Japanese-style listening lounges: The latest trend to hit Toronto nightlife
One of the best parts about living in a city as diverse as Toronto is being able to experience cultures from around the globe without even leaving home. Over the past few years, the latest tradition that Torontonians have been embracing is that of the Japanese teahouses.
In the 1920s, “kissatens” first began popping up around Japan where writers and intellects would gather for tea and coffee. During the Second World War, when American jazz music was banned across the country, music lovers would sneak out to the jazz kissa “speakeasies” to hear the classic music on vinyl sound systems.
Now, nearly a century later, these kissatens are becoming popular here in Toronto, giving the city’s audiophiles a place to sip a cocktail or coffee—or even enjoy a full meal—while focusing on the tones of hi-fidelety music playing over state-of-the-art sound systems.
The Little Jerry
Before the trend began making its way around the city, The Little Jerry might just have been the first hi-fidelity vinyl listening bar in Toronto when they opened in July of 2019. If the name conjers up Seinfeld flashbacks, the joint is just as familiar and comfortable as any episode.
At this neighbourhood joint, the sound system consists of a pair of Klipschorn Corner Horn with Volti VX Crossovers, Sound Physics Labs Synergy Horns, Klipsch La Scalas, OJAS Bookshelves customized with Azura Horns. These speakers are powered by a three-level stack of tube amps (Luxman SQ-N10, Kaiju Bottlehead 300-B, and Dynaco ST-70), and the sound source is a pair of modded Technics SL-1200 turntables with Jelco TS-550S tonearms routed through a Condesa Carmen V Mixer.
The dining room is completely sound-treated with absorption panels, bass traps, and dispersion panels to ensure that you can still have that over-dinner conversation while feasting off The Little Jerry’s rotating menu andthe city’s largest selection of by-the-glass wine options and over 40 local beers — though you likely aren’t coming here for conversation, as surely your attention will be glued to the nightly guest DJs and record collectors who spin soul, disco, jazz, ambient, and even classical music well into the evening.
915 Dupont
If you prefer to do your listening in the daytime hours, over a coffee —or even an afternoon whiskey on the rocks (nobody’s judging) — 915 Dupont might be more up your alley — which is exactly where you’ll find this gem. Like the Japanese speakeasies where the listening lounges began, 915 Dupont is not easy to find. In fact, it’s just tucked away in an industrial building not far from Ossington Avenue and you have to enter through a little curtain.
This café only just had its soft opening this month. But, you might have visited for an allusive chess club that’s been secretly meeting there for who-knows-how long. Toronto is slowly discovering this secret hideaway, making it a popular spot for remote workers to bring their computers for the afternoon, with soothing vinyl-only tunes and fresh coffee feeling their work. The café is already welcoming a roster of entertainment over their sound system, including guest DJs spinning nothing but jazz vinyl, live guitarists and even some comedians. Though still in its early stages, 915 Dupont is already showing signs of being Toronto’s next not so best-kept secrets.
Kissa
It’s only been around a mere month and yet Kissa has already become a staple for a King West night out. Taking its name right from those Japanese teahouses, Kissa offers an ambiance like no other, from the subtle tunes of the 80s, 90s and early 2000s.
At Kissa, the vinyl-powered vintage sound system was custom-built by Sounds Better using custom vintage JBL speakers powered by Bryston Amps and combined with a D&B Sound System that is connected to a Master Sounds Radius 4V Analogue Rotary Mixer.
The built-in DJ booth at the back of the dining room will draw all your attention to the more than 2,500 vinyl records that decorate the wall behind, including all your favourite albums from The Beatles, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, and, yes —because its located in the 6ix — Drake. The rest of the room is as classically inspired as the music, with dazzling crystal balls, textured velvet touches, and mirrored walls for an intimate appeal. As for the menu, the Izakaya-style dishes bring a touch of Japanese flavour and tradition to King Street, while the Japanese-inspired cocktails are one-of-a-kind with a light and airy texture that matches the smooth atmosphere set by the music.
These are the wild foods and drinks you can try at the CNE this year
The CNE is making a return this summer, and true to tradition, the food offerings are as wacky as ever. From August 18 to September 4, you can sample everything from frog legs to cheeseburger-flavoured ice cream.
Here are some of the more adventurous food offerings coming this year to the Ex.
Malibu Mac and Cheese
Savour a luxurious blend of pink champagne, three cheeses – aged white cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan – in a macaroni & cheese creation. Crowned with a dollop of caviar, all elegantly presented in a freshly baked bread bowl.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Corn Dog
Underneath the crisp batter is a surprisingly delicious fusion of peanut butter and homestyle jam’s drizzle on the outside.
Holy Moly Cannoli
This giant cinnamon cannoli is custom-made and loaded with a veal cutlet, Provolone, Pomodoro sauce, garlic aioli, rainbow sprinkles and hickory sticks.
Korean Fried Frog Legs
Served crispy these frog legs come adorned with a tantalizing Korean sweet chili sauce.
Peanut Butter Jelly Corn
Corn on the Cob gets transformed into the Peanut Butter Jelly Corn, adorned with artistic swirls of peanut butter and jelly.
Pickle Cotton Candy
A must-try for pickle enthusiasts.
Cheeseburger Ice Cream
The creators of the infamous Ketchup and Mustard Ice Cream unveil their latest: Cheese Burger Ice Cream. Served in a cheese-coated waffle cone it’s then topped with a pretzel and a pickle.
Thanksgiving Poutine
These crispy fries come adorned with mushroom gravy, cheese curds, cranberry mayo and stuffing.
Watermelon Burger
The Hang Ten
Seared ahi tuna is served on rice with avocado, jalapeños, pineapple salsa, pickled ginger, cucumber, scallions, sesame seeds, and sriracha aioli, all served in a pineapple bowl.
The extensive food list can be found on the CNE’s website alongside a link for ticket sales.
Soccer is inspiring this celebrity-approved fashion trend in Toronto
About a year ago, fashion lovers had their closets revamped by what seemed to be the perfect trend. Aptly named Blokecore, trend followers would run to the thrifts for a fashion-forward take on the usual uniform of a British football fan — soccer kits, baggy pants and retro sneakers.
To this day, fashion lovers are stocking their closets with retro soccer kits, much to the amazement of those who thought the trend would die off last summer. But the reason for its longevity is its adaptability. We’re not consuming Blokecore anymore. Welcome to a world where soccer is fashion.
In the past year, fashion has become obsessed with the sport. Major fashion publications have deemed the Adidas Samba the shoe of the summer. The silhouette originated as a soccer cleat, later reimagined as a sleek, everyday beater. The shoes have spotted on Bella Hadid, Katie Holmes, Kaia Gerber and more, generating headlines about the summer of soccer in fashion.
Across the pond, London-based soccer club Crystal Palace named a creative director for the first time in the club’s history. Kenny Annan-Jonathon is set to head all brand partnerships and merchandise design, proving to fans that the wearability of merch is a priority.
U.K.-born designer Martine Rose designed suits for the U.S. women’s national team to wear ahead of their World Cup qualifying matches. In the following months, Rose dropped one of the better non-team-associated soccer kit collections.
The fashion world is eating up soccer in all its forms, and that’s certainly true here in Toronto as well. Josh Roter is the co-owner of In Vintage We Trust. We caught up with him on Instagram this past week to discuss the way the Blokecore trend has shifted.
“There has definitely been a surge in popularity of football jerseys and football-based clothing since the Blokecore trend reared its head,” Roter says. “There’s also been a massive surge in the popularity of the sport. Very rarely would someone walk into the shop and blindly buy a kit based off of colour or fit — almost always they’re entrenched in the sport and fans of it, which is authentic and real.”
Trends are bound to attract bandwagoners along the way. However, even if the people supporting the trends are fake fans, the brands producing the garments are real.
“I think that as long as the brands referencing soccer are based in authenticity and are real with it, then it will come off right,” he says. “But when fast fashion companies try to catch that bag and create truncated trend-based garments for a very hot minute then it never ends well.”
Supporters of the trend have gone further than just buying newly manufactured kits. Ben Griffith and Santi Mercado are the owners of Offside Boys, a local online kit shop that specializes in retro soccer jerseys, and they’ve seen demand for their vintage jerseys soar.
“We think fashion and football have been on a pretty gradual collision course where we always felt like this was bound to happen,” says the pair. “We’ve definitely seen an influx of people interested in football memorabilia in Toronto over the last few years, especially since the Canadian national team’s qualifying run for the World Cup.”
The integration of soccer into the fashion industry currently has a chokehold on Torontonians, along with the rest of the world. With the Women’s World Cup winding down, but the trend growing astronomically, here are four great spots in the city for you to shop the trend.
Size?
Located in Ossington, Size? is an ideal destination for anyone looking to pick up their first pair of Adidas Sambas or Gazelles. The shop carries boutique-exclusive colourways based on fashion meccas around the world, ensuring you stand out among a crowd of blokes.
Offside Boys
Offside Boys is the premier purveyor of retro kits around Toronto. Their impressive MLS collection will make locals feel right at home and prepared for any soccer-related travels in the coming months. You can shop the boys’ merchandise online.
Riot on the Terraces
After popping up around Toronto, Riot on the Terraces has cemented itself as a premier retro kit dealer in the city. Their collection of European giants will make you feel the need to break the bank. The next pop-up is at the end of the month, giving you the chance to score in person.
Livestock
Livestock is another great boutique for scoring football-based sneakers. They’ve carried the Wales Bonner Samba for a few months now, which was arguably the best item of clothing to come out of the trend. They also carry the staple pairs alongside some funky colourways.
These are the four must-try cold spots in Toronto this ice cream season
From rolled ice cream to vegan options piled high with one-of-a-kind toppings, these places are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Happy Sundae
Toronto entrepreneur Angela Phung took ice cream season to the next level with her venture, Happy Sundae. Phung, who also operates aka.the store, is serving up farm-to-table scoops with fresh and unique toppings. “Happy Sundae is a little happy place located at 85 Portland St. Toronto,” the website reads. “Aka, King West’s newest ice cream dessert heaven, specializing in soft-serve ice cream and a wide range of toppings. Whether it’s in a cone or cup, our Sweet Artists are ready to create your next dessert masterpiece because everyday [sic] is a Happy Sundae.” Of course, in typical Phung fashion, the shop is nothing if not trendy, complete with a graffiti wall and Instagram-worthy floral accents. The decorations serve as the perfect backdrop to each Sweet Art of the Day creation, crafted in sundaes or colourful flavoured cones in flavours like s’mores sundae and orange Creamsicle. 85 Portland St.
Death in Venice
Just like the main character’s obsession in the Italian-French drama and novella this gelato shop is named for, Death by Venice is to die for. In 2015, owner Kaya was the winner of Chopped Canada with an original ricotta, lemon and rosemary ice cream. With the winnings, he purchased an Italian Carpigiani gelato machine and the rest is history. The rotating menu at Death in Venice features inventively fruity flavours like the vegan beetroot rosewater and lime, and the mango coconut lime leaf. For chocolate-loving sweet tooths, Death in Venice offers a decadent hay honey caramel flavour, and a delicious Nutella and cookies. These one-of-a-kind flavours are available both in scoops and pints. The Dundas Street shop is decorated with a gelato lab, large front windows and spacious community tables. What better way is there to spend a hot summer day? 1418 Dundas St W.
Ice Creamonology
The 500-square-foot ice cream shop is run by owner Onur Yilmaz, who trained and worked as a chef in Turkey before immigrating to Canada and studying culinary management at George Brown College. “My wife and I come from southern Turkey, where we have at least eight months of summer, and ice cream is one thing you need to eat every day or you’ll never cool down!” Yilmaz says with a laugh. “We have so many good memories of eating ice cream, and I love to make it. I combine my culinary skills with making ice cream, and that’s one of the reasons it’s pretty popular — my flavour combinations are unique.” There are eight classic flavours that are a permanent fixture, including Turkish coffee, Turkish pistachio, roasted hazelnut, chocolate fudge brownies, Tahitian vanilla, blueberry and white chocolate cheesecake, coconut cream and mango sorbet (which are both vegan) and the most popular flavour, Black Sea tea, which packs an aromatic punch that’s similar to Earl Grey. 250 Queens Quay W.
Roll Me Up Ice Cream
Ice cream takes on a whole new persona at this dessert shop where ice cream is — you guessed it — rolled. Offerings include pre-selected combinations like blueberry cheesecake and birthday cake, but create-your-own options are also available with bases like pistachio, mango and coffee and a huge array of toppings from fresh fruit to coconut shavings to condensed milk. The concept of rolling ice cream is also called stir-fried ice cream and has roots in Thailand, where it’s typically sold by street vendors. It’s laid out very thinly on a metal, plate-like surface and then scraped into rolls, and the process makes each bite just a bit creamier than traditionally scooped ice cream. Milkshakes and bubble-rolled waffles are also on the menu. 75 Main St. N. Unit 1B, Markham
Toronto ranks third highest for eligible millionaires in North America
To all the single Torontonians who want rich partners, look no further than around the block.
A recent study from Seeking.com, a luxury dating app for the wealthy, revealed the top 25 North American destinations to find eligible millionaires. Toronto ranked first among Canadian cities, and third in North America right behind New York and Los Angeles.
5.4 million millionaires who newly joined the site made up the sample size from 2014 to June 2023. Users on the site are allowed to input one location on their profile, while premium members can add up to three — so it’s possible that some of those Toronto millionaires aren’t here full-time.
Since 2019 — or the beginning of the pandemic — the company has watched millionaires migrate from large cities with traditional wealth to locations with better tax incentives and quality of life. Toronto is one of those destination hotbeds that has seen an influx in migration, slowly adding an abundance of crypto millionaires and entrepreneurs (or so we can assume).
The study also showed that Vancouver and Montreal made the top 25, although Vancouver has shown a decrease in millionaire density since 2019. The study also found an increase in millionaires in Seattle, so that might be Vancouver millionaires making the move across the border. A similar migration pattern was reported from Toronto to New York, to a lesser extent.
Nashville is among the new millionaire hubs, alongside Miami, Austin and Phoenix, which have newly cracked the top 10.
As the cost of living continues to rise in Toronto, it seems like marrying rich might be our best option. In May, a report by LowestRates.ca found that the cost of living for homeowners has increased by almost 60 per cent in one year, and 22 per cent for renters.
If you’re stuck in a crappy living situation in Toronto, swiping until you find the right millionaire partner may be your new solution.
Toronto’s newest cafe transforms into a vibrant lounge at night
Emerging from the challenges of the pandemic, 11:59 Bar:Café is a new restaurant tucked away in the financial district serving coffee and croissants by day, while by night, it transforms into a hub of shareable, contemporary Mediterranean cuisine.
Recently, Toronto has seen a surge of restaurants with menus designed to lure in morning caffeine enthusiasts and foodies into the evening. Amidst this wave, 11:59 Bar:Caféstands out by fostering a sense of community and connection amongst its patrons.
Owner Jessica Chan opted for the obscure name to symbolize transitioning from one moment to the next. “The excitement and liveliness associated with the final moments leading up to a new time of the day — just like the atmosphere in the bar,” she said.
Located at 70 Temperance Street, the restaurant finds its place just beneath an upscale apartment building. For some customers, the experience of finding the cafe feels reminiscent of a New York-style exploration, with its alleyway search enhancing its charm.
“It was designed in the middle of Covid,” said Chan. “I didn’t know what the future was going to be but I took a chance. I went for a design that promotes working with other people, socializing, eating, and an overall environment to get people talking again.”
Ensuring a steady stream of returning patrons day after day, the dynamic duo of bar manager Dmitriy Markov and executive chef Joshua Starks play a pivotal role. The pair work in tandem to produce a cocktail and food menu that blends together effortlessly. Markov and Starks are constantly updating the menu, as Starks mentioned that they were transitioning to their fall menu in a few weeks, but are currently going for a “tropical, Mediterranean focus.”
Two of the restaurants most popular dishes are the beef carpaccio, which showcase AAA beef tenderloin laid in delicate layers with ricotta, capers, radish and a sprinkling of pistachios. A playful interactive experience unfolds as guests craft each sumptuous bite by rolling the beef in the accompanying toppings.
The second star is the tropical platter, served on a large wood canvas. Crafted to be shared among a group, this dish boasts pork and chicken souvlaki, the TikTok-famous corn ribs, a side of fries, a medley of veggies, and a trio of delectable dips including whipped feta and house-made tzatziki.
The drink menu is short yet robust. Must-try libations include a gin cocktail that infuses the botanical liquor with butterfly pea blossom flowers, mixed with sapin liquor and lemon juice. The drink perfectly balances the aromatic bitterness of the gin with tart fruit sourness and dryness. Equally noteworthy is their namesake cocktail, the 11:59, which features a rye blend at the base, crowned with a mint and basil foam that dances atop
A similar artisanal journey awaits guests in the morning hours too. With an impressive selection spanning various coffee styles, they expertly match these robust brews with buttery pastries and airy breakfast sandwiches.
Chan and her team have created an atmosphere that emphasizes community. From the arrangement of chairs, to the warm and welcoming staff, every facet of this establishment beckons you to indulge in a drink and savour the moment.
11:59 Bar:Café is open Monday to Wednesday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to late, and Saturday from 6 p.m. to late.
A new campaign is making clean energy the ultimate green flag
Have you ever met someone that seemed like they might be a great match? At first glance, they checked all the right boxes, so you decide to give it a chance and go on a date.
But as the date wears on, that first impression unravels and reveals some major red flags — like how they angrily cut people off in the bike lane en route to your destination, or laughed and called it a hoax when you mentioned climate change.
Second date? Not a chance! After those red flags, you wish you’d swiped left. You want green flags. You want someone who cares about the environment and other people!
The dating game can be tricky. But when we avoid red flags and pursue green flags, we can do our best to steer in the right direction — just like how we need to make smarter choices regarding climate change. After all, no one wants to get stuck in a bad relationship, just as no one wants to get stuck living with the impacts of climate change.
It’s a trend that influencers have picked up on social media: listing #MyGreenFlags in their current relationship or future partner: not just for love, but for a healthy planet.
Breaking up with fossil fuels
80 per cent of Ontarians agree that going electric is in our best interests, making Canada’s 2050 net-zero emissions a shared goal.
From record-breaking heat waves and out-of-control wildfires to floods that take communities months to recover from, the earth is waving a giant red flag at all of us. It’s telling us to make better choices now — like breaking our toxic relationship with fossil fuels and committing to eco-friendly solutions. And it all starts at home with clean energy and energy-efficient retrofit choices.
If you aren’t sure what clean energy means in practical terms, don’t worry — getting acquainted is easier than you might think. Let’s start with some home basics.
Electric heat pumps: Even better than they sound
If you haven’t heard of an Electric heat pump, you’re not alone. According to a recent Abacus Poll, nearly 70 per cent of Ontarians don’t know what they are. Of those in the know, only 2 per cent of the province’s population have retrofitted their homes with one. In Europe, however, electric heat pumps are steadily trending upwards — which is no wonder considering the cost of gas nowadays!
So, what is it exactly? In short, it’s an energy-efficient option for your home heating and cooling system that replaces your typical gas or oil-based furnace or water heater. Extracting heat from outside your home in the winter and working in reverse during the summer, the electric heat pump, which operates on electricity, keeps your home at a comfortable temperature all year — regardless of Canada’s extreme temperatures.
Though installation costs are higher than simply replacing your furnace, the long-term savings make heat pumps an alluring alternative. When you switch your home to electric, not only do you save on monthly bills, but you could save more than $10,320 over the lifetime of the equipment.
What’s more, electric heat pumps help reduce up to 35 percent of carbon emissions produced by the average home. That’s equivalent to taking 1.4 gas-powered cars off the road every year (a 4.7-ton reduction of greenhouse gas).
Solar panels: Harness the power of the sun
Other green choices include solar panels. Available in various sizes, these nifty devices capture energy from the sun and transform it into electricity for your entire home, giving sunny-side-up eggs cooked on your electric stove a whole new meaning. Installing solar battery systems alongside panels can also help capture excess energy for later use.
Goodbye gas appliances
If you’re considering switching from gas to electric throughout your home, it helps to do it gradually. Starting with the small stuff — like swapping gas stoves, barbecues and fireplaces to high-performing electric options is an easy first step. Further, replacing dryers and other appliances with modern energy- saving versions can help you save on monthly bills and limit your carbon footprint over time. When you strategically taper off gas consumption, moving towards a fully electric home becomes more manageable.
Embarking on a new electric romance
It’s fair to say most of us want to have a healthy relationship with our environment and encourage others to do the same. No one wants to be a red flag. But sticker shock is a thing — especially when so many of us are trying to keep up with inflation. As the adage goes, money doesn’t grow on trees.
That’s why various levels of the Canadian government are working together to offer grants and loans that help you get the funds you need to go green.
From municipal low-interest loans for energy-efficient home upgrades or green roof initiatives to federal grants that help homes and businesses transition to heat pumps, solar panels and more, breaking up with fossil fuel is more doable than you think.
Let’s all do our part where we can. Visit GreenFlags.ca for information on eco-friendly solutions for your home.
This delicious sandwich shop just might be the best new spot in Toronto
Despite years spent working in the hospitality industry, when GianPaolo Testa first purchased the storefront at 970 College Street on a whim, he wasn’t certain what kind of space he wanted to use it for.
But, fortunately for him, the very next day, he set off to Italy and eventually, on one of his final nights in Rome, he stumbled into a space that would inspire him to open Lardo —Toronto’s newest sandwich shop, grocer and soon-to-be wine shop.
“I walked in and was completely overwhelmed with the stock and quality of everything that was there,” he describes the store that inspired his own, adding that just as he was about to leave, he kept hearing a “thud” and discovered there was a little wine bar at the back of the shop. A packed crowd was gathered around a U-shaped standing bar.
“It was a really cool concept and kicked off what I want to do,” says Testa, who opened the new deli with his wife Tenma Testa.
Though Lardo may not exactly replicate the spot he discovered in Rome, Testa did gain inspiration from the space, choosing to make Lardo a retailer and deli for now, with plans to grow into a wine-bar in the future.
Upon entering Lardo, you’ll beset by the retail area. Here, you can indulge in specialty coffee while perusing a selection of meats, bread, cheese, and Lardo’s signature housemade offerings like cannoli. Testa explains he’s always eager to help people who are looking for something new to bring home.
“We’re looking to make everyone’s decisions to make dinner that night a little bit easier and a lot more delicious,” he says.
A palette of earth tones infuses the space with an air of brightness and openness, transitioning the grocery area into a complete dining space toward the rear. Currently, the lunch menu boasts a dynamic rotation of sandwiches. Among them, a standout is the homemade meatball sandwich. Crafted with a blend of pork, veal, and beef, it simmers in a slow-cooked tomato sauce and is crowned with smoked mozzarella.
Another great option, according to Testa, features Genoa salami and mortadella hailing from the Bologna region. It’s topped with gremolata— a citrusy, earthy sauce of lemon zest, lemon juice and garlic.
“The sandwiches are kind of always changing to see what people are gravitating towards and what new and exciting combinations we’re coming up with,” he says.
Though currently Lardo is only serving up the sandwiches, Testa hopes to soon be able to offer a dinner menu of shared plates as they head into the fall.
“We’re constantly kind of re-calibrating and refining our offerings,” explains Testa. “At the moment, the offerings are always changing, including sandwiches, coffee, wine and cocktails. The rest is kind of writing itself, I suppose.”
Lardo is located at 970 College St., and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m to 6 p.m.
The other Drakes: This designer is one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets
At first glance, 575 Queen St. W. seems to have laid dormant for years. However, once you pry open the doors, you’ll enter the fervent design headquarters of one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets.
He goes by Drakes, and his namesake label, worn by the likes of Sean Paul, has been popping in and out of Toronto’s fashion scope for years.
The brand began in 2015. “At first it was just graphic designing and throwing it onto a T-shirt. I would print it out, screen print it, embroidery it, all that stuff,” Drakes says.
He developed his craft at a design academy, then at Toronto Metropolitan University. While there, Drakes began designing further away from the industry norms he was learning — including a hoodie engineered to be so warm Torontonians could wear it as a single layer in the winter.
During his time there, Drakes developed a design ethos that focused on converting streetwear to high-street attire through a grunge lens.
But Drakes’s favourite was the middle finger vest: “It pretty much sums up the brand perfectly. It’s a big f**k you to mainstream, societal norms, rat race and all that bulls**t.”
In 2022, Drakes landed a runway spot at Fashion Art Toronto. He showcased a collection called “Menace in Venice,” a utility-heavy capsule that sparked a conversation about the way Black communities were treated in the ’90s and 2000s by police.
“I think it’s something that designers in Toronto should partake in at least once,” Drakes says, noting his respect for FAT and the people involved. “I don’t know about twice though … I found myself in rooms with people who didn’t even care about the design. They just wanted to get famous or be viral.”
Now, he continues to lean away from industry norms. He doesn’t care for his social media, posting a handful of times a year. His clothing is released by collection, specifically when he’s in the right mental state to be dropping new designs.
“I truly believe my brand isn’t made for the masses. My clientele enjoys keeping me a secret and being a part of a movement that has no mainstream intentions,” says Drakes.
Drakes’s next step for the label is to continue treating it like an Easter egg hunt. He plans on releasing his next collection, “Heaven or Hell,” later this year or in early 2024, stating: “It’ll drop when I’m in the right headspace.”
Wonderfully weird food to get your carnival fix while waiting for the Ex
Let’s be honest, the CNE’s real draw isn’t the old-timey rides or impossible midway games. It’s about indulging in ice cream sandwiches, potato tornadoes and all those wild carnival foods. Can’t wait until Aug. 18 to sink your teeth into all those goodies? These four restaurants have got you covered!
Mac Daddy pizza
Oswald’s Pizza has gained recognition for its distinctive approach to Detroit-style pizza, featuring a base made from focaccia. The pies are celebrated for their light and airy texture, complemented by a delightfully crunchy crust rim, and generously layered with melted cheese on top. With just six pan pies on the menu, there’s one that we think you may be lovin’. The Mac Daddy is loaded with ground beef, onions, shredded iceberg lettuce, dill pickles and special sauce.They even top it off with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Are you singing the jingle yet? 111 Richmond St. W.
French toast sliders
Southern-style comfort food is undeniably decadent, with its use of rich ingredients, slow cooking methods, deep-frying, sweet desserts and
generous portions. Though the dishes at Hogtown Vegan lean toward healthier alternatives comparedto their non-vegan counterparts,
they still offer plenty of options to fulfill your junk food cravings. Take for example, their French toast sliders: battered and deep-fried ba-
guette rounds are stuffed with roasted sunflower seed butter, banana, seitan bacon and accompanied by a side of spicy syrup. We can’t
think of a better way to start the day! 382 College St.
Unicorn poutine
Step into the magical world of Enchanted Poutinerie, where you’ll be transported to the pages of a story book. The walls are adorned with intricately designed trees, creating a whimsical atmosphere. Look up and you’ll find a meticulously painted ceiling adorned with a vivid array of multicoloured leaves. The menu features a number of poutines from around the world, like the chicken shawarma, lobster and pulled pork. However, the true carnival delight lies in the unicorn poutine—a quirky take on the classic dish, featuring Quebec cheese curds in various hues and a homemade multicoloured gravy. 730 Wilson Ave.
Super Balls
Move over Tiny Tom, there’s a new mini deep-fried doughnut in town! Superballs Cafe offers vegan-friendly loukoumades, those honey- soaked fried dough balls from Greek cuisine, in six delicious varieties. Indulge in flavours like Ready, Set Birthday, Supercrema, Milky Way 500, Choco Thunderbolt, Caramel Comet and Cinnabon.These treats are available in 8, 12 or 18 packs, and you can customize them with toppings like Oreos, Biscoff or sprinkles. To top it off, the adorable car-shaped takeaway boxes channel vibes from the 50s and 60s, adding an extra layer of nostalgic charm. 252 Queen St. W.
Dear Sangita: My parents have a favourite grandchild and it’s not my kid
Sangita Patel is Streets of Toronto’s new advice columnist and is an entertainment reporter with ET Canada. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two daughters.
Dear Sangita: My parents clearly have a favourite grandchild. Not only have I noticed it, but my daughter has asked me about it, too, when she sees the way her cousin is treated (photos of him all over the house, special outings with him, extravagant Christmas gifts). I don’t want my children to feel left out. What do I do? — Grandparenting Grievances
Dear Grandparenting Grievances: In my culture, the boys are celebrated. When my daughter was born, my husband’s parents were super ecstatic, but when my husband’s brother had a son, it was celebrated even more so. Because, religiously, if you have a son, you have to praise them and put them on a pedestal. So for some cultures, when the son is born, they have more value than the daughter. That mentality might live in your family. You might notice different dynamics between grandparents and grandkids. I saw that growing up too. At the same time, I think it’s helpful to remember that they love them all.
Some kids are easier to play with than others. Sometimes it’s favouritism, and sometimes it’s just that the grandparents relate more to a certain child. If this is something that is really bothering you, and now your daughter as well, rather than bringing it up as an issue with your parents, maybe say, “I’d love for my daughter to have a grandparents solo day with you.” If she’s feeling left out, maybe create that special time just with her and the grandparents, and that way she won’t feel that way.
Dear Sangita: My friend is upset at me for not going to her destination wedding in Europe, but I can’t afford it and she knows that. I feel like she’s being unfair; she’s never had to work to support herself, and her parents have always paid for everything for her, so she doesn’t know what financial stress is like! How do I talk to her about this? — Destination Disaster
Dear Destination Disaster: If you’re close friends, she should know that you need to save money and a wedding like hers is expensive. I think seeing her at the bachelorette party, giving her a nice gift for her wedding and saying you’re there in spirit — that’s fair enough to do. I’m sure you told her that you would love to be there but just can’t afford it.
Friendship is saying, “Hey, I really need you to be there,” rather than, “I’m upset that you’re not coming.” If she really does have that kind of financial support as you described, if she really wanted you to be there, she could have paid for you or helped out with the flight! But at the same time, based on your description, she might be someone who doesn’t understand the value of a dollar — and that’s what the misunderstanding between the two of you is rooted in.
If you don’t want to make it a conflict, I would tell your story the best you can — explain you’re in a tough situation, that she knows how hard you work and you wish her all the best and wish you could have been there for her. You’re saying, “This is my situation, and I know you’re going to understand because you’re my friend,” gently guiding her in the right direction.
Dear Sangita: My 11-year-old daughter has an “unhealthy” obsession with the author of The Giving Tree (Shel Silverstein). Not his books, but his face. She has created a large mural on her door and demands that we allow her to continue to plaster her entire room with his face [and has drawn devil horns and the like on him]. It seems a bit creepy to me. What do you recommend? — Shel from hell
Dear Shel from hell: We used to do this when we were kids: we would take magazines and draw the devil horns on people. I think this is a phase, and sometimes you have to let them have this phase. It looks like she’s an artistic kid, choosing to deal with her emotions in certain ways. If this is the way she’s doing it, rather than doing anything worse than that, hey, why not? It’s possible that she isn’t obsessed with the author – but that there is something creatively about his photo that fascinates her. I think it’s OK to just let her be and let her do this. Kids are going through a lot, especially after COVID, and how they’re coping is completely different. I have a feeling this won’t last that long; it’s just a phase and she’ll come out of it.
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