10 things Taylor Swift-approved designer Ellie Mae can’t live without

By

-

2:49 pm

Celebrities such as Gwen Stefani and Bella Hadid have worn Ellie Mae Waters’s designs from her popular brand Ellie Mae Studios before. But nothing compares to when Taylor Swift herself wore a sweatshirt Waters had personally sourced as part of the brand’s growing vintage collection. The pop star sported the Kansas City Chiefs sweatshirt at her boyfriend Travis Kelce’s football game, prompting a huge spike in visitors to the brand’s website as fans scrambled to buy their vintage from the same place Swift buys hers. Here, Waters shares with us the 10 things she can’t live without.

1. Corpus Body Wash – Third Rose, from the Health Hut

“This is such a nice clean and fresh body wash. After I bought one bottle my fiancé stole most of it! So now we share and buy multiple at a time. I love everything that Health Hut sells.”

2. LMNT electrolytes, from Drink LMNT

“I am a huge water drinker, but I learned that I need to incorporate electrolytes to make sure I’m getting all the benefits. I love the flavours of these and I love their very simple, clean ingredients.”

3. Flowers, from Adam and Davis

“They do our display window at our store up in Summerhill, and they do the most amazing job. We have also done Mother’s Day pop-ups with them and absolutely love their bouquets.”

4. Acupuncture, from Peridot Wellness

“I see Meagan; she is amazing at fixing any kind of pain. I love acupuncture for many reasons, and they do it all there. Try an acupuncture facial! The results are great.”

5. Chicken bone broth, from Pop Health

“They have the best bone broth in the city. She makes it from scratch with all organic ingredients. It has saved me so many times when I have been sick. Everyone at the office drinks it. It is amazing for gut health!”

6. Spaghetti alla carbonara, from Ascari Enoteca in Leslieville

“I love this restaurant. The food is amazing and so fresh. The carbonara is perfection, and it is where I go whenever I have a craving for Italian food.”

7. Smack Dog Food, from The Dog Bowl

“We have two French Bulldogs and a Golden Retriever, and we get all of their food from here. The Frenchies have extremely sensitive skin and we have found while feeding them this food, they have never developed an allergy. It is pricey but they are three years old and have no skin issues. They love it!”

8. Chicken wings, from Miku

“I love chicken wings. Miku is my favourite sushi in the city, but they also do my most favourite chicken wing. You can only order them on Uber Eats and they are worth it! Just pop them in your air fryer or oven for that extra crisp when they arrive.”

9. Mooala almond milk, from Natura Market

“It is so hard to find clean almond milk because so many are filled with so much unnecessary junk. This one only has four ingredients, and it is very tasty.”

10. Cozy knits and vintage tees, from Ellie Mae Studios

Ellie Mae Fall/Winter 2023 knit with a green and yellow pattern — @elliemaestudios/Instagram

“I may be biased but I’m obsessed with how soft our knits are. They are my go-to every day in the fall for an effortless look. If you are looking for a different look, we have amazing, rare vintage tees and sweaters!”

These are some of the best heated outdoor patios in Toronto right now

By

Christine Hogg

-

1:10 pm

0

harbour60-outdoor-patio — Harbour 60's new outdoor patio

Chilly weather won’t stop the outdoor dining fun! The city’s best spots are beating the chill with heaters, making cozy nooks to enjoy yummy food and drinks. So, bundle up and savour the winter vibes as you dine al fresco in style!

Here are just some of the incredible spots you can visit for outdoor dining in the city.

Bar’kada

The 20-person back patio at this Filipino restaurant is gas heated, making it the perfect spot to take in some chicken adobo, vegetable rolls and lumpia. They also offer happy hour drinks for $6 and eats priced at $10. 745 Queen Street West

Fonda Lola Mexican Bistro

The mezcal, tequila and wine-based cocktails at Fonda Lola transport diners back to warmer weather, and the patio is open to draw those craving warm weather dishes from Mexico. On Taco Tuesdays, $14 taco sets are available to enjoy on the winterized patio, complete with fireside patio tables and heaters. 942 Queen Street West

Bar Neon

The heated patio at this Greek eatery is considered one of the best in the Bloordale area, and each dish served is made from scratch with simple yet tasty ingredients. There are happy hour specials daily from 3pm to 6pm, and contemporary Greek cuisine like wood-fired pizza paired with wine, craft beers and cocktails is available on the heated and covered patio. 1226 Bloor Street West

Harbour60

This large, upscale restaurant has a massive, year-round patio, which is both heated and covered. It hardly feels like a patio at all, complete with artwork, greenery, and intricate chandeliers. The patio is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. 60 Harbour Street

El Catrin

The Distillery District’s El Catrin, designed by Munge Leung, is a visual feast. Both inside and out, this modern cantina — which used to be The Boiler House — is decked out with eye-tantalizing details, many of which have been imported straight from Mexico. The 5,000-square-foot patio is decked out with vibrant colours (yellows, fucsias, aquas) and is anchored with an open fire pit that roars both day and night. Custom metal screens inspired by Mexican paper art depict dancing skeletons, while mammoth laser-cut lampshades hang overhead. There’s also a fully equipped outdoor bar that ensures your tequila-based cocktail arrives faster than you can say “¡viva México!” (There are a total of 120 tequilas and mescals on offer.)

The Drake

The Drake Hotel has become a Toronto institution since its relaunch as a restaurant, bar, boutique hotel and self-proclaimed “hotbed for culture” in 2004. It offers a myriad of entertainment options each night spread across several rooms and several floors. Eat it in the lounge or in the Sky Yard, the Drake’s all-season rooftop patio.

5 of the hottest fashion trends on the streets of Toronto this winter

By

Julia Mastroianni

-

12:58 pm

0

winterfashion — L-R: @rachspeed/Instagram, @shop.feelings.vintage/Instagram

The first flurries have landed…and melted again (but we’re trying not to think about climate change) this winter season. At least not at this exact moment, as we contemplate all the outfits we can wear in the semi-cold, before the temperature descends into hibernation levels. The truth is that Toronto winters are the hardest to dress for, which is why we called on a fashion professional to help us stay inspired. Here are five fashion trends you’ll be noticing on the streets of Toronto this winter, according to Toronto stylist Meg Summers.

Loud athleisure

The newest casual streetwear trend, according to Summers, is what she calls “loud athleisure.” While it’s recommended to incorporate athleisure pieces into everyday wear this winter, there’s a particular departure from conventional matching sets, in favour of true sport style-clothing. This trend moves away from pristine ensembles towards a more relaxed, slightly disheleved aesthetic characterized by baggy, layered outfits. Jerseys and Adidas track pants are poised to become staples within this shift. Summers says vintage shopping is the best way to find authentic sportswear in Toronto, noting Vintage Outlaw in Kensington and Vinty Baby, an online shop and frequent downtown market vendor.

Figure skating core

Ballerina core has proved that it isn’t going anywhere fast, it’s just adapting to the season– taking to the ice instead. The trend of figure skating core blends elements of simple athleticism with elegance and grace. Summers says you can use a lot of what you probably already have to work out in (tights, spandex, fitted long sleeves) since the look revolves around the art of layering. Rue De La Mare has incredible stretchy layering pieces and knits that you can use to build the foundation of your outfit, but if you’d prefer to thrift you can try Batch Vintage. The focal point is your investment piece: a dress or a flared, A-line skirt, such as those made by Toronto designer Elisa Gentile. Pull it all together by adding accessories like arm and leg warmers and ear muffs and you’ll be ready for the ice (or the party).

Statement knits

Last January, as we entered 2023 in the dead of winter, we set our sights on colourful, unexpected knitwear. Naturally, this is one of the main ways that Torontonians can express ourselves when it gets too cold to expose skin, and this winter is no exception. The knitters are back on their game and as strong as ever. Summers says the way to keep the trend fresh is to incocoprate statements knits into simple outfits — the weirder the better. While you might think your go-to would be a balaclava, Summers actually thinks we’re moving away from that particular accessory. Instead, she recommends pants with strings, over-exaggerated sleeves (like the “knotty sleeves” by Shop Feelings Vintage) and knit bags like this one by knitwear designer Jil Leo. Olivia Rubens’ “positive knitwear” collection is also the perfect place to shop for colourful textures, like her brushed alpaca slither vest in chartreuse/flame orange.

Red everywhere

There’s no doubt that you’ve already been seeing striking pops of red all over. It’s holiday-coded, it’s fiery and it’s warding off winter blues. Trend analysis account Data But Make It Fashion was quoted in Vogue stating that cherry red increased 280 per cent in popularity in November. So what are you waiting for? Summers favourite way to add a red accent is with a pair of bold tights, and they’re not at all hard to find (Montreal-based Sheertex sells them). You might also consider a red cardigan, a cherry lipstick, fire engine coloured nails or a ruby kitten heel.

Mary Janes

Now for the undisputable shoe of the season. Summers has officially deemed Mary Janes the statement going out shoe for winter. It draws on the prep wave that we saw in the fall, but also fits into the ever pervasive ballet and figure skating core aesthetic. They’re easy to walk in – thank goodness, the winter streets are rough – but they’re still fashion-forward. They’re so popular at present that you should be able to easily source them in a thrift store, but if you’re looking for a long-term investment or something a step up from the classic style, try John Fluevog (kooky, elevated) or Dr. Martens (edgy, casual).

Food prices are soaring. Here are 5 spots with meals for under $15 in T.O.

By

Jennifer Schembri

-

11:24 am

0

With rising prices in Toronto, eating out is getting harder. High rent and grocery costs mean people are cutting back. But, there’s a spot in the GTA that just launched a budget-friendly $13 prix fixe menu, offering delicious and affordable option to grab a bite this winter season.

Fox and Fiddle Cityplace on Fort York Boulevard ‘s new affordable menu includes old favourites and new additions like the smash burger, beer-battered fish & chips, mac n’ cheese, Guinness pot pie, pierogies and a variety of sliders.

“We invite you to step out of your routines and enjoy well deserved moments of relaxation and fun again, without worrying about the bill. It’s a call to feel human again, to socialize, and to enjoy great food at fair prices,” reads the restaurant’s Instagram post.

There are a bunch of other restaurants in the city offering affordable menu items for $15 and under.

Aunt Lucy’s Burgers

Toronto loves a good burger. Located in Parkdale, Aunt Lucy’s is serving up delicious smash burgers, priced at $15 an under. Choose from the fan favourite Labadi burger ($13) named after the popular beach in Ghana. A Beyond patty comes topped with fried plantain, caramelized onion, havarti jalapeño cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and a secret Labadi sauce all between a potato bun. If burgers aren’t your thing, opt for the fired chicken ($15) or fried chicken sandwich ($13) plus, choose from a number of delicious sides, including fried plantain and rice.

Banh Mi Boys

Everything on Banh Mi Boys’ menu is affordable, priced under $12. From tasty steamed bao at $6.25 to Banh mi options like pulled pork at $9.50 or deep-fried squid rings with lime vinaigrette and mayo at $11, topped with cucumbers, pickled carrots, and cilantro. They also offer tacos and fries, including tempting tofu kimchi fries with mayo, lemongrass tofu, spicy Asian BBQ sauce, green onions, and kimchi for $11.50.

La Chilaca Taqueira

Kensington Market is filled with amazing restaurants, and La Chilaca is a standout. It’s one of several Latin American food stalls tucked away in a small “food court” in Kensington Market. The staff are warm and friendly. And the smell of sizzling meat and fresh churros lingers in the air. The busy “food court” perfectly embodies the essence of Kensington Market. Amongst the many stalls, La Chilaca Taqueria stands out as a crowd-favourite – offering some of the best cheap eats and tacos in the city. If there‘s one thing off the menu that you need to try – it’s the Al Pastor! Their menu features tacos priced between $6 and $7, along with burritos and quesadillas. Notably, the large quesadilla pastor is priced at $15, filled with chorizo, beef, and chicharron.

Lamanna’s Bakery

Make your way to Lamanna’s Bakery in Scarborough for delicious eats that won’t break the bank. Enjoy generous portions of beef and veggie lasagna for just $10.99 each. Indulge in veal or chicken cutlets, covered in a rich tomato sauce, priced at $8.25 each. Complete your Italian feast with classic Italian mushrooms and peppers for $3.99 or meatballs for $2.99.

The Heartbreak Chef

Craving chicken and waffles for just $15? Head to Dundas St. West and discover The Heartbreak Chef, Jerome Robinson’s comfort food haven. Their menu boasts dishes priced at $15 and under, such as The Big Ass Chicken Sandwich for $12, The Big Jerk Energy Sandwich for $15 and the Mac & Charlie sandwich, featuring their signature five-cheese blend creamy macaroni and cheese stuffed inside a grilled cheese.

Drake’s OVO fashion brand is collaborating yet again with Canada Goose

By

Julia Mastroianni

-

1:38 pm

0

Canada Goose is preparing to keep fashion lovers warm this frigid winter as they launch two collaborations with streetwear giants A Bathing Ape and, to no one’s surprise, Drake’s fashion brand October’s Very Own, also known as OVO.

Both collaborations are keeping it simple, offering just three products across the product set, with each partnership utilizing a core garment from Canada Goose’s range — and of course, the iconic puffer is featured in both. The brands hail from opposite sides of the globe but they’re coming together for one common goal: to have Torontonians looking fashionable this winter.

OVO was started by Drake along with Oliver El-Khatib and Noah “40” Shebib. The streetwear turned lifestyle label is a frequent collaborator with Canada Goose, with this collection marking the 12th time the brands have come together.

OVO is offering their take on a Canada Goose jacket, dropping two monochromatic Chilliwack bombers. This particular Chiliwack comes cropped to the waist, paired with an adjustable tunnel hood, two-way zipper and elevated performance satin. And of course, it wouldn’t be an OVO piece without their owl, which can be found in matte black on the left breast.

The other two pieces from the range are knit accessories, highlighting a favourite Toronto trend right now of sporty accessories and balaclavas. Stitched in Merino wool, the all black balaclava features the classic OVO owl logo and blends seamlessly into the collar of the Chiliwack bomber. The same goes for the scarf, which is covered in Canada Goose and OVO branding, patterned in a way that is reminiscent of soccer club scarves.

A Bathing Ape, also known as BAPE, was founded in 1993 by Nigo in Japan and quickly became a staple in the closet of streetwear lovers. BAPE focuses on Canada Goose’s Crofton puffer jacket and Freestyle vest, wrapping both with their famous ABC BAPE head camouflage print.

The third, and most unique, item from their collection is the set of 400 per cent and 100 per cent Bearbricks. Shying away from their expected design choice of splitting the Bearbicks colour scheme in half, BAPE opted to cover the entire bear in white ABC camo, and zipping it up in a green ABC camo Canada Goose puffer jacket.

The BAPE collaboration is available in-store and online at Canada Goose, as well as on the BAPE website right now. Torontonians will have to wait for the OVO collab as it drops online and in-store at OVO and Canada Goose on Dec. 8.

Creating a new way for Canadians to live together through Home Sharing

By

Erin Neilly

-

11:00 am

0

SpacesShared.ca, a Toronto based company, might have the perfect solution to some of the challenges we’ve recently been hearing about.

The challenges: Housing shortages, inflation, an aging population and social isolation.

The solution: Home sharing through SpacesShared.ca

Rylan Kinnon, a student advocate, public servant, technology exec and consultant and Jackie Tanner, a social worker specializing in gerontology co-founded SpacesShared.ca to help address the above challenges through their modern approach to home sharing.

SpacesShared, in partnership with universities and colleges across Canada, helps connect students (Guests) looking for safe, and affordable housing with Hosts who have a spare bedroom and an interest in sharing it with a younger person. Guests pay Hosts rent and, if both are amenable, a discount on rent can be offered to the Guest in exchange for help around the house.

SpacesShared’s platform enables Hosts and Guests to register and complete a profile which is then run through a sophisticated algorithm, designed and overseen by social workers, to “match” the two based on self-identified interests, preferences and lifestyle factors. Meetings are coordinated through the platform, and background and criminal checks are run to ensure everyone’s safety.

The SpacesShared team stays in touch from “match to move-out” to ensure all is going smoothly.

Home sharing has been around for a very long time and is a norm in many cultures globally. Its time has come now in Canada. We all want to age in place, remaining connected to our communities; many are finding it challenging to stay ahead of the bills.

The wins for everyone are clear: Students get safe, affordable, home-like settings. Hosts get companionship, extra income and some help around the house.

If you have a room you’d like to open to a Guest, or know someone who might, please visit SpacesShared.ca to find out more.

How They Met: Pinball Clemons on the secret to 31 years of marriage

By

Julia Mastroianni

-

2:40 pm

0

With 31 years of marriage under their belts, Argos icon Michael “Pinball” Clemons and Juno-nominated singer and motivational speaker Diane Clemons have plenty to teach about love. And this month, they’re coming together for Christmas with the Clemons — a live concert with the Clemons family and plenty of Toronto stars on Dec. 6 in support of their joint passion, the Pinball Clemons Foundation, providing marginalized youth with educational resources. They’ve shared the secret to their decades of love.

How they met

Michael: Our mutual friend Kim stopped by my house one day over the summer after my first year of university with Diane in tow. I answered the door with just shorts, no shirt, assuming it was one of my guy friends. We kept on running into each other over the course of a week, but I’m not too sure if that was by mistake, or if we both had an extra eye open.

Diane: A good friend of mine mentioned to me that she knew an amazing guy who just happened to be an amazing athlete and lived two doors down from her. She said she thought we’d make an amazing couple and wanted to make an introduction. When I arrived at her home she surprised me with the idea of walking over to Michael’s because the two of them were friends as well and she supposedly didn’t know where the jamboree was taking place. At this point, I knew this was a set up! I remember her knocking on the door and I was so nervous because I had no idea what to expect. Michael answers the door with a pair of short basketball shorts and no shirt with a towel around his shoulders. Judging by the look on his face, he was not expecting us. But every day for the next week we literally ran into each other, and I don’t believe that was coincidence, I believe it was fate.

The courtship

Diane: We dated for eight years, and during three of those years we were both in university 10 hours away from each other. We communicated through good old-fashioned handwritten letters. I remember looking forward to going to my dorm mailbox every week because I was guaranteed to have a letter or some beautiful poetry written by Michael. My girlfriend and I would drive to Williamsburg and I would go and watch him play football. Seeing him play was a whole other ordeal. I would watch all these little kids line up to get an autograph from him, and I’d think to myself, “Why?” Little did I know, nothing would change.

The proposal

Michael: I actually proposed twice. The first time, we were in California at a Pro Athletes Outreach event with CFL and NFL players. With no ring, or anything else, on the final day, I went to her room, took her out on the balcony that looked out onto a gorgeous view, got down on one knee, and asked her to marry me. She said yes, but about a month later, I “proposed” again, but this time with a ring in hand at her favourite place, the beach.

The wedding

Michael: We got married on June 7, 1992, in our hometown of Clearwater, Florida, where we began our journey as childhood sweethearts. It was the most beautiful wedding — you could feel the love and the support from the time those church bells rang, and Diane and her mom were crossing the street into the church parking lot on a white horse and carriage.

Diane: The legendary Don Matthews, the Argos coach at the time, gave Michael three days off, before he told him he needed to get himself back to training camp. When we finally got the chance, we went to Hawaii for our honeymoon. Two young Black kids who grew up in the projects, a stone’s throw from the railroad tracks, we never thought in our lifetime we would even have the opportunity to visit Hawaii, let alone move to Canada to start a life together.

The kids

We have three beautiful daughters, who we love to say are our three heartbeats. Our oldest, Rachel Chantel, is 29, and she graduated from Humber with a degree in journalism. Our middle daughter, Raven Cymone, is 26 with a Bachelor of Commerce, and our youngest baby girl Rylie Camille is 21 and enjoying trying new things on her path of discovery. We are also blessed with two gorgeous granddaughters – a 19-month-old, and our brand-new precious addition who is not even a month old.

The secret to success

So many times, people love to say a marriage is 50/50, when in actuality, some days it’ll be 30/70 or 80/20, but every day it should be the intentional act of giving your whole self, 100 per cent of the time. With all that being said, what we’ve always relied on is that thing we call love, and love simply says: you before me.

The future together

Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is everything. It is the preview to life’s coming attraction.” When I think about that quote within the context of the future of our marriage in mind, we see exactly what we see today – a marriage full of love, full of hope, full of inspiration, full of philanthropy and full of faith and family. We see a life filled with what sounds like the laughter of our grandkids and looks like the joy of watching our daughters grow in happiness and success. It looks like continuing to pour into the community, while always prioritizing our relationship with each other, and our relationship with God. It looks like happiness and peace, maybe somewhere in a sunny location. It looks like road trips, Florida visits, concerts and maybe a couple of Argos football games sprinkled in the mix.

Canadians prefer gifts with meaning and impact this season

By

Erin Neilly

-

11:00 am

0

Almost half (45%) of Canadians say that given the hardships many people are facing, they would rather give and receive gifts that have meaning instead of something material, according to a recent survey by Plan International Canada. Enter Gifts of Hope, a unique charitable-giving program, where thoughtful, life-changing gifts support people around the world, especially girls, to transform their lives.

Giving a Gift of Hope does double duty by giving a loved one a special gift that tells an inspiring story while also providing a tangible item or essential service to families in need. Each gift supports a project like helping girls assert their rights, equipping a school with furniture and food staples or improving families’ livelihoods.

In addition, many gifts are matched by Plan’s government or organizational partners, meaning your gift has an even greater impact for children and families. With more than 60 unique items to choose from, you’ll find gifts for everyone on your holiday list. Here are five top-selling ideas:

Girl Power ($50, matched 8x): This gift is about unleashing the power of girls by providing them with nourishment, education and protection. It helps create safe schools and helps ensure that girls are not forced into early marriages.

Greatest Need ($25): This gift goes wherever the greatest needs are for children across the world. It provides everything from urgent and essential care for newborns, nutritious food for families, aid for communities in crises and more.

Goat ($80): This gift of a goat to a family in need may be the most unique gift you give this year, and it can be life-changing for the recipients. Goat’s milk provides important nutrients for growing children and the sale of a goat’s offspring means income to pay for essentials like education.

Clean Water for Families ($80, matched 4x): This gift provides community-based water solutions and training on proper sanitation and hygiene to bring clean water to communities, ultimately keeping girls safe and in school.

Food Basket ($50, matched 7x): This gift is filled with staples like beans, cooking oil, fortified cereal blends and sugar. It’s a basic food basket with an impact that is anything but.

To see the complete Gifts of Hope catalogue and purchase a gift, visit plangifts.ca.

The 10 best restaurants in Kensington Market, ranked

By

Jennifer Schembri

-

12:54 pm

0

315443860_2092722967605475_7299135481593609758_n — Dirty Bird Chicken + Waffles on Instagram

Is there a neighbourhood more unique and vibrant in Toronto than Kensington Market? Along with a ton of vintage shops and independent boutiques, the multicultural market is known for its deliciously diverse and eclectic mix of food stops along the way. From a Jamaican and Italian fusion eatery to a spot serving up German comfort food, here are the best restaurants in Kensington Market.

10. Otto’s Berlin Döner

Stop into Otto’s Berlin Döner for two of Germany’s most-loved street foods: the döner and the currywurst. For the last seven years, this cozy spot has been churning out these made from scratch hearty snacks made using only the freshest ingredients. Choose from veal & lamb ($14), chicken ($13), halloumi ($13) or a vegetarian option and for the wurst there’s bratwurst ($11.50) and even a Beyond Meat version (12.50). 256 Augusta Ave.

9. Ozzy’s Burgers

If you’re on the hunt for a juicy burger, Ozzy’s on Nassau has a bunch of the over-the-top creations to satisfy your craving. On the menu is a serious selection of patties including The Breaking Baaad lamb burger ($13.99) or the Holy Cheesus ($13.99) with a hearty helping of deep fired mozzarella. There’s also a large selection of chicken and steak sandwiches, heaping sides like Philly cheese steak fries and hand-spun old-school milkshakes. 66 Nassau St.

8. Saigon Lotus

Saigon Lotus, a vegan Vietnamese restaurant, passionately blends traditional Vietnamese dishes with unique vegan offerings exclusive to Toronto. From the distinctive vegan pan-fried pho noodles to customizable fresh spring rolls, and renowned Vietnamese vegan specialties, this gem guarantees a fresh and distinctive experience in every dish. 6 St. Andrew St.

7. The Dirty Bird Chicken + Waffles

For some super flavourful fried chicken The Dirty Bird is a must. There are a bunch of gluten-free and halal friendly options like The ODB made with boneless dark meat on a buttered maple waffle with dirty sauce ($16.95) or, for a meatless option, try the No Fowl Play made with fried cauliflower ($16.95). 79 Kensington Ave.

6. El Rey Mezcal Bar

This tiny bar serving up a variety of Mezcal and Mexican eats comes from none other than restaurateur extraordinaire, Grant van Gameren (of Bar Raval and Bar Isabel). On the menu are tacos including the crispy squid ($14.45) and the cauliflower fajitas ($14.45) as well as Mexican faves including rojo, quesadillas and molotes. There’s also a wide selection of boozy beverages and even dessert like the tres leches cake. 2A Kensington Ave.

5. Rasta Pasta

Can’t decide between classic jerk chicken or a homemade plate of pasta? At Rasta Pasta you can have both. A staple in the neighbourhood for the last decade, Rasta Pasta is a Jamaican-Italian fusion shop serving up authentic Caribbean cuisine and Italian eats in a stylish (albeit small) space. Some of their delicious offerings include Jamaican chicken, goat and oxtail dishes along with pasta dishes with an island twist like the jerk chicken lasagna ($20) or the scampi linguine ($18) in a coconut and creamed curry sauce. There’s also roti and a trio of grilled panini ($10) served with Rasta Pasta’s delicious coleslaw. 61 Kensington Ave.

4. Seven Lives

There’s extremely limited seating at Seven Lives, so people eat standing up. They do so quickly and armed with many napkins. After all, you can’t venture very far before the heaping Gobernador, the specialty taco with smoked marlin, grilled shrimp and cheese, starts to fall apart. Unput-downable for its flavour, texture and sheer heft, these tacos are unlike any other in an area bountiful with them. 72 Augusta Ave.

3. Grey Gardens

A visit to Kensington Market wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Jen Agg’s hot spot Grey Gardens. But beware, reservations might be hard to come by — back in the fall, the restaurant received Bib Gourmand designation by the Michelin Guide. If you’re lucky enough to get a table, there are plenty of plates to indulge in including the 7 layer trout roe dip ($60) or the panzotti made with chicken, garlic and vinegar ($24). 199 Augusta Ave.

2. Hawker

A new-ish kid on the Kensington Market block, Hawker is an upscale spot for plant-based small plates helmed by chefs Jeff Merkel and Leah Steduto. The menu takes inspiration from nature with appropriately named pretty-as-a-picture dishes including Starry Night ($15) made with biryani, smoked poblano and lavender and God’s work ($18) comprised of romano beans, pepper paste and pine nut. There’s also a selection of vegan wines and cocktails too. 291 Augusta Ave.

1. Sunnys Chinese

Sunnys Chinese, born from a successful pandemic pop-up, now stands as one of the city’s sought-after dining spots. Nestled in Kensington Market, the former Cold Tea space exudes cool vibes with moody lighting, groovy beats, and playful details. Chefs David Schwartz and Braden Chong bring a well-researched approach to regional Chinese cuisine, offering a diverse menu from Sichuan to Hong Kong. From perfected American-Chinese classics like orange chicken to deep dives into China’s culinary culture with dishes like Husband and Wife Beef, Sunnys delivers a varied experience. Chinese-inspired cocktails complete the culinary adventure. 60 Kensington Ave.

It’s holiday bar season in Toronto: The most wonderful time of the year

By

Megan Gallant

-

11:10 am

0

Cue Bing Crosby because it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas—at Toronto’s best bars, that is. It’s officially December which means even the scrooge-iest of Grinches can’t say it’s too early to get the tinsel out, put on the ugliest Christmas sweaters, deck the halls with boughs of holly, and check out these pop-up bars with festive drinks, twinkling lights, Michael Buble on repeat and a whole lot of Christmas spirit(s).

Here are all the holiday-themed pop-ups happening in Toronto this holiday season.

Miracle at Third Place Toronto

The team at Civil Liberties has turned the space at Third Place Toronto into a candy cane lane. Red and white stripes, holiday lights, and candlelight set the atmosphere at Miracle Toronto. Accepting walk-ins only, the bar offers one-of-a-kind cocktails, including a “Christmapolitan” and “Holiday Spiced Chai”—as well as a few concoctions with much naughtier names. Catering to St. Nicholas himself, the bar serves up cookies to snack on, with vegan and gluten-free options available.

Making this pop-up unique, Miracle Toronto is hosting Christmas with the Queen drag shows on Saturday afternoon throughout December. Guests can also bring a piece of Miracle home with them by purchasing some of the festive drinkware, including mugs of Santa—and his pants—nice or naughty shot glasses, and a SanTaRex Mug. The celebrations at Miracle do a lot more for the community than just spread good holiday cheer, as $1 from each cocktail sold will go to Nellie’s Shelter, an organization providing shelter, education and protection for women and children in the city. Last year, Miracle Toronto raised $40 thousand for the shelter.

Miracle Toronto has a $5 entry and is open from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. Monday to Wednesday, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturdays, and 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. Sundays.

The Thirsty Elf at the Fairmont Royal York

Quench your thirsty for holiday flavours at the Fairmont Royal York’s annual holiday-themed pop-up, the Thirsty Elf. Visit the MM floor of the hotel for an exclusive evening featuring luxurious cocktails in an environment made to encourage you to relax with lush cushions in a sea of sparkling ornaments. From sweet cocktails, like a gingerbread gin and “Christmoose S’more” to a nutty warming whiskey, the menu has a range of festive drinks to suit your holiday needs.

The pop-up is open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with one-hour seating time, available for walk in only, until December 22.

Giggly Christmas at Project Gigglewater

You’ll be giggling in delight when you step into Project Gigglewater, as the bar has been taken over by a Christmas elf. With light-up candles, paper snowflakes and hanging wrapped gifts decorating the unassuming bar, Giggly Christmas has introduced an all-new menu including Christmas Pigs in a Blanket, festive popcorn chicken, and gingerbread toffee cake. A minty chocolate cocktail making up the Beets by Mariah, a citrusy pear vodka highlighting the “Goose in a Pear Tree,” and a cinnamon gin and red vermouth combining for the “Mister and Mistletoe” are only a few of the many festive specialties that have been added to the menu.

Giggly Christmas is open at 1369 Dundas St. W., from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily until December 31.

Java Jingle at Little Sister Dutch Indo Food Bar

Both of Toronto’s Little Sister Dutch Indo Food Bar locations have been turned into a magical place of festivities with the return of the Java Jingle. Welcomed by an inflatable Elf—the Will Ferrell version, of course—Java Jingle offer 17 holiday-themed cocktails as well as two holiday-themed shots. With the names Feliz Navi-Zaddy and Resting Grinch Face, you know these shots are dangerous. With jolly Christmas tunes playing all night long, both locations promise holiday festivities to keep the party going all night and all winter long.

Little Sister Food Bar is running Java Jingle at 102 Portland Street and 2031 Yonge St., until January 7.

Nordic by BarChef

Step into winter magic at Nordic, the new cozy bar by BarChef in The Well complex. Enjoy a Cedar Eggnog or Winter Negroni in a snug yurt or by the firepit. Owners Frankie Solarik and Gianluca Passuello bring holiday cheer with handcrafted cocktails and signature flair. Immerse yourself in scents of cedar, balsam fir, and eucalyptus while you take in a festive musical performance.

This experience runs until Dec. 31 at The Well on Wellington.

Mistletoes and Margheritas at Papi Chulo’s

Have you ever spent your Christmas in Mexico? Now’s your chance with the third annual return of the Mistletoes and Margheritas pop-up taking over Papi Chulo’s at 121 Ossington Avenue. The bar, usually decorated with low hanging flags and dangling bulbs has been taken over by glowing candy canes and colourful lights, while the iconic palm trees have been turned in to bright and shining Christmas trees. Papi Chulo is still be serving up their Mexican staples, including tacos, the beloved guac, tacos and Mexican corn, while pairing it with deliciously sweet holiday drinks decorated in marshmallows, candy canes and little festive caricatures.

Mistletoes and Margheritas is now open for walk-in only until December 31.

Folly Jolly Christmas at Folly Brewpub

Have a folly jolly Christmas by trying the special holiday menu at Folly Brewpub this holiday season. Spiced mulled wine, fireball apple cider, Buttered Rum Old Fashioned, Christmas beer are some of the highlights you’ll be adding to your holiday wish list this year.

The Folly Brewpub is open from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 11am to 2am Saturday and Sunday.

Speakeasy Yurt at Stackt Market

You likely know that every year Stackt Market gets transformed into a winter wonderland with the return of Holiday Hills. From a 120-foot tunnel of lights, to retail pop-ups, live music, and s’mores by the outdoor firepit, there’s no shortage of fun to have at this annual extravaganza. But did you know there is also a whiskey bar speakeasy tucked away in a cozy yurt? Lit by candlelight, the space is intimate and includes four crafted cocktails that will make you easily forget you’re not even in a real building.

Holiday Hills is running from Stackt Market until December 31.

Tinseltown: The Christmas Speakeasy

This Tinseltown visits cities across North America, and Toronto is fortunate to host our very own. You may not know it from the outside but the Novotel Toronto Centre is the home of this speakeasy that’s covered in… well, tinsel. It might be tiny but there are big things happening—even beyond the massive Christmas nutcracker, photo op thrown, and large sleigh. This pop-up does more than create the look of Tinseltown, but rather pulls you right into all the fun with games, Christmas carol singalongs, and contests. But that’s only if you don’t let the Grinch get you down—that’s right, the enemy of Christmas cheer himself is promising to leave Whoville to spend the holidays in Tinseltown this year.Ticket purchase comes with a frosty welcome drink that’s rimmed in candy cane and festive spirit, while other items on the Christmas cocktail menu include a mulled wine, and flavoured hot chocolate with an alcoholic whipped cream.

Just as festive as the drinks in this standing cocktail bar are the items on the snack menu. With macaroons and a chocolate sundae on the menu, it might be tempting to switch to dessert, but you don’t want to miss the candy cane poutine or the roasted Brussel sprouts with cranberry paint and spiced pumpkin seeds (“Grinch Droppings” as they’re known in Tinseltown).

Tinsel runs at 5:30, 7:30, and 9:30 p.m. every night until December 24. Reservations cost $15 and covers one welcome drink.

Streets of Toronto’s 12 Days of Giveaways spreading holiday cheer in the 6ix

By

Julia Mastroianni

-

4:26 pm

0

Welcome to Streets of Toronto’s 12 Days of Giveaways, with our biggest and most valuable prizes ever! This year, we’re spreading the joy and helping make the season brighter for the 6ix.

Join us for twelve days of surprises and celebration as we give back to the city that has given us so much.

Starting December 1, our Instagram page will be lit up featuring Michelin restaurants, tickets to the biggest touring artist of all time, Leaf tickets, Raptors basketball tickets, Michelin dining, an Aritzia gift card and so much more.

The giveaway series will start off strong with the chance to win a $500 gift card to everyone’s minimalist fashion fave, Aritzia.

In early December, keep an eye out for concert tickets from the artist with the highest-grossing tour ever. Hint: her name rhymes with “Saylor.”

Love the Raptors? Stay tuned because we’re giving away two tickets to a game plus a pair of Vessi sneakers.

For a taste of luxury, there will also be giveaways from two of Toronto’s most lavish hotels, the prestigious Shangri-La and sumptuous Hazelton Hotel.

Plus, multiple chances to win dinners at some of the city’s most delicious Michelin-recommended restaurants.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a Streets of Toronto giveaway without tickets to the city’s blue and white fan favourites the Leafs — plus, you might get a chance to snag one of our famous hoodies featuring our adorable raccoon mascot, Soto.

We couldn’t have pulled this off without the support of our incredible sponsors: Anthony Rose, Chapman’s Ice Cream , DaNico, Earl’s Restaurant, the Hazelton Hotel, Miku, Ripley’s Aquarium, Ryde Canada, Shangri-La Toronto, Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Vessi.

To get in on the action, follow @streetsoftoronto on Instagram and get ready for 12 incredible days of giveaways courtesy of some of the most amazing restaurants, venues and artists in the city!

Thank you again for taking our Instagram feed, our website, our TikTok and so much more to incredible new heights! With hundreds of thousands of new followers and millions of page views a year, we could not be more grateful.

Offering a Wellspring of Support to People Living with Cancer

By

Erin Neilly

-

2:18 pm

0

After being told by a doctor that her ten-year-old daughter, Ellie, had a harmless cyst on her face, Sam Taylor reached out to a plastic surgeon to have it removed for cosmetic purposes.

Little did Sam and Ellie know that everything was about to change. At the follow-up appointment, Ellie was officially diagnosed with cancer. “One look at the nurse’s face was all it took for the air to be sucked out of the room,” says Sam.

For Sam, Ellie’s cancer diagnosis was incredibly hard to come to terms with. She was lost, afraid, angry, and worried—she needed help. Sam says that when the parent is struggling, you can assume that the child is also struggling.

“When your child is diagnosed with cancer, you are thrown onto a terrifying road entirely in darkness. The support I got from Wellspring gave me the power to keep going. Wellspring’s professional counsellor gave me practical, tangible tools that were like a flashlight for me on that road, and the support group members showed me I wasn’t alone.”

Ellie finished her treatment in April with success and is now being monitored with an MRI every three months for the next five years, while Sam is working towards becoming a Wellspring Peer Support Volunteer. “Wellspring made it possible for me to carry my daughter through the horror of cancer,” says Sam.

Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation is a charity which, through a series of professionally-led online and in-person programs, helps people living with cancer improve their quality of life and health outcomes. These programs are designed to provide connection and belonging; ease pain, fatigue, and distress; build strength and mobility; and support financial and workplace challenges.

Wellspring receives no core government or hospital funding, and programs are available to Wellspring members free-of-charge and without medical referral.

Find more information on Wellspring’s website – wellspring.ca