilometres per hour.

A post shared by Jay Gazley (@jay_gazley) on May 7, 2018 at 4:03am PDT

Tens of thousands are still without power across the region as of Monday morning, more than 1,000 of them in the City of Toronto alone, as Hydro workers continue to repair poles and wires damaged by Friday's winds.

The threat of falling debris is now days behind us, but it could still be some time before all damage is repaired — particularly around wooded areas and in neighbourhoods with lots of trees.

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Scads of beautiful, old and very big trees were uprooted by high winds during this weekend's storm.

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Crews and individuals have been working all weekend to clean up the fallen trees (and whatever it is they crushed upon landing.)

A post shared by Lawyer (@lawyer_look) on May 7, 2018 at 2:45am PDT

Still, fallen trees line many a street as we head into a new week.

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Roads and pathways remain blocked by trees all over the city.

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Some of those in more prominent areas have been marked by yellow police tape.

A post shared by Kirthan Aujlay (@kirthanaujlay) on May 5, 2018 at 11:01am PDT

Others are just waiting to be cleaned up in back yards and forests.

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I mean, there are only so many people who specialize in tree cleanup — and Friday's storm took the lives of so many trees.

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The dogs of Toronto are doing all they can to help, however.

A post shared by Herbert 🐾 (@herbert_thepuggle) on May 5, 2018 at 11:24am PDT

This doesn't bring back the trees, or anything they destroyed while falling, but it sure is cute.

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This week on DineSafe a number of chain restaurants across Toronto got busted including a Shoeless Joe's which managed to rack up a heaping eight infractions.

Discover what local restaurants landed in hot water with city health inspectors this week on DineSafe.

Cibo (2472 Yonge St.)

• Inspected on: April 30, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 1, Significant: 4, Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 4C (40F) or colder.

Shoeless Joe's Sports Grill (3200 Dufferin St.)

• Inspected on: May 1, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 8 (Minor: 3, Significant: 4, Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Storing ice in unsanitary manner.

Wimpy's Diner (65 Rylander Blvd.)

• Inspected on: May 1, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2, Significant: 1, Crucial: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated and operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 4C (40F) or colder.

Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Dundas (10 Dundas St. East)

• Inspected on: May 3, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 2)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Happy Lemon (5425 Yonge St.)

• Inspected on: May 3, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 1 (Significant: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Hero Certified Burgers (1800 Sheppard Ave. East)

• Inspected on: May 3, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 2, Significant: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: N/A

Aroma Espresso Bar (430 King St. West)

• Inspected on: May 4, 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.

Poke Guys (112 Elizabeth St.)

• Inspected on: May 4, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 5 (Significant: 4, Crucial: 1)
• Crucial infractions include: Operator failed to maintain hazardous foods at 4C (40F) or colder.

Wild Wing (107 Church St.)

• Inspected on: May 4, 2018
• Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
• Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 3, Significant: 3)
• 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.

An emergency alert system test will be sent this afternoon to almost everyone in Ontario with a cell phone. The test will happen for everyone at the exact same time, with an audio tone that sounds similar to an ambulance.

It might be jarring, but don't be alarmed — it's only a test. 

The CRTC and Alert Ready, Canada's national emergency alert system, have confirmed that all wireless devices connected to an LTE network in Toronto will receive visual and audio notifications on Monday afternoon as a part of regular testing.

REMINDER: TODAY at 1:55pm, #Ontario will be testing #emergency alerts on compatible mobile devices, TV and radio using the #AlertReady system. This is a test only. Check your phone's compatibility: https://t.co/RHAwoLFEfC
#ONready#EPWeek2018pic.twitter.com/A9pAgLVa1y

— Ontario Warnings (@OntarioWarnings) May 7, 2018

This will mark the first time that emergency alerts have gone out to mobile phone users directly, in addition to those sent through TV and radio networks.

People in Ontario can expect to get the notifications at 1:55 p.m. today, according to the Alert Ready website, with the rest of the country (save for Quebec and Nunavut) to follow in coming days.

The City of Toronto's Office of Emergency Management issued a press release on Monday morning to remind residents about the test, which it says will "send emergency alerts to cell phones and wireless devices that are compatible with Wireless Public Alerting (WPA)."

NOTICE
🚨 PUBLIC ALERTING TESTS on compatible LTE-connected #wireless devices, television and radio.

Dates:
May 7: Ontario and Quebec.
May 9: Y.T, B.C, Alta., N.W.T., Sask., Man., N.B, N.S, P-E-I, N.L. https://t.co/XfXVpYoCkTpic.twitter.com/i3UoXkx6bF

— CRTCeng (@CRTCeng) May 3, 2018

Users will hear a tone similar to an ambulance alarm or feel an 8-second-long vibration at the time of the alert, according to the Canadian Press.

If your phone is turned off, nothing will happen. If you're using it to speak with someone, however, a sound "similar to a call waiting tone" will interrupt your conversation.

Fortunately, these tests will only take place once per year (unlike TV and radio emergency alert tests, which happen up to five times every 12 months.) They're also completely free, so don't fret about additional charges. 

Fake it till you make it, right? Wrong? Worth a try? We'll see.

The City of Markham, like every other city in North America, wants to be the home of Amazon's new $5 billion headquarters (and the estimated 50,000 high-paying jobs it'll create.)

As one of 10 cities that joined Toronto in its bid for the highly-coveted, yet-to-be-built HQ2 campus, it's not an impossible wish. 

Anything is Possible with the international talent pool here in #Markham Most diverse city in #Canada High percentage of Post-Secondary educated workforce #chooseMarkhampic.twitter.com/y897RrFRIq

— Mayor Frank Scarpitti (@frankscarpitti) May 7, 2018

Toronto remains one of just 20 cities chosen out of 238 bids for the Seattle-based e-commerce giant's second North American headquarters, alongside Atlanta, Boston, Washington, Austin and other strong U.S. contenders.

It might be a long shot, but the GTA does have a lot to offer in terms of our tech industry and labour market.

Markham is trying to highlight this as part of the city's wider "innovation week" right now with a series of bright orange signs that appear to bill it as the home of HQ2.

May 7 to 13 has officially been proclaimed "Innovation Week in the City of Markham"! Markham is in the heart of Ontario's innovation corridor with more than 1,500 high-tech companies creating 37,000 jobs.

Tell us, why do YOU #ChooseMarkham?

— City of Markham (@cityofmarkham) May 3, 2018

A city spokesperson told the Canadian Press on Monday that 23 signs have been installed around the city.

"Home of Amazon HQ2" they read in bold black type.

Upon closer inspection, a silver "Possible" is scrawled in the top left corner. Very clever, Markham.

Markham is a part of the Toronto-wide bid for @amazon's HQ2. We are proud to be a part of the bid which demonstrates our strength as a region to compete globally. Need more reasons to #ChooseMarkham? Visit https://t.co/FyqcrVQinZ. pic.twitter.com/z7znMXH1AO

— Mayor Frank Scarpitti (@frankscarpitti) May 7, 2018

Sincere as the gimmick may be, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti says its all part of larger campaign to highlight the city's booming tech scene and attract new business.

"We are part of the innovation corridor," he said to CBC about the #ChooseMarkham campaign. "We are outperforming Kitchener-Waterloo in technology, we are outperforming Ottawa."

He wrote similarly on Twitter early Monday morning that "anything is possible with the international talent pool here in Markham."

What would summer be without a little adventure? As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, now is the time to start planning road trips, weekend getaways, or just a day trip to outside of the city.

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If you’re a nature junkie, the Bruce Caves Conservation Area, just three hours from Toronto, is the perfect escape. This intricate cave system in Wiarton, Ont. offers some of the best spelunking in the province.

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The conservation area consists of seven hectares of Niagara Escarpment, wooded swamp, and forest trails. However, it’s best known for its unique cave formations along the escarpment face that were formed 8,000 years ago from wave action of a post-glacial Lake Algonquin.

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The cave entrance is only a short distance from the parking lot, you won’t miss it. The entrance is marked by a huge 'flowerpot' rock formation, similar to those off the coast of Tobermory, Ont. on Flowerpot Island.

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The Bruce Caves trail will take you through a gathering of gigantic rocks that serve as the ideal backdrop for that perfect ‘gram.

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Although the hiking trails are relatively easy to walk and are well marked, inside the caves is another story. Don’t even think about entering the caves wearing flip-flops or flimsy shoes—the loose rock and shale inside will make you unsteady on your feet.

A post shared by Mia (@itsmiagain) on Aug 23, 2017 at 9:19am PDT

Once you’ve finished exploring the caves, you can continue on the Bruce Trail for a longer hike, or check out the nearby Greig’s Caves that are 30 minutes away.

If you’re spending longer than a day, be sure to check out all the parks, hiking trails, caves and beaches around the Bruce Peninsula to fill up your itinerary.

Video footage is making the rounds today in which a woman is seen repeatedly hitting, charging at, and spitting in the face of a TTC Chief Supervisor.

The intense altercation, filmed near Danforth and Woodbine avenues, is believed to have taken place on Friday around 5:30 p.m. after the woman allegedly stole some mail from a nearby residential building.

"The Toronto Police Service would like to inform the public of an arrest made in the assault of a TTC Chief Supervisor," said police in a news release on Sunday.

"Zehra Sundu, 28, of Toronto, has been charged with six counts of Theft of Mail, Assault with a Weapon, Assault, three counts of Possess Credit Card Obtained by Crime [and] two counts of Breach of Probation."

Police say that Sundu was seen entering a building on May 4 and removing the contents of mailboxes that "did not belong to her."

While doing so, she was confronted by a resident of the building, who police say she assaulted before fleeing the scene.

The TTC Chief Supervisor seen on camera above arrested her shortly afterwards, not too far from the apartment building.

"She assaulted him as well," reads the release. "Found in her possession were numerous pieces of mail from various addresses."

A YouTube account that normally posts retro gameplay walk-throughs published a four-part video series on Sunday to show the public what went down.

In the videos, the TTC staffer is seen restraining the woman until police arrive to arrest her — but not without first taking a few hits (and some bodily fluid to the face).

"Props to the dude for remaining so calm," wrote one commenter on Reddit of the Chief Supervisor. "I would've lost my sh-t."

"If it hasn't been said yet the TTC Supervisor is a hero for keeping his cool and keeping her there," wrote another. "He was under no obligation to catch her once she had left TTC property so good for him."

"We need more TTC employees like him going above and beyond."

Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors is a must-see show at the AGO. If you haven't seen it yet, you're in luck. We've partnered with RBC to give you a special opportunity to see the exhibition before it closes. 

Check out all the contest details here.

Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors is organized by the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC

Banner image: Yayoi Kusama, Infinity Mirrored Room – The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away, 2013. Wood, metal, glass mirrors, plastic, acrylic panel, rubber, LED lighting system, acrylic balls, and water, 287.7 × 415.3 × 415.3 cm. Courtesy of David Zwirner, N.Y. © Yayoi Kusam

Sports camps in Toronto are a great way to keep kids preoccupied in the summer and also improve their athletic and social skills. Whether it's on the field, in the water or up in the air, there's no better way to spend a sunny day than playing your favourite sport.

Here are my picks for the top sports camps in Toronto. 

Rock climbing camp

Challenge your little monkey to get to the top of the wall with a week-long summer camp at the Toronto Climbing Academy in East York. Available for kids between the age of seven and 11, this state-of-the-art climbing centre is the ultimate jungle gym.

Ball hockey camp

Withrow Ball Hockey Academy day camp at the Riverdale Park Rink just south of the Danforth lets kids of all levels aged six to 14 try their hand at ball hockey. It's suitable both for absolute beginners as well as those preparing for the Junior Provincial tournament. 

Baseball Camp

Leaside Baseball Camp is the perfect place to send your Josh Donaldson in the making. Open to anyone between the ages of five and 12, this all-day camp has length options from one to 10 weeks, and even offers weekly report cards to help keep track of performance progress. 

Hockey and landsports camp 

Near Avenue Road and St. Clair, UCC's camp was originally hockey-only but now offers a number of sports summer programs, from golf to lacrosse, for anyone between six and 16 years-old.

Soccer and multi-sport camps

There's two options of camps at the Cherry Beach Soccer Club. The multi-sports camp runs the gamut with games like ultimate frisbee, badminton, and golf. The soccer camp is for kids with a competitive background in soccer, so expect more complicated drills. 

Gymnastics camp

Kids are bendy things already, so why not get them even more flexible at the Toronto Premiere Gymnastics summer camp? They've got a location in East Chinatown and another by Don Mills and Lawrence, offering options like tumbling camp, circus and recreational classes. 

Tennis and Squash Camp

As one of the most popular clubs for racquet sports, Mayfair's locations at Downsview, Lake Shore and in Markham run summer camps with certified professionals. Whether it's tennis or squash, kids at this camp will definitely finish summer with a killer back swing. 

Canoeing and kayaking camp 

With access to the Toronto Islands and the lake's inner harbour, The Harbourfront Centre offers a variety of paddling programs. They've got kayaks and big Voyageur canoes for group trips, all equipped with floatation devices in case of in-water floundering. 

Skateboarding Camp

After a summer at Skate Loft your camper will be owning the half pipe. Well, maybe not on a Rodney Mullen level, but at least without falling off the board. Aside from skills they'll also go on day trips to different skateparks outside of the camp's home base at Eglinton and Warden.

Biking camp

Located right by the Markham GO station, Joyride 150 is for the aspiring BMX-ers who want to cruise, rain or shine. With an outdoor and indoor park, Joyrider summer campers will learn from professional bikers. For anyone that doesn't have their own bike, there are rentals available. 

The best microbreweries in Toronto vie for the attention of beer drinkers in ever-increasing numbers. They're constantly trying to outdo each other with the hippest logos, most secretive tap rooms and, of course, the most delicious beer in the most limited runs.

Here are my picks for the best microbreweries in Toronto.

Cherry blossom season is in full swing for the city of Toronto, my friends, and you know what that means: High Park is a zoo (like, beyond the part that is literally a zoo.)

As predicted last week by the city's leading authority on this subject, Toronto's largest collection of sakuras — gifted to the city by Japan in 1959 as a gesture of goodwill for accepting refugees after World War II — started blooming on May 4.

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Thousands of people flocked to the massive west-end park and other smaller groves over the weekend to take in the sights and smells of these pretty pink trees.

The rest of us got to scroll through endless streams of cherry blossom photos on Instagram.

A post shared by Áine Eilís (@aine.eilis) on May 7, 2018 at 8:56am PDT

Peak bloom, the point where cherry blossoms are fullest throughout any park, is still a few days away.

Sakura in High Park still expects the blooms to reach their full glory between May 9 and May 12, at which point they will begin to fall — though many are hoping that they last until Mother's Day, because what better way to celebrate our moms? 

A post shared by 🎨OCAD- ILLU- TORONTO📍 (@nien__n) on May 6, 2018 at 8:45pm PDT

"Of course weather will be the deciding factor as always," notes Sakura in High Park. "Rain & wind could knock off petals [and] cut viewing times short."

A post shared by Mark Andrada (@markmandrada) on May 7, 2018 at 7:19am PDT

High Park is said to have been rather busy this weekend, and this is not expected to change as more and more buds bloom into delicate flowers.

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Fortunately, there's more than one way (and one place) to enjoy Toronto's cherry blossoms.

Trinity Bellwoods Park, another hot spot for sakura stalkers, was slammed this weekend with people enjoying the blooms and balmy weather.

While smaller than High Park's, the cherry blossom grove at the base of Bellwoods is still spectacular.

A post shared by 🆗🆒 (@katharinnne) on May 7, 2018 at 7:38am PDT

It also lends itself nicely to perfect shots of the CN tower surrounded by blossoms.

A post shared by Faheema Mohammed (@photographybyfeemzzee) on May 6, 2018 at 6:18pm PDT

The University of Toronto's cherry tree grove, found outside Robarts Library, is even smaller at just 70 trees or so.

A post shared by torontocanada2012 (@torontocanada2014) on May 7, 2018 at 11:39am PDT

What it lacks in size, however, it makes up for in stunning blooms.

A post shared by R I D A 🥀 (@ri.shay) on May 7, 2018 at 4:17am PDT

Over in the gardens at Centennial Park, more than 200 Sakura trees are already well in bloom.

A post shared by Karl M (@theostrich76) on May 5, 2018 at 3:25pm PDT

If you've got your heart set on High Park, go for it — just be prepared to wait a while for a clear shot of anything.

On the plus side, there's a dedicated Cherry Blossom Hotline you can call at the High Park Nature Centre with any questions or concerns. 

Canadian Music Week has landed in Toronto and with it comes extended last call at music venues, clubs and bars across the city. From May 7 to 13, you'll be able to jam out to your favourite Canadian bands well into the night over drinks. 

Here are the bars with extended 4 a.m. last call in Toronto this week.

• Bovine Sex Club (May 7 to 13)
• Cameron House (May 8 to 12)
• The Dakota Tavern (May 8 to 13)
• Drake Hotel (May 7 to 12)
• EFS (May 8 to 13)
• The Everleigh ( May 8 to 12)
• The Garrison (May 8 to 13)
• Hard Luck (May 9 t0 12)
• Horseshoe Tavern (May 7 to 13)
• Lee’s Palace (May 9 to 13)
• Maison Mercer (May 11 and 12)
• Monarch Tavern (May 8 to 12)
• Nest (May 8 to 12)
• The Paddock (May 7 to 12)
• Painted Lady (May 8 to 12)
• Rivoli (May 8 to 12)
• Rock 'n' Horse Saloon (May 8 to 12)
• Sneaky Dee’s (May 7 and 9 to 12)
• Velvet Underground (May 9 to 13)

This represents establishments approved to serve until 4 a.m. by the AGCO. They don't have to exercise that right on each night, so it's always best to called ahead to confirm.

This summer an unauthorized touring exhibit that's all about the art of Banksy is coming to Toronto. 

The 80 work-exhibition, The Art of Banksy, from the unknown English artist and activist will land at 213 Sterling Road and open on June 13. 

According to the exhibition website "The majority of paintings in this exhibition were originally exhibited and sold in some of Banksy’s seminal shows including ‘Turf Wars’ in East London in 2003 and ‘Barely Legal’ in Los Angeles in 2006.

In 2016, this touring exhibition went to Melbourne. It is curated by Banksy's former business manager Steve Lazarides, who told a journalist at the time that the show was unauthorized — meaning that it was created without Banksy's consent. 

At the time it was reported that Banksy was unhappy with the exhibit. 

"This is a one of a kind exhibition – you will never again have the opportunity to see so many works in one place. Once the exhibition is over, the artwork will be returned to 40 different art collectors around the world, and the chances that they will be displayed together again in the future are extremely slim,” said Lazarides, on the exhibition's website.

Like most exclusive events, American Express cardholders get first dibs. The advance tickets go on sale May 7 at banksyexhibit.com. Everyone else can take a stab at them on May 12 at 10 a.m. 

Farmers' markets in Toronto are a sign that spring weather is here to stay. If you're looking to discover what's fresh at local farms or eat treats from local vendors, Toronto's outdoor farmers' markets are a great seasonal option.

Here are the outdoor farmers' markets open in Toronto now, as well as those that will be opening in the weeks ahead. 

Open this week

• Trinity Bellwoods Farmers' Market: May 8 (Tuesdays, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Davisville Village Market: May 8 (Tuesdays, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Dufferin Grove Farmers' Market (Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Weston Farmers' Market: May 12 (Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• St. Lawrence Farmers' Market (Saturdays, 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• Farmers' Market at Evergreen Brick Works (Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Open next week

• Ryerson University Farmers' Market: May 16 (Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• East York Farmers' Market: May 15 (Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Leslieville Farmers' Market: May 20 (Sundays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Open later this spring

• Sorauren Farmers' Market (moving outdoors): May 21 (Mondays, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Montgomery's Inn's Outdoor Market (moving outdoors): May 23 (Wednesdays, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
• Annette Village Farmers' Market: May 23 (Wednesdays, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Metro Hall Farmers' Market: May 24 (Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• North York Farmers' Market: May 24 (Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• The Stop Farmers' Market at Wychwood Barns (moving outdoors): May 26 (Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
• Humber Bay Shores Farmers' Market: May 26 (Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Junction Farmers' Market: May 26 (Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
• Nathan Phillips Square Farmers' Market: May 30 (Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• UTSC Farmers' Market: May 30 (Wednesdays, 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.)
• Sherway Farmers' Market: June 1 (Fridays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Withrow Park Farmers' Market: June 2 (Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
• Liberty Village MyMarket: June 3 (Sundays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Appletree Bay/College Market (bi-weekly): June 4 (Mondays, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Cabbagetown Farmers' Market: June 5 (Tuesdays, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Bloor-Borden MyMarket: June 6 (Wednesdays, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
• East Lynn Park MyMarket: June 7 (Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Royal Bank Plaza Farmers' MRKT: June 7 (Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
• Stonegate Farmers' Market: June 19 (Tuesdays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.)

Events in Toronto today include the second day of Canadian Music Week, a cherry blossoms ambient picnic and some karaoke.

With an interior designed by Toronto architect Lorne Rose, it’s hard not to find this house stunning. This detached 2.5 storey home is located just steps from Casa Loma and almost every top-ranked private school in Toronto.

Inside, there are white marble accents throughout the house, creating a sense of luxury that ties the decor together. I’m digging the Victorian furniture, which adds a regal quality to the space.

The bright and airy living room, kitchen and breakfast area are open-concept and the severy connects the kitchen to the dining room.  

The dining room is filled with natural light thanks to the large bay window.

Upstairs are the bedrooms, which are all spacious and have en suite bathrooms.

The master bedroom is pretty great, if I do say so myself. It walks out onto a sun-soaked terrace, has an en suite bathroom with spa-like features and a substantial walk-in closet or “dressing room” as the floor plan calls it.

Downstairs there’s a massive rec room, hobby room, an extra bedroom and a wine tasting room for any sommeliers out there.

The biggest let down of this property is the backyard. It isn’t the biggest and is definitely lacking shade. You’d think there would be a bit more lawn space considering the property is listed for over $4 million.

Specs

• Address: 3 Austin Cres.
• Price: $4,188,000
• Lot Size: 33.08 x 113.75 feet
• Bedrooms: 4 +1
• Bathrooms: 6
• Parking: 3
• Walk Score: 75
• Transit Score: 87
• Listing agent: Cheenee Foster
• Listing ID: C4112048

Good For

A family whose kids go to UCC, St. Michael's or BSS. Those schools are all within walking distance, so this house is in a prime private school location.

Move On If

You’re not a fan of the white marble look: it’s everywhere. So if you hate it you would have to redo the kitchen, a couple bathrooms, a floor and a whole fireplace mantle.

Well, that was fast. The Raptors officially ended their most-recent quest for an NBA championship last night with a 128-93 loss against the Cavs in Cleveland.

It wasn't pretty, but it was merciful in the sense that Torontonians never really had the chance to get their hopes up, I guess.

We’d like to thank the Toronto @Raptors for their participation in the 2018 NBA playoffs. You guys were adorable. pic.twitter.com/2rWj2LzsG8

— Big Apple Browns Backers of NYC (@bigapplebrowns) May 8, 2018

Fans weren't overly optimistic going into Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinal — not after watching Toronto inexplicably lose the first three games of the series.

LeBron James, who earned the nickname "LeBronto" for our city by eviscerating the Raps in Game 2, has time and time again proven impossible to beat.

LeBron James vs. DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry IN THE SERIES! Wow. #Cavs#Raptors#WhateverItTakes#WeTheNorthpic.twitter.com/L7sAoVGKtj

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) May 8, 2018

The Raptors, on the other hand, are known for choking in the playoffs, especially when LeBron (who I think might be part robot or a low-key Monstar) is involved.

Not even some of the best Raptors we've ever seen in regular season play can take down the mighty LeBrontosaurus, it seems, and Toronto is both sad and ticked.

How The NBA feels about the Toronto Raptors pic.twitter.com/TX40UwtsPk

— L.O.W. (@LegendOfWinning) May 4, 2018

Some (okay, lots) are blaming the NBA's referees for setting the Raptors up to fail.

The #Raptors lost Game 1 by one point in OT and Game 3 by two points at the buzzer and the refs/calls favoured the Cavs in both games, so let’s not pretend these were blowouts. If you think otherwise, you’re just a worthless troll.

— Patricia Cancilla 🏒 (@PatCancilla) May 6, 2018

This is far from the first time NBA refs have come under fire for appearing to have some sort of beef with Canada.

Pregame footage..
NBA refs meet with LeBron. #Raptors#WetheNorthpic.twitter.com/mD1ocJ6NtR

— Chris ⚾️ (@JaysTrain2Reign) May 8, 2018

Others were simply sad about the way this season ended.

Heading into the playoffs, the Raptors were the top seeded team in the Eastern Conference.

Losing in a four-game sweep to the Cavs feels extra harsh when our team was on fire just weeks ago.

Lebron isn’t beating the #Raptors, he’s destroying the morale of an entire country 😞😞😅#CLEvsTOR

— Bryan Carr (@HurtsHouse) May 3, 2018

Adding insult to injury, last night's 35-point loss was the worst margin of defeat in an elimination game by a #1 seed against a lower seed in the history of the NBA.

Thanks for that gem, stats people.

If you’ve ever wondered if GOAT’s can cry, well tonight you got your answer. Stay proud @Raptors, we’ll get ‘em next year. #WeTheNorth#HesNotTheGOAT#IamTheGOATpic.twitter.com/cjlcky5xF9

— Juicy The #GOAT (@Juicy_TheGOAT) May 8, 2018

Regardless of the outcome, Toronto remains a team to watch by most sports analyst's accounts. We also have the best mascot in the NBA and probably always will.

Maybe next year is Toronto's year. Maybe LeBron will decide to retire.

Until then... uh, baseball?

Volunteer opportunities are plentiful in Toronto if you've got some free time this summer. Volunteering is beneficial for so many reasons, but chief among them is that you'll be part of a large network of people working to make the city a better place to live, work and play. 

Here's a round-up of some of the volunteer opportunities in Toronto this summer. 

Pride Toronto

Pride has over 2,000 volunteers who, together, help to make the event happen. Volunteers-to-be can choose from lending their time over a weekend or committing long-term to helping out in a leadership position over a year. 

Ride to Conquer Cancer

This weekend cycling fundraiser needs volunteers help to send cyclists off, greet them at the finish line and everything in between. You can join in on the action as a crew member, committing to the whole weekend, or as a volunteer where you commit to short shifts. 

The City of Toronto

If you have a passion for this city and for the outdoors, consider lending a hand to help Toronto be the best it can be. There are plenty of events, initiatives and places the city runs that depend on work from volunteers, like: Doors Open, Riverdale Farm and Live Green Toronto. 

Pedestrian Sundays

Starting May 27, and the last Sunday of every month till the end of October, the streets of Kensington Market are closed to cars and given back to the people. Volunteer with Pedestrian Sundays help keep cars off these streets, even if it's just for a day. 

Amnesty International Toronto

Amnesty International Toronto has an orientation for new members on the fourth Thursday of each month (except in August and December) for those interested in getting involved with the human rights organization. 

Evergreen Brick Works

City life can get a bit rough sometimes, so take it back to basics and take to nature by volunteering with the Brick Works. Positions here range from leading bike tours to becoming a camp counsellor to working the garden market. 

Habitat for Humanity

Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity isn't just about building houses, but there certainly is that if carpentry is your bag. Some of the opportunities available include, volunteering in their head office, at their fundraising events and in the ReStore.

Harbourfront Centre

Harbourfront Centre has something for everyone willing to donate some of their time. It's one of the city's most active summer spots and why not spend a night helping out at festivals, parties, film screenings and theatre shows? 

Canadian Blood Services

Volunteering with Canadian Blood Services isn't just about giving. As a volunteer you'll be helping make giving as easy a process as possible. There are also roles for those of us who have no interest in interfacing inside a clinic, like volunteering to work the donation circuit.  

Canadian Cancer Society 

The Canadian Cancer Society has a bunch of different ways to get involved this summer. From helping out on sunny days during events like Relay for Life to hosting your own fundraiser (think lemonade stand) you'll certainly be able to find something to your liking.