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Friday, March 31, 2017

The top 10 bars and pubs on King St. West

King West is a contender for one of the best neighbourhoods to drink in Toronto. From craft beer specialists to ping pong clubhouses, the street is bustling with options.

Here are my picks for the top bars and pubs in King West.

Bar Hop

If you love craft beer this is your spot. Here you'll find dozens of beers on tap, rotating cask selections, and over 100 cans and bottles. You can stick with your local favourite or take a risk and try something totally new.

Belfast Love

This faux Irish bar from the Donnelly Group has all the watering hole essentials including beer, whisky, at least a dozen TVs and seating for large groups. In summer there's a sweet patio.

Early Mercy

This bar at the corner of King and Brant used to be a Grand & Toy but breathes new life into the space as a swanky open space great for drinking with friends. 

Lavelle

This rooftop oasis has one of the best views in the city along with a swimming pool, cabanas, bar and restaurant. What more could you want?

Odd Thomas & Mascot Brewery

This complex on Mercer is broken into three floors all sporting different vibes. The bottom floor is chill, the second floor is where to get your dance on and the top is where you'll find the rooftop patio.

Roxy on King

The King West hangout boasts pool tables, ping-pong, TVs, pinball machines, pub food and booze. Make sure to try the nachos.

SPiN

This is Toronto's original ping-pong themed bar. With 12 tables and lots if libations, it's like your coolest friend's basement on steroids.

The Addisons Residence

This lounge-meets-club in the former C Lounge space on Wellington is divided into a kitchen area, living room and rec room making this spot the ultimate house party. There's also a huge outdoor patio.

The Citizen

The former Brant House space is where fine dining and bar culture mingle. There's food and drink but also 16 massive screens to watch the game.

The Everleigh

This King West establishment is a bar with a hint of nightclub. Booths and bottles combine with ample standing room and chill space.


by Jaclyn Skrobacky via blogTO

Toronto food events: Bevy Brewfest, Nando's Chicken Dash, Cookie Battle

Toronto Food Events rounds up the most delicious festivals, pop-ups, wine maker dinners, supper clubs and other food related happenings in Toronto this week and next. You can find us here every Friday morning.

Events you might want to check out:

Bevy Brew Fest 2017 (March 31 - April 1 @ Evergreen)
Don't miss the Society of Beer Drinking Ladies' largest beer festival to date.
Toronto Food & Drink Market (March 31 - April 2 @ Toronto Congress Centre)
There will be lots to eat, drink and sample (and shop) at this big food and beverage expo.
1st time in TO! Cook with the US White House Chefs! (April 1 @ Miele Experience Center)
Bid to cook with the White House Chefs and MasterChef Canada finalists at this fundraising event.
Feast In The East 61 (April 1 @ Matt Durant Studio)
Grab a free crepe dinner (with your $10-$12 ticket) at this monthly east side music, food and art installation series.
Nando's Chicken Dash (April 1 @ Nando's locations)
Bring a non-perishable food item to Nando's and get free peri peri chicken. This deal is for eat-in only.
What the Duck? (April 2 @ Peter Pan Bistro)
Learn how to cook with duck thanks to chef Noah Goldberg's hands-on class at Peter Pan Bistro.
Free Cone Day Toronto 2017 (April 4 @ 40 Gould Street)
All you need to know is you can get free Ben & Jerry's ice cream on Gould Street (at Ryerson). Free. Ice. Cream.
Riverside Winefest 2017 (April 4-9 @ Riverside District)
Sample lots of Ontario wine at this annual event on the city's east side.
County in the City (April 6 @ Berkeley Church )
Try (and then buy) over 60 wines from Prince Edward County.
86'd Mondays Chocolate Chip Cookie Battle (April 3 @ Drake Hotel)
Roselle, XO Bisous, The Sweet Escape, Lavelle, Corvis: dessertbar, Mabel's Bakery and Le Gourmand face off in the cookie competition.
Kitchen Stuff Plus Warehouse Sale (April 7-10 @ 135 Wendell Avenue)
Pick up kitchen essentials as well as fun, new gadgets at this warehouse sale.
Fair Food Nation: Envisioning A Future Where Food Is A Basic Right (April 7 @ Isabel Bader Theatre)
Hear for leading voices in Indigenous food security, community health, and the food justice movement. Tickets are $15.
The Toronto Pancakes & Booze Art Show (April 8 @ The Opera House)
See work from 100 different artists all while munching on fluffy pancakes.
Toronto Coffee & Tea Expo (April 8 @ The Glass Factory)
Coffee and tea lovers can finally unite at this expo focusing on everyone's favourite caffeinated beverages.
Dinner with Chef Jason Bangerter (April 8 @ Auberge du Pommier)
Auberge's former chef de cuisine Jason Bangerter, currently executive chef at Langdon Hall Hotel, will cook a French-inspired multi-course dinner.
Southeast Asian Brunch (April 9 @ Hawker Bar)
This multi-course brunch features dishes like sausage and egg breakfast dumplings and it'll set you back $35 (including gratuity and drinks).
Opera & Fried Rise (April 10 @ Cote de Boeuf)
Revel Food and opera singer Cassandra Warner present a three-course dinner and concert for $60.
Batters up! Cookie Workshop (April 12 @ Left Field Brewery)
Decorate a cookie or five and sip on some beer at this east side brewery.
The Modern Seder (April 12 @ Peter Pan Bistro)
Chef Noah Goldberg will cook up a festive meal to celebrate Passover. The menu includes house-made matzah, a modern take on kugel and charoset ice cream.

by Amy Grief via blogTO

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Toronto hit by sudden snowstorm and people are not happy

The top 10 restaurants in Thornhill

The top restaurants in Thornhill will fill your belly with a diverse range of comfort food. Whether you're looking to splurge on a steak dinner or just want a slice of pizza, these eclectic spots have got you covered, regardless of your budget.

Here are my picks for the top restaurants in Thornhill.

Bagel World

In Thornhill, you're either a Bagel World or a What A Bagel World person and never the twain shall meet. I'm a fan of the latter, mainly for its flat bagels, perfectly poached eggs and bottomless cups of coffee.

Centre Street Deli

Centre Street is arguably the best deli in the GTA, but you'd never suspect it because it's nestled into a nondescript plaza. It might be pricey here, but it's a worthy splurge meal.

Cho Sun Ok

Head to this Korean spot on Yonge near Steeles for thin arrowroot noodles over icy broth, or naengmyeon/naengmyun.

Congee Queen

Sure, this mini-chain has locations around the GTA, but it considers its Thornhill outpost its flagship store - so there. Of course, Congee Queen's known for its comforting and filling congee.

Golden Star

Thanks to the condo boom around Yonge and Steeles, this old-school burger joint from 1964 stands out as a relic from Thornhill's more staunchly suburban past. But its charcoal broiled burgers are still delicious.

Home of Hot Taste

There's an unaffiliated Home of Hot Taste downtown, but the real deal is north of Steeles. This restaurant serves up Korean-style fried chicken that you'll continue craving long after you've finished your meal.

Legend Chinese Restaurant

For dim sum in Thornhill, Legend is a solid option. This spot also has lots of vegetarian options.

Me Va Me

Good luck getting a table original Me Va Me on a Saturday night. And you better go early if want to order some shawarma.

The Octagon

If you're looking for an old-school steakhouse, The Octagon's the real deal. This is usually the type of place you visit only if you have something huge to celebrate.

Paoletti's Pizzeria

If you're from Thornhill, you probably know about the Dante's-related restaurant feud. This pizzeria is from the family behind the original Dante's


by Amy Grief via blogTO

50 things to do this spring in Toronto

Spring events and activities in Toronto clearly show the city's excitement for warmer weather. There are so many great festivals, parties, food and drink events and reasons to get back outside and see people, the city and the nature around us again.

Here are 50 things to do this spring in Toronto. 

Activities you can do all spring long
Celebrate Canada's big birthday

The big day might be July 1, but Canada is celebrating its 150th starting as early as this spring with free park passes, concerts, installations and activations all over the city. 

Get inspired at an art crawl or fair

Refresh your life and apartment with some beautiful new work from local artists who are selling their pieces at places like the Distillery's ArtFest (May 20-22), the Kensington Market Art Fair (May 29), the Riverdale Art Walk (June 3) and the Liberty Village art crawl (June 10).

Take a hike

Here are five ideal hikes in and around Toronto to get you moving. You don't want to get stuck on a path that's felt the brunt of our rainy spring weather.

Go for a spin

Spin classes are one of the hottest fitness trends in Toronto right now. They're a surefire way to kick your butt into summer mode and newer studios like SoulCycleRide Cycle Club, Torq, and SpinCo are ready for your buckets of sweat. 

Take your own (new) brewery tour

This city sure loves its local beer. It seems there are more breweries in Toronto than ever before, so why not visit some of the newer kids on the block like Shacklands, Liberty Commons, Rorschach or Bellwoods' latest location on Hafis Road?

Shop at a farmers' market

Almost every neighbourhood in Toronto has a farmers' market, so they're easy access when you need the freshness that comes with spring. The Sorauren Market, the Trinity Bellwoods Market (starts May 9),  Leslieville Market (starts May 26), are just a few to get you going.

dundas west fest

Dundas West Fest is back again this year on June 3. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Walk around a street festival

It's time to close off the streets and enjoy festivals like the Spring into Parkdale Sidewalk Fest (May 13), the Waterfront Artist Market kickoff (May 20), the first Kensington Market Pedestrian Sunday (May 28), and Dundas West Fest (June 3).

Start music festival season off with several bangs

Toronto's music festivals start in the spring and run into the last minutes of summer. Check out CMW (April 18-22), Electric Island (May 22), CBC Music Festival (May 27) and Field Trip (June 3-4), to name a few.

A night at the theatre

Check out a show this season with something major like The BodyGuard or The Book of Mormon, or a smaller production, such as the Little Shop of Horrors or Crawlspace. Don't forget to visit Crow's Nest, Toronto's newest destination for live theatre.

Become a volunteer

April 23 to 29 is National Volunteer Week and it's an event that galvanizes folks who want to donate their time to help others in the city by giving them the tools to get started.

Set your inner activist free

Toronto's activist movement is livelier than ever and you can make your voice heard with the March for Science (April 22), the Pipeline Protest at Queens Park (April 29), by volunteering or by simply keeping your eyes on the activist calendar.

Food and drink events
Drink coffee

Toronto coffee and tea lovers unite for the new two-day coffee and tea festival. It might inspire you to visit some of the city's latest indie cafes, such as Strange Love, Bottle Rocket, Bob Coffee Bar and Boxcar Social on Temperance. 

Toronto Taste

The annual Toronto Taste fundraiser for Second Harvest returns to Toronto on June 4. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Stuff your face

Things are growing again now that spring is here, which means exciting food festivals, like Veggielicious (May 5-21), Toronto Taste (June 4), BBQ Eats Festival (June 9-11) and the Stop Night Market (June 13-14).

Quench your thirst at a spring beer festival

Now that the sun is back out, it's time to enjoy beer in wide open spaces with pals at events like Brewer's Backyard (April 14), Toronto's Festival of Beer (May 20), and the Session Toronto Craft Beer Festival (June 10).

Get messy at a rib festival

There are two big rib fests this spring: the Ribs & BBQ Bash (May 18-21) and the Beach BBQ and Brews Festival (June 17-19). Who wants to eat all that meat in the summer heat?

Follow a new food truck

Toronto's love affair with food trucks is far from over. Look for meals on wheels from folks like Zest It Up, Alijandro's, Crispy Craves, Maestro Mac 'n' Cheese, Que Rico, Pronto Italian and Ravi Soups.

Try Toronto's new crop of Indigenous restaurants

There's a sudden influx of restaurants shining the spotlight on Indigenous food and ingredients. Kū-kŭm on Mount Pleasant, Pow Wow Cafe in Kensington and Nish Dish in Koreatown are three you're going to want to try. 

station cold brew

Station Cold Brew is behind the brand new Cold Brew Cocktail Week starting April 24. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Get a buzz at Cold Brew Cocktail Week

Toronto loves its cold brew spots, which is why it's so glorious we now have Cold Brew Cocktail week from Station Cold Brew.

Clink glasses at beer week

From June 10 t0 19, celebrate independent, locally brewed beer at Ontario Craft Beer Week with all types of events, pub nights, crawls and talks all over the city. 

Get your fill of seafood

The Lobster Clam Jam (May 20) is a much-loved outdoor food festival originating in Montreal, which will swim its way over to Cabana Pool Bar to show off all kinds of fish dishes from renowned local chefs and restaurants.

Sports and Fitness
Run around the city

There are several major running events happening in Toronto this spring like the One Brave Run (April 8), the MEC Waterfront Flyer (April 9), Beaches Easter Day 5K (April 16),  Bum Run (April 30), and the Goodlife Marathon (May 7), to get you warmed up. 

Make good use of your yoga mat

There is an endless string of yoga events and classes in Toronto this spring, including yoga in the Royal Conservatory (April 5), a yoga for climbers class (April 9), and a huge glow in the dark yoga fundraiser event. 

Hang out in Jurassic Park

The Raptors are in the playoffs again and ground zero for Toronto Raptor's fans will be the fan zone just outside the ACC. Things get really exciting surrounded by 3,000 fans, DJs and all kinds of swag.

Cheer on the Jays at a new sports bar

Try Homestand, Toronto's newest sports bar that's throwing all sorts of interesting Jays-related events. There's also Striker, Toronto's only LGBT sports bar, or KT Bar in the old Riverside Dark Horse space.

tfc toronto

TFC fans hope for a repeat showing from last year but maybe a better result in the finals this time. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Be the ultimate TFC fan

Last year the Reds almost won it all, so why not jump on the bandwagon early and see some TFC games before the heat wave arrives.

Join the Wolfpack

Canada now has a professional rugby team that needs your support. The season has already started, but you can still grab tickets and head to Lamport Stadium to see what they're all about.

More events and activities
Shop at a night market

There are a number of noteworthy night markets this spring, including the Men's Market (April 7), the spring Midnight Mrkt (April 14) and the Peaces Night Market in Parkdale (April 27), where you'll find fashion, vendors, drinks and lots of food.

Listen to your favourite lit or podcast star

Some pretty cool lit and podcast stars are gracing Toronto with their wit and wisdom this spring, including Margaret Atwood (April 13), Junot Daz (April 21), Ira Glass (May 13) and David Sedaris (June 3).

Enlighten yourself at a massive classical music festival

A classy way to celebrate Canada's 150th is by checking out some of the country's most innovative composers and and musicians at 21C

tiny records toronto

Tiny Records on Queen East will be one of the many local stores celebrating Record Store Day on April 22. Photo by Matt Forsythe.

Play the record

April 22 is Record Store Day and Toronto's vinyl shops take this very seriously by offering all kinds of one-off, super exclusive deals and releases. Be sure to check out your favourite neighbourhood shop and get there when the doors open. 

The largest film festival ever

National Canadian Film Day is April 19 and it's a massive one-day, coast-to-coast-to-coast celebration of Canadian cinema with 1,700  screenings. Check the website for your closest screening.

All-time favourites for spring
 
Watch the Cherry Blossoms bloom

The High Park Cherry Blossoms watch is on, and they're predicting peak bloom will happen on May 1. Be warned, that day is absolute chaos in the park. 

Take in some spring film festivals

You can watch all kinds of great films this spring at the Silent Film Fest (April 6-11), TIFF Kids (April 7-23), Hot Docs (April 27-May 7), and Inside Out (May 25 - June 4) at theatres around the city.

Check out the city's up-and-coming creative class

See what Toronto's youngest and most creative minds are up to at Ryerson's Mass Exodus (April 8), Ryerson's new media Meta show (April 6-9), Sheridan's Illustration grads (April 12-13) and  OCAD U's GradEx (May 3-7).

Find your inner road warrior

Toronto Bike Month runs from May 30 to Jun 30 and there are some great events to kick start your riding life. like Bike to Work Day (May 29). Other events will be announced on the official site shortly.

contact photography festival

The Contact Photography Festival will showcase more than 200 exhibitions this year. Photo by Andrew Williamson.

Stand in awe of this city-wide photography festival

From April 29 through the end of May, the streets, billboards, signs and walls of Toronto will be a lot more interesting thanks to the Contact Photography Festival. 

Give the planet a big hug

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Earth Day (April 22) in Toronto, including early events at the Green Living Show (April 7-9) and the Gladstone's Grow-Op festival (April 19-23).

Get your comic on

The Toronto Comics Arts Fair (May 13-14) is a wonderful weekend of comic artists, vendors, discussions and meet and greets.

Dive into the country's largest mixed arts fest

The Images Festival is more than a film fest; it's Canada’s largest on and off screen showcase of innovative contemporary art, featuring eight days of screenings, events, performances and exhibitions from April 20-27.

Float around the Don River

Paddle The Don happens May 7 and lets you and a large group of paddlers float down the Don River from Ernest Thompson Seton Park to the mouth at the Keating Channel.

luminato

The venue and programming for the 2017 edition of Luminato is still a mystery. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Immerse yourself in art and performance

From June 14 to 25, Toronto is covered in art of all kinds thanks to Luminato, one of the largest arts festivals in North America. 

Get an all access pass to the city

Ever wanted the keys to the city? That's what you basically get during Doors Open on May 27 and 28, which gives you access to loads of Toronto buildings.

Get animated

Toronto's Anime North (May 26) is always a spring highlight. It celebrates anime, manga, music, games and all kinds of other branches of Japanese culture.

Feed your brain at a book festival

The BookThug Spring Launch (April 13), Toronto Comic Book Show (April 30), and the Art Book Fair (June 15-18) are just a handful of ways to stick your nose in a book and leave it there until summer arrives.

Think fashion forward

Big fashion events like the student-run Mass Exodus (April 3-8), the totally unique FAT (April 18-22), the Fashion Fantasy Show (May 23) and the Vintage Clothing Show (April 9) are just three ways to re-think your wardrobe.

Powerball Toronto

Toronto's art-party of the year, the Powerball, returns to the Power Plant on June 1. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Party at the Power Plant

One of the coolest venues by water hosts a bunch of parties this spring, including Timeraiser, the Powerball and the Afrogalactica performance

Pride Month

Despite some issues last year, Pride marches on this year and it'll be celebrating with a month's worth of parties at places like the ROM, the AGO, the Aquarium, Harbourfront and TIFF all before summer even starts.

Outside and out of town
 
Take a romantic getaway

Spring is in the air, so take  time to reboot your love life with any of these romantic getaway ideas near Toronto.

Get a head start on camping

Feeling adventurous? Get that camping gear out early (or grab some new equipment at some of these shops) and head out of town to one of these stunning provincial parks.

Stay at a small town inn

Unplug your phone, shut down your laptop, grab your coziest outfit and head out of town to stay at one of these picturesque inns or hotels steeped in history and charm.

eq3

Thanks to EQ3 for sponsoring this post.


by Phil Villeneuve via blogTO

The top 10 markets and pop-ups in Toronto this April

Markets and pop-ups in April are a brave bunch. They take over spaces like a huge warehouse in the east end, a rock 'n' roll bar and even Yorkdale Mall. You'll find everything from chimney stacks and oysters, to men's fashion and unique printed works.

Events you might want to check out:

April Really Really Free Market (April 1 @ Really Really Free Market Campbell Park)
This is the original Bunz trading zone. Everything is free, no money is exchanged, and there's no swapping. From 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. browse the tables and limit yourself to one large shopping bag per person.
Island Oysters pop-up (April 2 @ Halo Brewery)
Island oysters make a welcome return to Halo brewery for two Sundays in April. Find three types of New Brunswick oysters matched with Halo beer, separately or in package deals.
Eva's Original Chimneys Pop-Up (April 3-30 @ Yorkdale Shopping Centre)
The Yorkdale Mall won't even know when hit them once Eva's has their way with them. They've created their most decadent cones yet for this month-long pop-up in a mall. Watch for the exclusive drip cake cone.
Men's Market (April 7 @ District 28)
This is a trade show event geared towards style-minded men in Toronto. There'll be classic vendors from Toronto favourites and brand new designers on hand as well. There'll also be food and drinks inside the huge warehouse.
LitBang! Pop Up Store (April 7-30 @ Citizenry )
An annual pop up shop featuring a collection of small-press literary magazines, as well as limited edition art, posters, T-shirts, buttons and a cafe.
Akin Pixel & Bristle Pop Up Series (April 18 @ The Drake Hotel)
Akin Collective Dufferin Studios and Pixel & Bristle Design Market pop-up inside the Drake lobby with work from local artists and designers. There'll also be drinks and many of the makers will be on hand.
The Trinity Bellwoods Flea (April 23 @ The Great Hall - Lower Hall)
Head over to the Great Hall from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. for a day of locally crafted goods, local food, music and plenty of goods vibes. It's a curated selection of art, fashion, vintage, food and handmade vendors and admission is free.
Peaces Night Market (April 27 @ Stones Place)
A night market that strives to bring Ontario's most exclusive eco-conscious artisans , entrepreneurs, artists and non-profit organizations together under one roof for some shopping and good music.

by Phil Villeneuve via blogTO

Condo of the week: 40 Westmoreland Avenue #16

This former church at 40 Westmoreland Avenue is a stunning example of adaptive reuse. Original built in 1914, it was converted into 17 multi-level suites a century later and now features some of the coolest living spaces in the city.

40 westmoreland avenue torontoWe've featured the building before, but this is the first time we've gotten a look inside the nearly 1,600 square foot unit 16. Like the others, it's a multi-level space that features lots of exposed brick and a unique floor plan. There's even a bridge!

40 westmoreland avenue torontoIt's hard to pick out a highlight, though the bathtub tucked into an arch on the top floor might make the cut. The master bedroom is also a stunning spot that gestures to the original character of the building and looks like a peaceful place to rest your head at night.

40 westmoreland avenue torontoWhen you consider other recently listed condos near the same price, this space seems particularly remarkable. It's also just a five minute walk to the subway, so you're not giving up anything location-wise.

40 westmoreland avenue torontoSpecs
  • Address: #16 - 40 Westmoreland Ave.
  • Price: $1,450,000
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Bathrooms: 3
  • Parking: 1
  • Walk Score: 95
  • Transit Score: 90
  • Maintenance Fees: $481,75
  • Listing agent: Maggie Lind and Sharon Lane
  • Listing ID:W3743917
40 westmoreland avenue torontoGood For

Lapsed church-goers who relish the idea of living in a tranquil space. Alternately, this condo will prove highly desirable for anyone looking for a unique home on the west side of the city. 

40 westmoreland avenue torontoMove On If

You believe in ghosts? In certain light, a former church might seem spooky. More seriously, the multi-level space might scare off anyone thinking they might have a little one running around in the near future.

40 westmoreland avenue toronto40 westmoreland avenue toronto40 westmoreland avenue toronto40 westmoreland avenue toronto40 westmoreland avenue toronto

40 westmoreland avenue toronto40 westmoreland avenue toronto40 westmoreland avenue toronto

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


by Derek Flack via blogTO