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How They Met: Canadian country crooner Tim Hicks on finding his match

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@timhicksmusic/Instagram

Country singer Tim Hicks has five Juno nominations, a Canadian Country Music Award win and three platinum-selling singles under his belt — and now, he’ll be headlining Boots and Hearts Music Festival this weekend alongside Keith Urban, Tim McGraw and more. Ahead of the festival, he and his wife, registered nurse Amanda Hicks, tell us how they were destined to be together.

How they met

Amanda: We first met as kids! My childhood best friend, her mom and Tim’s mom are first cousins. So we would see each other at family functions. As teenagers, my friend would often want me to come along to see Tim’s band playing wherever they were playing. And there was always a spark of connection between us.

Tim: I used to drive my cousin crazy; if she came to a function without Amanda, I would say to her, “Did you bring my wife?” It became a little bit of a bone of contention. But of course, I was only half-joking.

Tim and Amanda Hicks at JUNO Opening Night Awards in 2022. Photo: iPhoto/CARAS ONARC

The first date

Amanda: It was after we had gone separate ways in university and then moved back home that we reconnected. It was at a gig, of course.

Tim: It was Valentine’s Day. I played my gig and I drove Amanda home because she always needed a ride. And by the glow of the dashboard lights, I played her some demos I had been working on. And then I went in for the kiss. 

The proposal

Tim: We’d been together probably four or five years, officially. I had the ring in my pocket for our camping trip, and I was waiting for the right moment. One night after dinner, we took a canoe ride, and I pulled the canoe over and found a place to sit and, and I said something like, “I really love camping with you.”And she’s like, “Yeah, I really love it too.”And I was like, “You do want to do this every year?”And she said, “Yeah, I want to do this every year.” And I was like, “No, Imean…”and then I pulled it out. And that was it. We went back to the campsite and everybody cheered.

The wedding and honeymoon

Amanda: We got married on Oct. 3, 2009, in Vineland at a place called Twenty Valley Golf Course. It was beautiful. It was important to us to have a nice party for our wedding without the ceremonial aspects of it. Lots of singing and dancing and carrying on!

Tim: We left the next day for our honeymoon in Paris, and we went back there for our 10th anniversary.

@thecmaontario / @writerwinston

The kids

Tim: JJis our oldest; he turns 12 in November. And Anna Lee will be 11 next March. Anna was born in the middle of the CMTHitlist Tour. The schedule was like, “Tuesday:Medicine Hat, Wednesday:Calgary, Thursday:Baby!” because Amanda had a C-section scheduled. Idid my first big TV interview with my hospital bracelet still on!

Balancing careers and a relationship

Amanda: We’ve had a lot of hard conversations over the years to recalibrate, and we have good, supportive people around us. We weren’t afraid to take the kids on the road with us, either.

Tim:Some days you win, some days you lose. We’re both high achievers, so knowing that about ourselves and checking in with each other has been important.

The future together

Tim: We talked about getting one of those A-frame trailers and just driving it across Canada to all our favourite camping spots!

Michelin stars multiply; 12 new Toronto restaurants added to the guide

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Michelin
BB's Diner

Although the restaurants will be properly fêted at a swanky event at History next month, the list of the 12 new restaurants that will be added to the Toronto edition of the Michelin Guide has been revealed.

“By disclosing some of the new additions discovered by our inspectors throughout the year, we are further enhancing our digital resources to strengthen the bond with food aficionados,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the Michelin Guides. “We aspire that these regular unveilings and ongoing updates to the selection will offer opportunities to showcase the culinary profession and encourage everyone to explore and support local restaurants.”

One would assume, some of the restaurants would get prestigious Michelin stars and some would be listed in the Bib Gourmand section. Currently, there is just one Toronto restaurant that has received two Michelin stars, Sushi Masaki Saito, and none that have three stars.

The full Michelin selection reveal is scheduled for Sept. 27 at History in Toronto.

According to information released by Michelin, the following establishments have been newly introduced to the Michelin Guide Toronto, with a glimpse into the inspector notes provided by Michelin for each venue:

Alder
There’s a lot to like on this Mediterranean menu. Beef carpaccio is a crowd-pleaser, while the cucumber salad is a sleeper hit festooned with shaved fennel, dukkah and hazelnuts. Stacks of firewood in the dining room is a clue to hone-in on proteins like roast chicken, Australian lamb and a bone-in strip loin. Dessert is a must, especially if the astoundingly light coconut cream pie is still around.

BB’s
Brunch is a treat, featuring puffy-fried Adobo-fried chicken paired with pineapple habanero hot sauce. Dinner is a different speed. The cocktail bar comes alive, and the kitchen trades in Japanese milkbread French Toast for classic pancit with chili oil, chicken liver mousse and calamansi pie with orange blossom meringue.

FK
Colorful, market-driven cooking starts with excellent, crusty house bread made with garlic scapes, sundried tomatoes, olives or whatever else the chef has in mind. Are soft shell crabs in season? Is it time for morels? Such questions are front of mind for this honest kitchen, which doesn’t get too fussy with the cooking. Familiar flavors ring true in hearty entrees like the meltingly tender Cornish hen brushed in a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce.

Kappo Sato
The room is a constant blur of motion thanks to a young team that hurries about preparing multiple courses at once. Chef Takeshi Sato is their seasoned guide, as he moves with intention, ever masterful with a knife, and works with an impressive bounty of ingredients, most of which are flown in from Japan. Soulful dashi broths weave in and out of view alongside clever courses like tempura fried mackerel with shiso or seared toro nigiri with Japanese green onions.

Kappo Sato

Kiin
Chef Nuit Regular returns with her elaborate, one-of-a-kind vision of royal Thai cuisine. The elegant space is a prime setting for equally elegant dishes, which are presented with flair. Colorful mounds of rice, pineapple and dumplings shaped like flowers, and so much more arrive in petite forms in small bowls and on large platters. The dishes themselves will ring familiar, from Isan-style sausage and larb to hot and sour beef soup and the famed khao soi, all of it seasoned and spiced in a measured manner.

Mimi Chinese
The kitchen takes regional classics and spins them with just enough style. The shrimp toast, brilliantly made with fried bread and a hot mustard mayo, is worth a visit alone, but don’t miss out on the scallop crudo with fried donut and that soulful soy broth. Spice-hounds will be all over the Hunan chili sea bass, and someone should probably order the picturesque “4-foot belt noodle.”

Mimi Chinese

Parquet
The cooking hits all the right marks and feels unquestionably French in its richness and satisfaction. Who knew that mushroom beignets could be so light and pair so well with lime and pepper sauce? One could make a meal out of the roasted cauliflower with cumin vinaigrette and puffed chickpeas. Cassoulet with duck confit and steak frites with béarnaise are proper classics.

Parquet

Sunnys Chinese
Spicy, fiery, crispy, smoky – the high-wattage cooking is a total delight, as the kitchen pulls no punches at every possible junction. Tripe and beef shank coated in chili oil is a good start before launching into the charred silver needle noodles. Best of all might be the grilled chicken thigh coated in cumin, chili and pepper. To finish, the crispy Hong Kong French Toast with black sesame jam and oolong condensed milk short-circuits all manner of restraint.

Tiflisi
The Pkhakadze family delivers some of the city’s best and brightest Georgian cooking. The cold leek pkhali salad bound in a light walnut sauce is a vibrantly green beginning and especially essential before the Acharuli khachapuri arrives. A celebration of carbs and dairy, this stretch of fluffy bread cradles a pool of melted cheese topped with butter and an egg yolk. There’s more on the way: large lamb khinkali with warm broth and long skewers of juicy kebabs topped with fried potatoes.

Tiflisi

Vela
By design, the menu has faint Asian touches but is otherwise broad in its selection of seafood, pastas, steaks and vegetables. The results? Surprisingly dialed-in, largely thanks to a kitchen that makes as much as it can in-house. Highlights include cod with beurre blanc and chili crisp and, for dessert, a sugar-crusted profiterole filled with miso dulce de leche mousse and mascarpone cremeaux.

White Lily Diner
Old school diners are rare creatures these days, but ones that smoke their own bacon, make their own biscuits and donuts, bottle their own hot sauce and grow their own vegetables? Even rarer. A culinary unicorn, this bright yellow nook sets the standard not just for diners but for any restaurant that aspires to serve both people and planet.

The Wood Owl
The menu is small, nothing extravagant or overly complicated, and offers far more vegetables than one might expect from a wine bar (adobo roasted carrots with green goddess, anyone?). Beef, though, is still very much welcome at the table, highlighted as a weekly special, usually paired with a superb tangle of shoestring French fries.

Toronto made history in May 2022 by becoming the first Michelin Guide destination in Canada and the sixth in North America. The inaugural selection of restaurants was unveiled last September, highlighting the city’s impressive culinary scene.

The best burgers from around the world you can find in Toronto

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In a city as diverse as Toronto, chefs infuse multiculturalism into the beloved classic: the burger. Chef Anthony Rose explores the international burger scene and chooses a champion from six sizzling contenders.

Winner: India

“It’s really pretty to look at! It’s got nice layers, it’s well put together and stays together great, too. The flavours of the masalas really stand out.” Masala Blvd – The Indian Kitchen, 3260 Lake Shore Blvd W., Aloo Tikki cheeseburger – $12.49

Runner-up: China

“This is super crispy and juicy and really good! It’s got great flavour. The bun tastes like a scallion pancake but much lighter.” Bingz Crispy Burger, 3229 Hwy 7, Markham, Signature beef burger – $6.99

Ghana

“Very pretty looking burger, I love the Martin’s roll! It’s got a nice crispy meat patty, and the fried plantain is really interesting! It looks like a classic smash burger.” Aunty Lucy’s Burgers, delivery only, 647-760-4886, Labadi burger – $13

Venezuela

“This is very good. The corn-based pancake bun is great, moist and delicious. I love coleslaw on a burger, it adds a barbecue style. The quality is very high.” Salsa Venezuelan Street Food, 341 Jane St., Cachapa burger – $17

Israel

“It’s such a cool burger, it’s a great idea. The bread is fantastic. I really dig this. It’s such a smash hit and very clever.” Miznon, 1235 Bay St., Folded cheeseburger pita – $16.50

Japan and Korea

“This tastes just like Korean rib. It’s very good and flavourful and I like the fattiness of it. The lettuce, pickle and tomato are all fresh. Overall, it’s very tasty.” Sushi One, 4924 Yonge St., North York, Beef short rib burger – $16.99

Here is how to buy Taylor Swift tickets when they go on sale tomorrow

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Taylor Swift street sign
Instagram/TaylorSwift

By now, we’ve all heard the news that the one-and-only Taylor Swift is playing not one, not two, but six shows in Toronto next year as part of her Eras Tour at the Rogers Centre. That’s close to 300,000 chances to score a ticket, which might seem to the uninitiated like a good shot, but Swift is on another level entirely. And, preparation is key.

The highly anticipated ticket sales will kick off on Wednesday, Aug. 9 courtesy of everyone’s favourite corporate concert promoter Ticketmaster. The show is already so hotly anticipated that people are selling speculative (not-yet-real) tickets on resale site Stubhub.ca.

Swift’s upcoming Canadian performances, as part of her Eras Tour, have stirred significant excitement, building on the monumental success of her sold-out U.S. shows that not only shook the ground but also brought economic prosperity to the hosting regions.

For those eager to secure their spot at Taylor Swift’s Canadian shows, here’s a few tips:

Where to get tickets

While Swift’s Eras Tour is already in full swing, her Canadian appearances are scheduled for November 2024.

The exclusive venue for Swift’s performances will be the Rogers Centre in downtown Toronto, hosting her shows from Nov. 14 to 16, 2024, and then again from Nov. 21 to 23.

Tickets will be available for purchase on Ticketmaster.ca starting at 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday.

To combat ticket scalping and unauthorized reselling, Ticketmaster introduced a registration process when Swift’s Canadian shows were announced on August 3.

Fans were given until Aug. 5 to register, and a select number of registrants will receive confirmation emails by Tuesday, granting them access to the “verified fan sale” along with a personalized access code. Others will be placed on a dreaded waitlist.

Ticket availability is based on a first-come, first-serve.

Exclusive Ticket Opportunities for RBC Customers: RBC customers have a unique opportunity to secure tickets. The bank has teamed up with Swift to reserve a limited number of tickets for members of its Avion Rewards program.

Tickets reserved for RBC Avion members will go on sale on Aug. 16, according to Ticketmaster’s instructions.

Navigating the Taylor ticket tornado

The chosen ones who receive confirmation emails to their golden tickets will be assigned specific time slots and provided with a link to access the “Smart Queue.”

The “Smart Queue” will open 30 minutes before the verified fan sale starts.

To secure their place in the queue, Ticketmaster advises fans to remain on the page, avoid refreshing, and refrain from using multiple browser windows. At their designated time, fans should click the provided link.

Upon their turn, fans can proceed to purchase tickets using the unique access code they received via email. There is a strict limit of four tickets per customer for each event.

Zen and the art of ticket shopping

Pour yourself a nice cup of calm down and stay focussed tea, and shut off the entire world. It’s just you, Ticketmaster.ca and Taylor.

Ticketmaster recommends that fans with confirmation codes log in ahead of time for a smooth shopping experience during the sale. Make sure all your payment information is good to go. You don’t want to mess this up.

With luck, assuming all six shows will sell out pretty much instantly, concertgoers will flock to social media to gloat. Others will instantly put their tickets back up for sale at ridiculously inflated prices bordering on criminal.

At that point, people without tickets can either pay through the nose for resale, or wait 14 months until just before the concerts and hope for last minute cancellations. Because the concerts will attract people from across North America, there will inevitably be some who can no longer make the show given its more than a year away.

Keep in mind that resale tickets on Stubhub for Swift’s show in Inglewood, California tomorrow night range from $1,600 to more than $4,000US.

Good luck!

Who is liable when a minor is injured while playing school sports in Canada?

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See all posts by Diamond and Diamond Lawyers

Each year, many parents allow their children to try out for a school sports team with the expectation that it will be a safe and harmless extracurricular activity. While this is generally true, the reality is that accidents can and do still happen. As Canada’s largest personal injury law firm, Diamond and Diamond Lawyers is all too familiar with personal injury accidents that happen on school grounds in Canada. The firm’s Managing Partner, Sandra Zisckind, discusses some of the need-to-know details about personal injury law and school sports.

In Canada, liability for injuries sustained by a student on a school sports team may vary depending on the circumstances of the injury. Generally speaking, schools and their staff owe a duty of care to students and are required to take reasonable steps to ensure their safety while participating in school sports. “While specific safety expectations are situation-dependent, there is typically always an expectation of proper supervision while players are practising or playing a game,” says Sandra Zisckind.

Below are a few things to keep in mind if you plan on allowing your child to play school sports:

  1. If a student is injured while playing on a school sports team, liability may fall on various parties depending on the specific circumstances.
    1. School boards: In some cases, liability may fall on the school board for failing to provide adequate resources or supervision for the sports team.
    2. Coaches and staff: Coaches and staff may be held liable if they acted negligently or breached their duty of care to the students. The duty of care expected by a coach who oversees minors is that of a “careful and prudent parent,” as established in the leading case, Myers v. Peel County Board of Education, [1981] S.C.R. 21. For example, if a coach failed to properly and adequately instruct students on how to safely use equipment, they may be held liable for injuries that result from improper use of the equipment.
    3. Other players: If a student is injured due to the actions of another player that was caused by the other player’s negligence, the negligent player (and their parents if they are a minor) may be held liable for their actions.
  2. Due to the physical nature of sports, schools will often have parents sign a waiver acknowledging the known risks involved with playing a particular sport. Even without a signed waiver, there is still an implied assumption of risk involved in allowing your child to play a sport. “While the risks involved and prevalence of injuries will vary between sports, it’s important to remember that accidents can happen throughout the course of any game,” says Sandra Zisckind.

Like all personal injury cases, it’s important to note that liability is determined on a case-by-case basis and that the outcome of all cases can be influenced by a variety of factors. If someone you love was injured during a school sports game or practice, it’s important to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer to get a better understanding of the options available. 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.

 

Immersive art exhibit will transform an old theatre into a Parisian café

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lasting impressions immersive

Although the CAA Theatre is slated for demolition in the near future, it is going out in style with a new immersive art exhibition set to transform the space into an old-timey Parisian cafe´.

Lasting Impressions in 3D will use the theatre to showcase the brilliance of French Impressionist painters starting Aug. 10 and running until Oct. 8.

More than 160 artworks from renowned artists such as Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, and Vincent Van Gogh will come to life, allowing visitors to experience the ambiance, colours, and emotions of these celebrated creations.

The immersive journey is made possible through the fusion of state-of-the-art 3D motion sculpting and holographic technology. Spectators will find themselves amidst the landscapes that served as muses for these artists – observing trees swaying in the wind, water shimmering with life, and clouds drifting lazily across the sky.

The CAA Theatre, temporarily transformed into a charming Parisian Café setting, enhances the experience with cabaret-style seating arrangements on the main level. In addition, a curated selection of food and beverages, including wine, champagne, charcuterie, and cheese plates, will be available to indulge the senses further.

The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh

The artistic voyage is elevated by the melodic compositions of Debussy, Ravel, and other musical virtuosos, along with cherished French melodies by icons like Edith Piaf and Charles Aznavour.

“This amazing new patented technology allows the entire audience to see every brushstroke of every painting on our massive 3D LED screen,” said Ed Kasses, founding partner of Princeton Entertainment Group. “We are honored to work with our Canadian production partners, Northern Gateway Films, to bring Princeton Entertainment’s vision to life.”

Visitors will have the chance to engage with iconic scenes, from strolling through Seurat’s Isle of La Grande Jatte to mingling with Renoir’s luncheon guests at the Luncheon of the Boating Party. The interactive journey extends an invitation to dance alongside Degas’ ballerinas, float among Monet’s water lilies, and soar into Van Gogh’s Starry Night.

It’s a chance to literally step into the canvas and become part of the art. For more information check out the Lasting Impressions website.

New York brand Kith is coming to Toronto but it’s apparently a secret

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@kith/Instagram

Gear up streetwear junkies; New York-based streetwear boutique Kith is preparing to take over a massive storefront in Yorkville — if the rumours are true, that is. 

The company has yet to officially announce the store’s opening day. Not only that, but the brand has barely acknowledged the fact that the store exists. 

However, some internet sleuthing has uncovered easter eggs that would point to an incoming Toronto store. A quick LinkedIn search for Kith uncovers about 30 jobs in the city, ranging from customer associates to high-level management. These listings include job opportunities for those looking to work at Kith Treats, the boutique’s bespoke ice cream and cereal store.

If you’re still not convinced, the team at Kith Treats released a “Toronto Café Tee” which names all of their Treats locations worldwide, including Yorkville — and the shirt has already sold out.

In an attempt to confirm the validity of the rumours, Streets of Toronto visited the construction site at 78 Yorkville Ave., which appeared to be well underway in completing the secret project. 

When asked if Kith was on its way in, a construction worker on site said, “I can’t say no, and I can’t say yes,” before smirking. Very mysterious. Streets of Toronto also reached out to the Bloor-Yorkville BIA for confirmation, who did not respond in time for publication. 

If Kith does open in Yorkville, it would be the latest in a line of new arrivals tailored to the younger demographic moving into the area — a group with plenty of disposable income they’re ready to spend on trending brands. Labels including Anne Fontaine, John Elliott, Veronica Beard and Reformation have recently opened, so Kith would certainly be in good company.

The brand was founded in 2011 and grew in popularity thanks to its streamlined business model that gives shoppers access to high-level streetwear at retail pricing. 

Kith has yet to announce the store’s launch date, although construction on the shop itself has certainly begun. The brand has 15 stores globally, which would make Toronto its 16th, and its first in Canada.

Ukraine’s national ballet is coming to Toronto as part of cross-country tour

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ukraine
THE NATIONAL BALLET OF UKRAINE TOURS CANADA (CNW Group/Tandem)

The highly esteemed National Ballet of Ukraine is set to embark on a Canadian tour beginning in January. The tour will include stops in Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver. Tickets for the performances will go on sale in mid-September.

The National Ballet of Ukraine, which is bringing 150 dancers on tour, is recognized as one of the world’s top-ranked ballet companies. Prior to the outbreak of war in February 2022, the company showcased an impressive 16 productions per month at the renowned Taras Shevchenko National Opera House in Kyiv, Ukraine. The company has continued to perform amid the challenging circumstances of the ongoing conflict, playing a crucial role in maintaining the national and classical repertoire standards for the Taras Shevchenko National Opera House.

During their tour in Canada, the world-class dancers will treat audiences to excerpts from some of the most beloved ballets in history, such as Le Corsaire, Giselle, and Don Quixote. In addition to these iconic performances, the tour will also celebrate Ukrainian culture through traditional dance. The show is aptly titled Nadyia Ukraine, with “Nadiya” translating to “hope” in Ukrainian, signifying the message of hope that the tour brings to Canadian audiences.

“This tour to Canada means so much as we represent our country to show the spirit of Ukraine through the power of art and beauty over tyranny and destruction,” said prima ballerina Olga Golytsia.

The tour is also meant to convey some gratitude to Canadians who have supported the country as it fights for its freedom against the Russian invasion.

In Toronto, the local government initiated a number of programs in support of Ukraine, including renamed the public area in front of the Russian consulate to Free Ukraine Square, which was a site of many protests against Russia.

“We are grateful to all Canadians who have supported our country as we fight for the free-world and our own sovereignty,” premier soloist Mykyta Sukhorukov said. “Many of us have lost friends and loved ones because of this unprovoked and unjustified invasion. The struggle of this war is hard…but we are resilient, and we will win. Thank you for standing with us.”

The tour is also a fundraising campaign to benefit the First Lady’s Olena Zelenska Foundation, along with other beneficiaries providing critical human services in Ukraine. The Foundation’s primary objective is to restore Ukraine’s human capital, ensuring that every citizen feels physically and mentally healthy, protected, and empowered to pursue education, work, and a brighter future in their homeland.

“I want to use my resources and international connections to attract foreign investments to restore and improve people’s lives in Ukraine,” she said. “Tor I believe that the restoration of the whole country begins with an individual. We have all changed and hardened in recent times. We have realized that the efforts and help from each of us matter. Just like every individual matters. Since it is an individual that is the main value in Ukraine. So, my Foundation is about people and for people.”

For more information, check out the tour website here.

6 celebrity-owned restaurants to try in Toronto

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Drake and Dave's hot chicken
Dave's Hot Chicken

Celebrities aren’t just known for their wealth and good looks; they are always on the hunt for savvy opportunities to grow their money and investing in restaurants has become one of the most popular options for them.

From fast-food joints to luxe dining experiences, here are six celebrity-owned Toronto restaurants you can visit today.

Another Wing

@another.wing/Instagram

In 2021,  Grammy-winning artist and producer DJ Khaled introduced a global fast food chain called Another Wing, which included a Toronto location. The menu offers both boneless and bone-in wings with a selection of nine signature flavours, including Honey! Honey! Hot Honey, Baby, You Smart Blue Cheese  and Un Un Un Believable Buffalo. For sides, customers can enjoy crispy waffle fries topped with either jalapeño cheese or truffle parm seasoning or onion rings. 

Blaze Pizza

Blaze Pizza

Blaze Pizza, known for its customizable, fast-fired pizzas, gained a significant boost when NBA superstar LeBron James became involved in 2012 as an investor and brand ambassador. Reports indicate that his visionary $1 million investment has yielded impressive returns, multiplying his money by at least 35 times. In 2017, Blaze Pizza received further recognition as Forbes declared it the fastest-growing restaurant chain in U.S. history. Presently, the pizza chain boasts three locations in Toronto and has expanded to over 200 stores across North America.

Wahlburgers

@wahlburgers/Instagram

Famous siblings, Donnie and Mark Wahlberg, along with their chef brother, Paul, own this chain of namesake burger joints. The restaurant is known for its delicious burgers, signature sandwiches, and various comfort food offerings like housemade chili and bacon Mac ‘n cheese. Wahlburgers has expanded rapidly and now has about 50 locations across the United States and internationally, including one in Toronto.The famous brothers occasionally visit the restaurants, adding to the excitement for fans and customers who never know when one of them might show up.

SPIN

Spin

Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon co-owns Toronto’s ping pong social club and restaurant SPIN. Offering a vast space space spanning 12,000 square feet, the club boasts 12 Olympic-style ping pong tables, two full-service bars and onsite catering. Since its inception, the venue has opened several locations worldwide.

Dave’s Hot Chicken

Dave’s Hot Chicken

Dave’s Hot Chicken is a California-based chain specializing in jumbo hot chicken tenders and sliders, along with a selection of sides like house-made kale slaw, creamy Mac n’ cheese, and crispy French fries. The chain has gained attention and popularity, and interestingly, it has a notable investor in the form of Toronto-born rapper Drake. Offered at seven various spice levels ranging from No Spice to Reaper (which requires a signed waiver for those who dare) each piece of chicken is spiced to order. “I tried the food and it was amazing. After meeting the founders and hearing their story, I jumped at the opportunity to invest,” Drake said in an interview.

Nobu

@nobutorono/Instagram

One of the most highly anticipated openings this year is the Nobu Hotel and Suites in Toronto’s entertainment district. On the ground floor, the iconic Nobu Restaurant, co-founded by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, will undoubtedly make a statement. Spanning an expansive 1,500 square feet across two levels, the upscale restaurant will offer a luxurious and exclusive dining experience, which will include a signature bar lounge, outdoor seating and private dining rooms.

Taylor Swift announces six Canadian shows and they are all in Toronto

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Taylor Swift tickets
instagram @TaylorSwift

Taylor Swift has now added six Canadian concert dates to her Eras tour.

Initially, her schedule had excluded any stops in Canada while covering 50 locations across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia until late 2024. In response to the omission, fans and Canadian politicians expressed surprise and made efforts to persuade Swift to reconsider.

Even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, apparently a Swiftie from way back, made a personal plea to the world’s most popular musician.

The updated schedule now includes Canadian shows, and they are limited to one city: Toronto. Swift is set to perform at the Rogers Centre on Nov. 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23 in 2024, as announced on her Instagram account.

Turns out it’s NOT the end of an era ? Miami, New Orleans, Indy and Toronto: The Eras Tour is coming to you in 2024 with @gracieabrams!” Swift wrote on Instagram. 

Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau announce separation

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@justinpjtrudeau/Instagram

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau are separating after 18 years of marriage. The pair announced the break up in matching statements shared to their Instagram accounts on Wednesday morning.

They shared that the decision came after “many meaningful and difficult conversations.”

“As always, we remain a close family with deep love and respect for each other and for everything we have built and will continue to build,” the twin statements read.

The Trudeaus also asked that their privacy be respected for the well-being of their children — the couple has three children together, Xavier, 16, Ella-Grace, 14, and Hadrien, who is nine.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the pair have “signed a legal separation agreement,” but Canadians can expect to still see the family together — the statement confirmed that the couple will still be going on vacation together next week.

They have worked to ensure that all legal and ethical steps with regards to their decision to separate have been taken, and will continue to do so moving forward,” PMO spokesperson Alison Murphy noted in the statement.

The pair began dating after co-hosting the Montreal Grand Prix charity ball in 2003, but they knew of each other before that — Grégoire Trudeau went to school with Trudeau’s youngest brother. 

They’ve both expressed the hardships of navigating a relationship together — Grégoire Trudeau wrote in an Instagram caption last year that the duo have “navigated through sunny days, heavy storms, and everything in between” in their relationship. “You all know I keep things honest: long-term relationships are challenging in so many ways. They demand constant work, flexibility, compromise, sacrifice, devotion, patience, effort, and so much more,” she wrote of her relationship with Trudeau. 

Trudeau witnessed his parents, former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Margaret Trudeau, deal with a separation in 1977, while his father was also in-office. The impact of politics on a relationship is something he reflected on in his 2014 memoir, looking back on his parents’ separation and on the discussions he and Grégroire Trudeau had about his decision to go into politics.

Going forward, Grégoire Trudeau has a two-book deal with Penguin Random House Canada that she is likely working on — the first book, “Closer Together: Knowing Ourselves, Loving Each Other,” is set to be released in the spring of 2024. And Trudeau will be busy with the cabinet reshuffling he oversaw last week in an attempt to give the Liberal party a fresh start after eight years in power. 

The 25 best indoor swimming pools in Toronto

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Douglas Snow Aquatic Centre pool and water slide. Courtesy City of Toronto