Toronto radio hosts debate Kendrick Lamar giveaway versus supporting Drake

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7:34 pm

s A debate has sparked on Instagram after two Toronto broadcasters at CHUM 104.5 discussed whether or not to give away concert tickets for Lamar and SZA’s upcoming joint tour at the Rogers Centre next June due to the hosts’ apparent loyalty to Toronto-based rapper Drake.

As we previously reported, Drake (a.k.a. Aubrey Graham) and Lamar have been feuding for years, but their beef has escalated this past year, with both rappers releasing back-and-forth diss tracks against each other.

On Sunday, radio personality Josie Dye noted in an Insta post “We’re Toronto broadcasters with Kendrick Lamar tickets to give away… but should we do it?”

Apparently not.

“We can’t do this,” Dye said in the clip, talking with her co-host Jamar McNeil. “As Toronto broadcasters, we cannot give away Kendrick Lamar tickets.”

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A post shared by Josie Dye (@josiedye)

McNeil noted that the Toronto concert will take place at the end of the tour on Father’s Day. “You know all those things Kendrick was saying about Drake not being a good father? It’s a statement, it’s a victory lap,” he said, later adding that “I probably wouldn’t have considered living in this city had it not been for the influence of Drake.”

Dye stated that Drake has “put Toronto on the map”, gushing that “Drake donates so much to this city that we don’t even know about. Helping communities, helping the Raptors, how about the All-Star game here to Toronto. He has done so much for Torontonians, and we are laughing in his face when we’re giving away Kendrick Lamar tickets,” she said before ripping up a piece of paper and declaring. “We’re done. I’m not giving them out.”

As much as they might appreciate the sentiment, quite a few of their listeners disagreed.

“You guys are going to bat for an artist that would never appear on your station. Its always good to rep your city and stand 10 toes down for it but the way a lot of notable voices in Toronto are moving to defend an artist is pretty corny , like he lost a beef y’all don’t need to act like sacrificial lambs show you devotion to him,” one user stated, questioning, “Are you on the OVO payroll? The weeknd is a great Toronto artist and has done a lot for the city in his own right, how come nobody had his back when drake was snaking him?”

Another user responded, “Of course you should. You’re a radio station. If your listeners want to go to the show, reward them. A radio station doesn’t need to inject itself into the middle of some feud between two artists.”

A few listeners agreed with the radio personalities, with one commenting “You are so right about Drake he has done so much for this City. Please don’t do it.” Another said “Love everything you said…you are speaking absolute facts! Stand in your power”

No word on whether the hosts were trolling, but CHUM is advertising the “Win with Josie & Jamar – Kendrick Lamar & SZA” ticket giveaway on its website. The contest will run until Dec. 13 and is open to all legal residents of Ontario who are of the age of majority.

Barenaked Ladies set play free concert in downtown Toronto this week

By

Ron Johnson

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7:17 pm

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Toronto is in for a festive treat this Wednesday, Dec. 11, as Skip and Shake Shack team up for a surprise concert featuring hometown faves, Barenaked Ladies. The free event will take place at Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge and Dundas Square) at 6 p.m., celebrating the 20th anniversary of the band’s iconic holiday album, Barenaked for the Holidays. The concert promises to deliver some seriously nostalgic holiday vibes, complete with a larger-than-life Christmas tree, festive cheer, and a crowd joining in on classic tunes like “Elf’s Lament.”

This celebration is part of a broader holiday campaign running from December 11 to 14. Visitors to the Square will be treated to the giant holiday tree, perfect for festive photo opportunities. Skip’s brand ambassadors will also be spreading joy with surprise voucher codes for Shake Shack orders, available through Skip’s delivery service. Those unable to attend the concert can still join in the holiday fun, with pop-up holiday trees making appearances across the city at Union Station (Dec. 12), King & Portland (Dec. 13), and the Canadian Opera Company (Dec. 14), each offering more festive surprises.

Barenaked Ladies, known for their quirky and infectious style, humour and catchy pop songs, have been a beloved part of the Canadian music scene since the late 1980s. The band first gained national attention with their energetic performances and unique blend of pop rock, humour, and heartfelt lyrics. Over the years, they have built a dedicated fanbase with hits like “If I Had $1,000,000,” “One Week,” and “Pinch Me.” Their holiday album, Barenaked for the Holidays, has become a seasonal favourite, filled with cheerful tunes and lighthearted spirit that perfectly capture the holiday season.

See you there.

The classic restaurants in Toronto you should be eating at

By

Erica Commisso

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6:09 pm

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At the end of November, chef Jen Agg – who’s the mastermind behind many Toronto restaurants, including Grey Gardens – took to Instagram to share her sobering thoughts about Rhum Corner, one of her iconic establishments. “Rhum has both thrived and persevered for 11 years, but it’s starting to feel like we can’t keep going,” she wrote.

Agg went on to say that it’s not just Rhum Corner that’s suffering — she feels like a lot of seemingly beloved older restaurants are suffering the same fate, coupled with issues of increased rent. And she issued a warning: “If we don’t support our older restaurants that we think we love, they are going to disappear. I promise.”

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A post shared by Battle Ready Baby (@jen___agg)

Andrew Piccinin, an executive chef who oversees a number of classic Oliver & Bonacini restaurants like Parcheggio, Jump and Leña, among others, echoes Agg’s sentiment.

“If there’s a restaurant you love, support it — not just on Fridays and Saturdays, but throughout the week. Your loyalty helps ensure these beloved staples continue to thrive.”

“Toronto has long been known for its appetite for the next ‘hot new thing,’ and that hasn’t changed since COVID, says Piccinin. “These buzzworthy restaurants deserve the chance to establish themselves as staples in the dining scene, however, longstanding ‘staple’ restaurants are now struggling as diners don’t return with the same frequency as they once did.”

Snapinsta app 458987648 1062717935363948 914118608970922571 n 1080 — The interior at Parcheggio

Sure, he acknowledges, there are patterns and external factors that change dining habits — economic downturn, alcohol consumption and an overall shift in patterns and priorities. But, still, he stresses the importance of patronizing iconic spots whenever it’s an option, advising foodies to think about the places they’ve loved over the years and the obstacles they face in this city.

“The restaurant industry has always been a cycle of booms and busts, with economic downturns and the pandemic delivering especially hard blows,” Piccinin says. “Even the most celebrated and established restaurants can face closure when operating costs and guest spending habits shift dramatically. If you truly love a restaurant, dine with intention. Support the places that have brought you joy in the past and play a role in ensuring they’re still here to create memorable experiences in the future.”

In a city that’s always chasing the newest food trends, it’s important to remember the classic spots that built Toronto’s dining scene. Take Hemingway’s, a quintessential pub on the edge of Yorkville since 1985, where pints and classic comfort food reign supreme. Then there’s Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, a much loved brunch spot in Liberty Village that has been serving up inventive dishes like their famous blueberry buttermilk pancakes for nearly three decades. House of Gourmet has been dishing out delicious Cantonese comfort food in Kensington Market since 1986, while The Senator, an iconic diner since 1929, remains the go-to for old-school vibes and hearty breakfasts.

These establishments remind us that amidst the frenzy for the new and shiny, the heart and soul of Toronto’s food scene thrive in these cherished restaurants that deserve our support.

A Toronto Redditor maps out every TTC subway station’s patty spot

By

Jennifer Schembri

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4:07 pm

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When Warden Station’s bus terminal and its popular patty spot, Bakery on the Go, closed up shop in November thanks to a sweeping revitalization project, it wasn’t just the transit map that took a hit. For patty loyalists, it was the end of an era. Supplied by the iconic Fahmee Bakery, Warden’s patties had been fueling late-night binges and commuter snack runs for over 25 years.

Enter Reddit user u/nefariousplotz, who decided to tackle the city’s collective patty heartbreak by creating a master list of where to find the flaky goodness near every TTC subway station. Their meticulously detailed map offers a station-by-station breakdown of patty availability, making it clear which stops are patty goldmines and which are total deserts.

The Toronto Subway Patty Guide (TSPG)
byu/nefariousplotz intoronto

The Redditor’s guide focuses on takeout spots within a 15-minute walk of each station. No sit-down restaurants are included—just places where you can grab a patty quickly, ranked by how close they are to the subway.

Highlights include Wilson Station’s Tarts, Treats & Coffee, serving patties right in the station, and Yorkdale’s Roywoods, offering a more upscale option for mall wanderers. The PATH downtown delivers a solid lineup, with Wat Ah Jerk Caribbean Grill at St. Andrew Station and Patties Express near King. But entire swathes of the TTC, like High Park, Vaughan Metro and Finch West, are shockingly patty-free.

The Reddit post not only showcases the city’s obsession with patties but also serves as a reminder of the city’s patchwork of hidden food gems.

Warden’s patties may be gone for now, but Fahmee Bakery still operates at Bathurst, Islington, and Brockton Village. Plus, there are plenty of amazing places to grab patties outside the subway. Check out our guide to the best Jamaican patties in the city here.

Find Toronto’s best and cheapest beer spots with this crowd-sourced price map

By

Nisean Lorde

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3:34 pm

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A Toronto Redditor probably came up with one of the most ingenious (and crowd-sourced) ways to find the cheapest beer spots in Toronto. Two months ago, Redditor Joshua Buxton shared an indexed map called “Toronto’s Taps” that he created on Google Maps. The map highlights Toronto’s best bars and corresponding prices of the cheapest beer spots in downtown Toronto, all in effort to make booze planning and budgeting easier within the city.

“Ending beerflation by indexing the prices of the entry-level drink at bars across Toronto,” the map description reads.

Buxton asked Reddit for advice on what places to add, and according to an updated post about the initiative on Tuesday, more than 500,000 people have since ended up accessing the map! So, he decided to build a tool called “Taps”, which aggregates bars by the price of a beer. It also shows parks where you can legally drink in the city.

“Which spots should I add?” Buxton again asked the Toronto subreddit.

In true “Toronto the good” fashion, the Reddit community seems super supportive of the Taps tool, providing suggestions for the best and cheapest beer one could find in local bars and restaurants across town.

“The John on bloor is a solid option,” one user suggested, while another noted that Sneaky Dee’s has five domestic tap options for $5.

“They’ve had it going for about 2 years,” the user added. “Menu still says it’s more expensive but it is 5$ all day ever day, they have it on a sign out front and make sure to tell you when you are seated”.

A few users gave some practical feedback on the design aspects of the tool.

“Love this! As a UX designer, Id only change the yellow bg of the price tags to a much lighter tone so you can read the red numbers better! Its hard on the eyes” one user stated.

Another noted that the tool is a great idea but needs a bit more information to be really useful.

“E.g is the price happy hour vs always available, what kind of beer is served” the user asked, to which Bruxton responded that none of the prices are happy hour prices.

“We’ll probably only be sending out special discounts via email because it’s much easier to guarantee it to people without potentially dissapointing [sic] with higher prices than we posted because of confusing instructions” he added.

Click here to submit your Taps suggestions!

Legend Danny DeVito coming to Toronto to narrate special Matilda in Concert with TSO

By

Ron Johnson

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6:28 pm

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The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) will present a special performance of Matilda in Concert on Jan. 25, 2025, at Roy Thomson Hall. The event will feature a live orchestral performance of the score composed by David Newman, accompanied by a screening of the 1996 film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved novel.

Acclaimed actor, producer, and director Danny DeVito, who also directed the film, will narrate the performance. DeVito’s involvement adds a personal touch to the event, as he lends his voice to guide the audience through the film’s story, which follows the journey of a young girl named Matilda, who uses her telekinetic powers to stand up to the injustices in her life.

Newman’s score will be performed live by the TSO, enhancing the film’s emotional impact with a rich, orchestral sound. The performance will include the entire film, with the orchestra synchronizing its music to the action on screen.

Tickets for the event will be available through multiple channels, including the TSO’s website and box office. For those unable to attend in person, the TSO has offered various digital alternatives to receive ticket information.

Matilda in Concert promises to be a memorable evening for both film and music lovers, blending cinema with the energy of live orchestral performance.

Holiday Gift Ideas to Make This Season Unforgettable

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Dorothy Chudzinski

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6:19 pm

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The holiday season is here, and it’s time to find gifts that bring smiles and spread cheer. Whether you’re shopping for loved ones, friends, or even treating yourself, our holiday gift guide has something for everyone. From thoughtful surprises to standout finds, we’ve got you covered with ideas to make this season unforgettable!

Cozy Up With Teddy

Experience something extra comfy from Ron White Shoes! Slip into our ultra-cozy wool boucle loafer-slippers, featuring a plush lining and a flexible rubber sole. The Teddy is the ultimate gift—perfect for the hostess, mom, or any special woman in your life. This season, give the gift of luxury and comfort.

Locations include: Manulife Centre / Leaside / Bayview Village / Oakville

Shimmer, Sparkle and Shine

At Secrett Jewel Salon choose from our collection of fine jewellery from the latest designs to the most classic. Select from our amazing choice of gemstones and pearls to create your own distinctive piece and let us transform your ideas into reality. Visit Secrett for all your holiday shopping!

Diamond Dangle Hoops, 13mm,12 rbc Diamonds 0.48cts f,si $3395.00

Located at 162 Cumberland Street. For more information call 416-967 -7500 or visit www.Secrett.ca

Perfectly Gifted Elegance

Baskits knows a thing or two about the perfect gift! Their Canterbury XL Gift Basket blends luxury and festive charm, filled with gourmet treats perfect for holiday gifting. It includes a buffalo check heritage mug, truffle hot chocolate, Dutch chocolate cookies, buttery popcorn and more, all elegantly arranged in a keepsake metal base. Ideal for family, friends, or clients, it brings warmth and joy. Canterbury XL Gift Basket $150

Find out more at baskits.com or call 416-755-1100

For the Book Lover

A book every month for a year!! Give (or receive) the popular book subscription from Mabel’s Fables Bookstore. Receive a parcel with a wrapped book once a month. Custom chosen by age and interests. Contact our booksellers to register.

Located at 662 Mount Pleasant Road

For more information call 416-322-0438 or visit www.mabelsfables.com

Festive Comfort & Style

Beestung Lingerie is celebrating their 19th Holiday season with the very best selection of sleep & lounge-wear. Their luxe lines include Eberjey, Hanro, PJ Salvage, Bedhead and more. Choose from classic pjs like Eberjey’s iconic Gisele Pajama, fun holiday flannel from PJ Salvage, or classic Swiss nightgowns from Hanro. Beestung also carries sleepwear for the guys in your life. Lounge & sleepwear from $110.

Located at 2624 Yonge St. or visit them online at BeestungLingerie.com

Glimmer with Holiday Magic

Discover all that glitters at Cynthia Findlay Fine Jewellery & Antiques! This beautiful vintage 14kt. yellow gold ring that features 1 round green cabochon emerald, weighing approximately 0.98ct. It is surrounded by a two tiered circular melee of 28 round brilliant cut diamonds, est. 0.56cts. (clarity VS-SI1 & I-J colour). Product number 88676

Call store for details at 416-260-9057 and shop online at www.cynthiafindlay.com

Glamorous Holidays Begin Here

Give the gift of style this Holiday Season from Blowdry Lounge – Toronto’s premiere ‘Blowdry’ salon. Designed to maintain healthy and styled hair in between haircuts and colours, treat that special someone on your list with a gift card to Blowdry! They have 3 locations in Toronto: Yonge Street, Avenue Road and in Brookfield Place downtown, on the concourse level.

Memorable Gift Idea

Family History Studio produces professional custom biography videos! Before they’re lost forever, we capture your senior loved one’s stories for future generations. We also produce family milestone bios for graduations, wedding couples, anniversaries, retirements and more. A timeless holiday gift for the whole family!

Video packages start at $1195

For more information, call 416-822 -2329 or visit familyhistorystudio.com

Shine Bright this Season

Don’t miss out on a holiday visit to Act II Fine Jewellery— your perfect festive shopping destination. 50 Years of Celebrating the Holiday Season! Limited Time Holiday Special! 2 X 1/2 CT = 1CT Total Lab Grown Diamond Studs in 14KT White or Yellow Gold.1 CT total lab diamond studs – $599

Located at 33 Steeles Ave. W., Thornhill

For more information, call 905-695-3737 or visit www.act2finejewellery.com

A Gift That Moves You

Give the Gift of Flexibility! StretchLab gift cards are the perfect way to show you care. Our personalized stretch sessions are tailored to every age and fitness level. Choose between instant eGift cards or traditional physical cards with flexible shipping options. Customize your thoughtful gift today! StretchLab Gift Card, options from $20 to $200 or custom.

They have two locations:

1250 Yonge St. 416-533-4700 [email protected]
754 Bathurst St. 416-641-2759 [email protected]

Dazzling Finds for the Holidays

Looking for something unique? You can find some hidden treasures this holiday season at Hwy 404 & Steeles Flea Market. Like these perfect for any occasion, timeless, hypoallergenic, nickel-free, pearl stud earrings that strike a balance between understated charm and high-impact glamour. Their oversized design adds a touch of drama while remaining effortlessly chic. Luxury style, humble pricing. Oversized Pearl Studs $55.00

Located at 2900 Steeles Ave. E., Markham
For more information, call 905 -709-0004 or visit www.404steelesfleamarket.com

Sharp Looks for the Season

Find the perfect gifts for the special men in your life at The Coop! With hundreds of styles and top designer labels to choose from—shirts, jeans, t-shirts, suits, and more—we’ve got something for everyone. Call the store for details at 416 544 9944

Located at 156 Duncan Mill Road #19 or visit www.coopink.com

Diamonds for Every Moment

At Van Rijk Jewellers, you can find something special for anyone on your list! Diamond studs are a timeless expression of love and beauty, and are the perfect gift to show that special someone that you care. Available in many sizes and price ranges, diamond stud earrings are the perfect accessory that will go with everything.

Price available on request.

Located at 90 Eglinton Ave. E.

For more information call 416-440-0123 or visit vanrijk.com

Festive Finds for Everyone

Get into the holiday spirit at Dr. Flea’s Farmers Market! Open every Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM year round. Shop indoors in a huge, fully heated venue and stock up on the freshest fruits and vegetables to make your family gatherings extra special this holiday season. Pricing varies.

Located at 8 Westmore Drive

For more information, call 416-745 3532 (FLEA) www.drfleas.com

Celebrate with Delicious Dishes

Make your holiday celebrations stress-free with Centre Street Deli! Whether it’s a festive party or a cozy family gathering, let them handle the delicious details. From their famous Authentic Old Fashioned Montreal Smoked Meat to party trays, appetizers, sandwiches and desserts, they’ve got everything you need to feed your loved ones this season.

They have 2 locations: 995 Bay St. Toronto and 1136 Centre St. Thornhill

Call for details at 905-731-8037

Hilarious comedy battle this weekend will pit top Toronto comic against A.I. avatar

By

Ron Johnson

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5:59 pm

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On Dec. 7, Brookyn comic and producer Harmon Leon is bringing two of his most popular shows to Toronto for one night of back-to-back comedy mayhem.

For one night only at the new Teddy Beer Comedy Cave (928 Bloor. St. W.) will transform into a comedy laboratory where artificial intelligence goes head-to-head with humans, and improv teams battle it out with bizarre 80s nostalgia. Whether you’re into cutting-edge tech or love the weird world of 80s pop culture, this night should provide serious laughs.

The evening kicks off with A.I. vs Human Roast Battle, a show that has taken the U.S. by storm and is now making its Toronto debut. In this futuristic comedy showdown, a human comedian faces off against an artificial intelligence in a roast battle. But this isn’t just any roast—every element, from the jokes to the avatars to the music, is created by A.I. The twist? The A.I. learns and adapts in real-time, tailoring its roasts to the comedian’s performance.

Harmon was inspired to create the show a couple of years back when he was interview a number of AI artists while working as a journalist.

“I just thought, you know, a perfect dystopian comedy evolution would be to put a human comedian in a roast battle with a machine-learning AI to decide the fate of comedy humanity,” he says.

In this edition, comedian Nicole Passmore (from Second City) will go toe-to-toe with an A.I.-generated version of Santa Claus. It’s a three-round battle of wits, insults, and machine learning, with the audience never quite sure what will happen next.

According to Harmon, each round more information is fed to the computer about Passmore and by round three she is basically in a battle against the AI version of her.

The good news is that the AI has only been victorious in two battles.

The show will feature Scott Thompson (Kids in the Hall), Miguel Rivas, and Amy Cunningham as judges.

Scott Thompson, just in Comedy roast battle — Scott Thompson (photo: Facebook) is one of the judges for the comedy roast battle

After the roast battle, the night takes a turn to the past with That 80s Improv Challenge, a wild improv competition that celebrates the quirkiest moments of 80s pop culture. Think obscure fast-food training films, cheesy anti-drug PSAs, and the unforgettable slime dumped on young Alanis Morissette. The three improv teams competing on stage will turn these nostalgic clips into hilarious, improvised scenes, with the audience along for the ride.

Judging the competition will be Scott Thompson, Sean Cullen (The Willoughbys), and Tyra Banda (The Second City). The judges will crown the That 80s Improv Challenge Champion at the end of the night, making for a truly interactive experience.

Dear Sangita: My new relationship is being haunted by my divorce

By

Julia Mastroianni

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5:26 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 am a single mom, divorced and was super labelled for that back in India. I moved to Canada and found a guy, and he gave me all the hope that this could work out. After a while, I really thought I needed to give him a chance. Now his mom is not accepting me because I am divorced. It’s become a big trauma in my life — the word “divorce” is haunting me. I loved him but all of a sudden he is too gutless to talk to his mom and thinks it will not work out. What do I do?

—Haunted by divorce

Dear Haunted: Listen, Mom: it’s 2024. Women have the right to get divorced.

First of all, this guy needs to step up — he needs to fight for you and make this work. And if he doesn’t, do you really want to be in this relationship? I know you’re in love with him, but if he doesn’t stand up for you, there’s something troubling there. If he knows you’re right for him, he should be doing everything he can to help you, especially when it has to do with his own mother. And if he doesn’t, frankly, he’s not deserving of you! If you do want to make it work, give him a chance to explain to his mom. If she really wants to understand you, she should be sitting down with you and asking you about the divorce, instead of passing judgment.

As for the word “divorce” haunting you — you need to take ownership of it. I know in India, and a lot of other cultures, divorce is seen as a taboo. But you’ve moved to Canada. You’re here to live a good life, so you need to let go of that term and not label yourself. It’s overshadowing you and who you are as a person. When you’re meeting new people, they’re not going to immediately know you’re divorced. It doesn’t have to define you!

Dear Sangita: We own a row home in Toronto and have lovely neighbours with a small dog. We’ve been facing a challenge: the dog barks continuously throughout the day and often in the early hours of the morning, waking us as early as 5:30 a.m., and our walls are quite thin. We’ve sort of learned to live with it, but lately it’s gotten significantly worse, and the frequent disturbances have become a serious issue for us. We’re unsure how to address this situation without straining our relationship. Any advice would be appreciated!

— Barking up the right tree

Dear Barking: I think you can approach them in a very friendly way — maybe going there with a basket of dog toys might be a nice idea. I would do it in a very calming way, rather than telling them off and presenting it as a problem. You can say, “Listen, we love your dog and we love your family, but we’re wondering if there’s anything that can help because the barking is waking us up at five in the morning.”

Many people see their dogs as their kids, so going for a gentler approach might help prevent them from being on the defensive right away. But just know that, even if they do acknowledge that their dog is being too loud, addressing the barking may be difficult. I assume their dog isn’t trained, and they may not know what to do to stop it.

If it were me, I think I probably wouldn’t do anything — I would just put in earplugs. But you need sleep, you have thin walls, and you’re living there, and you deserve to be comfortable too.

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: My friend is obsessed with her dog, and it’s getting to be too much. She invites us all to her dog’s birthday parties, and she often will turn down invites from us because she “needs” to stay with her dog. I’ve spent a lot of money on gifts for this dog and I’m tired of it. Am I being unfair?

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?

Toronto gets a taste of Kawartha Dairy’s famous cottage country ice cream

By

Dorothy Chudzinski

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4:30 pm

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For over 85 years, Kawartha Dairy has been creating more than just premium ice cream — it’s been a part of Ontario’s holiday traditions and family memories. Now, the 100 per cent Canadian, family-owned company is bringing its signature charm to Toronto with a new location at 888 Danforth Avenue.

The story of Kawartha Dairy began in 1937 when Jack and Ila Crowe took a chance on a small-town dairy in Bobcaygeon. Back then, milk deliveries were made by horse and buggy, with ice cut from nearby lakes to keep things cold. By the 1960s, the company expanded beyond Bobcaygeon, opening its first retail store in Minden. This new spot, with its walk-up windows, quickly became a go-to for summer visitors and locals alike.

In the 1950s, Jack Crowe honed his ice cream-making skills at the Ontario Agricultural College in Guelph. His commitment to quality laid the groundwork for a tradition that lives on today, with Kawartha Dairy still using fresh milk and fresh cream from local farms to craft their signature rich and creamy dairy products.

This holiday season, Kawartha Dairy invites you to Try the Taste of Holiday Traditions. Indulge in limited-time flavours like Kawartha Candy Cane Ice Cream, Egg Nog Ice Cream and Reindeer Magic Ice Cream — perfect as a cone or in a custom made milkshake. Whether it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane or a new holiday ritual, every treat is a reminder of Kawartha’s commitment to quality and community.

At the new Danforth store, you’ll find over 50 ice cream flavours, alongside other favourites like butter, milk and their famous Egg Nog — all crafted with the same family-first values that have guided Kawartha Dairy for generations. It’s more than just a shop; it’s a little taste of cottage country in the city.

With 13 stores across Ontario and growing partnerships with scoop shops and grocers, Kawartha Dairy continues to bring its time-honoured traditions to more communities, proving that some things truly never go out of style.

Visit Kawartha Dairy at 888 Danforth Avenue and make your holidays a little sweeter. Indulge in limited-time holiday treats and don’t forget to follow them on Instagram for the latest updates.

This Christmas market was pegged as one of the most overcrowded in North America

By

Nisean Lorde

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4:28 pm

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One of the joys of the holidays is browsing through festive Christmas markets for unique gifts for loved ones, and there is no better holiday market in the city than the stunning Distillery Winter Village. But, getting there, finding parking and not getting lost in the throngs is an anxiety-inducing experience.

While some may consider the busyness of a Christmas market to be part of the holiday shopping experience, it also means that some markets may have become too crowded to actually get any shopping done. To uncover the true extent of holiday crowds, last month, on website analyzed Yelp reviews from more than 100 markets in Canada and the USA, tracking mentions of the words “busy”, “busiest”, “crowded”, and “overcrowded” to determine the most packed holiday hotspots!

Out of the top 10 busiest markets in North America, the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery Winter Village ranked fifth, with 25% of 136 reviews mentioning the words “overcrowded” or “busy.” It’s also the only market in Canada to appear on the top 10 list!

No surprise about the crowds — this market is the most popular holiday market in the city, filled with an enormous 55-foot tree, magical lights, tons of food, giant gingerbread houses, crafts from hundreds of unique holiday vendors, and traditional Christmas carols.

“It’s not enough to stop [shoppers] from facing space issues, though, as 1-in-4 reviews mention how little room there was in the crowds of Christmas shoppers,” the report stated.

The only other Canadian city mentioned in the report was Vancouver — the Vancouver Christmas market ranked 12^th on the list, with 15.2% of 263 reviews mentioning the words “overcrowded” or “busy”.

Of course, American cities dominated the list, with Christkindlmarkt in Chicago, IL, topping the list (38.3% of 780 reviews mentioned the words “overcrowded” or “busy”, followed by New York City’s Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park (with 33.3% of 423 reviews mentioned the words “overcrowded” or “busy”).

As for their methodology — to help prevent skewed results, the researchers filtered out any markets with fewer than 50 reviews. After crunching the numbers, they calculated the percentage of busy-related mentions across each Christmas market’s total Yelp reviews. Over 100+ Christmas markets were analyzed (you can click here for the full list).

Of course, a market being busy doesn’t mean you have to avoid it.

For quieter, less crowded experiences, visit the Winter Village earlier in the day (especially on weekdays, when more people tend to be at work or school). Late afternoon into early evening on a weekday is ideal as you’ll likely experience a bustling but not overcrowded atmosphere. If you come at 6pm on a weekend, well, it can be done. But don’t be surprised by the crowds and parking challenges. Consider taking public transit or a taxi or ride-share to avoid one headache.

If the crowds are too much, there are tons more to visit in and near Toronto, including this magical new Christmas market in Ontario’s “prettiest town”.

One of Toronto’s best Middle Eastern restaurants is closing

By

Jennifer Schembri

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3:56 pm

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Fet Zun, the much-loved Middle Eastern restaurant on Dupont Street, is closing its doors at the end of the year. Owner Anthony Rose shared the news on Instagram, revealing that the last dinner service will be later this month.

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A post shared by anthony rose (@chefanthonyrose)

In his post, Rose reflected on the challenges of keeping a restaurant running: “It takes a lot to remain relevant… food, people, social, money, time, energy, talent, consistency.” He also opened up about the emotional toll of closing Fet Zun, calling it “crushing” and a “failure in some degree,” but expressing gratitude for the support from his team and guests. “We are so fortunate to be surrounded by a community that is full of brightness,” he said.

Since opening in 2019, Fet Zun carved out a space for itself with its fresh take on Middle Eastern street food, pulling flavours from Israel, Morocco and Turkey. The menu, packed with mezze-style dishes, became a go-to for everything from brunch to late-night bites.

Rose also shared an emotional tribute to chef Mona, acknowledging the immense love people had for her and the restaurant.

“Chef Mona is absolutely amazing and just the kindest person with a tremendous heart filled with passion and a joy of cooking from her family and friends. Love you Mona. You’ve certainly come a long way. You’re a star.”

But beyond the food, it was the vibe that made Fet Zun special. Rustic decor, a chalkboard menu, and a space that felt both casual and high-energy made it a place people wanted to return to.

For those who will miss Fet Zun, there’s still the chance to enjoy Rose’s other spots, like Fat Pasha and Schmaltz Appetizing, both of which continue to showcase his distinct approach to food.

With the final dinner service set for December 22nd, there are just a few more days to experience the unique atmosphere that made Fet Zun a neighbourhood favourite.