Photo by by Bo Chen in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Toronto's Tori worshipers got downright rowdy at last night's Massey Hall show. After 38 years (!) of touring Tori Amos showed no signs of fatigue despite her new reading glasses - and references to menopause. Playing a set full of audience-pleasing deep cuts from her substantial catalogue and a few new tracks, Amos kept the audience enraptured with her emotionally intense material and friendly, conversational demeanor.

After an all Zeppelin intermission post opening act Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou (very cute), Amos came on stage to rapturous applause, facing her much-loved Bosendorfer piano. Having seen her with a full band previously, Amos' solo performance was much more intimate and relaxed. Shorn of the almost proggish embellishments of the full band, Amos's vivid and uncomfortable lyrics and vocals shone. Despite being seated Amos rocked hard, straddling her stool playing keyboard and piano simultaneously.

Amos managed to touch on all of her proper albums, save for 2011's Night of Hunters. Her choice of songs was not at all obvious and varies quite a bit from night to night. While not all of her choices made sense (no "Precious Things"?), it was worth it for the element of surprise.

She played no more than two or three tracks per album, avoiding the nostalgia trip of focusing on her 90's material. The most goose bump-worthy moment for me was the soaring chorus of "iieee" (From the Choirgirl Hotel), though "Past the Mission" and "Sugar" came close. "Icicle," her bible-themed ode to masturbation, was appropriately climactic, getting lots of enthusiastic and awkward cheers.

Known for her odd covers (see her solo cover of "Smells Like Teen Spirit"), she didn't disappoint last night with a bizarre and beguiling mash-up of Tom Petty's "Freefallin'" and Sarah McLachlan's "Building a Mystery". It shouldn't have worked, but somehow it did.

Her biggest hit "Cornflake Girl" got the crowd rushing to the stage. This was one of two tracks she played with a prerecorded track and the canned music and back-up vocals were distracting, (making the song seem a bit karaoke-ish) but the crowd ate it up.

The show ended with a stunning version of early b-side "Take to the Sky" featuring some serious piano-hitting percussion. By that point it was clear why Tori has maintained her devotees over two decades and a few less-than-great albums. Her combination of emotional honesty, a positive, self-love vibe and her amazing vocal and piano chops keep her fans connected and coming back for more.

Writing by Dorian Barton, photos by Irina No

The creature that steals my socks out of the laundry has a cousin. It lives in the tunnels of the TTC, and it wants my gloves and mittens (but only one at a time). When a single matched pair survives a whole winter, I basically throw a party. If you're like me, and you've sacrificed countless personal treasures (keys, priceless artworks, true love, your sanity) to our city's transit system, a new project wants to make beautiful public art out of your sob story.

The Things We Lose is a new video project by Labspace Studio, the same folks that recently showed us the historic path of the Don River through public art. They're currently accepting submissions for stories and photos on your lost items; if your story's chosen, they'll film a segment for the project, and it'll be screened in subway stations in October.

Photo by Dominic Bugatto in the blogTO Flickr pool

The top stores to buy a vintage tuxedo in Toronto present the perfect solution if everyone you know is getting married, and you're bored of that grey suit you've had in the closet for 10 years. Nothing says you know how to clean up like a tuxedo, and having the sartorial savvy to snag a vintage one is even more impressive. But this is a trend to be taken seriously. Go a little too wild, and you'll likely be bombarded by Dumb and Dumber references.

Here are my picks for the top stores to buy a vintage tuxedo in Toronto.

Cabaret Vintage
This shop on Queen West is a haven for brides-to-be looking for beautiful and unique gowns for themselves and their bridal party. Cabaret hasn't left the men out of the equation, though. They usually have about a dozen full tuxedo suits and tuxedo jackets from or inspired by the '20s through to the '60s in stock, some of which are made in house. Prices can reach almost $600, and if that makes you uncomfortable, think about how much the bride is spending on her outfit.

Kingpin's Hideaway
Kingpin's is strictly a menswear store, and that means they have a few more vintage tuxedo options than your average, along with contemporary designerwear and accessories. Their motto is "Learn to dress like a grownup. It's better." And what better way to look like a proper grown man than wearing a tux? Kingpin's usually has between 20 and 30 in stock, ranging from the Victorian era to contemporary, and their blog will teach you how to wear your new tux right.

Exile Vintage
Kensington Market should probably be your first stop on the hunt for a vintage tuxedo, and Exile would be a great place to start. They've been in business for over 30 years, and they've got a pretty vast selection of retro duds, including tuxedos from the '50s through to the '80s. They keep a few out on the floor, but ask about what's in the back and you might get first dibs on a few more.

Gadabout Vintage
This gem of a vintage store is on the opposite end of Queen St. from all of its peers, but don't let that deter you. Amongst the impressive collection of gowns, posters, quilts and gadgets, Gadabout has roughly 15 full tuxedos to choose from, along with about 50 separates, and they're always bringing more in. If you're really ready to commit to the vintage, they even have a few tuxes from the teens and '20s.

Flashback
This store has two sister stores in Kensington Market - Flashback II and King of Kensington. They're all within a stone's throw of each other, and each is chock full of great vintage finds. Right now, Flashback has about six tuxedo jackets on the floor, and some of those have super fancy tails. Usually, they have at least a few tuxedos, so check back often - new stock is brought in at least twice a week.

Shout-outs go to Bungalow and Vintage Depot who frequently carry a small selection of full tuxedos and separates, as well as extras like cummerbunds.

Did I miss any? Leave your favourite sources for vintage tuxes in the comments.

Photo via Cabaret Vintage on Instagram.

It's a word that strikes fear into the heart of all Torontonians - bedbugs. That terror is doubly felt by the city's secondhand shoppers, who regularly rifle through their fellow Torontonians' closet castoffs at thrift, consignment and resale stores in search of a great deal. (Not enough fear to scare them off completely, though, as the city's current secondhand fashion boom proves.)

But how realistic are those fears? Sure, the idea of secondhand clothing might squick some folks out, but is buying used clothing really a higher bedbug risk than riding the TTC, heading to a library or sitting in a movie theatre?

Secondhand stores around Toronto, from thrift stores in low-income areas to high-end consignment stores, are all on alert for the possibility of bedbugs, and keep their eyes peeled for telltale signs when buying new stock - though most say they don't clean clothing themselves as a precaution.

One of the few that does is Double Take on Gerrard East, operated by the Yonge Street Mission, which which features a large sign in the window advertising that all clothing is steam cleaned, and all linens are washed (and, the store staff add, dried on hot).

"I believe putting a sign in our window expressly stating that we steam clean all our clothing is something that has drawn a very appreciative audience to Double Take," says manager Kathy Webster.

The store uses a large steaming machine, as well as another for delicate items (like leather jackets). But, Webster says, that main machine cost them between $25,000 and $30,000 to obtain - a prohibitive price tag for most businesses.

Combating bedbugs, as anyone who's ever hosted the little blighters can attest, is more complicated than just throwing an item in the laundry. If the bugs have laid eggs on a garment, washing won't kill them - the clothing also needs to be exposed to very high heat via a dryer or steamer. Add up the staffing, equipment, and time needed to treat every piece that comes through the door, and those processing costs often become unfeasible for businesses trying to cater to a cost-conscious clientele.

That having been said, however, secondhand buyers are typically on high alert. At the Kind Exchange, staff say looking for unwanted critters - particularly along clothing seams, where they like to hide - is a big part of the quality control process. "We check things seam for seam, button by button, so it makes it easy to tell," says Bronwen Hagan, who manages the Queen and Peter store.

If buyers spot the slightest trace of an insect of any kind, they immediately seal the item in a plastic bag and either ask the consignor to come pick it up right away or dispose of it outright.

Thrift stores are even more vigilant, thanks to the possibility of infestation through used furniture (where bedbugs like to hide in nooks and crannies). Staff at Value Village in Leslieville say they don't accept used mattresses (the rule for most thrift stores) and tend to avoid taking bed frames; though clothing isn't washed, everything else is inspected for signs of an infestation, particularly furniture.

Vintage lovers, however, may be able to breathe a little easier. Since vintage shops typically buy their stock from various dealers and warehouses, instead of directly from members of the public, it's theoretically less likely that an infestation that began in a private apartment or home would make its way into the store.

High-end consignment stores, too, often ask for clothing to either be freshly washed or dry cleaned (though buyers at lower-end resale stores like Kind Exchange also say they'll decline items they can tell aren't clean). Of course, though they're a problem generally associated with lower-income neighbourhoods, bedbugs don't discriminate based on class - and just because the label on your secondhand find says "Chanel", that doesn't automatically mean you're immune.

Whatever you brought home, you can always buy yourself a little extra peace of mind; Toronto Public Health advises safeguarding your place against potential thrift-store hitchhikers by throwing your new item into a hot dryer for 30 minutes. It's a handy tip, since Toronto's thrift addicts (myself included) likely won't be going cold turkey on the thrill of the find anytime soon.

Free events in Toronto this week are heavy on music, film, and art, maybe because they know that the people in your life aren't enough to see you through the hardships that come from being financially screwed. While love is great, sometimes an escape or reflective moment that comes from outside our normal schedules makes all the difference between burning out and fading away. And Neil Young was wrong.

Here's how to rejuvenate your will to live in Toronto for free this week.

Summer Cinema at Fort York -The Breakfast Club
Fort York now boasts a free outdoor film festival, and though festival might be pushing it (let's call it a series between you and I), it's free, so we'll shrug and go along. This week's screening is The Breakfast Club. Tuesday, August 12, 7:30pm, Fort York National Historic Site (100 Garrison Rd).

The Indie Blender's 1 Year Anniversary Bash
Catch folky indie rockers Union Duke, The Treasures, and Blue Sky Miners at Indie Blender's first anniversary. Wednesday, August 13, 8pm, The Dakota Tavern (249 Ossington Ave).

#Shortstack: Short Film Screening
Hashtag's monthly screening will showcase short films compiled by Johnny Hollick and Russel Harder. It's PWYC, but there will be snacks so a couple of bucks gets you a light dinner! As if there was any other kind of dinner. Thursday, August 14, 9pm, Hashtag Gallery (801 Dundas St West).

Photographers Without Borders Magazine Launch & FREE Art Exhibit
Check out this Photographers Without Borders Magazine showcase and take your eyes on a trip around the world. A trip your physical being will never get to take, because you keep spending your last $10 on cigarettes. August 14-17, 7pm, Hermann & Audrey (1506 Dundas St West).

Music in St. James Park: MALOO
Maylee Todd's MALOO music project will bring her sparkly aura and on point psych pop boogie to Music in St James Park this week. Thursday, August 14, 7pm, St. James Park (120 King Street East).

Roundtable Residency Opening and Closing Receptions
Check out art and performances that will complete the Dragon Academy's five week summer residency. Curators include Morris Fox, Brandon A. Dalmer, Adrienne Crossman, and Julia Dickens. Friday, August 15, 7pm, The Dragon Academy (35 Prince Arthur Ave).

Bike Share & Cycling Hackathon/Design Jam and Free Community Events
Anyone interested in coding and design should check this out to help create "apps, maps, stories and visualizations" with Bike Share Toronto's data and more. Who knows, maybe your random thing will be on blogTO by next week. August 15-17, Bitmaker Labs (220 King Street West).

Amsterdam 416 Kensington Market Block Party
Not a free event - you have to let $15 slip through your world-beaten fingers to get in - but once you make your way onto the "secret" patio the the beer is all-you-can-drink. Saturday, August 16, 6-11pm, 25 Kensington Ave.

Get your Swirve On - LUST by SPUD1 closing Party
Fan of graffiti? Fan of graffiti art gallery shows? SPUD1 is exploring his lust at this show. He's into the ladies. How unique. Saturday, August 16, Studio Bar (824 Dundas Street West).

BY DIVINE RIGHT, Language-Arts & Gay // FREE SHOW in the Junction
Another three-band-bill indie rock free show at 3030. Living in the Junction isn't all bad, even if you're not wearing diapers and eating from a (vintage, cruelty free) silver spoon. If you're bored count plaid shirts. If you're really bored, count each square. Saturday, August 16, 9pm, 3030 (3030 Dundas West).

SUNDAY SCENE: Brendan George Ko
Brendan George Ko's photo show at Le was one of our top picks for summer art shows in the city, and you can hear what he has to say about exhibit Vasco Araujo: Under the Influence of Psyche. Sunday, August 17, 2pm, The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery (231 Queens Quay West).

• Elvis Mondays at the Drake
• Foosball Battle Royale, Monday, Disgraceland
• Art Gallery of Ontario free evening, Wednesday, 6-8:30pm.
• IFOA Weekly, free for supporters, students, & youth under 26, Wednesday, Harbourfront Centre
• Skin of My Nuts Comedy Show, Thursday, Sonic Espresso Bar
• Free patio concerts, Thursday until Aug 7, Roy Thomson Hall
• Canadian Opera Company's Free Concerts series
• While nearly all art galleries in the city are free to enter, it's worth noting The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA) is always PWYC.
• The ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) offers discounted tickets on Fridays ($10).

The top gluten-free brunch in Toronto is important to know about if you've got celiac disease, or avoid the wheat protein for other reasons. Brunch is a beloved weekend ritual, for many Torontonians, but the often wheat-heavy meal (with all that toast, pancakes, waffles and benny biscuits) often kept those going gluten-free from participating with gastronomic gusto. Now, nothing will hold you back.

Here are my picks for the top gluten-free brunch in Toronto.

Barque
Something about a BBQ smokehouse doesn't scream brunch or gluten-free, but don't be fooled: Barque is a great place for both. The rubs on all the meat are gluten-free and with some navigation, there are lots of gluten free options. Try the scrambled eggs with pulled pork or the summer strawberry salad.

Starving Artist
A full waffle menu may not scream 'gluten-free to most, but those in the know head to either of the two Starving Artist locations (on Lansdowne and St. Clair West) for brunch and order the gluten-free or potato waffles instead of the typically-wheat ones, which means basically anything on the menu is available gluten-free.

Cardinal Rule
They've already won hearts (including ours) for their vegan brunch options, but did you know there are just as many gluten-free items as well? It makes for a truly flexitarian experience, so vegan, veggies, gluten-free and whole-hog eaters can enjoy brunch side by side. Everything is clearly marked on the menu too, so you don't have to ask awkwardly. They even have gluten-free French toast.

Lola's Kitchen
Church Street regulars have been long fans of Lola's for their breakfasts and bennies. Their menu feature gluten-free toast for the classic breakfast, the brunch bowl and the curried tofu scramble and a gluten-free granola.

Kensington Cornerstone
The Kensington Cornerstone has been a 'cornerstone' for gluten-free brunch for a long time, and with good reason: The entire menu is gluten-free, giving diners a full range of choices. Come with an appetite for the big breakfast platter, and the pancakes are a knock out.

Hibiscus Cafe
The entire menu was designed gluten-free at the Hibiscus Café in Kensington so there isn't the slightest worry about a mix-up, or missing out on some flavour element. The sweet and savoury buckwheat crepes are wonderful, or try one of the soup or salad options but it's also vegan so those hankering for bacon and eggs should look elsewhere.

Easy
This all day diner is a classic breakfast hot spot at either location. They have gluten-free brown rice wraps available for the quesadillas, or have any of the many items served on corn tortillas, plus the granola is now gluten-free too.

Sadie's Diner
Any of Sadie's wonderful breakfasts are available with gluten-free toasts, the buckwheat pancakes can be totally gluten-free, and both of the rancheros dishes are served with corn tortillas. Already sensitive to dietary restrictions, they get that business clear with diners right away, and let you get down to the business of good eating.

E.L. Ruddy
This Dundas spot features a great from-scratch breakfast menu sure to delight. While not everything on the menu is gluten-free, ask the server to help point out the GF available and you'll find plenty of things to satisfy your tummy. The basic breakfast is great, and you can get cornbread instead of plain old toast, a tastier substitute anyway.

Doug's Public Kitchen
Doug McNish, of Doug's Public Kitchen, has been offering a sunday brunch at the restaurant and vegan culinary hub to rave reviews. The menu is gluten-free and vegan; try the tofu scramble platter with chili, potatoes, gluten-free toast, miso butter and tempeh bacon, or Doug's Triple Decker Brunch Club Sandwich.

Did I miss any? Leave your favourite gluten-free brunch spot in the comments.

Photo of Starving Artist by Jesse Milns

Photo by Dominic Bugatto in the blogTO Flickr pool.

Today in Toronto Belljar continues their diverse line of of chill farewells to the warm months (wait, what? Never) at their So Long Summer series. Chairs Missing / Wicket Records will host a record shop pop-up from 6pm and at 9pm there will be musical performances by Ben O and Rosie Long Decter (Cult Classic). You can also catch Strand of Oaks playing at the Drake and Silent Isle (NYC) at Double Double Land.

For lovers of knitwear, knickknacks, and accessories the Toronto Gift Fair continues its huge and crafty sale at International Centre. If you're looking for some art to sink your teeth into check out our preview for the 2014 SummerWorks Performance Fest, on until August 17. For more events, click on over to our events section.

• Music: Strand of Oaks (Drake Underground)
• Fashion: Toronto Gift Fair (August 10-13, International Centre)
• Art/Theatre: SummerWorks
• Music/Party: so long summer: a series of farewell parties ep. 2 (Belljar)
• Music: Silent Isle (Double Double Land)

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.

Photo: Yarn at SummerWorks

Toronto's street food scene is booming and its not just because food trucks are finally dishing up curbside grub. It seems like every weekend there's some street festival, beer garden or outdoor concert where tacos, burgers and poutines have become a sustaining force. Last week, we challenged our readers to share their favourite street eats, and this shot by aehr_a from Gushi had us salivating enough to award a Pure Leaf Real Brewed Kit for their entry.

Check out all the submissions in our street food photo stream.

Chicago may have its own blend of popcorn (cheese and caramel, and it is delicious), but Toronto now has a couple of dozen flavours to its name. That's all thanks to the mad genius of the Toronto Popcorn Company, a new Kensington Market-based outfit that's been turning out fluffy stuff topped off with the sweet, the savoury, and the hilariously elaborate.

The Toronto connection mostly ends at the name but the company still pays homage to the city's vibrant food scene through steak BBQ, taco, pizza, and bacon cheddar flavours (always with the bacon, Toronto). Sugar fiends, meanwhile, can avail themselves of blueberry, rocky road, cookies and cream, and whatever the holy hell this is. If you're thinking "I want to try all of those," you're in luck - they have a sampling bar at their storefront at 147 Baldwin St.

Image by Toronto Popcorn Company on Instagram.

There's a little piece of New Zealand up at Eglinton and Laird. This brand-new bakery has brought some favourite Kiwi baked goods - like meat pies and crunchy chocolate cookies - to Toronto in its first international expansion. If you're not feeling like pushing your culinary limits, they do a wide range of other baked goods, from eclairs to scones to donuts.

Read my review of Wiseys Pies and Bakehouse in the bakeries section.

Want to party underground at Honest Ed's? Opportunities are few and far between, so mark this Friday on your calendar. Local charitable party bookers Dudebox have been given blessing to use this treat of a space for a massive party featuring DJs, $5 drinks, and uh, dudely party vibes.

Even with a storied history of booking in unusual venues like Crossfit gyms (yes, they moved all the weights somehow) and car washes, this will be something special for the group of friends behind Dudebox, who say they will reach their long-term goal of raising $100,000 this summer - and they don't intend to retire.

Partnering with Rob Dyer of Skate 4 Cancer, 80% of funds from this party will go to Cancer charity Wellspring. Dan Tal of Dudebox has also revealed that August 15th will mark a new chapter for the company - a foray into the fashion world. And the talk show world?

"Dudebox will be launching DDBX in the next month. Hats. Shirts. Scented Candles. Interviews on Ellen. It's all happening. Funds will be reinvested into our social enterprise 'cause we wanna make charity our job instead of working 60 hours a week in restaurants for a living, and another 20 a week on Dudebox for free."

Toronto needs more wicked rumours flying around, so how about we start saying Ellen will be at Honest Ed's this Friday. By the time a condo goes up in the Ed's space, we'll be saying we took shots with her at the bar. Legends, let's make legends. For cancer.

Dudebox's party is Friday Aug 15 at Honest Ed's (591 Bloor Street West). Entry is, fitting the Ed's brand, $9.99.

There's a familiar face coming to the CNE this year: Fran's, the legendary Toronto diner chain, has secured a spot at the Ex's food building, that vast temple to out-there carnival snacks, for this year's edition of the festival, which kicks off August 15. Since this is the CNE, and nothing can be consumed in its traditional form, the diner chain will be blending slices of its beloved pies (apple, specifically, as well as cheesecake, carrot cake, and brownies) into its equally beloved milkshakes.

Other Fran's offerings: peanut butter-sriracha balls, bacon and egg-stuffed maple french toast, and a waffle topped with turkey and all the Thanksgiving fixings (a nod to the diner's popular Thanksgiving dinner). Here's my question, Fran's: Why did you wait until the CNE brought you on board? Couldn't you have done this stuff when I was in college and eating your breakfasts at 1am three times a week? There's still hope for the younger generation, though, as Fran's staff tell the Star they're not ruling out adding these treats to the restaurant menu.

This brand-new cafe and restaurant at the Thompson accommodates hotel guests from morning 'til night - but it also caters to locals looking to indulge in some refined French fare. Seafood specialties, the menu's main focus, are part of a wider roster of dishes that includes tartare, steak frites and frog legs.

Read my profile of Colette in the restaurants section.

Taste of the Danforth once again descended on Toronto's Greektown this weekend for a 21st season of dishing out street eats to thousands of revellers. Even without the mayoral guest appearance that had the festival making headlines around the world, the festival - and the food, whether Greek, Brazilian, Italian, or Japanese - was a crowd-pleaser and still gave way to (the headline of the summer).

Check out all the eats in our photo gallery.

Bike Pirates third annual DIY bike rave hit the streets of Toronto on Saturday, touring the west side of the city as a neon-clad armada surrounded by electronic beats and loud chatter. The group assembled at Christie Pits park at dusk to bling out bikes with lights of all shapes and sizes, before heading out into the darkness. With multiple bikes belting out a communal playlist, the cyclists rode critical mass-style both as a safety measure and to ensure that everyone could hear the music.

This year's route took the firefly-like peloton from the Pits to Perth and High Park, down to the waterfront and finally to Trinity Bellwoods where the ride disbanded. The group was at it most impressive visually around Coronation Park, where the lack of street lighting allowed the bikes to shine in the darkness.

Check out all the highlights from the bike rave in this photo gallery.

As of early next year, Toronto's home cooks and decor aficionados will no longer be looking to Bloor St. for their decorative knick-knacks and Le Creuset crockpots. Williams-Sonoma Inc. has announced it's closing its Yorkville outpost, along with its sister home furnishing store Pottery Barn, at the beginning of 2015. The move will open up a massive two floors of retail space, amounting to 37,000 square feet, Retail Insider reports.

The company blamed the "rising costs of real estate" in the neighbourhood for the pullout; unsurprising, since stores on the strip of Bloor, west of Yonge, are tending more and more toward luxury clothing, as the upcoming replacement of the Roots flagship with a new Holt Renfrew's men's store shows. It's not yet known who might move into the space, but what I can predict is a closing sale for the ages.

Photo via Retail Insider.

Summertime adventures aren't just limited to bike rides and canoe trips - there's tasty new twists on fun summer fare happening on Toronto menus this season. Discover reimagined takes on the classics and grown-up (read: alcoholic) adaptations of your childhood faves.

Here are 10 fun foods to eat this summer in Toronto.

S'mores
New twists on this campfire classic can be found at Lucky Red where the menu lists an insanely delicious s'more bao ($3) made with Nutella and brûléed marshmallows on a deep-fried steam bun. Big Crow also does a cool version with ice cream sandwiched between a brioche bun ($9) and topped with crumbled graham crackers and hot fudge. Meanwhile, Sullivan & Bleeker has a picnic-perfect solution in the form of a s'mores cupcake in a jar.

Slushies
Your inner teenager might have a soft spot for slushies if the summers of your youth were spent aimlessly in a Mac's Milk parking lot. Now slushies have grown up, too, with a 19+ resurgence of the Lime Rickey happening at La Cubana, piña coladas ($8) at Rhum Corner and Long Island iced teas at Home of the Brave. Also noteworthy are the frosty, swirl-capped frozen beers being poured at izakayas citywide.

Ice cream sandwiches
Sitting on the curb eating with ice cream melting down your forearm is a must before summer's end. Don't eat just any freezer section ice cream sandwich - try one of the quirky flavour combos (things like Cinnamon Toast Crunch ice cream between birthday cake cookies) found at Bakerbots and Bang Bang, where scoops of ice cream are nestled between thick house-baked cookies. For fun, less-traditional takes, check out the newly-opened Cluny for delicate macaron ice cream sandwiches ($10), get cheesy with Burgers Priest's grilled cheese and vanilla version ($5), or try Carbon Bar's aged cheddar, wafers and maple ice cream sandwich ($9).

Pie
The classic summer dessert is an all-time fave, whether it's pecan pie ($6.90) topped with bourbon creme anglaise from Smoque N Bones or the deep fried wedge of apple pie ($8) from Huntsman Tavern. If all-butter crusts filled with seasonal fruits are your jam, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding that personal slice of heaven.

Milkshakes
Why go vanilla when you can shake things up with unusual choices like the thick cinnamon doughnut milkshake ($7) offered at Stack Restaurant, or the salt caramel sour cream shake ($5) at Wallace & Co? If truly wacky flavours are your thing, look no further than Holy Chuck Burgers, where options include a wasabi, ginger and scallion shake ($5.99), or go ultra-indulgent with a foie gras and truffle oil shake ($15).

Corn on the cob
The summer festival favourite is making its way onto menus at places like Boots 'n' Bourbon where Mexican street corn ($9) is upgraded with guajillo chili butter, queso fresco, potato crisps, cilantro crema and lime. Rock 'N Horse Saloon offers a similar "Texas street corn" ($11), while upscale Japanese restaurant, Ki adds their own spin on corn on the cob with the addition of butter, miso and shichimi togarashi salt.

Corn dogs
The CNE isn't open quite yet, but you can still satisfy cravings for carnival foods with these upgraded takes on the PoGo. Tavern by Trevor offers duck corn dogs ($5) with beer mustard on its snack menu, while the Happy Hooker does shrimp corn dogs ($6) two at a time, and Huntsman Tavern's take is a hardly-weenie version with chorizo ($8).

Seafood boils
A "seafood boil" is not just a dish, but also a summer social event. The casual joy of seafood feasting can be enjoyed any time at Smoked & Cracked in midtown, where whole lobsters (MP) are steamed with potatoes and corn on the cob before bring spilled out onto checkered paper and enjoyed with your hands. At Rock Lobster on Queen West you'll also find crab boils ($28) and lobster boils ($45) complete with all the fixins.

Cold ramen
Gazpacho and vichyssoise can move over. Ramen is getting a cool summer makeover at Ramen Isshin with the introduction of Hiyashi chūka ($9.80), a.k.a chilled ramen noodle salad. Kinton Ramen is in on it too, offering a sesame-dressed goma ramen salad ($8.8).

Watermelon
The refreshing summer fruit is finding its way into all sorts of salads, like the five-spice watermelon salad ($14) with goat feta served at the Kennedy Public House. Better still, this melon gets a starring role when paired with tuna tartare ($13) at Mata Petisco Bar, or as the key to a tomato and watermelon gazpacho ($11) at Drake One Fifty.

What did I miss? Add your fun summer foods to the comments below.

Thanks to Growers Cider for sponsoring this post.

For more fun things to do this summer, check out our Toronto Fun Guide.

The abstract-poetic representin' from Queens, Mr. A-Tribe-Called-Q-Tip himself, was in Toronto this past Saturday performing a DJ set, part of Absolut Makerfest at 99 Sudbury. With an open RSVP list and the promise of free drinks, the venue filled quickly and left many out of luck outside.

Inside there was more than just free booze and a celebrity DJ. Inventive art installations and interactive craft stations lined the front exhibit hall. There was a 3D-printing demo, a sewing station, and 4 types of automatic bartending machines that spun 26'ers of vodka like a young Tom Cruise set against the music of the Beach Boys.

There was a place where you could make your own belt, I think? I saw leather and hammers. And there was even a place where you could pour a drink using only your mind! And a special headband. And a special computer-controlled drink pouring machine. The future is bright, friends.

The main attraction was a DJ set by Q-Tip, who was performing in a separate room, accessible only by one door. Here was less a line than a mad crush of ever-so-diligent fans crowding for a chance to sneak-in. Luckily I was smuggled into the venue by an elite team of hipster-Navy Seals (our photographer and his buddies).

I was too late to catch the set by Theophilus London, but arrived just in time to watch Q-Tip take the stage. He proved himself to be a competent-enough DJ, mixing the crowd through top hip-hop hits, classic cuts, toured through the 70's, the 60's, and threw down some rocksteady and ska. But it's not as if his inventiveness and wit as an MC translated into his beat mixing skills. If you get invited to a party with a world famous juggler, do you really want to watch him paint landscapes?

He did play a couple of his own tunes, Vivrant Thing, Scenario (of course) and another cut from The Low End Theory that I can't remember. The crowd ate it up. But that's still kind of weird, right? Like, I wouldn't throw a party and then play my own band.

Did you make it to Absolut Makerfest? Share your experience at the event in the comments below.

Writing by PO Karim. Photos be Alejandro Santiago.