Dr. Seyed Alireza Rabi performed Canada’s first transplant with a heart that had stopped beating
By Dr. Thomas Forbes — Surgeon-in-chief, UHN
Dr. Seyed Alireza Rabi represents the type of talent that signals something bigger than a single medical achievement — he represents what it means for Toronto to be a global magnet for world-class innovators. Dr. Rabi immigrated to Canada from Iran with his family at a young age, eventually leaving to pursue elite surgical training in the United States, including advanced fellowship work at Massachusetts General Hospital, one of the earliest adopters of donation-after-circulatory-death (DCD) heart transplantation. He could have built his career anywhere. The fact that he chose to come to Toronto says everything about what this city, and this country, are becoming. At UHN, he led the team that completed Canada’s first DCD heart transplant — a breakthrough that could increase our national heart-donor pool by as much as 30 per cent and dramatically reduce wait-list deaths for patients with end-stage heart failure. This procedure was not simply a technical feat; it fundamentally redefines what is possible in Canadian transplant care. Dr. Rabi brought more than a skill set to Canada. He brought hope — hope for the patients waiting and hope for a country that is ready to lead.
I first met Keanu when he was about 16 or 17, auditioning for Mercutio in a Romeo & Juliet I was directing. He walked in and said, “I need to play Mercutio,” not “I want to,” and his eyes told me he meant it. He had a kind of fierce gentleness, if those two words can belong together. Years later we reunited to plan a production of Hamlet at Manitoba Theatre Centre in Winnipeg, working on the soliloquies on and off for a year before rehearsals in Winnipeg with the full cast. While in L.A., and later in Winnipeg, I saw first-hand how generous his spirit was — open, giving, completely unassuming. Early in his career the media was not always kind, but he rose above it, refused to play into it and went about his work in an honourable way. Even after Speed opened, he stayed committed to being not only the best actor, but the best human being he could be. Our time exploring our shared love of Shakespeare and witnessing his grace will always be one of my most cherished memories.
Victoria Mboko made history as the youngest Canadian to win the National Bank Open in the Open Era
By Kayla Cross — Team Canada doubles partner, friend
I’ve known Vicky Mboko since we were six, when we used to chase our older siblings around the courts at tournaments. Soon after, it was our turn, competing together around the world. It’s surreal looking back on it. From playing U14 World Juniors to representing Canada at the Billie Jean King Cup in Japan six years later, we’ve come full circle with countless memories and sweet treats! “Destined to succeed” perfectly describes Vicky. From day one, she has been incredibly hardworking and laser focused, training at 5 a.m. as if it were totally normal. Her determination is matched only by her character: a big heart, endless humour that lights up any room and genuine humility. She had already achieved so much before the National Bank Open, but watching her reach and win the final in person was unforgettable. Vicky deserves this recognition not only for her incredible results, but also for the remarkable person she is, both on and off the court.
By Bianca Andreescu — Only other Canadian to claim the Canadian Open title in the last 50 years
It’s been amazing watching Vicky’s success this season. Watching her rise so quickly reminds me of why I fell in love with the game in the first place. She stands out not only thanks to her incredible athleticism, but also thanks to her maturity and composure on court. She competes with heart and fearlessness, and you can tell she truly loves the sport. Her success has been an inspiration not just for young players, but for all of us who share the court with her. I have no doubt she will continue to leave her mark on tennis in Canada for years to come.
Andrew Boozary showed housing is health care with social medicine housing initiative Dunn House
By Jason Miles — Dunn House resident
I believe I met Andrew through the process of coming into Dunn House, but with my addictions history, there’s a good chance I actually met him before, in the hospital, and I just didn’t retain it. He has really changed my life. It’s not just about having a roof over my head, but having someone that I know is on my support team who wants me to be successful. I feel like I actually have a future now, and he’s been a big part of that. It’s one thing to be familiar with the problem of homelessness and know what’s wrong with the system, but to be a person who puts forward ideas on how to fix things and gets buy-in from the community is amazing. It takes a special person to bring everyone together like that and frame the issue so other people understand it. He really does have the power to affect change. It’s a difficult thing being homeless and suffering from severe addiction, and to have somebody like him come into my life and be such a positive role model and friend — that’s something I’m going to feel in my heart forever.
Veronika Slowikowskais the newest Canadian cast member on SNL — and the first since Norm Macdonald
By Leandra Earl — The Beaches guitarist, friend
There’s no one more deserving to be Toronto’s person of the year than Veronika. I’ve been saying it for years. My band, crew and I have been sending TikToks by her back and forth to each other, catching any local show of hers we can and cheering her on as she takes Saturday Night Live’s global stage by storm. She has been working hard at her craft for years, and this city could not be prouder of where it has taken her. I’ll be telling my grandkids about the time we shared a Coachella stage with her. No one makes us laugh harder — we love you, Veronika!
Eric Chong received Toronto’s only new Michelin star this year, for aKin, and won the Young Chef Award
By Mary Berg — TV host and Masterchef Canada judge
I met Eric Chong back in 2015 in the kitchen of his newly opened restaurant R&D in Toronto’s Chinatown. Only two years prior, he had won the exact competition I was competing in and became Canada’s first MasterChef. As with anyone who steps into the MasterChef Canada kitchen, he originally planned on a different career, but that experience blew him beautifully off course, allowing him to realize his dreams and become the acclaimed chef he is today. Over the past decade, his calm, level-headed pursuit of creating delicious and beautiful food that highlights his heritage and travels has been amazing to witness (and taste!). As anyone who has dined at either of his Michelin-recognized restaurants can attest, Eric’s passion for showcasing Asian cuisine in new and innovative ways is clear on every plate. He is a true inspiration for those looking to take a left turn in life, and it is just so wonderful to see his hard work and dedication to his culinary craft continue to pay off.
By Michael Bonacini — MasterChef Canada judge and co-founder, Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants
I first met Eric when he was just 21, at his auditionfor the first season of MasterChef Canada. He was full of energy, eager to learn and determined to prove himself. Even then, it was clear he had something extraordinary: a deep passion for cooking and an unrelenting drive to grow. Watching his journey unfold from that first MCC challenge to becoming a Michelin-starred chef has been remarkable. Eric’s curiosity, dedication and love of food have shaped not only his career but also the next generation of chefs. What inspires me most is his ability to give his all, whether in the kitchen or with his family, balancing professional ambition with genuine human warmth. Eric has earned every accolade and, in doing so, has become a shining example of what’s possible when talent meets determination.
Raquel Urtasun is reimagining driverless trucks through Waabi, backed by Uber, Nvidia & Porsche
By Patricia Thaine — Co-founder and CEO, Private AI
I first met Raquel when I was taking Dr. Sanja Fidler’s course at the University of Toronto. We then reconnected at founder events in Toronto. She’s brilliant and, in addition to her expertise, whenever she talks about her students you can tell she goes above and beyond to ensure their visibility and success. It’s inspiring to see her focus and resolve in solving hard problems at scale while not forgetting to bring others up with her. She is an inspiration to entrepreneurs in Canada generally, not just in the AI industry, showing big problems can be tackled from a commercial lens, at scale, in Canada – without having to move to make that dream happen. She’s also affected numerous lives by sharing her expertise with students and the research community. Canada wouldn’t be the same without Raquel. She has a focus and resolve that’s rare. It’s not luck. It’s extremely diligent, focused, hard work and intelligence.
San Francesco Foods will close its original Clinton Street location on Monday, Dec. 21, ending a more than 70-year run in Toronto’s Little Italy.
The decision, according to a staff member was financial. “We just haven’t been making the money we used to,” they said, adding that the closure was not the result of a single issue but a longer-term reality.
The famous veal sandwich
Founded in the early 1950s near the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, San Francesco Foods began as a small operation started by an Italian couple who immigrated to Canada after the Second World War. The restaurant built its reputation on straightforward, working-class fare and later became closely associated with the veal sandwich, which it has long said it was the first to serve in Toronto.
While the Clinton Street location will close, the business itself will continue. San Francesco Foods still operates a location in Mississauga at 3045 Clayhill Rd., and each summer the brand maintains a presence at the CNE, where it serves a condensed version of its familiar menu in the Food Building.
The Clinton Street shop changed little over the decades. The menu stayed narrow, the operation efficient. Bread arrived fresh each morning, marinara was made daily and meat was sourced locally. The formula depended on volume and regulars, a model that has become increasingly difficult to sustain amid rising costs and changing dining habits.
The closure removes one of Little Italy’s longest-running food counters, but not the brand from the city entirely. For now, San Francesco Foods continues elsewhere, operating at a smaller scale than the one it once maintained on Clinton Street.
If you’re craving a classic Ontario small town experience this winter, there’s one picture-perfect community nestled in Lanark County that’s filled with crisp air, snowy streets and historic charm.
Carleton Place is about 45 minutes west of Ottawa and boasts a slew of winter activities, with a beautifully preserved downtown core and cute cafés and eateries that will warm you up after a day of strolling about town.
It’s about a four-hour drive from Toronto, making it perfect for a festive weekend break during the holiday season. If you’d rather skip driving (and want a budget-friendly way to get there), FlixBus offers multiple daily departures, although the travel time will bump up to just over 5 hours.
Once in town, Carleton Place’s small size means you can wander most of the highlights on foot. Perhaps one of the town’s most popular spots is the Mississippi River. The waterway flows through the heart of town, shaping the picturesque streets and parks.
Courtesy @foundry.carletonplace
It’s busier during summer’s boating season, but even during the colder months, the river becomes a perfect visual anchor, with snow settling on its banks and ice edges forming along the shoreline. On especially cold mornings, you might even catch steam rising off the water (very Instagrammable!).
The historic downtown is filled with Victorian-era architecture and scenic streetscapes that create a storybook atmosphere. Take a scenic walk through Riverside Park for serene views of frosted trees and riverbanks — perfect if you like brisk strolls between chic café stops.
Stroll past indie boutiques and artisanal shops while snapping photos of snow-dusted storefronts lining Bridge Street.
Make a pit stop for an ethically sourced latte and artisanal sandwich at The Foundry Coffee Bar on Bridge Street. Or warm up with a steaming mug of brown sugar cinnamon bubble tea or hot apple cider at Blended Beverage Bar & Bites (on your way out, pick up a container of their delicious iced honey for a healthy little take-home treat). If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Holey Confections Carleton Place has the flakiest, most croissant-like donuts (the chocolate-frosted Charlie Brown is a fave year-round). For gluten-free, probiotic-rich breads and desserts, check out Blue Spoon Atelier just up Allan Street.
Courtesy Carleton Place Tourism/Facebook
If you’re a history buff, the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum is housed in a 19th-century stone building and offers exhibits on local history, making it perfect for a cold afternoon indoors.
For adrenaline junkies, nearby Murphy’s Point is the perfect spot for cross-country skiing, while St. James Woods is ideal for fat-biking. And because Carleton Place is close to Ottawa’s iconic Rideau Canal Skateway, you can easily combine your trip with an epic skating adventure on the world’s largest naturally frozen ice rink in downtown Ottawa!
After a full day of exploring, check out the town’s standout eats. Black Tartan Kitchen serves elevated seasonal fare (perfect for a romantic night out), while the Thirsty Moose Pub & Eatery and St James Gate serve classic comfort food and local brews. If your ideal night out is all about a taproom offering pints, pub pies, charcuterie and free pool, end your night at the Stalwart Brewing Company.
You can also turn your day trip into a two-stop adventure! Check out this nearby charming canal town: it’s so pretty, it was once dubbed Canada’s most beautiful village.
Pop the champagne, share a kiss, jump for joy, plan your resolutions, or sing jovially — whatever your New Year’s Eve tradition is, nothing says a happy new year more than a festive fireworks display. And, with 2026 mere days away, time’s a-ticking to find that perfect spot to ring in the new year with a bang. Sure, Toronto has some spectacular fireworks planned, but for those looking for something a bit different, there are plenty of locales nearby in Ontario hosting fun, festivities, and of course, fireworks.
Whether you plan to go big in Niagara Falls or Blue Mountain or want some good old family fun in Barrie, here are a few ideas to help you prepare for the big night.
Delight in a kaleidoscope of lights in Niagara Falls on New Year’s Eve for an experience like none other. Ring in 2026 with not one but two firework displays, and marvel at the rushing water of Ontario’s Horseshoe Falls. Explore the Winter Festival of Lights in and around the downtown and discover more than 75 illuminated displays. From glowing giant see-saws and glittering trees to psychedelic tunnels, you’ll love experiencing Canada’s largest free outdoor light event.
This New Year’s Eve, grab your gear and hit the hills at Blue Mountain. Enjoy a day of skiing snow-dusted slopes, peruse the village shops and explore the many winter wonders of the area, including a Holiday Magic Light Trail. Afterward, don your most festive party attire for an evening of fun. Reserve your spot at one of the many venues hosting celebrations, hear live music, including headliners Bernadette Connors & The Wild High, and enjoy fireworks over the mountains at midnight.
On Dec. 31, Barrie will kick off the new year with a bang at the annual Downtown Countdown. Head to Meridian Place for an evening of revelry suitable for all ages and enjoy live performances, daring fire acts, roaming buskers and more. Check out the food vendor stalls for a decadent treat, warm your hands at the bonfire zone and have some fun with inflatables and interactive games. With a massive fireworks display planned for 9 p.m., this celebration will be a blast.
Head to Ontario’s beloved summertime destination, Coburg, and enjoy this pretty beachfront town from a new angle. Head to Rotary Harbourfront Park and ring in the new year in a wintry celebration that’ll warm your heart. Bundle up and take an enchanting horse-drawn wagon ride through the historic downtown, skate under the stars and dance to the tunes of a live DJ set. To end the evening, sit back and enjoy a spectacular fireworks display over the harbour at 9 p.m.
Spend an evening kicking up your heels to an array of live musical performances at London’s Victoria Square, and end 2025 with something sweet — free hot chocolate, to be exact. Bring your skates for some fun on the ice and show off your best figure eight before exploring the many food trucks on site. Whether you choose to stay until midnight or prefer to end the night early at 8 p.m., with two colourful fireworks shows planned, the choice is yours.
Toronto’s Caribbean food scene is having a well-deserved moment. Miss Likklemore’s, the popular Parkdale restaurant led by owner and chef Lonie Murdock, has been named among Best Dressed Plate’s 2025 Caribbean Culinary Impact Honorees, earning a spot in the Best Caribbean Restaurant (Canada) category.
The honour places Miss Likklemore’s alongside standout Caribbean restaurants across Canada, the Caribbean, the UK and the U.S., regions Best Dressed Plate says continue to shine when it comes to elevating Caribbean food on a global stage.
Following the announcement, Murdock shared a heartfelt response that captured exactly why her restaurant resonates so deeply with the community, noting that it’s a “culmination of history & heritage” and every bite of Caribbean food she’s ever had the pleasure of eating.
“From carry out to fine dining. From my grandmothers home to the meals I’ve shared with friends. This is an extension of all of us, the entire diaspora coming together to show the world the beauty and bounty of the West Indies,” she added, thanking her customers and the chefs and restaurants inspiring the community every day.
As highlighted by the award, Miss Likklemore’s began as a pandemic pop-up and has grown into one of the city’s premier destinations for upscale Caribbean dining, offering elevated interpretations of Caribbean family recipes that prove the cuisine has always deserved the spotlight.
The restaurant serves amazing dishes like Jamaican sweet potato mash, creamy coconut rice and curry goat arancini, but the menu item that everyone’s talking about is Miss Likklemore’s’ slow-braised oxtail, served with spinners, butter beans, and scallion slaw. It’s described as “sticky, rich, and impossibly tender,” and is the kind of dish that keeps diners coming back for more (sometimes before they’ve even finished their first visit!)
The award also spotlights the restaurant’s atmosphere, describing it as a space where the Caribbean diaspora is praised through design. The dining room blends rustic foundations with luxurious accents (think layered textures and subtle heirloom touches).
“The warm tones is a refreshing welcome from the usual bright color pantone that has defined the Caribbean,” the award states.
The Best Dressed Plate Caribbean Culinary Impact Awards celebrate individuals and businesses shaping the future of Caribbean cuisine across multiple regions. Honourees are selected based on their commitment to preserving culinary traditions, pushing boundaries, and making a meaningful impact within the past year.
Santa’s love for cookies is legendary, so who better to find Toronto’s best than chefs Anthony Rose and Nadège Nourian? With a knack for indulgence, they’re the perfect pair to discover the city’s sweetest holiday treats.
Winner: Midnight Cookie
Nadège: “This looks so good, and the chocolate is still warm. They are using very high-quality ingredients.” 3 Manor Rd. E., Classic Dark Chocolate Sea Salt $22/half dozen.
Runner-Up: Andrea’s Cookies
Nadège: “This cookie is nice and chewy with a great texture, and the edges are perfectly crisp too.” Andrea’s Cookies, 166 Ossington Ave., Chocolate Chunk cookie, $26/half dozen.
BKookies Cafe
Nadège: “This cookie looks so good before you even try it. The texture is perfect, but I don’t love the taste of the chocolate.” 579 College St., Chocolate Chunk cookie $21.50/half dozen.
Crumbl
Anthony: “I love how big and thick it is, but it’s a little gummy. There’s nothing that really stands out.” Crumbl, 22 Front St. W., Semi Sweet Chocolate Chunk cookie, $5.99/each.
Butter Baker
Nadège: “It’s slightly overcooked. I would like it to be a little more chewy. But this is a very good recipe.” Butter Baker, 140 Amber St., Markham, Classic Chocolate Chip cookie, $3.60/each.
The Night Baker
Nadege: “Texture is perfect, nice and chewy. It’s one of those things you might overlook at first, but once you try it, you realize it’s actually really tasty.” The Night Baker, 5361 Yonge St., North York, Classic Chocolate Chip cookie, $21/half dozen.
Craig’s Cookies
Anthony:“I love the flavour, but the cookie is slightly overcooked. This is a classic chocolate chip cookie.” Craig’s Cookies, 1581 Bayview Ave., Chocolate Chip, $18/half dozen.
Bocados Bake Shop
Anthony (CC): “This is a perfect-looking chocolate chip cookie, and the texture is great. It’s baked perfectly.” Bocados Bake Shop, 923 Queen St. W., Classic Chocolate Chip cookie, $3.80/each.
By Dr. Thomas Forbes — Surgeon-in-chief, UHN
By Lewis Baumander — director, founder of 
By Kayla Cross — Team Canada doubles partner, friend
By Jason Miles — Dunn House resident
By Leandra Earl — The Beaches guitarist, friend
By Mary Berg — TV host and Masterchef Canada judge
By Patricia Thaine — Co-founder and CEO, Private AI
