Toronto has experienced a surge of new and notable restaurant openings this summer. Among them, there’s been an upscale Thai eatery from an ‘Iron Chef,’ a hidden speakeasy beneath a laundromat and a comeback from Susur Lee. While the city celebrated exciting new openings this season, we’ve also seen our fair share of high-profile closures making the rounds.
Here’s a rundown of some of the most significant closures we’ve seen this summer.
Pow Wow Café
@powwowcafeto/Instagram
As summer kicked off, Pow Wow Café, a beloved fixture in Kensington Market, revealed its closure after a seven-year run. Renowned for its tacos served on Ojibway-style frybread, this cozy spot was also a go-to for weekend brunch and drinks. Since the closure, owner Shawn Adler has been actively engaged in pop-ups and events throughout Ontario.
Lamesa Filipino Food Club
@lamesato/Instagram
Renowned for its Filipino-infused offerings, including fried chicken, milkfish, and adobo fries, Lamesa made a significant impact for 11 years. Its opening was a response to the absence of sit-down, full-service Filipino restaurants in downtown Toronto. However, the St. Clair West establishment shuttered in early June. Owner Lester Sabilano shared on Instagram, “I’ve poured a lot into this business over the past 11 years but lately I’ve really felt the feelings of burnout and exhaustion that I’m sure many others in the industry can relate to all too well so we decided it is time for a change.”
Sap
@saprestaurant/Instagram
Oliver & Bonacini restaurant Sap, (formerly known as Bannock until 2021) was located at Queen and Bay and served up inventive Canadian comfort dishes like roast duck poutine pizza and Arcadian Court chicken pot pie. Open since 2011, the restaurant’s final service took place in early July.Citing pandemic effects, escalating expenses, and persistent disruptions due to nearby construction, the decision to close was inevitable. Among O&B’s lineup of new ventures, The Constance Tavern is gearing up for a launch “soon,” conveniently situated across the street.
Country Style Hungarian Restaurant
@countrystylehungarian/Instagram
An Annex fixture for over sixty years, renowned for its delectable cabbage rolls and schnitzel, bid farewell in early August. As one of the initial Hungarian eateries on Bloor Street, patrons had been frequenting this establishment for decades. Katalin Koltai, who held ownership for the last 23 years and had herself been a customer in the 60s during her U of T days, expressed her readiness for retirement as the reason for the closure.
Planta Cocina
@planta/Instagram
The newest member of the Planta family opened in early 2021. This spot showcased inventive plant-based renditions of Mexican classics like black bean taro tots, empanadas, and jackfruit tacos. Located at the heart of the Financial District, the restaurant unexpectedly closed around a month ago, leaving patrons without an explanation.
Osteria Du
@osteriadu/Instagram
Herbivores received disheartening news in June as the city’s inaugural all-vegan Italian restaurant revealed its upcoming closure. Osteria Du, launched on Queen West in 2021 by the Awai Hospitality Group, known for their local successes like Avelo and M!LK, will be shutting its doors. The restaurant explained in an Instagram post that escalating rent to pre-pandemic levels and current economic conditions are at odds. Their final service will take place in September.
Toronto will be well-represented at this year’s Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards (CAFA). The organization released their list of nominees for 18 awards on Thursday, and we know who to root for at the awards ceremony on Oct. 14 this year!
CAFA was created in order to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Canadian talent within the fashion industry. This year marks the organization’s ninth award ceremony. Categories include womenswear, menswear, sustainable designers, design students and even models.
In the womenswear designer category, Hilary MacMillan stands as the lone Torontonian. MacMillan was a runner-up last year who made a bigger splash in 2023 for her lifestyle brand which ranges from extra small to quadruple extra large, and her perfectly-timed Barbie collection earned her a reputation for being one of the industry’s most on-trend and creative designers.
Torontonians dominated the sustainable brand category — jewelry giant Mejuri and streetwear specialists Kotn both received a nomination. Both brands boast eco-friendly business practices ranging from how they source their products to the way their products are packaged.
The only Torontonian up for the outwear brand of the year award is HISO, a luxury brand that focuses on cutting-edge designs and Canadian winter adaptability.
Half of the stylist of the year nominees are from the city. Bobby Bowen and Nadia Pizzimenti both take different approach to styling campaigns, as Bowen is well-known for his street influence while Pizzimenti lands on the chic side of fashion the spectrum.
Adidem Asterisks and Dorian Who headline the emerging talent in fashion award. Dorian Who is a local designer that works out of her parents luxury rug store, exposing herself and curating her designs around intricate swatches. Adidem Asterisks is a more contemporary label focused on blending streetwear into the luxury world.
Courtesy Sara Camposarcone
Dorian Who is also up for the digital fashion creator award alongside fellow Torontonians Sara Camposarcone and Sasha Exeter.
With four nominees from Toronto in the emerging talent for accessories category, it’s clear accessorizing is where Torontonians excel. Life Liveth, Lo’bat, Omi Woods and Steff Eleoff are on a meteoric trajectory and the category is our best chance of taking the award home to the 6ix.
Tickets are now on sale for the CAFA gala on Oct. 14 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel for the fashion lovers out there, if you’re willing to shell out $750.
While the sun still has us sweating, the haunting charm of the spooky season is creeping closer. And while most of us will soon be busy watching reruns of Rosemary’s Baby, gorging on candy and visiting haunted houses, there’s a new bone-chilling speakeasy coming to Toronto that just might be the most exciting event of the Halloween season.
The Burton Bar is a Beetlejuice-themed speakeasy that will be heading to Toronto this October after its sold-out success in Denver, Colorado last year.
For the entire month, expect vintage-style haunting decor, secret, dark cocktails and an immersive bar. There will even be some spooktacular quests that will keep you guessing!
The excitement will keep going until the big day — October 31 — concluding with a special Halloween bash!
This is a definite must for devotees of Tim Burton’s stories and those in search of a one-of-a-kind and entertaining journey!
The speakeasy will be taking over Turkish restaurant MADO on Yonge Street beginning on October 4. Sessions will run from Wednesday to Friday from 5:30 p.m. until 11 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Tickets for the 90-minute experience are available for $15 per person and include a welcome drink upon arrival.
And there’s good news for your little ghouls! While the event is 19 plus only, family-friendly sessions are available on weekends at specific times.
The summer months are a prime time for many to head outside for both camping trips and boating activities. Aside from fun, another thing both of these activities have in common is that they both often involve towing a trailer to get to the destination of choice. As Canada’s largest personal injury law firm, Diamond and Diamond has seen far too many motor vehicle accidents involving trailers – some of which might have been prevented if adequate safety measures were taken. Jeremy Diamond, a Founding Partner of Diamond and Diamond Lawyers, outlines a few important considerations to take into account before hitting the road with your trailer this summer.
Become Familiar with Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity
While it should come as no surprise, many people will try to pull a trailer with a vehicle that is not intended to pull heavier weights. “One avoidable mistake that I have commonly seen over the years is when people pull very heavy loads with a vehicle that is not meant to do so. A Toyota Corolla was definitely not built to tow a 3,000-5,000 pound wake boat, ” says Jeremy Diamond. As such, it’s important that you know the weight of your trailer, the weight of the load, and the total weight that your vehicle is capable of pulling. For tips on how to identify the maximum load that your vehicle is capable of pulling, visit this article.
Failure to identify the maximum amount of weight that your vehicle can handle could not only result in significant damage to your engine transmission and suspension, but can also significantly increase the risk of a motor vehicle accident.
Get Used to Doing Circle Checks
A very easy (yet often skipped) step in ensuring that your trailer is ready for the roads is a circle check. “During a circle check, you should do a complete walk around your vehicle and the secured trailer to ensure that your lights are working properly and that your trailer’s lights are relaying the same signals as your vehicle,” says Jeremy Diamond. While this is one of the easiest steps that you can take to ensure that your trailer is ready for the roads, this is often a step that people fail to do.
Importance of Safety Chains
Safety chains are also a very important component of trailer safety. “While most trailers today will come with safety chains, it’s very important to confirm that you have these equipped before heading out on a trip with your trailer,” says Jeremy Diamond. Safety chains play an important role in suspending the trailer to your vehicle should your trailer uncouple from the hitch. They will essentially make sure that your trailer stays with your vehicle should the unexpected arise, which can play a crucial role in limiting the damage in a motor vehicle accident.
Consider Installing An Anti-Sway Bar
“Although they’re not required by law, we would strongly recommend installing an anti-sway bar to your trailer and hitch,” says Jeremy Diamond. These devices are designed to prevent your trailer from swaying as you drive down the road, and can play a crucial role in keeping both your vehicle and your trailer in your lane.
Just like vehicles, trailers require precautionary measures and maintenance to ensure that you’re doing everything possible to avoid an accident. If you or a loved one have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, it’s important to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer. From Ontario all the way out to British Columbia, Diamond and Diamond has got your back. Call us today at 1-800-567-HURT to schedule a free consultation.
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.
With summer nearing the end and the cool breeze evoking annual back-to-school-nostalgia, our minds are starting to drift towards the potential of our fall wardrobes. A timeless trend is making itself a clear choice for the impending layering weather: prep, but not prep as we’ve always known it. We’ll call it new prep.
Ivy league fashion, otherwise known as prepdom, made waves in the 1980s and inspired The Official Preppy Handbook, a satirical reference guide to the prep aesthetic. Author Lisa Birnbach published an updated version, True Prep, in 2010 (when Sperry Top-siders were all the rage).
Prep at it’s core, is uniform apparel that implies old money, academia and sensibility — yet you need not possess any one of these attributes if you simply dress the part. In her updated book, Birnbach writes that “almost anyone can assimilate into our world of prepdom. The desire to be prep is the most important factor.”
Nowadays, Torontonians like to mix preppy pieces with more casual, urban styles — some of which abide by the classic principals of prep, and others that challenge the old rules. So we’ve revised the original guide into one befitting a fashionable Torontonian.
What is prep?
For starters, what is the ethos one is attempting to achieve by dressing preppy? Owner of Toronto’s Pic Vintage Shop, and expert prep dresser, Vaismam Oliveira says that dressing preppy is all about “the effortless idea that you look wealthy, or at least you’re trying to.”
Oliveira can be spotted around town in a trench coat, or a matching pant and jacket, but his absolute prep staples are button-downs (Ralph Lauren or Brooks B) and loafers. His advice for styling a preppy outfit is to not be afraid to look regal.
“More is more, and accessories and jewelry are a must.”
If you’re looking to assemble a preppy outfit, aside from Oliveira’s own Pic Vintage with their prep-heavy inventory, he recommends VSP consignment for their amazing archival pieces.
Pieces that generally suit the prep aesthetic include by are not limited to: khakis, cable knit, merino wool, cashmere, collared shirts, pleated skirts, cardigans, button-ups, blazers, scarves, loafers, riding boots, sportswear.
The new prep fashion rules, Toronto-style
1. Sportswear is still classic
@spacecowboymaya/Instagram
“This makes it easier to go from sporting events to social events (not that there is much difference) without changing,” writes Birnbach in the True Prep handbook.
The readaption of sportswear into elevated streetwear is particularly timely right now with the popularity of blokecore, a fashion trend inspired by British football culture. Toronto streetwear has always favoured a sports jersey, but this summer has seen them paired with feminine pieces like maxi skirts, mini skirts and lacy bloomers. Feel free to wear them right into the fall, and pair them with preppy pieces like a blazer or riding boots. Speaking of riding boots…
2. A little bit of horse… ahem… cow girl goes a long way
@batchvintage/Instagram
“Riding boots may be worn by non-riders; cowboy boots may be worn by those who have never been on a horse. However, cowboy hats may not be worn by anyone who isn’t technically a cowboy or a cowgirl,” writes Birnbach in the True Prep handbook.
But we say to hell with that! If the last few years of Toronto style has proven anything, it’s that cowboy boots are an urban staple. We have a fine-tuned practice of pairing cowboy boots with less coordinating styles including racing jackets, jerseys, graphic tees and clubwear. The same contrast strategy applies to riding boots, of course, if horses are still more your thing.
3. You can never go wrong with a trench coat
@picvintage/Instagram
This is an OG rule from the True Prep handbook that still rings true. There is nothing more sleek and alluring than a long collared coat. You can use a trench to conceal your night out outfit with class, or layer it on top of a chic sweater in the fall. No matter the occasion, you’ll look like you’ve got it together (with little assemblage effort required.) Pic Vintage has a great selection for your trench coat needs, and Chosen Vintage usually stocks a whole bunch in the fall.
4. Mix your metals freely
@mejuri/Instagram
“Jewelry should not match, though metals should,” writes Birnbach.
Torontonians just aren’t sticklers about this kind of thing, even when they’re honing prep. Toronto jewelry brand Mejuri says the solution to the gold or silver conflict is to wear both. So forget what the gold or silver TikTok filter has to say about the matter — it’s properly edgy and eclectic to wear all your metals.
5. Support small businesses
@voons__/Instagram
There’s a line in the True Prep handbook that states, “If your best friend is a designer (clothes, accessories, jewelry), you should wear a piece from his or her collection.” As a rule, Birnbach further stipulates that “every preppy woman has a friend who is a jewelry designer,” and in Toronto, this is very likely true.
Torontonians are purveyors of locally made goods. We love to accessorize and support our local creatives, which makes handmade jewelry a uniquely urban preppy staple. Looking for a jewelry making friend of your own? Check out frequent market vendor and playful jewelry brand Butter BB, or the romantic and beachy brand Voons.
6. You may wear a [U of T] sweatshirt if: you attended [U of T], your spouse attended [U of T], or your children attend [U of T]. Or if you find one at the thrift
utarchives/Instagram
In this revised quote from the True Prep handbook, the original text refers to Harvard. While varsity sweaters, especially of the vintage nature, are undoubtedly cool, it’s just a little cooler when there’s a story attached. Try calling up your grandparents and asking if you can borrow their old university sweaters for the perfect addition to your prep wardrobe — but if not, sourcing one from your local thrift is just as cool and sustainable.
7. Your bag should be the wildest part of your outfit
@spicyprincess.ca/Instagram
In the True Prep handbook, Birchbach writes that “bags and shoes need not match.” The old world of prep style is all about a streamlined look, with subtle deviations, but Toronto fashion is louder than that. While accessories and contrasting styles are entirely welcome, your bag is where you get to have the most fun. From the capacious multi-use tote to the most unsensible handbags, we love an absurdly funky bag. If you’re on the hunt for your own, Toronto designer Spicy Princess has a collection of fun bags such as reversible handmade totes and satin mini purses.
8. Underwear is outerwear
@shop.feelings.vintage/Instagram
City goers are skilled at repurposing, and lingerie as outwear is the perfect example. Only in present-day Toronto could a silk slip be considered preppy (when paired with tall boots, and a tailored jacket). It’s all in the layering! Think bloomers with a sensible cardigan, or a corset top with trousers.
9. High-heels should not inhibit you
@adidaswomen/Instagram
Similar to the fundamental incorporation of sportswear into your preppy wardrobe, your heels should aid your athleticism, not inhibit it! “You must be able to run in them—on cobblestones, on a dock, in case of a spontaneous foot race,” writes Birnbach in True Prep. By Toronto logic, that makes the trending sneaker heel the perfect modern addition to prep wear. Otherwise, try a kitten heel (low to the ground) or a combat style boot with a super thick heel (more surface area to run on).
10. Vintage is fair game
@picvintage/Instagram
One more OG rule that Torontonians are happy to abide by is thrifting. “Clothes can cost any amount, but they must fit. Many a preppy has an item from a vintage shop or a lost-and-found bin at the club that was tailored and looks incredibly chic,” writes Birnbach in True Prep. Not only is prep accessible, in itself the act of thrifting is preppy. That’s because prep wear is sensible and classy, qualities you can achieve in your wardrobe by buying sustainable, well-maintained clothes (and tailoring them to your size, or mending them to extend their lifetime).
Some rules we’re throwing away
1.“Sneakers (a.k.a. tennis shoes, running shoes, trainers) are not worn with skirts.”
Us Torontonians generally disagree with this — we wear sneakers with everything.
2. “No man bags.”
As if. We’re a city of cyclists and subway riders, a bag is everyone’s right.
3. “We generally underdress. We prefer it to overdressing.”
Oliveira says that maximalism and prep share similar lines because they’re both based on classics and heritage fashion. So forget the minimalist look, and take your prep the extra step with loud and contrasting prints.
Although Toronto boasts numerous authentic Brazilian steakhouses, such as popular choices like Copacabana and Rodeo, the city’s midtown area has recently welcomed two new Brazilian spots offering a new take on the country’s cuisine.
Samba Brazil Eatery
@samba_eatery/Instagram
In July, Samba Brazil Eatery opened at 2109 Yonge Street. Owned by Brazilian native Paulo Canabrava, here you’ll find an array of both sweet and savoury pastels, along with other popular Brazilian street foods. For those not in the know, pastels are fried pastries most commonly filled with an assortment of ingredients including cheese, chicken, shrimp, hearts of palms or ground beef. Sweet variations often featuring ingredients like chocolate, bananas, or guava jam. However, these sweet versions are not as prevalent as their savoury counterparts. Other popular menu items include coxinha, a tear-drop shaped croquette, filled with chicken, cheese and broth and for something sweet, the traditional Brazilian dessert brigadeiro, a bite-size chocolate sweet that falls somewhere between a bonbon and a truffle. This is the third location for Samba — they also have locations on St. Clair and another inside the World Food Market near Yonge and Dundas Square. “I want to sincerely thank the entire Brazilian community which, since day one back in 2019, has supported and encouraged us to keep bringing our warmth and wonderful cuisine to these chilly lands,” Canabrava captioned a post on Instagram. 2109 Yonge St.
Açaí Concept
@acaiconcepttoronto/Instagram
Açaí, a quintessentially Brazilian fruit, stands out as one of the most delicious and most popular choices among Brazilians. Beyond its taste, this fruit offers a wealth of health benefits. It’s praised as an antioxidant, aiding in reducing inflammation, regulating blood sugar and boosting the immune system. Recently opened Açaí Concept in Toronto crafts South-American inspired smoothie bowls and juices as well as savoury and sweet crepes like the ham and cheese or the banana and cinnamon. They also offer Brazilian bites, including cheese buns and croquettes. 2039 Yonge St.
Street art is huge in Toronto, and it is often political in nature. Case in point, a new portrait of Premier Doug Ford that hit the bricks of the city’s legendary Graffiti Alley this week. The work, which shows Ford running away with bags of money, is a response to a report on the provincial government’s Greenbelt development dealings by the Auditor General. The work is by a Toronto artist who goes by the name D.Terra.
In addition to painting this work, D. Terra has offered to recreate the work on anyone’s spare wall or garage door for free.
We caught up with the article to ask about the Ford portrait and the overwhelming response.
My inspiration was greed, corruption and unaccountability i.e Doug Ford. I just wanted to make a political statement about the scathing Greenbelt report — I just painted what everyone is thinking.
How long have you been doing street art?
I dabbled in street art over the years on different projects but really started to focus on painting during the pandemic.
Could you provide some background information on your work?
I painted a friend’s garage in 2021 out of sheer boredom and found working on large scale stencils very satisfying. Before long, other neighbours are requesting work, too. The community has been a huge supporter of my work. Toronto has a big influence on my designs. I use elements of pop art and graphic illustration to help bring colour and positivity to neighbourhoods around me, one garage door or wall at a time. Stencils help maintain the works, as well.
People are loving the work, which must feel good right?
The goal of any artist is to attract as many eyes as possible. Painting in Graffiti Alley is legal so I thought I’d give it a shot and l’m happy it struck a chord with people. The more people come together to laugh and discuss a problem the better.
Is it still up or did it get painted over yet?
As of writing this, yes, it is still up but street art is ephemeral.
Has anyone taken you up on your offer of recreating the work elsewhere?
Not yet but it’s understandable, I mean, it’s Doug Ford.
If you’ve ever been so famished you could devour a whole feast, then you’re in for a treat at these Toronto restaurants serving up gigantic meals that will satisfy your hunger for weeks to come!
From a 24-layer cake to a giant-sized meatball, check out this list of 10 places to get a super-sized meal.
Louix Louis
@louixlouis/Instagram
Located inside the St. Regis, this hotel restaurant has already received international attention for its glammed up design, which features a 60-foot ceiling mural by Toronto artist Madison van Rijn, evoking swirling whisky in a glass — an homage to the city’s liquor distilling heritage. But it’s their beloved dessert The King’s Cake — a thirteen-layer chocolate cake, made with guayaquil ganache, vanilla ice cream and topped with chocolate sauce that has the people coming back for more.
Corned Beef House
@cornedbeefhousevaughan/Instagram
You (obviously) have to try one of the colossal sandwiches at The Corned Beef House. Varieties include Ruben, turkey roast beef, Montreal smoked and corn beef. Four sizes to choose from ranging from skinny (5 oz) to gigantic (10 oz) and even colossal (16 oz). Can’t choose? Go for the Godzilla—it’s the ultimate sandwich with heaps of assorted meats piled high.
Petit Potato
@petitpotatotoronto/Toronto
Taiwanese Fusion Cafe Petit Potato is a laid-back spot known for its diverse range of bubble teas, Chinese desserts, and snacks. One of their standout creations is the Golden Toast, a 10-inch tower of thick, golden white bread that takes 30 minutes to prepare. Flavours such as strawberry, blueberry, mango, purple yam, red bean, and Oreo are available.
Gio Rana
@hungry_wongs/Instagram
Head over to the Queen and Leslie St. corner, and you’ll discover the charming Gio Rana restaurant, affectionately known as ‘The Nose.’ Don’t miss their standout dish: a massive meatball in flavorful tomato ragu, crowned with pesto and asiago cheese. It’s a must-try!
Hollywood Cone
@hollywoodcone/Instagram
Hollywood Cone, an Ontario ice cream café, serves up delightful desserts like shakes and cakes to sweeten your special moments. Alongside their regular menu, they offer The Titanic Split challenge: Finish an 18-inch banana split with 3 bananas, caramel sauce, Oreos, heaps of ice cream, Skor, whipped cream, Belgian Milk Chocolate drizzle, pirouline hazelnut wafers, and turtles in 20 minutes, and it’s on the house!
The Bullger
@thebullger/Instagram
Small burgers might not be everyone’s style, but not to fret! The Bullger is the spot for those ready to tackle enormous burgers. Take for example the Muletto with its all-beef patty, crusted jalapeño, cheddar cheese, grilled pineapple, lettuce, tomato, and chipotle aioli. It’s a challenge worth taking!
Holy Shakes
@holyshakescafe/Instagram
Holy Shakes, a milkshake and dessert bar, boasts an extensive menu of over 100 gourmet fusion shakes. The Super Freakshake, a mouthwatering masterpiece, requires 45 minutes of preparation. It features delectable flavours like Kit Kat Caramel Brownie, Banana Foster Cheesecake, and Rocky Road that are sure to make you drool.
La Manna
@lamannabakery/Instagram
Everything at La Manna is huge. Located at 6758 Kingston Road, the spot makes jumbo – 28-inch – slices of pizza. Dubbed the Big Slice, these supersized creations are racking up the Insta likes thanks to a menu ranging from the classics like the Italian Margherita and the simple Americano to non-traditional options like the grilled cheese – a slice covered in a dozen or so mini-grilled-cheese sandwiches and the Poutine loaded with French fries and smothered in gravy. And let’s not forget that Lamanna’s is also a bakery, so dessert slice options are as drool-worthy (and photographic) as their savory cousins. There’s the birthday cake Big Slice which, you guessed it, is topped with buttercream and birthday cake, and the Simpson, topped with pink dipped sprinkle donuts. Dessert lovers can get their fix with other decadent options that include churros, brownies, and cannoli.
The Big Cannoli
@bigcannoli/Instagram
The Big Cannoli lives up to its name with their generously sized cannolis. One of their offerings features a colossal cannoli that’s surrounded by numerous smaller ones, totaling an impressive 100 cannolis in all. It’s a cannoli lover’s dream come true!
La Palma
@lapalmato/Instagram
Indulging in the culinary delights at La Palma wouldn’t be complete without ordering the mozzarella and bolognese 100-layer lasagna. As it arrives at your table, the presentation itself is a work of art – crowned with a crispy parmesan crust that’s been delicately torched to perfection and garnished with vibrant, aromatic basil leaves.
Make way foodies, because a new restaurant has just brought a whole new Thai cuisine experience to Toronto and they’re calling it ARTisan gastronomy — named for the Iron Chef who runs the kitchen.
Savor was created by Chef Art – Prasopchok Trakulphat, the former Iron Chef of Thailand known for adding a modern twist on traditional Thai cuisine. That’s exactly what he brings to his new location, using 13th century traditions and flavours and blending it with Western techniques to bring it to his new Toronto audience.
Savor — pronounced more like “savoey” in Thai — comes from a Thai word meaning “to eat in a higher form for royal families.” And that’s exactly what the chef and his team are trying to do at Savor.
Chef Art – Prasopchok Trakulphat, former Iron Chef Thailand.
The restaurant’s design body reflects its aspiration for a regal dining experience, featuring emerald walls that complement the dramatic, golden fixtures. And, the chef explains, this deliberate choice is intricately connected to the Feng shui principles guiding the space.
“We serve our creations in a welcome, an elegant atmosphere so the flow from the good energy from the moment that you walk into the restaurant carries you through sitting down, enjoying the interior, enjoying the beverages and food, dessert, and service.”
To decorate the interior, Savor has additionally imported 1000 handmade bells from Thailand. Culturally significant to the country, the bells symbolize tranquility and bring a calming tone to the space.
@savorthaito/Instagram
Chef Art explains that, like most cultures, there are many different aspects to Thailand gastronomy from street food to home cooking and royal cooking.
“Thai food is all about composing a harmoniously complex dish,” explains the chef. “We have to have sweet, and we have to have salty, sour and spicy at the same time. But then how do we complement those flavours in one bite, in one dish — not too sour, not too spicy, not too salty, not too sweet? That’s basically what Thai food is considered at least to me.”
The chef explains that the food at Savor is a “well-balanced mixture of other cuisines” using Savor’s own special touches. For example, the curry dishes on the menu all take root with spices from Indian and Persian cuisines and then adding Chef Art’s own flavours.
The pad thai dish, too, Chef Art explains, comes from Chinese cuisine rather than Thai. To make it their own, Savor adds tamarind sauce and palm sugar.
“We keep that concept of mixing and incorporating,” he explains. “So, we’re making Thai food with local ingredients that make sense to Thai flavours in a way that is natural to me?. We want to offer Thai food in my way here in Toronto.”
The beverage menu elegantly marries tradition with innovation, evident with the carefully crafted Nappokao cocktail selection — also knows as the nine gem cocktail menu. Each of the name drinks represent — through colour and feel — a different gem, like amber, syphon, diamond, ruby, cat’s eye.
Bun Bung Fai Fizz – inspired from the North-eastern Thai Fireworks Rocket Festival.
The drinks on the non-alcoholic mocktail menu includes beverages inspired by festivals across regions of Thailand. For example, the Songkran is named for the Thai new year and represents the water that gets thrown around during this natural celebration.
From the thoughtfully designed space to the meticulously curated food and drink menu, every element at Savor is infused with purpose and intention.
“I do appreciate the enjoyment that Torontonians have for Thai food,” says the chef. “But I think right now it’s time to enjoy it a bit differently, with really playful twists and well-thought-out beverages that are Thai-inspired combined with Thai food and Thai desserts.”
While we never want to think about being involved in a motor vehicle accident, the reality is that they can happen. If you ever find yourself in this situation, it’s important that you know what you’re entitled to. Being Canada’s largest personal injury law firm, Diamond and Diamond has the expertise necessary to help guide you through the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident. Nastassia Ivanova, the Director of Diamond Law’s Accident Benefits Department, discusses a few things that you need to know about income replacement benefits after an accident:
What are Income Replacement Benefits?
“One of the most common things we’re asked about is what happens when you’re unable to return to work as a result of a motor vehicle accident,” says Nastassia Ivanova. The reality is that your accident benefit provider may need to compensate you with 70% of your gross loss to a maximum of $400 per week depending on your insurance policy (whichever is less). In order to be eligible for income replacement benefits, the individual’s injuries sustained from their accident must prevent them from being able to go back to work. In addition to this, the individual must be over the age of 16, employed, self-employed, or not employed* (but was formally employed for at least 26 weeks within a 52-week period before the accident).
Are There Any Alternatives to Income Replacement Benefits if You’re Deemed Ineligible?
“While the answer to this will vary from case to case, the reality is that there are options if you’re not eligible for income replacement benefits,” says Ivanova. For example, even if you were not employed prior to your accident, you could be eligible for non-earner benefits. The non-earner benefit pays an individual $185 a week. To qualify, the insured person must be totally unable to live an everyday life due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Are income replacement benefits taxable?
Answer: Under the Income Tax Act enacted by the Government of Canada, income replacement benefits are not subject to tax.
Question: How long are you eligible for income replacement benefits?
Answer: an individual may be eligible for income replacement benefits up to a maximum of 2 years, or 104 weeks. After this, you will need to speak with your lawyer about what benefits you’re eligible for.
If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident, it’s important to speak with an expert who can help you through the next steps. Contact Diamond and Diamond today at 1-800-567-HURT to schedule a free consultation.
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.
We spent the day exploring the different offerings on Ossington. From getting permanent jewelry with my besties to cheers’ing to summer days over margarita flights, here are our top recommendations for your next day out on Ossington.
Permanent, but make it jewelry instead of ink. These welded bracelets from Melanie Auld are the cutest bestie day date activity. Pick your favourite bands (they can be matching or not), and the Melanie Auld associate will customize the fit and weld it onto your wrist.
Coined the world’s most comfortable pants, this Vancouver brand has found a new home here on Ossington. Whether you’re biking to work or hiking Toronto’s trails, their performance denim might just change your outlook on the whole jeans being uncomfortable debate.
Formula Fig has quickly made a name for themselves here in Toronto. The aesthetic self care studio offers a variety of treatments. From injectables to facials, their services are led by innovative technology and driven by results.
Tacos and margaritas on a warm night? Yes, please. With a picnic table patio right on Ossington, Papi Chulo’s Mexicana offers a taste of Mexico, right on the streets of Toronto.
This aesthetic hole in the wall is the perfect spot to chill out, do some work, catch up with a friend, or even do date night! With premium and sustainable coffee being integral to their brand, I Deal Coffee & Wine also offers coffee subscriptions.
Get your phones out Toronto, because the city is about to get its newest Instagram-worthy attraction: Bubble Planet.
This exhibition is an immersive experience that boasts over 10 themed environments. Visitors can explore a delightful bubble bath ball pit, embark on exhilarating virtual reality adventures and join in on interactive games. One main highlight of the attraction is a balloon getaway, where guests experience a hot air balloon journey simulation that transports them deep into a universe of bubbles.
Bubble Planet is the brainchild of Exhibition Hub, a global powerhouse known for their immersive exhibitions across the world. The company previously teamed up with live entertainment platform Fever to create Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience.
At the heart of Bubble Planet’s allure is its innovative and interactive design, which is meant to engage all five senses. The attraction uses colours, optical illusions, lasers, lights, bubbles, balloons, virtual reality and cutting-edge 360-degree projection technology, to give visitors an exciting experience.
Bubble Planet will be open to guests of all ages and tickets are already available for purchase, starting at $36.90 for adults and $27.90 for kids. Children four years old and younger can enter for free and VIP tickets, group bundles and family passes are also offered.
The experience is expected to last approximately 60 minutes, providing ample time to explore.
“We constantly strive to create experiences that instill a sense of wonder and play in our guests,” said Mario Iacampo, CEO and creative director of Exhibition Hub in a press release. “Bubble Planet’s combination of imaginary worlds, technology and virtual reality more than delivers on this mission.”
While the opening date for Bubble Planet’s Toronto location has yet to be announced, visitors can stay in the loop here.
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 
