Sabrina Carpenter is currently in Toronto as part of her Short N’ Sweet concert tour. The pop superstar will perform at Scotiabank Theatre tonight, but prior to her performance, the singer is taking time to explore the city — including making a pit stop at Kops Records on Queen Street West, one of the city’s oldest independent vinyl record stores.
“@sabrinacarpenter just came by ????Thank you for your love and support!” a Kops Records employee posted to Instagram on Tuesday, alongside selfies of the employee with the “Espresso” hitmaker.
The post received thousands of likes and comments, with fans super excited that the singer randomly popped into the store.
“NO WAY SHES JUST CASUALLY AT KOPS WHAT,” one user wrote.
“SHES JUST CASUALLY AT KOPS WHAT,” another user wrote.
Another gushed, “this is so iconic wow!”
Others referred to Carpenter as their “comfort pop star” and to Kops as their “comfort record store” while more than a few simply commented with “OMG.”
The Instagram post also includes a shot of a signed copy of Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet album, with the message, “I [heart] Kops Records.”
Earlier this month, Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet debuted at number one on Billboard 200, earning 362,000 equivalent album units in the United States in the week ending Aug. 29, according to Billboard, making it the year’s third-largest debut. The album also has chart-topping songs, like “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” — and Carpenter fans will likely get to hear them tonight during her performance!
If you want to check out Kops Records, they have three locations: 395 Queen St. W., which is a short walk from Osgoode station and houses North America’s largest collection of rare and northern soul 45s; 209 Danforth Ave., which features a “Backroom Records” section for new record releases (they also buy records at this location); and 34 King St E, Oshawa, filled with collectibles and new releases.
Chamberlains Pony Bar is the newest addition to the slew of bars and eateries in the fashion district, but it’s not your standard King street pub — the latter half of the name will give you a hint, but only partially.
Set to open at the corner of King and Portland by the end of September, Chamberlains is a British style pub with equestrian themes, and plot twist: a Tex-Mex menu accompanied by riffs on classic cocktails and a whole array of margaritas.
Conceptualized by a collective of local creatives and restaurateurs who felt King street was in need of a cozy British pub, the space is inspired by trips to England and Texas alike. The result is a well-lived interior characterized by dark wood, velvet patterned chairs and brass details and centered around an upscale but approachable drink menu consisting of twists on classic cocktails.
It’s intimate, seating 86, but it will soon be accompanied by an exterior side patio.
“It’s where old world sophistication compliments modern indulgence,” says brand and marketing director Camille Borody, adding that the project has been nearly a year in the making. “It’s been a labour of love, but it’s a really cozy space.”
As for food, guests can enjoy small savoury bites and Mexican hand-helds. Borody says that the team wants the food to feel like a little bit of a surprise, though a delicious and cravable one.
Steering the vision is bar manager Joey Lamarche, a Montreal-born bartender who previously worked with bespoke Toronto cocktail bars Bar Prequel and Charlemagne, and chef Billy Nguyen, who has worked at a number of restaurants across Toronto including Centro and Canoe.
The pub will offer a daily happy hour, operate on a walk-in basis only and serve food until the 2 a.m. last call alongside the bar.
Keeping with the equestrian theme, guests can expect to see vintage horse racing on the TVs as well as some select sports games.
“There’s a few equestrian themes that help give context to the name, and once you see those touches and experience the space, it all comes together,” says Borody.
Swifties (including Toronto city councillors!) are gearing up for Taylor Swift to perform in Toronto for six nights this November as part of her Eras Tour. Each show is expected to draw in about 50,000 people, including thousands of tourists from out of town. While many Toronto hotels are looking at ingenious ways to market to these super fans, many are wondering where the star herself will stay while in town. Here are a few potential options:
Fairmont Royal York
@fairmontroyalyork/Instagram
This near-century-old hotel is one of Toronto’s most famous celebrity hotspots as well as a cultural landmark! According to Forbes, Fairmont has hosted the likes of iconic guests like Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Alfred Hitchcock, Tina Turner, Eartha Kitt and even the late Queen Elizabeth. Recent A-listers include Leonardo DiCaprio, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Aniston and Justin Bieber.
If Swift graces the hotel during her stay, she’ll enjoy an expansive suite with elevated services and amenities, including access to an exclusive 18th-floor lounge, a personalized concierge and evening canapés.
SoHo Hotel Toronto
Courtesy sohohoteltoronto.com
The SoHo Hotel Toronto on Wellington Street West has been a notoriously popular spot for A-list actors and celebrities (particularly during TIFF) for years, and as it’s known for its discreetly luxurious accommodations, there’s a huge possibility that the “Shake it Off” singer might crash here!
If Swift does stay here, she’ll be just steps away from the Rogers Centre. She’ll also likely enjoy the tri-level SoHo Penthouse, which is considered the pinnacle of modern luxury (and is a fave for high-profile guests). The 4,000-square-foot suite is sprawled over three floors, boasts its own private elevator and is an elite residence.
Swift’s entourage of celebrity friends or even Swifties who want a chance to live like their idol (if only for a night) can opt for the special Cornelia Suite Package, inspired by the pop icon’s former apartment on Cornelia Street in New York’s SoHo district. In addition to a stay in a SoHo Suite or a one-bedroom suite in the SoHo Residences, this package includes official Taylor Swift concert merchandise and a friendship bracelet to mark the occasion!
Bisha Hotel
Courtesy bishahoteltoronto.com
This is a popular hangout space for celebs during major events like TIFF. Previous guests included Margot Robbie, Emma Thompson and Jake Gyllenhaal, and tons of other stars were spotted at a soiree at TIFF 2024, including Amy Adams, Dakota Johnson, Jennifer Lopez, Jude Law and Don Cheadle! This boutique hotel has also been listed among this year’s most outstanding hotels in Canada according to the new Michelin Key distinction guide (it was given Two Keys, meaning a very special stay). As it’s in the heart of the Entertainment District, and only a few minutes away from the Rogers Centre, it’d be a perfect spot for Swift to crash at!
The hotel also has quite a few themed suites, including the Taylor suite — a deluxe one-bedroom suite filled with Taylor-inspired brandings, like Swift-themed artwork, Swift quotes posted to the wall, album visuals, friendship bracelets and even a curated Taylor playlist.
The Ritz-Carlton
Courtesy ritzcarlton.com
This urban sanctuary is nestled in downtown Toronto and is within walking distance to the Rogers Centre. It’s a fav for A-listers, like Ryan Gosling, Angelina Jolie and George Clooney, due to its central location, British-inspired Gastropub and fancy spa (complete with bespoke high-tech Clarins facials, a champagne nail bar and a globally inspired massage menu).
If Swift stays here, perhaps she’ll enjoy the Ritz-Carlton Suite, a sprawling 2,415-square-foot space overlooking a breathtaking lake view with full-length windows spanning its width. The interior features glamorous lighting, black-and-white wall art and platinum-hued deco furnishings, including a pair of velvet couches in the living room. The suite has a separate kitchen with a full-size refrigerator and study as well as a master bathroom lined with marble. Swift could also access The Ritz-Carlton’s Club Lounge with exclusive amenities like personalized private shopping at the city’s top designer stores, a dedicated concierge, and 5 p.m. cocktails!
Swift will perform from Nov. 14-16 and 21-23 at the Rogers Centre. Whether or not you have tickets to see Swift, prior to her performances, the North Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre will be transformed into the ultimate Taylor Swift fan experience, Toronto’s Version: Taylgate ’24, which will run daily on Swift’s concert dates from 1 p.m. until 11 p.m.
The festivities for the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany have officially begun, but you don’t need to hop on a plane to take part in the boozy festivities! There are a few festivals and events happening right here in Ontario. Whether you know why you’re celebrating or not (we believe the origins of the festival have something to do with crown prince of Bavaria’s marriage back in the 1800s, but who’s keeping track anyway), you can plan a beer-filled daytripper through these five Oktoberfest events in Ontario.
This is the big one! Kitchener-Waterloo has been home to the second-largest Oktoberfest in the world for over 40 years. The festivities this year, held from Sept. 27 to Oct. 19, features something for everyone, from kid-focused festivities to DOGtoberfest, which includes a pup triathlon and a Super Dogs performance. Visit the region for a look at the 14-foot ‘Wunderwagon’ mobile stage that will be cruising around Waterloo featuring local performers. Plus, a whole host of local restaurants will be offering Oktoberfest features throughout the weeks along with special weekend activities as part of the organization’s Festhallen celebrations. The entertainment lineup at participating venues includes The Reklaws, Simple Plan, Matthew Good and more. You’ll find plenty of Biergartens and traditional food to partake in the celebrations!
As London’s German cultural hub, it’s no surprise that the German Canadian Club will be putting on the city’s Oktoberfest celebrations. Featuring authentic German entertainment from Oct. 25-26, prepare to see Canada’s polka king, Walter Ostanek, Concordia Club’s Enzian Schuhplattler Verein — performing traditional Bavarian dance — cover band Sold For Sheep and award-winning Twin City Alpine Echo. If you’re looking for a VIP experience, grab premium tickets that include an Oktoberfest T-shirt, a bier stein, dedicated table service and more.
Happening from Oct. 25-26, Muskoka Oktoberfest is back with its annual music, culinary and beer festival taking place across breweries and restaurants in Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Lake of Bays, Muskoka Lakes and Georgian Bay. Participating restaurants will be providing traditional German fare, including sausages, pretzels, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, spätzle and more — but with a Muskoka spin that could include top local ingredients such as cranberries or maple. Beer lovers can also hop on the Brew Bus for a tour of four local breweries. The live music schedule is still being announced, but a few confirmed artists include Boston Levi, traditional Oktoberfest music with Weiss Blau Band and Christina Hutt.
Take a trip to Guelph for Royal City Brewing Co.’s annual Oktoberfest celebrations from Sept. 27-29. Enjoy live music, German-inspired food, seasonal beers, traditional games and even some activities for kids! For the competitive at heart, take part in the stein-holding competition or pretzel-eating contest — and then celebrate your prowess with a visit to the beer hall for a hard-earned drink. Dance and sing to the sounds of traditional Bavarian band Wildbahn, cover band The Flamingos and more, and bring the kids for a bouncy castle, face painting, hot dogs and ice cream!
If you don’t want to travel at all for good beer and great fun, head to Downsview Airport Lands for Toronto Oktoberfest. Featuring themed entertainment, traditional food and drink and beer, beer and more beer, festival rules encourage you to dress in traditional garb, introduce yourself to strangers and compliment your tablemates as much as possible — and sing, laugh and dance all day long! Plus, an attempt to speak German, even if all you know is “hallo,” is always appreciated.
Toronto’s Kensington Market has been named one of the world’s best foodie finds, according to a recent study that looked at TikTok data. The study, conducted by hotel chain Premier Inn, analysed TikTok hashtag data for 151 food markets across six continents to discover the most popular street markets across the globe.
According to the study, street food markets are continuing to grow in popularity, with Google Trends data reporting a 10 per cent increase over the past year in searches for destinations that allow travellers to ‘eat like the locals’ in cost-effective and casual settings.
“Food is something that excited many about travel and allows us to really connect with the culture and heritage of a location,” a spokesperson for Premier Inn stated. “With so many chain restaurants in each city, opting to head to a local food market instead can reveal delicious foods that you may not otherwise get the opportunity to try, not to mention that it also gives the opportunity for everyone to eat what they want, at a reasonable price.
Kensington Market (no. 9) in Toronto and ByWard Market (no. 14) in downtown Ottawa both rank in the top 15 of the world’s best foodie finds (and are the only two Canadian markets to make the top 15).
There were 6,165 TikTok videos specifically tagging Kensington Market in relation to the food market. It also ranks as the third most popular street-food market in North America, following Pike Place (no. 4) in Seattle, which takes the top spot as North America’s most shared food market on TikTok (with more than 14,800 videos associated with its food market), and Ponce City Market (no. 8) in Atlanta, which has 6,832 videos on TikTok.
It’s no surprise that Kensington Market made the list, it has long been an important shopping, foodie, hangout, and tourist spot, featuring tons of specialty items and foods from around the globe, as well as murals, family-friendly events, and over 240 eclectic businesses!
Another Toronto food market to make the top 50 global list is St. Lawrence Market (no. 25) with 1,937 videos tagging the historical market. St. Lawrence has 120 vendors, merchants, and artisans, and has been around for more than 200 hundred years!
When solely looking at markets in North America, Market 707 (707 Dundas St W) ranks no. 25 with 24 video tags. This market, near Dundas and Bathurst, is the city’s first and only retail market wherein every vendor operates out of their own shipping container
Other global favs included Souq Waqif, which was founded more than a century ago in Qatar’s capital (the old downtown area of Doha). With over 47,000 hashtags, it’s the most popular food market on the platform!
London, England is also a favourite for market foodies, with its Camden and Borough Markets ranking in second and third place globally. A full breakdown of the markets and their rankings can be found here.
It’s a strange thing to see actor Rossif Sutherland — son of the late Canadian icon Donald Sutherland and brother of Kiefer — star in a glossy, bigger-budget network crime drama like Global’s new Murder in a Small Town.
You know him best from his gritty independent films, all the way from 2007’s Poor Boy’s Game to 2015’s River to 2020’s Possessor. Still, he’s no stranger to television, especially as of late, with recent stints in The Handmaid’s Tale, Three Pines and Plan B.
In his latest, he finally takes the lead as Karl Alberg, a strong, silent type who moves to a fittingly quiet, coastal town to take a break from a tough career as a policeman. But of course, even in this seemingly tranquil town, he soon finds himself back on the murder beat. Love strikes, too, with Cassandra, a local librarian played by fellow Canadian treasure Kristen Kreuk. (The two share a fizzy chemistry.)
The series, which premieres on Sept. 24, is based on the Edgar Award-winning, nine-book Karl Alberg series by novelist L.R. Wright, meaning if the first season proves popular with viewers, this could be an ongoing gig for Sutherland. While he isn’t used to being front and centre, he’s got a deep affection for Karl, making that an exciting prospect.
“I’ve played detectives before, but [Karl] is different,” says Sutherland, in his signature deep and moody drawl. “He doesn’t wear a uniform, and he’s not somebody who flashes his badge or shows off his gun. He’s a detective who…can connect on a very human level. He fascinates me in the way that Columbo did when I was a kid. He gets the truth out of people because he listens and knows how to ask the right questions without making people defensive.”
A fan of the show himself, Sutherland hopes there’s more to come, even just to know what happens between Karl and Cassandra. He promises, “We’ve only scratched the surface.”
As with most of his roles, in Murder in a Small Town, Sutherland adds another dimension to a character that in any other show might feel rote. You get the sense he’s been through stuff, and indeed had an entire life before he arrived in town.
That gravitas is something the series producers picked up on, too, when Sutherland auditioned for the role. He had read the first book, and yet, his interpretation of the character was a complete surprise to them.
Like most, Sutherland has partaken here and there in pop culture’s true crime boom, particularly when it comes to podcasts. But with this series, he says, what draws him the most is the love story at its core.
“They’re trying to make the most of this extraordinary gift, which is finding love halfway through your life with the weight of each other’s mistakes,” he says. “But it’s the exploration of trying to define what that love actually means that I thought was a fascinating exercise for a TV show.”
Kristen Kreuk and Rossif Sutherland
Speaking of which, Sutherland lights up, a grin spreading across his face when Kreuk comes up. He says, “I love and adore that woman. We had a chemistry read on Zoom, and it was an absurd exercise, but they saw something and I’m glad they saw what they saw, because every time we were on set together, I don’t think acting has ever been so easy. She’s so present, generous and funny, and she’s been doing this for a long, long time. Having never been the lead of a TV show, she was a great support and guide as I tried to navigate my way through this experience.”
It’s an experience that sees Sutherland on posters all over Toronto, where he lives with his wife (former Reign co-star Celina Sinden) and son, and one that’s left him “in complete denial.”
“I’m used to doing small independent Canadian films that are such a joy to make, but they get seen in festivals, or by some people if they [make it],” he says, a bashful blush creeping across his face. “There’s nowhere for me to hide from this. But it was very much a labour of love; it didn’t matter how big the machine was or how much money was pulled into it.”
For the actor, it was a whole new beast, from the “endurance” of the everyday (which included long days and little sleep on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast) to studying multiple episode scripts simultaneously.
Adding to the thrill was the series’ many guest stars, including James Cromwell, Stana Katic, Paula Patton, Noah Reid, Erica Durance, Devon Sawa and so many more.
“It was such a privilege to work with all these people,” says Sutherland. “We made it fun. It was a very healthy, nurturing working environment and I guess that was part of my responsibility. I never had that, where the way I behave and go about the work has any influence other than on just me, but it was quite a gorgeous thing to have my hand leading the orchestra.”
Poetic as ever, Sutherland is never more eloquent than when discussing his father, who died in June at the age of 88, and was the reason his son became an actor and why he hopes to, eventually, make his way back to the film world.
“This was not a childhood ambition of mine,” says Sutherland. “I used to always tell my dad that I carried him in my pocket, whatever I did. And now my dad’s gone, but maybe not. Part of him lives in me and I hope to honour his memory with everything that I do; I’m an actor because of him and I’ll continue to be an actor because of him, but I haven’t worked since he passed away. It’s all been too raw; the exercise of losing myself in a character right now doesn’t feel right. But when the day comes that I’m ready to be on a set, that very place he called home, I know it will be very emotional for me, cathartic and beautiful. And I hope my dad comes to visit.”
A new Roncesvalles bar is giving diners the chance to try hundreds of wine and beer from around the world while experiencing one-of-a-kind pop-ups from local culinary creatives.
Bar Bossanova is the expansion of a popular bottle shop owned by beer steward Dan Grant and wine principal Ben Plisky-Somers. Opened during the pandemic lockdowns, Bossanova supplies the neighbourhood with hundreds of unique wines, beer and cider—many of which cannot be found in the LCBO — while also offering wine tasting, beer flights, and snack bites in the casual bar area.
And with business booming, including an increased demand for on-site consumption, Bar Bossanova was born.
“A lot of people were coming in and enjoying drinks, whether it was tasting flights or glasses or a can of beer, and there were times when we had to stop people from coming in to shop because of our capacity,” says Grant. “There’s no other place to have a nicer glass of wine or good craft beer that you’re not going to find at the LCBO.”
Luckily, the regular shoppers don’t have to go far, as Bar Bossanova is located at 101 Roncesvalles Avenue, right next door to the bottle shop where a law firm operated for more than 50 years. Transformed to match the vibe of the bottle shop, the bar offers an intimate space encouraging of connection and free of televisions and loud music.
“I love sports bars, but we have great ones here, and that’s not what this neighbourhood was missing,” Grant says. “Bar Bossanova is just a place where people can come and converse and have a pleasant experience without a lot of distraction.”
Bar Bossanova offers roughly 100 choices, including wines by the glass, craft beers, and ciders. Guests can sample something new before grabbing a full bottle next door.
“It might be a big investment for people to buy a higher-level wine, but if they come into the bar, they can have a glass and decide if it’s something that is worth the bigger investment to them later on,” says Grant. “We see people who shop the racks, but they don’t want to spend $120 on a bottle of Barolo, but they might spend $25 on a glass.”
The wines and craft beer can be paired with a wide selection of affordable and approachable snack items, from finger foods to pâté spreads and conservas (canned seafood from Spain). There are also cheese spreads with rotating features from Thin Blue Line Cheese, a Roncesvalles specialty cheese shop. One week guests might find Spanish cheese on the board, while the next could see French or Canadian.
A long time vegan, Grant adds it was important for him to include plant-based cheeses on the menu, as well, to make the snack offerings just a bit more welcoming to all who visit the bar.
“I know how hard it is to sometimes go out to a place where you want a glass of wine but you don’t want the mussels and oysters,” he says.
Those who do prefer the seafood can drop by Bar Bossanova every second Sunday for oyster shucking and champagne pairings, led by neighbourhood local Mike Kash, former principal shucker at Rodney’s Oyster House and owner of the now-closed Smoked & Cracked.
“Not everyone wants a cheese plate every week, so we wanted to invite other people,” says Grant. “As much as it’s an opportunity to try different things, it’s also an opportunity for us to do something different in our space and welcome the neighbourhood.”
With the opening of the bar, Grant says the bottle shop will continue to offer the wide selection while leaning towards operating as “more of a market.”
“People can have a small glass of wine and wander around and browse the shelves while they’re sipping a drink and just have a little bit more of a relaxing space than just a retail store,” he says. “We want people to come in and feel relaxed and enjoy something while they’re shopping.”
Piggy’s Island, a staple for Korean barbecue has a revamped menu focused on quality. Piggy’s serves classic Korean fare, such as grilled pork belly and beef short ribs and spicy cold noodles. For a late night bite, it’s open from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. every day. 5 Glen Cameron Rd., #27, Thornhill
This long-running spot is your late night fix for non-stop feasting. Open every night until late, this lively rodizio keeps the party going with endless grilled meats carved right at your table. Pair your steak with fresh salads, sides and chef specials — all unlimited and made to order. 205 Marycroft Ave., Woodbridge
Magic Noodles is a 24-hour haven for late night cravings, serving up fresh, hand-pulled noodles in soups and stir-fries all day and night. Choose from seven noodle shapes — everything from delicate silk strings to wide, flat ribbons. Perfect for those 3 a.m. hunger pangs. 7700 Markham Rd.,Markham
This place mixes up an eclectic fusion menu that’s as diverse as its crowd. From Caribbean spices to European classics, Marlowe has got a dish for every craving. The wine and martini lounge is perfect for kicking back, while DJs and live music keep the vibe buzzing. 155 York Blvd., Richmond Hill
Penelope Social is the late night spot Woodbridge has been waiting for. This chic hangout is all about creative cocktails and tapas-style shareables. Run by brothers Franco and Giuliano, the team here delivers premium service and a menu that’s both inventive and mouth-watering. 125 Hawkview Blvd., Woodbridge
As the weather gets cooler, the season of giving will soon be upon us. Hoping to get your loved ones something unique or treat yourself? Permanent jewelry has grown in popularity in the city, with more and more studios offering the service — which requires special equipment to weld or “zap” the ends of your bracelet or anklet together so that no clasp is needed. From anklets featuring your birthstone to solid gold bracelets, these are the best places to get permanent jewelry in Toronto.
Let sparks fly at Leah Alexandra Jewerly’s Spark Studio, creating a forever moment as you select your bracelet from a wide range of solid 14k gold or sterling silver chains that can be crafted to any desired length. One quick flash from a micro laser and you’ll have a seamless bracelet to last you a lifetime. Leah Alexandra Jewelry is open seven days a week and accepts walk-ins but you may book an appointment in advance. Find them at 188 University Ave. in the Shangri La Hotel.
Putting the zap in zapped jewelry, Gemlet is taking the permanent jewelry scene by storm. With a total of four locations across the GTA, Gemlet caters to all of your lifelong bracelet needs. Book an appointment and check them out at Union Station, the Distillery District, Sherway Gardens and Upper Canada Mall.
Melanie Auld offers more than collections charming mood stones and herringbone necklaces — you can also book experiences, from piercings and engravings to welding personalized bracelets and anklets. Select your chain style and charms from an array of custom pieces to create your signature piece. Located at 54 Ossington Ave., Melanie Auld is open seven days a week.
At The Blumz, you can choose between gold-filled, solid gold and sterling silver options for your permanent bracelet, with chains that vary from a unique heart-shaped version to a dainty chain studded with blue gems. This jewelry shop also offers some fun customization options thanks to their extensive collection of charms and links — add your initial or your birthstone to your new forever bracelet. You can secure a welded jewelry experience by walk-in or by booking an appointment.
Among one of the first establishments to bring the permanent jewelry trend to Toronto, Colibri is combining style and sentiment with personalized bracelets, anklets, necklaces and rings. You can book the unique experience at locations across High Park, Danforth, Sheppard and in downtown Toronto on Queen St. W.
Capture everyone’s attention with a permanent piece from Made You Look. With a choice between anklets, bracelets or necklaces, showcase your forever chain in any way you see fit. You can find chains in sterling silver or follow the rainbow to a selection of white gold, yellow gold or rose gold. Forget fussing with a clasp by scheduling an appointment at Made You Look any day of the week. Find them at 1338 Queen St. W.
Find a style that suits you with Suetables and their welded permanent jewelry experience. A notable feature is their use of charm birthstones, which would make a perfect personal memento. Schedule an appointment at their Yonge Street location or at The Well on Front Street.
Whether this is your first time getting permanent jewelry or you are adding another piece to your collection, Eternal Sparks is there to help you find the perfect chain. Choose between 14k gold-filled and sterling silver chains, with an option to add personalized charms. Eternal Sparks operates out of a home office and is open daily by appointment.
Seal your fate, and a permanent chain, with Kind Karma Company. Using a specialized micro-pulse welder, commemorate a special occasion by bonding 925 sterling silver or 14k solid yellow gold chains to your wrist or ankle. Choose from a wide range of styles that suit you best. Kind Karma employs at-risk and homeless youth in Toronto, so be sure to check out their selection of crafted earrings, necklaces and rings as well. You can also book a private permanent jewelry party for birthdays, bachelorettes and other celebrations at 260 Spadina Ave.
After more than 20 years, the Annex’s Pour House has shut its doors for good. But in its place, Fab Restaurant Concepts — which owns 10 restaurants across the city, including Pie Bar, Murphy’s Law and Simona — has opened an all-new concept dubbed
Stella’s Kitchen.
“The city’s changing, and we felt it was time to find a new concept,” says Sean Bayley, who owns Fab Restaurants alongside his wife Jane Henderson. “We were looking to add something reasonably priced, with really good Italian food. We have a lot more families in the neighbourhood, so we wanted to do something a little bit more family-forward.”
With retro-style posters, checkered tablecloths and patio umbrellas — all designed by Henderson herself — this new spot on Dupont Street is rolling out the red carpet for everyone. Whether you’re coming for the cocktails, the surprise kids’ toys or just the vibrant decor, there’s fun to be had by all. And it’s all in tribute to the women who shaped the co-owners’ vision.
“Our mothers were both great hosts, and they loved having parties and inviting people to their houses,” says Henderson. “We just took this idea of these two wonderful, very strong women and made it into Stella’s Kitchen.
Stella’s Kitchen feels like stepping into a warm, welcoming home. The open concept invites diners to watch pizzas being crafted right before their eyes, while the aroma of fresh, from-scratch pasta and sauces fills the air. Whether you’re craving a classic pepperoni or margherita or something with a bit more kick, like the Angry Stella’s or the rosé sauce Ciao pizza, there’s a delicious option for every taste.
The remainder of the menu is packed with starters, inviting salads, homemade pastas and hearty sandwiches, ensuring there’s always something new to try. For the little ones, the kids’ menu features chicken tenders and classic pastas and pizzas.
Although they’ve only been open for a short while, the soft serve ice cream and banana splits have already become a favourite among young diners. With decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Bayley reflects on their journey with pride.
“We started off as thirty somethings about 22 years ago in the city, and we’re still independent, so we’re very proud of that,” he says. “Now we’re taking our years of experience and developing the next generation of leaders in hospitality within Fab, and hope-
fully we will have more incredible concepts like Stella’s coming in the future.”
Sweet treat lovers in Toronto’s east end are in luck as a former pastry chef of the Michelin-recognized White Lily Diner has moved into Gerrard Street — and she brought her cakes, tarts, breads and cookies with her in the form of Alice Marie Bakery & Coffee.
Located at the corner of Logan Avenue, Alice Marie Bakery & Coffee sources local products and ingredients to serve a rotating selection of pastries, coffee, and daily salads and sandwiches.
@alicemarie.ca/Instagram
Alice Marie began as an at-home bakery, with regular pop-ups at the Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant and Soul Chocolate. Owner Rachelle Cornish named the business after her grandmother who was integral to instilling her pastry passion from a young age.
“We just did so much baking together,” Cornish says, noting her first bread maker was a gift from her grandmother in high school. “It went down the road from there and I realized, looking back, that my happy place was baking with her.”
Cornish is joined by Aaron Hubley, who brings experience as a savoury chef, restaurant manager and barista. Together, the duo have brought their culinary passions to life in Victoria, British Columbia, and Melbourne, Australia, but knew that when it came time to opening a storefront, they wanted to do it in Ontario where they both grew up.
“It was really important to both of us to stay in the East End because it’s where we live and we really like the community vibe over there,” says Cornish.
“When we opened this shop, we found that there were so many familiar faces coming in and we knew many of the people, so it was really a perfect fit,” adds Hubley.
It wasn’t just any spot in the east end, though, that ended up catching their eye, but rather the “dreamy” corner spot with large windows on both street-facing sides of the building and some seating for sipping those grab ‘n go lattes.
“We fantasized about that corner shop for a long time,” says Hubley.
Now that the bakery and coffee shop is open, Cornish and Hubley serves up rotating seasonal flavours of “approachable” items you’ve grown up on from cookies and scones to pies, tarts, and other sweet treats. There’s also always a feature cake on the menu for customers to pick up a mouthwatering slice, as well as their well-known Deep ‘N Nostalgic chocolate cake which is always up for grabs.
The shop also has a daily sandwich and salad which changes with the seasons, made using the daily made house bread — similar to a focaccia — topped with fresh produce from White Lily Farms.
“Their produce is really amazing so we try to use as much of it as we can,” says Hubley.
That’s not where Alice Marie’s focus on the local ends, as the bakery is committed to supporting other suppliers in the community. All of their chocolates come from Soul Chocolate, while they also use Toronto-based The Pippins Tea Company and Subtext Coffee Roasters. Other goods coming from across Canada includes Silk Road Tea, Sheldon Creek Dairy, Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters and Quietly Coffee.
“It’s about supporting other business owners that are in the community but it also lends a hand in the quality of the food that comes out at the end of the day,” says Hubley. “You don’t have to do a whole lot to something when the ingredient itself is already really great.”
Some of the products, including teas, coffee, and Soul Chocolate are available wholesale through Alice Marie Bakery & Coffee. Soon there will also be some ceramics for sale from Chloe Begg, the artist who created some of the mugs and dishes for the bakery, so you can bring a piece of Alice Marie home with you.
In the next few months, Alice Marie Bakery and Coffee will be expanding to offer more than just cake by the slice. Customers will be able to order a whole seasonal cake for special occasions and celebrations. Those eagerly waiting for a full cake can sign up for the cake mailing list at www.alicemarie.ca to be the first to know.
L-R: Designer Dorian Rahimzadeh, the new uniforms (Photo credit: Marc Santos)
Globally-renowned celebrity-backed restaurantNobu has arrived in Toronto with a distinctive Toronto look: uniforms designed by Toronto-based slow fashion streetwear brand Dorian Who.
Iranian Canadian designer Dorian Rahimzadeh is the design mind behind the brand, which pulls inspiration from Iranian and East Asian art, along with her own lived experience growing up in Iran and grappling to express herself freely. The aim of her designs is to empower wearers to embrace their unique identities and boldly showcase them in defiance of societal constraints. That was exactly the kind of edge that Nobu Toronto wanted to incorporate into the brand’s visual identity.
Reaching out to Rahimzadeh in late June, the Nobu marketing team expressed their love of her work, asking if she would consider designing their hostess, supervisor and bartender uniforms. With a four-week proposed timeline, the turnaround was tight, but Rahmizadeh didn’t shy away from the challenge. Agreeing to design a mini collection, she got to work right away, visiting the Nobu Toronto site while it was still under construction to garner inspiration from the restaurant’s interior, designed by locally-based Studio Munge. Everything she observed informed the uniform design she presented to Nobu’s team, from the texture of the walls, the art pieces throughout the space, the dim lighting and the asymmetric silhouettes.
Photo credit: Marc Santos
The fabric itself had to be functional of course: waterproof, movable and breathable, so she custom ordered it right away. Though it arrived in Toronto within two days, the order was stuck at FedEx during the intense flash flooding in July, causing another eight-day delay — a nightmare with a four-week deadline over Rahimzadeh’s head. But she didn’t let that stop her from delivering on time.
“It’s my first time working with another industry, which is something that I’ve always wanted to do,” she says, adding that it’s a chance to design something that is suitable for everyone. “My brand is genderless, avant-garde streetwear, and a lot of people have this idea that they can’t wear it. So the fact that I was able to create a uniform [fitting of] this high-end restaurant was amazing.”
For Nobu, the design objective was a uniform that instills the staff with an air of confidence and sophistication and could be imagined outside of the usual restaurant setting, so Rahimzadeh delivered garments that embody edge, seduction and individuality. Draping was integrated into the dresses to reflect Nobu’s sake bar ceiling, inspired by the iconic Japanese artwork The Great Wave off Kanagawa, by ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai.
Rahimzadeh proposed a variation on her bestselling Julien shirt from previous Dorian Who collections for the bartenders, adorned with lace and hand-picked deadstock buttons inspired by the restaurant’s handmade sushi.
The result isn’t a traditional restaurant uniform, but a statement piece that combines the class of Nobu’s modern Japanese design with Toronto’s expressive personality.
