The top trends from the runway at Toronto’s fall fashion week

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2:29 pm

accessories — L-R: Macel, Koh Montreal, Purple Hearts Supply (Left: Courtesy @photogeneeq, middle and right: Courtesy @cosplay)

This past weekend, Toronto’s Black Creek Assembly was home to some of the top fashion designers from across the country for Fashion Art Toronto‘s fall fashion week. And to guide your fashion choices this season, there’s nowhere better to look than straight to the runway! The city’s fashion week was full of new and enduring trends that you can bring with you into 2024. Here are five trends you’ll want to incorporate into your closet!

Bring the drama with puffed sleeves

L-R: Michnat Fashion House, Tristan Rébel, Macel (left, middle: Courtesy @cosplay right: Courtesy @photogeneeq)

At fashion week, it was all about the dramatic sleeves — specifically, puffed! A few designers took it to the next level with puffed sleeves made from more structured fabrics, like this top from Michnat Fashion House. But the message was clear — if you’re going to wear a sleeve this season, make it one with volume! Puffed sleeves are great for layering under vests and dresses for a bit more shape — upgrade your turtleneck for a puffed sleeve one or grab a custom collared puffed sleeve shirt from Toronto’s own Bruised Peach Shop to elevate your style.

Major metallic moments

L-R: House of Hendo, Fungitto, Solouk (Left: Courtesy @photogeneeq, middle and right: Courtesy @cosplay)

What can we say – metallic is the new neutral! The runway showed us that while metallics are often incorporated in futuristic styles and shapes, they don’t have to be — this draped, sheer dress from House of Hendo is ’90s-inspired and oh-so-pretty. Use your metallic tones the way you would a neutral or a white shade: pair with black and red accents to get in on the season’s favourite pop of colour trend, or choose a metallic shoe that adds a bit of bling to a basic look.

Corsets

L-R: TMU Creative School, Mayer, Nary Aref (Courtesy @cosplay)

If only our ancestors from the 1800s could see us now! It seems this season is all about structure, and these corsets are no exception. While most designers left the corset to be the star of the show, this wardrobe piece really shines when it comes to layering. Try an underbust or belt corset for a belt effect with more style, or go for a full corset and try it on top of that aforementioned puffed sleeve blouse for that period drama effect.

Back to business with structured blazers

L-R: Mr. Haque, Nazia Rahman, La Nouvelle Rouge (Left and middle: Courtesy @cosplay, Right: Courtesy @photogeneeq)

Business attire ruled the runway, and nowhere was that more clear than the emphasis on blazers with structure. Gone are the oversized, loose-fitting, borrowed-from-my-dad’s-closet blazers (well, not exactly — the cool factor of an oversized blazer really can’t be beat). Instead, designer went for eye-catching shoulders that take shoulder pads to the next level, like this Nazia Rahman creation, or more fitted iterations that incorporate structure into collars, buttons or cropped sleeves. To avoid looking too business-casual with your own structured blazer, make sure the fit is right — nothing’s better than a blazer that hugs the body properly. If you’re not about that body con style, go for a looser fit that incorporates structure in the design, whether that’s shoulder pads or stiff fabrication that creates shape on its own.

All tied up in bows, ties and belts

L-R: Macel, Koh Montreal, Purple Hearts Supply (Left: Courtesy @photogeneeq, middle and right: Courtesy @cosplay)

It’s accessories time, and three in particular stood out — bows, belts and ties. Belts are certainly having a moment this season, with designers even trying belts as tops, belts as skirts or layering belts for maximum impact. Bows and ties are both enduring fashion trends from earlier seasons in Toronto, but if this runway is any indication, this season it’s all about leaning into the fun of these pieces. Try funky or oversized bows and ties and use them places where people might not expect — bows are great tied into your hair but they also look great as a necktie, on the sides of your skirt or pants and on socks. Ties can become hair accessories, belts and maybe even skirts! As for belts, this season, don’t restrict yourself to their functional form — sling one around your waist and don’t tighten it (like a necklace for your waist!), fasten a bunch around your top like a DIY corset or turn necklaces into belts for a bit of dazzle.

The top 100 restaurants as selected by OpenTable and 19 are in Toronto

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Jennifer Schembri

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2:23 pm

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Feeling stuck on where to eat in Toronto? No worries! OpenTable just spilled the beans on the coolest Canadian restaurants with their Top 100 Restaurants in Canada list.

Here are the 19 Toronto restaurants that made the list.

Afternoon Tea at Old Mill Toronto

Old Mill Toronto has been hosting the time-honored tradition of Afternoon Tea since 1914. Guests can indulge in a charming midday escape featuring a selection of delicious teas and sandwiches, and even a glass of bubbly .Tthe Afternoon Tea service now proudly offers Canada’s finest tea from Sloane Fine Tea Merchants. CBar Isabel

BarChef

Push through the heavy double doors on Queen West (just east of Bathurst), let your eyes adjust to the low light and pull up a stool in front of Frankie Solarik, executive barchef and owner. He’ll be decked out in Queen St. uniform of fedora, vest and skinny tie, chipping from a massive block of glowing ice that sits on the bar, whipping up any of the 30 artfully designed liquid concoctions on the menu.

BlueBlood Steakhouse

When Sir Henry Pellatt built Casa Loma, chances are he never dreamed it would one day house a steak house. BlueBlood Steakhouse provides a sophisticated dining experience in an elegant setting. This unique space seamlessly blends modern and edgy elements with classic heritage architecture, featuring distinctive heirloom antiques and contemporary artworks by Warhol, Mr. Brainwash, and Salvador Dali. Putting a modern spin on the traditional steakhouse, the menu showcases an array of the world’s finest beef cuts, along with fresh seafood, and an extensive selection of international wines and spirits.

Canoe Restaurant and Bar

More than a quarter of a century in, Canoe remains a critical darling and a place where people still want to be seen. Located on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower, the restaurant serves up striking views of Lake Ontario and the cityscape, and has long been considered one of the city’s most romantic dining spots. Executive chef Ron McKinlay has put together a fine, yet unpretentious menu that celebrates refined and innovative Canadian cuisine, creating fresh dishes that are true to their own taste.

CLOCKWORK

CLOCKWORK offers a chic setting for bubbly cocktails and metropolitan small plates. With a blend of big-city energy and intimate corners, it captures the essence of Union Station’s timeless grandeur. Inspired by a modern Pullman Car, it features imaginative details, including the celestial clock.

Don Alfonso 1890

This financial district restaurant is the first North American location of Michelin star chefs Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino’s Don Alfonso 1890. Brought to Toronto by Nick Di Donato of the Liberty Entertainment Group, the Don Alfonso brand is recognized worldwide with locations throughout Italy as well as New Zealand, China, and now Toronto. It showcases the fresh flavours of the Amalfi Coast amidst an art-filled decor. It’s housed in the historic Consumer’s Gas Building, with an interior designed to evoke a sense of elegance and sophistication.

Enigma Yorkville

Enigma, situated in Toronto’s historic Yorkville neighbourhood is an intimate fine-dining destination with a modern European flair. Surrounded by mid-century and contemporary architecture, the restaurant creates a unique atmosphere. Our culinary approach is straightforward yet elevated – highlighting the best of local and international ingredients, emphasizing respect and integrity.

George Restaurant

Expect to eat from an inventive tasting menu that highlights locally sourced ingredients and other innovative dishes that celebrate flavours of the world, such as the lobster with artichokes and guanciale. The refined space includes a dreamy private patio, which is one of the reasons, other than the incredible food, why George makes a stunning wedding venue as well.

Giulietta

Toronto’s obsession with Italiana never seems to abate, and Giulietta is one of the reasons why. Chef Rob Rossi was at first pooh-poohed (the nerve to close Bestellen!) before being embraced twice over. Rossi partnered with David Minicucci (L’Unità), and they ran with their idea of serving Italian food that’s clean, simple and addictive. Pasta is a must. Tonnarelli, a long Roman pasta, is spiced with kampot black pepper and pecorino cheese. The real treat, though, is the $125 bistecca di manzo, a Haldimand county bone-in striploin seasoned with rosemary, garlic and sea salt. They’re a coveted find in T.O.

Grey Gardens

It goes without saying that Jen Agg is a polarizing figure. Love her (she’s a badass woman in a tough industry) or love to hate her (she’s snark personified), it’s hard not to fall for her restaurants. At Grey Gardens, Agg delivers a seasonal menu that can be dubbed new North American, yet refuses to settle on one culinary region. Fancy snacks (for fancy prices) are the name of the game here. Shrimp arrive with paper-thin slips of radish and carrot, set off by crisp curls of lardo for a dish that somehow transforms wintry flavours into summery bites.

Joso’s

A landmark in Toronto since the early 1960’s, Joso’s is owned and operated by Leo and Shirley Spralja and was founded by the famous Croatian painter, sculptor, and all around artist, Joso Spralja, whose works are immediately recognizable upon entering the restaurant. Over the years, Joso’s has been the go-to spot for many celebrities, including Toronto’s very own, Drake, who often frequents the spot when he’s in town. A multi-sensory overload, the interior of Joso’s is a reflection of Joso’s own art— every square inch of the intimate space features various voluptuous female sculptures, dazzling bejewelled trinkets, and beautiful art that pays tribute to the Adriatic Sea.

Lee

Infusing the epicurean traditions of China with the classical techniques of French cuisines, Chef Lee crafts a bold and distinctive culinary aesthetic. In his latest flagship venture, Lee, helmed by Susur Lee, presents a menu that draws inspiration from vibrant, refreshing flavours and the spices of South-East Asia, all within the convivial setting of family-style dining.

Mamakas Taverna

At the southern end of the Ossington strip, Mamakas serves elevated, rustic Greek fare, or “modernized trad Greek,” as food critic Joanne Kates has described it. The menu, according to owner Thanos Vrettakos Tripi (above), is meant to honour the “extremely authentic Greek” recipes he grew up with “because we had my grandmother living with us.” His background includes relatives from Mani at the very southern tip of mainland Greece, and his maternal grandmother who was from a Greek community on the Turkish side of the Aegean Sea.

Osteria Giulia

At Osteria Giulia, a luxurious little dinner spot with a focus on northern Italian cuisine, chef Rob Rossi (L’Unità, Giulietta) puts forth a menu of dishes made from seasonal ingredients. The 66-seat interior yields a contemporarily rustic vibe with honeyed tones,limestone and wood-panelled walls and folded ceilings. Among the house specials is the focaccia di Recco, a cheese-stuffed flatbread from the Ligurian town of Recco that dates back to the 12th century. Pasta dishes include the ravioli Girasole, filled with crab and mascarpone and topped with Meyer lemon, butter and chives, and picagge “paglia e fieno,” which translates to “straw and hay,” with rabbit ragù and a leek soffritto.

Prime Seafood Palace

Inspired by Matty Matheson’s East Coast origins and passion for architecture, Prime Seafood Palace is a contemporary restaurant that marries these influences. Imagined as a luminous cathedral enveloped in white maple within an unassuming white brick building, the restaurant is a testament to careful design.

Quetzal

Much of the kitchen art Quetzal is devoted to the firepit, which runs down half the room and includes a traditional comal (the griddle used to cook tortillas). Diners seated in front of the nightly show are given wee water spritzers with which to cool down, should the need arise. But it’s not all flames. A raw bar centres the space, turning out ceviche like the verde mixto, with delicate scallop and whitefish dressed with green apple and sea asparagus. Much emphasis is placed on the house-made salsas, which showcase a variety of chilies in addition to walnut and ants (a traditional Mexican ingredient).

Scaramouche Restaurant

For its entire 30-year tenure, the restaurant has been loved by Torontonians and is considered by many to be the height of culinary sophistication and elegance. The modern French menu boasts thoughtful interpretations and creative spins on classics from land and sea from plump decadent scallops thoughtful paired with spicy cauliflower tempura to roasted duck breast and shredded duck confit leg drizzled with foie gras jus and rhubarb chutney and a pasta dish of peppercorn fettucine with beef tenderloin and oyster mushrooms swimming in Madeira cream as a nod to the glory of the former pasta bar.

Yukashi Japanese Cuisine

Japanese fine dining is the name of the game at midtown’s Yukashi. Choose from either a four- or nine-course set menu (with sake pairings, if you’re so inclined) and enjoy a meal catered to the senses. Imagined up by celebrated Japanese chef Jin Lee and executive chef Daisuke Izutsu of Don Don Izakaya and Kasa Moto, Yukashi is a refined omakase experience meant to be as beautiful for the eyes as it is for the palate.

How the Michelin Guide put Toronto on the culinary map

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Megan Gallant

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12:12 pm

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In 2022, when 13 restaurants were awarded Michelin Stars, Toronto achieved a historic milestone as the first Canadian city to host dining establishments of such prestigious acclaim.

More restaurants in Toronto received awards in the second edition of the Michelin Guide announced earlier this year. This recognition is not just significant for the 82 restaurants honored; it also holds great importance for the city of Toronto.

“Since the guide was announced, many chefs have set their sights on it,” says chef Eric Chong of R&D, a recipient of a Bib Gourmand in 2022 and 2023. “It really elevated the level of cuisine in Toronto and all the hungry, ambitious chefs are going for their own style to get it.”

The Michelin Guide, established in 1900, sets the global standard for quality dining by awarding one, two, or three stars to high-end restaurants that excel based on specific criteria. Toronto, among the 25 countries covered by the Guide, boasts one two-starred restaurant, 14 one-starred restaurants, 21 Bib Gourmand recipients and two Green Star restaurants.

Chong notes that receiving the Bib Gourmand significantly boosted customer demand at R&D. When he asks about guests’ reasons for choosing R&D, he often hears that they discovered the restaurant through the Michelin Guide app while exploring the city’s best dining options.

“It’s very validating for the team,” he acknowledges. “The Michelin Guide is one of those few things that is globally known, so to get recognized on that level is always great for the team.”

Justin Bella, the owner of BB’s Diner, mirrors the sentiment, acknowledging the recent Bib Gourmand designation was a “morale booster” for the staff.

“Whenever you get recognized within the industry for the hard work that you’ve put in, you can hold your head a little bit higher and that makes you much more proud. That goes into each dish, raising your self-standards.”

Chong adds that the award has not only boosted morale among the staff but has also had a positive impact on the customers.

“People that were previously loyal patrons feel like they were in the know before everyone else,” he says.

The Guide does more than just putting new restaurants on diners’ radars. While Vancouver has also introduced a Guide, Toronto was the first location in Canada, propelling it onto the international stage as a destination. This recognition is seen as long overdue by those in the industry.

“In the last five years, I’ve seen Toronto hospitality grow very, very fast,” explains Chef Daniele Corona, who was awarded one star for Don Alfonso 1890.

Chong shares a similar belief, stating that the general public and diners always seen Toronto as having exceptional food, but it hadn’t been adequately recognized in the industry. He acknowledges several restaurants that have played a crucial role in elevating Toronto as a dining destination.

“Alo was a significant pioneer in setting the tone for Toronto as a notable dining scene,” he says. “With the Michelin Guide’s arrival, chefs are now starting to recognize even more that the city is a great culinary destination.”

He suggests that it has been an “uphill battle” to become recognized as a destination because people are “unsure what Canadian cuisine is.”

“Michelin Guide typically goes to places that have their own cuisine — Spain, France, Japan and Asia all have their own cuisine and Canada was seen as a ‘jack of all trades, king of none,’” he explains. “But now I think we’ve really refined that with cooking techniques, and a lot of people are actually immigrating to Canada and bringing authentic cuisine.”

As a Filipino restaurant, BB’s, Bella appreciates that the Michelin Guide recognizes and highlights the diverse range of cuisines available in Toronto.

“The particularly unique aspect of Toronto is its multicultural component, and it’s really nice that we can showcase all these different cuisines that we’re fortunate to have in the city,” he says. Bella adds that there has been a significant increase in non-Filipino diners at BB’s. “Toronto is a world-class city, and this recognition is just another component that helps to prove that.”

Bella expresses excitement about the future of dining in Toronto, noting that the Michelin Guide’s presence helps “retain more of our homegrown talent.” Aspiring chefs no longer need to venture to other countries to receive Michelin-star recognition, contributing to the growth and recognition of culinary expertise within Toronto.

“Young talent in Toronto can invest their time locally, and it’s something that’s prevalent within the dining scene,” he explains. “Having gained experience at Michelin-recognized restaurants here will enable them to acquire quality culinary expertise that is recognized anywhere in the world.”

Chong himself was one such chef who grew up with the dream of being recognized by Michelin.

“I think any aspiring young chef who is ambitious has a dream to become a Michelin-starred chef, and for the longest time, I thought that dream would never come true because we live in Toronto,” he explains, adding that he gave up on the dream because he didn’t want to leave Toronto and his friends and family. “Opening up in a new city is always a risk — finding staff, the right ingredients, sourcing everything, understanding the demographics — there are way too many risks.”

On the flip side of the story, Corona grew up in Italy where he worked on teams in Michelin-starred restaurants. But, when he moved to Toronto, he thought he was giving up on the dream of becoming a recognized chef himself.

“I didn’t come to Toronto to follow the Michelin Guide but for sure, it’s the most important culinary guide,” he explains. “It’s a dream that came true for me in 2022.”

Corona says that he had the Michelin Guide in mind when opening his new restaurant. Following Michelin standards, DaNico introduces a new concept of Italian contemporary cuisine with Canadian and Asian influences.

“I always say that the Michelin star for a chef is like an Oscar for an actor,” he says. “It’s the biggest recognition that a person can achieve and that’s why I hope to one day be recognized again by the Guide.”

Similarly, now that Chong achieved his once-abandoned dream with Michelin recognition, the goal does not end there; instead, it encourages him to aim for even more in the future.

“As soon as we heard the Michelin Guide was coming, my partners and I started looking for other locations where we can open up a smaller, fine-dining, way more high-end restaurant to really go for that Michelin star,” he says.

Now, he has that location secured, with the plan for 51 Colborne (named for its address) to open by June (in time to make it onto next year’s Guide!) with a blind tasting menu showcasing modern Asian cuisine.

“To my knowledge we will be the first to really showcase Asian cuisine in a tasting menu form in Toronto,” he explains. “So, we’re trying to offer something that Toronto hasn’t had yet, and it will be really special.”

He says this is development is largely the result of the changing industry because of the Michelin Guide.

“It’s made a lot of chefs’ dreams come true,” he says. “Being in the industry is not an easy job, so finally getting the recognition from something as prestigious as a Michelin Guide is great for not just myself but the morale of the whole hospitality industry.”

T.O. just got a secret supper club in a ceramics studio with seating for 10

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Megan Gallant

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3:33 pm

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Artwork, storytelling, and quality food have combined for a one-of-a-kind supper club in Toronto’s east end. Goji Studio offers an unparalleled dining experience — going beyond the flavours of the food— in the heart of a ceramics studio and gallery.

Located on Gainsborough Road, Goji Studio is hidden behind an unassuming garage door. Inside, the space has been transformed by the studio owners chef Ken Yau and illustrator Ashley Tse. As life and business partners, they crafted every element in the studio, from the extended harvest table to the shelves showcasing their handmade creations. Joining the waitlist for k.Dinners may be a challenge, but guests can also explore, purchase studio items, or participate in various ceramics workshops.

“Goji Studio was definitely the way for us to take the time to be creative because this is our space and we can do anything we want in it,” says Yau.

The compact kitchen in the studio is a departure from Yau’s bustling culinary career, which spans notable kitchens in Toronto like Nota Bene and Scaramouche, as well as global experiences in places like Hong Kong’s Liberty Private Works and the three-Michelin-starred The Fat Duck in the UK.

Leaving the big kitchens behind, Yau started k.Dinners as a pop-up experience operating out of restaurants across the city. But, during the pandemic, Yau reached a “questionable state” and, following a major spinal cord surgery, he and Tse, who worked in tech prior to becoming an illustrator, wanted to explore their creative sides.

“I really wanted to do things with my hands,” he says. “Especially with food, it’s so tactile, everything that you do, in a romantic sense, you really feel what you’re working with and how you interact with the ingredients.”

Yau immediately “fell in love” with ceramics after a six-week course.

“This brought me so much joy, it reminded me of what it was like when I first started working with food,” Yao explains, noting that his newfound passion made a difference in his cooking, too. “I started shifting my priorities and my relationship to food changed through ceramics. It ignited this new love for discovering things.”

At Goji Studio, the dishes Yao uses are intentionally created to work in collaboration with the food rather than just be selected among the dozens of other options around, as typically happens in traditional restaurants.

“The vessel that I make becomes the idea and then I can put the food in it after, to use it as part of the experience and make people feel things, like temperature changes,” he explains. “I’m super excited about food again and it’s just constantly learning and discovering which is the reason I dove so deep into food and travelled the world to learn about it.”

An example of integrating the plates and dishware as part of the k.Dinners experience, Yao serves soup in a bowl that doesn’t sit flat on a table. While it might not sound very practical, the point is for the guest to hold the bowl, feeling its initial cool temperature, while the chef then pours the hot soup into it, instantly warming the holder’s hand.

“You play with these different, simple things, and you’re not even tasting anything yet but there’s all this interaction and docile stuff that the guests experience,” says Yau, adding that when the guests are finished with the soup, they pass the bowl right back to Tse who is the server for the dinners. “We’re passing you something you enjoy, it nourishes you, then you’re passing it directly back to us. There’s this full circle experience.”

The dinners, happening around five to six times monthly with seating for up to ten guests, feature a “multi-sensory” blind-tasting menu crafted by the chef, typically comprising 10 to 12 courses. Though the menu varies, there are consistent elements that reflect Yao’s Chinese heritage.

One such item is a special congee which he first made for his mother’s 65th birthday.

“It’s very homey, very comforting and you don’t really get to see congee on tasting menus, so it actually stands out quite a bit because it’s just so different,” Yau explains.

The chef adds that many of the meal items he incorporates within the tastings have a story which he shares with his dinners.

When it’s not operating as a dinner space for k.Dinners, Goji Studio has open studio hours from Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests are welcome to view and purchase the many ceramics the couple have made over the months, in addition to some of Tse’s illustrations.

Goji Studio also hosts regular workshops and courses, including the three week hand-building course. In the first, the guest makes the ceramic dish; in the second, they decorate it; and in the third, they come dine for a meal using the pieces they have created.

“I don’t think anybody else is doing that in the city,” Yau says.

Goji Studio is located at 150 Gainsborough Road.

One of Toronto’s and Geddy Lee’s favourite restaurants is closing

By

Jennifer Schembri

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3:12 pm

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rosedale diner 3 — @therosedalediner/Instagram

A beloved restaurant in the city, known for serving “real food to real people” is closing its doors.

Just hours ago, The Rosedale Diner’s owners shared the news on Instagram with their nearly 4,000 followers.

“HUGE NEWS: after 45 years of “serving real food to real people,” we’ve decided it’s time for us to hang up our aprons and retire. It’s been an incredible journey,” they captioned the post.

“We’ve been so blessed to share so many unforgettable moments with both customers and staff over the years: first dates, proposals, birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, book clubs, clandestine celebrity lunch meetings, bachelorette parties, and even weddings (including our very own daughter’s). We were able to survive the rough times of COVID and come out the other end. Now, at our best—our most ourselves—we feel it’s the opportune time to say goodbye,” the post continued.

For over four decades, the Rosedale Diner has been a community staple. Established in 1981 by Dubi and Esti Filar, the family-owned eatery is known for its passion for food and commitment to fostering togetherness.

“You don’t realize how much of an impact you make on people’s lives,” shared Esti. “But I truly feel like we did. I have tears in my eyes as I’m talking to you.”

Renowned for the city’s “best hummus” and featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diner’s, Drive-ins and Dives,” in 2023 the restaurant entered a new era when Gil Filar, the couple’s son, took the reins. While continuing offering all the classics, they introduced a unique cocktail program to complement one of the city’s best-curated beverage menus.

“We’re walking out just like the Beatles and Rush,” said Esti now 75-years old. “It’s better to go when you’re in good shape. You don’t want to go when things are not working out.”

Esti expressed uncertainty about whether the new owners, described as “young restaurateurs,” will retain the same name for the restaurant.

Additionally, she shared that among the diner’s numerous celebrity customers, Geddy Lee from Rush holds a special place.

“We have a special connection with Geddy Lee,” she said. “I love him, and every time he came in, it was so nice to see him. He would just come for many, many years, and he was happy, and we were happy.”

The Rosedale Diner will remain open until the end of December, and the closing will be marked with a celebration.

“We’ll keep you posted on how things will be changing over the next month and a half, as we round out our final year in business,” said Esti. “And yes, there will be a party.”

Get a cut and a bagel tower at this hip new barbershop on Queen West

By

Jennifer Schembri

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2:12 pm

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Good Company, a multi-use space on Queen West, integrates a barbershop, cafe, and soon-to-be snack bar, aiming to infuse community and energy into the neighbourhood. Owners Mandy Todaro and Eric Buzzeo, inspired by their space’s namesake, strive to embody the essence of good company in all aspects of their establishment.

“We used to host parties at home, calling them the ‘good company’ parties. It’s this idea that you’re in good company when you’re here. We’re here to take care of you,” says Todaro.

“We’re a café by day, featuring a barbershop on the second floor, transforming into a bar and snack bar at night. But we’ve also been getting special occasion permits, hosting DJs, and throwing parties and pop-up events.”

Todaro’s vision for Good Company stemmed from years of experience in her and Buzzeo’s respective industries, blending their individual dreams. Buzzeo, with years as a barber, and Todaro, navigating the restaurant and bar space.

“My boyfriend always wanted to own a barber shop and we originally wanted to open a male spa. As we were looking at spaces, he noticed my lack of enthusiasm,” recounts Todaro. “I’ve always wanted to own my bar. So, we decided on a café, bar and barbershop.”

Good Company, a month-old establishment, has quickly become a culinary gem with a menu that playfully combines creativity and savory delights, driven by the passion of owner Mandy Todaro.

Open now for just over a month, Good Company’s café menu boasts a playful yet savoury lineup, driven by the passion of Todaro. Guests are treated to a variety of choices, from the Thick and Morty sandwich — made with mortadella, pistachio butter and chayotes — to their innovative avocado toast options and weekly features. Their mouth-watering bagel tower lets you build your own bagel experience with salmon lox, salmon roe, dill cream cheese, honey-soaked blueberries, mascarpone, and pistachios.

“The menu reflects the breakfasts I make for myself,” says Todaro. “I used to always post my own breakfast on my Instagram stories, and everybody would comment and tell me how good it looks, so I thought these are meals people would enjoy.”

When it comes to beverages, guests can enjoy the usual options like espressos, Americanos, and lattes — Todaro recommends the pistachio one. For a sweet treat, try Good Company’s Cinny Bun Shaken Iced Cappuccino, shaken in a cocktail shaker and made with cinnamon bun syrup.

In the coming weeks, Good Company will expand its offering to include a snack bar serving up small bites like steak tartare, oysters and tuna crudo. This will be complemented by an array of cocktails that boast unique twists and homemade syrups.

Beyond the day-to-night transformation, the team at Good Company has exciting plans to introduce boozy brunches, expand the weekend brunch menu and and seamlessly blend café and bar services throughout the day.

Reflecting on the journey of building Good Company, Todaro beams with pride.

“I can’t wait until every seat is filled and I can see what we’ve built,” she says. “We did it ourselves and it took us a long time — so finally opening feels like a weight off our shoulders. I’m incredibly excited to see what we’ve created.”

Good Company is located at 498 Queen St. West. Buzzeo manages the barbershop from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the café is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Once the snack bar opens up, the hours will run from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Enjoy 3-courses from $20 at this T.O. celebration of Black-owned restaurants

By

Erica Commisso

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12:09 pm

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Want to try something new this month? ByBlacks Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to support Canada’s Black-owned restaurants, caterers and food trucks while rediscovering the eclectic tastes of African, Caribbean, and Fusion Black Canadian cuisine.

Running from November 20 to 26, 2023, ByBlacks Restaurant Week is a highly curated chance to experience Canada’s Black-owned dining establishments with participating restaurants offering a three or four course prix fixe menu, priced between $20 and $60 for an appetizer, entrée and dessert.

Citywide, restaurants are joining in by featuring specialties such as the Party Jollof with Beef or Chicken, a West African festive classic offered by Afrobeat Kitchen.The eatery is featuring some of its bestselling West African dishes, like their Shrimp Surfers and Chocolate Stout Cake that you won’t want to miss.

Other participating restaurants include Chic Peas Veg serving up vegan and Eritrean cuisine, including delicious veggie samosa and baked pumpkin spice donuts.

Miss Likkelmore’s, a restaurant known for its Caribbean-inspired cuisine, presents a tantalizing four-course prix-fixe menu. The culinary journey begins with Likkle Patties, featuring braised oxtail and spicy beef accompanied by fermented mango hot sauce. The second course introduces Nuff Nuff Slaw with papaya vinaigrette, compressed pear, jicama, kohlrabi, and peanuts. Moving on, the third course boasts Whole Jerk Chicken with jerk chicken jus, Coco Rice, and Mac Pie. The grand finale is a delicious slice of carrot cake. The cost is $120 plus HST for two guests.

At Earla’s Kitchen, a Grenadian restaurant in Oakwood Village, the prix fixe menu is mouth-watering and includes festival, dumpling or spring roll, a chicken dinner (jerk, BBQ or fried) and for desert, a current roll or sweet potato pudding.

Hungry yet? You can opt to eat-in or order take-out to sample these bold flavours from all of the participating Black-owned establishments until Sunday, November 26.

Here are 5 bucket list destinations perfect for a winter road trip

By

Kaitlin Narciso

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8:01 am

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Are you yearning for an unforgettable getaway without the hassle of air travel? Look no further than these five bucket list destination escapes, all within a drivable distance from Toronto. From treehouse vibes to stargazing domes, each destination promises a unique experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

Pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Spend the night surrounded by wolves at Parc Omega, Montebello

For a truly wild experience, venture to Parc Omega in Montebello. Here you can spend the night surrounded by wolves (and bears in the warmer months!). From their new wolf and bear suites to their wolf lodges and cabins, Parc Omega allows guests to have an awe-inspiring immersive experience, where guests can witness the beauty and mystery of these majestic creatures up close—but from the comfort and safety of their well-designed lodgings! Guests can also take full advantage of the 12km safari trail that allows cars to drive through the nature park and witness the Canadian wildlife that calls Parc Omega home. You can also buy carrots to feed some of the animals from your car window! It’s a one-of-a-kind and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that truly allows you to connect with nature and experience the Canadian wilderness, all just a road trip away from Toronto.

Treehouse Vibes at The Water’s Edge, Muskoka

Nestled in the heart of Muskoka, The Water’s Edge offers a magical escape with its enchanting treehouse accommodations. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature and the gentle rustling of leaves as you enjoy this cosy stay. With hammock nets perched in front of the a-frame windows, the treehouse vibes provide a perfect blend of luxury and wilderness, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers. With picturesque views of the serene lake and lush surroundings, this destination promises a peaceful and rejuvenating experience. As we get closer to those colder months, the fireplace and jacuzzi amenities offer a warming embrace against the Canadian cold.

European spa hotel vibes at The HighAcre, Dundas

Escape to The HighAcre in Dundas for a taste of European elegance combined with the tranquillity of a spa retreat. Immerse yourself in luxury at this boutique hotel, where every detail is designed to create a serene and rejuvenating atmosphere. Each room comes with a private ensuite spa, including an infrared sauna, steam room, hot/cold plunge tub, LED face mask, massage gun, and fireplace. The HighAcre offers a perfect blend of relaxation and sophistication, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a European-inspired escape without leaving the comfort of Ontario.

Stargazing Dome at Glen Oro, Oro Medonte

For a celestial escape, head to Glen Oro in Oro Medonte, where stargazing takes centre stage. Stay in a unique stargazing dome that offers an unobstructed view of the night sky. Imagine lying beneath a canopy of stars, far from the city lights, and experiencing the magic of the universe. This bucket list destination is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts or anyone looking to reconnect with the cosmos. The secluded location and intimate setting make Glen Oro a dreamy retreat for those seeking an otherworldly adventure.

Spend the night in a yurt surrounded by Alpacas and Goats, Niagara

For a unique blend of rustic charm and animal companionship, head to Riverside Oasis Farm in Niagara for an unique glamping experience. Spend the night surrounded by the gentle presence of alpacas, goats and other farm animals, creating a serene and unforgettable atmosphere. The yurt provides a cozy retreat while allowing you to connect with nature and the delightful farm residents. It’s a perfect escape for those seeking a tranquil and charming getaway just a short drive from Toronto.

Drake is dropping new album Scary Hours 3 tonight at midnight

By

Ron Johnson

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4:40 pm

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Drake moved ahead of the Beatles — @drakerelated/Instagram

Drake surprises fans with a sudden announcement of his new album Scary Hours 3 that will be released at midnight tonight.

Following the release of the “First Person Shooter” music video with J. Cole, Drake took to Instagram to release a surprise trailer.

The video features shots of Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall, where Drake reflects on his previous album, released just a few weeks ago, For All the Dogs, expressing confidence and pride. Despite earlier comments about taking a break, Drake walks through the concert hall, claiming the new album’s songs were written in the last five days. The trailer ends with an ominous orchestral score, setting the tone for the upcoming release tonight at midnight EST.

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Drake also makes it clear these aren’t songs from the editing room floor patched together into an album to make a few extra bucks.

“Its not like I’m picking up from some unfinished s–t,” he says in the video, explaining that he hadn’t written one bar of any song appearing on the new album, it’s all new and it’s all happened since the last album drop just weeks ago. “It’s happening on its own,” he adds.

Also the hometown promoter, Drake teamed up with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra for his release video in which the TSO led by Music Director Gustavo Gimeno performs a snippet of Giuseppe Verdi’s Overture “La forza del destino.”

Everything is coming up Drake these days, as just recently, the Toronto-born and beloved rapper also made news with four Grammy Award nominations.

Toronto designer’s father models new collection and the photos are amazing

By

Julia Mastroianni

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2:18 pm

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At first glance, Toronto brand Libero’s latest collection tells a certain story — one that reflects co-founder Adam Appugliesi’s Italian background and pieces that evoke a cinematic kind of timelessness. Upon second glance, there’s another story being told: one about family.

The burgeoning brand has been spotted on everyone from Game of Thrones‘ Kit Harington to Toronto FC’s Mark-Anthony Kaye — but it’s not them who Appugliesi calls on to model his newest collection. In the last week, three videos have emerged on Libero’s Instagram page as part of Libero’s Fall/Winter 23 ad campaign. Appugliesi’s father stars in all three, and in the second his parents dance under a spotlight, recreating a scene from their wedding. Family is the source of Libero’s strong brand identity. Appugliesi’s key values: “integrity, intentionality, being authentic.”

Those values were immediately apparent — when I reached out to Appugliesi, he suggested I swing by his upcoming pop-up before we arranged for a proper interview. Donning my Bode jacket as armour, I arrived at the Libero pop-up at 68 Abell St. where we nibbled on Appugliesi’s mother’s delicious biscotti and chatted a little about Libero, but mostly about The Strokes and the meaning of some of the illustrations of my jacket.

Flash forward 10 days, I’m sitting across from Appugliesi at Sonndr Cafe. What ensues is a nearly two-hour conversation (in part on and off the record), covering immense swaths of ground, our conversation apparently so good that a man at the cafe came up to us to say how much he enjoyed eavesdropping on our conversation.

Let’s start at the beginning of the beginning. Appugliesi spent the first half of his 20s in Italy playing soccer professionally. Upon his return to Canada, he was faced with an identity crisis.

“Who am I? What am I going to do? What makes sense for me?” he says, were just a few of the questions he asked himself. A family friend, Giuseppe Morcinelli, incidentally the artist whose prints donned the walls of the pop-up, got him a job at Holt Renfrew in Square One. Appugliesi’s best friend, Kadeem Johnson, worked at Holts too, where they spent their days “talking so much shit about some of the brands that were in the store.”

It got to the point where Johnson said, “You know what, man, you talk so much shit, do it yourself.”

The original Le Mans jacket, modelled by Kadeem Johnson. @libero.world/Instagram

What started as a small project — let’s make a jacket for our friends — grew into something far larger than either of them ever intended. They submitted a picture of Johnson wearing the jacket to Highsnobiety on a whim, then woke up one morning sometime later with 700 new followers on the Libero Instagram account. “It had been like five orders since we made that jacket, since we’ve been a brand,” he says.

Johnson passed away a year and a half later. “I’ve been on this mission to complete this for us, for him,” Appugliesi says.

The designer’s take on his Libero beginnings? “I don’t want to say out of nowhere, but just a very uncanny way of beginning. I never went to school for [fashion]. I never had any real die-hard sentiments towards it,” he says.

But he says this has since changed, as throughout our conversation Appugliesi speaks of his reverence for Ralph Lauren and Miuccia Prada, as well as Toronto’s Spencer Badu. Lauren is the supreme, though. Lauren and Martin Scorsese.

For Appugliesi, the throughline between these two legendary artists is not in their ability to accurately depict American culture, but rather their strong storytelling sensibility. “Why shouldn’t everybody be telling a beautiful story?” Appugliesi asks. “If there’s no story behind something, am I going to fall in love with it?”

For him, the answer is no.

Appugliesi’s father modelling the Sarto suit in his newest collection. Courtesy liberoworld.ca

And the stories that Appugliesi tells are his own — that’s where the specificity of his vision comes from. At its core, Libero is a family business. Appugliesi works with a small team and pulls from the same people to produce and capture each campaign. He and Johnson originally tapped Appugliesi’s family friend, a seamstress in her 70s, to craft each piece, consulting her on designs and trusting her expertise. For the brand’s 2022 collection, Appugliesi travelled back to Johnson’s hometown of London, England and shot the entire campaign there to honour his co-founder and friend. Remember: the prints on the walls of the Abell Street pop-up were made by the same person who gave Appugliesi his job at Holts. With Libero, you don’t have to be a blood relative to be family.

Choosing the right law firm: Q&A with Toronto’s top lawyers

By

Dorothy Chudzinski

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1:08 pm

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With the complexities of the law and the ever-changing legal environment, it is crucial to have expert guidance when dealing with legal matters. Seven of Toronto’s top lawyers share their insights on what to expect when retaining their firms and navigating the legal landscape.

Meysa Maleki

MALEKI BARRISTERS

Meysa is the founder of Maleki Barristers. She has extensive experience in all aspects of separation and high conflict divorce, including complex financial matters and parenting litigation. As Senior Policy Advisor to former Ontario Cabinet Minister, Meysa oversaw the implementation of the government’s Domestic Violence Action Plan. She is the author of the book, “The Conflict Resolution Grail.” She has been a guest speaker on numerous radio shows across the US and Canada including the award winning Happy Hour Show with Jonna & Keryl in New York, the Ted Woloshyn Show, Toronto’s iheartradio, and the award winning show Max & Friends on LA Talk Radio.

What qualities make the most successful attorney-client relationships and why?

Separated couples come to you at one of the most difficult times of their life. A good client-lawyer relationship is based on ensuring you are available to calm their nerves when a letter arrives from opposing counsel or an important attendance is around the corner; to answer their questions promptly; and to be direct with them when necessary instead of choosing to be a mouthpiece that may ultimately disadvantage their case. Clients appreciate the honesty and integrity of the lawyer who tells them the way it is, not what they want to hear. Ultimately, clients trust the lawyer who works extremely hard on their behalf and ensures the evidence is clearly and cogently represented in their case.

Steve Benmor

BENMOR FAMILY LAW GROUP

Steve Benmor, B.Sc., LL.B., LL.M. is the founder and principal lawyer of Benmor Family Law Group, a boutique matrimonial law firm in downtown Toronto. He is a Certified Specialist in Family Law and was admitted as a Fellow to the prestigious International Academy of Family Lawyers. Steve is regularly retained as a Divorce Mediator, Arbitrator and Parenting Coordinator.

What can clients expect when they retain you/your firm?

As a Divorce Mediator, I use my 30 years of in-depth knowledge of family law, courtroom experience, and expert problem-solving skills in Divorce Mediation to help spouses reach fair, fast, and cooperative divorce settlements without the financial losses, emotional costs, and lengthy delays from divorce court.

I am dedicated to facilitating amicable, cooperative and swift divorce settlements; and am committed to helping families heal and move forward. By working with me, clients can expect real results – fair resolutions that empower them to embrace a more secure and positive future.

Lawyers refer their clients to me for Divorce Mediation because they trust that I can settle their toughest cases.

JASMINE DAYA

JASMINE DAYA & CO.

Jasmine Daya has a B.B.A. in Finance, B.Sc. in Economics, LL.B., LL.M., CSC, a certificate in Negotiation from Harvard University, a certificate in Digital Marketing Analytics from MIT and is pursuing a certificate in Artificial Intelligence from MIT. Jasmine was called to the Bar in 2006 and practises exclusively in personal injury. She is also an author, podcast host and entrepreneur.

Why do you choose to practice in personal injury law?

When I graduated from Queen’s Law, I knew I wanted to be a civil litigator advocating for clients in the courtroom but beyond that I was just hoping to secure a solid articling position with a reputable law firm which at the time was highly competitive. I ended up articling at a personal injury law firm in 2005. Back then, there were no smartphones and the internet was relatively new with most firms having very basic websites, if any. I didn’t fully comprehend what personal injury lawyers did but when I realized, I was a little shell shocked. Our clients come to us with brain injuries, amputations, fractures and more. Some clients require extended stays at the hospital or rehabilitation facility. We assist real people in their greatest time of need. We are their voice and help them put food on the table as they have no other avenue to pursue due to injuries sustained from an incident in which they were involved at no fault of their own. I am proud to have served clients as a personal injury lawyer my entire career.

Jillian Swartz

ALLEN McDONALD SWARTZ LLP

Allen McDonald Swartz LLP is a boutique law firm that focuses on corporate law, transactions and securities law. Jillian has over 25 years of experience advising clients on mergers and acqui- sitions, reorganizations and commercial matters. She has assisted entrepreneurs, family-run businesses, private companies and global enterprises in a broad range of industries, including technology, manufacturing, not-for-profit, and professional services.

What types of matters do you handle?

I advise clients on a wide variety of transactional matters and commercial agreements.

My approach involves developing a trusted advisor relationship with clients and providing each client with highly responsive and personalized service. Clients who are interested in buying or selling their business will retain me to plan, structure, negotiate and finalize these complex transactions. My practice also involves working with individuals and corporations to develop shareholder and partnership arrangements. I often work with other legal and tax professionals to help clients implement estate plans, effect corporate reorganizations, and resolve shareholder disputes. Businesses who do not need a full-time, in-house counsel engage me to act as their outside general counsel. It is through these long-term relationships that I acquire a deep understanding of a business and its culture.

Kenneth Fishman, Sarah Boulby and Oren Weinberg

PARTNERS, Sarah Boulay, Oren Weinberg, Kenneth Fishman

BOULBY WEINBERG LLP

Boulby Weinberg LLP is an elite boutique family law firm providing customized dispute resolution strategies for an array of family disputes. We advise and represent our clients in simple, amicable separations as well as highly contentious divorces. While offering clients an approachable and relaxed atmosphere, our family lawyers provide a comprehensive understanding of the most complex family law issues at local, national, and international levels.

What types of matters does your firm handle?

Our team handles the full spectrum of family, support, and divorce issues, including parenting concerns (decision-making responsibility/custody and parenting time/access), child and spousal support, property and financial division, and domestic agreements (including marriage/cohabitation contracts and separation agreements). We are also uniquely experienced in complicated international matters, such as multi-jurisdictional families and child abduction cases, as well as issues impacting high-net-worth families, including business valuation and division, inheritance and wealth protection, and family trusts.

Why should someone retain Boulby Weinberg LLP?

Our knowledgeable team has a complete toolbox of dispute resolution options at its disposal to resolve issues and minimize conflict as efficiently as possible. Our firm members have extensive experience resolving complex family and divorce cases through a variety of dispute resolution processes, including mediation,arbitration, and litigation. No matter how difficult the case, we are able to create legal solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances and concerns.

These are the best butter tarts in Toronto

By

Jennifer Schembri

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11:00 am

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butter tart2 — Eric's Handcrafted Butter Tarts

Butter tarts, a classic Canadian treat, predate the country itself. Originating between 1663-1673, 770 women sent to Quebec by Louis XIV created a precursor using ingredients like maple sugar and dried fruit. Ontario popularized it in the early 1900s after featuring it in the 1913 Five Roses Cook Book.

But if you want to skip the baking and treat yourself to one of these delicious gooey pastries, Toronto’s best bakeries have got you covered.

Here’s where you can find the best butter tarts in Toronto.

Circles and Squares

Indulge in the sweet delights at Circles and Squares, where you can skip the baking and treat yourself to their award-winning pastries — they proudly hold the title of the reigning champions of Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival. On the bakery’s menu you’ll find not one but four different butter tart flavours: classic, snickers, maple pecan and pumpkin spice. And if you want to know just how popular these tarts actually are, one week back in June they sold more than 4,500 of the delicious concoctions.

Charmaine Sweets Studio

Charmaine Sweets Studio elevates the classic butter tart with a grown-up twist, featuring warmed bourbon and pecan. If you prefer the traditional, regular butter tarts are also on the menu, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, buttery filling, and golden-baked crust for a delicious symphony of flavours in every bite.

Apiecalypse Now Pizza & Snacks

In Mirvish Village, this vegan bakery achieved punk fame, transformed into an infamous vegan pizza shop in Korea Town, and then adapted into an online vegan craft kitchen, unfortunately closing temporarily due to the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic. Luckily, you can still find Apiecalypse Now‘s delicious butter tarts around town — considered by some to be one of the best purveyors of vegan butter tarts “to ever exist!” We spotted these tarts of buttery goodness at Aunty Ems Deli & Coffee. You can also check out their online shop, too.

Larry’s Folly

Indulge in the quintessential Canadian butter tart experience at Larry’s Folly. Their time-honoured recipe embraces the mantra of “No nuts, no raisins, no nonsense.” Grandma’s butter tart recipe truly stands the test of time.

Eric’s Handcrafted Butter Tarts

At Eric’s Handcrafted Butter Tarts where unconventional flavours, like toasted marshmallow, Skor bits and double maple walnut, steal the spotlight. They also recently introduced a new shell shape (in order to reduce their waste footprint) which might even just be better than the original.

Tartistry

In honour of a decade in business, Tartistry introduces “The Ten” – a mind-blowing butter tart featuring layers of Georgia pecans, NY-style cheesecake, and their legendary butter tart filling. Topped with a chunk of Emma’s Fudge Cake and a drizzle of salted caramel, this treat is available for just $10. They also have a whopping 13 flavours on their menu, including decadent flavours like roasted almond and white chocolate as well as zero sugar and vegan varieties.

Phipp’s

At Phipps butter tarts take centre stage in a variety of flavours. Choose from the classics like original, caramel, original pecan, chocolate and chocolate pecan. For those who love bite-sized delights, mini versions are also available to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Carla’s Cookie Box

Carla’s Cookie Box is a local online bakery owned and operated by Carla Brizzi. Specializing in award-winning gourmet butter tarts, artisanal cookies and deep fudge brownies, this bakery is a labour of love inspired by Carla’s Italo-Canadian roots. In addition to classic options like plain, pecan and raisin, there are also more unconventional flavours available, including salted caramel, toffee, peanut butter & chocolate chip and Nutella.

Rob’s Good Food

Rob’s Good Food, opened in 2018 in East York, is making waves with their innovative Deep Dish Butter Tarts. Featuring classic pecan, indulgent chocolate pecan and timeless classic raisin options, these treats cater to every taste.