House of the week: 103 Glengrove Avenue

103 Glengrove Avenue is a modern four bedroom with a private elevator and a professionally landscaped backyard in the Lawrence Park neighbourhood. With an asking of $2,749,000, the three-level glass house attracts wealthier buyers in the affluent area near Avenue Road, enticing them with larger lot sizes, community green space and good schools.

If you don't want to live right downtown or out in the boonies, this property might be a good compromise. It's close to transit, an easy commute downtown, and walkable to the shops along Yonge Street.

The interior spans 3,200 square feet, and features a contemporary and minimalist design with expansive walls for colourful art. The transparent floor-to-ceiling back offers all-day sun exposure and a scenic view of the yard.

Upstairs, there's a second family room, a large master bedroom with a glass wall and custom wood panelling, a marble ensuite and the quintessential urban deck. The wood staircase is appealing for those who dislike floating stairs, as is the private elevator up to the third floor.

SPECS

• Address: 103 Glengrove Avenue West
• Price: $2,749,000
• Lot Size: 28 x 165 FT
• Bedrooms: 4+1
• Bathrooms: 5
• Parking: 3
• Taxes: Not assessed
• Walk Score: 69
• Listing Agent: Robert Greenberg, Harvey Kalles

NOTABLE FEATURES

• Approx. 3,200 square feet
• Private elevator
• Two fireplaces
• Master bedroom with interior glass wall
• Private walk-out deck
• Home automation system
• Carport
• Landscaped backyard

GOOD FOR

A home that ages with you. It's a great house and location for a growing family with ample space, a large backyard and a possibly nanny suite downstairs (or perhaps a basement apartment for the teenager). The private elevator comes in handy as the kids grow and stairs become daunting.

MOVE ON IF

You don't like nosey neighbours peering into your home. Privacy is somewhat sacrificed in the design of this space. The glass back offers panoramic views for both homeowner and the rows of neighbouring properties that overlook the backyard. Invest in custom shades, even if it means losing that south-facing natural light.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
What do you think of this property? Let us know in the comments.

Thanks to Bosley Real Estate Ltd, Brokerage for sponsoring our House of the Week. All content and editorial selected and written by blogTO.

by Alana Charles via blogTO

The Toronto skyline from Casa Loma 1954 vs. 2015

When Casa Loma was completed in 1914, it featured one of the most astounding views of the city, and not just from its upstairs windows, but from the back terrace, which was mostly unencumbered by the trees that now enclose it. It is still a lovely place, but one can't but wonder after the view that the trees block.

When we track the progress of the Toronto skyline, so often this is done from the south looking north. Blessed with the Toronto Islands and a place like Polson Pier, it's the most obvious way to do such a thing, but it's precisely for this reason that an alternate perspective is so interesting.

When I noticed the above photo posted to the Vintage Toronto Facebook group yesterday, I immediately wondered what a before and after comparison might look like. Fortunately, this was easily accomplished thanks to the fact that photographers still regularly visit Casa Loma and shoot southward.

The contemporary view (this actually dates back to March 2015) isn't quite a perfect match, but it's close enough to show a profound amount of change within a similar frame. In fact, the majority of the highlights from the 1954 skyline have been blocked by the present day Financial District (e.g. The Royal York and Commerce Court North).

That's no surprise, but it is fascinating to note, on the other hand, that large scale development has remained concentrated mostly south of Bloor (from this angle, at least), and despite the lack of foliage visible in the second photo, the Annex remains almost as plush at it ever was.

Also interesting is that plume of smoke emanating from the foot of Spadina in the 1954 photo. In case you didn't already know this, Toronto used to be way more dirty than it is today. It wasn't until the 1980s that things started to get cleaned up in a major way when heavy industry and coal sales had dwindled in the city.

In any case, one gets a better sense of the city's transformation over the last half century from atop its old castle than from pretty much anywhere else.

1954 photo via Ebay / Vintage Toronto. 2015 photo by Ken Lane

by Derek Flack via blogTO

This Week on DineSafe: Joy Bistro, Amaya Express, Kensington Natural Bakery, Time Square Diner

This week on DineSafe Atwina Marfo, a butcher on Morningside, was shut down for a rodent infestation. While that was the only red card to be doled out, also on the hit list with a conditional pass were Joy Bistro and the Amaya Express in First Canadian Place. Tsk. Tsk.

Follow along to see which other restaurants landed on DineSafe this week.

Joy Bistro (884 Queen Street East)
Inspected on: November 23, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 3, Significant: 3)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Friendly Magnolia (548 College Street)
Inspected on: November 24, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.

Amaya Express (100 King Street West)
Inspected on: November 26, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 2 (Minor: 2, Significant: 2)
Crucial infractions include:N/A

Atwina Marfo Enterprises (287 Morningside Avenue)
Inspected on: November 26, 2015
Inspection finding: Red (Closed)
Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to prevent a rodent infestation.

Kensington Natural Bakery (460 Bloor Street West)
Inspected on: November 26, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 2)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Time Square Diner (531 Wilson Heights Boulevard)
Inspected on: November 25, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 6 (Minor: 2, Significant: 1, Crucial: 3)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to ensure premises cleaned to prevent food contamination. Operator fail to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated. Operator fail to maintain hazardous food(s) at 4C (40F) or colder.

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

by Liora Ipsum via blogTO

Today in Toronto: Spelling Bae, BeerProv, Adult Wine and Colouring Night, Joseph Arthur, Hack & Tell

Today in Toronto it's time to show off your spelling skills at The Ossington's Spelling Bae. If you've never had a knack for words, you can always spend your Tuesday night hitting up live shows. Joseph Arthur is playing at the Drake Underground and Tanya Tagaq and Owen Pallett will be taking the stage at Massey Hall.

For more events, click on over to our events section.

• Adult Wine and Colouring Night (Story Planet and Intergalactic Travel Authority)
• Spelling Bae (The Ossington)
• Tanya Tagaq & Owen Pallett (Massey Hall)
• BeerProv (Comedy Bar)
• Hack & Tell (Top Hat)
• Joseph Arthur (Drake Underground

Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events section.

Photo of Tanya Tagaq by Alejandro Santiago

by Alice Prendergast via blogTO

UNACTO Human Rights Panel: Syrian Refugee Crisis

Begins: 2015-12-10T18:30:00 Ends: 2015-12-10T22:00:00 Where: {'city': u'Toronto', 'journal_activity_id': 5590112831363755898, 'country': u'CA', 'changed': datetime.datetime(2015, 11, 26, 17, 33, 4), 'venue': u'Victoria College Alumni Hall', 'zoom': u'13', 'longitude': u'-79.39212079999999', 'state': u'ON', 'postal_code': u'M5S 1K9', 'address_1': u"73 Queen's Park Crescent", 'address_2': u'', 'longaddress': u"73 Queen's Park Crescent, Toronto, ON, M5S 1K9, CA", 'latitude': u'43.6664436', 'is_saved': True, 'organizer': 8574065L, u'id': 12033368, 'user': 157669397L}
by via Toronto Networking Events

The top 10 events in Toronto for December 2015

The top events in Toronto this December will fill the gaps in your holiday schedule with music festivals and markets. While you probably have your plate full with awkward family gatherings, there's a roster of events worth pulling the "I'm sick" card out for.

Here are my picks for the top events in Toronto this December.

Union Station Holiday Market (November 30 - December 20)
The Union Station Holiday Market has filled John A. MacDonald Square with some of the city's favourite local designers for the better part of December. You'll find everything from Tuck Shop Co. hats to Mad Mexican salsa. If you're looking for gifts that can't be found in big name stores, it's worth visiting.

Junction Flea Holiday Market (December 4 - 6)
If the mere thought of entering the Eaton Centre in the month of December gives you an anxiety attack, the Junction Flea Holiday Market may be the answer to your prayers. The weekend-long shopping event is less like a battle royale and more like a party where you can get a little boozy and dance to your heart's content while gift-buying.

Andy Kim Christmas Show (December 9)
Head to the Phoenix on December 9th to get your fix of live music while being philanthropic. Andy Kim is bringing his most talented friends to the concert venue for one night only to raise money for CAMH Foundation's Gifts of Light Program. Who's Playing? Tom Cochrane, Barenaked Ladies, Ron Sexsmith, Beaches, Kardinal Offishall, Finger Eleven and many more.

Jason Collett's Basement Revue (December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29)
Jason Collett's Basement Revue takes over the Dakota Tavern this December for it's 9th year in action. Every Tuesday Jason Collett and Damian Rogers will bring out a host of musicians, poets and special guests. As per usual, the lineup is hush hush, but last year's event brought out acts like A Tribe Called Red, Jennifer Castle and Lee Maracle, so you can expect some good shows.

Human Rights Film Festival (December 10 - 13)
If you want to see some truly inspiring cinematic works, grab tickets for the Human Rights Film Festival. The movies screened at this event focus on human rights issues around the globe, spotlighting people that have made a difference in the world. You can check out the full schedule here.

City of Craft (December 11 - 13)
If you like craft shows, this one blows most others out of the water. On the second weekend of December 30 craft vendors will take over The Theatre Centre, selling all the things you never knew you needed. There will also be craft-based installations and free workshops, if you need a break from spending.

WinterFest (December 18 - 20)
For those who fully embrace the holiday season, WinterFest is tried and true. While the pastry eating contest, dog stunt show, and a cappella concert will be entertaining, the Ugly Christmas Sweater Cocktail Cruise is the star of the show. Don your most horrendous holiday ensemble and head aboard the Northern Spirit for an evening of drinking, dancing, and good, old-fashioned holiday fun.

Kensington Market Winter Solstice (December 21)
Tired of holiday parties with faux Santas and ugly sweaters? Head to Kensington Market to celebrate the winter solstice with its annual parade/party. Past parades have featured everything from pyrotechnic displays to puppeteers, so if you're a fan of pomp and spectacle, this'll be up your alley.

Solaris Winter Music Festival (December 26-27)
Winter is a bit of a dry season for music fests, but the Solaris Music Festival will help tide you over until the return of WAYHOME and Field Trip (to name only a couple). This year's lineup of DJs includes Hardwell, Steve Angello, Fedde Le Grand and more.

What's in the Box at Drake Hotel (December 26 - December 30)
If you weren't able to plan a post-holiday trip to Cuba, The Drake is where to spend the final days of 2015. The venue's annual mini music fest returns on December 26th, and though we don't have all the details yet, the lineup has never disappointed in the past. Expect to find dancing, drinking, and a ton of live performances.

What did I miss? Add other December events in the comments.

Photo of the Kensington Market Winter Solstice by Christian Bobak

by Alice Prendergast via blogTO

Seven Grams Espresso Bar served its last coffee today

Seven Grams Espresso Bar closed today after a nearly five year run. The Popular Yorkville-area cafe had been serving up cold drip coffee since before it was cool and was well-known for showcasing visual artists as well as local musicians at its Sunday afternoon performances.

Last week, owner Heran Choi posted a message on Seven Gram's Facebook page thanks customers for their patronage but offering little in the way of an explanation as to why they decided to close. We reached out for additional comment and have yet to hear back.

This is the second popular indie coffee shop to announce their closure in recent days. Last week we reported that Sam James on Ossington was getting the boot in the wake of their building being sold to an American retailer.

Will you miss Seven Grams? Let us know in the comments.

by Amy Grief via blogTO