Winter blues buster: Toronto’s 5 best and most breathtaking saltwater spas and caves

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3:04 pm

Now that we’ve crossed the threshold into 2025, many people are embracing resolutions to improve their health, manage stress, and enhance their overall well-being. One of the best ways to experience this is by visiting a saltwater spa or salt cave — they offer the most relaxing and holistic salt-based treatments and therapeutic services that will help soothe your body, mind, and spirit. The best part is that you don’t have to head too far out of the city to fulfill this New Year’s resolution! Here are a few of our favourite saltwater experiences right here in the Toronto area.

Santé Salt Cave & Healing Spa

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This is one of the best places in the GTA to experience whole-body detoxification. The spa uses pink Himalayan salt throughout its treatments to treat respiratory ailments, arthritis symptoms, and skin conditions. Their healing salt caves were designed to mimic the atmosphere of Polish underground salt mines, which can improve lung functioning and strengthen the immune system. Deals: Salt cave halotherapy for adults (45-minute sessions) — 1 session/$45, 5 Pack/$199, 10 Pack/$350. Spa Day package (3.5 hours) — 1 person/$225 or 2 people/$439. Rejuvenation Pod, 20-minute session (1 person $49, 2 people $89). The spa is open from Thursdays to Mondays. 1200 Hwy. 7, Unit 3, Vaughan.

Body Blitz Spa

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Indulge in a therapeutic water circuit at this women-only spa, which boasts a warm Dead Sea salt pool and a hot Epsom salt pool! The Dead Sea salt pool is heated at 36.6º Celsius and has 24 water jets to help ease muscle aches, improve joint mobility, and release stress. The Dead Sea salts are also said to relieve skin and rheumatic discomfort, eliminate toxins, and replenish your body with essential minerals. Deals: Wednesdays through Sundays: $85; Tuesdays: $75; Waters Card special (7 visits for the price of 6): $510. 497 King St. E., Toronto.

H2O Float Studio

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Book a ‘float session’ and float effortlessly in a pod filled with warm water and Epsom salt, you’ll slip into a state of deep relaxation. Destress and rejuvenate your body in a personal tub filled with sea salt concentrations similar to the Dead Sea. Deals: Weekday Solo Escape package ($85/month). This includes 1 float per month, 15% off regular-priced weekday services (massage and facials), 10% off regular-priced retail merchandise, bring a friend (they ‘float’ for $85). Weekday Double-Bliss package ($140/month). This includes 2 floats per month, 20% off regular-priced weekday services (massage and facials), 15% off regular-priced retail merchandise, and friends float for $75. 25 Mill St., Toronto.

Sweetgrass Spa Toronto

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Another sanctuary for women — the spa’s chlorine-free pool, jacuzzi, and infrared sauna will help you naturally detoxify your body, making it the perfect spot to kick off your wellness journey this new year. Opt for a 60-minute Tata Harper Body Scrub ($190), and your skin will be thoroughly resurfaced with five biodegradable exfoliating particles, leaving you with a soft, smooth, and glowing surface. End your workday with a 75-minute detox wrap ($195) that includes a body polish, sea mud, and a lymphatic drainage massage. New Year’s deals: Refresh & Renewal Package for $330 (Save $50), 3 Hours, includes a 60-minute bespoke facial and sugar reef body polish with a soothing body butter application. Hydration & Relaxation Package for $395 (Save $40), 3 Hours, includes a 60-minute warm stone massage and a 75-minute hydrating facial. 111e Queen St E, Toronto.

Windsor Arms Hotel Spa

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This upscale spa is sprawled along the fourth and fifth floors of the Windsor Arms Hotel and boasts a salt cave therapy that mimics the microclimate of a Himalayan salt cave! Deals: Opt for the ‘New Year New You’ package and receive an aromatherapy salt glow body scrub and oxygen facial ($250). Choose the ‘Friends at the Spa’ package and bring along a friend (2 pedicures, 2 manicures, and 2 halotherapy salt cave experiences for $280). 18 St Thomas St, Toronto.

This Canadian train trip from Toronto was ranked one of the best in the world

By

Nisean Lorde

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8:09 pm

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A Canadian train trip that departs from Toronto was included on a list of the world’s top rail experiences for 2024. For Condé Nast Traveler’s 37th annual Readers’ Choice Awards, readers voted on their best travel experiences from last year, ranking everything from rail journeys to hotels, airlines, cruises, islands, and even luggage.

Out of the top 20 rail journeys, Via Rail’s bucket-list trip between Toronto and Vancouver, literally dubbed The Canadian, landed in 17^th place as one of the best rail journeys in the world. It beat out Switzerland’s luxury sleeper Jungfrau Railway (20^th spot), Australia’s cross-continent trip, dubbed The Ghan (19^th spot), and awards newcomer the Bernina Express, which slices through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges between Chur, Switzerland, and Tirano, Italy (18^th spot).

The remaining rail trips are as follows: Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan (16^th), Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia (15^th), Golden Eagle Danube Express, Europe (14^th), The Maharajas’ Express, India (13^th), Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, South America (12^th), Golden Chariot, India (11^th), Rocky Mountaineer, Canada/US (10^th) — this is perfect for exploring the Canadian Rockies, Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland (9^th), Glacier Express, Switzerland (8^th), British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England (7^th), Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train, South America (6^th), JR Kyushu 36+3, Japan (5^th), Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Spain (4^th), Rovos Rail, Africa (3^rd), Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe (2^nd), and Palace on Wheels, India (1^st).

Journey on The Canadian

The Canadian is often listed on bucket lists as it glides through 4,466 kilometres of sprawling prairie fields, rugged lake country, small towns, and along the snowy peaks of the majestic Rockies! It’s four days/four nights, making it the longest train ride in North America. The route trails from Toronto to Vancouver (passengers can depart from either city), with pit stops in Sudbury Junction, Sioux Lookout, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Kamloops, and Jasper.

Internet is spotty on board (with no wi-fi) and stops are relatively short, so it’s the perfect journey to sit back, admire the scenery, and reflect on life. Keep in mind that there are often travel delays on The Canadian, so take this trip as part of a relaxing vacation (it’s all about the journey, not the destination!)

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The Canadian: Classes and fares

Due to the length of the trip, you’ll want to be as comfortable as possible! Economy class has a bit less privacy, but it’s still roomy (and much more affordable than other rooming options, $514+/person before taxes as of 2025). In addition to relatively spacious seats, economy passengers will have access to the Skyline car at the top of the train as well as its viewing dome — it’s the perfect spot to sip on a delicious drink while admiring the view!

At night, passengers can pull out their chairs, loll out, and let the motion of the train rock them to sleep (extra blankets and pillows can be purchased). Food isn’t included with the economy fare, but passengers can purchase affordable meals, snacks, drinks, cooked meals, and even alcoholic drinks on board the Skyline car’s take-out area.

Washrooms in the Economy class (separate from the Sleeper class) are shared and shower facilities aren’t offered.

If you have a bit more funds to spare, opt for the Sleeper Plus class ($1155+/person before taxes). All Sleeper Plus passengers have access to public washrooms and showers in the Sleeper class area (some rooms have private washrooms), amenities (towels, a few toiletries, etc.), as well as a service manager. Delicious, cooked meals and drinks are also included at no extra cost in this fare (more on that soon).

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For a cheaper option, choose a cozy upper or lower berth — berths are basically comfy seats during the day, which turn into bunk beds at night (a VIA agent comes by at some point each evening to prepare the berths for bedtime). Lower berths might be a bit more expensive because there is no real view from the window in the upper berth (this is only an issue at night after the area is turned into a bunk bed). The berths are cornered off with curtains at night, so there is a bit more privacy (although during the day, the area is open, so anyone could walk by).

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For more privacy (and your own washroom), opt for a cabin for one, two, or three! Windows are large and you’ll have a nice view of the scenery. Cabins for one are super tiny but you’ll essentially have your own room that locks from the inside. There are plugs available so you can charge your phone/devices (no plugs are available in the berth area, although all Sleeper Plus passengers can charge their electronics in the dining area if they wish).

The ‘washroom’ in a cabin for one includes a sink with running water as well as a toilet that sits right in front of your chair (the toilet isn’t cornered off; it just sits there). You can also just unfold your bed (which covers the toilet) and just chill out on your bed. There’s no shower in a cabin for one, but you could use one of the spacious showers or washrooms within the Sleeper class area.

Cabins for two are slightly larger and have a closed-off bathroom area with a toilet and a shower! At night, you can unfold the bunk bed for one person to sleep at the bottom and the other on top. This room is also the perfect size for a solo passenger who enjoys more space. There are also cabins for three or four, as well as accessible cabins for two, so it’s a great trip to take with family and friends!

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If money isn’t an issue, try the Prestige class ($5379+/person before taxes) — you’ll have your own private cabin, private washroom, built-in TV screen monitor with video selection, service manager, unlimited drinks, and be situated in a special Prestige section of the train!

The Canadian: Dining on board

All Sleeper Plus passengers (from berth to prestige) have access to the dining car, so breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included in the fare! This might be one of the favourite parts of the journey for most passengers, as gourmet, freshly-cooked three-course meals are offered, served by waiters in a dedicated seating area.

Passengers are typically offered three choices of specialties cooked by chefs on board for every meal, with products carefully selected from Canadian artisans.

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Non-alcoholic drinks are free for Sleeper class passengers (including coffee, tea, sodas, water, etc.), but passengers can purchase a selection of local beers and wines by the glass to accompany their meals (alcohol is free for all Prestige class passengers).

Panoramic views from above

Between meals, head up to the top floor to see magnificent panoramic views from the Skyline car (the windows literally extend to the ceiling!)

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This trip is a favourite amongst Torontonians and travellers worldwide for a reason, so add it to your bucket list this new year.

No tips are accepted at this new Toronto spot from an international celebrity chef

By

Megan Gallant

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7:31 pm

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“When people ask me my dream, I say I want to overhear a discussion on where to have dinner tonight and hearing — among their choices of Chinese, Indian, or Italian — Palestinian.’ It’s making Palestinian food what it is, which is a beautiful cuisine, like any other.”

Such was chef Fadi Kattan’s motivation for opening Louf, a new restaurant near Casa Loma which combines Palestinian and local ingredients to serve a modern interpretation of Palestinian traditions. Having been a podcast host, a star of a travel documentary and a published author, Kattan has worked at cities around the globe and opened restaurants in his hometown of Bethlehem and London.

Kattan had never been to Canada when Nicole Mankinen, a Torontonian from a Canadian-Palestinian family, reached out to him via social media to enquire about various recipes. Eventually, she asked if he had ever considered opening a restaurant in Toronto.

“Being raised here in North America, you don’t have the same exposure to your culture and background,” she says. “It was a natural thing to want to create something that was a legacy for my own children.”

Upon arrival in Toronto and meeting with various purveyors, Kattan saw the potential to open Louf.

“A bit of the reason for wanting to open Louf was seeing our cuisine was not represented in a restaurant that’s accessible to everyone,” he says. “The beauty of our cuisine is under-represented in general — the flavours, the recipes, the stories, the wine.”

Together, the duo has taken over a converted two-story former residential house at 501 Davenport Road. Upon walking into Louf, customers are surrounded by stories of Palestine from the tones and colours of the land to the miss-matched chairs and the artworks and colourful ceramic dishes crafted by Palestinian artists. There is even a bar room of a metallic blue colour, the same colour found on the doors of Bethlehem.

“The idea that it used to be a house is exactly what we wanted — creating that homely feeling,” says Kattan. “It’s the idea of going into a home where we welcome guests and it’s a home that’s open to everybody.”

Floor-to-ceiling windows craft a warm and bright space, even in the middle of winter, while the second floor offers a community dining table for more intimate dinning and special occasions. In the springtime, Louf will offer a patio which will offer views of a vibrant herb garden.

“Every space has something different,” say Mankinen. “We really want to welcome everybody in as they come to Louf and there’s a lot of different areas to provide that.”

hilbeh (dessert) — The taditional Palestinian dessert hilbeh

The menu boasts a decadent arrangement of share plate, representing how families dine in Palestine.

“You’ll never get invited to a Palestinian home and have a single dish on the table,” says Kattan. “You’ll have a few small dishes — sometimes too many!”

From sumac sourced in Ontario to Maftool from Palestine, the restaurant blends the best of flavours and traditions for a GTA-inspired twist on the cuisine.

“Our intention is to tell the story of Palestinian food that also celebrate local Canadian producers,” Kattan says. “It’s not a restaurant where we’re flying everything in from Palestine.”

With its half-warm, half-chilled presentation, a mushroom salad with pickled cremini mushrooms and sauteed black oysters with coriander is one dish that is intended to “push your perceptions.” Another dish, the sushbarak, is a roasted dumpling, filled with potatoes, mushrooms and a laban jameed cream — a dry preserved yogurt which is a Palestinian classic — that is sourced from a Palestinian family in Ontario.

Representing all of Palestine, coastal dishes are also represented on the menu, including the sayyadieh samak, a dry-aged pickerel and white fish. The fish is typically deep-fried, but at Louf, it’s cooked in olive oil and served with chili tahinia.

While he believes in modernizing, Kattan says he doesn’t “believe in molecular cuisine.”

“I don’t believe in ultra-modernizing for the sake of modernizing, because I think there are certain cuisines that require a lot of respect to the product,” he says.

To pair with the share plates, including those found on the Saturday and Sunday brunch menu, Kattan and Mankinen have enlisted the help of sommelier Anna Patrowicz who has come from London to develop the specialty cocktail menu. Like the food, the cocktails combine the stories of Palestine with flavours sourced in Ontario. The ruz bil yansoun is a play on a traditional rice pudding with the Arak, the national spirit of Palestine and what is believed to be the oldest distilled spirit in the world.

Patrowicz has also sourced Canadian wines, as well as those from Palestine and France in celebration of Kattan’s heritage and connection to both countries.

In supporting Louf as a place that is open and inviting to everyone, Louf has gratuity included in menu prices as tips are not accepted.

“We’re paying people a fair wage,” Kattan says. “It’s the idea of going into a home where we welcome guests, we’re at a home that’s open and welcome to everybody.”

Louf is located at 501 Davenport Rd.

Dear Sangita: I’m secretly dating my boss

By

Julia Mastroianni

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6:29 pm

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Sangita Patel is Streets of Toronto’s advice columnist and was previously an entertainment reporter with ET Canada. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two daughters.

Dear Sangita: I’m secretly dating my boss. It started as just a fling. But things have been getting serious, and I feel like we’re in too deep now. Do I need to come clean to the HR department? I’m worried for my job, and I’m also worried that it’s going to affect our relationship. People like to gossip at work, and I know they’ll make assumptions about us and about my job. What if I just keep it hidden? — HR nightmare

Dear Nightmare: This is the thing: you’re not supposed to fall in love with people that you work with — but when it does happen, it is a beautiful thing because that means you can cope with each other in a working environment. Often those relationships do well; they last for a long time. But you really should come clean. And do it together, or at least as a united front — your boss has more power in this situation, and they should be the one bringing this up first instead of leaving it to you to deal with.

When it comes to employee gossip, it’s hard to avoid. You just have to prove your worth. You’ll have to hustle a bit to show that you deserve everything you’ve received at work. But ultimately, there are always going to be people who are jealous at work, and they’re not going to support you regardless. Lean on the people who you know will.

I’m not sure how large your company is, but another option if you continue dating could be to move into another department under a different boss — or for your partner to make the switch instead. You might find it difficult maintaining your boss-employee relationship. Starting fresh in a new position for either of you may be best.

Dear Sangita: I’ve been in a happy relationship for 12 years — until a strange woman approached me and my husband at the local coffee shop. She said hi and started chatting with him as if she’s known him for years, and my husband behaved the same way. Afterward, he said they’ve both been coming to this coffee shop for years and see each other all the time. It freaked me out. Isn’t it weird that he’s been coming here all this time and struck up this friendship and never mentioned it to me at all? Now I’m seeing everything about our relationship differently. If it was so easy for him to keep this from me, what else is he keeping a secret? — Before he cheats

Dear Before: Ultimately the question here is can a woman be friends with a man? And I say it’s possible. The fact that he even took you to this coffee shop where he’s been meeting this woman all these years, and that she came up to both of you to say hi, is a very good sign. Neither of them were being secretive; it all sounds very amicable to me. Maybe he has gained some emotional support from this woman, but it seems to be a genuine friendship. If there were something more to it, he wouldn’t have agreed to go to this particular coffee shop with you if there was a risk of running into her.

I think it would be a waste of time for you to start stressing about this — you have a great relationship. If you really feel uncomfortable with it, I suggest you talk to him about it, rather than creating all these scenarios in your head.

Have a question about love, relationships or life for Sangita? Send it to [email protected] or submit it here.

More from Sangita:

Dear Sangita: I snooped through my partner’s phone and I found something concerning. The question is: Do I go back into his phone to see if he’s still talking to people? Or do I admit to my boyfriend that I snooped and ask him straight out if he’s still using it?

Dear Sangita: I’m engaged to a married man. He was supposed to have mailed in the paperwork before he proposed to me, but I found out after that some documents were missing when he did. Was I wrong for calling off the wedding?

Dear Sangita: My New Year’s resolution is to break up with my awful boyfriend and start dating his best friend! His best friend is just a much better fit for me. Neither of us have acted on it, but I want to. How do I do this without breaking up their friendship?

The top 10 restaurants to visit for Winterlicious 2025 in Toronto

By

Marlene Mendonca

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6:00 pm

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Toronto’s Winterlicious is back, and it’s basically an all-access pass to the city’s hottest tables — minus the usual waitlists and sky-high price tags. What started in 2003 as a post-SARS boost for the restaurant scene has morphed into a two-week frenzy of prix-fixe feasting. With over 220 restaurants serving up multi-course menus, it’s set to take place January 31 to February 13. From Mexican to Italian, Egyptian to Armenian, get ready to savour diverse flavours at unbeatable prices. Lunch starts at just $20, while dinner begins at $25. Reservations open January 16.

Here are some of the most exciting restaurants to visit for Winterlicious 2025 in Toronto.

Aamara

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One of Streets of Toronto’s best new restaurants, upscale Indian restaurant Aamara’s $41, lunch includes kayiru katti mutton kola urunda (lamb mince with chutney) and classic butter chicken. For dinner at $55, options include Kurkure okra chaat (crispy okra with chutney) and Goan sea bass curry. Finish with ghevar affogato.

Ultra

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Ultra, a glitzy supper club inspired by Alexander McQueen, fuses Pan-Asian dishes with international flavours. For $65, start with cha gio (Vietnamese fried spring rolls) or shishito peppers with yuzu sesame dip. Main options? Try teriyaki cornish hen or beef yaki udong. Finish with burnt basque cheesecake or Paris brest with injeolmi.

Hawker

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Located in Kensington Market, Hawker offers plant-based, small plates inspired by Asian, Indian and Malaysian flavours. Enjoy natural wines and vegan cocktails alongside unique dishes. For $27 lunch, try lion’s mane wings or mushroom wings, followed by a smoked sandwich or biryani. Finish with vegan ras malai ice cream. For $35 dinner, start with ‘summer’ (papadam, chickpea ferment, eggplant) or ‘earth’ (oyster mushrooms, smoked corn broth). Then, choose ‘starry night’ biryani or ‘bushfire’ eggplant. End with ‘nature cake’ or weekly ice cream.

AP

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Sky-high dining in Yorkville with views of Toronto’s skyline! At AP Restaurant chef Antonio Park brings Japanese and Pan-Asian flavours to life. For $75 dinner, start with park slaw (carrot, daikon, mango) or beef tataki (nashi pear, wasabi). Then, try confit salmon (green curry, coconut) or short rib mandu dumplings. Finish with matcha opera cake or ube swiss roll.

Miss Likklemore’s

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At this exciting Caribbean-inspired dining house on King West, guests are in for a treat with its $65 dinner menu. Start with oysters, Likkle or veggie patties or cheese biscuits, next try the charbroiled chicken, pasta cassarece or fried snapper and end on a high note with delicious desserts like Miss Paula’s carrot cake, chocolate mousse cake or seasonal sorbet,

Lulu Bar

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Calgary’s award-winning Lulu Bar guarantees an escape from the ordinary, offering a welcoming vibe reminiscent of a vacation hideaway right in your own backyard. With its Pacific-inspired menu, Lulu’s dishes are light yet bursting with flavour. Diners can choose from a $35 lunch or a $45 dinner menu with delicious options like crispy duck salad, beef short ribs and drool worthy dessert options, including brown butter mochi.

Lee Restaurant

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Celeb chef Susur Lee’s eponymous restaurant is a sight to behold and its Winterlicious menu is a feast for the senses. Choose from appetizers like chicken siu mai dumplings and octopus carpaccio while main dishes like halibut two ways and veggie pad Thai will sure to please every palette. End on a sweet note with desserts like chocolate banana spring roll, warm Normandy-style apple tart or a wild blurry and jackfruit chocolate cake. All of this can be yours for $75.

Trinity Market

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Equal parts snack shop, wine bar, cafe, bottle shop and all around gathering place, Queen West’s Trinity Market is offering a $20 lunch menu with tasty options like a Big Mac empanada, seasonal fresh burrata, and for dessert, warm cinnamon swirl a la Bad Attitude Bakery. Dinner hits all the right notes too! For just $25, choose from a spicy meatball sub or Trinity pizza and for dessert, opt from a selection of fresh baked cookies or ice cream.

Le Lert

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At new Thai restaurant Le Lert, the dinner menu is anything but basic. Along with mushroom spring rolls and pan roasted shishito. diners can choose from a delicious array of main options including. pad ga praow, pad Thai and pad kee Mao. And make sure to save room for dessert — banana brownie, coconut sorbet and Thai tea cake are all up for grabs, but remember you can only choose one!

Fonda Lola

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On Queen Street West there are more than enough restaurants that sometimes it’s hard to stand out from the pack. For Fonda Lola, this has never been an issue. Serving traditional and stylish Mexican cuisine, this chic resto is a great place to sip and relax while enjoying some delicious bites. Offering both a lunch ( $34) and dinner ($45) menu, with appetizer options like corn ribs and tortilla soup, mains including hibiscus flower tacos and scrumptious desserts, including chocolate lava cake and everybody’s favourite — churros.

For all the delicious details click here.

10 essential local shops to visit on Ossington

By

Julia Mastroianni

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3:44 pm

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We love supporting local in Toronto, and we’re lucky to have so many amazing independent shops in the city. The next time you’re on the city’s coolest street, Ossington, check out these 10 essential shops.

LoversLand

Known primarily as as bridal store, fans of this elegant shop know it’s so much more — with the bridal boutique tucked in the back of the store and available for private appointments only, you’ll be greeted instead by a treasure trove of trending clothing brands, jewelry and candles, shoes and more. With a selection of cool girl brands that include Ganni, Canadian gem Eliza Faulkner, Third Form and Ronny Kobo, it’s the curated racks of event dresses that will draw in any shopper — don’t miss a visit here if you’re looking for the perfect wedding guest dress.

Lost & Found

A menswear gem in the city, Lost & Found recently relocated to a new home on Ossington, almost doubling their square footage and making space for even more of their fashionable finds in Toronto. Known for timeless, quality clothing that, if you’re willing to shell out a bit more, will last you a lifetime, the interior of the new shop is almost as delightful as the items on the racks. A bright yellow wall lined with loafers and dress shoes; a rainbow of knickknacks peppering the walls and shelves — this is where Toronto’s coolest residents come to get even cooler.

Rotate This

Fitting right in on Ossington’s trendy strip, Rotate This is a Toronto institution. One of the city’s best known vinyl record stores, it’s packed with new and used vinyl, will give you the feel of being in an authentic record shop where real vinylheads go to buy their music. You can also bring your old records to the shop to sell for cash — they’re always curating a pretty stellar collection of used vinyl. With staff who really know what they’re talking about (and are always happy to help you find what you’re looking for, because they’ve got pretty much everything!), their end-of-year sale is often a highlight, packed with incredible deals.

Annie Aime

Bona fide Parisian Annie Mesenge is the owner and curator behind the colourful and oh-so-European Annie Aime. Featuring top French brands, including Saint James and Jack Gomme, as well as other high-end European finds, the shop also is home to a select few local designers. Shoppers can expect a cozy interior filled with giftable finds — and, with a focus on ethical and sustainable companies, you can be sure you’re supporting brands you can get behind.

Permission

If loungewear is more your thing, trust Permission to get you dressed your best for everything from a pilates class to a winter hike to, well, just lounging. Founded by two sisters, the shop stocks all of the top activewear brands, including Girlfriend Collective, Beyond Yoga and Year of Ours, as well as outerwear, shoes and activity-forward fashion. The bright and modern interior will have you feeling like you’re stepping into shop in L.A. — even on the coldest winter days.

I Miss You Vintage

A pink exterior and beautifully colour-coordinated interior, I Miss You Vintage is one of the city’s top consignment shops for a reason. With a menswear arm (aptly titled I Miss You MAN) and an expansive main womenswear shop, you can visit this shop with a specific vision in mind or just browsing and you’ll likely leave either way with exactly what you didn’t know you were looking for.

Rooms Coffee

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A coffee shop that will convince you to stay awhile simply because it’s so pretty and the vibes are great, Rooms Coffee has one of the best lattes in the city and an inviting back patio for when the weather is nice. Often frequented by remote workers, students or friends looking to stay and chat for a few hours, arrive early if you’re looking to snag a seat.

Uncle Studios

The newest arrival on Ossington, Uncle Studios fits right in — the brainchild of influencer Allegra Shaw and Shirin Soltani, the clothing brand has had plenty of success online for many years before the pair decided to open a brick-and-mortar in Toronto. And you’ll be grateful they did: a chic and vintage-inspired interior awaits you, along with a small coffee corner and seating area to invite you to stay awhile, whether you depart with a new mohair sweater or blazer in hand or not.

Bang Bang

After a busy day of shopping, who can resist a made-in-house ice cream sandwich? Often cited as a favourite ice cream spot in the city, anyone who lives near Ossington can attest to lineups out the door, every single day, for this cafe. With a constantly rotating menu that features inventive flavours such as lychee rosewater raspberry, Genmiacha matcha tiramisu or campfire marshmallow (and a few vegan flavours always available), you can choose from a classic cup, their popular bubble waffle, or even stuff a cinnamon bun or carrot cake slice with your scoop.

Kotn

What began as a small, Queen West-only shop for basics with what was, at the time, a radical mission to give back directly to the communities they produce in and promote complete production transparency, Kotn has now evolved into a fashion staple within Toronto and beyond. With relatively affordable prices and a well-made collection that offers not just your everyday T-shirt but denim, dresses, beautiful knitwear and more, we’re proud to claim this brand as our own. Stop by their Ossington flagship and it’ll be difficult to leave empty-handed.

Sonic escapes: The 25 best concerts to brighten Toronto’s coldest months

By

Ron Johnson

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8:21 pm

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Toronto is in the middle of a very cold and very dark period and there is no relief anytime soon. So, we spend our lives huddled indoors waiting for spring. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t have a good time. Toronto is still the best city in the country for live music, and it isn’t even close. To that end, despite the traditional January blahs when it comes to live music, we’ve created a list of the best 25 concerts that will take us to spring when we can emerge from our sonic slumbers and renew our interest in the great outdoors.

Here are the top 25 concerts this winter in Toronto.

Jan 10: Golden Feather at the Dance Cave

Okay, a little under the radar, but this glorious little collective from Hamilton is fantastic live. If you love The Band and other music of the Laurel Canyon scene, or just want to feel the vibes and dance, then this could be the perfect band for you.

Jan 21: The Vaccines at the Concert Hall

Swagger-fueled garage twang at its finest as English indie rockers Vaccines hit the historic Concert Hall.

Jan. 23: Joy Oladokun at Axis Club

A night of soulful melodies and powerful storytelling as part of The Blackbird Tour.

Jan. 24: Carol Ades at Drake Underground

Immense talent, with a breathtaking voice and a penchant for poignant and honest songwriting.

Jan. 25: Slowdive, Massey Hall

Acclaimed English rock band rooted in the ”90s checks into the venerable Massey Hall for a stop on their everything is alive tour.

Jan. 28 and 30: Sum 41, Scotiabank Arena

Interrupters join in the fun as the punks from Ajax make a two-night stop on their farewell tour.

Feb. 4: Soccer Mommy, Concert Hall

Indie-rock artist Soccer Mommy is set to captivate Toronto fans with her emotive melodies and introspective lyrics

Feb. 6, 7, 8: Jack White, History, Massey Hall (8/9)

The legendary frontman of the White Stripes, and member of Dead Weather and the Raconteurs hits town for three huge shows, but that one at History is the keeper.

Feb. 10, 11: Goose, History

Jam band extraordinaire Goose comes to town on the heels of a huge spike in popularity. This band is fun and good times.

Feb. 15: Busty and the Bass, Great Hall

A night with this fun-loving party band from Montreal is a sure-fire way to kick the winter blues square in the keister.

Feb. 15: Willow Avalon, Horseshoe Tavern

Nothing like a night of country music at the legendary Horseshoe Tavern on a cold winter night.

Feb. 18: Ax and the Hatchmen, Longboat Hall

Chicago indie rockers have an infectious sound and big personalities, Longboat Hall is the perfect venue to get some close-up magic.

Feb. 19: Molchat Doma, History

Belarusian dark wave post-punk band Molchat Doma checks into History for what will surely be a memorable show.

Feb. 21: Father John Misty, Massey Hall

One of the best singer-songwriters in America, Father John Misty, at Massey Hall is an event. It’s a can’t-miss show.

Feb. 22: Dear Rouge, Opera House

We love the Opera House, and it’s a great venue to check out Canadian indie band Dear Rouge.

Feb. 25, 26: Hamilton Leithauser, Drake Underground

This brilliant singer-songwriter is not to be missed, especially at one of the city’s best small and intimate venues.

Feb. 27: Chris Brown and Kate Fenner, Sound Garage

Any Bourbon Tabernacle Choir fans in the house? Well, here’s a chance to bask in the folksy glory of Chris Brown and Kate Fenner, two founders of Bourbons back in town for a rare live appearance.

Feb. 27,28 and Mar. 1: Wavelength Winter Festival, St. Anne’s Parish Hall

A incredible lineup will be featured at this amazing winter music festival organised by Wavelength including Owen Pallet, Controller.Controller, and many more.

Mar. 1: Elliott Brood, Longboat Hall

A Longboat Hall hootenanny with venerable roots rockin’ outfit Elliott Brood is a great way to celebrate that you made it to March.

Mar. 1: Inhaler, History

Any kid from the 80s will recognise the vocalist for this red-hot Irish band. Elijah Hewson is, of course, the son of U2’s Bono and sports the rock icon’s booming tenor.

Mar. 6: Shuffle Demons, Hughs Room

The jazz kings of Kensington hit Hugh’s Room for a night of melodic mayhem that could, yes could, include classics such as “Spadina Bus.”

Mar. 8: Kraftwerk, Massey Hall

Any true musicologist understands the impact of one of the most influential bands of all-time. Kraftwerk hits Massey for a rare and surely breathtaking concert.

Mar. 11,12: Suzanne Vega, Lula Lounge

Well, this was a surprise. Folkster from way back best-known for her song about a child named “Luka” who lives on the second floor is in town playing two shows at Lula Lounge. Cool.

Mar 15: Billy Joel, Scotiabank Arena

The Piano Man himself, one of the world’s great singers, is on tour and hits Toronto for the first time in a decade.

Mar. 16: Brett Kissel, Horseshoe Tavern

Canadian singer brings that country charm and down-home musical goodness to the Horseshoe as spring approaches.

This trending fabric is the perfect fashion find for a brutal Toronto winter

By

Julia Mastroianni

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7:37 pm

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One of Canada’s most trusted authorities on style and fashion, Jeanne Beker has covered the industry for more than 30 years. Now watch her in her current style editor role on TSC’s Style Matters with Jeanne Beker or tune into her podcast Beyond Style Matters, available wherever you get your podcasts.

January is all about staying cozy and comfortable, and this season, one chic and fuzzy fabric has risen above the rest. We’ve curated all the best fleece finds from across the city with Jeanne Beker’s expert advice, from toques and pullovers to belt bags and pants.

A. DENIM JACKET

It really is fleece! This trucker jacket is cut and sewn from cotton fleece that’s printed to look like denim on the outside. Over the Rainbow, $410, 55 Bloor St. W.

B. BOOTS

Add an extra layer of warmth to your winter ensemble with these lace-up, thick-soled Pajar boots. Browns,$275, 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr.

C. DOG SWEATER

The mix of quilted and faux sherpa fabrics makes for an ultra-stylish (and warm) accessory for your pup. Pajar, $78, ca.pajar.com

D. EARMUFFS

Made of curly fleece, these earmuffs add a bit of retro charm to any boring winter outfit. Good Neighbour, $90, 1212 Yonge St.

E. LONGLINE JACKET — Jeanne’s Pick

“This colour is so sweet and unexpected for the season, and I like the minimalist cut of it.” Wuxly, $315, 825 Queen St. W.

F. MEN’S ZIP UP

This colour is unexpected and bright and the jacquard plaid print would go well with denim or a loose fitting trouser. Lost & Found, $215, 12 Ossington Ave.

G. SCARF — Jeanne’s Pick

“This kind of mocha, café colour is very on trend for the season. It goes with everything, and this scarf looks so absolutely cozy, you’ll never want to take it off.” Sporting Life, $80, 9350 Yonge St.

H. TOQUE

This Canadian-made toque is made of Polartec sherpa fleece and is the perfect pop of red for the season. Ease, $80, 1446 Dundas St. W.

I. SNEAKERS

Sure, this fleece won’t do much to keep you warm, but there’s something both cozy and cool about a pop of fuzz on your footwear. Lost & Found, SALE $95, 12 Ossington Ave.

J. VEST

The boxy shape of this argyle vest would layer well over everything from oversized dress shirts to cozy turtlenecks. Gravitypope, SALE $179.99, 1010 Queen St. W.

K. JACKET

This elegant teddy jacket’s high neckline and piping details are super chic and will carry you through the spring and fall as well. Fig Tree, $310, 2184 Bloor St. W.

L. BELT BAG — Jeanne’s Pick

“What a beautiful, nice ivory. This adds a touch of sporty elegance to any outfit.” Relevé, $140, 1727 Bayview Ave.

M. PANTS

Checkered fleece pants are just the thing for the adventurous shopper — wear them on the slopes or out on a winter walk through Trinity Bellwoods Park. Park & Province, $225, 927 Queen St. W.

N. ZIP SWEATER — Jeanne’s Pick

“Leopard print seems to have never been more popular than this season; all the international runways were full of it!” Muttonhead, $170, 163 Roncesvalles Ave.

O. CAP

Patchwork fleece swatches lend a vintage sensibility to this casual cap. Gravitypope, $140, 1010 Queen St. W.

For Jeanne Beker’s best cashmere finds in Toronto, click here.

Ex-Momofuku chef opens Toronto’s coolest new spot for modern Jewish eats

By

Jennifer Schembri

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6:41 pm

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Maven, a cosy new restaurant in Harbord Village, offers a modern take on eastern European Jewish cuisine. Chef-owner Shauna Godfrey, formerly of Momofuku, Kōjin and Atera, built confidence from her pandemic-era Godfrey’s Supper Club to open Maven, which debuted a month ago after three years of planning.

Maven, named after a nickname given to Godfrey by her grandmother, Bubby Rose, honours her legacy.

“My Bubby used to call me ‘the Maven ’— a Yiddish word for ‘expert ’— but she truly was,” says Godfrey. “Naming the restaurant Maven is my way of honouring her.”

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Godfrey found Maven’s Harbord location in 2021, a former dive bar and salon built in the early 1900s. After hiring the design team Future Studio, they gutted the space and redesigned the layout. During renovations, they uncovered stained-glass panels, which Godfrey had reinforced by an artist. The interior also features family heirlooms, including Bubby Rose’s blue glass bottles and drapes made from her tablecloth.

The dining room is open-concept with a window view of the kitchen, characterized by exposed brick, wood accents, blue floor tiles and matching blue banquet seats.

Although still offering eastern European cuisine with a twist, Maven is a departure from Godfrey’s Supper Club — “more feminine and mature,” she says. The menu features classic dishes with unique boundaries set by Godfrey and sous chef Kai Wongirandecha, including key ingredients like dill, caraway, chicken fat, camomile and beets.

Snapinsta app 470309955 3467141796915813 159213625630286493 n 1080 — @carbonbuild/Instagram

Standout dishes include chicken schnitzel with fermented plum, brown butter and Kozlik’s mustard and a twist on duck confit cholent with romano beans, schmaltzy onions and dill.

“Cholent is a low-and-slow dish cooked overnight, originally called ‘chaud’ (hot) and ‘lent’ (slow) by French Jews. It’s the precursor to cassoulet,” explains Godfrey.

Another menu highlight is Bubby Rose’s cheesecake, a nod to the original Maven.

“It’s been really wonderful to see people in the restaurant, connecting with the food, feeling comfortable here,” says Godfrey. “For people that have a reference point for eastern European food, I hope they think it’s kind of cool that we’re playing with these ideas. And for people that don’t, hopefully we’re introducing them to ingredients or flavour profiles that are new to them.”

Maven is open Wednesday through Sunday at 112 Harbord St.

Where Legends Begin: Toronto’s Small Venues and the Future of Live Music

By

Ron Johnson

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4:23 pm

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Don’t underestimate your neighbourhood bar when it’s got a stage. You never know what future “I was there” bragging rights await you. History has proven the importance of small clubs to hometown heroes: the Tragically Hip at the Horseshoe, Feist at Ted’s Wrecking Yard, Drake at the Rivoli (doing improv comedy, mind you). Grassroots music venues are the lifeblood of local scenes, the crucial incubators for emerging talent, that first step from the basement to the world stage.

As Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour stops at our local baseball stadium ushered in rapturous headlines about its economic impact and positive influence on future generations of fans and musicians, it also raised uncomfortable questions about monopolization and price-gouging in the concert and ticketing industries. Simultaneously in the U.K., a charity called the Music Venue Trust announced government support for an initiative to institute a levy on arena shows that would flow desperately-needed revenue to the country’s grassroot music venues. In 2023, 125 of the Trust’s 900+ UK member venues closed their doors permanently, mostly due to financial issues, eviction or redevelopment.

Toronto’s music community spaces are similarly endangered, though thankfully not to the same degree as hyper-gentrified Britain. In Reimagining Music Venues, a study I co-authored with U of T Professor Daniel Silver, we found that concert activity in Toronto began to decline in the years leading up to COVID, coinciding with the 2017 closures of beloved venues such as the Silver Dollar Room, Holy Oak, the Hoxton and Soybomb HQ. The pandemic pushed the sector off the cliff, and 13% of the city’s small venues — mostly small bars and clubs — closed down since 2020, while larger halls and arenas all survived. In fact, their ranks swelled post-COVID, with the opening of History (a much-needed mid-sized concert room) and the ribbon-cutting at the swankily renovated Massey Hall.

The last two years saw Toronto’s arts organizations – Artscape, Harbourfront, Hot Docs, Luminato, TIFF – experience multiple financial crises, resulting in layoffs, receiverships, and anxiety about sectoral collapse. At the same time, the city’s grassroots music venues – more traditionally entrepreneurial and less dependent on public funding — have stubbornly clung to life, while still scraping by on razor-thin profit margins. The indie rock scene is seeing a mini-renaissance of new and renewed spaces booking live bands, such as Ted’s Collision, Collective Arts, and Houndstooth, alongside stalwarts like the Baby G and the Monarch Tavern. But what’s notable about this venue wave is that the rooms are all small if not outright tiny: many under 100 capacity. When artist payment only comes through money collected at the door, that doesn’t result in much of a payday for working musicians.

The electronic scene, meanwhile, is also seeing a resurgence of newer DJ/dancefloor-forward spaces, such as the Little Jerry, Sounds Good, Standard Time, and the magnificently diverse BSMT 254, which gives equal stage time to bands and DJs. None of these are mega-clubs, though, and some serve up their boutique listening experience alongside high-end cocktails. All these venues are for-profit businesses that primarily earn their revenue through bar sales — a decades-old business model who fragility was exposed by COVID. The bare survival of these spaces in an increasingly unaffordable city can be chalked up to the tenacity of their operators as well as a few music-friendly initiatives of which the City can be proud, such as the property tax break on live venues. But most still live in fear of unexpected rent increases, residential noise conflicts, insurance rate hikes, and seemingly inevitable renovictions for condos.

Our research showed a hunger for innovative alternatives to the traditional bar model — in part related to the desire to experience music in a healthy environment, as younger generations embrace more sober-curious lifestyles. Creative concert promoters and event presenters, such as It’s Ok*, New Friends DIY, Not Dead Yet, Project Nowhere, Promise Cherry Beach, Uma Nota Culture, Venus Fest, and my own organization Wavelength, are repurposing church basements, vintage clothing warehouses, sci-fi theme bars, parks, street fests, and former sneaker shops as places where the art is the focus. These organizations — some non-profit, others collectives, many led by young BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women or non-binary folks — may receive some grant funding, but that’s small change compared the major contributions that flow to the generationally privileged, Eurocentric high-art institutions.

The economic challenges facing grassroots live music venues was one of the major takeaways of our Reimagining Music Venues research. An arena levy similar to the one advocated for by the Music Venue Trust could create a new revenue to support community-based venues and promoters, without whose often unrecognized artist development work there may be no future Taylor Swifts — or Arkells or the Beaches. Consider it a virtuous cycle, more than simply leveling the playing field. In the UK, high-profile supporters like Coldplay have committed to donating 10% of their 2025 tour proceeds to the Music Venue Trust and its newly announced Liveline fund, in recognition of the vital necessity of the small rooms that once nurtured them.

Establishing a similar organization in Canada could give the grassroots a unified voice with which to self-advocate, while creating a new basis for economic stability on which they can not just survive but thrive. Over the decades, Toronto’s grassroots music venues and presenters have proven they add vibrancy to our neighbourhoods while cultivating generations of world-renowned cultural exports — all on a shoestring budget. Imagine what they could accomplish with real support.

Jonathan Bunce (aka Jonny Dovercourt) is the Artistic / Executive Director and co-founder of non-profit Wavelength Music, which celebrates its 25th anniversary with the Wavelength Winter Festival, Feb. 27 to March 1 at St. Anne’s Parish Hall in west-end Toronto. He is also author of the book Any Night of the Week: A D.I.Y. History of Toronto Music 1957-2001.

This $4.595 million turreted home is a fairytale oasis in the middle of the city

By

Julia Mastroianni

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8:07 pm

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Situated on a quiet street surrounded by mature trees and stately homes, 279 Blythwood Rd. is moments from the boutiques, cafes and dining options of North Toronto — and a stone’s throw from midtown.

For those seeking downtime, this lovely abode just so happens to stand across the street from the expanses of Sherwood Park — a well-loved green space where rolling fields, playgrounds, dog parks and tree-lined trails await.

Of course, given this home has a sprawling backyard, anyone lucky enough to live here could simply swing open the back doors and relax in the great outdoors right at home.

“[The property has] almost half an acre of land fronting onto Sherwood Park and an ultra-private backyard,” notes George Tambakis of Sotheby’s International Realty. “You have incredible privacy and can walk to Summerhill Market, Sherwood Park, Sunnybrook Hospital, and Yonge Street.”

Listed at $4.595,000, 279 Blythwood Rd. boasts three plus two bedrooms, four bathrooms and ample historical charm.

IMG 20240227 WA0000 copy — Photo Courtesy of Mark Krocz

0H6A5656 Enhanced NR copy — Photo courtesy of Mark Krocz

Upon entering the house, it’s clear how much care was taken to maintain the property’s historical elements while incorporating modern comforts.

“The home was built in 1920 and renovated in 2008,” notes Tambakis. “The home is charming with many original details that have so much character.”

On the ground floor, a sunny foyer opens onto a home office, family room and fully modernized eat-in kitchen with access to the spectacular backyard.

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Up a winding antique staircase, come upon three tranquil bedrooms — two of which have fireplace features. In the primary suite, a private sitting room and ensuite make for a peaceful retreat.

279 blythwood road toronto C10431831 17 p — Courtesy Sotheby’s

Discover another comfortable bedroom in the basement, along with a wine cellar and two more spacious rooms offering endless possibilities. Transform them into a home gym, games room or perhaps even a home theatre.

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Featuring a bowed solarium and coffered wood walls, the ground-floor office retains a handsome, old-world ambiance.

0H6A5674 Enhanced NR copy — Photo courtesy of Mark Krocz

The family room feels light and airy. Swing open the double doors for fresh air, and enjoy birdsong from the comfort of your living room. In the winter, light up the fireplace and get cozy by the hearth.

IMG 20240226 WA0005 copy — Photo courtesy of Mark Krocz

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Nestled among tall trees and hidden down a 125-foot private drive, this property not only offers extensive outdoor space but ample privacy, too. Create the garden of your dreams, a swimming pool oasis, or a bespoke outdoor kitchen and entertainment terrace.

279 blythwood road toronto C10431831 27 p — Courtesy Sotheby’s

279 blythwood road toronto C10431831 29 p — Courtesy Sotheby’s

279 Blythwood Rd. is listed with George Tambakis of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Brokerage.

The best places to watch the stunning Quadrantids meteor shower in Toronto

By

Nisean Lorde

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7:16 pm

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The new year kicked off with a bang. The Quadrantids meteor shower, which peaks in early January each year, is considered one of Earth’s best annual meteor showers! During its peak, sky watchers can gaze at anywhere from 60 to 200 Quadrantid meteors per hour under perfect night sky conditions (ideally a dark sky with little moonlight).

According to NASA, the meteors come from leftover comet particles from broken asteroids. When these bits hover around the sun, the debris they emit creates a dusty trail around their orbits. When the Earth passes through the debris trails, the bits disintegrate and create fiery, colourful streaks across the sky.

Most meteor showers have a two-day peak, but the Quadrantids peak only lasts for a few hours due to the shower’s thin stream of particles and because Earth crosses the stream at a perpendicular angle. This year, the best time to watch the Quadrantids was anywhere in the Northern atmosphere (Toronto included) within the hours just before dawn from Jan. 2-4.

NEWS : The Quadrantid meteor shower peaks tonight Jan. 2 and into dawn

With clear skies and no light, you can see 60-100 meteors per hour ☄️ pic.twitter.com/mvqqTBRVug

— Latest in space (@latestinspace) January 2, 2025

Thankfully, Torontonians can still get a chance to catch a few late meteors from the tail end of the shower! Just head to a spot away from city lights — although there will be slightly more moonlight in the evening sky and the rate of meteors will be lower than at its peak from a few days ago, you could still see some activity until about mid-January.

Here are a few spots close by that might do the trick:

Tommy Thompson park – Leslie Street spit.
Ward’s Island and Gibraltar Beach – south-face on the island.
Scarborough Bluffs.
Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve in Muskoka (pictured at top).

According to EarthSky, the name “Quadrantid” comes from the now-obsolete constellation “Quadrans Muralis” that was first spotted in 1975 by French astronomer Jerome Lalande, between the constellations of Boötes the Herdsman and Draco the Dragon.

The Quadrantids are said to originate from a small asteroid (or dormant comet) measuring about 3 kilometres, dubbed asteroid 2003 EH1. This asteroid takes 5.52 years to orbit the Sun once! EH1 was discovered in March 2003 by the Lowell Observatory Near-Earth Object Search. Shortly after, Peter Jenniskens, an astronomer and research scientist at NASA, came to the conclusion that EH1 is the source of the Quadrantid meteors.

The Quadrantid shower is one of four major meteor showers each year with a sharp peak (the other three are the Lyrids (to peak on April 22), Leonids (to peak Nov. 16-18), and Ursids (Dec. 13-24).