Here’s where you can find the most delicious bowls of ramen in Toronto

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1:45 pm

One of the best ways to warm up from November’s bitter temperatures is with a hearty bowl of ramen.

For those who have never tried the dish, ramen is a Japanese noodle soup that sees a delicious medley of vegetables, meat, and fast cooking noodles served up in a simmering broth. Whether you prefer your noodles thin or thick, your ramen vegetarian, vegan, or with a choice of pork, chicken, or beef, this is a meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner and can be found in endless Japanese restaurants across the city.

Here are five places that are serving some of the best ramen in Toronto.

Kinton Ramen

It’s no surprise that one of Toronto’s first Japanese ramen restaurants, Kinton Ramen, has become a local favourite. Kinton uses a specialty technique to master their homemade noodles which are then added to a pork and chicken bone soup base. Alongside these meaty favourites, Kinton Ramen offers a vegetarian broth filled with deliciously seasoned and simmered vegetables. The restaurant also offers ramen meal sets that feed anywhere from one to four people.

Kinton Ramen is located at various locations in the city including 90 Eglinton Ave. E.

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

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Santouka, a global chain that started in Hokkaido in the late ’80s, serves a bowl of ramen that’s pure balance. The rich, pork-bone broth is savoury yet clean, with layers of sesame, scallion and a deep and delicious finish. The noodles are perfect, and the braised pork cheek is a must-try. A staff favourite is the shoyu with its smokey flavour and nori topping.

Santouka is located at 91 Dundas St. E., and 2057 Yonge St.

Ramen Isshin

For vegetarian ramen lovers, Ramen Isshin is the place to be! The vegetarian roasted garlic shoyu comes topped with delicious sauteed, buttoned and wood ear mushrooms, seaweed, and bamboo shoots. The vegetarian dishes can also be ordered with egg-free noodles to support a vegan diet as well.

Ramen Isshin is located at 421 College St., and 609 Queen St. W.

Ryus Noodle Bar

Found in the east end of the city, Ryus Noodle Bar shot to fame in Toronto back in 2018, when it opened at its original Baldwin St. location. While there are plenty of delicious ramen bowls to try, like the spicy miso or the shoyu, the majority of Ryus’ ramen is centred around Ontario chicken and is a popular choice, along with all of the ramen done in clear broth. There’s also a 58°C Angus Roast Beef ramen, and plenty of vegetarian options.

Ryus Noodle Bar is located at 786 Broadview Ave.

Konjiki

This restaurant comes directly out of Tokyo, where it has claimed the title of the best ramen in Tokyo and best ramen in Japan a few years running. Toronto is also the brand’s first overseas location. Konjiki uses traditional practices and machinery from Japan while combining innovative and inventive ingredients found in Canada. On the menu is a signature clam ramen, made with Konjiki’s original clam, chicken, and pork base.

Konjiki Ramen has multiple locations across Toronto including 5051 Yonge St.

5 Toronto restaurant closures you should know about

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Jennifer Schembri

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12:31 pm

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Snapinsta app 312830976 672755127521198 2169269520385947058 n 1080 — @singsing.fc/Instagram

Toronto’s restaurant scene is always in flux, and this month, it’s saying goodbye to a few familiar faces. Whether it’s a long-standing favourite or a trendy spot that didn’t quite make it, these five closures have left a hole in our dining options.

Here’s a look at the spots that are officially off the menu.

Peaches Sports Bar

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As previously reported just a few weeks ago, customers were caught off guard when they arrived at sports bar Peaches to find it closed, with a notice from the landlord stating that rent hadn’t been paid. In response, the community rallied behind Peaches, with owners Veronica Sayes and Anthony Fushell launching a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for legal support and staff wages. However, shortly after the campaign went live, Sayes announced on Instagram that the bar would be closing for good.

La Bella Sangweech

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We were really excited when the women-owned La Bella Sangweech opened in Little Italy last winter. Known for its heaping sandwiches, the deli brought a delicious mix of Italian ingredients and creativity to College Street. Hailing from Sault Ste. Marie and Toronto, respectively, owners Jessica Anelli and Angie Russo infused their Italian Canadian heritage into every bite. The menu featured playful twists on classic deli staples, like La Mangiacake, a fun reference to Italian Canadian slang for non-Italians. But just eight short months later, the owners announced the closure on Instagram, saying the decision had “not been easy.”

Sing Sing Adelaide

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Toronto’s much-anticipated Sing Sing Adelaide, the first local outpost from the Vancouver-based chain, has already closed its doors just months after opening this summer. Backed by Freehouse Collective, the team behind a slew of popular spots like Belfast Love and Death & Taxes, Sing Sing seemed like a sure thing. The spot offered a diverse menu from calamari and wings to pho and pizza aimed at the city’s after-work crowd. But oil early November just four months after opening, a notice appeared on the door announcing the restaurant’s eviction for unpaid rent, marking a sudden end to its short-lived Toronto debut. Despite the hiccup, plans for a Sing Sing on Danforth are still on track.

Café BluBlu

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Opened in August of 2023, Café BluBlu, the French-inspired café and wine bar in Kensington Market, has closed after just a short run. The spot, which served everything from brunch to French classics, was beloved for its cozy, family-style vibe and creative menu, including dishes like duck confit, cod tongues, and house-made ice cream. Despite its loyal following, the café has shut its doors after just a year.

Soul Provisions

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Soul Provisions, the much loved Oakwood Village spot serving soup and soul pops, is closing its doors — at least for the time being. After five years, the family-run business is outgrowing its cozy space and won’t be renewing its lease .While the Vaughan Road storefront shuts down on November 17, the business isn’t gone for good. Pop-ups and frozen soups will keep the community fed while Sara searches for the perfect new home for the business. Fans can swing by for one last hurrah at the Grand Finale Patio Party on November 16.

Your Guide to Local Holiday Shopping in North Forest Hill

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Dorothy Chudzinski

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11:00 am

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The holiday season is here and whether you’re shopping for family, friends or colleagues, we’ve got you covered with thoughtful and unique local gifting ideas curated for your convenience! This year, make gift-giving more personal with options ranging from art lessons and Italian cooking classes to luxurious spa treatments, silk sleepwear and custom fine jewellery – all found on Eglinton Avenue West from Chaplin Crescent to Oriole Parkway.

Artbarn School: Art Lessons for Kids or Adults

Do you have that artsy friend looking to hone their skills? Or a young budding artist ready to explore their creativity? This not-for-profit art school offers fun and inspiring classes and workshops for kids and adults in watercolour, acrylic, oil, painting, pottery, drawing, printmaking and more! Whether they’re a brand new beginner or a passionate hobbyist looking to level up, it’s the perfect gift for anyone at any stage of their artistic journey.

Isle of Coffee: Stocking Stuffers for Espresso Lovers

This cool and collected cafe near Avenue and Eglinton not only serves up specialty coffee drinks and gourmet French pastries but boasts a range of packaged fresh ground coffee from local boutique roasteries Subtext Coffee and Java Roasters. They also carry ceremonial-grade matcha from Niju. The perfect stocking stuffers for those caffeine fans!

7 Numbers Restaurant: Cooking Classes with Mama Rosa

Not only can you get a fresh plate of Mama Rosa’s Famous Meatballs (they made the Best of the Best list for 2024!), but 7 Numbers Restaurant on Eglinton also offers monthly cooking classes! Treat your bestie or coworker to a fun weeknight class for two and spend three hours with Rosa and company for an unforgettable instructional dinner party, complete with antipasti, first and second courses, and wine.

Bijoux Village: Sparkle and Shine for Your Sweetheart

Bijoux Village is a third-generation jeweller providing modern and elegant styles to the Eglinton West neighbourhood for over 30 years! Treat your beloved to the timeless beauty of fine diamond jewellery that includes expertly crafted rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets from their collections across Italy, Canada and the United States.

Che Bella Spa: Beauty Treatments that Pamper and Indulge

Who doesn’t love to receive a Swedish massage, rejuvenating facial or classic mani/pedi? Che Bella Spa is a full-service day & medi spa offering a variety of treatments that anyone would love to unwrap this Christmas! They also carry an extensive collection of Dermalogica products for ultimate skincare love.

Di Moda European Lingerie: Something Nice to Add Some Spice

Think cosy winter pyjamas, elegant silk robes and luxurious lace slips. Di Moda is the premier midtown boutique retailer of intimate women’s apparel, sleepwear and loungewear, offering everything you need for your holiday shopping! Their wide selection includes delicate lingerie, shapewear and cruise wear – each piece a wonderful gift for that special someone.

Visit Forest Hill’s trendiest district for the best in local shopping, dining and specialty services! This holiday season, they’re making gifting even easier with a special promotion from November 21st to 28th: Purchase a $250 Eglinton Way Gift Card for $200, while supplies last.

Accepted at over 50 local businesses – including all the businesses mentioned above – this gift card is perfect for that hard-to-shop-for person! You can conveniently purchase The Eglinton Way Gift Card online with delivery direct to the recipient or via Click & Collect. For more details, visit The Eglinton Way’s website at theeglintonway.com/gift-cards

You can now bet on what Taylor Swift will be wearing at her Eras Tour show tonight

By

Ron Johnson

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10:27 am

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Taylor Swift Eras Tour bet — @taylorswift/Instagram

The moment the city of Toronto has been waiting for since Taylor Swift announced her Eras Tour would come to town is finally here. The Eras Tour is about to kick off tonight at Rogers Centre, and whether you’re dancing in the stands or watching from your couch with a pint of ice cream as a bewildering array of live streams and TikTok reels plaster your social media feed, there’s a new way to make the night even more exciting. Now you can bet on Taylor’s every move during her first performance at the Rogers Centre! Because you can lose money on everything from the first snowfall to when the Leafs will officially be eliminated from the playoffs, Taylor Swift prop bets are here. Because why not?

In gambling, a “proposition bet” (or prop bet) is a wager placed on whether a specific event will or will not happen during a game or event.

Here are a few fun (and possibly bizarre) bets you can make to elevate your Swiftie experience tonight:

1. Will Taylor wear the silver jacket during ‘The Man’? (+175)
Will she or won’t she? That silver jacket is almost as iconic as her, but will it make a reappearance tonight? Bet and find out!

2. Will Taylor play ‘Lover’ with a pink guitar? (+100)
Ah, the pink guitar. It’s very on-brand, but will Taylor grace us with it tonight? This bet’s as sweet as that song.

3. Special guest surprise performance? (-259)
Will someone special take the stage? Will it be a surprise friend? Last time around, Bryan Adams joined Swift on stage for a stirring rendition of “Summer of 69.” Your guess is as good as ours—but if you’re betting on it, you better believe it’s happening (or, well, probably happening). Our guess, Shawn Mendes, who is playing a show at Massey Hall later this month, will join her tonight.

4. Will Taylor wear any Toronto Raptors or Maple Leafs gear? (+500)
Because nothing says “I’m in Toronto” quite like sporting a bit of home team pride. Could we see Taylor rocking a Raptors jersey, or will it be all about those Leafs? The odds are… intriguing.

5. Fans to cheer more than 2 minutes after ‘Champagne Problems’? (-200)
Let’s be real: after an emotional song like that, you’re going to need at least two minutes to compose yourself. You know the drill—get those vocal cords ready for the cheer heard around Toronto.

6. Will Taylor rock the ‘A lot going on at the moment’ shirt during ‘22’? (+200)
We all know that Taylor has a thing for clever shirts. Will we see this one on stage tonight? Bet on it, and you just might walk away a psychic fashionista.

And, yes, you can make all these bets even if you’re sitting on your couch in your favorite Taylor-era T-shirt. NorthStar Bets is offering Swifties (and the brave parents accompanying them) a way to bet on every twist and turn of the show. Because sometimes friendship bracelets just aren’t enough. Yes, we went there.

Toronto is getting its first 100% Indigenous-owned department store this month

By

Julia Mastroianni

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3:55 pm

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aaniinpopup — Courtesy @aaniin.hello/Instagram

Just in time for holiday shopping, a completely Indigenous-owned department store filled with a curated selection of Indigenous brands is popping up in Toronto — and you won’t have to travel far to get your shopping done. The new shop, aaniin, will open its doors at the Eaton Centre this month.

Founder Chelsee-Marie Pettit, who is from Aamjiwnaang First Nation in Ontario, began aaniin (which means “hello” in Ojibwe) in 2021 as a streetwear brand featuring T-shirts, athleisure and accessories adorned with Anishnaabemowin phrases. Each design featured a QR code with a translation so that customers, whether familiar or unfamiliar with the Ojibwe language, could understand and share what they’re wearing.

Aaniin quickly expanded into an online department store that includes a collection of Indigenous-owned clothing, makeup, accessories, jewelry and more — and when Pettit opened a pop-up shop in Stackt market in 2021, it was hugely popular with shoppers. By 2023, the pop-up transformed into a permanent storefront, which Pettit closed at the end of 2023 to focus on being able to expand nationwide.

Now, the growing brand is giving the Toronto market what it wants with a seasonal pop-up at none other than the Eaton Centre, from Nov. 29. to Dec. 31.

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It will be the first-ever 100 per cent Indigenous-owned department store in Canada and will feature over 40 of the top Indigenous brands across the country, including Sephora favourite Cheekbone Beauty, Lesley Hampton, Section 35 and Mini Tipi. The 6,500-square-foot space will be filled with everything from apparel, jewelry, beauty, accessories, home goods, artwork, books and more, making supporting Indigenous creators even easier for shoppers.

A release from aaniin also noted that there will be multiple Indigenous languages and Indigenous syllabics highlighted throughout the space, reflecting the brand’s original goals of bringing Indigenous languages into mainstream visibility and inviting curiosity and connection.

In a post on Pettit’s personal Instagram, she explained that this pop-up is a “final push” to prove how much people want the department store to become a permanent business in the Canadian economy. “I’m using this as a time to pause my business to propel it forward,” she wrote. “I’m so excited to see my initial vision of my Indigenous Department Store come to fruition before I go convince everyone I can across Canada that one day we will be here to stay!”

Pettit recently won the top prize on Indigenous business reality TV series Bear’s Lair, earning $100,000 in support of aaniin.

The pop-up shop will open on level two of the Eaton Centre next to Aritzia.

‘Yippee Ki Yay’ Toronto is getting a Die Hard parody just in time for Christmas

By

Ron Johnson

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3:15 pm

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a scene from Yippee Ki Yay, the Die Hard parody — 'Yippee Ki Yay'

This December, Starvox Entertainment and James Seabright bring Yippee Ki Yay, a comedy show inspired by the iconic Bruce Willis-led 1988 action film Die Hard, to Toronto’s Lighthouse ArtSpace. The show, written and performed by Richard Marsh and directed by Hal Chambers, will run from Dec. 31 to Jan. 12.

In Yippee Ki Yay, Marsh offers a playful and irreverent take on Die Hard, which follows New York cop John McClane as he tries to rescue hostages taken by gunmen in an LA skyscraper. This parody has drawn attention for its humorous and lighthearted approach to the classic film, while still showing respect for its place in pop culture. And it seems to have gotten just that, at least from Die Hard screenplay co-writer Steven E. de Souza.

“When I first heard about Richard Marsh’s Yippee Ki Yay I called my lawyer and told him to throw the book at him,” he said. “After I saw it, I called all my friends and told them to book tickets! It’s delightful and astonishing and not remotely what you expect!”

The show has already made a splash on both sides of the Atlantic, with successful tours across the UK and the US, and multiple appearances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it earned praise from critics. The Guardian called it a guaranteed “happy trail,” while The Times described it as “especially entertaining” and a “love letter to a masterpiece.”

The production, which runs during the holiday season, leans into the ongoing debate about whether Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas movie (There is no debate, it is a Christmas classic). Marsh himself has said he sees the film as a holiday classic, though not one meant for younger audiences.

With its combination of holiday cheer and action-packed parody, the show promises to offer a festive, funny experience for audiences this winter.

A VIP guide to celebs’ favourite Toronto restaurants

By

Jennifer Schembri

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3:02 pm

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Celebs like Simu Liu frequent Tai — @patoistoronto/Instagram

Toronto’s restaurant scene is a culinary wonderland that A-list celebs like Usher and Michelle Williams can’t get enough of. From hidden gems to chic hot spots, this city is where Hollywood’s finest feast.

BYBLOS

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Byblos has become a hot spot for A-listers craving Mediterranean flavours in Toronto. Golden Globe winner Michelle Williams, known for roles in Brokeback Mountain and My Week with Marilyn, pops in whenever she’s in town, enjoying dishes that are worth the trip. Vegan advocate Casey Affleck, Ben’s brother, digs the roasted cauliflower and falafel salad. And let’s not forget Dakota Johnson, the queen of Fifty Shades of Grey, who makes her way to Byblos for its mouth-watering fare. Known for her healthy lifestyle, she’s likely tempted by dishes like the grilled branzino and stuffed eggplant. 11 Duncan St.

SUSHI MASAKI SAITO

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After just his second day filming See in Toronto, Jason Momoa posted a raving review of what he labelled “the best sushi in Toronto” at Sushi Masaki Saito while giving reciprocated declarations of love for the only two-starred Michelin Chef in Toronto himself. Apparently, the Aquaman actor has a deep place in his heart for Toronto chefs because in his Netflix in Your Neighbourhood interview, he admits he “stole” a chef from Toronto to be his own private chef.

KIIN

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If you’ve spent any time on Instagram, you’ve probably noticed that Nuit Regular’s Thai haven Pai is a go-to for celebs. But it’s not just Pai pulling them in — her royal Thai menu at Kiin has them hooked too. Oscar Isaac, the man behind Poe Dameron, of Star Wars, frequents Kiin when he’s in Toronto, and reps say he’s a fan of the fiery, coconut-packed tom kha soup. As for James McAvoy, known for his iconic rolesin the X-Men franchise and other hit films, he couldn’t get enough of the signature chor muang, those intricate purple flower dumplings that are almost too pretty to eat. 326 Adelaide St. W.

CHUBBY’S JAMAICAN KITCHEN

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“The food here is incredible,” DJ Khaled raved after dining with Drake at Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen, a Michelin recommended spot known for its unpretentious, homey cooking. This popular eatery is Khaled’s top pick whenever he’s in town, especially for the delish saltfish fritters with mango-lime-papaya salsa and jerk chicken. Chubby’s has also attracted other celebs, like Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, who were often spotted sharing some steamy PDA. The Boys star Simon Pegg is also a fan, further cementing this spot as a must-visit for Jamaican cuisine in Toronto. 104 Portland St

PATOIS

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At Craig Wong’s acclaimed Patois, where Caribbean meets Asian soul food, the stars are a regular sight. Marvel’s own Simu Liu recently dropped by with a crew of celeb friends, including Scream star Melissa Barrera, feasting on everything from the black sesame caesar to jerk shrimp. And if you’re lucky, you might bump into Usher, who’s known to hit up Patois when in town, with lobster as his go-to. Other celebs like Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh also counts this spot as a favourite, once sharing a family-style meal with Wong, enjoying dishes like Jamaican patties and Trini mac pie. 794 Dundas St. W.

PAI

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Perhaps Toronto’s largest celebrity hotspot these days is none other than the Michelin-recommended Pai. Whether it’s the contemporary feel of the space or the tasty curries bringing in the celebs (and we think it’s both!), the Northern Thai eatery has brought in some local and international icons. Among those recently spotted during TIFF include teen heartthrobs Dylan O’Brien, Corbin Bleu and Lucas Grabeel, while players of The Maple Leafs and the Raptors are regular visitors.

MAMAKAS

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In an interview for Netflix in Your Neighbourhood, American actor and producer Gabriel Luna called Mamakas a “really, really great” restaurant as one of his top highlights while filming Fubar in Toronto.

OSTERIA GUILIA

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It’s no real surprise that the Biebers are Michelin-star diners. Last year, when Hailey Bieber hosted a dinner for the Canadian launch of her skincare brand, Rhode, she chose none other than Osteria Giulia for the high-end ceremony. Stratford native Justin Bieber stood by in support of his wife, apparently not being shy with his dance moves for the night.

KISSA

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The exclusive Kissa only opened last summer, but it didn’t take long for celebrities to deem it one of their favourite spots. Shortly after opening, the high-end listening lounge played host to an event for LeBron James and on the guestlist were other esteemed players like Draymond Green and Tristan Thompson.

MSSM Yorkville

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It’s no surprise that another restaurant led by chef Masaki Saito would be an in-demand spot for celebrities in the neighbourhood. Last year, Drake paid the affordable omakase restaurant a visit and posed with the staff. Toronto Maple Leaf William Nylander, Toronto Raptor Kelly Olynyk have also stopped in, while movie casts have used the space for private parties.

Toronto’s own Drake was just named the fourth greatest pop star of the 21st Century

By

Nisean Lorde

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12:40 pm

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Drake moved ahead of the Beatles — @drakerelated/Instagram

Toronto-born rap artist Drake is undoubtedly one of the world’s most successful hip-hop artists, and his accolades are being recognized by Billboard. With the first quarter of the 21st century soon creeping to an end, Billboard ranked the 25 greatest pop stars of the last 25 years — and Drake came in fourth place.

Drake first emerged on the music scene in 2009, and his success was particularly evident throughout the 2010s, with the singer being one of the most streamed artists on Spotify since 2015. In 2018, hip-hop artists essentially took over popular music, dominating two-thirds of the 75 titles of the year-end streaming songs. Drake had 8.2 billion streams on Spotify alone that year (in 2018, he released his album Scorpion, which had a few number-one hits, like “God’s Plan” and “Nice for What”).

“From a sheer chart numbers perspective, Drake’s accomplishments simply dwarf every other artist of the 21st century,” Billboard’s Andrew Unterberger stated in his profile on the artist. “No other artist of the period can match his combination of 13 Hot 100 No. 1 singles and 13 Billboard 200 No. 1 albums — only The Beatles…claim the same historically — and no other artist of any time is even within earshot of his 338 career Hot 100 entries, an all-time mark he first passed in 2020 and has put farther in his rearview every year since.”

The publication also acknowledged the star for having the most top 40 hits (206) and top 10 hits (78) on the all-genre songs chart, as the singer found more “21^st-century” ways to ensure his cultural impact was felt — he used social media platforms to his advantage more so than any other star, “commanding platforms like Twitter and Instagram with a reach and virality that made even the biggest award-show stages seem small by comparison”, the publication stated.

Despite his successes, in the last two years, the acclaimed singer has faced a ton of online hate. The 2023 album For All the Dogs lacked depth, according to some critics, and his highly publicized feud with Kendrick Lamar this year compounded the critiques. The two rappers have been feuding for years, but Lamar took it a step further in March when he was featured on Future’s no. 1 track “Like That”, with his lyrics, “…’Fore all your dogs gettin’ buried / That’s a K with all these nines, he gon’ see Pet Sematary,” apparently referencing “First Person Shooter”, a collaboration between Drake and J. Cole that was included on Drake’s 2023 album “For All the Dogs”. In that song, J. Cole referenced Lamar, Drake, and himself as the “big three,” which Lamar apparently took offense to.

Even with these setbacks, Drake is the highest-ranked Canadian to make the list so far (we’re still waiting for the top three artists to be named, as of publication). Other notable Canadians to make the list include The Weeknd (the Scarborough-born singer ranked 18^th) and Justin Bieber (who ranked 8^th). The top three have yet to be announced, but Drake placed ahead of fifth ranked Lady Gaga and sixth ranked Britney Spears.

A massive bowling alley, arcade, restaurant and dance club is opening at The Well

By

Jennifer Schembri

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10:50 am

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A burger from National — @ntnlcalgary/Instagram

Toronto’s about to get a little more fun. In just one week, National, the Calgary-based entertainment hot spot, is opening its first Toronto location at The Well. It’s exactly what the city’s nightlife scene has been missing: a place where you can eat, drink, dance and play without having to pick just one.

The multi-level, 800 capacity venue combines food, drinks and entertainment under one roof — and it just might become your new go-to spot for everything from post-work drinks to late-night bowling.

The concept is simple: a space for all things fun: arcade games, bowling lanes, ping pong and foosball tables, a moody dance floor and screens everywhere. Sports fans can catch the game (or dodge it) on one of fourteen screens, while those just looking to relax with friends can dive into a menu featuring wood-fired pizzas, shareable snacks, and creative large plates. There’s also a sizable oyster bar and a full cocktail menu to explore.

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There’s a happy hour from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with half-price drinks, making it the perfect spot for an afternoon break or an off-site meeting. If you’re still around late, discounted snacks are available after 11:00 p.m., so you can keep snacking your way through the night while you bowl or battle it out in the arcade.

Dane Walker, the District General Manager of Concorde Entertainment Group, says they’ve been working on this for a while.

“National has long been a place to gather — whether it’s battling it out in the arcade, joining a league in the bowling alley, enjoying dinner, or just chilling out with a drink — and now we’re bringing this Calgary mainstay to Toronto! We’ve got something to suit everyone’s vibe, and we can’t wait to welcome in a whole new group of regulars!”

The grand opening on November 21 will kick off at 7:00 p.m. with all arcade games and bowling lanes free for the weekend. And there will be prizes too: arcade credits, free bowling passes the works.

National is located at 486 Front St. W.

How and Where to eat and drink like a Swiftie during Toronto’s Eras Tour

By

Nisean Lorde

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9:03 am

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Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour will take place from Nov. 14 to 16 and Nov. 21 to 23 at the Rogers Centre in downtown Toronto, and as we previously reported, restaurants, bars, and cafes across the city are rolling out Swift-inspired dishes and drinks to celebrate the pop superstar! Here are some of our favourite Swift-themed menu options fans can look forward to:

Minami Toronto (225 King St W) and Miku (10 Bay St.) are putting a Japanese spin on Swfit’s fav cocktail, the French Blonde — for a limited time during the Eras Tour, you can try the Kyoto Blonde! This citrusy drink was created by Aburi’s beverage director Nickolas Meyer; it combines Roku Gin, Umeshu, Lillet, and Shikuwasa juice, and is topped with sakura bitters and Japanese citrus soda.

From Nov.14-23, the Dutch-Indo food bar Little Sister (Portland) (2031 Yonge St.) is featuring a “Swiftalicious” Taylor Swift-themed food and drink menu at their Bali bar. Sip on delicious cocktails like the “Love Story” while dining on “Safe & Sound” garlic-fried green beans paired with a grilled “Mastermind” lamb burger. Finish your meal with an “I Bet You Think About Me” cinnamon roll with pumpkin-spiced cheesecake topping!

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Ficoa will celebrate the pop singer with two Mexican-style Swift-inspired cocktails! From Nov.12 to 23, sip on creative takes of the classic Paloma and Whiskey Sour. The fizzy drink “You Belong With Me” combines blanco tequila, grapefruit juice, and pink bubbles, and “The Man” mixes smoked whiskey, lemon juice, demerara syrup, and an egg white.

If you’re craving some pizza, for a limited time from Nov. 13-16, 21-23, Prince Street Pizza (472 Front St. W.) is offering the “Pre-Swift Pizza” combo in collaboration with Andrea’s Cookies! Dish on PSP’s famous New York-style pizza slices alongside a special Birthday Cake cookie inspired by Taylor Swift!

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If you want to eat like Swift, the singer reportedly enjoys buckwheat crepes with ham, Parmesan cheese, with a fried egg on top! Check out Maison Selby (592 Sherbourne St) for refined brunch crepes filled with tasty ingredients like ham, cheese, smoked salmon, spinach, and gruyère cheese. Or dine at the casual-chic Italian restaurant Oretta (633 King St W) to be surrounded by a pretty pink and blue hued-décor mimicking Swift’s “Lover” album’s aesthetic!

Click here for a full list of Taylor Swift-inspired menus taking over Toronto this month and here for a detailed guide on everything you need to know about Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Toronto!

Yorkville’s top gallery to showcase radiant works by Christopher and Mary Pratt

By

Julia Mastroianni

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HyperFocal: 0 — Christopher Pratt's Driving to Venus on Burgeo Road

From dramatic landscapes and weathered fishing villages to the simplest sights of day-to-day life, there’s something bewitching about Canada’s east coast. And nothing captures its soul quite like the art soon to be exhibited at Toronto’s Mira Godard Gallery.

Between Nov. 16, 2024 and Jan. 11, 2025, Yorkville’s top gallery will showcase Atlantic Light — an exploration of light and shadow in Canadian art.

Featuring the works of five renowned artists, including the late Alexander Colville and late former husband-wife duo Christopher and Mary Pratt, you’ll encounter masterpieces that helped define a generation of Atlantic art.

“They were uniquely trained at New Brunswick’s Mount Allison University in an approach to Realism, a way that suited their interests in finding and interpreting subjects on Canada’s east coast, especially its qualities of light, that were mystical and transcendent,” writes Tom Smart, art curator and former director of The Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton.

Through a uniquely east coast lens, artists such as Colville and the Pratts blend aspects of still life with magic realism to create a movement characterized as Maritime Realism.

PRATT M Gutted Salmon Twisted on a Granite Shelf hi res — Mary Pratt’s Gutted Salmon Twisted on a Granite Shelf

Having met at the Fine Arts program at Mount Allison University, east-coast-born Christopher and Mary Pratt trained under artist and teacher Alexander Colville, an inspirational figure who encouraged their artistic abilities. Married in 1957, the Pratts remained together for over 30 years before separating in 1990.

As a married couple, the Pratts lived in rural Newfoundland, surrounded by the landscapes and everyday scenes that inspired much of their work. Whether depicting icebergs at dawn, somber skies over still water or domesticated scenes of illuminated clapboard walls or jam jars in the sunshine, light is central to the couple’s compositions.

“In the works of art featured in this exhibition, light and shadow are the actual characters in these artists’ visual poems,” writes Smart.

The Pratts’ desire to capture the ever-changing nature of light on canvas (and their uncanny ability to do so effectively) helped catapult the pair to fame.

Showcased in national and international galleries over their lifetimes, Mary and Christopher Pratt were also honoured with the Order of Canada — as was Alexander Colville.

“I say over and over again that I am ‘a lover of light’ – this is especially true of the way the effects of light bring out the dignity and occasional magic of ordinary things,” Christopher Pratt once said.

Although the Pratts and their contemporaries tried to recreate the magic of light and shadow within their works, their techniques and styles remain unique.

PRATT C Blue Iron Door HiRes — Christopher Pratt’s Blue Iron Door

“[Christopher] Pratt depicts things as filtered through the sieve of memory and sensibility. Not as they are, then, but as, in his opinion, they should be. Stripped of detail. Shorn of texture. Pratt’s images are refined to a crystalline crispness, so sharp they seem to be able to cut,” writes Ray Cronin, author, artist and CEO of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.

Analyzing Mary Pratt’s technique, Tom Smart describes how the artist “fills her interiors and still lifes with light that is direct, radiant and overwhelming to such an extent that it stimulates full sensual engagement with her subjects.”

In the “Atlantic Light” exhibit, visitors to the Mira Godard Gallery can expect to see some of the Pratts’ most exceptional works of art, including a collection of screenprints, watercolour illustrations, mixed media pieces and oil paintings.

Admire the otherworldly light captured in Christopher Pratt’s “Distant Fire: Stairway at Cape Anguille” painted in 2000. “With its cool geometry, its perfect angles and lines, its bare minimalism, is no depiction of reality. Rather, it is an idea and a memory, a poetic image that contains a world,” writes Cronin.

PRATT M Threads of Scarlet Pieces of Pomegranate hr — A section of Mary Pratt’s Threads of Scarlet, Pieces of Pomegranate

Pause at the carnal beauty of Mary Pratt’s masterpiece, “Threads of Scarlet, Pieces of Pomegranate” painted in 2005 shortly after the couple’s official divorce.

Mary Pratt’s emotional turmoil at the time is palpable — as can be seen through her use of light and colour in the composition. “(It’s) much more dramatic than most of her earlier work with its torn flesh and juices spattering the tin foil, looking for all the world like blood,” writes Cronin.

Showcased alongside the Pratts, works by Tom Forrestall, Rockwell Kent and Alexander Colville will also captivate visitors.

Pieces such as “Morning”, painted in 1981, offer a beautiful example of Colville’s ability to capture light and shadow and is a must for anyone visiting the exhibition.

Visitors can enjoy the Atlantic Light exhibition at 22 Hazelton Ave. until Jan. 11, 2025.

Chef Anthony Rose takes a bite of Toronto’s best ribs and picks the top spot

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Jennifer Schembri

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Barbecue season might be over, but Toronto’s Steak Pit is back, and so are its legendary ribs. We had to know — do they still deliver? So, we called in chef Anthony Rose to put these bad boys up against the city’s top contenders.

WINNER: BEACH HILL SMOKEHOUSE

“Nicely cooked with great flavour, these ribs look pretty and have simple spices. The sauce is great, the best I’ve had so far, and I’m not a huge fan of sauce.” 172 Main St., side ribs, $14.50/1/2 lb

RUNNER-UP: SMOQUE N’ BONES

“This is cooked just right. It reminds me of my childhood, and the flavour is great, especially with the glaze from the sauce on the grill.” 869 Queen St W., baby back ribs, $60/full rack

BENNY’S BARBECUE

“The meat falls off the bone a bit too easily, so it’s slightly overcooked, but it has a nice smoky flavour, and the sauce is sweet and delicious.” 2409 Yonge St., St. Louis–style side ribs, $22/lb

SMOKESHOW BBQ AND BREW

“Nice and meaty, they pull apart easily, and I like the nice crust. It’s not overly sweet — just a solid finish.” 744 Mount Pleasant Rd., side ribs $22/1/2 lb

STEAK PIT

“This is on the lean side and cooked well, but it lacks a lot of flavour. I appreciate that it’s finished on the grill, and the sauce is interesting — like a tomato jam.” 1988 Avenue Rd., North York, baby back ribs $25/half rack

HOLY SMOKE

“The ribs have a nice colour and great seasoning, but the skin on the bottom hinders the flavour and smoke.” 8123 Yonge St., Thornhill, baby back ribs $23/half rack

CHERRY STREET BAR-B-QUE

“It’s a good rib — really meaty with great flavour and well-seasoned. The sauce isn’t overpowering, which I like.” 275 Cherry St., baby back ribs $28/half rack