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Toronto fashion designer Hilary MacMillan is making masks for frontline workers

By
Nikki Gill
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hilary macmillan masks
Non-medical grade masks being produced by the Hilary MacMillan team

Toronto-based womenswear designer, Hilary MacMillan, announced today that she will be shifting her brand’s manufacturing capabilities to produce masks for frontline workers in Ontario.

MacMillan’s eponymous brand is a line of contemporary womenswear with a focus on being cruelty-free and size-inclusive. She is bringing her values to the production of the masks by ensuring they are made using upcycled materials.

The masks will not be medical grade and therefore will not be donated to hospitals, but frontline workers such as grocery store employees, staff that work in long-term care and seniors residences as well as people who work in shelters and for charities will be able to receive and use the masks.

The Hilary MacMillan team plans to produce 100 masks per week for the foreseeable future and production has begun immediately to ensure the first 100 masks are ready by Friday, March 27. The masks will be shipped from the company’s Toronto production facility and delivered to organizations that have requested them. Organizations can submit donation requests to receive the masks at [email protected].

“As a Canadian brand and citizen, I understand the dire situation we are in with the spread of this global pandemic,” says MacMillan. “We felt it was our duty to do as much as we could to give back and help those in more vulnerable positions as both a show of support and to help keep our frontline workers safe and healthy.”

This comes at a time when local hospitals are seeking donations from the city’s physicians for personal protection equipment to help the healthcare professionals on the front lines dealing with COVID-19 patients. While medical grade equipment should be donated to healthcare professionals, MacMillan is filling the gap to provide non-medical grade masks to other frontline workers.

In accordance with the government of Ontario’s closure of all non-essential businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MacMillan has closed the retail sector of her company, but the brand is continuing to operate its e-commerce platform. Essentials in the Hilary MacMillan spring/summer 2020 collection are available online in sizes ranging from 00 to size 28.

Toronto restaurants band together to demand government help to save industry

By
Ron Johnson
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Eric Joyal and John Sinopoli of Ascari Hospitality

The new coalition of independent restaurants representing some of Toronto’s top establishments are banding together to lobby all levels of government for immediate help to stave off what has already been an economic disaster of the highest proportion. 

An email newsletter sent from Erik Joyal of the Ascari Hospitality Group outlines a way forward for the city’s restaurant industry that will require major movement from all levels of government right away.

“The thinking behind this started last as we came to the realization we were going to have to completely close our businesses and all our friends in the industry were going to be forced to do the same,” says Joyal. “Something was going to need to be done fast. It was John’s (Sinopoli) idea to get on this right away and I was quickly in agreement.”

The email states: 

“We are working to create a coalition of independently owned restauranteurs and their suppliers across the country. We would love to count you as one of the voices of cooperation and join in demanding that our government ensure our survival,” the email read. It has been a surreal week. As I reach out to other independent operators and hear the stories of tears and desperation I felt the need to begin acting to ensure the survival of our businesses. As we all attempt take out and delivery options as means to attain a trickle of our former cashflow we cannot be idle in the way of demanding from society a response that has been afforded so many other industries in their times of crisis.” 

Some of the restaurants listed that are signing on with the group under the banner SaveHospitalityCa include Oliver Bonacini Hospitality, Oyster Boy, City Betty, La Palma and Constantine. And, according to Joyal, the list continues to grow. 

“The response has been humbling, we are getting signed on literally by the minute,” he says. 

The newsletter also includes an action plan that offers in great detail a blueprint for the government to follow in order to provide some immediate and long-term relief for restaurateurs in the city and throughout the province. 

Before the end of March, the group wants immediate EI benefits for all laid off staff, which includes the more than 6,000 individuals that once worked at the establishments that have joined. In addition, there are other measures requested such as the end of commercial property taxes for restaurants, bars, affected retail, and supplies. And there is quite a lot more including relief from utility bills, rent abatement, ordering insurance companies to honour business interruption insurance and more.  

There is also a strategy for longer-term needs including such things as cash stimulus, controls on commercial rent, the suspension of taxes owed to the government and other points. 

But, first and foremost, Joyal says he wants the government to recognize what is happening and that, like our leaders are fond of saying these days when it comes to other businesses and individuals, they have the restaurateurs’ backs. 

“The first step we are looking for from government is to say, ‘We hear you, we are going to get to work for you, let’s talk,’” Joyal says. 

The group is set to present their plan to all levels of government and are asking partners and friends across the country to do the same. 

Joyal adds that the worst case is that between 50 and 70 per cent of restaurants stay shut without robust government assistance.

“Best case, we get the help we need to get the industry back on its feet with as few casualties as possible,” he adds. 

This story is developing and the full package of information outlining the group’s plans will be available and included in this article soon.

Toronto gyms are taking their classes online to help you stay fit

By
Marlene Mendonca
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0

Gyms in Toronto have closed their doors due to the state of emergency brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, but some have decided to move their classes online and some are even offering group classes through Zoom. If you want to get your heart rate up and get your sweat on, you’ll want to check out some of the dynamic workouts being offered virtually.

Full Body Workout Sessions

Aethos is taking their fitness classes virtual with two to three classes per day. Choose from focused classes including “Bulletproof Your Back” or more standard lower body training. They’re even offering group classes through Zoom. 

You can take a class any time of the day from the instructors at eMbody Fitness – just pull up their YouTube channel. They’re offering fun and sweat-worthy classes devoted to cardio, dance, pilates, as well as strength and conditioning. If you want to join their live class, you can catch it every day at 9:00 a.m. on Facebook.

 

 

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Sweat and Tonic is offering three classes per day on Instagram Live. Check out their schedule for times and classes. 

Misfits Studio is doing three live classes throughout the day on Instagram Live. Begin the day with their dance-focused workouts starting at 8:00 a.m. or, if you’re not a morning person, they also have a few others throughout the day. They’ve also launched online classes through Zoom. 

 

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If you want to mix up your workouts with Zumba, Tai Chi, or a Hatha Yoga, you’ll want to check out Mayfair Club’s virtual classes. You can join their free classes in real time live on Facebook and watch on demand via the video libraries on Instagram, YouTube, and within their website.

Fit Factory is offering daily classes on Instagram Live using simple items–broom and chairs–as your props. Check out their feed for daily class times. 

Mixed Martial Arts

If you’ve ever wanted to try mixed martial arts but haven’t had the time, now might be your chance. OpenMat MMA has set up a YouTube channel with live classes ranging from Brazilian jiu jitsu for parents and kids, Muay Thai, and more standard strength and conditioning. If you’re kids are getting stir-crazy, there’s also parent and Kids BJJ classes.  

 

 

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United Boxing Club is offering Instagram Live boxing classes on weekends weekend at 12:30p.m. Choose from the upper body class on Saturday or the lower body class on Sunday. Bring a towel and expect to sweat. 

Crossfit

 

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Join Lift Corktown’s daily classes on Instagram Live at 10am. These crossfit workouts will get your energy up and likely get you sweating. 

Spinning 

Soul Cycle instructor, Rowen Aida is going virtual with her intense workouts. Check out videos on her YouTube channel, or if you’re looking for a live class, she’ll be offering them on Instagram Live. 

 

 

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If you’re missing out on spinning classes, 6ix Cycle has curated daily workouts that will make you sweat. According to their instagram, they’ll also be releasing some of their popular playlists throughout the coming weeks.

Here is the list of essential businesses open across Ontario

By
Samantha Peksa
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0
essential businesses Ontario
McEwan Foods

The Ontario government’s official list of essential businesses to remain open during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been released.

On Monday, Premier Doug Ford announced that all non-essential services across the province will be forced to close as of 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Mar. 24. With 573 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Ontario, Ford said the move is a necessary measure to help flatten the curve and stop the spread.

Starting tomorrow, only essential services will remain open. This will include supply chains, manufacturers, wine and beer stores, the LCBO, grocery stores, pharmacies and takeout restaurants.

All other workplaces must close their doors for 14 days. Although Ford said he is prepared to extend the order if necessary.

Here is the list of essential businesses and services, issued by the government of Ontario:

Supply chains

  1. Businesses that supply other essential businesses or essential services with the support, supplies, systems or services, including processing, packaging, distribution, delivery and maintenance necessary to operate

Retail and wholesaling

  1. Businesses engaged in the retail and wholesale sale of food, pet food and supplies, and household consumer products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operations of residences and businesses, including grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, markets and other similar retailers
  2. Businesses that provide essential items for the health and welfare of animals, including feed, animal food, pet food and animal supplies including bedding
  3. Beer, wine and liquor stores and alcohol producers, and stores that sell beer and wine through arrangements with authorized providers; cannabis stores and cannabis producers
  4. Gas stations, diesel, propane and heating fuel providers including providers of motor vehicle, aircraft and water/marine craft fuels
  5. Motor vehicle, auto-supply, auto and motor-vehicle-repair, including bicycle repair, aircraft repair, heavy equipment repair, watercraft/marine craft repairs, car and truck dealerships and related facilities
  6. Hardware stores and stores that provide hardware products necessary to the essential operations of residences and businesses
  7. Business providing pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical services, including pharmacies and dispensaries
  8. Businesses that supply office products and services, including providing computer products and related repair and maintenance services, for individuals working from home and for essential businesses
  9. Safety supply stores (e.g. work clothes, Personal Protective Equipment)

Food services and accommodations

  1. Restaurants and other food facilities that prepare and serve food, but only for delivery or takeaway, together with food delivery services
  2. Hotels, motels, shared rental units and similar facilities, including student residences

Institutional, residential, commercial and industrial maintenance

  1. Businesses that provide support and maintenance services, including urgent repair, to maintain the safety, security, sanitation and essential operation of institutional, commercial, industrial and residential properties and buildings, including, property management services,plumbers, electricians, custodial/janitorial workers, cleaning services, security services, fire safety and sprinkler systems, building systems maintenance and repair technicians and engineers, mechanics, (e.g. HVAC, escalator and elevator technicians), and other service providers who provide similar services

Telecommunications and IT infrastructure/service providers

  1. Businesses engaged in providing or supporting Information Technology (IT) including online services, software products and related services, as well as the technical facilities such as data centres and other network facilities necessary for their operation and delivery
  2. Businesses providing telecommunications services (phone, internet, radio, cell phones etc.) as well as support facilities such as call centres necessary for their operation and delivery

Transportation

  1. Taxis and other private transportation providers providing transportation services necessary for activities of daily living
  2. Businesses and facilities that provide transportation services to businesses and individuals including by air, water, road, and rail including providing logistical support, distribution services, warehousing and storage, including truck stops and tow operators
  3. Businesses that provide materials and services for the operation, maintenance and safety of transportation systems (road, transit, rail, air and marine) including delivery of maintenance services such as clearing snow, response to collisions, and completing needed repairs to the transportation systems

Manufacturing and production

  1. Businesses that extract, manufacture, process and distribute goods, products, equipment and materials, including businesses that manufacture inputs to other manufacturers (e.g. primary metal/ steel, blow molding, component manufacturers, chemicals, etc. that feed the end-product manufacturer)
  2. Businesses, facilities and services that support and facilitate the two-way movement of essential goods within integrated North American and Global supply chains

Agriculture and food production

  1. Businesses that farm, harvest, process, manufacture, produce or distribute food, including beverages, crops, animal products and by-products, aquaculture, hunting and fishing
  2. Businesses that support the food supply chain including assembly yards, livestock auctions, food distribution hubs, feed mills, farm equipment suppliers, feed suppliers, food terminals and warehouses, animal slaughter plants and grain elevators
  3. Business that support the safety of food including animal and plant health and animal welfare
  4. Businesses that provide veterinary services, and that supply veterinary and animal control medications and related supplies and testing kits
  5. Businesses that help to ensure safe and effective waste management including deadstock, rendering, nutrient management, bio hazardous materials, green waste, packaging recycling

Construction

  1. Construction projects and services associated with the healthcare sector, including new facilities, expansions, renovations and conversion of spaces that could be repurposed for health care space
  2. Construction projects and services required to ensure safe and reliable operations of critical provincial infrastructure, including transit, transportation, energy and justice sectors beyond the day-to-day maintenance
  3. Construction work and services, including demolition services, in the industrial, commercial, institutional and residential sectors
  4. Construction work and services that supports health and safety environmental rehabilitation projects

Financial activities

  1. Capital markets (e.g., the TSX)
  2. Banking activities related to credit intermediation; credit unions
  3. Insurance
  4. Businesses that provide pension services and employee benefits services
  5. Businesses that provide financial services including payment processing, the payroll division of any employer (as defined by the Employment Standards Act/Occupational Health and Safety Act), any entity whose operation is the administration of payroll, banks and credit unions

Resources

  1. Businesses that ensure global continuity of supply of mining materials and products (e.g. metals such as copper, nickel and gold) and that support supply chains in Northern Ontario including:
    1. Mining operations, production and processing
    2. Mineral exploration and development
    3. Mining Supply and Services that ssupport supply chains in the mining industry including maintenance of operations, health and safety
  2. Businesses that provide chemicals and gases to support the natural resource sector analytical labs and drinking water and wastewater sectors and other essential businesses
  3. Businesses that ensure global continuity of supply of forestry products (e.g. lumber, pulp, paper, wood fuel, etc.)
  4. Businesses that ensure global continuity of supply of aggregates to support critical infrastructure repairs and emergency response requirements (e.g. sandbags, armour stone barriers, etc.)
  5. Businesses that ensure global continuity of supply of petroleum and petroleum by-products

Environmental services

  1. Businesses that support environmental management/monitoring and spill clean-up and response, including environmental consulting firms, professional engineers and geoscientists, septics haulers, well drillers, pesticides applicators and exterminators, management of industrial sewage/effluent (e.g. for mining operations), and environmental laboratories

Utilities and community services

  1. Utilities, and Businesses that support the provision of utilities and community services, including by providing products, materials and services needed for the delivery of utilities and community services:
    1. Waste collection, waste/sewage treatment and disposal, operation of landfills, and hazardous waste disposal
    2. Potable drinking water
    3. Electricity Generation, transmission, distribution and storage
    4. Natural Gas distribution, transmission and storage
    5. Road construction and maintenance
    6. Police, fire, emergency services including coroner services and pathology services
    7. Corrections and courts services
    8. Other government services including licenses and permits
  2. Businesses engaged in or supporting the operation, maintenance and repair of critical infrastructure (railways, dams, bridges, highways, erosion control structures, etc.)

Communications industries

  1. Newspaper publishers
  2. Radio & Television Broadcasting
  3. Telecommunications providers

Research

  1. Businesses and organizations that maintain research facilities and engage in research, including medical research and other research and development activities
  2. Businesses that provide products and services that support research activities

Health care and seniors care and social services

  1. Organizations and providers that deliver home care services
  2. Retirement homes
  3. Long-term care facilities
  4. Independent health facilities
  5. Laboratories and specimen collection centres
  6. Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers of pharmaceutical products and medical supplies, including medications, medical isotopes, vaccines and antivirals; medical devices and medical supplies
  7. Manufacturers, logistics and distributors of products and/or services that support the delivery of health care in all locations (including but not limited to hospitals, labs, long-term care homes, other residential health care, physicians, nurse practitioners and midwives, and home care services)
  8. Businesses that provide products and/or services that support the health sector or that provide health services, including mental health and addictions and counselling supports
  9. Businesses that sell, rent or repair assistive/mobility/medical devices, aids and/or supplies
  10. Businesses that provide personal support services (many seniors and persons with disabilities, who can afford to, hire individuals to assist with the activities of daily living)
  11. Health care professionals providing emergency care including dentists optometrists and physio-therapists
  12. Not-for-profit organizations that provide critical personal support services in home and also provide residential services for individuals with physical disabilities (such as the Centre for Independent Living and March of Dimes)
  13. Businesses and all other organizations that support the provision of food, shelter, safety or protection, and/or social services and other necessities of life to economically disadvantaged and other vulnerable individuals, including but not limited to food banks, violence against women emergency shelters, homeless shelters, community housing, supportive housing, children’s aid societies, residential services for adults with developmental disabilities and for children, and custody and detention programs for young persons in conflict with the law

Justice sector

  1. Professional and social services that support the legal and justice system

Other businesses

  1. Rental and leasing services, including automobile, commercial and light industrial machinery and equipment rental
  2. Businesses providing mailing, shipping, courier and delivery services, including post office boxes
  3. Laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry service providers
  4. Professional services including lawyers and para-legals, engineers, accountants, translators
  5. Businesses providing funeral, mortician, cremation, transfer, and burial services, and any related goods and products (such as coffins and embalming fluid)
  6. Land registration services, and real estate agent services and moving services
  7. Businesses providing security services including private security guards; monitoring or surveillance equipment and services
  8. Businesses providing staffing services, including temporary help
  9. Businesses that support the safe operations of residences and essential businesses
  10. Businesses that provide for the health and welfare of animals, including veterinarians, farms, boarding kennels, stables, animal shelters, zoos, aquariums, research facilities and other service providers
  11. Child care services for essential workers, and home child care services of less than six children
  12. Businesses providing cheque cashing services

Business regulators and inspectors

  1. Organizations, including Administrative Authorities, that regulate and inspect businesses

Toronto’s Ben Kunder plays livestream tonight ahead of new album

By
Ron Johnson
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0

Toronto singer-songwriter Ben Kunder is playing a livestream concert tonight (March 24) on the heels of announcing a new album scheduled for release on May 29. 

Kunder, who will be streaming an hour-long performance on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, also released a new single and video “Berlin” off the new album. It was written about the up-and-coming musician’s first tour of Germany. 

“’Berlin’ is about finding your strength,” Kunder says. “I realized while touring in Germany how lucky I am to have the privilege to speak up, to tell my story and to actually be heard when so many of the people of my past were denied that right. I don’t take that for granted and this song is not only about being strong but it’s about accepting the fear and darkness we feel and saying it’s okay, we’re alright. That is our strength. This song started a new evolution in my songwriting and inspired the direction of my new album.”

 

 

Posted by Ben Kunder Music on Tuesday, March 24, 2020

 

The album Searching For The Stranger follows up Kunder’s 2018 sophomore effort Better Human with 10 original new songs. 

“I have really discovered my voice as an artist and more than ever before,” says Kunder. “I am trusting myself and my weirdness. Searching For The Stranger is not only about searching for something or someone different but about accepting that the strange and weird can be beautiful, too.”

Tune in at 8pm to watch him play.

Ontario restaurants petition to include liquor in takeout and delivery

By
Jessica Huras
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0

With Ontario bars and restaurants prohibited from offering dine-in services for the foreseeable future, many have pivoted to takeout and delivery models to stay afloat.

To-go dining alone, however, isn’t profitable enough to keep certain restaurants in the green. The industry is now petitioning the Ontario government to allow wine, beer, cider, and spirits to be sold as part of their takeout and delivery orders.

Current Liquor Control Board of Ontario regulations only allow licensed restaurants to sell liquor for consumption on-site in their establishments, which means booze can’t be included in takeout and delivery orders.

As Niagara winery owner Marcel Morgenstern explains in his petition, however, alcohol sales traditionally represent a significant part of a restaurant’s income.

 

Amsterdam Barrel House

Morgenstern and petition signers believe that changing these to-go alcohol policies, if only even temporarily, could help restaurants recover some of the revenue lost amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

The move has the potential to allow more restaurants to keep their doors open without receiving direct funding from the Ontario government.

The B.C. government announced a new policy last weekend that will allow bars and restaurants to deliver liquor with food from now until at least June 15.

Individuals delivering liquor with takeout will be required to have Serving It Right certification (B.C.’s equivalent to Smart Serve), so there’s hope that restaurants will employ laid-off serving staff (who would already have been required to possess this certification) to make the deliveries. B.C. will also allow customers to pick-up liquor with their food orders, as long as the bottles are sealed.

B.C.’s decision bolsters hope that the Ontario government will follow suit. The petition currently has close to 9,000 signatures.

Toronto yoga classes step up during the COVID-19 pandemic

By
Marlene Mendonca
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0
Images: Danielle Meredith Photography

Many Toronto yoga and wellness studios in Toronto have made the difficult decision last week to temporarily close their studios in an attempt to flatten the curve. Despite not having access to a physical space, yoga instructors, many studios and wellness centres are keeping their communities active by offering live classes through Instagram Live, Stories, IGTV, Facebook Live and Zoom. 

Octopus Garden will be offering daily online classes on the regular. They’re offering a Virtual Flow for all levels and an Intermediate class for the advanced Yogi. All you have to do is sign up for the class you want. 

Starting today, Yoga Space will be offering a variety of classes three times a day. Each class will be live through the online streaming platform FitGrid LIVE. This week they’re offering Vinyasa, Hatha, and Prenatal Yoga. 

Hana, from Mula Yoga on Queen West, is offering live yoga classes on Facebook Live. If you’re unable to make her live classes you can check out her YouTube channel, which has yoga practices for all levels. 

Power Yoga Canada has five classes a day starting at 6:00 am and ending at 8:30 pm. You can access the classes on both Instagram Live and Facebook Live. 

Downward Dog Yoga has also just switched to online classes. Starting today, they’re offering one free live yoga class through Zoom. Each day they’ll mix it up with a slow flow, Restorative, Pranayama and Meditation, and more. 

For a meditation class, Shawna Turner, a yoga teacher at the popular Ahimsa Yoga, is offering daily live meditation classes at 2pm on Facebook Live. You can also catch one of her Vinyasa classes through Ahimsa’s online studio or choose a Flow or Yin class offered by the studio. 

Oxygen Yoga Fitness are taking their classes live through Instagram Stories and Facebook Live. They have a busy schedule with an array of classes throughout the day, including kids yoga twice on Mondays. Classes start at 7:00am and run until 9:30pm. 

Yoga Tree offers two daily online classes. You can choose from a sweaty Yoga HIIT or Power Flow or choose the gentler Breathe, Move, Mediate class.

Just because you can’t go to a yoga studio doesn’t mean you have to halt your practice. As more yoga and wellness studios are taking their practices online, make sure to check their instagram and Facebook accounts for more information and daily schedules.

The best grocery delivery services in Toronto

By
Nicole Richie
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0
grocery delivery

Walking into the grocery store these days almost feels post-apocalyptic. Shelves have been wiped of their contents (especially in the pasta and canned goods aisles) and the possibility of getting everything on your list is slim. Not to worry though, there are plenty of grocery delivery services working in high demand to get Torontonians the goods they need to make their time in isolation a little easier.

Grocery Gateway

Longo’s has been running Grocery Gateway since 1997. The gourmet grocery service has a ton of premium options for you to purchase while the pandemic runs its course. With different categories set up to make your purchasing easy, you can pick from a range of dairy, packaged goods, meats and produce and the service will even recommend items and recipes for you to add to your cart.

Grocery Gateway even gives you the options to pick up some adult beverages from the LCBO. This delivery service has a $50 minimum spend, as well as a $7.99 delivery fee. You can apply for a pick-up time which will give you a 90-minute window of delivery time. Due to the increase in demand, Grocery Gateway has minimal windows available for delivery in the next couple weeks, but make sure to keep checking their site for openings or added delivery times.

Public Goods

 

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This sustainable business is focussed on getting you sustainable and environmentally friendly products that are as socially responsible as they are aesthetically pleasing. Public goods focuses on packaged food products, beauty and cleaning supplies and homeware items. They make all their own packaging from sugarcane and bamboo and plant a tree every time a new member joins; they even have a ton of cruelty-free and vegan products.

At the moment all their ordering is done online or via Instagram. Shipping is free on orders over $100 and should get to your home in five to ten business days.

Instacart

Instacart is a great service that works with a ton of different grocery stores located in your neighbourhood. You can grab items from stores like The Great Canadian Superstore, T&T, Shoppers Drug Mart, Bulk Barn, Pusateri’s and Loblaws. Instacart is great because they have a ton of hard-to-find imported snacks from more niche grocers in Toronto.

Their website is super easy to use and their delivery fees are based on the size of your order. They are experiencing a higher volume of orders at the moment so there’s also the option of Instacart putting your order together and having it ready for you to pick it up in-store.

Fresh City Farms

 

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If you’re a regular at the local farmers market then Fresh City Farms is the ordering source for you. Their catalogue of fresh and packaged products are all picked up from organic, small-batch, artisanal or local suppliers chosen by Fresh City. This service has a ton of prepared foods and meal kit options as well, which might you cut down your UberEats bill.

Fresh City has a minimum spend of $27 plus a delivery fee of $3 to $3.50 that’s waived on orders of $75. Delivery days are organized by different neighbourhoods in the city and orders can arrive anytime between noon and 9 p.m. At this time Fresh City has disabled sign-ups for all new accounts, but you can jump on their waitlist to find out when they are allowing new members to join.

Inabuggy

Inabuggy picks up from a slew of Toronto stores, including Costco, McEwan Foods and the Cheese Boutique — to name few. This service is a self-isolator’s dream. With the number of shops, this service collects from, you’ll never have to leave your house again. You can get liquor, snacks, produce, meat and non-perishables from just about every gourmet to low-end grocer in the city.

To order on Inabuggy all you have to register on their site and they will diligently work to get you your order in an as little as an hour.

Comfort.to

Comfort.to is Costco’s premier delivery service. In a time where buying things in bulk might not be the worst idea, this delivery service might be the most ideal for big families and smaller households alike. With exclusively Kirkland and Costco products, you can get all your essentials (and non-essentials) delivered right to your door.

Deliveries are free on all orders over $199, $4.99 over $99 or $11.99 if your order is below 100 bucks. the service will deliver your care package right to your door on either Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 10 p.m or Saturday through Sunday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

New Toronto live stream series premieres tonight

By
Ron Johnson
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0
Lemon Bucket Orkestra by Eamon MacMahon

Toronto musicians are amongst the hardest hit by COVID-19 as entire concert tours, the major source of revenue for many artists, disappeared overnight. 

There are many initiatives underway to try to help, and one of the latest and most exciting is URGNT — a live stream concert series where many of the city’s most prominent musicians perform in the city’s most iconic venues, DIY and indie spaces. 

The series is led by the always active Mark Marczyk of the Lemon Bucket Orkestra. 

“How can we be advocates of the whole diverse ecology of our live music sector in this time of crisis and bring attention to the artists, venues, technicians, promoters and arts workers who themselves bring value to our economy and quality of life?” Marczyk says. “WE NEED THIS. Our city needs this. The whole world needs this. Italians quarantined in apartment blocks have been having sing-alongs from their balconies. European opera houses are releasing their coveted video archives to the public. Symphonies are being performed in front of no one. We are all being creative in the face of adversity to remember our humanity. It would be nice to be creative together so that when this all passes, we can remember and be proud of what we did together to get through it.”

The series first took shape after a call-out on Marczyk’s Facebook page and has come together in rapid fashion with the help of key members of the city’s music community including Jaash Singh, Tamar Ilana, Alex Bordokas and Oksana Hawrylak. Funding for the series has begun through a GoFundMe campaign. 

URGNT Live is described as an “ad hoc crowd-funded live stream series of 19 concerts in empty venues, created in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.”

The group hopes to raise enough money to pay a nominal fee to all involved parties including musicians, presenters, technicians and organizers.  

Confirmed artists include Measha Brueggergosman, Quique Escamilla, Digging Roots, Moscow Apartment, Skratch Bastid, Han Han, Okan, Allison Au Quartet, Gryphon Trio and Lemon Bucket Orkestra performing in venues such as the Great Hall, Lula Lounge, The Dakota Tavern and others. 

  The first show is tonight,  Friday, March 20 at 7:00 pm ET, featuring renowned Canadian opera singer and author, Measha Brueggergosman live from The Great Hall. 

A live stream link will be available at URGNT.ca, Maclean’s and iHeartRadio.

 “We want to be strong advocates for diverse representation, which is part of the city we love, so we’ve already been reaching across genre, cultures, and identities, but we also hope to hear from a number of artists in response,” Marcyzk says. “We will focus on this emptiness/space as much as the musicians themselves and highlight some of the physically distinct properties of each venue that people might not otherwise have noticed as a tip of the hat to experienced hosts.”

How to make chef Suzanne Barr’s soothing cauliflower soup

By
Samantha Peksa
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0

This week, as many of us find ourselves cooking at home instead of dining out, we’re sharing recipes from some of Toronto’s top chefs and restaurants.

“Cauliflower soup is one of my go-to dishes because it truly is soothing to the soul,” says chef Suzanne Barr of True True Diner.

“It can be enjoyed in the midst of cold winter night or on a hot summer day as a cold soup. It’s so versatile and simple, and makes you feel like a chef creating something so magical and delicious using only a few ingredients.”

Cauliflower soup

Serves 6-8 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 head of cauliflower
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  •  1 medium white onion, peeled and sliced
  • 6 cups vegetable stock or 6 cups chicken stock
  • ½ – ¾ cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
  • kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper

Method

1. Begin by preparing your cauliflower. Remove and discard the outer leaves and trim off the stem. Quarter the cauliflower by using a knife to slice it down the middle of the stem, separating it into four sections. Separate the core from the florets. Roughly chop the florets, and then thinly slice the core. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes, until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
3. Add in the chopped cauliflower, and vegetable stock stir to combine. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a boil. Then reduce heat to medium, cover, and continue simmering for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
4. Using either an immersion blender, or transferring the soup in batches to a traditional blender (be careful not to fill it very full when working with hot soups), puree the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in Parmesan, and season the soup to taste with salt and black pepper.
6. Serve immediately, topped with your desired garnishes. I used toasted sesame oil, parmesan wafer, and chives.

Parmesan wafers

Makes 6-8 wafers

Ingredients

  • ½ – 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Method

1. Measure 1 tablespoon per wafer and place in a cold nonstick skillet.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. The cheese will begin to melt and once a light golden colour is achieved remove the pan from heat and allow to cool.
4. Once the wafers are cool you can move the wafers to paper towels to soak up additional oils.
5. Place wafer on top of hot soup.

Looking for other chef-approved recipes to try at home? Make Pizzeria Libretto’s meatballs, Planta’s plant-based mac and cheese or chef Adrian Forte’s oxtail pappardelle. 

Ontario distilleries are shifting focus from spirits to hand sanitizer

By
Nicole Richie
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0
DILLONS-HAND-SANITIZER

Ontario distilleries Spirit of York and Dillons have started producing hand sanitizer in order to help with the demand during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Since hand sanitizer is so hard to come by these days, both distilleries have started creating their own homemade alcohol-based disinfectant and distributing it to people across Ontario.

Dillons, Beamsville’s biggest craft gin outpost, distributed 3,000 bottles of aloe-infused hand sanitizer on March 18 to the Niagara police, health care workers, and Meals on Wheels volunteers.

During Doug Ford’s address at yesterday morning’s press conference, the Premier mentioned the work of these small-batch distilleries. “Yesterday I spoke about the ingenuity of Ontarians, I heard from many businesses, many manufacturers, for instance, companies like Dillons Distillery are showing the Ontario spirit we hold so dear,” said Premier Ford.

Dillons will also be distributing some of their hand sanitizers to the City of Hamilton.

Since the overwhelming amount of interest in the local hand sanitizer, Dillons is working to produce more bottles for the public. But as of right now they are completely sold out.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

a LITTLE UPDATE: in the 24 hours since we posted about our disinfectant and hand sanitizer we have received an enormously overwhelming number of calls and emails. We are working hard to get back to everyone as quickly as possible both by phone and replying to emails, messages and comments.⁠ ⁠ As of 4:30pm on March 18th we have unfortunately run out of 3000 bottles of sanitizer and nearly all the disinfectant. Have no fear, we are working quickly alongside so many wonderful supporters, officials and government to have more available as soon as possible. We will be sure to make everyone aware when more is available. ⁠ ⁠ If you would like to email with your name + contact details, we can add your name to the list to be contacted as soon as more is available.⁠ ⁠ Thank you and please stay safe.

A post shared by @ dillonsdistills on

 

Spirit of York in Toronto’s Distillery District is following suit. Their entire facility has shifted its production to making hand sanitizer. Following the strict WHO guidelines, Spirit of York is making an alcohol-based sanitizer they plan to give away to those in need, and sell for $3 for those who can afford it.

Over 1,000 bottles are said to be ready for purchase today at their Distillery location 12 Trinity St., from 11 a.m. onwards.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

HAND SANITIZER UPDATE ?⁣ Wow, we’re overwhelmed by the love and support we’ve received by our local community these last 24 hours. Thank you all, truly. ⁣ ⁣ As promised, our hand sanitizer will be available to the public TOMORROW (March 19), until supplies last. Here’s everything you need to know before coming by:⁣ ⁣ ◆ Our hand sanitizer will cost $3 which will allow for exact change only, as we try to adhere to higher sanitary practices. For this community support initiative, all proceeds will be dedicated to local food banks. Sanitizer will continue to be FREE for those who can’t afford it or over the age of 65⁣ ⁣ ◆ Donations – we are welcoming donations beyond the price of the hand sanitizer, with ALL PROCEEDS going to local food banks⁣ ⁣ ◆ Distillery hours – For now, we are open seven days a week from 11-6 p.m. Our Hand Sanitizer will only be available on-site. We have taken additional precautions to ensure the safety of staff and customers during this time, which means customers will only be able to pick-up at our walk-up window. ⁣ ⁣ We encourage everyone planning to come to our distillery to be safe! Take all the necessary precautions you can and if you’re feeling unwell, to please stay home. ⁣ ⁣ Thank you everyone for supporting our community initiative! For the latest updates, continue to follow up here. ⁣

A post shared by SPIRIT OF YORK (@spiritofyork) on

 

Many other Ontario distilleries are also doing their part to combat COVID-19. Reid’s distillery and Niagra on the Lake’s Limited Distilling are also making their own versions of alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

 

How to make chef Adrian Forte’s hearty oxtail pappardelle

By
Jessica Huras
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0
chef Adrian forte's oxtail pappardelle

This week, as many of us find ourselves cooking at home instead of dining out, we’re sharing recipes from some of Toronto’s top chefs and restaurants.

“These tender, sticky, beefy morsels of oxtail are nestled between the crevices of velvety noodles and smothered in a Caribbean spiced au jus,” explains Top Chef’s Adrian Forte.

“The sense of emotional elevation and euphoria is only comparable to that of receiving a warm, cozy hug from your significant other after having a long stressful day at the office.”

Chef Adrian Forte’s oxtail pappardelle

Serves 6 people

Ingredients

  • 5 lbs oxtail, trimmed
  • 2 cups white onions, chopped
  • 1.5 cup scallions, chopped
  • 2 cups carrots, cubed
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 bunch fresh thyme
  • 2 Tbsp jerk marinade
  • 1 Tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp worcestershire
  • 0.5 beef powder stock
  • 1 cup tomato, chopped
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 2 cups canned lima beans
  • 1 cup port wine
  • 1lb pappardelle pasta
  • 1/4 grated Parmesan cheese

Method

1. In a large mixing bowl, add oxtails, onions, scallions, garlic, thyme, scotch bonnets, paprika, soy sauce, pimento seeds, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce and marinate at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator, stirring occasionally
2. In a large cast iron skillet, heat 1 cup of coconut oil on medium-high heat
3. Remove the oxtail from marinade, shaking off any excess marinade. Set the remaining marinade aside for later.
4. When the oil is hot, place the oxtail in the skillet and brown on all sides
5. Remove the brown oxtail and place in slow cooker
6. Add enough water to the slow cooker to cover the oxtail. Also toss in the remaining marinade, tomatoes, carrots, beef stock powder
7. Set the slow cooker on high and cook for 7 hours, until the meat becomes tender and falls off the bone
8. Remove the oxtail from the slow cooker and let cool. Remove the meat from the bones (reserve bones for stock at a later time)
9. Add the pulled oxtail meat back to the slow cooker, along with the the lima beans, tomato paste, and more beef powder or water, if needed.
10. Simmer uncovered for 1 hour, skimming fat off top and stirring occasionally
11. In the last 1/2 hour of cooking time, add port wine and jerk marinade
12. Cook pasta according to package directions. Pour into a large serving bowl or casserole dish
13. Pour oxtail ragu mixture on top of pappardelle. Add grated parmesan and serve.

Looking for other chef-approved recipes to try at home? Make Planta’s plant-based mac and cheese or Pizzeria Libretto’s meatballs.

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