There’s a massive owner’s suite in this $6.495 million renovated Toronto home

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11:39 am

TPM_0367 — Mitch Fain from The Print Market

With a charming stone exterior and over 5,300 square feet of living space, the new listing at 68 Dawlish Ave. is a dream home. This abode was custom built in 2005 and given recent renovations that will stay in style for decades. It features large principle rooms, an open concept floor plan and no shortage of fireplaces to keep things cozy.

You’ll find this elegant property in the Lawrence Park neighbourhood near Blythwood Ravine Park. With four bedrooms and six bathrooms, it’s currently listed for $6.495 million.

Photo Courtesy: Mitch Fain from The Print Market

Stunning oak hardwood flooring and wainscotting stand out in the foyer. You’ll notice lots of modern details on the main level since it was recently redone.

Large windows and a wood burning fireplace define the living room.

It’s open to the dining room, which can easily accommodate an eight-person table.

You’ll find the combined family room and kitchen at the back of the home. A set of double doors provide access to the backyard.

No expense was spared during the kitchen renovation. It was designed with matching marble countertops and backsplash, state-of-the-art appliances and a massive island.

There’s also a breakfast nook beside the window.

A gas fireplace with a marble mantle is the focal point in the family room.

Even the powder room is interesting to look at. It’s designed with a vibrant wallpaper and floating vanity.

Here’s a look at the mud room with a built-in bench.

Half of the second level is dedicated to the completely renovated primary bedroom. The future owners can enjoy a fireplace, juliet balcony and window bench.

A double vanity and huge walk-in shower are included in the six-piece ensuite bathroom.

The dressing room is bigger than some studio apartments. It features illuminated shelving, full height mirrors and an island for optimal storage.

There are three additional bedrooms on this level. One of them comes with a four-piece ensuite and walk-in closet.

One of the bedrooms could also be used as a home office.

The lower level features ample living space for relaxing. It’s where you’ll find the recreation room, another bedroom and two bathrooms.

The backyard has a spacious patio for outdoor entertaining.

68 Dawlish Ave. is listed with Andre Kutyan of Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage.

Midtown is getting a new traditional deli

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Erica Commisso

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11:36 am

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Dave Isen is taking a big step in his career.

The former Jack Astor’s chef is venturing out on his own, taking his pandemic-born business to the next level.

“I’ve thought about it doing it for so many years, and am thrilled that it finally happened,” Isen says. “It only took a pandemic, a lay off from my job, some valuable time with my son doing the home school thing and of course the amazing support of my wife Pam and my entire family.”

It, of course, is his new restaurant, Dave’s Genuine Deli, in Midtown (1763 Avenue Road).

“After starting Dave’s Genuine Deli in early 2020 as a small, curbside pickup only sandwich shop, it was an instant success,” he says. “So, naturally, I took the opportunity to grow it into a restaurant.”

His restaurant, a casual and modern, 30 seat deli, boasts a black and white interior with pops of colour, reclaimed wood, quartz countertops and granite tables. The art is a mixture of black and white prints and colourful abstracts, anchoring the television and upbeat music.

Inside Dave's Genuine Deli — Inside Dave’s Genuine Deli. Image courtesy Dave Isen.

Everything about Dave’s Genuine Deli is a labour of love. He chose the Avenue Road and Lawrence Ave. location because Isen and his wife lived there for a time and felt a connection to the area. The menu is a collection of traditional Jewish recipes with his own, unique touch.

“There’s no copycat recipes here,” he says. In fact, he’s proud to say nearly everything is made in-house. “What really sets us apart are the unique flavours and attention to detail that goes into all our deli meats. Our smoked meat has my signature rub on it, and it’s smoked longer than traditional to create that amazing bark on it. Our roast turkey breast is made with fresh turkey, brined with apple cider and fresh herbs in-house for at least 3 days.”

Menu highlights include matzo ball soup, smoked meat, brisket beef dip and creamy rice pudding, made with free-run eggs and pure Madagascar vanilla. Smoked whitefish dip, kishke, bagel platters, smoked meat hash and blueberry topped waffles are coming soon.

Matzo ball soup at Dave's Genuine Deli — Matzo ball soup at Dave’s Genuine Deli. Image courtesy Dave Isen

Dave’s Genuine Deli is already open for takeout and delivery. As per government rules, the dine-in experience will open on Feb. 1.

The restaurant, located at 1763 Avenue Road, is open Tuesday though Saturday 11:30 a.m to 8 p.m. Starting Feb. 13, it will open at 9 a.m. on Saturdays for a 9 a.m.-3 p.m. brunch service.

Balaclavas: everything you need to know about this T.O. winter-proof trend

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Julia Mastroianni

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4:00 pm

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The balaclava trend has been making its presence known for fashion-forward Canadians since last winter, when the garments were first making debuts on the street. Fashion balaclavas were essentially blueprinted for the fashion community by international influencers, high end designers and celebrities, until the inspiration was planted accordingly into the DIY minds of knitwear and wearable art designers any and everywhere.

Come December 2021, it seemed like every cool Torontonian was in on the balaclava wave, adorning variants of colourful statement balaclavas, knit hoods or bonnets for a trip to the grocery store.

Fashion balaclavas tend to be expensive, factoring for the time and labour of the creator. The more complex and unique the balaclava, the more expensive it is likely to be.

Alexandria Masse is a 21-year-old textile artist studying at NSCAD University in Nova Scotia, originally from Windsor, Ontario. Masse’s balaclavas can require up to 30 hours of assembling, and sell for anywhere between $200 and $700, depending on the intricacy of the piece. She sources her 100 per cent Canadian wool from a Maritimes manufacturer, Briggs and Little Mills Ltd.

Either you pay for the clout, or you learn to make your own (and quite a few people are doing the latter), turning to social media for inspiration.

Plenty of people in the knit and crochet community share DIY tutorials so that you can easily learn to make your own balaclava. Others sell their knit or crochet balaclava patterns so that you can follow their blueprint exactly.

Even CNN has reported on the balaclava, an “unusual sartorial staple.” The article, titled “Behold the balaclava: Why a 19th century army accessory has taken over social media,” reports that search interest is up on Google too, pointing to “the question “how to knit a balaclava” growing more than 5000% in the past 12 months.” Jessica Payne, Pinterest’s head of fashion, also told CNN that searches for balaclavas have jumped 230 per cent since the start of November.

But the trend has brought up discussions about privilege in fashion, and who gets to wear trends as “fashion.”

Hyperbae published an article on Jan. 24 warning readers to consider the privilege that comes with wearing a balaclava, referencing a TikTok video produced by user @laurenblackborow which has since been taken down. The article refers to it as “a now highly criticized video, demonstrating how to turn a scarf into a balaclava, to which many responded that she was just showing her audience how to make a hijab. One comment read, ‘Didn’t they call hijabs and niqabs oppressive and ugly, now everyone wants to wear a balaclava. Funny how that works.’”

Toronto-based singer-songwriter Nemahsis chimed into the conversation by sharing an airport incident with her Tiktok followers. She explained that security assumed her balaclava was an accessory rather than her hijab, despite her attempts to explain the crucial difference, and the garment was subsequently ripped off her head – leaving her exposed.

The resulting dialogue has garnered a lot of momentum from Tiktok, now making headlines in large publications that were previously only reporting on where to buy balaclavas, and in many cases still are. Business of Fashion says “[on Tikok users are] pointing out that [white individuals are] able to wear such headpieces without fear of being racially profiled or targeted.”

The article also quotes Sidney Morgan-Petro, head of retail and buying at WGSN Marketing, who calls the trend “a perfect storm”, and GQ fashion critic Rachel Tash-jian. Both individuals attribute balaclava popularity to the COVID pandemic, and society’s consequential desire to experiment with a more extravagant wardrobe after long periods of social distancing and self isolation.

Masse, who was also referenced in the BOF article, says she didn’t start making balaclavas to profit off of the trend but more generally to take advantage of head pieces as wearable art. Now balaclavas have become a “super trend,” says Masse, noting that her social media feeds are oversaturated with these pieces. Consequently, she has begun referring to her designs as head pieces, so as to shift the focus from the trend, back to the unique nature of her designs.

Masse still gives credit where it’s due though. “I’ve been introduced to the streetwear community a lot more [since starting to make balaclavas],” an advance from the more insular crochet and knitwear communities in which Masse previously shared her work.

Canadian creators making balaclavas

Regardless of the angle, balaclavas continue to pervade as a hot topic in the fashion community. They are cool, practical and definitely NOT going anywhere soon. Here are 12 Canadian creators making unique fashion balaclavas.

@alexandria.masse in Nova Scotia

@donttbiteyourfriends in Montreal

@q.oberlein in Ontario

@knottedneon in Toronto

@hollycrochet in Toronto

@bruised_peach_shop in Toronto

@eeeednaaaa in Montreal

@vetements.mame in Montreal

@lolocrochete in Montreal

@amsoucy in Montreal

@billiehollandaise in Toronto

This upscale Greek spot has an amazing raw bar and top notch wine

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Christine Hogg

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11:03 am

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Pétros82 is the new Greek spot founded by GTA-based hospitality and entertainment company byPeterandPauls.

Embracing the fresh flavours and simple ingredients of Greece, the menu features a raw bar, line-caught wild fish directly from the Mediterranean, a bespoke butchery and an extensive premium wine list and curated cocktail program.

For the time being, the authentic Greek menu is takeout only, but dining at home won’t sacrifice flavour or elegance.

The Food

Everything from seafood appetizers, like grilled calamari complemented by lemon brown butter, garlic confit, caper berries and cherry tomatoes, to grilled chicken souvlakis and small plates and salads for sharing are up for grabs when you order directly from the website.

If you’re looking to try some tried-and-true Greek favourites we recommend selecting a couple of things off the Comfort Foods section of the menu.

The raw bar is sure to be a hit once indoor dining resumes.

With dishes like the moussaka, similar to an Italian lasagna but layered with eggplant instead of pasta sheets, or the Feta Fourno V, a brick of feta baked and wrapped in phyllo pastry with thyme and drizzled in lavender honey, you can’t go wrong.

When indoor dining finally resumes, patrons can eat in an environment carefully curated to strike a balance between understated and grand — complete with white tablecloths, candelabras, soft lighting and accent cushions in seafoam green, turquoise and pale blue.

The restaurant subtly recreates the look and feel of lapping waves at the shore of an upscale, beachy island getaway, with cool colours, sheer white curtains hanging from floor-to-ceiling windows and neutral furniture all placed in and around an open and airy space.

Pétros82 doesn’t offer outdoor dining, but there are different areas of the restaurant where patrons can be seated depending on the vibe you’re looking for. Choose from the regular dining room, the lounge bar, the mezzanine or the standard bar seat.

You can place an order Mondays through Saturdays from 4 to 9 p.m. With an atmosphere that sets the tone for the perfect night out, be sure to swing by the 299 Adelaide St. W. spot.

Toronto cafe affectionately known as “The Dip” forced to close patio for now

By

Erica Commisso

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12:11 pm

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The city’s recent patio closing spree has claimed a famous victim.

Cafe Diplomatico’s patio has been a gathering place for sports games and events since its establishment over 50 years ago, and has remained open through the most recent pandemic-related closures, which saw many a restaurant offer a heated, covered patio for patrons to continue to use while indoor dining was closed.

The problem, though, is that most of these patios violated the rules set in place by the provincial government, which dictate that outdoor patios must have two fully open sides. Cafe Diplomatico’s outdoor space is heated and fully sheltered (even housing a fire hydrant), prompting the local authorities to close it down. They’ll still be open for takeout and delivery in the meantime.

The eatery posted a note on Instagram confirming that the owners were forced to cease operations until restaurants are allowed to reopen at 50 per cent capacity on Jan. 31. “As a result of intervention by several municipal authorities, we have to close the outdoor patio until we are able to reopen,” the post reads, noting that they are determined to get it reopened as soon as possible, which is likely the end of the month.

Known affectionately as The Dip, the family-owned and operated cafe has been in operation since 1968, offering everything from burgers and fries to chicken parmigiana and pizza. Located at 594 College St., Cafe Diplomatico’s patio served as a trailblazer, as outdoor dining in Toronto was virtually unheard of at the time that Rocco and Paul Mastrangelo opened the restaurant’s doors. Intended as a gathering place for espressos, biscotti and a good Italian meal, the patio attracts many diners for soccer games and getting together with friends in Little Italy.

Until the closure, Cafe Diplomatico boasted a lineup out the door as people waited to chow down on antipasti and pasta on the sheltered, covered patio, despite the frozen temperatures. Until Jan. 31, they will offer only takeout and delivery services.

One of Montreal’s best shawarma spots just opened in Toronto

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Erica Commisso

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11:43 am

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Boustan Restaurant, which opened its first eatery in 1986, is bringing a modern, revamped shawarma menu to the east end, and looking to expand fast.

The first Scarborough location opened a week ago, and is already making waves in the community.

Emad Saad took over the Boustan name and set it up as a franchise five years ago, but was hesitant to come to Toronto without making the brand a more cohesive, streamlined entity.

“We were catering to the brand to be more consistent across the board, that would be consistent from coast to coast and across borders,” Saad says. Once they felt comfortable with the new changes, they decided to expand, making Scarborough their first GTA pit stop.

Scarborough proved a desirable location for Saad, Director of Marketing Joseph Audi and the team because of the area’s population. “It’s a multi-ethnic area, it’s very diverse population,” Audi says. “So let’s go in the area that understands that our cuisine, and if we prove ourselves there, we can prove ourselves anywhere.”

Their mission has been successful so far as, with doors open for only a week, there are lineups outside the door. A big part of their success, Saad says, is the way the food is prepared.

“At Boustan, we try to have the top ingredients. There’s a lot behind the scenes in the way the chicken is done,” he says. “It is only Canadian chicken that is air-cooked and not flooded with water. That’s why we are able to have such flavourful chicken.” Noting that chicken is one of the most popular meats in Canada, Audi adds that the chicken dishes, including shawarma and kebab plates, are where they focus a lot of their efforts. “Chicken is one of the top products that a new customer is going to try, so we ensure that it is going to exceed a customer’s expectations,” he says.

But, in response to a growing number of diverse eating habits, Boustan has developed vegan options, too. Saad and the team decided to stray away from Beyond Meat products because of the high sodium count and other harmful ingredients, keeping health-conscious consumers in mind. Their solution was a shitake mushroom shawarma plate. “It took a year of development,” Saad says, noting that the vegan meal is quickly becoming one of the most popular menu items because of how it is cooked. “We don’t just offer new items for the sake of offering them.”

Another vegan item is the lentil soup, developed in-house about two months ago. The menu changes are all part of Boustan’s new mission and drive, and aim to create a cohesive, modern menu that rethinks traditional shawarma plates to include modern, health-conscious dishes. “Our menu is going to really evolve over the next year or two, it’s going to be even more exciting and bold and different,” Audi says. “We’re not just going to be the shawarma place down the street, it’s going to be a more worldly place. We’re really picking up on bringing the customer on a journey around the world.”

“We’re keeping our core and vision and mission and authenticity in terms of flavours, but we’re on a mission to give the customer a new taste. We’re trying to create more of an experience,” Saad adds. “Food is a pleasure, it’s something that we enjoy. It’s not just about making money, it’s something that we enjoy eating and we enjoy doing.”

The first opening at 2072 Lawrence Ave E, in the Wexford Heights Plaza, is the first of many expansions Boustan has in store. They’ve already started work on a second location in York Mills, and have plans to open locations in Scarborough, North York and Hamilton. They’re already looking beyond Toronto, too, with plans to open locations in Vancouver and in the USA.

Winter Olympics Toronto fan guide: Skier Ali Nullmeyer

By

Ron Johnson

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11:13 am

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Slalom skier and hometown athlete Ali Nullmeyer got her start in the sport making the drive up to Georgian Peaks Ski Club in Collingwood as a youth. And look at her now, on the way to her first Olympic Games in Beijing. Here is what you need to know:

Hometown: Toronto

Sport: Alpine skiing — slalom, giant slalom

Member: Canadian National Team, Georgian Peaks Ski Club

Background: Nullmeyer was born and raised in Toronto attending Havergal College from Kindergarten to Grade 8. The 23-year-old skier got her first taste of snow on a family ski trip to Utah when she was just 18-months-old. Not long after, she began skiing out of the Georgian Peaks Club in Collingwood. For high school and even more skiing, she attended Green Mountain Valley School in Vermont. In 2015, she joined the Canadian Alpine Ski Team and made her World Cup debut at the 2017 FIS Alpine World Ski Championship in St. Moritz.

Career Highlights: During the 2019/20 campaign Nullmeyer won four NorAm gold medals.

Earlier this month, Nullmeyer finished fifth (a career-best) in a recent FIS World Cup stop in Zagreb, Croatia that solidified her spot on the Canadian Olympic team.

What you need to know: During the 2017/2018 season while training for the World Cup opener in Austria, Nullmeyer tore her ACL and meniscus in both knees. It took her 11 months to get back out on the snow. She’s also a full-time student-athlete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) and plans to graduate from Middlebury College, located in Vermont, in 2023.

Olympic Events Date: Women’s Giant Slalom begins Feb. 7, Women’s Slalom, Feb. 9.

Social feeds: Instagram

To see more Toronto Olympic profiles click here.

Here’s where you can find the best chicken noodle soup in T.O., good for what ails you

By

Megan Gallant

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9:22 am

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soul-provisions-chicken-noodle-soup — Soul Provisions

Snowstorms and snow days call for afternoons spent indoors, curled up on the couch with a blanket, a movie, and some piping hot food to keep you cozy no matter how frosty the windows get. And what better meal does the trick than a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup?

The best thing about this classic soup is that it’s so simple, but it can be made with a signature touch to give it a little extra pizzaz! But, no matter how it’s made, there’s somehow always a hint of that nostalgic homemade taste that reminds you of sick days spent at Grandma’s house.

Check out our list of the best chicken noodle soups in Toronto to warm you up.

RaviSoups

This open-concept kitchen offers plenty of original soup recipes including a corn chowder and specialty Ravi Stew, named for the late owner. RaviSoup’s hotpot broth gives off a taste of Thailand with a coconut milk-infused broth and a touch of lemongrass. The added mango-pineapple might just transport you back to warmer summer days—you know, back when you didn’t need four layers of jackets just to get your mail.

RaviSoups is available for takeaway at 322 Adelaide Street West through Ritual.

https://ravisoup.com

Tao Northern Chinese Cuisine

This Leaside bistro offers a stunning and elegant décor to serve up authentic Chinese food. On the lunch menu, you’ll find a chicken noodle soup, made with your choice of a clear chicken broth with mushroom, or a tom yum broth (a distinct spicy and sour soup popular in Thailand). At Tao, customers can also add homemade wontons to make this a chicken wonton soup, served with a deliciously crunchy vegetable spring roll on the side.

Tao can be ordered online through UberEats or DoorDash.

https://www.taobistro.ca

Soul Provisions

Soul Provisions caters to your needs, no matter the season. That means they serve popsicles in the summer and homemade soups in the winter. Toronto Soup Co. is dedicated to offering healthy soup options, so their chicken noodle is made with less salt than you’d usually expect—but don’t worry: the delicious taste of egg noodles, shredded chicken and homemade chicken stock is so delicious, you won’t even notice that it’s low on salt!

Order through Uber Eats and Ritual.

https://www.torontosoupco.com/soulprovisions.html#/

New Yorker Deli

At New Yorker Deli, you can have all the soup you could ever dream of to really keep you warm this winter. This deli offers soup by the cup full, bowl full, and—for those negative 30 days—by the litre full. New Yorker Deli’s deliciously cozy chicken noodle soup is made with a homemade broth, freshly cooked noodles and, to add a bit of flavour, sliced and boiled carrots.

Get it delivered straight to your door piping hot through UberEats and Skip the Dishes.

https://www.newyorkerdeli.ca

Zelden’s Deli and Desserts

This midtown deli might be new, but it has old school styles rooted in Jewish culture. Zelden’s Deli and Desserts’ chicken noodle soup shows us that there’s nothing wrong with keeping it classic and simple. With a hearty combination of chicken broth, chewy noodles and mixed veggies including carrots and celery, this soup is simply delicious.

https://zeldensdelianddesserts.com

Legendary Toronto Chinese restaurant may be reopening

By

lindsaylow

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11:14 am

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It has been reported that one of the original investors in Sea-Hi Famous Chinese Food may be considering a reopening. The report suggested that the new location will be on Steeles Avenue. Below is our article from when they sadly announced they would be closing after 65 years. Let’s hope the report turns out to be accurate.

Long-running Chinese restaurant Sea-Hi Famous Chinese Food announced that it will be closing for good at the end of the month on Feb. 29.

The restaurant posted the information on its Facebook page stating that the restaurant has been in business for 59 years.

“We know the restaurant will be missed,” the statement read. “We hope to see you and your family one last time before our doors close on Feb 29th.”

The restaurant’s Facebook page has quickly filled up with comments both long and short reflecting the impact Sea-Hi has had on the community and the greatness of its chicken sticks, amongst other popular menu items.

“Been going since it opened, had my first beer there at 15 years old, chicken sticks, hot and sour soup, plum sauce and dried noodles, CLASSIC, will be missed,” read one post.

While another commenter wrote, “Why do you have to close? Such great great food, chicken soup, San Francisco dry ribs, honey garlic chicken, chicken sticks, your fried rice, all of beyond compare!! Any chance you would share your recipes? ?? …they need to carry on your legacy of great flavour!!”

The restaurant is a hotbed of activity come Christmastime, and heading to Sea-Hi on Christmas Day was a long-held tradition for many Torontonians. To that end, a couple of years ago, a charming documentary film Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas was recorded at the restaurant with many top artists singing holiday tunes including Steven Page.

There is likely to be a rush on chicken sticks this month, so be sure to head up to Bathurst Street a few blocks south of Wilson Avenue for one last visit before Feb. 29.

Kiefer Sutherland’s ode to Toronto on new album Bloor Street

By

Ron Johnson

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11:32 am

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Kiefer Sutherland is putting his Toronto roots front and centre with his new country and western album. Bloor Street is the acclaimed actor’s third album following on the heels of his 2019 album Reckless & Me, and his debut Down in a Hole.

“Writing and recording this album was a unique experience given the pandemic and subsequent restrictions that followed,” said Sutherland, in a press release. “I found myself, like so many, with a block of time that I had never been afforded before, which allowed me to not only reflect upon my life but also to write about it. Music has always been a personal extension of storytelling for me. I couldn’t be more excited to share these new songs.”

The video for the title track “Bloor Street” features flashes of old-timer Toronto landmarks such as the original location of legendary Chinese restaurant Lichee Garden, the CNE, and more than one streetcar, interspersed with cute boyhood images of young Kiefer.

Although born in the United Kingdom, Sutherland grew up in the city and kept a home in North Toronto for many years.

Streets of Toronto interviewed Kiefer Sutherland upon the release of his debut album, and at that time, the actor turned troubadour was just getting used to the idea of a music career, for which he hadn’t really planned.

“The irony is that I had no intention of making an album. I’m acutely aware of the stigma of an actor doing music, but I had written a bunch of songs that I liked, and I wanted to record a few of them,” said Sutherland in 2016. “I was going to send them out as demos in the hopes that maybe another artist would record them. A friend of mine suggested that I keep doing them. I said, “No way,” but he took me out, and we got drunk, and all of a sudden it sounded like a better idea.”

In the interview, Sutherland also spoke of his time as a bona fide cowboy on the rodeo circuit, and his love for Toronto watering hole and live music venue the Horseshoe Tavern.

“That place has always been one of my favourite bars,” he said. “Playing the Horseshoe is going to be like coming home and playing in my living room.”

A new tequila and tapas bar is coming to The Annex this spring

By

Christine Hogg

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11:07 am

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There’s a new tequila and tapas bar coming to town, courtesy of local restauranteur Knick Ndreka.

Ndreka has been active in The Annex for two decades as the owner of Victory Cafe and Crafty Coyote, both on Bloor Street West. His latest venture pays homage to Mexican culture, built as the restaurant concept of the phrase “life is beautiful,” one of Ndreka’s most commonly-used adages.

Former Victory Cafe manager Anthony Walker is relocating to run the new space, called Mezcalero, and working with the interior designer to create a modern, tailored space. “His intention with the place is to be a celebration of life. He wants it to be a destination that people come to the Annex to go to,” Walker explains. “It’s supposed to be that positive thing, even though these times can be hard.”

The tequila and tapas bar will, naturally, offer a large selection of mezcal (hence the name) and offer 12 to 15 food items that pair perfectly with both tequila and mezcal. The liquors can be enjoyed as shots, sippers, and as cocktails, all of which are carefully created and heavily influenced by the celebration of life theme, which Walker says goes hand in hand with tequila and mezcal. “Tequila is that party drink, it’s the one to get the party started.”

Walker also notes that each detail has been meticulously curated to tie perfectly into one another, springing from the bold interior, created by local designer Alexander Perry.

“The design itself is modern and really fun,” Walker says. Ndreka got the keys to the space at 509 Bloor Street West last year, but the team has spent the last six months working to create a uniform, uplifting vibe.

“Everything is really tailored to each other, the way the space will feel will also feel how the food taste, which is also tied to the music you hear and the vibe you are feeling.” As for the menu, while it is not official yet, Mezcalero brought on a local menu builder who specializes in Mexican tapas, and will train a head chef–also brought in–to create each tapas dish.

Walker notes that the plan for Mezcalero is to host DJ nights and events, as well as after-dinner service in a reservation-based space. “It’s just going to be somewhere where everyone can do everything,” he says.

As for opting to stay in the Annex, Walker says it was a decision Ndreka made out of love.

“He cherishes the people and the neighbourhood a lot, and he’s been around it for 20 years, so it’s something he knows really well, and he’s a big part of the community,” he says. “The Annex is his home, and it’s such a cute and charming area.”

While no official opening date has been set, Walker reveals that the team is aiming for a spring 2022 timeline, after a flurry of Covid-related delays.

For more information on Mezcalero’s opening at 509 Bloor Street West, check for updates on Instagram.

6 events to try out in Toronto this weekend

By

Julia Mastroianni

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10:09 am

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weekend-events-food-hall — A photo of the World Food Market. @czar_hey

Winter might seem like the ideal time to hibernate, especially during an ongoing pandemic. But there are still a fair number of activities to safely take part in across the city. Whether you’re into art or the great outdoors, here are six of the best things to do in Toronto this weekend.

Check out DesignTO

The DesignTO Festival is happening online and in-person at venues across the city from Jan. 21 to 30. Expect unique window installations, exhibitions, various events, workshops, talks and more. Most events and exhibitions are free, but some require a RSVP or purchased tickets, so check in advance. All window installations are viewable from the outdoors, making for a fun, free (and safe) way to enjoy some art in the city.

Go skiing

If you’re hoping to get some skiing in without driving too far, Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre and the Centennial Ski and Snowboard Centre have both opened in the city recently and depending on what we see weather-wise for the remainder of winter, should be open until around mid-March. Centennial Park has one learning area where you can walk up and two runs with a carpet lift at the main hill, while Earl Bales has one beginner area with a rope tow and three runs with a chairlift at the main hill.

Try out stackt market’s rooftop tasting menu

Willing to brave the cold this weekend for an out-of-this-world dining experience? The stackt market is running an outdoor rooftop dining and cocktail event called GoldInn, featuring a five course tasting menu designed by Ration Food Lab. You can reserve tickets for this weekend for parties from two to eight people, at a price of $88 per person. If the cold is simply too much for you, stackt offers a take-home version at a reduced price, so you can replicate the fine dining experience in the comfort of your home! Reserve ahead here.

Hang out at the Harbourfront

While summer may be prime time for hanging out lakeside, Harbourfront is still worth a colder weather visit. First off, you can go for a skate overlooking the lake at Natrel Rink. There’s often public art on display like the current Nordic Spotlight, which starts Jan. 27 highlights modern Nordic art and culture through various media. The area in general also features many options for takeout or grabbing a coffee.

Hit up a food hall

If you’re bored of your local takeout joint (or just in need of a few new go-to options), pay a visit to one of the city’s food halls. They’re a great way to sample new concepts or types of cuisines without spending too much since there’s always a variety of options to choose from. Add Annex Food Hall, World Food Market and Chef’s Hall to your list.

Slide down a toboggan hill

If weather cooperates and you make sure to bundle up, an afternoon of tobogganing can be a great way to blow off steam or just have some good old fashioned winter fun. Some of the best spots in the city to set down your sled include Centennial Park, Withrow Park, Withrow Park, Trinity Bellwoods and High Park.