People in Toronto say they prefer streetcars over buses

The 505 Dundas streetcar has been replaced with buses since the end of September while Pantograph upgrades are made between Parliament and McCaul, and it's making TTC riders realize how much they prefer streetcars to buses. 

One Toronto resident tweeted this sentiment yesterday evening, and it's led to a whole lot of online discussion comparing the two forms of public transit. 

"Anybody who advocates for buses over streetcars should be damned to ride the Dundas bus replacement for a week," Twitter user Shawn Micallef wrote online. "Or eternity, for such bad opinion."

Anybody who advocates for buses over streetcars should be damned to ride the Dundas bus replacement for a week. Or eternity, for such bad opinion. pic.twitter.com/V3xNZVIxU4

— Shawn Micallef (@shawnmicallef) January 30, 2020

The tweet has garnered 41 retweets and 464 likes in the past 24 hours, and many Toronto transit users say they wholeheartedly agree with Micallef. 

"The lurching, in and out of traffic. The dizzying pull into a stop. The sudden gasp that comes with quick brakes," one user wrote. "Aw gawd, my blood pressure rises just thinking about it."

Buses along Dundas are pure hell. Will streetcars ever come back ?

— Les Williams (@leswilliams2) January 31, 2020

Toronto resident Asif Hossain quote tweeted the original post and added his own take, stating that the replacement buses on Queen a few years back taught everyone involved to appreciate streetcars. 

Those who thought buses would be better on Queen learned their lesson a couple of summers ago during several months of construction. #TTC buses are brutal, from the designed bottleneck at the front to its narrowness throughout, just the worst in high density areas.#topoli https://t.co/uE4Uf8tK4F

— Asif Hossain (@asifintoronto) January 30, 2020

And one Twitter user even responded that anyone who prefers buses probably isn't actually a frequent transit user. 

That sounds about right.

— Asif Hossain (@asifintoronto) January 31, 2020

For those who are specifically frustrated with the Dundas replacement buses, you'll be glad to know that streetcar service will resume on the route come March 29. 

by Mira Miller via blogTO

Toronto bar named after famous author is closing after 7 years

Hitch, a Leslieville bar that has billed itself as "your cozy little local" is sadly closing its doors next month after seven years in business.

The establishment was inspired by and named for the famed English-American author, journalist and anti-theist Christopher Hitchens, who died in 2011.

It quickly became beloved for its strong cocktails, delicious snacks, sunny back patio, hipster decor, chill ambiance and events like live DJ performances, movie showings and trivia nights.

"The time we’ve spent travelling this path has been nothing short of incredible and the friends we’ve made along the way are the kind you keep for a lifetime," a goodbye post on the bar's social media accounts reads.

"We built and named this bar 'Hitch' with the spirit of the interminably caustic Christopher Hitchens in mind, but any further reverent intentions quickly became unnecessary as the bar instead filled with the people who made it what it really was."

Proprietors go on to thank the local community and all of Hitch's staff and regulars in the post, reminiscing about table singing and dancing performances, resident plants and more.

Others have been sharing their best memories of the bar and offering their well wishes on its Instagram.

"The place is magical. A cozy nerd cave with no attitude," fellow bar and eatery Completo wrote. "Purveyor of amazing graphic art posters, fun themed nights, a place for romance, a place for laughter. It is my favourite bar in leslieville. It is an integral part of any self respecting queen east pub crawl."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hitch (@hitchlimited) on May 24, 2019 at 2:43pm PDT

Hitch's last day at 1216 Queen St. East wil be on February 15.

by Becky Robertson via blogTO

Markham restaurant says they've lost customers because of coronavirus fears

A Markham restaurant that shares the name of the Chinese city where the novel Coronavirus outbreak began in December has been experiencing dwindling business, prank calls, racist attacks and more as fears surrounding the illness heighten.

Wuhan Noodle 1950 in Markham was the unfortunate subject of a mocking post on 6ixbuzz, which showed a photo of a sign from a now-shuttered Finch Avenue location with the text "@ 'W' Must Order Lunch Here" over top.

Many in the comments section of the post continued to poke fun at the restaurant, saying things like"ur finna catch sum corona wit dat noodle soup" and "I'll get da one orda of the bat soup and da orange chicken." (For the record, 2019-nCoV is not caused by the consumption of bat soup and Wuhan Noodle does not serve the dish.)

Others quickly pointed out how inappropriate the post is — especially for an account that thinks itself a news outlet of sorts and has 1.4 million followers.

"Stop sharing these lowkey racist and alarmist posts, are y'all gonna stop eating california rolls because someone got the virus in california? that's how dumb this sounds," one user said. Other comments included "Stop promoting racist thinking" and "Nah this is sad someone's losing their business over this."

Business down at Wuhan Noodle restaurant in Markham amid racism, #coronavirus fear. It was plainly baffling to see people make associations between the restaurant that serves food with locally produced ingredients and the disease — all because of its name. https://t.co/wV0A6ebrP9

— Kingsley Kwok 郭旼修 (@KingsleyKwok) January 31, 2020

Wuhan Noodle's owner told the Toronto Star that his business has lost two-thirds of its customers amid the panic the virus is causing.

He also said that the 6ixbuzz post isn't the only one that has targeted the restaurant brand in particular — a since-deleted video showed a resident approaching the restaurant with the caption "the Wuhan virus has spread to Markham."

Many other institutions in Toronto and the GTA, from malls to universities, have had to assert that there are no known cases of coronavirus among their staff or students amid swirling rumours that originated online.

The virus, now declared a global emergency, has prompted some overt racism against the Chinese community, particularly on social media.

Its true people already posted they scared to go to Wuhan noodle in Toronto because of the name

— Tommy (@ThomasTheTank12) January 27, 2020

While airlines all over the world are cancelling flights to China and citizens are generally becoming more alarmed, buying up face masks and hand sanitizer, SARS was far more fatal and the common flu poses a far greater risk — also usually caused by a type of coronavirus and fatal for tens of thousands of Canadians each year.

The stats for 2019-nC0V at the time of publication stand at 200 deaths — all of them within China — and approximately 9,800 confirmed cases, four of which are in Canada.

by Becky Robertson via blogTO

TTC conductor publicly shamed passenger for smelling bad and it was caught on video

The TTC has confirmed that they are investigating a situation after a video was shared to Twitter in which a conductor can be heard publicly shaming a passenger for smelling bad. 

In the video, originally shared by Twitter user Dylan Ungerman Sears, a TTC conductor can be heard making an announcement over the PA system saying that there is an "extremely foul-smelling person" on one of the cars who is refusing to leave.

A TTC operator was caught publicly shaming a passenger for smelling bad - 📹 @ungermansears #Toronto #TTC pic.twitter.com/ZdZNXq6bCF

— blogTO (@blogTO) January 31, 2020

He can also be heard urging commuters to call the TTC and complain.

"If you do not like that smell, please call the TTC and complain, because they once again seem to think that they have the right to do this to the train," the unnamed TTC employee says in the video.

"We need the public to get together and help take care of this issue because the TTC keeps allowing them on the system, even though they don’t have the right to be there when they’re doing that to the train and making everybody’s ride very very uncomfortable. It is also a health and safety issue as well."

Sears took to social media to share the video and express her disappointment about the way the situation was handled.

"Tonight on the #TTC a conductor made several announcements publicly shaming a passenger for how he SMELLED," she wrote. 

"Where is the humanity, respect, and basic decency that all passengers deserve?? There must be a better way. I’m appalled."

Tonight on the #TTC a conductor made several announcements publicly shaming a passenger for how he SMELLED. Where is the humanity, respect, and basic decency that all passengers deserve?? There must be a better way. I’m appalled. @TTCnotices @TTChelps @kristynwongtam @JohnTory pic.twitter.com/wp0jic0TyQ

— Dylan Ungerman Sears (@ungermansears) January 31, 2020

Sears also tagged several TTC Twitter accounts as well as Mayor John Tory and City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam. 

Shortly after the video was posted to Twitter at 9:20 p.m. last night, TTC spokesperson Stuart Green responded that the incident is under investigation.

"The video is concerning. It is being investigated," he wrote on Twitter. 

"As a rule, we cannot and would not remove a customer from a train because of how they smell. If operators suspect a person is in distress or if there is a risk to the public, they are directed to contact transit control for instruction."

The TTC's customer service account also tweeted that they are aware of the situation and it is being investigated. 

by Mira Miller via blogTO

17 bars to watch the Super Bowl in Toronto

Bars where you can watch the Super Bowl in Toronto have all the space, beer, snacks and energy you need to take in the big game. Don't get stuck squished on a couch eating cold queso—hit up one of these places that can handle the big day like only the pros know how. 

Here are my picks for bars to watch the Super Bowl in Toronto. 

Rec Room

The big screen at this gigantic Harbourfront barcade will be showing the game, and there'll be MVP platter specials and prizes. 

Rebel

Head to this nightclub in the Port Lands to watch the game on a 34-foot tv. The Bud will be flowing, and there'll be drink specials and traditional snacks. 

Ballroom

Over 50 TVs will be playing the game with the sound on and lots of food and drink specials will be available at this energetic bar in the Entertainment District. 

Rustic Social

Huge 20 oz draft beers on special for $9 at this South Etobicoke restobar for the Super Bowl will ensure you never go thirsty throughout game time, and clear sight lines to TVs mean you won't miss a moment. 

Woodhouse Brewpub has plenty of TVs to watch the big game. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Queen and Beaver

Pint specials on local Steam Whistle and Henderson beers as well as the Sunday Roast at this classic English pub near Yonge and Dundas will make this Super Bowl a memorable one.

The Office Pub on John

There's a big cover charge for entry to the Super Bowl party at this Entertainment District bar, but it includes three drinks, an AYCE buffet, and access to three floors of fun. Plus, look forward to prizes and a half time burlesque show.

The John 3

This quirky Riverside bar will be serving a platter special of wings, pulled pork sliders, poutine and deep-fried pickles.

Woodhouse Brew Pub

It's going to be a classic cookout at this Brockton Village bar with brisket, wings and ribs, and of course, great beer.

Beaches Brewing Company is a good spot to catch the action on Queen East. Photo by Fareen Karim.

Beaches Brewing Company

Grab $5 pints of beer made on site at this Beaches brewery for the game. If suds aren't your thing, there are $5 rail specials as well.

Craft Beer Market

Though this Financial District beer bar with a wide selection may be big and splashy, drinks and eats will start at just $4 on game day.

King Taps

Those seeking a genuine outdoor tailgate experience can head to this Financial District brewpub for an outdoor BBQ roast, traditional tailgate games and drink specials on their heated patio.

Liberty Commons

Beer brewed on site, a Sunday roast and platters will all be on offer as the game plays with the sound on at this Liberty Village bar.

King Taps in the Financial District will be busy on game day. Photo by Jesse Milns.

RS

One of Toronto's best sports bars, this place in the South Core is a hub for Super Bowl fans with the game playing on one of the biggest screens in town.

Batch

There’ll be a beer pong tournament, specials and prizes to be won at this bar in the Financial District.

Local Leaside

Beer specials will be going down for the entire day at this Leaside pub in honour of the Super Bowl.

Union Social Eatery

Find $10 nachos and $4 Buds on game day at Yonge and St. Clair, Mississauga and Yonge and Sheppard locations of this restobar.

The Dizzy

Roncesvalles has this reliable and cozy sports bar where spirits are sure to be high during the Super Bowl.

by Amy Carlberg via blogTO

11 markets and pop-ups in Toronto to shop at this February

The top markets and pop-ups in Toronto for February 2020 give you plenty of opportunities to pick up the perfect gift for that special someone with baked goodies, pretty flowers, handmade gifts and sexy surprises. And if you're riding solo, go ahead and treat yourself. You deserve it.

Events you might want to check out:

Erotic Arts and Crafts Fair (February 1 @ Gladstone Hotel)
Things are getting hot at this arts and crafts market that features one-of-a-kind erotic finds in celebration of DIY sex and romantic culture.
Wellness Market (February 9 @ Gladstone Hotel)
Tools for self care are up for grabs at this wellness market with local artisans selling items with a focus on natural remedies and relaxation.
Pop-Up Bake Shop (February 9 @ bluboho Jewelry)
Colin Asuncion and Mengling Chen from The Great Canadian Baking Show are coming out for this special po-up with lots of sweet treats.
Be My Vegan Valentine (February 9 @ Peter Pan Bistro)
All-vegan everything is on at this Valentine's Day market with a variety of vegan goods like chocolates, health and beauty, gifts, clothing and more.
Makers Market for Australia (February 9 @ Project Spaces King West)
Local makers are donating 100 per cent of their proceeds from this market to Animal Rescue Collective which helps bushfire rescue efforts.
Heart Crafted (February 9 @ The Workroom)
Back again is this special Valentine's Day makers market with a curated selection of vendors selling beautiful, handmade and vintage treasures.
Valentine's Day Flower Pop-Up Shop (February 13-14 @ The Annex Hotel)
2PEONIES is on hand for a special Valentine's pop-shop with contemporary arrangements, statement single-stems, vases and beautiful gift packaging.
Leslieville Flea (February 16 @ The Fermenting Cellar)
Over 50 local vendors are on hand for this edition of the the Leslieville Flea that maintains a special focus on vintage, salvaged and up-cycled goods.
Trinity Bellwoods Flea (February 23 @ The Great Hall)
Shop from a big selection of vendors at this month's Bellwoods Flea with clothing, gifts, food, drinks, confessions, jewellery, art and lots more.
The Wedding Co. Market (February 23 @ Artscape Wychwood Barns)
Arrangements, food, drinks, music, formal wear, makeup and venues are all part of this market that highlights options from local vendors.
Nite Markt x Toronto (February 28 @ Gladstone Hotel)
From Montreal comes this travelling night market featuring 35 artists setting up shop alongside drinks and music for a good cause.

by Lisa Power via blogTO

Toronto's infamous Filmores hotel and strip club is closing

After more than 100 years as an iconic Toronto landmark, the building that's home to Filmores Hotel and its accompanying strip club have been bought by a developer for $31.5 million.

According to the Toronto Star, Menkes Development bought the Dundas East property on January 16.

The building has served several different purposes over the years including a different hotel, another strip club and, originally, apartments units. 

It was deemed a heritage property back in 2016, according to the Star, because of "the building’s decorative brickwork, Edwardian styling and stone detailing."

But soon the beloved spot will be no more, and Toronto residents are left wondering what will become of one of the city's most historic strip clubs. 

Before Jilly's, now it's Filmore's. Old-time Toronto strip clubs are being bought by developers one by one. https://t.co/fJf4Gb8qiN

— David Rider (@dmrider) January 31, 2020

Toronto Reddit users have been throwing around some ideas following the news of its impending closure, and many are expecting yet another massive condo building. 

"I hope the luxury condo building that replaces it will still be called Fillmore's," one user wrote.  

"It's likely a heritage building, so you can at best anticipate the brick remaining with another blah glass tower that is 90 stories tall with 90% bachelor pads for $600k," another said. 

And some can't help but notice that this marks yet another closure of an old-time Toronto strip club, along with so many others. 

"Another one bites the dust," one user said. "The war on strip clubs continues."

by Mira Miller via blogTO