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Taste of the Danforth is returning to Toronto for the first time since 2019

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Toronto’s beloved street festival Taste of the Danforth is set to return to the city this summer after it was put on pause for the last three years.

Set to take place Aug.11 to Aug. 13 2023, the popular east-end fest will be “reimagined” this year according to Mary Fragedakis, executive director of the GreekTown on the Danforth BIA.

In 2020 and 2021, the event was cancelled due to the pandemic and last year, the BIA postponed the event citing timing and city infrastructure.

Local city councillor, Paula Fletcher who represents Ward 14, Toronto-Danforth, took to Twitter to share the news.

“Taste of the Danforth a go for 2023!” she said in the Tweet. “Very happy that Board of Directors of Greek Town BIA voted today to hire an event planner to assist them to plan and execute this year’s Taste”

Attracting more than 1 million people each year, the summer tradition is Canada’s largest street festival and Toronto’s premier celebration of Greek heritage. Free to attend, the festival spans over three days with attendees visiting from all over the country where they fill up on tasty Greek and mediterranean fare, learn about the culture and enjoy music from participating vendors on the strip.

In an email sent to the CBC, the city said they “look forward to the return of the reimagined festival this August (organizers will confirm the dates once final) as well as the many benefits it brings to local businesses, residents and visitors.”

The festival, organized by the GreekTown on the Danforth BIA, dates back to 1994. This year marks its 27th year in Toronto.

Provocative play ‘Rubble’ set in Palestine and written by a Toronto neurologist opens tomorrow

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Rubble playwright
Suvendrini Lena (photo: Yi Shi)

Toronto playwright and medical doctor Suvendrini Lena is carrying on the tradition of doctor/writer that dates back to the days of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Anton Chekov. Her latest work, Rubble, opens at the Theatre Passe Muraille on Feb 25 and runs until (opening night, March 2) March 18.

Rubble, is based on the poetry of Palestinian writers Mahmoud Darwish (translated by Fady Joudah) and Lena Khalaf Tuffaha, and employs the backdrop of the crisis in Palestine as a terrain from which to examine the value of art.

That alone could be construed as controversial, says Lena, who was born in England to a family from Sri Lanka.

“I think it’s [controversial] because it’s set in Gaza, which is an occupied territory. Even if I say that, that becomes a controversial statement. It depends on your perspective,” she says, of Rubble. “There are scenes of a Palestinian family living through the siege of Gaza in 2014. So there is that actual historical element to it. And on the other hand, it really is a play that is about poetry. The entry point into that whole situation is a poem that was written by a poet named Lena Khalaf Tuffaha.”

Lena, who is a practising neurologist and assistant professor of neurology and psychiatry, worked in Palestine as a medical student while attending the University of Toronto. It wasn’t during the siege, but she did see the impact of bombings first-hand, and it left her changed. 

“Sometimes you write just because you need to get something out. And I think that’s where this play comes from,” she says. “And the reason why I think poetry is helpful is because you need a way to understand experiences. And so connecting with the way that Palestinian poets had expressed these experiences through their poetry was helpful and meaningful.”

Lena explains that she’s always wanted to be a writer, but as the child of an immigrant family, she had parents determined to set her off on a course of financial success: lawyer, engineer or, in her case, doctor. But her creative side would find a way to burrow to the surface.

“As a doctor, to understand the body and the struggles that people go through. I mean, there’s lots of grist for the writer’s mill there,” Lena says. “But I always wanted to be a writer, so my journey was about how to create a space for myself in which to write in a way that’s going to be meaningful for me and, hopefully, for others. I like theatre because you can deal with conflicts, ideas, arguments. The audience gets to make up its own mind.”

Rubble is a dramatic imagining of the celebrated poetry of Mahmoud Darwish (translated by Fady Joudah) and Lena Khalaf Tuffaha. The drama of the play unfolds as a mother and her family in Gaza receive a courtesy call: “You have 58 seconds to leave your home before an explosion. Run.” Through the play, Lena raises questions about the meaning of poetry in the midst of war.

Rubble is directed by Aluna Theatre’s Beatriz Pizano, and features a performance ensemble that includes Roula Said, Lara Arabian, Parya Heravi, Sam Khalilieh, and Yousef Kadoura.

Rubble runs at Theatre Passe Muraille until March 18. 

Renowned drag queen Priyanka is throwing a costume ball in Toronto next month

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priyanka

Toronto drag queen Priyanka has been hard at work parlaying her recent success into a number of creative outlets from albums to TV projects and, apparently, in keeping with the whole queen theme, even costume balls.

The latest, is ESCAPE: Priyanka’s Iconic Wonderland, described as “a concept costume ball and experiential universe”  happening March 24 at the legendary Palais Royale.

“This is going to be an iconic night for the city,” said Priyanka, the season one winner of Canada’s Drag Race. “Not only because your favourite pop star queen, Me (D’uh), will finally debut my yet-to-be-released brand new song, but because Toronto doesn’t have enough opportunities to dress up and show off its best.”

In addition to the event, Priyanka (the drag persona of Mark “Suki” Suknanan) also signed a development deal with Bell Media and joined the cast of ETALK as a special contributor. Oh, and did we mention she’s also a pop and country music artist? Priyanka’s EP Taste Test, has more than 15 million streams, and a debut album is slated for release later this year.

So, yes, the former YTV Kids host and budding entertainment superstar is kind of a big deal. And it all came together when a drag queen by the name of Ecstasy Love performed at her 26th birthday in 2017 and suggested she try drag.

“It was really a godmother moment. I was feeling unfulfilled at work and wanted to be doing something more creative as an artist, so I thought, ‘Let me just try it.’ I auditioned for [drag bar] Crews & Tangos, and that’s how it all began.”

Priyanka hit the ground running and has parlayed her early success into a career that sees her exploring new ventures and growing her audience across numerous platforms.

“I am such a mashup of things: I’m a brown person, I’m queer, I’m a drag queen and an ex–kids’ TV host. I want that to speak in my music, too, and include elements of all of the different genres,” she said, during a previous interview with StreetsofToronto.

ESCAPE will feature a one-night-only performance by Priyanka and special guests Fefe Dobson, RALPH, and two of Toronto’s top DJs Nino Brown and DJ Phillipe.

According to event information, formal dress or costume is required for entrance and guests can upgrade for a shared red carpet experience with Priyanka and other top trendsetters.

Plans for renovation of historic Regent Theatre take shape with new development application

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regent
Regent Theatre rendering (city of Toronto application)

It’s been in the works for a while, but Terra Bruce Productions has finally submitted its application to develop the historic Regent Theatre at 551 Mount Pleasant Rd. And, it looks pretty fantastic — no condos, preservation of the historic facade and the makings of a great addition to midtown Toronto.

The cover letter submitted with the application by engineering firm NORR on behalf of Terra Bruce Productions outlines the plans for the theatre, originally constructed in 1927.

The plan is to “substantially replacing the existing lobby, auditorium, and stage to create a modern, state-of-the-art live theatre and performance venue. It adds a third-storey lobby and balcony seating area (approximate 230 square meters), and a three-storey, 1,078-square meter addition to the rear of the building that will contain back-of-house uses, mechanical spaces, and a community rehearsal space. The north and south (side) walls and east (rear) wall will be replaced, while the historic west façade fronting Mt. Pleasant Rd will be preserved.”

Parking spaces at the rear of the building will be removed and not replaced, but bicycle parking will be added.

The Regent Theatre was designated a heritage property last November.

“Everybody involved recognizes that it has significant heritage value both for the community and the City of Toronto,” said Bob Hallett, Terra Bruce’s chief operating officer, at the time. “And that maintaining as much of the various heritage aspects as we can is desirable.”

Local city councillor Jaye Robinson has been working behind the scenes on the project.

“Midtown lacks arts and culture desperately — it’s all downtown. And midtown is growing by leaps and bounds,” said Robinson, last fall ahead of the heritage nod. “We need amenities and we need infrastructure, and part of the amenities is some arts and culture in this area. We want the theatre, so we’re going to push them [Terra Bruce] and keep them on the straight and narrow on it.”

Here is a look at the Regent project renderings included with the application.

regent

I took the cold plunge in Toronto and the results were shocking

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Magic happens at the edge of our comfort zone. I’ve never shied away from a challenge, but as a Canadian who despises the cold, the concept of submerging my body in an icy pool of water has never appealed to me.

As a kid, I was a competitive swimmer. As an adult, I free dive. The water has always been a source of comfort to me. But when my editor suggested taking my safe place and making it my version of uncomfortable, I knew it was time to face my discomfort and take the plunge.

Cold plunges offer a plethora of health benefits, including immune support, active recovery, pain relief, stress release and increased dopamine, which is linked to mood-boosting benefits.


Unbounded Well is an outdoor wellness playground located in the heart of downtown Toronto in stackt market. With an emphasis on hot and cold therapies and breathing techniques, the spa features Scandinavian saunas, a geodesic breathwork dome, bonfire lounges and ice-cold plunge pools. Nick McNaught, Unbounded’s founder and CEO, led me through the exhilarating experience, guiding me through breathwork preparation, before I took the plunge. 

Explaining that the first 30 seconds would be the hardest, Nick informed me that the two-minute mark is where the health benefits really come to into play. So, in my head, two minutes was my goal.  

Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the water and ice. With my body tensing and my heart pounding, Nick calmly instructed me to breathe and find my heart. Through each breath, I could feel my body trying to adjust. Through shivers, my breathing began to stabilize, my heart started to slow, and my mind found tranquility.  

At this moment, Nick turned the timer to me. It read two minutes fifty seconds. Exhilaration flooded through me. I had reached my goal, completing not only the physical challenge, but the mental one. As I smiled, still shivering, I felt grounded in my discomfort, staying submerged until over the four-minute mark.

This experience showed me that our bodies are capable of so much. With the right mindset and a knowledgeable instructor, we’re able to push our boundaries more than we expect — and the journey ends up being half of the fun. 

To have a chilly adventure of your own, we rounded up Ontario’s best spots for cold experiences.

Scandinave Blue Mountain

The Scandinave Spa in Blue Mountain is all about the Scandinavian benefits of hot and cold circuits, and it offers everything from Nordic waterfalls to cold plunge baths to rolling around in the snow for your ice plunge experience. scandinave.com

The Spa at Q

This Niagara-on-the-Lake spa offers a unique hydrotherapy circuit. Start in the hot pool, move to the sensory showers, then enjoy the dry sauna and eucalyptus steam room before taking the plunge in the snow room. Finish off in the warm pool and pat yourself on the back! 124queen.com

Othership

Othership, at 425 Adelaide St. W., is a bathhouse experience that offers “wellness entertainment,” featuring saunas, breathwork and ice baths. Book an “evening social” experience with friends, a one-on-one class or even a couples’ one to try the ice bath, ranging from 0 to 4℃. othership.us

Beloved Toronto musician Hayden set to release first new album in 8 years

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Hayden
Hayden

As far as sad and forlorn singer-songwriters go, one of the OGs of the genre is surely Toronto’s Hayden Dresser. It’s been eight years since his last album, but he’s back and set to release Are We Good on April 5.

Hayden starting strumming beautifully mopey ditties in the bedroom of his Thornhill family home back in the early 90s when the music landscape was decidedly different.

He released his first EP In September on, wait for it, cassette followed by his debut album Everything I Long For recorded at his family home on a four-track. These are albums that aren’t even available on Spotify! If you can imagine that.

Hayden, his penchant for plaid, his unkempt looks, his reclusive persona, became a hot commodity and a bidding war between major record labels ensued with the venerable Geffen Records winning out.

What followed what a series of really quite wonderful albums and a career that possible peaked early on in terms of exposure and success in the mainstream maelstrom of things. But this one is gifted and his music is a wonderful thing and one we are happy to see more of. It’s been too long.

Word of a new album comes alongside the arrival of the lead single “On A Beach (feat Feist)” and a star-studded official video featuring fellow Toronto musician Leslie Feist with cameos by Matt Berninger of The National and actor Steve Buscemi (who Hayden last worked with on the music for Trees Lounge, Buscemi’s 1997 directorial debut).

Although it took a long time for Hayden to get together the new collection of music, one song, “On A Beach” came to him almost fully formed.

“One afternoon February 2021 I was asleep at my piano when I received a text from my friend Leslie (Feist), inviting me to be a part of a songwriting workshop with several other musicians of note. I was terrified, but joined in as an attempt to jolt myself out of submission,” said Dresser. “The idea was to write a song a day for seven consecutive days, sharing them later each evening with the other writers. A great combination of pure feet to the fire expression and accountability.”

Hayden says “On A Beach” was his submission on day four of the workshop.

“I continued tinkering with the song and recording in the following weeks, adding a bridge, tracking several synth lines to try to create what I thought hypnosis may sound like,” he continued. “A few weeks later, Leslie was in town and I invited her to sing on a newer verse I’d written to make the song more of a conversation. Who better than the best, and the one who basically made the song happen in the first place.”

The album, Are We Good, was written, produced, and mixed predominantly by Hayden at Skyscraper National Park, the studio at the top of his Toronto home. It is here where Hayden lives with his family, his wife and child who has developmental disabilities. His daughter is what inspired Hayden to create the now iconic Dream Serenade benefit concerts that happen every November, mostly at Massey Hall. And that’s where we have had our only chance to hear him perform as of late alongside a collection of spectacular guests who come together to raise money for his daughter’s Beverley Street School,  and other like-minded schools and care-centres in the GTA.

Hopefully, a new album means more opportunity to catch Hayden perform live in and around the city this spring and summer.

The best bagels in Toronto

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Primerose Bagels
Primerose bagels (Gareth Hoom)

Fresh bagels are one of life’s most affordable pleasures. Toasted or plain, sweet or savoury, topped with cream cheese or turned into a towering sandwich, bagels come in a variety of shapes, sizes and even textures, and Toronto is home to some of the best. Here’s where to find the best bagels in Toronto.

Kettleman’s Bagels

After opening its first Etobicoke location a few years ago, Kettleman’s Bagels has been pumping out hand-stretched, Montreal-style bagels 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to the delight of those in the community. Kettleman’s expertly cuts, rolls and bakes an average of 9,000 to over 10,000 bagels per day, and they’re available in 14 different flavours, including traditional types like sesame and poppyseed but also specialty flavours like herb and cheddar and chocolate chip.

Bubby’s New York Bagels

 

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With more than 30+ bagels on the menu, a range of hand-packed schmears and even a full breakfast and lunch menu, Bubby’s New York Bagels offers one of the most varied selections in the city. Choose from an array of classics or try something new and different, like the French toast bagel or the Montreal steak spice bagel topped with everything from a fried egg and cheese to more than 20 different kinds of herring.

Primose Bagel Company

Hand-rolled bagels and a variety of sweet and savoury spreads and generous toppings await those who set foot in Primrose Bagel. Open seven days a week, Primrose Bagel has seven thick, doughy bagels to choose from, including specialty flavours like the honey oat bagel and the rock salt bagel. A variety of cream cheeses are also available, including a vegan black olive cream cheese and, for something with a bit more bite, the horseradish cream cheese, along with classic bagel sandwiches like lox and cream cheese and breakfast options.

St. Urbain Bagel

One of the first things that you smell walking through the doors of the St. Lawrence Market was St. Urbain Bagel. As the oldest bagel shop in Toronto with a colourful history dating back to the early 1900s, St. Urbain is a staple in the downtown core. They offer a mix of traditional, healthy and sweet bagels, all made using fresh ingredients. St. Urbain also serves flatzls (a flatter version of their original fluffy bagels), as well as bourekas, a phyllo pastry usually stuffed with sweet or savoury ingredients, like sweet cheese or potato and mushroom, and newer items like the craigel (a bagel–croissant hybrid). A selection of bagel sandwiches is also available.

The Bagel House

The Bagel House, a Toronto bakery chain since 1999/2000, brings authentic Montreal-style, hand-rolled bagels to the GTA. Boiled in honey water and baked in a maple wood-fired oven, their bagels are chewy, slightly sweet, and slightly larger than traditional Montreal ones. Open 24/7, it’s a go-to spot for late-night cravings. Beyond bagels, they serve sandwiches, pastries, and spreads. Limited seating, frequent lines, and variable service are balanced by fresh, comforting food and the irresistible rustic aroma of wood-fired ovens.

Gryfe’s Bagel Bakery

 

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Gryfe’s Bagel Bakery, a Toronto institution since 1915, is famous for its light, airy bagels with a thin, crispy crust, offering a “no-chew,” melt-in-your-mouth experience unlike dense Montreal or New York styles. Known for their “flats,” freshly baked classics like poppy, everything, and cheese danishes, and pizza bagels, the century-old bakery produces up to 18,000 bagels daily. Long lineups, cash-only service, and an old-school vibe complement the nostalgia, freshness, and comforting flavors that make Gryfe’s a true Canadian classic.

Bagel World

 

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Bagel World, a Toronto-area institution for over 50 years, is famous for its authentic New York-style bagels, especially the signature flat “Flagels” and giant twisted “Twisters.” Boiled and baked in a traditional open-fire oven with no preservatives, their bagels are fresh, warm, and chewy. The bustling deli-bakery offers 20 bagel varieties, spreads, breakfast, lunch, and pastries in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Long lineups, limited parking, and spotty service are outweighed by generous portions, nostalgic charm, and fresh, comforting food.

Bagel on Fire

 

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Bagels on Fire, a Toronto favorite since 2013, specializes in authentic Montreal-style bagels with a smaller, thinner shape, larger hole, and dense, slightly sweet texture from honey-water boiling. Hand-rolled and baked in wood-fired ovens, they achieve a smoky, crisp crust with chewy, flavorful interiors. Popular items include twisted, pretzel, coconut, and classic sesame or onion bagels, as well as breakfast sandwiches. Fresh daily with specialty cream cheeses and coffee, the bakery offers a friendly, neighborhood vibe across its Beaches, Queen West, and Front Street locations.

 

Here’s the scoop on Chapman’s ice cream’s collab with an Indigenous-owned coffee company

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Chapman’s, one of Canada’s oldest ice cream manufacturers has teamed up with an Ojibway-owned company to create a brand new ice cream flavour.

Part of Chapman’s new “Super Premium Plus” line of ice cream, the new cold brew coffee flavour is a collaboration with Birch Bark Coffee Co., and is set to hit shelves in the spring.


Established in 2018, by Marsolais-Nahwegahbow from Whitefish River First Nation, Birch Bark coffee is certified organic, Fair Trade coffee that is SPP (the acronym of the Spanish name, Simbolo de Pequeños Productores) certified, which means that it’s grown and produced by farmers that are Indigenous descendants.

“We recognize the need for an Indigenous inclusion continuum that extends globally, beginning with the Indigenous women and men farmers producing Birch Bark coffee beans to the customers supporting our cause-driven movement to the Indigenous families across Canada impacted by poor water conditions,” the company, which is based out of Ottawa states on its website.

The first collaboration for Chapman’s in their 50 year history, a portion of the proceeds of the sale of the cold brew ice cream will be donated to clean drinking water initiatives for Indigenous homes across Canada.

Birch Bark Coffee Co. took to their Instagram to share news of the launch.


“Another huge milestone for us,” the company captioned the post. “Beyond @chapmansicecream supporting us by turning our coffee into the cold brew that’s the foundational flavour in this Premium ice cream, this collaboration brings so much more to the table.”

“Our business philosophies align because we both place such great value in giving back to the community” the caption concludes.

Marsolais-Nahwegahbn told the CBC that their ice cream is the first of its kind because it’ s made with cold brew rather than freeze-dried instant coffee crystals which are typically used to make coffee-flavoured ice cream.

Birch Bark Coffee is available in retailers including Costco as well as restaurants and coffee shops including Kensington Market’s PowWow Cafe and Sanagan’s Meat Locker.

For every 50 bags of coffee purchased online, the company donates a water purification system to an Indigenous family and one for every 100 bags purchased from their retail locations.

Where Toronto’s Michelin-recognized chefs eat cheap: Jonathan Poon of Favorites Thai BBQ

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Although inflation has caused the cost of dining out to soar, there are many standout restaurants in the city with quality food at reasonable prices. And when it comes to restaurant recommendations, who better to trust than a chef — and a Michelin chef to boot!

Chef Jonathan Poon, recently awarded Bib Gourmand recognition for his restaurant Favorites Thai BBQ — a vibrant Thai hot spot on the Ossignton strip, recently shared his favourite affordable restaurant in Toronto where two can dine with wine for under $100. Read on to find out which spot he selected.

Chef Jonathan Poon wants to eat at: Nana

“The food is a true expression of Bangkok street food/comfort food,” Poon told us. “Chef Top’s skills are legendary and her authentic papaya salad with fermented raw crab and pla ra is the real — not for the faint of heart.”

Nana

With an abundance of dishes inspired by the street food found within Thailand, Nana’s intimate space is reminiscent of the eateries found on the streets of Bangkok — shared tables and colourful plastic stools in a melodic setting where guests can socialize as they nosh on dishes found across Thailand’s various regions. “Nana” is the part of Bangkok where people meet to dine and socialize, and although many of the dishes at this Queen West eatery are for the more adventurous, either in their flavour profiles, lesser-known ingredients or spice level, there are plenty of options for even the most discerning palates. Pork and crab spring rolls are a favourite to start, and colourful curries are anything but basic. New items are added to the menu each week, like the aromatically brilliant pad prik king made with tender pieces of chicken in a dry red curry paste, infused with the botanical sweetness of wild ginger. 785 Queen St. W.

If you want to know where celebrity chef Ryusuke Nakagawa of Aburi Hana eats cheap, click here, for Rob Rossi of Osteria Guilia click here.  And to find out where chef Masaki Saito gets an affordable meal, click here.

Gentrification heats up in Little Italy as glam grocer Pusateri’s opens new store

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Destination Toronto

Over the last 60 years, Torontonians have continued their love affair with Pusateri’s, the gourmet grocer that introduced locals to imported Italian goods and speciality products they couldn’t find anywhere else. And now, the glam grocery store is rejoining the community where it all started.

In the summer of 2023, Pusateri’s will return to its roots, opening a new store on College Street in Little Italy. Considered to be a very special neighbourhood to the Pusateri family — it’s where the original store, Pusateri’s Supermarket, opened in 1963 — the new location at 899 College St. will encompass approximately 10,000 square feet and feature sections dedicated to wide variety of everyday items and specialty products.


And, while the new store will be similar to it’s other locations including authentic fresh meats and cheese, prepared foods and florals, it will also include a  selection of hot foods that customers can take to go, or enjoy in the store’s indoor and outdoor seating spaces.

Armed with the mantra, “exploring artisan foods brings a sense of happiness” the new location will also include a café concept offering breakfast, a coffee bar with signature brews as well as a daily menu, with the hopes of creating a neighbourhood hub for the local community.

Promising a more modern, urban format, Paolo Pusateri says it’s only fitting that to celebrate their 60th anniversary, that they reconnect with the community they started with in 1963.

“We’re eager to once again become part of the fabric of this vibrant neighbourhood with our offer of the best quality products and selection we’re known for,” he said.

The Connoisseur room located at Saks Food Hall by Pusateri’s at CF Toronto Eaton Centre.

Salvatore Pusateri immigrated to Toronto from Sicily in 1958 and five years later, opened his first store — a produce market in the Corso Italia neighbourhood. In 1986, Salvatore’s son Cosimo transformed the shop from a simple fruit stand to a gourmet grocery store chain, when he opened a 6,000 square foot location at Lawrence and Avenue Road. He is credited with helping to introduce Toronto to a number of delicacies, including caviar from the Caspian Sea, Wagyu beef and Spanish Iberico ham.


Since then, the luxury grocery chain has seen a number of successful openings, including its food hall location at Saks Fifth Avenue Queen Street in the CF Toronto Eaton Centre as well as some closures — in 2018, the Oakville location shuttered after a two year run, and just last month, its food hall location at CF Sherway Gardens permanently closed.

You can follow along on Pusateri’s Instagram for updates on the new location.

Snowmobile season and personal injury law

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For many citizens of Ontario, the winter months mean one thing – snowmobile season. While snowmobiles can be a great source of entertainment, one wrong turn can be the difference between getting to your destination safely and sustaining a lifelong injury. As Diamond and Diamond Partner, Michael Blois says, “Snowmobiling is a fun winter hobby, but it’s important that all riders know the dangers that they’re dealing with.” As Canada’s largest personal injury law firm, Diamond and Diamond has offices all across Ontario that deal with the nuances of personal injury cases stemming from snowmobiling. Michael Blois breaks down the answers to 4 frequently asked questions that you should know before hitting the trails this season.

What Do I Need to Know About Insuring My Snowmobile?

Ensuring proper insurance coverage for your snowmobile is not only smart, but it’s also truly a necessity. “One common misconception we typically see is people who mistakenly think their automobile insurance extends to their snowmobile as well,” shares Michael Blois. This is not always the case, and it’s important to confirm your insurance coverage before you hit the snow. While snowmobiles do not require insurance when being used on private property, the second that you take them off of your own private property, they must be insured. Michael Blois continues; “one question that we’re often asked is whether or not you can pursue a personal injury claim against someone if you do not have insurance on your machine. In short, you cannot pursue a claim against someone if your accident occurred while you were driving a snowmobile that was not insured.

Can You Pursue a Personal Injury Claim Against Local Trail Associations?

The reality of heading out on the snowmobile trails in Ontario is that numerous local trail associations maintain their own respective trail system. As Michael Blois says, “we commonly have individuals come to us who have been hurt due to a lack of signage indicating turns or to slow down, which then results in an individual being hurt.” If that’s the case, there is the potential for a lawsuit because trail associations are expected to set up the trails with adequate signage to keep drivers safe.

“When you’re driving throughout the trail system in Ontario, the reality is that you likely have not been outside in each and every mile that you’re driving through. As a result, it’s on the local trail associations to ensure adequate signage is in place to prevent driving in unsafe territory, and ultimately, to help prevent serious injuries,” says Michael Blois.

Can a Passenger on a Snowmobile Pursue a Personal Injury Claim?

“One common misconception that we always see is passengers of a snowmobile thinking that they do not have the right to file a personal injury claim,” says Michael Blois. In fact, the opposite is the truth – passengers of a snowmobile actually have the most avenues to pursue a personal injury claim. These individuals could bring a claim against the driver of the snowmobile they were riding on, and they could also bring a claim against the driver of another snowmobile who caused an accident. Lastly, “One important thing to remember for passengers of a snowmobile particularly is that they do not need to have insurance in order to file a personal injury claim against negligent parties,” says Blois.

What Should Someone Do if They’ve Been Injured in a Snowmobile Accident?

First and foremost, in the aftermath of a snowmobile accident, the most important thing to do is make sure that you’re okay. “Assess yourself for injuries and call for help – that’s the most important thing to do immediately after a snowmobile accident,” says Michael Blois. After that, if you’re able to, one of the best things that you can do is take photos of the accident scene, nearby signage (or lack thereof), and anything else that may have contributed to your accident.

The last step is to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Since snowmobile accidents have many nuances that differ slightly from a typical motor vehicle accident, it’s important to speak with someone who has experience with this kind of case.

If you or someone you love was injured in a snowmobile accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to Diamond and Diamond today at 1-800-567-HURT to schedule a free consultation.

About Jeremy Diamond

Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about Jeremy Diamond.

 

 

Toronto’s only double Michelin-starred chef is set to open five new restaurants this year

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After Masaki Saito received two Michelin stars last winter for his eponymous Yorkville restaurant, the perfectionist will be opening a handful of new eateries in Toronto in 2023.

“It’s true we have five new restaurants coming this year,” said a communications aide at Saito’s restaurant. “We are working on new restaurant developments, and we aim to open them all this year. However, there’s no guarantee, as we won’t open until we are 100 per cent ready to deliver the best to our customers,” the aide went on to say. “ I don’t want to mislead the public, so I prefer to say ‘Stay tuned.’” 

Diners in Toronto who can afford to spend $680 per head will certainly be staying tuned because the most awarded restaurant in Toronto is almost impossible to get into. There was nearly a two-month wait for a reservation at Sushi Masaki Saito before the Michelin stars, and then, in January, Chef did something wild. Due to supply chain problems stemming from air shipments from Japan, Saito decided to close his restaurant on Saturday evenings, which meant that Toronto’s only two-starred Michelin chef is leaving oodles of cash on the table by choosing perfection over mass appeal.

According to the latest update, these five new restaurants will all serve Japanese food but not of the current Masaki Saito variety. They will be less expensive and less rigorous in their service. 

At his high-end sushi restaurant before the December holidays, Saito said he would rather close shop at the height of its popularity than serve something that isn’t great. 

Saito with his students at Tachi

“The food in New York is so much better than the food in Toronto, but I don’t accept that — there is no reason why Toronto cannot win,” Saito said gleefully in the tiny waiting room at his immaculate, austere, minimalist, wood-panelled Yorkville haunt. “To make something excellent, even perfect, requires sacrifice. I just think we need to take care with our fish — in Toronto, there’s too many fake chefs.”

Fake chefs and sushi joints with heavy sauces and inexperienced owners putting discounted fish on plates is causing Saito, 35, consternation. However, he admitted to a very late night recently, and it could have been the sake still milling around in his system that led him to take the gloves off. 

Speaking through a translator and surrounded by similarly dressed, similarly clean-shaven sous chefs and aides, Masaki Saito orates like the king of the world. For such an accomplished perfectionist in the kitchen — and someone who routinely battles Canadian food regulators for his insistence on serving his fish aged, as he was taught in Japan — Saito has a light, even goofy vibe. 

He talks about his life as a single man living in Yorkville and mentions that he’s having fun, but is not content. 

“Outside looking in, it might seem like I’m rich and famous, that I have many girlfriends, but I’m not rich and I’m not famous and it’s not enough,” he says and mentions his hard-core work ethic that keeps him in the restaurant most nights past 3 a.m. 

Sushi Masaki Saito

“We need power at Japanese restaurants so sushi is respected like French and Italian food, and I think we only get that from better customer education — but I think the Michelin stars at Masaki Saito might be a good place for the education to start.”   

At his exclusive restaurant, Saito has his stars displayed on the coveted sushi bar, and Chef walks through the quiet, almost mystic second-floor haunt. Tucked up above Avenue Road and just north of Bloor Street, Saito looks out at Toronto and sees so much clay, like his delicate fish inspirations, he’s able to sculpt. Alongside his business partner, William Cheng, the entrepreneur responsible for bringing Saito to Canada, Saito now aims to grow his empire, bring down his costs and prices and educate Toronto’s diners on a different type of Japanese food. He believes the bar should be set higher for Japanese cooking in Toronto and that his adopted hometown needs to be educated on real Japanese food. 

With the launch of five new restaurants in 2023 — one confirmed by his kitchen aide to be opening in Yorkville — Saito is on a mission to reclaim Toronto’s appreciation of Japanese food. 

“I did a lot in New York and want to do a lot in Toronto, but even earning three Michelin stars isn’t success,” he says, with a smile. “Success is more of a mission — my mission — because Toronto customers need an education on how to eat Japanese food.” 

With five new restaurants trailing behind him, the mission seems one that Saito is ready to accept.