From the team that put Malaysian street food on the map in one of Toronto's most vibrant neighbourhoods comes a new, even more modern interpretation of Malay and Nyonya cuisine.

Introducing Fat Choi: a meat-free concept restaurant by Soos, the family-owned Southeast Asian fixture at 94 Ossington Avenue.

"Soos has a little sister and she's vegan..." reads a website for the new restaurant, which launches on June 4. "Please join us at Fat Choi for some delicious plant based prosperity."

A post shared by Все о правильном питании (@right.foodz) on May 16, 2018 at 6:54am PDT

Like Soos, Fat Choi will be located on Lower Ossington. In fact, it'll be located in the exact same space as its older sister, but only on Mondays and Tuesdays — for now.

"Soos is only open five nights a week, Wednesday to Sunday," explained Soos manager Lauren Soo. "We've been brainstorming the concept and looking for a location for 'Fat Choi' for some time, but haven't found the right spot yet."

Nasi Goreng - Indonesian fried rice with kala namak tofu crumble. Plentiful veg 🥕🌶🌱 Two weeks today! #fatchoito #plantbased #prosperity #vegan #torontovegans #torontoveg #blogto #torontolife #hotforfood #thevietvegan #edgyveg #veganfood #veggies #torontovegan #vegansofig #ossington #nasigoreng #indonesian #malaysian #streetfood #southeastasian #eatplants #torontofood #tastetoronto #ieatto #toreats #torontoeats #whatveganseat

A post shared by F A T C H O I (@fatchoito) on May 21, 2018 at 8:39am PDT

"We thought that introducing it in our favourite neighbourhood and utilizing the two days we're normally closed would be a great way to get our feet wet and test the waters," she continued.

"A few of the Soos team members have enjoyed a plant based lifestyle for about a year now, so this is a passion project for us all."

Testing Rempah Fried Tofu with garlic sauce. Getting that crunch right 👌 #fatchoito #rempah #friedtofu #vegan #comfortfood #plantbased #tofu #eatplants #vegantoronto #torontovegan #vegansofig #veganfood #veggies #veganfoodshare #hotforfood #ossington #torontolife #blogto #ypdine #torontofood #tastetoronto #ieatto #toreats #torontoeats #whatveganseat

A post shared by F A T C H O I (@fatchoito) on May 22, 2018 at 12:03pm PDT

Soo says that Fat Choi guests can expect the same delicious flavours and cooking techniques Soos is known for, but in dishes that are 100 per cent vegan.

A new menu from chef Tricia Soo is "still blooming," according to Fat Choi's website, but "almost ready for harvest."

We've had many requests for vegan laksa @soostoronto This is our version of Siamese Laksa (a.k.a. laksa lemak), a kin to the famous Penang Assam Laksa. The original soup base is tangy from tamarind, funky from shrimp paste and mackerel, with a spicy depth from fried rempah chili paste. Coconut milk adds round richness to the broth. We've combined traditional methods with plant based umami funk for a sweet, spicy, tangy noodle soup that's sure to hit all the right notes. Come try this soon at 94 Ossington Ave! #siameselaksa #penang #assamlaksa #laksalemak #noodlesoup #vegan #plantbased #fatchoito #veganfood #torontovegan #malaysian #streetfood #southeastasian #spicy #torontoveg #torontolife #blogto #eatplants #torontofood #vegansofig #hotforfood #veganfoodie #torontoeats #tastetoronto #toreats #ieatto #whatveganseat

A post shared by F A T C H O I (@fatchoito) on May 16, 2018 at 9:18am PDT

"Under the wing of chef Tricia Soo, we bring you a menu of delicious flavours and familiar, comforting Asian eats that are completely plant based," reads the site. 

"We are so excited to share Fat Choi with you, and hope that one day soon, she can have a nest of her own!"

The world's largest car-sharing company just announced that it will be leaving Toronto for good at the end of this month — and then basically chucked the deuces at City Council on its way out.

Car2go, which launched here in 2012, wrote on Thursday morning that it was "being forced to suspend operations in Toronto as of May 31 due to the City of Toronto’s decision to pass a heavily amended pilot that makes our service inoperable."

For the some 80,000 Torontonians who use the service, the news is sad — but it's not entirely surprising.

In February, the German company announced that it would be "reexamining" its operations in Toronto after city councillors voted to delay a pilot project that would have let car-share members use residential parking spaces on city streets.

car2go is being forced to suspend operations in Toronto as of May 31 due to the City of Toronto’s decision to pass a heavily amended pilot that makes our service inoperable. Read more here: https://t.co/3AGcWyorDO

— car2go Toronto (@car2goToronto) May 24, 2018

"Despite our best efforts over a nearly six-year collaboration with the City of Toronto to establish an effective regulatory framework for free-float carshare, City Councillors have passed a heavily restricted pilot that ultimately weakens mobility options for Torontonians," said Paul DeLong, CEO of Car2go North America.

"Other cities around the world – including Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary – have fully embraced our service because of the numerous economic and quality of life benefits free-float carsharing brings to their cities," he continued.

"It's obvious that Toronto City Council did not take the time to learn from other cities how to establish effective free-float carshare policy."

SHADE.

Congratulations to John Tory and his council allies for killing yet more good things in Toronto. Car2Go took care off our roads, reduced parking needs, and made Toronto a better place to live.

The Tory agenda continues unabated.#topoli#tocouncil

— Ev Delen (@evdelen) May 24, 2018

Car2go isn't the only party puzzled by City Council's decision, either.

It was the city's Department of Transportation Services, in fact, that recommended a free-floating car-share policy be adopted in the first place.

Still, city council voted 30-2 in February defer the motion. On April 27th, council passed amendments to the free-floating carshare pilot, saddling it with widespread street restrictions and unprecedented permit fees.

"The pilot eliminates all residential permit streets in Toronto currently waitlisted at 95 per cent and above," wrote Car2go. "This means that almost 10,000 parking spaces where Torontonians regularly start and end Car2go trips today will be forbidden once the pilot begins."

@car2goToronto Sorry to see you go, Toronto city council made some wrong decisions. Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary and New York got it right and allow #freefloating. #carshare#car2gohttps://t.co/HMd94SZr9E

— Healthcare Heroes (@healthcarehero1) May 24, 2018

It appears as though, after years of fighting for the right to pay for on-street parking, this was the last straw for Car2go.

"Council's decision is going to have a very real, negative impact on the lives of thousands of its citizens who rely on our service," said DeLong in today's press release.

"The pilot passed by City Council is so restrictive, costly and unwieldy it seems purpose-built to make free-float carshare for Torontonians impossible."

Weekend events in Toronto mean that many fascinating and important buildings around the city will be open to the public with Doors Open, while Anime North brings together enthusiasts from all over. It's also the first Pedestrian Sunday of the season in Kensington Market.

Free nighttime movies are coming back to Sorauren Park this summer and, if there's anything we know about Toronto, we know that there's a deep love of seeing films in the great outdoors at night in this city.

Movies are scheduled for the fourth Saturday of every month, from June to September.

The lineup has also been announced, plus an extra special and tasty surprise: pizza dinners before the movies! Pizza will come from the new pizza oven in Sorauren Park and will be prepared by Pizzeria Defina.

Also, don't forgot to have your smartphone on hand to play Sorauren Screen Play— an interactive quiz game — for a chance to win prizes.

Here's a list of the films screening in Sorauren Park this summer.

Saturday, June 23

Movie: Babe
Pizza dinner starts at 8:00 p.m., movie starts at 9:30 p.m. 

Saturday, July 28

Movie: Charade (1963)
Pizza dinner starts at 7:30 p.m., movie starts at 9:00 p.m. 

Saturday, August 25

Movie: Ghostbusters (2016)
Pizza dinner starts at 7:00 p.m., movie starts at 8:30 p.m. 

Saturday, September 22

Movie: Moana
Pizza dinner starts at 6:00 p.m., movie starts at 7:30 p.m. 

The former Weston Bread Factory in Toronto's east side is now closed, once again, after opening up briefly to the public for a CONTACT Photography Festival exhibit.

We came, we saw, we did not get any bread. So what now?

Condos. The long-shuttered industrial facility at 462 Eastern Avenue was off-limits again as of May 20, when Laird Kay wrapped his two-weekend-long Wonder Exhibit inside the structure.

It is now in the process of being converted into a new, eight-storey condominium development designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, with an expected launch date of fall 2018.

The old Weston Bread Factory as it stands in 2018, prior to its redevelopment. Image by Hector Vasquez.

Graywood Developments and Alterra announced earlier this month that its redevelopment of the old Weston Bread Factory in Leslieville would be marketed as "Wonder."

The name comes from Wonder Bread, copious amounts of which were produced at this factory prior to its closure in 2014.

"A symbol of Toronto’s industrial past, the old Weston Bread Factory was built in an age when passion and craft lived at every street corner, authenticity was the mark of a business, and hard work, the calling card of the ambitious," reads a website set up for condo pre-sales.

Renderings show that the building's brick exterior will be preserved in its conversion from industrial to residential.

"This Fall, it rises once again to meet a changing city," the blurb continues.

"Designed to respect and incorporate its industrious past, it's the perfect home for those who want a slice of history along with a dollop of all things modern."

Bread puns. Gotta love 'em.

Wonder will introduce 286 new condo units to Leslieville, according to sales materials, with prices starting from the $400,000s.

Choose your driver... Here we go!

After what feels like 64 years, the multi-level "Mario Kart-style" go-kart track in Niagara Falls is ready to launch — a full one week earlier than anticipated.

Tourism company HOCO Limited confirmed last week that its hotly-awaited Niagara Speedway attraction would officially open to the public on June 1.

Today, however, Clifton Hill Niagara (the "authority for fun in Niagara Falls") announced that the opening date had changed.

Instead of next Friday, the Speedway will now be launching on Thursday, May 24, at 5 p.m. That's tonight.

Guess what?? Earlier than anticipated the Niagara Speedway will open at 5 pm TONIGHT!! https://t.co/Sp761WkpHx#NiagaraFallspic.twitter.com/PykrTcLwdz

— Clifton Hill Niagara (@cliftonhillfun) May 24, 2018

Described as "go-karts on steroids," the spiraling speedway is said to be the first of its kind in Canada and, when it opens, the largest in North America.

"Niagara Speedway is a marriage of traditional go-karts with the added fun & excitement of an elevated coaster styled track," reads a press release describing the facility.

"Drivers get to test their driving skills along the straightaway, negotiate the hair-pin turns, and climb the elevated ramp as they head for the checkered flag."

Live out your Mario Kart dreams at this four-storey race track pic.twitter.com/KkTevIjPjo

— blogTO (@blogTO) May 19, 2018

Sure, it sounds a bit like real-life Mario Kart, but it's important to note that this is just a nickname given to the project by eager members of the public.

Niagara Speedway is not associated with Nintendo and, sadly, you won't find any rainbow roads, banana peels or lava lakes around this particular racetrack.

Invincibility stars will also be in short supply, as they are not a real thing, so buckle up and be safe.

The Luigi Raceway new go-kart track opens at 5 p.m. this evening. Tickets cost $12 per driver, per 5-minute race, and drivers must be between 58 inches and 78 inches tall.

Brace yourself for a weekend filled with road closures in Toronto. Events like Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market and Walk with Israel will be taking over city streets. On the bright side, the TTC subway closure has been cancelled. 

Here's what you need to know to get around the city this weekend.

Walk with Israel

This event will result in some partial road closures between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. on May 27. Roads affected are in the area bound by Strachan Avenue in the west, Lake Shore Boulevard in the south, York Street in the east and Wellington Street in the north.

Pedestrian Sundays

Back for a 15th season, the event held in Kensington Market will be closed to vehicular traffic on May 27 between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. for a car free day.

Gerrard and Parliament

The City of Toronto will be replacing the TTC track and concrete at the Gerrard and Parliament intersection. This will result in road closures until at least June 4.

Brunch in Toronto is all about quality eats and plentiful portions served in spaces that make you want to sit back, relax and contemplate plans for the weekend.

Here are my picks for the top places to eat brunch in Toronto by neighbourhood. 

Annex

Rose and Sons consistently serves up the best brunch around, Jewish deli style. Don't miss their cheesecake pancakes, and if you're feeling extra peckish pig out on brisket.

Bloor West Village

Good Fork comes out of nowhere on Bloor, serving up inventive brunches of beloved red velvet pancakes with vanilla cream cheese frosting as well as bacon Caesars.

Cafe Fiorentina on the Danforth does an elvated brunch and fresh pastries. Photo by Jesse Milns

Danforth

Fresh baked bread and duck eggs are staples at Cafe Fiorentina, a brunch spot renowned for their quiche, panini and French toast.

Danforth East

Some of the best eggs benny in Toronto can secretly be found in the east side at Hollandaise Diner.

Dundas West

The only thing better than the Eggs Benedict with mushroom tarragon cream at The Federal might be the grilled cheese with pickled red onion, chimichurri and house ketchup.

Entertainment District

Dine on upscale brunches of baked eggs, tuna salad, fluffy pancakes or pizza in pretty surroundings at Figo.

Etobicoke

Huevos Gourmet whips up some of Toronto's best huevos rancheros and also does mimosa specials like blueberry mint lavender.

Harbord Village

Cafe Cancan has a lock on pretty brunch with dusty pink walls and a menu of champagne, lobster, and eclairs.

Junction

A casual but bang-up brunch of beet-infused Caesars and off-the-wall eggs benny can be had at Dirty Food. Don't sleep on the waffles either.

Junction Triangle

Farmhouse Tavern is so inviting, a round of Top Chef was even judged there recently. Mainstays are the eggs benny and Caesars garnished with oysters.

Egg Bae in Kensington Market is all about the egg sandwiches. Photo by Hector Vasquez

Kensington

The humble breakfast sammy is put on a pedestal at Egg Bae. Made with house-baked egg brioche buns, my personal fave is topped with smoked salmon and potato chips.

King East

The city's lightest and most traditional Belgian waffles can be found at Le Petit Déjeuner, partially because they're made using actual Belgian waffle irons. Their Eggs Benedict is also a straight up classic.

King West

Beast covers all the brunch bases with breakfast poutine made with gnocchi and wild game meats, superb French toast and dynamite huevos rancheros.

Koreatown

Fried chicken comes piled high on golden waffles at White Brick Kitchen. They also do a fab grilled cheese.

Leslieville

When you think of all-day breakfast, you think of Lady Marmalade and their A.M. Poutine with miso gravy or hollandaise and options for toppings like pulled pork or poached eggs.

Liberty Village

The thickest and puffiest pancakes topped with blackberries and blueberries, or a real scoop of apple crumble, are at School, but my go-to would have to be the cheesy bacon French toast.

Little India

If a sandwich stuffed with an outrageous amount of chicken is your idea of the perfect brunch, head to Egyptian spot Maha's. More traditional brunch fare is the grilled cheese or shakshuka.

Le Petit Déjeuner on King East is the place for waffles and egg bennies. Photo by Jesse Milns

Little Italy

BLT lovers can head to Aunties and Uncles to get their fix from the kitschy joint that's been around for 20 years.

Mount Pleasant

Birch Bistro is now doing the most beautifully plated upscale French brunches.

Parkdale

Easy Breakfast is one of the best places in town for morning eats all day long and they do a surprisingly tasty huevos rancheros, too.

Queen West

When in search of epic brunch, look no further than Lisa Marie. Duck fat taters, double pork pancake burgers and fried Cornish hen atop jalapeno cornbread waffles are just the beginning.

Richmond Hill

Cafe Landwer is an Israeli brunch spot that does shakshuka and yummy rugelach.

Riverside

You can always rely on Bonjour Brioche for classy brunches of quiche, croissants, tourtiere and of course, brioche.

Roncesvalles Village

Mitzi’s Cafe is famous for their round little house sausages and pancake specials like salted caramel and toasted pecan buttermilk or banana coffee cream and almond crumble.

Scarborough

Time stands still at Amazing Ted's where you can still get iconic meat-and-eggs breakfast specials like the "222" with pancakes, three eggs and choice of meat. Too bad time doesn't really stand still though, because most breakfasts are a dollar off before 11.

St. Clair West

Emma's Country Kitchen takes it in pretty much every category no matter what you're hungry for, with some of the city's best donuts, granola, eggs benny, pancakes and quiche.

Sweet A La Mode in the Stockyards District does an indulgent creme brulee French toast. Photo by Jesse Milns

Stockyards

Sweet A La Mode is this neighbourhood's source for high tea and crème brûlée French toast with white chocolate whipped cream.

Upper Beaches

Eggs Benedict are served on cheddar, chive and stout biscuits and French toast comes with cinnamon pork belly at telovely Bodega Henriette.

West Queen West

Homemade breakfasts of oatmeal, granola, Greek yogurt and egg dishes are made with carefully sourced ingredients at Cafe Neon.

Yonge & Dundas

You can get pancakes topped with peanut butter ice cream Queen & Beaver. Enough said.

A 36-year-old man was reportedly sent to the hospital with serious injuries early this morning after attempting to steal a bicycle near Dundas and Bathurst.

The person who put him there? The owner of said bicycle.

Toronto Police say that a fight broke out in the vicinity of Kensington Market around 2:30 a.m. on Thursday after a man caught someone who appeared to be stealing his bike.

The suspect is said to have pulled out a knife when confronted, but the cyclist managed to fight him off with a knife sharpener that he'd brought out from his place of work.

Breaking: A bike thief in Toronto got caught. Not by the police obviously, but damn, that’ll teach him! https://t.co/FoldCVDGVE

— Ian Conrad ☠ (@porcelainduck) May 24, 2018

The bike owner was working at a nearby bar or restaurant when he saw the suspect tinkering with his cycle, according to police.

He sustained only minor wounds after running out to defend himself and his property, while the alleged thief suffered "blunt force injuries."

Emergency crews were called to the scene, prompting police to close off Dundas Street West between Bathurst and Casimir for several hours early Thursday.

‘That’s not a Knife!’Robbery-Dundas/Bathurst. A man was trying to steal another man’s bike. Suspect produced a knife & the Bike owner fought off the suspect w/a ‘knife sharpener’?!?Suspect was injured from the knife sharpener & is in hospital in custody.
Can’t make this stuff up. pic.twitter.com/HTAbCPm6EX

— Mike (@miketvn) May 24, 2018

Following the incident, the suspected thief was taken into custody and charged with attempted theft, assault with a weapon and threatening death.

The victim's identity has not been revealed, but local cyclists are hailing him as somewhat of a hero today as news of his actions spread.

Violence isn't cool, but as someone on Reddit put it, "justice b*ner right here. Bike thieves are f*cking scum."

Great story on @metromorning about knife-wielding bike thief getting beat up by bike owner with a knife sharpener.

Lesson: don't bring a knife to a knife sharpener fight. pic.twitter.com/CeWKgRq7w8

— James Andrew Smith (@onnimikki) May 24, 2018

"Heard on the news this morning that a bike owner caught a guy trying to steal his bike," wrote someone in a Facebook group dedicated to stolen bikes.

"He fought the thief off causing injury... The police are unable to do anything about bike theft so it is clearly left up to us to protect our own property."

"I think we all knew that something like this would happen," wrote someone else, "as police haven't been able to help curb bike theft in the city."

It's the end of an era for Dooney's, the one-time Annex fixture that counted such Toronto icons as Margaret Atwood and Jane Jacobs among its loyal customers back in the day.

First established in 1982 at Bloor and Borden streets, Dooney's had relocated to a new corner location just down the street, closer to Ossington, in 2015.

Sadly, the popular café won't be spending nearly as much time in Bloordale as it did with the Annex.

A post shared by Dooney's (@dooneystoronto) on May 15, 2018 at 6:24pm PDT

"It's been an honour serving and being part of the community so it's with sadness that we announce Dooney's is closing its doors for good," wrote the restaurant on Instagram last week.

"It brought us tremendous joy to see old regulars and new friends come together in a way that has always been unique to Dooney's."

"You've made it worth it every day," reads the post. "We wish you all the best. Farewell!"

The Dooney’s Club sandwich is an institution, a legacy.

A post shared by Dooney's (@dooneystoronto) on Dec 9, 2017 at 10:02am PST

Farewell, Dooney's!

A trio of self-made, Scarborough-born, creative industry superstars are setting out to prove that there's more to repping for one's city than shouting it out on mixtapes.

Abel Tesfaye (aka the Weeknd), XO Creative Director La Mar Taylor and sports marketer Ahmed Ismail just announced the establishment of a "next-generation accelerator" that they hope will boost and nurture young talent in Toronto.

Called HXOUSE, the not-for-profit incubator is scheduled to open this fall on Toronto's waterfront — right where Koolhaus and the Guvernment used to be — as part of the new, $30-million Artscape Daniels Launchpad.

The Artscape Daniels Launchpad, currently under construction, is set to open by the end of 2018 at 130 Queen’s Quay East. Image via Artscape.

The space will serve as a creative and digital hub for up-and-coming artists of all kinds, providing them with the tools, contacts, financial backing and freedom they need to "activate their own talents."

"With HXOUSE, I feel young people who are creative will have a place to share and sharpen their skill sets, all while being mentored and coached by industry leaders," said Taylor in a press release announcing the project.

As part of the project, 30 young artists will be chosen each year for an intensive, four-month-long in-house mentorship program called No More Dreams, inspired by Taylor, Ismail and Tesfaye's own successes, despite the hardships of growing up in poverty.

The Weekend's Creative Director La Mar Taylor and sports and entertainment marketing titan Ahmed Ismali pictured at HXOUSE, which is under construction now. Image via Micki Benedetti.

"The program aims to accelerate the creative careers of young artists, especially those in underserved communities," reads the Artscape Daniels Launchpad website, "by providing access to learning, networking, funds, production and partnership opportunities."

Some of the opportunities participants can expect involve world-class events, the latest in emerging technology, access to leading brands, legal advice, help with grant programs and lessons on everything from creative coding to "next generation millennial marketing."

HXOUSE will provide high-impact, long-term and sustainable development solutions to the emerging community across Toronto and the globe. Our goal is to remedy the lack of infrastructure and support for the creative arts communities in underserved and disadvantaged markets. We will establish lasting partnerships with global brands to facilitate employment, mentorship and advancement opportunities in the areas photography, music, film, digital design, marketing, fashion, and tech. HXOUSE will create a space for creative individuals to turn their passion into a rewarding, sustainable and profitable career. HXOUSE will partner with Artscape Daniels Launchpad located in the heart of the City of Arts building on Toronto's waterfront to bring this dynamic project to life.

A post shared by HXOUSE (@hxouse) on May 24, 2018 at 7:08am PDT

Program participants will be selected through an application process from a pool of Launchpad members, according to Artscape. Applications for membership to the Launchpad itself are open to the public now.

Interested in applying? Me too. You can find more information right here. Good luck!

From May 24 through June 17 GREASE: The Musical will be at the historic Winter Garden Theatre in downtown Toronto. Want to go? You're in luck! We're giving you a chance to see the show and grab dinner at Hendriks.

Check out all the contest details here.

Events in Toronto today will see a lot of people dressed up as their favourite anime character as Anime North takes over the city. There's also a couple big tech and web events and Kathy Griffin.

Food events in Toronto this week mark Beanstock Coffee Festival's arrival and a full day of gluten-free goodies. There's also free milk tea, a big patio party on the waterfront and an entire festival dedicated to sake.

Sometimes you can tell just from the outside that a place is going to be stunning. This Victorian Cabbagetown home was fully renovated and they did a bang-up job of it.

Inside it’s all modern contemporary open concept living. The 10-foot ceilings on the main level, plus the big bay window and sleek design elements evoke loft-like living, wrapped in vintage Victorian charm.

The place is three storeys. My favourite is the third-storey master bedroom that walks out onto a balcony.

The master bedroom comes complete with his and hers walk-in closets and a showstopper of an en suite bathroom. The dark oak hardwood floors combined with the old-school freestanding tub is so luxurious!

The second floor offers three bedrooms, a four piece bathroom and a powder room. One of the bedrooms at the top of the stairs was converted into a media room.

There’s more living space in the basement with a large recreation room and some additional storage closets.

But as with every place, there’s always a weak point and for this house it’s the outdoor space. There is absolutely no lawn and the patios remind me of a treehouse. For $2 million I would haved hope there would be something other than a deck as a backyard.

The Essentials

• Address: 385 Wellesley Street East
• Type: Row House
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 4
• Size: 16 x 93 feet
• Realtor: Sotheby’s International Realty Canada
• Hit the market at: $1,798,000
• Sold for: $2,000,000

Why it sold for what it did?

It’s a fully renovated 1900’s Victorian house in a great location. Houses like this always end up selling for around $2 million.

Was it worth it?

Definitely! It’s hard to go wrong with a beautifully-upgraded character home.

Fifteen people are injured, at least three of them critically, after police say two men detonated an improvised explosive device inside a Mississauga restaurant on Thursday night.

First responders were called to 5035 Hurontario Street around 10:30 p.m. last night after a loud bang was heard coming from the Indian restaurant Bombay Bhel.

A 35-year-old Brampton man, a 62-year-old Mississauga woman and a 48-year-old Mississauga woman were all rushed to a Toronto trauma centre with critical injuries as a result of the blast.

Peel Regional Police Chief Jennifer Evans said Friday morning that their conditions had been upgraded to stable. Another 12 victims, ranging in age from 23 to 69, were treated in local hospitals and have since been released.

Pics from the restaurant explosion at Hurontario St & Eglinton Av in #Mississauga. Plaza is sealed off, approx 15 people transported to hospital, 3 critical. Sources saying incendiary devices were found inside the restaurant. pic.twitter.com/b5ZX6NVeSx

— Jeremy Cohn (@JeremyGlobalTV) May 25, 2018

Peel Police continue to search for two men in hoodies who were seen entering the restaurant "with an IED" shortly before the explosion, according to Evans.

Security camera footage shows both men walking into Bombay Bhel with their faces covered around 10:32 p.m. Peel police spokesperson Sgt. Matt Bertram said on Thursday night that the suspects entered and exited the restaurant without saying anything.

"It appears they just went in, dropped off this device and took off right away," he said. "Until we can get in there and analyze the material after the search warrant, we won't be able to say what [the explosive device] was."

Security cam still from Bombay Bhel in #Mississauga tonight of two male suspects wanted for planting an IED inside the restaurant, injuring 15 ppl. Notice tactical prep like covered faces and dark hoodies. pic.twitter.com/DtTKdlU5pg

— Steven Zhou (@stevenzzhou) May 25, 2018

When asked if the incident was terror related, Evans stressed that police were only starting their investigation.

"There is no indication that this is a terrorist act. There is no indication that this is a hate crime," she said. "At this time we have not ruled anything out."

Evans did reveal that a number of children under the age of 10 were in Bombay Bhel at the time of the attack, possibly for a party, but that none were injured.

Here is the latest update from Canada. The 12 persons who were taken to hospital have been discharged. The other 3 persons who were critically injured are stable. According to Police, at this stage there is no evidence to term this incident as a terrorist attack or hate crime.

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) May 25, 2018

The Government of India's Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, addressed the blast on Twitter early Friday morning.

"I am in constant touch with our Consul General in Toronto and Indian High Commissioner in Canada," she wrote. "Our missions will work round the clock. The Emergency number is : +1-647-668-4108. Please RT."

Anyone who might have information about the suspects or incident are asked to contact Peel Regional Police.

We all know that the uber popular Scarborough Bluffs are the go-to for sweeping views of Lake Ontario, but if you’re looking for an equally stunning lookout without the overwhelming crowds, Hawk Cliff is the answer.

Less than two hours from Toronto lies Hawk Cliff, which has incredible panoramic views of Lake Erie. Hikers, bird watchers and all-around nature lovers have been visiting this hidden gem for generations.

A post shared by destinee (@desxsmith) on Aug 16, 2017 at 6:31pm PDT

Hawk Cliff is the the perfect summer spot to take in the blue waters of Ontario, indulge in a picnic, or catch a spectacular sunset.

A post shared by Alysha (@karmakitten) on Jun 25, 2017 at 11:54am PDT

Similar to the nearby Beamer Memorial Conservation Area, Hawk Cliff is also known internationally as a "Hawkwatch Site" and is world-renowned as an observation site of migrating birds.

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The cliffs are part of a public 230-acre property and some say the hiking trail to get to the cliffs is even more beautiful than the coastline itself. The heavily dense woodland is sprawling with clear streams, colourful meadows and a number of Carolinian trees.

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Since the Hawk Cliff Woods is also one of the largest remaining deep interior forests in Elgin County, the shoreline has become a major migratory pathway for monarch butterflies. Expect to be surrounded by them when you visit!

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Be sure to also get a glimpse of the cliff face from the shoreline — the outer layer is deeply pocketed with nesting holes for bank swallows, giving it a cool Swiss cheese-like appearance.

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Since Hawk Cliff is only 10 minutes away from Port Stanley, you should definitely hit the Port Stanley Beach after for some swimming and sun-bathing.

This beach is only one of 27 in Canada to have earned “Blue Flag” status for its commitment to strict water quality and safety. That’s no small feat!

The best event venues in Toronto instill all who enter them with a sense of awe and excitement. Some have been doing so for many years, some not as long, but either way the party's getting started when you step foot in one of these spaces.

Here are the best event venues in Toronto.

Evergreen Brick Works

With space to spare, this historic Don Valley venue has the BMO Atrium, 28,000-square-foot CRH Gallery and Koerner Gardens, The Frances and Tim Price Terrace and the Young Welcome Centre to suit almost any event of any size.

Artscape Wychwood Barns

Used as a film set for Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, these buildings that once housed streetcars are now part of Toronto's event-savvy Artscape family and host everything from cider fests to farmers' markets.

The Great Hall

With a history dating back to 1889, you're probably most familiar with this West Queen West venue as a concert space but the Main Hall, Drawing Room, Conversation Room and Longboat Hall all make for great event spaces with a Victorian feel.

The Carlu

This venue that originally opened in 1930 is a fixture at Yonge and College and has a whopping capacity of 1500 for a reception plus a full-on stage.

Berkeley Church

This one-of-a-kind Corktown venue operates out of a historic church built in 1871. Book this in-demand spot if you're the high ceilings and pillars type.

99 Sudbury

In the West Queen West neighbourhood down by the railway tracks, this raw industrial venue is capable of hosting festivals, shows and pop-ups.

The Globe and Mail Centre

This King East area space has an event hall, a lounge, meeting rooms, a terrace and more — all with a bird's eye view of the city. They also come equipped with all the requisite technology hookups.

The Burroughes Building

With a mind-blowing rooftop terrace near Queen and Bathurst, this space meets the needs of everything from weddings to music videos to fashion shoots.

Airship37

This modern space next to the Distillery District is unlike any other, with a patio area that's actually a vintage Airstream bus, a built-in bar with a chandelier and a 2500-square-foot main event space all in one spot.

Vancouver public transit riders were thrilled earlier this week to learn that Morgan Freeman — as in the Morgan Freeman — would be lending his golden voice to intercom announcements across the city all summer long.

And then along came CNN with a bombshell report detailing allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct against the 80-year-old actor from at least eight different women in Hollywood.

Ouch. On so many levels, ouch.

pic.twitter.com/Oyj1aWF17J

— Brent (@prplppltweeter) May 24, 2018

News of the allegations prompted Vancouver's public transit agency to "pause" its new Freeman-enhanced announcements less than 24 hours after rolling them out.

"In light of information we've learned through news stories this morning of serious allegations, TransLink has decided to pause [Freeman's] voice announcements as part of a VISA ad campaign on the transit system," wrote the agency on Twitter.

Visa similarly announced on Thursday that it would be suspending all marketing efforts in which the Oscar-winning actor is featured.

it would be awesome to have both @Sethrogen and @VancityReynolds have alternating announcements and have them play off each other as only vancouverites would love and respect!

— Janet Price (@JPloveslife) May 24, 2018

Crushed as they may have been to learn about the allegations against Freeman, who has long been one of the film industry's most-beloved stars, Vancouverites were quick to suggest a replacement for his Translink gig.

Names floated on Twitter so far include Ryan Reynolds, Nardwuar, Michael Bublé, anyone from the cast of Riverdaleand, most popularly, Canadian funnyman Seth Rogen.

"Lots of emails today were along the lines of: 'What, there wasn't a Canadian actor who could've done the job?' After some thought, I do have a suggestion: @Sethrogen," wrote Vancouver Sun reporter Stephanie Ip on Twitter in response to the suggestions.

"I would happily listen to him announce my transit stops all day, every day BUT ONLY IF IT COMES WITH THE LAUGH."

Yo if they need a replacement now let me know.

— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) May 24, 2018

Just 15 minutes later, Ip got a reply on Twitter from Rogen himself.

"Yo if they need a replacement now let me know," wrote the actor, who originally hails from Vancouver.

"Come do it for Toronto, Seth," replied Toronto City Councillor (and self-proclaimed #6Dad) Norm Kelly a short time later, to which Rogen replied "I'll do the whole country!"

I’ll do the whole country!

— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) May 25, 2018

How dope would that be though, for real? Few people seem very attached to the TTC robot voice, and Toronto's transit agency is openly down to book Rogen for the job.

"So Seth, how many RT's to make this happen for Toronto?" asked the TTC on Twitter last night after Rogen told Translink to hit him up via DM.

The actor, known for such stoner comedies as Pineapple Express, Knocked Up, Superbad and Neighbours, has not yet replied to the TTC — at least not publicly — but Toronto transit riders are already imagining the hilarious possibilities.

Next stop, Old Cummer. *Seth Rogen laugh* that's Old Cummer, next stop *more laughter*... I dig it.

— Ken Raven (@QuothTheKraven) May 25, 2018

Should the TTC's bid for Rogen fail, Joey Jeremiah from Degrassi (aka actor Pat Mastroianni) says he's game.

I will naked wrestle @Sethrogen for a chance at the job.

— Pat Mastroianni (@patmastroianni) May 25, 2018

So there's that.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) are calling out both the TTC and its ad sales agency, Pattison Outdoor, this week for allegedly refusing to take their business.

Lawyers representing PETA say that Pattison has been ignoring queries about running pro-vegan ads throughout Toronto's transit system for at least two months now.

"What do Toronto officials have against PETA's freedom of expression to save animals?" reads a blog post on the non-profit organization's website.

"All the ads proposed by PETA comply with Canadian advertising standards, so as a public transit agency, the commission cannot lawfully refuse to display them."

PETA claims TTC not running their ads which, based upon the ads PETA says they wish to run, are protected expression per the Supreme Court ruling 2009 SCC 31. https://t.co/WM5FaXpFYP

— 𝐉𝐨𝐞𝐲𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧 (@JoeyColeman) May 25, 2018

Three of the ads in question include the faces of a chicken, a pig and a cow with the words "I'm ME, Not MEAT."

A fourth ad shows a distressed goose wearing a down-filled, Canada Goose-style jacket. "Horrific Animal Abuse: Are You Really Down With That?" it reads.

"Geese suffer for Canada Goose’s down-filled jackets. See the footage at PETA.org/CanadaGoose."

Lawyers representing PETA are demanding an explanation for Pattison's 'longtime refusal' to display ads like this one. Image via PETA. 

"There's no excuse for rejecting ads that alert commuters to the agony of chickens whose throats are slit for nuggets and geese who are suffocated for Canada Goose's coats," said PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman in a press release on Wednesday.  

"This blanket refusal even to respond to PETA's inquiries violates our right to free expression."

TTC spokesperson Brad Ross said on Friday that the transit agency "has never been presented with a PETA ad to accept or reject."

"Pattison are best to explain their position with respect to PETA," said Ross. "In the meantime, the TTC is working to better understand the issue with Pattison."

This ad, which encourages viewers to go vegan, is one of several that PETA wants to display on Toronto's transit system. Image via PETA.

Pattison, for its part, did not reply to repeated requests for comment.

"Make no mistake — PETA is prepared to take the issue to court if necessary," reads the animal rights organization's blog.

"There are simply no excuses for rejecting ads that alert people to the agony of coyotes who bleed and struggle in traps for Canada Goose’s coats or animals who suffer and die on farms for their flesh."