Toronto's Nova Scotia style pizza joint has suddenly shut down

Love Nova-Scotia-style garlic fingers? Sadly, we're losing one of the few places in Toronto that actually serves them.

Yeah Yeahs Pizza announced in an Instagram post that they're shutting down their Toronto location.

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Unfortunately, after two great years in Summerhill, we have made the decision to close YeahYeahs Toronto. The space will be converted into additional seating for Boxcar Social, and will come with a revamped lunch menu and dinner snacks menu. Thank you so much to everyone who supported the pizzeria over the past couple years, and if you ever find yourself on the East Coast make sure to check out YeahYeahs Dartmouth and YeahYeahs Halifax for all your pizza needs! 🍕👋

A post shared by Yeah Yeahs Pizza TO (@yeahyeahspizzato) on Nov 27, 2019 at 12:02pm PST

It's not all bad news, though: the space operated in partnership with Boxcar Social is going to be turned into additional seating for the boozy cafe, with its own special revamped food menu of sandwiches, salads, soups and fresh pastries during the day, and snack boards at night.

"The space will be open to the public this Saturday with the kitchen opening up next week," says John Baker of Boxcar Social. "There had been a lot of demand for more seating and private event space at the Summerhill Boxcar, as well as our desire to create a more consistent food offering that reflects what our other locations provide."

The last official day for Yeah Yeahs was Sunday, November 24. The place had been around for two years, and while you may not be able to get that sweet sweet donair sauce from the Toronto location anymore, Yeah Yeahs is still going strong in Halifax and Dartmouth.

It also wasn't the only place in town to get Halifax-style garlic fingers and donairs: Jessy's is still around if cravings for east coast food hit.

by Amy Carlberg via blogTO

Toronto is getting a cannabis store that looks like a 1950s diner

A new cannabis shop is coming to Toronto, and it's going to be unlike one residents have ever seen before — that is, unless they've visited its sister store in Ottawa.

The uniquely-branded marijuana retailer Superette (which is actually already technically headquartered in the city, though without a storefront) will resemble a 1950s diner-slash-corner store, which may not be the first theme that comes to mind when one thinks of smoking weed.

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A post shared by Superette (@superette_shop) on May 26, 2019 at 12:37pm PDT

The shop is slated for Rosedale, one of Toronto's bougiest neighbourhoods, of all locales — another seemingly eccentric choice given the fact that many of the city's marijuana stores, as well as its head shops, are located along hip Queen Street West.

If the Toronto location is anything like Superette's Ottawa shop, it will have tons of cute soft merchandise (though provincial regulations prevent the purchase of these items alongside weed), art, marijuana paraphernalia and more lining its well-appointed walls and tables.

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A post shared by Superette (@superette_shop) on Jun 28, 2019 at 9:04am PDT

The storefront's aesthetic is due to be bright and clean yet familiar and cozy, having neither the cold and sterile nor the messy and unprofessional vibes of some other cannabis stores.

The decor will hopefully be complete with a cinema light box-style menu as well as retro stools and vinyl booths for chats with "budtenders" about product options, like at the Ottawa dispensary.

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A post shared by Superette (@superette_shop) on May 17, 2019 at 11:11am PDT

A thoughtful touch: the brand doesn't make customers deal with hyper-aggressive or neglectful staff, as they can indicate the level of assistance they want by the colour of their shopping basket.

Inventory will include pre-rolled joints, oils and plain ol' flower (which serves as the inspiration for the brand's charming floral logo), but unfortunately not immediately upon opening — the shop will be without bud until the company acquires another license, which should be by July 2020.

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A post shared by Superette (@superette_shop) on Jun 20, 2019 at 12:19pm PDT

The store will open at 1073 Yonge Street, south of St. Clair (former home to a Roots location) some time "soon," though the official date is yet to be announced as Superette works on building its retail brand and community here in Toronto.

by Becky Robertson via blogTO

There's a drive-thru holiday lights tunnel near Toronto

There's nothing like a good festival of lights to get you in that holiday spirit, and you can now drive through one right outside Toronto. 

The Gift of Lights, on the Bingemans event grounds in Kitchener, is returning this year to provide you with a magical holiday experience like no other. 

The event includes a family-friendly drive-thru holiday light exhibit with two tunnels and over 300 animated and static light displays. 

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A post shared by Holiday Inn Express - Waterloo (@hiexwaterloosj) on Nov 27, 2019 at 1:01pm PST

You can experience this holiday spectacle from inside the comfort of your own vehicle, or you can participate in one of the Walk-Only Nights on December 1 or January 4. 

A portion of all proceeds on Walk-Only Nights will go toward the Tree of Hope Radiothon and the Grand River Hospital Foundation. 

But if you do decide to stay within the confines of your car, be sure to tune into Gift of Lights Radio at 103.3FM for the full experience. 

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A post shared by 🐬Courtney Marie🐬 (@_courtneymarie95) on Nov 24, 2019 at 3:24pm PST

The entire Gift of Lights experience takes approximately 20 minutes to drive through, and cars are asked not to exceed the speed limit of 10 km/hr while inside the tunnels. 

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A post shared by Graeme Colville | Photography (@gcolville) on Nov 16, 2019 at 5:04pm PST

Tickets for this holiday attraction are already on sale, and they're significantly cheaper if you buy online. 

The Gift of Lights began on November 16 and it'll be open to visitors until January 4, 2020. 

by Mira Miller via blogTO

10 shows to see on stage in Toronto over the holidays

Shows to see on stage in Toronto are an essential part of the holiday season itinerary. Grab your program, cozy up in a theatre chair, and get carried away with some of these big ticket shows and Christmas theatre classics. 

Here are my picks for the top shows to see on stage in Toronto over the holidays.

Cats

Felines will be prowling the Princess of Wales stage until January 5 in this cat-costumed production that's been touring North America. With the Idris Elba and Taylor Swift film about to be released, this is definitely a hot one. Tickets are $49 to $182. 

The Nutcracker

No Christmas show season is complete without a showing of this Tchaikovsky masterpiece. Performed by the Toronto International Ballet Theatre, along with stars from Bolshoi Ballet, this single-day production takes over Meridian Hall on December 14 with two shows. Tickets range from $63 and up. 

Lil' Red Robin Hood

The world's most beloved bandit gets a musical treatment with this Ross Petty production, playing at the foresty Winter Garden Theatre in Elgin Mills until January 4. Tickets range from $27 to $99. 

A Christmas Carol

The Scrooge takes stage at Distillery's Soulpepper Theatre from December 6 to 24 in this classic Dickens play. Watching Ebenezer and the three ghosts makes a perfect holiday gift; tickets run from $38 to $98. 

Bend it Like Beckham

Watch the iconic soccer—sorry, football—film that broke gender stereotypes back in 2002 on stage with this highly anticipated musical comedy at the Bluma Appel Theatre at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Performance Arts. The show runs from December 7 to 27; tickets cost $75 and up. 

A Christmas Story

The retro holiday film from 1983 is getting the theatre treatment with a rendition at the Lower Ossington Theatre. The musical runs from 13 until December 29; tickets are $59. 

Home Alone in Concert

All the tunes from this hallmark holiday film about child neglect and crime (in a heartwarming way) will be performed by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Roy Thomson Hall on December 6 and December 7. Tickets are going fast, so snag these quick. 

Anastasia

This opulent production will take you to early 20th century Russia during the reign of the empire, all while you sit inside the Ed Mirvish Theatre. The show runs from December 3 to January 12, and tickets range from $39 to $199. 

What the Elf at Second City

Check out Second City's new Mercer Street location with this hilarious musical that runs from November 30 to January 5, 2020. These matinee shows hit the mainstage with some impish improv and interactive fun for $18 a pop; $14 for kids.

Peter Pan

Bad Hats Theatre brings us pirates, lost boys, and the ticking crocodile from this J.M. Barrie tale of the boy who would never grow up. You don't have to be a kid to enjoy this show at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. It runs from December 6 to January 5; tickets range between $30-$55.

by Tanya Mok via blogTO

5 free things to do in Toronto this week

Free things to do in Toronto this week are here to save you a chunk of change at the theatre as Cineplex screens a bunch of classic Christmas movies. Holiday Fair in the Square is back with three weeks of festive fun and you can check out a comedy show and live reading for free.

Events you might want to check out:

Pay What You Can't (December 3 @ Comedy Bar)
This may or may not be the last PWYC show after three successful years of showcasing some of the best comedians at a rate you can afford.
Rowers Reading Series (December 3 @ Glad Day Bookshop (Church))
Local writers and poets are dropping by to chat about their works and perform live readings during this free reading.
Cineplex Community Day (December 7 @ Multiple Venues)
Christmas movie lovers can get their fill for free at this nation-wide free movie day with Elf, Gremlins, The Polar Express and more screening.
Three Stories of Love (December 7 @ Revue Cinema)
Part of the Aijo Film Series, this film explores modern love in Japan with a free screening of director Ryosuke Hashiguchi's first feature length film.
Holiday Fair in the Square (December 7-23 @ Nathan Phillips Square)
Almost a month of holiday fun is taking over Nathan Phillips square with skating, music, rides, performances and a big winter market place.

by Lisa Power via blogTO

10 things to do in Toronto today

Things are getting magical in Toronto today as Casa Loma transforms into a winter wonderland and GLOW continues its opening weekend. You can take a stroll through a tunnel covered in sparkles and check out a Chanukah market. It's the last day for a few other events, too.

Events you might want to check out:

Chanukah Market (December 1 @ Artscape Wychwood Barns)
A celebration of Jewish food culture is on at this huge market with festive treats, gifts, entertainment, music and cooking demos.
Flamingo Market (December 1 @ Buddies in Bad Times)
Toronto's LGBTQ2SIA+ business owners and makers are dropping by for this market with lots of unique gifts, artwork, crafts and cool finds.
48 Hour Film Project (December 1 @ Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema)
Catch a selection of short films of the year at this festival with 15 works by Toronto filmmakers who had just 48 hours to create their works.
The Menzingers (December 1 @ Phoenix Concert Theatre)
With a sound that meshes punk, pop and indie, The Menzingers are ready to rip up the stage alongside Tigers Jaw and Culture Abuse.
A Nutcracker Christmas at the Castle (December 1 - January 5 @ Casa Loma)
Casa Loma is once again transforming into a winter wonderland for a season of holiday fun, including light displays, performances, skating and lots more.
Tunnel of Glam (December 1 - January 6 @ Yonge + St. Clair)
Back again is this sparkly walkthrough to feature over 14 million reversible sequins covering the entire space.
One of a Kind Winter Show (November 21 - December 1 @ Enercare Centre)
There's still one day left to check out the winter edition of this huge show featuring artists and makers from all over the country.
GLOW (November 28 - January 4 @ Toronto Congress Centre)
The opening weekend of GLOW continues today with huge Christmas light displays, food trucks, drinks and shopping.
Union Station Skating Rink (November 29 - January 4 @ Union Station)
Union Station's new outdoor skating rink continues its opening weekend with another full day of fun on the ice.
Horror-Rama (November 30 - December 1 @ 918 Bathurst)
It's the last day to get your fill of horror and cult flicks as this big film festival wraps up with screenings, markets, events and more.

by Lisa Power via blogTO

Toronto ranked the top city for tech in Canada

Toronto continues to dominate when it comes to Canadian tech talent, according to a recent report released by CBRE Group, Inc.

The Scoring Canadian Tech Talent report revealed the number of tech occupations in Toronto has grown 54 per cent from 2013 to 2018, with nearly 230,000 jobs in the field.

According to the report, the average income for those jobs has also grown since 2013 by almost 10 per cent, making the average salary $81,828.

Ottawa came in second place behind Toronto when it comes to tech talent, with Vancouver, Waterloo Region, and Montreal trailing behind. 

How Canadian cities rank for tech talent. Image from CBRE.

To further capture the growing industry, the study revealed that the number of tech degrees, in either computer science, math, statistics, or tech engineering, has gone up 42 per cent between 2012 and 2017 in Toronto. 

These stats might not come as a surprise to anyone who follows the tech sector in Toronto, as the city has been revered as top global competitor in the industry for quite some time now.

Just this year Toronto became the first Canadian city to host the giant tech conference, Collision, which only further cemented the city's position in the tech world. 

Last year, The Economist even tried to make the nickname "Maple Valley" a thing, as to compare Toronto to Silicon Valley. It didn't really catch on.

Outside of Toronto, smaller and mid-sized markets are having a moment as cities like Oshawa, Waterloo Region, Hamilton, and Guelph continue to make big strides.

Guelph and Hamilton, for instance, recorded the fastest tech job growth among mid sized and small tech markets.  

"Mid- and small-sized markets are gathering major momentum, because they offer tech firms greater availability of office space, operational cost savings, and untapped talent pools,” said CBRE Canada Vice Chairman Paul Morassutti.

“It says something that the two largest ranking improvements were in Victoria and Oshawa, and the largest venture capital deal was in St. John’s."

by Olivia Levesque via blogTO

Toronto's ambitious fine dining Korean restaurant has shut down

Toronto's restaurant for Korean food made using French fine dining techniques is undergoing a metamorphosis.

Doma in Little Italy is being transformed into Boonsik by owner/chef Paul Kim. An Instagram account indicates the restaurant will soon be serving Korean street food Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m.

Bunsik generally refers to simple, low-priced eats served in Korean snack restaurants. We can always use more cheap eats in Toronto, so something along those lines sounds mighty appetizing.

by Amy Carlberg via blogTO

There's a huge fireworks celebration for New Year's Eve in Toronto and it's totally free

Figuring out what to do on New Year's Eve in Toronto can be difficult. Restaurants are extra busy, clubs are impossible to get into, and the city is packed with tourists. 

Thankfully, the city puts on a free annual NYE celebration that never disappoints. 

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A post shared by Vipul Gahlawat (@vipu1singh) on Jan 1, 2018 at 1:32am PST

So when all else fails, make sure to head down to Nathan Phillips Square for Toronto’s annual New Year Eve’s celebration. 

The celebration will be packed with festive activities including DJ skating parties and live musical performances. 

Sadly it's an alcohol-free event, but admission is totally free for all-ages. 

by Mira Miller via blogTO

A Toronto street has been electrifying pets in the rain and it's not the first one

Just picture it: it's a rainy weekday morning, and you and little Scruffy layer on your raincoats for a quick walk. But mid-jaunt, your poor doggo gets... electrocuted?

That's what's been happening to residents in one Toronto neighbourhood, who discovered that a portion of the ground around their building's property had electric properties when it became wet.

The location in question was around Ryerson University campus, near Dalhousie Street between Gould Street and Dundas Street East. 

"On two separate days, when we walked by the spot in question, seemingly out-of-nowhere my dalmation Hershey let out a very loud cry and tried to take off running at full speed," said resident Brooke Filsinger. "I walked by the spot solo a few times to try to figure out what might be causing her distress, but I was completely stumped."

A dog walker who serves clients in the nearby Merchandise Building also apparently noticed dogs reacting strangely when they stepped on certain parts of the ground in the rain or snow.

Toronto Hydro says that the incident could have been an instance of "contact voltage" or "stray voltage," which can and does also happen to streetlights, bus shelters and traffic lights, or any other conductive surfaces. It can be due to damaged cables or other faults in a power grid.

Protect your pets from contact voltage: Walk around handwells, which are usually located three to four feet from electric poles. #PetSafety pic.twitter.com/HUIjSkmTYW

— Toronto Hydro (@TorontoHydro) July 25, 2019

The phenomenon is more common in wet months, like winter, when ice and salt are present and underground electrical equipment is exposed to intermittent freezing and thawing.

Construction, like the kind currently happening on the Ryerson campus, could feasibly also be a factor if it is taking place near hydro lines, though it's "difficult to determine."

Toronto Hydro spokesperson Russell Baker says that the company has crews that regularly scan the city for such issues. In this case, they were very quick to respond to the problem, but found no stray voltage in the area.

Power was disrupted for a brief period and then restored, and there have been no further complaints from residents.

As a precaution, we remind pedestrians & pet owners to help reduce their risk of shock from contact voltage by avoiding electrical equipment on the street. (2/2)

— Toronto Hydro (@TorontoHydro) July 26, 2019

"I'm grateful that it was 'only' a few shocks and not a worse outcome for poor Hershey or any of her friends," Filsinger says. "I was have been very impressed with Toronto Hydro's handling of the situation once they were notified."

Baker says if any Torontonians have concerns about potential contact voltage or other safety issues around electricity lines to contact Toronto Hydro immediately.

by Becky Robertson via blogTO