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Try flavours like everything bagel at this Toronto ice cream shop

By
Jennifer Schembri
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0
@eatingazn/Instagram

After operating online since 2017, Ruru Baked, a specialty ice cream maker, has expanded, opening up shop in Markham’s Pacific Mall. 

Although they no longer sell out in mere minutes, opening weekend back in April seemed to be indicative of the company’s ongoing success. 

“This was our craziest weekend ever,” reads a post on Ruru’s Instagram page. “We were nervous and excited, we scooped our hearts out.… To be honest, I didn’t anticipate the impact it would have.”


Luanne Ronquillo started Ruru Bakes six years, selling (and selling out of) pints of delicious custard-based ice cream, before opening the first brick-and-mortar location at Bloor and Lansdowne.

For those not in the ice cream know, custard-based ice cream — also known as French style — is denser and creamier than regular ice cream, which usually tends to be more on the lighter and airier side. 

Ronquillo started off serving decadent flavours like the banoffee pie —  a creamy banana ice cream, with buttery graham cracker crust crumbs and caramel swirl; passionfruit — made with chunks of banana bread and hints of cream cheese icing; as well as condensed milk + red bean, which all remain bestsellers.

The menu now boasts more than 70 unique and delicious flavours, featuring outlandish combinations that work remarkably well.

Must-try scoops include the brown butter + honey + sage, which is the perfect balance of nutty and fragrant brown butter combined with pure honey and a hint of sage for added earthiness.

For those who are fans of a sweet and savoury combo, the everything bagel is a fun take on how sometimes weird, unexpected things can actually be amazing. Made with cream cheese ice cream and chunks of oniony and garlicky sweet seedy crumble, Ruru promises it’s weird but in the best way.

A scoop of the everything bagel

For the youngins’ — or the children at heart —- seasonal flavour Real Kid is inspired by the classic Laura Secord flavour Super Kid and features a combination of blueberry, strawberry and banana ice cream.

Along with ice cream, the newest location carries Ruru Baked merch, including hoodies, T-shirts and toques and treats like Furikake Bits and Bites — Ruru’s spin on the classic Furikake Chex Mix — that’s baked in a buttery coating and tossed with roasted seaweed. Products from Spice Girl Eats and Sssoaps are also available.

If one of your favourite flavours sells out — which it probably will — not to fret: new stock arrives every Wednesday and Friday.

Ruru Baked is located at 4300 Steeles Ave. E., Markham 

Michelin chefs pick T.O.’s best new restaurants: Ivan Castro, La Bartola

By
Jennifer Schembri
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0
Alejandro Santiago

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 Michelin-recognized chef Ivan Castro, recently awarded a Bib Gourmand for La Bartola— a plant-based Mexican restaurant that will convert even the staunchest of meat lovers — 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 Castro’s pick: Hawker

“Hawker is a must-try in Kensington Market for Indian cuisine,” chef Castro recently told us.  “Every dish on the brunch tasting menu is full of texture and amazing flavours.”

Hawker

Remember the days when leafy greens merely played a supporting role to hearty meat and seafood dishes? Today, plant-based dishes are taking the starring role at many fine dining restaurants in the city. Hawker, in Kensington Market is doing just that: presenting artfully composed, plant-based dishes and calling it naturalist cuisine, which emphasizes that food is more than just sustenance and where diners make informed and intelligent choices. Co-owned by executive chef Jeff Merkel and Darshan Daurka, Hawker has committed itself to delivering the beauty of vegan food in a creative and colourful way. Mixing and matching authentic tastes and textures of various ingredients, each dish is a distinct creation onto itself with arboreal themes running rampant throughout. Expect small plates with romantic names like Starry Night, Creek Bed and Bushfire, a dish made with eggplant, rosemary smoke and roti. “This food is not supposed to be an indulgence, a pleasurable sensorial experience or an act of hedonism. I want it to just tear you to shreds and leave you wondering what just happened, says Merkel. “I want to put you alone in a room with God for a long conversation.” 291 Augusta Ave.

To find out which new restaurant Michelin chef Eric Chong selected, click here, and if you’re curious about what new spot Tobey Nemeth and Michael Cabello of Edulis  chose, click here.

GTA home sales surge 25% over last year but supply still a big problem

By
Ron Johnson
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0

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) housing market experienced a boost in sales during the month of May 2023. However, the demand for homes outpaced the available supply, resulting in soaring prices.

Paul Baron, president of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), said the failure of governments to address the issue of housing supply is worsening the situation. He pointed out that recent polling conducted by Ipsos revealed that residents of the City of Toronto gave city council a failing grade in terms of housing affordability, with the lack of supply being identified as the major concern.

“Despite the fact that we have seen positive policy direction over the last couple of years, governments have been failing on the housing supply front for some time,” he explained. “If we don’t quickly see housing supply catch up to population growth, the economic development of our region will be hampered as people and businesses look elsewhere to live and invest.”

This problem is not exclusive to Toronto but persists throughout the Greater Golden Horseshoe region.

According to TRREB, GTA realtors reported a total of 9,012 sales through TRREB’s MLS System in May 2023, reflecting a substantial 24.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022. In contrast, new listings saw a decline of 18.7 percent during the same timeframe. On a month-over-month seasonally adjusted basis, sales increased by 5.2 percent compared to April 2023.

Sales as a proportion of new listings showed a significant surge compared to the previous year, indicating intense competition among buyers. The average selling price reached nearly $1.2 million last month.

“The demand for ownership housing has picked up markedly in recent months. Many homebuyers have recalibrated their housing needs in the face of higher borrowing costs and are moving back into the market,” said Jason Mercer, TRREB’s chief market analyst. “In addition, strong rent growth and record population growth on the back of immigration has also supported increased home sales. The supply of listings hasn’t kept up with sales, so we have seen upward pressure on selling prices during the spring.”

Examining the market trends, the MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) composite benchmark showed a year-over-year decline of 6.9 percent in May 2023. However, on a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, the HPI increased by 3.2 percent compared to April 2023. The average selling price stood at $1,196,101, indicating a slight 1.2 percent decrease relative to May 2022. On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, the average selling price experienced a 3.5 percent increase compared to April 2023.

TRREB CEO John DiMichele expressed concerns about the rising cost of housing, primarily driven by limited supply and high borrowing costs. He urged municipalities, including the city of Toronto, to consider this issue when contemplating revenue generation options.

“The high cost of housing, brought about by short supply and high borrowing costs, is part of the broader increases in the cost of living. Municipalities, including the City of Toronto, need to be mindful of this,” he said.

20 questions with Queen Priyanka set to take centre stage at Pride

By
lindsaylow
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0

Since winning the first season of Drag Race Canada, Priyanka has parlayed her success and become the best-known queen in Toronto and probably Canada. Now, we chat with her about her Art Gallery on Ontario show as part of this year’s Pride Toronto festivities, dealing with the ignorant haters and, yes, her fave local restaurants.

What are you up to at Pride this month?

Well I’m getting a big show at the AGO on June 9. And it’s gonna be f**king lit. I’m excited because last year, I had my Toronto party at Yonge-Dundas Square. And it feels so cool to be doing a more curated show in the gallery after a year of live singing and live performance under my belt. It feels like a grown-up way to come back for pride this year. 

Are you shocked to see the anti-drag protests move north from America to Toronto?

It’s shocking. I mean, I always felt protected because I am Canadian, right? You see things going on in America and all over the world, and you say to yourself, “Oh, Canada isn’t like that.” Toronto is such a beautiful city where we’re all accepted. I can walk around in drag, no one will care. But because of laws being put into place in America, it has just awakened the conservative beast in many people all over the world that they [anti-drag protests] are really OK. 

What does Pride mean to you?  

It’s interesting because — although we just touched on those things — a big part of pride is the fearlessness of being a trans person, a queer person, a gay person, a bi person, whatever kind of person you want to be. 

Tell us about your first Pride.

I remember my first Pride was like, seven years ago. I just came out of the closet, and I was met by all my friends who were like, “Wait, it’s your first Pride?” I remember walking up and down Church Street and everyone had glitter on their faces. And you know, they have the mom hugs and all this stuff. It was so inspiring to see how fearless these people were because I lived in the closet for so many years. So just to see that on the other side of how fun and happy it can be to be a gay person — that is my favourite part. And that’s why every single Pride I try to be as gay as possible because I hope that I can inspire the next generation of people who are closeted, who aren’t as comfortable being themselves to come on out and walk along Church Street and just feel as gay as they need to. 

What was your first job?

Oh my god. A cashier at the grocery store. I got fired because I talked too much.

What was the worst piece of career advice you’ve received?

The worst piece of career advice I’ve ever received would be to not be vocal and do whatever anyone ever says because if I did that, then I wouldn’t be where I am right now.

What is your favourite Toronto view?

Probably down by the water. I love the water. Like, Spadina and Queens Quay where you can just look out at the water. That’s beautiful. The water is the best. Oh my god.

And where would you take visitors to the city? 

I mean, personally, I will always take them to the gay bars, Crews & Tangos and Woody’s, but then, on top of that, I love being a tourist, so I would take them to Ripley’s Aquarium and CN Tower, but then also take them to Kensington Market, because actually the place is the bomb. 

What Torontonian would you most like to hang out with?

I love these questions. I would say Nelly Furtado. She is the best.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Eating!  

What are your fave restaurants?

I always take everyone to New Ho King because it’s open late. But I also like Thai food, and there is Pai at Yonge and Eglinton. I would say those two in the city are my favourite. But usually for someone’s birthday, my mom makes us drive out to Markham to go to Sam Woo BBQ. It’s the best Chinese food in Canada.

What is your greatest fear?

I would say, probably, I don’t like snakes. And I’m afraid of stalkers. 

Which living person do you most admire?

It has to be my mom. She’s hilarious.

What talent would you most like to have?

Flexibility. It’s not really a talent, it’s a skill though. I feel like I used to just get drunk on tequila and drop into the splits and now I’m not really drinking as much so those tricks aren’t happening. But there’s some people that can just do it because they grew up dancing and their hamstrings are stretched out. I would say that would be a skill slash talent that I would love.

What is your greatest extravagance?

M favourite thing is like to spend money on people, like buy them food. This is how I’m becoming my mom. She’s always like, cooking things for people and getting people food and I’ve become the same way. Whenever we go out, or my friends come over, I’m like, I’ll buy everyone food don’t work. I’ve gotta stop doing this, it’s getting expensive.

When and where were you happiest?

I just did DragCon in Los Angeles. I would say there because you’re just meeting fan after fan after a fan.  I think a lot of us forget the impact that we have on people because we basically watch TV and movies that tell us to hate ourselves. So being somewhere like DragCon, people will tell you that you’re good at what you’re doing and you’ve changed their life. So I would say like that.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I think my music is my greatest achievement because it is something that was a passion project that blew up and became a main thing in my career.

What is your most treasured possession?

I’m looking at it right now. It’s sitting in my living room. It’s my big finale dress from when I came back to crown Icesis Couture on Canada’s Drag Race season two. We cut up the dress that I won in for season one and put it into a bigger dress and I got my arms moulded by the same guy who does Jason Momoa’s prosthetics. So I had four arms on the runway. So that is my most prized possession because I feel like it was just a cultural shift. You know, like brown people are so happy whenever I wear this dress, because they’re like, you’re doing it for us. Brown people forever. So I would say that.

What is your greatest regret?

My greatest regret is a having a boyfriend during the season of Canada’s Drag Race.

What is your personal motto?

My personal motto is work so hard that your dreams come true because mine did motherf**ker.

Top six summer patio pools to cool you down as Toronto heats up

By
Ron Johnson
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0
hotel pools

Is it even really summer if you don’t take advantage of the city’s offering of vacay-vibes?… We didn’t think so either. The fact is rooftop season has officially arrived and it’s all about pools, patios and panoramic views. So whether you’ll be gathering a group of friends for poolside food and cocktails or arriving solo with your favourite book in hand, just ensure you have your floaty at the ready to take a dip in the top six patio pools in The Six.

 

KŌST 

 


What’s 44 stories above Toronto’s entertainment district, offers a renowned infinity pool, sweeping views, food and cocktails? KŌST of course! Bisha Hotel’s trendy restaurant is the city’s answer to the taste and vibe of the Baja California Peninsula coastline.

Enjoy poolside, al-fresco style modern Californian and contemporary Asian cuisine, through breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week from 8am, as well as weekend brunch from 8am-2.45pm. Take advantage of the daily happy hour from 3-5pm to try a range of traditional and a la mode cocktails.    

 

Harriet’s Rooftop

 


You’ll find Harriet’s Rooftop Bar at 1 Hotel Toronto. Exuding elegance and charm and with expansive views of the city, the luxurious rooftop lounge features a pool deck and plunge pool. While the trendy rooftop is accessible to all, the deck and pool are exclusively accessible to hotel guests and residents. 

Open seven days a week, you can dive in (or simply unwind) from 12-11pm, and enjoy light bites until 10pm Monday-Saturday and 5pm on Sunday. The expertly crafted cocktails are available until close, and you don’t even have to leave your sunbed to order.

 

Lavelle 

 


If you’re looking for a day-to-night poolside experience, look no further than Lavelle. A landmark venue set 16 stories above the city, Lavelle boasts unobstructed 360° views of Toronto’s skyline from its stylish rooftop deck, seven days a week.

With private cabanas and three pools to choose from, the daily service fee includes towel service. If you start to feel peckish, you can enjoy a delicious fusion of contemporary Latin and Japanese food, while refreshing cocktails will help quench your thirst.  

 

Hotel X Toronto 

 


Located on the Lake Ontario Waterfront in Downtown Toronto, Hotel X is a lakefront oasis with a large 55-foot indoor, outdoor heated rooftop pool. Open all year round, the adult-only pool is accessible to hotel guests to bask in and enjoy premium poolside service and comfort.

The artfully plated food is courtesy of Roses Cocina, offering a modern twist on North American Cuisine. With the drinks described as Boozy and Honest, Bubbly and Playful or Bubbly and Confident, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

 

Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown

 


The Lakeview Pool Lounge is a hidden gem in the middle of downtown Toronto where you can blissfully float the day away. The heated pool delivers unparalleled views of the CN Tower and the harbour, so be sure to keep at least one hand free to take pictures!

Hotel guests can frequent the pool at no extra cost, while day passes are available for other visitors. When you’re not admiring the views, you can head back to your cabana or deck chair to enjoy a variety of tasty eats inspired by international cuisine and wash it down with a thirst-quenching cocktail. 

 

Cabana Poolbar 

 


Offering unmatched views of Toronto’s skyline over Lake Ontario from its location at Polson Pier, Cabana is attached to Rebel Nightclub and spans an impressive 50,000 square feet. That’s a lot of patio! Its large octagonal swimming pool is surrounded by chic full-size cabanas, with the dining area and DJ booth close by.

Cabana is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-11pm and is the venue to visit if you’re looking for pool-party vibes that features music from House to Hip-Hop. Tapas-style food and signature cocktails crafted to perfection will keep you energized from day to night.

Leafs on fire with new GM Brad Treliving, son of Dragon’s Den star

By
Jennifer Schembri
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0
@historyhockeyguy98/Instagram Photo: @cbcdragon/Instagram Phto

Less than two weeks after the unexpected departure of Kyle Dubas, former Calgary Flames GM, Brad Treliving has been hired as the Toronto Maple Leafs’ next general manager, the club announced on Wednesday.

Treliving spent nine seasons with the Calgary Flames and in that time saw moderate success with the team, including five playoff appearances, but won just two rounds in the process. The 53-year-old mutually parted ways with the team in April ahead of his contract expiring June 30.

‘Brad brings a wealth of knowledge from his years of experience as a general manager and hockey executive in Calgary, Arizona and beyond. He has earned tremendous respect amongst his peers throughout his years in the NHL and has built excellent relationships at all level within the game,” said Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan in a statement. “Wee are confident that Brad’s leadership and strategic vision will elevate the Maple Leafs in our continued pursuit of a championship.”

According to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun, the Leafs also interviewed former Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin for the position just days before the deal with Treliving reached its final stages on Tuesday night.

“I am very excited and honored to join the Toronto Maple Leafs as general manager,” Treliving said. “I would like to thank Brendan, MLSE and its Board for their support throughout this process. I’m thrilled to join an Original Six team and recognize how much the Maple Leafs mean to this community. This is a very exciting day for my family and I.”

And it’s not just folks from the Leafs camp who are posting congratulatory messages for the newly appointed GM.

Following the appointment, Brad’s father Jim Treliving, the co-owner of Boston Pizza and a former investor “dragon” on the television show Dragons’ Den, tools to Twitter to proudly congratulate his son.

 

When asked if he had suddenly become a Maple Leafs fan, his response was priceless.

Toronto’s coolest supper club reopens a decade later in midtown

By
Megan Gallant
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0
Photo: Joel Esposito

INK Entertainment Group and Harlo Entertainment have joined forces to open a new luxurious supper club just in time for the summer. Opening June 6, Ultra offers an edgy, mature space to spend your evenings with Pan-Asian cuisine followed by late-night entertainment.

If you were a club-goer back in the early 2000s, you might remember Ultra Supper Club as the place to be on a Saturday night on Queen West—perhaps one of the only places to be on a Saturday night on Queen. The opening comes just as Charles Khabouth, CEO and Founder of INK Entertainment Group, celebrates his fortieth year in the entertainment business.

“Ultra is everything I’ve done through my journey in the hospitality industry,” says Khabouth, “and it’s delivering the best—whether it’s food service, music, entertainment.”

Located at 12 St. Clair Avenue East, Ultra sits Midtown between the neighbourhoods of Summerhill, Forest Hill, and Rosedale which, Khabouth explains, was one reason he was drawn to the space. “It’s a unique location,” he says. “It’s the best alternative location for people that live north of Bloor and don’t want to go downtown. It’s for people who don’t want to deal with the hustle and bustle of King Street and Queen Street.”

Allowing guests to get cozy and spend their summer nights however they want, Ultra consists of three spaces—each offering different atmospheres and different identities—crafted by the Toronto-based Studio Munge.

Photo: The sashimi showcase. Photo: Betty Shin

Guests can dine in the main seating area called the Ochre Room, and sip cocktails on cozy chairs and sofas, while surrounded by dramatic gold décor and a custom-made, chainlink chandelier that expands the entire ceiling above. Or, diners can alternatively order a cocktail from the dimly lit cove of the Onyx Bar or enjoy their drinks al fresco from the New York-esque terrace that offers views of the city.

The CEO describes the space as “edgy, sophisticated, and comfortable,” drawing inspiration from legendary designer Alexander McQueen. “McQueen is very edgy, and very forward,” he says. “And, we wanted to deliver a space that was on the cutting edge and not just a beautiful space. You can easily do beautiful, but to do edgy, sexy, and beautiful at the same time, it’s much more exciting, much more challenging and much more rewarding.”

He explains it presents the same edge and elegance of the original Ultra Supper Club, which permanently closed back in 2012, though it’s much more “advanced.”

 “This is the 2023 version or the 2025 version,” he explains. “Ultra Supper Club was very sophisticated and edgy back twenty years ago, and this feels the same but it’s 2023. It’s today, it’s tomorrow, it’s the future.”

Most importantly, for Khabouth, was to create a space that guests could easily enjoy all night long. Unlike the original Ultra Supper Club, the menu from Executive Chef Kihyun Kim (formerly of Akira Black) is Pan-Asian, which the CEO explains, is “something of the past” and nobody else in the city is really doing anymore.

Taking a twist on Asian dishes, the menu embraces tradition with lighter, airy mains, and cold and hot share plates at the forefront of the menu. Celebrating Asian flavours and premium ingredients from China, Vietnam, and Thailand, features include sushi and sashimi, rice and noodles, and robata grill mains including steak, cod and lamb chops.

“We’re bringing the best of every Asian country, all under one roof,” says the CEO.

The Nimbus martini Photo: Betty Shin Binon

To pair with the Asian dishes, Ultra’s innovative cocktail menu is inspired by the culture and flavours of East Asia. The Kuro Mame is a twist on Vietnamese Coffee, with woodford reserve, tia maria, cold brew, condensed milk and black sesame, while Ultra’s signature is the Onyx Martini, a cold infusion of Pandem leaf, with vodka and Tok Jumai Sanzen Omachi Sake. To ensure every meal has a drink to pair with it, a curated sake collection showcases some of the most traditional varieties sourced from Japanese breweries, while an extensive wine list caters to all tastes.

After dinner, Ultra seamlessly turns into a nightclub, offering live music and entertainment well into the early hours of the morning from Thursday until Saturday.

Ultra opens June 6 at 12 St. Clair Avenue East from 5 until 11 p.m., with the Supper Club experience open from Thursday through Saturday until 2 a.m. Ultra is now accepting reservations through OpenTable.

T.O. men got offended by women’s Facebook group so they made their own

By
Julia Mastroianni
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0
Austin Distel/Unsplash

For the past year, women in Toronto have been using the “Are we dating the same guy?” Facebook group to warn other women about men they’ve dated who have harassed or abused them or find out whether the men they’re dating are cheating on them. Versions of this Facebook group have popped up in cities all over, from New York to London. Obviously, the group has struck a nerve in Toronto — it seems men didn’t enjoy being called out for their bad behaviour. Now, they’ve chosen to retaliate by creating a copycat group called, “Are we dating the same girl?”

The private Facebook group bars women from entry and, lest anyone believes the creation of the group was out of genuine concern for men’s safety in the dating world, take a look at the description: “[T]hey want to make a group about cheating men. Lets [sic] see if the women are saints!”

The group, which was created three months ago, has amassed 1,100 members, almost half of which joined in the past week — by comparison, there are over 50,000 members in the original “Are we dating the same guy?” group. Some of the group’s rules are taken almost word-for-word from the original group’s rules, including a rule not allowing members to post personal or contact information of the women they’re posting about and a note that members are posting at their own risk and could be sued for libel or defamation depending on what they post.

Notable additions to the new group’s rules include two emphasising that women (charmingly referred to as “females” in the rule’s title) are not allowed. “Men with girlfriends/wives that join are not allowed to show anyone else the post [sic] in the group for no [sic] reason whatsoever,” rule number five says. Rule number six is titled, “Read #5 ladies” in all capital letters. “STOP trying to join. You are NOT slick,” the description reads.

Women have already taken to social media to discuss the new group, noting that the original group was created to warn other women about abusive men and suggesting that the new group will be used for very different purposes.


Glimpses inside the group show that they may be right — while the number one rule of the “Are we dating the same girl?” Facebook group is to “be kind and courteous,” members have been seen making fun of women’s appearances in posts and have even posted about women they’ve never dated before.

@shesisabrokenbubble Men wanna be like women so bad #arewedatingthesameguy #hatersgonnahate #whyisthereapictureofmeonig ♬ original sound – carson

In a Reddit thread about creating an “Are we dating the same girl?” group in Ontario, one commenter said, “They tried to get one up and running but it quickly became hot or not. The women’s group is to warn others about potentially dangerous and abusive men. Whereas the men’s group was saying she’s a whore, she’s ugly etc.”

The group is still in its early stages, and will no doubt grow from here. It remains to be seen whether it turns into a cesspool for misogyny  or a genuinely helpful group for men to ask for dating advice (if the original Facebook group is any indication, it looks like they need it).

Read our first-person account of the “Are we dating the same guy?” Facebook group here.

Its no big dill that Toronto might soon get 30 new pickleball courts

By
Jennifer Schembri
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0
fairgrounds pickleball club
Fairgrounds Pickleball

It’s the fastest growing sport in North America, so it’s kind of a no brainer that a new pickleball court just opened downtown.

A partnership between the city’s first Pickleball social club, Fairgrounds and Stackt Market, the court is inclusive of all  players from beginners to elite and is located at 28 Bathurst Street.

The sport combines tennis, badminton, and ping pong on a  badminton-size court, and requires only three items to play: a paddle, waffle ball and a net. The game is  a sensation in many parts of North America, thanks to its simplicity of play, and the fact that you don’t have to channel your inner Novak Djokovic to be good at it. An estimated 72,000 people in Toronto alone have played pickleball in the last year.


And soon, more Torontonians may have the chance to  partake in the pickleball movement.

In response to rapidly growing demand, on Monday, Parks Forestry and Recreation released an eight page report, which reccomends adding more pickleball courts across the city at outdoor skating rinks, under-utilized tennis courts and other city-owned flat surfaces.

“It’s just great the city is committed to growing this popular sport by looking at affordable ways to permit playing on under-used outdoor flat surfaces” said Toronto-Danforth’s City Councillor Paula Fletcher, who has led the push for more pickleball courts. “It’s also another example of how we can provide affordable recreation opportunities for Torontonians.”

The report also calls for for opportunities to add three purpose-built pickleball facilities by 2026 with locations in the north south and east ends of the city.

Fairgrounds Pickleball
The Fairgrounds pickleball club located at 2400 Yonge St.

“Toronto-Danforth now has the most pickleball courts in the city and 45% of all pickleball courts in south Toronto,” said Fletcher. “I’m so happy to have worked with the East Toronto Pickleball Association to find locations where pickleball courts could be added in my ward to accomplish this.”

The report will be considered by the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on June 5, and if adopted will go before city council on June 14.

There are currently 165 pickleball courts in the city and programming for the sport is on offer at more than 50 Toronto rec centres.

The new Stackt Market court is open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 p.m. until 9 p.m.  You can check out the space and reserve your spot via the Fairgrounds website.

DIY expert Mark Rason’s guide to decking out the backyard this summer

By
Julia Mastroianni
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0

Mark is a craftsman, woodworker, and social media personality with a passion for empowering others to “Do It Themselves.” He has catapulted his way into the DIY/home reno world, becoming a credible online content creator known for sharing the creative tips and tricks he has picked up throughout his carpentry journey. Follow him at @remarkableworks to discover new ideas and inspiration.

The warmer weather is upon us and, with that, a few crucial months where us Canadians like to get outside and embrace the sunshine and warmth. This summer, many may have plans to visit a cottage in Muskoka, hang out by a community pool or take a hike through one of Ontario’s beautiful provincial parks. Now, I love to do these things too, but what if I could offer you some DIY tips to make the most of your backyard space at home? This summer let’s focus on making your home the ideal vacation destination.

Create zones based on your hobbies

When you are looking at your outdoor space – regardless of if it’s big, small, backyard or front yard – it’s important to put some thought into how you are going to use it and if it aligns with your favourite pastimes. When I am getting to know my clients, I explore their favourite hobbies and how they intend to use the outdoor space and then create “zones” that represent those activities. 

This multi-zone backyard oasis features a space for barbecuing, entertaining and lounging in the shade. Courtesy: MicroPro Sienna

In my backyard, I have a kids zone with an outdoor chalkboard (details on how to make this below) and a trampoline. We also have a lounging zone with a pergola and two chairs. I intentionally shaded this area with a pergola as this is where we like to lounge on sunny days. Lastly, we have an entertaining zone. This doesn’t need to be shaded, though it does need to have a lot of seating to draw people in. 

I have limited space, so I need to work with what I have – or as I like to say, “you get what you get, and you don’t get upset!” Establishing zones in advance allowed me to create a backyard oasis that is multi-functional and makes the most of my outdoor space. 

Enter: The humble fence! Make use of vertical spaces 

Many think of a fence as a simple privacy structure, and you’re not wrong. But it’s also the perfect canvas for you to elevate your backyard. Here’s a few ways you can do that:

  1. If you have a fence relatively close to your barbecue, consider putting a sturdy hook on it that you can use for your barbecue cover. Not only does it keep it off the ground, it looks neat and saves you from having to put a big, space-killing storage container in your backyard.
  2. Add solar lights to your fence to create a sense of ambiance when the sun goes down. 
  3. Don’t underestimate the power of adding more nature into your space. Consider hanging plants along the fence or raised garden beds.  

Do it yourself 

I think we can all agree that the cost of just about everything has skyrocketed over the last little while. If you look at the price of buying versus building something like a piece of furniture or an outdoor lawn game for your backyard, you’ll quickly find that DIY is your friend! When I’m building outdoor projects, including fences, decks, pergolas, outdoor games and planters, I always opt for pressure treated wood because it is durable and versatile. You also can’t beat the warm, brown colour… it truly elevates the look and feel of your outdoor space and bodes well with furniture. 

Here’s a few you can try out this summer.

Planter boxes

If you’re planning to grow your own veggies or herbs this year, check out this guide to building your own fun and easy planter boxes. These are another great way to make use of your vertical space. 

Outdoor chalkboard

chalkboard

This is one of my favourite family-friendly builds – it was the first thing I made with my daughter! 

What you need:

  • Tile backer
  • Chalkboard paint 
  • Pressure treated wood
  • Cut-N-Seal 
  • Exacto knife  
  • Speed square
  • Screws/screwdriver 
  • Drill 
  • Circular saw 
  • Tape measure 
  • Pencil
  • All your favour safety gear 
  • Level/straight edge
  • 1 box of 1 5/8 inch cement board screws 
  • 2- and 3-inch deck screws

How to make it:

    1. Using your Exacto knife and straight edge, score the tile backer and break it down to your preferred size for the face of the chalkboard.
    2. Apply chalkboard paint onto the tile backer. This is a fun one for the kids! Make sure they are wearing goggles and gloves. 
    3. Measure and cut four pieces of pressure treated wood to your desired size.
    4. Don’t forget to seal the cut ends with Cut-N-Seal to protect it from rot and decay!
    5. Using a speed square, you can measure to make sure your frame is square. 
    6. Once the frame is cut, lay it out on the floor. Place the tile backer on top and screw the 1 5/8 inch screws through the tile backer to the wood. This will secure the pieces together. 
    7. Now, you are ready to screw the chalk board to a fence post using 3 inch deck screws, at a desired height that works for your kids, or you! 

Have an incredible summer!



The 10 best restaurants on Ossington, ranked

By
Jennifer Schembri
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Photo: Destination Toronto

Ossington Avenue in Toronto’s west end is a bustling strip known for its collection of good food, cool retail and vintage shopping, trendy cafes and a collection of effortlessly cool bars to suit any mood. It was even named one of the top 15 “world’s coolest streets” in  Time Out’s second annual rankings, making it a go-to stop on your Toronto itinerary. 

Whether you live in the city or are planning a visit, Ossington’s culinary offerings are a must-try and lucky for you, we rounded up the top 10 spots that helped build this street’s reputation. 

10. Reposado Bar & Lounge


Come for the selection of Tequila and Mezcal, stay for the cozy patio and nightly live music. While you’re there sipping on a flight from their extensive tequila selection, snack on tapas plates like tacos, mini burritos and chips and guacamole. 136 Ossington Ave.

9. Actinolite


Just beyond the core of Ossington Avenue is Actinolite, featuring an ever-evolving menu according to what’s in season, fresh and available. Much of what’s served in the multi-course tasting menu – affectionately called the ‘Neighborhood Menu’ – is even grown in the restaurants very own backyard or foraged around rural Ontario. 971 Ossington Ave.

8. La Banane


La Banane is serving up contemporary French cuisine on the Ossington strip, complete with a raw bar featuring East Coast oysters, shrimp cocktail, Nova Scotia lobsters and more. Other French-inspired fare includes seared foir gras made savoury-sweet with roasted pineapple, winter spice and jus. The approachable-meets-refined spot also has a succinct wine menu with bottles and by-the-glass options for red, white and roses. 227 Ossington Ave.

7. Manita


Manita is self-described as a neighbourhood café, grocer and bar with a cozy interior, small outdoor patio and delicious food and drinks. Come for brunch, lunch or dinner and order the upscalbut be prepared to wait, the spot doesn’t take reservations and due to limited space, often has a bit of a wait time. The star of the show is fresh, seasonal ingredients with hearty, comfort-food dishes like Tomato & Fava Bean Tagliatelle and the tried-and-true burger. 210 Ossington Ave.

6. Mamakas


Mamakas is Ossington’s go-to spot for elevated, rustic Aegan cuisine, with the goal of delivering a dining experience that features the most authentic representation of modern Greek cuisine and culture. Think delicious mezzes like tzatziki or Domades Thalassinon (calamari, mussels, prawns, octopus, saffron, collard grens, bulgur and dill. Entrees include lamb shakshuka and eggplant with fried duck egg. Mamakas is an ideal spot for a chic, slightly upscale dinner experience with food you’ll love. 80 Ossington Ave.

5. Foxley


Cozy bistro vibes meets upscale fine dining in this spot serving contemporary pan-Asian plates meant for sharing. Helmed by Chef Tom Thai, this spot has been operational since 2007 and was even featured in a Vogue.com Toronto restaurant round-up for must-try spots in the city. Select from a thoughtful menu of seafood, fresh salads and veggie plates and meat-focused entrees like lamb and duck prosciutto dumplings or grilled pork side ribs with caramelized shallot glaze. Pair your food with a glass (or bottle) from the restaurant’s expansive wine list. 207 Ossington Ave.

4.Favorites Thai BBQ


As if this Thai BBQ spot and wine bar’s location can’t get any cooler, it’s a speakeasy. Located above Same James Coffee Bar, blink and you’ll miss this spot. Walk into the coffee shop toward the back where a host/hostess will be there to greet you, and take you up narrow stairs to the upper level where the perfectly pink restaurant is located. Dine on classic Thai faves like spring rolls, curry chicken wings, Northern Thai sausage and Thai-style oysters with Nahm Jim, chili jam and fried shallots. 141 Ossington Ave.

3. The Haifa Room


Transport yourself to the Israeli port city of Haifa just by walking through the doors of this dimly lit spot on the corner of Ossington and Dundas West. Snag savoury eats like Sababa Pita, Fattoush Salad or boneless lamb shoulder. The drink list has something for everyone too, with the usual cocktail classics like Aperol spritz, mimosas and Tom Collins’. 224 Ossington Ave.

2. Côte de Boeuf


Inspired by the neighborhoods of Paris, Côte de Boeuf is Toronto’s local bistro bar à vin and traditional style butcher shop serving local sourced beef butchered and handsawed in-house. The chefs even make their own terrines and foie gras, giving patrons a truly elevated experience. Select a prime cut of local beef, newly dry-aged Snake River Farm wagyu or peameal bacon. On occasion they also carry aged pork chops, chickens, or game birds. Want a truly one-of-a-kind experience? Bring a group of 6 – 8 people and opt for the Butcher’s Table, a specially curated menu for $145/person. 130 Ossington Ave.

1. Paris Paris


Whether you want a quick glass of wine or are hoping to share small plates of quality food over a bottle with friends, Paris Paris is the perfect place for quality sips in an unpretentious, uber-cool environment. The wine list is pages and pages long with something to suit even the fussiest of palates. The food is guided by simplicity, without sacrificing flavour. Think: oysters, grilled argentine shrimp, lobster spaghetti and classic beef tartare. Heading out during the warmer months? Snag a spot on their expansive patio for prime people watching. 146 Ossington Ave.

Is a DIY bathroom renovation worth it?

By
Dorothy Chudzinski
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Your bathroom has seen better days and now it is time for a makeover.  There are many reasons why a renovation makes sense. A remodel can improve the appearance, safety and functionality of your bathroom. Best of all, it can increase the value of your home. It has been estimated you can recoup $4 for every dollar spent on a renovation should you decide to sell your home. Of course, like any home construction project, the question becomes: should you try to save money and do it yourself or hire a contractor?

Consider the scope

You need to decide the scope of your project. Many people can tackle cosmetic changes, such as new fixtures and paint. With the right advice, you may even want to try your hand at replacing the flooring. However, a major renovation could test your electrical, plumbing and construction skills. And don’t forget, you will need the right tools and the know-how to use them.

Having a plan is the key. Without one you could make costly mistakes. Consider what changes will make you happy. Are you gutting your old bathroom? Do you want a new layout? If you are satisfied with your current flooring and bathroom tiles a new vanity or countertop might be the way to spruce things up. Do you want to keep your present bathtub and shower? Perhaps you only need to change the fixtures. New lighting could also bring the room up-to-date.

Think carefully about the level of difficulty of the jobs you want to attempt. Of course, you don’t have to be shy about trying something new. It may not be easy but it is not out of reach for someone with a little skill and a lot of patience.

Decide what you want and set a budget

Before putting a budget together you need to decide the design of your new bathroom and the features you want. With so many styles and options it is a good idea to seek expert advice. Those in the construction industry will tell you that people often make one of two common mistakes — spending too much or not enough. You need to do your research to ensure what you are buying will bring the value you need.

As well, it is always advisable to add a little padding to your budget to deal with contingencies. After all, renovations do not always go as planned.

Find a knowledgeable building supplier

If you are planning a DIY project it is important to find a supplier you can trust. Bernardi Building Supply has been serving the construction industry for more than 50 years and has everything you need for any size job. They also have the expertise to point you in the right direction when it comes to selecting the materials you require from drywall products and accessories to pipes and fittings.

Bernardi’s supplies are sourced from the most reputable manufacturers in the industry and they offer the best prices on the market. They also sell high-quality tools with knowledgeable staff who can answer even the most difficult questions.

Depending on the size of your project, you may have to apply for a building permit. According to the City of Toronto, a permit is required for the construction and/or demolition of a new building, an addition, or material alteration of any building or structure. You should always check to ensure you are in compliance with local bylaws.

Always remember to be careful of biting off more than you can chew. You could be handy around the house, but you may have to swallow your pride and hire a professional to deal with plumbing or electrical issues. Making a mistake in a bathroom renovation could cost far more than you budgeted for the entire project.

Shop online and save time

The internet offers an almost limitless selection of products you will need to complete your project. Easy Reno Store is a Canadian online retailer with a large selection of products manufactured from trusted materials from quality suppliers.

Their lighting selection offers a variety of fixtures, including vanity lights, recessed lighting and wall sconces. You can also choose your vanity, storage options, faucets, bathtubs, showers, toilets and mirrors from the comfort of your home. There is free shipping or you can pick your purchase up the next day at one of their stores.

If you decide not to do the renovation yourself, Easy can take the reins. They will meet with you to discuss your layout and create a design. They take care of getting permits and materials and ensure quality construction standards with start-to-finish customer support.

There is plenty to consider when it comes to bathroom renovations. But whatever you decide, always remember planning and patience go a long way.

 

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