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Toronto’s Toby Fournier Ready to Shine in First NCAA March Madness with Duke

By
Ron Johnson
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Toby Fournier, Duke University
Toby Fournier, Duke University

The Duke Blue Devils is one team in March Madness that everyone is going to be watching. But, in Toronto, many people are going to watching for a player not named Cooper Flagg. In fact, the player on many local must-watch lists isn’t even on the men’s team. It’s Toby Fournier, the newly minted ACC Rookie of the Year who is leading Duke into March Madness as a 2 seed.

Fournier has been must-watch TV since she was 14 years old and caused something of a social media stir when she posted a video of herself dunking, a rarity in the women’s game. Fournier went on the acclaim playing at Toronto’s Crestwood Prep and then inked a deal to attend the iconic Duke University to play with the Blue Devils.

The Duke Blue Devils, who earned a No. 2 seed in the tournament, will look to their standout freshman to help propel them to a deep run.

Fournier, a 6-foot-2 forward, has been a force for Duke all season. She capped off the regular season with a career-best 28-point performance in a crucial win over Florida State, solidifying Duke’s standing in the conference tournament and reinforcing her status as one of the brightest young stars in the game.

 

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A Star in the Making

The Toronto native has been on an upward trajectory since her days at Crestwood Preparatory College, where she dazzled scouts with her elite athleticism and dunking ability. Her skills translated seamlessly to the collegiate level, where she has averaged 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game as a back-up while shooting an impressive 54% from the field.

Duke head coach Kara Lawson has been effusive in her praise for the freshman phenom. “It goes without saying this is the freshman of the year in the league,” Lawson said after Fournier’s dominant showing against Florida State. “If you can’t see that, you’ve got to go to the eye doctor.”

 

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Big-Game Performer

As Duke gears up for the tournament, Fournier’s recent performances suggest she is peaking at the perfect time. Over her last three games, she has averaged 23 points and 7.3 rebounds, playing a critical role in Duke’s winning streak. Her ability to deliver in clutch moments was on full display in the fourth quarter against Florida State, where she scored 10 of her 28 points to help Duke pull away late.

Fournier’s confidence and work ethic have played a huge role in her rapid rise.

“I think there’s a lot that goes into the performance I had tonight,” Fournier told the Associated Press. “A lot of hard games, hard practices leading up to this point. For me, it was just all the practices, all the early mornings I put in to performing how I did.”

March Madness and Beyond

With the Blue Devils holding a No. 2 seed, the team is well-positioned to make a deep tournament run. But it won’t be easy. Duke is in the same group as the women’s basketball juggernaut South Carolina.

 

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Beyond this season, Fournier’s future looks incredibly bright. She has already represented Canada on the international stage, helping the national team secure a bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA Under-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup. 

For now, though, all eyes are on March Madness. With Fournier’s star rising and Duke hungry for a championship, the stage is set for an unforgettable tournament debut for the Toronto standout.

The ultimate guide to iconic Canadian foods and where to find the best in Toronto

By
Jennifer Schembri
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Canada may not be overflowing with signature dishes, but the ones we have are pretty great. With the best time to support local cuisine right now, here’s a look at the standout Canadian foods we do best and where to grab them in the city.

Hawaiian Pizza

Whether you’re torn on whether tropical fruit belongs on pizza or not, you’ll want to indulge in a slice (or the whole pie) from one of Toronto’s top pizza spots. The Hawaiian at Libretto features an irresistible blend of sweet, spicy and savoury with San Marzano tomato, mozzarella, grilled pineapple, ham, bacon, jalapeños and hot maple syrup—yes, hot maple. Over at The Fourth Man in the Fire, their pizza is piled high with mozzarella, pineapple, bacon and plenty of hot peppers. Plus, thanks to Harry and the Heels, you can accompany that pie with a donut piled high with sprinkles, Hawaiian-style.

Butter Tarts

There’s nothing like an ooey, gooey butter tart—whether you like them with raisins, plain, peanut butter, or something a little more unique, they’re always a treat. Toronto is home to some award-winning versions. Last year, Etobicoke’s The Pie Commission claimed first place at Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival with their raisin-free creation. The year before, Circle and Swore took top honours. Whichever version you choose, it’s a win!

Poutine

 

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While Toronto may not be the birthplace of poutine, it’s hard to beat the dish no matter where you are. NomNomNom Poutine is probably the closest thing to Montreal-style poutine in the city, and it’s easy to see why. Though the name might not say much in French, this spot serves up some of the best poutine around. Located in Toronto’s first shipping container market near Bathurst and Dundas, NomNomNom offers a great setting with plenty of patio seating. You can dig into that hot, gravy-soaked poutine with melting cheese curds while it’s still fresh and irresistible.

Nanaimo Bars

The Nanaimo Bar, a no-bake Canadian classic with a crumbly base, creamy custard, and chocolate topping, was born in Nanaimo, BC, in the 1950s and remains a Canadian staple. For a twist, try the gluten- and dairy-free versions at Bunners, or head to Brick Street Bakery for their rich take with a coconut base and decadent chocolate.

Montreal Smoked Meat

Nobody does smoked meat like Montreal, a city famous for its deli culture and iconic smoked meat sandwiches, with Schwartz’s being the ultimate legend since 1928. But Toronto’s closing the gap, thanks to spots like Michelin Bib Gourmand SumiLious, Centre Street Deli, and Dave’s Genuine. Sumilious, where the owner worked at Montreal’s renowned Schwartz’s, serves up tender smoked meat slices, topped with mustard and nestled between two slices of fresh bread — bringing that Montreal taste to Toronto.

You can go on a real-life Gilmore Girls tour in this charming town near Toronto

By
Nisean Lorde
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Just under an hour’s drive from Toronto, nestled in Markham, sits a charming town filled with historic buildings, cute boutique shops, and beautiful parks and trails. Unionville exudes such a storybook vibe that the pilot episode of the Gilmore Girls was filmed here!

Stars Hollow, the name of the fictional Connecticut town where the Gilmore Girls, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, live, is brought to life in this picturesque locale — and if you take a visit, you can channel your inner Gilmore and explore some of the iconic locations found in this popular early-2000s TV series!

First up is the Stars Hollow sign. In the series, the blue sign states “Welcome to Stars Hollow. Population 9,973”. But if you look closely behind it, you’ll notice it conceals a larger white sign, partially covered by leaves, that reads, “Unionville Planing Mill, 139 Main St”. Today, you can still see the Unionville sign proudly displayed on Main St. Also on Main St is Luke’s Diner — perhaps one of the most iconic landmarks in the series! The original filming location can be found at 156 Main St (just keep in mind that it doesn’t quite look the same as it did in the show). In the series, “Luke’s Food” was imprinted on the shop window. Today, the space sits vacant, but it was most recently occupied by a medical spa.

 

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Head over to the town’s gazebo (139 Main St) — while it never made an appearance on the show, it was the inspiration for the Stars Hollow gazebo, where many town events took place and life lessons were learned. You’ll find it adorned in flowers during warmer months, laden with pumpkins and scarecrows during Halloween, and Christmas decorations during the holiday season!

 

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Taylor’s Olde Fashioned Soda Shoppe was regularly spotted throughout the series — this sweet spot was influenced by Unionville’s (now-closed) Old Firehall Confectionery (170 Main St), which served truffles, custom ice cream sandwiches and other delicious premium sweets in an old firehouse! You can still drop by today to see the historic building.

If nothing else, you’ll adore Unionville’s stunning scenery. The town has such a cozy vibe that Gilmore Girls directors used both aerial and street footage of Main St throughout the entire series! In the opening shot of the first episode, you’ll spot a red brick church (150 Main St) — this building is now occupied by an interior design company. Moments later, as Lorelai heads over to Luke’s diner, she crosses the street in front of the most gorgeous white-steepled storefront — this is Tucci Armadio, a women’s clothing store nestled at 154 Main St.

What to do in Unionville 

Of course, Unionville is filled with other activities to check out. Enjoy a free guided walking tour along Unionville’s picturesque Main Street — the next tours take place on Mother’s Day (May 11) and Father’s Day (June 15), so perhaps make it a weekend family getaway! The Unionville Festival takes place later this spring (June 7-8), so head over to Main St and enjoy live music, local merchants, and tons of family friendly entertainment. For art lovers, the Varley Art Gallery of Markham (216 Main St) is a vital cultural hub for local artists. Patrons can enjoy free exhibits until May, including works by Markham-based artist Karen Kar Yen Law. In her latest work, she uses a bitter melon to serve as a symbol for exploring the concept of bitterness, both as a flavour and an emotional experience.

Also at the gallery — admire the free “Beneath the Surface: Stories of Kinship and Connection” exhibit to explore the works of artists Emma Nishimura and Gayle Uyagaqi Kabloona, who use printmaking to explore culture, family, and identity. Nishimura focuses on her family’s experiences during the internment of Japanese Canadians in World War II, while Kabloona’s work is inspired by her Inuit heritage and artistic lineage.  

Before you leave, check out the town’s delicious restaurants, sample everything from upscale Italian cuisine at Il Postino (186 Main St) to homestyle pub food at NextDoor Restaurant (139 Main St). For authentic Japanese desserts, visit Honoka — a new Japanese dessert café!

 

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Click here for more info on Unionville’s guided tour. After visiting Unionville, check out this other quaint Ontario town that gives off Gilmore Girls vibes!

Canada’s biggest vintage sale is happening in Toronto next month

By
Julia Mastroianni
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Vintage lovers, there’s a huge event happening in Toronto next month that you won’t want to miss! The Toronto Vintage Show is a mega pop-up sale featuring some of Canada’s top vintage sellers, and it’ll be a full 50,000 square feet of vintage finds and treasures that have been sourced by the top secondhand vendors in the country.

Featuring over 130 vintage vendors and shops and thousands of items, as Canada’s largest vintage sale, be prepared to spend some cash — it’ll be hard to stop by the pop-up without spotting something you love!

And if fashion isn’t your thing or your trying to clean out your closet before buying more, don’t worry — the vintage show will also feature antique goods, including kitchenwares, home goods, barware records, cameras, vintage art and more. 

As for the fashion, well, we’re talking true vintage here — clothing will range from the 1920s to the 1980s and beyond.

houseofvintage
@darcellas/@houseofvintagetoronto, Instagram

Take, for example, this stunning plaid suit with the funkiest pattern from the iconic 1970s womenswear brand Beene Bag, which will be for sale at Toronto secondhand shop House of Vintage’s booth.

For the vintage designer hunters, Wild Thing Vintage has got just the thing — a 1996 Jean Paul Gaultier CYBERBABA wrap dress, sourced in Montreal and available for the first time at the vintage show. 

Head to Pick a Posie Vintage’s booth the weekend of the show to shop incredible true vintage finds — known for sourcing pieces from the 1940s-1980s in particular, the shop has given us a glimpse at what will be in stock at the show, including a beautiful black 1950s dress with a sweet ribbon and bow detail near the hem

Plenty of favourite Toronto vintage vendors are preparing to have a booth at the show, including Tell Them It’s Vintage the amazing Ian Drummond Vintage, Frou Frou Vintage and more.

The show will take place from April 5-6 at Queen Elizabeth Building at Exhibition Place, and admission costs $15 — but you can snag a discount on the website.

Ahead of St. Pat’s, here are the Toronto roots of iconic party band the Irish Rovers

By
Nisean Lorde
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0

The legendary Celtic band, The Irish Rovers, have been entertaining audiences with their upbeat folk-based music for 60 years — but as it turns out, this Irish band has origins right here in Toronto.  Band founders George Millar and Jimmy Ferguson, both born in Northern Ireland, found themselves living in Toronto in the early 1960s. They were teenagers and, so, started singing together in 1963 for cigarettes and beer money.

According to a Spotify profile on the band, Millar’s mother overheard the duo rehearsing and suggested that they use the name the Irish Rovers for their band name, taken from the song “The Irish Rover.”

A year later, Millar (guitar, vocals, and banjo) and Ferguson (vocals) added George’s cousin Joe Millar (vocals, accordion) to the group. The trio expanded to a quartet after heading to Calgary, where George’s older brother Will Millar (guitar, banjo, vocals) joined the lineup. They became popular. Like, really popular.  By the late 1980s, with hits like “Wasn’t That a Party” and the Christmas classic “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer”, the band had achieved international acclaim. At that point, the group had hosted three international TV series, recorded 25 albums and played at five world expos — Montreal (1967), Osaka (1970), Okinawa (1976), Vancouver (1986), and Brisbane (1988).

Group members have changed throughout the years — George is still present, but as of 2023, the band included Ian Millar, Geoffrey Kelly (flutes and whistle), Gerry O’connor (fiddle), Fred Graham (bodhran), Davey Walker (keyboards), Shane Farrell (banjo), Jimmy Keane (accordion), and Kevin Evans (singer). Still, as the Belfast Telegraph noted, this Irish-Canadian group has maintained an ability “to deliver a rollicking, rousing performance of good cheer”, so audiences are usually left singing and clapping along to songs.

“Their songs have become anthems of revelry and joy among generation after generation of fans,” the publication added.

 

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The group has produced over 50 albums in North America and many more internationally, with their second album, “The Unicorn” (released in 1967) rocketing the band from coffee houses in North America to concert halls worldwide (the group once even owned a now defunct pub on Eglinton Ave, The Unicorn Pub, aptly named after the band’s hit album/song).

Today, the band continues to tour sold-out shows across North America (including a special St. Patrick’s Day performance in Saskatoon). Alas, there are no performances set for Toronto in 2025, but you can check out their tour schedule here.

The top 10 ways to free your inner nerd in Toronto this spring

By
Nisean Lorde
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Toronto is filled with distractions that cater to everyone from nerds and gamers to anime lovers and sci-fi geeks!  Here’s a guide on some of the best places and events where you can embrace your inner nerd in and around the city and indulge in all things pop culture.

Planet X Toronto Comics

 

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This is the go-to pop-culture destination in the city! The store boasts a huge supply of back-issue comics, toys, cards, statues, games, models, apparel, and other geeky collectibles. If you can’t pull yourself away from your laptop, they also deliver items directly to your doorstep! For those looking to find other pop-culture aficionados to hang out with, Planet X hosts HeroClix tournaments, a Pokemon league, and Dungeons & Dragons tournaments. 2227 Queen St E.

Dungeons & Dragons experiences

For Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) fans looking to experience the infamous tabletop game in the real world, Toronto offers some of the coolest shows and events that celebrate this fantasy role-playing game! This vegan Dungeons and Dragons experience is perfect for animal-rights activists, while those looking to mix their D&D experience with the world’s best improvisers can check out “The Roll Players” live comedy D&D improv show at the Comedy Bar (2800 Danforth Avenue). There are tons of D&D immersive role-playing games hosted across the GTA via Immersive Quest and TorontoDnD. And for kids, the Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park) hosts D&D experiences through its ROMKids Club!

AnimeXtreme

This is Toronto’s largest anime store, and it’s stocked with cool items, like niche Japanese anime imports, movies, books, figurines, and kits (like the coveted One Piece “Going Merry” model kit)! 327 Spadina Ave., Main Floor.

Toronto Comicon 2025

 

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Toronto hosts some of the largest comic exhibits in the city! From March 14-16, comic fans will gather for Toronto Comicon 2025 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (255 Front St W) to celebrate all things pop culture (and perhaps get the inside scoop on their fav movies and TV shows). This year, stars from The Boys and Supernatural will dominate the panels, but click here for a list of all the celebs to expect.

FAN EXPO Canada

Later this summer, from Aug 21-24, tens of thousands of pop culture geeks will again flock to the Convention Centre to attend FAN EXPO Canada — the largest comics/sci-fi/anime/gaming exhibit in the country! This year’s guests will include everyone from Canadian actor Simu Liu to Breaking Bad alumni Giancarlo Esposito. Click here for a review of everything to expect at a FAN EXPO event.

Anime Alley

This trading card store is nestled in downtown Toronto (667 Yonge St) and sells some of the rarest and most popular cards. Players also come here for weekly tournaments and events that are played onsite weekly, like Magic the Gathering, Pokémon, and Lorcana.

Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF)

 

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This annual two-day festival is considered one of the premier comic arts festivals in the world! TCAF 2025 will be held from June 7-8 right downtown, at the Toronto Metropolitan University’s Mattamy Athletic Centre (50 Carlton St). More than 28,000 local and international visitors and over 315 artists are expected to attend to celebrate all-things comics! Unlike other large comic festivals in North America, TCAF is completely free to the public.

Toronto Comic Book Show — Fall 2025

This fall, thousands of Toronto comic book enthusiasts will gather to buy/sell/trade vintage and professionally graded comic books — perfect for die-hard comic geeks or anyone just curious about the world of comics! Tickets are between $5-$135 (Montecassino Hotel and Event Centre, 3710 Chesswood Drive, #Suite 220, North York).

The Sword & Board

This tabletop gaming store (1193 Bloor St W) is the perfect spot for gamers to geek out, as it specializes in miniature figurines, Pokémon cards, RPGs and board games. It also hists weekly tournaments.

Navito World

Fans of Japanese culture could get lost while exploring this hobby shop (1008 Danforth Ave) — it’s filled with authentic Japanese figurines, model kits, cards and accessories, everything from Bandai Mocchirikororin Cat plushes to Shinomiya Kikoru figurines!

Toronto card shark was just named the second-richest poker star in North America

By
Nisean Lorde
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A new report by High 5 Casino recently revealed the richest poker stars in the U.S. based on social media following, estimated net worth and tournament winnings — and a Torontonian took one of the top spots! Daniel Negreanu, 50, ranked second on the list, with a score of 45.71 out of 100. With 900,000 followers online, he earns about $10,875 per post and has a total net worth of $60 million.

Negreanu only trails behind comedian and actor Kevin Hart — with a score of 66.69 and 230,000,000 social media followers, Hart makes about $14,500 per post and has an estimated net worth of $450 million (although he’s only earned $47,000 from poker!) Other celebs to make the top 15 list include ex-professional soccer player Gerard Piqué (no. 3), former Spider-Man star Tobey Maguire (no. 4), Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul (no. 7), Ben Affleck (no. 9), Matt Damon (no. 10), Chucky actress Jennifer Tilly (no. 13), and American Pie actress Shannon Elizabeth (no. 15).

For the study, all active poker players — including relevant celebrities — were ranked based on four factors: total number of followers on social media (Instagram, X, and TikTok), estimated earnings per social media post, total career earnings, and positive sentiment. Earnings per post were calculated based on influencer tiers (you can check out the full list here).

As for Negreanu — whose journey Streets of Toronto has been documenting since 2010 — he’s won seven World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets and two World Poker Tour (WPT) championship titles throughout his career.

As of last year, he is the seventh-biggest live tournament poker winner of all time and the only player to be named the WSOP Player of the Year more than once (in 2004 and 2013).  As per a recent tweet, Negreanu’s WSOP schedule tentatively includes 53 bracelet events — and for the first time in his life, the poker star said he’ll also be eligible to play with the 50+ crowd!

You can keep up with Negreanu’s life by following his TikTok and YouTube channels.

Support local with our favourite Canadian-owned getaways around Ontario

By
Julia Mastroianni
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There are so many ways to support local — including when we travel. With the Trump tariffs currently in place, many Canadians are choosing to travel less across the border and are looking closer to home instead. We’ve rounded up our favourite local, Canadian-owned getaways around Ontario, from a grotto-side glamping experience to a cabin among the wolves.

The Dover George, Port Dover

Located just steps from Port Dover Beach and Main Street, The Dover George is a luxury boutique hotel that offers unique, curated, and design-driven accommodations. Guests can enjoy the charm of this lakeside destination, with easy access to local shops, restaurants, and the scenic shoreline of Lake Erie.

Grotto Getaway, Tobermory

For those seeking a touch of luxury in the great outdoors, Grotto Getaway offers diverse glamping options for local explorers, from an Airstream camper to a converted school bus. Situated near Tobermory, guests have easy access to incredible swimming spots and hiking trails, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Black Oak Lodge by Enhabit, Frontenac County

Black Oak Lodge is a stunning retreat that harmoniously blends comfort with design. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, offering mesmerizing views of the cliff and lake below. Enjoy evenings under the stars by the fire, invigorating ice plunges, and relaxing sauna sessions. Nestled in Frontenac County, the cabin provides privacy without compromising on luxury.

The Hazelton Hotel, Yorkville

hazeltonhotel
@hazeltonto/Instagram

Located in Toronto’s upscale Yorkville neighbourhood, The Hazelton Hotel is renowned for its luxurious offerings. Guests can indulge in the world-class spa, enjoy private cinema screenings, and dine at ONE Restaurant located at the base of the hotel. Notably, The Hazelton is Canada’s first and only Forbes five-star independent luxury boutique hotel in Toronto.

Elora Mill Hotel & Spa, Elora

Perched atop the Elora Gorge, the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa offers guests a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury. The property features elegantly appointed rooms, a world-class spa with breathtaking views, and a restaurant that showcases locally sourced cuisine. Guests can also explore the picturesque village of Elora, known for its artistic community and scenic landscapes.

Drake Devonshire, Prince Edward County

Situated in the heart of Prince Edward County, Drake Devonshire is a 13-room boutique hotel that combines lakeside charm with contemporary design. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant and bar, which highlight local produce and wines. The hotel also features beautiful event spaces, making it a popular choice for special occasions. 

The Pearle Hotel & Spa, Burlington

Overlooking Lake Ontario, The Pearle Hotel & Spa offers a luxurious retreat with modern amenities. Guests can relax in the full-service spa, dine at the on-site restaurant that emphasizes farm-to-table cuisine, and enjoy the scenic waterfront views. While there, explore the Brant Street Pier just steps away for views of the lake and enjoy the Village Square — filled with quaint shops with a European flair. Keep an eye out for cherry blossoms in Spencer Smith Park in the spring! 

Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa, Timmins

Set on 175 acres of pristine land, Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa offers a tranquil escape in Northern Ontario. The resort features comfortable accommodations, a full-service spa, and unique wildlife tours where guests can observe moose, bison, and deer in their natural habitats. The Wolf Cabins allow guests to stay on the edge of their wolf habitat and witness the packs interacting in a natural setting — get comfortable under the stars and get ready to see these wild animals pass by all night long from the safety of your cabin!

The Drake, West Queen West

drakehotel

Since 2004, The Drake has been a cultural hotspot in Toronto’s vibrant West Queen West neighbourhood. With 51 trendy rooms, plenty of in-house art to enjoy and the option to dance the night away at the iconic Drake Underground, the hotel offers a perfect combination of arts and culture. Guests can savor culinary delights at the on-site restaurant, which hosts events like “Dinner with a Side of Sounds.”  Taking pride in supporting local, The Drake stocks all in-room amenities and mini-bar offerings with Canadian products.

The Water’s Edge, Muskoka

Nestled in the heart of Muskoka, The Water’s Edge is a treehouse-inspired cottage that offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern amenities. Guests can unwind in the jacuzzi on the back deck while taking in breathtaking lake views. With direct lake access, a variety of water sports are available at this local gem, making it an ideal spring or summer getaway.

Nobu Hotel Toronto to open this summer

By
Nisean Lorde
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0

Following the success of the Nobu Toronto restaurant opening last August, Nobu Hotel Toronto is set to open its doors early this summer — the highly anticipated 36-room and suite luxury hotel is now available for online reservations beginning June 1!

This 45-storey urban sanctuary is nestled in Toronto’s Entertainment District at 33 Mercer, so it’s close to shopping, live theatre, sports and entertainment venues, and tons of landmarks, like the CN Tower, Scotiabank Arena, Rogers Centre, and the Toronto Harbourfront.  It also provides stunning panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline.

As this is the first luxury hotel in the city to be situated at the very top of a mixed-use property (located on floors 41 to 45), it’ll elevate the city’s luxury hospitality landscape, providing a private retreat for guests seeking respite from the public eye or the busyness of the downtown core.

“Nobu Hotel Toronto will be a monumental addition to the luxury hotel landscape in the city”, Benoit Pretet, General Manager of Nobu Hotel Toronto, said. “Situated in a prime location in the heart of the entertainment district and just steps from cultural landmarks like TIFF, Nobu Hotel Toronto will quickly become the city’s urban oasis.”

Guests can expect a complimentary mini bar filled with an assortment of locally curated treats and non-alcoholic refreshments. Other guestroom amenities include a Japanese Deep Soaking Wood Tub, Japanese Toto, Bathorium and Byredo products, and Dyson appliances!

For dining options, guests will receive priority restaurant access to Nobu Toronto reservations at the time of hotel booking, as well as access to the Sakura Lounge — this private escape is exclusively for hotel guests, where they can enjoy complimentary full breakfast, all-day dining and curated weekly programming.

For a more intimate dining experience, guests can order signature Nobu-style dishes right to their room at any time throughout the day.

For those simply looking to relax, the hotel offers wellness experiences, like a state-of-the-art fitness centre (boasting TechnoGym equipment, Peloton bikes and a Frame Pilates reformer), an in-room Zen Wellness program that includes Alo yoga equipment, on-demand fitness classes on TV, stretching rituals, nutrition guides and local spa and fitness recommendations.

Nobu Hotel Toronto was founded by internationally renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Academy Award winner Robert De Niro and Hollywood producer Meir Teper. For more information, visit Nobu Hotels.

A global contest is being held to design the Toronto toilet of the future

By
Nisean Lorde
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0

To elevate the public washroom as a collective community asset (and to show how this can be done in an artful and fun way), the Toronto Public Space Committee has launched a global design competition to design the Toronto toilet of the future!

This global initiative is meant to raise awareness about the lack of accessible public washroom access in Toronto and look at innovative ways to incorporate public washrooms into the public realm. So, designers, architects, urban planners, and creative thinkers from around the world are being invited to reimagine the future of public washrooms.

“Despite the necessity of public washrooms, Toronto has a severe shortage, leaving many residents—particularly unhoused individuals, gig workers, families, and people with disabilities—without access to this fundamental urban infrastructure,” the competition notes state. “This competition seeks bold ideas that integrate spatial justice, accessibility, sustainability, and cultural inclusion into the design of a multi-user washroom hub and single-user washroom, adaptable to different locations throughout the city.”

​Participants are being asked to design a network of public washrooms for the City of Toronto that include the following:

1) One single-user toilet for a single-use washroom — this is meant to be an individual private space that contains one toilet only (it has to be designed in a way that the model could be distributed throughout the neighbourhood at convenient locations).

2) A multi-user washroom for the Dufferin–King Parkette — this is a larger sanitation hub to be nestled in the Dufferin–King Parkette, but the prototype should also be transferable across city parks.

“We have chosen a neighbourhood as a site for your design, but these washrooms should be flexible enough to be sited across a large diverse city, from urban to suburban centres,” the contest notes add.

Anyone from across the globe can apply until May 27 although all entries must be in English. There’s a non-refundable $25 entry fee to participate, but if you enter early, you only pay $15 until March 27!

The top three competition winners will receive a cash award (with first place receiving $1,500). Their work also be published in Toronto’s Spacing Magazine and showcased along with selected entries in a public exhibition in Toronto this July.

Click here for more info and the full list of submission requirements.

Two chefs, two restaurants one ultimate Toronto fish and chips winner

By
Jennifer Schembri
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0

With halibut season kicking off this month, we’re diving into a fishy faceoff. We brought in chefs Mona Sleiman of Quench Catering and Anthony Rose of Fat Pasha to judge a blind taste test between Toronto’s top fish and chips spots: the classic Olde Yorke and the hipster fave Sea Witch.

Let’s reel in the winner!

ttt MARCH CLAM CHOWDER

First up is Olde Yorke’s New England–style chowder. Mona and Anthony both agree it’s super creamy, but Mona thinks it’s a bit too starchy with all the potato. Next the Witches Brew from Sea Witch. Both chefs agree this chowder is chunkier and has more going on, but Anthony thinks it doesn’t pack the flavour punch they were expecting.

Olde Yorke: Mona: 6, Anthony: 6.5
Sea Witch: Mona: 6, Anthony: 6

ttt MARCH FISH AND CHIPS

Both Mona and Anthony are impressed with Olde Yorke’s crispy, flaky fish. They both say that the fries are good and both enjoy the tartar sauce. Next, Sea Witch’s fish and chips stand out with a crispy, juicier batter. The fries are crunchy and the tartar sauce is a hit. Mona enjoys the larger pieces of fish but finds it a bit heavy.

Olde Yorke: Mona: 8, Anthony: 7.5
Sea Witch: Mona: 7, Anthony: 8

ttt MARCH deep fried desserts

The chefs dive into Olde Yorke’s deep-fried Mars bar and vanilla ice cream. Anthony doesn’t really taste the chocolate bar, but both agree it’s surprisingly rich. They next try Sea Witch’s deep-fried Oreos. Anthony finds them a bit too rich, and Mona likes the Oreo flavour but isn’t thrilled with the dryness of the cookie.

Olde Yorke: Mona: 7, Anthony: 7.5
Sea Witch: Mona: 6, Anthony: 7

FINAL SCORE: Olde Yorke: Mona: 21, Anthony: 21.5 Sea Witch: Mona: 19 Anthony: 21

WINNER: OLDE YORKE!

The 8 best things to do in Toronto this weekend

By
Julia Mastroianni
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0

Weekends in Toronto are always filled with activities, and this one is no exception. If you’re looking for things to do, there’s a citywide fan expo, plenty of St. Patrick’s Day festivities and more!

If you’re looking for more things to do in Toronto, check out our Instagram page, @streetsoftorontodo.

Enjoy the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The city comes alive with green as Toronto celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with its annual parade on Sunday. The parade kicks off at noon on the corner of St. George and Bloor Street West. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the largest Irish-themed events in Toronto. Politician Caroline Mulroney is set to be honoured as the Grand Marshal for the 2025 parade.

Get an inside scoop on classic song American Pie

Don McLean’s “American Pie” has cemented itself as a classic in the music world — but did you know it has plenty of historical references hidden throughout it? Written to commemorate the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper, go behind the scenes of the song with Inside American Pie, a show featuring an iconic setlist and remarkable stories.

See How to Train Your Dragon in concert

Celebrate March Break with an animated favourite — in concert! How to Train Your Dragon will be playing in HD on the big screen on Friday and Saturday as the TO Live Orchestra performs the score, making for an immersive and exciting experience.

Indulge your inner fan at Toronto Comicon

Fan Expo Canada
Courtesy fanexpohq.com

Toronto Comicon is the ultimate celebration of sci-Fi, horror, anime and gaming at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Over three action-packed days, from Friday to Sunday, fans can meet celebrities, attend panels, watch Sketch Duels and shop for unique gifts. This year, celebrity guests include The Boys stars Karl Urban and Colby Minifie, The Good Place‘s Manny Jacinto and more. It’s the perfect place to indulge your pop culture passions!

Learn more about Joni Mitchell through a musical performance

Joni Mitchell fans may know that, though she spent many years in Toronto, she also moved to Laurel Canyon in the Hollywood Hills during her career. Ladies of the Canyon: Joni and the California Scene explores the cultural hotbed that brought together Joni Mitchell, Steven Stills, Jackson Browne and Mamma Cass Elliot. 

Race your way through St. Patrick’s Day

Courtesy torontostpatricksdayrace.ca

Get in on the fun at the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Race! It’s been a beloved tradition since 2000 and kicks off the running season in style. Everyone’s invited to join in the excitement at the scenic Evergreen Brick Works venue on Sunday. Don’t miss the lively after-party with Irish music and refreshments! Participants will receive a technical running shirt, a unique finisher medal and the option to enjoy a pint of beer and a meal.

Dance on at an anime rave

Prepare for the ultimate anime party at the fifth #WeTouchGrass: Toronto Anime Rave on Friday at the Phoenix Concert Theatre, featuring electrifying performances and exciting surprises for attendees aged 19 and over. Experience unlimited photobooth pictures, temporary tattoos and a glam station with a makeup artist on-site. Plus, showcase your cosplay skills on the Cosplay Catwalk.

Defy gravity at a Broadway rave

Keep the Wicked love going with a Broadway Rave on Saturday in Toronto, a musical theatre dance party! Prepare to sing and dance all night long to your favourite show tunes, including, of course, all the top Wicked hits.

For more events happening this month, click here. 

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