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This Meghan Markle-approved jewelry designer just opened a shop in Toronto

By
Julia Mastroianni
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@deandavidson/Instagram

Adored by celebrities, Canadian jewelry designer Dean Davidson has chosen to open his first Canadian storefront in Toronto, 15 years after his eponymous brand launched. Now you can shop for some of the pieces worn by your favourite stars, including Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex.

When Markle first skyrocketed to international fame as the new royal-to-be in 2016, almost everyone wanted to be her. Thanks to something affectionately referred to as the “Meghan effect,” anything she wore on one of her outings sold out pretty much immediately. Experts have reported a 200 per cent increase in search demand for any brand she’s worn — which, lucky for us, includes quite a few Canadian brands thanks to her time spent living in Toronto while filming Suits. One such brand was Dean Davidson, whose stud earrings Markle donned in 2019, earning the company some well-deserved love.


But before the Meghan effect, Davidson had already been a favourite among celebrities, with everyone from Oprah to Jennifer Lopez being spotted in his designs. Now, the designer has opened his first Canadian storefront at 145 Berkeley St., at Queen Street East, nearby where Davidson himself has lived for a decade.


The location includes an office and design studio on the second floor above the retail space, allowing Davidson to continue to design his pieces right in the city. The jewelry is made in a family-owned workshop in Jaipur, India, that Davidson partnered with early on in his career, and his demi-fine jewelry has previously earned him the Accessory Designer of the Year award at the 2019 Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards.


The boutique is open from Wednesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. It’s open by appointment only on Monday and Tuesday.

Toronto’s top celebrity bakers face off in the ultimate Christmas showdown

By
Jennifer Schembri
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Macaron tower from Nadège Patisserie

We asked three of the city’s top glam bakers to share their most festive, show-stopping Christmas creations and they didn’t disappoint! From delectable holiday-infused biscuits to a macaron tower reminiscent of a Christmas tree, these lip-smacking treats are almost too pretty to eat.

Buddy Valastro

Cannoli cake from Carlo’s Bakery

To celebrate the season, “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro has been up to his elbows in cake mix and frosting in order to bring you a selection of the most delicious sweet treats. Wow your guests with the cookie-inspired cannoli cake ($29.99), filled with Carlo’s signature cannoli cream, layered with light and fluffy vanilla sponge and covered with festive sprinkles and cannoli shell pieces. There’s also a selections of gingerbread and fondant sugar cookies ($5.99) adorned with a selection of the most adorable polar bear, penguin or snowman. To sweeten the holidays a little bit more, three holiday cupcakes decked out in festive decorations (Santa hat, Christmas tree, snowflake) and topped with a luscious vanilla buttercream are available for $5.99. 24 Bellair St.

Nadège Nourian

Macaron tower from Nadège Patisserie

Pastry chef extraordinaire Nadège Nourian never disappoints,and her macaron tower in the shape of a delightful Christmas tree, is no exception. Available in four sizes with prices ranging from $175 to $850, the delicious French cookies are filled with layers of flavoured buttercream, ganache or jam. The famed T.O. patisserie has also added four Christmas desserts to its menu with each more insta- worthy than the last. First up is the holiday mendiant chocolate tree ($22), adorned with almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts and candied fruit. Next up, Santa’s Workshop ($38) is made with milk, dark and white chocolate. A Classy Affair ($55) is a modern bûche made with the most decadent flavours like vanilla mousse and chocolate whipped ganache Last, but not least, Nadège’s limited-edition snow globe ($85) features Santa and his reindeers flying over the Toronto skyline. Multiple locations including 494 Bloor St. W.

Craig Pike

Craig’s Cookies Holiday Mix

These aren’t your boring old chocolate chip cookies! This year, Craig Pike is kicking off the holidays with a heaping selection of Christmas- themed cookies. The 2022 Holiday Mix includes seven exquisite festive flavours, including candy cane shortbread, cranberry bliss, holiday M&M’s, Terry’s Chocolate Orange, gingerbread white chocolate and mint brownie. The cookies are available at all of Craig’s Cookies’ five GTA locations. If you don’t live in the Toronto area or you’d like to spoil some lucky friends and family members with a delicious holiday gift, you’re in luck — national shipping is available! The Holiday Mix is $16.50 for a half-dozen box or $32 for a full dozen. Multiple locations across the city including 1581 Bayview Ave.

Dine Safe just shut down a GTA hot dog cart

By
Jennifer Schembri
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Call Me Hangry/Unsplash

A  GTA hot dog cart  was recently shut down due to a violation under the province’s Health Protection and Promotion Act. On December 8 public health inspectors found the cart to have an inadequate supply of potable water in addition to a list of other infractions where the business was deemed not in compliance including:

  • Proper food hygiene practices to prevent contamination
  • Food handler failing to wash hands
  • Failure to provide hand washing stations that are conveniently accessible by food handlers
  • Manual dishwashing

The cart which was located just outside of the Canadian Tire at 250 Silver Linden Drive in Richmond Hill was re-inspected five days later on December 13, but clearance was not given to re-open as all of the same infractions had been unresolved.

So while Richmond Hill street meat might be off-limits for now, if you’re looking to hit up a good old fashioned hot dog stand, Toronto has got you covered. A quick search of the City of Toronto’s Dine Safe website turns up six operational carts with a “Pass” status, so you can grab yourself a dog anywhere from Sheppard Avenue East to Bremner Boulevard. Here is a list of the fully operational stands in the city:

  • George’s Gourmet Hot Dog Cart at 1 Blue Jays Way
  • Hot Dog Cart #1015 at 1 Front Street West
  • Hot Dog Cart #4656 at 300 Bremner Boulevard
  • Hot Dog Cart #1385 at 5697 Yonge Street
  • Hot Dog Cart #506 at 1 Harbour Square
  • Hot Dog Cart V27-3097039 at 1019 Sheppard Avenue East

You can keep tabs on the health status of local businesses in the area by checking the YorkSafe inspection program website at york.ca/yorksafe and Toronto’s DineSafe website, specifically designed to provide the public with information about inspections of not just food establishments but salons, spas, day nurseries and recreational water facilities as well.

 

A parent’s guide to a safe hockey season

By
Jarrod Daley
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See all posts by Diamond and Diamond Lawyers

Hockey season is officially underway, and with that comes parents’ anxiety as they see their children head out onto the ice for the first time. As Canada’s largest personal injury law firm, Diamond and Diamond is no stranger to the safety concerns that can come with playing a sport, especially for the first time. The firm’s Managing Partner, Sandra Sizckind, offers some helpful tips to ensure this hockey season is memorable for all the right reasons.

The Importance of Mouthguards

Protect your teeth! Ziskind advised, “With student picture day coming up in the fall for many families, it’s important that you reinforce the importance of wearing a mouthguard to your children while they’re on the ice.”.

Not only will mouthguards help protect your teeth, but they also can help prevent concussions – or at the very least, limit their severity. In fact, according to research done at the University of Calgary, there is significant evidence to suggest that mouthguards reduce the risk of a concussion when worn during sports.

“As parents, we can do everything right by providing our children with a mouth guard and making sure that they bring it along to every game. The real challenge comes in making sure that they actually wear these protective devices rather than letting them hang halfway out of their mouth,” says Zisckind.

Always Wear a *Safe* Helmet

One of the best ways to guarantee your child has a safe hockey season is to invest in a helmet with superior safety technology. “While it can be tempting to save money when purchasing hockey equipment, it’s very important to find a helmet that will protect your child should they hit their head,” says Zisckind.

“Many bumps and bruises will heal, but that is not a philosophy to embrace when it comes to your head,” she added.

In addition to finding a safe helmet, it’s also essential to communicate the importance of wearing it whenever your child is heading out on the ice. This includes outdoor rinks! For helpful information on what to look for when purchasing a helmet, see this guide to ensure that the gear you plan to buy meets regulations.

Do Your Homework on Hockey Equipment

Doing your homework when it comes time to purchase new equipment is vital. Ziskind says, “When heading out to purchase new equipment for the hockey season, it’s important to speak with an expert. Many retailers will have in-house experts that will be able to point you in the right direction whether you’re looking for a helmet with top safety ratings or shoulder pads with additional protection.”

In reality, some hockey equipment manufacturers will be far more advanced in terms of safety technology than others. With the rising cost of living, buying the cheapest hockey equipment may be tempting. But your child’s safety is something you never want to cut corners on.

If you need the help of a personal injury law firm in Canada or Florida, USA, don’t hesitate to reach out to Diamond and Diamond today. Call 1-800-567-HURT to schedule a free consultation. We’re looking forward to an exciting (and safe) hockey season!

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.

 

 

Is Dundas West the next Ossington?

By
Jennifer Schembri
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BOUFFE on Instagram

Toronto has no shortage of trendy neighbourhoods complete with cool shops, bars and restaurants and while Ossington or Queen West might be the first that come to mind, Dundas West is not to be slept on. With a slew of new businesses and restaurants opening regularly, coupled with its proximity to other cool, more established neighbourhoods but with less expensive rent, Dundas West is rapidly climbing to the top of the “you gotta eat here” list.  Just a few months ago travel blog TimeOut named Dundas West the world’s 12th coolest neghbourhood, describing its as a “culture consumer’s paradise with boutique art galleries, snug bars, understated nightclubs and enough cozy coffee shops to keep you buzzing along.”

Want to hit the town and nab some good eats on a road less traveled? We’ve rounded up some Dundas West spots you have to check out.

Bouffe


BOUFFE is Chef David Adjey’s modern French kitchen and wine bar located in Dundas West’s Little Portugal neighbourhood. Patrons can sip from a long wine list and munch on complementary French-inspired dishes including charcuterie, steak tartare, escargot or duck confit poutine. 1173 Dundas St. W

Frank Ranalli’s


Frank Ranalli’s is the spot for classic Chicago style Italian shaved beef sandwiches, right here in Toronto. Think: thinly sliced roasted Italian Beef, stewed in its own delicious jus, served just how you like it. Try it wet, dry or dipped and throw a classic side onto the order with options ranging from fresh cut fries to fennel and cabbage coleslaw. 1357 Dundas St. W

No Pain Gimbap


Looking for Korean snacks in the West End? Look no further than No Pain Gimbap, the tucked away spot in the back of wine bar, Grape Crush. The new spot just opened up in November and comes by way of Donna’s co-owner Ann Kim. This take-oput friendly spot serves gimbap, a Korean dish made from cooked rice and ingredients like vegetables, fish, and meats that are rolled in gim—dried sheets of seaweed—and served in bite-sized slices. Try the spicy pork gimpab or the vegetarian-friendly crispy fried shiitake gimbap for something unique on the Dundas strip. 1166 Dundas St. W

Jean Darlene


Jean Darlene Piano Bar is a new speakeasy spot that melds IYKYK vibes with the chicness of a piano bar and camaraderie of an open mic. You can swing by for drinks and stay for the regularly scheduled live performances that range from pianists, drag shows, live samba and themed singalongs. If you have a flair for the dramatic, there’s tons of opportunity to hop on stage and show off your own singing and performing chops, too. And who knows, maybe the owners will like you enough to invite you downstairs, where they have a full-fledged recording studio. 1203 Dundas St. W.

These are Toronto’s most inspiring women of 2022

By
Julia Mastroianni
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One of the inspiring women of 2022, Lisa LaFlamme

As 2022 comes to a close, it’s time for our annual showcase of the city’s most inspiring women features artists, activists, athletes and more who have led by example, achieved against all odds and made this city and this year special. We’re shining a light on some of the most incredible women in Toronto and honouring the work they’ve done this year. These are our 22 most inspiring women of 2022.

From Lisa LaFlamme drawing attention to ageism and sexism within the journalism industry to Domee Shi putting Toronto on the map with her feature film Turning Red to Deborah Cox becoming the first Black woman inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Toronto is home to some of the world’s most inspiring and incredible women.

Hear from their friends, colleagues and fellow industry professionals — including some inspiring people in their own right, including former councillor Joe Cressy, Marvel actor Xóchitl Gomez and design icons Colin and Justin — on why these women are so incredible and deserve the honour of 2022’s women of the year.

Click here for a full list of Toronto’s most inspiring women of 2022.

For last year’s list of most inspiring women of 2021, click here.

Toronto’s Most Inspirational Women of 2022 – Lisa LaFlamme

By
lindsaylow
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One of the inspiring women of 2022, Lisa LaFlamme

The Journalist | Lisa LaFlamme

After a decade as one of Canada’s most trusted and well-known journalists in the role of chief anchor of CTV National News, Lisa LaFlamme made headlines across the country and beyond this summer when she announced that CTV News had abruptly ended her contract, citing a “business decision.” LaFlamme shared in a video on social media that she was “blindsided” by the decision, and Canadians rallied behind LaFlamme to investigate the shocking decision. Discussions arose about CTV’s parent company Bell Media, pointing out that other male anchors well past LaFlamme’s age could retire on her own terms, while she was asked to keep quiet about her dismissal for almost two months. Stories pointed to LaFlamme’s recent grey hair and discovered that Bell Media executives questioned her decision to let it “go grey,” highlighting the ageism and sexism within the journalism industry. LaFlamme has since gone on to be a special correspondent for CityNews to cover the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and she has become an instant hero for women across the country.

By Rosa Hwang, executive producer with CTV National

She has witnessed and reported on humanity at its worst, shining light from dark and dangerous corners. Still, I would describe Lisa LaFlamme as an optimist. Only an optimist would seek to uncover the unique nugget that makes each person she encounters the most interesting in the world, whether it’s the United Nations secretary general or a war refugee in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Ukraine-Poland border. A brave and accomplished journalist, she is perhaps Canada’s most recognizable broadcaster, with enough awards and accolades to fill a room, and yet, she still has the tenacity of a cub reporter. Truth is her currency and compassion is her driving force. She has changed perceptions through her reporting, changed the world through her humanitarian work and changed lives, including mine. About a decade before we met, I saw Lisa in action, reporting from a political convention. I was working for a competing network and saw her criss-cross the room, questioning candidates, getting the scoop, then getting it on the air. At the time, I thought: “I would love to work with her some day.” Having travelled to more than a dozen countries together as her producer, spending hundreds of hours with her in the newsroom and sharing countless meals and meaningful conversations over the years, she is more than just someone I worked with. She is my sister. The public trust she has earned does not come from titles and it’s not just for what she does, but for who she is.

See our full list of Toronto’s most inspiring women of 2022 here. 

Toronto’s Most Inspirational Women of 2022 – Sarah Nurse

By
lindsaylow
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0

The Athlete | Sarah Nurse

Canadian women’s hockey player Sarah Nurse led Team Canada to a gold medal win in the 2022 Olympics and broke the points record for a single Olympic tournament while doing so — she recorded five goals and 13 assists, surpassing the previous record held by Hayley Wickenheiser since Turin 2006. She became the first Black woman to win an Olympic gold in hockey, paving the way for thousands of young Black girls hoping to follow in her footsteps. She also made history this year as the first women’s hockey player to appear on the cover of EA Sports NHL 23

By Natalie Spooner, National Women’s Hockey Team player

I remember the opening day of training during centralization for the 2018 Olympics and thinking, “Sarah Nurse is going to be a force to be reckoned with.” She has always been a strong, dynamic player who can do it all: win faceoffs, kill penalties and, of course, score. Female hockey players face a ton of obstacles, and for Sarah the path was even harder — as she was often one of the only Black players on her team. In true Sarah fashion, she never let this hold her back and ultimately became the first Black woman to play hockey in the Olympics. Sarah didn’t let her opportunity go to waste, and at these past Olympics, we saw her breakout by setting a record for points in a single Olympics. Coming out of the Olympics, Sarah used her success to open doors and make even more space for women in hockey — becoming the first-ever female cover athlete on EA Sports NHL 2023! She’s a true trailblazer, paving the way for so many young Black girls, not just in Canada but around the world. Because of Sarah, there are new kids putting on skates and picking up sticks, experiencing the game so many Canadians love as she opens the door for a more diverse future in hockey. She continues to be a key part of Team Canada, and I can’t wait to watch her add to her list of accomplishments as she continues to carve her path toward the next Olympics. So I guess the 2018 me was right, because Sarah Nurse is a force to be reckoned with.

See our full list of Toronto’s most inspiring women of 2022 here. 

Toronto’s Most Inspirational Women of 2022 – Domee Shi

By
lindsaylow
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The Animator | Domee Shi

Domee Shi already made a name for herself in 2019 when her animated film Bao won the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film. But this year, her work as the director behind the film Turning Red has put Toronto on the map, and in the best way possible. Drawing from her experience growing up Chinese-Canadian in Toronto, the animated feature broke all kinds of records. It’s the first Pixar feature solely directed by a woman, the first Pixar feature with all-female creative leads and only the second Pixar feature directed by a person of Asian descent. And not only that, but Turning Red is a true love letter to Toronto, turning our city into a now Golden Globe-worthy setting that highlights the best parts of growing up here — and for that, we are endlessly grateful.

By Lindsey Collins, Pixar’s Senior VP of Development

Domee Shi is part of Pixar’s new generation of filmmakers, and as such her impact on the industry is already being felt. In 2018 Domee directed a short, Bao, about a mother’s all-consuming love for her child. Bao then won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short. In her acceptance speech, Domee urged “all the nerdy girls out there” to not be afraid to “tell your stories to the world.” Domee herself continued to do just that with the 2022 feature film Turning Red, a story of intergenerational trauma framed around a mythical tale of a young Chinese-Canadian girl who turns into a giant red panda when she becomes emotional. Turning Red was a smash when it was released on Disney+, earning the highest-ever viewership from any premiere on the service. Domee has used her platform as a filmmaker to tell stories that are diverse, inclusive and don’t shy away from subjects not often tackled in mainstream commercial animation. Turning Red is an unapologetically Domee film, featuring period jokes, pop-music jams, girl-power righteousness and a cast of characters that feel grounded in the real world. With the release of Turning Red, Domee became the first-ever female director at Pixar to direct a feature on her own. She led with a confidence and boldness that defied expectation. She didn’t politely open the door for future first-time directors at Pixar; she exploded the door so that the possibilities for them are endless.

See our full list of Toronto’s most inspiring women of 2022 here. 

Toronto’s Most Inspirational Women of 2022 – Iman Vellani

By
lindsaylow
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The Actor | Iman Vellani

Iman Vellani turned into an instant household name this year as the barrier-breaking Kamala Khan in new MCU series Ms. Marvel. Vellani made headlines as the first Muslim superhero and first Pakistani superhero in the Marvel universe, along with being the youngest character in the Marvel universe. The young Markham actor has spoken about hearing from fans who are so grateful to her for representing the Muslim community on screen, and we couldn’t be prouder.

By Xóchitl Gomez, Marvel actor

Iman and I both work in the Marvel Universe and our producer, Victoria Alonso, connected us when we were both shooting scenes for Doctor Strange. We are both very proud to be part of the next wave of Marvel superheroes. Every time I see fans connecting with Ms. Marvel, I feel so proud because I know what that means for young Muslim people to see themselves onscreen and portrayed in a positive way, and Iman is the perfect person to be that role model. I see first-hand how important my character, America Chavez, is as a representative for the Latino and queer communities. Iman and I both have the same experience of fans coming up to us literally shaking with joy because they are so happy that someone who looks like them and shares a similar cultural background is an onscreen superhero. It’s moments like that when you realize what a big deal it is that we are there in these roles, helping brown people be seen in mainstream entertainment. Much like her onscreen character, Iman has incredible courage when facing the unknown. Without film credits to her name, Iman took the leap of faith and answered a random casting call. She went all-in, believing in herself despite the odds not being in her favour and rising to the challenge to bring Kamala Khan to life. Young women like Iman are the modern role models we all are looking for. We are enough and our stories matter.

See our full list of Toronto’s most inspiring women of 2022 here. 

Toronto’s Most Inspirational Women of 2022 – Lesley Hampton

By
lindsaylow
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0

The Designer | Lesley Hampton

Designer Lesley Hampton has been a leading the way for Indigenous representation in the fashion industry since she burst onto the scene in 2016. This year, she returned to the runway at Toronto’s Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival, and also headlined the city’s Fashion Art Toronto fall showcase in November. In doing so, she made a statement on and off the runway with her commitment to diversity. Hampton is known for her size-inclusive designs, and her recent collection was no exception. She also featured a model with physical disabilities, a model with Down syndrome and a queer model and advocate for HIV/Aids on the runway, among strong BIPOC representation — all unfortunately still groundbreaking choices for an industry that still prioritizes cis, white, thin and non-disabled bodies.

By Scott Wabano, fashion stylist

When we think of authentic representation, body positivity and mental health awareness within fashion, Lesley Hampton is the name that will forever be mentioned in communities across Turtle Island. From bringing an all-Indigenous cast to the Toronto fashion runways, to winning two Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards and being named as the number one designer to watch by Vogue Magazine, Lesley Hampton is the Anishnaabe artist the industry needed to shine light on the colonial perspectives that were set in place within fashion. And she was back on the runway this year headlining the Fashion Art Toronto Fall Fashion Week with one of the most diverse model lineups ever seen. Lesley and I first became acquainted through our mutual love and support for Indigenous businesses, where we worked together on helping create more space for Indigenous voices and artists. She has always had a way with bringing such important messages and conversations to the forefront with the use of art, fashion and media. Mentoring Indigenous youth such as myself shows us that we no longer have to sacrifice any parts of our identities or personalities to fit within colonial standards. The way she carries herself as a strong Anishnaabe woman and continually uplifts her communities should be celebrated. She has paved a path for many others to follow, showing that Indigenous voices are not only welcomed within fashion, but are now honored and valued thanks to her presence and impact. Chinaskimitin nimis!

See our full list of Toronto’s most inspiring women of 2022 here. 

Toronto’s Most Inspirational Women of 2022 – Jeanne Beker

By
lindsaylow
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0
by Ryan Emberley

The Fashionista | Jeanne Beker

Known for her role hosting the iconic Fashion Television from the ’80s until the program ended in 2012, Jeanne Beker is a Canadian fashion icon whose influence knows no bounds. When she announced this year that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, one might assume that she would take a break from her countless roles and responsibilities and approach her battle with cancer privately. But in classic Jeanne fashion, she instead chose to share her journey publicly, sharing photos to Instagram of her in hospital gowns before and after treatments and detailing her emotions every step of the way. Her choice to be so open is a brave and inspiring one, and its no surprise she was the recipient of a Lifetime Acheivement Awards at the Women Empowerment Awards this year, along with moderating breast cancer panels, featuring on the cover of Hello! Canada and much more.e

By Colin and Justin, interior designers

Ah, the utterly unsinkable Jeanne Beker. Our hearts swell when we think of Jeanne, a woman whose social and professional reputation remains as buoyant now, having sailed into her 70s, as it did when her media career kicked off in the 1970s. Our paths crossed, for the first time, some 15 years past when we were hosting Fashion Cares, an HIV and Aids fundraiser, at the Distillery District in Toronto. Having arrived in Toronto only a few weeks prior, we hadn’t properly established our social chops, but Ms. B’s friendly demeanour set us at ease as we navigated the after-show party. We established a fast friendship thereafter, regaling our new pal with our affection for Fashion Television, which we watched — somewhat religiously — via cable broadcast. Lately, we’ve watched Jeanne face off against her biggest challenge to date: a breast cancer diagnosis that crashed into her life earlier this year. Rather than deal with the news sotto voce, the crusader chose to share her journey in the public arena. In doing so, she brings attention — and indeed hope — to others battling similar circumstances. This, as we see it, illustrates the kind of “engagement” that typifies Jeanne: via unquestionable pedigree across the Canadian media firmament or via her numerous charitable attachments, she deploys personal experience to help whomever she can, wherever she can. And so, dear Jeanne, we salute you. We’re beyond relieved to note that your cancer treatment is proving successful: this world, quite simply, needs you.

See our full list of Toronto’s most inspiring women of 2022 here. 

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