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Toronto is about to get its first taste of the viral Japanese three-patty steak experience

By
Jennifer Schembri
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Boru is a new Japanese hambāgu spot on Adelaide Street West
@borutoronto/Instagram

Boru, a new Japanese spot dedicated to hambāgu, is setting up on Adelaide Street West. The restaurant introduces a super popular dining style which has been drawing queues in Tokyo for years, focusing entirely on the craft of the patty rather than the bun.

Early word from media previews suggests a tightly focused experience that’s all about the beef.

Ditching traditional table service, Boru centres around a circular counter where diners are seated at an open chef’s table. In the middle, cooks grill fresh-ground beef patties over open flames, serving them one at a time so each bite arrives at peak temperature.

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Hikiniku to Come is a well-known Tokyo restaurant famous for its signature hambāgu set of grilled patty, rice and egg.

The menu is tightly streamlined. For a flat price of $38, Boru serves a set meal of three hand-crafted patties, miso soup and unlimited rice, and the experience follows a specific progression.

The first patty is served plain, meant to be enjoyed with just salt and pepper to highlight the quality of the grind and the charcoal char; the second comes with grated daikon and ponzu — a bright, citrusy palate reset that adds depth to the richness of the meat; and the final patty is the TKG (tamago kake gohan) finale: diners crack a fresh egg, strain out the white to keep only the yolk, then place it over the patty and a bed of fluffy rice.

The entire experience at Boru is tech-forward right from the start. Guests order and pay via a digital kiosk before taking their seats. The counter is also stocked with a variety of spices and house-made sauces, letting diners fine-tune flavours between each stage of the meal.

While the name sounds Western, hambāgu is a Japanese-style beef patty that sits somewhere between a burger and a meatball. It comes from yoshoku, a style of Japanese cooking inspired by Western dishes, but adapted over time into something its own. Made with minced beef, onions and panko, it’s softer and juicier than a typical burger patty.

With no official launch date yet announced, the only way to catch the first sizzle is to watch for Boru’s social media reveal.

A new Southern Thai street tea stall is hand-pulling drinks near the Eaton Centre

By
Nisean Lorde
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Khem 2

Downtown Toronto has no shortage of bubble tea counters and matcha spots, but Khem is serving up a much more specific niche: authentic Southern Thai street tea. Customers can indulge in the creamiest drinks, hand-pulled to order and served with a dramatic, frothy finish. Bonus: the shop’s name appears to nod to its flavour profile. Khem means strong, intense or concentrated in Thai, which is super fitting for a shop focused on bold flavours!

The shop soft-opened last Monday in the downtown Yonge stretch near TMU and the Eaton Centre, and influencers are already calling it the destination for the best Thai pulled tea in the city.

Khem Tea

Khem currently offers seven drinks: the shop-recommended Thai Pulled Tea ($7.95), Thai Iced Tea ($6.95), Thai Iced Tea Cream Cheese ($7.95), Lemon Iced Tea ($6.95), Thai Iced Coffee ($6.95), Iced Green Tea ($6.95) and the creamy-syrupy Pink Milk ($6.95): this one’s based on a popular Thai drink known as “Nom Yen” or “Nom Chompoo” and is typically made with sala syrup, milk and condensed or evaporated milk, then poured over ice for a sweet, creamy sip.

But the pulled tea is clearly the headliner, so it’ll likely be your new go-to if you’re looking for the full Southern Thai specialty with the most dramatic foamy top (and honestly, some are ordering it just to see the pulling action in real life!).

 

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The regular Thai Iced Tea is a classic everyday pick (expect something milky, bold and super craveable) while the Thai Iced Tea Cream Cheese is perfect if you like contrast: the topping has a rich layer with a slightly salty kick to it that cuts through the sweetness.

Speaking of sweetness, staff will ask how sweet you want your drink, so you can choose a level that still lets the tea flavour come through, for a more balanced sip.

Khem is located at 496 Yonge St, in the same plaza as Thai Mart, Hi Hoi Tod, Kati and 555 Boat Noodle.

Toronto Raptors are back in the NBA playoffs, here’s how they can win

By
Ron Johnson
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Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors
Scottie Barnes (photo: Instagram @raptors)

The Toronto Raptors punched their ticket to the bona fide NBA playoffs last night with a victory over the Brooklyn Nets. The team returns to playoff action for the first time since the 2021-22 season.

In a day of games that had massive implications for the playoffs and seedings, the Raptors blew out the lowly Nets while at the same time losses by the Orlando Magic and the Atlanta Hawks moved the team to the fifth seed.

Here is what happens next.

Why Fifth Matters

The Raptors will now play the Eastern Conference fourth seed Cleveland Cavaliers in a best of seven series that begins on Saturday, April 18 in Cleveland.

If the Raptors had lost or either of the Magic or the Hawks had one, it would have meant a matchup versus the New York Knicks. A team that has dominated the Raptors this season.

It is the opposite with the Cavaliers. The Raptors beat them three games straight this season.

That could mean an upset is possible.

Home sweet home

The Raptors play Games 3, 4 and possibly 6 at home in the Scotiabank Arena, and for the games in Cleveland, Jurassic Park will be packed, especially with warmer weather ahead.

Tickets are available on Ticketmaster, but it is like that fans wanting tickets now will have to hit the secondary resale sites.

For a list of great Toronto sports bars, check out this article.

How the Raptors wins

The Raptors have struggled against top tier teams in the league this season, often playing strong in some quarters but flagging towards the end of games.

So, half of the team’s success or failure will be overcoming that burden, which is at least part mental and part coaching.

Head coach Darko Rajakovic needs to put his team in the best position to win and that means making sure star player Scottie Barnes is front and centre in the fourth pushing the ball up the floor and taking charge. Barnes doesn’t have to score a ton for the team to do well. But he has to be the focal point on both sides of the ball.

Barnes needs to stay out of foul trouble, and keep focussed.

The second key to success is three point shooting. The Raptors are a great fast break team, and they should be able to run against the Cavaliers. But, this is the playoffs and if you can’t score in the half court, when the opposing defence has set up, then you will lose. And lose badly.

This season, if the team’s three point shooting is off, opposing teams have packed the paint and made it very difficult for the Raptors to get into good offensive sets.

That means, the team’s best shooters like Immanuel Quickly and Brandon Ingram as well as key bench players Ja’Kobe Walter and Sandro Mamukelashvili.

If they start hitting shots, everything changes for the team. If they miss, they usually lose.

The revelation in the second half of the season has been Walter. He has been one of the best long-range shooters in the league, especially from the corner spot. But he’s young and the playoffs are new to him.

 

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 How They Could Lose

When the Cavaliers were beaten by the Raptors it was often with key injured players and before the arrival of James Harden. Things are different.

Harden has a load of playoff experience and is one of the best shooters and passers in the game. His backcourt counterpart Donovan Mitchell is a prolific scorer from anywhere and everywhere.

This new dynamic will be a challenge for the Raptors.

In addition, the team’s twin towers of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are a fearsome and talented duo, which causes match-up problems for many teams. And the Raptors are not at their best against teams with size and strength.

The defensive schemes Rajakovic employs to handle the size under the basket while also dealing with great three-point shooting is key.

Wild Card

The Raptors wild card is rookie Collin Murray-Boyles.

An active defender with size and strength, Murray-Boyles could play a key role in slowing down the Cavaliers offence. He gives up some size but has so far made up for any size difference with incredible tenacity. He is already the second best defender on the team after Scottie Barnes and how he responds to the challenge presented in this series could make a huge difference.

For the Cavaliers, it is all about staying healthy and sticking to the game plan with Harden and his years of playoff experience front and centre and big man Mobley catching lobs. If Harden is on his game, it could be trouble for the Raptors.

Bottom Line

This is a good matchup for the Raptors. They can win. If the can surprise the Cavs and take one of the first two games, the upset is on.

You can now find authentic London style pie and mash behind a fake storefront in Toronto

By
Lauren DiBenedetto
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@eastendpie_mash/Instagram

There’s something satisfying about stumbling upon a place you weren’t meant to find. In a city obsessed with hidden gems and speakeasies, this new restaurant hides in plain sight. Disguised as Martian Business System Consulting Inc. at 1031 Gerrard Street, it delivers one of the city’s most transportive dining experiences.

Welcome to Eastend Pie & Mash, a hidden-in-plain-sight Leslieville spot from chef Davy Love that, since opening in January, has been acting as a portal to the U.K. The shop marks the latest chapter in a career long shaped by that pull. A Toronto native with roots in the city’s music scene — he founded Britpop nights after years in radio — Love has spent decades translating British subculture for Toronto, first through radio waves and Britpop nights, and now, through shortcrust pastry.

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The beating heart of the menu is the classic pie and mash: a savoury meat pie with a hefty scoop of mashed potatoes, finished with gravy or parsley liquor — a true British staple. It’s what you’d expect to find in a decades-old London pub, with tiled walls and regulars ordering the same thing every Sunday.

Chef Davy Love was chasing that exact feeling and went to unusual lengths to get there. The pies and pasties are made with imported flour from a 400-year-old, family-run mill in Burbage, England — a detail that goes beyond a good story and gets to the core of the dish’s authenticity, and arguably, the reason the restaurant exists at all.

The pastry strikes a balance between familiar and foreign, with a sturdy yet flaky texture built to hold the hearty fillings of decades past. Take the traditional Cornish pasty — one of the shop’s staples — a half-moon shape with thick, crimped edges. Originally designed as a portable lunch for workers, it was meant to be held with dirty hands, eaten, and the edge discarded.

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Inside, it’s a choose-your-own adventure of comforting fillings like beef, swede or onion. But this east-end pie shop doesn’t stay stuck in the past. Alongside traditional pork pies and classic fillings, the team leans into a more modern, street food-leaning approach. Think chicken tikka masala pies, doner kebab pies and mac and cheese pasties — a nod to the multicultural influences that now shape British cuisine. Round it out with a sausage roll, a Scotch egg or a sticky toffee pudding tart, and you’ve got a deeply satisfying comfort meal.

What makes Eastend Pie & Mash stand out isn’t the disguise or the modern touches, but the honesty in the food. It feels like a neighbourhood spot, a proper home away from home with better dinner options. It also runs on its own schedule — open Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. until sold out.

While the rest of the city is busy sanding down global cuisines to suit ‘local tastes,’ Love is doing the opposite. By importing everything from the history to the literal flour, he isn’t just serving a menu — he’s providing a direct line to the U.K. that hasn’t been diluted for the Canadian palate

When and where to catch ‘Torontohenge,’ the city’s most iconic sunrise happening this week

By
Nisean Lorde
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torontohenge
Courtesy @toronto_papi_/Instagram

Get your cameras ready, Toronto: this week, a rare sunrise with a very fun nickname is happening in the city. Torontohenge, an extremely photogenic sun alignment, is going to take place on Sunday, April 19. Referring to the moment when the setting or rising sun lines up with the city’s east-west downtown grid, if you’re in the right place, you’ll catch it sending a straight beam of light down between buildings!

The name is a nod to Manhattanhenge, a similar phenomenon popularized by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, but Toronto’s version is just as (or even more) stunning.

This rare sun moment only occurs four times a year; we’ve already had one in 2026, back in February. But that one was a sunset, while this month’s Torontohenge will be during sunrise — and it will arguably feel even more special, since it’ll be happening when the weather is actually warm enough to enjoy being outside for it!

 

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According to TimeandDate, here are the key remaining “Torontohenge” dates and times to look out for in 2026:

  • Apr 19, 2026 (sunrise): around 6:28 a.m.
  • Aug 23, 2026 (sunrise): around 6:31 a.m.
  • Oct 25, 2026 (sunset): around 6:18 p.m.

The best part is, you don’t need a telescope to see it, and there’s no need to head to a remote part of the city. Just look for a long, straight, east-west street with tall buildings on both sides and a relatively open view toward the horizon.

Some of the best viewing spots downtown include King Street West (especially near Roy Thomson Hall), Wellington Street West, Adelaide Street West and Richmond Street West. As per the Weather Network, the perfect alignment lasts for about two to three minutes, and you’ll want to arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise or sunset so you can watch the sun slide into place (and so you’re not sprinting to a spot while everyone else is already set up!).

If you happen to miss April’s exact peak time, the sun will be in similar, highly photogenic positions for up to a week after the peak. So, if the sky cooperates, you can capture an Instagram-ready moment right down the middle of the street grid. And if you miss this one, just put the next two Torontohenge dates in August and October for 2026 in your calendar!

Blue Jays road trip guide: 5 of the best cities to watch outside Toronto this season

By
Nisean Lorde
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Toronto Blue Jays star Addison Barger
Instagram: @bluejays

There’s something super satisfying about a Blue Jays road trip where the destination is just as good as the first pitch. If you’re up for heading over the border, Toronto’s 2026 away schedule includes a handful of cities where the game makes for a perfect weekend away, complete with walkable stadium districts and fun pregame neighbourhoods and ballparks (not to mention the food). Here are a few road trip-worthy places to watch the Jays outside Toronto.

Detroit, Michigan

 

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The Jays visit Comerica Park in Detroit for a weekend series against the Tigers from May 15 to 17, 2026. Since the park sits in a dense downtown sports district, there are tons of bars and restaurants to grab a bite and a beer within walking distance, so perfect for a post-game celebratory drink, perhaps? Check out Bookies Bar & Grille for rooftop seating and Frita Batidos for Cuban-inspired fare. For something sweet, stop by JoJo’s ShakeBAR on Columbia Street for some of the city’s most over-the-top milkshakes. Of course, if you prefer to stick to the stadium, the Tigers’ 2026 food additions spotlight eats from local Detroit restaurant businesses, like pierogi nachos, tiger tail footlong corn dogs and smoked bone-in short rib sandwiches. Make sure to get a behind-the-scenes look at Comerica Park as part of a 1.5-hour tour. For $25, you can take photos on the Custom Hi-Chew Carousel & Ferris Wheel and explore the dugout, locker rooms, the Ernie Harwell Media Center and more. Wrap up the weekend with a quick stop in Windsor, as it sits just south of Detroit and is filled with tons of fun activities and historic sites.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Jays are at Target Field from April 30 through May 3. According to Explore Minnesota, the 40,000-seat open-air ballpark is widely considered one of the best stadiums in the MLB, with unbeatable views of the skyline and locally inspired food! The Minnesota Twins run Friday happy hour deals with $2 beers, $2 hot dogs and $2 snacks from gates open to first pitch, so expect a budget-friendly trip with a delicious lineup of in-park food (more binge-worthy picks include eats from Pizza Lucé and Hot Indian Vegan Channa alongside Killebrew Root Beer). If you visit on a Saturday, check out the Minneapolis Farmers’ Market before the game and fill up on street tacos and Bánh Xèo, then head over to Modist or Fulton Brewing for a few pre- and post-game pints. Opt for a fuller meal at the Red Rabbit, Red Cow, or NOLO’s Kitchen, or head over to 112 Eatery if you’re looking for a cute spot with date-night vibes.

Seattle, Washington

 

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Seattle is the bigger-ticket Jays trip, but it’s also one of the most fun! Toronto plays at T-Mobile Park from July 3 to 5, with fireworks scheduled after the July 3 game and themed ticket specials attached to the July 4 and July 5 dates. Throughout the weekend, make sure to explore the neighbourhood around the park. T-Mobile Park sits beside Pioneer Square, Seattle’s original downtown neighbourhood, so there are tons of restaurants, galleries and historic sites to explore. Inside the park, the Mariners are all about food and hangout culture, with tasty options like Ballard Pizza Co., Moto Pizza and Ivar’s. Opt for a tour for a behind-the-scenes look at the ballpark and retractable roof. FYI, Seattle is known for the “Seattle Takeover,” when Jays fans flood T-Mobile Park! This epic cross-border baseball tradition was a bit (a lot) more subdued last season due to tariff tensions and a slump in Canadian travel, and it doesn’t look like the city’s “Open Arms for Canada” campaign has returned this year, but Seattle still seems to be attempting to woo Jays fans/Canadian tourists with discounts.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 

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The Jays visit Citizens Bank Park from August 7 to 9, and the timing is great, since the series comes a few short weeks after Philly hosts the MLB All-Star Game (so expect a little extra baseball buzz around the city). In addition to Citizens Bank, the Philly’s sports complex also houses Lincoln Financial Field (Eagles) and Xfinity Mobile Arena (Flyers, 76ers and Wings), so the hub is worth exploring. While in town, check out the popular FDR Park, which hosts one of the best food markets in the U.S., and indulge in authentic Philly cheesesteaks at Tony & Nick’s Steaks and John’s Roast Pork. If visiting with kids, the Navy Yard is a perfect pit stop thanks to its mix of restaurants and tons of green space (very family-friendly).

Cleveland, Ohio

 

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Toronto heads to Progressive Field from September 1 to 3. The stadium is deeply woven into the city’s downtown core, with tons of dining and drinking spots nearby! Head to East 4th Street for pre-game eats at Butcher and the Brewer or Flannery’s Pub for beer-and-bar energy. Or stick to Progressive Field, as it’s much more than a sit-down-only ballpark. The Right Field District is one of the main social zones, where the Guardians’ stacked bullpens and standing-room areas let fans watch warmups and roam a bit during the game. There’s also the Blue Moon Terrace Garden, a rooftop patio with a bar, a food stand, city/field views and the beer-hall-style Terrace Hub. If going with a group, check out the Paul Davis Pennant District for amazing views and an all-you-can-eat buffet. For a behind-the-scenes look at the stadium and ballpark history, tours run from mid-May to the end of September.

Terrifying CN Tower EdgeWalk experience is reopening to the public this weekend

By
Nistha Chaudhary
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maitreyi ramakrishnan edgewalk
@maitreyiramakrishnan/Instagram

Mark your calendars, thrill-seekers! The CN Tower‘s EdgeWalk reopens on April 11, and yes, it’s exactly as wild as it sounds. Perched 356 metres (1,168 feet) above Toronto, this hands-free walk on a 1.5-metre (or 5-foot) ledge around the tower’s main pod offers some of the best views in the city.

The EdgeWalk first opened on Aug. 1, 2011, after being announced earlier that year to celebrate the CN Tower’s 35th anniversary. Participants wear a harness attached to an overhead trolley system, letting them lean backward over the city while staying completely secure. The full experience lasts around 90 minutes, with roughly 30 minues spent on the ledge itself. Guinness World Records immediately recognized it as the highest full-circle, hands-free walk on a building — a record the experience still holds to this day.

 

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Tickets start at $199 per person and walkers must be 13 or older (ages 13-17 require a parent or guardian for consent) and wight between 75-310 pounds (34-140 kg). It’s designed for people in decent physical health who walk independently but the EdgeWalk is also wheelchair-accessible! A specially designed one-piece wheelchair attaches to the overhead trolley system, allowing visitors with disabilities to take part.

Over the years, the EdgeWalk has attracted some high-profile visitors. Canadian comedian Rick Mercer and singer Jann Arden helped bring it into the spotlight early on, while Drake famously included it in his 2021 “What’s Next” music video, a nod to his iconic Views album cover. And fans of Never Have I Ever might recognize star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, who braved the EdgeWalk in 2022!

Whether you’re trying to conquer a fear, snap epic photos, or just feel the wind in your hair with the city sprawling below, EdgeWalk delivers. It’s kind of experience that makes you feel alive, gives your friends a reason to be jealous and leaves you with stories you’ll be retelling for years.

Two former Toronto Raptors employees forced to close their groundbreaking sneaker shop

By
Keena Al-Wahaidi
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makeway store
Courtesy Makeway

Tucked behind Wellington Street is perhaps Toronto’s best known women-owned streetwear shop, founded by two entrepreneurs who vowed to create a brand just dedicated to female sneaker enthusiasts. Once a beloved, women-focused community, Makeway has announced they’ll be closing their long-standing physical location. 

Makeway, a sneaker boutique designed for women in Toronto, made a statement via Instagram on Thursday that their iconic storefront will be closing down for good. The store at 91 Walnut Ave. will remain open to the public on Saturday, April 11 for one last day before permanently shutting down — and transforming into an online-only shop. 

In the company’s statement, founders Abby Albino and Shelby Weaver discuss their journey from the start of the pandemic and how they made the difficult decision to dissolve the Makeway store.

“We’ve been in straight survival mode & we took a second to breathe & evaluate what the next chapter of makeway, Mack House and FTG will look like,” the Instagram statement read. “With that, we’ve made the tough decision to close our brick and mortar location at 91 Walnut Ave. We fought super hard for it to not come to this because we believe so deeply in what physical space does for community. But to be honest, we are f**king drained.” 

It goes on to say the financial and emotional stress of running the physical store had essentially extracted some of the “joy and passion” of running the business. 

The store, which was founded by Toronto entrepreneurs Albino and Weaver, has been in business since 2020. The two women originally met working for the Toronto Raptors, Weaver as the director of basketball advancement with the Raptors and Albino as a PR and marketing strategist who frequently worked with the team.

Since then, the store has remained completely by and for women. The brand was originally created to “solve the pain points for women who love sneakers but historically faced barriers,” according to Makeway’s website. 

The sneaker market has traditionally been built men, and the two entrepreneurs — after years of experience working in the basketball industry and seeing the prevalence of male athletes being represented by the top sneaker and streetwear brands — felt they needed to make a space for women in the field.

Makeway provides sneakers by brands like Nike, Puma, Dickies and other household names under one roof. They also carry streetwear apparel by similar brands as well as miscellaneous products such as health products, stationary and houseware. 

For now, Makeway will be available exclusively online.

This iconic Thornhill Korean BBQ spot is closing after 15 years

By
Nistha Chaudhary
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Piggy's Island in Thornhill is closing
Piggy's island

After 15 years of serving the community, Piggy’s Island, a staple for Korean BBQ in Thornhill, has announced it will officially close its doors on April 29.

Known for its signature cast-iron lid grilling, flavourful pork belly and iconic UFO fried rice, the restaurant has long been a favourite gathering spot for families and food lovers across the GTA.

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@piggysisland/ instagram

The restaurant originally opened as Piggy’s, a small family-run operation that quickly earned a loyal following. Its standout feature was the sotddukkeong — a traditional cast-iron lid used to grill pork belly to a perfect, caramelized finish. Beyond the charcoal-grilled ribs and generous, refillable banchan, the restaurant was cherished for its lively, welcoming atmosphere that made every meal feel like a celebration.

The road to this closure has been incredibly difficult. Piggy’s Island previously faced a devastating fire that forced the business to shut down for more than two and a half years. While the restaurant celebrated a grand reopening in March 2024 — complete with a fresh, beach-themed interior — the financial hurdles proved too high to clear.

Owners Joeun Kim and Torry Chun shared the heartbreaking reason behind the closure: the restaurant was required to pay rent for the entire two-and-a-half-year period it was closed due to the fire. This overwhelming financial demand, combined with the current economic climate, made it impossible for the business to continue. The news has sparked an outpouring of sadness from the Thornhill community, where Piggy’s Island has been a backdrop for countless memories and milestones.

Whether you’re a regular returning for one last UFO fried rice or a first-timer looking to experience a piece of Thornhill history, now is the time to visit.

Piggy’s Island is located at 5 Glen Cameron Road in Thornhill.

Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk undergoes thumb surgery and will be out for at least six weeks

By
Nisean Lorde
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0
Toronto Blue Jays, Alejandro Kirk
Instagram: @alexkirk5

Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk, 27, underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a fractured and dislocated left thumb, and the initial recovery timeline now has him sidelined for about six weeks. The injury happened last Friday when Kirk caught a foul tip off the bottom edge of his glove in the 10th inning of the club’s 5-4 loss to the White Sox in Chicago.

The Jays’ official injury tracker lists Kirk’s expected return as mid to late May; still, it’s a noticeable absence for a team now without its regular catcher behind the plate, and a major blow for a club that can’t afford to lose its two-time American League All-Star so early in the season.

Kirk opened the year hitting .150 with one home run and two RBIs in five games before his injury. He’s one of the club’s most trusted defensive anchors: a career .267 ​hitter with 52 home runs and 265 RBIs across ⁠569 games.

Kirk’s absence also creates an opportunity for other talent to step up. According to Reuters, Toronto’s No. 24 prospect Brandon Valenzuela, 25, was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo to temporarily replace Kirk on the active roster while the catcher recovers. This is Valenzuela’s first taste of the majors, so no pressure, but he’ll be splitting catching duties with Tyler Heineman.

Valenzuela was acquired from the ​San Diego Padres in a trade last year ​after batting .304 with one home run and five RBIs in 11 spring training games ⁠for ​Toronto. He went 3-for-15 with a home run and four RBIs in four games with Triple-A Buffalo before getting the call.

So far, though, he’s had a quiet start at the plate in the majors. In the four games he’s appeared in from April 5 to 8, the Jays went 1-3, losing 3-0 to Chicago, then dropping back-to-back games against the Dodgers (14-2 and 4-1) before bouncing back with a 4-3 win over LA on Wednesday.

Next up, the Jays host the Minnesota Twins on Friday at the Rogers Centre.

Archie’s is the most anticipated spring opening in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood

By
Erica Commisso
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@broadviewhotel/Instagram

There’s nothing better than a neighbourhood hangout, and The Broadview Hotel is taking it to the next level thanks to its new restaurant, Archie’s, which is slated to open this spring.

“We wanted something that felt rooted in the community — approachable, social and energetic — while still maintaining the quality and attention to detail people expect from the hotel,” says Jason Chapman, the food and beverage director at Archie’s.

The Broadview has played a colourful role in shaping the east end since it was built in 1891 by Archibald Dingman, and Chapman hopes this new concept feels like a natural fit for the Riverside of 2026.

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“The east end is full of families, and we wanted Archie’s to reflect the demographics of the community. That means creating a space where parents can come in with their kids just as easily as friends meeting for drinks.”

That includes a menu bursting with classics, from steak pot pie to an expansive burger menu that includes a jalapeño smash burger. But while the food is family-friendly, the cocktail program offers a “wink” to the building’s rowdier years. From the ’70s through the early 2010s, the space was home to Jilly’s, the east end’s most notorious landmark, and the new drinks pay homage to that history with names like the White Tiger and the Pole Dancer.

The White Tiger, in particular, is a nod to the most famous myth in Toronto nightlife: the stories of a live tiger that reportedly shared the stage with dancers at Jilly’s.

The vibe inside Archie’s is warm and relaxed, and Chapman hopes it will make people feel instantly comfortable. As the east end has given way to gourmet shops and boutiques, Archie’s aims to be the ultimate middle ground.

“Whether you’re coming in for a quick burger, a drink at the bar, or dinner with family, the goal is that it feels easy and familiar and a place you’ll want to come back to often,” Chapman says.

Archie’s is located inside The Broadview Hotel at 106 Broadview Avenue.

Here is what it’s going to cost to take the train to Muskoka this summer

By
Ron Johnson
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0
Northlander Feature
Ontario Northlander

The return of Ontario’s Northlander passenger rail service is getting closer, but early ticket pricing has surprised some would-be riders, particularly those eyeing trips between Toronto and cottage destination Muskoka.

According to Ontario Northland’s published fare tables, one-way tickets from Toronto to Muskoka-area stops such as Gravenhurst are expected to cost roughly $66.97, while trips to North Bay climb to about $109.70 depending on booking time. Longer journeys rise steeply, with fares to Timmins reaching around $181.67 and the full run to Cochrane approaching $188.

Officials have positioned the pricing as roughly 10 per cent higher than existing Ontario Northland bus services reflecting reliability, comfort, and infrastructure.

Still, on Reddit, many users questioned the value proposition.

“I was thinking $100 round trip or less, not 1 way,” said one Reddit commenter.

Others noted that for families, even short trips to cottage country would be expensive once return fares are factored in. Travel time—around seven hours between Toronto and North Bay—was also raised as a sticking point for some riders.

Some commenters said the pricing is reasonable especially considering fuel costs these days along with vehicle wear, and the convenience of avoiding Highway 400 traffic altogether. And for anyone trying to get to the cottage Friday afternoon, we all know what that’s like.

Behind the scenes, the province says the project has reached a critical operational milestone.

In a recent government update, officials confirmed that the Northlander is now undergoing extensive “burn-in” testing across the corridor between Cochrane, Timmins, and Toronto’s Union Station.

The project has now entered what is known as Revenue Service Demonstration (RSD), a phase where trains run in near-real conditions to test scheduling, safety systems, station operations, and crew readiness before public launch.

Premier Doug Ford described the revival as a long-awaited reconnection of Northern Ontario communities to jobs, education, and healthcare, while Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said the project is “one step closer to connecting people to opportunity across northeastern Ontario.”

The province has also emphasized that the Northlander is not just for cottage-loving tourists, it is a regional commuter train providing intercity travel, and essential mobility for northern residents.

No start date has been announced.

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