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The best holiday light shows to get your spirit stoked in and near Toronto

By
Nisean Lorde
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What are the holidays without the enchanting glow of dazzling lights to admire? It’s even better when these magical displays are part of a performance! This season, check out these stunning holiday light shows and festivals in and near Toronto.

Illumi, Mississauga

This magical annual event is touted as the world’s biggest light and sound show!  Wander through a giant winter wonderland filled with snowmen, candy canes, reindeer, gnomes, giant snowflakes, and the big man in red himself. Step under the world’s tallest ‘Tree of Lights’, which is as tall as the Statue of Liberty (47 m) and is lit up by 176,000 LEDs.

A multi-coloured tree forest will also brighten up the surrounding village where you can sip on warm hot chocolate while admiring the view. You’ll be surrounded by 20 million gorgeous lights, separated into 16 universes — each with its own theme, music, and unique attractions!  Run until the first week of January. (7174 Derry Crest Drive, Mississauga, ON).

Journey into Enchantment, Mississauga and Ajax

If you prefer to admire the lights from the warmth of your car, then this drive-thru Christmas light show is for you. Drive along a 2-kilometer route featuring your favorite holiday characters (from Santa and his reindeer soaring through the skies to joyful elves spreading holiday cheer), a dazzling drive-thru tunnel, and 2D to 3D displays, with over 2 million lights illuminating your path, harmoniously synching to the melodies of beloved holiday songs!  Shows last for about 30 minutes and run from Thursdays to Sundays at various times, until Jan. 1, 2025, in both Mississauga and Ajax. (Dixie Mall, 1250 South Service Road, Mississauga | Ajax Casin, 537 Durham Regional Highway 2, Ajax).

Cavalcade of Lights, Toronto

 

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The beloved Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square is a free event that transforms City Hall and its surroundings into a dazzling winter wonderland filled with thousands of twinkling lights, a skating rink bathed in lights, and fire and light festivals! Bonus: check out the festival’s interactive art installations (ECHO, Lunar Lanterns, and Twin Dragons) — these areas will be adorned in lights, visuals, or other interactive elements, illuminating the area and creating a festive aura! Runs until Jan. 7, 2025. 100 Queen St. W.

Winter Festival of Lights, Niagara Falls

This annual festival is one of the most enchanting winter attractions in Niagara Falls and is Canada’s largest free outdoor light festival! Experience more than 75 magical holiday displays, filled with millions of lights along the Niagara Parkway and larger-than-life fireworks displays! Don’t miss the “Sparkling Winter Lights Falls Illumination”; this five-minute, choreographed light show transforms the Canadian Horseshoe Falls nightly (at 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm, and 8:00 pm), creating a festive atmosphere! Just over a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto. Runs until Jan. 5, 2025. (Niagara Falls, ON).

Winter Wonders at Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington

 

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Until Jan. 5, 2025, stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens’ scenic winter landscape to the backdrop of festive music while munching on delicious holiday treats, guided by the glow of twinkling stars! Hendrie Park has transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring dazzling lights, festive installations, and enchanting displays. Even your pup can tag along as the event is dog-friendly! Head indoors to warm up and admire the seasonal décor and vibrant plant displays in the rejuvenated Mediterranean Garden and the Breezeway. About a 1-hour drive from Toronto. (680 Plains Rd W, Burlington, ON).

Burlington Festival of Lights, Burlington

What better way to bask in the holiday spirit than via a free light festival by the shores of Lake Ontario? Until Jan. 8, 2025, Burlington’s Spencer Smith Park will dazzle visitors with magically themed displays that illuminate the lakeshore with holiday lights. Stroll through the park and enjoy various light displays featuring everything from traditional holiday scenes with Santa and his reindeer to more fairytale-like designs, like dragons! Runs daily, from 4 pm to midnight (Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, ON).

Simcoe Christmas Panorama River of Lights

This festival is just over 2 hours from Toronto, but well worth the drive!  The Panorama River of Lights has been running for more than 60 years, making it one of Ontario’s oldest light festivals. Hundreds of decorated trees, over 60 displays, and more than 500,000 lights will turn Simcoe’s downtown parks into a winter wonderland! Sip on hot cocoa as you stroll under the lights and experience the magic of horse-drawn trolley rides and character meet and greets! Runs until Jan. 1, 2024. (50 Bonnie Drive, Simcoe).

Mall parking lot near Toronto is getting decked out in 1.5 million holiday lights

By
Julia Mastroianni
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A mesmerizing light display is launching just outside Toronto this weekend, and it’s turning a mall parking lot into a magical walk-through trail. Holiday Nights of Lights is back, this time with a brand new location and lighted trail concept — but all the same festive fun!

Happening at Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket this year, visitors can enjoy an immersive experience as they walk through a lit up path surrounded by 1.5 million LED lights. The displays are animated and synchronized to your favourite holiday tunes, and there are plenty of attractions new this year that will make the experience fun for visitors who have enjoyed Holiday Nights of Lights in the past.

This year, warm up at the magical Elf Sugar Factory, where you can decorate cookies, build your own gingerbread houses and peruse a selection of holiday treats and unique gifts.

Adventurous visitors can also enjoy hockey putt and box hockey – put your skills to the test and see how many goals you score!

You can also take advantage of the curling lanes, or get lost in the enchanting light maze.

Returning attractions include winter-themed carnival games, an axe throwing station and midway rides to complete the carnival experience.

After you’ve worked up an appetite, relax by the wood fire pits with a mulled wine or hot chocolate in hand and grab a snack from the local food vendors and trucks on site.

The light trail itself should take up to 40 minutes to walk through, but visitors are welcome to take their time wandering throughout the various attractions and stopping at countless photo ops for an Instagram-worthy picture.

Best of all, you can bring your pup with you on select dates — pet-friendly dates include Dec. 12, 15, 20, 26, 29 and Jan. 3, as long as your keep your furry friend on a leash or in your arms.

Holiday Nights of Lights runs from Dec. 7-Jan. 4 at 17600 Yonge St., Newmarket, Ont.

Hot Docs Cinema is back with a slate of programming as part of limited reopening

By
Nisean Lorde
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0
Hot Docs
Hot Docs

After temporarily closing the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema in June to address an operating deficit, the team behind North America’s largest documentary festival is resuming programming this month as part of a limited reopening.

Throughout the closure, the movie house at 506 Bloor St. W. has been temporarily leasing out its space to other organizations and partners to host their own screening events. For example, CFC Conversations: Black Excellence with [filmmaker] Karen Chapman is a free third-party event sponsored by the CFC and TD Bank that takes place Dec. 5.  The 45-minute on-stage conversation is devoted to perspectives told by Black creatives in the screen-based industry.

This Friday’s premiere of Your Tomorrow (Dec. 6) is part of the Cinema’s regular schedule — the Ali Weinstein-directed documentary follows an eccentric group of characters who use and care for the once-celebrated Ontario Place over the course of a year.

Viewers will see Ontario Place evolve through the eyes of a security guard who had worked there for 40 years, a pair of Taiwanese retirees who visited the park daily, a swimmer who led his cult following in year-round lake dips, as well as other artists, urban explorers, birdwatchers, government officials, and environmentalists. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with the director and producers, moderated by Hot Docs’ Director of Programming, Heather Haynes.

“We are deeply excited to reopen our cinema, where the magic of storytelling comes alive through Canadian and international films that connect with our valued audiences,” Haynes said in a statement. “With a lineup of award-winning documentaries ready to inspire and engage, we invite you to share in the joy of experiencing these films on the big screen, surrounded by a community of passionate viewers. Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema is more than just a venue; it’s a home for our documentary family, a place where stories unite us and foster connection. We can’t wait to welcome you back for this extraordinary journey.”

On Dec. 13, in honour of Canadian civil rights icon Viola Desmond, check out the free screening of Seeking Mavis Beacon, an investigation into the disappearance of one of the most influential Black women in technology. The screening will be followed by a conversation with director Jazmin Jones and co-collaborator Olivia McKayla Ross, moderated by Toronto-based critic and curator Saffron Maeve.

For those looking to get into the holiday spirit, the Cinema will screen Christmas classics throughout the month such as White Christmas, The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Polar Express, and Die Hard!

In October, Hot Docs announced that — as part of its longer-term rebuilding strategy — it was seeking a new owner for its cinema as the organization works through two years of operating deficits.  Hot Docs has been in business for just over three decades and is the largest documentary festival in North America, with the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema having a seating capacity of 650.

The best female pitcher in the world Ayami Sato set to join Toronto baseball club

By
Nisean Lorde
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0

Japanese baseball pitcher Ayami Sato has made history by signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs (no, not the NHL team, but for the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) — an independent pro league based in Ontario), becoming the first woman to play professional baseball in Canada!

Sato is a six-time world champion, has pitched for Team Japan throughout her career, and is the only woman to win three consecutive MVP awards in 2014, 2016, and 2018, along with two All-Star selections at the Women’s Baseball World Cup.

According to the World Baseball Softball Confederation, Sato is widely regarded as the best female pitcher in the world (and perhaps even one of the greatest female players of all time), so her addition to the Leafs is a significant milestone in baseball. She’s especially renowned for her skills on the mound, throwing at speeds approaching 80 miles per hour, with curveball spin rates that would put major league players to shame.

“I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to play with the Toronto Maple Leafs,” Sato said in a statement released by the Leafs. “It is a dream come true for me to play at this competitive level with former major leaguers and top minor league players.”

The IBL is the top independent baseball league in Canada, comprising ex-MLB, MiLB, and elite NCAA college baseball players, including players from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Panama, and Japan.  The 2024-2025 season will mark the IBL’s 106th year in operation!

According to the IBL’s website, it’s one of the longest continuously operated baseball leagues in the world, serving as a valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff.

More than 40 IBL players have advanced to Major League Baseball or returned to the IBL following their MLB careers. In addition to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the league is composed of teams from Barrie, Brantford, Chatham-Kent, Guelph, Hamilton, Kitchener, London, Toronto and Welland.

This isn’t the only sport that women have been taking over — the PWHL’s Toronto Sceptres have been receiving tons of attention, and Toronto’s new WNBA team, The Toronto Tempo, is set to dominate the court in 2026 at the Coca-Cola Coliseum!

This Toronto couple’s new aperitivo bar will transport you straight to Italy

By
Jennifer Schembri
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A Toronto couple with Italian heritage have opened Bar Niro, an aperitivo bar inspired by the Italian custom of gathering with loved ones for drinks and bites before dinner.

Co-owner Martino Niro, immigrated to Toronto from Italy as a young child in the 70s, and and his partner, Carla La Marca, is a second generation Italian who has lived in Little Portugal for 14 years, and previously spent time living in Rome. The bar’s name is a tribute to Niro’s father, Antonio, who brought his family to Toronto from the Italian province of Campobasso.

Between the couple’s mutual cultural heritage and many European travels, they share a reverence for Italy and everything about it — with a particular soft spot for the tradition of the aperitivo. In essence, the phrase means “to open” the stomach before dining, or as La Marca says, “whet your appetite” in the company of friends and family — a treasured moment after a busy work day which is customary in many European cities. 

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“We wanted to bring that tradition back here and inspire people to have those same moments…as we keep calling them, those moments between moments” she says. “Maybe you’re on your way to dinner, or maybe you’ve had dinner and you’re just not quite ready to go home because the night has just been so beautiful. We want to be the place for that.” 

The dimly lit space is characterized by a warm, largely wooden interior, at the centre of which is a 170-year-old bar that the couple restored a year prior to opening the space. The piece was more or less the initial inspiration for the bar’s interior aesthetic, says Niro. “I can’t really say that I had everything jotted down, but the vision was in my head and it just kind of came together. We wanted to design something very old world.” 

The pair still hold their respective day jobs, La Marca as an editorial copywriter and Niro as a builder. The space that the bar inhabits is actually a former gas station that Niro redeveloped. “It was a charming space that I designed and put together, and I thought it would be a perfect fit for an aperitivo bar,” he says. The decision to start a business wasn’t long-held, but rather informed by the couple’s love of their neighbourhood, and their desire for a space that facilitated the moments they cherished most in their European travels. 

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“I think that’s what most people feel when they come here,” says La Marca. “They don’t feel like they’re necessarily in Toronto, it takes them away somewhere else.”

The drink menu features thoughtfully curated organic and old world wines, as well as a small selection of Italian beers, classic Italian cocktails and a non-alcoholic bitter. Accompanying snacks include chips, olives, parma prosciutto, cacciatore sausage, Italian cheese and locally made focaccia. 

Niro explains that they intentionally selected wines with more affordable prices because that’s what they experienced in Europe. “We firmly believe that you can buy and drink a beautiful glass of wine or a bottle of wine at an affordable price,” he says. 

You can visit Bar Niro at 1334 Dundas St. W. Tuesday through Saturday from 5-11 p.m. The business is currently taking reservations over the phone.

The top 6 ski resorts near Toronto and when they will open

By
Nisean Lorde
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0

With the cold weather setting in and a huge dump of powdery goodness north of the city, ski season is just around the corner! You don’t have to travel across the country  to experience great skiing, Ontario boasts some extensive terrain just outside the city. Sure, there might be a liberal use of the term “mountain” but what they lack in steeps they make up for in varied terrain and fun times. Here are six of the top ski resorts to visit near Toronto this season:

Blue Mountain Ski Resort

 

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The resort’s ski season officially kicks off this Sat., Dec. 7. at 8:30 am, with skiing opening from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (weather and conditions permitting). The resort is just under a 2.5-hour drive from Toronto, making it the perfect place to spend a few days skiing and snowboarding. This is the largest public ski area in Ontario, boasting 365 skiable acres, a 720-foot vertical drop, and 42 ski and snowboard trails (with 30 runs lit up for night skiing — perfect for date night or for those who like skiing under the stars).

Visitors can experience everything from easy trails to long cruisers, gladed runs, and challenging steep runs, so the resort is welcoming to both beginners and experts. What sets Blue apart is its advanced lift system, with 11 lifts (5 high-speed six-person chairs, 1 quad, 1 triple, and 4 surface lifts), and an uphill capacity of 26,750 per hour. This weekend only (Dec. 7/8), there’ll be an exclusive walk-up-only $39 lift ticket available to get in those first turns. (The Blue Mountains, ON).

Horseshoe Valley Resort

Horseshoe is a family-friendly resort skiing area that is a solid option with varied terrain and a more chill vibe and less busy than Blue. As it’s located just over an hour north of Toronto, it’s the perfect spot to hit the slopes for a few days, go snowshoeing, snow-tubing, ice skating, fat biking, cross-country skiing (traverse over 30km of trails of various difficulties), and exploring the beauty of the Copeland Forest. There’s plenty of fresh snow in the forecast, but as with most ski resorts, the resort’s snow-making abilities are super efficient, supplementing natural snow.

This season, expect better lighting enhancements (the resort has added 18 new light poles and 36 lights to brighten up night skiing on the Steeplechase, Bullpen, and Horse Fly Hop slopes) and an expanded terrain for beginner skiers (the Ponyback beginner hill now offers 80,000 sq ft of space for new skiers to learn how to ski). Opening day for ski season: Fri. Dec. 6, 2024. (1101 Horseshoe Valley Rd W, Barrie, ON).

Mount St. Louis Moonstone

Just over a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto — this resort features 36 slopes spread out across 170 skiable acres of expansive terrain,  providing a good mix of trails for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities (with about half the slopes considered intermediate). The resort boasts the largest beginners’ area in the region, so newbies are more than welcome. For advanced skiers, challenging trails like the Adventure Run and Turkey Chute are filled with jumps, boxes, and rails, so be prepared to test your skills. This resort is often cited as having great value.
Opening day for ski season: Fri. Dec. 6, 2024. (R.R.4, 24 Mt St Louis Rd W, Coldwater, ON).

Glen Eden

This charming  skiing/snowboarding area is just outside Toronto in Milton, so is very easy to get to especially if you live in the west end of the city. Glen Eden boasts a modest vertical drop of 240 feet, six lifts, and 16 trails over 45 acres of skiable terrain. Nearly half the trails are considered advanced, with the remaining slopes more suitable for novice and intermediate skiers.

For more challenging slopes, check out the Falcon or Scimitar. Beginners can opt for the Grasshopper (in the west beginner area) or hills such as the Little Dipper (in the learning area). Opening day for ski season: TBA. There’s no word on the resort’s opening date as of publication but snowmaking is currently underway. In 2023, the ski season began on Jan. 8, 2023, due to unusually warm weather, which affected the resort’s snowmaking capabilities. (5234 Kelso Rd, Milton, ON).

Hockley Valley Resort – Golf, Spa and Ski

The resort, about a 1-hour drive north of Toronto, features a 375-foot drop plus 15 ski runs spanning 30 acres for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Try a beginner-friendly slope like the Teddy Bear, Little Bear, or Easy Rider, as they offer gentler gradients and are easier for newbies.

For advanced skiers — the resort has five runs rated as black diamond or double black diamond, with the most challenging run being Nosedive. Opening day for ski season: TBA. There’s no word on the resort’s opening date as of publication, although the resort does offer a ‘ski & stay’ package that begins Dec. 20, so it’ll likely be open before then. (793522 3rd Line EHS, Mono, ON).

Dagmar Ski Resort

 

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This resort was voted one of the top winter destinations in the GTA and is considered one of the best family destinations for skiers of all ages and skill levels (although it’s definitely known for being beginner-friendly)! It’s only an hour from Toronto and it features the largest terrain park in the Durham region. The resort boasts 20 runs, with the majority classified as ‘easy’, although they have a few challenging hills, like “The Glades” and “The Dagger”.

Visitors can expect four chairlifts (two quads and two triples) and two “magic carpets”. The resort’s Family Learning Center has Learn to Ski lessons and specialized instructors for children and adults. The resort’s snow-making system will ensure that the alpine runs have plenty of snow and great conditions this season! Projected opening day for ski season: Sat., Dec. 14, 2024. (1220 Lake Ridge Rd, Uxbridge, ON).

It’s official, the city’s new WNBA team to be called the Toronto Tempo

By
Ron Johnson
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0

Canada’s first WNBA team has officially unveiled its name: the Toronto Tempo.

The name Tempo, according to a press release, was chosen to represent more than just speed; it embodies control and energy — qualities central to both basketball and life, according to team president Teresa Resch.

“Tempo is pace. It’s speed. It’s a heartbeat. And it’s what you feel when you step into the streets of this city,” Resch said. “As Canada’s WNBA team, I know the Tempo will set our own pace, move at a championship cadence, and inspire people across this country.”

The team name was leaked yesterday when the WNBA mistakenly listed the team on its website ahead of schedule.

The name and brand identity were the result of a public engagement campaign, “Name Your Team,” which gathered input from over 10,000 people around the world. A community council also provided feedback to help shape the brand.

The team’s logo features forward-leaning lines, symbolizing progress and the dynamic nature of both the team and the game. The six lines represent the five players on the court, plus the fans — the “sixth player” in the game.

The Toronto Tempo’s brand is designed to be bilingual, ensuring it connects with fans in both English and French across the country. Resch emphasized that the team’s identity reflects the energy fans can expect at games, from the sounds of the court to the intensity of the players and the excitement of the crowd.

Toronto tempo logo
Toronto tempo logo

In May 2024, the WNBA announced its first international expansion, awarding Toronto an expansion team, owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures, set to begin play in 2026 as the league’s 14th franchise under the leadership of Larry Tanenbaum.

This past season, the WNBA took a huge leap forward, in part due to the arrival of phenom Caitlin Clark, who plays for the Indiana Fever.

The Toronto Tempo is set to debut in 2026 at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto.

The importance of being Plumbum

By
Ron Johnson
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0

For years, Toronto’s holiday season has been enhanced by the now-legendary Ross Petty holiday panto—family-friendly productions full of music, slapstick humour, and sharp wit. An entire generation of device-addled tweens came out of their shell every December for a chance to boo the always-affable Petty. After Petty’s retirement two years ago, Canadian Stage has decided to take up the mantle and continue this beloved tradition. But how would they link the past with the new productions? One word: Plumbum. To Petty fans, the iconic character Plumbum von Botox (now just Plumbum), played for more than 15 years by Dan Chameroy is a symbol of the series’ comedic history and heart. And she’s back.

“She’s, you know, she’s feeling pretty good. She’s peppy, she’s ready to celebrate Christmas with the crowd,” says Chameroy, on a break from rehearsals before the show opens on Friday. “We’re having a great time. It’s been a lot of fun visiting her craziness again, and putting the panto together because it’s always a creative process. A collective kind of experience.”

Canadian Stage is presenting a new take on The Wizard of Oz as part of the holiday Panto tradition, running from Dec. 6 to Jan. 5 at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre. The production puts a fun, modern twist on the classic, with Dorothy and her friends travelling through a wacky version of Toronto. The show includes humorous parodies of popular songs and features a cast that includes Chameroy along with fellow Petty-legend Eddie Glen, and Vanessa Sears and is directed by Ted Dykstra.

Dorothy and the rest of the Wizard of Oz gang in the new panto
Dorothy and the rest of the Wizard of Oz gang in the new panto

Plumbum is a comedic sidekick with a flair for, to put it mildly, exaggeration. While her frozen, plastic-like expressions and gobs of hideous makeup are a source of comic relief, it’s Plumbum’s earnest, lovable nature that makes her a fan favourite. Although she started out as a villain many years ago, as one of the ugly step sisters in a panto version of Cinderella, she was a hit.

The following year, Petty called Chameroy up and asked him if he wanted to come back in the panto again. He said yes, but on one condition.

“I said I’d like it to be the same character. And then she just started to morph a bit, and then she’s become who she is,” says Chameroy. “Now, you kind of expect certain things about her in the show. She’s not a villain. She’s always the helpful sidekick to the heroic female character. Usually, if she’s not hitting on the male leads, she’s helping people out, and she’s morphed into this joyous character.”

Dan Chameroy’s portrayal of Plumbum is a masterclass in comic timing. With his background in musical theatre and classical drama, Chameroy, a renowned local actor who is often found at the Stratford Festival, infuses Plumbum with both slapstick humour and emotional depth, making her a character who is as lovable as she is funny. 

Chameroy (middle) during rehearsals
Chameroy (middle) during rehearsals

“I think there’s an innocence about her that’s really compelling, and there’s something very childlike about her, which I think kids love,” he says. “And I think adults love her too, because she’s innocent, but she always says things that are not appropriate, but they’re delivered in a way that kind of cheeky, but it shouldn’t offend anyone in the audience. It should just make you laugh and go, Oh my god. I can’t believe she just said that.”

With Canadian Stage bringing back the pantomimes, Plumbum’s return, along with the appearance of Eddie Glen,  ensures the spirit of Ross Petty’s tradition lives on. As the cultural touchstone of these productions, Plumbum ties together the past and present, keeping the holiday magic alive for new generations. Hopefully, and Chameroy sounds optimistic, the show will be a success, and Canadian Stage will continue this tradition into the future so a new generation of youths can get out the angst by booing the baddies and cheering on Plumbum and company.

“I think that’s the hope and it’s great,” Chameroy says. “I think people missed it last year. And I hope that people are delighted by the theatrical experience.”

For more information and tickets, go to Canadian Stage.

Sad news for board game lovers: Snakes & Lattes is closing

By
Jennifer Schembri
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0

After seven  years on Eglinton Avenue East, Snakes & Lattes’ midtown location is rolling its final dice. Known for being more than just a board game café, this vibrant space offered thousands of games, curated drinks and a cozy community atmosphere.

The announcement, shared via Instagram, signals the end of a chapter for one of Toronto’s most beloved hangouts.

 

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In 2010, French couple Ben Castanie and Aurelia Peynet opened Toronto’s first board game café in the Annex. Inspired by a visit to a Chicago game store, they transformed their growing collection into a cozy, screen-free zone named after Snakes and Ladders.

Snakes & Lattes quickly grew into a North American sensation, with eight locations across Canada and the U.S. Its midtown flagship, which opened in 2017, spanned three floors and accommodated 250 guests. A spot for everything from first dates to family game nights, the spot served up a carefully curated game collection, local draft beers and house-roasted coffee.

The café’s commitment to fostering genuine, screen-free connections made it a standout in a digitally dominated world. Game gurus were always available, helping players navigate an extensive game selection, ensuring everyone felt welcome. Whether diving into a fun round of Pictionary or enjoying a nostalgic game of Snakes and Ladders, the experience was always elevated by a menu of comforting snacks, craft drinks, and a laid-back, inviting atmosphere.

Snakes & Lattes’ Toronto three other  locations — Annex, College and Wellington Market — are still open, keeping the brand’s global reputation alive. Despite the midtown closure, its influence on board game cafés worldwide and its expansion across North America remain strong.

The Weeknd was just named the most streamed male artist by Spotify Wrapped 2024

By
Julia Mastroianni
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0

It may have been three years since The Weeknd last released an album, but that hasn’t put a dent in his popularity according to Spotify Wrapped 2024. The annual ranking of both global streaming trends and individual listening habits released its data today, including a list of the 10 most-streamed artists of the year — and Toronto’s own Abel Tesfaye almost topped the list, just behind (to no one’s surprise) Taylor Swift.

The artist popped up all over the Spotify Wrapped 2024 rankings, including his collaboration “One Of The Girls” with Jennie Kim and Lily-Rose Depp (a single from the much-talked about HBO show The Idol starring all three artists) taking spot number eight on the list of the 10 most-streamed songs of 2024.

Impressively, one of his albums also made the list of the 10 most-streamed albums of 2024 — but it wasn’t one of his more recent releases. Fans of The Weeknd clearly still have a soft spot for his 2016 album Starboy, as it squeaked in at number 10, after Fireworks & Rollerblades by Benson Boone and Lover by Taylor Swift.

His streaming numbers might be partially due to fans listening in anticipation of his upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, set to release Jan. 25, 2025. There’s plenty of fanfare building up to the release, thanks to his upcoming one-night-only Rose Bowl concert to celebrate the new album that sold out in under an hour, as well as a film by the same name starring Tesfaye alongside Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan that’s in the works. The release date for the movie hasn’t been confirmed, but it’s set to have a worldwide theatrical release via Lionsgate.

The Weeknd also broke a Spotify record in November, becoming the artist with the most songs on the music streaming app with over 1 billion streams — surpassing Drake. The fellow Toronto artist was the only other Canadian singer to make the list of the most-streamed artists, coming in at number four behind Bad Bunny. 

But Tesfaye is no stranger to breaking records — last year, Streets of Toronto reported that The Weeknd was named the most popular artist in the world by Guinness World Records.

Once he releases his new album in the new year, we can only guess that those streaming numbers will continue to skyrocket!

This Toronto bar was just named one of the most beautiful in the world

By
Jennifer Schembri
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0

Once again, Toronto finds itself basking in global praise, this time for something that isn’t just delicious  — it’s drop-dead gorgeous. Bar Raval, the moody watering hole in Little Italy, has landed on the 50 Best list of the most beautiful bars in the world, rubbing architectural elbows with some seriously swanky spots.

 

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Walking into Bar Raval feels like entering a work of art. The flowing mahogany curves along the walls and ceiling create a space that’s part bar, part sculpture. Inspired by Barcelona (Raval is one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods) it serves up tapas and sherry, all while buzzing with an electric yet intimate vibe. Restaurateur Grant van Gameren and mixologist Mike Webster blend function with fantasy, making it a must-visit for design lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

Bar Raval is in  good company. Across the Atlantic, New York’s Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle channels timeless glamour with its 1940s murals by Madeline’s Ludwig Bemelmans and a gold-leaf ceiling. For something more modern, Atlas Bar in Singapore is pure Gatsby opulence with its towering gin library and Art Deco design. Want cocktails with a view? Bali’s Rock Bar serves sunset drinks atop a cliff, 45 feet above Indian Ocean and is the city’s chicest sunset destination.

 

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These bars and others on the 50 Best list embody the global standard for what makes a bar truly beautiful: a  mix of design, atmosphere and the art of cocktail-making.

Inside the pass: The most stressful job in Toronto’s top restaurants

By
Megan Gallant
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0

We’ve all seen it on screen: one wrong move in a fast-paced, high-end kitchen, and a dish — and maybe even a chef’s future— could land in the trash.

In Hulu’s critically acclaimed The Bear, an early scene shows Carmy at the pass, haunted by a chef’s relentless demands for perfection. Later, in season three, the expo’s razor-sharp focus highlights the delicate balance between control and chaos. But how true is that portrayal? Is working the pass in Toronto’s top restaurants really that intense?

The pass is the area that bridges the back-of-house with the dining room in a restaurant. It looks different in every restaurant, but it’s the final step where the food is plated and given the final check before being presented to the diner.

the pass
Chef Seb Yacoubian

“It is the end of all our dishes, and where all table orders come together,” says Seb Yacoubian, the chef and owner of the Michelin-recommended Taline. “We control the flow of the entire kitchen, while ensuring that the food that is being served is at its highest quality.”

Typically, the head chef or sous chef handles the pass, as is the case with Taline. Since it’s the final checkpoint in the kitchen, Yacoubian emphasizes that attention to detail is everything.

“You have to have a strong sense of leadership and awareness, because you’re not just ensuring that the food is perfect when it reaches the guest but also that every step of the service is aligned,” he says. “The job requires constant focus and precision but also gives you a chance to truly shape the experience for everyone involved, so it’s really rewarding too.”

“Anyone running the pass must have earned trust and shown they share the chef’s standards for quality and consistency,” adds chef Jorge Fiestas, executive chef at Buca. “It requires experience, familiarity with how we work and an understanding of our expectations.”

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The art of plating at Azura

Working the pass requires more than expertise — it demands a deep understanding of the entire restaurant. Azura’s chef and partner Adam Ryan explains that success hinges on “a thorough understanding of each menu item’s journey, from preparation to plating.”

“When asking the kitchen team to fire dishes, it’s crucial to know the timing of each step so that the direction given ensures the food makes it to the pass at the right moment,” he says. “Misfiring can lead to dishes being plated too early, requiring them to be remade.”

Given the high stakes, it’s easy to picture the kitchen passes we see on TV — Gordon Ramsay hurling insults over plating or Carmy facing brutal critique. The pass is often portrayed as a high-pressure gauntlet, where every move feels like a make-or-break moment.

“It depends on the show, but The Bear does a good job of depicting a professional kitchen,” says Fiestas. “The pass is a high-pressure job, but if you thrive under pressure, it can feel like a team sport — challenging yet enjoyable.”

Ryan adds that while some aspects of the show do depict the restaurant and kitchen life accurately, “it’s also clearly dramatized.”

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Mathew Asturi, chef de cuisine at Buca Yorkville

“While it’s true that food should be sent back if it’s not made properly, it’s usually handled differently in real life,” he says.

At Azura, the open kitchen offers diners a front-row view of the action — minus the dramatic “call and response” or the chorus of “yes, chef” you’d expect from TV. Chef Adam Ryan notes that the chaotic kitchens often portrayed in media are relics of the past. Today’s kitchens, he says, are far more composed, focused on precision over pandemonium.

“These days, staying calm in crucial, especially in a restaurant where guests can see and hear the staff at work,” he adds.

While working the pass is certainly a significant role within the kitchen, Ryan notes that at Azura, the staff is always supportive of each other, and it takes the whole team to craft a superior dining experience.

“If the person at the pass is struggling, we all are,” he says. “None of this could happen without an entire team of hospitality professionals and the person at the pass is just one part of the bigger picture.”

Fiestas agrees, noting that while working the pass “is arguably the most critical job in the kitchen,” being able to have trust in the rest of the kitchen staff goes a long way to ensuring its success.

“Staying on top of everything is essential but having a strong and reliable team makes all the difference,” he says. “It’s about teamwork and coordination to make service run smoothly.”

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