If you’ve walked along King St. E. this past month, you might have passed by a storefront that more closely resembles a modern art gallery-nightclub hybrid than a store at all. With LED signs lighting up walls, minimalist decor and arched entryways, entering Toronto’s newest streetwear vintage shop is all about the experience.
“I look up to myself for fashion,” Aly Jamal says about his major fashion influences. We’re seated on a plush, blue velvet L-shaped couch in the back portion of Northern Touch Vintage, his new vintage store that opened on July 24. He’s confident in his style and taste; both are attributes he’s been cultivating since he was a child. “You know some people have memory like scent, or touch? My memory is fashion. I see clothes and it takes me back to a certain time.”
Photo Credit: Tristan Forbes
Unlike other vintage stores in Toronto, Jamal has a singular vision for Northern Touch Vintage’s pieces: 80s, 90s, and early 2000s streetwear. He has a keen understanding of the emotional resonance clothes can have, which is key to his success. “Our number one focus here at Northern Touch Vintage is nostalgia.”
You’ll find everything from classic Nike sweatshirts to vintage basketball jerseys to varsity jackets in pristine condition, carefully curated by Jamal himself. The shop has already been visited by the likes of the Raptors’ Fred VanVleet.
Before this, Jamal worked for Apple for 10 years (perhaps influencing the sleek design of the shop’s interior), though at his core he’s always been an entrepreneur. For the last couple of years, he’d been selling vintage clothes on the side and he found himself far more fulfilled by this than his full-time job. “I knew I had something cool and I just wanted to take a chance.”
Jamal’s vision doesn’t extend only to the clothes he sells, but the experience he curates for his clients as soon as they walk through the door. R&B and rap blast tastefully from a Sonos speaker. The walls are decorated with silk-screen prints made by Toronto-based artist Mahyar Amiri, who is also a friend. The twin Muhammad Ali prints that adorn the threshold are on sale for around $10,000, if you fancy yourself a collector.
Jamal is reluctant to say who he currently looks to in the fashion industry (when pressed a little, he names Rhuigi Villaseñor of fashion brand Rhude and Ronnie Feig of Kith fame), but he has a deep appreciation for his influences. He names hip-hop culture as his main source of inspiration, evidenced not only by the clothes he sells, but also by the giant Biggie installation that hangs above the register.
Though they only opened less than two months ago, Jamal is already looking to expand with a flagship location on King St. W. in spring 2022. It’s clear he approaches his success with humility and gratitude. As he says,“That means a lot to know that someone woke up and I was part of their plan for the day.” What at first may have seemed like a risk, leaving behind the known has surely paid off. “I’ve never looked back. Yeah, it’s the best choice I’ve ever made on my own.”
The retail industry certainly took a hit from the pandemic, but that didn’t stop these new stores from opening during the past year – to great success! From a spacious Queen West plant shop to luxury Italian linens to a top-rated sneaker brand, check out the best and newest that Toronto has to offer.
BEST NEW LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE
Founder Leah Miller hand-selected the variety of ceramics, accessories, clothing, candles, home goods and more that you’ll find at Rosedale’s newest boutique, Wolf and Moon. The store’s space may be small, but its interior is airy and filled with items that you may not find anywhere else in the city. 1128 Yonge St.
@silversnailto
BEST NEW COMIC BOOK STORE
Silver Snail may not exactly be new, but the recent move from its Yonge & Dundas location to the Queen West area has revitalized it. Comic book lovers will no longer have to climb a flight of stairs to peruse some of the coolest finds in Toronto’s oldest comic book store, and you’ll be greeted by a mural along the storefront. 809 Queen St. W.
@wagswagbrand
BEST NEW PET PLACE IF PRICE IS NO OBJECT
Wag Swag is Toronto’s answer to the booming luxury pet care trend. The boutique offers sweaters, scarves, leashes, harnesses and more, including an entire vegan leather line. If you’re the type to spoil your pets, you and your dog might just have to stop by this spacious and elegant storefront. 131 Bloor St.
@goodgoddessdaily
BEST NEW WELLNESS SHOP
Wellness and health solutions of all kinds have really taken off this year, and Good Goddess: The Nest is offering a whole host of products, services and more as answers. This multi-brand concept shop combines natural spray tanning, acupuncture, chiropractic services, apparel, skin care and even a broth bar. 101 Yorkville Ave.
@chive.ca
BEST NEW PLANT PARLOUR
This new Toronto store will be there for all your plant care needs. Chive has made the new Queen West storefront its Canadian headquarters. You won’t be able to resist stepping into the shop after passing by the floor-to-ceiling windows displaying some of the store’s coolest greenery, including tiny succulents and massive monsteras. 837 Queen St. W.
@burnout.fitness
BEST NEW FITNESS STUDIO
This fitness studio is quite new to Toronto, and it’s bringing a unique approach to working out. Burnout Fitness features the VersaClimber, the machine equivalent of climbing up a mountain. If you’re looking for a more interesting alternative to more basic workouts at your gym, this is the place! 2581 Yonge St.
@maison_busatti_canada
BEST NEW FOR THE HOME
IT’S A TIE
Luxury Italian linens might sound like just that — a luxury — but you won’t be able to resist the selection at Yorkville’s Maison Busatti. Offering bedding, tableware, towels and more to brighten up your home, this brand has graced the houses of A-list celebrities, including Steven Spielberg and Ralph Fiennes. 136 Avenue Rd.
Rosedale will be welcoming a new furniture and home decor boutique. James Perse, a Los Angeles fashion brand, already has an apparel-focused storefront in the Yorkville area, but the new location opening soon will focus on the company’s home collection. That includes bedding, rugs, decorative storage and more at luxury-level prices. 18 Hazelton Ave.
BEST NEW GLAM RETAIL
Luxury brands that tickle your taste for the finer things in life.
@thewebster.us
BEST NEW EXCLUSIVE RETAILER
High-fashion multi-brand purveyor The Webster is bringing its unique approach to Toronto with its first location outside of the U.S. The company plans on bringing in a selection of luxury goods to the city that will be tough to find anywhere else. thewebster.us
@goldengoose
BEST NEW SNEAKERS
The year 2021 saw the arrival of luxury Italian fashion brand Golden Goose to Canada for the first ever in a stand-alone store operating out of Yorkdale. The brand offers its own line of sneakers of in their signature “aged” style— at a steep price! 3401 Dufferin St.
@isaia
BEST NEW MENSWEAR
Keep an eye out for a new menswear shop that’s set to open up any day now in Yorkville. Isaia, a luxury Italian menswear brand, will be opening its very first Canadian location here in Toronto. The Toronto location will also include a Vesuvius Lounge and tailor shops. 77 Yorkville Ave.
We’ve rounded up a few of the best new spots in the city that have recently opened.
Whether you’ve already visited a few of these, or have been eagerly awaiting a meal, don’t miss our top picks for some end-of-summer patio dining and beyond!
BEST NEW TACOS
2 CLOSE 2 CALL
Former Quetzal chefs Julio Guajardo and Kate Chomyshyn have partnered with celebrity chef Matty Matheson to open Fonda Balam. Fonda Balam replaces pop-up Birria Balam on Spadina Ave. The Mexican eatery is inspired by the cooking techniques and style of Mexico. The tacos here are birria-style, which is a dish originating from the Mexican state of Jalisco. They can be ordered crispy or soft and are served with red and green salsas. 802 Dundas St. W.
Top taqueria Gus Tacos has landed in Parkdale, with the opening of a third Toronto outpost. The best part about this Mexican spot? All of the tacos on the menu are just $5! Served in a handmade corn tortilla with onions and cilantro, protein options include grilled steak, braised lamb, chicken, grilled pork, braised pork and fish. A mushroom taco and a cheese taco with avocado are the two available vegetarian options. 1533 Queen St. W
@joybirdfriedchicken
BEST NEW SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN
Joybird Fried Chicken is back at STACKT MRKT. Run by Trevor Lui, JoyBird is located inside Belgian Moon Brewery and features an impressive 200-seat licensed patio. Along with their OG Taiwanese fried chicken sandwiches, this spot’s got a menu that includes street-style eats like fully-loaded smash burgers, as well as an assortment of fried snacks. 28 Bathurst St.
@studiogabe @rachelttong
BEST NEW CHINESE
When the pandemic brought their brick-and-mortar restaurant plans to a halt, chefs David Schwartz, Braden Chong and Keith Siu channelled their creativity into the pop-up concept Sunny’s Chinese. The menu is only available by signing up for their weekly newsletter, as dishes rotate that frequently. All of the dishes are elevated approaches to Chinese regional specialties. No fixed address.
BEST NEW ITALIAN
Celebrity chef David Rocco is unveiling his latest project in the Yorkville neighbourhood. Although a full menu has not yet been released, Bar Aperitivo will focus on its namesake Italian tradition. Derived from the Latin “aperire” (to open), an aperitivo is a drink designed to open the stomach, or stimulate the appetite, before a meal. 95 Cumberland St.
Chris White and Jonathan Nicolaou (Brothers Food & Wine) have opened Restaurant 20 Victoria, one of the finest restaurants in the country. Expect the menu to build upon the style of cooking that Brothers was known for, which means a focus on seasonal ingredients and simple yet nuanced flavours (plus plenty of top-notch wine). 20 Victoria St.
BEST NEW BAKED GOODIES
Emmer is selling baked goods out of its new Harbord Street location. Previously operating out of Donna’s, Emmer offers ham and cheese baguettes, bacon butties, breakfast sandwiches, canelé and several different varieties of croissant. If you’re hoping to snag some of Emmer’s delicious baked goods, arrive early and be prepared to line up. 161 Harbord St.
BEST NEW CARIBBEAN
Chef Kareema Beckles opened Chef Kareema Caribbean Fusion in December 2020 on Dundas Street East. Chef Kareema’s is a Caribbean-fusion restaurant that puts a spin on classic dishes with a menu that rotates on a weekly basis. Menu highlights include the Caribbean gourmet spring rolls as well as Chef Kareema’s famously delicious jerk chicken lasagna. 203 Dundas St. E.
@baronessontario
BEST NEW BUBBLE TEA
IT’S A TIE
The grand opening of Baroness Bubble Tea marks the second Canadian location for the brand. The popular chain has locations across Asia and stands out in a saturated market by using oat milk as opposed to whole milk, making the drinks thicker and sweeter. Baroness is known for its brown sugar pearls but also serves smoothies and iced teas. 421 Yonge St.
Palgong Tea has a new location in the city. The popular Korean bubble tea chain has partnered with Jakeman’s Maple Products, so you can rest assured that you’re getting a drizzle of genuine Canadian maple syrup in your next iced maple milk tea. Palgong Tea also has a dessert menu that features sweet treats like macarons, cheesecakes, raw cookie doughs and ice creams. 53 Bloor St. E.
@azhartoronto
BEST NEW MIDDLE EASTERN
Azhar, the latest addition to Janet Zuccarini’s ever-expanding restaurant empire, is turning heads on the Ossington strip. Azhar marries Middle Eastern influences with local ingredients, all prepared in a state-of-the-art wood-fired oven. Azhar has also partnered with Middle Eastern artisans and local brands to sell a bounty of meats, cheeses, wines alongside its in-house menu. 96 Ossington Ave.
BEST NEW LIVE MUSIC & COCKTAILS
Named after the British term for the bridge of a song, Middle8 is the latest restaurant and soon-to-be live music venue to hit Yorkville. Chef Andrew Carter quietly opened the restaurant in the former Amber nightclub on Yorkville Avenue in June of this year, after pandemic-related delays. The menu focuses on oysters and charcuterie as well as seasonal meals and small plates. 119 Yorkville Ave.
@littlesisterto
BEST NEW INDONESIAN
Little Sister, a popular midtown restaurant known for its distinctive Dutch-Indonesian fare, has opened a second location. Little Sister’s menu is divided into skewers, snacks, sides and traditional dishes, many that feature the restaurant’s homemade spice blends. The menu consists of small- to medium-sized dishes perfect for sharing. 2031 Yonge St.
@cops.doughnuts
BEST NEW DOUGHNUT SHOP
Cops Doughnuts sells their mini doughnuts in three flavours: classic cinnamon sugar, the OG sour cream, and a weekly special (check their Instagram for the latest flavours). Past creations have included the ube glazed and lemon poppy seed glazed. All of their doughnuts are made fresh from scratch and are available as a 12-pack ($9), an 18-pack ($13.50), or in variety packs. 4 Matilda St.
BEST NEW DONAIR
Friggitello, named after the sweet Italian chili pepper, is a new Mediterranean spot in Kensington Market. Specializing in grilled chicken, the small but flavourful menu includes wraps, kebabs, donair and poutine. There are also plenty of veggie options to choose from, all packed with flavour and fresh ingredients. 181 Baldwin St.
@eat.yaksha
BEST NEW SOUTH ASIAN EATERY
Opening a restaurant mid-pandemic presented a perfect opportunity, says Thanawat “T” Khamchum, co-owner of Yaksha South East Asian Eatery. Securing the new location was a steal for T and his wife, as many landlords reduced prices to try and attract new tenants. The takeout-inspired menu features various southeast Asian dishes broken down into rice bowl variations. You can build your own bowl too. 2109 1/2 Yonge St.
@domainemamo
BEST CHEF’S COMEBACK
Domaine Mamo is inspired by French-Italian regional cuisine and offers dishes influenced by the Maritime Alps and the Mediterranean coastline. Owner Robert Prete has been serving guests in midtown for 30 years, and master chef Didier Leroy was born and raised in France. Domaine Mamo has a patio out front and offers private dining and catering. 581 Mount Pleasant Rd.
@churnt.up
BEST NEW ICE CREAM
Where to find the city’s latest and greatest frozen treats to satisfy your sweet tooth.
GOLD MEDALLIST
After running countless pop-ups, collaborations and an online shop, Churnt Up finally has a home. Hand-crafted ice cream flavours include mango and chocolate chip cookie dough. Churnt Up’s flavour selection rotates weekly. 858 Eglinton Ave. E.
@onthirdthought
SILVER MEDALLIST
On Third Thought is an allergy-friendly, vegan gelato and wine bar with a fun twist. For an extra $1 you can infuse any scoop of gelato with wine. On Third Thought also offers wine and gelato pairing combos and tasting flights of wine and gelato, too. 6 Markham St.
@creameryx
BRONZE MEDALLIST
Creamery X in Toronto turns classic recipes into new custard frozen ice cream. Run by creative entrepreneurs Bonnie Gallant and Melissa Baird, this small-batch spot has a handful of creamy flavours, which can be packed into pints to take home too. 124 Jarvis St.
BEST NEW PIZZA
Conspiracy Pizza has found a new home next door to Churnt Up. Dan Rios and his team are known for their self-proclaimed “weird” pizzas, like the Bay of Pigs (white sauce, mozza, pulled pork, bacon, red onion, pickles and mustard sauce). Alongside the weird pizzas, the joint serves up classic and vegetarian pies, but also other light bites, like chicken wings and salads. 856 Eglinton Ave. E.
@hazukidocanada
BEST NEW TAIWANESE BAKERY
Taiwanese bakery chain Hazukido opened in Toronto, marking the brand’s first North American location. Launched in 2014, Hazukido now has a whopping 200 locations around the world. The chain is known for its carefully crafted croissants, which are available in dozens of sweet and savoury flavours, such as the molten salted egg yolk tart. 595 Bay St., Unit E-01
@bingz_canada
BEST NEW 905 RESTAURANT
Chinese franchise Bingz has opened its first Toronto location in Richmond Hill. Bingz specializes in crispy pork burgers, known as rou jia mo. The menu also features a spicy cumin pork and black pepper beef burger, plus wonton soup, hot and sour glass noodle soup and liangpi served with a side of sesame sauce. 3229 Hwy. 7 E.
BEST NEW PATTIES
New Leaside patty and pot pie purveyor Phamilyeats has been a labour of love for owner Peter Pham. Phamilyeats makes every single patty by hand, right here in Toronto. Patty flavours include beef (mild to extra spicy) and veggie. The dairy-free pies include the braised short rib pie and the chicken pot pie, both loaded with tender chunks of meat and topped with a light, flaky puff pastry. 858 Eglinton Ave. E.
BEST NEW PUERTO RICAN
Opening Harlem Bodega, Little Portugal’s new Puerto Rican vegan takeout spot, has been a longtime dream for owner Juss (who prefers not to share his last name). Harlem Bodega has a menu that features classic bodega sandwiches but with a twist — the beef* and chicken* found in every sandwich or burrito is actually plant based! Many items are also gluten-free. Sides include seasoned fries, pastelillos, tostones and fried rice and beans. 1307 Dundas Street West.
@abyssinia_yyz
BEST NEW ETHIOPIAN
Midtown is now home to the first Toronto outpost of Abyssinia YYZ. Specializing in Ethiopian and Eritrean food, the former of which is known for its plentiful vegan options, the restaurant’s menu includes an abundance of stews and stir-fries served with injera, a sourdough flatbread used to scoop up delicious bites. 2038 Yonge St.
@thebackyardsmokehouse
BEST NEW BBQ
WIN & PLACE
The Backyard Smokehouse is a welcome addition to the Annex, especially if you’re looking to get your hands on some smoked chicken. Its extensive menu includes many juicy burger combinations and all your BBQ favourites: brisket, pulled pork, ribs, smoked chicken and smoked shrimp, all ranging from $9 to $35. There’s also an array of sides including cornbread, fried pickles, and more. 264 Dupont St.
If it’s mouth-watering brisket you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. Night Owl is now hosting BBQ joint Matt’s Smokehouse. After popping up at several locations across the city, Matt and his team are now settled in Little Italy. Don’t miss out on the rib and wing combos or the towering 10-hour pulled brisket sandwiches. Mama’s cornbread, with bites of candied jalapeno and cheddar, is an absolute must. 647 College St.
@mattyspattysburgerclub
BEST NEW SMASH BURGER
The best new spots to find the perfect decked-out patty of your dreams.
GOLD MEDALLIST
Matty’s Patty’s opened its doors in October 2020 and has been satisfying cheeseburger cravings ever since. Offering seven mouth-watering combos, like the double patty cheeseburger, topped with American cheese, lettuce, and a double patty on a sesame bun. 923a Queen St. W.
@pigotsburgerclub
SILVER MEDALLIST
Calgary’s much-loved Pigot’s Burger Club now has a Toronto location. There are seven options available, many of which are seasoned with chef Pigot’s secret spice blend. Tater tots, fries, and salad are some of the available sides. 1 Adelaide St. E.
@ggsburgers
BRONZE MEDALLIST
It’s good vibes only at GG’s Burgers, a new spot in the Beaches. Along with a series of smash burgers, GG’s also does crispy fish and chicken sandwiches and hot dogs. Sides include fries, onion rings, milkshakes, and funnel cakes. 681 Lake Shore Blvd. E.
Park Hyatt Toronto has officially reopened, and with it, so has a brand new restaurant and a rooftop cocktail bar.
Joni, the Park Hyatt’s main restaurant, will take a bistronomy approach to its menu, harmonizing casual bistro dining with contemporary cooking techniques with a focus on fresh and flavourful ingredients.
Along with Joni, Park Hyatt Toronto has unveiled The Writer’s Room, located on the hotel’s rooftop.
Joni
Situated in the heart of the iconic Park Hyatt Toronto hotel, Joni will offer breakfast, lunch, cocktail, and dinner service with comforting, relaxed yet elevated fare.
Designed to intrigue and satisfy the palate of the neighbourhood guest to the modern-day epicurean with discerning tastes, the menu will reflect an evolving micro-season approach.
Working with local purveyors that offer fresh ingredients across Canada, Joni will provide a new perspective and showcase the true art of dining.
Joni will feature a one-of-a-kind menu with items such as Bees Wax Poached Lobster, Maitake Katsu Sando, Aged Angus Rib Eye, Ontario Lamb, Smoked Beet Tartare and many more soon-to-be classic dishes.
“Joni will bring a refined and distinctive approach to familiar dishes, pushing the boundaries of flavour, texture and presentation,” says Antonio Soriano, executive chef at Joni. “We carefully procure every ingredient with the best culinary techniques to create unparalleled moments within every bite and bring sophisticated cuisine to the forefront.”
Soriano’s culinary style is defined as one without borders. Bringing 25 years of experience mastering upscale gastronomy, he has developed his refined culinary techniques working at Michelin-starred restaurants and several luxury hotels worldwide. Further delivering on culinary excellence, Soriano will be joined by chef Jonathan Williams and pastry chef Sarah Tsai, together bringing Michelin-starred restaurant experience from London and Taiwan.
Reinterpreted classic cocktails with a thoughtfully curated selection of wine will feature more than 100 references by the hotel’s sommelier, Tess Urbanowicz, to perfectly accompany the cuisine.
Adjacent to Joni, The Living Room will provide a central space for social gathering inside Park Hyatt Toronto, just like a living room to every home. The traditional concept of a hotel lobby lounge has been reimagined and transformed into a space of human connection and culture.
A separate menu of casual bites will be paired well with cocktails, wine, and beer in the space.
The Writer’s Room
The Writer’s Room Parlour
Complementing Joni in the hotel’s newest food and beverage offerings is the return of the iconic rooftop cocktail bar.
Familiar to Torontonians and international travelers alike, the infamous cocktail lounge will be known as Writers Room, paying homage to the history of literary legends that have shared moments in Park Hyatt Toronto.
This clever interpretation of a classic cocktail bar reflects its historical significance as a gathering spot for great minds as they take in the unparalleled Toronto skyline views.
A new plant-based Japanese eatery has arrived in Little Italy.
Located at 688 College Street West (College Street and Montrose Avenue), Tsuchi Cafe offers everything from gourmet desserts (including rotating monthly cheesecake flavours) to light bites like pizza rolls and savoury lunchtime favourites like comforting soups, healthy sandwiches, and hearty ramen noodle bowls.
The new spot is owned by Koji Zenimaru, who also owns the now-closed Ryoji Ramen & Izakaya located right next door.
Tsuchi’s head chef Haruna Makino got her start as a pastry chef while working in an Italian restaurant in her native Osaka, Japan.
In 2013, Makino relocated to Toronto to attend a two-year culinary program at George Brown College. After focusing her culinary skills on plant-based cuisine here in the city, she honed her skills in Japanese fare after seeing a lack of Japanese plant-based options in the community.
“There are so many vegan-based, plant-based restaurants in Toronto, but I’ve never seen it Japanese focused,” Makino says. “The owner [of Tsuchi Cafe] is Japanese, and I’m Japanese as well, so we wanted to give the Japanese culture and cuisine to the plant-based community,” she says.
Makino, who goes by Chef Haru on social media, is famous for her tiramisu, a recipe she perfected with her classic soy and tofu-based whipped cream. Her desserts, both traditional Japanese items and classic dessert fare like cheesecake, are crafted with seasonal ingredients in mind.
Everything on the menu is made entirely from scratch, and, of course, everything is made without animal byproducts.
“We wanted to show everyone how beautiful and tasteful plant-based really is, so we put a lot of effort into making packaged food or a meal, and sometimes people tell me that they don’t know that it’s plant-based,” Makino says. “That makes me so happy to hear.”
Tsuchi Cafe first opened in December 2020, but the debut was short-lived, as COVID-19 lockdown restrictions forced the eatery to postpone its operations. Currently, the restaurant has done a soft launch of its food, drink, and dessert offerings, while continuing to work on the eatery’s interior design, which features traditional Japanese decor.
Tsuchi Cafe also offers an array of Japanese items, from tea to desserts to cookbooks, and will continue to grow the shopping section as the opening progresses.
The cafe is currently open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Luna Matatas coined the phrase in 2015 and trademarked it.
Model Cara Delevingne turned heads at last night’s annual Met Gala with her understated look that featured a bold slogan across the front of her vest – ‘Peg the Patriarchy.’ But soon after she arrived on the red carpet, Toronto community members pointed out that the slogan and font was taken from Luna Matatas, a Toronto-based sex educator who coined and trademarked the phrase back in 2015.
“It’s not the first time someone has stolen my art, which is why I trademarked it,” Matatas says. “But, you know, there’s that sinking feeling of, ‘Wow, this is such a misrepresentation of my brand.'”
On the red carpet, Delevingne said of the phrase, “It’s about women empowerment, gender equality . . . If someone doesn’t know what [pegging] means, you’re going to have to look it up.”
But Matatas says the slogan was born out of a desire to talk about the context in which we live in and how that can be a barrier to sexual or erotic expression and bodily autonomy. “I created ‘peg the patriarchy’ as a way of talking about subversion. And so subversion is one way we can try to dismantle the patriarchy by not kind of falling into these gender binaries,” she explains.
She says the phrase took off, and she found that people loved it as both a sexual metaphor and a political message about the patriarchy. Matatas submitted a trademark application for it, and has since sold mugs, shirts and even masks emblazoned with the slogan.
Delevingne was obviously part of the group with whom the message resonated; Matatas points out that the model co-owns sex toy company Lora DiCarlo, and the company follows Matatas on Instagram and has reached out to work with her before.
But Matatas has received no credit from Delevingne or Dior, the designer behind the look. “It would have been such an easy thing to say, ‘Hey, Luna Matatas has created this phrase, I’m happy to be rocking it because I believe in it too,'” she says.
Matatas notes that it’s particularly upsetting because of how this reflects the actual message of her slogan. “This spirit of competition and erasure, especially of a queer woman of colour by a white, thin cis woman, this work is very patriarchal,” she explains. “It’s very much how patriarchy sets us up to think that we can’t win if we all thrive.”
TRNTO.com has reached out to Dior for comment, but they did not respond in time for publication.
Matatas says this experience has also shown her how supportive her community is. “I really feel like I belong in the communities I’ve been nurturing relationships with. Whether they’ve bought something or not, they just hate seeing works stolen and not credited,” she says.
For now, Matatas is worrying about reclaiming her Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and chasing down copycats, who have already started printing items with the stolen (and trademarked) phrase. “It’s not only a loss of income, but it’s this loss of space that’s so hard to occupy as a sex educator and as someone who doesn’t have access to power that Cara and her company has access to.”
This week, the City of Toronto’s newest approach to helping the restaurant industry recover from the effects of COVID-19 is all set to launch.
First announced on July 29, DineTOgether is a free program that takes place from Friday, Sept. 17 to Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. The program aims to showcase the breadth and diversity of Toronto’s restaurants while encouraging residents to support local eateries through a DineTOgether feature menu available through takeout, delivery, patio dining and/or indoor dining.
All of the participating restaurants are offering a two-item/two-course feature menu consisting of a main dish and either an appetizer/starter or a dessert.
Pricing structures vary, but follow the following format:
$15 to $50 in $5 increments ($15, $20, $25, $30, $35, $40, $45 or $50)
Price is per person and excludes beverages, taxes, and gratuity
Participating Restaurants
There are approximately 275 restaurants participating in DineTOgether.
A still from director Danis Goulet's "Night Raiders."
TIFF may be dominating the film scene in Toronto right now, but when that’s winding down and the stars have flown away again, Toronto will be home to something potentially even cooler – the 22nd annual imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival.
The film festival is the world’s largest presenter of Indigenous screen content, and this year, it will showcase over 145 works from artists, representing 51 Indigenous nations.
The week-long event kicks off with an opening night gala on Oct. 19 that will feature Night Raiders by Saskatchewan-born Danis Goulet. The sci-fi apocalyptic film has already received positive reviews after its debut at TIFF, and Goulet has said that the events of the film are a direct reflection of policies inflicted against Indigenous peoples throughout history. The gala will be hosted in-person at TIFF Bell Lightbox and will include a Q & A portion.
The festival has altered their scheduling and content to make it COVID-friendly this year, offering many options for online access and online events for those who are unable to attend live screenings. Viewers can purchase community or industry multi-passes for worldwide on-demand festival access if you’re interested in more than a day of events and films.
So far, the festival is shaping up to be an exciting one; highlights of imagineNATIVE include the international premiere of documentary Warrior Spirit by Landon Dyksterhouse, the Ontario premiere of coming-of-age film Portraits From A Fire by Trevor Mack and Ontario premiere of anti-rom com Run Woman Run by Zoe Hopkins.
Multi-passes are now available for purchase, while day passes will be released on Oct. 4.
If you missed out on the movie magic at TIFF this year, or if you’re a film buff looking to extend the enjoyment a little longer, this festival is one you won’t want to miss!
Let’s face it, the revered Group of Seven artists was a boys club. Yes, they were huge, as far as Canadian art goes, but they were definitely not the only game in town. And, thankfully, the McMichael Gallery, the unofficial home of the Group of Seven, has put together a stirring and fantastic new exhibition featuring the works of 33 female artists who were the Group’s contemporaries. Uninvited: Canadian Women Artists in the Modern Momentopened this past weekend and runs until Jan.16, 2022.
McMichael chief curator Sarah Milroy has strung together some incredible and diverse works for Uninvited, some intimately connected to the Group of Seven, others simply artists of the same era. All are Canadian, many are Indigenous, many are immigrants. Together, they tell a unique story from a unique perspective.
The exhibition begins with a number of artists who ran in the Group of Seven circles, including friends and spouses of the Group who were gifted artists just the same. These artists, such as Anne Savage who travelled in the same group as her friends such as A.Y. Jackson of the Group of Seven or Bess Larkin Housser Harris, who was married to Lawren Harris, saw something different than their male counterparts and told new and unique stories through their work. Ones that concentrated more on community, on people, and less on the majesty of untamed wilderness.
The exhibition continues through five additional rooms of art including predominantly painted works, but also sketches, photography, sculpture, as well as Indigenous art such as beading, baskets, and clothing before ending with the one-and-only Emily Carr.
This was one of the best exhibitions of Canadian art I’ve seen in some time and is definitely worth spending an afternoon at this beautiful gallery. The grounds surrounding the gallery also have plenty of walking trails and should be ablaze with fall colours soon. Don’t miss out.
The highlights were many. Here are a few favourites:
The Furnace Man, by Marion Long, Toronto, 1882-1970.
The Slough, by Pegi Nicol MacLeod, Ottawa, 1904-1949.
Dark Girl, by Prudence Heward, Toronto, 1896-1947.
Group, by Suzanne Duquet, Quebec, 1916-2000.
The final room shows works of Emily Carr on display with Coast Salish baskets from the late 19th century.
This is a story about a little pill called Viagra and an uncomfortable situation.
I’m not going to divulge a timeline for fear someone will assume I’m writing about them or friends reading this will think they know who I’m talking about. I learned a very valuable lesson from this man — don’t ever ask about Viagra.
Rather, do not ask the man you are seeing if he is using Viagra, especially when you know he may be. Let me explain.
Sometime in the past — it could be yesterday, or 10 years ago — I decided to do a favour for the man I was dating. I picked up a prescription for him from a pharmacy that was near where I was headed. It was an antibiotic for an ear infection.
I paid and took the drugs to my place, planning to give them to him later when we hooked up. Stapled to the bag, I noticed, was a small piece of paper with all his past drug pickups.
I couldn’t NOT look.
I wasn’t snooping. It really was stapled on the outside of the bag. My eyes skimmed over the list of antibiotics, and then I saw the word “Viagra.”
I wasn’t sure whether to laugh (Come on, it’s Viagra! I thought people just spammed me about that) or cry (He’s around 40. Did he have a serious issue that I didn’t know about?).
Let me just say, for the record, that one of the places (and more often than not the ONLY place) we got along was in bed. In bed,we were so compatible, so exciting, it was like a fireworks on New Year’s Eve kinda thing.
But now I knew he had gotten a prescription for Viagra, and I was plagued with self-doubt and so many questions. Did he use it regularly? When did he take it? While brushing his teeth? On the way over? And why didn’t he tell me? And why didn’t he offer any to me? (Not that I would have taken it, but don’t leave me out of the fun, mister!)
I left him a voice mail message saying, “Viagra? Really? You use Viagra?” (I probably shouldn’t have been laughing when leaving that message.)
Later, face to face, I asked him about it again. “I don’t want to talk about it,” he stormed.
“Just tell me why. Do you need it?” I pressed.
“No!” he snapped. “I just wanted to try it out. I asked my doctor for one pill, just to see what it was all about.”
It was like telling a man that his hair is thinning. Another no-no, even if it’s true. I couldn’t help but giggle, which didn’t help out matters.
I left it at that, except I did ask every girlfriend I have if their partners use Viagra.
“No, my boyfriend doesn’t use it, but I have a friend who uses it with his wife. They both say it’s the best sex they ever had. It just enhances their experience.”
“No, my husband doesn’t use it. Not that I’m aware of,” said another.
Not one of the 10 women I talked to knew if their partners took the little blue pill. I asked practically every guy I knew if they use Viagra or have tried it.
“Hey,” I’d say. “I know you’re busy but I have a quick question. Have you ever tried Viagra?” It’s a great start to a conversation, trust me.
Every man I talked to wouldn’t admit they used the drug, and yet, oddly, every single one of them “had a friend” who did. Also strange how every single male I talked to said,“No, I can always get it up.”
Why the resistance?
The little blue pill is actually sildenafil citrate and is used to treat erectile dysfunction, just so we’re all clear. It is sold as Viagra by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer.
When it was introduced in the late ’90s, there was a well-documented cult of recreational use among younger adults.
Apparently, even professional athletes have tried it to give them an edge over the competition. We’re all adults here, right? I mean, it could be fun if both parties are in on the act.
I asked my female friends how they would respond if they found out their men used Viagra and didn’t tell them.
“I wouldn’t care,” said one of my married friends.
“I just wouldn’t want him putting a drug into his body that really wasn’t necessary.”
Another friend says she wouldn’t care if she found out her boyfriend used it.
“Although, I guess it depends where he kept it. I mean, if he kept it in his car, I’d wonder why and that would be shady. But if he kept it where I could see it, then I’d be OK with it.”
Men are strange creatures. Women don’t care if you use Viagra. You can tell us.
I’m not sure if my guy took it regularly or really just was trying it out. I was sure, though, that he wouldn’t be asking me to pick him up any more prescriptions.
Popular breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant Evviva has been having a banner year. Despite the long-lasting damage the pandemic has done to the restaurant industry as a whole, Evviva has managed to come out on the other side relatively unscathed. In fact, there are plans for three new locations on the horizon, including an additional Toronto location on the corner of Bay and Wellesley planned for a November opening.
Jay Kazemi, owner of the breakfast chain, says the new location will solve a problem the company has been dealing with since the moment they opened, first in Vaughan and then downtown along Front Street – long lineups and not enough space. “Even before COVID, we always had lineups, especially during the weekends and lunchtime, but with COVID, those lines have turned into hour-and-a-half to two-hour waits,” he explains.
The new Toronto location is a large, 4,000 square foot corner unit, with two patios, plenty of indoor space and big windows, and will hopefully redirect some of the traffic from the other downtown location (and maybe even attract loyal Vaughan customers as well).
COVID-19 hit Evviva like every other restaurant, but the company – which had previously never been on any delivery apps – pivoted quickly to a takeout strategy that would keep them in business. Kazemi says they closed down for two months to redirect their focus, and when they reopened, over 90 per cent of their staff was able to come back. “Instead of firing a bunch of them, I reduced the hours and then the whatever hours we had, we divided between everyone, so everybody had a bit of extra income,” he explains.
By summer of 2021 as restrictions lifted, Kazemi says he was “surprised” by how well the business was doing. “It wasn’t perfect, but it was good,” he says.
Kazemi credits that to the niche in the market he says Evviva fills as a breakfast and brunch place somewhere in between the Coras and Sunset Grills and the more upscale, expensive options that charge a lot more for a meal. He came to Canada with a background in business and interior design, which inspired the bright, colourful restaurant design of Evviva – making the chain not only ideal for delicious and more affordable brunch, but on-trend with the modern interiors that populate foodie Instagram pages today.
It helps, of course, that Evviva is also one of the few spots in Toronto offering vegan brunch that extends beyond smoothie bowls and avocado toast.
“As a restaurant owner, I like to update myself,” Kazemi says. “I noticed veganism was getting bigger, and then my niece became vegan a few years ago.”
He saw that going out as a family was tough because vegan options were few and far between, especially on the breakfast side of things, and when Kazemi visited vegan places with his niece, he wasn’t very impressed. “I thought maybe I should make something for vegans, so that we can also serving them. And when you’re going out with your friends and whether they’re vegan or not, you can go somewhere that everybody can enjoy and have a good time,” he explains.
Kazemi did his research and recruited Doug McNish, a renowned vegan chef, to craft the vegan menu. You’ll find everything from an almost unbelievably realistic eggs benedict to a reuben sandwich on the menu. “I believe that everything should be top quality, even our vegan food,” Kazemi says.
He says an expanded vegan lunch menu is in the works, with specialty items like shrimp tacos coming up. The project was put on hold when McNish was accused of sexism, transphobia and racism according to accounts from several former colleagues and employees in a VICE News story in late 2020. McNish posted an apology on his Instagram page on Oct. 17, writing, “The kitchen environment I entered into at the young age of 15 was, admittedly, one of misogyny, sexism, homophobia, racism and crude behaviour. I engaged in that culture and made harmful remarks that I thought were funny. They weren’t.”
But Kazemi say the new menu will likely be ready for the new Bay and Wellesley opening.
Details about the two additional locations, one in North York at Yonge and Sheppard and one in Barrie, are still in the works.
“Evviva means ‘cheers’ in Italian, and I think that’s a beautiful way to start your day,” Kazemi says. “To celebrate.”
