5 places to go tubing down a gorgeous lazy river this summer

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10:01 am

The sun is shining, and summer is in full swing! It’s time to beat the heat and embark on an exhilarating river tubing adventure in Ontario. Grab your family and friends, don’t forget your sunscreen, and get ready for a day of fun in the water. We’ve rounded up some of the coolest river tubing spots in the province that are guaranteed to make a splash!

Elora’s lazy river

Looking for a picturesque tubing experience? Look no further than Elora Gorge! This hidden gem offers one of the best tubing adventures in Ontario. As you float down the scenic Grand River, you’ll encounter thrilling rapids and cascades that will leave you with a huge smile on your face. Just make sure to check the water conditions and safety guidelines before you go. If you’re up for a unique experience, try the piloted English Gondola-style punt rides offered by Elora Raft Rides.

Grand River adventure

Grand River Rafting company offers a “turbo tubing” option along this famed waterway near Toronto. The Paris to Brant Park trip is a 13 km (8 miles) long scenic paddle along the Grand. The trip takes an average of five hours in tubes. The river averages one metre in depth with two-metre deep pools. Highlights of the trip include swimming areas, fresh spring water (drinking at your own risk as it’s not tested), picnic stops, and more.

Rafting the Ottawa

Looking for a unique tubing experience with a touch of history? Ottawa City Rafting has got you covered. Embark on a guided tubing adventure down the Ottawa River, passing by iconic landmarks such as the Canadian War Museum and Parliament. Enjoy the breathtaking views as you float, paddle, or even take a refreshing swim. It’s an adventure that combines excitement and sightseeing all in one!

Canada’s Amazon

Norfolk County southwest of Toronto offers an exciting tubing experience on Big Creek, a waterway that meanders through the area to Lake Erie. Known as Canada’s Amazon, it features a slow current, deep waters, and lush forest foliage along the shoreline. At Big Creek Tubing, you can enjoy a tubing adventure with boat, paddles, safety equipment, shuttle, and parking included in their packages. The location is at 157 Front Road, Port Rowan.

Northern Paradise

For a day of pure relaxation and bliss, head to Chillin’ N Tubing near Sudbury. Settle into your comfortable inner tube and float down the tranquil Vermillion River. The best part? Their tubes come equipped with built-in coolers, perfect for keeping your favourite cold beverages and snacks close at hand. It’s the ultimate way to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your tube, gather your crew, and head to one of these fantastic river tubing destinations in Ontario. It’s time to make unforgettable memories, laugh, and cool off in the most thrilling way possible. Get ready for a splashing good time!

Soccer star Quinn on why Canada will be the team to beat at the World Cup

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Julia Mastroianni

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2:18 pm

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Quinn x GE Appliances See Them Be Them Initiative — Toronto soccer star Quinn (Eric Forget/GE Appliances Canada)

There’s never been this much attention on the Canadian women’s soccer team before. That’s partially because they’re heading to the FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand on July 20, partially because the country is launching a long overdue professional women’s soccer league in 2025 — and partially because of Quinn. The midfielder made headlines in 2021 — for becoming the first out trans, non-binary athlete to win an Olympic gold medal — and hasn’t stopped since then, whether it’s for advocating for trans rights in sports, speaking out about pay equity with Canada Soccer or scoring big with the National Women’s Soccer League.

And in the fall, Quinn, who uses they/them pronouns, will be taking their influence to the next level with a one-on-one mentorship opportunity for eight 13-17 -year-old girls and gender diverse soccer players called the GE Appliances See Them, Be Them initiative.

“It’s so important for young soccer players to have role models in sport. Seeing the women’s national team and fortunately being able to interact with some of them, that was hugely important for me in understanding that there was a pathway for me to then become a national team player and a professional athlete,” they say.

Quinn says that pathway was “relatively easy” for them — they joined their provincial team, then the youth national team and continued on to college soccer in the United States before getting a call up to the national team quite early on. They also say they had support throughout the process; the athlete attended Havergal College and Quinn says teachers and staff made sure that missing school due to obligations with the youth national team didn’t cause them to fall behind.

But despite that support, Quinn says there were still hardships — and that they plan on sharing those hardships with the players they’ll be mentoring so they’re more prepared. “Being a transgender athlete, it was difficult to see my place in sports and see that I belong,” they say. “And the same goes for cisgender girls who are navigating their experience; we have a male-dominated sports culture in North America and they deserve to see they have a place in this sport.”

In girls’ sports, there is a noticeable drop-out around the adolescent years and heading into adulthood that isn’t reflected in boys’ sports. It’s something Quinn remembers too around that age. “The biggest challenge was figuring out what pathway there was and whether soccer could be a viable option in your future,” they say.

There was also the (still-present) funding divide: “The boys’ side had all these academy programs, and they had all the cool uniforms,” they joke. “There needs to be more investment, and we’re finally starting to see that. Young girls are getting to understand that they’ll have all the resources that they need to succeed.

Hopefully that will be changing with the announcement of the professional Canadian women’s league. “It’ll be another avenue for people to watch women’s soccer; it’s really exciting,” they say. “And I think the World Cup is another opportunity for people to see our team and hopefully see some of the players that will be playing in the upcoming league.”

Quinn says the emotions are “finally coming to the surface” around the World Cup, but it’s mostly exciting. “We’ve obviously never won a World Cup and to be honest, in the past we haven’t performed in the ways that we’ve wanted to. For us, coming off of an Olympic gold medal, it’s a unique experience,” they say. “We were world leaders in that sense, and so I think it’s a different perspective this time around, not as underdogs but as the team to beat.”

However the tournament goes, Quinn will be representing the trans community on one of the largest stages in the world — an incredible feat at a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under attack and hate is rising against the community, even in Canada. “I think young trans people have been weaponized, and that is a really horrifying thing,” they say.

As trans people in sports have become a talking point for transphobic activists, It’s an especially scary time for young non-binary and trans athletes. Quinn says, for those hoping to find their place in sports, finding community is most important. “In first coming out, finding a sense of community was hugely important for me because it was a really isolating experience. Being able to share my experience with other people who felt the same way, and who are experiencing the same things, was really helpful.”

Toronto’s first Japanese-inspired vinyl listening lounge opens on King West

By

Megan Gallant

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12:07 pm

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Imagine an exclusive atmospheric haven where you can indulge in hand-crafted cocktails and savour seasonal flavours, all while a curated collection of timeless tracks sets the mood throughout the night. This is the experience awaiting you at Kissa, Toronto’s first Japanese-inspired vinyl-only listening lounge, located on King Street West.

Serving up a fusion of Japanese cuisine complemented by an array of original specialty cocktails, Kissa is the latest creation from hospitality experts Dan Gunam and Vito Tomasicchio. Building upon the success and reputation of their previous ventures, Love Child Social House and Hush Hush, Gunam and Tomasicchio have created this unique concept, and it does not disappoint.

The restaurant’s name comes from “kissaten,” the name given to the 1920s Japanese teahouse speakeasies where people escaped to listen to American records at a time when it wasn’t allowed.

As you approach, a red arched door welcomes you in, serving as the gateway that transports you from the bustling, vibrant Queen Street West to the intimate, secluded realm of the listening lounge. The ambiance is instantly transformed by the soft glow of table lights, textured velvet, the subtle melodies of Prince playing on vinyl, and the friendly, soft-spoken staff who put you at ease as soon as you enter.

At Kissa, music takes center stage in every aspect. The downstairs lounge is an Instagram-worthy visual treat with a vintage sound system set against a backdrop of over 2,500 plus vinyl records, featuring timeless classics from the likes of David Bowie, Elvis, the Beatles and Fleetwood Mac. Stunning crystal disco balls hang from the ceiling above, adding a little dazzle to match the sparkle of the 24-carat gold accents topping the drinks and desserts.

In the downstairs lounge, a DJ spins tracks from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. “It’s very classically mixed,” Gunam explains, adding that some nights the music will spotlight certain artists, playing non-stop Beatles or Prince, for example. “We wanted to create an atmosphere that feels like home to our guests.”

A staircase of mirrored walls — the perfect time for a selfie — leads to the second-floor super club , a space that’s limited to 150 people. Here, a talented DJ plays house music well into the early hours of the morning. There’s also a camera-free members-only room that will open with the launch of their Goodnight Club. The membership will include VIP access to Kissa and Soluna alongside invitations to exclusive parties, international festivals, and other perks.

At Kissa, guests can customize their experience by choosing from various rooms and lounges to suit their evening goals.

“The space on its own is an experience. You can define when you want to come, and how you want to experience that space,” explains Gunam. “Some days you could come downstairs, have a snack, drink, listen to the eighties and nineties music. But then when you want to have a good time and party on a Friday or Saturday night, you can go upstairs and be part of that more intimate lounge.”

The cocktail menu features speciality drinks, each named for a renowned album, all of which will soon be on display in vinyl behind the record player. While most names pay homage to a classic album, there are also a few cleverly chosen names like the Twelve Carat Toothache, named for Post Malone’s 2022 album.

All the cocktails are light and airy enough to pair with any of the late-night bites on the food menu, which is constantly changing depending on the season.

The emphasis is on shared experiences, and every item on the menu has been give a Japanese touch. The extremely knowledgeable servers, impress guests with their knowledge behind each element, be it the origins of tequila or the rich tapestry of Japanese traditions.

The hummus, for example, is made from edamame instead of chickpeas, with a light pour of scallion oil to take away that extra bitterness. Following Toronto’s handroll trend, Kissa does a fresh salmon roll topped with a pickled cucumber to give it a little crunch. Other menu stand-outs are the A5 Wagyu Japanese sando, chicken skewers, and the Mushroom Forest—a gorgeous display of tempura, caramelized mushrooms and edible flowers.

For dessert, the highlight is the tiramisu which features a mashup of Japanese flavours including matcha and hojicha.

Gunam is no newcomer to King Street West, with previous venture Love Child Social House being a favourite on the block for years. Recognizing the other contemporary restaurants on the strip, he imagines Kissa as the “stop over” cocktail bar.

“You come here for a quick drink before you go have a dinner or you can come for dinner while you’re waiting or you can go somewhere for dinner and you can come afterwards for drinks and the music, or you can come in with a few friends and have a meal and you can go somewhere else to party.”

Kissa is now open at 619 King St. W.

Toronto’s best seafood towers guaranteed to make a splash

By

Jennifer Schembri

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2:33 pm

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Seafood towers are making waves in Toronto. Perched on sparkling crushed ice you’ll find stacks of sweet crab claws, perfectly plump prawns and more fruits of the sea than you can imagine. It’s the ultimate showstopper and the perfect summer splurge.

The Chase

At upscale seafood-focused restaurant the Chase, you’ll be treated like a queen (or king) especially in the summer months as you dine on the elegant rooftop terrace, perched on the fifth floor of the historical Dineen Building in the city’s financial district. Offering an array of small plates and entrees as well as chilled seafood dishes like caviar served with toasted brioche, there are also a number of seafood platters and towers to choose from, including the aptly named Diamond, a veritable vacation on a platter. On the lineup, you’ll find Canadian oysters, a chilled Maritime whole lobster, snow crab, shrimp cocktail, scallop crudo, yellowfin tuna sashimi and rock shrimp salad. $250, 10 Temperance St., Fifth Fl.

Jumbo Lobster

For a meal of epic proportions (and an epic price tag!) a trip to Jumbo Lobster is in order. The sister restaurant of Scarborough’s legendary Fishman Lobster Clubhouse, this location is similar to the original with its delectable offerings of meat and seafood dishes including sweet and sour pork, shark fin soup and steamed bass. But it’s the restaurant’s colossal seafood feast of lobster and crab that draws in hoards of eager diners seeking an unforgettable meal.The eye-popping “lobster mountain” sees a giant mound of fried lobster served with fragrant garlic and smelt that costs as much as $700. 7501 Woodbine Ave., Markham

BlueBlood Steakhouse

A visit to BlueBlood Steakhouse will make you feel as if you’ve been transported into another realm, as classic heritage architecture collides with modern art pieces by the likes of Warhol, Dali and Mr. Brainwash decorate the walls. As if eating a sprawling tower of shellfish wasn’t opulent enough, the restaurant is located inside the majestic Casa Loma — the recipient of a $3 million makeover when it was leased by Liberty Entertainment Group back in 2014. BlueBlood never skimps on portions or quality. Here you’ll find king crab, lobster, jumbo prawns, freshly shucked oysters and salmon crudo. $88/person, 1 Austin Terr.

Selva

Indulge in oceanic delights at Selva, chef Nuit Regular’s multi-sensory immersive restaurant on Richmond Street. The menu, influenced by Regular’s Thai heritage, presents a tantalizing fusion of flavours. Choose between two remarkable sparkler-topped seafood towers. The first ($150) is available on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The second ($180) is offered on Fridays and Saturdays. Both towers feature an array of shellfish, including crab legs, prawns, clams, shrimp and oysters. The second tower adds a whole lobster, elevating it to a truly extravagant option for seafood enthusiasts. 221 Richmond St. W.

STK

Head to this restaurant in Yorkville for premium cuts of meat and beyond fresh fish in an oh-so-glam setting. Alongside favourites like steakhouse skirt and miso-glazed Chilean sea bass, the star of the show is the seafood tower. Boasting a bountiful variety of oysters, clams, mussels, Dungeness crab, lobster, ceviche and jalapeno pickled shrimp, the tower is paired with traditional cocktail sauce, mignonette and lemon Dijonnaise. It can be accompanied by one of the restaurant’s many signature libations, like the STK Mile, made with vodka, lime, green chartreuse and ginger beer. $69/person, 153 Yorkville Ave

These are the best golf driving ranges in and around Toronto

By

Julia Mastroianni

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1:52 pm

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One of the most popular hobbies (or is it a sport?) that you can take up over the summer is golf. Known as the Toronto Maple Leafs’ favourite summer activity, golf takes a keen eye and patience.

If you need to practice either of those skills, Toronto and the GTA are home to plenty of driving ranges to help you perfect your craft. Here are eight driving ranges that will serve as your next training ground or a fun way to blow off some steam this summer.

Within Range

Within Range has two locations in the GTA — Thornhill and Burlington — and offers an expansive driving range experience. If you’re in need of the real deal, the range offers no gimmicks; there’s plenty of open space hit your targets in the greenery. For those looking to perfect their swing and learn a few stroke specifics, they have 27 TopTracer range bays. The virtual systems track the ball in flight and will mimic a full 18-round golf game all while you’re standing in an air-conditioned room.

Markham Dome

If tunnel vision was an architectural concept, Markham Dome would embody this philosophy. The Dome offers golfers an indoor and outdoor experience, which is priced by time or by bucket depending on where you end up. The outdoor amenities include putting greens, chipping areas and a driving range ready to hold down your best attempt at beating Happy Gilmore in a drive-off. Inside, the dome is enclosed for a few hundred feet before opening itself up to the night sky, which is quite the view to be blasting golf balls at.

Metro Golf Dome

For those looking for a more independent experience, Metro Golf Dome in Toronto gives guests the chance to play without distractions. The two-storey space was rebuilt a few years ago, replacing its previous dome with a rigid structure that veteran golfers have become fond of. There are 46 driving stations spaced around the 53,000-square-foot dome. Metro Golf Dome often offers golfers discounts throughout the year, making it ideal for those looking to enter the sport in a cost-effective way.

The Docks Driving Range

The Docks Driving Range can proudly boast the fact that they are the only outdoor driving range truly in Toronto. Downtown on Cherry Street, this driving range is outfitted with over 20 driving bays, a fully operational bar and a comfortable patio to take a break on. Beginner golfers, or those looking to excel a bit more, are able to book sessions with certified instructors at affordable rates.

Paramount Golf

For those who don’t have the space for a man cave, Paramount Golf is giving you a taste of what it could be like. With three locations in Toronto, the totally indoor range has a slew of TopTracer bays capable of hosting a group of friends. Each group has its own space to play out some of the world’s most popular courses virtually, while the less golf-inclined friends can sit behind you on high chairs enjoying mixed drinks, beers and delicious food. After the round, check out Paramount’s extensive statistics display which will tell you information like launching angles, distance and the type of shot you played.

iRange

For those wanting a tech-savvy experience paired with natural ruggedness, iRange in Brampton is the place to be. The driving range boasts an automated ball distribution machine that places balls perfectly on the tee with every stroke. Focus on your swing and let the machine take care of the rest! iRange is also a social destination — snack on sizzling chicken poutines, dripping jerk chicken tacos and a flurry of mixed cocktails for the perfect weekend activity with friends.

Tracer Golf

If Black Mirror scares you, Tracer Golf might be a smidge too advanced for you. This driving range is located in North York and is 100 per cent automated. Bookings are made online, and the rest is in your hands. Equipment will turn on when your tee time starts, followed by automated ball placement systems, launch monitor data and a ton of other geeky specs. No time is wasted waiting at the front desk, chasing golf balls or hoping for a mat to open up. This 24/7 service is the first of its kind in Canada and is pending a patent for its hands-free technology.

Centennial Park Golf Centre

Located in Etobicoke, Centennial Park Golf Centre will give you one of the most classic driving range experiences. The centre boasts a 27-hole course, mini putt, driving range and short game zone. Its driving range has 34 stalls and is capable of holding down drives over 300 yards. Placed amidst the greenery are target flags, green zones and yardage markers to ensure golfers are able to dial in their shots with each and every club.

Toronto’s new tapas bar ignites the stage with dancers and fire performers

By

Megan Gallant

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1:00 pm

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King Street might just be getting some competition as the city’s main district of entertainment. The Annex has just welcomed a brand new Mexican cocktail and tapas bar called Mezcalero, and, between the dancers and fire performers on the floor at last weekend’s opening, it’s already making a statement.

General Manager Anthony Walker describes the interior, which was designed by Alexander Perry as “playful, modern, and industrial,” noting the garage doors on the side of the building. “It’s just this beautiful mix of colours that ties into the food and the whole experience.”

After a 12 years spent working together at Victory Café and Crafty Coyote, Walker teamed up with local restauranteur Knick Ndreka to develop the idea.

“We wanted to feel like you were kind of transported to another place,” says Walker. “Bloor Street is a beautiful street, and we feel like it doesn’t have enough variety of things to eat or entertainment or different restaurants that have an evening vibe. So we wanted to bring King and Yorkville and that kind of energy to the Annex.”

Due to supply limitations caused by COVID, the opening had to be postponed by over a year from its originally planned date. “When you’re trying to make something new, and when you’re trying to make something that’s really important to you,” says Walker, “You don’t want to skimp out on certain things,” he explains, adding that the duo always had a specific image in mind for Mezcalero.

“We have a range of mezcal products that’s available at the LCBO, it’s mezcal for mezcal fans; they’ll know a lot of the brands that we have. But then we also have another completely different variety of mezcal that may be unfamiliar to many, unless they have a deep understanding of Mexican mezcal culture.”

The shared plates menu offers guests the chance to indulge in what Walker refers to as “experiences,” allowing them to select any items from the menu at a fixed price. These experiences vary in size and content, ranging from a selection of six plates accompanied by four house cocktails for $150, all the way up to an extensive offering of 30 plates accompanied by two bottles of tequila or mezcal for $850. This menu structure empowers guests to tailor their dining experience precisely to their desires, finding the perfect combination of flavors and dishes. Additionally, for those who prefer a more individualized approach, guests have the option to order salads, esquites, chorizos, and empanadas separately, a la carte.

All of the menu items are crafted by chef Erica Araujo, who has earned a significant reputation throughout Mexico.

“She is a powerhouse of a chef,” boasts Walker, adding that Araujo has won guacamole contests.

That makes it fitting for Mezcalero to have a guacamole bar. Walker describes it as very simple guacamole and chips, but with the option to add little embellishments on the side, like grilled panela cheese and chicharrones.

As for the drink menu, Mezcalero has all the palomas, margaritas, mezcals, and tequila drinks you could ask for, including tequila flight tasting.

At Mezcalero, the focus extends beyond the culinary offerings, encompassing the entire experience. In line with this vision, Walker explains that on select nights, the bar will transform into a vibrant venue reminiscent of a supper club, with DJs spinning into the night. Walker adds that he hopes to bring back the dancers from the opening for some entertainment.

Walker emphasizes his vision for Mezcalero to be more than just a restaurant or a bar — it’s a destination where people can come to fully embrace and enjoy life.

“It was really important to me that people don’t view Mezcalero as merely a pre-party or an after party destination,” he says. “Mezcalero is the whole moment.”

Mezcalero is located at 509 Bloor St. W.

Michelin chefs pick Toronto’s best new restaurants: Kyle Rindenella

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Jennifer Schembri

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11:44 am

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The last year was a a busy and exciting one for the Toronto food scene, in which we saw electric openings that ranged from highbrow to low, including modest local joints and grand, attention-grabbing eateries.

To highlight the standout newcomers, we asked esteemed chef Kyle Rindenella, recently awarded a Bib Gourmand for Enoteca Sociale— an Italian restaurant known for its authenticity, drawing food enthusiasts from far and wide — to tell us what he thought was the best new addition to the city’s dining scene. Read on to find out which exciting spot he selected.

Chef Rindenella’s pick: Alder

“Great cocktails, a focused wine list and a great selection from the kitchen of shareable plates makes it a must-try in Toronto,” chef Rindenella recently told us.

Alder

Atlantic salmon served with shallot, dill, brown butter and a finishing crush of lemon.

A stay at Toronto’s recently opened Ace Hotel would not be complete without dining at Alder, another knockout from Michelin-starred chef Patrick Kriss. The restaurant features a Mediterranean-inspired menu that celebrates seasonality and, at its core, a signature wood-fired hearth and grill infusing flavour into each dish. Working with Alder’s chef de cuisine JJ Dingcong, Ace Hotel Toronto’s executive chef Moto Nishimura and pastry chef Victoria Ammendolia, Kriss oversees all dining menus at Ace Hotel Toronto, which also includes the hotel’s community space and the Lobby, which offers a menu of pastries and coffee in the morning followed by alcoholic bevvies and small plates later on. Among the menu highlights are the half grilled chicken with harissa jus; big eye tuna with charred poblano aïoli; and for dessert gluten-free coconut cream pie. The restaurant also boasts a full bar program, featuring classically inspired cocktails, local craft beers and an eclectic selection of wines from both established and emerging vintners. With the aim to be an all-day hangout for Toronto, the lofty space is warm and inviting and features an open kitchen surrounded by concrete walls, brick floors and rich wood accents. 51 Camden St.

To find out which new restaurant Michelin chef Eric Chong selected, click here, if you’re curious about what new spot Tobey Nemeth and Michael Cabello of Edulis chose, click here, And you’ll find chef Anthony Rose of Fat Pasha’s favourite new restaurant here.

Famous GTA ‘Wedding Cake House’ reimagined as an upscale dining destination

By

Jennifer Schembri

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11:55 am

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28364609116_fb84f9f053_k — @ Southern Ontario/Flicker

A Markham heritage house was recently transformed into a fine-dining restaurant that serves up a fusion of North American and Caribbean culture.

Located at 48 Main St., Laz Authentic Cuisine is in a heritage building once known as the “wedding cake house” for its white picket fence, central gable and decorative bargeboard, it was constructed in 1870 and designated for its heritage value by the
Town of Markham in 1979.

It’s one of the reasons co-owners Gerry Weekes, director, and Diakhia Lezama, executive chef, chose the building for their brick-and-mortar location, which they decided to open after 20 years of catering.

“It was sitting there unoccupied for a number of years,” says Weekes, who adds that initially the duo was looking for a space in the Durham Region. “And the minute we saw it, we thought ‘this IS the location.’ So we promptly got control of it and were able to develop it and established it into a really nice heritage site for dining.”

The 60-seat floral front patio adds more tables to the already spacious two-storey interior. The top floor seats 50 diners for private dining, and the main floor can accommodate 40 guests for whitetablecloth fine dining.

The patio and upper floors are used for weekly special events and live performances which, like the food, is based in Carribean style. Each week, the restaurant offers Jazz Thursdays and on Friday, Laz does what Weekes calls “Music on Main Street” Fridays, featuring a range of different musical stylings.

Weekes adds that depending on the occasion or celebration, like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Canada Day, they’ll offer more live music. “Adding a bit of live entertainment to the dining experience enhances everyone’s mood and everyone’s feelings.”

Like the entertainment, different days of the week have different specials on the menu for diners at Laz. On “soul food Sundays,” — as Weekes calls it — Laz offers a rotating variety of Caribbean-style favourites like a macaroni pie and coo coo orncallaloo.

On Wednesdays, the restaurant serves a seafood bacchanal, a platter of seafood with everything from lobster to crab, shrimp and mussels. Weekes explains that the menu features dishes that represent different islands of the Caribbean, like Trinidad and Tobago.

“That’s what makes us special,” says Weekes. We’re able to come up with clever ways to provide the mix of Caribbean meals to suit our local community as well as the Caribbean community.”

Laz Authentic Cuisine is open Sundays and Tuesdays to Thursdays from 11am to 10pm and Fridays to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Toronto chefs open gourmet grocer in heart of Muskoka

By

Ron Johnson

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9:57 am

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Elana Kochman, Toben Kochman and Ryan Feldman, the foodies behind Toronto’s TOBEN Catering, have just opened the Pearl. It’s an urban-meets-country-inspired artisanal market and snack bar that aims to provide a unique culinary experience for locals, visitors, and cottage-goers alike.

“We are excited to open our new country market The Pearl this June and to be part of the vibrant Bala/Muskoka community. Locals and visitors to the area can stop in for delicious fresh food and beverages, and then sit and savor on our picturesque patio or take it to go,” said Elana Kochman.

The 1,000 square foot indoor market at The Pearl boasts an urban-meets-country-inspired aesthetic, offering a variety of culinary delights. The rotating menu includes gourmet sandwiches, salads, and sides made with the freshest seasonal ingredients. In addition, patrons can explore a range of prepared foods such as homemade pastas, flatbread pizzas, and salads. The market also features a Pastry Counter offering fresh baked breads, pastries, and desserts. Furthermore, a selection of pantry provisions awaits visitors, showcasing homemade salad dressings, glazes, sauces, pastas, gourmet chocolates, candies, and snacks.

Guests can revel in the beauty of Muskoka’s landscape while dining on the 50-seat outdoor patio at The Pearl. Kochman highlighted the scenic views, saying, “Our beautiful 1,000+ square foot, 50-seat outdoor patio and gathering space allows patrons to take in views of Lake Muskoka while dining on market fare.”

To cater to different preferences and occasions, The Pearl transforms into a Snack Bar in the evenings on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, offering communal eats and live entertainment. On Sundays from 10am to 3pm, The Pearl presents a special brunch menu, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all.

Recognizing the growing demand for catering services in Muskoka, The Pearl provides Catering To Go for customers looking to entertain groups at home or at the cottage.

“After many road trips and our customers regularly ordering plates to take up to their cottages, we noticed there was a void in quality contemporary cuisine offerings north of the city,” Kochman says. “This led us to develop The Pearl – a modern country market where people can order gourmet food for group entertaining, grab a fresh bite on their way up to the cottage, and enjoy a night out with family and friends.”

Located in Bala, Ontario, The Pearl offers both convenience and quality to its patrons. Situated just off main country road 169 near The KEE to Bala, The Pearl presents the perfect opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal, spend time with loved ones, and even pick up gourmet goodies.

For more great stories check out the StreetsofMuskoka.com.

CNE hits the jackpot in 2023 with new Vegas-style waterfront fountain show

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Jennifer Schembri

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9:09 am

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Nothing captures the essence of summer in the city quite like the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). This annual fair in Toronto holds the distinction of being the largest in Canada, with a history that spans over 150 years. In addition to the classic carnival rides, games, live performances, exhibits, and, of course, all of that delicious food, the 18-day extravaganza is introducing an exciting array of new attractions to amp up the excitement!

An exciting addition this year is the Vegas-style fountain show (we’re looking at you Bellagio!) entitled Sparkling Symphony. This daily spectacle takes place on Lake Ontario and features a choreographed performance that combines vibrant music with 11 dancing fountains. The fountains can soar up to 100 feet in the air, accompanied by mesmerizing colour-changing lights and dazzling lasers that beautifully illuminate the show during the nighttime.

To cool down from the sweltering heatwave that’s sure to be happening outside, the CNE’s popular indoor skating show is back after a four year hiatus, featuring Canada’s own ‘King of Quads’ Elvis Stojko.

Also new this year is an event called agriCULTURE, which will feature a variety of educational activities focusing on agricultural trends of today and horticulture wisdom of the past. An educational seed planting workshop is available for kids and participants will be able to take home their newly planted seeds to watch them grow. An AR experience as well as agricultural crafts will be onsite as well.

Fantastic concerts and live performances are also on tap across the CNE’s seven music stages and, of course, no CNE trip would be complete without gorging on all of the classic fair treats like ice cream waffle and Tiny Tim Doughnuts as well as the wild culinary creations the CNE is famous for.

Keep an eye on the fair’s Instagram page for the 2023 Bandshell line-up and the exiting reveal of new and must-try food offerings!

Toronto fashion lovers are spending over $300 on these vintage lookbooks

By

Julia Mastroianni

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3:05 pm

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If print is dead, no one told Toronto. Fashion lovers around the city have grown to cherish the tactile feel of old lookbooks, magazines and other vintage fashion books with creative styling — and they don’t sell for cheap. Vintage fashion magazines and books can sell from $20 to over $300 (with a few so exclusive that you have to directly message the seller to find out the price). Some have turned their obsession into a business, while others turn to the fragile pages of their collections for their own innovation.

In 2020, Taylor Kan was working remotely for a consumer packaging company, going through the pandemic motions with books on hand. With a stack of rare fashion books on one end and a miraculously white pair of Margiela Tabis on the other, Kan says, “I was on the internet way too much during COVID and was searching for ways to get my creative juices flowing.”

His response to the lockdown woes was to begin uploading scans of his own personal collection. “There’s so much good content and so much you can take from magazines. But, with the older ones, they were obsolete online,” he says.

The scans began to blow up on Instagram with fashion lovers flooding his comments and direct messages to ask if they could purchase his books.

Offbrand Library was born from this influx. Today, Kan has accumulated about $20,000 in total sales while being completely operational in his bedroom. He sells everything from a San Francisco Rave Flyers from the 1990s for $25 to $350 for a Mark Borthwick fashion photography book from 1998. His rarest text that he offers is a first edition of 032c, an edgy fashion magazine from Berlin that sits on a pedestal among fashion fanatics.

One of those fashion fanatics is Alex Maxamenko. He serves as one half of a young creative duo that is giving Toronto access to an abundance of archive fashion. Maxameno has been connecting locals to unheard-of garments since he was 15 by using a proxy that he’d rather keep on a need-to-know basis.

He attributes his creative spark to the lookbooks that he consumes and previously sold on his Instagram.

“There’s a lot of information online. But if you want certain collections and minute details, you have to pull those from lookbooks,” Maxamenko says. “I had maybe 100 or 200 Kapital books at one point, and I’m dwindled down to my last 10 because people were obsessing over them.”

Maxamenko believes that, like most other hobbies, there are people in it for the creative value, and people who are in it just to flex. “There’s definitely a superiority complex that comes with it. People want to seem edgy for consuming print,” he says.

Alisa Elizabeth, known online as king lis, is a fellow young fashion flipper who appreciates art texts for their inherent creativity. Selling rare designer finds such as limited edition Dolce & Gabbana printed tops and this DSquared2 micro mini skirt from their Fall/Winter 2004 collection, Elizabeth collects these fashion tomes for personal use — and she’s on a mission to ensure art books are used for their intended purpose.

“I think art books undeniably have a decorative use to them but I try to make sure that’s never their primary purpose. I always read a book when I first get it, and then I’ll reference it again for various reasons depending on the book,” she says.

Torontonians can begin the search for old lookbooks all over the city, as vendors range from online accounts to sneaker shops on the outskirts of town.

The 10 best restaurants in Yorkville, ranked

By

Megan Gallant

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10:46 am

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Yorkville_1_dc3518fc-02fd-4650-a3e5-10e0fea1c31a — Destination Toronto

Picking a place to eat in Yorkville is like picking a place to drink on King West — there are endless options. But that just means you’re sure to find the vibe you’re looking for. So, whether that’s a rooftop patio to sip a pint while watching the Jays’ game, a laid back cocktail bar for an end-of-the-day casual drink, or an exclusive high-tier place like no other for that special first date, Yorkville has it.

Check out our top spots to eat in Yorkville.

10. Hemingway’s

It’s summertime which means it’s the season for one of Yorkville’s—and Toronto’s—favourite rooftop patios: Hemingway’s. The menu boasts classic pub fare made with New Zealand flare. In classic New Zealand style, Hemingway’s is always committed to bringing the fun. Between trivia nights, sport game broadcasting, live music, dancefloors, and DJs, there’s always something going on at Hemingway’s.

9. PLANTA

Around the corner from the Yorkville strip of eateries lies a little vegan haven. As the name suggests, PLANTA is 100% plant-based, and everything is so full of flavour, they’re changing the reputation of vegan eats. Advocado lime tartare, sushi, and spaghettini carbonara top the lunch menu, while a famous burger and the Bang Bang Broccolli make headlines for diner. PLANTA runs a weekly in-up including “Pour Decisions Wednesdays” with half-priced bottles of wine, and weekend brunch with endless mimosas and sake sangria.

8. Sofia Yorkville

Though Sofia is on the list of best eateries in Yorkville, it’s much more than a restaurant. While dining in the pretty pink space, diners can enjoy curated displays of modern and street art pieces (all of which are for sale) from a range of artists. If that’s not enough to keep you entertained, Sofia welcomes musicians and artists to perform onstage for Sofia’s designer-clad diners. Stay inside for the art and music, but head out to Sofia’s patio to get a head start on that tan while dining in a hidden garden oasis, away from the bustle found in Yorkville.

7. Sassafraz

Lush walls of living plants, white walls combined with light wood floors, and comfy chairs and sofas make Sassafraz one of the most welcoming and accessible of Yorkville’s high-end restaurants. Not to mention it’s airy, contemporary and truly stunning. Whether you’re dropping in for a cocktail after work, catching a Sunday brunch with the girls, going on an intimate anniversary date, or celebrating your wedding, Sassafraz boasts a high-end menu in an upscale atmosphere.

6. Trattoria Nervosa

Trattoria Nervosa is the recognizable yellow house at the corner of Yorkville and Bellair. A neighbourhood favourite since 1996, the restaurant serves home-cooked southern Italian that feels like something your grandmother made. What Trattoria Nervosa lacks in grand, over-the-top statements compared to other eateries in Yorkville, it makes up for with an inviting, homey and comfortable space. The menu makes the same statement, with pastas, pizzas and seafood easily praised by any authentic Italian connoisseur.

5. ONE Restaurant

Inside the Hazelton Hotel sits a lounge that’s so contemporary and seductive, you’re sure to feel like the most important person in the city. Linen curtains, dark red leather, and tiled table tops give ONE Restaurant a lavish quality to match the high-end menu, which is complete with shakshuka breakfasts, sashimi, seafood, tacos, and meats. Outside, a tree-lined patio is the sunny place to sip a cocktail while waiting for the DJs which spin in the lounge every Thursday to Saturday night.

4. Bar Reyna

Bar Reyna is Yorkville’s destination for Mediterranean eats and share plates. Located in a two-storey Victorian house on Cumberland Street, Bar Reyna offers an eclectic combination of snacks and one-of-a-kind cocktails. The signature lamb baklava is the menu highlight, which can be matched with a number of signature cocktails, including their famous Mezcal Smokeshow. All of this can be enjoyed in an enclosed, inviting back patio.

3. Café Boulud

Tastes of the French Riviera will come out of the items found on the seasonal menu curated by Chef Daniel Boulud at Cafe Boulud. This French brasserie, located in the Four Seasons Hotel, offers a vintage-inspired ambiance, highlighted by a cozy lounge, dim lighting, and wood-floor panelling. The food is rounded out with an extensive European wine list and Café Boulud’s crafty cocktail menu.

2. Alobar Yorkville

In 2022, this French seafood restaurant received the highest honour when it became Michelin-star recognized—but what else would we expect from Chef Patrick Kriss, Alo Group’s founder? Tucked off Cumberland Street, Alobar Yorkville is a small space that mirrors the elevated design of the original alo but with a whole a la carte concept. The Michelin review highlights Alobar’s lime aioli-topped chilled lobster and mille-feuille, two menu items that showcase Kriss’ exquisite gastronomy and experience in restaurants across the globe.

1. Aburi Hana

Yorkville is the home of a dining concept like no other with Aburi Hana offering up a Kyō-Kaiseki, a multi-sensory experience tied to traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Like Alobar, Aburi Hana is another Michelin-starred restaurant, though this one is focused on incorporating signature aburi (flame-searing) techniques. The multi-course menu is ever changing and surprising with focus put on fresh and seasonal ingredients. Matching the elegant menu is Aburi’s dining room which is divided into private dining areas and a Chef’s Counter to oversee a massive open kitchen.