You might think that a kid with a Toronto Star paper route would harbour aspirations of becoming a journalist one day. Especially after earning the award of Newspaper Carrier of the Year in his district! But up until new CBC Metro Morning host David Common’s high school received a special visitor in Grade 13, the journalist was on track for a very different career.
“I had planned to be a nurse in the back of air ambulances and helicopters. But this broadcaster came and spoke to my high school and talked about what he did for a living and what it involves,” Common says. “It was like a light bulb appeared above my head in that moment. It changed everything, and I decided I would shift into journalism. And that broadcaster was Peter Mansbridge.”
Common was working at CBC early in his career, but another twist of fate sent him in a new direction — while visiting India, a plane got hijacked there.
“It was a major story at the time, so I called up CBC from Delhi, India, and said, ‘Hey, I’m here.’ And they put me on the air right away!”
After that, Common says he was “addicted,” quickly switching gears to foreign correspondence. Since then, he’s travelled to more than 85 countries chasing stories, but don’t ask him to pick a favourite.
“It’s impossible! I have been blessed to go to so many different places and hang out with everyday people,” he says. “I have interviewed prime ministers and presidents, and that’s cool, but I would take a regular person in their life abroad before anything else, because that’s where you find fascinating stories.”
Common recalls being in Haiti after the earthquake struck 10 years ago. “In Toronto, we’re closer to Haiti than we are to Vancouver, so I think about that disaster all the time,” he says. “But I also saw incredible beauty and other things in that moment, how families came together.”
It’s that beauty of the people that he’s excited for in his new hosting gig. “I get to interact with people across the GTA and beyond who I otherwise wouldn’t,” he says. “What we’re trying to do is help people understand the rest of this great big city that we live in and hear some of the common challenges and solutions between us all.”
So why does a reporter who gets an “adrenaline rush” from travelling all over the world for his job choose to come back to his hometown and focus on local stories for a change on Metro Morning? Common says it was time for a new challenge.
“It is a joy to get to occupy this incredible hosting seat in the GTA, a place that is actually pretty international,” he says. “We have so many lines from houses and businesses and communities that go around the world that I’m not getting rid of my international experience. It’s just the international home.”
The Domi name is a big deal in Toronto thanks to legendary Maple Leafs tough-guy Tie Domi. Now a couple decades later, his son Max, different type of player same great name, is helping the Buds on the team’s quest for a Stanley Cup.
Here, we corner Max Domi after practice and ask him some questions of vital importance about his life in Toronto.
What’s your favourite memoryfrom growing up in Toronto?
There’s so many of them. This is home, right? Probably the outdoor rinks around here. I grew up in the Port Credit area, so I played a lot of pond hockey out on the Credit River.
You lived in Port Creditbut you went to UCC?
I went to UCC in Grade 3. I grew up in Port Credit and then moved to North York in Toronto. My initial years of hockey were in Port Credit, and my AAA minor hockey was in Toronto.
Talk about your UCC experience.Did you play on the hockey team?
I played Grades 5, 6 and 7. My pops was pretty strict with school hockey. I didn’t have enough time. UCC coaches didn’t love that, but when I was younger, I played school hockey.
Was hockey something that your dad, Tie Domi, wanted you to pursue from a young age?
I think he realized that I wanted to pursue it, and he supported me in every way he possibly could. I fell in love with the game just being around it so much. It wasn’t really forced on me. I was more just surrounded by it, so I didn’t know any different.
Was there any point where youdidn’t want to be a hockey player?
I’m lucky. My childhood dream is my current job. I haven’t had to change courses too much, but I’ve enjoyed every second. It’s not always easy, and there’s certainly ups and downs throughout the career, but it’s fun to meet lots of cool people and get to live in lots of cool places. No complaints.
What were you most excited forwhen you got traded to the Leafs?
I was around this (Maple Leafs dressing) room as a kid, so you always think, “Oh, I’m going to play for this team.” Of course it’s home, but the main thing that excited me the most is that my dad played here. He wasn’t able to win a Stanley Cup, and I kind of look at that as unfinished business and to carry on that legacy.
Other than winning the Stanley Cup, what personal goals do you have forthis season?
Show up, work as hard as you can, be a good teammate and have fun. Honestly, the biggest goal is to enjoy every day. It’s not always going to be fun. There’s gonna be tough days, and you’ve got to work through it. I think if you have that approach you enjoy yourself way more.
What’s the biggest lessonyou learned from your dad?
Have fun and work hard. If you do those two things, it’s the best job in the world. This was my dream since I was a kid. A lot of people would give up a lot to be sitting in my shoes right now, so I try to enjoy every second of it.
What is your biggestchallenge for the season?
Everything’s a challenge when you’re on a team trying to win a Stanley Cup. Every day you’re going to get tested by your team and also within the locker room, and you’ve got to keep that standard high. The culture here is pretty high in terms of competing every single day and trying to get better. It’s easy to show up to work just to clock in and clock out. But we’re trying to get better every day. It’s a lot easier said than done.
How has your experience with type1 diabetes impacted your game?
In life, everyone goes through adversity. I had to make a decision: am I going to feel sorry for myself or am I going to take this and make myself a better person?
What’s your favourite restaurant in T.O.?
Harbour 60. Sotto Sotto. Bar Isabel.
What’s your favourite neighbourhood?
Ossington is my go-to, for sure. I like my neighbourhood, Little Italy.
I hear you’re a big Swiftie. Whatare your top Taylor Swift songs?
Toronto loves a good street festival, and Taste of the Danforth, a staple in Greektown since 1994, is no exception drawing over a million enthusiasts to immerse themselves in Greek culture.
Surprisingly, on Tuesday evening, organizers voted to cancel the 2024 Taste of the Danforth. The GreekTown on the Danforth BIA chose not to raise member levies by nearly 20 per cent to secure festival funding, learning from a shortfall in 2023.
Councillor Paula Fletcher, who represents the Toronto-Danforth ward, told the Toronto Star that she was very disappointed in the decision.
“I really hope the board will reconsider and I will do whatever I need to do to have the city support a decision to have a 2024 Taste,” she said.
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The three-day event which takes place in August each year, faced cancellations from 2020 to 2022 when challenges arose with the City of Toronto’s CaféTO program and extended bike lanes occupying street space. To attendees, the Taste of the Danforth provides three days of tasting tables celebrating the best in Greek culture, music, and food, but for businesses in GreekTown, it’s three days of customers, profit and success.
Even with its return in 2023, the event encountered difficulties with late planning, fundraising struggles and sponsorship shortages. During the BIA’s annual general meeting, members learned about the financial challenges, including a fundraising shortfall and a lack of reserves to cover the gap.
At the meeting, concerns were raised about the festival losing its ties to the Greek neighborhood, limited benefits to non-restaurant businesses, and fears of lower turnout due to the cost-of-living crisis. BIA members ultimately rejected the levy increase, supporting a budget without funding for the 2024 Taste of the Danforth.
Councillor Fletcher suggested a comprehensive review of the festival’s financial model, expressing optimism that the event, one of the city’s oldest and most cherished, can be saved.
The foodies have spoken! Toronto, known for its abundance of excellent restaurants, now has 19 establishments leading the pack, as revealed by OpenTable’s latest restaurant list, rounding up the top 100 restaurants in Canada for 2023.
What sets this list apart is its reliance on real diners rather than traditional food critics. The selection process involved analyzing over 1.1 million diner reviews, utilizing a methodology that considered factors such as diner ratings, the percentage of reservations made in advance, and the presence of five-star reviews.
“Our 2023 data not only shows that diners are talking about culinary experiences within restaurant reviews, but their appetite has grown for them – with OpenTable Experiences seeing a 35% increase in seated diners from January to September, compared to last year,” Steve Sintra, Senior Vice President, OpenTable Americas, said in a press release statement.
Among the 19 Toronto restaurants, the culinary powerhouse Liberty Entertainment Group stands out with not just one, but two of their establishments making the list. One of these is even adorned with a prestigious Michelin star.
Established in Italy, Don Alfonso 1890 is just one of three Italian restaurants that made OpenTable’s list.
Situated atop the Westin Harbour Castle, overlooking picturesque Lake Ontario, Don Alfonso is a scene and undeniably one of the most upscale places in the city. The food is a testament to both finesse and creativity — each bite evokes visions of a Mediterranean feast.
It’s hardly surprising that the Michelin-starred restaurant, acknowledged as the Best Italian Restaurant in the World outside of Italy in 2021, lives up to its reputation. Guided by chef Davide Ciavattella, the food at Don Alfonso not only meets but creatively challenges our expectations of fine Italian cuisine. It’s an experience that should not be missed.
BlueBlood Steakhouse stands out as the only steakhouse on the list, making a steak dinner at Casa Loma’s BlueBlood the best in the city. Offering a dining experience that feels like a journey into a different world. The blend of classic heritage architecture and modern art, featuring works by Warhol, Dali, and Mr. Brainwash creates a unique ambiance.
Adding to the opulence are dishes like a tower of shellfish, seared Marieville foie gras, and Kagosa. The restaurant is located inside the majestic Casa Loma, which underwent a $3 million makeover in 2014 under Liberty Entertainment Group. During the Holiday season, Casa Loma is once again being transformed into a winter wonderland with Christmas at the Castle and Holiday Lights, another reason to stop by.
If any of these restaurants catch your eye, be sure to grab a table as soon as possible. The list drops just in time for the holiday season, which happens to be one of the busiest times for restaurants industry-wide.
While some may relish the holiday hustle in the kitchen, not everyone wants to spend their time meticulously prepping pineapple-honey glazed ham and gingerbread roulade.
Luckily, a lineup of Michelin restaurants in Toronto is throwing open their doors for the Christmas season,turning an already special time of year into something even more exceptional.
Aburi Hana
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On December 24, guests will be treated to executive chef Ryusuke Nakagawa’s Kyo-Kaiseki winter menu at fine dining Japanese restaurant Aburi Hana. Priced at $430 per person, the 15-course dinner incorporates both Japanese and local ingredients, using modern gastronomy with ancient techniques. The menu’s ingredients are a contrast to the previous menus from this year. Discover multiple rich seafood courses, perfect to “warm you up from the frosty air. “I hope you can escape the winter and have an experience that touches your body and soul through food,” says chef Nakagawa. Dinner service offers two seating times: 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Edulis
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Celebrate the joy of the season with a holiday luncheon at Edulis on December 21, 22, and 23. Embracing the tradition of festive feasts, the renowned Niagara Street bistro invites guests to partake in an afternoon filled with laughter, clinking wine glasses, and happiness, as shared
on the restaurant’s website.The neighbourhood bistro on Niagara Street is known for its seasoally changing menu that highlights the ingredients of the moment with a strong focus on seafood, vegetables and wild muhrooms. True to its unique approach, there’s no spe-
cific menu to share, but guests can expect a lavish menu, wine and lots of fun. The luncheon is priced at $275 per person and is available for parties up to four.
Enigma Yorkville
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Join in the holiday fun at “Christmas with the Chef” on December 23 at Enigma Yorkville. With culinary expertise honed in London, Copenhagen and South Africa, chef Bennett promises a world-class dining experience. Indulge in a multi-course menu showcasing his favourite dishes, inspired by his British heritage and showcasing the best of seasonal and evolving flavours. Reservations are open from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and dinner is priced at $245 per person.
Poutine, a Canadian classic, has won hearts with its simple yet irresistible blend of crispy fries, melty cheese curds and savoury gravy. In Toronto, the love for this comfort food is real, and the city offers some top-notch spots to satisfy your poutine cravings.
From fancy spots to local haunts, here are the go-to places in Toronto for a perfect poutine fix.
Chris Jerk
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Caribbean food haven Chris Jerk has not one but nine poutine options on the menu, including jerk chicken shawarma poutine, jerk chicken breast sweet poutine and sweet poutine no meat.
Smoke’s Poutinerie
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While we bid a fond farewell to Smoke’s founder, Ryan Smolkin, in October, his legacy of kindness and legendary poutine lives on. At Smoke’s, there’s a poutine for every fan – from butter chicken and perogy to Philly cheese steak and double pork.
Big Smoke Burger
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While our top-notch burgers take center stage, Big Smoke’s premium poutine is a crowd-pleaser too. Options include pulled pork, veggie, spicy, bacon, and the craft, featuring crispy fries, Quebec cheese curds, gravy, sautéed mushrooms, and rosemary-garlic mayo.
Sea Witch Fish & Chips
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Despite their guise as a solid fish and chips spot, the poutine here steals the show. No fancy toppings required—just poutine the way it was meant to be.
Stack
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Established in 2012, Stack is a family-owned and operated restaurant, renowned for its authentic Texas-style 12-hour slow-smoked meats. Enjoy their delicious traditional poutine or elevate it by adding pulled pork or brisket to the mix.
Utopia
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Utopia is dedicated to delivering a seriously delicious poutine experience. Customize your dish with an array of toppings like sautéed mushrooms, fried jalapeños, tempeh, fried egg, fried chicken, grilled chicken or even steak. Plus, here’s the surprise—the gravy is completely vegetarian! You’d never guess.
Nom Nom Nom Poutine
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Discover an array of incredible choices on the menu at this go-to spot for poutine. Whether you’re a meat lover opting for the Super Dog, smoked meat or pulled pork, or a cheese enthusiast indulging in the triple cheese delight, there’s something for every palate.
Fancy Franks
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For those in the know, it’s no secret that Fancy Franks takes their poutine pretty seriously. From the loaded potato and original chili to eggs n’ bacon, they’ve got fancy covered. And if that’s a bit too much, you can always go for the Not so Fancy, featuring chopped hotdogs, ground chorizo, cheddar cheese, gravy and jalapeño twists.
Rudy
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It’s hard to pinpoint whether it’s the perfectly cooked thick-cut fries or the homemade gravy that makes Rudy’s no frills poutine so darn good.
Burgers n’ Fries Forever
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With a name like Burgers n’ Fries Forever, you’d expect the poutine to be exceptional, and this shop doesn’t disappoint. Recognizing that fries are just as crucial as the burger, the menu offers various options, including the traditional poutine made with double-fried hand-cut fries and the Nashville Chicken poutine with gluten-free popcorn chicken, southern slaw and pickles.
Every year, as many as 1.7 million Canadians age 12 and older are involved in a slip and fall accident. According to Statistics Canada, these incidents account for over 40% of preventable injuries in the country!
Dangerous and often preventable, slip and falls are part of Diamond and Diamond’s expertise as the largest personal injury law firm in Canada. Isaac Zisckind, Partner at Diamond Law, sheds light on some of the important preventative measures your business should take to reduce slip and fall risk and avoid liability for negligence:
Monitor the Weather
One common mistake that we see many businesses make is failing to monitor weather conditions, particularly in regions susceptible to snowstorms. The ice and snow that accumulates during winter storms are a frequent hazard in Canada and one of the country’s top causes of slip and fall injuries.
Be sure to shovel and salt the entrances and exits to your business and clear the sidewalk on a regular basis; municipalities like the City of Toronto require residents and businesses to clear their own sidewalks of snow and ice within 12 hours of the end of a snowfall 2 cm or less in depth. “Businesses must proactively monitor and maintain their premises (inside and out) to safeguard against slip and fall risk,” says Isaac Zisckind.
Prioritize Clean and Clear Walking Areas
One major way to limit slip and falls within your building involves maintaining clean and uncluttered floors and walkways. Make sure to keep these areas well-swept and free from any tripping and slipping hazards. According to Isaac Zisckind, “It’s important for businesses to keep diligent records of their cleaning activities; sweeping and mopping logs can go a long way in maintaining a safe property and avoiding potential legal liability.”
Employ Proper Wet Floor Signage
The proper use of wet floor signage cannot be overstated. Not only do these signs act as a warning to prevent people from slipping and falling, but they also serve to protect your business from legal exposure in the case of an accident. Investing in conspicuous wet floor signage is an affordable means to limit the likelihood of slip and fall incidents and demonstrate a commitment to safety at your place of business.
Act in a Timely Manner
Taking immediate action is a cornerstone of slip and fall prevention. Address spills promptly to ensure a single slip and fall does not compound into multiple slip and falls. In snowy conditions, timely maintenance of entrances and parking lots is essential to avoiding the accumulation of ice and snow. “Procrastination in addressing potential hazards can lead to severe consequences,” says Isaac Zisckind. “Quick action, on the other hand, demonstrates that a business is dedicated to the safety and well-being of its patrons.”
Slip and fall incidents pose a substantial risk to both individuals and businesses. By adopting these proactive measures, businesses can significantly reduce such risks and create safer environments for their customers and employees.
Should you have any slip and fall concerns, don’t hesitate to contact our team of personal injury experts at Diamond and Diamond at 1-800-567-HURT.
About Jeremy Diamond
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about Jeremy Diamond.
Toronto’s iconic Christmas market is back! The Distillery Winter Village, previously the Toronto Christmas Market, is Canada’s premier outdoor holiday shopping and dining destination, turning the Distillery District into a winter wonderland. Attracting over 750,000 visitors yearly from both near and far, it promises an unforgettable holiday experience thanks to its picture-perfect setting, including charming cobblestone streets, festive decor and all of those delicious eats.
Here are 8 festive foods you need to try at the Toronto’s Christmas market.
1. Christmas poutine
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Get into the holiday spirit with Wildy Delicious’ Christmas poutine! This festive dish is topped with cranberry sauce and turkey, creating a fun and seasonal twist on the classic.
2. Cotton candy creations
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Savour amazing cotton candy creations from Dreamland Cotton Candy Art, featuring wintry characters like Santa, polar bears, and even Pikachu—because why not add some extra fun!
3. Holiday Madelines
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Catch Gateau Ghost at the Distillery’s Christmas market with Balzacs Coffee. Celebrate the season with their holiday madeleine pack. Enjoy flavours like Snowberry with Strawberry Madeleine, Strawberry Buttercream and Strawberry Glaze. Indulge in Burnt Cloud featuring Torched Meringue on a Vanilla Madeleine, or try Matcha-tachio with Matcha Madeleine, Mascarpone Buttercream, and Roasted Pistachios.
4. Christmas Crunch mini pancakes
Get a sweet pick-me-up with Luv Puffs hot mini pancakes. Each order includes 16 pancakes in fun, festively decadent flavours. Try the Candy Crush with melted blue and red chocolate and mini M&M’s, the Nutty Noel topped with melted milk chocolate, strawberries and white and strawberry chocolate curls, or the Christmas Crunch with maple syrup, banana slices, granola and caramelized hazelnut praline pieces.
5. Liège waffles
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At Scooped by Demetres, treat yourself to rich, dense and chewy Liège Waffles. Crafted from a buttery brioche dough, each waffle is freshly baked on a hot cast-iron grill. Indulge in flavours like Belgian ruby chocolate Matcha chocolate and Nutella.
6. Dulce de Leche churros
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Panchos is renowned for serving up some of the city’s best churros. If you haven’t tried them yet, here’s your opportunity. Enjoy authentic Mexican churros with your choice of four fillings: Condensed milk, Dulce de Leche, Strawberry (V), or Chocolate (V).
7. Blueberry Pierogies
Pierogi Miska offers the ultimate comfort food with a seasonal twist! Dive into these fruit pierogi featuring a sweet and delicious blueberry filling, typically paired with sour cream and sugar.
8. Nutella Pasteis de Nata
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Indulge in the perfect blend of crispy on the outside and sweet on the inside with More Natas Please authentic flavoured Portuguese tarts. What’s great is they offer vegan and gluten-free options too! Delicious flavours include, Nutella, almond, classic and raspberry
Toronto’s Chinatown is a vibrant, bustling neighbourhood that effortlessly blends tradition with modern charm. Located west of downtown, it spans the streets of Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street West. Stroll through this lively neighbourhood and you’ll discover a rich tapestry of cultures, flavours, and experiences. From authentic dim sum joints to colourful markets offering unique finds, Chinatown encapsulates the spirit of diversity and community.
Here are the 10 best restaurants in Chinatown, ranked.
10. King’s Noodle
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Quintessentially and iconically Chinatown, King’s Noodle draws gazes up and down the street for the dripping red-skinned ducks and geese, necks attached, and Herculean slabs of barbecued pork hanging in the window. Inside, chefs in white hats work their magic over flaming woks, deep-frying dough fritters for dipping into congee and delicately turning out fresh rice rolls from a steam counter. The wonton noodle soup special is a winning combination of large lumps of shrimp wontons, dense, springy noodles and topped with sweet and soy-basted slices of barbecued pork.
9. Hong Kong Bistro Cafe
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Hong Kong Bistro Cafe is a popular spot for university students. Known for its extensive menu and handwritten daily specials, the cafe offers authentic cha chaan teng food and drinks. The signature iced coffees have a roasted flavour and rich aroma typical of Hong Kong-style coffee. Dishes like baked pork chop with rice and stir-fried spaghetti with beef are delicious and generously portioned.
8. Chat Bar
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Chat Bar takes pride in being the first izakaya-style Chinese Chuan’r spot in the GTA. Introducing the popular Chinese skewers, Chuan’r, to the region, this culinary sensation has already swept through China. With four thriving locations in Toronto, Chat Bar has become a beloved choice for people from all walks of life – students to working professionals. Known for its laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect place for casual gatherings over delicious meals and a cold beer.
7. Pho Hung
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Pho Hung is a family-run Vietnamese restaurant at the corner of Kensington Market in Chinatown. It has been a go-to spot for, you guessed it, pho noodles for over a decade. Service is quick and efficient which makes it a great spot for a weekday lunch break. While Vietnamese restaurants have become synonymous to pho joints, you’ll find some other noodles of the soup variety here such as bun rieu, a crab and tomato soup with vermicelli as well as the bun bo hue, a spicy beef and pork vermicelli that doesn’t need to be tainted with sriracha. Their banh xeo, Vietnam’s answer to a crepe even got its five minutes of fame in David Chang’s now defunct magazine, Lucky Peach.
6. Rol San
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Rol San serves all-day dim sum Sunday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to midnight, and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. A fixture in the city for more than three decades, it’s a top choice for Toronto dim sum enthusiasts. The restaurant skips carts, preparing each dish fresh to order. Standouts include the deep-fried taro puffs—crispy batter, sweet taro paste—and the baked milk tart, a lighter twist on the classic egg tart found elsewhere. No frills, just fantastic food.
5. The Famous Owl of Minerva
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Experience the authentic taste of Korea at the Famous Owl of Minerva, where traditional Korean cuisine is perfected to satisfy even late-night cravings. This renowned restaurant takes pride in delivering rich and bold flavours through carefully crafted dishes, such as sizzling bulgogi and steaming bibimbap. The Famous Owl of Minerva has become a beloved destination in Toronto, offering 24-hour dining at its Yonge Street location.
4. R&D
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Another outstanding restaurant for the Oliver & Bonacini group, R&D is a perfect representation of high end modern Canadian Chinese cuisine. Esteemed chef and Masterchef Canada judge Alvin Leung, who made a name for himself in Hong Kong at his 3 Michelin star restaurant Bo Innovation, founded this restaurant with mentee Eric Chong at this fine dining establishment. With backgrounds in engineering, both chefs have a unique perspective when it comes to creating dishes. Their Canadian take on traditional Chinese dim sum is accompanied by larger plates that elevate traditional comfort meals.
3. Mother Dumplings
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This is Chinatown’s premier restaurant for dumplings, wrapped, fried or steamed. Just like mom used to make, the dumplings here are so good you’ll probably end up with more than you bargained for. On the busy Dundas Street where every other restaurant is a variation of Mother’s Dumplings, it’s hard to believe this place is always busy. Just a couple steps down from street level, Mother’s Dumplings simple decor and unpretentious vibe allow for the handmade dumplings and comfort food to shine amongst the rest. The menu features a slew of dumplings, along with other Chinese delights, like the green onion pancake and it’s standout beef onion roll.
2. Bitter Melon
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Run by the dynamic duo of Andre Au and Joanna Hon, Bitter Melon is not your typical Chinese restaurant—it challenges norms and perceptions. Their menu is concise, featuring 12 standout dishes that redefine expectations. Highlights include the must-try foie gras on toast, the inventive beef heart tteokbokki, the crispy Peking chicken wrap, and the refreshing sea bream crudo. The cocktail selection takes centre stage, with many featuring Asian liquors. Beyond cocktails, Bitter Melon also offers a modest range of wine, beer, whisky, and notably, baijiu.
1. Swatow Restaurant
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The best time to go to Swatow is late on a Friday or Saturday night, when the room is packed with the after-drinks crowd, and servers effortlessly glide around large, circular tables refreshing waters, refilling teapots and laying heaping plates of fried rice and glistening General Tao chicken on plastic-covered tables. A good time to go is any time: for a late breakfast over steaming bowls of congee and fresh soy milk or a midday snack of salt and pepper shrimp, deep-fried to a crisp with a batter laced with Sichuan chili flakes or for a fortifying dinner, when the dizzying options of wok-fried noodles, rice and more truly open up, with each item a classic.
Toronto icon Keanu Reeves is returning to his beloved hometown but it’s not for another movie premiere or film festival. It’s to take the stage at the not-huge but quite fitting live music venue Lee’s Palace to play with his long-time band Dogstar on Dec. 9.
The show will sell-out if it isn’t already, but tickets are already kicking around on resale sites for somewhat reasonable prices considering the truly epic nature of catching Reeves playing bass in a legit grunge power trio in his hometown.
In the 1990s, amidst his Hollywood stardom, Reeves ventured into music with Dogstar. The band formed in Los Angeles blending alternative, grunge, and post-grunge influences. Comprising Reeves on bass, Bret Domrose on vocals and guitar, Robert Mailhouse on drums, and Gregg Miller on bass, the band aimed for musical recognition rather than riding on Reeves’ celebrity.
Releasing two albums, Our Little Visionary (1996) and Happy Ending (2000), Dogstar gained a dedicated fan base through live performances.
Reeves’ commitment to playing bass showcased his genuine love for music, and solidified his place as one of the truly cool and unique individuals this city has ever produced.
Dogstar disbanded early in the 2000s, but reunited around 2020 and played their first live gig earlier this year in support of a new album, which was released in October. Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees marks Dogstar’s third studio album.
La Liste has released its 1000 best restaurants in the world and seven of Toronto’s top restaurants have made the cut.
Patrick Kriss’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Alo, clinched the top spot among Toronto restaurants, boasting the highest score of 96.50. Edulis, the neighborhood bistro by Michael Caballo and Tobey Nemet, joined the ranks with an impressive score of 96 points.
Notably, the Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Don Alfonso 1890 secured 83.50 points. Canoe Restaurant and Bar earned 80 points, alongside the impressive Osteria Giulia by Rob Rossi. The list concludes with French eatery Scaramouche and Buca Osteria and Bar which received a score of 75 points.
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“We are thrilled and honored to be recognized by La Liste as one of the top restaurants in the world for 2024,” said Gus Giatzidis, managing partner, King Street Food. “This prestigious acknowledgment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our talented team, who continually strive to create a culinary experience that resonates with our guests.”
Launched in 2015 by Ambassador Philippe Faure, La Liste, a French awards program, uses an algorithm to analyze restaurant reviews worldwide, compiling scores from diverse sources, including newspapers, guidebooks and online reviews from 200 countries to provide a comprehensive assessment of dining experiences.
La Liste gauges the credibility of guidebooks and reviews by canvassing the insights of thousands of chefs. These experts not only share their perspectives on the legitimacy of the reviews but also contribute their personal evaluations of a restaurant’s worth.
It wasn’t just Toronto that excelled; restaurants from 12 other Canadian cities also earned a spot on the list. These included Cambridge and Lincoln in Ontario, Vancouver and Banff in British Columbia, Montreal and Calgary.
Seven establishments worldwide share the coveted number one spot with a top score of 99.5. These include Le Bernardin in NYC, Guy Savoy in Paris, Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume in the UK, La Vague D’Or in Saint-Tropez, Schwarzwaldstube in Germany, Sushi Saito in Tokyo and Lung King Heen in Hong Kong
See the complete 1,000 best restaurants in the world on La Liste’s website.
That’s the slogan at Lil E Coffee Café, Toronto’s one-of-a-kind coffee shop that brews a whole lot more than coffee. Located at 2 St. Clair Avenue (on the northwest corner on Yonge Street), Lil E Coffee Café, is bringing change to the workplace by providing employment opportunities to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Named after the founder’s six-year-old daughter Ella who lives with Downs Syndrome, the small shop is the second Lil E location, following the 2021 opening of the inaugural location in Calgary.
“I know how much of a need there is for inclusive workplaces that cater to individuals with special needs,” says Serena Curtis, one of the general managers of Lil E. Coffee’s Toronto location. “It definitely speaks to what I believe in the world and what needs to be done.”
Curtis, who has experience working with young adults with developments disabilities and coaching at the Special Olympics, joined the Lil E team early in the year, helping the Toronto location come to fruition before its opening in the summer. The initiative is one Curtis holds dear to her heart as she has a brother with special needs who is entering young adulthood and the workforce. She knows firsthand just how unfairly advantaged it is for those living with a developmental disability.
“A lot of the work for this population, it’s for the attention. A lot of people will hire to fit some quota, but then they won’t really invest in wanting to keep that person around.” says Curtis, adding that all of the 15 employees at the café have a similar story of only being able to find unpaid volunteer work. “I think all of our staff can speak to facing barriers in the workplace.”
According to Inclusion Canada, only 25 per cent of working-age individuals with intellectual disabilities across the country are employed.
That’s why Lil E Coffee is so much more than just a café. Run as a non-profit with a Board of Directors, Lil E Coffee only hires those without proper paid work experience, and it takes them on an 18-to-24-month-long program where they develop the skills necessary to move on to more permanent work.
“We have goals and learning plans that we’re all working towards,” says Curtis. “The goal is for the staff to gain skill and experience to then be able to move onto more permanent employment, and we connect our staff with those permanent employers.”
At the end of the program, Lil E will work with the individuals to try finding employment in their specific field of interest. In addition to creating a more inclusive community, Lil E’s goal is to have 10,000 graduates of the program.
With added support necessary in the workplace, Lil E has various toolkits and adaptions that assist the staff throughout their work day, including visual descriptions of each of the drinks, timers for breaks, and emotion regulation check-ins.
“We’re showing our staff that we’re here to help them develop their life skills as well as their work skills,” explains Curtis, adding that the expectations for staff are still the same as any other café, like showing up on time. “Being firm on those expectations is to help them in further employment.”
With just a few seats in the shop — which looks just as inviting as the café’s values with bright walls and vibrant blue accents — Lil E focuses on take-out and grab-and-go items, and is also available for catering. Lattes, cappuccinos and all other coffee items use a Calgary-based roaster, Rosso Coffee Roasters, introducing Toronto to a brand-new taste not found elsewhere in the city.
Lil E is spreading holiday cheer with their new festive drink menu! In addition to their regular hot drinks, featuring specialties like the sweet honey latte, they’ve added some seasonal delights. Until the end of December, treat yourself to an egg nog latte, peppermint mocha, or caramel apple latte.
To pair with the festive hot drinks, Lil E has a selection of baked goods including cookies, loaf slices, scones and butter tarts which are delivered fresh daily from North York’s Circles and Squares Bakery Café. While some flavours are almost always in stock like the lemon and cranberry scones and banana chocolate chip loaf, Lil E also features seasonal specials. Currently holiday flavours include the gingerbread scone and iced gingerbread loaf slice.
The café also offers a few baked goods from Tori’s Bakeshop, pressed juices and smoothies from Village Juicery and logo-stamped shortbread cookies come from Lemon and Allspice Cooker — another social enterprise with baking and catering led by individuals with developmental disabilities. As for heftier grab-n-go items, Lil E stocks sandwiches, salads and breakfast bowls from Feast by Circles and Squares.
“Everything is Toronto-based,” says Curtis. “We thought it was really important to support the community and listen to the community around us.”
Lil E Coffee Café is open at 2 St. Clair Avenue West from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about 
