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Toronto is getting a massive new farmers’ market at a former airport

By
Nisean Lorde
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0

One of the joys of summer is visiting a local farmers’ market — it’s the perfect spot to shop for fresh, organic flavours and meet local vendors. This summer, the former Downsview Airport will transform into a cultural community hub with the launch of the YZD Farmers’ Market! This initiative is part of the area’s redevelopment into a mixed-use community featuring housing, shops, office spaces and more.

The family-friendly market will be more than just a place to shop for fresh Ontario produce — patrons can support local entrepreneurs and artisans by indulging in artisanal goods, delicious brews, and ready-made meals while enjoying live acoustic music and interactive art projects that celebrate the rich history of YZD.

For those looking to nurture their green thumb as the weather gets warmer, there’ll be tons of workshops, like honey-making with Toronto Bee Rescue, Indigenous gardening activities, and hands-on planting events.

 

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“Supporting the local Downsview community with a new and exciting Farmers’ Market is one of several ways we’re transforming and bringing this vast site to life,” Alana Mercury, Director of Programming and Placemaking at Northcrest Developments, said in a statement. “Through our numerous engagements over the past years with nearby residents and stakeholders, we’ve heard how important it is that we help support local businesses and expand access to fresh, Ontario-grown produce.  We’re thrilled to partner with a diverse range of amazing farmers, businesses and artisans to help fill this need in the months ahead.”

The launch of the YZD Farmers’ Market follows quickly on the heels of Northcrest Developments’ first-ever YZD Holiday Market, which debuted at Hangar Skate this past December. Both markets are examples of Northcrest’s “Meanwhile Use” strategy — an approach to transforming public spaces, engaging the local community, and creating opportunities for small businesses to thrive while long-term development is underway.

According to Lori Beazer, YZD Market Manager, the market is a celebration of the passionate farmers and entrepreneurs who shape the fabric of the surrounding community.

“We’re thrilled to be co-creating a shared space that supports healthy eating in the Downsview community while highlighting the rich cultural history this area has to offer,” Beazer added.

You can head to the market every Saturday from June 14 to Oct 11, between 11 am and 4 pm.

Other things to look out for at YZD include Exhibition Hub, which includes the super popular Bubble Planet and Dinos Alive immersive exhibits. Rogers Stadium is set to debut this summer, so check out bands like Coldplay (July 7-8, 2025) and Oasis (Aug 24, 2025).

Two Toronto restaurants with Michelin connections are permanently closing

By
Jennifer Schembri
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0

Two of Toronto’s favourite Michelin-connected spots have joined the growing list of restaurant closures.

Opened at the end of 2023, St. Thomas was a Spanish-inspired restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Quinton Bennett of Enigma Yorkville. The eatery was conveniently located next door.

The menu featured both an à la carte option with small plates, as well as a daily Pintxos Hour from 5 to 6 p.m. This experience included a glass of champagne and a selection of seasonal pintxos for $45 per person. Additionally, St. Thomas offered a private wine lounge for those seeking a more intimate setting.

While there has been no formal announcement , chef Bennett explained the reason for the sudden closure.

“The St. Thomas space was integrated into Enigma as we did a refurb in January to expand Enigma and join both to make it more seamless and to expand on the Enigma offering,” he said.

Joining St. Thomas, is Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant La Bartola. Executive chef and owner Ivan Castro announced on Instagram that after five “unforgettable” years, the final service at the acclaimed plant-based Mexican spot on College Street will be on March 15.

 

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“This decision was not easy, but we are overwhelmed with gratitude for our wonderful team, our guests, and the beautiful community that has embraced us from day one,” reads the caption of the post. 

Castro, an award-winning chef from Mexico City, championed a made-from-scratch approach while incorporating principles of sustainability and using non-GMO ingredients.

Reflecting on the challenges of the past few years, he shared the personal toll his career has taken on his well-being

“The last few years have been challenging for both my mental and physical health. While I understand that this career often demands sacrifices, I’ve learned that your well-being should never be one of them,” he said. There’s a stigma around mental health struggles in the kitchen, and not nearly enough conversation or resources to address them.”

To close out the restaurant, La Bartola will feature a unique tasting menu titled “One Night in Oaxaca,” showcasing the rich flavours and ingredients of the region. The menu will include dishes like the  Hoja Santa Tamal with the iconic Mole Negro and Oaxacan chocolate ice cream, among others.

To make reservations for the final weeks of service at La Bartola, click here. 

Hollywood’s hottest celebrities are flocking to this Toronto chef’s LA restaurant

By
Jennifer Schembri
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0

He got his start at iconic Toronto restaurants like Grazie, Bymark and as a protégé of Mark McEwan at Yorkville’s One, before branching off to lead Buca. Now, chef Rob Gentile has reached new heights with his year-old West Hollywood restaurant, Stella. Hailed as one of  the districts “most exciting new Italian restaurants,” it seems that, along with food critics, Hollywood’s hottest stars can’t seem to get enough of the place either.

Opened in March 2024, the two-level, 8,000-square-foot venue occupies the historic space that once housed Madeo, a much-loved Italian restaurant for over 30 years and is a collaboration between Toronto’s Janet Zuccarini and Gentile.

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Stella has quickly become a hotspot for A-list celebrities, thanks to its exclusive vibe. Located in the lower level of the luxe 8899 Beverly tower — designed by Olson Kundig — the complex features a pool, fitness studio, 40 private residences and eight custom homes, with prices reaching upwards of $20 million. Since its 2022 debut, the building has attracted high-profile buyers like Matt Damon and Mauricio Umansky.

Adding to its star-studded appeal, last November, none other than Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio celebrated his 50th birthday at Stella, joined by his long-time girlfriend, supermodel Vittoria Ceretti  and a celebrity-packed crew, including actors Evan Ross, Tobey Maguire and Joel Edgerton.

 

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And just a few days ago, supermodel Bella Hadid was spotted at Stella, celebrating her recent collaboration with swimwear brand Frankies Bikinis. She was joined by a few of her celeb friends, including Hailey Bieber and Stassie Karanikolaou, as seen in a video shared by Karanikolaou.

Other celebs known to frequent the spot include Danny DeVito, Sofia Vergara, Lionel Richie and Cedric the Entertainer.

Stella’s Michelin-recommended menu offers Italian classics with a local twist. Highlights include nodini (garlic bread knots), grilled mozzarella over lemon leaves and tableside-carved branzino, all promising simplicity and authentic flavours. Guests can also enjoy fresh su filindeu — considered the world’s rarest pasta — handmade in Stella’s glass pasta lab, which is on display in the dining room. 

All the celebrities attending Toronto Comicon 2025

By
Nisean Lorde
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0

This March, comic fans will gather together to celebrate all things pop culture at Toronto Comicon 2025! This year’s show takes place from Friday, March 14 – Sunday, March 16 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Expect tons of family-friendly attractions, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, and of course world-renowned celebrities, so fans can score autographs from their fav actors or perhaps get the inside scoop on popular movies and TV shows! This year, stars from The Boys and Supernatural will dominate the panels, but here’s a list of all the celebs to expect.

 

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Antony Starr
Show: The Boys
Appearing: Sat, Sun

Homelander flies into Toronto for the weekend (and who wouldn’t want a photo-op with the strongest Supe in the world)?  Grab an 8×10 autograph for $120, a premium autograph for $140 or a photo op for $150.

Jared Padalecki
Shows: Supernatural, Gilmore Girls
Appearing: Sat, Sun

Padalecki is best known for playing Sam Winchester in Supernatural, but he actually rose to fame in the early 2000s as Dean Forester — Rory’s first love on the Gilmore Girls. Grab an autograph for $190 or a photo op for $210.

Karl Urban
Show: The Boys
Appearing: Sat, Sun

The New Zealand star is best known for playing sarcastic vigilante Billy Butcher in Amazon’s The Boys and its spin-off series, Gen V. Get an 8×10 autograph for $120, a premium autograph for $140.00 or a photo op for $150.

Jessie T. Usher
Show: The Boys
Appearing: Sat, Sun

Who needs The Flash when you’ve got A-Train? This is the perfect event to take some pics with the world’s fastest man (just don’t get run over by him). Autograph (8×10): $80 | Premium autograph: $100 | Photo op: $100.

Manny Jacinto
Show: The Acolyte, The Good Place
Appearing: Sat, Sun

The Canadian actor’s breakout role came as Jason Mendoza on The Good Place, but sci-fi fans will recognize him as the mysterious dark sider ‘Qimir’ on Star Wars: The Acolyte. Autograph: $80 | Photo op: $100.

Mark Sheppard
Show: Supernatural
Appearing: Sat, Sun

The British actor is best known for playing the King of Hell ‘Crowley’ on Supernatural but has also had recurring roles on other sci-fi shows, like Battlestar Galactica, Firefly, and Doctor Who. Autograph: $80 | Photo op: $105.

Ruth Connell
Show: Supernatural
Appearing: Sat, Sun

It’s a family reunion! The Scottish actress plays Rowena MacLeod — a powerful witch, and the mother of Crowley on Supernatural. Autograph: $80 | Photo op: $105.

Alexander Calvert
Show: Supernatural
Appearing: Sat, Sun

The Vancouver native plays the son of Lucifer on Supernatural, but The Boys fans will recognize him as Rufus in Gen V. Autograph: $55 | Photo op: $70.

Jim Beaver
Show: Supernatural
Appearing: Sat, Sun

The 74-year-old actor played Bobby Singer on Supernatural — one of the show’s longest-lasting recurring characters. Autograph: $80 | Photo op: $105.

James Marsters
Show: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Appearing: Sat, Sun

The OG vampire played everything from a villain to a romantic interest in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off series Angel. Autograph: $70 | Photo op: $95.

Laz Alonso
Show: The Boys
Appearing: Fri

The fan-favourite plays Mother’s Milk (MM) in The Boys. This event will be a perfect opportunity for a photo op and to perhaps get some spoilers on the show’s upcoming fifth and final season (to be released sometime in 2026). Autograph (8×10): $80 | Premium autograph: $100 | Photo op: $100.

Nathan Mitchell
Show: The Boys
Appearing: Fri

The Mississauga native is best known for his mute, darkly costumed Supe roles (Black Noir and Black Noir II) in The Boys. He’ll fit right in with the Supernatural cast. In season 12 of the fantasy series, Mitchell played Kelvin — a low-level angel who helped Heaven track down the unborn Nephilim child of Lucifer. Autograph (8×10): $80 | Premium autograph: $100 | Photo op: $100.

Tomer Capone
Show: The Boys
Appearing: Sat, Sun

The fan-favourite portrays Frenchie in The Boys — part chemist, bomb maker and former hitman (you just know he’ll have tons of spoilers about the series!) Autograph (8×10): $80 | Premium autograph: $100 | Photo op: $100.

Check out these 6 amazing winter festivals before the season ends

By
Nisean Lorde
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0

There are only a few more weeks before spring, but there are tons of unforgettable winter festivals worth braving the chilly weather for! Here are some of the top winter festivals in and near Toronto to check out before the season ends.

WinterTide

 

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Delight in the magic of winter at The Royal Botanical Gardens Rock Garden in Hamilton. With live performances from emerging musicians and award-winning artists amidst a gorgeous scenery bathed in glowing lights and roaring firepits, it’s the most charming natural winterscape setting for a night out! Explore the garden pathways or cozy up with your partner indoors while you enjoy live music in an elegant jazz lounge experience, sip on classic cocktails, and dine on delicious cuisine. Runs until March 22, 2025, from 5:30 to 10 pm, with last admission at 9 pm. Tickets: $20 + HST & service fee. 1185 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON. About a 50-minute drive from Toronto.

2025 Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest

 

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Jazz festivals aren’t only meant for the summer season. Enjoy a night of jazz and fine dining as you experience some of the best live jazz performances in Markham! You’ll dine on a gourmet dinner prepared by some of Markham’s top chefs, followed by an intimate performance featuring Canada’s finest indie talent, like Nicole Zuraitis (Feb 26-28) and Jay Douglas All-Star Band (March 4-8). Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or just looking for a fun night out, check out this winter festival before the season ends. Held at various venues. Every Jazzlicious location has free or paid parking available. Tickets: $35 + HST & gratuity per guest. About a 30-minute drive from Toronto.

Wavelength Winter Festival 2025

 

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This is the perfect winter festival to attend to support emerging and under-recognized artists across diverse genres, everything from Afro-punk rage to bedroom rap! Concerts are intimate and affordable and uplift the Toronto music community. Runs from Feb 27- March 1. Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets: $25 single/$55 weekend passes. St. Anne’s Parish Hall, 651 Dufferin St.

Winter Stations

Toronto beaches aren’t typically visited in the colder seasons, so the Winter Stations international design competition will give you the perfect excuse to drop by! Now in its 11th year, participants from around the globe are tasked with designing temporary winter art installations that incorporate lifeguard towers spaced strategically across Kew and Woodbine beaches (leading to some serious bragging rights). This is a must-see winter tradition before the season ends! Held at Woodbine Beach and runs until March 30.

Kingstonlicious

 

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If you’ve already checked out all the Toronto restaurants participating in Winterlicious, then head over to Kingston for this culinary winter food festival! Enjoy a variety of prix fixe options, travel packages, and culinary events at more than 40 of Kingston’s best restaurants. For $60, check out Academy Food + Drink for delicious smoked trout with fennel salad, complemented with chocolate mousse for dessert. For a more wallet-friendly option (under $25), visit Cravin’ for a fried egg sandwich with cheese, pesto aioli, and mixed greens on focaccia. Grab a partner and enjoy a four-course prix fixe menu by Chef Rebecca Foss at Olivea Restaurant (Feb 26 – March 2) and a screening at the Kingston Canadian Film Festival. Runs at various venues across Kingston until March 31. About a 2.5 drive from Toronto.

Huntsville SnowFest

The heart of Muskoka transforms into a frosty playground for families seeking winter magic on ice! SnowFest is held at River Mill Park in Huntsville, about a 2.5-hour drive from Toronto, and boasts a shimmering ice rink that shines under twinkling lights. On Fridays, kids rule the rink from 6-9 pm as it turns into a pseudo-dance floor for blades. On Saturdays, from 6-9 pm, glide across the ice as larger-than-life winter classic movies play on a giant screen! On Sundays, kids can indulge in delectable sundaes, while adults can sip on crafted Caesars — it’s the perfect way to wind down the weekend.  Runs until March 2.  River Mill Park is just off Main St at 10 King St.

Legendary Blue Jays manager returns to Toronto this week for star-studded event

By
Nisean Lorde
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0

Toronto Blue Jays former head coach and manager Clarence Edwin “Cito” Gaston is returning to Toronto this week for an event for a good cause that will host stars including Doug Gilmour, former Jays player Rob Butler, Shoresy actor Terry Ryan and more.

A dinner and auction raising money for a local organization supporting children and youth with physical disabilities will honour the 80-year-old, who managed the Jays from 1989 to 1997, and then again from 2008 to 2010. During that time, the Jays advanced to four American League East division titles, two American League pennants, and infamously won back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993 (making Gaston the fourth Black manager in the MLB and the first black manager to win a World Series).

Before he coached, Gaston played for the major leagues himself, signing with the Milwaukee (a.k.a. Atlanta) Braves in 1964, and making his Major League debut as a pinch runner with Atlanta in September 1967. During that time, Gaston roomed with the iconic Hank Aaron, another legendary African American baseball player (considered one of the greatest baseball players in history).

 

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At Wednesday’s dinner, which is the 74th annual Conn Smythe Sports Celebrities Dinner & Auction at Fairmont Royal York, Gaston will receive the 2025 Conn Smythe Lifetime Achievement Award. The event will be hosted by broadcaster Rod Black, and will also boast a star-studded lineup of other sports figures, like former Jays President Paul Beeston, former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Doug Gilmour, Paralympian Austin Smeenk, Toronto Sceptres captain Blayre Turnbull, TSN NFL analyst Luke Willson, former Jays player Rob Butler, Shoresy actor Terry Ryan, Toronto Tempo GM Monica Wright Rogers and more!

More than 700 guests are expected to attend, with proceeds going toward Easter Seals Ontario, helping children and youth with physical disabilities across the province. In addition to celebrating (and perhaps meeting) your favourite sports celebs, expect live and silent auctions with rare sports memorabilia and lifestyle items, like a 1972 Team Canada Paul Henderson Signed Jersey Package, an autographed Connor McDavid Edmonton Oilers jersey,  vacation packages and sports tickets.

 

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The Conn Smythe Sports Celebrities Dinner & Auction takes place Wednesday, Feb. 26 at Fairmont Royal York, 100 Front St. W.

The 10 best things to do this week in Toronto

By
Julia Mastroianni
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0

Winter is here and the city is alive and well with plenty of arts, shopping, food and more to enjoy! From a festival that’s all about cats to a winter Bieber-themed dance party, here are 10 things to do in Toronto this week.

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

Have a catstravaganza

@lovingcatsworldwide/Instagram

Love cats? Have one yourself? Always wanted to rescue one? There’s no better place than the Toronto Catstravaganza, a cat expo presented by Loving Cats Worldwide on Saturday and Sunday. Don’t miss the international competition, the CatWalk, the shopping village for all your cat accessory needs, and of course meet with local rescues and charities.

Go job hunting at a career fair

Career Fair Canada is bringing all kinds of job opportunities to Toronto on Thursday so don’t miss your chance to browse, meet potential new employers and find your dream job! Exhibitors include Mackenzie Health, Pattison Agriculture, The Mosaic Company and more!

Celebrate World Wildlife Day with a hike

highparkwinter
Courtesy @thecampbellrentals/Instagram

Join your fellow nature-lovers for World Wildlife Day this Saturday and head to High Park for a nature walk! Explore the forest, take a peek at the wetlands, meet all the birds, mammals and reptiles that inhabit the park and learn all about the different wildlife communities with the High Park Nature Centre.

See a one-night-only symphonic collab with Charlotte Day Wilson

Get ready for a one-night-only R&B collaboration between Red Bull Symphonic and Toronto’s own Charlotte Day Wilson on Friday. Prepare to see and hear her repertoire transformed by a full symphony orchestra and enjoy smooth rhythms and grooves all night long.

Head to a winter music festival across the city

@wavelengthmusic/Instagram

The 24th edition of Toronto’s annual Wavelength Winter Festival is back this week from Thursday to Saturday! With three days full of programming, don’t miss Brìghde Chaimbeul, The OBGMs, Ducks Ltd. plus plenty more local talent!

See a free movie at Soulpepper

Looking for a night out that costs you zero dollars? Head to Soulpepper Theatre for their monthly Community Movie Night, where you can get comfy on a sofa, snag a pillow or blanket and settle in for a completely free movie. This Tuesday, catch I Don’t Know Who You Are, a debut feature from writer-director M.H. Murray set in Toronto’s queer community. 

Celebrate Justin Bieber’s birthday among fans

@evanpaterakis/Instagram

Whether you’ve always been a Belieber or are a recent convert, you might be wondering the best way to honour his birthday on Friday. Supermarket has got you covered — Bieber Bday Party will be playing songs from all his eras and you can celebrate among fans! Expect themed drinks, giveaways and more.

Join an Oscar watch party

Root for your favourite actors and movies, ooh and ahh at outfits on the red carpet and prepare to have strong opinions about whoever is hosting the Oscars at a live watch party on Sunday. The TIFF Members Oscar Watch Party is hosted by Sangita Patel and Carlos Bustamante, new hosts of Youtube show and podcast Click and Tell, and they’ll be bringing years of entertainment and celebrity expertise to this live screening!

See a magical ballet performance

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Artists of Dutch National in The Four Seasons. Photo By Eric Gerritsen

See the North American premiere of The Four Seasons on Wednesday as acclaimed creator David Dawson returns to The National Ballet of Canada this week. This work is complemented by two pieces sharing similar themes: the world premiere of Marco Goecke’s Morpheus’ Dream and Antony Tudor’s The Leaves Are Fading.

Attend a super nostalgic dance party

If you grew up with the Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana, head out to The Rec Room for Suite Life After Dark: Disney Channel-Inspired 2000s Dance Party Toronto. Dress in your best retro look (flip phones encouraged) and dance and sing all night to Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, High School Musical and all the best 2000s hits.

For more events happening this month, click here. 

Toronto just got a new Turkish restaurant and it literally looks like a palace

By
Megan Gallant
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0

Experience the  elevated vibe of downtown Toronto dining in North York with the opening of Rumeli Restaurant, a family-run spot serving specialty platters and a seafood-forward twist on Turkish cuisine.

Situated on Dufferin Street just steps away from G. Ross Lord Park, Rumeli  is awash in gold and emerald tones but it’s the decadent chandeliers, intricate mirrors and green foliage that really bring the sumptuous, high-end quality to the interior design. Even the small details — white tablecloths, lap napkins, tableside lamps and cutlery placements — offer an air of elegance typically reserved for Toronto’s city centre.   

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@rumelitoronto/Instagram

“We’re trying to show people that Turkish cuisine is not necessarily a step in and take out restaurant. It could be elevated,” says owner Parastou Dadvar. “We got a lot of references from elevated restaurants in Turkey and other restaurants around the world.”

Having been in the industry for several years in Toronto and operating a bakery in Scarborough, the family has long been thinking about ways to provide North York residents with upscale dining that doesn’t require making the long commute downtown.

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“I wanted to speak to people that were of the same mindset as myself,” says Dadvar. “What’s the point of leaving Newmarket or Vaughan to go to King West when there’s opportunity to visit the same atmosphere and have the same experience here?”

As one would expect from Turkish cuisine, the menu at Rumeli offers no shortage of grilled meats from steaks and lamb shanks to chicken chopstick and beef shish — and it’s all 100 per cent halal. North York has been showing instant appreciation for the restaurant’s special mixed platters which can feed the whole party at the table with a combination of textures and tastes found in lentil soup, Adana, findik lahmacun, chopsticks, oven-baked mushrooms  and so much more.

But what makes Rumeli’s menu unique is their focus on seafood, putting a spotlight on Turkey’s coastal areas. A decadent seafood tower takes the spotlight while the menu also boasts a grilled octopus, oysters, lobster, mussel spaghetti, and chef’s shrimp-topped special pasta.

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@rumelitoronto/Instagram

“Given that Turkey is on the coastal side and close to Greece, they have access to salt water and they’re really big on their shrimp, muscles, oysters, but unfortunately Turkish restaurants are not taking a turn to indulge in that,” says Dadvar.

Rumeli’s appetizers offer the same celebration of the Middle East featuring several vegetarian dishes including generous portions of babaganoush, hummus and labneh yogurt.

Whether you’re indulging in a seafood showstopper, classic grilled meats, or hearty appetizers, Rumeli offers a variety of drinks to complement your meal, including stunning signature cocktails crafted by the bartender with bold, unique flavours.

With a level of service matching the quality plates and eye-grabbing interior, Dadvar recognizes the importance of eating altogether and makes one promise to diners: “We will make sure that every table leaves happy, and every table gets their meals all at the same time.”

Rumeli is located at 4700 Dufferin St.

Another beloved animal died at the Toronto Zoo this week after a fatal injury

By
Nisean Lorde
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0

The Toronto Zoo has announced the death of Bucky. The 17-year-old Sulawesi babirusa was one of the oldest babirusas in North America and held a special place in the hearts of the zoo family.

“His gentle nature, curious spirit, and unique charm brought joy to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” officials said in a statement. “Whether he was delighting guests with his quirky personality or forging bonds with his devoted caretakers, Bucky was truly one of a kind.”

According to officials, on Saturday, Bucky sustained a fatal injury after gaining access to a space occupied by a male greater one-horned rhinoceros. Despite the team’s swift response, they weren’t able to save the beloved pig-like animal.

“We have launched a full investigation to understand how this tragedy occurred, and early findings indicate that human error played a role. As we work to ensure something like this never happens again, our priority right now is continuing the investigation and supporting our team who are experiencing profound grief,” officials added.

A few other animal deaths have occurred at the Toronto Zoo in the past year. Charles — a 52-year-old western lowland silverback gorilla who’s been a revered member of the Toronto Zoo family since its opening day in 1974 — died from natural causes back in October. Matu, a two-year-old Masai giraffe, died in July while under general anesthesia during a castration procedure. In August, the Zoo tragically lost two red pandas — a six-week-old red panda cub died due to complications related to intussusception in its intestines​, while Sakura, a geriatric female red panda, passed away in the middle of the night from cardiac arrest.

The Toronto Zoo has an animal welfare science program, and Zoo staff are continuously learning about the importance of individual animal experiences, physical health, behavioural health and the overall environment.

“The Toronto Zoo affirms that the welfare of our animals is afforded the utmost precedence throughout our institution and in all our operations. Animal welfare overrides all other criteria for keeping animals at the Zoo,” zoo officials noted.

Further details on Bucky’s death will be released as they become available, but the Zoo is asking for privacy for its animal care staff and volunteers as they navigate this loss.  

Canada’s top-rated foods have been announced but Toronto didn’t make the cut

By
Jennifer Schembri
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0

In the latest head-scratcher from Taste Atlas, Canada’s best and worst-rated foods were revealed — and, surprise, surprise, Toronto didn’t make the cut. While places like Quebec and Nova Scotia earned spots for their signature dishes, Toronto was notably absent. This begs the question: Does Toronto even have a food identity of its own?

The list, posted on Taste Atlas’ Instagram, showcases Canada’s best-rated and worst-rated foods, with 10 items in each category.

 

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Topping the best of list, smoked meat from Montreal which earned a mark of 4.4 out of 5 followed by cedar-plank salmon with a 4.3, and poutine and cheese curds in third and fourth spot both with a score of 4.2.

Coming in at fifth, the irresistible dessert Beaver Tail—a deep-fried doughy treat first introduced in 1978 at a fair in Killaloe, Ontario, when Pam and Grant Hooker decided to flip up their family’s recipe. Next on the list, Montreal’s iconic bagels take their place, followed by the quirky, but seriously delicious, Saskatoon pie at number seven. If you haven’t tasted this prairie staple, it’s high time you did.

Rounding out the list at number 8 are classic pancakes with maple syrup, earning a score of 4.1, followed by Quebec’s aptly named gooey sugar pie at 9th, and finishing off with Nova Scotia’s garlic fingers, also scoring a 4.1.

The worst-rated foods on the list include everything from pizza cake and boiled fiddleheads to Kraft Dinner and Windsor-style pizza.

Toronto (once again) is, thankfully, notably absent from this list as well.

Toronto food
Sushi pizza from August 8 restaurant

Instagram comments flooded in, with Canadians expressing their outrage over notable absences like Nanaimo bars, butter tarts and all-dressed chips. Meanwhile, Windsor-style pizza (yes, the one with shredded pepperoni) made it onto the worst-rated list, sparking a whole other level of fury.

So, while Toronto is notably absent from both lists, the question remains: is this an oversight by Taste Atlas, or does the city simply lack a signature dish worthy of joining the ranks of garlic fingers and cheese curds?

Toronto’s food scene is a melting pot, with everything from Chinatown dumplings to Little Italy pizza. While some point to peameal bacon or sushi pizza as the city’s signature dish, maybe its strength lies in its diversity—why settle for one when you can enjoy flavours from all over the world?

Catch your favourite lifestyle stars & exclusive series on Canada’s new Home Network

By
Dorothy Chudzinski
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0

There’s nothing like settling in for a night of watching your favourite feel-good, comfort show — and Home Network is making that even easier. Lovers of home reno, competition and design shows will have even more to enjoy thanks to the rebranded network’s lineup of 300 premiere hours for winter and spring, featuring your favourite Canadian stars.

The new Home Network will be host to all your favourite hit TV series as well as plenty of new content. Expect renovation, escape, competition and real estate and design shows featuring familiar favourites including Bryan and Sarah Baeumler, Scott McGillivray, Kortney Wilson, Pamela Anderson and Ali Budd.

Since Home Network launched on Dec. 30 alongside Flavour Network, the networks have seen 9.2 million viewers tuning in for their star-studded lineup of made-for-Canada, Corus-owned originals. Canadians are now able to stream both networks on STACKTV any time, perfect for those with busy schedules who still want to catch up on their favourite shows.

reno resort
© 2025 Corus® Entertainment Inc.

Exclusive Canadian series premiering this spring include Scott’s Vacation House Rules, Season 6, featuring Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni, Pamela’s Garden of Eden, Season 2, featuring Pamela Anderson and Renovation Resort, Season 2, featuring Scott McGillivray and Bryan Baeumler.

But that’s not all — Home Network viewers will now also be able to explore a fresh lineup of international programs, from friendly competitions to unbelievable makeovers, practical DIY to home styling tips.

Honest renovations final

Tune in for Honest Renovations, Season 2, featuring Jessica Alba and Lizzy Mathis as they help families renovate their homes to be more functional than ever. Or head over to the U.K. with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen in Outrageous Homes as he explores the country’s most extravagant houses.

While Home Network may be newly rebranded, Canadian viewers will feel a familiar sense of comfort as they dive into the channel’s uplifting programming. Featuring trusted stars who have felt like a part of the family for many years, and for fans of renovation and design shows – these series truly feel like home.

pams garden of eden
© 2025 Corus® Entertainment Inc.

Supporting Canadian is more important than ever—and this channel offers a place to enjoy fresh and unique content from your most trusted Canadian experts. Welcome stars such as Pamela Anderson and the Baeumlers into your home this season with Canada’s new Home Network.

To watch Home Network series and more of your favourite shows live and on-demand, subscribe to STACKTV through Rogers, Bell, Prime Video or Fubo.

Looking for more design and home advice? Check out HomeNetwork.ca, featuring tips from your favourite stars and all the latest trends to inspire you.

 

Toronto ranks among the top 25 most inspiring cities on the planet

By
Nisean Lorde
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0

Traveling to a new city can help kick off any creative inspiration, and Toronto is one of the best global muses! In addition to previously being ranked one of the top 20 best cities in the world, a new study has just ranked Toronto among the top 25 most inspiring cities worldwide, based on factors like quality of life, museums with 4-star+ ratings, social capital score, Google reviews, and digital nomad worthiness.

Superside — an AI-powered subscription design service for creative teams — used ListChallenges’ Top 200 most visited cities to determine which cities ranked highest in the above factors and found that Toronto is the 23rd most inspiring city globally! With worldwide attractions like St. Lawrence Market, CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Island Park, and Casa Loma, as well as dozens of museums with 4-star+ Google reviews, The Six boasts a quality-of-life score of 162.06, with an average Google review score of 4.60 for the top five attractions, 14 Google reviews mentioning creative-related keywords, 122 Google reviews describing the top Toronto attractions as ‘friendly,’ and 160 reviews mentioning design-related keywords.

The city is also ranked as the 23rd friendliest country in the world, with a social capital pillar ranking of 10 (meaning Toronto is strong in community involvement and civic participation) and is a pretty good destination for digital nomads with money (globally ranked 526th).

As inspiring as Toronto is, one other Canadian city ranked higher — Montreal took the 13th spot, boasting 87 museums with 4-star reviews and 1,476 4-star reviews for the top five attractions that focus on creativity and design. Both Native Montrealers and visitors find the most creative inspiration at attractions like the Notre-Dame Basilica, Mount Royal Park, Montreal Botanical Garden, Biodôme De Montreal, and Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal.

As for the top five cities — Barcelona, Spain tops the list as the most inspiring city. The over 2,000-year-old city is a hot spot for tourists and ranks 20th overall for digital nomads. London, England ranks a close second, with attractions like the Tower of London, the British Museum, and the Natural History Museum. Not seen in too many top 10 lists — Anchorage, Alaska ranks third, boasting nearly 2,260 4-star reviews for the top five attractions that focus on design and creativity. 

Las Vegas, Nevada, comes in fourth place, with much of the creative inspiration found in and surrounding the Vegas Strip, like the Fountains of Bellagio, the High Roller giant Ferris wheel, and The Mob Museum. Rounding out the top five is New York, boasting creative attractions like Central Park, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Empire State Building, and The High Line.

You can see the full report here.

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