Thirsty and Miserable announced on Instagram that the end of the year, which also marks the end of the bar’s 10-year lease in their building, will also see the local watering hole close for good.
The Kensington Market bar, open since 2012, offers patrons a casual space for local brews, as well as an ever-changing array of Belgian and small-batch artisanal beers. Mixed into the craft beer scene, Thirsty and Miserable serves up chips and a selection of records available for purchase.
Each evening’s selection is artfully scrawled onto a vintage-feeling chalkboard, allowing for the ever-changing beer menu to be updated as needed. The bar posts their beer menu to Instagram as it changes, highlighting the unique bottles and cans, as well as offering anecdotes, whenever and wherever possible. Local favourites that have a home at Thirsty and Miserable include Badlands Brewery, Great Lakes Brewery, and Bellwoods Brewery, among others.
The cash-only (though e-transfer is also accepted) bar gives guests quintessential dive bar vibes, perfect for the trendy, artsy Kensington Market area. It only holds sixteen people inside, adding to the intimate, friendly neighbourhood bar effect.
However, Thirsty and Miserable owner Katie announced earlier this month that, with the end of the lease, she made the decision to close shop. “This building is crumbling and Covid is still lurking so it feels like the perfect opportunity to take a little break from bar ownership,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “It’s been a total blast. I’ve met so many amazing people (and drank so many delicious beers)!”
For the time being, Katie has no plans to reopen a bar, though her hope is that she is able to stay active in the craft beer world. “I hope to stay involved in this wonderful world of craft beer. Breweries, I’ll be applying for ALL of your job openings come January! (Apologies in advance.),” she wrote.
Thirsty and Miserable will be open until the end of the month, located at their usual spot at 197 Baldwin Avenue.
Katie assures patrons that she still has a ton of beer for drinking (and taking out, as the bar doubles as a craft beer store), and the hours of operation remain as normal.
Thirsty and Miserable is closed on Mondays, and open on Tuesdays through Thursdays from 4 p.m. to midnight. On Fridays and Saturdays, it is open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., and 2 p.m. to midnight on Sundays.
With the opening of Dori in the Eaton Centre, Torontonians now have a taste of contactless shopping, with no employees operating the completely automated store. The concept was made popular in the United States by Amazon Go stores.
Dori, Toronto’s first contact-free department store and the first of its kind in Canada, opened on Nov. 22. Many of their products, including candles, fresh macarons, “candy sushi,” cocktail kits, soaps and tea, are Canadian brands, and the store’s system is considered an effort to expand the reach of these local brands, like Sweet Sushi, The Macaron Boutique, Clover Botanicals and more.
Items for sale range from $2.99 to $47.50, and the vending-machine inspired store partnered with brands that don’t necessarily have storefronts as well as local brands that may not necessarily have the capacity to sell at a high-volume location the Eaton Centre. The store itself is located near the Queen Street entrance, right near the Shoppers Drug Mart.
Dori’s official launch party is on Dec. 5 and, at 1 p.m., the store is giving away free cheesecake sticks, as well as free gift cards to the first 50 customers. The automated department store has plans to expand into other parts of Canada as well as the United States within the next two years, hopping on the automated store trend that is sweeping across the continent.
An increased reliance on tech combined with the setbacks presented by COVID-19 may have pushed retailers in the direction of considering the inclusion of partially or even fully-automated stores. Allied Market Research predicts that the retail automation market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.6 per cent from 2019 to 2026, to a market value of $23.58 billion.
Advocates for automation say it’s more cost-effective for small and big companies, and with the pandemic at play, retailers have seen the potential benefits of automated systems that don’t rely on the physical presence of employees to run a business.
So far, the grocery industry has been the most inclined toward automation, and recently, Toronto has seen that extend to the food industry as well.
Aisle 24 was Toronto’s first cashier-less convenient store, open 24 hours and located at 21 Lawren Harris Square in Corktown. There are no employees manning the store, and customers must download the Aisle 24 app and use the platform’s self-serve checkout to purchase the items. The chain has plans to expand and add six more locations by the end of 2022, with “resident markets” for smaller, more residential communities and community markets for more urban centres.
The automated experience expanded to ready-made food, with outposts like Pizza Forno promising handmade, fresh pizza from their machines across the city that is ready to eat in less than three minutes.
Last year, Robo Cafe opened its first outpost in Yorkville, where it was originally branded as a robotic Dark Horse Espresso machine. Now, Robo Cafe has expanded to Kensington Market, where a vending machine-style storefront offers customizable coffee-based beverages like lattes, cappuccinos and even chai lattes and cortados, and they insist that their offerings are superior to stereotypical vending machine coffee.
While Dori is still focused on mostly food retailers, the idea of an automated department store might just set the tone for automation expansion into fashion and other industries. Though the contactless trend pre-dates the pandemic, the concept of automated shopping experiences seems to have boomed as a result of what could be considered the world’s new normal.
Until recently, every night after 10 p.m., the bar at the Old Spaghetti Factory sat empty.
The Italian-American restaurant, known for serving up heaping family-style portions of classic dishes like spaghetti pomodoro and fettuccine alfredo, does well as an eatery, but with such a beautiful venue, Graham Hnatiw, Director of Operations, Esplanade Restaurants, realized it wasn’t anywhere close to achieving its highest potential.
“About ten years ago, we realized that the Old Spaghetti Factory wasn’t a fun place for people to go drinking,” Hnatiw, who owns OSF as well as nextdoor pub, The Scotland Yard, says. “If we wanted people to enjoy the space afterwards, we had a branding issue.”
With that, Hnatiw got to work, hiring an experienced operations team who understood Hnatiw’s vision for the space, wiring it with high-quality sound and stage lighting, and thus, Bar Cathedral was born.
An intimate, private room located inside The Old Spaghetti Factory that fits just 100 people, Bar Cathedral is a hybrid space that functions as a live music venue and also a bar.
“During the pandemic, we had a lot of time to reflect on how to improve the existing space, and we really wanted to make sure we were music-centred this time around,” Hnatiw says. “A number of live venues closed during the pandemic, and we hear what the public is saying: they miss live music. Now, there are fewer options, so there will be a revenge consumption of these products.”
When the Old Spaghetti Factory shuts its doors at 10 p.m., Bar Cathedral comes to life, accessible via its own entrance on The Esplanade. While you might not be able to chow down on a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, instead, pull up a stool, enjoy a pint or a cocktail, and choose from a late-night menu supplied from The Scotland Yard that features late-night favourites like nachos, fries and onion rings, chicken wings, and more.
Bar Cathedral is currently programming live music every night of the week, with Mondays reserved for open-mic events, and Sunday evenings hosting stand-up comedy acts. Moving forward, though Bar Cathedral is a lively after-hours spot for a drink, Hnatiw says that the venue aims to be 100 per cent focused on supporting local artists as it goes forward, and currently provides all artists who play there with high-quality recordings and photography that artists can use in turn to promote their upcoming shows or acts.
“We do not exist without artists and artists do not exist without venues; it’s a symbiotic relationship,” Hnatiw says.
Bar Cathedral is located at 54 The Esplanade and is open every day from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m.
It’s easy to head outdoors for exercise when it’s nice and warm. But the cold and grey days of winter tend to push most of us indoors for the season. Luckily, with a little preparation, precautions and planning, it’s possible to keep fit with outdoor workouts until spring.
We consulted with Dr. Ira Smith, a Sports Medicine Physician at Cleveland Clinic Canada Midtown, and Jenna McEachern, a Physiotherapist at Cleveland Clinic Canada Midtown, about how to stay safe while training in the ice and snow.
Get the right gear
The most important thing when heading outside in colder temps is to make sure you’re dressed appropriately.
Dr. Smith recommends layering. “Merino wool is a nice base layer,” he says. “Try to avoid cotton, so perspiration doesn’t get absorbed and keep your body wet.” The second layer should be an insulating layer, which can be wool or polyester fleece. If it’s raining, snowing, or very windy, you can add a third layer that’s wind and rain repellent. “Just make sure to avoid down when doing vigorous exercise,” says Dr. Smith.
There are also specially made winter hats to help wick away sweat while retaining heat. Likewise, be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands and fingers.
Stretch it out
Warm-ups are essential for cold weather activities. “At the beginning of the winter season, we are often participating in activities that we have not done in some time,” says Ms. McEachern. “So it’s important to do dynamic stretching, since we will be stressing our muscles and joints in a way that we are not fully reacquainted with.”
Dynamic stretching gives the body an active range of motion to warm muscles up in a similar way to the exercise you’re about to perform. “It involves taking your joints through a large range of motion and getting some heat in the body,” says Ms. McEachern. “And it helps to prevent injuries.”
Hiking
As long as the weather’s okay and you have the right gear, hiking can be a great year-round activity. Just don’t hike more than you can handle. Start with shorter routes and work your way up. Be sure whatever shoes you’re wearing on your hike are waterproof. Besides being at risk for blisters, there’s a good chance of your feet becoming cold and changes in sensation which increases the risk of taking a bad step or another injury when hiking on an uneven surface.
Cross-country skiing
According to Dr. Smith, skiing injuries fall into two main categories: overuse and traumatic. “Overuse injuries can occur mostly to the upper extremities (shoulders, elbows, wrists) and are often due to poor technique.” He stresses that it’s important to take the time to learn proper technique, as many people feel they can begin cross-country skiing without training. Correct form will help prevent any unnecessary injury or strain. The risk of overuse injuries can also be reduced by a proper warm-up prior to strapping on your skis. “This could include a brisk walk or hike, some pushups or other arm exercises,” says Dr. Smith.
It’s important to start small and build up your endurance and duration. “Traumatic injuries can occur to ankles, knees and shoulders from falls at varying speeds,” says Dr. Smith. To prevent traumatic injuries, he recommends controlling your speed, and learning how to fall properly and safely.
Ice skating
Ice skating is a fun winter activity that can be done at a wide range of levels, from laid back fun skates around the rink to more active styles like speed skating or even as part of playing hockey. Ms. McEachern is a fan of skating’s many health benefits. “It challenges our balance, strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness,” she says.
If you are new to the sport, Ms. McEachern cautions that there is a higher risk of falling, so you should be sure to wear padding and a helmet to reduce the risk of fracture and concussion. “Off-ice preparation should involve strength training sessions (2-3 times per week) that involve strength, core, balance and flexibility training,” she says.
Even experienced skaters should take these precautions, advises Ms. McEachern, since skating at higher levels, such as figure skating or hockey, can result injury as well. “Common injuries we see at Cleveland Clinic Canada Midtown are groin strains, back strains, high ankle sprains and others due to contact or accidents.” Regardless of your level of experience, “warming up before and stretching afterwards are key to making the most of each outing.”
Mix it up
Whatever you decide to do, it’s most beneficial to mix up different exercises. If you’re not an avid devotee to any one particular form of exercise, mixing in hiking with skating or cross-country skiing is generally better for the body. It helps prevent overuse injuries or exacerbating any underlying issues.
Toronto has seen its first snowfall, which means the onset of winter is inevitable and closer than most of us may like. However, anyone feeling less than stellar about this seasonal shift can take solace in the fact the city is filled with fun ways to embrace the weather. Be it through winter-themed festivals, scenic skating rinks, or holiday markets, here are some of the best things to do in Toronto this weekend.
Stop by Sweaters n’ Snowflakes
Starting Dec. 3 and running through Dec. 26 (including Christmas Day) is a fun food and wine popup taking place at the southwest corner of Bathurst and Richmond. The area has been totally transformed into a seasonal wonderland, complete with a twinkling tunnel of lights (perfect for those festive selfies), partially heated patio, fires and a cozy forest vibe. There will be holiday inspired pizzas, wok fried noodles, desserts and soups, as well a smulled wine, spiked hot chocolate, apple cider and holiday inspired cocktails.
Check out the holiday market at the Toronto Botanical Gardens
If you’re in search of some eco-friendly holiday gifts with a botanical twist, the Toronto Botanical Gardens are hosting their annual Holiday Market and Open House on Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local artisans will showcase their nature-inspired, eco-friendly and botanical-themed products. Shop a wide selection of holiday home décor, seasonal fresh greens and poinsettias, along with an Amaryllis Potting Bar and a variety of local honey (including Toronto Botanical Garden’s own honey).
Admission to the festival is free, but if you purchase a passport, you get to enjoy food tastings from top restaurants in the area, representing over 11 countries. This is also a good chance to shop local as there will be deals to score from over 50 neighbourhood businesses.
Experience WinterIN The Port
Make your way to Port Credit for a winter themed fest running from Dec. 4 to Jan. 29.
There will be uniquely decorated sites, festive lights throughout the neighbourhood and Santa Clause will be strolling down Lakeshore at various points during the festival. Festivities begin on Dec. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. with the lighting of the area’s iconic Lighthouse as well as hot chocolate and carollers.
Celebrate Christmas on High Street
Christmas on High Street at Black Creek Pioneer Village begins on Dec 4 and runs until Dec. 23, offering a chance to go back in time and experience some historical holiday cheer. You can grab tickets for either daytime or evening visits and also add on a Christmas dinner if you’re feeling particularly festive. Expect decorated buildings, bonfires, holiday lights and much more.
Go for a festive skate
Ice skating is an easy way to get active outdoors in the winter and just in time, Union Station has brought a skating rink back to Front Street as part of Union Holiday. Ice skates and helmets are available for free and skating slots are available for 45-minute periods. The slots have been programmed with 15 minutes between groups in order to provide time for sanitizing. In addition, Union Beats Skate Nights are taking place on Friday and Saturdays from 4 to 9 p.m.
Queen West has no shortage of cute indie boutiques, hipster shops and lively bars and cafes. The range of selection is what makes this neighbourhood a hotspot for holiday shopping. We’ve put together a shopping list to get you familiar with some small Queen West businesses and help get everyone crossed off your holiday shopping list!
For the jewel-lover: Great things come in small packages. That’s why Faris has made this mini version of their stunning BAM Ring. This piece of jewelry is just as striking with a bronze finishing and lapis or carnelian jewel. The BAMini is also available with silver ring and a jade jewel, and can be found at FAWN ($275).
For the homebody: You might go to Durumi to buy the Winnie Lounge Set ($109) for a friend and end up walking out with one for yourself as well. This 100 per cent polyester set comes one-size-fits-all in five subtle colours for the winter. The oversized sweater and elastic waist on the shorts mean this set was made for Sunday afternoons spent curled up in bed.
For the fidgety kid (or adult): Remember when fidget spinners were all the rage? Now we’ve moved on to a new fidget toy, the bubble popper, which can be found in different shapes at Kol Kid ($9.95). These are perfect to keep any child entertained at home or any adult entertained at work.
For the Italian food lover: For any fan of Terroni, this gift basket includes some of their staple items like the tozetti, alongside special holiday treats like terrone and panettone artigianale. Also included is a bottle of deep red wine from Carvinea. These essentials are all contained in a custom-designed basket inspired by those used at farmer’s markets ($199).
For the friend who’s always cold: Zumel & Co. has plenty of beautifully coloured blanket scarves that anyone on your list is sure to love. This includes the tasselled, multi-coloured zigzag scarf which will keep you warm in any weather and keep you stylish in any outfit ($60).
For the relaxer – Bath bombs are an easy and affordable stocking stuffer for that friend who’s always stressed. This package comes with 10 rosé-scented bath bombs that will welcome a worry-free mindset after just a few minutes. It’s the sweet enjoyment of rosé without the hangover! Pick them up at Outer Layer Cards and Gifts ($14.95).
The eco-conscious friend: This pullover looks and works like regular fleece, but the special material is engineered to accelerate its bio-degradation. Get this mock neck fleece at Frank and Oak ($129). Who knew saving the planet could look so good?
For the cocktail drinker: The gift boxes from Mother Cocktail Bar feature delicious holiday cocktails for any vodka lovers on your list. The Mulled Wine Goose box ($119) comes filled with a Grey Goose Vodka cocktail, complete with a homemade pickled cherry mulled wine and orange and clover cordial. Also included are premium bottles of cider and rosé and the Mother kombucha of the week.
For the holiday party host: Nugateau Patisserie has announced its new collection of holiday eclairs, presented in an original box designed by renowned local artist Jason Zante. The box holds six assorted eclairs, including a cheesecake and black forest cake flavour ($50).
For the bling queen: This belt provides a classic yet modern style with its double rings. The smooth, black Argentinean leather is a nice match with almost anything in the closet. The Josie Belt can be found at meg ($140).
For the coffee drinker: This ceramic mug is made through a form of traditional Korean stoneware and is 100 per cent handmade. That means it’s as one-of-a-kind and original as the person you’ll be gifting it to. The hand-painted tree adds a touch of colour to the natural ceramics. The mug, perfect for tea of coffee, can be found at Hanji Gifts ($36.50).
For the giver: We all deserve some self-care, and this gift box is the perfect treat for anyone who’s too busy caring about others to think about themselves. The box is complete with a super food tea, a deluxe set of inspiring joy cards, a beauty massage tool, a mineral mist, a face food and daily hand cream. The box comes packaged with a personalized greeting of your choice and can be found at Logan & Finley ($115).
For the vintage hipster: Get transported back to the ’70s with this psychedelic cardigan with smiling daisies and colourful mushrooms. The abstract print and retro style aren’t for everyone but it’s sure to put a smile on your face. The Big Bloom Cardigan from House of Sunny can be found at Tusk ($165).
For the home cook: From Lino e Lina, this apron is a stunning gift for the chef in the family. The practical design has a large front pocket, adjustable neck strap and adjustable waist band to fit all sizes. The linen is absorbable, hypoallergenic, lint-free, dries quick and can be picked up at Sydney’s ($125).
For your special beau: These minimalist watches from Larsson & Jennings combine a modern large-dial design with a touch of traditional elegance from the Roman numerals. That special person on your list is sure to love the extra shine from the silver touch. Find it at ZANE ($319).
For the sweet tooth: There’s no shortage of holiday treats available along Queen Street, which is great for shopping and great for snacking. This holiday season, Bloomers is offering packages of 24 nut-free holiday donuts ($98). Customers can choose a single flavour or choose an assortment, which includes four each of gingerbread, eggnog cheesecake, crème brulee, candy cane, peppermint mocha and cranberry orange. Smaller boxes are also available.
For the cheese head: Cheese Sex Death is book from Erika Kubick, cheesemonger and creator of the popular blog of the same name. This is a cheese bible for anyone who is passionately dedicated to cheese – and honestly, who isn’t? The bible provides the 10 Cheese Commandments, offers delicious recipes, and explores the many, many different types of cheese to be enjoyed. Find this must-have at Type Books ($37.99).
For the trend setter: Bucket hats were very in this summer, but it can be tough to find one that’s a good quality but also stylish. At Oak + Fort, the smooth cotton bucket hat ($48) has a wide brim to protect your face from a day spent in the summer sun. These hats, which come in five colours, are a must-have on any trend-setter’s wish list.
For the plant mom: Who doesn’t love a good plant pun? This 4 or 6 inch planter reads “social distancing succs,” a perfect gift for any succulent lover and social distancing hater. Sealed with acrylic to protect against water damage and chipping, each pot is hand-painted and can be found at BRIKA ($30).
Where: 642 Queen St. W.
Make a day of it
While you’re shopping away, visit these coffee shops for a break and a caffeine recharge along the way:
HotBlack Coffee: Fans of this tiny spot will say the coffee is better here than anywhere else. Pick up a latte and a treat, and maybe rest your feet for a little inside if you’re lucky enough to grab a spot.
Where: 245 Queen St. W.
Early Bird Espresso: Visit this shop for the classic Queen West vibes – exposed brick, industrial lights, oh, and some pretty good coffee too!
Where: 613 Queen St. W.
White Squirrel Coffee: A beloved spot in the neighbourhood, White Squirrel Coffee’s cozy interior might convince you to sit down for a minute and get a sandwich along with your coffee.
A new South Indian coffee house is setting up shop on College Street, just west of Little Italy.
Madras Kaapi Coffee House is the new grab-and-go café that promises the best authentic filter kaapi (coffee) in Toronto. A departure from the classic Italian spots that line the street, this new coffee house welcomes you with an eclectic mix of colour and art, decorated with many quintessential South Indian pieces like urulis – a traditional cookware often in bronze, copper or clay and kolam – geometrical line drawing that brightens up the space.
The brand’s vibrant colourway featuring pink, orange and teal is echoed throughout the intimate, 10-person cafe.
Coffee lovers with an adventurous palate will love South Indian coffee, made very similarly to French press or the trademarked AeroPress method, but without the plunger that pushes the grounds downwards. As far as taste, chicory is added to the coffee beans to add a slightly nutty and more complex flavour profile to the strong brew.
Mixed with milk and sugar to balance out the strong, faintly bitter taste, the result is a smooth and perfectly balanced cup of coffee. A select collection of baked goods will also be available for purchase and the plan is to eventually open up the menu to offer more classic café bevvies like chai and hot chocolate.
Madras Kaapi Coffee House founders, Shilpa Kotamarthi and Aditya Srivathsan started Madras Kaapi in 2016 as an e-commerce company, selling the tools and accessories to brew your own perfect cup at home, including the filters and the coffee blends in addition to other fun gift items like scented candles, tote bags and prints.
Both growing up in South Indian homes, morning coffee was a ritual that left them both nostalgic and longing to spread that same joy for Kaapi to the masses.
The business began as a side hustle for the couple, who worked in marketing analytics and fintech. After years of balancing both, hosting pop-ups and setting up temporary shops – the duo decided to officially open their own brick-and-mortar. Aditya still works in the fintech space but helps Shilpa manage the space.
“Everything about opening a space has been challenging. This experience has many layers and there is no one to guide you along the way if you are new to the industry,” says Shilpa. “We are learning every day.”
In addition to the new space, the pair continues to offer event services. You can secure your own kaapi booth at your next wedding, corporate event, or birthday or host a private tasting for you and some friends. Looking to learn a little more about the history of South Indian coffee and how to brew your own perfect cup of java? Groups of six or more can register for kaapi classes on-site.
The 870 College Street spot opens this Friday, Dec. 3 – swing by to get your South Indian caffeine fix.
A well-known jewelry brand hailing from the west coast of Canada has chosen Toronto to open their first experience-centred boutique. Melanie Auld Jewelry is opening at 54 Ossington Ave. on Dec. 4, and the boutique will be offering on-the-spot piercing, permanent bracelet welding and engraving along with a wide selection from their jewelry collections.
Melanie Auld Jewelry was founded in 2013 as a one woman show in Vancouver, B.C., inspired by travels across Canada and around the globe. Known for their initial-based “Adorned” collection, the brand opened their flagship storefront in Vancouver in 2019.
Today, the Melanie Auld team includes over 30 women dedicated to crafting rings, necklaces, pendants and more. There are also specialty items like jewelry travel cases, ceramics, as well as lip and eye masks to add on for travellers and people on the go.
Founder Melanie Auld says that when she started the company at first, she had major success selling to bigger retailers, including Nordstrom and Anthropologie. And while it may seem like a no-brainer to stick with wholesale, Auld realized that a more personalized relationship with customers made more sense for the brand, and she couldn’t achieve that through retailers.
“We made a very difficult decision to actually pull out of all our retailers and sell directly to our consumer ourselves,” Auld says. “I think it was the best decision we made for our brand.”
The idea for MA Studio, the name for the experiential side of the Ossington store (an experience-centred boutique will be opening in Vancouver soon as well), was partially inspired by the disconnect of the pandemic. “It just feels like connection is so important; people being able to get out together and do something is important,” she says.
The studio offers pieces for piercings, custom welded items, and custom engraving to ensure that each piece perfectly captures the spirit of the wearer. Upon entering the shop, you’ll be greeted by cases of the jewelry collections, and the back of the shop houses a piercing room, engraving desk and welding desk.
The soon-to-be Melanie Auld storefront on Ossington.
The new Ossington location is joining an array of trendy apparel stores like AREA +001, Lost & Found, Annie Aime and more.
As the Queen West area continues to transform into a trendy outpost for clothing, food and other cultural landmarks, Melanie Auld comes to the neighbourhood right as it’s showing post-lockdown signs of life.
“We just love the energy of Ossington; some of the retailers who have opened in this area and the restaurants are great,” Auld says of the location choice for the new boutique. “It just kind of had an energy all its own.”
Recently, Toronto band the Weather Station, led by Tamara Lindeman, began a tour following the release of the brilliant new album Ignorance, which is steeped in concern over the climate crisis. Ironically, the tour ended up leaving Vancouver hours before the “atmospheric river” would wreak havoc on the province.
“If we had left a couple of hours later, we wouldn’t have made it out of Vancouver at all,” Lindeman says. “Watching it all unfold, it’s really frightening. I feel for B.C., and it’s just such a classic example of the fragility of everything.”
Lindeman wrote Ignorance in 2018 when she was participating in climate marches in the city, and youth activists such as Greta Thunberg were energizing the climate justice movement.
This isn’t an overtly “environmental” record asking listeners to rage against the machine. Instead, it speaks to Lindeman’s climate grief, the helplessness in the face of an immense problem. And it’s that honesty that continues to resonate and has some dubbing Ignorance as one of the best albums of the year.
She says the message is subtle. And, it might be, as her poignant message is wrapped lovingly in her disarmingly honest and lush songwriting.
“I was really just processing my own feelings,” Lindeman says. “What’s really interesting to me is that I thought the climate thing was subtle. It shows me that what I was experiencing is something that many people were emotional, because it’s obviously resonating with people in the music, and they’re hearing it, which is unexpected.”
For her new, fifth album, as she often does, Lindeman drags the Weather Station into new sonic territory, tapping into a decidedly more pop-oriented vein of music with a nod to the off-kilter vibes of early new wave and synth. It’s music with a message but a very groovy one.
To help bring a vision to life, Lindeman worked with producer Marcus Paquin (Arcade Fire, the National). And she even signed onto a new label in Fat Possum Records.
Indeed, the one-time staple of Toronto’s DIY folk scene has crafted a career-defining album that brought her to the top of many Best of 2021 (so far) lists.
But for Lindeman, she is just happy to be back on tour doing what she loves.
“I do have a deep love of travelling and being on the highway and, you know, the climate considerations. I always find it really heartening to be out in the world and just meet people and remember that the world is bigger than Toronto,” she says. “Honestly, we’re just very happy to be together and playing shows. A lot of joy, for sure.”
She can’t wait to hit the hometown stage at the Danforth Music Hall on Dec. 4.
“We [Toronto] were one of the most locked down places right in the world. And I was there the whole time, so I’m just grateful for the chance,” she says. “I’m excited, for sure.”
After a hiatus, it looks like the holidays will be back in full swing this year, with Ontarians starting to plan small and safe gatherings with their family, friends and loved ones. And given the year we’ve just had, it’s about time! But now more than ever, shopping for gifts this season can feel like a daunting task. There’s one gift, however, that’s guaranteed to feel extra special: time together.
This holiday season, the LCBO is your go-to destination for finding meaningful and inspired gifts, with products created in the spirit of enjoying time with others. Whether you’re looking for the perfect bottle of wine to pair with a festive dinner, a locally made spirit to get you and your friends in the spirit, or a seasonal beer to toast at festivities, the LCBO has got you covered.
Don’t know where to start? Here’s a list of Ontario-made products that will help you give ‘the gift of good cheers’ while supporting local products and producers.
Spirit of York Gin Located in the heart of Toronto’s Distillery District, Spirit of York Distillery is known for its smooth, crystal clear gin. A blend of botanicals result in a delicate, easy-to-drink spirit with citrus and floral notes, and a distinct juniper finish. Perfect for the cocktail lover on your holiday shopping list, or for bringing along to any holiday occasion – you’re sure to wow everyone with this local gem!
Trius VQA Holiday Gift Pack Give the gift of great Ontario wine with this winning gift that has something for everyone. The set from the Niagara-based vineyard, Trius features a classic Chardonnay with notes of citrus, oak and toasted nuts and a rich Merlot with a flavour profile of plum, chocolate and cedar. Both wines are fit for any special occasion, but pair beautifully with a classic holiday meal.
Whether you’re picking up a gift for the avid sports fan in your life, or just a fan of great whisky, this limited-edition gift pack is a great one, featuring a 375 mL bottle of Wayne Gretzky Red Cask Whisky, along with a collectible glass and hockey puck cooling rocks to match.
A seasonal favourite, Collective Arts has created a festive set featuring their Barrel Aged Imperial Porter. With decadent flavours of caramel, chocolate and vanilla, this beer was created with cozy winter evenings in mind and is perfect for sharing with friends on a snowy night in. It’s the ultimate winter warmer!
Made with 100% locally sourced and pressed Ontario apples, Ernest Cider has a crisp, slightly sweet flavour that tastes like it’s been freshly squeezed and fermented in front of you. The Holiday Cider 4-pack features Ernest’s award-winning Rubee Cider, made with local cranberries and honey, as well as their Wild Blueberry cider, featuring a summer harvest of juicy wild blueberries. Family and friends alike will appreciate this ultra local gift that’s perfect for sharing.
If you’re looking for a bottle of wine suited for any palate, The Conspiracy should be your new go-to. This rich red features decadent notes of dark fruit, licorice and smoke that make it a great option for sipping on its own or pairing with something a bit more luscious. The local Ontario wine makes for a great host gift, and is sure to make any occasion a memorable one. For more holiday gift inspiration, visit LCBO.com/GiftOfGoodCheers. The best part? The LCBO offers a variety of festive holiday packaging in each of its stores, ensuring your gift stays pour-perfect.
There’s a new bakery in town, and they have one mission: Dear Grain wants consumers to love gluten again.
“Bread has built a bit of a bad rap in modern times – it has been seen as empty calories, lacking in nutrition, or simply a vehicle for other foods,” says Nicole Park, Dear Grain’s brand manager. “If you think about it, people have been coming together to break bread for centuries. And it once held a place at the centre of the table. So for us, bread is intrinsically linked to the feelings of community, nourishment and connection.”
The newest Ossington Avenue eatery, founded by head baker Adri Greenspan, recently found its home in the city’s west end and opened its doors on Nov. 18. The sourdough baking company offers ready-made sandwiches, loaves of sourdough bread in a variety of flavours, pastries, and condiments like jams, olive oils, and honey that pair perfectly with bread.
Along with freshly-baked loaves, Dear Grain sells ready-to-eat sandwiches and other treats.
After expanding from its original Hamilton outpost, for Greenspan and his bakery, it’s the first foray into a big city.
“Dear Grain was actually born in the back kitchen of Detour Cafe in Dundas, Ontario. We started selling our bread there and grew sort of a cult following – the demand started to outpace our production capabilities,” says Park. “So we moved to Hamilton and opened up a production facility at the start of this year. This allowed us to increase the amount of bread we could bake and expand our e-comm and retail capacity.”
And, of course, the Ossington space marks the second expansion this year.
Jams, olive oils, honey, ad other spreads that pair well with bread are all available for purchase at Dear Grain.
“Coming from smaller cities in Ontario, we were really motivated to find a neighbourhood with a strong sense of community and love for food,” says Park. “For us, Ossington was an obvious choice because it houses so many local heavy hitters in both food and culture. We feel really lucky to now be a part of it!”
While working as a private chef for a family, Greenspan started making breads inspired by Chad Robinson from Tartine. The bread was so well received by the family and friends, and friends of friends that the idea of a bakery was born. While he had experience baking bread, it was sourdough specifically that he connected with, and it is now the root of the entire menu at Dear Grain. Naturally, choosing to focus on sourdough means that the recipe itself must be fine-tuned and unique in order to attract eaters.
As a bakery, Dear Grain also sells a variety of treats, like cookies, loaf cakes, biscotti, and more.
“Our sourdough bread is a labour of love. We combine a slow fermentation process (12 to 36 hours) with high levels of hydration (over 83 per cent) to produce nourishing loaves that are scrumptious and ultra-digestible,” Park says. “We also pride ourselves on our use of organic and heirloom grains to uphold great quality and taste.” The two highest benefits of their high-hydration technique are a longer shelf life–their recipe enables bread to have a shelf life that is three to five days longer than average–and easier digestibility, which makes for a lighter, more enjoyable flavor.
One of the main attacks against bread, Dear Grain acknowledges, is the gluten content. So, to accommodate intolerances and allergies, Greenspan has come up with a solution: the Cocoa Sesame Loaf, which is served with whipped tahini butter and honey.
Dear Grain’s unique sourdough recipe enables loaves to have a longer-than-average shelf life.
“Although the rest of our menu is quite gluten-filled, we do encourage those with a non-critical gluten sensitivity to try our sourdough,” Park says. “Starches and gluten start to break down during the slow fermentation process, making the bread easier to digest and more tolerant for individuals sensitive to gluten – we’ve had plenty of customers reach out, amazed that our bread doesn’t cause a reaction.”
Dear Grain is located at 48 Ossington Avenue, and is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Wednesday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends. The bakery is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Aloette, the neighbourhood bistro serving up haute-cuisine-meets-comfort-food has a new location set to open at Yonge and Eglinton sometime around spring 2022.
This new spot is imagined by the Alo Food Group, helmed by Chef Patrick Kriss, the culinary chops behind French contemporary spot Alo, Yorkville’s cocktail spot Alobar, and a private dining spot featuring multi-course tasting menus called Salon.
Aloette first opened its doors in 2017 at Queen and Spadina and was known as the more casual sister to Alo’s highly coveted fine dining spot – which historically took months to get a reservation. Aloette was meant to be an elevated diner of sorts, a place to get the same creative, dine-in eats you’d find at Alo, but made slightly more approachable. The initial concept took off but during the pandemic indoor dining came to a screeching halt, and the Alo Group had to pivot offerings and adapt to a take-out model. Though Aloette was the more casual iteration of Alo, the team never intended it to be a take-out spot, but when COVID-19 ravaged the city, Chef Patrick Kriss knew he had to acquiesce.
The Aloette Burger & Fries ($24) will definitely be on the menu at the new Yonge & Eglinton location.
Both Alo and Aloette became known for being able to flip their business model on its head and remain operational during a time that saw many restaurants flounder. Alo was selling five-course tasting menu dinners for 600 people a week and they even opened another Aloette location in Liberty Village in 2021 – dedicated almost exclusively to takeout and delivery. This location was the first in a series slated to open next year, with the Yonge and Eglinton location scheduled to open its doors first.
Patrons can expect to find all the cult favourites from the Liberty Village location, like the burger, dressed with beaufort cheese, onion, lettuce and aloette aioli and the ever-popular lemon meringue pie.
The Lemon Meringue Pie, another cult classic at Aloette, will be served at the new location, coming spring 2022.
Though a representative from The Alo Group couldn’t confirm an exact opening date or details regarding the new spot’s look and feel, she mentioned it will be very similar to the Liberty Village spot, fully optimized for take-out with an intentional design that invites people to hang around and check out the neighbourhood, but also gives them the option to order food without stepping inside.
