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Sunday, December 31, 2017

5 things Toronto was supposed to get this year but didn't

What a different place Toronto would be if construction and expansion schedules were always adhered to. In the absence of delays, we probably wouldn't be waiting for malfunctioning streetcars in the cold, the commute through Union Station would be a dream, and we'd have all the Chickenjoy fried chicken we've ever wanted.

Here are 5 things Toronto was supposed to get in 2017 but didn't.

Bombardier streetcars

The ongoing saga of late delays of Toronto's new streetcar fleet continued through 2017 with Bombardier coming up short on delivery schedules that were revised multiple times. By now we should have about 150, but the fleet actually sits at 63. Brutal. 

A completely revamped Ontario Place

With the opening of Trillium Park and the William G. Davis Trail in June and renewed programming at the Cinesphere and Ontario Place grounds over the winter, this project might seem like a success story — until you recall that the province promised a total revamp by 2017. 

Jollibee 

The "coming soon" signs for Jollibee have felt at times like a cruel joke to those who feverishly await the Filipino fast food chain slated to open two locations in the Toronto area (one in Mississauga and the other in Scarborough), but it looks like there might be light on the horizon

MOCA's new home on Sterling Rd.

Some construction targets are borderline laughable, though no one blinked an eye when MOCA announced in March 2016 that it'd be ready to open in its new home at the Auto BLDG in May of 2017. It was then delayed until the fall, and is now scheduled for spring of 2018

The new Union Station

The initial date for the completion of the Union Station renovations was 2015. It was then pushed back to 2017, which seemed like a more realistic plan. As we enter the new year, substantial completion of phases two and three of the project are expected by the end of 2018


by Derek Flack via blogTO

The top 10 Toronto social media hits and blunders in 2017

The top 8 free events in Toronto this week

Free events in Toronto this week guarantee that you'll start off the new year strong, without breaking the bank. You can skate under the Gardiner with Mayor John Tory beside you, eat a free meal in Kensington, and dance like it's still New Year's Eve. 

Events you might want to check out:

The Festival of New Formats (January 2 @ Comedy Bar)
The Festival of New Format gifts Toronto with free stand up and improv shows at the start of each year. Up first is Love is Everywhere, a stand up showcase all about positivity and gratitude.
Music From People City (January 3-6 @ Gladstone Hotel)
This month, the Long Winter music and arts festival includes a multi-room visual experience inside the Gladstone. The art pop-up spotlights decades of Toronto's alt-music history, subcultures, and scenes.
Where Does This Disco (January 5 @ Farside)
A free night of mutant and Italo disco, indie electronic, and psych-pop goes down Friday at Farside for those who didn't get their dancing fix completely filled on New Year's Eve.
Global Boogie Banquet (January 5 @ Handlebar)
Kensington Market's Handlebar transforms into a global banquet celebrating the different cultures of the world. It's entirely free and features DJ Oreku spinning international grooves all night.
Really Really Free Market (January 6 @ Campbell Park)
On the first Saturday of each month in 2018, you can head to Campbell Park for a no money, no swapping, free market. Attendees bring one large shopping bag and can fill it up to their heart's content!
The Bentway Mayor's Skate Party (January 7 @ The Bentway)
The new skate trail under the Gardiner opens on Saturday, then the following day Mayor John Tory wants you to come skate with him. There will be complimentary skate rentals and hot chocolate courtesy of Mr Mayor!
No Pants Subway RIde (January 7 @ Multiple Venues)
The 17th annual No Pants Subway Ride encourages you to, no surprise here, ride the subway with no pants on. Please don't do this on any other day!
Community Skate through Maple Leaf Gardens (January 1 @ Mattamy Athletic Centre)
What better way to start the new year than by skating around historic Maple Leaf Gardens? Ryerson University's Mattamy Athetlic Centre opens its rink to the public on the 1st.

by Corey Van Den Hoogenband via blogTO

The fascinating history of Toronto's oldest bar

There's an undeniable allure to elbow-bending at an old bar. You can imagine all those who've occupied the room before you doing pretty much the exact same thing, which turns the humble watering hole into a bridge that links the past and present together like a time machine.

The general consensus is that Toronto's oldest bar is the Wheat Sheaf Tavern, located at the southwest corner of King and Bathurst streets. Aside from an eight month blip in 1995, the bar's been operational since Bernard Short opened it in 1849.

The Black Bull on Queen West might have been founded earlier (1833 or 1838, depending on who you ask), but it went by the name Clifton House for decades before it reverted to its original moniker in the late 1970s, which some argue disqualifies it from the title.

wheat sheaf tavern

Wheat Sheaf Tavern in the 1970s. Photo via Chuckman's Nostalgia.

That, in fact, is one of the things that's most remarkable about the Wheat Sheaf. Despite a host of different proprietors in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it somehow retained its name and general identity.

There have been changes along the way, though. The striking mansard roof that's arguably the building's calling card wasn't installed until a few decades after the tavern opened. The addition of the third storey occurred in 1905, following the popularity of the Second Empire architectural style.

wheat sheaf tavern

The Wheat Sheaf's ugly grey facade in 1981. Photo via the Toronto Archives.

For much of the 20th century, the building's original brick was painted over in an ugly off-white paint, representative of the general lack of care directed towards heritage buildings at the time. It actually took the closure of the business for the building to be restored.

A Globe and Mail article from 2001 tells the story of how Terry Tsianos spotted a for sale sign in the window of the shuttered tavern on the way home from a softball game and quickly moved with his partners in the Pegasus Group to purchase and restore the legendary tavern.

wheat seaf tavern

Wheat Sheaf Tavern in 1983. Photo by Patrick Cummins.

Architecturally speaking, it's actually easier to appreciate the history of the bar today than it was in the 1960s and '70s. The paint's finally been stripped and the old chimney stands out as an obvious feature on the east-facing side of the building.

As historian Doug Taylor has noted, this would have been the primary source of heat for the tavern in the early days. Eventually as the building expanded, so too did its heat sources, but it's fun to imagine soldiers from Fort York warming themselves with a drink by the fire some 150 years ago.

wheat sheaf tavern

Wheat Sheaf Tavern, 2011. Photo by Grant D.

Speaking of Fort York, the most persistent urban legend that surrounds the Wheat Sheaf involves a tunnel that apparently ran between the tavern and the military barracks.

Sadly, this is almost surely a bit of hopeful fiction, given that the distance between the bar and the Fort is about 500 metres.

The engineering prowess to construct such a thing without detection is quite frankly unthinkable, particularly when you consider that soldiers were given a daily beer ration.

Tunnel or no tunnel, the Wheat Sheaf is one of the city's most historically imbued places. If the walls could talk, the tale would be as epic a narrative as Toronto has to tell.


by Derek Flack via blogTO

Toronto New Year's Eve Party Guide 2018

Toronto New Year's Eve parties for 2018 come in all types of forms, from intimate get togethers to galas, from comedy shows to concerts, and plenty more. With so many offerings this year, any way you choose to ring in 2018 is sure to be an unforgettable occasion.

Events you might want to check out:

Stranger Things Snow Ball 18' (December 31 @ No One Writes to the Colonel)
We managed to escape the shadow monster that was 2017, now celebrate making it out alive. Semi-formal dress required and Steve Harrington style hair heavily encouraged!
Chronologic: New Year's Eve (December 31 @ The Garrison)
Music from 1890 to 2018 plays in chronological order, leading up the grand finale at midnight. It's all the best dance tracks from every era.
New Year's Eve at Nathan Phillips Square (December 31 @ Nathan Phillips Square)
Ring in the New Year at Nathan Phillips Square with DJs, live electronic music, site animations, a DJ skating party and a stunning fireworks display at midnight. It's totally free.
Dwayne Gretzky Infinity Ball (December 31 @ Enercare Centre)
The Toronto super group secured the largest dance floor they could and bought tons of mirrors to create an Infinity Ball style art installation. Food, photo ops, and live music await.
Steam Whistle NYE House Party (December 31 @ Steam Whistle Brewing)
Steam Whistle is transforming their home, the Roundhouse, into the ultimate House Party with themed rooms, DJs, live karaoke and plenty of Pilsner.
Y2K NYE (December 31 @ The Baby G)
This party comes all the way from Chicago and brings award winning DJs, dancers, and massive video projection to the Baby G. This night is all about the best jams from the 2000s.
Everleigh Circa 1926 New Years Eve (December 31 @ Everleigh Toronto)
Celebrate the new year Great Gatsby style with style and sophistication. Like the DiCaprio movie, hip hop and current hits will provide the soundtrack. Sorry, Louis Armstrong.
Nightflight to 2018 (December 31 @ Fly 2.0)
Fly into 2018 with good company at this party featuring shows by Sofonda Cox and Scarlett Bobo.
Majestic New Year's Eve (December 31 @ Fairmont Royal York)
Taking place inside the Fairmont Royal York, this is a gala style event for those who want to get fancy, with soaring ceilings, a full balcony, and crystal chandeliers.
The Dude's New Year's: The Big Lebowski (December 31 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
Join in on this wild cinema tradition where tons of movie fans will ring in the New Year dressed in sunglasses and bathrobes. Screening at 9:30, tickets are $22.
Dance Dance Resolution (December 31 @ The Rec Room)
Your first New Year's resolution? Dance the night away! DJ Mensa takes control of The Rec Room with music, booze, and even a Dance Dance Revolution showdown.
NYE at Ripley's Aquarium (December 31 @ Ripley's Aquarium of Canada)
Ring in the New Year as you experience the Aquarium in a whole new way at their first ever New Year's party, featuring DJ Shamz on deck and bars scattered throughout the galleries. Tickets are $90.00.
Back In The Day 90's NYE (December 31 @ Revival)
This tribute to old school hip hop, dance, house and pop features two floors with two unique sounds, confetti canons and balloon decor. Advance tickets are $30.00.
Mardi Gras New Years Eve (December 31 @ Latvian Canadian Cultural Centre)
This jam features live music by the Penzionari and encourages wild masks and cocktail attire. Tickets are $50.
ROM New Year's Eve (December 31 @ ROM)
Inspired by the brilliant new Christian Dior exhibition, the ROM will host a glamourous with tons of live entertainment. Early bird tickets are $90.
Box Of Kittens Presents PoP (December 31 - January 1 @ 1300 Gerrard St E)
Whether you’re looking to start 2018 with a bang or slam the door on the year that was, do it here with two floors of house, techno, bass, and dub. Tickets are $25 and up.
Studio 1214 NYE Disco Party (December 31 @ Gladstone Hotel)
Relive the glory days of glamour and disco, filled with champagne and non-stop dancing at this glamorous affair.Early bird tickets go for $45.
Rewind (December 31 @ Thoroughbred Food + Drink)
Thoroughbred is teaming up with powerhouses DJs General Eclectic and Gil Masuda, spinning nothing but disco, boogie, and funk to get you on your feet. Tickets start at $10.
Your Hood's A Joke (December 31 @ Panasonic Theatre)
This 70 minute show features comedians representing their country, city, or neighbourhood of origin and roasting each other's territories. Tickets are $30.
Fresh Start II (December 31 @ The Rivoli)
A party filled with members of Tokyo Police Club, Hey Rosetta, Born Ruffians, Elwins and more, with DJ sets by Graham Walsh. Tickets are $35.
New Years Eve at Nightowl (December 31 @ Nightowl)
Ring in 2018 in Little Italy with live cover music from the Lonely Hearts, plus complimentary champagne and noisemakers with $30.00 ticket.
Donnie Darko 80's NYE (December 31 @ Velvet Underground)
Dance to 80s music while bringing in the new year at velvet underground. Costumes are heavily encouraged. Early bird tickets are $15.00.
New Years Eve Rooftop Silent Disco (December 31 @ Hemingway's Restaurant)
Three DJs spin different genres straight into your headphones so you can pick what jams to dance to. You'll see what others are listening to based on the headset's LED light. Tickets are $22.
Black & White Masquerade Bash (December 31 @ The Pour House)
Dress to impress and hide your identity with a fancy mask before dining, drinking, and dancing the night away.
Nearly Naked NYE (December 31 @ Cherry Cola's)
Be entertained by live Burlesque Stars at Toronto’s cabaret and lounge Cherry Cola’s. Tickets are $25 in advance.
NYE Pajama Party (December 31 @ East of Brunswick)
Pajama Parties aren't just for kids, you know. Put 2017 to bed and ring in the new year in comfort, with raffles, door prizes, and DJ Regina spinning all night. This one's free!
Rorschach's New Years Masquerade Party (December 31 @ Rorschach Brewing)
If clubs aren't your thing, spend New Year's drinking delicious craft beer and chowing down on oysters while wearing a mask. Tickets start at $25.
NYE Salsa Party (December 31 @ Lula Lounge)
Have a tropical getaway right in Toronto, with salsa lessons at the beginning of the night at DJ Santiago Valasquez spinning Latin hits later on. Tickets start at $50.
Straight Cash Homie NYE (December 31 @ Handlebar)
Hip-hop NYE party with selections by V△NESS△ and Chayne. Expect big tunes from SZA, Post Malone, Brockhampton, Migos and more, all night long. Advance tickets are $10.
Drake Commissary House Party (December 31 @ Drake Commissary)
Everybody knows that house parties reign supreme on New Year's Eve, so the Drake Commissary is inviting you to their place. Tickets start at $75.00.
LaLa Land New Years Eve (December 31 @ The Pint Public House)
With dinner, dancing, instrumental jazz and hip hop, this party will make Toronto feel like a city of stars. Limited early bird tickets are $20.00.
House Party (December 31 @ Pogue Mahone)
DJ Ikanpro, party favours, and champagne at midnight will take you to the end of 2017 at this no cover, no hassle house party.
Guilty Pleasures (December 31 @ Sneaky Dee's)
Sneaky Dee's is playing all your guilty pleasures all night, from the 50's to today. Tickets start at $5.
New Beers Eve '18 (December 31 @ Mascot Brewery)
On the ground floor, Mascot will be serving a 3-course prix fixe dinner. On the second floor, a wild dance party in Odd Thomas awaits. Tickets start at $20
All Ages at Rockpile (December 31 @ The Rockpile)
Hip hop, house, EDM, dancehall, and top 40 jams are being played all night at this all ages party on Toronto's west end.Tickets start at $22.00.
Lost Boyz NYE: Neva Neva Land (December 31 @ Bangarang)
A magical hip hop haven full of lost boys and girls, twinkly lights, misty dancefloors, Big Daddy Hook, Lil Tink, Yung Rufio, and a midnight to end all midnights.
No Parents. No Bedtime. NO RULEZ NYE. (December 31 @ Track & Field Bar)
It's a good ol' fashioned high school house party and you're invited. Their liquor cabinet is guaranteed to be bigger than what your friends had back in the day, and there'll be way more cool kids hangin' out.
We are Uniun 2018 (December 31 @ UNIUN Nightclub)
UNIUN Nightclub boasts that it'll be the biggest New Year's Eve party on King Street with this special edition of We Are Uniun featuring Chris LaRoque on music duty. Tickets start at $40.00.
New Year's Rockin' Eve 80s Party (December 31 @ Ivy Social Club)
This 80’s party in the city will countdown to 2018 like it’s 1988, with DJ Starting from Scratch spinning gems from Madonna, Bowie, Duran Duran and more.
Barcode NYE (December 31 @ Orchid Nightclub)
Toronto's best DJs playing the best of hip hop, R&B, Soca and trap. Two floors with two sounds, right in the heart of downtown Toronto. Online tickets are $25.00.
Boner: Dripping in Gold (December 31 - January 1 @ Club 120)
For those who don't want 2017 to end, this party goes until 4am, with big room beats in the main hall and sexy jams in the VIP lounge. Tickets start at $40.00.
Lekker NYE (December 31 @ Parlour)
Lekker is a Dutch word roughly meaning yummy, cool, or sexy. This one is all bout celebrating all things lekker from this past year. Tickets start at $45.20.
New Year's Eve 2018 at CUBE (December 31 @ CUBE)
DJ Aristotle takes over CUBE for their NYE party. This one's located right at Queen and Spadina so it's super easy to get around via free transit before or after.Tickets are $30.
NYE at REBEL (December 31 @ REBEL)
Rebel claims theirs will be the biggest New Year's Eve party in Toronto. Guess there's only one way to find out! Tickets are $55.online.
Together With - Ambivalent (December 31 @ One Loft)
One Loft presents the New Year's Eve 2018 Edition of TOGETHER WITH_! Homegrown techno talent will ease you through the final hours of 2017. Tickets are $30. at the door.
The Clock Strikes 2018 (December 31 @ Lost And Found)
Celebrate New Years inside Lost and Found, King Street's late night basement club. Email in for ticket prices.
SAME New Year's Eve (December 31 @ Same Nightclub)
Head over to King Street's notorious venue for hip hop, top 40, house and club anthems by John J. Early bird tickets cost $20.
Dance Cave New Year's Eve (December 31 @ The Dance Cave)
Catch some of Wintersleep's NYE set below at Lee's Palace before heading upstairs for an alt rock and pop dance party in the Cave. Tickets are $15.00.
New Years Eve 2018 at Liar Liar (December 31 @ Liar Liar)
Come and see why they were voted best Nightclub at the 2017 Notable Awards at their official 2017 send-off party. Tickets start at $40.
Luminous NYE 2018 (December 31 @ EFS)
Raise a glass to a bigger and even better year ahead inside the King Street venue. Music by CRUNCH. Advance tickets are $30.
A Big Sound NYE'S (December 31 @ Mod Club)
Toronto's biggest and best motown orchestra is back for their 4th annual NYE party. 30 musicians, lots of Marvin, Stevie, Aretha and more. Tickets are $40 at the door.
The Sadies New Years Eve (December 31 @ Horseshoe Tavern)
The final show of the Horseshoe Tavern's 70th Concert Series sees The Sadies take over the historic venue. Tickets are $25.
Indie New Year's Eve at Tranzac (December 31 @ Tranzac)
3 Rooms of Entertainment, including Toronto's best Indie bands, DJs and dancing. Tickets are $18.60 online.
Wintersleep (December 31 @ Lee's Palace)
The Novia Scotia indie rock band spends New Year's in Toronto at Lee's Palace, with support by Dusted. Tickets are $29.50.
Stiletto Flats (December 31 @ The Duke)
The Flats are charging up for an electric New Year celebration at The Duke Live. Party favours, champagne, door prizes, and the band's show, all for $10 cover.
Musical Tribute to David Bowie (December 31 @ The Cadillac Lounge)
Multi award winning vocalist Michael Bell takes on the sounds and style of David Bowie for a night of cosmic pop. Tickets are $30 at the door.
Chris Whitelely & Diana Braithwaite (December 31 @ Hugh's Room Live)
Award winning blues artists Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley host a gala at Hugh's Room Live, complete with jazz, blues, and classic standards. Call the venue for ticket price.
Pkew Pkew Pkew (December 31 @ Bovine Sex Club)
Come celebrate the death of 2017 and the birth of 2018 with Toronto's favourite shredders. It'll be a party set with originals and fave covers, featuring Sweet and Lowdown, the Filthy Radicals and more.
Brownman Ali (December 31 @ Remix Lounge Toronto)
One of Canada's most acclaimed international jazz artists Brownman Ali performs in a quartet setting, delivering hard-swinging tunes to cap off your year. Early bird tickets are $45.

by Corey Van Den Hoogenband via blogTO

The 10 biggest New Year's Eve parties in Toronto this year

New Year's Eve parties in Toronto come in all shapes and sizes but for those looking for the biggest crowds or the most entertainment for the buck it's tough to beat the parties on this list.

Events you might want to check out:

New Year's Eve at Nathan Phillips Square (December 31 @ Nathan Phillips Square)
Ring in the New Year at Nathan Phillips Square with DJs, live electronic music, site animations, a DJ skating party and a stunning fireworks display at midnight. It's totally free.
Majestic New Years Eve (December 31 @ Fairmont Royal York)
Taking place inside the Fairmont Royal York, this is a gala style event for those who want to get fancy, with soaring ceilings, a full balcony, and crystal chandeliers.
Countdown 2018 (December 31 @ Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex)
This huge bask at the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex will include multiple dance floors, bars and a huge number of DJs and performances.
NYE at REBEL (December 31 @ REBEL)
Rebel claims theirs will be the biggest New Year's Eve party in Toronto. Guess there's only one way to find out!
Dwayne Gretzky Infinity Ball (December 31 @ Enercare Centre)
The Toronto super group secured the largest dance floor they could and bought tons of mirrors to create an Infinity Ball style art installation. Food, photo ops, and live music await.
ROM New Year's Eve (December 31 @ ROM)
Inspired by the brilliant new Christian Dior exhibition, the ROM will host a glamourous with tons of live entertainment.
Pitbull New Year's Eve (December 31 @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre)
Go Go Dancing porn stars, extravagant decor and more are promised at this party that will feature DJ Mark Falco, Deko-Ze, DJ Aural and drag superstar Tynomi Banks.
Last Night On Earth NYE (December 31 @ The Danforth Music Hall)
An icon on dance floors across the world, main attraction Sasha will be joined by Henry Saiz and dubspeeka.
NYE 2018 at UNIUN (December 31 @ UNIUN Nightclub)
UNIUN Nightclub boasts that it'll be the biggest New Year's Eve party on King Street with this special edition of We Are Uniun featuring Chris LaRoque on music duty.
New Year's Eve at Ripley's Aquarium (December 31 @ Ripley's Aquarium of Canada)
Ring in the New Year as you experience the Aquarium in a whole new way at their first ever New Year's party, featuring DJ Shamz on deck and bars scattered throughout the galleries.

by Staff via blogTO

The top 30 restaurants for New Year's Eve dinner in Toronto

Restaurants for New Year's Eve dinner in Toronto are available at all price points to help ring in 2018. You can choose to eat on the earlier side and party your night away, or grab a late seating and do the countdown right at your table.

Here are my picks for the top restaurants for New Year's Eve in Toronto this year.

The Ace

This Roncesvalles restaurant is offering a prix fixe dinner menu on the big night, which includes mains like braised pork with sunchoke puree and a complimentary glass of bubbly. Reserve your table for 10 p.m. or later and join them for the countdown.

Grey Gardens

A five-course dinner will be on offer for $100 at this Kensington Market spot. The menu includes everything from lamb tartare to duck with wild rice. Call to reserve a table.

Bar Reyna

If you plan to ring in 2018 in Yorkville, head to this Mediterranean restaurant. On December 31 they'll be serving passed hors d'oeuvres and offering range of food stations, plus a chocolate fountain. Champagne will be served at midnight. Reserve your $95 ticket online.

The Civic

Located on the main floor of the The Broadview Hotel, this restaurant will play host to one of three celebrations happening inside. Reserve a spot for dinner by emailing and come prepared to scarf down a delectable three-course meal.

Shanee

Make your way to Little Italy on December 31 to indulge in an AYCE Thai dinner. Seatings will begin at 1 p.m. and run all the way until 10:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online. Khao soi, pad thai, green curry and tom yum soup are just a few of the items available.

Drake One Fifty Toronto

Expect a buzzing crowd at The Drake 150 on New Year's. Photo by Jesse milns.

Drake One Fifty

Seatings at the Financial District restaurant will take place at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and will include a four-course meal at $75 a person. There will be a glass of bubbles to start, followed with a seafood platter, lobster carbonara, rack of lamb, and dessert.

Estia

You can select from this Yorkville restaurant's $95 group dining menu or the $145 truffle tasting menu for the special night. Reservations can be made online.

Boralia

The four-course set tasting menu at this restaurant on Ossington is $75. It features smoked goose breast, roast bison ribeye, and a dessert to die for. Reservations are available over the phone and by email only.

The Carbon Bar

This Queen East restaurant will be serving a family-style feast with three seatings. The first and second seatings are set at $59 and $79 per person, but it's the $99 final seating, which carries into the New Year, that you really want to bite into.

R & D

Ring in 2018 in Chinatown with Chef Eric Chong’s special $55 four course dinner, featuring items like seafood chow mein and kalbi beef.

Dailo

Chef Nick Liu's NYE tasting menu is a work of art. The menu at this Little Italy restaurant will be $100 per person and will include shrimp toast and foie gras, miso artichoke dumplings and a 90 day dry aged beef ribeye.

Gare de l'Est

Found in Leslieville, the French restaurant will have a set menu for New Year's Eve. The $75 menu includes an amuse to start followed by mains like steak and scallops. Reservations can be made via phone.

Bar Sybanne

Four seating times are available at this Ossington restaurant. The last seating is at 11 p.m. and then the restaurant will transition into a party with dancing. It'll set you back $45 per person and will include a Sybanne-style sharing menu. Reserve a spot online.

Beast Restaurant

This cozy dining space on Tecumseth is heavy on carnivorous offerings and will be hosting a dinner at $80 per person. The menu includes sea urchin, grilled sweetbreads, gnocchi and sticky toffee pudding. Reservations can be made via phone.

The Good Son

For NYE this Italian restaurant on West Queen West will be serving a three course menu for $55. In addition to the main offering, a la carte options like oysters, caviar and seared foie gras will also be available.

Lena Toronto

Lena offers lots of seating and can accommodate groups of many sizes. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Lena

Chef Julie's $75 four-course prix fixe will add a little Latin flare to your New Year’s Eve celebrations. Tuna crudo, mushroom minestrone, and grilled cornish hen will all be available that evening at the Financial District spot.

Fring’s

Drake and Susur Lee's restaurant on King West will serve up a $95 four course meal on the last night of 2017. It includes butternut squash soup, wild boar bucatini, surf and turf and a pear tart. You'll also be served a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.

Craft Beer Market

New Year's at this Financial District beer market will entail a special edition of their monthly Brewmaster's Dinner. Tickets cost $80 and can be purchased online. Your ticket includes a four-course dinner, beer pairings, party favours and champagne at midnight.

Kiin

For New Year's Eve, Chef Nuit is doing a royal Thai dinner. Early seating at the Entertainment District restaurant runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will cost $60.00. The late seating will run from 8:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. and will cost $100. All tickets can be purchased online.

Marben

Seating times and prices at this King West spot are $65 for seatings between 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and $85 at 9 p.m. Beverage pairings to meals can be added for a fee of $35/$50. Reservations can be done online.

Piano Piano

Celebrate New Year's Eve in Harbord Village with one of three seatings available here. Prices vary from $99 to $140 and include a four-course meal.

Planta

Need to finish off your year with a plant-based meal? This Bay Street restaurant will offer various seatings throughout the evening, some of which include the option to add an open bar. Call to reserve a seat.

Miku

This NYE dinner at this Japanese spot in South Core will not disappoint. It's a six-course set menu for $150 with the option to add a premium sake pairing for $50 more.

Noorden

This Yonge & Eglinton restaurant is hosting a Rijsttafel party on the big night. It'll consist of an elaborate Dutch meal for $68 per person. Book your spot by emailing them.

Patois Toronto

Patois will be party central come New Year's Eve in Toronto. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Patois

The Dundas West fusion spot will be joining forces with Superpoint and Smoke Signals for NYE. They've put together a special menu for the night and will be doing two seatings which range from $65 to $75 per person.

Lbs.

Two NYE menus will be available at this seafood restaurant in the Financial District. Select from the Lbs. classic for $92 or Lbs. grand for $125 which features Alaskan king crab, shaved black truffles and Henriot Champagne to toast in 2018.

Bacchanal

The West Queen West restaurant is pulling out all the stops for their New Year's Eve celebrations. The French restaurant will offer an all-you-can-eat buffet feast alongside an open bar for $195 all in. Call to reserve your spot.

Superpoint

Indulge in a special lobster supper at this pizza joint on Ossington for $45. Pizzas and salads will also be available that evening. Email to reserve a seat.

Loka

Both an omnivore and vegetarian versions of a 5-course pre-fixe menu will be available for $75 on NYE. You can book a spot at this Queen West restaurant online.

Mascot Brewery

On the ground floor, Mascot will be serving a three course prix fixe dinner, which will flow right into the party upstairs at Odd Thomas. Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased online.


by Jaclyn Skrobacky via blogTO

10 free events on New Year's Eve in Toronto

Free events on New Year's Eve allow Toronto to end 2017 on a high note without having to start 2018 with an empty wallet. While there are plenty of parties that will take your money, these ones don't cost a cent and might even feature fireworks, music and live magic.

Events you might want to check out:

New Year's Eve at Nathan Phillips Square (December 31 @ Nathan Phillips Square)
Ring in the New Year at Nathan Phillips Square with DJs, live electronic music, a DJ skating party and a stunning fireworks display at midnight.
Sam Cash's New Year's Eve Bowling Party (December 31 @ The Ballroom Bowl)
Great bands, free bowling, and serious dancing await at this no cover party. Sam Cash is set to bring the rock, and a secret headliner is still yet to be revealed.
Knockout New Year's Eve (December 31 @ Raiders Esports Centre)
Raiders has taken everything you hate about New Year's and thrown it out the window. No lines, no tickets, no expensive bottle service, just games, dancing, and fun.
NYE Pajama Party (December 31 @ East of Brunswick)
Pajama Parties aren't just for kids, you know. Put 2017 to bed and ring in the new year in comfort, with raffles, door prizes, and DJ Regina spinning all night.
Drake Commissary NYE (December 31 @ Drake Commissary)
The Drake Commissary takes advantage of its huge space with a no cover party featuring Dee Jay Ing and Sayzon spinning chill vibes all night.
New Year's Eve at Swan Dive (December 31 - January 1 @ Swan Dive)
DJ Markoshi is playing 80s and 90s guilty pleasures, old school hip hop, and motown all night. No cover, no pretentious BS, just a good time.
Black & White Bash: Magic from Baldini (December 31 @ The Pour House)
Dress up to the nines and dine, drink and dance the night away on the rooftop patio with music from DJ Dash and live magic from Toronto magician Baldini.
House Party! (December 31 @ Pogue Mahone)
Hang out at this traditional Irish pub by College and Bay Street as DJ Ikanpro spins tunes that'll emulate the feeling of a New Year's Eve house party.
New Beer's Eve Partay (December 31 @ Wise Bar)
From 10 p.m. onwards, swing by this Bloorcourt bar and dance to music from DJ Remi, chow down on free snacks, and check out new bottles.
New Year's Eve With DJ Corey Dawkins (December 31 @ 3030 Dundas West)
Cap off 2017 at 3030 for a night of funk, soul, hip-hop, dance hall, and more. No cover, and the kitchen stays open until midnight.

by Corey Van Den Hoogenband via blogTO

The top 10 events in Toronto this January

Events in Toronto this January will help start the new year of a high note, with seasonal favourites like Winterlicious and Come Up To My Room returning in addition to brand new events like the Blue Jays Winter Fest.

In addition to everything listed here, there are incredible free events you won't want to miss and some amazing concerts on the way as well.

Events you might want to check out:

Next Stage Festival (January 3-14 @ Factory Theatre)
The future of theatre takes the stage at this premiere winter event. New works by established Fringe artists premiere at this observance of stage culture.
Chris Hadfield's Generator (January 11 @ Roy Thomson Hall)
Canadian astronaut and musician Chris Hadfield assembles a team of brilliant thinkers and even better speakers to blow your mind at this evening of future focused entertainment.
Beats and Bents (January 12 @ The Bentway)
Next week Toronto's newest skating path opens under the Gardiner Expressway. The following Friday, a new alternative skating party kicks off, presenting two new DJs on deck each week until March.
Canada's Top Ten Film Festival (January 12-21 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox)
Nobody can resist a good top ten list (see what we did there?), so why not check out the best Canadian cinema of 2017? TIFF is screening critically acclaimed features all week.
Come Up To My Room (January 18-21 @ Gladstone Hotel)
The Gladstone's annual four day alternative design festival is a vehicle for exploring experimental and difficult art concepts, featuring the works of over 30 innovative artists.
IDS (January 18-21 @ Metro Toronto Convention Centre)
For lovers of interior design this weekend long show is a paradise. Discover leading brands and homegrown talent, showcasing pieces much more interesting than you'll find at IKEA.
Soundtrack of the City (January 18-22 @ Multiple Venues)
Underground Toronto musicians are the stars of the show at this five day, multi venue indie music fest. You're sure to find your next favourite artist at one of these shows along Queen and Kensington.
Toronto Light Festival 2018 (January 19 - March 4 @ Distillery District)
The Distillery District is going to be hot spot again this winter as the Light Festival returns for a second year. Expect dazzling light-based art and lots of crowds.
Toronto Blue Jays Winter Fest (January 20 @ Rogers Centre)
All new for 2018, the Blue Jays host the first ever Winter Fest, a one day event giving fans unprecedented access to their home team through player appearances, field access, and more.
Winterlicious (January 26 - February 18 @ Multiple Venues)
For Toronto food fans, January means one thing: Winterlicious is on its way. More than 200 restaurants will offer special menus, and places like St Lawrence Market will host luxury food events.

by Corey Van Den Hoogenband via blogTO

A 1990s Toronto photo extravaganza

From our contemporary vantage point, the Toronto of the 1990s looks like a weird place. An alternative title for this post could have been "I can't believe it's Toronto" such is the level of disorientation several of these images create.

Take the picture above, for example. It looks southeast during construction at Roundhouse Park on Bremner Blvd., but it could easily pass as New York, Las Vegas, or anywhere, really.

For many of us, the 90s feel like they were just yesterday, but as we push toward a thirty year span from the start of the decade, it's remarkable just how much the city has changed. 

Behold, the Toronto of the 1990s.

toronto 1990s

Looking over the future site of Metro Hall to King from Wellington.

toronto 1990s

The CBC Broadcast Centre, looking east towards downtown on Front.

toronto 1990s

Restaurant row on King West.

toronto 1990s

"Crazy for You" playing at the Royal Alexandra.

toronto 1990s

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre when it was new.

toronto 1990s

Speaker's Corner at Queen and John.

toronto 1990s

Mural on the side of Wayne Gretzky's sports bar.

toronto 1990s

The Hyatt Regency hotel on King West.

toronto 1990s

The Big Bop in psychedelic colours.

toronto 1990s

Now lost public art on Dundas at Yonge before the creation of Yonge-Dundas Square.

toronto 1990s

The view up Yonge from Dundas.

toronto 1990s

East on Dundas from what would become Yonge-Dundas Square before the arrival of Citytv.

toronto 1990s

Down Bay to City Hall and the Financial District.

toronto 1990s

The main gates to the Distillery at Mill and Trinity streets.

toronto 1990s

Looking east across the Distillery from Parliament.

toronto 1990s

New housing on the Esplanade.

toronto 1990s

Silos on the waterfront from Parliament.

toronto 1990s

Captain John's at the foot of Yonge St.

toronto 1990s

Southeast to the Port Lands over the Yonge and College area. That's the CBC's old Jarvis St. antenna on the extreme left.

toronto 1990s

Aerial view near Queen and Church.

toronto 1990s

An almost absurdly verdant view of Queen's Park.

toronto 1990s

Looking north up Bay towards the Sutton Place Hotel and Manulife Centre.

toronto 1990s

Dreamlike University and College.

toronto 1990s

The University of Toronto campus at College.

toronto 1990s

The roof of Scotia Plaza from the top of Commerce Court.

toronto 1990s

Yonge and Hillsdale (now condos).

toronto 1990s

Yonge and Marlborough, looking southwest.

toronto 1990s

Canadian Tire at Yonge and Davenport, pre-condos.


by Chris Bateman via blogTO