The top 10 new restaurant openings in Toronto for July

New restaurants in Toronto are putting all kinds of new twists on old favourites, like noodles, beer, sandwiches, wine and dumplings. Make sure you check out these new hotspots before summer ends.

Here are my picks for the top new restaurants that opened in Toronto last month.

Buono

This pasta bar replaced Stelvio at Queen and Spadina, but it’s still run by the same people. They also serve piadina, a type of Italian flatbread sandwich.

Mascot Brewery

The new King West location of this brewery has finally opened in the old Los Colibris space, complete with backyard beer garden.

Favorites

The minds behind Superpoint and Khao San Road have joined forced to create this innovative take on Thai dining on Ossington, complemented by a powerful wine list.

Zen Sanuki Udon

Toronto has yet another source for udon in this restaurant in Scarborough from the same people behind Zen Japanese.

Hotel Delilah

Find colourful seafood and vegetarian eats and cocktails at this new Leslieville restaurant on Gerrard Easr that can also host Airbnb guests upstairs.

Oo-Kinza Fish House

Fresh seafood and sushi platters can now be obtained from this restaurant at Bamburgh Circle in Scarborough.

Rock'N Deli

More Montreal smoked meat has come to Toronto with the opening of an outpost of this chain at CF Don Mills.

Big Bruce Pub

This Beaches tavern opened just in time for Jazz Fest, serving slow-cooked brisket and wine.

The Little Jerry

Hamachi crudo, steak tartare and vermouth highballs are served with a side of DJ action at this new Little Italy wine bar.

BAO

Chinatown is now home to this spot that says it all with the name: it's all about the bao.

by Amy Carlberg via blogTO

Festivals and events will shut down roads in Toronto for the August long weekend

The August civic holiday, also known as Simcoe Day, will make this weekend in Toronto a long one. It's also going to be a weekend full of celebrations and road closures as popular events like Caribana and Veld roll into town. It's best to ditch the car and get in on the action.

However, if you do plan on driving around the city this August long weekend, here's what you need to know.

Toronto Caribbean Festival Parade

Lake Shore Blvd. West will be fully closed from Bathurst St. to Colborne Lodge Dr. starting at 2 a.m. on August 3 until 6 a.m. on August 4 for the annual Caribana parade. 

Veld Music Festival

All road closures and restrictions for this music festival are on streets within Downsview Park on August 3 and August 4. Those travelling around Downsview Park on major roads including Sheppard Ave. West, Allen Rd., Dufferin St., Keele St., and Wilson Ave. should expect delays.

Senhor Da Pedra Festival

Grace St. will be closed from Dundas St. West to the first lane south of Mansfield Ave. on August 3 from 1 p.m. until 11 p.m. and on August 4 from 2 p.m. until 11 p.m for this event.

The Taste of Bangladesh

Danforth Ave. will be fully closed from Sibley Ave. to Victoria Park Avenue on August 5 from 9 a.m. until midnight for the street festival.

by Jaclyn Skrobacky via blogTO

Topless dancers to appear in Toronto's Caribana parade for the first time

Caribana parade route and time in Toronto for 2019

The Caribana Parade is back in Toronto for 2019 and you'll want to know the route, date and time if you plan on attending this year. 

Last year's parade saw thousands gather to enjoy the costumes, dancing and music and this year, weather permitting, it's expected to be even more epic.

Thousands hit the streets today for the #Toronto #Caribana parade pic.twitter.com/9nTceQ6ww8

— blogTO (@blogTO) August 5, 2018

Before heading out to celebrate at this year's Caribana parade, don't forget to plan and prepare.

Here's everything you need to know for the Caribana parade in Toronto. 

What is Caribana?

The 52nd annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival is a four-week festival and celebration of all things Caribbean. It's full of music, cuisine and revelry and it brings the city to life for a month throughout the summer. 

The last weekend of the festival is called Caribana weekend, and it features the biggest events of the carnival, including The Grand Parade, the King and Queen Showcase, the Daylight party with Lebron James, Friday Night Mas and the Pan Alive Panorama.

When and where is the Caribana parade in Toronto?

This weekend's festivities will take place in different locations on different days across the city. The Grand Parade starts at Exhibition Place and Lakeshore on Saturday, August 3 at 8:30 a.m. 

Other Caribana events you might also want to check out include:

• The King and Queen Band showcase will be held at the Lamport Stadium on Thurs, August 1 at 7 p.m.
• The Daylight party will be at Lavelle on Fri, August 2 at 1 p.m.
• The Friday Night Mas night festival will be at Exhibition Place on Fri, August 2 at 8 p.m.
• The Pan Alive competition will be at the Lamport Stadium on Fri, August 2 at 7 p.m.

How much does it cost?

A general admission ticket to Exhibition Place, which gives you access to the opening ceremony and the competition on the main stage, costs $25. General admission for seniors is $20 and children's general admission is $15.

There is also a VIP option for $125 which includes a raised pavilion with unobstructed views of the main stage, premium beverages, access to VIP amenities and a catered lunch.

If you're not looking to dish out a bunch of money but you still want to join in on the fun, there are also three spectator zones along the Lakeshore with food vendors and licensed beer tents where you can watch the parade for free. 

What is the Caribana Parade route?

The parade will begin at Exhibition Place and Lakeshore Blvd. and move west along Lakeshore Blvd. Once it hits Lakeshore and Parkside Dr., the parade will loop around and go back the same way it came. 

Road Closures

To accommodate the massive parade, Toronto will be hit with plenty of road closures this weekend. Make sure to plan for detours before you leave the house.

• British Columbia Rd. will be closed from Lake Shore Blvd. West to Dufferin St. from Sat, August 3 at 2:00 a.m. to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.
• Canada Blvd. will be closed from Sat, August 3 at 2:00 a.m. to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.
• Dufferin St. will be closed from British Columbia Rd. to Springhurst Ave. from Sat, August 3 at 2:00 a.m. to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.
• Dunn Lake Shore West ramp will be closed westbound from Sat, August 3 from 2:00 a.m. to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.
• Gardiner Dunn Ave. ramp will be closed westbound from Sat, August 3 at 2:00am to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.
• Gardiner Jameson Ave. ramp will be closed eastbound from Sat, August 3 at 2:00 a.m. to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.
• Gardiner Lakeshore East will be closed eastbound from Gardiner Jameson Ave. ramp to Lake Shore Blvd. West from Sat, August 3 at 2:00 a.m. to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.
• Gardiner Lakeshore West ramp will be closed westbound from F G Gardiner Xy West to Dunn Lake Shore West ramp from Sat, August 3 at 2:00 a.m. to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.
• Jameson Ave. Gardiner West ramp will be closed westbound from Sat, August 3 at 2:00 a.m. to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.
• Lake Shore Blvd. West will be closed from Colborne Lodge Dr. to Fort York Blvd. from Sat, August 3 at 2:00 a.m. to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.
• Lakeshore East Gardiner ramp will be closed eastbound from Lake Shore Blvd. West to F G Gardiner Xy East from Sat, August 3 at 2:00 a.m. to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.
• Manitoba Dr. will be closed from Sat, August 3 at 2:00 a.m. to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.
• Newfoundland Rd. will be closed from Sat, August 3 at 2:00 a.m. to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.
• Nova Scotia Ave. will be closed from Sat, August 3 at 2:00 a.m. to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.
• Nunavut Rd. will be closed from Sat, August 3 at 2:00 a.m. to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.
• Ontario Dr. will be closed from Sat, August 3 at 2:00 a.m. to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.
• Prince Edward Island Cres. will be closed from Sat, August 3 at 2:00 a.m. to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.
• Princes' Blvd. will be closed from Sat, August 3 at 2:00 a.m. to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.
• Quebec St. will be closed Sat, August 3 at 2:00 a.m. to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.
• Saskatchewan Rd. will be closed from Sat, August 3 at 2:00 a.m. to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.
• Strachan Ave. will be closed from Lake Shore Blvd. West to Fleet St. from Sat, August 3 at 2:00 a.m. to Sun, August 4 at 6:00 a.m.

Is there extra TTC service for the parade?

Yes! Extra TTC service will be added to help Torontonians and tourists get to the Grand Parade on Saturday. 

Here is the TTC service to the Grand Parade on Saturday!#TOCarnival #Canada #Carnival #PlayingMas #RespectTheMas pic.twitter.com/nNvp2jrXOW

— Toronto Caribbean Carnival (@GoTOCarnival) July 29, 2019

There are currently no planned subway closures. 

While the city might seem extremely busy and a little chaotic this weekend, Caribana is one of the most lively events of the year in Toronto.

So make sure to plan ahead, but also make sure to head out and enjoy it. 

by Mira Miller via blogTO

Ontario government wants to sell naming rights for current and future GO stations

Your neighbourhood GO Train station might soon go by a different name.

According to the Toronto Sun, the Ontario government and Metrolinx are getting ready to try and sell naming rights for GO Train stations, in-train quiet zones, bathrooms, waiting areas and more. 

The Sun says they obtained documents that show the Ford government is doing this as a way to bring in more revenue without raising tax dollars. 

Etobicoka-cola coming to a city near you.

This is also a good way to erase heritage and identity. Tx for the article.

Instead of selling names we could just raise the corporate tax rate to what it was before the CPC lowered it. #Toronto

— Christopher Caldwell (@CCGreenWave) August 1, 2019

Naming rights will be available for five to 10 year periods and could cost  between $50,000 and $500,000 per station, per year. 

The terms will vary depending on whether it's an existing station or a new one: existing stations may only have part of their names changed while new stations could have the entirety of their name purchased. 

This is far from the first time there have been talks about selling the names of public transit stations. 

Doug Ford promoted the idea of selling TTC station names when he was a city councillor in 2011, and it was endorsed by his brother and then-Mayor Rob Ford. 

The TTC even discussed and looked into implementing the idea back in 2008. 

Consultations begin today to seek out interest in renaming Whitby, Pickering, Exhibition, Clarkson and Oakville stations.

In the past, corporate interest in purchasing rights for names seemed low. It remains to be seen whether things will be any different this time around.

by Mira Miller via blogTO

31 things to do in Toronto for the August civic holiday long weekend

August long weekend events in Toronto are ready for the bright and beautiful colours of Caribana. VELD and the totally-sold out OVO Fest are both on and there's more parties, music, film and festivals than this list can hold.

Events you might want to check out:

Food Truck Festival (August 2-5 @ Woodbine Park)
A huge fleet of the city's best food trucks is pulling to Woodbine Park for a huge, four-day festival featuring all kinds of great street food treats.
Caribana (August 3 @ Exhibition Place)
The biggest celebration of the year is back to cap off a month of parties and events with a massive parade full of music and dance.
VELD (August 3-4 @ Downsview Park)
VELD is back with a stacked lineup of performances by hip-hop and electro artists like Cardi B, Tiësto, Skrillex and Kygo.
OVO Fest (August 4-5 @ Budweiser Stage)
OVO Fest back with a big lineup of old school R&B singers and Drake. It's totally sold out, but if you're willing to fork over the $$, you can still snag a ticket.
JERK (August 2 @ Masonic Temple)
One of the best Caribana parties of the year is back for seconds to feature some of the city's hottest DJs playing sweaty beats late into the night.
Island Soul (August 2-5 @ Harbourfront Centre)
A weekend of Caribbean music, food, entertainment, comedy and more is on, featuring local and international emerging artists and musicians.
For The Culture (August 3 @ Love Child Social House)
Reggae, soca, Afrobeats and hip hop are bumping all night long at this huge party from the people behind a new music festival coming this month.
Sean Paul (August 3 @ Cabana Pool Bar)
The one and only reggae star Sean Paul is coming to Toronto for a special Caribana party, alongside Jed Harper and Chris LaRoque.
Toronto Rum Festival (August 4 @ Ontario Place)
New this year is a festival dedicated to the robust taste of rum with a focus on blends from the Caribbean, to coincide with Caribana.
Blockobana (August 4 @ Regent Park)
Blockobana is back to close out the weekend with a huge outdoor party featuring local and international DJs, food and drinks all day long.
Caribana Block Party (August 4 @ Denison Avenue Stage)
Queen Street West is about to fill up with the sounds of the Islands at this free block party with music by some of the city's best DJs.
Rogers Cup (August 3-11 @ Aviva Centre)
Some of the top tennis stars in the world are coming to Toronto for this big annual tournament with Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and more playing.
Indonesian Street Festival (August 4 @ Yonge and Dundas Square)
Music, dance, food, activities and more are all part of this big festival taking over Yonge-Dundas Square for a whole day of festivities.
Sunday Social (August 4-25 @ The Bentway)
It's a day for hanging out under the Gardiner as local musicians Adria Kain and Bonjay drop by to play alongside food, drinks and games.
Scarborough Ribfest (August 2-5 @ Thomson Memorial Park)
Don't forget the wet naps as this huge annual rib festival features ribbers from all over the province dropping by for a weekend of sticky-fingered fun.
Taste Of India Food Festival (August 4 @ Nathan Phillips Square)
Over 100 vendors are serving up traditional Indian food of all kinds at this huge festival with demonstrations and activities all day long.
Indie Fridays (August 2 @ Yonge-Dundas Square)
Catch a night of sweet Island vibes with a showcase of artists, including reggae singer Carol Brown with Reggaddiction and more playing for free.
Teen Ravine (August 2 @ Arraymusic)
Toronto's own bedroom pop duo Teen Ravine have begun carving out a place for slow, melodic synth and instrumental tunes that are delicate and beautiful.
Nilüfer Yanya (August 3 @ Horseshoe Tavern)
Disco is back, baby, and London's Nilüfer Yanya is fusing dance beats and chill grooves with hints of rock for whatever mood you're in.
The Northern (August 3 @ Hard Luck)
Metalcore syncs up with prog-rock with The Northern's rock/electro mashups played alongside Single Wound, Anneliese and LOST LIGHT.
R&B Sounds (August 4 @ The Baby G)
Get close with some of the city's brightest entering R&B singers as they serenade the audience with dreamy and intimate tunes.
Free Trip to Egypt (August 2-8 @ Imagine Cinemas Carlton)
Can a trip change your life? This film explores an experiment in kindness and takes Canadian-Egyptian Tarek Mounib on a journey into human connection.
The Warriors (August 2-19 @ The Royal Cinema)
One of the greatest movies ever made is celebrating 40 years since it captured the gritty life of New York street gangs in the rough and tough late 1970s.
Sense and Sensibility (August 4 @ Christie Pits)
Jane Austen's classic novel comes to life in Ang Lee’s brilliant take on the classic at this free/PWYC outdoor screening.
Tapette (August 2 @ Bunda Lounge)
This French disco party is kicking off a summer of European-style beats with a tribute to musical genius Philippe Zdar of Cassius.
Kuruza (August 2 @ Drake Underground)
Party it up at the Drake as Kuruza returns with a night of Afro-inspired sounds, with a DJ collective that's set to bring on the good vibes.
Endless Summer (August 3 @ Gladstone Ballroom)
Heavy lip-liner, frosted tips and mini-buns are all part of this epic 90s video dance party with all the best tunes from the decade that never left.
Sunnyside 21 (August 4 @ Sunnyside Pavillion)
Dance it out beachside on this long weekend edition of Sunnyside, featuring local and international DJs spinning hours of electro under the sun.
Really Really Free Market (August 3 @ Campbell Park)
Free as a bird is the name of the game at this monthly market where everything from clothing to furniture is completely free of charge.
Kensington Flea Market (August 3 - September 7 @ Kensington Market)
Handmade crafts, jewellery, vintage clothing, records, antiques and other recycled and repurposed treasures can all be found at this big flea.
Baldwin Village Maker Fair (August 4 @ 18 Baldwin Street)
Toronto's newest maker's market is back for a third edition to feature a selection of handmade arts and crafts from local makers.

by Lisa Power via blogTO

LCBO stores will be open in Toronto for the civic holiday Monday

As the August civic holiday approaches on August 5, the same question resurfaces every year. Is the LCBO open? If it is open, when is it open?

For those who typically stack up on booze in preparation for the long weekend, this will be good news. Almost 70 of the LCBO locations in the city are open this holiday Monday.

For the stores that are operating, their hours vary, but most of them don’t open until 12 p.m. and close somewhere between 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. But, there are exceptions.

The LCBO flagship store in Summerhill at 10 Scrivener Sq. will be open during its normal hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The new 22,000-square-foot LCBO at 49 Spadina Ave. and the Queen’s Quay location at 2 Cooper Street will also be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Apart from these locations, which are some of the busiest in the city, most of the LCBOs operating on the civic holiday aren’t open until the afternoon.

Just to be safe, check the hours at your local store before you trek over at the wrong time.

Here's a map of all the LCBO locations open in Toronto on the August civic holiday. 

by Hannah Alberga via blogTO