An interior shot of the first brick-and-motar location for fashion brand SMYTHE in Toronto. (Photo Courtesy: Patrick Biller)
When SMYTHE began in 2004, founders Andrea Lenczner and Christie Smythe had a simple goal – making the perfect women’s blazer.
“At the time, women’s blazers weren’t a category; you could buy a suit, but you couldn’t buy what men have, just a casual sports jacket,” Lenczner says. “We saw that gap in the market, and that’s how we started.”
Lenczner says she and Smythe had been friends for years since high school, both pursuing separate careers in the fashion world – though not at first for Lenczner.
Co-founders Andrea and Christie. Photo Courtesy: Patrick Biller
“My parents were not about fashion growing up; they did not believe in spending a lot of money on clothing or aesthetics. They believed in education, which benefited me obviously,” she says. “I think I rebelled because they weren’t interested, so I became so interested. But I never thought I could make it a career, so I went into business.”
But she realized shortly into her career in banking that, if she’s going to spend long hours on something, she should like what she does, or else it won’t be sustainable. “So I took a massive salary cut, went from banking into buying at Holt Renfrew, and I was happy and interested and fulfilled,” Lenczner says.
Smythe made the move back to Canada from various pursuits in New York and Europe around the same time Lenczner had her first child. They reunited, and SMYTHE was born.
While the brand started with just the blazer design, it expanded with the influence of both high fashion and street fashion, according to Lenczner. “We were inspired by our friends and women who we thought had original style. A lot of how we design to is thinking, ‘What are you wearing to a concert? What do you wear to dinner with your girlfriends? What are you wearing to an interview?” she says. “As women, we need things for all these different areas, and we’re trying to design for all these things.”
Photo Courtesy: Patrick Biller
In SMYTHE’s most recent collections, available at their flagship store, that influence is clear – designs include a statement bright blue peacoat with puffed sleeves, striking flower print trousers and timeless staples from their SMYTHEHOUSE collection that features SMYTHE silhouettes redone in “seasonless” fabrics and colours.
As for the shop itself, located in Summerhill at 1116 Yonge St., Lenczner the location was an easy decision. “Christie and I both live nearby, and I think that’s how we started our business – just do what you know. It seemed less risky to be in an area that we understand,” she says.
In tribute to that philosophy, everything in the build of the store is locally-made, excluding the floors. That includes the local interior designers behind the space, Ashley Botten and Tom Smythe (Christie Smythe’s brother). “We have so much raw talent here, you don’t need to look beyond,” Lenczner says. “The way Tommy and Ashley work, they’re the most beautiful, skilled people in our city that work within the design business.”
You can visit the new location at 1116 Yonge St. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday,
This month, chef Marc Thuet, of Petite Thuet, samples the biggest thing in Toronto baking — mini cakes! Share them with someone you love, or keep one all to yourself! They’re all available on the city’s delivery apps.
Winner
Nadège Patisserie
“This is a very sexy cake. The glaze and flowers are beautiful, and the flavours are intricate and complex.”
A nighttime skate along Bisha Hotel's new terrace rink. (Photo Courtesy: Kaitlin Narciso)
Ontario is filled with so many incredible winter experiences — especially for those who love skating. Growing up in Toronto, I’ve always loved exploring the different skating trails and rinks in and around the city. From road tripping to a provincial park and skating through a torchlit forest at night to a staycation skating experience right in the heart of the city, Ontario has a plethora of unique and fun skating opportunities. After skating my way through the city and beyond, I’ve rounded up my favourites.
Stay & skate at Bisha Chalet
This rooftop terrace was the perfect place for a lit-up skating experience. (Photo Courtesy: Kaitlin Narciso)
Exploring local and leveraging staycations has been my saving grace over the past couple of pandemic years. As someone who loves to travel, taking the time to explore Toronto as a tourist has been exhilarating.
Bisha Toronto, a hotel located in the heart of the city, launched Bisha Chalet, a Stay & Skate experience. Strapping on my skates in Bisha’s cosy winter chalet — a suite converted into an après-skate-style room with blankets, hot chocolate and pastries — the excitement to get on its ice rink was building. Located on the fourth floor terrace, the rink is adorned with bright string lights that look simply magical.
Gliding under the twinkling lights and the Toronto sky was a rush in and of itself — but defrosting afterwards in the beautiful chalet with delicious goodies elevated the experience all the more.
After my skating session, getting to relax in my room and take a hot bubble bath in the tub made the whole experience a staycation for the books.
Cosy up by the fire after skating the Cranberry Marsh Ice Trail
They had me at “hot cran-apple cider.” I love winter flavours and fresh hot cran-apple cider with a dash of cinnamon is my choice winter beverage. Add in an outdoor firepit for defrosting the fingers and toes after a long skate around the Cranberry Marsh Ice Trail, that’s a day adventure I wasn’t going to miss.
With forest on one side and cranberry beds on the other, skating Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery’s ice trail is definitely a one-of-a-kind skating experience in Ontario.
Night skate at Arrowhead Ice Skating Trail
Canada’s provincial parks in the winter are stunning, especially after a fresh snowfall. Fire & Ice Nights at Arrowhead Provincial Park, open until Feb. 26, enhances the beauty of the great outdoors by lighting the ice trail with hundreds of torches when the sun goes down. From gliding through the Muskoka Forest and taking in the snow covered trees glistening from the amber glow of the torches to looking up and seeing a night sky filled with stars, this experience made me feel as though I was in a fairy-tale winter wonderland.
Make it a full day adventure at Evergreen Brick Works
The Evergreen Brick Works offers so many fun opportunities to get outside and explore the more rustic, outdoorsy side of Toronto. The skating rink weaves through the old brick factory, under the exposed beams and through the winter gardens. With a refrigeration system for cooling, the outdoor rink offers a sustainable skating experience. On Saturdays, peruse the Evergreen Brick Works’ farmers market before or after skating. To cap off your winter adventure, grab a coffee from Cafe Belong and walk around the different snowy trails.
Broadway cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Photo by Matthew Murphy.
Live theatre is back, sort of, and slowly, but we’re here for the fantastic lineup of plays ready to hit the stage this spring starting as early as Feb. 9. After a mandatory break, theatres are preparing to welcome audiences again, first at 50 percent capacity and then full capacity when restrictions are lifted. As a result, an advance ticket purchase is necessary with limited seating. Some theatres may also have additional restrictions, so read through details when purchasing tickets. Here are some plays opening soon.
From Feb. 9-19, at the Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre (10 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake), you can watch acclaimed director Keith Barker’s award-winning play This Is How We Got Here. In 2018, the play was a finalist for the Governor’s General Literary Award and won a 2020 Dora Award for Outstanding New Play. The production takes viewers through a journey of suicide, loss, and learning to let go. This Is How We Got Here is recommended for an audience of 14+ and will run for 75 minutes with no intermission.
This month, Canadian Stage will feature two in-person public performances of Bertolt Brecht’s The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui at the Marilyn and Charles Baillie Theatre on Berkeley Street on Feb. 25 and 26. This workshop production is an extension of the company’s innovative BMO Lab Residency Program. The production is adapted and directed by celebrated German director and actor Johanna Schall (also Bertolt Brecht’s granddaughter) and features CanadianStage veteran actor Carly Street in the role of Arturo Ui.
In the city’s east end, Coal Mine Theatre will open its seventh season with Annie Baker’s TheAntipodes. The play is directed by Ted Dykstra and stars Simon Bracken, Joshua Browne, Ari Cohen, Sarah Dodd, Colin Doyle, Murray Furrow, Qasim Khan, Varun Saranga, and Kelsey Verzotti. The play is described as “part satire, and part sacred rite, The Antipodes asks what value stories have for a world in crisis.” The play opens on April 3 and runs until May 15.
The “whip-smart satire of fear and loathing in a beleaguered industry under siege,” Gloria, by award-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, gets its Canadian premiere to kick off the 2022 season at Crow’s Theatre. It runs from March 1-20.
Alexis Gordon, Quinsley Edison and Brandon Michael Arrington – Photo by Dahlia Katz
The first Mirvish Theatre production to reopen will be a play based on Emma Donoghue’s bestselling novel Room, which has been adapted as a new play with songs by Scottish songwriters Kathryn Joseph and Cora Bissett. This new work will run at the Princess of Wales Theatre from April 5 to May 22.
Playing at Soulpepper is Pipeline, a story that follows a single mother trying to provide her son with a bright future while living in the inner-city. Pipeline was written for the stage by playwright Dominique Morisseau and will run from April 7 to May 8 at Soulpepper.
Factory Theatre will be back to live performances in April with the show Among Men written by playwright David Yee (directed by Nina Lee Aquino). Among Men follows the lives and conversations of two men working together to build an A-frame cabin that will one day become part of Canadian history (along with the men who made it). The play will run from April 23 to May 15.
On May 31, the long-awaited Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will open at the Ed Mirvish Theatre. Based on the Harry Potter novels by author J.K. Rowling, this show revisits Harry and his friends for an epic stage-adapted adventure. The show has been reimagined and returns to North America for a spring stint that promises to be compelling if you’re a Harry Potter fan. The show will run throughout the summer, but seating will be limited.
“Popcorn so good it’s criminal,” reads the brand’s logo. The picture above it reinforces the idea: a drawing of a blonde woman in a stereotypical, black-and-white prison uniform, her head resting in her hand.
The logo sits proudly at the top of the Comeback Snacks website, on every bag of $7 popcorn the brand sells and even on founder Emily O’Brien’s promotional materials. She wants everyone to know that Comeback Snacks was born during her time in prison, and she beams with the perfect mix of self belief and desire to make a change. She doesn’t care what you think of her past. She cares about the future.
O’Brien, a petite blonde with a big, welcoming personality, owns her mistake, and uses it to push her in entrepreneurship. She speaks quickly and excitedly, not holding anything back. She engages everyone in conversation as she would an old friend, casually offering information that could stop a person who doesn’t know her story in his or her tracks.
Emily O’Brien of Comeback Snacks
Today, O’Brien’s daily life is a bit different than when the idea of Comeback Snacks was born. She still hits the gym about three times a week, and her wakeup and sleep times are similar to the ones stereotypically enforced in prison. But what fills her days now is volunteer work, speaking engagements day-to-day company operations. Most days, she’ll find herself making a stop at the Hamilton-based storefront, where she maintains a small office decorated with police-themed finishings above a commercial area she shares with her longtime friend, Max Francis, who runs his own business in the same space. Her store features artifacts and cheeky tributes to her time in prison–like her actual jail uniform and a decal that measures a criminal’s height–offering a constant reminder of how she got to where she is.
“The idea for Comeback Snacks was forged while I was still in prison, where I was keenly aware of the tough challenges my fellow inmates and I faced in getting back on our feet,” the Comeback Snacks website reads. “Since then, it has been the Comeback team’s mission to raise awareness for second chances, hire those in need of one when we can, and to support reintegration programs, with a share of profits allocated to like-minded causes as we grow the business. Comeback Snacks are made with conviction.”
Bags of Comeback Snacks popcorn.
Her year inside Kitchener’s Grand Valley Federal Prison for Women was the result of a mistake, a vacation with her then-boyfriend that landed her a drug-smuggling conviction with a four-year sentence. In 2015, she was apprehended at Pearson International Airport, wearing a special suit her boyfriend convinced her would help smuggle bricks of cocaine back from St. Lucia, where they had just vacationed.
The arrest was the crux of a time spent battling an eating disorder, masking it through toxic relationships and substances. “Part of the reason I ended up in prison was because I suffered from an eating disorder, which then turned into taking cocaine to kind of substitute, and then eventually, the alcohol. I never had any past trauma. And I had a great family, but no one’s immune to addiction or eating disorders,” she says. “So that’s what landed me on this trip, because I have an alcohol addiction and I was with someone that I thought I trusted. But I also was drinking a lot at the time. And so I just ignored these red flags.”
Sent to Grand Valley as a first-time offender, O’Brien decided to look at her sentence as an opportunity rather than a punishment.
“When I was sentenced, I knew that I was going to do something that mattered. I didn’t know what it was going to be. But I knew I wasn’t just going to write a book. Like, I don’t feel like I’ve done anything worthy of writing a book. So when I got into prison, I listened to everyone’s stories, and I just saw how everyone had done things for the same reason I did, because they wanted to escape something in one way or the other. There’s very few people I know that just want to keep committing crimes over and over again,” she says. “It’s mostly because of past trauma, or addiction, or even just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. So I wanted to help rewrite the narrative.”
Her time in prison helped her realize her relationship with food was the thing that changed her behaviour, that brought her to Grand Valley. It was a far cry from her childhood, where she got good grades and took her first socially conscious trip to Costa Rica to help save turtles at 16. But in prison, she tapped into her social consciousness, inspired by the women around her and one of the most popular snacks.
Chocolate peanut butter caramel popcorn from Comeback Snacks.
“In women’s federal prison, if you’re in medium or minimum security, you actually buy your own food. You get an allowance. It’s like $30 a week, and you get to take this $30 and spend it on groceries,” O’Brien says. The available provisions included small containers of spices, the ones most people find in their spice cupboards. The dill and the lemon pepper stood out to O’Brien, who sprinkled them on top of popcorn at the facility’s Super Bowl party. It seemed so simple, but it gave O’Brien an idea.
“I kind of thought a little bit bigger about it. But I was in prison. So I knew I couldn’t do all the research. And then that’s when I decided that I wanted to create a popcorn company, but also create a company that could serve as a social enterprise, and help employ people that were coming out of the system and also create a platform for people to share their stories so people could relate and understand and be a part of the change.
“When you get out of prison, the barriers don’t stop there. If anything, they can even get worse. It’s harder to find a job, it’s hard to find an apartment, it’s hard to even find people that believe in you,” O’Brien continues. “Everyone I met [in prison], they’re just so talented at so many different things in different ways. Whether that was sewing things, or making different outfits out of their clothes, or one of them made a purse out of J cloths.
“We also talked about what we were going to do when we got out, and we just were pretty insecure,” she says. But she tapped into her past creative and marketing experience, alongside her natural inclination to go her own way, and an idea was born. “Food was something that brought people together, it was something that allowed people to connect and just kind of forget where we were.”
She spent a large portion of her time inside working odd jobs, becoming a landscaper, working in carpentry, finding a job as a caregiver for a fellow inmate’s baby and, eventually, becoming a librarian. She attributes a lot of her success to the library, from having the librarian print off peer-reviewed journals and articles about the food industry to reading 82 books in her year of incarceration, to writing handwritten blog posts to send to her business partner, a friend she knows from her former life running a social media company, which he then typed up and published on Comeback Snacks’ website. She operated that way, setting up the building blocks for the company’s eventual official opening, until she was released.
Emily O’Brien.
“When I was living in the halfway house, I would buy the kernels at the store, and then pop it in the halfway house, and I started making little bags and going out to events and practicing my speaking. You can’t really sell it at a grocery store if it’s not a licensed space, right? But you can give it to your family and friends,” O’Brien observes. “And so I started to learn more about the food space in Canada. You know, you kind of learn how you pay for these things, because I didn’t want to break any more rules.”
Her efforts paid off and, today, Comeback Snacks employs six people, all of whom have stories that resonate with O’Brien. Each is like her, and needed a second chance–one that Comeback Snacks and O’Brien could give.
“Growing up I wanted to change the world–I wanted to fill the tummies of all those who went to bed hungry and I wanted to bring every single homeless person home and give them a safe place to stay,” writes one employee, Christine, on the website. “But life throws you curveballs. Somewhere along the way drugs took over my life and I got into serious trouble until finally I hit rock bottom. With some key support and very hard work, I was able to get clean and turn my life around. Comeback Snacks believes in second chances just like mine, and being a part of the team has given me the opportunity to share my story and maybe change the world one comeback at a time.”
Another employee, a 41-year old mother of four named Miranda, traveled along a similar path. “I’ve been with the Comeback team for a little over a year after having spent some time in prison. My turnaround story is still unfolding and is a little raw, but I find my greatest solace and peace when I’m in the kitchen preparing popcorn,” she writes. “It is so great knowing that in a small way I am helping to spread this very important message all the while going through a healing and rebuilding process myself.”
O’Brien’s social enterprise goes beyond hiring those with barriers to access, as she and Comeback Snacks offer a portion of the profits to reintegration programs, including ones run by the John Howard Society, the HOPE Program at Yonge Street Mission and the Elizabeth Fry Society. Her promotional materials offer facts on female incarceration, too, and O’Brien co-produced a documentary called Sleepers (based on her story) with Bell.
Recently, O’Brien completed her parole, immediately jumping in line for a passport and taking herself back on the road. She has filed her Comeback Snacks patent in the United States, with dreams of making a real social impact, and changing the world for the better. Comeback Snacks believes in second chances, and Emily O’Brien is making the most of hers.
Valentine’s Day is a day to show everyone in your life how much you love them. From kids, to parents, to boyfriends and girlfriends or just friends, giving someone a gift at this time of the year doesn’t have to just be a romantic gesture.
These eight creative Toronto shops have come up with great gift ideas that are unique, stylish, practical and indulgent for any loved one – and yes, there are even some fashionable finds for the kids! Be sure to check them all out.
Wear your heart on your sleeve this Valentine’s Day and gift the Chunky Heart Sweater from Lemonwood. Made from a luxurious cotton blend that will keep her warm all season long. Chunky Heart Sweater – $225.
When there is an engagement ring in your future, Cynthia Findlay offers the unique, the unusual and the very special, such as this pink tourmaline Toi et Moi double gem which was made popular when Napoleon gifted Josephine their birthstones in one ring. Call for details or shop online.
An ideal, relaxing treatment before a special event, the Oxygenating 3-in-1 Facial combines exfoliation of the outer layer of the skin, infusion of revitalizing nutrients and oxygenation of the skin from within. There is an immediate improvement in skin tone, texture and radiance. Price upon request.
Give the gift of lasting warmth and love of a beautiful piece from Herman Sellers Gough Furs, Toronto’s Furrier since 1880. For the perfect combination of style and warmth, earmuffs make a great gift idea to keep your loved one’s ears nice and cozy this winter season! Fur ear muffs, starting from $99.
Diamond studs are a timeless expression of love and beauty, and are the perfect gift to show that special someone that you care. Available in many sizes and price ranges, diamond stud earrings are the perfect accessory that will go with everything. Diamond Stud Earrings, price available on request.
Pretty in pink! Dress your little princess head to toe in the perfect outfit for any occasion. Zero 20 Kids has the biggest selection at the best prices for boys and girls of all ages, carrying sizes ranging from newborn (0 months) to pre-teen (size 20). Casual, dress-up or ceremonial, they have you covered. Order online 24/7 at zero20kids.com for curbside pickup or delivery, or visit in-store. Mayoral baby dress – $69.99, Mayoral baby shoes – $29.99, heart purse – $49.99, pearl bow clip – $29.99.
Give the gift of smiles this Valentine’s Day. Menchie’s gift cards make the perfect gift for family, friends and employees. Always the perfect colour, always the perfect size! Custom frozen yogurt image cakes now available for any occasion. Order yours today! Delivery available via UberEats, Skip the Dishes and Doordash. Cake prices start from $42.99.
Give the gift of comfort this Valentine’s Day! What better way to say, “I love you” than with a Herman Miller chair that makes you feel good every time you sit in it. As an authorized Herman Miller Dealer, WSG represents their entire family of brands. Featured: The Sayl Chair, from $625.
Though all of Bachelor Nation is waiting in anticipation to see the fallout from last week’s drama, Canadian fans have even more to look forward to, as Toronto sets the scene for this season’s fifth episode. This will be the first time the city has been the setting for the long-running reality TV series.
If you haven’t been keeping up, Clayton Echard is the Bachelor for the 26th season. We last saw him falling in love with Michelle Young, the star of The Bachelorette’s Season 18, before getting brutally cut in a heart-wrenching scene ahead of Young’s hometown visits.
Now, he’s on his own search for love, and along the way, we get to see some messy cat fights, steamy make-out sessions, and, of course, lots of heartbreak.
And, this week, we get to see it all play out right here in Toronto.
“We are excited to welcome The Bachelor to Toronto for the very first time,” says Scott Beck, CEO of Destination Toronto, in a press release. “This is an exciting opportunity to showcase the diverse experiences across our dynamic city to the passionate fans of Bachelor Nation, especially as we anticipate welcoming many of them to Toronto in the very near future!”
While no exact locations are mentioned, from the episode’s preview, we know the bachelor and those fighting for his affection will be standing in awe of Niagara Falls.
Then, one lucky lady gets an extraordinary CN Tower view with a one-on-one helicopter date before getting to see Echard’s fun side while facing off in a game of street hockey. We’ll also see a on-on-one date with Genevieve and Shanae, who, after last week, has become everyone’s favourite villain.
In one Instagram image shared by Destination Toronto, the Distillery District is the backdrop as the smooth-talking Bachelor is photographed strutting with the confidence of a reality TV star who has 31 women fighting over him.
Here, comedian Russell Peters will make an appearance and represent Toronto by hosting a group “roast” date. He’ll be poking fun at all the women before they get the chance to roast each other—which we can only expect to get very messy after Shanae’s tantrum and “bullying” claims last week.
You don’t need to be a sports fan to know that Super Bowl Sunday is next weekend. It’s the only sporting event that’s fit for everyone, since it’s usually about a lot more than football. Sure, some people attend Super Bowl parties to cheer on their team, but plenty of others are there for the halftime show, the beer, and, of course, the decadent selection of snacks being served.
Check out these restaurants offering packages that will keep all the biggest sports fans (and biggest halftime show fans) fed at your Super Bowl party this year.
Wahlburgers’ Tailgate Combo has everything you need to host the hottest party in town. Select a pizza (Kung Pao Pizza, Hearty Canadian Pizza, Spicy BBQ Jalapeno Pizza, or The Impossible Pizza) to pair with one pound of spicy chicken wings. On top of that, you’ll get crudites, thin onion rings and crispy tater tots. Wahlburgers knows Super Bowl Sunday wouldn’t be complete without a few tall boys, so they’re throwing in a four pack of Molson Canadian or Bud Light. The Tailgate Combo can be delivered or picked up on game day for $56.
Since Beast has taken over the kitchen at Blood Brothers Brewing, we’ve seen some exciting specials on the menu. On game day, you’ll find the Super Beast Sunday special with plenty of packages to choose from. Starting from $65, these packages include all you need for your party including smash burgers, buffalo wings, fries, and full racks of ribs. Blood Brothers is going the whole nine yards by offering deals on entire cases of their brew or a super mix pack of cans for $85. The Super Beast Sunday packages are available for pickup times between 4:00 and 6:30.
Marben is offering a Super Bowl Fried Chicken Special to feed two to four sports fans this weekend. Whether you like thighs, wings, drumsticks, or breast, this combo has you covered with 2.5 pounds of tender bone-in fried chicken. On the side, you’ll get roasted brussels tossed in a chili sauce, spicy “midnight oil” fries, pickle spears, and cabbage slaw. The package is offered through Uber Eats and Ritual for $89 with the option of delivery for $10.
As part of the Alobar at Home menu, Alobar Yorkville is offering a multi-course meal available for pick-up on Super Bowl Sunday. The package comes with tiger prawns, a steakhouse wedge salad topped with blue cheese and lardons, grilled broccolini, lobster-baked mac n cheese, and grilled USDA prime strip loin with jus. If that’s not enough, how about a chocolate hazelnut cake for dessert to celebrate the winning team? The meal is $120 per person and can be ordered through Tock for pre-paid pickup.
Aloette’s Super Bowl Package kicks off with a platter of loaded nachos made for groups of two and topped with braised brisket, mozzarella, and cerignola oil. Enjoy chicken wings with Aloette’s hot sauce and confit iberico BBQ pork back ribs. A collection of sides, including vegetables and potato skins are also included, as well as chocolate chip cookies for a crunchy dessert. This package costs $50 and is available for pick up only at the Liberty Village location.
One of the best, most famous dim sum restaurants in Toronto could be on the move again.
Recently, a sign went up in front of the building at 69 Yorkville Avenue, notifying passersby that an application has been filed with the city of Toronto to redevelop the building. Currently, it houses a few businesses, including one of Toronto’s most popular, upscale dim sum restaurants, Dynasty Chinese. It’s owned by the same group that owns Paradise in North York, both of which are renowned for their high-quality Chinese cuisine, including sought-after live seafood dishes and traditional delicacies.
Yeung Chao Rice at Dynasty.
According to city documents, an application to revamp the building and turn it into a 29 floor, mixed use building, including 143 residential units. The application was filed in November of 2021, with site plan approval submitted on December 29, 2021.
The application was then given to the city for feedback on January 24, and results are pending. “City staff have not completed a review of the application at this time, Senior Planner in Community Planning David Driedger explains. “Once a review is completed, then comments will be provided to the applicant.”
General Tao Chicken at Dynasty.
It wouldn’t be the first time that Dynasty Chinese has had to move, though, as it has bounced around the Yorkville neighbourhood since its inception, having moved from a previous location at 131 Bloor Street West.
As of now, though, everything depends on that meeting. “A preliminary report from staff, providing basic application details, will be going to the February 16, 2022 Toronto and East York Community Council meeting,” Driedger says. “A community consultation meeting is scheduled for March 2 to discuss the proposed application.”
Of course, applications like these can take three to five years. So, the restaurant’s delicious eats, including Yeung chow fried rice and General Tao chicken (deemed among the best in the city) are still on the menu. Many foodies flock to this longstanding Yorkville staple to dine on raved-about steamed pork buns, shrimp dumplings and wontons, alongside peking duck and mini hot pots. There’s also a traditional breakfast that’s served on carts, offering up an authenticity that only adds to the mouthwatering fare.
Rendering of new public space in Yorkville.
It’s a controversial location for a redevelopment, though, as Yorkville is not home to many high rises–especially not right on the main street. While there’s a ton of redevelopment happening in the area, tall buildings are mostly on the outskirts and perimeters of the neighbourhood. Having a 29-storey building in the middle of an otherwise historic, mostly low-rise street would affect the entire area (and raise even more privacy concerns), which could pose a problem for the development, though it’s worth noting that there’s another high-rise building proposal in Yorkville.
But, for now, everything at Dynasty Chinese remains normal. The eatery is still open Monday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and still available on Uber Eats and Skip the Dishes. An employee explained that, as of now, there are no plans to move the restaurant or adjust operations at 69 Yorkville Avenue. But, after the March 2 meeting, Dynasty could have to make yet another change, as a redevelopment could render the space unusable for years on end. Until something’s for certain, though, Dynasty Chinese is still going strong.
You can now get the Mykonos feel without ever leaving the city, thanks to Petros82.
Once housed inside Hotel X, the Greek eatery has now found a new, two-storey space in the Entertainment District to call home. Located at 299 Adelaide Street West, the 10,000 square foot restaurant is adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows and a sleek, modern interior.
All of that space allows for a traditional, upscale restaurant setting, as one would expect. But, it also houses the YK Marketta, where traditional Greek provisions are available for purchase, a Live Seafood Market, and even a semi-private mezzanine for private events.
Of course, the spotlight is on the traditional Mediterranean fare, which is accompanied by an extensive craft cocktail list.
Seafood-focused appetizer options include Kakavia, a traditional seafood soup, alongside a shrimp cocktail, oysters, PEI cocktails and a chilled seafood salad. There’s also a selection of comfort foods, Greek pastas, shareable dishes (like spanakopita), as well as meat and fish mains.
Petros82 on Instagram
The whole vibe at Petros82 is comparable to that of Estiatorio Milos, a New York City seafood restaurant that has garnered international attention. The modern decor paired with the live market create Toronto’s version of the upscale Manhattan restaurant.
The restaurant is a division of Peter & Paul’s hospitality group, which owns a multitude of restaurants across the GTA. Their charge also includes event spaces and catering businesses.
Petros82 began accepting in-person diners on February 2, and is open from 4pm to 9pm Monday through Saturday for both takeout and delivery.
The 2022 Winter Games will mark Unionville-native, Paul Poirier’s third Olympic appearance, having previously competed back in 2010 and 2018. The thirty-year-old ice dancer (along with skating partner, Piper Gilles), is one of the veterans of the Team Canada figure skating team, and the hopes of securing a medal seem to lie solely on them. Here is what you need to know:
Hometown: Unionville
Sport: Figure Skater – Ice Dance
Member: Team Canada
Background: Ottawa-born Poirier got involved with figure skating at the age of five, and by the time he was 10, began skating with his partner, Vanessa Crone. Over the next ten years, the pair amassed numerous notable results including the silver medal at the World Junior Figure Skating Championships in 2008, and the bronze at the 2011 Four Continents. That same year, Poirier began skating with American, Piper Gilles after she was able to secure a release from U.S. Figure Skating. The new pairing turned out to be fruitful. The couple found success early on, winning the bronze medal at the 2012 Canadian Championships, and followed that up just a few months later with a gold at the U.S. International Figure Skating Classic. At the 2018 Olympic Games, the duo placed eighth.
Career Highlights: After making the decision to change their free dance program mid-season, Poirier and Gilles took home the silver medal at the 2018 Canadian Championships.
At the 2021 World Championships held in Stockholm Sweden, the couple earned the bronze medal. This placement solidified Poirier’s spot on a third Olympic Team.
In 2022, Poirier secured his second national title after winning the Canadian Championships held in Ottawa.
What you need to know: Poirier is fluent in four languages – French, English, Japanese and Spanish. He has a Bachelor of Arts in linguistics from the University of Toronto.
Fun Fact: Poirier and Gilles are the creators of the ‘Maple Leaf March’ – a partial step sequence taken from their 2016 short program and chosen by the International Skating Union (ISU) as a new pattern dance.
