Beloved iconic Queen West restaurant Chantecler is making a comeback

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1:24 pm

CHANTECLER-tartar — Chantecler's steak tartar

Three years after Parkdale eatery Chantecler was destroyed by a three-alarm fire, the much beloved French restaurant is set to make a long-awaited comeback.

A post on the restaurant’s Instagram shows a hand holding a large number of keys in front of a Toronto-area building with the caption, “Chantecler 2.0 let’s gooooo.”

It didn’t take long for close to 200 well-wishers to chime in with their excitement over the news, including owners of nearby businesses and those who were able to sleuth that the new location is right next to Christie Pits park in Toronto’s Bloorcourt neighbourhood.

Jonathan Poon and Jacob Wharton-Shukster ( of Le Phénix) first opened Chantecler back in 2012. Named after a heritage breed of chicken native to Canada, the French-Canadian bistro went on to earn much fanfare. In 2016, Poon left Chantecler and went on to open a slew of new restaurants including pizza joint, Superpoint, Favorites Thai and Ossington hotspot, Paris Paris. Rumor has it that Poon has two restaurants being developed in Yorkville.

Very little has been shared with regards to the new eatery, but according to the their Instagram bio, the restaurant has been renamed Bar Chantecler. Keep an eye on their Instagram page for news and updates.

Is this midtown neighborhood the city’s newest food hot spot?

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Jennifer Schembri

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12:39 pm

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South Bayview is a stretch that may not come to mind first when thinking about where to dine out, but you’d be surprised by the range of options. Whether you’re looking to indulge in authentic Thai or are in the mood for an elevated dining experience featuring fine Italian cuisine, South Bayview has got you covered.

We’ve rounded up five spots you should try the next time you venture out east.

Rumi Turkish Cuisine

Extensive renovations are underway to make room for this new spot for Turkish food. A sign out front promises breakfast, lunch, dinner and live music for the eager patron.

Rumi Turkish Cuisine is located at 1599 Bayview Ave.

Verdi Restaurant

Famous for its gourmet wood oven pizza, Verdi has become the hot spot in midtown with a warm and inviting European atmosphere. Enjoy your next culinary experience at Verdi where you will find great food and an array of complementary wines. Order Italian classics like penne alla vodka made even more delicious with the addition of smoked salmon sautéed with roasted garlic, a splash of vodka, leeks, fresh tomatoes and aged parmesan. Looking for a meat-based entrée? Loon no further than the veal, sautéed with marsala wine, vegetables and mashed potatoes.

Verdi Restaurant is located at 1566 Bayview Ave.

Pii Nong Thai

Take a trip to the streets of Bangkok and visit South Bayview for authentic Thai food. Over the course of COVID-19’s many waves, which forced restaurants closed, Chef Pii Nong spent the quiet time in the kitchen, experimenting with different flavours and creating new dishes. Try the fruits of his lockdown labour, like pandan leaf chicken, marinated chicken wrapped with fresh pandan leaf into a bundle. The dish is then fried to infuse pandan leaf flavor into the chicken and served with sweet chili plum sauce – your taste buds won’t believe you didn’t have to fly to eat food this good.

Pii Nong Thai is located at 1677 Bayview Ave.

Darna Middle Eastern Kitchen

Darna Middle Eastern Kitchen is inspired by the authentic flavours found across the Middle East, capturing the essence of the cultural experience through a combination of unique shareable plates. Each dish at Darna is curated by the executive chef and prepared precisely as in-home cooked Middle Eastern cuisine would be. Choose from an array of mezze dishes like shish barak, beef dumplings and roasted garlic in yogurt mint sauce or mashawi (selections from the grill) like kabab skewers with your choice of lamb, chicken, beef or a mix!

Darna Middle Eastern Kitchen is located at 1613 Bayview Ave.

Hindusthali

Drawing its resources from Ayurveda, the cuisine at Indian restaurant Hindusthali is centered around the concept that food plays an essential role in health and longevity. Creating it’s cuisine with the balance of five tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter and spicy, each dish is rich in flavour and colours and infused with a blend of spices that’s made on-site.

Hindusthali is located at 1574 Bayview Ave.

Watch out for a free roaming concert from the top of a double-decker bus this week

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Ron Johnson

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11:34 am

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Toronto is getting a free concert from a roaming double-decker bus this week as Estonian musical group Lexsoul Dancemachine play a series of secret locations.

The locations of the shows will be revealed via the band’s social media before the concert on Sept. 21.

Local jazz-funk band The Shuffle Demons will also be part of the show, the band which knows all too well that buses and funky music go hand-in-hand. The veterans of the Toronto music scene scored a massive hit song back in the ’80s called “Spadina Bus,” and they’ll surely break this gem out for the show.

The Shuffle Demons actually performed in Estonia in 1991 just days before the country gained its independence.

Lexsoul Dancemachine self-released its debut album in 2015 after a successful kick-starter campaign. The band broke internationally courtesy of a five-star review from monkeyboxing.com, followed by regular rotation on the BBC and other outlets.

“In short, there’s no posturing here, they wanna get into it man, you know – like a…well…like a sex machine. JB would be proud,” wrote monkeyboxing.com

Estonia’s Lexsoul Dancemachine made national news for performing atop a moving bus for 3.5 hours in the city of Tallinn, and they will do it again in Toronto before returning to the city on Sept. 23 for a full concert at Axis Club, for which The Shuffle Demons will open.

For more information on the double-decker bus show watch the band’s Instagram here.

This T.O. stylist created one of the most unexpected fashion moments on the TIFF red carpet

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Julia Mastroianni

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11:15 am

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For the past two weeks, the city was buzzing with high-profile celebrities, industry veterans and influencers thanks to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), screening the best in cinema across various theatres downtown. And with the allure of film culture comes the perfect backdrop for anybody who’s anybody to sport show-stopping fashion at TIFF movie screenings, premiere parties and red carpets.

Local Toronto-based content creator and TikTok personality Boman Martinez-Reid (@bomanizer) is one of them – but he made a stand-out fashion choice that points to a growing trend in red carpet style. Martinez-Reid skipped the runway and instead opted for secondhand pieces for the premiere of the film Brother. He worked with local Toronto stylist Aliecia Brissett, who has worked with big-time stars including Grammy Award winner Mya, Olympian Alysha Newman and actress-singer Jordan Alexander, to put together the unique look.

Inspired by designers like Celine and her own Jamaican heritage, Brissett believes simple things, such as gold accessories, have the power to really transform a look.

“Jamaicans can make any piece of clothing work and I strive to do the same,” says Brissett, whose individualized style and ingenuity shone bright on Martinez-Reid. He dripped head-to-toe on the TIFF red carpet in upcycled designer fashion, like Gucci, for less.

Shopping secondhand was a no-brainer for Brissett when she got to work sourcing items for Martinez-Reid, enabling the pair to secure truly original pieces that were not only reasonably priced but environmentally sustainable. In fact, she often turns to unconventional places to source one-of-a-kind pieces from notable collections.

“We actually found the SS22 Supreme Chainstitch Denim Jacket on Kijiji, which shocked me because it’s a limited edition piece that sold out in hours at retail,” recalls Brissett of the multi-coloured embroidered jacket Martinez-Reid wore on the red carpet.

To balance the statement piece, Brissett sourced a vintage Gucci button down, another Kijiji find that rang in at $100 compared to the $1,000 retail price. The classic, clean lines of the top pulled the look together, with colourful trousers complementing the unique jacket. Thrifted Gucci sneakers from Martinez-Reid’s own collection tied everything together and kept with the secondhand-designer theme.

As the effects of fast fashion and over-consumption on our planet become clearer, the move to finding sustainable options for dressing well have never been trendier. Tons of popular brands have followed suit over the years, with popular fast fashion retailer Zara rolling out a recycling program where consumers bring in old clothes that then get upcycled into new pieces. This move to upcycling fashion, according to Brissett, is an attempt at sustainability and also helps shoppers maintain a high level of individuality.

When it comes to celebrity red carpet style, it’s common for stars to pull from older designer collections to sport vintage looks on the red carpet. Bella Hadid most recently wore three different vintage Versace gowns at the Cannes Film Festival – and of course, Kim Kardashian’s styling of one of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dresses made headlines at the Met Gala this year.

But sustainability has become more and more trendy on the red carpet in recent years, from Emma Watson’s 2016 Calvin Klein dress made completely of recyclable materials to Margot Robbie’s 2016 dress made of recycled water bottles also from Klein to Meryl Streep’s upcycled Lanvin gown made of gilded eco-certified fabric at the 2012 Oscars. With Brissett’s fashion choices for Martinez-Reid at TIFF this year, perhaps consigned designer finds could be the new it-trend for celebrity sustainability.

“Everyone wants that key item that is unique to them and them alone,” she says. “By thrifting and upcycling, you become your own fashion curator and you can create a whole new piece or look that is just for you.”

Even if you don’t have plans to hit a movie premiere party or walk the red carpet any time soon, you can still score some ultra-exclusive vintage finds by doing some thrift shopping of your own. How to make your look come together like a true celeb? Brissett has one key piece of advice.

“Always get a tailor to alter or modify your pieces. That’s the best way to get your clothes fitting the exact way you want,” she says.

The ultimate insider’s guide to choosing the right Toronto school for your child

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Julia Mastroianni

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3:53 pm

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Want the inside scoop on the schools you’re considering for your child? Look no further than the students themselves. These six kids share their best tips on how to find the right school and their thoughts on how their schools have supported their learning.

Jamie Mann, Branksome Hall

“It helps to understand the way you learn and the way you want to spend your time in school. Truly learn about the environment the schools you are considering will foster, and speak to students and teachers within them. By using your understanding of yourself to match with your possible future school, you will make a choice that will only strengthen your own potential.” Jamie launched a not-for-profit creating and illustrating children’s books.

Kevin Liu, Upper Canada College

“Visit the schools and follow your gut feeling. Try to find a school that fits your own interests and passions. Each school is different, in terms of their strengths and vibes. You’ll see it and you will know which one is right. When I chose my school, I looked for one that would offer me a more balanced, holistic educational experience.” Kevin founded the Coding and Algorithms Academy at UCC.

Angelina Tseng, Havergal College

“An important part of your decision is whether you see yourself fitting into the community. After visiting the open house, I realized I would have the chance to be surrounded by so many capable girls in leadership positions. At my school, we are encouraged to explore the intersections of fields and walk different paths than others. The school helps us become the creative minds behind groundbreaking works to come. Last but not least, we explore many challenging moral concepts surrounding sustainability and ethical development, which have had atremendous impact on my growth.” Angelina placed in the top 10 in an international entrepreneurship hackathon.

Martin Thaw, Toronto French School

“Dynamic extracurricular programs and supportive staff are important. It’s great to know that if you express your interest to be involved at school, the staff will always be there to find a suitable role for you.” Martin received the Absolute Winner Award at the International Economics Olympiad 2022.

Shoshana Iny, The York School

“For me the “vibe” of a school is most important in deciding if it’s the right fit for you. Everyone is on their own unique path, so do your best to focus on what is most important for you in your school journey. I chose my school because of the extremely apparent close knit community; it really teaches through relationships and every student in the school can confidently say that they have at least one (if not more) close relationship with a teacher at school. Everyone in the community – parents, teachers and students alike – treat each other with respect and empathy. ” Shoshana leads the Equity and Wellbeing Committee and coaches the debate team.

Jeremy Hirsh, Crescent School

“The key is to find enough elements of the school that align with your objectives of what you want to get out of the school. For me, I wanted to grow in a school that combined a challenging academic curriculum with access to a variety of sports teams. Understanding the philosophy and culture of the school is key to figuring out if the school is right for you. For me, I remember touring the school for the first time and hearing the Head of School use the term “warmth” to describe one of the school’s key values. That resonated with me. Culture is everything, in my opinion, when picking a school.” Jeremy represented Team Canada at the 21st Maccabiah Games and won gold.

Aisha Boubacar, Linden School

“It’s important to assess your personality and figure out what kind of environment your personality can flourish in. Think about the kind of programs you want, as well as the kind of peers you want. Get specific about what you want, then work from there. I was looking for a school that would support my introverted personality, so I looked for smaller class sizes.” Aisha wrote the book Crowned in Curls, inspired by her natural hair journey.

Jon Rosenhek, The York School

“You will truly enjoy your time at school if you have an outlet – creative or athletic – to look forward to outside of academics, so find a school that appeals to your niche and supports your future aspirations and you will be set. If you’re an athlete, find a school with an elite athletic program that will help you train, grow and improve. If you’re a public speaker, find a school that offers an amazing debate program. Don’t forget to speak with your parents for their support and guidance along the way!” Jon leads the school’s digital newspaper, The Stand.

Hao Ni, Branksome Hall

“You really want to consider how diverse and extensive the opportunities are offered at each school. You may already have a vague idea of what your interests are now, but that is very likely to change as you naturally mature and develop. Being able to access a wide variety of opportunities while you grow gives you the power to discover what is truly ‘you.'” Hao was selected to join the Canadian National Debate Team in June.

Newly minted Michelin-star chef just opened a restaurant in a Toronto hotel

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Jennifer Schembri

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12:16 pm

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Alder_Tablescape 1_Photo Credit Ashley van der Laan — Ashley van der Laan

Alo’s Patrick Kriss has had a big week. The acclaimed chef and owner of Alo Food Group just earned a Michelin star for not one, but two of his restaurants – Alo and Alobar – as part of the new Michelin Guide in the city. And now, Alder, the latest offering from Kriss, has debuted at the newly opened Ace Hotel Toronto.

The restaurant features a Mediterranean-inspired menu that celebrates seasonality, and at its core, a signature wood-fired hearth and grill infusing flavour into each dish. And while Kriss says some might assume that a Mediterranean-inspired menu is all Greek, that’s certainly not the case at Alder as they’re exploring the entirety of the Mediterranean, regionally and culturally.

“Overall, it’s a menu that’s heavy on flavour, light on butter and classical sauces and is easy to share,” he says. “The char and the smoke from the grill and the oven add this elemental flavour to everything, too. It’s a lot of fun cooking with these flames every day.”

Many of the dishes are perfect for sharing and Kriss says they’re hoping to see lots of friends and families gathering.

“We also want to be here for the local community as much as possible and not just be exclusive to hotel guests,” he said.

Working with executive chef Devin Murphy, and pastry chef Victoria Ammendolia, Kriss oversees all dining menus at Ace Hotel Toronto that also includes the hotel’s community space and The Lobby, which offers a menu of pastries and coffee in the morning followed by alcoholic bevvies and small plates later on. Evangeline, a rooftop bar and lounge, is set to open later this year and will serve snackable finger foods and small plates.

Among the menu highlights are the half grilled chicken with harissa jus; big eye tuna with charred poblano aioli, and for dessert gluten-free coconut cream pie and dark chocolate and peanut mille-feuille.

The restaurant also boasts a full bar program featuring classically inspired cocktails, local craft beers and an eclectic selection of wines from both established and emerging vintners.

With the aim to be an all-day hangout for Toronto, the lofty space is warm and inviting and features an open kitchen surrounded by concrete walls, brick floors and rich wood accents.

“The spirit and atmosphere at Alder matches the vibe at Ace Hotel Toronto, says Kriss. “We’re about being welcoming to all, and a place that’s easy and relaxed.”

As for what it is that sets Alder apart from the others in the Alo food group which includes flagship Toronto restaurant, Alo, as well as Aloette, Salon, and Alobar Yorkville, Kriss says that while they’re still in their early days, one difference is the dining room, which is their biggest yet.

“We’re feeling the energy that comes with a bigger room as it fills up, as the DJ kicks in on certain nights,” he said. “With this space we can welcome more people who might not have planned as far in advance to dine as they do at, say, Alo. So it’s a dynamic mix of guests who are treating Alder like a dining destination and those who happened upon it and want to have an impromptu great time.”

Alder is located at 51 Camden St. and is currently open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. with breakfast, lunch and brunch to come.

When it comes to improving Ontario wildlife, leave it to the beavers

By

Julia Mastroianni

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11:50 am

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David Suzuki is the host of the CBC’s The Nature of Things and author of more than 30 books on ecology (with files from boreal project manager Rachel Plotkin).

Beavers have long been considered nuisances. They knock down trees and block waterways, often flooding areas where humans live and gather. But recent moves to leave the beavers alone show they can enhance and restore natural environments.

Like other animals that create, modify and maintain their environments, beavers are referred to as “ecosystem engineers.” In one study, scientists determined busy beavers improve ecosystem health, “increasing species richness at the landscape scale.” They found that in New York’s central Adirondacks, “ecosystem engineering by beaver leads to the formation of extensive wetland habitat capable of supporting herbaceous plant species not found elsewhere in the riparian zone.”

In Europe, many towns and municipalities are reintroducing beavers where they were previously wiped out. In Scotland, beavers were released into a 44-square-kilometre area in 2009 after a 400-year absence. The five-year trial’s success convinced the government to allow beavers to remain.

According to Wildlife Trusts, an organization instrumental in European rewilding efforts, beavers and the landscapes they generate benefit people and wildlife by helping to reduce downstream flooding — “the channels, dams and wetland habitats that beavers create hold back water and release it more slowly after heavy rain.” They also reduce siltation, and the wetlands sequester carbon, an essential process for fighting the climate crisis.

In Vancouver, where I live, beavers in Stanley Park have created new wetland habitat and reduced invasive species like water lilies. (Some human intervention has been necessary, such as protecting a number of trees with wire mesh and taking measures to ensure water levels are maintained.)

The beaver was almost near extinction in Ontario before rewilding efforts eventually brought them back to southwestern Ontario. When beavers build dams, they convert rivers into wetlands or ponds that support the growth of new species — from turtles to crustaceans.

Beavers aren’t the only animals that engineer the worlds around them, often making them more viable for other creatures. Many do, which has led to efforts worldwide to reintroduce species to fulfill the roles they’ve historically played in maintaining healthy ecosystems. In fact, one could argue that all animals play an active role in shaping the places in which they live, to varying degrees. Some, such as invasive zebra mussels, can negatively reshape ecosystems. The human animal, of course, has engineered some of the worst impacts!

According to Janet Marinelli in Yale Environment 360, “In the past two or three decades, research has underscored the importance of large mammals like bison as ecosystem engineers, shaping and maintaining natural processes and sequestering large amounts of carbon.” She notes that bison wallowing sculpts “depressions in the ground where water can accumulate and sustain healthy stands of grass.”

Marinelli also writes, “coral-reef habitats, created by the ecosystem engineer coral species, hold some of the highest abundances of aquatic species in the world,” and, “Prairie dogs are another terrestrial form of allogenic ecosystem engineers due to the fact that the species has the ability to perform substantial modifications by burrowing and turning soil.” Their activity influences “soils and vegetation of the landscape while providing underground corridors for arthropods, avians, other small mammals, and reptiles.”

Engineering can take many different forms. The most obvious is structural engineering, in which creatures create or modify elements of their habitat. But, as Berke notes, engineers also modify chemical environments and even the levels of light entering a land or seascape. “In modifying light, plankton and filter feeders are analogous to those terrestrial organisms that cast shade, most if not all of which are structural engineers. In terrestrial systems, then, light engineering entirely overlaps with structural engineering, while in marine systems light is largely controlled by organisms that do not create structure.”

Ultimately, when we lose wildlife populations, we don’t only lose the animals themselves; we also lose the version of the world that was shaped, in part, by their agency. The result, like so many of our impacts, is less healthy, more monoculture ecosystems that reflect back only human enterprise.

The best places for apple pie in Toronto just in time for fall

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Jennifer Schembri

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10:26 am

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Pie season is officially in full swing and when it comes to nabbing a slice of the absolute king of all pies — we’re looking at you, apple — there’s no shortage of Toronto bakeries where you can indulge in a slice (or two).

Whether you prefer yours gooey and warm (right out of the oven), à la mode (topped with ice cream), or with a slice of cheddar cheese (yes, that’s actually a thing), here are the top places in Toronto to grab an apple pie.

Wanda’s Pie in the Sky

Ever since Wanda Beaver, owner of Wanda’s Pie in the Sky made her first pie at nine years old (it was cherry), she hasn’t looked back. Renowned for their flavour and the fact that everything is made by hand, here the pie offerings are plentiful including a whopping nine varieties of apple. Options include apple cherry crumble, apple raspberry, as well as more traditional takes like the covered apple made with tart and juicy apples with a cinnamon spice, and the rustic apple featuring a butter crust filled with apples, raisins, pecans, spices and brown sugar under delicate pastry leaves.

Bunner’s Bake Shop

For the last decade, Bunner’s Bake Shop has been proving that vegan and gluten-free goodies don’t have to sacrifice on quality or taste. Since opening in the Junction in 2010, they’ve gone on to open a second location in Kensington Market, amassing die-hard fans of their sweet treats including cinnamon buns, cupcakes, cookies and squares. As part of their Thanksgiving menu, their 9-inch apple butterscotch crumble pie is baked to perfection in a rich and creamy butterscotch and topped with golden brown oak crumble.

Mabel’s Bakery

Along with yummy artisanal breads and fresh and delicious homestyle baked goods, Mabel’s Bakery also makes some wickedly good pies. A staple that they’ve worked hard to perfect, it’s made with organic Ontario apples and whole ingredients and packed into the flakiest and most flavourful pie crust imaginable.

Bobbette and Belle

The owners of the pretty-as-a-picture bakery Bobbette and Belle have been called trendsetters in the world of cakes and sweets, and their apple pie is no exception. Crisp tart apples are baked in a tender and buttery short crust shell and finished off with a brown sugar and oat crumble topping.

The Rolling Pin

While they specialize in custom cakes, The Rolling Pin is known to make a pretty tasty pie too. Located in North York, the bakery has been dishing out made-from-scratch goodies since 2014, after co-owners and dessert specialists Vanessa Baudanza and Isabelle Loiacono met at Confectionery Arts College. Their award-winning apple pie features a flaky all-butter crust and is filled with their multiple award-winning apple filling.

Yes, Drake called in to congratulate this Toronto chef awarded a Michelin star

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Ron Johnson

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8:00 am

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Of all the winners of Michelin stars in Toronto this week, the one who could be the most humble and perhaps most surprising recipient is chef Jackie Lin of midtown sushi restaurant Shoushin.

Guangzhou-born sushi chef Lin has worked tirelessly since opening the doors of his Midtown restaurant in 2015 establishing Shoushin as one of the finest places for sushi in the city. And, after receiving the award, he made sure to let us know that it wouldn’t change him.

jackie lin michelin — Jackie Lin accepts his Michelin star

“Definitely very excited and a little nervous still,” said Lin. “Being awarded a Michelin star is great. Hopefully, it’s not going to get in the way of me working every day like that, and continue to work just the same way, day in and day out.”

Of course, this was just moments after taking a call from another fan of chef’s sushi, Drake.

The music legend congratulated Lin via a video call just minutes after the Michelin stars were presented at the Brick Works early this week.

“For sure, I mean he’s the face of Toronto, he’s the face of Canada, having him to congratulate me, it’s a blessing,” said Lin.

Shoushin is an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant that specializes in Edomae-style sushi and resembles the traditional high-end sushi restaurants found in Ginza, Tokyo.

What a fun Toronto moment to witness probably one of, if not the, best-known local residents of all time in Drake calling in to congratulate the humble and clearly very happy chef on his big day. That’s class.

Pop-up Drive In Movie Nights Come to Forest Hill, Plus Checkout These 5 Local Businesses

By

Dorothy Chudzinski

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7:59 am

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Grab your favourite movie snacks because Drive-in Movie Night on Eglinton is back again this year! This family-friendly event is presented by the Eglinton Way BIA, and takes over the Green P parking lot at 125 Burnaby Blvd. tonight, Friday, Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. to present Spider-Man: No Way Home and then again next Friday, Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. to present Back to the Future. Tickets are $20 per car load and come with a complimentary bag of popcorn. All proceeds go towards the Daily Bread Food Bank.

But that’s not all that’s going on in the Eglinton Way this fall. Located at the north end of Forest Hill, you will find a wide-ranging community of shops, services and restaurants to explore in this thriving neighbourhood. Here are five businesses we checked in with along the Eglinton Way for you to discover this September.

Artbarn School is celebrating its 17th anniversary this fall! This midtown art school is a welcome spot for novice and experienced artists of all ages to explore their creativity and make art through a broad range of programming. From Saturday cartooning classes for kids, to weekly adult printmaking, or drawing for the terrified beginner on Zoom – you are sure to find something that will spark your artistry! They are planning to celebrate their anniversary with a big party and auction fundraiser this winter. Tickets will be available through their website later this fall.

As the season changes, so too does our skin needs change. Le Reve Skin Clinic wants you to love your skin this fall, and can help rejuvenate and transform your skin with their innovative and medical grade class services and treatments that cater for all skin types. Book your next facial with them and get a hydra facial, oxygen infusion facial or tightening facial for $129 (per treatment). They also have a microneedling package of three visits for $900, or an IPL three-visit package for $600. Their highly trained and experienced staff will make sure you get the best results!

Did you know that 80 per cent of classroom learning is visual? As your child progresses in their education, the amount of time that they spend studying will increase. Development in academics, athletics and social interactions can be greatly affected from vision. Prepare them for the school year by having their annual eye examinations completed at Lumos Vision Care! As well as comprehensive eye exams, they also have specialty services such as advanced dry eye treatments, ocular disease management, myopia control treatment and vision therapy. And be sure to stop by to see their new arrivals for fall from brands including Tom Ford, Dior, Celine and Saint Laurent.

Vicky’s Jewellery is also celebrating an anniversary this year – 50 fabulous years of business on Eglinton! This unique shop features antique, vintage and contemporary jewellery and objects from around the world. If it’s pretty or intriguing, you’ll find it at Vicky’s! They also have an amazing team of jewellers and artisans who can repair and restore your fine and costume jewellery, restring your pearls or repair your watches. Everyone has something that needs fixing in their jewellery box and you can’t wear it if it’s broken! Not sure if it can be fixed? Be sure to give Vicky’s a call.

The Centre for MindBody Health (CMBH) is a highly regarded mental health clinic that offers a range of psychotherapy and assessment services. Launched in 2014 by clinic founders, Dr. Shelley McMain and Dr. Shari Geller, Registered Clinical Psychologists, they are currently accepting new clients for individual, couples, group and family psychotherapy. They are also pleased to announce that the next cohort of their Family & Friends Group will be starting on Oct. 12. This group is designed for those with relationships with individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) or otherwise challenged with emotional dysregulation.

Other programs available this fall include an eight-week mindful self-compassion online program led by Dr. Shari Geller and Megan Prager from Oct. 28 – Dec. 16, and Drs. Martin Bohus and Shelley McMain are leading training for advanced dialectical behaviour therapy for complex post-traumatic stress disorder from Nov. 7-8. Please call 416-855-2624 for more details and to register.

6 back-to-school fashion trends we’re seeing on the streets of Toronto

By

Julia Mastroianni

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2:53 pm

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Back to school is finally upon us, and let’s face it: You tried to prepare yourself, but it didn’t quite work out that way. You’ve walked around campus or through the halls of your school and have definitely seen some people rocking cooler fashion than you.

Well, here’s a list of six back-to-school fashion trends you can try along with where to find them in Toronto.

Wide leg workwear

Wide cut pants have been popular for a few years now, but workwear has more recently made its way onto the fashion scene, and you’ll spot them all over every school campus in Toronto. It doesn’t matter if they’re cargos, trousers or canvas, the wider the better. People tend to pair these with high top sneakers that have an intriguing sole as that’s the only part of the silhouette that sticks out.

Dickies is a great wide leg option who focuses on more of a workwear aesthetic. Their garments can be found both in-stores across the city, as well as online. Urban Outfitters and Mark’s are just two stores that should carry the brand. For a more outdoor, gorpcore aesthetic, Patagonia’s King West location is chock-full of wide leg options for those who like their pieces on the more useful side of fashion – and with the company’s recent announcement, you know you’ll be supporting a brand with morals (a rare breed!).

Founded by Matty Matheson and Ray Natale, Rosa Rugosa offers similar workwear aesthetics to Dickies. After all, Dickies and Carhartt might as well be Matheson’s uniform. Their Gwynne pants do a great job of highlighting this trend with its chic outer shell and streetwear-style cut.

Matching athleisure

Looking cozy and fashionable is sometimes difficult to achieve. However, matching athleisure is a great way to maintain a fashionable status while still being able to fall asleep anywhere (a must when you’re in for a long day on campus).

Livestock is a great boutique in the downtown core which carries Parra, a brand which focuses on comfort as well as runway-level styling. Their matching tracksuits are always a great option, especially since the tops range from hoodies and crewnecks to three-quarter zips and more.

Reigning Champ also focuses on athleisure and thankfully, they have a location on Ossington. The brand is seemingly a cult icon in Toronto so get in on the trend.

Crocs/clogs

When you’re walking around campus, the last thing you want on your feet is are bricks that hurt you more and more with every step. Crocs have had a revival in recent months, especially their newer platform style. And in the last week or so, the brand announced they would be re-releasing their coveted Lighting McQueen clog for those of us with more eclectic style. You can find Crocs at the Nordstrom at Yorkdale or at the Vaughan Mills Crocs outlet.

For other clogs, check out Frock in Roncesvalles for on-trend styles, or Get Outside on Queen West for the comfy classics (Birkenstocks and more).

Funky side bags

Your backpack is important, but a side bag to carry all of your goodies will not only make your life easier, but will make you even more stylish. Lululemon’s side-cinch bag has blown up across social media platforms like TikTok due to a certain red colourway collecting huge amounts of money on resale platforms.

Herschel is a popular side bag option for those who like keeping their funds close to their chest. They offer student-friendly price points for bags which serve their purpose very well. However, for those looking to splurge, Due West carries a bunch of high fashion brands including Kenzo, And Wander, Moschino and many more.

Futuristic sunglasses

To help block out the negative vibes, Black Market Vintage, Cutler & Gross and Holly Eyewear are all great stores for sunglasses shopping around the city.

Black Market is known for their affordable prices and warehouse-style shop brimming with options (and the former underground storefront used to feature a barbershop and record shop). Now, the store’s location beside Aldo is constantly stocking up on vintage styles for all to choose from, including all kinds of sunglasses for $15 or less.

Cutler & Gross and Holly Eyewear both offer high-fashion sunglasses to make sure you look fly walking into school. The best part? Both locations have optometrists on standby in case you want to add a prescription lens on any pair.

Knit sweaters

Once fall rolls around, you’re going to be happy that you invested in a few knit sweaters. Cos is located on Bloor and has a fine selection of affordable knit sweaters for all sizes. The brand has been compared to Uniqlo in the sense that they produce extremely high quality basics for a relatively affordable price.

On the more expensive end, Italian sportswear brand Stone Island wouldn’t be where it is today if it wasn’t for their extensive selection of knit sweaters. Shop the Yorkville location for high-quality sweaters that are constantly tested back in the atelier’s hometown to give you that true Italian feel.

If you want a mix of both, head over to Nordstrom Rack where you can stalk the hangers and hope you pick up a designer piece for a good deal.

Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way: How estate planning can ensure your legacy is protected

By

Dorothy Chudzinski

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2:50 pm

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When it comes to planning for the future of your estate, do you have everything in place? Many Canadians still don’t have a will, which can leave questions unanswered for family members and loved ones. The importance of estate planning can help ensure that surviving loved ones are provided for and that the transfer of assets takes place according to your wishes with as little disruption as possible.

Estate planning can be complex. Commonly used to minimize taxes after the death of a loved one without compromising their intentions, there are a lot of nuances within the process. The more trust and communication between everyone involved, the better the result. This is when involving your trusted financial advisor can be helpful.

Ron Haik, a Wealth Advisor | Client Relationship Manager at Nicola Wealth Management Ltd. (“Nicola Wealth”) works closely with many of the firm’s Ontario-based clients to build and protect their legacies. When asked about the best approach for legacy management, Haik said, “Frequent and open communication is the key to a smooth transition.”

HOW AN ADVISOR CAN HELP YOU PROTECT YOUR LEGACY

At Nicola Wealth, estate planning will begin with an advisor gathering information and formulating a plan, then guiding you through a series of meetings to assist in deciphering the questions and issues when creating a will. Nicola Wealth’s clients find that having a knowledgeable and friendly wealth advisor in those meetings reassures them when addressing the issues. A wealth advisor can also work with you prior to these meetings to proactively prepare information, such as your net worth.

To plan for the future, it is key to understand where you stand today. All parties should become familiar with what and where all the major assets and liabilities are, who owns them, and how this affects final distribution. This can include a detailed accounting of all investments, real estate assets, private company share ownership, insurance policies, and any outstanding debts.

While those are some of the key first steps of estate planning, there are other factors Nicola Wealth can help you consider, such as:

Taxes and fees
Appointment of executors, trustees and guardians
Powers of attorney
Letters of wishes
Distribution of assets
Charitable giving
Succession planning

Wills and estate planning are tasks that can be daunting to begin and complex to complete. Having spent a lifetime building wealth and security, the prospect of organizing your affairs to prepare for the inevitable transition can be intimidating and overwhelming, resulting in procrastination, or worse, avoidance. Nicola Wealth understands the challenges that clients face and works tirelessly to simplify this often-complicated matter. Scan the QR code below to access more estate planning resources.

This material contains the current opinions of the author and such opin¬ions are subject to change without notice. This material is distributed for informational purposes only. Nico¬la Wealth is registered as a Portfolio Manager, Exempt Market Dealer and Investment Fund Manager with the re¬quired securities commissions.