The top 10 dance parties in Toronto for summer 2015

The top dance parties in Toronto this summer range from "raves" inside the Science Centre to EDM circuses to dance party boat cruises. Yes, the beat will drop hard in this city over the summer, as DJs from around the world spin at some of the country's biggest festivals and club appearances.

Here are my picks for the top dance parties in Toronto this summer.

Electric Island
Electric Island's summer launch kicks off its 3rd season with four events to ring in long weekends on July 1st, August 3rd and September 7th. Acts include Sasha, Marcel Dettmann, Lee Foss, Dennis Ferrer, Greg Gow, Jeff Button, Jonathan Rosa to celebrate Canada Day at Hanlan's Point. Hop on Toronto Island ferry, which runs every 30 minutes, at 9 Queens Quay West.

Calibre
He's called, "one of the quietest people in drum and bass," playing sets mostly for his closest mates, the Belfast DnB legend, Calibre, makes a rare appearance at Mod Club July 4. So seeing one of his sets is a rare treat. With Doc Scott, Mc Drs, Lush, 6ix, and Traj warms up the crowd.

Kenny Glasgow
Legendary Tdot DJ, Kenny Glasgow, of the former dynamic duo, Art Department will be dropping his dark brand of deep-house bass with the lovely Jade, Jamie Kidd and Jeff Button at Coda on July 10th. Early Bird tickets starting at $20, $25 regular advance sales with optional reserve table.

Full Flex Express
All aboard, Skrillex express! The pan-Canadian Full Flex Tour via VIA train journeys through Canada with big name DJs making a station stop at TD Echo Beach on July 11th. With different acts each city, the Toronto concert will feature Diplo, Jack Ü, Zeds Dead, A$AP Ferg, Tycho, Anna Lunoe and Mija.

Bass Addikt Boat Bash
From the crew that brought you Gravity Saturdays, Bass Addikt Boat Bash for the first time brings you aboard The Stella Borealis as she sails across Lake Ontario overlooking Toronto's magnificent skyline. The bass crew includes DJs M2 Mallo & Fuzey, Nello, Zane, Kali X, Sxv and Duzie. Boarding starts July 12 at 6:30PM at 333 LakeShore Blvd. E at the foot of Parliament Street.

Atomic Lollipop
There's going to be a rave at Ontario Science Centre! From July 17-19, Canada mega EDM fest, slash anime convention, burlesque show, circus carnival will have a mindboggling 300 hours of interactive programming. Although, DJs are still TBD, past acts include Prozzäk and Wooden Wisdom AKA Elijah Wood & Zach Cowie. Boredom is not a word at geekdome.

Veld Music Festival
Veld's back for its third year from August 1st to 2nd at Downsview Park with massive heavy-hitters including Deadmau5, Kaskade, Above & Beyond, and Hardwell, while those whose all about that bass, a second stage will feature Borgore, Kill The Noise, AC Slater, Branchez, and Rain Man. Finishing off the fest is Grammy nominated, Duke Dumont, and many more.

Andy C
"The Double Drop" drops at Muzik Nightclub on August 14th. UK DnB DJ and demi-god Andy C spins an extended set known to last 6 hours of lighting speed on three simultaneous mixing boards! But warming up the crowd first are Mc Gq, Bensley, Lush, Hydee with a second stage featuring Brillz, Pusher, Damn Kids, Thrizzo, Lukav, and Bassik.

Mad Decent Bloc Party
Mad Decent Block Party is Diplo's travelling EDM circus with performance by Major Lazer, CL, Jauz, Thugli, TJR, What So Not, xxyyxx, hrmxny on August 29 at Fort York Garrison Common. The tour features different acts in every city so you might want to join this circus after the Toronto experience.

Harvest Festival
Techno hippie moon worshippers will gather at the 17th annual Harvest Festival from September 18-20. Located at the magical Midlothian Castle nearby Burk's Falls, here you can explore the 300 acre grounds, complete with sculpture gardens known as "Screaming Heads," pyramids and other surreal structures. You will be enveloped by nature and techno.

What did I miss? Add your most anticipated dance parties in the comments.

Writing by Trent Lee.

Photo of Veld by Jesse Milns

by Guest Contributor via blogTO

Roncesvalles' newest cafe might be its best yet

Reunion Island has been around for 20 years, but its new cafe on Roncesvalles is its first ever flagship shop. Featuring a state-of-the-art espresso system that turns out high quality drinks as well as an addictive cold brew & tonic that's the perfect caffeinated summer beverage, this place definitely wants to be a coffee shop contender in the nabe.

Read my profile of Reunion Island in the cafes section.

by Christina Cheung via blogTO

New pub moving into Dominion on Queen space

It's the end of the line for venerable corktown pub Dominion on Queen. One of Toronto's oldest pubs, the Corktown landmark shuttered last year for what was expected to be a short renovation. This spring, those plans changed and the building was sold to new owners for $4.2 million.

Now, FAB Concepts (owners of a host of popular pubs including Mill St. Brew Pub, Brazen Head and Murphy's Law) have leased the space and plan to open a new concept this fall.

When reached for comment, a spokesperson for FAB Concepts told us they were "excited to be in the neighbourhood" and plan to refresh the space while keeping true to its historic roots and place in the community.

Local food, craft beer and live music will continue to be the pub's focus although the name of the new pub and many of the specifics are still being worked out.

The Dominion on Queen was founded in 1889 and operated on the ground floor of what was once known as the Dominion Hotel. The upper floors continue to function as a 25 unit rooming house and will not be affected by the changes coming to the pub.

Are you excited for the changes coming to 500 Queen St. East? Let us know in the comments.

by Staff via blogTO

The top 10 arancini in Toronto

Arancini might traditionally be the best use for day-old risotto, but in Toronto these little deep fried bundles are a highly desirable delicacy in their own right. Crispy on the outside and oozing with creamy flavour within, they're the perfect snack or appetizer.

Here are my picks for the top arancini in Toronto.

Nodo
This lovely neighbourhood restaurant in the Junction is home to a menu of traditional Italian comfort foods. Satisfy your next craving for carbs with these crispy rice balls ($9) coated in bread crumbs and filled with ragu di carne and plump green peas.

Via Mercanti
Arancino di Riso ($6) from two Toronto locations are done in true Sicilian style; filled with peas and ground beef plus a mix of mozzarella and parmesan that melts when the rice balls hit the fryer.

Enoteca Sociale
The veteran Italian restaurant on Dundas West does risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella di bufula and 'nduja for $4 per piece. Enjoy as a starter with a glass of red wine before moving onto pasta and entree courses.

A3 Napoli
Specializing in the deep fried street foods of Naples, this eatery in Little Italy offers arancini amongst its selection of fritti misti. Sold in paper cones, the rice balls boast oozing provola centres and can be had for $1.25 per single piece, or mixed and matched with a choice of fried veggies, dough balls, and meatballs for $6 for five selections or $11 for ten.

Marcello's Pizzeria
Locations on St. Clair and in Woodbridge serve up arancini con pomodoro ($9) featuring saffron-scented risotto formed into balls and stuffed with mozzarella and tomato sauce.

Forno Cultura
The classic arancini at this Italian bakeshop on King West start with risotto cooked in chicken stock and then paired with vegetables, herbs and cheese. On weekends look forward to a novel but delicious variation made with miso. Each ball sells for $3 plus tax.

Sanremo Bakery
This Italian bakery and hot counter on Royal York does rice balls on Thursdays and Fridays only. These Sicilian-style treats contain a classic combination of minced meat with peas, tomato sauce, and fried onions and are finally breaded and deep fried for a crispy exterior and soft centre. A single order sells for $3.99.

Solita
The fine foods shop on Dundas West offers the largest daily variety on this list. Arancini here come in two sizes; big balls done margherita or Sicilian style sell two for $5, while minis with ricotta and spinach, porcini mushrooms and cheese, or margherita are available 10 at a time for $10.

Luce
This casual Italian restaurant on King west offers a plate of risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella for $8. The arancini here come smothered in tomato sauce but adding in a side of meaty bolognese sauce for $2 extra is advised.

LaManna's Bakery
Tear drop shaped Sicilian arancini ($3 each) are a must from this tavola calda in Scarborough. The crispy fried rice balls contain cheesy goodness inside and are best had with a side of sweet tomato sauce (+50¢) for dipping.

What did I miss? Add your favourite arancini to the comments.

Photo of Luce by Jesse Milns

by Liora Ipsum via blogTO

Buffalo Super Saturday - Sponsored by the Buffalo Market Council

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by via Toronto Networking Events

John Tory supports decriminalization of marijuana

In a move that won't make him any friends with the federal Tories, John Tory cautiously confirmed his support for the decriminalization of marijuana yesterday. According to the Star, the mayor characterized discussion around the sale of cannabis as "a positive step forward for Canada." That's not exactly a fist-pumping endorsement, but it's clear enough where Tory's allegiances lie.

While the sale of marijuana is currently prohibited in Toronto, the city's Medical Officer of Health has been tasked with a review of the matter partially in response to a major report from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) that calls for the decriminalization cannabis.

Vancouver recently voted to licence the sale of medical marijuana, a possible first step toward wider regulation of the industry. Depending on the results of the MOH's review and the upcoming federal election, Toronto might also rethink how marijuana is controlled.

by Derek Flack via blogTO

This Week on DineSafe: Kupfert & Kim, Slab Burger, Osmow's, Mullins Irish Pub, Ally Baba, Galaxy Donuts

This week on DineSafe, Ally Baba (not be to confused with repeat offending chain Ali Baba's) has been shut down. The Pakistani and Bangladeshi restaurant on Gerrard was cited with failure to prevent an insect infestation and failure ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.

See which other establishments landed themselves on DineSafe this week.

Osmow's (155 John St.)
Inspected on: June 22, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 4 (Minor: 1, Significant: 2, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Employee fail to wash hands when required.

Galaxy Donuts (369 Keele St.)
Inspected on: June 22, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 2 (Significant: 2)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Kupfert & Kim (100 King St. West)
Inspected on: June 22, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 1, Significant: 3, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Employee fail to wash hands when required.

Mullins Irish Pub (1033 Bay St.)
Inspected on: June 23, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 5 (Minor: 2. Significant: 3)
Crucial infractions include: N/A

Slab Burger (47 Charles St.)
Inspected on: June 23, 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.

Ally Baba (1513 Gerrard St. East)
Inspected on: June 24, 2015
Inspection finding: Red (Closed)
Number of infractions: 7 (Minor: 1, Significant: 4, Crucial: 2)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to prevent an insect infestation. Operator fail to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated.

Alexandros Take Out (5 Queens Quay)
Inspected on: June 24, 2015
Inspection finding: Yellow (Conditional)
Number of infractions: 3 (Minor: 1, Significant: 1, Crucial: 1)
Crucial infractions include: Operator fail to thoroughly cook hazardous food item(s)

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