There’s a $25 million art trail coming to Toronto’s Villiers Island

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12:12 pm

Toronto’s Villiers Island just received a $25 million gift. Today, at an event on the city’s waterfront, it was announced that the donation, made by the Pierre Lassonde Family Foundation, is the largest arts-related gift ever received by the city, and will create a new, outdoor public art trail in Toronto’s transformed Port Lands.

The Lassonde Art Trail will be a free, open-air route in parks along the banks of the new mouth of the Don River. Waterfront Toronto is building the parks as part of the Port Lands Flood Protection Project. Two permanent pieces — one by a leading Canadian artist, and another by an international artist — is set to anchor the trail. A rotating cycle of contemporary installations from local, national, and international artists will also be featured.

Mayor John Tory was joined by members of the Lassonde family, Toronto city councillors, and Stephen Diamond, Chair of Waterfront Toronto at the event.

“With two new permanent art works as its centrepiece, the art trail, envisioned as part of the revitalization of the Port Lands, will serve as a free, accessible outdoor museum for visitors and residents alike — all of which play a big role in bringing art to public spaces in our city,” said Mayor Tory.

The donation includes $10 million to commission two landmark permanent art works, and up to $15 million to establish a new non-profit organization that will manage the art trail.

Next month, city council will vote on whether to move forward and accept the donation. If approved, the foundation will appoint an executive director, select a jury for permanent artworks, and begin identifying potential art to exhibit.

“Toronto’s revitalized waterfront is becoming an art destination in itself,” said Stephen Diamond, Chair of Waterfront Toronto. “This gift is transformational for Toronto’s waterfront and will contribute to making Villiers Island a major destination for all.”

The Best New Weekend Getaways From Toronto: Prince Edward County

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Erin Neilly

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11:49 am

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In 2022, Prince Edward County has become a perennial hot spot, revered as much for its white sandy beaches and cool vintage shops, as it is for its vineyard experiences, craft breweries and of course, the flourishing food scene.

wander the resort — Wander The Resort features six lakeside and four poolside cabins. Photo @Tara McMullen

Two hours east of Toronto, each year, flocks of vacationers descend upon PEC, eschewing far-flung destinations in favour of a domestic escape. And who can blame them when local lodgings like Wander the Resort — a dreamy cabin retreat on West Lake — is on offer. Featuring six lakeside and four poolside cabins, minimalist Nordic design meets country charm care of two-bedroom retreats that sleep up to six. There’s also a laundry list of Instagram-ready amenities, including a communal firepit for bon-fires, and an edible garden with pick-your-own herbs and vegetables.

Dining alfresco at The Royal Hotel. Photo: Graydon Herriott

Located on Picton’s main street, you’ll also find The Royal Hotel – a true historical establishment that has been around for over a century and recently underwent a stunning renovation. Come for the modern upgrades and gold accents throughout the hotel, stay for the spacious rooms fit for a weekend getaway or even an extended stay. The in-house restaurant is helmed by chef Albert Ponzo, formerly of Toronto’s Le Sélect Bistro, with a menu featuring produce from local farms. While you’re enjoying your stay, stop by the hotel’s spa, complete with a Finnish-inspired sauna and a wellness boutique, and then grab some fresh pastries from the onsite bakery.

Bocado cottage country restaurants — A spread at Bocado

Joining a long list of rich and varied eateries, Bocado is serving up seasonal and Spanish-inspired foods, cocktails and seasonal wines. At the helm is Toronto’s Stuart Cameron, a former executive chef at Icon Hospitality. Right next to Waring’s Corner (a.k.a. the roundabout) toward Bloomfield, Toronto’s beloved burger joint Harry’s Charbroiled has found a permanent home in the County.

Toronto’s Kensington Market just got a nature-inspired restaurant

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Erica Commisso

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11:46 am

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Kensington Market is home to some of Toronto’s most unique, quirky spots, chock full of culture and one-of-a-kind outposts. Now, an upscale, creative vegan restaurant called Hawker is added to the mix.

Inspired by naturalism and food in its purest form, Hawker is helmed by chefs Jeff Merkel and Leah Steduto. Merkel also co-owns the space with Darshan Dorka.

The reasonably-priced food menu is populated with dishes named to pay homage to nature, like the Creek Bed, a unique dish comprised of sage-infused oat milk that’s surrounded by a moat of butternut squash puréed with spruce tips and topped with marigold petals. There’s also an eggplant curry dish that’s set ablaze tableside and appropriately called a Bushfire. And, for an earthier dish, opt for the Spring, a plate shaved fennel in a coconut sauce dotted with mace, pasilla chilies and sweet, nutty fenugreek and finished with the bold flavours of beet reduction, marigold and perilla leaf. It’s served with blue tortilla chips on the side.

After receiving its liquor license last week, Hawker added a selection of vegan wines and cocktails to the menu. Offerings include the Atonement, a concoction made of iced coffee, rose, black cardamom, vodka and Grand Marnier, as well as the Resonance (which can also be made a mocktail), a mixture of strawberry, lavender, earl grey and tequila blanco.

Hawker, in all its nature-inspired glory, officially opened to the public on May 18, and is located at 291 Augusta Ave.

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6 Toronto-based brands your skin will love this summer

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Julia Mastroianni

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10:15 am

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wildcraft-skincare — @wildcraftcare/Instagram

Finding the perfect cleanser and moisturizer can already be difficult enough. Never mind all of the additional products that you can add to your routine for clearer, glowing skin. As it turns out, Toronto is a breeding ground for some of the beauty industry’s premier brands. Ranging from small, indie brands to powerhouse companies which have blown up on TikTok in Toronto and internationally, here are six killer skincare brands from the 6ix.

jELN

Started in Toronto, jELN is a skincare brand which focuses heavily on natural beauty and positive energy. The owner and founder’s name is Crystal and she grew up in a Caribbean household, where she developed a strong passion for natural herbs and medicine along with gentle healing. jELN puts emphasis on its use of natural ingredients which produce nourishment and rejuvenation for the skin. All of her products contain ingredients that we can all pronounce, which is great for those who are looking to really understand what’s going on in their skincare! Right now, her Love Body Butter is a must-try for those with a busy schedule.

Pure + Simple

Pure + Simple is a natural wellness and skincare spa which has locations all across the GTA. Along with being a destination for tranquility, they offer their own line of premium, natural skincare products for all to enjoy at home and within the spa. Pure + Simple says that all of their products are free of parabens, petrochemicals, silicones, phthalates, sulphates, or synthetic fragrances and dyes, so if you’re someone who’s sensitive to any of these ingredients, give this brand a try. There are currently over 100 products for sale under their house brand, with the most popular being Sensitive Cleansing Milk and Collagen Elastin Plus serum.

Deciem

The umbrella name of Deciem may not ring a bell, but one of its constituents might. The Ordinary has blown up across social media for its relatively low prices, paired with its great results and quality ingredients. It can be found online through Sephora and other boutiques, among a standalone Deciem location in the Distillery District. The brand focuses on advanced, functional beauty. They believe their products should serve a specific purpose and be great at that particular task – meaning you’ll find serums under $20 that feature individual star ingredients. One of their best-selling products on Sephora is their Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum.

Consonant Skincare

Consonant Skincare believes that you should feel relieved from your regimen and that your regimen shouldn’t be too regimented, to begin with. The team at this Toronto skincare brand develops products for those who need skincare for specific applications. Live a busy, hectic life? They have an all-in-one item for you. Care to spend three hours a day on your skin? They have you covered too. Their website is broken down into specific categories such as acne, aging, redness and dryness. Once you select a category, you’ll be brought to a page full of great products that be paired together to combat whatever you want!

Wildcraft

From toners and cleansers to moisturizers and serums, Wildcraft makes sure all of its products are 100 per cent natural. Each product is made in small batches and is designed with fresh and organic ingredients. By producing in small batches, Wildcraft can also ensure that their high-quality formulas are spot-on every single time. On their website, there is an intuitive how-to guide which aims to help clients select the exact products they need based on their skin types. Their most popular products are their skin type-devoted sets which contain everything a beginner needs.

Three Ships

Starting in Connie’s apartment, Connie Lo and Laura Burget founded Three Ships with the sole purpose of solving the issues that they had previously had as consumers. Since its start in 2017, Three Ships have been developing effective products which are tested for eight to 12 months before they’re launched to the public. All of their products are made up of entirely plant-derived ingredients too. Three Ships is well known for its serums, although the Dew Drops Mushroom Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C Serum and Radiance Grape Stem Cell + Squalane Day Cream sit at the top.

Anthony Rose closes Big Crow and Rose and Sons

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Erica Commisso

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4:04 pm

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“I have gaslighted myself over the past 2+ years in my relationship with Rose and Sons and Big Crow,” Anthony Rose wrote in a recent newsletter. It was his very on-brand introduction to some sad news for Toronto’s food scene: the Toronto restaurateur is closing Big Crow and Rose and Sons.

“Rose and Sons was my first baby and Big Crow my second,” he continued. “This is hard. I remember the first review I ever got at Rose and Sons with lines like ‘The bloom is off the rose,’ and ‘glorified stoner food,’ and ‘substitutes pork fat for professionalism,’ and ‘It’s the kind of restaurant that worries me for the future.’ Anyway, I know that this review was meant as a searing takedown, and a personal attack of me and my restaurant. I was devastated. I cried (I recently cry a lot). But then I showed up to work on that fateful Saturday morning to the sight of a line-up around the block with people happily being quoted a 2-hour wait time and they absolutely couldn’t love it more.”

With these closures, Rose notes that he can now focus on the three remaining restaurants in his empire. “All my energy is completely laser-focused on Fat Pasha, Schmaltz and Fet Zun,” he writes, adding that he will not just leave the staff from the two closing spots to dry. “All of the remaining staff at Rose and Sons and Big Crow, and I mean ALL OF THEM are moving over to the other restaurants (ugh, they are just the best).”

The Big Crow and Rose and Sons Instagram page has been quiet since June 19, but it seems that Rose’s side hustle, a flower business, is taking off, with a brick-and-mortar storefront coming on the Dupont strip.

Pantries are Toronto’s latest trend and these sisters are embracing it

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Erica Commisso

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1:39 pm

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When Melissa Patterson opened the first Café Plenty in Toronto’s financial district in 2011, her vision was rapid growth. She quickly expanded to open two new locations, offering signature fresh baked goods, gourmet sandwiches and salads, coffees and tea.

But, of course, with a worldwide pandemic, Patterson began to shuffle her business model, and is back with two new Café Plenty locations with a brand new concept. The two new stores will operate as a local pantry concept which, according to the press release, “features a collection of pantry items from local businesses across Canada. The concept is meant to fuel the local economy and support product lines from small businesses often created by female and POC entrepreneurs.”

“Plenty is committed to supporting Canada’s small business community. As a small business ourselves,
it’s our peers in food & beverage who supported us throughout the pandemic and we believe in a pay it
forward approach,” said Head of Growth and Operations Jennifer Patterson, who is also Melissa’s sister. “Our customers can feel good knowing they are supporting local small businesses of the highest quality and taste. Each of these vendors align with Plenty’s values of community, quality and taste.”

The businesses highlighted at the new Café Plenty outposts include Luv The Grub by Alia Sunderji, K Dumps by Chef Ken Yau, Zing’s Hakka-ish by Jannine Rae, Bals Provisions by Crystal Porcher, and stand alongside the business’ lineup pantry shortcuts and salad toppers. Of course, seasonal prepared meals, sweet treats, and grab-and-go options will also be available at the new Café Plenty locations.

“All four Café Plenty locations have been the site of countless business meetings, friendly gatherings, and
pit stops for a quick bite on the go,” said owner and CEO Melissa Patterson. “Our culture is deeply rooted in building relationships with our daily customers and we truly missed it throughout the pandemic. But what we haven’t lacked here at Café Plenty is community support.”

The two new locations will be located at 1967 Yonge St. and at 389 Danforth Ave.

Italian star Lorenzo Insigne officially arrives in Toronto to play with TFC

By

Ron Johnson

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11:53 am

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Right in time to kick off the summer, Italian soccer star Lorenzo Insigne has officially arrived in Toronto. Rumours started swirling earlier this year after a report in the Guardian noted that Insigne agreed to a deal with Toronto FC and would join the hometown side this summer. He officially arrived to the city, surrounded by fanfare and both Italian and Toronto soccer fans.

According to the Globe and Mail, Insigne called the move a “life choice” and noted his excitement to bring his family, a wife and two sons, to Toronto.

The 31-year-old Italian star has spent his entire career with the club Napoli, and led the Azzuri to a European Championship in 2020. Though the deal was officially announced on January 8, he had to wait until his contract expired to come to Toronto, and is now the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer.

Lorenzo Insigne from Napoli to Toronto FC, here we go and confirmed! Deal fully agreed, Lorenzo has accepted Toronto bid and he’s joining as free agent in July. ??? #TorontoFC @SkySport

Deal to be signed within this week, as per @DiMarzio. Five-and-half year contract confirmed. pic.twitter.com/jUXbDouQF8

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 4, 2022

The Guardian is reporting that Insigne has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract that will pay him €11 million per season with bonuses.

It is a huge deal for the Toronto MLS squad that finished near the bottom of the table last season winning just six times. Although he is not the first Italian star to hop the pond to play in the MLS, he is a bonafide superstar with some fuel still left in the tank that should provide an instant and lasting impact.

Toronto FC also has success when it signed another Italian player, Sebastian Giovinco, who still leads the team in all-time goals scored.

This new backyard bbq joint wants to whisk you away to Southwest America

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Erica Commisso

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11:43 am

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If you’re a fan of Southwest America in the 1970s, Bar Coneja promises it can take you there.

From the creators of Rabbit! Rabbit! Rabbit!, the new eatery is an outdoor, patio-only backyard bbq spot complete with an outdoor woodfire grill. In fact, the full kitchen is located outside on the patio, adding to a homey, retro feeling experience located right in the heart of King St.

Similar to the menus at sister spots Distrikt 416 and Rabbit! Rabbit! Rabbit!, food options at Bar Coneja include the Braised Short Rib Huarache, the Pollo Asado Quesadilla or classic Tater Tots with spicy ketchup. If tacos are the vibe, diners can select from a variety of options like the Pork Jowl Al Pastor, Mushroom Carnitas or Jamaican Patty tacos.

Of course, there’s also a heavily Southwest American-inspired cocktail menu to enjoy, complete with options like the Coneja Jungle Bird made with Havana 7 yr rum, Campari, apricot, pineapple, cinnamon and lime. For another sweet option, look to the Pink Flamingo made with Spring Mill vodka, watermelon, strawberry, lemon and black pepper. And, if you’re in a group, some of the unique cocktails are even available in pitchers to be shared among friends.

Reservations for the summer pop-up experience can be made through Resy. Bar Coneja is open Wednesdays through Sundays at 461 King St. W.

Meet the GTA athletes who just got drafted to the NBA

By

Erica Commisso

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10:48 am

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Andrew Nembhard NBA — Andrew Nembhard on Instagram

On June 23rd, four Canadian basketball players had their dreams come true as they were selected in the NBA draft. Bennedict Mathurin, Shaedon Sharpe, Andrew Nembhard and Caleb Houstan were among those selected, with the last three growing up in the GTA.

Shaedon Sharpe is a 6’6 guard who calls London, Ontario home. He went to H. B. Beal Secondary School in London before transferring to different prep schools across the U.S. However, Sharpe would come home in the summers to compete in the Nike EYBL AAU sessions for Uplay Canada. Out of high school, Sharpe was considered the consensus best player in his graduating class. He would eventually choose to take his talents to Kentucky, where he wouldn’t play a single game. Still, Sharpe would be selected at number seven by the Portland Trail Blazers.

The next Canadian prospect selected in the draft was Andrew Nembhard from Aurora. Nembhard attended Vaughan Secondary School for one year before transferring to the star-studded Montverde Academy in Florida. Like Sharpe, Nembhard would play for Uplay Canada in the summers where he teamed up with current NBA player R.J. Barrett. In college, Nembhard bounced from Florida to Gonzaga for his junior year. As it turns out, his senior year was his statement season as he was selected 31st in the draft by the Indiana Pacers.

Selected right after Nembhard at 32nd is Caleb Houstan from Mississauga. Like Nembhard, Houston attended Montverde Academy in Florida, although he was there for three years. He chose to forego his senior season and commit to Michigan where he would declare for the NBA draft just one year later. The Orlando Magic would select Houstan in the early stages of the second round.

Notably, the Toronto Raptors selected right after Houstan was scooped up and went for 7-footer Christian Koloko. From Cameroon, Koloko proved himself to be an elite interior defender at Arizona, earning first-team all-PAC-12 honours in 2022. That same season, Koloko won PAC-12 defensive player of the year as well as being named on the all-defensive team.

Toronto Raptors NBA — Christian Koloko on Instagram

The next stop for these GTA-based athletes is the NBA Summer League.

You’ll fall in love with every inch of this grand $7.75 million Georgian-style Toronto home

By

Julia Mastroianni

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10:15 am

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163 Cortleigh Blvd - front elevation — Courtesy Eric Lysenko from The Print Market

Situated in North Toronto’s timeless Lytton Park neighbourhood, the Georgian-era-inspired home at 163 Cortleigh Blvd. is grand both outside and in.

Listed at $7.75 million, this beautiful home has it all.

Featuring five bedrooms, six luxury bathrooms, gorgeous finishes and plenty of goodies (including a high-end wine cellar, car lift and an ensuite dressing room of enviable proportions), 163 Cortleigh Blvd. is the epitome of luxury living.

Courtesy Eric Lysenko from The Print Market

Upon entering the home, you’re met with a spacious open-concept layout. The front room, featuring a sleek marble fireplace, multiple bright windows and an elegant dropped ceiling, is a refined space.

Beyond the front room, you’ll notice a welcoming dining room and a butler’s pantry that conveniently connects to the sunlit kitchen.

Here’s another view from the dining room. With such an open space, it’s the perfect layout for hosting holiday dinners.

The all-white kitchen is gorgeous. Look at the massive counter space — not to mention that sleek stove!

The family room, with access to the backyard and an ultra-modern fireplace, is a lovely spot to unwind.

Featuring glass parlour doors for when you need a bit of privacy, this main-floor study is a perfect spot for getting down to business.

Upstairs, the sophisticated primary bedroom features another contemporary fireplace and ample space.

It also has this amazing dressing room with all the storage space you could wish for.

The seven piece spa-like ensuite bathroom for the primary bedroom features a huge walk-in shower and a picturesque soaker tub. Every bedroom in the house has its own ensuite bathroom.

The large basement offers this fantastic hangout space fit with a wet bar and wine cellar.

The lush, peaceful backyard offers plenty of privacy. It also has a fabulous deck waiting to be enjoyed by lucky new owners!

163 Cortleigh Blvd. is listed with Andre Kutyan of Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd. Brokerage.

TTC facing serious challenges from gas prices, and remote work

By

Erin Neilly

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12:13 pm

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subwa — Remote work is just one obstacle to increasing ridership on transit

Very early into the pandemic, we learned that we were not actually all in it together. Some people were able to quickly adjust to a work-from-home world, while others either lost their job or continued to go to work each day and risked becoming sick. Although the world is returning to its pre-pandemic state, the recovery is equally uneven, and the results are evident in transit ridership.

Although transit ridership is slowly rising each month as restrictions ease, confidence grows and people return to work, it is nowhere near its pre-pandemic levels and will not likely get there anytime soon. This past April, ridership on GO Transit had increased to 30 per cent of its pre-pandemic levels, and although the transit agency was preparing for a boost in ridership as people were being called back to the office, it wasn’t expecting the pre-pandemic rush.

At the TTC, during the same time, the agency reported that overall ridership levels were about 51 per cent, but the ridership increase is uneven. Ridership numbers continue to increase but have only reached near pre-pandemic levels on routes that service workers who are required to go to work every day.

Toronto’s downtown core has the highest percentage of workers whose job enables them to work from home. According to a recent report by the Board of Trade, 67 per cent of employees in the downtown core can work remotely. Large banks, consulting offices and large employers have realized that mandating employees back to work five days a week will only lead to more turnover.

Last year, GO Transit conducted a study and found that riders were more likely to use transit for pleasure trips or to attend an event. Now that capacity restrictions have been lifted on sporting events, a sold-out Blue Jays game drives ridership as much as returning to the office.

The price of gas also plays a role in switching to transit but not that much, since, by and large, the people that can choose to take transit over driving can also choose to work from home instead of going into the office.

It will take more than the price of gas to drive ridership.

In the meantime, the province will need to seriously consider how to stabilize and support the TTC because the City of Toronto doesn’t have sufficient resources, and it looks like the flexible work week, for those who can, is here to stay.

These are the best patios in midtown right now

By

Megan Gallant

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4:17 pm

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