Let’s face it — the start of school is so busy that ordering pizza for the family often becomes a time-honoured first-week tradition. We asked chef Craig Wong, the mastermind behind Patois, along with his wife Ivy and their little pizza connoisseurs Milo (age 5) and Knox (3 and a half) to find the best pepperoni and cheese slice in Toronto. Read on for the saucy showdown results.
“I like this a lot – it’s nice and chewy and has a bit of charring,” says Ivy of Badiali’s cheese pizza. “It reminds me of the kind of pizza I would eat as a kid,” says Craig.
“The pepperoni is too spicy and so is the sauce,” says Knucky.
It’s the first week of September, and there’s plenty happening in the city to make us forget that summer is over. To celebrate the month, we’re looking back on some of the most interesting historic moments of Toronto’s September past, from the first Terry Fox Run to the pioneering swimmer who braved Lake Ontario.
The home run heard around the world
On Sept. 5, 1914, baseball legend Babe Ruth achieved his first professional home run at Hanlan’s Point Stadium on the Toronto Islands, marking the beginning of an iconic sports career.
The beginnings of prohibition
On Sept. 16, 1916, the Ontario Temperance Act commenced, initiating a period of alcohol prohibition in the province and shaping social attitudes toward alcohol consumption.
The record-breaking swimmer
On Sept. 9, 1954, Marilyn Bell’s pioneering swim across Lake Ontario cemented her reputation as the first to accomplish the feat, leaving an indelible mark on open water swimming.
The hair-raising opening of the Science Centre
On Sept. 26, 1969, the Ontario Science Centre opened its doors, igniting curiosity and education through its interactive exhibits and engaging experiences.
The first Terry Fox Run
The first Terry Fox Run took place on Sept. 13, 1981, inaugurating a tradition of global fundraising for cancer research in memory of Terry Fox’s inspiring journey.
The history-making governor general
On Sept. 27, 2005, a historic moment unfolded as Michaëlle Jean was inaugurated as Canada’s inaugural Black governor general, exemplifying progress toward inclusivity.
Backing onto three golf courses linked by gently rolling hills and mere moments from several massive parklands and the elegant Richmond Hill Country Club, 25 Parr Place is more than just a bungalow — it’s a lifestyle.
Featuring three impressive bedrooms, a five-car garage with space for further parking on a private crescent drive and endless indoor and outdoor amenities, 25 Parr Place is listed at $7.5 million.
Step inside and admire the grand circular entry graced by elegant GRANITEflooring and a dome-vaulted ceiling. It certainly sets the tone for this stately home.
With enough space for a baby grand piano, the great room also features tall ceilings and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for entertaining visitors.
A massive eat-in chef’s kitchen with oodles of sunlit windows, an elegant coffered ceiling and double doors that open onto the back garden makes for a happy space for family time.
Gastronomers and recipe explorers will love the top-of-the-line appliances, including a six-burner gas stove and endless storage space.
Enjoy special dinners in the formal dining room. With space for a banquet table, two chandeliers and access to the outdoor terrace, inviting extended family to holiday gatherings would be a pleasure.
After a decadent meal, enjoy time relaxing in the large family room, featuring diamond-grid flooring crafted with contrasting wood tones?
The home office provides peaceful street views and ample room for even the biggest book-lover’s collection.
Like all of the bedrooms in this home, the primary suite is a beautiful space. It offers a walk-in closet, a private sitting room and two individualized ensuite bathrooms.
The lower level has everything you could wish for. Not only is there a fourth bedroom suite, secondary laundry room, wine cellar and a catering kitchen, but there are several exciting amenities, including an extensive games room.
After a round of pool, whip up a few cocktails at the wet bar before relaxing by the fireside with your best friends.
Say goodbye to dragging yourself back and forth to the local gym. With a generously sized in-home workout studio, gym memberships will be a thing of the past.
After an intense workout, treat yourself to a few hours in your private spa, where pampering experiences are right at your fingertips — whenever you desire. It features a steam room, sauna, hot tub and massage room.
The kids will love letting their imaginations run wild in the lower-level playroom. It opens onto a large grassy lawn equipped with an entire playground.
A glittering pool surrounded by a 1,500-square-foot, multi-layer terrace makes for an ideal place to host outdoor events. Notice also the amount of privacy you get — all thanks to a strategically arranged border of evergreen trees.
The property looks just as spectacular at night. Look how the white hydrangeas glow along the pool’s edge.
25 Parr Place is listed with Jordan Glaser of RE/MAX Realtron Realty Inc. Brokerage.
Dog lovers across Toronto know the struggle: nothing kills a vibe like leaving your pup behind on a sunny patio day. Luckily, thanks to relaxed provincial rules around food service and furry friends, a growing number of spots — especially breweries and cideries — are officially rolling out the welcome mat for dogs.
Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act was updated to allow dogs in outdoor dining areas, and even some indoor spaces, as long as the food served is considered “low-risk” (think pre-packaged snacks, not sizzling burgers). It’s opened the door — literally — for more dog-friendly hangouts, and many local breweries have happily jumped on board.
Here are four of Toronto’s best breweries where dogs are more than welcome — they’re practically regulars.
Black Lab Brewery
@blacklabbeer/Instagram
This Leslieville taproom is the front runner in advocating for dog-friendly breweries and tap rooms in the city. The brewery encourages dog-owners to bring their pups along and even serve a “Bark Brew” dog beer. The beef ale created by Pet Winery is available for your dog, while you can enjoy one of Black Lab’s assorted beers on tap. They also have occasional food pop-ups, so you can grab a bite and spend the afternoon sipping without having to worry about letting the dog out.
Left Field Brewery
@leftfieldbrewery/Instagram
Another east end favourite that caters to canines is Left Field Brewery. The dog-friendly spot is always filled with pups and welcomes all dogs as long as they are well behaved and on a leash. If your dog is out of line Wrigley, their head of security, will take care of it.
Henderson Brewing Co.
@hendersonbrewing/Instagram
On the west side of town you can find dog-centric brew house, Henderson Brewing Company. After hosting a Dogtoberfest event in October 2019 for Get Leashed Magazine, they caught the attention of many of the city’s pet-lovers. Now the Roncesvalles brewery is constantly hosting many of the city’s good boys and girls.
Bellwoods Brewery (Hafis Road)
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Bellwoods Brewery’s Leslie and Keele location welcomes all two and four-legged clientele. Being that this taproom is a lot more open than the Ossington location, Bellwoods’ Hafis Road location is more accessible for your furry friends.
The lead photo of Snoopy (at top) provided courtesy of Karen Weiler of Posh Pets Photography.
A memorable weekend at a country fair is only a car ride away. It’s fall fair season, and we’re so excited we can taste the cotton candy and smell the fried dough. Ontario is home to many fairs worth packing your bags for, but here are our top picks (we can smell the crisp country air already!).
Cambridge plays host to one of Canada’s longest-running festivals, and this year marks 181 years of fair fun from Sept. 7-10. Aylmer is approximately a 2-hour drive from Toronto, making it popular with those that dwell in the GTA. This year, the fair will include several local food trucks, rides, games, karaoke, live music from incredible tribute bands, a beer garden and even a marketplace where you can shop goods from local vendors.
Nothing says Fall-like pumpkins, and no other festival celebrates the pumpkin like the Prince Edward County Pumpkinfest. You can find pumpkin pies, parades, hats, themed games, and more pumpkin particulars at this festival celebrating the humble pumpkin on Oct. 14. Pack some snacks and hit the road for a 2-hour car trip to pumpkin land!
Elmvale, a 90-minute drive, is hosting its annual Elmvale Fall Fair from Oct. 6-7. This much-anticipated event includes livestock judging, truck and tractor pull, a parade, farm animal displays, live music, and all the treats you can eat. Tickets are $10 per adult, $5 per student, and free for school-age children. To plan your Elmvale trip, take a look at the details and brochure here.
Durham is less than an hour away from the GTA and home to an annual fall fair that promises old-fashioned fair fun from Sept. 1-3. This event starts with a spaghetti dinner held by the community church and includes plenty of games under a big tent (perfect for the unpredictable weather we’ve been having lately!). 4H cattle shows, tractor pulls and tons of goodies to eat are some of the things to look forward to. The Durham Fall Fair website is updated regularly and details each event.
Back after a two-year hiatus, the Powassan Fall Fair is what a country fair should be. Running from Sept. 2-3, you’ll find tractor pulls, entertainment, face painting, treats galore, exhibits, games, and much more. Powassan is one of the farthest fall fairs, but we think it’s worth the three-hour trek (plus, you’ll get a real chance to escape the city and book a picturesque bread and breakfast!).
The entertainment at Fergus Fall Fair includes some of the most unique offerings out there, from the Canadian Raptor Conservancy to the Cutting Edge Cowgirls and the Krusher BMX stunt team! You can expect to find rides, animal exhibitions, entertainment, and so much more at the Fergus fair. Not only is this fair and fun for everyone, but it’s also affordable at $10 per adult and $4 per kid. This fair runs from Sept. 15-17, and you can find a few more details about the Fergus Fall Fair here.
Ancaster is coming back larger than ever, and this year’s fair will be one of the most memorable in the town’s history. This fair takes place from Sept. 21-24 and includes a demolition derby, petting zoo, livestock shows, rides, fair food vendors, a llama show and several other events not to be missed. Tickets for the Ancaster Fair are $13 for adults and $5 for kids. The Ancaster Fair website is updated regularly with new additions, so check it out before you go.
From Sept. 21-24 you can take a two-hour road trip to the town of Stratford for one of the most popular Ontario fairs. Admission to this fair is free, but you’ll want to bring cash for snacks and some rides. Since the Stratford fair is popular, make sure to book your overnight stay ahead of time (rooms fill up quickly!).
The Brigden Fair (a three-hour drive from Toronto) runs from Oct. 6-9 and will set you back $10 per adult (kids get in for free). This fair has all the traditional activities and foods that make a fair great and plenty of rides to keep you (and the kids) occupied. Brigden is one of the farthest fairs, but it’s also a good option if you want to escape the city and breathe in that country air. While there’s not much information on the website, you can scan some of last year’s photos and view vendor lists here.
Let’s face it—when you think vineyards and wine tastings in Ontario, you either think of Niagara-on-the-Lake or Prince Edward County. There’s no doubt that these areas possess a rich tapestry of options for wine selections and experiences. But what about the other sweet and cozy towns that you’ve yet to have your taste buds explore? Just an hour’s drive from Toronto, there are plenty of Instagram-worthy vineyards to explore. Here are our top picks for some last-minute sips this September.
This establishment was founded in 2002 and is easily identifiable with its church-like exterior in Beamsville, Ontario. The vineyards are vast and stunning, run by a man who emphasizes the importance of character and elegance in wine. It won’t be too difficult to feel elegant while walking through their extravagant chapel doors and helping yourself and five other friends to more than 30 assortments of wines. Photography services are also offered to commemorate the moment, whether it’s a girl’s weekend away, or your wedding day.
Featherstone Estate Winery
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Comfy and homey, Featherstone Estate Winery and will give you a warm sensation for more reasons than just the wine. Featherstone has distinguished itself as an insecticide-free vineyard since 1999 and practices eco-friendly farming. It is also bursting with unique experiences that will make your visit memorable, such as exclusive tours, group tastings on the veranda, a display of falconry, and a tour with the sheep of the estate. This is not going to be an experience you are likely to forget.
Also located in Beamsville, Ontario, Fielding Estates boasts an assortment of wines that define pristine. The style is reflected in the aesthetics of the vineyard, and tasteful wood dining room with a simplistic and relaxed vibe. The incredible view of the vineyard can be viewed in many ways at the Fielding Estates—through a patio-style lounge, an indoor lodge, or a Wine Dome Lounge experience.
Rockway Vineyards
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Found in St. Catherines, Ont., this winery is an experience in itself, sweeping you away from the day-to-day bustle of everyday life into a calm oasis of indulgence.Tucked away in the Twenty-Mile Bench of the Niagara Escarpment, Rockway is the perfect spot to catch one last glimpse of Ontario’s spectacular fall colours. Rockway has a vineyard and a golf course and a beautiful restaurant. The winery and dining room’s classic oak and iron interior will make you believe you’ve been swept away to rural France.
This winery is family-owned in Jordan Station, Ont., with a view you can drink in and savour. This husband, wife, and son establishment offers guided tasting experiences, a rustic patio for seasonal dining, and a unique opportunity to find serenity through yoga and a glass of wine. Watch the sunset as you follow a guide every Wednesday and Thursday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is no doubt your wine selection will also keep you inspired!
For whisky lovers and whisky newbies alike in Toronto, a spirited selection of cocktails featuring an extra-special ingredient will be available at select bars in the city until Labour Day weekend — a unique whisky called Deanston Virgin Oak.
Ration: Beverley, one of Toronto’s most delicious zero-waste restaurants, has just announced a limited time sustainable cocktail, the Trin-Dean. The winner of a recent competition, it features Deanston Virgin Oak and Ration’s signature home-made Pineapple Tepache. This perfect summer sipper comes with a rooftop city view from Queen Street. And for those who enjoy inventive cocktails in an intimate setting, Deanston Virgin Oak has teamed up with Mother, named one of North America’s top 50 bars of 2023 in a Labour Day pop up that you don’t want to miss.
Known for its uniquely waxy whisky, Deanston distillery is the only one of over 200 Scottish distilleries that creates this type of spirit which the Distillery describes as zesty and sweet, like taking a lemon, dipping it in toffee and coating it with a light dusting of nutmeg with a unique texture/mouthfeel, taste and texture that adds an extra dimension in a cocktail.
Each whisky produced by the distillery is hand-crafted in-house using local ingredients, including water sourced directly from the River Teith that flows over granite rocks beside the distillery, the water becomes a prime ingredient in the whisky-making process, which is followed by the addition of only locally grown Scottish barley, a nearly 100-hour fermentation process featuring an open mash tun, distillation and, finally, maturation, during which the whisky is placed into oak casks.
Of course, if your Labour Day plans center on basking at home in the company of friends, Deanston has you covered with five must try cocktails inspired by bartenders from across the country. Each feature this whisky, which is matured in ex-bourbon bottles and then finished in brand new American oak casks to perfection.
Deanston Virgin Oak’s distinct notes of soft honey, juicy orange, creamy vanilla, caramel, and aromatic spice are equally enjoyed neat, or over ice. Like its whisky, this distillery, once a cotton mill and featuring the largest waterwheel in a small Scottish town, is anything but ordinary. Visit Deanston—Cut From A Different Tartan for recipes and information on where you can try some Deanston cocktails at top Toronto bars between now and Labour Day weekend.
Toronto’s sole two-Michelin-starred chef, Masaki Saito’s new restaurant, MSSM Yorkville, is a labour of love, aimed to introduce Toronto’s foodies to his cherished Edomae sushi traditions.
“Most sushi in North America — not only Toronto— is not considered Edomae style,” says chef Saito. “The majority of sushi being served in North America you would not be able to find in Japan.”
Promoting Edomae-style sushi has been chef Saito’s core mission since he relocated to Toronto five years ago and established Sushi Masaki Saito as a premier destination for high-end omakase dining. However, given the cost of the experience at $680 per person, chef Saito recognized the limitations it posed to many Toronto residents and tourists.
“Given the high price point at Sushi Masaki Saito and the limited amount of seating, many individuals don’t get the opportunity to experience a traditional Edomae offering,” says chef Saito. “Although it has been rewarding to share my passion and knowledge with select customers, this style of execution has not allowed me to broadly educate the general public, which is why I created MSSM.”
The new restaurant offers a unique 14-course omakase menu incorporating appetizers, nigiri, soup and desserts for a fraction of the price at $98 per person. In contrast to Sushi Masaki Saito, which imports all its ingredients from top-tier sources in Japan, MSSM Yorkville adopts a different approach. By incorporating local and European ingredients along-side Japanese ones, the restaurant aims to provide a more accessible price point. Chef Saito guarantees that the utilization of Edomae style and technique brings out the “best in each piece of fish.”
@achi_toronto/Instagram
Sporting a sleek, minimalistic, white and black interior, MSSM is much larger than chef Saito’s previous endeavour. The expansion allows the restaurant to accommodate a larger number of customers while offering a quicker dining experience.
MSSM will also function as a platform for chef Saito to educate Toronto’s next generation of chefs in the art of sushi making.
“I want to lead more students in Toronto on their culinary journey,” he says, “Hopefully leading the way for future Michelin-starred chefs like me.”
The opening of MSSM Yorkville is one of several new dining establishments chef Saito will launch by year-end.
The last long weekend of the summer is soon upon us — which means it’s time to squeeze out every last drop of summer while you can! This weekend is the perfect chance to do it; from an event that’s all about pets at BuskerFest to an amazing dragon festival, there are plenty of events to keep you busy and out enjoying the sun all weekend long!
Thank you to this week’s article sponsor, Epilepsy Toronto!
Support a great cause at BuskerFest
The amazing BuskerFest is back in the city, bringing together 100 of the world’s most incredible street performers from Friday to Monday. Performers include comedic acts, mesmerizing magic, unbelievable acrobatics and more! And this year, you can also enjoy a dedicated family fun zone, a vendor market showcasing local creations and even a beer garden. But the best part is that you’ll be supporting a good cause by grabbing passes to the event for you and your family — at $10 for individuals and $20 for families, each admission will be in support of Epilepsy Toronto. You can enjoy your weekend here knowing that you’re helping the organization with the incredible work they do for people affected by epilepsy.
That’s not all — there’s one more event that is sure to captivate Buskerfest visitors. Bark in the Park TO is a pet-friendly event that is all about your furry friend! The Ultimutts will take to the stage to show off their stunts and incredible tricks. Catch the Ultimutts at 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. daily. After that, you can stroll around with your pup to shop through the pet-centric market, take a picture to remember at photo opportunities throughout the event and even dress up your pup for a dog costume contest. So head to Woodbine Park at 1695 Queen St. E. for a weekend you (and your pet) won’t forget!
Celebrate the 2023 Toronto Dragon Festival
This weekend from Friday to Sunday, expect to see a massive dragon sitting in Nathan Phillips Square! The 2023 Toronto Dragon Festival is back and it will be a truly dazzling experience. Enjoy the first-ever Reflection Water Show, where performances including Kung Fu, incredible acrobatics, dance, a traditional fashion show and a re-telling of the legend of the dragon, all on the water. There will also be ambient lighting and, of course, colourful costumes to make this a true extravaganza! Throughout the show, you can also taste some delicious, authentic Chinese food and Asian street food. Don’t miss the highly anticipated lion show!
Enjoy the final Electric Island festival of the year
The always-popular Electric Island music festival has been lighting up Fort York all spring and summer, with a weekend-long event happening once each month. Now, this weekend from Saturday to Sunday is your last chance to get in on the fun! With two stages that will each have incredible lineups of techno and house musicians from across the country and beyond, including Mochakk, Miss Monique, CamelPhat and Marcel Detmann. And this festival is customizable based on your schedule — if you’re ready for a full weekend of music and partying, go for the full weekend pass! Otherwise, you can grab a single-day pass and make the most of a full day of fun.
Toronto’s west-end gem, Liberty Village, beautifully blends history with modern flair. You’ll find charming cafes, stylish boutiques, tech hotspots and lively eateries adding energy to the streets. Here’s your guide to the top 10 dining spots in Liberty Village, catering to every craving from breakfast to dinner.
10. Nodo
@nodorestaurant/Instagram
Nodo offers casual Italian with a menu featuring a wide range of classic and regional dishes prepared by traditional standards, alongside new and creative interpretations. The menu focuses primarily on pizza and pasta but also includes appetizers, salads and desserts, all house made from scratch. Nodo also serves beers, wines and cocktails as well as grappa and amaro. 120 Lynn Williams St.
9. Burger Drops
@burgerdrops/Instagram
Burger Drops dominates the burger scene with its top-notch offerings. Their compact menu boasts irresistible smash burgers, fries and desserts. They take pride in using a special blend of AAA beef cuts delivered weekly and freshly ground on-site every day. On the menu, you’ll discover two must-try burgers—the classic Original and the tantalizing American—alongside a mouthwatering chicken sandwich and crispy chicken nuggets. 116 Atlantic Ave.
8. School
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School Restaurant is where you want to rush to on a weekend morning, the name notwithstanding. Recognized as one of Toronto’s favourite brunch spots, School keeps people coming in year-round with its refreshed and cosy industrial interior in the winter and its patio during the summer. If you’re not in the mood to be part of the brunch crowd, opt for the regular lunch or newly developed dinner menu. No matter what time of day it is, School Restaurant only uses fresh Ontario free run eggs and meats that were raised without added hormones and antibiotics. Everything else comes locally sourced when possible. Whether it’s sweet or savoury or a combination of both, as is the case with the chicken and waffles served with brown sugar butter, School will get you full. 70 Fraser Ave.
7. Maurya East Indian Roti
@mauryaindianrestaurants/Instagram
Rooted in family ownership, Maurya holds a special place. With its origins in the heart of Toronto, it’s hailed as a go-to for Indian Roti, not just in the neighbourhood, but across the city. Presenting a fusion menu that expertly melds original Indian spices, thoughtfully blended for the Canadian palate. 150 E Liberty St.
6. Liberty Soho
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Love King West’s bustling Ruby Soho spot for its good music, fun vibes and delicious pub-style eats? Well Liberty Village locals can catch the same vibe at its new outpost, sister spot Liberty Soho. The menu is the same, with weekend brunch, happy hour deals weekdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and a late night menu that will take you from 10 p.m. to late. Grab your friends for a round (or two) of drinks from their expansive cocktail, beer and wine menu. 139 East Liberty St.
5. Chiang Mai Liberty
@chiangmaito/Instagram
With a focus on focus on keeping dishes authentic by using premium ingredients and seasonal items grown locally, this upscale restaurant is serving up large portions of all your favourite Thai dishes like chicken satay, pineapple fried rice and pad see ew. 50 East Liberty St.
4. Roses Cocina
@roses.cocina/InstagramWith a focus on refined, modern North American fare that’s been influenced by Tex-Mex cuisine, Roses Cocina offers up light bites and small plates that are perfect for sharing with friends, or while enjoying a craft cocktail, like the signature margarita, or a glass of wine. Many Canadian ingredients have been incorporated into the dishes on Niman’s menu, including Nova Scotia lobster. The flour tortillas are also made here in Toronto, and the produce is locally-sourced as well. 111 Princes’ Blvd 2nd floor
3. Mildred’s Temple Kitchen
@mildredstemplekitchen/Instagram
In a city that loves brunch as much as Toronto, it takes a certain place to really be known amongst the masses. Chances are, you know of Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, the Liberty Village staple dedicated to locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, simply and sumptuously prepared. Perfection on a plate, Mrs. Biederhof’s infamous light and fluffy blueberry buttermilk pancakes are the focal point of the famous Sunday brunch. Topped with Lanark County maple syrup, fresh whipped cream and blueberries, these pancakes have such amazing texture and flavour, it’s hard not to order seconds. The space is bright yet industrial, relaxing while intimate, and the warmth of Mildred’s stays with guests longer than the food does. 85 Hannah Ave.
2. Aloette Go
Aloette Liberty Village serves all the favourites from the French bistro, including the fried chicken and namesake Beaufort-cheese-topped Aloette burger, but with the added convenience of takeout and delivery. Alongside these favourites, Aloette Liberty Village offers treats not found at the other locations like delicious soft serve sundaes. The restaurant supplies a playlist so customers can bring the cozy neighbourhood vibe back home with their takeout meal. The take-out window opens to the Liberty Village strip with a back wall that mirrors the tile from the floor of Alo and a takeout counter that pays homage to the original bar. 171 East Liberty St.
Pai at Kitchen Hub
@paitoronto/Toronto
Devotees of Thai cuisine are in for a treat. Pai offers a range of authentic dishes, from the renowned green curry, gaeng kiaw wan, to Chef Nuit Regular‘s signature Pad Thai with homemade tamarind-palm sugar sauce. 1108 King St. W.
