If you’re on the hunt for a new shopping experience, Hwy 404 & Steeles Flea Market is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
The Hwy 404 & Steeles Flea Market, located at the intersection of Highway 404 and Steeles Avenue, stands out as a premier destination for shoppers and foodies. Renowned for its eclectic mix of antiques, new and vintage items and collectibles, this flea market has carved a niche for itself among the best in Ontario. With a welcoming atmosphere and a wide range of vendors, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique weekend experience.
Over 200 vendors to shop
With over 200 vendors in every possible category of food, groceries, services and merchandise, we are sure you will find an ample supply of savings on your everyday needs and collectable finds.
Browse through an eclectic variety of shops, each with unique offerings to suit every taste and budget. Treats and toys for the kids, home accessories including bedding, rugs, decor and drapes and blinds. Browse global fashions including clothing, shoes, jewelry and more.
Food, treats & eats from around the world
Taste and sample global cuisines that reflect rich traditions and bold flavors. Enjoy delectable dishes from RnR West Indian Foods, savour traditional delights from Rita’s Hungarian Kitchen, and explore the vibrant offerings at Amerex Caribbean Grocers. There’s also an outdoor fruit and vegetable market, serving up sugar cane juice and grilled corn on the cob. With so many more options to choose from, your taste buds are in for a delightful adventure, and your wallet gets a well-deserved break from high food prices.
Fun for everyone
Experience seekers celebrate! Immerse yourself in the rows of antiques, explore thousands of video games, discover beautiful home decor, or find the perfect plants for your garden. Test out a new guitar or spin a vintage record.
While you’re at it, why not treat yourself to a haircut or manicure, get some pants hemmed, play video games, create a custom T-shirt, treat your dog to new gear or sift through massive bins of bargains.
Whether you’re seeking vintage nostalgia, modern elegance or anything in between, our vendors have something for everyone!
The Highway 404 & Steeles Flea Market offers a vibrant and diverse destination for weekend warriors. Its unique charm lies in the wide variety of vendors, services, collectibles and master chefs. The offerings are always changing, so each visit is unique and new.
Walk off the Earth, the indie band with multiple Juno awards to its name, has a romantic history. When Sarah Blackwood and Gianni Nicassio met, both as artists in different bands in Ontario, they didn’t know it would lead to an entire life together — not only as bandmates, but as life partners and parents. Ahead of their Canadian Music Week-headlining concert in Toronto on June 1, Walk off the Earth’s lead singers talk balancing work and love and their (controversial) tip for relationship success.
How they met
The music gods brought us together! We were both active in the same music scene growing up and eventually crossed paths. Gianni was helping me produce my solo album at the time, and we instantly clicked. I was also a huge fan of what he was doing with Walk off the Earth, so we naturally started collaborating there too. Our mutual passion for music and creativity just brought us closer and closer.
The first date
Gianni took me to get a pedicure, believe it or not. It was a completely unexpected choice for a first date, and it turned out to be perfect. I had never had a pedicure before and I was 28! We got nice, soft feet and had a fantastic time. We were able to bond over something new and fun. We laughed a lot and it set the tone for many more adventures together.
The relationship
We were both super passionate about music and art, and we had similar creative visions. One standout moment was when we stayed up all night working on songs together. Our shared projects and late night studio sessions are some of our fondest memories. We’ve also had the incredible opportunity to tour the world together, experiencing amazing places and creating unforgettable memories along the way.
Every day is our honeymoon! We haven’t tied the knot officially, but our life together feels like an ongoing celebration. We enjoy little getaways and make everyday moments special.
We have three amazing boys: Giorgio, Luigi and Romeo. They bring so much joy and chaos into our lives, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. They’re our little rock stars!
Obviously, music is our biggest shared interest. Beyond that, we both love exploring new forms of art, travelling and spending quality time with our boys. We also enjoy cooking together and experimenting with new recipes, which often turns into a fun family activity.
Secret to success
Separate bedrooms. It might sound unconventional, but it works for us. Having our own space allows us to maintain a sense of individuality while also nurturing our relationship. It’s all about balance and respecting each other’s needs.
Balancing careers and a relationship
We just do! Honestly, there’s no secret formula. We’re just awesome together, and we support each other in every aspect of our lives. We prioritize communication and make sure to carve out time for ourselves amidst our busy schedules. It’s a team effort, and we’re both committed to making it work.
The future together
Just exactly the way it is now. We’re incredibly happy with our life and wouldn’t change a thing. We see ourselves continuing to create music, raising our boys and enjoying every moment together. Our future is just a continuation of the beautiful journey we’re already on.
For anyone nostalgic for cringe-worthy family photos (the ones forever capturing families dressed in matching outfits, beehive hairdos, superimposed exotic backgrounds or overly strained faces), a new portrait studio ready to recapture that awkwardness is opening in Toronto this weekend.
On June 1, the Awkward Family Photos Portrait Studio will open at 594 Richmond St. in downtown Toronto, allowing people to take the ultimate awkward photos. And it’s not only designated for families; patrons can also pose awkwardly with their friends, coworkers or even pets.
WE’RE OPENING A PORTRAIT STUDIO IN TORONTO, CANADA IN JUNE 2024! ?
This summer, you can take the ultimate awkward family portraits!
— awkwardfamilyphotos (@awkwardfamily) May 12, 2024
The process is simple — you visit the studio, choose your background/props/starting poses, and then receive your awkward photos. Each photo session comes with 10 digital photos; prints and framing are available at the shop.
The photo studio is an addition to the Awkward Family Photos website, which childhood friends Mike and Doug began in 2009 after Mike saw an awkward vacation photo hanging in his parents’ house.
Realizing there were probably plenty of other people out there with their own awkward family images, the two friends decided to create a friendly place where everyone could share their uncomfortable family moments.
Standard prices are $39 per person, with a maximum of eight people per group (includes a 15-minute studio session —”plenty of time for awkward moments, multiple poses, backdrops and ‘wait I blinked!’ retakes,” two backdrops and 10 digital photos). Their Very Awkward Person (V.A.P.) package is $89 per person (this includes 10 digital photos, a 5×7 framed print, and a signed “Awkward Family Photos” book).
Family packages are $120 (up to two adults, one to two children, ages 4–12) and $140 (up to two adults, three to four children, ages 4–12). Kids under 3 are free.
A week ago today, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) awarded Toronto the first North American expansion franchise outside of the United States. The team is set to play its first season in 2026, becoming the 14th franchise in the league. VIPs across the board came out to attend the unveiling, from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to official Toronto Raptors ambassador Drake and former Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry.
As the team begins to establish itself, everything from colour hues and logos to mascots and team names is up for debate. To solve the latter, Torontonians have been airing their thoughts and feelings on suitable names for the franchise. Here are some of the best name suggestions for when our Toronto WNBA team takes to the courts in 2026.
Toronto Aurora
Referring to the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, Toronto Aurora would name the team after a natural light display that occurs rarely. The term aurora is specific to the northern part of the world, connecting to the Raptor’s “We The North” motto which they adopted during their infamous playoff run in 2019. The abundance of colours gives Nike a flurry of options when it comes to creative jersey designs and fan merch.
Toronto Towers
Another suggestion was the towers, an ode to the CN Tower. Also a play on the height of basketball athletes, Towers is an intimidating name that also offers a plethora of design solutions and mascot options. The Toronto Blue Jays have recently released their CN Tower-inspired City Connects uniform design, which shows the depth of what could be achieved when inspired by one of the world’s seven wonders.
Toronto Terror
Finally, Terror is an aggressive potential name for the Toronto WNBA franchise to adopt. Mascot options are endless, and the overarching theme of power for a hopefully successful team is fitting.
Toronto Geese
Arguably one of the scariest animals to roam the streets of Toronto, Canadian Geese serve as a frightening mascot for teams to come up against, especially when on the road. With plenty of mascot costume potential, it gives fans an opportunity to parlay their fears into cheers as they support our WNBA team.
Toronto Raccoons
Raccoons are possibly a less fitting name, although they carry a similar cultural appeal to geese. The animal pops up on the news cycle on a weekly basis, and seems to torment locals the same way we hope our WNBA team will torment offenses during games.
Toronto Huskies
The Huskies is a nod to the Toronto Raptors’ original team name back when they were playing in the Basketball Association of America in 1946. Although fans have pointed out that Huskies could seem to copy the UConn basketball program, others were quick to point out that Toronto came first. Plus, keeping a blue-and-white colour scheme wouldn’t hurt if MLSE is trying to keep cohesion amongst their franchises.
Toronto Talons/Triceratops/Falcons/Sauras Rexes
Fans were quick to jump onto the notion that our WNBA team should complement the Toronto Raptors. Names like the Triceratops and Sauras Rexes were thrown out on chat forums, with the latter being a play on the full name, Torontosaurus Rex.
The aerial falcon was suggested as well, as a fast-moving bird with an inclination for carnage. An integral part of the falcon, its talons, was proposed as well. Both would serve well as logos and mascot costumes, portraying a devastating force both on and off the court.
Get ready, Toronto! Shake Shack is finally making its Canadian debut with a grand opening at Yonge and Dundas on June 13 at 11:00 a.m.
Shake Shack has announced its first Canadian location with some exclusive menu items just for us. The new spot at Yonge and Dundas will feature a unique menu celebrating local flavours and partnerships with Ontario businesses.
The exclusive menu items are as Canadian as they get. Check out the Maple Salted Pretzel Shake with vanilla frozen custard, pretzels, maple syrup, whipped cream and crushed pretzels. Dive into the Heart Butter Tart Concrete featuring vanilla frozen custard, brodflour butter tarts and flaky salt. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the More S’mores Concrete, a blend of chocolate and vanilla frozen custard, toasted marshmallow sauce, fudge sauce, graham crumbs, and chocolate pieces topped with a graham cracker dipper. Don’t miss the Shark Attack Concrete, made with chocolate frozen custard, brownies, fudge sauce, chocolate chunks, and cocoa nibs.
Pair your meal with regional beer and wine selections, including ShackMeister Ale from Bellwoods Brewery and Shack Red and Shack White from Rosewood Winery.
Billy Richmond, Business Director at Shake Shack Canada, expressed excitement about the opening: “We are thrilled to confirm the rumors and open our doors at Yonge and Dundas, marking the beginning of a delicious journey for Canadians. We’re excited to serve up our signature Shack classics along with some Canadian exclusives that we’ve developed with our local culinary partners to be enjoyed amongst Toronto’s dynamic cityscape.”
The new location will also feature an exclusive art installation by Toronto-based artist Briony Douglas, unveiled on April 30. Douglas, a longtime fan of Shake Shack, designed the piece to embody the fusion of Shake Shack’s aesthetic with Toronto’s vibrant spirit.
Shake Shack started in New York City’s Madison Square Park in 2004 and has since expanded to over 520 locations worldwide, including cities like London, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo.
Eataly, the global Italian marketplace, is set to open its third Toronto location at CF Shops at Don Mills today, May 30. This expansion marks Toronto as the only North American city outside of New York to host three Eataly stores, underscoring the city’s deep appreciation for Italian cuisine and culture. The new 10,000-square-foot store follows the recent opening at Sherway Gardens in November 2023 and the flagship store in Yorkville in 2019.
“Toronto has embraced us from the very beginning,” said Tommaso Brusò, CEO of Eataly North America. “With the opening of two stores in less than a year, we are committed to serving new audiences and providing a taste of the authentic Italian lifestyle.”
Matt Tibbo Photography
Eataly Shops at Don Mills promises a curated Italian experience with a neighbourhood feel. True to Eataly’s ethos, it features one restaurant, a retail section with imported and local delicacies and several quick-service counters. Eataly Ristorante, with 180 seats including patio options, offers traditional pasta dishes like Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, authentic Pizza Napoletana and premium seafood and meat dishes such as Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Wine lovers can look forward to a selection of over 85 Italian wines, seasonal cocktails and non-alcoholic options.
The marketplace is stocked with the best of Made in Italy – from extra virgin olive oils to a variety of pre-cut salumi and formaggi. Alongside hundreds of imported Italian goods, shoppers can also find Eataly’s housemade products and offerings from local Canadian producers. For those on the go, several quick-service counters are ready to serve: La Pasticceria offers daily fresh cakes and croissants, Il Gran Caffè serves coffee all day, Pizza alla Pala provides Roman-style pizza and La Salumeria, a new counter at the North York store, focuses on stuffed focaccia and panini like Farcita Cotto and Farcita Salame.
“We specifically chose the site due to its location on the east end. Eataly Shops at Don Mills is meant to serve the local community in the area, so it has a very curated, neighbourhood feel,” said Brusò.
When asked about Eataly’s approach to food trends, Brusò said, “At Eataly, we are not following the trends – we are making the trends. Since we are rooted in Italian cuisine, we are a window into the current trends and culture happening in Italy, which we aim to bring to our Eataly outlets across the globe.”
The new location will also maintain Eataly’s educational mission. “The philosophy behind Eataly is to ‘eat, shop, and learn,’ so education is an important pillar for Eataly Shops at Don Mills. Each touchpoint of the store can be considered an educational tool – from the producers or chefs we bring in for tastings and restaurant activations, to our menus and signage. At this new Eataly location, we look forward to learning more about the needs of our customers and curating educational experiences based on their specific interests.”
Matt Tibbo Photography
To celebrate the opening on May 30 at 1 p.m., the first 60 guests will receive special gifts filled with Italian classics. Throughout the day, there will be complimentary tastings from local and Italian producers, with a DJ playing all afternoon to keep the energy high.
Brusò emphasized how customer feedback has shaped Eataly’s approach in Toronto: “Toronto is a city that has a strong connection to Italian culture and cuisine, so we immediately felt at home when we opened here. Because Torontonians are very educated about food, this pushes us to continue to operate at the highest level when it comes to quality, service and authenticity.”
With its newest location at Shops at Don Mills, Eataly promises another slice of Italy in the heart of the city.
Toronto’s dining scene has been a whirlwind of dynamic, diverse and eclectic this year, as evidenced by our curated list of the 12 best new restaurants. We believe in getting the real scoop from insiders, which is why we tapped into the city’s culinary elite, from Michelin stars to celebrity chefs, to bring you their top picks.
Next up on our list is restaurateur and TV personality Mark McEwan, owner of one of the city’s favourite gourmet grocers McEwan’s and a number of restaurants, including Fabbrica and Bymark.We asked him to share his thoughts on the best new addition to they city’s dining scene. Keep reading to discover his exciting selection.
Chef McEwan’s Pick: Bar Ardo
@bar.ardo/Instagram
“Ah the thrill of discovering a new dining spot! Bar Ardo has quickly risen to the top of my list. It’s all about the small details there,” McEwan recently told us. “Chef Roberto’s knack for crafting appetizers that are both inventive and comforting, while the cocktails and ambiance seal the deal. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience that’s both familiar and excitingly new.”
Bar Ardo
@bar.ardo/Instagram
Tucked just moments away from the Michelin-acclaimed Ardo, Bar Ardo emerges as Jacqueline Nicosia and chef Roberto Marotta’s audacious third venture. Combining their Sicilian roots with global inspirations, their Bar Ardo pulsates with an eclectic fusion, housed in an Old World–meets-art deco space adorned with captivating works by Italian painter Sergio Fiorentino. From zesty Spanish paprika to exotic North African seeds, the menu dances with diverse flavours, featuring highlights like the Muffaletta sandwich and the vegan-friendly centriole. Marotta’s ancestral roots shine through in dishes like the cavolfiore, a nod to his grandmother’s cherished recipe from his childhood. Keeping the vibe electric, Bar Ardo offers late night bites without the hefty price tag. Alongside an Italian-heavy wine selection, the restaurant is serving up original spins on classics and a wide selection of zero–per cent drinks. Revamped favourites, like the Penicillin and margarita, pack a punch without the morning fog. As a tribute to their journey, Nicosia and Marotta hope Bar Ardo becomes a part of many cherished stories, much like its sister restaurants. 169 King St. E.
To find out which restaurant Michelin-recongnized chef Anna Chen picked, click here. And for chef Michael Bonacini’s pick, click here.
Toronto, a city that runs on coffee, boasts a sea of shops catering to both locals and tourists. But one new spot in Yorkville — Cafe x Bica—stands out, not just for its delicious coffee but also for its stunning interior that draws queues of eager patrons seeking Instagram-worthy snaps.
The café, situated in a design showroom, features a collaborative design by Elviano design firm and furniture brand Atriani. It’s arguably the most TikToked and Instagrammed café in Toronto, with bloggers raving about its unparalleled aesthetic appeal, making it a must-visit spot in the city. On weekends, if you have the time (and the patience) you might wait hours just to grab a seat inside.
Cafe x Bica was conceived with the intention of providing a haven for people to relax, “carpe diem” and let their imaginations wander — all while enjoying a delicious cup of joe. The owners, who have a deep connection to coffee, wanted to create a space that encapsulates their love for luxury aesthetics and their cultural heritage. In their household, “bica” (Portuguese for coffee) holds significance beyond a mere beverage — it’s a cultural emblem. This fusion of design and coffee culture is the essence of Cafe x Bica, distinguishing it within Toronto’s bustling cafe scene.
The café offers premium coffee beans from Brazil, Ecuador, and Kenya, specializing in pour-over coffee with a focus on ethical sourcing. Supporting farmers and prioritizing sustainability, they ensure only top-quality beans make it to their roastery. Cafe x Bica now features matcha drinks, including lattes, iced matcha, and shakes. The menu boasts twice-baked croissants, cookies, muffins, pastries, and pain au chocolat from French bakery Goûter.
@cafexbica/Instagram
The design of the café exudes luxury, thanks to Atriani’s custom furniture and curated colour palette. It’s all about quality and style. The seating is perfectly arranged to suit everyone, whether you want a cozy corner or a lively spot for chatting.
Cafe x Bica’s popularity isn’t just about great coffee — it’s the whole experience. Despite the weekend queues, the café’s dedication to exceptional food, drinks, and service makes every visit enjoyable and relaxed.
Cafe x Bica is located at 160 Pears Ave., Unit 100.
Get ready, hockey fans: an L.A. auction house is diving into the sports world with its first-ever hockey auction on June 20 in Toronto.
This first sports auction for Studio Auctions includes a mix of items from Canadian and American teams, with a special focus on high-quality, photo-matched memorabilia. Items up for grabs include jerseys, hockey sticks, contracts, posters and pucks. It’s a dream come true for anyone looking to own a piece of hockey history.
Big-ticket items include an autographed game-worn jersey from Darryl Sittler, as well as game-worn jerseys from Ian Turnbull, and Dave “Tiger” Williams. Fans can also bid on milestone hockey sticks used by Wayne Gretzky or a game-used rookie stick from Bobby Orr.
“We wanted our first sports auction to coincide with a major sporting event — we chose hockey memorabilia because the NHL finals are in June,” says Brad Teplitsky, Studio Auctions’ co-founder.
“And we chose Toronto because hockey is the most beloved sport in Canada and Toronto is home to the Hockey Hall of Fame and one of the largest hockey fan bases in the world,” Teplitsky said. “Some of the best hockey players of all time have come from this city.”
While the live-auction is scheduled for June 20, for those who can’t make it in person, it will also be streamed online for global participation. On top of Maple Leafs memorabilia, fans can also bid on items from the Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens and more.
The live auction will also feature appearances from Toronto hockey greats like Darryl Sittler, Rick Vaive and Wendel Clark.
Currently, pre-bidding is also open online – where die-hard fans can put in bids early.
Ffor authentication, the auction house guarantees that all items are 100 per cent original through a thorough authentication process, verifying paperwork, materials and ownership history.
Mark your calendars for June 20at 7:30 p.m. for a chance to score big on some iconic hockey collectibles. For more details and to start pre-bidding, visit StudioAuctions.com.
The culinary team behind a number of recognizable Italian hot spots is switching things up, bringing a little music to Old Town Toronto.
Set to open on July 2nd, Adam Teolis and the team that gave the city Amano Trattoria and Bar Notte will unveil The Berczy, a restaurant and piano bar that has a vibe for every time of the day and every kind of dining experience.
“Guests can look forward to exceptional experiences in a versatile setting. We offer a refined dining room and a more casual bar area up front, complete with a grand piano for live music, particularly in the evenings and during brunch,” Teolis says. “Our menu features contemporary Canadian and American dishes with a Mediterranean twist, inspired by chef Michael Angeloni’s Italian and Polish heritage. The Berczy is designed to be refined yet approachable, ensuring that everyone feels welcome.”
The Berczy will be open seven days a week for lunch, brunch and dinner and offer a late-night piano bar for those looking for a little jazz. When the ivory keys aren’t being performed by one of the city’s best piano players, a mix of classic and contemporary jazz and big band from the likes of Louie Armstrong and the Rat Pack to Amy Winehouse will flow from the speakers.
“Our inspiration comes from the rich history and charm of Old Town Toronto. The Berczy is named after Berczy Park which in turn is named after William Berczy, a founder of the city and which gives the restaurant a sense of place in the city,” Teolis says. “Situated in a heritage brick and beam warehouse, the space retains its historic character while incorporating elements like black marble, brass and rich wood. It’s designed to feel both timeless and contemporary.”
The cocktail program will follow suit, with a bar open all day that serves up tried-and-true favourites and new classics alike, as well as an option for those who want to order a drink off-menu. The fare will change often to reflect seasonality and tastes, and strike a perfect balance between old and new – just like its little corner of the city.
Sandwiches are timeless. Despite low-carb and no-meat trends, they’re still a favourite. With so many sandwich spots in Toronto, picking the best is tough. But here they are—the top sandwiches in Toronto, ranked.
10. The Big Bella at La Bella Sangweech
@labellasangweech/Instagram
What’s on it: Mortadella, hot soppressata, prosciutto, capicola, provolone, mozzarella, olive salad, iceberg lettuce, Bella sauce
Hailing from Sault Ste. Marie and Toronto, respectively, Jessica Anelli and Angie Russo, the owners of La Bella Sangweech, infuse their Italian Canadian heritage into the very essence of their flavourful journey as business owners. Crafting the menu for the shop proved to be an exciting yet challenging endeavour. La Bella Sangweech boasts freshly baked focaccia daily, hand-sliced meats and cheeses and a dedication to providing great customer service.
9. The pulled pork at Black Camel
What’s on it: Succulent slow-roasted pulled pork on a perfectly toasted bun. These gourmet sandwiches are customizable with toppings like Roma tomatoes, eggplant, chili-roasted red onions and arugula. Our favourite combo? Caramelized onions, fontina cheese, coleslaw and Black Camel BBQ sauce.
A sandwich shop doesn’t get to be a Rosedale institution by doing anything less than great work. The Black Camel’s brisket sandwich is the sparks that fly when bubby meets Texas barbecue. The meat has been roasted so long and slow that it melts in your mouth. Its tomato-based sauce is just sweet enough to make you smile, and Black Camel piles it on a soft Portuguese kaiser bun.
8. The Italian trio at Lambo’s Deli
@lambosdeli/Instagram
What’s on it:Soppressata, mortadella, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, pickled red onion, arugula, pesto, Calabrian chili spread.
Inspired by the delicious deli sandwiches he enjoyed on trips to New York, Lambo’s Deli owner Justin Leon set out to bring Toronto an old-school hoagie. Fresh, high-quality ingredients elevate Lambo’s Deli’s sandwiches above your childhood bagged lunches. Veggies, meats and cheese are prepared in-house, while ingredients like pickles, pesto and black olive tapenade are made from scratch.
What’s on it: Ham, Cheese, Tomato, Jalapeno, Crispy Onion, Fresh Onion, Lettuce, Grandma’s Homemade hot sauce
This cute takeout counter run by husband-and-wife team Sarah and Artin Davoodi, who moved to Toronto from Cologne in 2018, specializes in sandwiches and hot dogs. Their creative hot dogs feature toppings inspired by different nationalities, such as the French, which sees a classic grilled hot dog paired with brie cheese and jam and served in a croissant. Sandwiches come in hot varieties like meatball, deli-style cold cut or served on German rye bread. Part deli, part convenience store, Grandma Loves You also offers snacks like chips, candy and chocolate bars.
6. The original steak sandwich at BEAR Steak Sandwiches
What’s on it: Medium rare flank steak, chimichurri on a Portuguese roll
Aki Erenberg and Ricky Barrientos initially launched BEAR Steak Sandwiches in 2021 as a pandemic-inspired passion project, intending it as a temporary venture to cook for family and friends. Operating out of backyards, they offered their steak sandwich every Sunday in Little Italy.
What’s On it:This egg salad made with Kewpie mayo has a hit of heat with some togarashi, decorated with green onions and held together on a Pullman’s loaf.
For those who prefer not to pack their own lunch, Leslieville boasts a new talk-of-the-town sandwich shop. However, Leslie’s Sandwich Room offers more than just grab-and-go options—it serves elevated sandwiches to add pizzazz to your office lunches. Inspired by owners Katherine McCallum and Nora Smith-Beckett’s travels around the world, the menu at Leslie’s Sandwich Room includes a list of salads, sandwiches and desserts where nearly everything — down to making the dressings, chocolate chips, chip seasoning and roasting the beef — is done in house.
Porchetta & Co. is named after the iconic dish from Central Italy. The boneless pork roast is traditionally stuffed with herbs and garlic, and is a salty slab of goodness. But everyone knows that the best part of the dish is the crispy skin! The signature dish is available as a sandwich or as a plate with your choice of side. We definitely recommend opting for the truffle sauce to take it over the top. For regulars seeking variety, there’s a selection of sandwiches of the non-pork variety such as fried chicken parmesan and pastrami banh mi.
3. The Mortadella e Pistacchio Tramezzini at Forno Cultura
Forno Cultura is a beautiful, Italian-style bakery. Each day, bakers whip up freshly made breads and pastries using Italian recipes that have been passed down through generations. Some of the most popular items are the pugliese bread (a rustic loaf similar to a ciabatta) and chocolate-hazelnut biscotti that have a line of rich chocolate running through the middle in addition to roasted hazelnuts. Also available are imported oils, sauces and spreads to serve with Forno’s homemade goods. The open bar provides a stunning display of all its offerings, which include pre-made sandwiches on the breads and croissants — and also allows for customers to watch the bakers at work. Mangia, baby!
What’s on it: Pepperoni pizza & Caesar salad living in harmony in a bun. Tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella, pepperoni & romaine tossed in Caesar dressing.
Vilda’s is easy to miss. It’s tucked away inside Nobrega’s Variety and Grocery, located at 209 Dovercourt, and serves sandwiches, salads, soups, and other noshes as well as some sweet treats. The ever-changing menu will spotlight seasonal ingredients and includes standouts like the vegan BLT, with beets, lettuce, and tahini on brodflour seeded pullman, and the brown butter chicken salad made from the leftover chicken from Bernhardt’s, whipped with brown butter and mayonnaise.
What’s on it: Grilled Seabass fillet and potatoes, seasoned with parsley & vinegar. In a pita with garlic aioli and pickles.
This Yorkville Israeli restaurant was actually world-famous before it even came to Toronto and the excitement was bustling for months in anticipation of its opening. Chef Eyal Shani hails from Jerusalem, and has become a household name thanks to appearances on Food for Thought and as a guest for the Israeli version of MasterChef. Now, chef Shani has brought his signature whole roasted cauliflower to Toronto, a customer favourite across the globe. The “magic of Miznon” means each location chef Shani’s pitas are served at are made using local, seasonal vegetables in a farm-to-table approach.
Toronto is home to Glad Day Bookshop, the world’s oldest queer bookstore, which now faces eviction due to growing debt as result of the impact of COVID-19.
Glad Day has been a fixture in Toronto’s queer community since opening their doors in 1970. For more than half a century, the bookshop cultivated a safe and knowledgeable space for all, providing the city with a vast selection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit and queer literature.
Now, the business has made a public call-to-action in a recent post on Instagram, requesting aid to continue the store’s operation.
“Since the ‘end’ of the pandemic (and the end of COVID-19 subsidies) we have been struggling. We have been going into debt almost every month for the last 2 years,” the post’s caption reads. “We have often been short on rent.”
As a result, Glad Day must provide a lump sum payment of $100,000 to their landlord by July or face eviction. If the payment is made, the landlord “has agreed to a small reduction” in rent for one year.
“We are hoping to raise $300,000 to give us at least one more stable year at our current location and provide the capacity needed to dream of and act on whatever Glad Day becomes next,” the caption reads.
There are numerous ways to support Glad Day during this campaign, ranging from donations and testimonials to volunteering your time.
Looking to grab an alcoholic beverage after work? Visit the shop for a handcrafted cocktail. Have any X-rated books lying around? Donate to Glad Day’s collection.
Volunteer your skills in social media management and event planning or promote yourself as an artist at one of the shop’s various performance events.
You can even enjoy a drag show brunch on Sundays, an event that Glad Day has been running for years!
Since the beginning of its operation, they have been firmly at the root of “Canadian struggles for sexual liberation, free speech and creativity,” hosting 500 2SLGBTQ events annually and having set up an emergency fund for 2SLGBTQ artists, performers and cash-based workers in response to the COVID-19 crisis, among other credible accomplishments.
As we enter Pride Month this weekend, Toronto’s queer community and allies have an opportunity to return the uplifting support Glad Day has been providing for decades past in a bid to save the institution.
