Toronto-based artist Peter Harris will be unveiling his latest exhibition, “Past and Present” at the Mira Godard Gallery from Sept.14 to Oct. 5. The exhibition showcases Harris’ unique exploration of urban landscapes inspired by his everyday experiences and travels.
According to Harris, his artistic process is to study the works of historical artists, specifically those with connections to Canada. He has a fascination with how artists like the Group of Seven have established nature and landscapes as an integral part of the Canadian identity.
In “Past and Present” Harris brings these concepts together, highlighting the daily commute and overlooked transitional spaces, such as elevators to lobbies or subway cars opening, “as settings where contrasting artistic visions, historical and contemporary, could interact.”
Harris curated a historical painting for each of these various settings, positioning them in the direction of travel. A key component of Harris’ work is the absence of people, a deliberate choice which allows viewers to imagine exploring the spaces within the paintings themselves. By bringing famous Canadian artworks into his pieces, Harris intends to incite surprise for viewers who encounter these paintings out of context.
The result is a time-bending and mesmerizing collection that turns ordinary spaces for the viewer, such as a Toronto subway car or a waiting room, into something remarkable.
“As we look at “Past and Present,” we take in a collection of images that look back at us, their every meticulous detail giving us another reason to take a pause and to move into a fresh Canadian landscape—one that is of the present and, at the same time, often a century old,” said Sara Angel, founder, executive director and publisher of the Art Canada Institute, in an essay analyzing Harris’ collection.
Courtesy Peter D. Harris
Graduating from the University of Waterloo with a degree in Fine Arts in 1997, Harris has been inspired by urban landscapes throughout his career. In the early 2000s, he concentrated on highways, overpasses and infrastructure before transitioning to parking lots and street scenes in the 2010s. Harris has been dedicated to architecture and interior spaces since 2017.
His work has been exhibited across North America, including Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, Vancouver and New York City. Harris has also had his artwork in many private and corporate collections, including Colart Collection in Montreal, OPSEU in Toronto and Schicker Thies, located in Germany.
Harris is now debuting his work in one of Canada’s leading commercial art galleries, Mira Godard Gallery. Established in 1962, the gallery focuses on contemporary Canadian and international art featuring paintings, sculptures and works on paper, including original photographs and prints. Many well-known names in Canadian art have been represented at the gallery since then, from British Columbia’s Takao Tanabe to visual artist Tom Forrestall, and international artists, from Jackson Pollock to Mark Rothko and Pablo Picasso, have been featured at the gallery.
You can spot Harris unveiling “Past and Present” on opening night (Sept. 14) at the Mira Godard Gallery, located at 22 Hazelton Ave.
Toronto’s finest meat delivery service started in 2016 and since then has become a great success. With the launch of their online meat shop in 2018 they have grown to what most people say is the best meat delivery service in Canada. Located in Scarborough and with shipment options throughout the entire country, Papa Earth makes sure every Canadian has the opportunity to experience what local Canadian free-range meat and wild caught fish should taste like.
Unboxing a Papa Earth box loaded with healthy meat and fish.
Regenerative grass-fed beef and bison
Papa Earth focuses on quality and not quantity. They are a family-owned business with just a few employees. They stick to their core principles and only source from your local Canadian farmer who has the highest standards when it comes to animal welfare. Take for example Harley Farms, their loyal grass-fed beef supplier. They raise cattle the old-fashioned way; 100 per cent grass-fed, no added hormones or artificial growth enhancers and always free-range all year round. Harley Farms recently purchased their own butchery so they are 100 per cent in control of the process. Grass-fed beef has a lot of health benefits for both the cow and the consumer and is a great example of regenerative agriculture.
Grass-fed bison is extremely healthy and can be considered a super-food
Arctic char and turbot from Inuit Fisherman
Another remarkable supplier is Fish First who supplies Papa Earth with Arctic char and Arctic turbot. These fish are caught by Inuit communities who hand-fish them on Baffin Island. With the collaboration between Papa Earth and Fish First, they make sure the Inuit fisherman get paid a fair price for their fish and make a good livelihood out of this traditional, unique and sustainable fishing method.
Arctic Char fishing in Baffin Island is 100% sustainable
Subscription boxes and bulk orders
The majority of Papa Earth’s customer prefer the meat subscription box option. Customers can select a box size ranging from $145 up to $529 and pick their favorite meat and fish cuts, pick a delivery frequency and get them delivered to their doorstep. Papa Earth uses insulated boxes made from recycled paper combined with dry ice. For long distance shipping they use biodegradable boxes that are similar to Styrofoam. The meat stays frozen and you don’t even have to be home for the delivery.
For the customers who want to bulk up and get some extra savings, they offer a bulk meat order option — a great way to fill up your freezer with at a reduced price.
Other options are their curated boxes which are very popular as gifts or simply a way to indulge yourself, and the corporate gift boxes which have increased in popularity among companies who like to treat their staff or customers with the gift of local meat. These are great ways to fuel your employees and customers with the highest and cleanest source of energy.
Papa Earth deliveries are exciting and fun
Top chefs work with Papa Earth
Many of Papa Earth’s customers are families but also some top chefs who use Papa Earth meat and fish for their personal and commercial use. Some of them share their recipes, like the Immigrants Table blog.
Organizations and comparison tools like MealKitsCanada and OttawaValleyMeats also rank Papa Earth to the be the best meat delivery option in Canada, with the best options of meat and fish to pick from for the best price.
Discount for Streets of Toronto readers
Papa Earth wanted to make sure every reader of Streets of Toronto has an opportunity to try Papa Earth’s service with a nice discount. They’ve provided a coupon for $50 which can be used for any order of $200 and up. Use code TORONTOSTREETS50 at checkout and simply start cooking.*
Toronto’s ice cream game is on fire, with wild flavours that go way beyond your standard Jamoca almond fudge. Ready to ditch the ordinary and dive into something bolder? Explore the city’s craziest scoops and shake up your dessert routine.
Here are 5 of Toronto’s wildest ice cream flavours.
6. Strawberry Saffron and Yuzu — Death in Venice Gelato
Dive into the wild side of soft serve with Death in Venice’s latest creation: Strawberry Saffron & Yuzu. This new flavour is a bold collision of Ontario strawberries, Persian saffron, and Japanese yuzu— creamy, tangy and exotic.
A Nova Scotian classic that’s dividing taste buds, Moon Mist from Little Portugal’s Honey’s Ice Cream is a wild scoop that blends bubble gum, banana,and grape ice cream into a playful swirl. Think of it as a kid-friendly Neapolitan, with natural dyes from grapes, turmeric, and blue spirulina creating its eye-catching hues.
At viral Turkish ice cream parlour, Pink, Smoky ice cream steals the show. This standout flavour, crafted from caramelized milk, offers a smoky-sweet twist that’s anything but ordinary.
2. White peach and champagne — Melange Patisseriese
You need to try the ehite peach and champagne from Melange Patisserie. The delicate sweetness of ripe white peaches colliding with the crisp effervescence of champagne is like a luxury brunch in a bite.
Movie theatre popcorn in ice cream? Dutch Dreams pulls it off with buttery, salty perfection. Add toppings like cherries and waffles for the ultimate summer treat.
When planning an unforgettable event, every detail matters—from the grandeur of the venue to the energy of the music. The Symes, an elegant events venue, and DJ Michael Coombs, a master of musical experiences, bring their expertise to the table, ensuring every occasion is not just memorable but extraordinary. Here they share a little about what sets them apart, explore the latest trends, and how they create unforgettable experiences for their clients.
Meet The Symes team! Viviana Kohon, with over two decades in TV Production, has orchestrated many red-carpet live TV events. She brings style and flair to every event. Namita Tandon-Walsh, with 10+ years in hotel management (including the Four Seasons Hotel), excels in hospitality and event management. Her attention to detail brings a flawless execution of events. Caitie Yue, an investor and entrepreneur, has built an impressive portfolio in under a decade, The Symes is her latest venture.
Can you describe the overall ambiance and style of your venue?
The Symes is an architectural treasure from the Art Deco era, restored as a unique event space in Toronto. The building retains its original heritage while being updated to modern standards. The venue features two rooms totaling roughly 9,700 sq. ft., with a capacity for nearly 1200 guests. Visitors can admire the preserved heritage brick walls, exposed industrial beams, high ceilings, concrete pillars, and lots of natural light. The Grand Symes offers 5,800 sq. ft. of space with vaulted ceilings and three skylights, accommodating up to 750 guests. The Scarlett Room, on the second floor, features round windows, rough brick, and an adjoining terrace, hosting up to 300 guests. Each ballroom offers elevator access, a bridal suite and a versatile kitchen preparation area. The Symes blends artistic vision with modern amenities, creating an ambiance for grand events like weddings, bar & bat mitzvahs, art exhibits, corporate events and fundraisers.
DJ/MC Michael Coombs designs exhilarating musical experiences that reflect the personality and style of his distinguished clientele. His body of work includes performing for Oscar and Grammy award winners, World Series and Stanley Cup champions, Olympic Gold Medallists, leading global brands and celebrated cultural organizations. He is a trusted professional who provides expertise that goes far beyond the creation of a playlist.
What trends are here to stay, and which should be retired?
The trend that is here to stay is DJ furniture that matches the decor and ambience of the venue and the event design. From pristine all-white DJ booths and speakers that blend-in seamlessly, to sleek all-black set-up’s for moody and sexy spaces, the DJ’s job is not just to provide the evenings sound-track and bring the energy, but to understand the effect the right production can have on the success of an event and how it helps move a crowd. Rather than taking away from an event’s style, the DJ set-up should enhance it. On the flip-side, the trend that needs to be retired are entertainers showing up in an all-white room and dropping black speakers on tripods everywhere that stick out like an eye-sore. Couples spend tens of thousands of dollars on decor and to not have the equipment match the design is irresponsible. With the amount of different styles of equipment and specialty furniture available, there really is no excuse to not come correct.
The 2024 Paralympics Games in Paris officially kick off today! With more than 4,400 athletes competing in 549 medal events and 22 sports, 10 athletes from Toronto are expected to shine. Here’s who (and what) you can expect:
Sheriauna Haase
Sport: Para Athletics
Courtest Paralympic.ca
The 17-year-old will make her Paralympic Games debut this year in Paris! Watch out for her in the Para athletics women’s T47 100-metre and 200-metre track events at the finals this Friday. Haase, who was born missing part of her left arm, made her international debut at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships, placing fifth in the women’s 100-metre T47 event (and setting a Canadian record with a time of 12.42 seconds)! The Toronto-born athlete has followed her dreams across multiple fields, including athletics, dancing and even acting (she’s landed roles in popular TV shows such as Circuit Breakers and The Next Step).
The 21-year-old swimming phenomenon was nominated to the Paris Games team in May following her incredible performance at the Paralympic team trials in Toronto. Her career highlights include competing at the 2020 Paralympic Games, in the 2019, 2022 and 2023 IPC World Championships, and being named Swimming Canada’s Breakout Para Swimmer in 2019! In Paris, she’ll participate in the 100-metre and 50-metre freestyle events on Aug. 29 and Sept. 7.
Puisand Lai
Sport: Wheelchair Basketball (Women’s Tournament)
The 24-year-old was born in Hawaii and resides in Toronto. At age six, she was diagnosed with transverse myelitis (a neurological condition where the spinal cord is inflamed). Wheelchair basketball was just one of many sports that Lai’s parents signed her up for in 2013. She was a bit reluctant to go at first, but soon fell in love with the sport. Lai went on to compete in the 2020 Paralympic Games, the 2019 and 2023 Parapan American Games where she received gold and silver, respectively, the Canada Winter Games in 2019 (where she earned a silver medal for Ontario), and the 2018 and 2023 World Championships.
In Paris, she’ll be playing with the Canada women’s team, which qualified due to their top four results at the 2024 IWBF Women’s Repechage in Osaka, Japan.
The 23-year-old athlete (who’s also the first Canadian female para-athlete to be sponsored by Nike) made her Paralympic Games debut at age 16 in Rio before winning bronze medal performances in the women’s T64 100-metre at the 2023 Para Athletics World Championships and 2020 Paralympic Games. Papaconstantinou, who was born without her right foot, has always participated in sports. Along with her para-athletics career, she enjoys soccer and basketball. She took up para athletics at age 11 at the Phoenix Track Club in Scarborough. Look out for her in the women’s 200-metre T64 final on Sept. 3.
Jody Schloss
Sport: Para Equestrian
Jody Schloss, a 51-year-old equestrian, is expected to excel in Paris this year! The certified equine specialist previously competed in the 2012 and 2021 Paralympic Games as well as the 2018 and 2022 World Equestrian Games. She began riding when she was 11 years old. In 1996, she was in a car accident and spent several months in a coma. She began riding therapeutically two years later, but when she first started riding again, she couldn’t sit up, so she had two side-walkers and three braces around her trunk for support. Slowly, she improved and moved into the horsemanship program. In Paris, you can cheer for her at the individual championship and freestyle Grade I equestrian events.
Zesseu was born in Cameroon but moved to Canada when he was five. He was born with cerebral palsy after having a stroke at birth and has 75 per cent function on his right side compared to his left side. This will be the 25-year-old’s Paralympic Games debut! His career highlights include the 2023 Parapan American Games and the 2023 World Championships. Watch out for Zesseu in the men’s discus throw F37 event on Sept. 6.
Lee Melymick
Sport: Wheelchair Basketball (Men’s Tournament)
Melymick was born and raised in Toronto, and this will be his second Paralympic Games (he competed at his first Paralympic Games at Tokyo 2020, where Canada placed eighth). The 29-year-old also competed in the 2019 and 2023 Parapan American Games, the 2019 Wheelchair Basketball Games (where he was named Canada’s Male Athlete of the Year), the Canada Winter Games (Ontario won silver), and the 2018 and 2023 World Championships.
In Paris, he’ll be playing with the Canada men’s team, alongside fellow Toronto resident Blaise Mutware. The team qualified due to their top four results at the 2024 IWBF Men’s Repechage in Antibes, France.
The 30-year-old phenom was born in Rwanda but moved to Toronto at 13, where he now resides. Paris will mark his second Paralympic Games (he debuted at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, where Canada placed eighth). Mutware started playing stand-up basketball before a serious injury led him to wheelchair basketball. In 2015, he started playing with the Variety Village Rebels in Toronto (an integrated wheelchair basketball team). That same year, he was invited to train with the National Academy Program at Wheelchair Basketball Canada’s National Training Centre. In 2019, Mutware was named to the Senior Men’s National Team — and the rest is history!
In Paris, he’ll be playing with the Canada men’s team, alongside fellow Toronto resident Lee Melymick.
Rio Kanda Kovac
Sport: Wheelchair Rugby
Courtesy Paralympic.ca
At age 21, Kovac (who was born in British Columbia but now resides in Toronto) is one of the youngest members of Team Canada’s wheelchair rugby team at the Paralympic Games. It also marks the athlete’s Paralympic Games debut)! Kovac was born with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder, which causes motor and sensory neuropathy. In 2018, Kovac was invited to train with Team Canada in Japan and has been with the team for the past three years.
Travis Murao
Sport: Wheelchair Rugby
The 41-year-old will play with fellow wheelchair rugby player Rio Kanda Kovac at the 2024 Paralympic Games this year, and expectations are high. Murao’s career highlights include the 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020 Paralympic Games (his team won silver in 2012 and bronze in 2008), as well as the 2015, 2019 and 2023 Parapan American Games. Murao, who was born in New Westminster, B.C., but resides in Toronto, was introduced to wheelchair rugby by Duncan Campbell, one of the inventors of the sport.
The games will continue until Sept. 8, and we’ll be posting updates along the way! Click here to find out more about the Canadian Paralympic athletes.
Whether you’re craving a saucy rack of ribs, smoked chicken that’s been slow cooking for hours or perfectly charred sausages, having these meals prepared via BBQ makes all the difference. As we bask (or swelter) in these hot summer days, it’s the perfect time to (figuratively) roll up your sleeves, don a bib (optional) and dig into a generous plate including all of those delicious sides.
Here are the 6 best barbecue joints in Toronto, where you can indulge and savour the best flavours.
Holy Smoke
@getholybbq/Instagram
Holy Smoke is Thornhill’s latest in boldly flavoured BBQ. Opening up shop in the GTA last summer, the spot is true to its name, welcoming diners with kitschy-cool decor, including an image of Moses holding up a brisket, Noah and Angel motifs and some eye-catching neon signs. Backing up the immaculate vibes is the food, which boasts a menu that stays true to central Texas BBQ. The menu focus es on the “Texas trinity,” which includes brisket (USDA prime), turkey and pork ribs in addition to jalapeno sausage and pulled pork.
Beach Hill Smokehouse
@beachhillbbq/Instagram
Beach Hill Smokehouse specializes in Central Texas-style BBQ, with all of the requisite rubs, spices and flavours to match. With the goal of smoking and barbecuing meat so tender that it “falls off the bone”, Beach Hill takes inspiration from the Central Texan tradition of cooking the seasoned meats over indirect heat with pecan or oak wood. A selection of smoked meats sold by the half-pound includes certified Angus beef brisket, Halal smoked chicken, hand-crafted sausage links, pork ribs and turkey. There are also three sandwich options, each paying tribute to a major city in Texas.
Cherry Street Bar-B-Que
@cherrystbbq/Instagram
Slow-cooked meats and classic sides are on offer at Cherry Street Bar-B-Que, which is set inside a historic 1920s building in the city’s east end. Serving some of the best BBQ in Toronto, Cherry Street Bar-B-Que functions as a counter service-style smokehouse. On the menu, you’ll find a wide range of BBQ and smoked meats priced by the half-pound or quarter-pound, including chicken, brisket, turkey breast, sausage, baby back ribs and chicken wings. Standout sides include classics like the coleslaw, cornbread and potato salad, alongside more unique pairings like the brisket beans and the crispy cauliflower.
Barque Smokehouse
@barquebbq/Instagram
Located in Parkdale, this top BBQ spot is more than a restaurant. Barque Smokehouse also operates a small shop where you’ll find a selection of spices, rubs and sauces all available to take home. Choose from a delicious selection of burgers and barbeque items, including meat platters, which feed between two and four and feature smoked brisket, pulled pork and smoked turkey, plus tasty comfort foods as sides, like the fries and the smoky dill pickle slaw
Smoque N Bones
@smoquenbones/Instagram
The life of a pitmaster can be a complicated one. The lengthy list of concerns can include any or all of the following: marinades, brines, injections, rubs, wood, fire, sauces, smoke and of course, meat. Just about everything involved is time-consuming. SmoQue N Bones, is keeping things simple. The menu is anchored by ribs, brisket, pulled pork as well as a half dozen sandwiches like the Messy Bird. And when it comes to sides, take your pick from a variety of delicious options like slow-braised purple cabbage, buttermilk mistakes and collard greens.
Stack
@stacksmmmoked/Instagram
Stack’s two-storey space has a sleek yet comfortable feel. The main floor’s deep room is lined with intimate booths and a houses a full bar. The open kitchen features tiles of fire engine red. Beside the kitchen sits the pièce derésistance: a 500-pound-capacity Southern Pride smoker. It’s the same type found at the ever-popular Barque Smokehouse on Roncesvalles. Slow-cooked over low heat, the meat is infused with sweet smoke, resulting in a distinctive Texas tenderness and flavour.
Fans worldwide are stoked that British rock band Oasis is reuniting for a series of concerts in 2025, and although rumours have been swirling that the legendary band will play in Toronto next year August, those dates, unfortunately, haven’t been confirmed as yet.
On Tuesday, band members and brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher confirmed that Oasis will tour the UK and Ireland in the summer of 2025, with tickets going on sale this Saturday.
The 14 confirmed dates for the Oasis Live 25 world tour are scheduled between July 4 and Aug. 17, 2025, with performances taking place in Cardiff, Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Dublin (venues and dates can be found here).
Oasis will tour the UK & Ireland in summer 2025!
Tickets go on sale this Saturday 31st August.
IRE ?️ 8am IST
UK ? 9am BST
Full information ?https://t.co/EtNuE2Hx6b
*These dates will be the band’s exclusive European appearances. pic.twitter.com/C5I0NVWS68
Shortly after the announcement, fans took to X and Reddit with unverified screenshots of a document showing that, in addition to their domestic tour, the group will play sets in North America, including shows in Toronto on Aug. 24 and 25 at Downsview Park.
Fans noted that Toronto is in luck if the schedule ends up being accurate, considering the duo is known for their fights.
if this is indeed the oasis tour dates leaked, i’m glad toronto is the first stop on the north american leg.
i’m not betting on liam or noel to remain amicable towards the end of the tour, no matter how much money is at stake ? pic.twitter.com/MDEpIAkU9F
The document also suggests that the band will perform at Soldier Field in Chicago on Aug. 27 and 28 before heading to New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium (Aug. 30, 31), Boston’s Gillette Stadium (Sept. 2), L.A.’s Rose Bowl Stadium (Sept. 5, 6), and finally Mexico City (Sept. 11, 12).
Again, these dates haven’t been confirmed, but the band stated on their website that “[p]lans are underway for OASIS LIVE ’25 to go to other continents outside of Europe later next year.”
Their last performance in Toronto was at the Toronto Islands more than 15 years ago during the Virgin Festival, so fans are more than ready for another appearance.
“As someone who was in his teens and early 20s in the mid 90s if Oasis comes to Toronto I will be for sure buying tickets. Getting to hear Wonderwall live would be an epic experience. I know they have many great songs but Wonderwall was it back then,” one X user wrote.
The band was formed back in 1991; their original line-up consisted of Liam and Noel, guitarist Paul Arthurs, bassist Paul McGuigan and Tony McCarroll on the drums (although band members have changed throughout the years). They’ve sold more than 70 million records during their active years, but 1995’s “Wonderwall” was their biggest hit.
Their last performance was in 2009 at the V Festival. Shortly after, they split, reportedly after many years of infighting.
Toronto’s getting a taste of Montreal, and it’s not just bagels this time. The city is seeing an invasion of amazing spots from la belle province, and they’re bringing their A-game, including a famed Greek restaurant, a vegan sushi joint and a pizza master that’s ready to take over.
Montreal’s here to shake up the city, and we’re ready for it!
Milos
The Milos lobster salad – Astakosalata – combines fresh fennel and dill with Treviso radicchio, endive, and of course Bay of Fundy lobster.
One of the world’s most iconic Greek restaurants, Estiatorio Milos, is heading to Toronto’s Financial District at 330 Bay Street. Known for its fresh Mediterranean fish and signature dishes like the Milos Special, this will be the twelfth location, adding to its global lineup, from Montreal to Dubai. Founded by Costas Spiliadis in 1979, Milos has become a staple of Greek coastal cuisine. Keep an eye out for their opening date — it’s bound to bring a taste of the Aegean to Bay Street.
Montreal’s plant-based sushi hotspot, Sushi Momo just made its Toronto debut at 1122 Queen St. W., where Hello 123 once stood. Known for its creative, veggie-forward rolls like mango-yuzu emulsion, mushroom tartare, and truffle-infused delights, Sushi Momo is anything but typical. While sashimi makes a rare appearance on the menu, the star here is the inventive use of vegetables, with omakase options to match.
Montreal’s No.900, a Neapolitan pizza joint, just landed in The Beaches last Friday. Known for its pizza baked at 900 degrees for 90 seconds, this spot promises a taste of classic Neapolitan fare with a menu crafted by world champion chefs. Expect artisanal pies made with 00 flour, organic Amalfi tomatoes, and a range of starters like burrata and charcuterie.
Montreal’s Mandy’s Salads has been quietly dominating Toronto’s salad game, now with three spots, including a jaw-dropper in Yorkville. Designed by SAJO, the space blends family charm with bold decor inspired by India and the Caribbean — think hand-painted walls and lush indoor palms.
Owner Elizabeth Lima. Courtesy Emma Johnston-Wheeler
The Dundas Street West vintage mecca has welcomed an elegant new addition to its roster of thrift stores. When you go shopping at this highly curated shop with bright white walls and a chandelier hanging form the ceiling, and inevitably leave with a beautiful new wardrobe staple, owner Elizabeth Lima only has one instruction: “Tell them it’s vintage.”
That’s the name of Lima’s shop, which took physical form three months ago after years of operating exclusively as an Instagram and e-commerce business. “If someone stops and they ask you where you bought your outfit, the shop name is me telling you to tell them ‘it’s vintage,’” she says proudly.
Lima has always been a thrifter, having earned the stripes from her mom whose first job after immigrating to Canada from Guyana was at a local Goodwill while she studied to become a nurse.
“I grew up in that environment and I would be so excited when she’d come home with bags of stuff,” remembers Lima. “People would stop her and say, “Oh my gosh, your kids are so well dressed!’ and we were entirely suited up in Goodwill clothes.”
Tell Them It’s Vintage clothing rack. Courtesy Emma Johnston-Wheeler
Lima grew up in the GTA and spent her entire working life in Toronto, mainly holding retail roles before transitioning into the educational field for several years. When the institution she worked at closed for good, she realized that she had no interest in working for someone else again.
She turned to her large personal collection of vintage clothes for inspiration. Something inside of her told her she was finally ready to part with it, so she launched an Etsy shop and started selling – styling and modeling the pieces as complete outfits so that others could see her vision.
She began vending at the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show and within six months, Tell Them It’s Vintage was fully operational– the pandemic was underway and many people were dedicated to online shopping. Her Etsy shop was getting rave reviews.
Of course she adored every piece in her collection, but one was particularly hard to part with: a long denim duster vest with patches and a sunset appliqué on the back. The Etsy shopper she sold it to said it reeked of couture.
“I’ve even thought of messaging her since and saying, ‘If you ever want to let it go, to resell it, I’ll buy it back,’” Lima laughs. But she had no problem sourcing new and equally unique pieces to replace those that found a home. “I love sourcing. The hunt is everyone’s favourite part of this business,” she says.
Then in 2021, she was named a finalist in the vintage category of the Etsy Design Awards.
“When Etsy reached out to me to say they loved everything I was doing on the platform, that’s when I thought, ‘This could be a good business to be serious about.’ And that’s when I really started focusing on developing a brand for myself,” she says. She commissioned a logo, and began consistently posting on social media, showcasing her styling talent as well as her inventory.
“I love styling, I enjoy it so much,” she says, “[but] sometimes it’s a crazy, elaborate piece that [seems difficult] to wear in real life, and I’m trying to show how you can translate it into an everyday outfit.”
In May, Lima’s friend Evate rented a space on Dundas Street West so that she could host a pop-up for her vintage shop Nahnushe, and invited other sellers to join her, including Tell Them It’s Vintage and Styles by Mariam Vintage. Lima absolutely loved it, and a month later a family friend who owns a slew of businesses on the street, including 16-year-old Toronto music venue Lula Lounge, presented an opportunity: a vacant street-facing unit that had previously been an office space. Jumping on the opportunity, she spent a week moving the business in, and opened the first Tell Them It’s Vintage retail location in June.
“I hadn’t planned to do it at all. But it just so happened that Little Portugal is the place to come for amazing vintage shopping. The stars aligned,” she reflects.
What you can expect from your shopping experience is a selection of diverse, but refined, everyday apparel, sprinkled with pieces that scream main character energy. Lima thoughtfully curates her collection for all age demographics and the average price ranges from $80-$100, with a handful of designer pieces nearing the $1,000 mark (John Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior and Gucci, to name a few). Sizes similarly range from XS to some plus-sized clothing, and there’s a small men’s collection that Lima intends to expand.
Jordan Vandeputte’s “Generational Grocery Lists” behind a clothing rack. Courtesy Emma Johnston-Wheeler
She has also invited Styles by Mariam Vintage and Nahnushe to share the space with her, as well as artist Jordan Vandeputte who sells her paintings out of the space, as seen hung above clothing racks around the shop.
You can visit Tell Them It’s Vintage at 1449 Dundas St. W. every day from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Lima will also bring her collection to the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show in September.
Delicious ice cream, milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches are summer staples in Toronto. Despite the city’s numerous amazing ice cream parlours, one of Canada’s premier ice cream makers has surprisingly not opened its own Toronto storefront — until now.
Legendary Kawartha Dairy has just made a sweet splash on the Danforth with the opening of its 13th location, bringing its legendary ice cream to a whole new corner of the city.
The shop just announced via Instagram that the new shop is officially open!
“Stop by for your favourite Kawartha Dairy ice cream, milk, and more,” the company captioned the Instagram post. “We are excited to be a part of the Danforth community”
Established by the Crowe family in 1937 and still proudly Canadian-owned, Kawartha Dairy is renowned for its premium ice cream crafted from locally sourced milk and cream. The company currently offers 50 distinctive flavours ranging from classic favourites to seasonal specialties like Pistachio Almond, Orange Pineapple, Moose Track and Black Raspberry Thunder.
While other Toronto “scoop partners” currently offer Kawartha Dairy products, the new Danforth location is the brand’s first standalone brick-and-mortar store in the city.
Torontonians have been buzzing about the news since it was first announced.
“I’ve been a fan of Kawartha Dairy since the 1970s in Cottage country,’ wrote Instagram user.
“Omg, I just discovered your heavenly ice cream!!!!!!! I’m so happy,” wrote another.
“Looks like I’m throwing out all my skinny jeans then…” one user commented.
This isn’t the only Kawartha Dairy storefront opening; the business has also announced plans to open shops in Coburg and Burlington.
Now open, Kawartha Dairy’s Danforth spot is serving up their newest flavours, including Dockside Cappuccino, Grape and Nanaimo Bar.
Kawartha Dairy has officially opened at 888 Danforth Ave., welcoming ice cream lovers seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
When stars land in Toronto, whether it be for a film festival or a press tour, they know who to call to make sure they’re looking sharp for the red carpet — Toronto’s own Jenna Gandy. The tailor, when she’s not altering dresses to perfection for brides-to-be, is often working behind the scenes as a luxury fit specialist for celebrities.
Earlier this summer, it was Gandy who got Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan into her show-stopping press tour looks in Toronto — a Sara Mrad silk organza minidress with a flowing cape and a Dior dress. “Because it’s such a time crunch, I was literally chasing her around with a needle for her sleeves!”
It’s a position Gandy has been in many times, trying to beat the clock. She helped sew Taylor Swift into her Louis Vuitton look just before the TIFF red carpet in 2022.
But her biggest challenge was when Shania Twain asked her to create a custom look for her tour — in less than a day.
“She’s the kind of person who just gives you an idea and lets you do what you think is best,” Gandy says. In the end, it was a matching red crop top and skirt with a train that she pulled together in time.
“It’s funny — I don’t want the pressure, but then I thrive under it and feel this huge relief and want to do it again. It’s like riding a roller-coaster without having to get on the ride,” she says.
Gandy has also become the go-to tailor for emerging Toronto stars, altering Simu Liu’s suits to fit him like a glove and adjusting Maitreyi Ramakrishnan’s dresses to be red carpet-ready.
It’s a position she never could have envisioned for herself when she first joined the fashion school at the International Academy of Design & Technology in Toronto. “But you learn the basics there, and they didn’t really teach alterations,” she says.
So Gandy looked elsewhere to pick up some sewing skills — dry cleaners, factories, retail stores, suit shops. After years of learning, she was ready: her own practice, the Tailorette, was born.
“It’s a lot about learning bodies — kind of like sculpting, in a way,” she says. “If someone lifts weights and has big quads, how do I accommodate that? If someone has long arms or a short torso, your clothes are going to lay differently, so I always work to create balance.”
For Gandy, the art of tailoring is altering an outfit to fit each individual’s specific build so they feel their best. “Self-love is huge; we’re always trying to chase this new version of ourselves. I like helping people feel good in their skin, right where they are.”
Gandy made her way into the industry with men’s suiting, originally fearful of bridal tailoring: “It always seemed like a scary thing.”
Little did she know that she would eventually become a bridal specialist. “It’s all because I love a good love story,” Gandy says of her affinity for bridal tailoring. “I want brides to shine — sending them down the aisle in their dress, it’s like sending a bird out of the nest.”
As someone who is so detail-oriented that her cousins have nicknamed her “The Deets,” Gandy says she becomes ultra-focused on every little part of a wedding dress — so much so that, “I literally feel like I’m in a relationship with the dress! It’s like it has an entity of its own.”
Although stars often look to Gandy as the expert on fit and fashion, she says she’s always learning. “I don’t have 30 years under my belt yet — those are my leaders, my mentors. I just want to keep the beauty of tailoring alive.”
Paris famous landmarks. Eiffel Tower iwith green tree over river, Paris France, web banner panorama
In a city as diverse as Toronto, you can find just about anything to satisfy your cravings — even the most adventurous ones. Whether you’re hankering for frogs’ legs, pungent cheeses or buttery escargot, Toronto has you covered.
From corner bakeries offering fresh baguettes to fine French bistros dishing out delicacies, this city’s diverse dining scene has something for every palate. So, grab your beret and stroll through these vibrant neighbourhoods where French cuisine is king.
Once a quintessential French bistro staple, frogs’ legs sautéed in butter and garlic have evolved with the times. At Cluny Bistro, they take it up a notch—fried to crispy perfection in buttermilk, then paired with a rich fermented black bean sauce and zesty citrus aïoli for a modern twist on this old-school delicacy.
Legend has it, Roquefort was born from some poor soul’s forgotten cave sandwich, turning mouldy, stinky — and surprisingly delicious.. Explore Cheese Boutique’s ault holds the good stuff: Roquefort Papillon Noir, aged in limestone caverns, waiting for the brave.
HORSE TARTARE
Steak tartare, often associated with beef in modern cuisine, has its roots in medieval France, where it was traditionally made with horse meat. During the Middle Ages, horse meat was a prized ingredient due to its rich flavor and tender texture Today, Queen West’s La Palette serves this classic with a choice: beef strip loin or horse top sirloin, accompanied by crostini and pickles.
ESCARGOT
Dating back to medieval France, escargot was traditionally enjoyed in simple preparations. In modern times, this classic dish evolves at Toronto’s Le Baratin, where it’s elevated with a rich cream sauce, forest mushrooms and puff pastry, blending centuries-old tradition with contemporary sophistication.
