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Protecting your home against floods: Tips to consider

By
Jarrod Daley
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Allkindza

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As advocates of personal safety, Diamond and Diamond Lawyers understands the importance of safeguarding your home against natural disasters like floods. Floods can devastate homes, causing significant damage to property and posing risks to personal safety. As the firm’s Managing Partner Sandra Zisckind says, “Taking proactive steps to protect your home can help mitigate the risks to your home and personal safety.” Below are several tips to keep in mind when it comes to protecting your house and those around you from a flood:

Understand The Risk of Floods on Your Property

First and foremost, it’s important to understand whether your home is susceptible to flooding. Most regions in Canada have a flood map that can help you determine how likely a flood is in your area. “Even if you’re not in a high-risk flood zone, localized flooding can still occur due to heavy rainfall or infrastructure issues,” says Sandra Zisckind.

Elevate Electrical Systems

Electrical systems and appliances should be elevated above potential flood levels. This includes electrical panels, sockets, wiring, and major appliances like water heaters and TVs. Elevating these electrical systems in your home will help reduce the risk of electrical safety concerns and also minimizes the opportunity for damage to your home during a flood.

Install Sump Pumps

Sump pumps are essential for homes prone to basement flooding. As such, it’s important to install a sump pump and ensure that you do routine checks to ensure that it’s functioning properly. “We would also recommend that you install a sump pump with a battery backup in the off-chance that you lose power,” says Sandra Zisckind.

Seal Basement Walls and Windows

Another effective way to keep water out of your home is by meticulously sealing basement walls and windows. This crucial maintenance task ensures that water cannot penetrate into the home. It generally involves applying waterproofing compounds or coatings to basement walls and installing window well covers to prevent water infiltration. “It’s essential for homeowners to understand that sealing basement walls and windows is not a one-time task; regular monitoring is necessary to ensure the seals remain effective over time,” says Sandra Zisckind.

Develop an Emergency Plan

During a flood, having well-prepared emergency plans is crucial. Develop a comprehensive strategy that outlines evacuation routes and designates a meeting point for your family. This plan should also cover:

  • Ensuring everyone understands how to SAFELY shut off utilities like gas, electricity, and water during flooding.
  • Keeping essential emergency supplies such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, and first aid kits easily accessible.

Ensure Proper Insurance Coverage

Standard homeowner’s insurance typically does not cover flood damage. As a result, it’s important to consider additional flood coverage for your home – especially if you live in an area that is prone to flooding. “Although not essential for everyone, it’s important to consider having insurance that covers flood damage in place. Flooding can severely damage flooring and walls and may lead to mold if not properly addressed,” advises Sandra Zisckind.

Stay Informed During Flood Alerts

Subscribe to emergency alerts and stay updated on weather conditions and flood warnings in your area. “While this may seem like common sense, staying informed about local conditions is crucial,” emphasizes Zisckind. “Many parts of Canada are prone to flooding, underscoring the importance of remaining vigilant.”

By taking these proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the impact of floods on your home and enhance the safety of your family. Preparedness is key to minimizing risks and ensuring your home remains a safe haven during challenging times.

About Jeremy Diamond

Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about Jeremy Diamond.

 

Toronto is now home to a massive candy store with rare treats from across the globe

By
Jennifer Schembri
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Ricardo’s Kandy Korner just crashed into Toronto like a sugar-coated freight train, setting up shop in the Eaton Centre.

With over 450 different candies—all offered at one standard price—this spot is practically daring you to leave without a bag full of sweets. Rare, unique, and imported treats from across the globe? Check. It’s even being compared to Dylan’s Candy Bar in New York City — an over-the-top candy paradise where the treats aren’t just food but part of an immersive, jaw-dropping experience, turning candy shopping into an all-out spectacle.

The shop has everything from candy and chips to cookies and chocolate from every corner of the world with enough variety to make your head spin. It’s overwhelming in the best possible way. Think limited custom Dunkaroos, giant gummy eggs, king-size Chocolate Frosted Donut KitKats and Cotton Candy Slurpies. 

And if sweets aren’t enough, their lineup includes everything from Pokémon cards to Marvel figurines, food-branded slippers to socks. Yup, you can leave with sugar on your tongue and a Pikachu in your pocket.
Ricardo’s is already a cult favourite in British Columbia, with two location — one in Vancouver and the other at White Rock Beach. It’s known for its extravagant, impossible-to-find lineup of sweets that keep candy lovers coming back for more. We’re talking Avocado and Chili Pringles, lime-flavoured KitKats, matcha-flavoured Snickers, and Pepsi that tastes like mango and cherries.
So, whether you’re a candy connoisseur or just looking for a quirky gift, this sugar-fueled fantasy is your new playground. And with Halloween just a broomstick ride away, it’s the perfect time to start stocking up on candy for the spooky season.

Ricardo’s Kandy Korner is located on level one of the Eaton Centre, open from 11 am to 9 pm daily.

TikTok-viral Toronto tour guide is closing out the summer with his own Eras Tour

By
Julia Mastroianni
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Courtesy Mack Henderson, @43.degreesnorth/Instagram

Last summer, a Toronto resident named Matthew Jordan went viral on TikTok for his passionate videos about the cities’ topographical history. His content gained so much traction in such a short amount of time that followers started requesting that he start an in-person walking tour. That was the start of Hidden Rivers — a tour that has now become so popular that Jordan is planning his own Eras Tour to close out the summer.

Jordan sold out every single tour he offered last summer — four or five a week, often multiple a day. One focused on different creeks in Toronto, while another delved into the city’s waterfront. Despite the amount of work it required, he knew it was a given that he was going to do it again, and the reason was primarily community. 

Matthew Jordan on one of his tour paths.

“I’ve been saying since last summer, at the start of my tours, that this is about friends. This is about meeting people, feeling rooted in your city and feeling like you know the other people who live here, understanding things about the city you never knew before, and having a broader vantage point of the city of Toronto beyond your local neighborhood,” he explains.  

He had some time to recalibrate and brainstorm how to improve his business model ahead of Hidden Rivers season two. Jordan spent the school year primarily living in Boston to TA an English course about Taylor Swift at Harvard. (You might wonder why he’s qualified to speak on that subject — oddly, he got his start on TikTok creating Taylor Swift song tutorials, as he’s a musician and an improv actor as well as an academic.)

An idea for an amendment for his tour came about when he went to see one of his favourite bands, Vulfpeck, and noticed that they had introduced a new show format. They performed eight shows in four nights in NYC, Thursday to Sunday back-to-back and that comprised the majority of the touring they did that year. It meant that neighbouring audiences had to come to them — and Jordan felt that he could apply the same format to his tours.

“Instead of giving the same walking tour four or five times a week, what if my tours were events that happened once or twice a month for a full weekend, Thursday to Sunday?” he says. “Your one chance to see this one route.” 

He ultimately planned seven distinct tours this past summer, six in Toronto including the Spadina Expressway route, plus one in Hamilton. Once again, almost every tour sold out, but this time he started noticing familiar faces.

“Because I was giving different tours every time, the same people started showing up every weekend or every other weekend,” he says.

In fact, Jordan recently learned that there’s a group chat of people who have met on his tours, who now hangout and go on hikes together.

“They’ve talked about how they struggle to make friends in other walking groups, but for whatever reason people feel like they can make friends at mine,” he says. 

At the start of his tours he always asks the participants where they’re from and he’s noticed that very few people say Toronto. Many are immigrants, approximately 25-35 in age, who have moved to Toronto in the last two to five years, or who live in the surrounding GTA.

Matthew Jordan with one of his tour groups.

“I think when you move somewhere new in your 20s, maybe for school or for a job, people tell you about the restaurants, bars and coffee shops. But it’s unlikely they are telling you about the rich history of the place you live: the deep ecology, the Indigenous history and the things that really make you feel like you have a sense of accountability over this place.”

He feels that sense is what people start to develop when they come on his tours, because they’re joining a community that collectively cares about Toronto.

“These are the people who are pushing the cultural fabric of our city forward, and they’re often people who are newer here, or trying to find a place for themselves,” he explains. 

With the objective of creating more opportunity for the Hidden Rivers tours community to come together, Jordan decided he would close out his second summer season with back-to-back iterations of all six of his tours, culminating in a sunset picnic at Riverdale Park for anyone who would like to join. He’s calling it his “Eras Tour”– three days, six tours, complete with an “opening act” (educator Oleksandr [Alex] Sein, who was voted in by Jordan’s social media followers after he issued a challenge to aspiring tour guides).

 

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A post shared by Matthew Jordan (@hiddenriverstours)

The first one kicks off at 10 a.m. in Tommy Thompson park on Aug. 23, and the last one ends at 6 p.m. at Riverdale Park East on Aug. 25. A number of the tours are already sold out, but anyone is welcome to participate in the finale picnic.

After the weekend, Jordan will be headed to Connecticut to do a PhD in the history of science and technology at Princeton University — but he’ll be back offering tours next summer. 

He suspects in the future that the tour project may expand to some kind of collective, with potential collaborations with museums, universities, and other cultural institutions.

“I think the gap that allowed me to do this in the first place is the fact that Toronto is not great at showing off how much interesting and amazing stuff is here and why this is a place worth staying and investing in,” he says. That’s what he hopes his tours continue to achieve. “People have told me that I’ve taught them how to fall in love with Toronto again. They were disillusioned, but now they can speak about it with great reverence and appreciation, despite all of its flaws.”

Introverts rejoice: Toronto’s newest cafe lets you snack without the small talk

By
Jennifer Schembri
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0

Toronto’s Queen Street West has a new spot for coffee and doughnuts and it’s perfect for anyone who’s tired of the usual café chat. I’m Mochi is here to keep things short and sweet —  literally. No need to smile at the barista or make awkward conversation. Here, it’s just you, a screen and a button.

Intrigued? Hit the button and your mochi donut slides through a mysterious hole in the wall. Perfect for introverts, everything is self-serve with zero human interaction. Just order on a screen and watch your treats appear like magic.

According to their website, I’m Mochi isn’t just about food — they “craft experiences.” Mochi doughnut flavours vary from sweet ube jelly, white chocolate pistachio, cookies n’ cream and chocolate Pocky to savoury picks like roasted soy bean, black sesame, matcha red bean and even cheesy seaweed.

When it comes to drinks, they’ve got the classics covered — Americanos, lattes, and loose-leaf tea. But the real showstopper? Those viral chocolate-cracking drinks in flavours like blueberry, strawberry, matcha, black sesame and ube. Never had one? The cup’s lined with frozen chocolate, and you give it a satisfying crack to mix in all that sweet goodness. For just 90 cents, you can add strawberry, matcha or ube foam to your drink. They also offer dairy-free options with soy, oat, and almond milk.

The shop’s aesthetic is a playful mix of soft and neon pink, with fluffy clouds adding a whimsical touch.

For those who experience social anxiety, I’m Mochi has you covered. Plus, they’re giving back — a portion of their profits goes to mental health charities, making your self-serve snack stop feel even better.

I’m Mochi is located at 677 Queen St W. They’re open Sunday to Thursday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to midnight.

Popular Toronto pop-up market opens permanent studio space full of funky finds

By
Julia Mastroianni
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0
L-R: studio manager Aleks Roxborough, studio founder Cindy Chau

Cindy Chau is the founder of The Welcome Market, a popular pop-up, artisanal and vintage market that regularly takes over 938 Queen St. W. Three years after launching that project to create more space for racialized business owners, she has founded another (more permanent) venture with a similar cause: The Welcome Studio. 

The 3,000-square-foot space on Dupont Street is an open studio and workspace featuring several small businesses that open to the public Thursday (or in some cases Friday) to Sunday as well as individually by appointment. They include vintage stores Shop Feelings Vintage, Shop King Lis and Batch Vintage, Tooth Gem technician Glitter Gaud, antique shop Vellichor Vintage and multidisciplinary/ floral studio Asunto Studio. Designers Ang Kiriakos, who runs the Me + Art Market, and Kyra Lolkjen also have a workspace at the studio and sell their work through a display on the main floor, and The New Store Vintage moved in recently. 

Chau found the space with her friend Teaunna Gray who runs Of Sorts photography studio and Sunday Afternoon Vintage, and was looking to expand her studio space at the time. After realizing they could afford it with their combined resources, the two leased the second floor studio at 1110 Dupont and divided the floor space into their separate businesses. For The Welcome Market, Chau’s intention is to offer affordable rental opportunities, scaled to size, for small businesses that were formerly operating via markets, where they can both work, sell and network with like minded creatives.

The vision dates back to her childhood, watching her parents run their own restaurant in her hometown of Waterloo, observing all that was gratifying and challenging about operating a business. Little did she know she was preparing for her own future endeavor via her love of vintage goods, cutting her teeth thrifting at Value Village and searching for collectors’ items on Facebook Marketplace. 

When the pandemic hit she decided it was the right time to start a business, launching the Instagram thrift store Finders Keepers as a side hustle. All around her, she watched her peers start their own passion projects in lockdown and turn them into businesses. That was her “holy sh*t” moment.

“I realized there’s so many people in Toronto that are trying to find spaces to do their own thing,” she says, “I felt like there was a need.” 

When lockdown restrictions rose, Chau broke into the market scene, debuting at a small DIY market, then at Hippie Market. Right away she realized that there was a disconnect in the market community between handmade creators and vintage curators, as well as a lack of representation.

“At the time there was only one big vintage market and then artisanal markets, but there wasn’t a market that integrated both, and that also focused on BIPOC businesses,” she explains. “I wanted to be able to go to a market where I could see myself represented, and where I could shop vintage and handmade in the same place; especially the brands that I love.”

With that blueprint in mind, she launched The Welcome Market in 2021 and enlisted the help of her friend Aleks Roxborough who operates Shop Feelings Vintage. The market was immediately popular, growing from seasonal events to running once or twice a month and with a semi-permanent home at Queen and Shaw streets.

The Welcome Studio, which Chau established in May of 2023, is an extension of the market with a more permanent objective of providing affordable space for creatives to grow their business. 

At first Chau intended it to function as a shared workspace. “I wanted it to be a studio where everyone knows each other and can support each other but has different specialties, offering different opportunities to collaborate,” she explains. Shop Feelings Vintage became her first permanent vendor, allowing Roxborough to transition her business out of her home. It was the difference of reclaiming her personal space as a place of rest, and being able to create a more curated shopping experience for her clients. 

Then when Roxborough started having open hours for clients to shop her collection, it created an opportunity for The Welcome Studio to not only be a workspace, but a retail destination. Soon after Arianna Stalteri and Marcanthony Spano of Batch Vintage joined the space, opening the Batch Vintage Studio in April of this year. Alex Kerr of Vellichor Vintage followed suit, and the ball kept rolling from there. Alisa Elizabeth of Shop King Lis also established her first physical space in the studio, having previously only sold her collection of rare designer vintage online and via markets. 

Now with several business owners in the space, Chau considers the group a collective. The market helps pay for the studio rent, so that Chau can offer the most affordable prices to her vendors. A 10 ft-by-10 ft space rents for $750 while an 8 ft-by-8 ft space goes for $600. Comparatively, Chau explains that a 10 ft-by-10 ft stall at The Welcome Market costs $450 for one weekend — but she thinks a lot of people are starting to have market fatigue.  

“Especially when it comes to vintage clothing, [vendors] have to hang up all their stock, price everything and tear it down, for one weekend. It’s a lot. If a brand has started to build their own reputation and clientele, then a studio space would make the most sense,” she says. But she knows that even at the prices she offers, most people are tight on cash right now — which is why she also permits vendors to split studio space. 

In the future, she’d like to expand the studio into another building and bring more businesses on board. 

The Welcome Studio, located at 1110 Dupont St., is open Thursday-Sunday from 12-6 p.m., or by appointment specific to each business. An open house event will take place on Sept. 20 during Geary Art Crawl, with additional businesses popping up in the space.

Yorkville just got a dreamy new spot for corn dogs and caviar and lobster cocktails

By
Jennifer Schembri
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When a name like Reza Abedi, the mastermind behind Toronto’s trendiest spots — Lavelle, Lobby and most recently Baby’s Cabaret — unveils a new venture, you know it’s not just another opening. Jade Yorkville is grabbing attention on Avenue Road, and it’s easy to see why.

The restaurant is all about sleek, understated elegance with a trendy edge. The menu includes luxury dishes like duck breast, seafood crudo and even corn dogs topped with caviar. It’s the perfect mashup of classic and creative without trying too hard.

Jade’s design, by Victoria Opacak, is all about subtle class. The jade-green porcelain exterior teases what’s inside — deep green hues wrapping everything from the marble bar to the velvet booths. It’s a space that’s somehow both luxe and down-to-earth, a balance that feels perfectly on purpose.

“We incorporated a monochromatic palette to create a consistent and harmonious atmosphere. By integrating several variations of the same hue, we achieved a sense of elegance that wasn’t overwhelming,” says Opacak. “Our goal was to create an intimate and sultry ambiance with beauty that speaks for itself. ”

Jade’s menu, crafted by executive chef Hermawan Lay, redefines French-Asian fusion. Playful dishes like kaizen toast with foie gras and unagi, or the corn dog with caviar, might sound quirky, but the execution is all precision. Lay’s mastery of both cuisines shines through, with every plate designed to share, making the whole experience feel communal. And the desserts? The miso cheesecake and pandan cake are the kind of sweet endings you don’t want to miss.

“We designed our dishes to be bold and rich, marrying the sophistication of French culinary style combined with the lively and bold flavours of Asia,” says Lay. “Our goal was to curate Jade’s menu to emulate the restaurant’s effortlessly cool and contemporary essence while maintaining a sense of refinement and elevation.”

At Jade, diners get a rare level of control with gold service switches at every table. Want a private, uninterrupted dinner? No problem. Ready for another round? Just flip the switch and signal for service on your terms.

As for the drinks, beverage director Jake Dolgy has created a cocktail program that complements the menu’s complexity. Fun bevvies like the Lychee Fizz, with its blend of Grey Goose vodka, lychee and St-Germain, offer a refreshing start, while the Tokyo Godfather, with its mix of scotch, miso and shiitake, provides a more adventurous option.

Jade officially opens on August 21  Wednesday through Sunday at 137 Avenue Road.

Riding the Line: The Hidden Dangers of Toronto’s Bike Lanes

By
Dorothy Chudzinski
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Last month a 24-year-old woman was riding her bicycle westbound on Bloor Street W. near Avenue Road at about 8:40 a.m. She was in a bike lane when she merged into the vehicle lane before she was struck by a dump truck. She was pronounced dead at the scene, becoming the fifth cyclist to be killed in Toronto this year.

Toronto Councillor Dianne Saxe told the media the bike lane was blocked by a large construction bin and called the death a “terrible, completely avoidable tragedy.”

“We don’t have nearly enough enforcement of the countless, reckless, selfish people who use the bike lanes for their vehicles and other things for their convenience and pay no attention to the people whose lives they put at risk,” Saxe told CBC News.

Toronto Police say the bin will be part of its investigation.

“While it is not clear what the investigation will find, the city is reminding residents and businesses of the importance of keeping bike lanes clear of any obstacles in order to help ensure the safety of all road users,” the City of Toronto added in a statement. It also announced it would be raising the fine for parking a prohibited vehicle on a bicycle path from $60 to $200.

The City has stated it is working to improve safety for all road users under its Vision Zero Plan and plans to make “travel by bike safer and more inviting” by building bikeways such as physically separated cycle tracks, bike lanes, neighbourhood routes and paved multi-use trails through its Cycling Network Plan.

But adding more bike lanes will not necessarily protect cyclists, says Jeffrey A. Preszler, of Preszler Injury Lawyers.

“In recent years there has been an increase in cyclist fatalities and, sadly, this year is no exception,” he says. “We constantly witness drivers frustrated with our heavily congested streets and that can manifest itself in aggressive driving and excessive speeding, which increases the potential for deadly cycling accidents.”

Preszler says these accidents leave riders with physical and emotional trauma. “Survivors face numerous challenges and lifestyle adjustments,” he says. “In many cases, their injuries leave them unable to work.”

The recent fatality is a tragic reminder that there is still much to do to prevent cycling accidents, Preszler says.

“According to the Canadian Automobile Association, more people are using bicycles as their main source of transportation,” he says. “And every year, an average of 74 Canadians die in cycling collisions and 73 per cent of those accidents involve a collision with an automobile.” Preszler says bike lanes are important additions to Toronto’s infrastructure but cyclists should be aware of the hidden dangers that can result in devastating consequences.

Toronto has several designated cycling routes, according to Cycle Toronto. Perhaps the most common are designated bicycle lanes that are typically marked by painted lines on the road. These are for the exclusive use of cyclists and other road users may not lawfully drive, stand, stop or park them, according to the City of Toronto.

However, it is not uncommon to see cars parked in these lanes. Or in the case of the recent fatality, large objects such as construction equipment or disposal bins occupying the lanes. There are off-street, multi-use trails. As the name implies, these trails can be used by just about anyone except motorists, including cyclists and hikers. Even without the presence of automobiles, it is important for a cyclist to remain vigilant to such hazards as distracted pedestrians or off-leash dogs.

Some neighbourhoods have contra-flow bike lanes, which are similar to painted bike lanes. These lanes are marked by a solid yellow line and run in the opposite direction of car traffic. However, even in the quiet residential streets where these lanes are used, there is still the danger of being struck by a distracted driver.

Protected bike lanes are considered to be the safest since they are physically separated from vehicle traffic. These lanes can have flexi-posts, curbs or low concrete walls to protect cyclists. Still, despite being physically separated a cyclist will invariably encounter vehicles at intersections. In some cases, it may even be possible for cars to illegally park in these lanes, forcing the rider into traffic.

Some protected lanes are also designed to allow adjacent vehicle parking. That means cyclists must be alert for opening car doors.

Preszler also advises cyclists to keep road conditions in mind.

“Since bike lanes are typically at the side of the road it is important to watch for unexpected hazards such as potholes, sewer grates and debris,” he says. “The road can change significantly with each mile and motorists are not the only potential danger a cyclist can face. Cycling is a great way to get around but riders must always remember how important it is to remain alert.”

If you have been injured in a cycling accident you need comprehensive legal representation to ensure you receive the compensation and care you deserve. Don’t take chance with your future.

Navigating the legal system can be challenging but the experienced team at Preszler Injury Lawyers is passionate about helping cyclists and they are here to answer any questions you have. For a free initial consultation, call 1-800-JUSTICE or visit their website today.

It’s official: One of the world’s top Greek restaurants is opening in Toronto soon

By
Christine Hogg
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@estiatorio Milos/Instagram

One of the world’s most famous Greek restaurants will soon find a home in Toronto.

According to its website, Estiatorio Milos will be located in the heart of the Financial District at 330 Bay Street in Toronto. Though the opening date is not yet announced, a liquor license application has been filed. Expect Milos’ signature dishes and fresh Mediterranean fish on the menu.

Estiatorio Milos currently has restaurants in Montreal, New York (Hudson Yards and Midtown), London, Miami, Las Vegas, Los Cabos, Dubai, Singapore and Athens. The opening of the Toronto location marks the twelfth restaurant venture for the brand.

About the Restaurant

Estiatorio Milos was opened by chef and owner Costas Spiliadas and his goal was to introduce the world to the flavours of Greek coastal cuisine.

Spiliadis opened the first Estiatorio Milos in 1979 in Montreal, followed by New York (1997), Athens (2004), Las Vegas (2010), Miami (2012),  London (2015), Las Vegas (2021) and Dubai (2023).

The Menu

The menu at Estiatorio Milos will feature many of the famous dishes that the resturant is known for, including classics like the Milos Special (lightly fried zucchini and eggplant tower, kefalograviera cheese and tzatziki), and grilled whole fish.

The sea bass is one of the most popular dishes at Estiatorio Milos. It’s flown straight from the Greek islands. With a mild flavor and tender, flaky texture, it is beautiful simply grilled and served with ladolemono, capers, and afrala (fleur de sel of the Aegean). Photo: Estiatorio Milos
These jumbo Madagascar prawns are freshly grilled and served with the heads on for maximum flavor. Perfect with an endive salad and touch of lemon. Photo: Estiatorio Milos
The Milos lobster salad – Astakosalata – combines fresh fennel and dill with Treviso radicchio, endive, and of course Bay of Fundy lobster. Photo: Estiatorio Milos
The zucchini and eggplant tower with a tzatziki center and saganaki cheese. Photo: @photobypat for Estiatorio Milos

 

Fresh langoustines from Estiatorio Milos. Photo: Estiatorio Milos

Five best places to stargaze near Toronto

By
Nisean Lorde
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stargazing spot at Torrance Barrens
Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve

This year has been (and still is) filled with celestial events, from the upcoming full moon Supermoon to this past spring’s Great North American solar eclipse and a planetary parade that was more than two centuries in the making! Before the summer ends, try visiting one of these spots relatively close to Toronto to stargaze, connect with nature, and view the awe-inspiring night skies.

Evergreen Forest, Bruce Peninsula

Connect with nature in the wilderness near Wiarton, ON. The forest resort is surrounded by nature in the Bruce Peninsula area, making it the perfect spot to get away for a night with friends, or the ultimate romantic getaway. Accommodations include the clear-roofed Constellation Suites with gorgeous skylights high above your bed, which will make it feel like you’re sleeping under the heavens.  When the skies are clear, visitors can also join the free Telescope Nights to view a sea of glittering stars.

Address: 381135 Concession 17, Georgian Bluffs

Four Corners Algonquin, Algonquin Provincial Park

Before the summer ends, try weekend camping at Algonquin Park. Create your own unique glamping getaway using one of the park’s transparent dome bubble tents! You and your partner can fall asleep to shooting stars, gentle raindrops, or rustling leaves while keeping you bug-free and super close to the Algonquin wilderness. The park is about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Toronto, but worth it to end your summer vacation — it’s designated as an “observatory” site, so you’ll be provided with an official night-sky forecast with data populated by the Canadian Meteorological Society.

Address: 29924 ON-60, Whitney

Long Point Eco-Adventures, Lake Erie

Just over a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Toronto on the shores of Lake Erie, you’ll find an expansive outdoor activity resort that houses an observatory dome with a 16-inch telescope! It’s the second-largest public viewing scope in southern Ontario and provides plenty of stargazing opportunities. The two-hour Observatory Dome Experience will include a trained tour guide who will show you the most gorgeous constellations in the night sky (and explain the stories behind them). Or check out the site’s glamping yurts and suites to reconnect with nature on Lake Erie.

Location: 1730 Front Road, Turkey Point

Muskoka Waterfront Retreat, Muskoka region

This private waterfront beach nestled on the shores of the Lake of Bays offers 3.5 acres of open space, making it the perfect spot to view the night skies. Opt to stay in one of eight super comfortable standalone cabins or 12 individual suites. Make sure to check out the Under the Night Sky program to explore the stars, planets, galaxies, and nebulae with a state-of-the-art field telescope, under the direction of a trained naturalist. Stargazing is a popular Muskoka nighttime activity, so you will want to add this destination to your bucket list before the summer ends.

Location: 1091 Dwight Beach Road, Dwight

The Torrance Barrens Conservation Area and Dark Sky Reserve, Muskoka

Another Muskoka favorite — this site is the world’s first permanently designated Dark Sky Reserve, so it’s a top location for viewing the cosmos and world-renowned for its night sky. The vast expanses of Canadian Shield bedrock will provide an unobstructed surface from which to observe the sky, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the heavens. Visitors from across the globe have left glowing reviews about the area, stating that it’s the perfect spot to view everything from shooting stars to Supermoons! The reserve is only a two-hour drive from downtown Toronto, so make sure to check it out when the nights are still warm.

Location: Southwood Rd, Gravenhurst, ON P0C 1M0

Pusateri’s closes all locations except flagship store after filing for bankruptcy

By
Jennifer Schembri
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pusateri's
Pusateri's former Yorkville store

Toronto’s beloved upscale grocer Pusateri’s has confirmed to Streets of Toronto that their Bayview Village location has indeed closed. In an unexpected twist, the highly anticipated Little Italy location, which was slated to open this summer, will no longer be opening.

A representative from Pusateri’s Avenue Road store provided clarity on the situation. “It’s just the Bayview location that has closed. We’re still fully operational here at Avenue Road, and the Eaton Centre location operates as a food hall, so it’s just that part of the store that’s open,” the rep stated.

Regarding the Little Italy store, the representative added, “That one is not opening. They just want to do some consolidating, and that’s all the information I have.”

The closure of the Bayview Village store comes after Pusateri’s previously announced plans to focus on their remaining locations and a new 10,000-square-foot store in Little Italy. The sudden decision to halt the Little Italy opening has left many customers and industry watchers surprised by the news.

Over the weekend, Ida Pusateri announced on Instagram that the company will consolidate to their flagship Avenue Road store, and close the Bayview Village and planned Little Italy locations. 

 “While not an easy decision, certainly no one is more disappointed than us to see years of work come to an end, but we know it to be a necessary step to ensure the long term success and sustainability of our brand so we keep all our attention and focus on serving you, our customers, with the best products and service around,” the post read. 

Pusateri’s Head of Marketing, Paolo Pusateri, confirmed the news to Streets of Toronto via email.

“Yes, regrettably, the Bayview Village location has permanently closed in response to ongoing financial pressures impacting business operations, lingering effects of COVID, and higher operational costs,” he told us in an email.

“Pusateri’s has decided to consolidate our operations, including catering, into our flagship Avenue Road location, in an effort to preserve value, maintain our premium service and to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of our brand. Pusateri’s Eaton Center will also remain open in a limited capacity as a food service-only operation.”

The closure of the Bayview Village store and the cancellation of the Little Italy location mark significant shifts for Pusateri’s, which has been a cornerstone of Toronto’s gourmet food scene since 1963. Despite the setbacks, the Avenue Road and Queen Street locations continue to serve customers, but the abrupt changes raise questions about the future of Pusateri’s expansion strategy.

In contrast, Italian retail giant Eataly is forging ahead with its expansion plans, announcing the opening of its fourth Toronto location at the Eaton Centre, scheduled for early 2025.  The Italian mega centre will be taking over the 200,000-square-foot space in the mall that was formerly occupied by Nordstrom’s.

Although the exact opening date remains unconfirmed, the new location is anticipated to launch in early 2025 and will be the largest of the four Toronto  locations.

Can’t get a reservation at Nobu? These 5 Toronto sushi spots are just as good

By
Jennifer Schembri
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@akirabacktoronto/Instagram

Nobu Toronto just opened and it’s the talk of the town. Known for its upscale vibe and prestige sushi, Nobu is a celeb favoruite in the U.S.  Now, Toronto gets to join the party. Sure, scoring a reservation might take a month, but if you miss out, no worries —Toronto’s food scene is full of amazing spots that can deliver just as much flavour and excitement.

Here are 5 amazing Toronto sushi spots the are just as good!

1. Kasa Moto

 

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Think sleek meets chic with a side of Japanese flair. Kasa Moto blends modern vibes with tasty sushi and creative dishes. Since 2015, it’s been the place for sophisticated Japanese eats, from grilled dishes to sushi made with the freshest, responsibly-sourced seafood. Enjoy a drink menu packed with Japanese-inspired cocktails and a killer rooftop patio. With a stylish 12,000-square-foot space, complete with wood accents and murals, Kasa Moto serves up flavour and atmosphere in spades.

2. Miku

If you’re into flame-seared sushi with a touch of class, Miku’s your spot. This place fuses traditional Japanese techniques with a modern twist, delivering a high-end dining experience that’s got Nobu vibes. Located at Toronto’s Harbour Front, Miku boasts over 7,000 square feet of swanky space, including a raw bar, sushi bar and a sprawling patio. With its East Coast charm and focus on Aburi Sushi, Miku offers a fresh, upscale take on Japanese cuisine.

3. Minami

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On King West, Minami serves up high-end sushi with a flair for the Aburi (flame-seared) style, making it a must-try for sushi aficionados. Since 2008, this spot has been redefining Toronto’s sushi scene with seasonal, Ocean Wise seafood and global twists. With its sleek 4,600 square foot space designed by DesignAgency, it transitions effortlessly from day to night. The lounge boasts vibrant murals by Hideki Kimura and a chic, warm vibe that rivals Nobu’s glamour. If you’re into sophisticated sushi and bespoke cocktails without the celebrity hype, Minami’s where it’s at.

4. JaBistro

 

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Right on Richmond Street, JaBistro offers sushi that matches Nobu’s sophistication with its own flair. Since 2012, this spot has been turning fresh, global fish into edible art. With its stylish mix of light wood and exposed brick, JaBistro elevates traditional Japanese dining to a new level. Expect bold, inventive dishes that bring a touch of elegance to your night out.

5. Akira Back

At Toronto’s Bisha Hotel, Akira Back serves up Michelin-star magic with a twist of Korean kick. This high-end joint, crafted by the globetrotting chef, blends sleek golds and carbon blacks to match its inventive menu. Here, guests will dive into a luxurious mix of modern Japanese and bold Korean flavours.

Toronto father-son duo Eugene and Dan Levy to host the Emmy Awards

By
Julia Mastroianni
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@instadanjlevy/Instagram

One of Toronto’s most beloved father-son duos is bringing their comedy chops to a very fitting stage this year — the 76th Emmy Awards. Eugene and Dan Levy will be co-hosts at the awards show in September, and the first father-son duo to ever host the show.

The Levys are no strangers to making history at the Emmy Awards; in 2020, they were the first father and son to win major awards in the same year. Dan Levy took home the award for supporting comedy actor and Eugene Levy for outstanding comedy actor, both for the series they co-created, Schitt’s Creek. That year, the show won a whopping nine awards at the Emmys, a record for the most wins for a comedy series in a single year. It was also the first comedy or drama series to sweep all four acting categories in the award show’s history. The series also snagged two Golden Globe awards in its time, along with a whole host of Canadian Screen Awards, Critic’s Choice awards, Screen Actors Guild awards and many more.

This year will be the first time since 2008 that a Canadian has brought their star power to host the Emmy Awards — Howie Mandel was the last to do it.

Eugene Levy will also be up for an award of his own while he hosts — his Apple TV series, The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy, is nominated for outstanding hosted nonfiction series or special. The comedic icon has come a long way from his roots as a Second City and SCTV alum, rising to fame with roles in films such as National Lampoon’s Vacation, Cheaper By the Dozen 2 and American Pie.

Dan Levy, who had his start as one of the original hosts of MTV Live, got his big break when his very first project, the TV pilot for Schitt’s Creek, was picked up. He has since hosted The Great Canadian Baking Show, wrote, landed a role on comedy series Sex Education, produced and starred in his directorial debut, Netflix’s Good Grief and is behind the upcoming documentary Lilith Fair.

You can watch the father-son duo host the Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15 at 8 p.m.

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