Harry Rosen is bringing back office-chic energy one store at a time, and it’s all happening at their newest single level, 10,380-square-foot location in downtown Toronto.
The leading luxury menswear retailer is set to make a statement this fall, with the unveiling of its reimagined First Canadian Place store. The renovation is part of the brand’s $50 million retail investment across Canada.
This store features impressive updated design, as well as better customer centric experiences. It’s also being revamped to make way for a more elevated shopping experience, too — and hopes to be somewhat of a social hub for visitors. Customers will be able to grab an espresso and chat with style advisors in the store’s lounge space. The new store will also be equipped to hold in-store and office-hosted events for downtown business communities.
Courtesy CNW Group/Harry Rosen Inc.
Shoppers can expect to find a mix of luxury men’s brands in store, including Patrick Assaraf, Eleventy and Harry Rosen’s in-house label HAROLD. Alongside apparel, there will be an expanded shoe section and neat services like one on one styling and private tailoring suites.
Courtesy CNW Group/Harry Rosen Inc.
The brand’s president and COO Ian Rosen says the store’s transformation is ushering in a “new era” of workplace apparel post-pandemic as people are coming back into the office.
“Work is back, and so is the wardrobe that goes with it,” said Rosen in a news release. “Harry Rosen has long been Toronto’s destination for a broad spectrum of businesswear, whether you’re suiting up for the boardroom or slipping on your weekday uniform.”
The store’s transformation comes shortly after news that Harry Rosen’s flagship location on Bloor Street will be making a major move in spring of 2026. A new, expanded relocation will open on Cumberland — less than 200 meters away from the iconic store.
The 38,000 foot space will span three storeys and feature a patio overlooking the Village of Yorkville Park, a lounge, espresso bar and valet parking on weekends.
The latest renovation on the First Canadian Place store hopes to prioritize Toronto business professionals through style and connection.
An unveiling date hasn’t been set for the store, but the opening is set for fall.
Halloween is fast approaching, and there are so many ways to celebrate the season in Toronto! From themed pop-up cocktail bars to tours after dark and eerie theatre productions, here are 45 ways to make the most of the Halloween season in Toronto.
This ghoulish bar returns with wicked cocktails and forbidden bites. Dare to share ghost stories, face your deadliest sins and experience chilling Halloween events all season. 739 Queen St. W.
Halloween takes over CC Lounge Oct 3 to 31. Sip themed cocktails, join hair-rasing activities and explore a horror movie–inspired bar that’s equal parts eerie and Instagram-ready. 45 Front St. E.
Skulls, coffins and eerie-orange cocktails await at Walrus Pub & Beer Hall, Oct 1 to Nov 2. Sip spine-chilling creations like Griselda’s Revenge and Corpse Flower. Halloween never tasted so wicked.187 Bay St.
Halloween at the Wych gets delightfully mischievous Oct 31. Sip Lexy, will you Marry Me? cocktails, revisit last year’s Wych’s Wart and enjoy a night of wickedly stylish drinks. 1150 Davenport Rd.
Storm Crow Manor, always a touch macabre, presents Black Sabbath, its Halloween twist on the French 75. Gin, cassis, sparkling wine, lemon and soda make this witches’ favourite a bewitching sip. 580 Church St.
Step inside Ricardo’s Kandy Korner, where 450+ imported treats twist the aisles into a candy labyrinth. Every corner lures with temptation. Can you escape without a bag full of mischief? Eaton Centre, ground floor
The Candy Bar is a haven luring with imported treats, handcrafted chocolates and eerie delights — where else would you find Prawn Cocktail Crisps or a Cadbury Curly Wurly? 849 College St.
8. Visit a haunted restaurant
Keg Mansion has seen tragedy and hauntings: a devoted maid reportedly took her life, a young boy fell down the stairs and Lillian Massey’s presence is said to still linger. 515 Jarvis St.
The Boiler House, now El Catrin, once paired fine dining with paranormal activity — flying bottles and ghostly apparitions. Since El Catrin took over, the hauntings have (mostly) vanished. 18 Tank House Ln.
Paddock Tavern, once the Slither Club, saw gangster rivalries and mysterious incidents in its back rooms. Today, unexplained footsteps and lingering presences hint that the past hasn’t fully left. 178 Bathurst St.
Since the mid-’90s, the Frog: A Firkin Pub has been a magnet for the unexplained: vanished jackets, mysterious flushes and washroom hauntings keep patrons — and cleaning crews — on edge. 4854 Yonge St.
Head to Sherway Gardens until Nov. 1 for Halloween Nights of Lights, an immersive light show featuring Mini Milo, a new 22-foot-tall light-up jack-o’-lantern. Then stop by the Pumpkinville fall fair (home to 15,000 pumpkins).
Toronto’s leading mindreader Jaymes White returns for his 10th anniversary with the Beverley Street Séance inviting a small group to attend an authentic Victorian era seance to commune with the dead just in time for Halloween and running until Nov. 30.
Trust the Haunted Walk to take you to T.O.’s most eerie spots. Hear about the supernatural phenomena and ghostly encounters at places like the Distillery District or the Village at Black Creek — one of the city’s most active sites.
Exhibition Place is teeming with secrets — if you know where to find them. After Dark Tours will take you through its haunted past and share some chilling discoveries only known to staff who worked the late shift. Dates TBA.
A hidden gem for funky themed attire in Toronto, Candy’s Costume Shop is especially known for its decade picks — think flappers and hippies — as well as some funny finds (like the “upside down dude”). 685 Mt. Pleasant Rd.
Thunder Thighs Costumes does a lot of business with the movie and film industry, but this time of year it also rents out one-of-a-kind costumes. Here, the early trick-or-treater gets the best costume, so don’t delay. 16 Busy St.
The annual Hallowmas Market is back at Ground Control on Oct. 18, and it’s the place to be if you opt for treats over tricks. Shop over 40 vendors offering their coolest, creepiest stuff, from demonic artwork to witchy jewelry.
Every weekend in October, Made for Me Marketplace transforms into the October Witch Market. This magical gathering features occult treasures, tarot readings and tinctures for your most potent potions.
The name says it all — taking over Parkdale Hall this Oct. 18 is a marketplace for all things dark, macabre, weird, whimsical and, well, bizarre! Shop skeleton jewelry, unearthly prints & more.
Head back to Parkdale Hall on Oct. 26 for a spine-tingling good time during Halloweekend. Toronto Sunday Market’s Halloween edition will feature shopping, treats and plenty of themed fun.
Rocky Horror Picture Show begins with a pair of lips, Patricia Quinn’s lips to be exact, singing “Science Fiction/Double Feature.” Fifty years later, the woman who played Magenta is in Toronto as part of a special screening at Roy Thomson Hall on Oct. 28.
Halloween on Church is Canada’s biggest Halloween party, turning Church Street into an incredible, all-ages celebration of wild and unique costumes, creativity and good community spirit.
Toronto’s oldest haunted house, Screemers returns to Assembly Park in Vaughan with seven haunted mazes, unlimited midway rides, live scare actors and the infamous Vampire Lounge.
Casa Loma is transformed into Legends of Horror, an immersive theatre experience where visitors walk a two-kilometre trail through the castle’s tunnels, confronting scary scenes and spaces never before open to the public.
This campy horror musical hits the Annex Theatre this Halloween, spinning a love story of weddings, Elvis and vampires into a brand new musical packed with romance, dark comedy and plenty of bite.
Goth Bingo Night at Ground Control blends campy fun with dark flair, serving up classic, goth and Tim Burton–themed bingo rounds, with prizes from local makers, to support Parkdale Community Food Bank.
This event at Parlour promises a campy, sing-along spectacle with stars from Canada’s Drag Race and Dragula belting out hits from Wicked to Rent, while guests sip cocktails and soak up the spooky vibes.
The Haunted Halloween Boat Party Cruise turns the harbour into a floating nightclub, with 500 costumed revellers dancing across three decks, with DJs and live acts and the city skyline as a spooky backdrop.
Eldritch Theatre presents Doc Wuthergloom’s Little Library of the Damned, a T.O. Halloween tradition since 1999, where Doctor Pretorious Wuthergloom, the infamous necromancer and arcane medicine showman, regales audiences with ghoulish tales, Oct. 30 to Nov. 9. 922 Queen St. E.
Embrace the Halloween spirit at ROM After Dark’s special event on Oct. 27, RAD: Trick or Treat, a costume-friendly party that transforms the entire museum into a spooky wonderland with activities like face painting, photobooths, crystal ball readings and a thrilling pumpkin scavenger hunt, all while enjoying live music. 100 Queen’s Park
The Revue Cinema has been hosting two+ weeks of horror flicks and special events, including the classic A Nightmare on Elm Street,Texas Chainsaw Massacre, a few Twin Peaks screenings and much more. 400 Roncesvalles Ave.
Prepare for Halloween by getting an education in necromancy — the practice of communicating with the dead. The Rock Store, set in a hundred-year-old two-storey French-inspired mansion and selling crystals, meditation tools, healing literature, ritual items and yoga items, has an Oct. 22 class that will have you entering the spirit world with ease. 154 Harbord St.
Learn the basics of fortune-telling with a tarot workshop at the Hermit’s Lamp. Find out how to read the cards and then whip them out at your next Halloween party for some oohs and ahhs. 1209 Bloor St. W.
Whether you’re planning to banish evil spirits, cast some spells or arm yourself against errant ghosts this Halloween, visit the Occult Shop — around since 1979, pagans, Wiccans and spiritual folks know this is the real deal. 1371 Bathurst St.
Get in touch with your spirit side with Happy Soul, a store that specializes in metaphysical products, with most of its goods also incorporating educational instructions. The sizable freebies help to draw in customers looking for candles, incense, tarot oracle cards, sound bowls and other products. 961 Bloor St. W.
At Shanti Baba Trading, they believe that the power of healing comes from within. However, they also believe that it can be harnessed and channelled through the use of shamanic and spiritual tools. From crystals and minerals to aromatic smoke products, Shanti Baba Trading offers a wide range of items that can help to improve your mental, physical and emotional well-being. 546 Queen St. W.
The home of Toronto Indie Horror Fest, Eyesore Cinema also happens to be the city’s top horror video store. With its over 2,000 frightening films available, rent a bunch and have a macabre marathon to get in the spooky spirit. 1176 Bloor St. W.
Be prepared for any Halloween party thanks to the Grand Order of Divine Sweets — this Queen West bakery makes everything from bloody brain cupcakes to Beetlejuice chocolate bars and Pennywise cakes. 1162 Queen St. W.
What says Halloween better than a Mexican wrestling extravaganza! Lucha De Los Muertos returns on Oct. 30 with an awesome night of masked grapplers flinging themselves around the squared circle with reckless abandon. 1605 Queen St. W.
If Halloween is more about magic and witchcraft than demons and gore for you, visit Curiosa. From mystical jewelry to fantastical movie memorabilia, this shop has everything you need to make this thrilling season a success. 320 Harbord St.
For the nature-lovers at home, on Oct. 19, High Park’s Halloween Howl will take you through the woods to learn all about the animals that go bump in the night. Then get cosy around the campfire and make some hair-raising art! 375 Colborne Lodge Dr.
The historic Markham Museum is getting a ghostly transformation from Oct. 25–26! At Scaryfest, walk the plank at pirate paradise, witness a mad scientist show, find out your fortune in a crystal ball and enjoy the monster mash bash! 9350 Markham Rd., Markham
On Oct. 25, Toronto Public Library is hosting a legendary Halloween magic show with The Amazing Magic Mel! Come in costume and prepare for an interactive (and comedic!) spectacular. 1806 Islington Ave.
There’s a Halloween party on Oct. 25 — but it’s just for dogs! At Howl’oween, enter your pet in a costume contest (with some four-legged celebrity judges), enjoy the costumed pup parade take them trick-or-treating (emphasis on treat) and, of course, snap a pic together at the pet photo booth. Don’t forget the themed music, photo station, cozy drinks and plenty of local vendors to make it a party for the humans too!
An immersive storytelling boat cruise that takes you through the Toronto Islands, past the Gibraltar Point lighthouse and through the city’s creepiest buildings, Haunted Harbour will tell you spooky stories of phantom ghost ships, lost lighthouse keepers and more! 1 Queens Quay E. @ TDot Water Taxi
Animal lovers rejoice at the return of Boo at the Zoo — perfect for kids who like their Halloween magic with a side of furry creatures, from wolves to werewolves. The Toronto Zoo is hosting the event from Oct. 18–19 and Oct. 25-26, which features a pumpkin patch, a limited time virtual reality experience featuring a spooky fun fair, a visit from special superhero guests, and the opportunity to adopt an arctic wolf! And the best part — kids in costume get 50 per cent off.
On Oct. 26, Dogsview Park will transform into Howl-O-Ween Unleashed: a fun-filled vendor market where your pup can unleash the inner beast (or pumpkin). Show off your pet’s costume, shop the market by Toronto Dog Moms and snag some treats!
If your dream weekend away includes sunrises over the vines and a nightcap under a blanket of stars, a tiny nook of the Niagara region just got a global shout-out. In Expedia’s Unpack 2026 report, the go-to guide from Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo on what’s next in travel, a lakefront farmhouse in Lincoln, Ontario, was named one of Vrbo’s Top “Farm Charm” Finds worldwide!
This charming Niagara farmhouse made the list as it’s perched right on the Lake Ontario shoreline, so expect amazing views. It’s a two-bedroom property that sleeps four and allows guests to escape from every day life. The listing highlights a hot tub, sauna, fire pit, patio, full kitchen, laundry, air conditioning and essential cooking utensils, with room to spread out across 10 acres! Although guests can spend their time relaxing by the lake and walking through the orchards, the space comes with a 65″ Smart TV and free Wi-Fi (so, you can stay plugged in throughout your stay).
The property is also close to a lot of the major wineries, breweries and restaurants (Legends Estates Winery is only a 3-minute drive or 20-minute walk) and a short hop to Grimsby GO for easy connections. As it’s just under a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto, it’s close enough for a spontaneous weekend getaway, yet far enough to feel like you’re out of the city’s orbit.
According to Vrbo, 84% of travellers are interested in staying on or near a farm as the slow travel movement gains momentum, but only a handful of rural retreats captured 2026’s growing appetite for nature-first escapes. Other top farm charm finds for 2026 include:
Cider Hill Haven — New Haven, Vermont, U.S.
The Haven at Hills Point Farm — Cambridge, Maryland, U.S.
Moorhall Farm — Worcester, England, U.K.
Barakee Homestead — Rosevale, Queensland, Australia
Gen Z travellers are especially interested in rural escapes: there’s been a 300% spike year-over-year in guest reviews mentioning farms on Vrbo.
The most desired farm stay features also include nature walks or hiking (73%), the chance to interact with farm animals (62%) and harvesting produce or picking fresh fruit (42%).
Click here to see the full Unpack ’26 report. And if you’re looking for other ways to reconnect with nature and escape from urban life, check out these seven overnight farm stays near Toronto!
Toronto’s premier sushi restaurant is adding a lavish new way to feast: an unlimited Sunday brunch! Beginning Sun, Oct 19, Nobu Toronto says guests can indulge in an unlimited selection of Nobu signatures, including sushi, salads, chef’s carving stations, pastries, desserts and brunch cocktail specials. Due to popular demand, the restaurant will now extend the AYCE brunch program to both Saturdays and Sundays starting March 7.
It’s a bit pricey ($110 per adult and $55 for children ages 5-12, and you have to pay for the cocktails), and there’ll be no à la carte menu during Sunday brunch service, but diners can likely expect restaurant favorites like nigiri and rolls, Nobu-style Greek salad, lobster miso soup and Nobu’s famed black cod with sweet Den Miso.
Reservations are available online, and looking at all the positive feedback from Instagram, you’ll want to book a spot ASAP!
If you can’t make it to Sunday brunch, dinner service is available nightly between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and between 5:30 and 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
For something more upbeat, check out Nobu at Night at the bar and lounge every Friday from 9 p.m. for live DJs, crafted cocktails and late-night vibes! “Immerse yourself in an elevated atmosphere of music, luxury, and unforgettable Nobu-style cuisine,” the restaurant said in a recent Insta post.
If you prefer to indulge in nigiri and sashimi at home, Nobu Toronto offers delicious takeout options. Popular dishes on Uber Eats include the steamed soybeans with Maldon sea salt (96 per cent approval); tasty flash-fried eggplant roasted with den miso, complemented with sesame seeds and a hajikami (93 per cent thumbs up) and the 4-ounce-grilled Japanese A5 Wagyu steak, glazed with ginger garlic yakitori and served with wasabi pepper and anticucho sauces (91 per cent upvotes).
In a bustling city, it can be challenging to find a spot to unwind — but tots in need of a little R&R might just be in luck: Agua Baby Spa & Club is the first family-focused baby spa in Canada and it’s making waves in the baby wellness world.
While baby spas are a newer concept in Toronto, they’ve gained popularity around the world in places like the U.K., France and Germany with some even offering baby facials and prenatal classes for parents.
Like other baby spas, Agua Baby Spa is designed as a wellness centre for young ones, with opportunities for parents to decompress too. That could be anything from hanging out in the spa’s lounges to connecting with other families in educational workshops.
If your younger family members are in need of pampering, the spa offers a list of services that promises to nurture and support children aged anywhere from three months to 12 years old.
Babies from as little as three months old can enjoy 30-minute hydrotherapy sessions, a soothing experience where they can float, move and stretch in warm water with floatation support. It helps promote balance and digestion and even calms fussy babies. Plus, it’s a supportive treatment that strengthens muscles.
Courtesy aguababyspa.com
The spa also offers a 30-minute massage therapy session for both babies and children, provided by a registered massage therapist (RMT) who is trained in ensuring comfort. Benefits include helping little ones feel calm and relaxed, and the session also promotes better sleep.
If you want the full experience, you can add on a hydrotherapy session to a massage as a 60-minute treatment — an adorable way for little ones to relax to the max.
Agua Baby Spa claims to be the first family-focused spa in Toronto, but you can find other baby spas in the area too. If you venture to North York, Snuggles n Bubbles Baby Spa offers similar sessions in massage and hydrotherapy, for babies and children between four weeks old to 12 years old.
Slightly further from the city, spas like Itsy Bitsy Baby Spa in Mississauga focus on general family wellness with similar spa experiences too — plus an art corner for kids and naturopathy services.
Wander is a new small resort in Prince Edward County that beckons city dwellers looking to unwind by creating an environment that puts personal care into every nook and cranny of the experience. It’s Nordic, hygge-forward vibe is just what was needed when we checked in for a weekend getaway.
A place not only for rest but for restoration, Wander was created by completely gutting and renovating an old-timey vacation cabin rental property on the shores of West Lake near the town of Wellington.
At the centre of everything is the 10,000 square foot thermotherapy circuit. It’s here and in the spa treatment rooms that the essential personal care work happens. Skilled massage attendants offer a variety of services, although, inside tip, a hot stone massage from
At the pools, contained in a sunken and blissful concrete bunker, calming music and the sound of two waterfalls wafts alongside fragrant aromas from multiple fireplaces to create an environment of calm. Thoughtfully arranged is a circuit that includes hot sessions (over 100 F) in the 32-seat sauna (dry heat, beneficial for detoxification and improved circulation), steam room (moist heat, beneficial for opening pores and soothing muscles), or hot soak pool (ideal for easing muscle tension). A scrub area to exfoliate and refresh your skin before quickly cooling down with a 1 to 3 minute cold plunge (50 F) to invigorate the senses and enhance circulation. And, of course, a rest in the sunken fireside lounge or the terrace lounge overlooking the spa, with views of West Lake.
The pools at Wander
But, it’s not just that the pools are idyllic. Everything seems to be just set up to make it so easy. And, there are the small touches. Like, for instance, the daily aufguss rituals. Here, a practitioner engages in a multi-sensory wellness experience in Wander’s gorgeous dry sauna, featuring a blend of music, essential oils and towel movements to move the scents around the space.
Wander sauna
We lean into our wellness, with a divine cycle of plunging, and lounging, before our first of many trips to the resort’s incredible restaurant allows for a midday glass of wine and snack in the glassed in space amidst a throng of white-robed spa guests.
And so it went until we were suitably restored enough to make our way through the grounds back to the cabin for more resting. And, what a cabin.
Wander’s airy spaces combine the warmth of a Canadian cabin with the serene and simple luxury of Nordic design. Thoughtful furnishings include hanging rattan swings, alongside more personal and handmade local touches such as pottery from Prince Edward County’s The Ye11ow Studio. We are welcomed with a subtle custom scent (by local Sunday’s Company) and a curated playlist playing via bluetooth speakers with a complimentary bottle of local wine cooling in the fridge.
Heaven.
Other fun additions include the Polaroid cameras in every cabin allowing guests to photograph and share their Wander experiences.
Wander cabinsCabin interior
In our cabin, there is also an electric wood stove inside to add to the cozy vibes, and we relax a moment savouring the calm before dining at the restaurant. And, what a restaurant.
No visit to Wander should be complete without a meal at Gather, the resort’s restaurant helmed by the very talent chef, Justin Tse.
The menu is globally inspired but features many local ingredients sourced from the bounty of Prince Edward County.
The tuna appetizer got the meal off to a blazing start, featuring perfectly seared and cured Haida Gwaii tuna with pickled cucamelon, mojo verde cilantro, grapefruit and Filipino corn nuts. A must-have. Of the eight mains on offer, we sampled a delicious BC salmon prepared in a white wine cream sauce with Tokyo turnips as well as a pork belly and smoked white bean dish and a crispy cauliflower and smoked white bean dish — one of two vegetarian mains.
A tuna appetizer at WanderA pork belly dish at Wander’s restaurant Gather
The dishes were artfully prepared, and wonderful with a standout in the pork belly dish, so savoury and smoky while avoiding being too heavy. The cauliflower is a fantastic option for vegetarians as well as an additional side to tack on to a meal and share at the table. So. Good.
Wines featured at Gather including a number of Prince Edward County offerings but extend far beyond.
Chef is local, family had a Chinese restaurant in Kingston before he worked as a private chef in Ottawa. The capital’s loss is Prince Edward County’s gain. Look forward to tasting more when additional season product and other offerings come available.
After dinner, we stroll to the beachfront where a number of couples perches are available for lounging as night falls. Back to the cabin, our outdoor fire is lit, and the coyotes can be heard howling in the distance. So relaxing.
Rattan caban lounger at Wander
What makes Wander work so well, at least in part, is the intimate setting. There are just enough cabins, no more. The pools can get busy with additional guests during the day, but later in the afternoon and evenings, a quiet descends on the property. Even when full, it is never crowded. This is key.
In less than 24 hours, Wander has straightened our hunched shoulders, found our laugh lines, restored our balance and had us checking our calendars for our next wellness getaway.
Toronto’s pricey. Between sky-high rent and $20 cocktails, a meal out can feel like a splurge. But cheap eats doesn’t have to mean boring or low quality. We asked some of the city’s top chefs where they go when they want a filling, delicious meal that won’t drain the wallet. These are the spots that prove value and flavour can actually share a plate.
Emma’s Country Kitchen
Picked by chef Anthony Rose (Fat Pasha)
Toronto brunch can burn a hole in your wallet, but chef Anthony Rose swears by Emma’s Country Kitchen for a filling meal that doesn’t feel like a splurge. His go-to is the classic breakfast — two eggs, sage-and-onion sausage, house-cured bacon (he always adds extra), griddled tomato, fruit or home fries and a still-warm buttermilk biscuit with citrus butter and blueberry jam. “I’ve been going here since day one and will continue until I die day,” Rose says, often with his son Simon in tow. Add fried chicken on the side and you’ve got brunch for under $20 that actually keeps you full.
Hello Nori
Picked by chef Eva Chin (Yan Dining Room)
@hellonori/Instagram
When chef Eva Chinwants sushi that hits the spot without a triple-digit bill, she heads to Hello Nori. The sleek hand roll bar, originally from Vancouver, is her go-to for affordable indulgence. “My wife and I can easily crush a bunch of sushi for about $50 and we’re so full after,” she says. The rolls are made-to-order, the fish is pristine and somehow, it still feels like a steal.
Rasta Pasta
Picked by chef Joe Friday (Friday Burger Company)
@eatrastapasta/Instagram
Chef Joe Friday keeps it real when it comes to comfort food. His pick is Kensington Market stalwart Rasta Pasta, where jerk chicken meets pasta in a delicious fusion that’s a must-try the next time you’re in the area.“The jerk chicken and fresh-made pasta combination is unique and packed with flavour,” he says. “Solid, cheap eats that won’t break the bank.
Cà Phê Rang and Rol San
Picked by chef Alida Solomon (Tutti Matti)
@capherangrules/Instagram
Chef Alida Solomon of Tutti Matti keeps her weekend eats simple and satisfying. For a quick Saturday pre-shift lunch, she heads to Cà Phê Rang, the Vietnamese spot next door. On Sundays, it’s all about dim sum at Rol San — her go-to day-off ritual. “We order the whole menu,” she jokes.
Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu
Picked by chef Rob Rossi (Sammarco)
@bcd_soontofu/Instagram
Chef Rob Rossi keeps things classic with Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu on Bloor — a spot he’s been visiting for two decades for cheap eats that don’t skimp on taste. “It’s some of the best food you can get for $50 for two,” he says. His go-to order is the Soon Tofu Spicy with Pork, purple rice and all the pickles you can handle. “Don’t forget the egg,” he adds.
Great Fountain
Picked by chef Jia Zhou (Kasa Moto)
@greatfountain/Instagram
Chef Jia Zhou’spick for a budget-friendly feast is Great Fountain, a hidden gem tucked in a Scarborough plaza near Midland and Sheppard. The modest takeout counter dishes out Hong Kong comfort food like fried rice and peppery proteins, but Zhou swears by the T39 Garlic Fried Chicken — a crispy chicken leg smothered in black pepper sauce with rice, soup and iced lemon tea. “All that for $10.60,” he says. “It’s unreal.”
If you’re looking for a little slice of Europe in the middle of Ontario, there’s a hidden gem nestled at the junction of the Grand and Nith Rivers, about a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto. Paris, Ontario, more or less takes after its more famous European namesake, as the picturesque town is all cobblestone heritage, market-hall snacking, and riverside patios, plus scenic walking trails, great food, and easy-to-book paddling experiences that turn a weekend away into a mini-holiday.
Paris is also a rare small town where you can park once, then spend the day on foot! If you prefer to go car-free, VIA Rail runs multiple trains from Union Station to Brantford daily (just over an hour’s trip). From Brantford Station, catch an Uber or taxi to Paris, about 20 minutes away.
As it’s close enough to Toronto, you can make it a one-day trip. If you can stay longer, settle in at a historic hotel, cute inn or homey B&B. The Arlington sits across from the Grand River and offers the most charming views of the downtown core. If you want something more luxurious, the Mulberry House on the Grand is an adults-only boutique resort located on acres of picturesque riverfront.
Begin your visit by exploring the downtown core, but expect to navigate through some construction and detours. Grand River Street North is undergoing upgrades, so use William St and Mechanic St.to navigate around closures. You’ll still be rewarded along the way with the most gorgeous riverside lookouts, heritage storefronts and bridge viewpoints (especially pretty at sunrise or after dusk).
Stop by the Paris Wincey Mills Co. for a bite to eat. The century-old market hall is filled with indie food vendors, coffee and small shops, so you’ll find tons of ready-to-eat options as well as groceries. If you’re craving epic artisanal grilled cheese sandwiches, visit The Grilled Cheese Effect, or pick up an espresso tasting pack from Detour. Sip something local at the family-run Paris Beer Co. brewery for farm-to-glass brewery pours made with homegrown hops and rye (there’s a full taproom menu if you’re settling in).
For a classic Paris moment, book the rooftop at Stillwaters Plate & Pour (about a five-minute walk from Wincey Mills). There’s an open-air bar, and the menu focuses on market-fresh quality ingredients, so you can enjoy delicious dishes with a panoramic view of the Grand River as the backdrop.
Don’t forget the trails! Two flat, fine-gravel routes connect right into town. The 18-km Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail follows the Grand River through lush Carolinian forest with river overlooks (start and end at Paris’s Willow St access). The 14-km SC Johnson Rail Trail runs from Paris to Brantford along a former railway, so you’ll have gorgeous views of prairie grasslands and Grand River vistas.
Then explore Barker’s Bush. This network of scenic, shaded trails and footbridges can be found along the Nith, and is accessible from Lion’s Park and other trailheads (it’s dog-friendly, too!).
During warmer months, enjoy a guided or self-guided Grand River trip by canoe, kayak or raft to Brant Park (or explore farther before taking a shuttle back to town). You’ll paddle through forest-lined water, gentle swifts and wildlife-rich stretches.
Head back to the downtown core to explore the cafés, bakeries and patios clustered within a few blocks. Pick up a coffee and a caramel brownie shortbread square at Paris Bakery for your trip home.
Toronto’s all-you-can-eat (AYCE) scene is having a moment this week. In Yorkville, a chic omakase joint is offering unlimited sushi, ramen and live DJs. Across town, a retro-looking slider bar is launching an all-day Wednesday deal built around endless hot dogs and golden tots!
Put on your bib, loosen your pants and check out these deals.
MSSM Yorkville x Ramen Tabetai Special Collab DJ Night Vol. 3
Fri Oct 7, 2025, 10:30 p.m.-1:00 a.m.
MSSM is chef Masaki Saito’s more casual restaurant sibling to Sushi Masaki Saito, his One-Michelin-Star (formerly Two-Star) flagship on Avenue Rd. But this Friday, MSSM is throwing the third edition of its popular after-hours bash, turning the venue into a two-floor party with all-you-can-eat sushi, two kinds of ramen and live DJs! Each floor has a distinct vibe, so you can expect a more upbeat event rather than a quiet omakase evening. It’s a ticketed night ($98+tax and fees/person) and includes a glass of sparkling wine. Tickets are limited. 154 Cumberland St.
Pennies AYCE “Steamies” hot dogs + tots
Every Wednesday (from Oct 15)
Every Wednesday (beginning Oct 15), Pennies is rolling out an AYCE hot dog and tater tot special for $17.99, available all day long! Well, the deal runs all day, but there’s a two-hour dining limit per customer. No reservations or tickets are required; you just have to purchase a drink to unlock the deal (a soda is cool with them!). We don’t know exactly which tots and steamies are included in the promo, but their menu features everything from OG tots to poutine-style versions, plus all-beef frankfurters and Yves Veggie dogs loaded with sauerkraut, onions and mustard. So, round up your crew, slide into a booth and start eating! Despite its name, Pennies is cashless. Two locations: 127 Strachan Ave. | 667 College St.
Through the ages, plus-size fashion lovers have been the forgotten demographic when it comes to women’s clothing. It doesn’t fit right, it looks like a sack, it’s shapeless… enough with looking through racks upon racks of the same disappointment. A third of Canadians considered obese, but many fashion brands and most vintage retailers are still missing the mark, so what is a fat fashionista to do? Shopping second-hand is a great solution for stylish finds in extended sizes, if you know where to look. Plus-size shoppers deserve to luxuriate in the best that fashion has to offer from decades past. Here’s a run-down on where to shop for vintage gold for your fall wardrobe in Toronto.
Although there are many vintage shops within walking distance of each other selling nifty wares within Kensington Market, the clothing sizes are often inaccessible. Most shops I connected to unfortunately let me know that, in terms of sizes, they get “whatever comes in.”
If you’re looking for vintage jewelry and accessories, check out any of the cool vintage shops in Kensington Market, but if you’re looking to freshen up your fall wardrobe with some classic vintage staples, visit Exile in Kensington Market where sizes 2-5X are mixed throughout the store. There isn’t a plus-size section but they carry the range within the shop.
Sarah Lessard, of Black Market Vintage Upstairs, is a plus size woman herself. She’s proud to tell me they carry a section that starts at XL; she’s seen sizes as large as 5X. Traverse the staircase hidden in plain sight on Queen West and prepare for a vintage explosion. Set aside some time to dig through the racks and find some gems!
Hanna Bradley-Smyth in front of Fat Babes’ new location. Courtesy fatbabestto/Instagram
Another amazing option for pre-loved plus-size fashion is Fat Babes. Offering new and second-hand clothing, this store, located at The Chinatown Centre, is entirely curated to the big babes. Hanna Bradley-Smyth, the founder, owner and face of Fat Babes, says the store stocks XL-6X.
“Being a plus size person myself, I know how hard it is to find clothing period, but especially affordable clothing. I wanted to create a place where plus-size people of all ages, genders, and incomes can shop and find treasures that make them feel amazing!” she says. “I am also passionate about sustainability and the environment and wanted to create a way for us to recycle clothing to keep it out of landfills.”
They currently stock vintage plus size items from Greater Gold Vintage in their store, which makes up approximately 30 per cent of the items in stock. The majority of pieces are used but not vintage, and a small percent are brand new, created by local designers like the brand Fat Lord.
A plus-size vintage and second-hand clothing shop located in Hamilton, the team at Polyester Plus has brought their thrifted finds to a new, permanent Toronto location: The Vintage Hall. This Queen East vendor market will stock 90 of the brand’s favourite plus-size vintage pieces from 4XL–L. Polyester Plus also often pops up in Toronto — including their popular Plus Size Market, returning on Oct. 26 to Cecil Community Centre. Offering sizes XL to 5X+, over 25 vendors will be bringing vintage and second-hand clothing for all genders. There will also be jewelry designed with inclusive sizing in mind, art, prints, stickers, zines and more.
Chef, author and TV host David Rocco is usually all about the dolce vita — his self-produced TV series David Rocco’s Dolce Vita took Canadian and international viewers through kitchens across Italy. But now, he’s flipping the script with his new show (currently airing on the Food Network), David Rocco’s Eating Dirty, bringing viewers back to Italy with him, this time to explore the country’s top hidden gems for incredible food. Through it all, there’s one person who has always been by his side: his wife, longtime producer and occasional star of his shows, Nina Rocco. The pair gave us the scoop on their first date all the way back in high school and the secret to three decades of marriage.
How they met
High school. Father Bressani. He was new. He was in grade 10. I was in grade 11. I told myself I wasn’t interested.
The first date
Movie theatre. Woodbine Mall. Out of Africa. We picked it because it was a really long movie. We made out. ?
Favourite dating moments
Courtesy David Rocco/Facebook
Proms (his, mine), first kiss, all of high school, being my best friend. He was and is.
When they realized the other was “the one”?
We were still in high school; last year for me. He told me we were going to get married. I was a bit confused. How could he know for sure? He wouldn’t speak to me for two days when I told him that.
The wedding
Courtesy David Rocco
We were married on July 16, 1994, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto.
Twin girls; 17 years old, Giorgia & Emma. Dante, our son, is 14 in October. Luna, our black Coton de Tulear dog, will be six in November.
Shared hobbies and interests
Acting. We used to belong to a very dedicated acting ensemble for several years before creating our cooking/travel television series. We ran a restaurant together, La Madonnina, before we got married and while we were attending York University, both majoring in economics. Our Venn diagram overlaps quite a bit. We like a lot of the same things — whether it’s the various tastes of different foods (oh, we love food!), travel, architecture, business (we’re both very entrepreneurial), or taste in art.
The secret to success
I don’t know. We can’t see ourselves without the other. We love and respect each other. We try to listen. We try to keep bettering ourselves as individuals. Polish the grime off, so to speak. For ourselves as individuals, for each other, for our family.
Balancing careers and a relationship
Courtesy @davidroccosvita/Instagram
We divide and conquer. Honestly, we pick up the slack when the other needs a hand. Whatever it is. The business. The family. Each other. It’s all together, with the family being the center. The heart.
The future together
There’s a church in Ravello. We were introduced to it about 25 years ago when we were doing a little show called Avventura. This church, it’s from the 1400s. At one time it was in ruins. It eventually became a beautiful family vacation home; now it’s somewhat abandoned-looking and in disarray. Can’t stop imagining it as our family home, in Italy. The kids would be further along of course. Grown up but definitely speaking Italian and really getting to know and love their family’s southern Italian roots. Who knows, perhaps a new show called, The Roccos: Our Life in Ruins. ?
Inside the Shangri-La Toronto, guests can be transported to the Italian countryside at bosk, a restaurant that specializes in Northern Italian cuisine while using local ingredients. It’s a step into luxury in the truest form, with attentive service, an inviting atmosphere and flavourful dishes that are detailed every time they appear at a table. The eatery’s philosophy, says chef Michael Cross, mimics the ethos at the iconic hotel — dubbed “Rooted in Nature,” it pays homage to the dedication of local Canadian farmers and purveyors and, wherever possible, strives for sustainability.
Taste of Shangri-Lais taking place across select Shangri-La Hotels around the globe, presenting curated tasting menus at 14 participating properties and 28 signature restaurants. Each menu is designed to showcase the unique culinary identity of its venue, highlighting the chefs’ most celebrated dishes, thoughtfully crafted to offer an immersive dining experience at an approachable price.
The Taste of Shangri-La at bosk, Shangri-La Toronto’s signature restaurant, is no different, offering an exclusiveculinary experience while paying respect to that same ideology. The program launched on Oct. 1 and runs throughout the month only, and offers a selection of two or three courses — a starter, a main and a dessert — that draw inspiration from Northern Italian cuisine while incorporating ingredients sourced from within roughly 100 km of the city.
Hand-Made Potato Gnocchi; Heirloom Beet Salad
To start, guests have a choice between a tangy, autumn-inspired butternut squash soup made with pickled apples and Venetian spices that’s carefully poured tableside and an heirloom beet salad, made with salt-roasted beets, cranberry gel, walnuts and feta, then drizzled with a buttermilk dressing. For the main course, options include a signature dish, the flavourful Ontario cider-brined half chicken; a Fogo Island turbot (one of the few exceptions to the 100 km rule); and a vegetarian handmade potato gnocchi dish, which is served with mushrooms and an earthy leek fondue. To finish, desserts are either a chocolate hazelnut rocher — complete with orange confit — or a classic sticky toffee pudding that’s just the right amount of sweet. Each dish tells a story, and it’s one full of vibrancy, passion and excellence. And the service takes the experience to the next level, with thoughtful explanations, questions to ensure guests are getting something that matches their flavour profile, and a silent guarantee that your water cup will virtually never be empty.
Fogo Island Turbot
If desired, bosk’s curated tasting menu also comes complete with a wine pairing option that takes guests on a global tour that includes both Italy and Canada, with selections from Venice, Niagara and Tuscany, as well as a Port option from, of course, Portugal. Tasting notes are provided for each, but servers can go into a more detailed description if desired. Mocktails can also be requested for those who choose not to imbibe, and the refreshing cucumber and aloe concoction offers a flavour profile that complements virtually every dish.
The entire experience is set in a nature-inspired backdrop, with clean lines, natural textures like wood and stone, and a sun-drenched eating area offering a peaceful vibe right in the heart of the city. The music is present but quiet, contributing to an elevated but relaxing feel that complements the food perfectly and acts as a backdrop for the culinary star of the show. The bosk dining room flanks the Shangri-La lobby, making it easy to access and offering a seamless transition from a lounge-like space with light bites and refreshments to a place to enjoy hearty food and drink.
The Taste of Shangri-La menu at bosk is available from Oct. 1–31, 2025, Monday to Saturday, from 5–10 p.m. Prices start at $60 per person. The restaurant is located at 188 University Ave.
