Home Blog Page 201

Canadian women’s soccer team advances to Olympic quarterfinals against all odds

0
@vanessagilles4/Instagram

Canada’s women’s soccer team beat Columbia on Wednesday to advance to the Olympic quarterfinals, despite some major challenges in their path.

The much-needed win comes just days after FIFA docked six points from the team after two assistant coaches were caught using drones to spy on New Zealand’s training sessions last week before their opening game at the 2024 Olympics. The deduction meant that the team needed to win all three of their group stage matches to be able to advance to the next round.

Canada’s women’s soccer team, who won bronze medals in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics before taking gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, defeated Colombia 1-0 after Vanessa Gilles scored in the 61st minute of the game.  Prior to this, the Canadians beat New Zealand 2-1 in their opening match last Thursday before beating no. 2-ranked France (2-1) on Sunday.

Although Canada won all three games, the team only has three points due to FIFA’s six-point penalty.

“We did it, we always believed in it,” Gilles told CBC Olympics after Wednesday’s game. “We always knew that we could do it. The chances were stacked against us but we pulled through. We stayed together through it all.”

“The world might be against us, but Canada is sticking with us, and hopefully, we go all the way.”

Of the team’s 22 players, eight are from the GTA:

  • Jayde Riviere, 23, is from Markham — this is her second appearance at an Olympic Games (Tokyo 2021, Paris 2024).
  • Jade Rose, 21, is also from Markham — Paris 2024 marks her first Olympic Games.
  • Kailen Sheridan, 29, is from Pickering and grew up in Whitby — she was part of Team Canada at Rio in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021.
  • Quinn, 28, is from Toronto — Paris 2024 marks their third Olympic Games (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2021, Paris 2024).
  • Ashley Lawrence, 29, was born in Toronto and grew up in Caledon East. Paris 2024 marks her third Olympic Games (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2021, Paris 2024). Fun story — just hours before she won an Olympic Gold Medal in 2021, the City of Caledon honoured her by proclaiming it Ashley Lawrence Day.
  • Adriana Leon, 31, was born in Mississauga — this is her second appearance at an Olympic Games (Tokyo 2021, Paris 2024).
  • Nichelle Prince, 29, is from Ajax — this is also her second appearance at an Olympic Games (Tokyo 2021, Paris 2024).
  • Kadeisha Buchanan, 28, was born in Toronto and grew up in Brampton — Paris 2024 marks her third Olympic Games (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2021, Paris 2024). In December 2021, the Kadeisha Buchanan Field at Creditview Sandalwood Park was named in her honour by the City of Brampton.

Next up, Canada will face Germany in the quarterfinals on Saturday at 1 p.m.

As of publication, Canada has seven medals (two gold, two silver, and three bronze), this includes a gold medal to Christa Deguchi, who beat Huh Mimi of South Korea in the women’s under-57 kg judo final on Monday, and a gold medal for Toronto’s own Summer McIntosh. 

You can cheer on Team Canada at these Toronto sports bars. 

A bougie new restaurant is opening inside a celeb favourite hotel in Toronto

0

As if the Ritz Carton, Toronto wasn’t swanky enough, a new restaurant is set to transform the lobby into a vibrant Northern Italian escape. Opening this fall, Lano isn’t just another café and wine bar. It’s a sleek all-day hot spot bringing a taste of Milan’s elegance to Toronto’s upscale crowd.

“Lano’s varied offerings and inviting atmosphere will enhance our existing culinary options, meeting the expectations of both our local community and hotel guests,” says Guillaume Benezech, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto.

A nod to Milano, Lano pays homage to Northern Italy’s rich culture with a menu as dynamic as its surroundings. Guided by executive sous chef Ignatius Prinsloo and Milan-native chef Alessandro Panattoni, this café and wine bar promises a culinary journey from morning coffee to evening wine indulgences. Expect everything from the rich aroma of freshly brewed espresso and flaky pastries to a selection of 30 premium Italian wines and traditional cocktails.

Designed by Chapi Chapo Design, the venue is said to capture the essence of European elegance with a touch of Toronto’s urban charm. Think sleek furniture, refined lighting and an atmosphere that blends modern sophistication with classic warmth.  It promises to be the perfect spot for anything and everything, whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee, enjoying a leisurely lunch with fresh salads and antipasti or sipping a pre-theatre glass of wine.

“We envisioned a chic culinary stop that seamlessly fits into the fast-paced lifestyle of the city. The design draws inspiration from European aesthetics, offering a refined atmosphere where guests can enjoy a quick yet delightful experience,” said Tatiana Sheveleva, Partner of Chapi Chapo Design.

The Ritz-Carlton’s roster features Toca and Epoch Bar + Kitchen Terrace. Now, Lano is joining the lineup. Whether you’re after a quick espresso or a full meal, this new spot aims to be the fresh, dynamic addition Toronto didn’t know it needed.

Lano opens its doors in September 2024, right alongside The Ritz-Carlton Toronto’s fresh new look, complete with a chicly redesigned lobby.

The best croque madame in Toronto

0
Jules Bistro

When it comes to French sandwiches, the croque madame reigns supreme. This delicious ham and cheese masterpiece is dripping with  creamy béchamel, toasted to perfection and crowned with a fried egg. Born in early 20th-century Paris, this decadent meal became an instant café legend and remains a favourite today.

Looking for the perfect croque madame in Toronto? This guide has you covered.

Le Select Bistro

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Le Sélect Bistro (@leselectbistro)

Indulge in Le Select’s legendary croque madame — piled with ham, Gruyère, béchamel, and topped with a sunny side up egg. It’s hands down one of the best in town!

Milou

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Milou (@milou.to)

At Milou, the madame is simple and hearty, yet achieving simple excellence is often the hardest feat: served creamy and delicious on perfectly crusty bread.

Auberge du Pommier

Auberge du Pommier serves up a croque madame that’s a work of art. Priced at $24, this decadent delight features layers of ham, rich Gruyère and creamy béchamel, all crowned with a perfectly fried egg.

Maison Selby

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Maison Selby (@maisonselby)

Maison Selby’s crepe madame takes a playful twist on the classic croque. Instead of a sandwich, you get a tender crepe filled with ham, Emmental cheese and fresh spinach, all topped with a fried egg.

Geste Croissanterie

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Geste (@geste_croissanterie)

Over at croissanterie, pizzeria and bar Geste, the croque madame is a showstopper. Made with soft milk bread, black forest ham, rich béchamel, and Gruyère, it’s topped with a sunny side up egg. This creation brings a touch of gourmet flair to the classic French staple.

Peter Pan Bistro

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Peter Pan Bistro (@peterpanbistro)

At Queen West’s Peter Pan Bistro, dive into their croque madame: Jambon de Paris, Gruyère, grainy mustard, Mornay sauce, and a sunny side egg, all served with frites and a salad.

Indulge in the Art of Indian Fine Dining

0

Aamara, a newly opened restaurant in Toronto, is revolutionizing the city’s culinary scene with its innovative take on modern Indian cuisine. This establishment invites diners to embark on a gastronomic journey that explores India’s rich culinary heritage, blending traditional flavours with contemporary techniques to create an unforgettable dining experience.

The name Aamara, derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘eternal’, reflects the restaurant’s commitment to offering a timeless culinary adventure. Each meal at Aamara is designed to be more than just food—it’s an exploration of history, culture, and flavour. This philosophy is evident in every dish, which is crafted with care and creativity by the restaurant’s talented chef Arulmani.

Aamara’s menu features a selection of signature dishes that highlight the best of Indian cuisine with a unique twist. Among these are the Kayiru Katti Mutton Kola Urundai, which consists of lamb mince shaped into delicate spheroids and served with a flavourful chutney. This dish offers a modern interpretation of a traditional favourite, presented with flair and precision.

Another standout is the Classic Butter Chicken. This beloved Indian staple is elevated at Aamara through the use of tandoor-smoked Cornish hen, which is bathed in a silky, rich butter sauce. The result is a dish that takes a well-loved classic to new heights.

The Anchovy Fish Fry is another notable offering. Ray-finned anchovies are seasoned with a spicy rub, fried to perfection, and served in a charming copper bucket. This dish combines visual appeal with exquisite taste, making it a favourite among patrons.

For those who enjoy coconut curries, the Pachakari Moilee Korma is a must-try. This dish from Kerala features a coconut curry paired with string hoppers, offering a delightful balance of flavours and textures that transport diners straight to the coastal regions of India.

Aamara also offers the Rold Gold Lamb Chop, a visual and culinary masterpiece. This dish features lamb chops marinated in the tandoor and adorned with 24-karat gold leaves, providing a luxurious dining experience.

Complementing the exquisite dishes are Aamara’s exclusive cocktails, each inspired by different regions of India. The Chennai Local Sarakku blends whiskey with the tangy sweetness of tamarind, aromatic curry leaf, and a spicy kick of ginger beer, capturing the vibrant spirit of Chennai. The Goa Coastline is a tropical delight with coconut rum, pineapple, and blue curaçao, topped with a creamy coconut finish, evoking the serene beaches of Goa. The Jaipur Gem combines the floral notes of rose syrup with the exotic spice of cardamom, paying homage to the regal history of Jaipur. The Kolkata Spice Market marries the warmth of chai tea and cinnamon with the rich depth of bourbon, offering a sensory journey through Kolkata’s bustling markets.

The interior of Aamara is as thoughtfully designed as its menu. The decor blends modern elegance with traditional Indian elements, creating a cozy yet upscale atmosphere. Intricately designed wall art frequently draws compliments from patrons, contributing to a dining environment that is both visually and gastronomically pleasing.

Despite being a new establishment, Aamara’s service is commendable. The staff are attentive and eager to assist, ensuring that diners have a pleasant experience. This dedication to customer service, coupled with the restaurant’s culinary excellence, makes Aamara a standout in Toronto’s dining scene.

Located in a vibrant Toronto community, Aamara is easily accessible for both locals and visitors. The restaurant’s reservation policies are straightforward, ensuring that patrons can enjoy their dining experience without any hassles. Whether it’s a small intimate dinner or a larger gathering, Aamara accommodates a variety of dining needs.

In conclusion, Aamara is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of India’s rich culinary heritage, presented with a modern twist. From its carefully curated menu to its inviting ambiance and attentive service, Aamara offers an exceptional dining experience that promises to delight and inspire. Whether you’re a connoisseur of Indian cuisine or a curious food enthusiast, Aamara invites you to embark on a culinary journey that you’ll cherish long after the meal is over.

For more information and reservations, visit www.aamara.ca.

Toronto park is offering a futuristic way to order food with augmented reality

0

Toronto’s Trinity Bellwoods Park is about to become the city’s coolest dining destination — if you know where to look. Enter Wenu Eat, the groundbreaking platform that’s flipping the food delivery game on its head with a splash of augmented reality.

Picture this: you’re lounging in the park, the sun’s out and your stomach’s growling. Instead of fumbling with apps or waiting in long lines, you whip out your phone, and voilà! Thanks to Wenu Eat you’re greeted with floating popsicles, charcuterie boards and craft beers in 3D space. It’s not magic; it’s augmented reality.

Johnny, co-owner of Wenu Eat, describes it as “Etsy for food.” The platform lets chefs, bakers, and culinary creators set up virtual storefronts, and Wenu Eat has teamed up with DoorDash to handle deliveries at flat rates, ensuring every cent of your order goes straight to the makers.

Image: Flickr/LoraxGirl

“We’re always on the lookout for new ways to engage people with food, and when we stumbled upon this technology, we were blown away,” Johnny recently told us.

So, how does it work? Wenu Eat has teamed up with local businesses to turn Trinity Bellwoods into a pixel-perfect picnic paradise. Stickers with QR codes are scattered around the park. Scan them with the ELYSIUM app, and your phone transforms the park into a playground of hyper-realistic AR food and drinks. Click on an item and before you know it, it’s delivered to your spot in the park, free of charge.

Right now, it’s a bit of a secret—an IYKYK (if you know, you know) situation. So spread the word and get ready to elevate your park hangouts with a side of futuristic food fun.

This augmented dining experience is only happening on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month of August, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nautical fashion is taking over Toronto and you can find it from $29 to $499

0

One of Canada’s most trusted authorities on style and fashion, Jeanne Beker has covered the industry for more than 30 years. Now watch her in her current style editor role on TSC’s Style Matters with Jeanne Beker or tune into her podcast Beyond Style Matters, available wherever you get your podcasts.


Sail into the season’s latest trend! From fish motifs to sailor-inspired wear, Jeanne Beker has the coolest nautical finds to help you make a splash this summer.

A. SANDALS

“I like this butterscotch colour. These are going to give you height, they’re going to give you comfort, and they’re nice and open.” Gravitypope, $160, 1010 Queen St. W. 

B. SWIMSUIT

“I love the clean lines and the scoop neck. It looks fun and would pair nicely with a pair of little white denim shorts. It looks European!” Melmira, $344, 3319 Yonge St. 

C. SHORTS

“They’re short and they’re sexy, but they’re not too short. These look so trim and sporty with a slight nautical vibe, thanks to the stripes.” Veronica Beard, $398, 111 Yorkville Ave.

D. RING

“This is really fun and brings a great bit of bold attitude. It definitely makes a statement!” Dean Davidson, $295, 145 Berkeley St. 

E. TOTE

“This looks so cool and timeless, and what a great size: great for the market, great for the beach, great to put your laptop in.” Snapdragon Designs, $595, 622 Mt. Pleasant Rd. 

F. SWEATER

“I like the volume of these sleeves. This is very nautical, it looks like you just got off a boat from Normandy! It’s a classic that will last you forever.” Andrews, SALE $287, 2901 Bayview Ave. 

 

G. BRACELET

“This is a fantastic piece. It’s so fun and such a specialty jewelry item to have in your closet.” Pucci, SALE $654, farfetch.com/ca 

H. EARRINGS

“I like the organic shape of these. They make a statement in a smart, sophisticated, subtle way.” Biko, $175, tsc.ca

I. FLATS

“Mesh ballet flats are so hot this season. A little shoe like this is so sweet and can be worn so many different ways.” Maguire Shoes, $200, 760 Queen St. W. 

J. HAT

“I like that it’s got a Western vibe and a bit of a fedora feel. What a great sun hat with that wide brim.” Sporting Life, SALE $29.94, 9350 Yonge St. 

K. SHIRT

“This is an absolute classic, and St. James is such a great French brand. And look at those heart-shaped patches on the sleeves!” Annie Aime, $195, 42 Ossington Ave.

L. DRESS

“Everyone is loving crochet, and this is especially charming because it looks like fish caught in a net! This is a really pretty dress that could be dressed up or down.” Sandro, SALE $215, farfetch.com/ca

For Jeanne Beker’s top picks for swimsuits in Toronto, click here. 

Toronto’s all-white dinner party is back at a secret location

0
@Dîner en Blanc Toronto/Instagram

Mark your calendars for September 19th — Toronto’s secret soirée is back. Le Diner en Blanc returns for its 11th year, inviting guests to don their finest white attire for a chic, en masse picnic at an undisclosed location.

If you’ve never been or heard of it, here’s what to expect: Thousands of guests, dressed elegantly in all white, will gather at a secret location. Upon arrival, they have just 20 minutes to set up their tables, chairs and place-settings. Once everything is in place, guests wave their white cloth napkins in unison, signaling the start of Le Diner en Blanc.

Attendees will bring their own tables, chairs, picnic baskets and meals, creating an elegant evening under the stars. Expect a night of dining, dancing and reconnecting with the finer things in life.

No outside alcohol allowed, but don’t worry—Toronto’s Charlie’s Burgers will have wine and champagne on hand.

For a hassle-free experience, you can also order a catered picnic basket from chef Trevor Lui, available for pickup on-site.

After dinner, guests light up the sky to signal the end of their elegant feast and the start of the evening’s festivities. It’s time to mix, mingle, and soak up the live entertainment!

Photo: Le Diner en Blanc

As the night winds down, guests drift away, leaving just their stuff and a night of unforgettable memories—until the next epic gathering.

Le Dîner en Blanc kicked off in Paris in 1988 with a simple idea: gather friends for a night of great food, wine and conversation, all dressed in white to stand out. From Paris’ grand venues, where 17,000 guests celebrated its 30th anniversary, the event went global.

By 2009, it landed in Montreal, and in 2011, it hit New York City with 1,200 guests out of 30,000 hopefuls, dancing and dining at The World Financial Center Plaza. This sparked a worldwide craze, with over 120 cities in 40 countries now hosting their own editions.

Registration happens in three phases: First, past members and friends of the organizers get first dibs. Next, they can invite friends. Finally, the general public can sign up through the official website.

Paris Olympics Toronto guide: Basketball player Laeticia Amihere

0
@_theblackqueen_/Instagram

Heading into her second Olympic Games, Laeticia Amihere is on track to make history. The Atlanta Dream forward is the youngest Olympian in Atlanta’s franchise history, having made continuous appearances in the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournaments for Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. Here is what you need to know: 

Hometown: Mississauga

Sport: Basketball

Background: Amihere debuted with Canada’s cadet national team in 2015, winning Canada’s first ever gold at the FIBA U16 Americas Championship. In 2016, she played in an exhibition series with the junior program in Spain, personally averaging more than eight points and 10 rebounds per game. Competing at the U17 World Championship, Amihere led the tournament in blocks and rebounds as the top Canadian in points per game, bringing the team towards a seventh finish.

In 2017, Amihere made her senior national team debut during the exhibition series in Europe. In her final appearance with the junior program that year, Amihere ushered Canada to bronze at the U19 FIBA World Cup. She was named to the tournament All-Star Team after securing an average of 11.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.

Amihere made her Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020 with Canada, finishing ninth overall. In 2021, she helped Canada to fourth place at the AmeriCup as an excellent scorer. 

In 2022, Amihere played for the University of South Carolina, winning the NCAA Championships. She led the Gamecocks to three SEC titles and four NCAA Final Four appearances.

Amihere debuted with the Atlanta Dream basketball team after being selected eighth overall in the 2023 WNBA draft.

Career highlights: As a freshman in 2020, Amihere was a part of the first team in school history to end the season ranked first nationally.

Amihere was Canada’s leading scorer at the 2021 AmeriCup. She averaged 13 points per game for a total of 78 points as Canada claimed fourth place following a loss to Brazil in a match for bronze.

At the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, Canada claimed another fourth place result, marking their best finish at the tournament since 1986.

Where it all started: Amihere’s first sport was soccer, however, her height drew her to feel more at home on the court. She took up basketball in the sixth grade and gained a renewed confidence. While in high school, Amihere became the first Canadian woman to dunk a basketball in a game at the young age of 15.

Fun fact: Amihere graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2022 with a degree in Sports and Entertainment Management. Now, she is pursuing a master’s degree in her field.

Olympic event dates: Basketball (#11) versus France (July 30), basketball (#22) versus Australia (Aug. 2), and basketball (#34) versus Nigeria (Aug. 4).

Social media: Instagram  X

We’re profiling more athletes during the 2024 Paris Olympics; refer here for more coverage

Toronto’s Summer McIntosh wins gold for her second Olympic medal in Paris

0
Courtesy Darren Calabrese/COC

Summer McIntosh made Toronto proud during the 400-metre individual medley on Monday, winning her first gold medal of the Paris Olympics.

The 17-year-old Torontonian finished five seconds ahead of silver medallist Katie Grimes of the United States with a time of four minutes, 27.71 seconds in a race that combines butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle. She came in just barely behind the world record she herself set in the 400-metre individual medley at the 2024 Canadian Olympic swimming trials.

McIntosh previously earned a silver medal in the 400-metre freestyle on opening day of the Olympics. She has two more individual events to go, the 200-metre medley and butterfly, and possibly two more relays.

The swimmer’s gold medal was Canada’s third medal of the day and fifth overall at the Olympics so far — earlier on Monday, Christa Deguchi won Canada’s first gold medal of the Games in the under-5k kg judo final. Canada currently has two gold medals, one silver and two bronze.

Summer McIntosh has been making waves in the sport since she debuted at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the youngest member of Team Canada at the time at just 14 years old. She placed fourth in 400-metre freestyle and fourth in the 4 x 200-metre freestyle relay.

Paris Olympics Toronto guide: Rugby player Charity Williams

0
Courtesy @charitywilliamss/Instagram

Charity Williams will make her third Olympic appearance with Team Canada women’s rugby sevens team and her teammates are relying on her seasoned experience. From ninth place in the SVNS Series in 2023 to a fifth place finish this year, the women’s team has only grown stronger. Here is what you need to know: 

Hometown: Toronto

Sport: Rugby

Background: In 2013, Williams was named to the Women’s Maple Leafs roster for the Tobago International Rugby Sevens Tournament at age 17. The following year, she was named to the Canadian Women’s Sevens Youth Olympic team where they went on to finish in second place at the Games in Nanjing, China. Williams made her Canada Women’s Sevens Team debut during the 2014-2015 World Rugby Women’s Sevens World Series season at Sao Paulo Sevens.

Williams finished the 2015-2016 Sevens Series by performing in the final three tournaments for Canada. At Rio 2016, she made her Olympic debut with Team Canada in the first women’s Olympic rugby tournament.

Despite suffering a shoulder injury requiring surgery and missing half of the 2017 season, Williams rebounded in 2018. She became a member of the Canadian team that finished fourth at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast and competed at the World Rugby Cup Sevens in San Francisco.

Over the course of the 2019-2020 World Rugby Sevens Series, Williams played in 124 career matches. At Tokyo 2020, she was the number two scorer, scoring five tries for a total of 25 points, which contributed to Canada’s performance in the Olympic Games.

Career highlights: Charity Williams made her Olympic debut at Rio 2016 where she scored one try as Canada took bronze in women’s rugby sevens.

Throughout the 2019-2020 season, Williams achieved third all-time among Canadian women in points (a total of 350) and tries (a total of 70) in the World Rugby Sevens Series.

Where it all started: Williams began playing rugby at age 14 as a freshman in highschool. This is where she fell in love with the physicality of the sport. Williams met former Team Canada player Megan Gibbs, who inspired her to one day represent Canada. Two years later, Williams made the national team.

Fun fact: Before each game, Williams gets in the zone by closing her eyes and imagining three things she’ll accomplish on the pitch.

Olympic event date: Rugby sevens (#W05) versus Fiji, rugby sevens (#W12) versus New Zealand, and rugby sevens (#W17) versus China. All games will take place on July 29.

Social media: Instagram  X

We’re profiling more athletes during the 2024 Paris Olympics; refer here for more coverage

10 must-try Toronto foods to impress your out-of-town guests this summer

0
@bridgettebartoronto/Instagram

Toronto’s 9,000 restaurants are a maze of must-try dishes. We’ve cut through the clutter to bring you the top bites your out-of-town guests can’t afford to miss this summer.

Here are 10 eats that are sure to impress.

1. Cereal shrimp toast from Gateau Ghost

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by gateau ghost (@gateau_ghost)

Gateau Ghost, the latest haunt by Toronto’s own chef Jayden Park, perfects the classic Madeleine, which we definitely recommend. But the true standout? Their cereal shrimp toast: cornflake-crusted, slathered in shrimp head aioli and topped with chives. This dish, a fusion masterpiece from Hong Kong, marries the city’s love for prawn paste with Western toast. Trust us, this one’s a game-changer.

2. Pistachio tiramisu from Nonna Lia

Toronto’s obsessed with a tiramisu that’s melting hearts. With a 100-year-old family recipe and a fresh twist, it’s the top pick for dessert in the city. Nonna Lia’s tiramisu, loaded with imported Italian mascarpone, delivers the goods. And the pistachio flavour? It’s next-level.

3. Italian trio from Lambo’s Deli

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lambo’s Deli (@lambosdeli)

Inspired by the killer deli sandwiches he devoured in New York, Lambo’s Deli owner Justin Leon is bringing Toronto a hoagie with some serious attitude. Forget your old-school bagged lunches—Lambo’s sandwiches are a whole new ball game. With house-made veggies, meats and cheese, plus scratch-made pickles, pesto and black olive tapenade, this is deli perfection in every bite.

4. Vanilla raspberry bow croissant from Bomou

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BOMOU (@bomouartisanalbakery)

Founded by sisters Azar and Negar Sabzeva, Bomou is the bakery where Negar Sabzevari, who trained in France, brings their dreams to life. Their latest creation, the vanilla raspberry bow croissant, is a showstopper: a bow-shaped pastry brimming with house-made vanilla cream and raspberry jam, delivering a flavour experience that stacks up against the best in Paris.

5. Corned beef hash from Masa Deli

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MASA DELI & CAFE (@masadeli.ca)

Masa Deli is slinging sandwiches with a South American kick from their Dovercourt Village spot. Check out their corned beef-hash breakfast sandwich: an omelette, American cheese, aioli, pickles and hot sauce piled high in a potato roll. It’s a spicy, saucy mash-up that hits all the right notes.

6. Chocolate granita from Futura Granita + Gelato

At Futura, granita is the star, and their chocolate granita is a standout. Crafted with just cocoa powder, water and organic cane sugar, it’s like a silky cold chocolate pudding. Topped with a generous layer of panna, it’s the ultimate summer treat.

7. Lobster roll fries from Friends Fries

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Friends Fries (@friendsfries.ca)

The buzz around this spot at Toronto’s Harbourfront is impossible to ignore — you’ve got to try it! Friends Fries’ lobster roll-style Fries are the real deal: crispy smoky fries heaped with succulent lobster, vegan seaweed “caviar” and a zesty squeeze of lemon.

8. Pistachio Kunafa chocolate bar from Daily Ritual Cafe

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by FoodYenta (@foodyenta)

Grab the Dubai viral pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Bar at Daily Ritual Café in downtown Toronto. This viral treat fuses creamy pistachio chocolate with crunchy kunafa, creating a flavour explosion that started in Dubai and took social media by storm!

9. Pesto Genovese from Famiglia Baldassarre

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Baldassarre (@famiglia_baldassarre)

Famiglia Baldassarre is a no-reservations, no-share-plates spot with just 10 seats, and it’s notorious for its epic pasta and long waits — sometimes up to two hours. The new pesto genovese on the menu is anything but basic. This rich sauce blends crushed garlic, pine nuts, salt, fresh basil, and cheese, all drizzled with olive oil. Yum.

10. Banana pie from Bridgette Bar

Sure, banana pudding is beyond delicious, but Bridgette Bar’s banana pie is next-level. This gem from Calgary expat Bridgette Bar mixes coffee, pretzel crust, and rum caramel into a pie that’s pure genius

5 best places to watch the Olympics in Toronto

0

The 2024 Paris Olympics have officially begun, and there’s nothing better than cheering on Team Canada among fans! From now until Aug. 11, Canadians will be taking to the track, the water, the sand and more to go for gold. Here are the five best places to root for them and watch the Olympics in Toronto!

Rendezviews

This popular outdoor patio and event space has been known for its commitment to showcasing some of the biggest sports competitions in the world on their massive screens, and the Olympics are no exception. The sports bar is planning a schedule that features both men’s and women’s and individual and team sports, from basketball to swimming to gymnastics.

The Dock Ellis/The Matchless Six

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Dock Ellis (@thedockellis)

The Dock Ellis is a sports bar favourite in Toronto — and this weekend, from July 26-28, it’s being transformed into pop-up women’s sports bar The Matchless Six. Visitors of this celebration hub and mini Hall of Fame will enjoy private collection memorabilia dedicated to women’s sports, special athlete appearances and the chance to cheer on Team Canada’s women’s Olympic teams. After the pop-up ends, don’t worry — The Dock Ellis will continue to show the Olympic Games on their TV screens throughout the competition.

Team Canada Fan Fest

This year, Team Canada has launched their first ever fan fest, giving Olympic fans the chance to watch the games among family and friends — along with Olympic athlete appearances, live performances featuring Canadian musical artists, a chance to try Olympic sports and other immersive activations. The Toronto activation is happening from Aug. 2-5 at CF Shops at Don Mills.

Real Sports

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by RS (Real Sports) (@realsports)

No sports bar roundup is complete without Real Sports; this York Street bar is always the place to be for everything from the World Cup to NBA finals. During the summer Olympics, Real Sports will be playing the Games on their big screen, so if you’re a big group looking to cheer on your favourite athletes or team, this bar will easily host you all for a watch party — though you may want to book your table in advance.

The Rec Room

If you want your sports watching with a side gaming, ping pong and more, head to The Rec Room. Located in the roundhouse between Front Street and the Lakeshore, this massive sports bar featuring 40,000 square feet of interactive games, restaurants and live entertainment will be playing the Olympics on its many screens all the way through to August.