Toronto to enter Stage 3 of reopening on Friday but Mayor Tory wants more restrictions for restaurants and bars

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11:53 am

As of Friday July 31, at 12:01 a.m., additional businesses and public spaces will be reopening in Toronto and Peel Region as the Ontario government allows them to move into Stage 3 of their reopening plan.

This decision was based on positive local trends of key public health indicators, such as increased testing, a lower transmission of COVID-19 cases, and ongoing hospital capacity monitoring.

In a press release on Wednesday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said that while more restaurants, theatres and businesses can hang up their “Open for business” signs, they’re still reminding everyone to follow public health advice and act responsibly.

“We have made tremendous progress that allows us to return to something a little closer to our normal lives this summer, but we are not out of the woods yet. This virus is still among us and we have to be extra cautious to avoid sparking a surge or an outbreak. I strongly urge everyone to continue following public health protocols,” Ford noted.

The move will allow Toronto Public Health and Peel Public Health to join the 31 public health regions that entered into Stage 3 on July 17 and 24, 2020.

Windsor-Essex County Health Unit region will remain in Stage 2 as the province continues to address the needs of the region by conducting on-farm testing, mobile testing units, and public health guidance for COVID-positive asymptomatic workers.

The province noted that it is supportive of proposals made by the City of Toronto and Toronto Public Health earlier this month relating to restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments that are permitted to be open.

Tory said that Toronto moving into Stage 3 is the result of a lot of hard work by Torontonians and frontline workers.

“It seems like a long way from the scary days of the winter when we were having our meetings at the beginning of the pandemic, and hearing numbers that were almost beyond comprehension in terms of both actual case counts, but also projections as to how many people could lose their lives or become ill,” Tory said at a press conference Wednesday morning.

“Now the hard work really begins,” Tory added, noting the importance of people staying vigilant and following public health advice in light of the new freedoms granted by Stage 3. “It’s going to involve continued effort on the part of individual people to make sure that we, together, keep wrestling this thing to the ground and keep it there.”

Today, the province announced that Toronto would be moving to Stage 3 on Friday. This is the right decision and great news for our city. But COVID-19 doesn’t go away in Stage 3. pic.twitter.com/S2Sc7pToZm

— John Tory (@JohnTory) July 29, 2020

Last week Monday, in a letter to Ford, Toronto Mayor John Tory provided six recommendations that he says would help protect Toronto from further spread of COVID-19, and would help ensure the city continues to safely reopen. These included:

Requiring patrons of food and drink establishments to be seated at all times unless entering or exiting, going to the restroom, or paying the bill.
Operators of food and drink establishments to keep a client log with a name and contact information for one person (minimum) in each party, along with the date, check-in and check-out times, and table number.
In addition to current capacity limits and food and drink establishments, additional capacity restrictions that limit occupancy should be implemented to ensure that physical distancing can be easily maintained by all patrons.
Implementing early closure times.
Requiring food and drink establishments to implement COVID-19 screening protocols for staff (e.g., completion of screening questionnaires) prior to the commencement of their shifts.
Mandatory face-covering requirements for staff and patrons of food and drink establishments should be clearly outlined.

In Stage 3, more restrictions will be loosened and nearly all businesses and public spaces will reopen. This will include reopening most remaining workplaces and community spaces, while gradually lifting restrictions. Public health advice and workplace safety guidance will remain in place and available, but large public gatherings (i.e., concerts, sporting events) will continue to be restricted.

Indoor gathering limits will increase to a maximum of 50 people (with physical distancing of at least two metres with people from outside one’s household or social circle); outdoor gathering limits will increase to a maximum of 100 people (again, subject to physical distancing of at least two metres with people from outside one’s household or social circle).

For a full list of what will open (and remain closed) in Stage 3, click here.

Shaquille O’Neal and Tyra Banks among the celebs to team up with Toronto restaurants this week

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Jessica Huras

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4:05 pm

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Wing Showdown Toronto — Tyra Banks’s Maple Sriracha Chicken Wings

Some of Toronto’s top restaurants are putting celebrity chicken wing recipes to the test for a citywide event coming just in time for National Wing Day on July 29th. The Wing Showdown competition was inspired by the Burger Showdown, which took place in May, and represents a partnership between Uber Eats and the experiential food company Off The Menu,

The showdown sees 13 Toronto restaurants preparing personal wing recipes shared by celebrities, including Shaquille O’Neal, Snoop Dogg, and Tyra Banks.

Participating Toronto restaurants include Joy Bird, which will be cooking Tyra Banks’s sweet and spicy maple Sriracha chicken wings; as well as DaiLo and the Dirty Bird, which will both be serving Snoop Dogg’s “get tha chip fried chicken wings,” which feature a crushed potato chip batter.

From July 29 until Aug. 2, diners can order these unique wings from participating restaurants via Uber Eats. Wing lovers can also watch celebrity wing videos and vote for their favourite recipe.

In addition to Toronto, ten other cities across the US and Canada are also taking part in the competition with more than 100 restaurants in total serving celebrity wing recipes to local diners for the five-day event.

Aside from tucking in to some one-of-a-kind wings and finding out which celebrity recipe takes the championship title of “Best Wing Overall 2020,” the Wing Showdown is also an opportunity to support a good cause.

The competition is partnering with the Center for Policing Equity, a non-profit research organization that helps law enforcement agencies improve their relationship with communities and works to end racial bias in policing. A donation in the winning celebrity’s name will be made to the centre after the competition.

Other Toronto restaurants participating in the Wing Showdown include Cherry St BBQ, Tokyo Hot Fried Chicken, California Sandwiches, Love Chix, Cabano’s Comfort Food, Sukhothai, Mira Mira, Sabai Sabai, Joybird, Pai Northern Thai Kitchen, and Islas Filipino BBQ & Bar. Check out the Wing Showdown’s site for more details starting tomorrow.

Nearly 100 units hit the market in one Yorkville condo

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Erin Neilly

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11:27 am

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Months into the COVID-19 pandemic that has wreaked havoc on the short-term rental industry, one Yorkville building provides a snapshot into the city’s current downtown rental market.

The Yorkville Plaza Condominium Residence, located at 155 Yorkville Ave., is the site of the former Four Seasons Hotel. The luxury hotel moved in 2012, and the building was repurposed into a residential condo building.

A recent search of the property on Strata.ca shows 27 listings for sale and 57 listings for rent out of the total of 508 units in the 32-storey building.

Laura Violo of Keller Williams Neighbourhood Realty has had her rental unit in the building on the market for more than 70 days. She attributes the high vacancy rate in the building to the fact that people are no longer working or studying downtown as much as they did in the days before COVID-19.

“I think the pandemic, the impact on some of the properties, especially downtown, it’s huge. There are lots of students that aren’t going to school any more because they don’t need to go down there, to the university. There was a real demand before for people to live and work downtown, and now they don’t have to during the pandemic,” said Violo. “You can work from anywhere, and you can study from anywhere. Until things open up, I think it will be very slow.”

Another agent with a rental property in the building who did not wish her name to be published said that the primary reason for the high number of rental vacancies was the fact that the building allows short-term rentals, meaning the building was highly impacted by the crash of the city’s tourism industry amidst COVID-19. She said that many of the owners are trying to rent their properties now that renting on Airbnb is no longer profitable or cost-effective.

Alex Dagg, public policy manager of Airbnb Canada, said that, although challenges brought on by COVID-19 have had a significant impact on the tourism industry as a whole, a recent company survey showed nine in 10 hosts surveyed said they will host at least as often once travel restrictions lift.

Despite this, a recent study by Zoocasa found that new rental and sales listings in buildings that allowed short-term rentals or were known to be popular on Airbnb exceed new listings in Toronto as a whole.

According to Zoocasa agent Andrew Kim in a statement, COVID-19 created a steep increase in inventory and a drop in rental prices due to lower demand, as students, those who saw their employment impacted by the pandemic and those who no longer felt the need to live close to work due to remote-working options gave up their leases. Kim also noted that demand for short-term rentals remains low despite a restriction on short-term rentals in Ontario being lifted on June 5. Kim said this gives renters more options at a better price, compared to last year when rental vacancies were at an all time low.

Popular home decor shop in Little Portugal opens a new location in Union Station

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Nikki Gill

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3:24 pm

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Popular housewares store Saudade, at 1191 Dundas St. W. in Little Portugal has expanded to open a second location in the city. Saudade Union opened its doors to the public today in Union Station — four months after it was scheduled to open on March 23.

“We were supposed to open on March 23, but our city closed down because of the pandemic on March 16,” wrote the owner, Nancy Fernandes, in a Facebook Post. “The timing for the opening of our second location couldn’t be worse and we were scared, very scared.”

The original location in Little Portugal opened its doors in 2015 and has been a neighbourhood favourite ever since. The shop carries kitchenware, home decor, fashion and accessories that reflect traditional and unique Portuguese design. The shop is the brainchild of Fernandes and was made possible by her friend and partner Fatima Santos. Saudade itself means a sentimental yearning for a former person, place or thing.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SAUDADE (@saudadetoronto) on Jul 27, 2020 at 9:04am PDT

“Saudade is our love letter to Portugal and Canada — a story of immigration, family, holidays, traditions, innovation, memories, dreams and strength,” wrote Fernandes in the post. “I have been struggling to put into words how thankful we are for all the support and love we have received over the last five years.”

Fernandes says the dream of opening a second location began over a year ago for herself and Santos, and they began construction in November 2019. The second location is part of the Union Station revitalization project that will include more than 100 retail shops and food vendors when complete.

The Union Station location at 65 Front St. W., Unit 329 will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Friday. The shop will carry an array of housewares, apothecary goods, fashion and accessories just like the Dundas Street location, but this location will also be selling boxes of pastéis de nata (traditional Portuguese custard tarts).

A pop-up of socially-distanced plants will take over Trinity Bellwoods this Wednesday

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Nikki Gill

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2:10 pm

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plant pop-up camh — A bundle of plants from Chive

Starting at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, plants will be taking over the social distancing circles at Trinity Bellwoods Park as part of an initiative to raise money for CAMH’s COVID-19 mental health resiliency and coping fund. The project is by Chive, a Toronto-based company that designs unique and modern plant pots.

“Plants are a calming force in a changing world and positively impact mental health,” says Todd Newgren, founder of Chive. “Our socially-distanced plant pop-up is a great way to get our plants out into the wild while supporting a worthy cause — those most affected by social isolation. Many of our friends have been heavily affected by depression and anxiety during the pandemic, so we thought this was a great way to lift people’s spirits.”

Residents and plant lovers are encouraged to visit Trinity Bellwoods on Wednesday and sit beside a plant in one of the circles in the park. They can then take the plant home by providing a donation to CAMH — and Chive has committed to matching every donation made up to $3,000.

The potted plants that will be placed in the circles retail for anywhere between $6 for a simple one to $124 for a multiple pot and plant bundle. Newgren says they are encouraging participants to donate the retail value of the plant, but don’t want to hold anyone back from taking one home so it will be pay-what-you-can.

chive plants — The Laurel bundle comes with three cacti in Chive’s Big Minute pots and saucers

For those who can’t show up to the park but want to participate, additional donations can be made to CAMH at Chive.ca, starting Tues. July 28.

Chive has a workspace at College and Dovercourt, and during the economic shutdown, the team decided to open a shop in front of the workspace.

“All the lumber yards were closed so we designed and built the entire store using 61 sheets of plywood,” says Newgren. “While our new store kept us occupied, we all have numerous friends suffering the side effects of isolation during COVID (like depression, anxiety etc). And because the streets were empty of the usual crowds, the people who need CAMH’s help most were even more visible than before.”

That’s when Newgren and the team decided to create an initiative to raise money for CAMH.

The Trinity Bellwoods activation will take place north of the tennis courts in the social distancing circles and the Chive team is assuming the plants won’t last long and are encouraging people to show up at 8 a.m. when it kicks off. To check out some of the plants that will be available, visit the Chive website.

City programs that expanded restaurant patios and bike lanes could be extended for years

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Marlene Mendonca

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1:57 pm

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Social distancing has confined many Torontonians to the small apartments and condos in which they live, with limited access to outdoor space. To combat this, the City of Toronto has been enacting new policies that convert road space into pedestrian-oriented spaces such as patios and bike lanes.

These initiatives are part of the city’s CaféTO and ActiveTO programs, and many residents are hoping these initiatives will continue post-pandemic.

According to the city, these reclaimed spaces are not currently intended to be permanent. A spokesperson for the City of Toronto said CaféTO will run until Nov. 15, but that, “Council could extend it if it desires.”

“The ActiveTO expanded cycling network will be in place through the fall of 2021, after which staff will report to council on the network’s future.”

The City of Toronto spokesperson also said that while they won’t speculate on future years at this time, “The city is currently focused on the successful rollout of these programs this year.”

The CaféTO program launched as Toronto moved into Stage 2 of reopening on June 24. It allows restaurants and bars to install or expand a sidewalk or curb lane café. This program allows restaurants to serve patrons outside in an environment that allows for physical distancing. With indoor dining still prohibited, some restaurants have described CaféTO as a lifeline.

Through the ActiveTO initiative, the city has been expanding cycling networks and closing major roads to cars on weekends.

According to the city’s website, the ActiveTO plan is “about making sure people have space to get around while respecting physical distancing.”

In late May, city council voted to expand Toronto’s cycling network by 25 kilometres in hopes of relieving stress on public transit and encouraging Torontonians to consider biking their commutes during the pandemic.

The road closures are intended to allow for walking, running, and biking. More than 10 km of major roads will be closed to cars, including parts of Lake Shore Boulevard East and West as well as parts of Bayview Avenue.

We love the #ActiveTO Lake Shore W, Lake Shore E, and lower Bayview weekend roads closed to cars/open to walk, roll, ride. And we want to see them extended past Labour Day and expanded outside the core.https://t.co/IfvTsfUKHo

— Cycle Toronto (@CycleToronto) July 18, 2020

Cycle Toronto said the ActiveTO initiatives were a step forward, and that they hope the city will expand them in the future.

Leafs arrive in Toronto to enter NHL bubble ahead of playoffs

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Nisean Lorde

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12:50 pm

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auston matthews leafs — Auston Matthews arrives at the Fairmont Royal York (Credit: @MapleLeafs)

NHL teams arrived in Toronto on Sunday in advance of the playoffs, and officially entered the Toronto bubble at their respective hotels — Hotel X and the Fairmont Royal York.

The federal government has mandated that travellers entering Canada have to isolate for 14 days as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they approved the NHL’s quarantine plan that allows players to report directly to the NHL bubbles in Edmonton and Toronto.

The top five Eastern Conference teams — the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins — will stay at Hotel X on the CNE grounds.

The remaining Eastern Conference teams — Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, New York Islanders, Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens — will stay at the Fairmont Royal York on Front Street West. Toronto’s hub also includes BMO Field and Scotiabank Arena for recreational activities, game viewing, and dining options.

so this is what the toronto bubble will look like.

“golf suites” sounds like quite a thing. pic.twitter.com/Y2H8Pvlx6C

— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 24, 2020

The NHL is taking precautions to keep players and their cohorts protected from the threat of COVID-19 — meaning players will undergo daily COVID-19 testing and will be required to live their lives within the confines of the bubble for at least two months.

Security will be tight — no one will be able to enter or exit who is not authorized. A fencing system will enclose the entirety of the bubble, and nearly 100 security guards and health ambassadors will be stationed throughout the bubble.

Players will have their own rooms (although players won’t be permitted to enter each other’s rooms) and each team will have its own floor.

The Toronto bubble has 14 on-site, diverse restaurants, bars, pubs, and coffee shops for players and staff, as well as a concierge service for deliveries from local restaurants. There will be eight tennis courts, golf suites, movie theatres, and fitness studios. Four practice-facility ice rinks will also be available (three NHL rinks and one Olympic-sized rink).

On Sunday, the Leafs shared a video of their new digs:

Leafs Nation is always with us ?#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/mtiJ7W8xbq

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 27, 2020

Exhibition games will begin on Tuesday, July 28, while the Stanley Cup qualifying rounds will begin on Aug. 1. The Leafs also released their phase 4 return to play roster:

Squad ?

Here’s our Phase 4 Return To Play roster. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/D6naMAdK9k

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 26, 2020

Kardinall Offishall and Karl Wolf among the performers at a drive-in concert series kicking off this Sunday

By

Nisean Lorde

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5:49 pm

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drive-in concert Kardinall Offishall — Kardinall Offishall

A socially-distanced, two-part drive-in concert series in the Greater Toronto Area is aiming to bring families and friends together for a good cause.

Together at the Drive-In is the first in a series of events taking place in various locations around the GTA; it will consist of family-friendly live performances and movies on Sunday, July 26 at the Stardust Drive-in.

The afternoon programming (1 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.) will be hosted by 4Korners (the Raptors official DJ), and include live performances by Kardinal Offishall, Karl Wolf, Frank Walker, Maestro Fresh-Wes, Töme, Ari, Dani Doucette, RNR, and Cale Granton (the Maple Leafs official DJ).

Sunday night’s show (from 7 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.) will feature Frank Walker, Carlo Lio, Manolo, Jed Harper (Toronto Blue Jays official DJ), Manolo, Delirious and Alex K.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Together Toronto (@togethertoronto) on Jul 22, 2020 at 1:19pm PDT

“By bringing together Toronto in an immersive and safe manner, we can help our hardest hit communities from COVID-19 and social injustice,” the event’s website states. “Imagine a family friendly, art, music and entertainment spectacle at your local drive-in, featuring live performers, DJs and artists, showcasing their talent and celebrating our communities.”

Patrons will also enjoy a movie each night after the concert — featured films include Karate Kid (1984), Stand By Me (1986), and My Spy + Midway.

Tickets range from $70 for a two-person car pass for the day or night show, $90 for a full car pass, and $140 for a VIP car pass that will get you a spot in one of the four rows closest to the stage. Proceeds will go towards supporting community groups, and artists. One ticket equals three meals donated through Second Harvest and the Food Bank of York Region.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the cancellation of several major events across the GTA, so bands and events have been using drive-ins as convenient ways to reach people this summer. Toronto band July Talk will also perform live in a pair of concerts on August 12 and 13 at the Stardust Drive-in.

A new condo is bringing fashionable family-sized suites to St. Clair West

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Marlene Mendonca

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2:49 pm

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The St.Clair West neighbourhood has been growing with young families who want to be in close proximity to the downtown core, but live in a community oriented area with small town charm. The century-old multi-generational and multi-faceted neighbourhood is filled with charisma.

A unique condo development, 900 St.Clair West, by Canderel and KingSett Capital is slated to be completed by the end of 2021 and offers an array of dynamic and elegant suites in a charming south mid-town neighbourhood nestled between Forest Hill and Wychwood.

The suites at 900 St.Clair West are made for the urbanite looking for a stylish yet practical space that can accommodate all types of people; young professionals, those looking to move up and down-sizers. The new building, which just started construction, will be fitted with 122 dynamic units in flexible sizes.

“With the growing desire for community and neighbourhood living, St. Clair Avenue West has fast become one of the most desirable locales in the city of Toronto,” said real estate broker and local resident, Jennifer Greenberg. With tons of green space, restaurants, nightlife and public and private schools, this walkable area has become a desirable real estate destination for Torontonians young and old.

Canderel and KingSett Capital announced that the anchor tenant for 900 St.Clair West is a new modern LCBO occupying more than 8,000 sq.ft. Its framed glass façade will add a modern edge to the retail experience along St. Clair, while allowing the LCBO to seamlessly integrate into a neighbourhood that is quickly becoming well-known for its restaurants, green spaces, and multi-generational population. This new store is a modern upgrade from the current location at 908 St.Clair West and will provide an improved shopping experience for community members. Designed as a large open concept store with contemporary finishes featuring a 50-ft. long wall of vintage wines and a beer alcove with prominently featured craft and premium beer selections, St.Clair West residents will be getting a high-end LCBO to rival those in Summerhill and Rosedale.

Taking its cues from the historic neighbourhoods of Cedervale, Wychwood, Forest Hill and Hillcrest, Canderel and KingSett Capital’s St.Clair Village will emulate the character of Old Toronto’s brick century homes, elevated by modern amenities in a condo setting.

“900 St.Clair West is a microcosm of the neighbourhood itself. There is diversity within, with its large and smaller suites, yet common sentiment in terms of style, amenities and services that tie the community together,” says Greenberg.

900 St.Clair West will soon be a greater part of the extremely interconnected community. With a dedicated streetcar line, you can be at the St. Clair West subway in 20 minutes and immersed in the downtown core. This spot is super accessible for young professionals with a daily commute.

Designed by Quadrangle, in consultation with the community and the city in an effort to preserve the local character of the neighbourhood, the range of suites in the building come in 450 to a little over 2,000 square feet. Models include one, two, and three-bedroom, as well as one and two-plus den suites. Standard features include nine-foot ceilings, integrated appliances, designer cabinetry, balconies and terraces, with the penthouse suites featuring luxurious upgraded balcony and terrace flooring.

Now at 84% sold, 900 St.Clair West’s exclusive collection offers a variety of units perfect for families, young professionals, and downsizers alike. The residential suites are accompanied by a string of 2,000 square-foot, 3-bedroom units, Canderel is calling The St.Clair Collection. These flexible floorplans are perfect for mature buyers who are looking for the perks of condo living, but not willing to compromise on space.

The St.Clair Collection also includes an extended 12-foot kitchen fitted with Miele appliances, a wine fridge, stone waterfall countertops, hardwood flooring, and a gas barbecue connection on the terrace or balcony.

“This flexibility appeals to people looking for change or a more dynamic life but who still want 2,000 sq. ft. of space in which to spread out. They may wish to be closer to children or grandchildren; entertain or travel without the security or maintenance concerns associated with a house,” notes Greenberg.

The appeal of 900 St.Clair West and the neighbourhood is evident to end user buyers, with the recent sales of a suite for $2.414 million and a suite for $3 million. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the 900 St.Clair West team made this $3 million sale on one of their exclusive combo suites, making it the largest transaction done in the immediate area during this unprecedented time. The level of interest they are seeing during this speaking largely to the unique suite offerings at 900 St.Clair West making it a highly sought-after location to reside.

Since Canderel has already seen so much success in their first phase of, they are already gearing up to launch 908 St.Clair West come 2021.

Remaining suites at 900 St.Clair West start at $819,900 for a 2 Bedroom while the St.Clair Collection 3 Bedroom Suites start at $1,252,900. To find out more, visit the presentation centre at 805 St.Clair West, and register online at www.stclairvillage.com.

How filmmakers Robin and Robert Leacock found love through Lorne Michaels

By

Nikki Gill

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4:44 pm

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robert robin leacock — Robert and Robin Leacock

Filmmaker and Forest Hiller Robin Baker Leacock’s latest documentary hits real close to home. Leacock’s film, Stella & Co., is about her mother, Estelle Craig, who lived in Forest Hill Village for most of her life and who wrote five books after turning 100 years old. Leacock spent two years filming Craig inside her seniors residence looking at what it means to age through humour, music and storytelling. The documentary premieres this Saturday, July 25 on PBS at 4:30 p.m. Here we caught up with the filmmaker to learn another story, the one of how she fell in love with her husband, cinematographer Robert Leacock.

How they met

I was working on a TV show concept called Modern Fairy Tales with an old friend and I was on a plane with Lorne Michaels. I presented the idea to him and he suggested I speak to someone at Saturday Night Live — that’s where I met Robert.

The first date

We decided to have dinner at Le Zinc in the Tribeca neighbourhood in New York City.

The courtship

Robert was travelling a lot, directing documentaries and commercials and I was living in New York City. We loved to eat out and go to restaurants. Robert was really amazing about coming to Toronto to meet my parents. He knew Canada well because he had a famous Canadian relative — the writer Stephen Leacock. He met my mother Estelle, who was an incredible entrepreneur. She also travelled the world doing interviews for CBC and had her own radio program, so I think Robert was pleasantly surprised meeting my sophisticated parents.

The wedding

We lived together for 13 years before getting married, and eventually got married in Toronto. I had planned to have an outdoor wedding at the Eaton House right beside Casa Loma, but on the day of my wedding there was a huge thunderstorm and lightning so we ended up getting married on the terrace of my parents’ apartment at Yonge and St. Clair.

The pets

We have a lovely rescue dog named Prince Luca de Manalapan. He showed up near our house three weeks after we lost our other rescue dog, Bubbles — a beautiful golden retriever.

Balancing careers and marriage

Well I’m making films now and my husband is home baking sourdough bread. He always says that he made films to make money and I make films to spend money.

The home

I grew up in Toronto and lived near Casa Loma, then Forest Hill and then Yonge and St. Clair for many years. Now I spend half my year in Florida and half in the Hamptons.

Popular tapas restaurant Bar Isabel reopens today

By

Jessica Huras

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12:57 pm

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One of Toronto’s most beautiful bars is back in action, with Bar Isabel set to reopen today for takeout and patio dining.

Grant van Gameren’s beloved tapas destination had been temporarily closed since mid-March amid the pandemic but it’s now relaunching to offer “a pared-down menu with signature delights and of course a bevvy of outstanding bottles to enjoy on our patio cafe alongside our market shop offerings,” according to a post on the restaurant’s Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bar Isabel (@bar_isabel) on Jul 22, 2020 at 12:37pm PDT

Grant van Gameren has recently been pivoting many of his restaurant concepts to adapt to the new normal of COVID-era dining, including revamping Mexican restaurant Quetzal as a casual, wood-fire chicken joint.

Fortunately for fans of Bar Isabel, it looks like the Little Italy restaurant is returning in its previous form. The new patio menu features the kind of shareable Spanish snacks Bar Isabel has come to be known for, including pan con tomate, cured meat plates, and grilled octopus.

One new addition to the concept is Mercado Isabel, a market element featuring to-go goods to enjoy at home such as bread, cheese, and meat (much of which can also be ordered on the dine-in menu).

Bar Isabel’s reopening announcement post also outlines some of the health and safety precautions the restaurant will be implementing on its patio, which include providing hand sanitizer on every table and capping group sizes at six people.

Bar Isabel will be open from 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and until 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant is not accepting reservations, so seating is first come first served.

Five Toronto restaurants that have closed in the last week

By

Jessica Huras

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5:20 pm

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toronto restaurant closing — via Universal Grill

With most of Ontario entering phase three this week (and Toronto expected to soon follow), many businesses are beginning to bounce back from the financial struggles caused by the pandemic.

Sadly, however, the wave of COVID-related closures hasn’t come to an end, with several Toronto restaurants announcing over the past week that they’re shutting down permanently.

N’Awlins Jazz Bar & Grill

In a blow for both the dining and music communities in Toronto, N’Awlins Jazz Bar & Grill announced its closure this week after 25 years in business. The King West restaurant was known for its Cajun-Creole food and live jazz performances. “The current situation surrounding the pandemic, including the regulations for restaurants and live music make it impossible to maintain our quality, standards and spirit,” wrote the owners in a Facebook post.

“While our door on King Street may be closed for now, our passion to serve and entertain you lives on. So we are looking to brighter days where we can be together again, listen to music and eat to our heart’s content.”

BB’s Diner

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by bbsdiner (@bbsdiner) on Jul 18, 2020 at 1:58pm PDT

BB’s Diner announced via social media that they have closed their doors. The cheerful Little Italy brunch spot was known for its deliciously creative Filipino breakfasts, including traditional silog platters featuring garlic fried rice.

“A big thank you to the amazing staff; who have passed through these doors and made our family that much more special,” wrote the owners in an Instagram post. “Together we were able to create a home for many and will continue to do so in our future endeavors.”

Universal Grill

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Universal Grill (@universalgrillto) on Jul 16, 2020 at 7:47pm PDT

It’s a sad week for brunch fans, with Universal Grill also sharing the news that they will be closing permanently. A fixture in the Annex for 24 years, the restaurant had been closed temporarily since mid-March after the province declared a state of emergency.

“The financial strain associated with being closed during the COVID-19 crisis was beyond what we could handle,” wrote the owners in an Instagram post. The lengthy post also thanks many of the restaurant’s long-time staff, reading “our staff… we wouldn’t have lasted as long as we did without the love everyone put into our little restaurant, both front and back of house.”

L’Arc En Ceil

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A post shared by L’ARC EN CIEL (@larcenciel.to) on Jul 16, 2020 at 2:00pm PDT

Little Italy gelato joint L’Arc En Ceil will serve its last sweet treats this weekend. Opening in the summer of 2019, the restaurant was known for its house-made gelato, which was incorporated into creative desserts like cakes and sandwiches.

“We’re sorry to announce that we will not be able to continue to run L’ARC EN CIEL any longer,” wrote the owners in an Instagram post, adding that this Sunday will be their last day of service.

Cafe Crepe

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A post shared by Café Crêpe (@cafecrepe) on Jul 15, 2020 at 3:50pm PDT

The familiar neon lights of Cafe Crepe on Queen West have gone out for good. “Unfortunately, due to the burden COVID-19 has placed on the entire industry, we announce the permanent closure of our Toronto location,” wrote the restaurant in an Instagram post.

Open for almost 20 years, Cafe Crepe was a mainstay for late-night eats, known for its street-side takeout window. The brand also has locations in Vancouver and Hong Kong, which will remain open.