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These Toronto spots are cooking up Thanksgiving dinner so you don’t have to

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lindsaylow
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stregistoronto
@stregistoronto/Instagram

For those of us not blessed with the culinary skills of Martha Stewart (but want our families to think we are), there are plenty of places in the city that can turn you into a Thanksgiving pro. Here are five spots where you can grab Thanksgiving dinner in Toronto.

The Drake

The Drake’s Get Stuffed Feast is available for in-person dining or by pre-order to be savoured at home. The three-course meal includes sunchoke and parsnip velouté to start, followed by a turkey roulade, roasted root vegetables and mashed potatoes. For a vegetarian alternative, opt for baked acorn squash with wild rice and roasted root vegetables and mashed potatoes. A vegan option is available as well. If you’re able to save room for dessert, there’s apple berry crumble topped with vanilla ice cream. The meal costs $48 per person and $24 for kids and is available Oct. 13–14 Reservations and takeout orders can be made on their website.

Eataly

At Eataly, discover all your Thanksgiving essentials for crafting a holiday feast. From responsibly-raised Ontario heritage turkeys to a selection of curated Italian cheeses and cured meats, topped off with freshly baked pastries from La Pasticceria, they’ve got you covered with their housemade dishes are ready to heat and serve, giving you more time to gobble, gulp, and give thanks. You can check out their menu, here.

The Lakeview Diner


For those who despise cooking but adore turkey, The Lakeview Diner has your back with the return of their deep-fried turkey marathon. Running from Oct. 13 to Oct. 14, priced at just $21.95 per person, you can savour deep-fried turkey served with garlic mash, roasted greens and cranberry sauce. Email: [email protected] for details. 

EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace

@epochtoronto/Instagram

Celebrate connection and gratitude with your chosen family at EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace located in The Ritz-Carlton Toronto. Enjoy an exclusive Thanksgiving menu, bespoke cocktails and a DJ spinning the perfect beats. Reconnect with old friends or make new ones in style with modern twists on traditional dishes. For added elegance, indulge in EPOCH’s signature afternoon tea featuring seasonal delights and artisanal teas. Reserve your spot here. 

LOUIX LOUIS

@louixlouis/Instagram

Elevate Thanksgiving with a touch of luxury at LOUIX LOUIS in Downtown Toronto! Join for a Royal Brunch featuring a lavish seafood platter—think mussels, shrimp cocktail, crab claws, and fresh oysters—followed by the irresistible Pumpkin Cheesecake. Celebrate the holiday with exquisite flavours and a regal ambiance from October 12-14.

Dazzling display of northern lights across Toronto last night with more on the way

By
Nisean Lorde
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0
northern lights
Photo: Instagram @rohan_menon_

Torontonians and residents across southern Ontario caught a spectacular view of the northern lights last night. The vibrant green, red, and purple lights shifted and changed shape like softly blowing curtains — and many took out their cell cameras to capture the dazzling display (but honestly, pictures don’t do it justice, seeing the Auroras in person will be the prettiest thing you’ll ever witness).

The downtown Toronto sky took on a bit of a pinkish/violet hue…

Here’s a view from Niagara Falls…

A stunning view from Lake Simcoe…

Hamilton…

The Muskoka lights shone red…

In Brantford, the skies lit up green…

In Kitchener, the skies looked almost purple…

North York even saw some action…

Don’t worry if you missed it last night! According to Space Weather Canada, a major geomagnetic storm watch is in effect from Oct. 10, 11:00 am to Oct 12, 12:00 pm, meaning that our planet is experiencing significant disturbances in its magnetic field, which is what is leading to the gorgeous display of lights.

“An ejection of the Sun’s material (coronal mass ejection) was observed on 09 OCT 2024. The ejected material reached the Earth on 10 OCT 2024, resulting in major geomagnetic activity,” the agency explained.

Apart from the northern lights, there will be even more celestial activity taking place this year. Look out for the Geminids Meteor Shower, which is considered the king of meteor showers, producing up to 120 multicoloured meteors per hour at its peak! This will run from Dec. 7-17, peaking the night of Dec. 13 and the morning of Dec. 14th.

If you’re looking for a prime spot to watch the night skies, check out these astro-tourism activities at the world’s first designated Dark Sky Reserve in Muskoka. On Nov. 1, 2 @ 7 pm, participants can join ‘Myths and Legends Under the Stars’, a 1.5-hour session that will explore a range of lunar topics, including the origins of the moon, moon phases, features of the moon, and other moons in the solar system. On Oct. 17 (Hunter’s Moon), Oct. 18, and Nov. 15 (Harvest Moon) @ 7 pm, gather under the moon in a guided 1.5-hour hike to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Earth’s celestial companion (participants will also get a chance to peer through binoculars to gaze upon the moon’s many craters and “seas”).

Four new ways to celebrate Thanksgiving and give back this year

By
lindsaylow
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0
@thescottmission/Instagram

Thanksgiving has been a longstanding tradition in Canada. But as the ongoing issue of systemic racism demands we think critically about our own actions while the climate emergency asks us to consider the planet in all that we do, perhaps it is time to consider whether or not our current traditions demand a rethink.

Thanksgiving usually kick-starts the holiday season, and it’s the beginning of the busiest time of year for most charity organizations. The food drives, collection baskets and free meals initiatives that have been working hard over the past few months come to fruition when the weather turns colder and the need increases.

Although there are plenty of stresses and issues we all need to grapple with on the daily in Toronto, there is also an opportunity to forge new paths and create new traditions with our families that reflect the times and the true meaning of giving thanks — and giving back.

Respect to Indigenous Peoples

The history of Canadian Thanksgiving isn’t the same as our neighbours to the south, but its roots do come from an Indigenous tradition of giving thanks and is marred with this country’s history of colonization of its first residents. We need to pay respect to those who were here first and in whose territories we continue to live and prosper.

Learn: Spend an afternoon with your family and get to know the Indigenous communities upon whose land your household is located. For instance, Toronto is home to the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. What can we learn from these First Nations that we can apply to our own lives? How would they give thanks?

Volunteer: Take the time to learn about issues affecting Indigenous communities in the GTA and across Canada. Some Indigenous communities welcome volunteers throughout the year and especially during the holiday season. Find out if there’s an opportunity for you to help out this year by checking the Canada Helps website.

Donate: Help support Indigenous communities by donating food, money or clothing to kids and women that need both tangible and monetary donations. You can contact the Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto to find out where you can donate. Also check out the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, along with Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction.

Consume: Consider shopping at Indigenous-owned businesses and even incorporating Indigenous cuisine into your holiday meals.

A high-five for the planet

Neighbourhood cleanup: Giving praise to the planet on Thanksgiving may seem odd, but it’s actually a great way to say “thanks” for all the Earth does (especially since it takes so much of our abuse). How do you give back to the planet on Thanksgiving? One way is to organize a neighbourhood cleanup of masks and gloves and other discarded debris (make sure to wear proper safety gear while cleaning).

Save a duck or turkey or other feathered friend: Why not turn the tables and save a turkey or duck or other feathered friend on Thanksgiving? Animal shelters and farm sanctuaries across the province can always use donations. You can also sign up for an Adopt-A-Turkey program and save a bird from slaughter.

Avoid excess waste: Billions of dollars in uneaten food is thrown away every Thanksgiving. You can cut down on this waste by only cooking what you intend to eat, avoiding buying too much of any one thing, making an effort to only use reusable plates and napkins and donating any extra food to people in need.

Support local businesses

Now more than ever, we should be supporting local businesses. If you usually buy your Thanksgiving ingredients from the local supermarket, see what you can find locally.

Vegetables from Toronto Urban Growers: Find a local urban farmer to purchase vegetables and other local goodies. You can track down the closest source to you by visiting the Toronto Urban Growers website. Not only will you be supporting local commerce, you’ll also find that fresh produce can’t be beat.

Turkeys from local farmers: Order a turkey from a local farm this year and skip the guilt that can come with buying a commercially farmed bird. There are lots of farmers surrounding the GTA that will be happy to take your order.

Support Black businesses: There are so many excellent Black-owned businesses in the GTA. Support Black-owned commerce by finding what you need on the Afro Biz website.

Give to those in need

Food bank usage in the GTA is off the charts, so every donation helps and goes straight to families. For a full rundown of food banks in the city, see this list.

Scott Mission: Hot meals have been served up at Scott Mission (502 Spadina Ave.) for 52 years. From Monday to Saturday, free meals are available at the mission, and staff confirm that Thanksgiving will be no exception — they’re currently preparing 60 turkeys for the meal!

Haven Toronto: This sanctuary for elder homeless men will be serving a Thanksgiving meal on Monday as well as every day of the year, and they’re always looking for donations (and possibly volunteers). Thanksgiving is one of the weekends when volunteers show up the most, though, so if they don’t need your help this weekend, consider making a donation and checking back when it’s not the holidays to see how you can help.

Good Shepherd: The Thanksgiving Food Drive for the Homeless is a great way to give back. Good Shepherd Ministries will help you organize your own food drive and show you how to support the homeless during the holiday season and throughout the rest of the year. Visit the Good Shepherd website to help.

Taylor Swift’s favourite British döner kebab shop is heading to Queen Street west

By
Nisean Lorde
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0
 I Am Döner kebab shop
 I Am Döner kebab shop

Famed British döner kebab shop I Am Döner kebab shop, with a cult-like following that includes pop star Taylor Swift, is making its way across the pond to Queen St W (with two more locations already confirmed!)

On Oct. 17, British-famed doner shop, I Am Döner, will make its Canadian debut with its flagship location at the corner of Queen West and Spadina — this will be the award-winning restaurant’s first location in North America. The traditional British döner kebab is the same as a Canadian donair kebab, which typically uses lamb, beef, veal, or chicken, but with slightly different seasoning.

“Döner kebab is a classic late-night indulgence,” says I Am Döner founder, Chef Paul Baron said in a statement. “But a really excellent döner — warm flatbread, fragrant meats, creamy garlic sauce dripping everywhere — is so much more than something to scarf down before heading home to bed. And we’re super pumped to bring our famed shop to Canada, a first for North America!”

 

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In 2016, after Chef Baron noticed that the döner was gaining popularity in the UK (particularly among the late-night Britpop era crowd), he took his Michelin-star-kitchen-training and opened the first I Am Döner shop in Headingley, UK. Its popularity grew throughout the years (crowds even started getting their döner kebabs before heading out for the night), and there are now nine locations spread out across the UK and Dubai — Toronto will be the shop’s 10th opening.

I Am Döner has nine award-winning kebabs and bowls and more than 53 fresh ingredients. The Canadian restaurants will offer a fully halal menu. From lunch break to after hours, diners can dig into freshly made flatbreads and hot-off-the-grill kebab (vegetarian protein options will also be available), grain and salad bowls (including fluffy rice or greens), street cart fries and poutine (no explanation needed!), globally-inspired sauces like sweet maple chilli, Memphis BBQ, mango habanero, and vindaloo, soft serve ice cream (new flavours will drop every season, like strawberries and cream for Wimbledon and apple crumble for winter), as well as fresh beverages, including milkshakes (with flavours like jam and cream, KitKat, and crème brulée), and original lemonade, with unique flavours like earl grey, berry, and watermelon.

donerkebab1

 I Am Döner kebab shop
I Am Döner kebab shop

Franchise owners Faisal Husnain and Syed Danish will also fill their shops with British-inspired interior design and British and Irish playlists, including the Ramones, the Verve, Blur, and other nostalgic favs. And best of all — the overall vibe will be family-friendly.

“We are opening a family-first restaurant. If the kids are happy, the adults are happy: we’ve got power sockets for iPads, colouring books, a top-notch kids menu, and every meal comes with free seasonal soft-serve ice cream,” Husnain said.

In addition to Queen West, two additional I Am Döner locations are confirmed: Yonge/ Sheppard (to open in Nov. 2024) and Pickering (to open in Jan. 2025).

Make sure to also visit these 76 other top food spots in the city.

King West just got a stunning rooftop garden serving NYC-inspired Italian cuisine

By
Megan Gallant
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0
Public Gardens
@lauracolucci1/Instagram

If it’s hard for you to visualize a secluded garden oasis on the bustling streets of King West, you’ll be in for a treat when dining at Public Gardens —a New York-inspired restaurant serving up Italian fare, daily happy hours and rotating DJs. And all on a rooftop garden.

“If you’ve ever been to New York, you know the energy of a night out and the freedom where you so often end up in the rooftop areas at these venues that invoke such a feeling,” says Asher Jones, the operating partner and general manager at Public Gardens. “We really wanted to bring unique-characteristic venue like that to King Street.”

Jones emphasizes that Public Gardens aims to offer something unique for the neighborhood, setting it apart from the typical King Street experience — and it truly delivers. Located at 577 King Street West, this venue features an enchanting rooftop adorned with lush foliage, creating a hidden garden oasis right in the heart of the city.

PG0 4846

“The Garment District is just such a hub for life and activity and but at the same time, it was a little lacking in certain areas,” Jones says, noting young working professionals often get “daunted” by King Street.

“We try to provide an alternative to the club scene with something approachable, casual but sophisticated and character-driven.”

While the patio is currently open, Public Gardens plans to extend its heated patio for those brisk October days — because as Jones puts it, “Canadians are tough and will drink outside until they can’t!” Inside, the restaurant features an indoor area with casual seating, dark wood, red accents and leather, capturing the refined vibe of King West.

On the menu, diners will find an array of pasta and pizza dishes, along with standout mains including a burger, chicken parm, and New York sirloin among others. The thin crust pizzas are light and delicious,offering everything from classic pepperoni and Margherita to more creative options. Pasta lovers will enjoy options ranging from seafood to vodka gnocchi and lasagnes. The Ciao Bella is already a crowd favourite, both for its name and the combination of spicy vodka sauce, pancetta, pepperoni and stracciatella.

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As for the showstopping cocktails, alongside bellinis and house cocktails (including a strawberry negroni and Aperol strawberry sour) are nine original types of espresso martinis. In addition to Amalfi orange, Nutella, raspberry and decaf versions of everyone’s favourite cocktails, the tiramisu is perhaps the most in-demand of them all — and for good reason. All the espresso martinis are $10 during the daily 5  to 7 p.m. Happy Hour.

To create a cohesive yet unobtrusive backdrop for drinks and meals, Public Gardens features a soundtrack of rotating DJs spinning recognizable ’80s and ’90s classics alongside more modern beats.

“We don’t want the music blasting in your ear,” says Jones. “It’s levelled correctly for the designs of the area, so while you can hear the music, you’ll always be able to hear yourself talk.”   

Jones highlights that Public Gardens also broadcasts all the local and international sports games that the crowd might want to catch.

“We’re just a place in the neighbourhood where people can come and enjoy themselves,” he says. “It’s something accessible for everybody.”

Dear Sangita: My divorced parents are back in the sack

By
Julia Mastroianni
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0
divorcedparents
Courtesy SHVETS production/Pexels

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:  My parents got divorced when I was 10, and I’ve made my peace with it. But I visited my mom’s house a few weeks ago, and my dad’s car was in the driveway. When I entered the house, they were both just sitting at the kitchen table — but looking weirdly disheveled. My dad said he came over because he needed help with something legal. Keep in mind the two of them basically never talk. It all made me think that they might be hooking up again — and it’s freaking me out! Should I confront them both? Or try to stay blissfully in the dark? — Reverse parent trap

Dear Reverse:  Stay blissfully in the dark! It sounds like the divorce was amicable for your parents. It wasn’t an awful relationship to begin with, and they’re having a little bit of fun. That’s actually none of your business! They’re just two adults that are enjoying themselves. You don’t know exactly what they’re doing — maybe it was a one-time thing. But either way, it’s really not for you to know. You’re just making assumptions right now. If anything did happen, and if it does move into a relationship, you can be sure they’ll talk to you about it. For now, you didn’t see anything. You don’t need to know.

I’m sure the divorce was difficult for you when you were a child, and you had to go through that process and heal from it. But at the end of the day, maybe it could be nice that your parents have found each other again. For now, though, just leave it to them!

Dear Sangita: I’ve been dating my partner for three years now, and it’s been great. At the start of the relationship, he mentioned some family friends in his life, and I didn’t think anything of it. Once we got more serious, he explained that they’re actually his ex, from five years ago, and her daughter (who isn’t his) — it appears he’s kept up a relationship with them all this time. He’s offered to babysit for her many times; he goes to her daughter’s birthday parties. When I met them for the first time, I could tell how comfortable he felt with both of them. I feel weird about it and worry it’s going to affect our relationship. Should I say something? — Blended family blues

Dear Blended: It sounds like he sees this little girl as his family, even though she’s not biologically his child. He was in a relationship with this woman, so he must have taken care of the child, and he loves her child — and that comes with the mom. I would be jealous, too, but this is where confidence comes in with your relationship with this man. You need to talk to his ex — you’re so fixated on his relationship with her, but it’s really about the daughter. There’s more of a bond between him and the child than with his ex, and he’s keeping his relationship with her intact because he’s attached to her daughter. I think if you have a real conversation with his ex, that will help you understand the relationship. It’s ultimately a really beautiful, wonderful thing that your boyfriend wants to keep this bond with this child. 

It’s rare for a man to want to do that — ultimately it’s not his child, and so he didn’t have to be in her life. You can’t say to your partner, “I don’t want you to be seeing this little girl anymore.” She brings him happiness, right? I would never take away someone who is loving from a child.

Dear Sangita: I met a guy on a dating app in December 2023 and we have been texting since then, but I still have not been able to go on a date with him. He lives in Toronto and goes to university in Ottawa so we weren’t able to meet during the school year, but when summer came around I tried to organize something and found it really hard. We never ended up seeing each other. A few times he’d say yes, we’d have everything booked and then the day before I’d ask him if he’s available and he’d have a detailed response as to why he can’t make it (e.g. a baby shower his mum just told him about or his cold came back after walking in the rain). Now he’s gone completely quiet and isn’t replying to my texts. Is it time to give up? I still really like him. We have absolutely amazing conversations through text that go on for days at a time and I have opened up to him about things like my dad having cancer and me having anxiety issues and he has been so nice about it all. He sends me pictures of his dog! Why is he so nice to me yet won’t go out with me? — Fearing the friend zone 

Dear Fearing: You’re penpals — he’s finding comfort with you, and you’re finding comfort with him, and it’s possible he doesn’t want to ruin that, because he has this outlet that is a friendship. Maybe one day he’ll want to take your relationship the next step forward, but if he’s making excuses, that’s a sign that he’s happy where the relationship is.

If you’re gaining a friend who you can talk to about serious things, that’s a good thing. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing — you have a pen pal, and you tried to take it further, but he doesn’t want to go there right now. That’s OK! Maybe he has a girlfriend, but I think ultimately he’s finding a lot of comfort in you, and that’s a beautiful thing.

I bet if you take the conversation back to a friendship kind of tone, he will respond. Put it casually: “I appreciate our conversation and the great friendship that we’ve created between us, and I’m always here for you.” I don’t think you need to give him an ultimatum.

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?

Surprising no one, Toronto named coolest city in Canada

By
Nisean Lorde
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0
Courtesy meetmeonossington.ca

Toronto’s housing market may be super expensive, but at least it’s the coolest place in Canada. A new report analysed cities across the US and Canada to identify the 50 coolest cities, based on factors such as cultural and arts scene, lifestyle and recreation (e.g., attending a sports event, taking a shopping trip, enjoying a mindful walk in a public park), population/residents, dining and nightlife, social and community engagement, tech and connectivity, environmental sustainability, as well as trendiness and media coverage — and Toronto took the top spot in the country.

Categories were assessed using 19 relevant metrics and researchers created an index with a top score of 100 — the higher the score, the cooler the city.

“When all eight categories listed…are combined, from a city’s tech scene and connectivity levels to its environmental policies, social inclusion and general media coverage, we can measure how cool it is. While the largest cities such as NYC and LA are the most obvious, there are others that have made our list due to their unique personality and universal attraction,” study researchers stated.

Based on the data, Toronto, which the research notes “excels in nightlife and tech”, was listed as the 6th overall coolest city in North America and the no. 1 coolest city in Canada (it’s also the only Canadian city to place in the top 10), with a score of 40.94 out of 100. Vancouver, known for recreation and environmental sustainability, ranked 13th overall with a score of 33.25/100. Calgary, highlighted as being strong in social engagement and dining, came in 18th place with a score of 27.71. Montreal, recognized for lifestyle and recreation, came in 21st spot with a score of 25.48. Edmonton, known for social engagement and sustainability, was ranked 24th overall with a score of 24.97.

Other Canadian cities to make the list (albeit on a somewhat lower scale) are Winnipeg, which ranked no. 35 in North America, with a coolness score of 20.79 out of 100; Ottawa, which ranked 40th, with a score of 19.92; Quebec City ranked 45th with a score of 15.68; Kitchener ranked 46th with a score of 15.61; and Hamilton took 48th spot with a score of 14.91.

The top five cities with the highest coolness scores were all based in the U.S. New York City ranked first (with a score of 72.68), followed by Washington (with a distant score of 48.75), Los Angeles (48.66), San Francisco (44.63), and Portland (42.26) rounding out the top five.

When carrying out this research, some of the categories had a greater influence than others. For example, Google searches are weighted low while the number of historical places has a higher ranking, as this gives a fairer and more tangible representation of the city in question.

It’s no surprise that Toronto topped the list in Canada — the city is home to some of the best food, shopping, and city life around! If you’re trying to figure out what to do in the city amidst the overwhelming amount of options, check out our list of 200 of all the best things about Toronto, from the best burgers and pizzas to the best boutiques, bookstores, comedy bars, and more!.

Toronto’s 2024 Best of the Best: 24 top places for fun right now

By
Ron Johnson
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0
The Rivoli

Introducing Toronto’s 2024 Best of the Best, where we’ve scoured the city to uncover everything from the coolest venues to the best pool halls, the sharpest tailors and the most talented tattoo artists. In this three-part series, we’re sliding into the third instalment: FUN! Whether you’re looking for the best place for live music or you’re searching for the city’s best bowling alley, this guide includes all the top spots you need to try right now.

BEST NEW MUSIC CLUB

GROUND CONTROL on Queen West hit the ground running at NXNE and is filling a void in spaces for new music. Plus the Panic! retro dance night is amazing. 1279 Queen St. W.

groundcontrol

BEST COMEDY CLUB

ABSOLUTE hosts nightly standup shows featuring a mix of seasoned comedians and up-and-comers with a relaxing atmosphere and a lineup that always hits. 2355 Yonge St.

COMEDY BAR has a killer combination of top notch touring standups, local legends and a variety of creative sketch and improv shows. Plus the new Danforth club rocks.  2800 Danforth Ave. & 945 Bloor St. W.

comedy bar
Comedy Bar Facebook

BEST DRAG BRUNCH

GLAD DAY’S Sunday drag brunch is a truly magical experience. Enjoy brunch while a rotating cast of drag performers delights and entertains. 499 Church St.

 

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BEST BOARD GAMES

The original SNAKES & LATTES continues to dominate the gaming scene, especially at its fantastic midtown location on two floors. A must-visit. 45 Eglinton Ave. E. 

snakes and lattes

BEST ARCADE GAMES

ZED80, a cosy arcade bar, features over 35 arcade games for just $5 (or $10 on weekends). Enjoy great food on weekends, or bring your own snacks. 185 Danforth Ave.

zed80 arcade bar in Toronto

BEST COOKING CLASS

Who doesn’t love a good cooking class? Well, there is no place better to indulge than EATALY, which has amazing hands-on pasta and pizza classes and more.  55 Bloor St. W. 

eataly in Toronto
Eataly in Toronto

BEST PIANO BAR

JEAN DARLENE PIANO BAR is a hidden gem where live music and a ’70s Hollywood vibe come together for an unforgettable night out. 1203 Dundas St. W.

BEST LIVE BAND KARAOKE

Kensington Market’s venerable SUPERMARKET is home to the best live band karaoke in the city. The next event is scheduled for Sept. 4. Don’t miss it! 268 Augusta Ave. 

supermarket in Toronto

BEST PUBLIC ART

Monument to the War of 1812, by Douglas Coupland, is a striking and playful tribute in Toronto, featuring larger-than-life toy soldiers. So fantastic. 600 Fleet St.

coupland statue Toronto
Monument to the War of 1812 (photo: aka Tman)

BEST REP CINEMA

The FOX THEATRE takes the prize for its charm, its creative special events and its inventive programming that always seems to get it right.  2236 Queen St. E. 

Fox Theatre

BEST MULTIPLEX MOVIE THEATRE

Although the competition is fierce, the SCOTIABANK reigns supreme thanks to its incredible IMAX screen and laser projector. Unrivalled. 259 Richmond St. W. scotiabanktheatre

BEST GALLERY

The MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART  is a dynamic cultural hub across multiple floors. Explore thought-provoking exhibitions and a vibrant space. 158 Sterling Rd.

 

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BEST INDIE THEATRE 

CROW’S THEATRE has been consistent in its unconventional and provocative productions and had the show of the year last season. What can they do to top it? 345 Carlaw Ave.

Crow's Theatre in Toronto
Crow’s Theatre in Toronto

BEST MUSIC HALL

We are all in on the revival of the legendary CONCERT HALL. It has a great vibe, amazing sound and it’s just an epic room. It doesn’t hurt that it has a history that includes the first Canadian Led Zeppelin show, amongst other things.  888 Yonge St. 

The Concert Hall
The Concert Hall (Instagram: @888yonge)

BEST BOOK SHOP

Serious readers and casual chapter sloths alike will love TYPE indie bookstore, with three locations in town, including one in Forest Hill Village. 427 Spadina Rd.

 

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BEST LIT VIBES

The ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE ROOM  at Toronto Reference Library is a hidden gem designed to mimic Holmes’ iconic 221B Baker Street apartment. Amazing. 789 Yonge St.

BEST FOR SPINS

Japanese-inspired listening lounges are having a moment in Toronto, and LITTLE JERRY got things rolling and still impresses with its audio bathing brilliance. 418 College St.

 

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BEST ESCAPE ROOM

SECRET CITY ADVENTURES  operates some massive escape rooms at both Casa Loma and Black Creek Pioneer Village, with live actors and immense theatricality. 1 Austin Terr. (Casa Loma).

BEST OPEN MIC

For 15 years, the PAINTED LADY has been hosting one of the best open nights anywhere. Hosted by Kunle, performers can showcase two songs and it is so good. 218 Ossington Ave.

BEST CLIMBING GYM

TRUE NORTH, at Downsview Park, is an awesome climbing experience that even boasts the world’s largest climbable stalactite wall, descending from the ceiling. 73 Carl Hall Rd., Unit 14

True North climbing
True North climbing

BEST TRIVIA NIGHT

Wednesdays at LEFT FIELD BREWERY is always a popular spot for Brainbuster Trivia. It helps that Left Field has some of the best craft suds in the city and two fun locations. 36 Wagstaff Dr.

BEST BOWLING

Five-pin bowling was invented right there in Toronto, and one of the best places to partake is SHAMROCK BOWL. This joint dates back to the early ’50s and has been lovingly restored with purpose and intent to reflect that vibe. 280 Coxwell Ave.

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Shamrock Bowl

BEST POOL

Most people know the legendary Queen West hot spot, RIVOLI, for its delish restaurant and live music and comedy in the backroom. But the upstairs pool hall is fantastic, and getting popular all of a sudden. 334 Queen St. W.

The best mac and cheese in Toronto

By
Jennifer Schembri
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Bobbie Sue's Mac & Cheese
Bobbie Sue's Mac & Cheese

Hearty dishes are a staple for crisp fall days, with items like veggie-based soups, meat stews and creamy pasta bakes dominating recipe blogs and seasonal menus. We went ahead and rounded up everyone’s tried-and-true comfort food staple: mac and cheese so you can score an indulgent meal when the mood strikes.

Bobbie Sue’s

A shoe-in for everybody’s favourite macaroni and cheese spot, this take-out restaurant has a vast menu to suit everyone’s unique taste. Try the Blue Buffalo Chicken for something different, or keep things typical with the classic five cheese blend.

Smoque N’ Bones

 

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This Southern-style smokehouse on Queen West dishes up slow-cooked meats and traditional sides in a rustic-chic setting. This spot puts its own smokehouse spin on everybody’s favourite side, like the chopped brisket, macaroni folded with “SmoQued” chopped brisket, herb infused butter and topped with crispy breadcrumbs.

The Hogtown Vegan

 

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This well-known vegan spot serves up the best in plant-based eats that skip the meat and dairy but don’t sacrifice flavour. The Mac N’ Cheeze is a cult favourite, made with vegan cheese and customized to your liking with optional additions like vegan bacon bits or vegan fried chicken.

Factory Girl


Factory Girl is a Gastropub on the Danforth that serves up all the pub-food classics including a self-proclaimed “almost famous” macaroni and cheese dish, made with fresh fusilli, alfredo sauce, mushroom, diced tomatoes, mozzarella, cheddar cheese and bread crumbs. Kick it up a notch with house-made spicy sausage.

The Heartbreak Chef

Switch things up and have your mac in a new way with The Mac & Charlie Sandwich, The Heartbreak Chef’s signature five cheese blend creamy macaroni and cheese stuffed inside a grilled cheese. Make it even more indulgent by adding a piece of fried chicken tossed in Carolina butter or Dutty Jerk Sauce for a macaroni and cheese experience you’ve never had before.

You can dine with gold-clad dancers at this stunning new restaurant in the GTA

By
Jennifer Schembri
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A dish from Omni
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The chef behind a popular catering and private chef service has made a home in the GTA. At Omnia Restaurant & Lounge, chef Ariel Marciano serves up a unique fusion of Mediterranean and Asian flavours, in a bustling restaurant and lounge where — between nightly DJs, special entertainment and shisha sessions — there is always something happening.

With a dress code as well as black and gold accents on green velvet seating, this restaurant offers a lavish downtown Toronto vibe in Woodbridge.

 

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“We want it to be a place you can bring your date, bring your business partner, bring a birthday celebration or have a girls night out,” says Marciano. “It can be whatever you want it to be.”

Marciano, head chef at Omnia, met the restaurant’s owner through Marciano’s catering business, Chef de la Mesa, which he launched during the pandemic. Known for his elevated, in-home dining experiences and more than 11,000 Instagram followers, Marciano aims to make every event feel regal.

At Omnia, he brings this philosophy to life with golden-costumed dancers, drummers and DJs spinning a mix of house, Spanish and Arabic music, tailored to the crowd.

After 9:30 p.m., guests at Omnia can enjoy high-quality Middle Eastern shisha in a space with well-spaced tables and booths, ensuring a separate dining experience for those who prefer not to partake.

 

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The menu features Asian-influenced Mediterranean dishes, like the popular roasted branzino and the striking black
forest pasta with squid ink gnocchetti, caramelized onions, mushrooms and cherry tomatoes that’s topped with a chili- enhanced teriyaki cream sauce.

For an Instagram-worthy experience, try the nigiri, presented in a black suitcase with a premium selection, including
hamachi, salmon and bluefin tuna, creating an immersive and colourful display.

Visit Omnia Restaurant & Lounge at 100 Regina Rd., Woodbridge.

This Toronto hotel spa was just named the best in Canada

By
Nisean Lorde
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Hotel X Toronto Guerlain Spa Toronto Wins Canada s Best Hotel Sp
Hotel X Toronto Guerlain Spa Toronto

Guerlain Spa in Toronto received top honours at the 10th Annual World Spa Awards on Tuesday. The spa, which is nestled within Hotel X Toronto — a luxury hotel on the Lake Ontario waterfront — was named Canada’s Best Hotel Spa of 2024 due to its prestigious Parisian treatments, impressive facilities, and innovative wellness approach

The awards celebrate the best in the global spa industry, so Guerlain Spa beat out the country’s most esteemed spa destinations.

“Being recognized by the World Spa Awards as Canada’s Best Hotel Spa reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire Guerlain Spa Toronto team, who strive daily to deliver world-class experiences for our guests,” Jennifer Loyola, Director, Guerlain Spa Toronto, said in a statement. “We would like to thank the World Spa Awards and our valued clients, whose support and trust have made this achievement possible.”

The spa offers sensory experiences that calm the mind, arouse the senses, and soothes the soul, including a variety of holistic treatments, like signature facials, gua sha, registered massage therapy, cupping, and reflexology.

They also have special packages available—everything from bridal prep and glow packages (to get one’s skin prepped and glowing for their big day) to couples’ journey packages (massages for two), and post-natal massages for moms. The spa also boasts a serene lakeview relaxation area, a rejuvenating steam room, and a beauty boutique.

Other Canadian spas to make the list this year include Whistler Spa at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler (it won Canada’s Best Resort Spa of 2024), Grail Springs Retreat Centre for Wellbeing (Canada’s Best Wellness Retreat of 2024), and Strøm Nordic Spa in Old Quebec (Canada’s Best Day Spa of 2024).

The World Spa Awards are considered the most prestigious awards programme in the spa tourism industry. Nomination entries were received between January and April of this year, nominees were announced at the end of April, and voting took place between May and August. Entries for the 11th annual World Spa Awards open on Jan. 27, 2025.

Meet the Toronto couple behind the first horror bookstore in Canada

By
Julia Mastroianni
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littleghostscouple

Chris and Jason Krawczyk put Toronto on the map — literally — as a haunted destination thanks to the opening of Little Ghosts in 2022, Canada’s first horror bookstore. The macabre pair share the details of their horror-filled first date and Alien vs. Predator–themed wedding. 

How they met

C: I was at the local dive bar, and he came in. My friend owned the bar, and I looked at him, and I said, “Put him on my tab; he looks like he needs it.” So he sat next to me and we talked all night.

J: I had a bad breakup, and I went to a bar, which I usually don’t do, and it was raining, so I looked very much like John Cusack in High Fidelity. And then Chris invited me to their birthday, and it went from there.

The first date

C: Jay invited me to the Bloody Mary Film Festival, a short film festival for female horror directors. I assumed it was a group thing, so I said sure. He said he would come pick me up, and when he walked in he was wearing a shirt — a nice one. And I realized it was a date! So halfway through the film festival, I pretended to be scared so I could hold his hand.

The relationship

C: I took Jay home to visit my grandmother, and he went to the bathroom. And she looked at me and said, “So what are you doing?” And I was like, “Oh, I don’t know. He’s nice.” And she said, “That man is in love with you.” 

The proposal

J: Chris forged the wedding rings himself! 

C: I was working on it for so long, and I’m extremely terrible at secrets. So it was very hard. My biological parents died when I was nine, but I had their wedding rings, so I took them to the Devil’s Workshop, which is downtown in Toronto, and smelted them down to make us new rings. But about halfway through the process, it suddenly occurred to me that it would be such a shame for Jay to miss out on all this time of making these rings. I thought, I don’t want to miss out on us doing something together, so I guess I’m going to propose sooner than I thought. We were going to this convention, so I had this ring in my pocket for days — I didn’t know what to do with it or when to do it. 

One night we were playing an X-Men arcade game, and I told him, “If you beat me, you get a prize.”

J: I thought it was going to be a cookie we couldn’t get in Toronto or something!

C: So we settled in, and we were watching the horror movie Spookies, and I thought, OK, this is a good time. 

J: But it was nice because we got to do the final smithing workshop as an engaged couple.

The wedding

J: We did the paperwork, and we had a couple of our friends there as witnesses, so that was nice. And then we had a wedding reception with friends in New Jersey — and we did an Alien vs. Predator theme for that one, because Chris likes Alien and I like Predator. 

The bookstore

littleghostsbookstore
L-R: Jason and Chris Krawczyk in front of Little Ghosts

J: During the pandemic, we started reading horror books, but we didn’t really know where to get them. We started to find some more indie stuff, and then Chris said, “I think I want to open a bookstore.”

C: Little Ghosts was the first time I built something where someone close to me really wanted to be involved. And I think he’s really found a home in it. 

It always surprises me how many people, both locals or travellers, say our bookshop was on their list and they came all this way to see it. I also undersold or misunderstood how meaningful it was going to be to the queer community. I quietly came out as trans during the pandemic, but it’s always something Jay knew about me and that we talked about together. But you don’t really know what that means publicly. And for us, it has meant that a lot of people have made a home here. There are a lot of queer authors working in the genre who talk about feeling weird in your body, or being othered in these ways that are cathartic for people.

We have a monthly book club and we run fiction workshops. Little Ghosts is also a small publisher, and every author wants their spooky books to be coming out right now. And this year, we’re doing a scary story contest that will be open until Halloween.

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