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Your Saturday brunch survival guide after a spooky, Blue Jays–filled night in Toronto

By
Nisean Lorde
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The Blue Jays face off against the Dodgers at Rogers Centre on Friday night, Oct 31. Whether you’re trick-or-treating or heading to a watch party, you’re going to need some grub to get back on your feet the morning after! Here’s the ultimate brunch game plan for celebrating, consoling, or just coming down from a Halloween sugar high. From greasy spoon joints to splashy, mimosa-forward restaurants, check out these popular Toronto brunch spots.

Daisy May’s

 

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This new all-day eatery in the Annex feels less like a restaurant and more like a storybook space filled with family heirlooms, church pews lining the wall and hand-painted signage tucked behind the bar! The food is unpretentious but delicious. Try the breakfast sandwich — soft, custardy scrambled eggs are layered with thick-cut smoky bacon, house-made pickles, pickled jalapeños and sharp cheddar on a toasted English muffin. Pair it with some tater tots: crispy, golden bites that give way to fluffy potato, drizzled with garlicky aioli. And the sweet challah French toast is a local fave! Think thick-cut slices of seared challah topped with a generous portion of tangy whipped crème fraîche, candied hazelnuts, berry compote and a drizzle of maple syrup. You can read all about this amazing restaurant here. Open 11-4, Thurs-Sun. 968 Bathurst St.

Nina’s Brunch Restaurant

This charming little gem in the Kensington Market is a favourite of Chef Craig Wong of Patois! The space was created by two owners who come from Ireland, so expect brunch faves with an Irish twist, as well as dishes that celebrate Ontario’s best produce and embrace a humble farm-to-fork ethos. Try their Beef & Guinness Benedict: two organic poached eggs on tender slow-cooked beef in Guinness sauce and an English muffin, with Hollandaise on the side! Open 7:30 am-2:30 pm, Thurs-Mon. 238 Augusta Ave.

Mildred’s Temple Kitchen

 

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In Liberty Village, Mildred’s is a perennial brunch VIP that is known for its world-famous wild-blueberry pancakes, Huevos Monty and blueberry mimosas! It’s walk-in only on weekends, so expect a line-up, but the dining room moves efficiently, and the pancakes are more than worth the wait. Mon-Fri: 10 am-3 pm, Sat-Sun: 9 am-3 pm. 85 Hanna Ave #104.

Lady Marmalade

In Riverside, this bright, art-filled space keeps an all-day brunch rhythm with inventive breakfasts and globally inspired lunches (think eggs benny with roasted potatoes, house-made hollandaise, fresh juices and amazing coffee). On the menu, you’ll also find some sweet and savoury brunch faves like the Moroccan scramble or baked bread pudding.  Open daily, 8:30 am-3 pm. 265 Broadview Ave.

UFO Restaurant

This Vietnamese restaurant at Adelaide and Niagara St is frequently named one of the most iconic Vietnamese brunch spots in the city! It’s been a King West staple since the 1980s, and doubles as a Vietnamese diner and corner-store, serving delicious pho, bahn mi sandwiches and vermicelli dishes. Try the pork spring roll vermicelli: this classic Vietnamese noodle bowl comes with a protein of your choice plus a spring roll, vermicelli, lettuce, cucumbers, pickled carrots, and crushed peanuts, topped with scallion and oil garnish! If you’re looking for more comfort food, indulge in the clubhouse sandwich and crispy fries. Open 7 days a week. Sat: 9 am-4 pm, Sun: 9 am-3 pm. 241 Niagara St.

Café Boulud

 

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Head to this polished brasserie in Yorkville for a more refined weekend brunch: think oysters, croque madame, burgers avec frites, and classic pastries. The seasonally changing menu is rooted in French tradition and allows you to indulge in an elegant atmosphere. For the weekend brunch, try the Kaviari Caviar, served with traditional accoutrements, potato blinis, shallots, chives, crème fraîche and egg. It’s the perfect Jays victory meal, perhaps? If you’re looking for morning-after comfort, try their classic eggs Benedict with a glossy pour of hollandaise, served alongside crisp, golden home fries. 60 Yorkville Ave, inside the Four Seasons Hotel.

White Lily Diner

 

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This Riverside space has been the city’s go-to spot for house-made, farm-to-table comfort brunches for nearly a decade! Expect everything from all-day buttermilk gridle cakes to deli sandwiches with house-smoked meats. Open 7 days a week, 9 am-10 pm on weekends. 678 Queen St E.

Dirty Food Eatery

 

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This popular brunch restaurant in the Junction is the best place to hit when only comfort will do! Try their thin-sliced buttery layered home fries tossed in spiced tomato sauce and topped with garlic aioli, scallions and a sunny egg! They even have an online waitlist to save you from sidewalk line-ups. Open 9 am-3 pm, Wed-Sun. 3070 Dundas St W.

If you’re looking for more brunch inspo, Toronto’s top chefs revealed to us the best brunch spots in the city (and what to order). Nobu Toronto recently launched an all-you-can-eat brunch on Sundays (but it’ll cost you $110), and check out the GTA’s hottest new spot for dim sum brunch (it’s been around since 1864!)

Daylight saving time is ending in Ontario this weekend

By
Julia Mastroianni
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sunset toronto
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On Sunday, Nov. 2, we’ll all be turning our clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. out of daylight saving time. We might be gaining one hour of sleep, but the loss of daylight definitely doesn’t seem worth it. The sun will start setting around 5 p.m. as of Nov. 2, and as early as 4:40 p.m. from Dec. 4–13 before the shortest day of the year on Dec. 21 – giving us a few less precious hours of Vitamin D.

We’ll be operating on standard time until March 8, 2026, when we’ll spring forward once again into daylight saving time.

And there’s another reason to worry about the time change — motor vehicle accidents have historically risen in the month following the clocks turning back, and police apparently respond to 70 per cent more collisions.

You might recall that Daylight Saving Time has been a point of contention among Ontarians for a while now. Ontario MPPs voted to stop the archaic changing of clocks practice in 2021 after MPP Jeremy Roberts proposed the idea, but the vote was contingent on other jurisdictions, like Quebec and New York State, agreeing. The bill received royal assent, but it has to be proclaimed into force by the Lieutenant Governor. There’s been little movement since then, though Quebec did recently open up the discussion about whether to scrap the time change, with a public consultation that will last until Dec. 1.

Yukon has already permanently implemented Daylight Saving Time, making their leap forward in March of 2020 their last. And late 2021, Alberta held a referendum regarding keeping Daylight Saving Time, but just over 50 per cent of Albertans voted against the change, keeping the status quo for now.

Ontario holds an important place in Daylight Saving Time history – what is now the town of Thunder Bay was the first place worldwide to adopt Daylight Saving Time on May 1, 1908. So when you step out of the office on Monday only to find the sun has already set, you know who to blame!

Imagine how relieved the people in charge of adjusting the time on the city’s historical clocks, shown below, would have been if we gave up on changing the clocks for basically no reason at all twice a year!

A. Old City Hall has Toronto’s second oldest clock. At three hundred feet above the city street, it has been telling time and making its mark on the city’s skyline since 1900.

B. Kents Jewelers, which specialized in both jewelry and watches, had a beautiful clock outside of their store located at 168 Yonge St. seen in this photo taken in 1923.

C. Torontonians have been keeping time with Yorkville’s fire hall clock since 1889. The clock was originally part of the Yorkville town hall until a fire destroyed the building in 1941.

D. Constructed in 1850, the Gothic Revival–styled St. James Cathedral, on the corner
of Church and King streets in downtown Toronto, houses the city’s oldest clock.

E. This iconic clock, situated in front of Union Station when it opened in 1927, now sports
the words ‘Union Station’ on its face instead of numbers after its restoration in 2015.

F. Thornhill’s earliest public clock was a bell atop the Thornhill Hotel in 1891, which rang
at 7 a.m., noon and 6 p.m., to let locals know when to wake up, eat and end their workday.

G. O’Keefe’s Beverages Limited kept the city safe and on time with its neon rooftop
sign that both sported a helpful reminder and housed a digital clock.

H. North York’s oldest clock, built in 1942, was once part of North York’s first fire hall. The clock tower and archway entrance are all that remain at Yonge and Empress Avenue.

I. A historic landmark on King Street East and one of the oldest structures in the city, the four faced St. Lawrence Hall clock was built in 1850 following the Great Fire of Toronto.

Toronto trick-or-treaters are obsessed with these Halloween sweets in 2025

By
Nisean Lorde
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0
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Nils Huenerfuerst/Unsplash

If you’re scrambling for last-minute Halloween candy in Toronto, don’t panic — we’ve got you covered. Sunset hits right around 6 p.m. on Oct. 31 this year, which is about when the doorbells start ringing across the city, with candy demand peaking just after that. Last year, the busiest window for sweet-tooth orders was around 6:45 p.m., according to new national ordering data from DoorDash. Here’s a quick guide to crowd-pleasing picks built from last October’s most-ordered candies, sips and Halloween essentials from the delivery platform (so you don’t have to overthink the candy bowl!)

The candy that wins the night (buy these first)

Based on national 2024 ordering patterns, plus early-October 2025 trends, these are the top candy picks that will likely disappear from your bowl first:

  1. Nerds Gummy Clusters (Canada’s No. 1 last year; this will likely be a fave this year, too)
  2. Twix King Sized Bars (this is a fast-rising fave this year)
  3. Huer Sour Rainbow Streamers (think chewy, fruit-flavoured gummy candy in the shape of sour rainbow belts, covered in a sour sugar coating)
  4. Nestle Bulk Candy (Kit Kat, Aero, Smarties and Coffee Crisp; because why choose just one?)
  5. Cadbury Milk Chocolate Bars (another 2025 climber)
  6. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (an early Halloween 2025 fave)
  7. Kit Kat Four-Finger Bars (each bar has four fingers to break off and enjoy)
  8. Blue Raspberry Livewires (imagine a delicious blue raspberry exterior with a melt-in-your-mouth creme filling)
  9. Snickers Peanut Milk Chocolate Bars (this seems to be a yearly fav)
  10. Hershey’s Cookies & Cream Bars (no explanation needed, these are just the best)
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Connie Baker/Unsplash

Canadians aren’t ordering just candy; they’re also grabbing ghoulish essentials (perfect for last-minute costume fixes). The most-ordered beauty products last October were:

  • Eyeliner pencils and black mascara (so, perfect for cat noses and spider whiskers).
  • Theatrical blood and black lipstick (for eerie vamp looks).
  • Black stick makeup (fast fill-in for dramatic eye or lip effects).

Toronto specifically leaned on primer as the get-ready essential (handy for doing face paint on the fly), while those in Montreal ordered facial cleansing wipes more so than any other beauty product.

When it comes to alcoholic beverages, each city has its own preference. Last year, Toronto and Calgary opted for wine, Vancouver preferred beer and Edmonton chose vodka!

If trick-or-treating isn’t your thing, consider watching a World Series game, checking out a haunted restaurant or grabbing a delicious Halloween cocktail at one of these spooktacular spots!

Toronto’s coolest chef, Cory Vitiello, is done with the fuss — and over the caviar craze

By
Jennifer Schembri
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Cory Vitiello

Cory Vitiello has been shaping Toronto’s food scene for 20 years, honing his skills at the iconic Harbord Room and even cooking for Meghan Markle before her royal days. Now he brings casual done right to the Frederick, on the ground floor of the historic Dineen Building. Roast chicken gets a fine-dining touch, his famous burger returns and playful desserts like soft-serve mascarpone gelato round out the menu. Toronto diners get quality without the fuss, while Vitiello keeps the vibe fun— plus a little maple syrup for his son, Barlow.

Why does Toronto need the Frederick?

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The city has lots of places where you can eat fast and lots where you can eat fancy — but very few where you can eat well without fuss. That’s the gap the Frederick fills. Casual done right is rarer than you’d think.

What’s the one dish you’re most excited for guests to try?

I’ll give you two: one is the roast chicken — dry cured in BBQ spice, bathed in sweet onion jus and served with buttery mashed potatoes. It’s humble and comforting, but executed with the kind of technique you usually only find in the finer dining world. The other is soft-serve mascarpone and vanilla gelato — playful and designed to end your meal with a smile. That balance of craft and fun is exactly what we set out to create.

The Harbord Room burger is back. What makes it so addictive?

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It’s the details. Fresh-ground dry-aged beef means the patty has that soft, yielding texture, and it doesn’t eat like a hockey puck. The bun carries as much weight as the beef, so the ratio is right, and then the special sauce sneaks in and pushes all the nostalgia buttons.

Which restaurant do you still sneak off to when you’re not working?

Regular haunts are becoming fewer and further between, but one we have kept enjoying over the years is Bar Vendetta.

Which food trend do you wish would disappear forever?

The overuse of caviar. Just keep it special.

Who is your dream dinner guest?

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@coryvitiello/Instagram

Always my son, Barlow, and my partner, Martina [Sorbara], but if Larry David pulled up, I’d make room.

Halloween is just around the corner. What’s one food experience that still haunts you?

I don’t have one food memory per se, or at least one I’m willing to share, but my true recurring nightmare is a kitchen printer that never stops spitting out orders and my complete inability to serve a single customer.

If your son, Barlow, ran the menu for a day, what would the Frederick be serving?

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@coryvitiello/Instagram

Buttered noodles and fancy mocktails that are 90 per cent maple syrup by volume. That’s where we’re at now.

The 10 best Indian restaurants in Toronto

By
Nisean Lorde
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0
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The GTA has Canada’s largest Indian population, so it’s no wonder Toronto’s Indian dining scene is on fire! From Michelin-recognized tasting menus to homestyle thalis and chaat, here are 10 Indian restaurants serving the boldest flavours and aromatic spices.

Rikki Tikki

 

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If you’re wandering Kensington Market and suddenly craving butter naan and spicy flavours, this is your stop. This cozy, modern Indian spot on Augusta Ave offers the most delicious shareable feasts, with a menu that balances traditional curries and snacks with a few playful riffs. Indulge in everything from dal makhani and paneer tikka masala to stuffed kulcha and marinated lobster butter curry cooked in a rich, tomato-based cream. 209 Augusta Ave.

Indian Street Food Co.

Head to this Michelin-recommended Leaside staple to fulfill your chaat cravings. Munch on tasty dishes like pani puri, deep-fried cauliflower complemented with a sweet chilli glaze, and “chaat on the wheels,” as well as regional curries and snacks, all served in a dining room wrapped in reclaimed wood and colourful murals! The restaurant is a tribute to the old Indian Coffee Shops of Delhi and Mumbai, and is worth a detour. 1701 Bayview Ave, East York.

Bar Goa

This gem in the Financial District celebrates Goa’s coastal pantry with Portuguese-inflected flavours, cocktails and a splashy menu. Indulge in tasty slow-cooked curries, spice-infused biryani plates and vegetable dishes like Lahsuni Palak Paneer. Small plates include everything from the Chai & Cutlet mushroom galouti kebab on saffron roti to Prawn Balchao Toast (finely diced prawns in a spicy Goa pickle, Japanese milk bread served with light Goan lager). 36 Toronto St.

Adrak

 

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This regal room in Yorkville is filled with turmeric-hued booths and carved wood, setting the stage for an elevated meal! Michelin praises the restaurant for its precisely seasoned, carefully cooked dishes inspired by regions all across India. Try the fiery cha paneer tikka alongside crisp garlic naan and tasty kebabs roasted in a clay tandoor. One standout dish is the Andhra Murgh Biryani: aged basmati rice, marinated chicken, a puff pastry cover and nut salan sauce. 138 Avenue Rd.

Cumin Kitchen

This is a neighbourhood fave for polished dishes, artfully-plated food and generous spices! Cumin leans into classics, like tandoori chicken, pakora platters, bhajis, and biryanis, but cares about its aesthetic (imagine a sophisticated room with plush seating). It’s perfect for a date night or a night out with friends. 1820 Danforth Ave.

Pukka

 

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Since 2013, Pukka has been the city’s benchmark for authentic Indian cuisine. The kitchen layers spices and textures, with popular dishes like Pukka Chaat (vegetable strings with pomegranate, mango, crisps, chutneys and yogurt) or the four-piece green herb-marinated chicken tikka, served with tamarind chutney. Head over with a group of friends and share okra fries with apricot chutney and a bread basket filled with plain naan, garlic naan and roti! 778 St Clair Ave W.

Ruchy

 

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This is a relatively newer arrival that blends tradition with contemporary techniques. The menu spans tasting options, a deep wine and cocktail list, and polished takes on regional dishes. Given India’s deep vegetarian traditions, Ruchy boasts an extensive list of plant-based and vegan-friendly dishes and curries. Try the 24-hour dal makhani: a rich and creamy dish that features the restaurant’s signature house-made spices. 1370 St Clair Ave W.

The Cottage Cheese

This sun-splashed corner room is another hidden gem in the Kensington Market! The Cottage Cheese was awarded a 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand and was recognized for its creative plates and extensive range of familiar Indian classics and flavours, including traditional chaats, claypots and curries. The team occasionally tweaks the menus and makes seasonal changes, but recent highlights have included butter chicken in a house-special butter-tomato sauce, as well as fish Alleppey in coconut and raw-mango curry. 64 Oxford St.

Curryish Tavern

 

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Chef-owner Miheer Shete puts a playful spin on regional spice blends, local ingredients, tasting menus and brunch, all without losing the soul of Indian cuisine. Try the Tavern’s Konkani Lobster Curry for coastal memory and depth, the “finger-licking” lamb shoulder curry with cardamom yogurt, slow-cooked masala and mint, or the coconut vatan-stuffed whole branzino, with turmeric lemon butter sauce, curry leaves and mustard seeds. 783 Queen St W.

Bhojan Ghar

This East-end gem blends Indian comfort cooking with Nepalese staples, like delicious thalis (dal bhat), momos and curries, plus affordable lunch specials. It’s the perfect place if you want homestyle flavours and generous portions! 1870 Danforth Ave.

This quaint lakeside village is home to one of Ontario’s most scenic year-round lookouts

By
Nisean Lorde
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westport lookout
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If you’re looking for a slow, scenic weekend getaway within easy reach of Toronto, there’s one tiny village that sits where Upper Rideau Lake meets the Frontenac granite ridge. It boasts one of Ontario’s prettiest lookouts, plus dockside patios, an artisanal winery and a Rideau Canal lockstation straight out of a heritage postcard!

The village of Westport is affectionately known to locals as “The Heart of Rideau Lakes.” As it’s nestled at the head of the canal, it’s a vacation paradise for boaters, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

If heading from Toronto, it’s a three- to four-hour drive, or about 40 minutes north of Kingston off the 401. Along the way, you’ll pass the Frontenac Arch Biosphere’s charming scenery, with winding roads, mixed forests and glimpses of lakes and granite outcrops. Without a car, hop on a VIA Rail train to either Kingston or Smiths Falls and then take an Uber to Westport’s downtown core.

Upon arrival, nestle in at a local inn or B&B. The family-owned Cove Inn offers cozy rooms in a landmark 1876 property right on the water.

Head to the Foley Mountain Conservation Area and you’ll discover one of the prettiest lookouts in the province. It boasts about 10 kilometres of trails through granite-studded forests high above the village (expect everything from easy, accessible paths to more rugged loops). Park at the main lot and follow the signed Blue Circle route to the Spy Rock platform for the most stunning panoramic views over Upper Rideau Lake.

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According to the Township of Rideau Lakes, this view was created when a meteor impact a few kilometres southwest triggered a massive earthquake, causing the escarpment to drop and creating the high cliff!

If you have extra time (and energy), explore the Red Oak and Maple trails or the short Mobility Trail (this is great for strollers and wheels).

After your hike, relax and refuel in town. From the mainland, wander to the Westport Municipal Harbour for majestic views of the foliage on Foley Mountain and easy access to cute restaurants and shops. Grab a homestyle sourdough sandwich at the Woodfired Café, or pop into Tangled Garden Café for casual meals like burgers, pastas and wraps (look out for their daily specials). Westport Brewing Company is a local hangout and the best spot for small-batch beers and pub classics.

If visiting from May through October, stroll the wharf and watch as the boats slip in and out, and then head to nearby Goat Island and make use of the picnic tables, swimming holes, free camping areas and Wi-Fi for harbour visitors.

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Just a five-minute drive up the canal brings you to Kilborn’s in historic Newboro. This is a classic country department store that sprawls across several buildings, so expect everything from fashion to furniture (it’s the perfect spot to warm up on a chilly day).

The Rideau District Museum (typically open from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving) is another must-see. Discover unique artifacts, like an original wooden dump cart used in the construction of the Rideau Canal (circa 1826), and the doors of the hearse that carried the body of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, through the streets of Kingston!

Just up the hill, a few minutes from the harbour, sits Scheuermann Vineyard & Winery. This small-batch winery offers Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Vidal; pair a glass or two with delicious wood-fired pizza while admiring gorgeous views of Sand Lake.

Before you leave, take some time to explore the canal. Westport is about a 20-minute drive from Narrows Lock, which links Upper Rideau to Big Rideau Lake. It’s one’s of the canal’s busier lockstations and the perfect spot to watch hand-operated gates in action.

Headstones frontman Hugh Dillon talks touring, ‘Yellowstone’ and all new ‘Mayor of Kingstown’

By
Julia Mastroianni
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Season 4 First Look
L-R: Derek Webster, Hugh Dillon and Jeremy Renner in Mayor of Kingstown season 4. Credit: Dennis P. Mong Jr./Paramount+

Hugh Dillon, actor and musician, is having a banner year on both fronts. Mayor of Kingstown, the show Dillon co-created and stars in, returns for a new season. At the same time, his band Headstones — an iconic part of Canada’s alt-rock scene — dropped a new album, and they’re heading out on tour this month. 

Dillon calls this moment “a super creative year.” The artist who once balanced acting auditions and rock gigs is now leading two major creative forces.“The show’s out, the tour’s coming — it’s funny that both things are coming out at the same time,” he says, a hint of bashfulness creeping up. “I’m just super proud.”

With Mayor of Kingstown, Dillon is taking stock of just how far the series and his creative journey have come. The gritty crime drama starring Jeremy Renner and which Dillon built alongside Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan, is set in a fictional Michigan town where prisons dominate the economy. It has cemented itself as one of television’s most unflinching looks at power, corruption and incarceration. And for Dillon, those themes are deeply personal.

A Kingston boy, Dillon has first-hand experience growing up in a “prison town,” thanks to the looming Kingston Penitentiary. It’s what led him to pitch the show to Sheridan, who loved it, with much of it taking inspiration from Dillon’s memories.

“Growing up, I was a latchkey kid,” he says, in his signature soft and steely voice. “You’d read about serial killer Clifford Olson, for example, who did horrific things. Then realize, ‘Oh, he’s five blocks away in the penitentiary.’ When I was a kid, my dad drove me to hockey practice at 5:30 in the morning at Harold Harvey Arena. We’d pass these penitentiaries that are beautifully lit, this old architecture. And the curiosity for me — what is that place, who are these people? —just never left.”

Comeuppance
L-R: Yorick van Wageningen, Hugh Dillon and Emma Laird in season 3 of Mayor of Kingstown. Credit: Dennis P. Mong Jr./Paramount+

That early fascination continues to guide the arc of the series. This season, Dillon says, pushes further into “the intricacies of human emotion, how people exist under traumatic circumstances.” He and Sheridan wanted to explore not just violence or corruption, but the fragile humanity within systems that perpetuate them. “What makes people tick? What makes people keep their darkest impulses in check?” hey says. “That’s always been the through line. Taylor taught me to leave everything on the field, work with velocity and don’t let anybody see what’s coming. So, there is a quality in this particular season that has transcended each of the other seasons in terms of unpredictability.”

Authenticity, for Dillon, isn’t a challenge, but a necessity. “I still have a lot of connections with people,” he says. “There’s a consultant that I use from the penitentiary. I’ve had friends who’ve had experiences, both as corrections officers and inmates. I have had my own experiences with being a heroin addict up until 20 years ago.” That lived truth, he adds, is protected by the people he collaborates with. “Taylor has got a great bullshit detector. So does Jeremy. I have great people to work with to construct, in my world, a cinematic masterpiece.”

His creative partnership with Sheridan spans decades. Dillon first met him while struggling to break into Hollywood — via the advice of friend and actor Vera Farmiga — after getting sober. “I met Taylor, and he’s like, ‘It’s easy, use all the stuff you used in your band,’” Dillon says. Sheridan became a mentor, coaching him through roles on Durham County, Flashpoint and The Killing. 

“Taylor was a great teacher and a great coach,” he says. “I was one of those students that stuck with him year after year, and we developed this rapport.” Over time, that mentor-student dynamic became a collaboration built on mutual respect. Dillon began writing his own stories, inspired by the specificity of his Canadian roots. “I create characters and worlds within my songs, and I wanted to explore where I’m from and things that happened to me that are super specific. Taylor got it. He had similar experiences growing up in Texas, so we just jelled. He trusts me, and I trust him.”

That led to a role in Sheridan’s hit series Yellowstone for Dillon, who also plays detective Ian Ferguson alongside Renner’s titular Mike McLusky in Mayor of Kingstown.

When the gritty series was finally greenlit, Dillon brought the production home. “We shot that first season in Canada,” he says proudly. “I got to go back to my hometown, and my mom and dad were still alive. It was important to me for them to see it all. It was during COVID, so people had jobs and were able to make consistent money. We used the penitentiary. And there’s Taylor walking down the streets of Kingston. Jeremy was looking at this prison going, ‘I just can’t believe this exists.’”

The experience, Dillon says, has been “profoundly satisfying, professionally and personally.”

As the show takes off again, so does Dillon’s other great passion: music. His band’s new album, BURN ALL THE SHIPS, dropped earlier this fall, and they’re heading out on tour this November, including a show in Toronto on Dec. 5 at Great Canadian Casino Resort. 

“It’s all therapy,” Dillon says. “The band’s always been that way. It’s very therapeutic…and can inspire so many things.” The album features collaborations with Dallas Green and Metric’s Emily Haines.

Like his television work, his music is driven by collaboration and trust. “You find people who see something more in you than you may see in yourself sometimes,” he says. “They can help you fight through any kind of insecurity or questioning. That’s the through line between both things.”

Toronto has basically decided Halloween this year is going to be one big Blue Jays party

By
Nisean Lorde
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0
blue Jays white Panel hats
Instagram: @bluejays

With the Blue Jays hosting the Dodgers at Rogers Centre this Friday, Oct. 31, it seems like Halloween will be more about Game 6 than ghosts and ghouls. So some are wondering: is Halloween cancelled this year? Not exactly. Trick-or-treating is still on, but expect many downtown venues to prioritize baseball. Big-screen hubs like The Rec Room and other sports bars across the city have shifted their programming to World Series watch parties — so, expect more jerseys than masks on Friday.

The City of Toronto is running a free outdoor World Series viewing party at Nathan Phillips Square this Friday, though this isn’t replacing any Halloween event. Head over and catch the game live on a giant screen; there’ll be a DJ between innings to keep the energy high! Wear a jersey, or a costume if it suits your fancy, and bring blankets and snacks.

The Pint House’s “Boo Jays” Halloween Night (277 Front St W, $20) is combining the two events. The Jays watch party runs from 6 p.m.–2 a.m. this Friday, and the venue strongly encourages guests to come dressed in Blue Jays gear rather than, you know, as witches or goblins.

Some Halloween events are tapping out. Arianna at Harbour Sixty will be open for regular service this Halloween, but the venue has postponed its inaugural Grand Masquerade Ball (originally planned for Friday) to avoid splitting the city’s attention.

“With the city captivated by the Toronto Blue Jays’ historic World Series run, Arianna is postponing the celebration to ensure optimal guest experience,” the restaurant said in a press release.

The TTC’s much-buzzed-about Lower Bay Station Halloween party is off this year, although baseball’s not to blame for this one. It’s due to safety and accessibility concerns surrounding the station’s narrow staircase and entryway (the agency calls it a one-year pause).

If you really want to get into the Halloween spirit, check out these six absolutely haunted restaurants in Toronto and 10 of the scariest horror movies shot in the GTA.

The GTA’s hottest new spot for dim sum brunch has been around since 1864

By
Nisean Lorde
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QJD Peking Duck

Move over, avocado toast — the city’s newest spot for brunch comes stacked in bamboo baskets, brimming with dim sum that practically melts on contact. QJD Peking Duck, the Markham outpost of Beijing’s legendary Quanjude brand, has launched its Famous Flavours of China Brunch Style and the spread is stunning and they’re calling it the “first and only authentic Chinese dim sum brunch” in Markham.

Stroll in during the early afternoon, and you’ll find meticulously crafted small bites in a serene, wood-and-teaware-filled dining room. The new menu spotlights playful, shareable bites (so perfect for ordering a spread with friends!)

Indulge in steamed dishes like Mochi Chocolate Xiao Long Bao, Yellow Crystal Prawn Fortune Bags with Pork and the Six-Colour Specialty Xiao Long Bao, all touted as “handmade dim sum” with all-natural ingredients.

As a main dish, try the Shredded Pork and Chilli Stir-Fried Knife-Cut Noodles. For something crispy, munch on the Peking Style Deep-Fried Brown Sugar Dough Cake or the Black Truffle thumb-sized Pan-Fried Bun with Pork. The brunch menu also boasts soups and porridge, savoury baked pastries and special dishes, like Deep-Fried Fish in Sweet Soy Sauce.

Complement your meal with something sweet, like the Yogurt Pudding with Osmanthus Sauce, Almond Tofu or the Beijing Eight-Treasure Split Pea Paste Cake!

If the name “Quanjude” rings a bell, it’s because the brand dates back to 1864 in Beijing, during the Qing dynasty. It’s synonymous with Peking duck service (think ultra-crispy duck skin carved at your table).

The GTA got its taste of that legacy when QJD opened in Markham in 2017, bringing the historic name to the TownePlace Suites by Marriott complex. While roast duck remains the restaurant’s calling card, there’s a full à-la-carte menu with a classic three-course duck service.

QJD Peking Duck is located at 7095 Woodbine Ave, Markham. Brunch service is on Mon-Fri: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Sat and Sun from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. These are soft-opening hours, so they could change in the near future (consider calling ahead before you head over!)

7 charming small towns to visit in Ontario for a ‘Gilmore Girls’-inspired day trip

By
Julia Mastroianni
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Courtesy orangeville.ca

Although Stars Hollow — where Gilmore Girls’ Rory and Lorelai live — is fictitious, the pilot episode was shot in Unionville, Ont., about an hour away from Toronto. There, you can visit Luke’s Diner, read under the gazebo and take pictures with the town of Unionville sign that the Stars Hollow sign was plastered over in the pilot. 

Unionville isn’t the only small town with this idyllic charm in the province. Here are a few more must-visit villages and towns where you can get the Gilmore Girls experience. 

Elora 

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@elorafergus/Instagram

Elora is a historical village most known for its limestone gorge and architecture. The picturesque sights, unique shops and cozy accommodations will transport you to Stars Hollow — including locally-owned bookshop Cordial Clove Books with its own dog mascot to greet you at the door and a fascinating antiques and curiosities shop, Mermaid in Elora. Often ranked one of the most beautiful towns in Ontario, Elora is best experienced with a focus on the natural attractions, as well as the downtown area. 

St. Jacobs 

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Courtesy St. Jacobs Market

Just outside Waterloo, St. Jacobs is rife with seasonal festivals, artisan wares, organic goods, untouched historical buildings and a huge, three-building farmers market. In Stars Hollow, the Gilmores and clan enjoy a slower pace of life and a closer sense of community. Take a leisurely stroll through St. Jacobs, talking to the friendly locals, to recreate this experience. Catch their Sparkles Holiday Shopping Event Nov. 13–16 and 20–23. 

Downtown Orangeville 

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Courtesy orangeville.ca

Downtown Orangeville boasts a year-round farmers’ market, festivals, heritage buildings, public art, local shops, dining and a small-town feel just outside the city. Take a self-guided walking tour or hit up one of their events like the Joy & Lights Festival next month. Walking through this picturesque town is especially beautiful in the fall, and with historic buildings lining the streets, a clock tower and trees decorating the sidewalk in fiery colours, you’ll feel like you might turn the corner and run into Sookie or a very grumpy Luke at any moment. 

Kleinburg 

Hidden in plain sight in the City of Vaughan is the village of Kleinburg. Peaceful, quiet and serene, slow down and enjoy some small town living in this pleasant community — get your coffee fix just like Lorelai at the cozy Kleinburg Kafé and pretend you’re gearing up for the Autumn Festival as you take in the sights of the falling leaves and colourful trees. Make the most of your visit by experiencing a part of Canadian history at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. The art gallery focuses on the work by the Group of Seven painters, who are most known for their beautiful natural landscapes. When the cold weather rolls around, the Kleinburg tree lighting ceremony is the epitome of small town charm — and you can have your own Lorelai moment, celebrating the first snowfall of the season. 

Port Dover

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Courtesy @kleinburg_village/@thedoctorshouse, Instagram

Port Dover is a small lakeside town known for its fishing — its perch and pickerel more specifically. In the Gilmore Girls universe, Stars Hollow is populated by quirky and interesting characters with unique ways and traditions, like their 24-hour dance marathon, so-called Teen Hayride and even a knit-a-thon. In Port Dover, every Friday the 13th, thousands of motorcyclists gather and ride through the small town, bringing excitement and tourism. It’s quite the sight to see and more action than the otherwise sleepy community is used to. Join in on the fun and get a taste of what Rory experienced growing up in a kind of quirky community! 

Gravenhurst 

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The Gravenhurst Opera House. Courtesy @ontarioaway/Instagram

Gravenhurst, known as both “Sawdust City” (a reference to its logging past), and the “Gateway to Muskoka”, is a beautiful historic town. Visit for the steamship cruises, natural attractions or the blossoming craft beer scene. While Gravenhurst, unlike Stars Hollow, is a lakeside town, its downtown area and main street are dotted with red brick buildings much like the historic ones that make up the Gilmores’ town — including the famous Opera House, worth a visit for its lively calendar of music shows, theatre and comedy. There’s even a coffee shop with some serious Luke’s vibes — aptly named Oliver’s! 

Niagara-on-the-Lake 

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a scenic Southern Ontario town well known for wineries as well as its theatre festival in the summer and rich cultural scene. If you visit in the winter months, the whole town is lit up like the North Pole. The Christmas village feel brings in thousands of tourists a year — and you’ll be transported right into the wintry scene of the Gilmore Girls episode with the Bracebridge dinner, including your very own romantic horse-drawn carriage ride. 

10 of the scariest horror movies shot in Toronto just in time for Halloween

By
Nisean Lorde
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On the roof of Thornhill Square mall in Dawn of the Dead

Forget haunted houses or graveyard tours — this Halloween, check out these eerie Toronto locations that were featured in some spooky horror flicks (or better yet — watch the movies themselves). Although these flicks weren’t set in the GTA, Toronto was used as the backdrop to make the scenes seriously frightening. Here are 10 of the scariest horror movies and scenes filmed in Toronto.

It (2017)

 

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The 122-year-old abandoned Cranfield House in downtown Toronto at the northwest corner of Pape and Riverdale (450 Pape Ave.) was home to Pennywise the Clown in Stephen King’s horror adaptation of It. As the abandoned house is protected under the Ontario Heritage Act, it makes it difficult for developers to remodel it, still, it’s been used in multiple productions. The indoor library scenes for It were filmed at the University of Toronto’s Wycliffe College (5 Hoskin Ave., Toronto). The downstairs library archive scenes were filmed at Toronto’s Masonic Temple at 151 Annette St.. The bar mitzvah scene was shot at Congregation Knesseth Israel (an Orthodox Jewish congregation at 56 Maria St.).

Carrie (2013)

 

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The 2013 remake of the 1976 classic teen horror flick was shot in and around Toronto. The exterior of Carrie’s house — a one-and-a-half-story home with a peaked rooftop and four-paned windows — is a real family home located on Niar Avenue in suburban Mississauga (the home has reportedly since been renovated and doesn’t resemble its portrayal in the film).  The exterior of Carrie’s school was shot at Northern Secondary School at 851 Mount Pleasant St. in Toronto. The scene where Ms. Desjardin chastises a few of her students was shot at the Northern Secondary School’s athletic field (behind the school). The tailor shop where Margaret White worked is located at 773 Annette St. in Toronto. An extended scene of Carrie’s iconic confrontation with two of her classmates by the gas station was filmed at 215 Islington Ave. in Etobicoke.

American Psycho (2000)

 

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The 2000 slasher flick was set in New York but primarily filmed in Toronto. Bateman’s office (Pierce & Pierce) was filmed at the Toronto-Dominion Bank Tower, 66 Wellington St. W. The dry-cleaning store where Bateman visits to get ‘juice stains’ removed from his sheets is Valet Cleaners at 38 Church St. The restaurant where Bateman escorts his date to is located at 100 Simcoe St. (at the corner of Adelaide Street West), the space is now a family-run steakhouse restaurant called Michael’s on Simcoe. The scene featuring a shoot-out with the police was filmed on Pearl Street (between Simcoe and Duncan).  The bar featured in the final scene is Biff’s Bistro, at 4 Front St. E.

Silent Hill (2006) and Silent Hill: Revelation (2012)

 

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The Silent Hill movies are adaptations of the Silent Hill video game series. While the downtown scenes were filmed in Brantford, Ontario, the road to Silent Hill (used for the police checkpoints) was filmed at Toronto’s Sewells Road Bridge (1119 Sewells Rd., Toronto). In the 2012 sequel, scenes at the Brookhaven Asylum (the mental hospital used as a curing ground by the Order) were filmed downtown at Central Tech High School, 725 Bathurst St., Toronto. The Lakeside Amusement Park scenes were filmed at Cherry Beach (at the foot of Cherry Street just south of Unwin Avenue in Toronto). The shopping mall scenes were filmed at Woodbine Centre, Etobicoke. Other Toronto filming locations for the sequel included Valley Halla Estate, Rouge Park, Toronto and the Richard L. Hearn Generating Station at 440 Unwin Ave., Port Lands, Toronto.

Saw sequels (2005–2021)

 

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The original Saw horror flick was filmed in LA, but the sequels, Saw II–Saw VII (2005–2010), Jigsaw (2017), and Spiral (2021), were largely filmed in Toronto. As most scenes were shot in dingy interiors, very little of Toronto could be seen in the films. Still, in Saw II, a police raid at the Wilson Steel building was filmed at the Hearn Generating Station at 440 Unwin Ave. In Spiral, the city morgue at 86 Lombard St. was filmed as the police station exterior.

Dawn of the Dead (2004)

 

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This classic zombie apocalypse flick had multiple scenes shot in and around the GTA. The shopping mall where the survivors take refuge was shot at Thornhill Square Mall in Markham; the establishing shot of the mall was filmed on Royal Orchard Boulevard (under the Bayview bridge).  The marina where the zombies chase the survivors to was filmed at Ashbridge’s Bay (1561 Lake Shore Blvd. E/, Toronto).

Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)

 

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This survival horror flick is based on a video game series that inspired six Resident Evil movies. In the first sequel, Apocalypse, the main character finds herself in the fictional Raccoon City — the climax of which was filmed on the Podium Green Roof at Toronto City Hall (100 Queen St. W.). Other parts of the flick were filmed at Northern Secondary School (851 Mt Pleasant Rd., Toronto) and Westwood Theatre (3743 Bloor St. W., at the intersection of Bloor, Dundas West and Kipling Avenue). Scenes from the remaining sequels were also filmed in Toronto.

Land of the Dead (2005)

 

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This is the fourth zombie apocalypse flick by legendary director George A. Romero.  The movie takes place in Pittsburgh, but many of the scenes were filmed in and around the GTA. Toronto’s Cherry Street Strauss Trunnion Bascule Bridge is used in the scene where they try to lower the bridge to safety.  The shopping mall at the base of the tower was actually downtown Toronto’s Brookfield Place (181 Bay St.).

Urban Legend (1998)

 

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This teen slasher flick took was set in a picturesque New England university but was filmed at a few Toronto university campuses, including Humber College (3199 Lake Shore Blvd). The radio station scene where Sasha is attacked was filmed at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto (105 St. George St.). The pool scenes (where the main character swims laps) were shot at Etobicoke Olympium (590 Rathburn Rd.).

Prom Night (1980)

The 1980 cult classic slasher flick staring Jamie Lee Curtis was shot almost entirely in Toronto. The opening scenes were shot at Langstaff Jail Farm, Richmond Hill (corner of Yonge Street and Langstaff Road). Most of the interior and exterior “Hamilton High School” scenes were shot at Don Mills Collegiate Institute (15 The Donway E., North York), and a few of the exterior shots (including one chilling scene involving a runaway van) were filmed at Scarborough Bluffs (1 Brimley Rd. S., Bluffers Park, Scarborough). The cemetery where the family visits Robin’s grave is located at St. James Cemetery (635 Parliament St. in Toronto).

Click here for the 7 best candy shops in Toronto for Halloween-worthy treats.

From fire-breathers to 5,000 guests: Inside the Toronto bar that went global

By
Jennifer Schembri
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From Black Lagoon’s Toronto debut in 2021, this Halloween pop-up — co-created by Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage — has spread its eerie magic across North America. Hayes shares the inspirations that keep the season dark, immersive and deliciously unforgettable.

Did you know right away this spooky little idea could be huge?

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A few nights into our very first year in Toronto, we suddenly had a line down the block. We were completely mind-blown. What really sealed it for us, though, was hearing from so many guests about how much they loved the experience — that they’d never been anywhere quite like it and that it felt like such a fun, safe space.

Thirty-eight cities this year — do people party differently in T.O. vs. New Orleans or L.A.?

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Definitely — and that’s part of the fun! We design our cocktail menus to be enjoyed anywhere, including plenty of non-alcoholic options, so there’s something for everyone. We also give our venue partners the freedom to tailor their entertainment and programming to fit their space and their crowd. You’ll see everything from spooky drag shows to themed DJ nights to all sorts of Halloween-friendly events that reflect each city’s personality.

What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever seen go down in a Black Lagoon bar?

Our very first year, we hired a fire-breather to entertain the crowd outside on Halloween night, but we didn’t expect him to come inside the bar and start breathing fire. It was amazing, but we were absolutely terrified. And of course, we’ve seen some jaw-dropping costumes over the years. People really go all out, and we’re always blown away by the creativity and effort they put in.

If you could describe Black Lagoon in three words, what would they be?

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@charlies.watch.repair/Instagram

Grown-up Halloween!

How do you dream up cocktails that are creepy but still actually taste amazing?

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We focus on weaving in flavours that are reminiscent of fall/Halloween, but with a tropical touch. We are a “lagoon” after all. We love to play with colour as well. Our menus always include cocktails that have a “creepy” colour palette, reminiscent of spooky season – think oranges, greens, purples, blacks and reds. We also get to have fun coming up with the cocktail names that add to the spooky vibe.

Do you two still dress up for Halloween — and if so, what’s your best costume ever?

Oh, we absolutely still dress up for Halloween! I have done an amazing Edward Scissorhands, but my favourite costume was Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas. I aim for at least five to ten costumes every year.

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