Cake Boss vending machines arrive in Toronto

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2:56 pm

Carlo’s Bakery, the popular shop from TLC’s hit TV show Cake Boss is now in Toronto, sort of. Three Cake Boss vending machines are open now in the PATH — the city’s downtown underground pedestrian walkway. The cake vending machines are aptly named Carlo’s Bake Shop Express and carry four varieties of Buddy Valastro’s buzz-worthy baked goods.

The automated bakeries made an unannounced arrival in our city yesterday with spots at Richmond Adelaide Centre, Royal Bank Plaza and Waterpark Place. Although the Cake Boss has Carlo’s Bakery locations across the United States with stores in Las Vegas, Orlando and Dallas, this is the first outlet in Canada from the celebrated bakery.

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The vending machines are styled after the look of the Hoboken, NJ based store upon which the show is based. Each machine offers four different flavours of cake. You can find Buddy’s famed red velvet, chocolate, carrot and multi-layered rainbow cake, all cut into personal slices. The machines are stocked daily.

The opening adds another upscale vending machine culinary offering to the city after PizzaForno, a pizza vending machine, started serving piping hot automated pies in town last year.

The Cake Boss slices sell for $8.99.

Toronto’s sustainable clothing brands: Alder Apparel

By

Nikki Gill

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2:32 pm

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Models sporting the Alder pants

Sustainability is a buzzword in the fashion industry, and Toronto fashion entrepreneurs are taking note. First up in our sustainable style series, where we put a spotlight on local brands straying away from fast fashion, is Alder Apparel.

When Mikayla Wujec was travelling abroad, she found herself pretty unsatisfied with outdoor clothing for women. And, as she discovered through endless conversations with other women, she wasn’t the only one.

Women either get hyper-performance options or, well, leggings. So when Wujec floated the idea by her friend Naomi Blackman — an avid hiker with plenty of fashion marketing experience — they decided to do something about it. Enter Alder.

Alder Apparel, one of Toronto’s sustainable clothing brands, is a line of outdoor recreation apparel for women. The brand focuses on inclusivity, body diversity and sustainability.

“It was important to us both to create products that women actually want and need,” Wujec says. Crowdsourcing was deemed the best way to glean knowledge, and two surveys and more than 600 women later, the answer was clear. Women craved pants.

“Unsurprisingly, women wished for a high-waisted fit and possessed a deep longing for many, functional, flattering pockets,” Wujec says. Also, offering sizing from XS to 4X was a non-negotiable.

“We’re used to seeing a really narrow depiction of people in the outdoors,” Blackman says. With Alder, she says, the goal is “to move away from the archetype of the hyper-intense athlete and represent and encourage a variety of women spending time in the outdoors.”

Another must was a sustainable fabric choice that was as comfortable as it was breathable. Fortunately, carbon-neutral Lenzing modal — an innovative fibre made from beech trees — more than met their standards.

Having reached an impressive 956 per cent funding on Kickstarter, the pants are available for pre-order on Indiegogo, delivering in March 2020.

Alder, www.alderapparel.com

Rental of the Week: $9,000 per month for a converted CBC warehouse turned loft

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Nicole Richie

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11:36 am

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Since Sorbara Development Group converted the old CBC warehouse at 90 Sumach St. into residential lofts in the mid-’90s, the fourth-floor unit has continued to undergo a dramatic transformation.

In 2015, a private balcony was installed to unit 405 at a cost of about $50,000. Then, after purchasing the loft the following year, the current owner had the 2,050-square-foot unit gutted entirely. Local award-winning interior design firm Pulsinelli was tasked with the floor-to-ceiling redesign.

Unlike some lofts, which are entirely open concept, this one’s got two separate bedrooms in addition to a large common area with kitchen. The loft is available for rent at $9,000 furnished or to purchase at $2.55 million.

The Tetris-like custom cabinetry isn’t just a storage solution, it also adds visual interest.

You can find them in the main living area and in the bedrooms. Maintaining its industrial feel, the units two bedrooms are finished with polished concrete floors.

The cabinetry is really highlighted in the main space by the granite-enclosed gas fireplace.

A kitchen bar separates the cooking and dining areas in the otherwise open-concept space. The kitchen is fitted with stainless-steel appliances and a custom fridge that is built into the cabinetry.

The living space leads to a private terrace.

The five-piece master en suite has his and hers sinks, a double soaker tub and steam shower. The large enclosed shower is finished with a built-in bench.

90 Sumach St. is listed with Adam Brind and Amy Richardson at Sotheby’s Realty International.

Chef Anthony Rose opens new taco joint in the former Schmaltz Appetizing space

By

Nicole Richie

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11:34 am

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Before the dust had even settled on the old Ossington outpost of Schmaltz Appetizing, Anthony Rose was ready with a completely new concept and restaurant. Welcome, Gordy Smiles. A taco joint introduced by Robert Wilder and chef Anthony Rose in the former Schmaltz space at the corner of Dundas and Ossington.

This new restaurant is nothing but out of the ordinary. Here’s this Jewish chef known for his pastrami sandwiches and patty melts, making tres leche cakes, tacos and Pozole Verde soup. Straying from his roots of lox and schmear, Rose is drawing influence from his time in New York and San Francisco where he worked in the kitchen alongside a slew of Mexican chefs. The menu at Gordy Smiles will feature traditional taqueria dishes like chicken Tinga, Carnitas Mulita and goat stew.

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A post shared by anthony rose (@chefanthonyrose) on Nov 4, 2019 at 1:44pm PST

The restaurant will be different from Rose’s other spots in the city in more ways than just the food. Gordy Smiles will be open until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, making it the ideal place to stop for a bite at last call. At the centre of one of the busiest intersections in the city, Rose has really optimized this space, making it open to the public until the wee hours.

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A post shared by Gordy Smiles (@gordy_smiles) on Nov 1, 2019 at 4:46pm PDT

Anthony Rose has been spamming Instagram feeds all weekend with photos and dish teasers from the Gordy Smiles menu.

Gordy Smiles is officially open at 224 Ossington Ave. Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m.to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Truffles are the star of Oretta’s new tasting menu this week

By

Nicole Richie

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3:13 pm

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All hail the precious, pungent truffle, one of the most coveted ingredients in the culinary world. It’s truffle season in Italy, and that means white and black truffles have also made their way to Toronto. Enter Oretta‘s new tasting menu, where truffles are the focus and the star. For two days only, the King West spot is throwing a truffle party, complete with five courses and exclusive wine pairings. Here’s what to expect.

Amuse-bouche

The tasting begins with a delicate and fruity glass of 2018, extra dry Prosecco.

Then comes the amuse-bouche. A chickpea fritter with a dollop of stracciatella and two shavings of black truffle per bite.

First course

Riccio di Mare su Pane Tostato is sea urchin that sits on a toasted piece of focaccia, topped with a mini mountain of shaved truffles. This dish has a significant richness that comes from the layer of lardo.

This dish is paired with a 2017 Arneis Blangé. This refreshing and slightly acidic white helps to cut the intense flavour profile of the dish.

Second course

Ostrica, a potato-wrapped Fanny Bay oyster with white onion veloute surrounded by a bed of truffle shavings. This is where things get interesting in the best possible way. Before the plate even hits the table, the smell of truffles permeates the area. There are a few textures to notice in this dish — the sweet chewiness from the oyster, the crunch from the fried potato and a creaminess of the veloute and truffles.

Paired with a 2018 Gavi di Gavi. This wine carries notes of almond, anise and green apple.

Third course

Risotto Porcini e Tartufo Bianco uses carnaroli rice instead of the commonly used arborio, giving the dish a nice bite. This risotto is cooked in a porcini stock, which really intensifies the mushroom flavour. This course also introduces the guests to white truffles, the more exclusive truffle. For Italians, proper risotto should be “all’onda” (wavy), which means it should be dense and creamy, which is executed very well in this dish.

This course is paired with a 2016 Barbera d’Asti Superiore.

Fourth course

Coniglio Brasato con Polenta is braised rabbit, roasted porcini on a bed soft polenta. This dish was beautifully balanced in texture and flavour and paired with a light 2014 Barolo.

Dessert

The Italian meringue is reason enough to experience this tasting. Upon first glance, it appears that the meringue is speckled with vanilla, yet they’re actually flecks of truffle, which you can taste in every bite. Once you crack into the pastry cream, it too has the perfect amount of truffle essence. The truffle-infused ice cream and tart brush of berry compote ties the entire dessert together.

Dessert is paired with a NV Villa M Rosso, a young and bubbly red with strawberry and plum notes.

Oretta is featuring this limited time menu on Nov. 5 – 6 at 6 p.m. To make your reservation call 416-944-1932 or email [email protected].

The hit TV show Suits is holding a massive auction in Toronto

By

Samantha Peksa

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12:47 pm

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Suits - Season 9 — (Christos Kalohoridis/USA Network)

The award-winning TV series “Suits” just wrapped up its ninth and final season in September, which means that it’s time to auction off furniture, TVs, home decor, artwork, and wardrobe items used in the production.

According to 403 Auction, thousands of dollars worth of designer clothing and footwear will be included in the auction. You can own the same Tom Ford suit Harvey Specter wears on the show or one of Donna Paulsen’s Gucci satchels or Valentino dresses.

The high-end footwear and clothing on offer is the stuff made of dreams. You’ll find high-end brands like Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, and even Herman Miller furniture.

The online auction lists over 4,000 items with bidding starting today. All pieces are to be picked up in person. A preview will be held on set on Friday, Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Downsview Park Studios (40 Carl Hall Rd.).

Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane

Although you won’t find anything worn by Meghan Markle’s character, Rachel Zane, there will be items that the Duchess of Sussex interacted with on set, including office supplies, furniture, and more.

Happy bidding!

Toronto band Metric plays The Funhouse four times this month

By

Ron Johnson

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10:44 am

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One of Toronto’s finest musical exports, Metric is giving a little love back to its hometown fans this month. The band is hosting a month-long residency set up at an artistic wonderland dubbed the Funhouse. The evenings are unique in many ways.

The acoustic shows feature Emily Haines alongside guitarist Jimmy Shaw in a custom environment created for the intimate shows (every Thursday in November). There are only 200 tickets per show. Fans can vote on the songs they want to hear and let the band know what a particular track means to them. And attendees also receive a vinyl album created from the shows.

The series, which runs over four Thursdays in November, is the final installment of the tour for the band’s latest album Art of Doubt.

“Jimmy and I are always cooking up things we want to do that are creatively stimulating,” says Haines. “We also have a really close connection with those who have been listening to our music all these years. This is just a way to keep in touch with that.”

The Funhouse, in Queen West, is an immersive art maze and events venue created by a team of local artists from across Toronto.”

“It’s a very meaningful spot for us to try something like this,” she says. “The Funhouse is just a really great celebration of art and the neighbourhood and community.”

Haines says the shows also give the band a glimpse into how fans see and relate to their music.

“It’s so intense, and really cool and crazy to think how music can weave its way into people’s lives, you know,” she says. “I take that quite seriously that I’m somehow involved in people’s lives in this way.

And with seven albums already to their credit since forming in Toronto back in the early 2000s, the band has a sizeable catalogue of songs from which their fans can draw to create the evening’s playlist.

That includes Art of Doubt, which sees the band plug the guitars back in and crank the power chords up to levels not heard since the early days of Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? and serious jams like “Combat Baby” and “Dead Disco.”

In recreating that magic, it got Haines to thinking about how life has come full circle.

“I felt this really strange sense that I’m just the same as I was when I made Old World,” she says. “Coming back home to L.A., and I actually live right near where I did when we got our first big break, which was also [at] a residency at this place called the Silver Lake Lounge. Now, it’s just this funny feeling that it took us this long to get the job [rock stars]. Now we’re, like, OK what was that thing we were setting out to do in, what, 2003? Oh yeah, let’s do that again.”

Popular Toronto bistro says independent businesses are being taxed to death

By

Samantha Peksa

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1:10 pm

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Le Select Bistro, the upscale French restaurant on Wellington Street that traces roots back to 1977, has taken to social media to fight for its survival in a city that it claims is waging war on independent businesses. This is a familiar trend in Toronto. As neighbourhoods begin to thrive and attract larger developments, taxes and rental costs begin to rise.

To some extent, it’s to be expected. But how much is too much?

“WE ARE BEING TAXED OUT! 551%, that is how much our taxes have risen,” reads a video post on Le Select’s Instagram and Facebook pages, which attacks the alleged absurdity of taxation in Ontario and asks the public to sign a petition to support fair taxation.

The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), an independent body, evaluates the value of a property based on the highest selling price of other properties in the neighbourhood. The amount is multiplied by Toronto’s tax rate to determine the taxes on a property.

Le Sélect Bistro: We are being plucked! from Le Sélect Bistro on Vimeo.

Value is determined by a property’s “biggest and most profitable” use rather than the current function of the building.

What this means for local coffee shops, bookstores, and other mom-and-pop shops is that they are vulnerable to being taxed out of business when major development occurs nearby. You need look no further than downtown Yonge Street to see this play out.

“Love your local coffee shop? MPAC values them as if they’ve already been demolished and replaced with a condo tower over a chain store,” the Le Select Facebook post reads.

In terms of what’s happening in the immediate area of the restaurant, massive changes are underway. The property immediately east of Le Select is set to become The Wellington House condo, a 17-storey luxury development. Perhaps more troubling from a property tax standpoint is what’s happening immediately to the south.

Currently under construction on the old Globe and Mail site, The Well is one of the largest mixed-use developments in the city, featuring five condo towers, one office building and a huge amount of retail space. It’s helped propel the entire neighbourhood into transition.

According to Le Select, MPAC has determined the restaurant’s “highest and best use is as a development site—disregarding the fate of the 80 employees who would lose their jobs if we were forced to close.”

“We cannot pay taxes on a building that does not exist. Premier Ford: do you pay taxes on the money you could have made if you became a brain surgeon? No! You are not a brain surgeon and we are not a condo!” explains a man with an exaggerated French accent in the short black-and-white video.

“Tax us fairly. Tax us based on who we are and what we do. Don’t tax the heart out of Toronto!” pleads the beloved Toronto bistro.

Le Select Bistro, 432 Wellington St. W.

The 10 must-see art shows in Toronto this fall

By

Samantha Peksa

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11:21 am

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moca-museum — The Age of You exhibit at MOCA (@mocatoronto)

Fall is one of the best times of year to be an art lover in Toronto. Not only was there the city’s largest gala in the form of Art Toronto, there’s also a host of spectacular work on display in galleries both big and small across the city. It’s time to embrace sweater weather and embark on some serious gallery-hopping.

Here are the top 10 must-see art shows in Toronto this fall.

Hito Steyerl: This is the Future

Oct. 24, 2019 – Feb. 23, 2020 at the Art Gallery of Ontario

Through a unique blend of pop cultural images, documentary footage and computer-animated sequences, this exhibit provides a humorous and frightening glimpse into what our future might look like.

Age of You

Sept. 5, 2019 – Jan. 5, 2020 at the Museum of Contemporary Art

This exhibit is about you. Or all of us, really. Shumon Basar, Douglas Coupland and Hans-Ulrich Obrist explore the ways that social media impacts our psyches and shapes our lives. Based on their forthcoming book, The Extreme Self, and interspersed with film, photography, fashion, sculpture and installations by 70 international artists, this exhibit asks us to question our digital lives.

“A Like Vision:” The Group of Seven at 100

Jan. 25, 2020 – December 2020 at the McMichael Canadian Collection

This is an homage to the Group of Seven’s very first formal exhibit at the Art Gallery of Toronto (now the AGO) in 1920. With over 280 artworks, the collection includes many major works and some lesser-known pieces.

Toronto Biennial of Art

Sept. 21, 2019 – Dec. 1, 2019 along Toronto’s waterfront.

The first of its kind in Canada, this new international contemporary visual arts festival provides 72 days of free exhibits, talks, and performances. This cross-disciplinary festival explores the theme: shoreline dilemmas with over 100 installations and artworks across the city.

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Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Nov. 23, 2019 – March 29, 2020 at the Royal Ontario Museum

Returning to the ROM for the seventh year is the most popular exhibit and prestigious nature photography competition in the world. It features new photographs from across the globe, capturing breathtaking images of wildlife and remote landscapes. The member preview is on Nov. 22nd and 23rd.

Over the Blue

Nov. 7 – 21, 2019 at the Bau-Xi Gallery

Prominent Canadian photographer Joshua Jensen-Nagle is known for his large scale photographs, old European landmarks, and beach series. His photographs give you a sense of being far away.

The Way She Looks: A History of Female Gazes in Africa

Sept. 11 – Dec. 8, 2019 at the Ryerson Image Centre

Revisiting a history of African photographic portraiture through the female gaze, this exhibit features works by contemporary artists, as well as 1950s portraits, and nineteenth century prints, postcards and albums.

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Weather Amnesia

Sept. 18 – June 26, 2020 at Art Museum (University of Toronto)

As climate change becomes more and more prevalent, this exhibit explores the ways weather patterns have impacted societies historically and asks us to reflect on how these changes will affect our future. Included in the collection is a Live Bird Migration Map and a hygrothermograph.

Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time: Art, Culture, and Exchange Across Medieval Saharan Africa

Sept. 21 – February 2020 at the Aga Khan Museum

Drawing on recent archeological discoveries, this collection offers a look at historical fragments that have been discovered in African trading centres. It tells a story of the kinds of trading that was going on during the time. Some of the pieces featured are being shown for the first time in North America.

Slipstream

Nov. 2 – 21, 2019 at the Ingram Gallery. Artist’s Opening Reception on Nov. 2 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Canadian painter, Jane Everette, explores the interface of natural and urban landscapes. This collection of new works are almost abstract and inspired by the idea of searching for what is always out of reach but also propels us forward.

The top 5 Halloween costumes that could only happen in Toronto

By

Samantha Peksa

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3:38 pm

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Some of the most epic Halloween costumes are based on inside jokes. And what’s better than an inside joke the whole city is in on? For the lovers of all things Toronto, this lineup is filled with locally-themed costume ideas that hit it out of the park. These five residents have turned their creativity and envy-worthy DIY abilities into Halloween masterpieces.

From iconic brands to our favourite late night trash-eaters, here are five Halloween costumes that will make every Torontonian swoon.

The historic Honest Ed’s

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A post shared by Rob Shostak (@robonto) on Oct 29, 2016 at 3:08pm PDT

Rob Shostak might be the king of Toronto-based Halloween costumes. This designer has been dressing up as local landmarks for years. From the flooded Toronto islands to the iconic OCAD building to Trinity Bellwoods park, he never fails to deliver inventive local costumes. Stay tuned for Shostak’s 2019 reveal.

Toronto’s favourite trash panda

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A post shared by Stephanie Cooke (@hellocookie) on Oct 25, 2019 at 4:49pm PDT

Torontonians might not appreciate waking up to garbage strewn all over their lawns, but that doesn’t stop us from secretly loving the trash pandas behind the mess. Over the years, raccoons have become an emblem of the city, the butt of many jokes, and a bang-up Halloween costume idea. This year, comic writer and editor, Stephanie Cooke, takes the cake with her rendition of “Toronto’s favourite trash mascot.”

Plant Guy with a Kawhactus

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A post shared by Minna Rhee (@minnarhee) on Oct 27, 2019 at 1:18pm PDT

We’ll never forget the night the Raptors won the NBA Championship. Dressed as Plant Guy with a “Kawhactus” in hand, Global News reporter Minna Rhee has captured the city’s proudest moment of the year. “I found a #kawhactus of my own,” Rhee offers by way of an understatement in her caption.

Chair Girl

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A post shared by Rob Duckworth (@bobduck) on Oct 26, 2019 at 6:38pm PDT

No roundup of Toronto-themed costumes from 2019 would be complete without an appearance from Chair Girl. You know, the unremorseful would-be celebrity caught on video throwing a chair off a condo balcony onto the Gardiner Expressway back in February. Rob Duckworth’s take on the sordid affair was posted to Reddit a few days ago and has received glowing reviews.

No Name ad campaign

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Recognized for its basic black-on-pantone yellow packaging, the No Name brand has marked Toronto with its semi-ironic marketing campaign sprawled in subway stations, taxi cabs, and buildings across the city. You know a brand has hit the mark when it’s graphic system is turned into a Halloween costume. The Toronto artist behind the costume added the well-known sans serif font to a yellow morph suit and won Halloween before it even began.

Inside Supernova Ballroom, Toronto’s new anti-waste cocktail bar with a disco vibe

By

Samantha Peksa

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11:59 am

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Top 5 Day of the Dead celebrations in Toronto

By

Ron Johnson

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11:44 am

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Day of the Dead events are about to descend upon Toronto. Starting this weekend, there will be a host of Dia de los Muertos celebrations, one of Mexico’s most revered holidays, honouring its culture through music, food, and drink. You can dress up and learn to face-paint in the style of La Catrina or choose from an array of activities and screenings come Nov. 1.

Here are five Day of the Dead parties worth checking out in Toronto this year.

Stackt Market

This all-ages festival by Jarritos Canada on Nov. 2 is free and includes live Lucha Libre wrestling, face painting, a screening of Coco, live music, and two DJs. You’ll want to arrive hungry as there will be a variety of food from La Brea Street Food, Frisasca, ConMiTaco, and more to choose from. Don’t forget to try some tequila-based cocktails.

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Reposado

Toronto’s foremost tequila bar will offer food, drink, and live music on Nov. 2. Dance to a mariachi band and perhaps come dressed up and ready for an evening of partying with the ghouls. It starts at 6 p.m. and Lucas Stagg will be performing at 10 p.m. No tickets required.

Chotto Matte

Enjoy exclusive canapes and cocktails, including ceviche and sugar skull sundaes, and dress up for this Dia de los Muertos party on Nov. 1. Music will come courtesy of renowned Toronto DJ Guillaume Viau, who will be playing all night. Enter to win the chance of getting La Catrina make-up done by professionals.

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Boehmer

An intimate culinary experience will set the mood for this evening’s events, hosted by Boehmer, at 8 p.m on Nov. 2. Stay for live music and a dance party starting at 10 p.m. where you’ll find signature cocktails and face painters. You may want to dress up for this theme party to take advantage of your new look. Get your tickets here.

Harbourfront Centre

Extend your festivities with another weekend of celebrating Dia de los Muertos on Nov. 9 and 10. This two-day free festival — now in its 16th year — is Toronto’s longest-running celebration of the Day of the Dead. You won’t be bored. Choose from an array of activities for children and adults including Catrina face painting workshops, screenings of Coco and The Book of Life, contemporary Mexican cuisine, and live music.

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